September 23, 2022

What’s Up With...

Dana Point Housing Element Receives State Approval

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The City of Dana Point on Tuesday, Sept. 20, became the eighth city in Orange County to have its Housing Element Update certified by the state housing department and formally adopted by its elected officials.

Dana Point’s Housing Element received the Department of Housing and Community Development’s stamp of approval on Aug. 25, paving the way for councilmembers on Tuesday night to unanimously adopt the latest update, which is meant to plan for potential population growth and housing needs.

Brea, Cypress, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita, Santa Ana, Stanton, and Yorba Linda are already in compliance with their Housing Elements, while cities across the rest of the state continue working with HCD to get their updates certified, as required every eight years.

Along with adopting Dana Point’s latest iteration of the Housing Element— now in its sixth cycle—the City Council also passed its Public Safety Plan Update and will resubmit it to the state to receive an official letter of certification.

As part of the latest update to the Housing Elements, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) was assigned 1.34 million new homes to plan for among its 197 jurisdictions.

Orange County was to take on 183,861 of those homes, covering four income categories—very-low, low, moderate, and above moderate.

For the sixth cycle, covering 2021-2029,

Dana Point was allocated 530 new housing units, San Clemente was allotted 982 units, and San Juan Capistrano was allotted 1,054 units. Though cities must show that they can accommodate the development of those projected homes over the eight-year period through zoning, they are not required to ever build any of them.

For roughly the past year, the three South County towns have submitted multiple drafts of their updates to HCD to conduct further review and make recommendations prior to determining whether they’re in compliance.

Dana Point’s Housing Element specifically went through three rounds of HCD review before the city received a letter from the department on Aug. 25 notifying officials that the latest draft “meets the statutory requirements” outlined in previous reviews.

HCD staff added that once the council adopts the HCD approved draft, “the Housing Element will comply with State Housing Element Law.”

Dana Point’s approved Housing Element includes an updated status of the Sparkpoint OC financial literacy program, more detailed strategies and quantified metrics to measure fair housing efforts, and statistics regarding homelessness and overcrowding.

During its own meeting on Tuesday night, the San Clemente City Council voted unanimously to adopt and submit a revised draft of its Housing Element Update to HCD.

San Clemente last submitted a draft on June 23 and received comments from HCD in late August recommending the city revise and resubmit it based on a series of suggestions.

HCD requested that the City of San

Clemente include analysis for identified patterns of segregation and evaluate data on racially concentrated areas of affluence to inform policies and programs.

San Clemente’s update, HCD said, must also be revised to identify any actions or programs created to avoid segregating communities, specifically concentrations of “lower-income units in majority-minority populations.”

Additionally, HCD requested that San Clemente’s update be revised to include meaningful goals and actions to address fair housing issues.

HCD staff urged the city to include a complete site analysis so that the department may determine the “adequacy of sites and zoning.” The department also noted that San Clemente may need to “add or revise programs to address a shortfall of sites or zoning available to encourage a variety of housing types.”

San Clemente city staff on Tuesday noted that there were three key revisions in the updated Housing Element draft, including added explanations to the site inventory and proposed potential rezoning; revisions to the city’s housing action plan; and additional data on affirmatively furthering fair housing.

Once submitted, HCD staff will have 60 days to either provide additional comments and recommendations or certify the Housing Element Update.

After receiving its last round of HCD review in early April, the City of San Juan Capistrano submitted a revised draft of its Housing Element in mid-August.

In its review letter, HCD staff requested that San Juan revise its housing programs to include “metrics to target significant and meaningful affirmatively furthering fair housing outcomes.”

HCD requested that San Juan analyze extremely low-income housing needs, resources available to address these needs and the effectiveness of such resources. The city was also directed to develop a program establishing clear procedures for residents with disabilities to request reasonable accommodations for supportive services or housing.

Having received fewer comments and feedback in the latest round, San Juan staff previously told the Dana Point Times that they hope to receive HCD certification on the next submitted plan.

San Juan Capistrano’s latest draft of its Housing Element is currently in review.

South Coast Water District Candidates Run Unopposed

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The two open seats on the South Coast Water District Board of Directors will not be on the ballot in November’s election after incumbent Bill Green and Dana Point Mayor Joe Muller both ran unopposed in their respective divisions.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors will appoint the candidates ahead of the election, SCWD Public Information Specialist Sheena Johnson explained. The two candidates are antici-

pated to be sworn in on Dec. 2.

Green has served as a director on the board for the past eight years, and he

has also served on the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Riverside County Flood Control and Con servation District.

“I have over 40 years of engineering experience providing services to support needed water supply development,” Green said in a recent email.

“Serving on the Board for the last eight years has provided me the insight in moving the district and our community to a greater reliance on local water supplies through conservation, recycling wastewater, storm water capture, groundwater recovery with our well in the San Juan Creek Basin and Ocean Desalination,” Green continued.

Addressing concerns of rising water

costs, Green noted that he will continue his fiscally conservative approach to serving on the board.

“I believe we at SCWD are currently the best-qualified, both technically and customer service-oriented,” Green said. “Our staff is responsive to your needs in water and sewer services, ‘Ready to Serve.’Green” will continue to represent Division 3 of South Coast’s governing board for another four-year term.

“I look forward to serving you for another four years and thank you for your confidence in providing you the top water and sewer agency,” Green said.

With Muller’s second term on Dana

After receiving the state housing department’s stamp of approval late last month, Dana Point’s Housing Element Update was formally adopted by the Dana Point City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Photo: File

(From left) The Orange County Board of Supervisors will soon appoint Joe Muller and Bill Green to the two open seats on the South Coast Water District’s governing board, as both candidates ran unopposed in their respective divisions. Photos: File

City Budget$10.5ReportsMillionSurplus

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

At the close of the 2021-22 fiscal year, the City of Dana Point saw a surplus of $10.5 million that it will use to fund community-related and capital improvement projects.

The City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 20, voted unanimously to allocate $4.1 million of the surplus to the Community Investment Account, $2 million to fund the public employee retirement plan and $550,000 to address cash flow issues with the city’s free trolley program.Though the city said revenue in the 2022 fiscal year was better than anticipated and staff anticipates the 2023 fiscal year will continue to be strong, it warned that “rising inflation and potential slowing of the economy may decelerate growth” as the fiscal year proceeds.Toaddress an uncertain economy, staff recommended holding on to roughly $1.25 million in the unassigned“Projectionsfund. for the future of the economy has been uncertain right

now,” Finance Manager Sea Shelton said. “Right now, we’re dealing with historically high inflation, stock markets have been crazy right now, trying to figure out what’s going on.”

Staff recommended returning to the council in the spring to discuss the economy, the city’s finances, and decide

on allocating the extra funding.

Because the city isn’t expected to receive grant funding from the Orange County Transportation Authority to operate its free trolleys until after the program ends, staff recommended that the City Council front the account with $550,000 in surplus funds.

Once the city receives the grant funding, it will repay the $550,000 to the General Fund along with accrued investment interest.

Another $2 million of the surplus is being allocated for the California Public Employees’ Retirement System unfunded liability, a pension and retirement plan.

The remaining $4.1 million will be put into the Community Investment Account for future projects, bringing the account balance to approximately $15.1 million. Funds in the account are used to support one-time projects that benefit the community.

Since June, public works staff has gone through a list of projects to determine which of them are priorities based on the council’s recommendation, City Manager Mike Killebrew explained.“Weplan on bringing it back to council; you’re going to decide on which projects to move to the top of the list,” Killebrew said. “It’s just a matter of getting the available resources ready to go, and obviously the money, but we’re starting to lean into the next phase of actually spending the Community Investment Account, or what I’ve always referred to as the hopes and dreams account, on one-time investments, on capital investments.”

RanchotoelliteProjectExpansiontoBringSat-HealthCentersSanClemente,MissionViejo

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Providence will soon open a pair of satellite health care facilities in Rancho Mission Viejo and San Clemente as part of a multimillion-dollar expansion plan that also includes the construction of a new patient tower on its Mission Viejo medical campus.

For $712 million, Providence plans to build its new patient care tower, offering roughly 100 new beds, at Mission Hospital, as well as develop the two multi-specialty health centers in San Clemente and RMV, commonly referred to as The “CaringRanch.forour neighbors is our primary mission, and having just celebrated our hospital’s 50th anniversary, we’re excited at the opportunity to grow with our growing community, $712 Million

and to continue providing care for the next 50,” Providence Mission Hospital Chief Executive Seth Teigen said in a mediaTalkingrelease.with Dana Point Times on Tuesday, Sept. 20, Teigen said that Providence considers itself as the primary health care provider to the two communities. Providence, he added, wanted help to fill the medical needs of San Clemente with the loss of the local hospital in 2016 and to provide services in the ever-expanding RMV.

“We really consider those our communities to serve,” Teigen said, noting Providence’s two hospitals—Laguna Beach and Mission Viejo—are closest geographically. “We felt a responsibility to go out to where they are.”

According to Providence, its new health care centers at The Ranch and in San Clemente will offer urgent care services, an imaging center and a clinic with primary care physicians, OB/GYNs and a rotation of other specialty-care providers.Teigenfurther explained that through a partnership with Exer Urgent Care, the San Clemente location— adjacent to Chick-fil-A on Avenida Vista Hermosa, just off the 5 Freeway—will also offer outpatient ambulatory services to the Laguna and Mission Viejo

hospitals in the case of acute concerns, such as if a patient is experiencing a heart attack or stroke.

Similar to San Clemente, The Ranch facility, located at Chiquita Canyon Drive and Airoso Street, will offer the same services and is meant for Providence to “bring health care to the community,” Teigen said.

Construction of the San Clemente location is already underway, costing roughly about $12 million to $15 million, and is expected to open in 2023, according to Teigen. The RMV project— costing between $40 million and $45 million—has a target opening of 2024.

At Mission Hospital, Providence looks to use the new four-story tower to house state-of-the-art operating suites and cardiac catheterization labs, while enhancing the neuroscience center, its cardiovascular programs and maternity “Theservices.project will provide caregivers and providers with a contemporary, fully equipped environment in which to offer exceptional patient care and ease their way to serve patients,” Providence said in the release.

Providence said it will also construct a new multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center with the intention of streamlining surgical care for patients,

as well as attracting “new physician partners and (offering) the latest minimally invasive care options.”

“I think what our hospital is trying to do and our strategy has been: as this community grows, we want to grow with it,” Teigen said of the expansion to better serve South Orange County, adding: “We’re trying to grow and meet community needs.”

Touching on the half-century-old facility in Mission Viejo, Teigen noted that some of the concerns surrounding the structure include the roofing, as it’s met its limit on the number of times it can undergo reroofing. He also said there are antiquated boiler systems and not-so-contemporary operating rooms.“Wehave some major services that live in this building, and we want to be able to deliver an exceptional experience that the community expects,” said Teigen.With construction expected to break ground in 2023 and last roughly six years, Teigen said that Providence will gradually phase out of its building and move into the new tower.

EDITOR’S NOTE: An extended version of this story can be found at danapointtimes.com.

The City of Dana Point saw a budget surplus at the end of the previous fiscal year, allowing the City Council on Tuesday night, Sept. 20, to allocate those funds toward community-based projects. Photo: File

City Seeks to Fill Vacant CommissionerPlanningSeat

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The Dana Point City Council is looking to appoint a new member to the Planning Commission who can fill Chairperson John Gabbard’s seat, as he will soon become a sitting city councilmember.

The current City Council held a special meeting last month to appoint three incoming councilmembers, including Gabbard, to the open seats after they were set to run unopposed in their respectiveGabbard,districts.whohas been on the Planning Commission since March 2021 and was appointed as its chair in April 2022, will begin his term representing District 1 thisTheDecember.application window for those in-

Dana Point Woman’s Club to Host 2nd Cocktails for a Cause

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

To support SparkPoint Dana Point, a financial literacy program held at RH Dana Elementary School through Orange County United Way, the Dana Point Woman’s Club (DPWC) is hosting its second “Cocktails for a Cause” on Oct. 5.

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when many service industry workers were impacted the most, OC United Way launched the pilot program through a partnership with the City of Dana Point and the Capistrano Unified School District in 2021 with the intention of helping 100 South Orange County families.Theprogram, which gives families the tools to manage their personal finances, is offered on a permanent basis at RH Dana after it was deemed a success in April 2022. By teaching families about

terested in filling the Planning Commission vacancy will remain open through Oct. 21. Applicants are expected to be interviewed in January 2023.

The appointed commissioner’s term will expire on March 31, 2025.

Ocean Institute to Host Film FilmmakersInterviewsScreenings,with

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Starting next month, the Ocean Institute, in partnership with Blue Water Film Festival, will host a series of film screenings and interviews with the filmmakers through January.

Each film featured explores marine and environmental topics from ocean biodiver sity and the need to protect fish species to illegal whaling during the Cold War. All four films were winners in this year’s third annual Blue Water Film Festival.

The Blue Water Film Festival aims to encourage attendees to reflect on how climate change affects the planet. The festival showcases a variety of independent films—long, short, narrative, documentary and animated—from all over the world.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

SATURDAY, SEPT. 24

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

MONDAY, SEPT. 26

Dana Pont CommissionPlanning

6 p.m. The Dana Point Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting in the Dana Point Council Chambers. City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Suite 210, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

budgeting, banking, revenue enhancement and expense reduction, SparkPoint aims to prevent homelessness.

Guests of the DPWC fundraiser will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar at the Aventura Sailing Club. The event will feature a silent auction and raffle, including the chance to win a brunch or cocktail cruise for six aboard a yacht, brunch for eight at the Dana Point Yacht club and more.

Local musician Anthony Small of Music Preserves Foundation will also perform acoustic covers and original songs.The event will be held at the Aventura Sailing Club, located at 24707 Dana Drive, Dana Point, from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and may be purchased at the Dana Point Woman’s Club website.Those interested in supporting the SparkPoint program may also make tax-deductible contributions payable to DPWC—SparkPoint. Contact DPWC Ways and Means Chair Marla Freeman at dpwc.oc.gmail.com with any questions.

Soul of the Ocean, a feature documenta ry that dives into complex ocean ecosys tems and the importance of biodiversity in a healthy ocean ecosystem, was initially scheduled to be screened on Thursday, Sept. 22, but was postponed to January.

The Ocean Institute encourages interested moviegoers to visit its website, oceaninstitute.org, to stay abreast of the latest information and screening schedule.Thenext film, scheduled for Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m., is Aquariums: The Dark Hobby, which takes a look at exotic fish on the verge of extinction because of the aquarium trade.

Antarctica: Microplastics and Machine Learning, a short film, explores the integration of microplastic science and artificial intelligence technologies in the hopes of finding solutions for a healthier planet. The film will be screened on Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

The Witness Is a Whale is a feature documentary that investigates the secret and illegal killing of whales during the Cold War by Japan and the Soviet Union, and post-whaling recovery. The film will

TUESDAY, SEPT. 27

Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference. For detailed instructions on how to participate, bilysanclemente@gmail.com.email

(Water District cont. from page 3) Point City Council ending, he looked to continue working for the public in a new role.Muller has served on a variety of governing boards including the Orange County Fire Authority, the Transportation Corridor Agencies, Orange County Transportation Authority, Orange County Parks Commission, and the Orange County Division of the League of California Cities.

“I decided to continue my public ser-

vice and run for the South Coast Water District because of the critical issue of water stability facing our community,” Muller said in an email. “I will use my experience working with multiple state agencies and other elected officials to deliver water security for Dana Point and our neighboring communities.”

Muller will represent SCWD’s Division 1.

The water district is set to present its Doheny Ocean Desalination project to the California Coastal Commission

in October, followed by the State Lands Commission.Inearly2023, Green anticipates that the water district will publish a request for proposals for the design, building, operation and maintenance of the desalination project.

“It is anticipated (that) construction (will) be completed in 2026,” Green said in the email, adding that the board and district staff are working to find regional partners to collaborate on the project.

Muller said that the proposed Desali-

on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. All films will be screened at the Ocean Institute 1. Food and drinks will be available for Ticketspurchase.are$20per film. A VIP experience is also available for $100 per film. A VIP ticket includes a private reception with filmmakers, drinks and light appetizers, as well as front row seating for the movie screening and filmmaker interview.

nation Plant at Doheny is “critical for the stability of the region.”

“South Coast Water District has done a great job thinking through both the Desalination Plant design and the potential environmental impacts,” Muller said.

“We can no longer depend on Sacramento and the Colorado River to supply our drinking water,” Muller continued.

“As the drought continues, with no relief in sight to capture rainwater, our water independence becomes even morebecritical.”screened

With Planning Commission Chair John Gabbard set to take a seat on the dais as a councilmember this December, the current City Council is opening an application window for those interested in filling his vacant seat. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Potential Paper Delivery Delays ell, it’s never dull in the newspaper publishing

BY PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO AND FOUNDER NORB GARRETT

Windustry.Thisweek, you might have received your newspaper (either in your driveway, mail or at a newsrack) a day late or so. This hopefully will be a one-time or short-term problem, and we apologize for any confusion or challenges this situation might have caused.

Online readers will not have experienced any change in the posting of this issue.

The situation is not of our doing, coming as a result of a last-second scramble to find a new printer after we were notified (with one week’s notice) that our former printer would not be able to print our papers for at least four weeks because of contractual obligations.

So, facing the prospect of not printing an issue for a month or finding a new printer, we chose the latter and have secured a new agreement with a new printer that is also scrambling to accommodate our press needs.

So, for this week and possibly a few

more weeks, please be patient with us, as the papers you’ve come to expect bright and early on Thursday (San Clemente Times) or Friday (Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch) might be delivered later in the morning, in the afternoon or even a day later.

We’re doing everything we can to remain on our regular schedule, and we are incredibly appreciative of Reed Printing for its willingness to help us at our time of Thanksneed.for your patience and continued support! DP

‘BigtoResponsetheDig’

Let’s take a moment and remem ber the relief we felt just last year, when thanks to concerned citizens and after years of fighting, we finally reached a point that the 241Toll Road had been beaten back as a looming threat; however, the Transportation Cor ridor Agencies (TCA) will always want to pose a threat to our Spanish Village.

It is imperative we keep a close eye on political contributions from out-of-town interests this year who are hell-bent on doubling down on their influence on the San Clemente City Council and renewing the prospect of a toll road in order to pursue their own greed.

Our City Council unanimously approved the Cooperative Agreement in September 2021 with the Orange County Transportation Authority and the County of Orange, while the TCA and their highpriced attorneys refused to bargain in good faith; not to my surprise, the TCA ultimately refused to participate.

The agreement memorialized three projects. The first is a county project to extend Los Patrones Parkway as a primary arterial to connect with Avenida La Pata. Because Los Patrones will connect at the border of our city, we are closely watching the design of this project.

The second project led by Caltrans is removing a bottleneck on Ortega Highway.

The third project, led by OCTA and Caltrans, is looking to extend the carpool lane on both sides of the freeway between Avenida Pico and the county line. This is the continuation of one carpool lane in each direction.

All three of these projects appear to be reasonable, and none of them includes tolls, and the TCA has been dealt out of the equation on each project.

For the proposed no-toll carpool lane between Pico and county line, we are at the very beginning of the process. OCTA and Caltrans recently ended the initial public-comment period for what’s called the Project Scoping Phase.

This is a first step to determine what concerns people have and what should be studied in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The EIR will look at two alter natives: a no-build option and the single carpool lane extension in each direction.

There are questions we all want answered, and I will demand they are addressed. What are the right-of-way impacts? What about noise during and after construction? Where will sound and retaining walls be built? Will home

values be impacted?

These are unknowns at this point, but we will get the answers as the process advances. To be clear, I will oppose any widening of the I-5 that involves eminent domain, increased noise levels or impacts the values of homes.

The Cooperative Agreement with OCTA and Orange County requires our cooperation with OCTA’s Multimodal Transportation Study, but only within reason. I am confident we can work with OCTA and Caltrans, which is not something we can do with the ever-plotting directors and management at the TCA.

Our partnership with OCTA and Caltrans is a solution meant to keep the crony-capitalists at the TCA who plot harm against our city from achieving their self-serving greedy goal of a toll road through San Clemente.

I will not trade one terrible idea for another; too much is owed for those who over the years successfully fought the Toll Road battle.

Gene James is a San Clemente councilmem ber who was elected in 2019, reelected in 2020 and is serving as the mayor for 2022. DP

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opin ion 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.

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Dana Point Times Vol. 15 Issue 38. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no for of unsolicited manuscripts, or negatives. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. DANA POINT TIMES

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Photo: Shawn Raymundo

GUEST OPINION | by San Clemente Mayor Gene James

GUEST OPINION BY GENE JAMES

The List

Editor’s Pick

Clemente. 949.234.7259.

OPEN JAM

7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. knuckleheadsmusic.com.949.492.2410.

TUESDAY | 27

LOW COST K9 VACCINE CLINIC

DANA POINT TIMES

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 | 23

BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE

8-10 p.m. Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness the curiously beautiful phenomenon on both Friday and Saturday night A meter net is de ployed 600 feet deep to capture thou sands of these drifting organisms, which have the ability to make their own light. Tickets are $50 per adult, $45 for children between 3 and 14 years of age, and free for children under 2. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

SATURDAY | 24

FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m.-1 p.m. California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market, and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags. La Plaza Park, 3411 La Plaza, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

SJC GREEK FESTIVAL

11 a.m.-10 p.m. The annual Greek Festival returns to San Juan Capistrano, where there will be music, traditional Greek dishes, dancing, vendors and more. The event is hosted by the Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church. The event continues on Sunday, from noon to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

FRIDAY | 23 DANA POINT SISTER CITIES ‘PLEIN AIR’ ART SHOW

6-8 p.m. In partnership with the Dana Point Art Alliance, the Dana Point Sister Cities will host a plein air art show, displaying work that artists painted during the Ocean Institute’s Maritime Festival. An opening reception will be held at the Dana Bay Gallery. The exhibition will run through Oct. 9 and concurrently hold a silent auction. Dana Bay Gallery, 24682 Del Prado Ave, Suite 100, Dana Point. danapointsistercities.org. ashley@graniteamd.com.

San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. 949.542.3445. sjcgreekfest.com.

DANA POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY: HAR RY POTTER BOOK CLUB AND CRAFT

2 p.m. Join the Dana Point Public Library’s Harry Potter Book Club as members discuss Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince. Following the discussion, the club will make Death-Eater Masks. All materials are provided but limited. All ages are welcome. Dana Point Public Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. ocpl.org.

BUNCH OF GUYS ON ‘DANA PRIDE’ 8-9:30 p.m. Cruise around the Dana Point Harbor with Dana Wharf Sportfishing and enjoy a complimentary glass of Pride punch. The band Bunch of Guys will perform. Tickets are available for those 21 and older at $28 per person. Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. info@danawharf.com.

SUNDAY | 25

TROLLEY HOP Noon-5 p.m. Say farewell to the trolley for the 2022 summer season and join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce for the last Trolley Hop of the summer. With the purchase of a $10 wristband, Trolley Hop riders 21 years of age and older will receive exclusive drink and food offers at participating restaurants. The first 200 people registered will receive a bandana.

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, 34183 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite A, Dana Point. 949.496.1555. trolley@danapointchamber.com. danapointchamber.com.

OCEAN INSTITUTE DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES: DAVID GRANT

4 p.m. The Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series, presented by the Nicholas Endowment, brings innovations, real-world research, exotic experiences and discoveries to the surface through presentations from an ocean of experts. Mariner, outdoorsman and Orange County native David Grant will speak at the Ocean Institute about his outdoor journeys. Grant has climbed the summits of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and retraced the routes of Captain James Cook, sailing a 28-foot sloop to Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274.

MONDAY | 26

IMPROV MONDAYS WITH BOB BURNS & IMPROV CITY

4-5:30 p.m. Put on by the San Clemente-based Noble Path Foundation, teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can receive comedy lessons with professional actor Bob Burns & Improv City, where they’ll build confidence, stage presence, a funny bone and a chance to perform at Improv City. Sign up for these Monday classes at Foundation,org/social-activities/.thenoblepathfoundation.TheNoblePath420N.ElCaminoReal,San

5-7 p.m. The San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter is hosting this vaccine clinic for everyone’s furry companions, where they can receive Da2PLP and Bordetella shots for $10 each, as well as a free rabies shot with the purchase of a dog license (for San Clemente and Dana Point residents). The clinic will also conduct microchipping for $15. 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org.949.492.1617.

SHOFAR AT THE PARK

5:30 p.m. Celebrate the end of Jewish New Year with Chabad of Dana Point during a 15-minute, shofar-blowing service at Lantern Bay Park. Rosh Hashanah, which begins this year at sundown on Sunday, Sept. 25, extends until nightfall on Sept. 27. Yom Kippur will begin at sundown on Oct. 4 and extend until nightfall on Oct. 5. A gift bag will be available for children. RSVP required. Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. info@jewishdanapoint.com.949.930.3711.

TRIVIA TUESDAY

6:30 p.m. Test your knowledge every Tuesday night. Teams of two to six people are welcome to join in for a chance to win prizes. Call beforehand to reserve a table. Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria, 31781 Camino Capistrano, Suite 201, San Juan Capistrano. 949.429.3599. selmaspizza.com.

WEDNESDAY | 28

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 at 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. admin@sanoparks.org.949.366.8599.sanoparks.org.

danapointtimes.com

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

What’s going on in and around town this week

New Dana Point Business Offers Cold Immersion Therapy

BY BREEANA GREENBERG, DANA POINT TIMES

very year on New Year’s Eve growing up, Austin Keen would take the Polar Bear Plunge with his family. In the middle of winter, Keen and his family would head to the beach to submerge themselves in the frigid ocean water.

“You come out every time feeling so energized, just like a brand-new person,” Keen said. “I always remembered as a kid, when I come out, I’m like, ‘Why can’t we do that? Why do we have to wait a whole ’nother year to do that?’ ”

Keen, now a world champion skimboarder, must no longer wait until the winter. As cofounder of the new Cold Plunge Therapy Lounge in Dana Point,

GUEST OPINION | Life’s a Beach by Shelley Murphy

The NightSaturdaySeptember’sBind—LinesGridironthatLights

can’t call myself a football fan. I don’t enjoy watching the sport, but I do rely on the NFL’s 17-week schedule to unify my family like a winning Super Bowl team.

The 2022-23 National Football League kicked off its 103rd season this month. The schedule continues into January, then playoffs follow and, of course, the season concludes with Super Bowl LVII in ForFebruary.many folks, September is synonymous with football, though it also marks a month of change: the end of summer vacation, the start of a new school year,

E theTakingPlungehe can relive the once-yearly, rejuvenating experience regularly after creating a space to more easily take the plunge.

“That’s kind of like getting that feeling, to me now,” Keen said. “It’s like getting that feeling when I was a kid, doing that Polar Bear Plunge, but now I get to have the convenience of doing that whenever I want.”

To pitch his idea of starting a local cold plunge business, Keen met with Dana Point resident Todd Wallin. Unbeknownst to Keen, Wallin had used cold immersion therapy to heal from a severe mountain biking accident that had left him with broken ribs and a cracked chest plate, and required his thoracic spine to be fused.

“With all that said, I’ve been an advo cate from the very beginning,” Wallin said. “The benefits I get out of it, there’s a mental clarity that I get, there’s a lot of mental toughness to be able to get in there and face your fears and be able to at the same time bring relief to my body.”

“Since I’ve been cold plunging, I sleep better, I recover faster from all the things that I do; my overall health has increased tremendously since I’ve started doing this,” Wallin continued.

Recognizing the health benefits, Keen and Wallin hit the ground running to make their business concept a reality by opening Cold Plunge Therapy Lounge, located at 24470 Del Prado Ave.

The lounge, which will hold its grand opening on Friday, Sept. 23, offers both cold immersion therapy in two Edge The ory Labs tubs and a steam sauna that can reach temperatures as high as 190 degrees.

Throughout the process, Cold Plunge staff offers their support and encouragement as customers take the plunge.

“Getting in cold water can be scary, especially for a first-timer,” Keen said, noting the importance of “just having community support, having people who work here at the studio that will support you through and walk you through, really encourage you, remind you to take a breath.”

The steam sauna is also available before or after a plunge.

“It’s great for people to get in the sauna after they’ve been in the cold plunge, get warmed back up,” Wallin said. “That contrast therapy has a lot of unique benefits in and of itself.”

“None of this is new, by the way,” Wallin said.“They’ve been doing cold plunge

therapy and hot sauna in Sweden, in Norway, for hundreds and hundreds of years. We’re just now taking it; we’ve made it easy for people to come experience this and get the benefits of both the cold plunge and the sauna, all in one place.” DP

COLD PLUNGE THERAPY LOUNGE 24470 Del Prado Ave., Dana coldplungetherapylounge.cominfo@coldplungetherapylounge.comPoint

or a teen trading a childhood home for a college campus.

I’m a seasoned passenger on September’s rollercoaster of emotion. When my older son moved into his freshman dorm room, I fumbled to find a way to survive his surreal semester away from home.Football has always been a part of our multi-generational family gatherings, but my enthusiasm for the sport soared when I realized it could keep my family huddled campusweektheirstudentsendtheirtegicallyUniversitiestogether.stra-scheduleFamilyWeek-tocoincidewithconcludingcrucialsix-adjustmenttolife.FamilyWeekend

is full of events, but the highlight is reuniting families to watch the spirited pigskin sport.

At the annual fall gridiron game, parents and classmates crowd into college stadiums, sitting shoulder to shoulder in the stands, as they join together and cheer their home team to victory.

After Family Weekend, my calendar marked the days to the next big game. I began counting down the days until our Thanksgiving feast and rivalry football matches. The next month marked football playoffs and my son’s return home for the festive holiday season.

Today, with both my boys residing in the Bay Area, NFL football keeps our familyWhenconnected.mysonswere small, we started a Monday night family football pool (my husband claimed it honed their math skills). Now, our tradition includes Thursday night games, too.

Each week, my husband and boys labor over their picks. I keep it simple: I choose the team to win based on which city I’d rather visit.

My strategy often wins the prize and is far less time-consuming than bothering with numbers, coaches or players. Maybe our family’s football history is partially to blame for my boys’ Fantasy Football obsession.

The time and planning my sons put into their respective Fantasy Football Leagues rivals the planning of any Super Bowl halftime show.

They organize weekend trips, make draft boards, and devise elaborate com petitions to determine draft orders. Their excitement and enthusiasm in the weeks leading up to their drafts is palpable.

Both of my boys’ leagues consist of childhood and college friends; some live in neighboring cities and others are scattered across the country. For years, football’s been the glue, transcending time and distance, for their continued conversations and camaraderie.

While football isn’t my favorite spectator sport, I try to keep up by watching ESPN’s College GameDay. Sure, it’s a show

recounting football, but it’s also about storytelling.Thefeatures they chronicle expose the emotions of human experience that are both heart-wrenching and heart-warming.

Their stories highlight tales of teamwork and friendship; tales of discipline and dedication; and, of course, the thrill of victory and agony of defeat.

My favorite part of the show is reading the entertaining handmade signs students wave, hoping to catch a television camera.Saturday mornings, I’ll sometimes text my sons with the cleverest comments, like these family-friendly displays from last weekend: “It’s Easier to Get into BAMA than Whataburger”; “My Good Sign is in the Transfer Portal”; and “Pay My Tuition Please.”

Football is the No. 1 sport in North America, but it’s more than a game.

I can’t claim to be a traditional football fan, but I do treasure our family traditions inspired by the sport.

And, win or lose, my family scores a season of lasting memories.

For more than 20 years, Shelley Murphy and her husband have lived in San Clemente, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to Picket Fence Media since 2006. DP

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opin ion 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.

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World champion skimboarder Austin Keen immerses himself in an icy bath at the new Cold Plunge Therapy Lounge in Dana Point that he cofounded.

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

LIFE’S A BEACH BY SHELLEY MURPHY

hether you’re bringing home your first bouncing bundle of joy or you’ve got a house full of teens—including some who are preparing for that next stage of higher learn ing—all parents could use a bit of help and guidance navigating through their children’s growth and development.

Understanding that there are so many questions when it comes to picking the right educational path or deciding how best to invest in your child’s academic future, our reporting team has put together another edition of the annual “Crib to College” guide. So, if you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

In this year’s educational guide, we reach out to the head of Wenrich Wealth to provide advice and insight on the many different types of investment accounts that are designed to keep your finances secure along

your child’s academic journey.

For students attending Saddleback College looking to save some money before making the leap to a university, we chat with the school’s counseling division on how they best can be prepared to transfer out to a UC or CSU school.

With screens of all sizes and functions dominating our and our children’s lives these days, we explore some of the implications of too much screen time for kids, while outlining the benefits of having them put down the tablet occasionally to enjoy the outdoors.

And last, but certainly not least, we speak with the heads of some local nonprofits and wellness centers to talk about the many after-school programs, tutoring and social en gagement opportunities, and mental health resources available to the area’s youth.

Check out these stories and more as you flip through our Crib to College guide.

GET CHILDYOUROUTSIDE

1 / Vitamin D Benefits

We all need to spend a little bit of time under the sun, as its warmth and light are known to enhance our well-being. But soaking up those UV rays also helps our bodies by stimulating the production of vitamin D—an important nutrient when it comes to promoting calcium absorption in our tummies, and is needed for bone, or skeletal, development.

3 / Movement and Exercise

By Zach Cavanagh

creens are ubiquitous in our modern society.

Screens at home, in school and at work. Screens for entertain ment, for productivity and education. Desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, televisions. There are screens of all sizes and functions.

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), American kids between the ages of 8 and 12 look at screens for four to six hours a day, and teenagers use as much as nine hours of screen time per day. Adults can top 10 hours per day on average.

While there are no real guidelines for adults and screen time—although there is research suggesting links to mental ly and physical health with excessive screen time—experts do recommend limits on screen time for children for their health and development.

Babies under 18 months old are recommended to have zero screen time, with exceptions for video chatting with family members or, specifically, parents. Between 18 and 24 months, screen time for children should be limited to educa tionalTheseprogramming.habitsareencouraged for these extremely young ages to try and help encourage interactions between parents and children and social skills in general. It’s also to focus on play, reading, learn ing and other forms of development.

From 2-5 years old, recreational or non-educational screen time can be introduced, though still limited. AACAP recommends one hour on weekdays and three hours on weekend days. After

5 years old, there are less specific limits, but there is an overall encouragement of healthy habits that promote, again, learning and interpersonal relationships, as well as physical activity.

AACAP also recommends avoiding using screens as “pacifiers or babysitters” and to turn off screens 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

Too much screen time for children can lead to behavioral or learning difficulties early on. Studies show excessive screen time for young children leads to delays in language, cognition or emotional devel opment. This is due to children forming associations with the screen objects themselves instead of actual people.

The mental health issues can continue or develop in teens, with studies showing that teens who had seven hours or more of screen time per day were twice as likely to have depression or anxiety compared to teens who had less than one hour of screen time.

And its not just mental or brain health when dealing with excessive screen use. It can also lead to physical problems.

Screen time is often sedentary, mean ing those—children or adults—who are on their screens too much aren’t getting enough exercise or physical activity. Multiple studies have shown a link to an increased risk of obesity and heart diseases. There are also back and neck problems because of posture, and sleep issues, which manifest other physical discomforts.Whilescreens are practically impos sible to live without at this point, it is important to set boundaries and limits on screen time, especially for children and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

According to the World Health Organi zation, about five to 15 minutes of casual sun exposure—that means on the hands, face and arms—a few times a week in the summertime “is sufficient to keep your vitamin D levels high.”

2 / Unplugging Good for Mental Health

While technological advancements in the 21st century have had their benefits and can play key roles in children’s learn ing, too much screen time can also strain the eyes. Furthermore, the use of tech nology has also led to more exposure on social media and the occasional “doom scrolling.” That’s not good for anyone’s mental well-being. Having your children step away from their laptops, phones and tablets for some outdoor time allows them to focus on … well, themselves. It’ll give them time to be in their thoughts and maybe allow them opportunities to connect and communicate with others in person.

Being indoors behind a screen (phone, television or otherwise) for extensive hours could lead to weight gain. So, along those lines of unplugging to improve mental health, just getting outside to walk around, play, shoot hoops, bicycle, skate—just generally stay active—can help maintain your children’s health.

4 / Fresh Air

Oftentimes, when we’re indoors for too long, the air gets a bit stale. But just like sunlight can impact our well-being, so, too, can just stepping outside and feeling the fresh air. Fortunately for us in Southern California, that cool Cali breeze routinely blows through, reminding us that there’s much to enjoy and discover around our towns.

5 / ConnectionsCommunity

All humans, but especially growing and developing kids, need social inter actions—it’s how we build functioning societies and communities. For children, social interactions are how they gain intercommunication skills, learn about sharing and developing trust among friends.

WELLNESS & PREVENTION CENTER TAKES LEAD ON PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH, PREVENTING SUBSTANCE ABUSE FOR YOUTH IN SOUTH COUNTY

With the national mental health and addiction crisis on the rise, the Wellness & Prevention Center at San Clemente High School (SCHS) is advocating for change and empowering local youth and their families across South Orange County.

It mainly does work from two approaches: one is focused on prevention education, to grow awareness and limit the use of harmful substances; and the other, from clinical services, provides mental health therapy for students.“Ourmission is to help youth and families lead healthy lives,” says Susan Parmelee, the center’s executive director.

Parmelee, also a licensed clinical social worker, helped found the center in 2013, at a time when teens were “really struggling, both with substance abuse and mental health,” as sheInrecalls.thewake of school shutdowns and other pandemic-related changes, Parmelee says she believes the social isolation was especially detrimental to middle and high schoolers.

“It was already on a bad trajectory, particularly for anxiety, depression and self-harm, but COVID-19 definitely made things worse,” she says.

As of last December, the mental health crisis among teens has been declared a national emergency, by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, in a public advisory.According to Parmelee, the consensus is that it will take roughly five years to help kids recover.“There’s really not enough resources for these kids, and that’s kind of why we started,” sheWhatsays.began as a school-based drop-in center at SCHS has now been established at San Juan Hills High School and Aliso Niguel High School, as well as three middle schools: Shorecliffs, Bernice Ayer and Vista Del Mar.

Expanding to other schools is based on funding, which, as of now, is supported by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), parent donations and grants.

One grant helps lead the Wellness and Prevention Coalition, a federally funded Drug Free Communities (DFC) coalition, which works on initiatives, projects, and policy issues that prevent adolescents from using substances—specifically, targeting alcohol andAnothermarijuana.federal prevention grant goes toward a mental health awareness first aid train

By Hayze Law

ing. For those who work with 8- to 18-yearolds, the evidence-based curriculum teaches basic crisis intervention skills and how to refer people to supportive services, as well as help lower the stigmas around mental illness.

The center is continually looking for other creative ways to fund more services and help the model grow, including ways for the school district to support schools that don’t have a strong parent-base to raise money, according to Parmelee.Asfarasmental health, the center primarily provides support through clinical services. From easily accessible locations, both in schools and the community, it specializes in serving youth ages 12-25, while also providing individual, family and group services.

Part of its mission is to fill the void of those who do not seek treatment because of limiting factors, such as unidentified symptoms, social stigma, or lack of access to care.Ingeneral, most school counselors are more academic-based, and do not have the proper training for these issues. What’s more, access to mental health clinicians through insurance is difficult, as most commercial insurers do not fully cover the expense—and those who do, typically have a waiting list—including Medi-Cal. For this reason, services are available regardless of health insurance.

In terms of drug-use prevention, a newsletter goes out to parents every month, and includes tips on how to prevent children from using.Additionally, the Wellness & Prevention center is a distributor of Narcan, which is an emergency nasal spray prescription medicine for the treatment of opioid overdose—offered to any family who feels a need to have it in the home.Aspart of its prevention work, it also promotes healthy habits for kids, such as sunscreen-use and electric bike safety during the summer months, as well as alternative activities that keep them away from substances.

Over the spring, it hosted “Family Fest,” an annual day-event, filled with activities and education for families, as well as information about resources available to the community for preventing substance use.

To schedule an appointment, sign up for the newsletter, donate, or learn more, visit the Wellness & Prevention’s website: wpc-oc.org.

Editor’s Note: Susan Parmelee is a Picket Fence Media contributor who authors a monthly column entitled Wellness & Prevention.

Susan Parmelee

ORBITCOIN529?

Wenrich Wealth offers advice on the best ways to save for your child’s education

By Breeana Greenberg

Investing in your child’s education can feel like a daunting task.

Parents might be leaning toward a 529 plan because of its tax benefits, as long as the money is used for education. But there are also Coverdell plans or government bonds, or even the more recent option of investing in cryptocurrency

With so many different options, Joseph Wenrich, owner and president of Wenrich Wealth, provided us his insights by breaking down the many different investment accounts from which to choose.

“It can get really confusing; you get lost in the weeds: ‘Which type of account, what should I do’,” Wenrich said. “The most important thing is to just start as soon as you can, once you have kids.”

“If that’s a small amount that you can afford, that’s OK,” Wenrich continued. “The most important thing is to do it on a regular basis. This goes for college funding, or building up your emergency fund, or saving forWenrichretirement.”added that the most important thing one could do is set aside funds with eachThepaycheck.nextbigdecision is what type of account in which to invest.

“What most people choose from is either a 529 plan, or there’s a similar type of plan called a Coverdell plan,” Wenrich said. “All these are just accounts that the government, that the IRS lets you use to invest for college or even high school education.”

The difference between opening a general investment account in either the parents’ or child’s name versus a 529 or Coverdell is that one does not have to pay taxes on any gains from these types of accounts.

“If you use the money for education

expenses, then you don’t have to pay any gains when you pull the money out at the end,” Wenrich said of 529 and Coverdell plans. “Whereas, if you just did it in the parents’ name or the kid’s name, if you had gains at the end, then you’d have to pay taxes as you pull it out.”

However, 529s are required to be used for education to receive that tax break.

“So, you give up a little bit of flexibility, but in return, you get a little bit of a tax break,” Wenrich said.

“If you’re going to pick a default, I’d say opening up a 529 plan is probably the best catch-all, but there’s some limitations, because if you don’t use the money for education, then you’re going to have to pay taxes and penalties,” Wenrich continued.

Another type of investment option is a government bond.

“These are just loans to the U.S. government, but they’ll pay you a guaranteed interest rate,” Wenrich said. “They do change as inflation changes. So, if inflation goes down, then that interest rate will go down. But for right now, you’re getting a really good interest rate on what’s called an I Bond.”Wenrich warned that if parents are interested in opening an investment account in the kid’s name, “you’ve got to be careful, because when they turn 18, they can do what they want with that money.”

Though some people may be interested in investing in cryptocurrency, Wenrich warned against relying on the high-risk investment. Wenrich noted that there’s a difference between investing and trading and that cryptocurrency should be treated as “Fromgambling.aninvestment perspective, it’s very hard to put a ton of merit into it, where you want to put all your serious money into it as an investment,” Wenrich said. “I’d say treat it more as gambling.”

“There’s people that make a lot of money every day in Las Vegas gambling, but that doesn’t mean that’s how we want to try to fund our kids’ college education,” Wenrich continued.Nomatter what investment account parents choose, Wenrich said the most important thing is to start saving right away.

“I would say, start by just doing something, even if it’s putting $50 into a savings account; that’ll be better than doing nothing,” Wenrich said. “Once you get into that rhythm of savings, that can give you some momentum and some motivation to do a little bit more investigating.”

“There’s a great website called savingforcollege.com that’s pretty well universally accepted as the best online resource to investigate the topic, but, of course, they can always call us, and we’ll guide them through it,” Wenrich said.

PRIVATECOLLEGE SCHOOLS: VARIOUS OPTIONS

IN SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY

By Collin Breaux

The tri-city region of San Juan Capist rano, San Clemente and Dana Point has no shortage of private schools.

South Orange County is home to various private secondary education campuses that draw in students across the area. Kids attend these schools throughout the year to learn, participate in extracurricular activities and prepare for the next stage of life.

JSerra Catholic High School

26351 JUNIPERO SERRA ROAD, SAN JUAN CAPIST RANO, 949.493.9307, JSERRA.ORG

Named after Father Junipero Serra—who founded Mission San Juan Capistrano and is considered instrumental in establishing the town in its modern form—the school boasts that it “provides students in grades 9 through 12 with an individualized education in a faithbased, character-building setting.”

The school was founded in 2003 and offers programs in medicine, engineering and other subjects. Students have fun through end-ofthe-year mass dives into the school pool, snow days on campus and other school spirit events.

Fairmont Schools

26333 OSO ROAD, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, 714.234.2771, FAIRMONTSCHOOLS.COM

Fairmont Schools opened a San Juan location at the former Saddleback Valley Christian School in 2020.

“As part of the Fairmont family of schools, Fairmont San Juan Capistrano capitalizes on nearly seven decades of educational excel lence and proven results,” a statement from the school said. “Since 1953, Fairmont has been focused on one thing—our students. It’s a focus that has served our families well for generations, and we believe it is more im portant today than ever before, as we prepare students for success in the 21st century.”

The campus is its first in South County and offers the full continuum of grade levels— from preschool through grade 12. The school is secular.

“Our beautiful campus is situated on 10 acres and houses two expansive education wings with science and STEM labs, art, music, and dance rooms, and designated student learning centers, along with a gymnasium, athletic training center, multiple playgrounds, and a full-size athletic field,” the school said.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

31641 LA NOVIA AVENUE, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, 949.661.0108, SMES.ORG

Steeped in Episcopalian culture, the school encourages students to chase their passions in humanities, STEM, arts, athletics and other avenues.

The school was founded in 1979 and has 2,600 alumni to date. Students get to spend time in research and lecture labs, visual arts studios and a performing arts center.

“Our vigorous, college-preparatory curric ulum offers a thoughtful balance and breadth of challenging experiences for every student,” a message from William Moseley, the Head of School, said. “St. Margaret’s is not just an edu cation; it is a vibrant community that becomes part of your family, your lives and who you are.”

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

32032 DEL OBISPO STREET, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, 949.493.5683, CVCSORG.FINALSITE.COM

CVCS’ culture emphasizes religion, excellence, authenticity, positivity and other values. It instructs elementary, junior and high school students.

“CVCS teachers are credentialed, experi enced Christian educators and mentors who truly love their students and are committed to providing an elite-level academic experience to prepare students for admission into the best colleges and universities in America,” the school touts. “Our academic programs provide a challenging but appropriate level of rigor to help students achieve their academic goals while maintaining a healthy, balanced life.”

San Clemente Christian School

1020 CALLE RECODO, SAN CLEMENTE, SANCLEMENTECHRISTIANSCHOOL.COM949.496.3513,

The Christian-based school is “focused on creating an environment that encourages academic excellence, social responsibility, emotional confidence and spiritual maturity,” their website states.

They use an educational approach focused

on the STEAM curriculum (which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math). They also provide project-based learning, which can include service opportunities.

St. Michael’s Christian Academy

107 W. MARQUITA, SAN CLEMENTE, 949.366.9468, GOTOSAINTMICHAELS.COM

St. Michael’s Christian Academy bills itself as having over 35 years of “academic excellence.” The school aims to help students “excel” academically in high school “and beyond.” They are a part of St. Michael’s Church.

St. Edward The Confessor Parish School

33866 CALLE LA PRIMAVERA, DANA POINT, 949.496.1241, STEDSCHOOL.ORG

St. Edward’s offers a preschool-8th grade program. The school adheres to Catholic values and offers service opportunities. Their average student-to-instructor ratio is 11 to 1 and 82% of their students tend to perform above the national average in math and English Language Arts.

Community Seedlings

Preschool

27002 CAMINO DE ESTRELLA, CAPISTRANO BEACH, 949.215.5355, LEARNINGCOMMUNITIES.ORG

The private preschool holds classes at Palisades United Methodist Church during the week, though it is not affiliated with the church.

Community Seedlings Preschool opened in 2020 and aims to keep instruction to small student groups. Curriculum includes outdoor work, hands-on art activities and a curriculum that emphasizes literacy and other skills.

CHARTER SCHOOLS A Primer on the Alternative Option

By Collin Breaux

You may have heard the term “charter school” and wondered what it is— and how it’s different from traditional schools.Charter schools are still public schools, but they operate independently of the usual school district structure through a charter petition that can be initiated by community members (including teachers and parents), which must be approved by a district’s governing board. They cannot charge tuition or operate as, or by, a for-profit corporation. Most charter schools in California receive funding directly from the state.

Charter schools can help improve pupil learning, increase learning opportunities for all students (particularly underachieving students), encourage innovative teaching methods and create new professional opportunities for teachers, according to the California Charter Schools Association.

Families also have expanded educational choices with charter schools. More than half of public charter students in California are low-income, and Black and Latino public charter students outperformed their peers on math and other school tests in numerous school districts, the CCSA said.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of California’s Charter School Act, which paved the way for the charter movement.InSanJuan Capistrano, there are a two open charter schools.

OCASA College Prep

31522 EL CAMINO REAL, 949.269.3290, OCASA.ORG

The Orange County Academy of Science and Arts campus is intended to prepare students for higher educa tion with a curriculum that includes projects and one-on-one mentorship. Its program is intended to be individually tailored for each student and focuses on cognitive, real-world skills for students.

Opportunities for Learning

31878 DEL OBISPO ST, #105, CAPISTRANO.OFLSCHOOLS.COM949.248.1282,

Opportunities for Learning intends to teach students how to take responsibility for their lives, think critically and make meaningful personal connec tions. It describes its curriculum as “a hybrid independent study/small group instruction/online format as an alternative to a classroom program.” A college-prep curriculum is paired with self-esteem and leadership develop ment.

A SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH TO GROW

By Breeana Greenberg

Two nonprofits in San Clemente are offering programs and resources for the community’s youth.

The Noble Path Foundation offers a variety of after-school programs, homework help, and wellness programs to keep teens and young adults healthy and engaged. The Community Outreach Alliance provides free food to those in need and opportunities for young performers to showcase their talents.

The Noble Path Foundation is open from 4-9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 4-9:30 p.m. on Fridays, offering a space for socialization, a homework club and after-school programs. The open hours give many parents the chance to go on a date night while their children have fun.

“The programs that we offer here at the Noble Path Foundation are the Aim High for drug and alcohol prevention, mindfulness; basically, advocacy, inspiration and mentor ship,” said Teri Steel, executive director for Aim High.

The socialization program offers healthy, fun and safe activities for young adults to enjoy. Noble Path offers weekly programs such as free guitar lessons, art collaborations and improv. It also offers free guitar lessons for youth aged 13 and older.

At Noble Path, there’s also space for youth to do their homework with reliable internet and homework help, if needed.

“If they need a tutor, we help them find a tutor, and we understand how expensive that can be,” Steel said. “We’re always looking for retired teachers or individuals … college stu dents … who wants to volunteer to help kids with their after-school homework for free.”

Nourish to Flourish is the Noble Path Foundation’s nutrition and wellness program

in which pediatricians refer youth and their families for food and exercise education.

The Noble Path Foundation offers a sev en-week program, Aim High, which teaches teens about healthy coping skills, financial literacy, nutrition and wellness, drug culture awareness, self-esteem and social media, healthy relationships, leadership and more.

The Aim High Program also encompasses Orange County’s Ready, S.E.T. OC program, in which local businesses offer young adults work experience and occupational skill training.

The Aim High Program, previously known as Thrive Alive, was once a program under the Community Outreach Alliance, but later moved to the Noble Path Foundation.

The Community Outreach Alliance now has two programs that help to keep family members fed and offers a safe place for youth to perform.“Wehave a bifold program where we offer food, food connection, which feeds families, seniors and military, and so we feed them every other Monday,” said Jennifer Aquino, vice president of COA.

The nonprofit’s Food Connection distrib utes free food to those in need, no questions asked, at the San Clemente Baha’i Center. The Food Connection also brings food to seniors on Thursdays and offers military to come pick up food on Tuesdays.

“And then we also offer COA Entertain ment; that’s where we have the kids who per form in the community at different venues,” Aquino said.

COA Entertainment offers youth and young adults the opportunity to share their passion for“Itmusic.gives them an opportunity to explore their passion and grow and just be able to share resources in the community,” Aquino said.

Many of the teens and young adults who take advantage of the Noble Path’s free guitar lessons will end up performing with the Community Outreach Alliance Entertainment program.

To learn more about either the Noble Path Foundation or the Community Outreach Alliance’s programs, visit thenoblepathfoun dation.org and communityoutreachalliance.

(From left) Teri Steel, executive director for Aim High, and Jennifer Aquino, vice president of Community Outreach Alliance, welcome the community to the various programs offered at the Noble Path Foundation

Photo: Breeana Greenberg The Noble Path Foundation in San Clemente offers a space for youth to do homework, exercise and connect with others. Photo: Courtesy of Teri Steel

EDUCATION RESOURCES & UPDATES

Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area

1304 Calle Valle, San Clemente, bgcsca.org

The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is here for your family this new school year and always. Our affordable after school program, open until 6:30pm daily, provides

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

academic support, extracurricular activities like sports, drama, and arts and crafts, and so much more. For high schoolers, our College Bound & Workforce Readiness Program provides comprehensive support from freshman through senior year in every aspect of the college admissions process – from choosing classes and homework help, to submitting applications and determining a plan to pay for college, we’re here every step of the way. Our Club is a fun, safe, encouraging environment for kids to be kids again! Our programs are affordable for every family with financial aid available. Visit our website at bgcsca.org or call us at 949-492-0376 for more information.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

31641 La Novia San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 949.661.0108 | www.smes.org

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is a leading, independent school educating 1,234 students, preschool through grade 12. We believe in our students—their natural curiosity, talents, interests and intellectual vitality. St. Margaret’s surrounds students with a vibrant and engaging learning environment that guides their individual development, character, well-being and intellectual pursuits. St. Margaret’s is active and alive with students who are motivated and excited to be here, learning and growing together. From

Early Childhood to Upper School, our everyday leaves a lifetime impact on our students.

A vigorous liberal arts academic program and expert faculty challenge and inspire students to discover, learn, grow and excel to their fullest potential. Opportunities abound in arts, athletics, STEAM, experiential and service learning, and leadership.

St. Margaret’s students are known for their character, poise, thoughtfulness and integrity. An inclusive, loving community rooted in shared values and our Episcopal identity is the foundation for a transformative student life program that fosters belonging, life skills, purpose and well-being, instills a strong moral compass and inspires responsibility, leadership and service to the world.

The school’s reputation for the depth and quality of its education brings more than 150 colleges and universities to campus annually to recruit its graduates.

Preparing Students for Future Success

Kirsten Vital Brulte, Superintendent, Capistrano Unified School District

Hello, CUSD Students and Families!

We are just a little more than a month into the new school year and I am excited to share some of the projects and initiatives we are developing and rolling out this year to support our amazing students!

In partnership with CUSD’s College & Career Advantage, we are installing iCAN labs in elementary schools throughout the District to provide innovative, hands-on STEM education with Lego kits, 3D printers, and Sphero program mable robots. Students will explore careers in robotics, coding, engineering, design and more.

CUSD and CCA offer courses in 31 career path ways that span the entire K-12 curriculum.

This year, the California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) is being rolled out for CUSD seniors. Seniors will be able to research colleges, apply for UC and CSU colleges through one portal, and check their eligibility status at californiacolleges.edu.Forstudentsinhighschool, College @ Capo is offering college courses taught by accred ited faculty on their high school’s campus. Students can learn from Saddleback College professors and get a head start on their college education. Subjects include Humanities, Mass Media & Society, The Film as Literature, and Introduction to Sociology. You can find more information at college.capo.school.

Finally, this year we are continuing the investments we made for our students in previous years through increased counseling and mental health support at school sites with the investments our Board of Trustees has approved. Ultimately, our goal is for our students to be happy and healthy because that establishes the best foundation for academic success in school.

Visit capousd.org for more information.

St. Anne School

32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel st-anne.org | @stanneknights

St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel is an independent Roman Catholic school that has been educating children from preschool through grade 8 for the last 30 years. The school provides a supportive learning environment where each child is inspired to pursue their highest level of academic achievement, spiritual formation, and character development. The collaborative community of inspirational teachers, dedicated administrators, and committed parents ensures students are empowered to explore their God-given gifts, discover their passions, and envision their future as a positive influence on

theSt.world.Anne

School develops much more than a student’s academic achievement. With a strong Student Support Services department, all St. Anne students benefit from a team focused on physical, personal, and mental well-being. Students in lower and middle school are offered a variety of electives and special classes such as orchestra, studio art, digital media production, design and engineering, and creative writing. Guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church, St. Anne School offers a vibrant Campus Ministry program where students are encouraged to participate in Christian service, class retreats, Masses, and spiritual leadership while growing a deeper connection to their faith. After-school programs such as the award-winning HarmonKnights show choir, the school play, and a variety of sports teams offer opportunities for students to continue to explore and grow.

We invite you to see all that St. Anne School has to offer at our Admissions Open House on November 3, 2022. Contact the Office of Admission at 949.371.9932 for details or visit st-anne.org/openhouse.

Recently, universities in California and across the nation are shifting away from standardized tests including the SAT and ACT as a required component of college applications.

More than 1,830 universities in the United States did not require SAT and ACT scores for

By Keaton Larson

fall 2022 admissions, and the trend will likely be the same for fall 2023 admissions, according to data from FairTest, the National Center for Fair & Open Testing.

In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges across the nation, including the University of California and the

California State University systems, no longer required the SAT and ACT for 2020 admissions applications. This action remained in place for those applying for fall 2021 and fall 2022 admissions as well.

Although the pandemic spurred the suspension of the use of standardized tests in the admission process, the importance and efficacy of these standardized tests came into question before 2020.

The largest example comes from the University of California’s former president, Janet Napolitano, who requested the Academic Senate of the UC system review the use of standardized tests in the admissions process in January

Although2019.theStandardized Testing Task

Force, convened by the UC Academic Senate, recommended the current use of standardized tests until the UC system develops its own test, the UC Board of Regents adopted Napolitano’s five-year plan to phase out the use of the SAT and ACT in admissions by 2025—when a new test will be adopted or no standardized test will be used.

Critics have long argued that the use of standardized tests such as the SAT and the ACT discriminate against students of color from low-income areas and are influenced by parental education levels and access to test prep courses and materials.

As reported by Los Angeles Times in May 2020, ACT and the College Board, the non-

profit organization that runs the SAT, dispute such criticism, asserting that the tests are not biased; rather, they “reflect existing inequities in access to quality education.”

The standardized tests, the College Board and ACT further argued, “offer a uniform and helpful yardstick for use, in tandem with grades, in assessing students in high schools across the country,” LA Times reported.

The California State University, the largest four-year higher education system in the country, also voted to discontinue the use of SAT and ACT scores in admissions after the CSU’s Admission Advisory Council “found that the SAT and ACT tests provide negligible additional value to the CSU admission process,” according to a media release.

The question moving forward for parents and high school students applying to college is whether universities they are considering use a test-blind approach—scores will not be used in making admissions decisions—or whether the tests will be made optional, as is the case for many universities in other states.

The UC and CSU systems, as well as dozens of other out-of-state college systems such as Washington State University and City Universities of New York, are taking a test-blind approach to admissions.

Students could still submit scores to determine eligibility for certain scholarships, post-enrollment class placement, and statewide eligibility for admission guarantees.

SADDLEBACK PREPARES

STUDENTS FOR TRANSFER SUCCESS

By C. Jayden Smith

Saddleback College has been a trusted, popular alternative option to a four-year university for Orange County students for years, offering a variety of academic programs and pathways forHowever,success. for those who desire to transfer to a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) school, Saddleback is adept at helping students along the way.

More than 3,500 Saddleback students transfer to four-year universities, according to the school, including some beyond California. Within the state, the most popular destinations include UC Irvine, UCLA, UC San Diego, CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach, and San Diego State University.

The prospect of saving money is another well-chronicled reason to attend Saddleback for two years. Starting at Saddleback and transferring to UCI instead of going to the uni versity for four years saves students $28,700 in tuition, or $11,196 for waiting to attend CSU Fullerton, according to Saddleback.

Before planning to transfer, students should be cognizant of how to succeed and set themselves up for success while at Saddleback.Toachieve matriculation, or meeting requirements to enter the school, Saddleback assigns a status of “Required” or “Not Required” to each application. Most applications receive the Required designation, meaning students must participate in a three-step process to continue.

The process includes an online orientation, in which students must complete all sections of the New Student module and pass a final exam to receive credit.

Obtaining initial math and English placement is the second step. Students can either complete short Guided Self Placement surveys for each subject and receive placement, or submit a placement request while in cluding a certified high school transcript that lists completion of math and English courses from ninth to 11th grade and a non-weighted Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher.

Finally, students must go through the Advisement and First Semester Plan module that helps them determine a potential major and define educational goals.

Students should also see the Clearing Prerequisites page on Saddleback’s website to learn how to satisfy prerequisites.

During potential transfers’ two years at Saddleback, the counseling department can play a significant role in helping students to remain on track and prepared for the road ahead.

Counselors can provide advice and a listening presence to guide people in finding academic goals, answering questions, and developing strong academic skills. They also can help with time management and balancing work schedules with hours that students spend in class, studying, or commuting.

Rita Soultanian, director of the Career and Re-Entry Center within Saddleback’s Counseling Division, wrote in an email that the college’s classroom instruction and comprehensive student support make the institution successful in preparing students to transfer.

Those support services include academic planning, health and mental health care, and basic needs support, such as food, gas cards, and laptop Soultanianloans.added that counselors ensure students meet requirements and connect them to resources outside of counseling.

“A counselor fulfills the important role of providing holistic academic, career, and personal counseling while helping students find their

thecanselorstheirworkingthatties,feravailablenumberhad.”theyhavethatopportunitieseducationalstudentsalsowrote.interests,”pathwaylearningandshe“TheyexposetotheymaythoughtneverGiventheoftrans-opportuni-studentsbeginwithcoun-earlyidentifyrequired

classes they must take. Counselors also are well-informed of the transfer criteria that can change regularly.

“In addition, each year, it is not uncommon to see students reaching out to their instructional faculty, as well as their counselors,” Soultanian wrote. “Students who work with a counselor regularly throughout their time at Saddleback are more likely to transfer in a timely manner, avoid taking unnecessary courses, and earn certificates and local degrees along the way.”

Regarding steps students should take to be successful at Saddleback, she recommends

meeting with a counselor before enrolling in the first class, attending specialized transfer and career workshops, and having a semester-by-semester academic plan approved by a counselor.Saddleback’s Transfer Center also provides a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for students planning to make a move. It hosts events including a Transfer Fair, where representatives from dozens of California and out-of-state schools meet with students and share information about their university. Other events include appointments for representatives from one school to come and talk to students, or numerous kinds of workshops.Theworkshops range from CSU Transfer and Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) and UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) sessions to opportunities to learn the basics of planning to transfer and how to apply to a UCSaddlebackschool. has secured articulation agreements with both CSU and UC campuses, which identify courses comparable to transfer school requirements and ensure that coursework completed at Saddleback satisfies general education and lower-level, major-specific requirements elsewhere. Stu dents can obtain an ADT in numerous majors, including anthropology, elementary teacher education, and kinesiology, to transfer to a CSU campus.

Regarding admission into one of six participating UC schools, students can sign on to the TAG program during the semester they apply to transfer to receive an early review of their academic records and guidance about major preparation, among other benefits.

Articulation specialists are also available on campus for people to approach with questions or additional information.

The Transfer Center offers a bevy of resourc es, including tutoring, a Student Support Hub, and links that provide information regarding CSU and UC schools, other California colleges, out-of-state institutions, and more.

Soultanian added that students who discover a Learning Pathway early will more easily identify transfer schools and career options.“Talkto family, friends, and instructors about how they discovered their career and made their four-year college transfer decisions, so you can gain insight from their experiences,” she wrote.

Call the Transfer Center at 949.582.4328, visit room 225B in the Student Services Center, or email sctransfer@saddleback.edu for more information.

To schedule an appointment seven days in advance or later, call the academic counseling office at 949.582.4572. Students can also reach that number for a quick 15-minute session to have a question answered, or email sc-ecounselor@saddleback.edu.

“Students who work with a counselor thelocalcertificatescourses,takingmanner,transferaretimethroughoutregularlytheiratSaddlebackmorelikelytoinatimelyavoidunnecessaryandearnanddegreesalongway.”

Rita Soultanian, director of the Career and Re-Entry Center

GUEST OPINION | On Life and Love

After 50 by Tom Blake

FUTUREWITHENCOUNTERCLOSEAKING

On March 2, 2009, Greta and I flew to Santiago, Chile to begin a three-week land tour of South America. We booked a tour guide named Mauricio online to pick us up at the Santiago Airport and transfer us to the Orly Boutique Hotel, where we would stay for three nights.

We also scheduled Mauricio to show us around the city on a half-day tour the following day.

Greta and I were so impressed with Mauricio that we hired him to drive us on a day trip to view the Casablanca Valley wine country and the port city

FROM THE ARCHIVES

ON LIFE AND LOVE BY TOM BLAKE

of Valparaiso on March 4. Valparaiso is 75 miles from Santiago. Our first stop in the gorgeous Chilean countryside was at Emiliana, a remote organic winery, about an hour west of ThereSantiago.wereonly a few other visitors at the vineyard that morning. For 45 minutes, we walked around the grounds seeing peacocks, geese, chickens and other birds eating insects, instead of the winery using pesticides. There were llamas, as well.

When we returned to Mauricio’s car, the battery was dead. The winery did not have battery-charging equipment. Mauricio borrowed a phone and summoned a truck from Valparaiso to fix theWhileproblem.waiting for the truck, a bizarre event occurred that startled Greta, me, and Mauricio, as well. Seven green and white police motorcycles came into the vineyard with lights flashing and sirens blaring, followed by two army trucks.

The caravan turned in our direction. There were three sharpshooters standing in the back of each truck, holding high-powered rifles and machine guns.

The three of us looked at each other.

Had we done something wrong? Were we going to jail? Would we be victims of a military coup? The trucks and motorcycles passed within 20 feet of us and disappeared into the vineyards.

Mauricio asked the vineyard employees what was going on. We were relieved to hear that it was merely a security check in advance of a visit the following day to the winery by Prince Charles and Camilla from the U.K. We were told by vineyard staff that Prince Charles’ hobby was organic farming, which is why the royal couple was visiting Emiliana.

Not to be political, but I admit that I didn’t care much, because I wasn’t a big fan of Prince Charles.

Ten minutes later, the security contingent emerged from the grapevines and left. Soon, we were on our way to Valparaiso, a bit relieved that we weren’t in handcuffs in the back of an army truck. And Mauricio’s car had a newFast-forwardbattery. to Sept. 8, 2022. The airwaves were filled with the news that Queen Elizabeth II had died. Prince Charles became King Charles III, and Camilla became the Queen Consort.

Upon hearing the news, Greta and I looked at each other. I said, “Think about it,13 years ago, we missed by one day of having a nearly private en-

counter with a future king and queen consort in an organic vineyard in Chile. Not many people can say that.”

We both smiled. In our travels, we’d come upon some firsts for us, including the excitement at the Emiliana Winery in 2009 and being at the ABBA Museum in 2013 in Stockholm on the museum’s opening day. Unexpected events like these are rewards of travel.

Emiliana is the largest organic vineyard in the world. In 2021, more than one million cases of wine were sold.

If you are traveling to Santiago, Chile and want an incredible tour guide, contact Mauricio. There is a great review about him on Trip Advisor—the link to which you can find in the online version of this column.

If you book Mauricio, remind him of this story at the Emiliana Vineyard in 2009. And now, he probably keeps a spare battery in his trunk.

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.

DANA POINT TIMES

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Kelso

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

Jeff Quam surfs at Monarch Point, Dana Point on a custom-created surfboard in this 2012 photo.

Every week, the Dana Point Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

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

Meet Kelso, a handsome 4-month-old tuxedo cat who is ready to make your acquaintance. This dapper gentleman has an outgoing personality and gets along with cats and people alike. With his playful nature and sweet face, you can’t help but fall for Kelso.

If you are interested in adopting Kelso, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed

anandanimalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org,toyouwillbecontactedaboutmakinginteractionappointment. DP

See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Public

PUBLIC NOTICES

CITY OF DANA POINT

NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS FOR ANNUAL ROADWAY RESURFACING PROJECT FY 2021/2022

1. PUBLICANNOUNCEMENT:NOTICEISHEREBY

GIVEN that the City of Dana Point, as AGENCY, invites sealed bids for the above-stated project and will receive such bids in the offices of the City Clerk, 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629, up to the hour of 1:00 PM on OCTOBER 20, 2022, at which time they will be publicly opened. Bid ders who submit after 1:00 PM on OCTOBER 20, 2022, will be automatically disqualified, and the bid will be returned unopened. In addition, bid ders who are not on the official plan holder’s list will be deemed non-responsive and the bid will be returned unopened

2. DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

The general category/type of work includes, but is not limited to, the following:

a. Street Improvements, including reconstruction and rehabilitation of existing hardscape im provements, new curb and gutter, and other var ious work items;

b. Asphalt grinding and pavement overlay with fi ber reinforced asphalt concrete of various streets, as outlined on the Contract Plans; and,

c. Storm drain improvements.

More specific work items included within the gen eral category/type of work listed above include, but are not limited to: mobilization/demobilization; traffic control; community outreach; pavement removal; subgrade repairs; asphalt pavement re pairs; cold-milling existing asphalt; asphalt overlay construction; removal and reconstruction of PCC driveways, sidewalk, cross gutters, local depres sions, curb and gutter; removal and reconstruc tion of pedestrian ramps to meet current disabled access standards; construction of catch basins and curb drains; storm drain improvements; adjust ments of existing utility appurtenances to grade; removal and re-establishment of existing deco rative hardscape improvements; landscaping and irrigation; signing and striping; implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP) for storm water pollution prevention during all construction activ ities; and other general improvements as outlined in the Contract Plans and Specifications for the above-stated project.

3. BID DOCUMENTS:

Copies of the Contract Plans and Specifications are available from the City of Dana Point Public Works Department, 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Suite 212, Dana Point, California 92629, upon pay ment of a $150 nonrefundable fee and must be picked up from the City. Bidders must purchase a set of Contract Documents to be placed on the City’s official plan holders list to bid this Project.

Per State Law, the AGENCY has made electron ic copies of the Contract Documents available to CONTRACTORS. In order to bid the Project, however, the AGENCY requires every BIDDER to purchase a hard copy set of Contract Documents and to be added to the official plan holder’s list. Bidders who have not purchased a hard copy set of the Contract Documents may not bid this project. Bidders who are not on the official plan holder’s list will be deemed non-responsive and the bid will be returned unopened.

4. COMPLETION OF WORK: The CONTRACTOR shall complete the work

within Ninety (90) working days from the Notice to Proceed. Work performed beyond the allowable working days will be subject to service fees and liq uidated damages per Sections 6-7.2 and 6-9 of the Project Specifications, respectively. CONTRAC TORS are required to provide written documenta tion, as part of their bid, if this schedule cannot be met. The AGENCY reserves the right to reject any and all bids on this basis.

5. BIDDING PROCEDURES:

Bids must be prepared on the approved Proposal forms in conformance with Section B: “INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS” of the Project Specifications and submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked on the outside.

6. PROPOSAL GUARANTEE:

The bid must be accompanied by certified or ca shier’s check, or bidder’s bond, made payable to the AGENCY, or cash deposit, for an amount no less than 10 percent of the total amount bid.

7. STATE OF CALIFORNIA LABOR CODES:

Any contract entered into pursuant to this notice will incorporate the provisions of the State of Cal ifornia Labor Code. Pursuant to Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1(a) of the Labor Code, a Contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, or be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Rela tions. Failure to register as required by the Labor Code may be grounds for disqualification.

Attention is directed to the provisions of Sections 1777.5 (Chapter 1411, Statutes of 1968) and 1777.5 of the Labor Code concerning the employment of apprentices by the CONTRACTOR or any such subcontractor under him. Affirmative action to ensure against discrimination in employment practices on the basis of race, color, national ori gin, ancestry, sex, religion, or handicap will also be required.

8. WAGE RATES:

This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industri al Relations, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1771.4 of the Labor Code.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1773.2 of the Labor Code, the minimum prevailing rate of per diem wages for each craft, classification, or type of workman needed to execute the contract shall be those determined by the Director of Industrial Relations, for the county or counties in which the work is to be done, which are available from the following

Thesehttp://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD/website:Stategeneralprevailingwage

rates are not included in the Proposal and Contract Documents for this Project. Updates, if any, to the State general prevailing wage rates are available from the website noted

Contractorsabove.

are required to meet provisions of California Senate Bill 854 for the payment of De partment of Industrial Relations (DIR) established prevailing wages. This applies to all public projects as defined in California Code 22002 for contracts exceeding $1,000.00. Contractors shall register with the DIR in accordance with California Labor Code section 1771.1(a) and 1725.5, and will be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR, subject to section 1771.4. Contractors must submit certified payrolls electronically to DIR. By bidding this Project, Contractor is indicating that they have registered with DIR and have submitted the required PWC-100 Information Form online at www.dir.ca.gov. The City may deem bidders non-re

sponsive if this requirement has not been met.

9. CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE:

All bidders shall be licensed in accordance with the provisions of the Business and Professions Code for the type of work to be completed and shall possess the appropriate State Contractor’s License Class A (General Engineering Contractor) at the time of the bid submittal through Contract accep tance (Public Contract Code § 10164). Failure to possess the specified license shall render the bid as non-responsive.

10. CONTRACTOR’S REFERENCES:

The CONTRACTOR shall produce references and experience that show, to the satisfaction of the AGENCY, that the CONTRACTOR bidding the project has adequate working knowledge of street improvements/reconstruction work, asphalt resurfacing, and storm drain construction as the PRIME CONTRACTOR. The CONTRACTOR must have completed, and shall produce as part of its bid, references of five similar Projects as the PRIME CONTRACTOR to the satisfaction of the AGENCY. All noted information shall be provided in the locations designated in the bid documents. If these requirements are not met, the AGENCY reserves the right to determine any and all bidders non-responsive and reject any and all bids on this basis. These requirements are due to the critical nature of the work and the need for the AGENCY to ensure adequate experience is provided to com plete the project.

11. SELF PERFORMANCE:

In accordance with Section 2-3.2 of the Project Specifications, CONTRACTOR shall perform or provide, with its own organization, contract labor, materials, and equipment amounting to at least 50-percent of the Contract Price. CONTRAC TOR’S attention is directed to Section 2-3.2 of the Project Specifications for additional requirements pertaining to “Specialty Items”. The City may deem bidders non-responsive if this requirement has not been met.

12. RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS:

The AGENCY reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularity and to take all bids under advisement for a period of 90 days.

13. PROGRESS PAYMENTS:

The AGENCY will deduct a 5-percent retention from all progress payments as specified in Sec tion 9-3.2 of the Project Specifications. The CON TRACTOR may substitute an escrow holder surety of equal value to the retention. The CONTRAC TOR shall be beneficial owner of the surety and shall receive any interest thereon.

14. QUESTIONS/REQUESTS FOR INTERPRE TATION:

All questions shall be directed to Mr. Matthew Sinacori, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, in writing via email at msinacori@danapoint.org no later than October 7, 2022, at 4:30 PM.

The AGENCY hereby affirmatively ensures that minority business enter¬prises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this no tice and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, or religion in any consideration leading to the award of Contract.

In entering into a Public Works Contract, or a sub contract, to supply goods, services, or materials pursuant to a Public Works Contract, the CON TRACTOR, or subcontractor, offers and agrees to assign to the awarding body all rights, title and interest in, and to, all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. Sec

tion 15) or under the Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 [commencing with Section 16700] of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), arising from purchases of goods, services, or mate rials pursuant to the Public Works Contract or the subcontract. This assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the awarding body tenders final payment to the CONTRACTOR, without further acknowledgement by the parties.

AWARD OF THE CONTRACT SHALL BE BASED ON THE TOTAL OF ALL BID SCHED ULES. IF THE AGENCY DELETES ANY BID ITEM OR BID SCHEDULE AT THE TIME OF AWARD, IT SHALL NOT IMPACT THE BID REVIEW OR RESULTS.

BY ORDER OF the City of Dana Point, California. Shayna Sharke, Date City Clerk

Matthew Sinacori, Date Director of Public Works/ City Engineer

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE

CaseGEORGEOF:MCCANNENumber:30-2022-01279313-PR-LA-CJC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be inter ested in the will and or estate, or both, of GEORGE MCCANNE

A Petition for Probate has been filed by MARTA BARDALES MCCANNE in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE.

The Petition for Probate requests that MARTA BAR DALES MCCANNE be appointed as personal rep resentative 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 ob taining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal represen tative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or con sented 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: November 2, 2022 Time: 1:30 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 Califor nia - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty con necting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objec tions or file written objections with the court be

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

fore 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 representa tive appointed by the court within the later of ei ther (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 Cal ifornia Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to con sult with an attorney knowledgeable in Califor nia Youlaw.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 pro vided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Diem Thinh T. Pham, In heritance Lawyers, 1100 West Town & Country Road, Suite 1250 Orange, CA 92868 Ph: (714)

Published406-0036in: Dana Point Times, September 23, 30, October 7, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

The20226642754following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ALTER MENTAL HEALTH – MISSION VIEJO 28100 MALAGA LANE MISSION VIEJO, CA 92691

Full Name of Registrant(s): ALTER MENTAL HEALTH, LLC 34232 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, SUITE D DANA POINT, CA 92629

This business is conducted by a CA Limited Liabil ity TheCompany.registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a ALTER MENTAL HEALTH, LLC/s/ANDREW POLSKY/ANDREW POLSKY, MANAGING

ThisMEMBER/MANAGERstatementwasfiled with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/25/2022. Published in: Dana Point Times September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

The20226642756following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ALTER WELLNESS CARE – LAGUNA BEACH 31642 SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY, SUITE 100 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651

Full Name of Registrant(s): ALTIGNIS HEALTH, LLC 34185 VIOLET LANTERN ST, UNIT 103 DANA POINT, CA 92629

This business is conducted by a CA Limited Liabil ity TheCompany.registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: ALTIGNISn/aHEALTH, LLC/s/MICHAEL CASTA NON/MICHAEL CASTANON, CHIEF EXECU TIVE OFFICER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of

Orange County on 08/25/2022. Published in: Dana Point Times September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

T.S. No.: 19-0230 Loan No.: *******559 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 07/23/2007 AND MORE FULLY DESCRIBED BELOW. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANA TION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bid der for cash, cashier’s check payable at the time of sale in lawful money of the United States (payable to Attorney Lender Services, Inc.) will be held by the duly appointed Trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trus tor: ROGER W. BOOSE, A SINGLE MAN Trustee: ATTORNEY LENDER SERVICES, INC. Recorded 07/30/2007 as Instrument No. 2007000475306 in book , Page of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Orange County, California, Date of Sale: 10/17/2022 at 01:30PM Place of Sale: At the North front entrance to the County Courthouse at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $271,525.56 estimated - as of date of first publication of this Notice of Sale The purported property address is: 26 ABBEY LN ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656 A.P.N.: 939-948-29 The beneficiary un der said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and de livered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county wherein the real proper ty is located and more than three (3) months have elapsed since such recordation. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common desig nation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear owner ship of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to

the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of out standing liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title in surance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. If the sale occurs after 1/1/2021, the sale may not be final until either 15 or 45 days after the sale date - see Notice to Tenant. Further, no TDUS can be issued until the sale is final. Your bid is subject to being over bid by the Tenant or “eligible bidder” after the sale and if your bid is over bid, your only remedy is to the refund of your actual bid amount without interest or pay ment of any other costs, expenses or funds of any kind or nature incurred by the initial successor bid der. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that infor mation about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (916) 939-0772 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this Internet website www.nationwideposting.com for information regarding the sale of this prop erty, using the file number assigned to this case, 19-0230. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify post ponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (916) 939-0772, or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com, using the file num ber assigned to this case 19-0230 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Date: 08/29/2022 ATTORNEY LENDER SERVICES, INC. KAREN TALAFUS, ASSISTANT SECRETARY 5120 E. La Palma Av enue, #209 Anaheim, CA 92807 Phone: 714-6956637 This office is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. NPP0415537 To: DANA POINT TIMES 09/16/2022, 09/23/2022, 09/30/2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

BSC NOTICE222169TO CREDITORS OF EDWARD J. MCCRINK, JR. SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALI FORNIA, COUNTY OF ORANGE In the Matter of The Enlightenment Trust U/D/T dated May 1, 2020 Case# 30-2022-01277390-PR-NC-CJC

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the creditors and contingent creditors of the above-named dece dent, EDWARD J. McCRINK, JR., also known as EDWARD JOHN McCRINK, JR., and NED McCRINK (“Decedent”), that all persons hav ing claims against the Decedent are required to file them with the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Orange, Central Justice Center, 700 West Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701, AND mail or deliver pursuant to Sec tion 1215 of the California Probate Code a copy to Donna M. Coffey on behalf of the NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY, Trustee of the ENLIGHTEN MENT TRUST U/D/T dated May 1, 2020, where in Decedent was the Settlor, in care of her attor ney, Steffi G. Hafen, Esq., at 600 Anton Blvd., Ste. 1400, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, within the later of four (4) months after September 9, 2022, the date of the first publication of notice to creditors, or if notice is mailed or personally delivered to you, six ty (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 California 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.

Dated: 8/29/22

Steffi G. Hafen, Esq.

Attorney for the Northern Trust Company, Trustee Published in the Dana Point Times September 9, 16, 23, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

The20226642703following person(s) is (are) doing business as: DRUM CONNECTION

34264 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, #324 DANA POINT, CA 92624

Full Name of Registrant(s): MARIA QUICI 34264 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, #324 DANA POINT, CA 92624

This business is conducted by an Individual

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on:

This/s/MARIAN/AQUICIstatementwas filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/25/2022.

Published in: Dana Point Times September 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

The20226642112following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ANCHORAGE INVESTMENTS

34179 GOLDEN LANTERN #103 DANA POINT, CA 92629

Full Name of Registrant(s): JOSEPH ANTHONY LOVULLO

140 AVE DE LA PAZ

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672

This business is conducted by an Individual

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on:

This/s/JOSEPH01/01/1973LOVULLOstatementwasfiled with the County Clerk of Orange County on 08/18/2022.

Published in: Dana Point Times September 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

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said. “I love that kid.”

Berry totaled 95 yards and three touchdowns on just three receptions, and Guarascio led all rushers with 201 yards on 19 carries.

Last Friday’s performance marked Guarascio’s fourth consecutive 200-yard game, as he has rushed for 954 yards on 97 touches this season—good for 9.8 yards per carry. He also added four receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown.AfterWoodbridge (3-2) took a 14-10 lead on the first play of the second quarter, the Dolphins’ offense kicked into high gear, scoring 21 unanswered points to close the first half.

Vernon completed 18- and 17-yard passes to move Dana Hills into scoring territory before senior Blaize Bolter took a reverse 16 yards for a score. The extra point was missed, and Dana Hills led, 16-14.

The Dolphins forced a 3-and-out on the next drive, and the Woodbridge long snapper launched the ball over the punter’s head for a safety, giving Dana Hills an 18-14 lead with 5:20 remaining in the second quarter.

Dana Hills capitalized on having good field position, and Guarascio took a short pass and weaved through defenders for a 16-yard score.

Following a blocked punt by senior defensive lineman Adam Sudam, Vernon lofted the ball into the back corner of the end zone to Berry for their second touchdown connection of the night. Dana Hills took a 31-14 lead into the half.

Henney said getting the quick stops and safety was huge for the team going into the locker room.

Dana Hills football uses 21-point burst, soaring offense to propel Homecoming win over Woodbridge

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH, DANA POINT TIMES

W Homecoming Fireworks

hile Christian Guarascio again had another banner 200-yard rushing game on Friday night, Sept. 16, against Woodbridge, it was Connor Vernon’s four touchdown passes that propelled Dana Hills to a 38-26 Homecoming victory at Dana Hills High School.

Dana Hills (3-1) will travel to Rialto for its next nonleague game against Eisenhower on Friday, Sept. 23. Vernon, a senior, connected with San Juan Hills trans-

fer Chase Berry for three of those scores, on the way to completing 11 of 16 attempts for 174 yards on the night, in addition to a late interception.

Dana Hills head coach Tony Henney said it was nice to unleash the “explosive weapon” in Berry, and complimented Vernon on making some beautiful throws on those touchdown plays.

Vernon also had high praise for his teammate.

“That kid’s fast, such a great player and fun to play with; (he) makes me a better player,” the quarterback

“You’re always worried about—if the other team is getting the ball to start the next half—if they get the last score, you get a 10- to 14-point swing (if they score to open the second half),” he said of the moment’s importance.

Vernon and Berry hooked up on a 64-yard TD pass in the second half to outpace Woodbridge.

On the first play from scrimmage in the first quarter, Guarascio ran for 65 yards down the sideline to get Dana Hills into the red zone. Deacon Hill made a 25yard field goal to put Dana Hills on the board first.

Later, a 31-yard burst from Guarascio again put Dana Hills in scoring position, and Vernon found Berry for a 11-yard touchdown to give the Dolphins a 10-7 lead. DP

EDITOR’S NOTE: Check out a full photo gallery from the Homecoming game and halftime show at danapointtimes.com.

DOLPHIN REPORT

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

Girls Volleyball’s Upset Bid Dodged by San Clemente in Five Sets

The Dana Hills girls volleyball team gave San Clemente all it could handle through five sets, but the Tritons dodged the upset bid to take down the Dolphins, 25-13,

23-25, 24-26, 25-21, 15-12, and remain in contention for the top of the South Coast League.

“We obviously did not start as well (in the first set), and that’s a really good team, well-coached, won a lot of matches,” Dana Hills coach Tom Hoff said. “It’s great to just make it difficult on them. We just need to execute a little bit in the fourth and the fifth, but proud of the way we got better today.”

Dana Hills (10-12, 1-2) traveled to San Juan Hills on Thurs day, Sept. 22, but results were not available at press time.

San Clemente (16-6, 2-0) hosted Aliso Niguel (10-3, 1-0) on Thursday. The Tritons and Wolverines split the South Coast League championship last season, and while Aliso Niguel lost the postseason seeding coin flip, the Wolverines took advantage on a run to the CIF-SS Division 2 title.By all rights, San Clemente, ranked No. 8 in the combined CIF-SS Division 1/2 rankings, should have won in a walk over an up-and-down Dana Hills. However, whether it was due to an easy opening set or the loom-

ing Aliso Niguel match, the Tritons’ focus seemingly wavered to put them in a tough spot on Tuesday.

“It’s disappointing,” San Clemente coach Casey Swenson said, “because this is such a great rivalry match for us, and I have so much respect for Coach Hoff and the effort Dana put into the match, and I don’t feel like we gave them our best.”

The tiebreaking fifth set was a microcosm of the entire match.

San Clemente pushed out with energy to a 6-1 lead, but Dana Hills pushed back to force a 12-12 tie and San Clemente’s second timeout. However, the Tritons found their poise once more after the pause for the 15-12 win.

San Clemente dominated the first set with leads of 12-4 and 21-6. In the second and third sets, Dana Hills grabbed early leads, and while the Tritons made comebacks, the Dolphins battled out of late ties to take the close sets. San Clemente rode a 7-0 run to a lead in the fourth set, and despite Dana Hills charges, the Tritons held on to force the decisive fifth set.

DP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

Dana Hills junior Chase Berry (5) caught three of senior Connor Vernon’s five touchdown passes as the Dolphins beat Woodbridge, 38-26, on Homecoming night. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

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GARAGE SALE

LISTINGS ARE FREE

Email your listing to Deadlineinfo@danapointtimes.com.12pmMonday.

GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, SEPT. 24 Saturday, September 24 at 8 a.m. Guadalupe Street, San Juan Capistrano. Great prices on a huge variety of items! Some are vintage! Everything from clothes to furniture, Halloween decor, Mexican crafts, religious figurines, jewelry, books, CD’s, rotary phone, paintings, puzzles, dinnerware, bike locks, car vac & more!

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Saturday, October 1st, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 16 Gema, San Clemente. Large leather sectional, bedroom set, dishes, grandfather clock, electric trains, bar stools

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SURFBOARD FOR SALE

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Lindblad Makes History at Super Girl Pro

ABY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES fter Stephanie Gilmore styled her way to a record-setting eighth world title just a couple weeks ago at the Rip Curl WSL Finals at Lower Trestles, history continued to be made in the water last week, as San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad turned in a tour de force at the Super Girl Pro in Oceanside, becoming the youngest competitor to win the event.

Making her fourth straight appearance in a WSL Qualifying Series (QS) final, Lindblad faced last year’s winner and Championship Tour powerhouse Caroline Marks in a hard-fought battle for the top of the podium.

“It feels so good to finally win again,” Lindblad said after the awards ceremony. “I’ve gotten so many second-place finishes recently, and I felt like I knew in that final that it was just my time. That was the time I was going to win, and I’m so grateful for those waves coming in.”

To make it to the final of the Super Girl Pro, Lindblad had to surf through Santa Cruz’s Autumn Hays, 2022 CT rookie Lua na Silva, and a very in-form Bella Kenwor thy, who also hails from San Clemente.

In the final, Lindblad jumped out to an early lead and managed to fend off

a last-ditch effort by Marks to turn the heat and go back-to-back in Oceanside.

“I knew (Marks) would come back and that the combo wouldn’t last very long; she’s such a great surfer and she’s always inspired me, so that was special,” Lindblad explained. “This brings my confidence up, and I’m really looking forward to Portugal and the rest of the (Challenger Series) events.”

All of 17 years old, Lindblad now sits atop the WSL’s North American QS rankings and will focus her energies on the upcoming Challenger Series events. If she can get a couple big results there, it would be possible for Lindblad to graduate to the 2023 WSL Championship Tour, where she would join Marks and the rest of the world’s most elite female surfers.

“That was an awesome finals day with the waves getting a bit better, thankfully,” Marks graciously said afterward. “It’s a bummer the waves in the final got a little slow, and I basically had a five-minute heat, but a great job to Sawyer. This event is amazing; there’s more and more girls every year. It’s really cool to be a part of helping inspire this next generation, and they inspire me just as much.”

But Lindblad wasn’t the only San Clemente original to top the podium in

Oceanside. Rachel Tilly, who grew up in the area but has been going to school in Australia, returned home to California to compete in the longboard division.

The former WSL Longboard Champion overcame an extremely talented draw, which included three-time WSL Longboard Champ Honolua Blomfield, Sophia Culhane and Sally Cohen—all three of whom are from Hawaii.

“It’s so good to get a win out here alongside these incredible women,” Tilly said, smiling when it was all over. “The vibe of this event is so great, and to see all the young women out here help encour age us even more—we just want to keep inspiring them for years to come and hopefully see them up here one day.”

The next big event on the WSL calendar will be the EDP Vissla Pro Ericeira, which runs from Oct. 1-9, and is one of the marquee contests that will decide who makes the cut for the 2023 Championship Tour. There’s a host of local talent that could make the jump with a couple solid results. Stay tuned!

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

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

KENWORTHYBELLA

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

t’s been a hot minute since we caught up with Bella Kenworthy, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t been doing what she does best—smashingTheheats.San Clemente talent was on a tear at the Super Girl Pro in Oceanside last weekend. Ripping through heat after heat, en route to a very respectable third-place result, she promptly dis-

patched North America’s top-tier talent, including American Zoe Benedetto, as well as Japan’s Anon Matsuoka. Kenworthy’s brilliant run was even-

tually halted by San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad, who went on to win the event. At 16 years old, this is the third time in Kenworthy’s young career that she’s made the finals of a WSL Qualifying Series contest. Currently ranked fourth in the WSL’s North American Qualifying Series rankings, she’s made the quarterfinals or better in every contest she’s surfed this season.

Dipping her toes in the water of the WSL Challenger Series, Kenworthy finished in ninth place earlier this summer at the U.S. Open of Surfing, one of the most competitive, high-pressure events on the Lookingplanet.tokeep her momentum, Kenworthy next will be heading back to the East Coast for the Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro in Jacksonville, Florida. The event will run from Nov. 11-13. DP

Water Temperature: 68-66 Degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 2-3

Outlook: Friday’s surf fades to waist-chest high, (3-4’), then a fresh Southwest swell moves in for Saturday and Sunday with waist to head high waves, (3-5’). The pattern of light and variable early morning winds, followed by moderate afternoon onshores continues from Friday through the weekend.

Topping the podium in Oceanside, San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad made history at the Super Girl Pro, where she became the youngest competitor to win the esteemed all-women’s surf contest. Photo: Courtesy of WSL/ Steinmetz

As the youngest surfer to ever win the esteemed, women’s-only event, the San Clemente star looks to finish 2022 with a flourish

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA

Bella Kenworthy. Photo: Courtesy of WSL/Steinmetz