April 14, 2023

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TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

City Volunteer, Internship Program Offers Growing Opportunities for Youths

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

For high school and college students interested in becoming more involved in the community, the City of Dana Point offers hands-on experience and resume-building through its volunteer and internship program.

The city is currently looking to fill internship positions in the Community Development and Public Works Departments, such as a recreation leader and a Nature Interpretive Center volunteer docent.

Jeff Rosaler, deputy director of Community Services, explained that the internship program is an excellent opportunity for young adults and teens to develop valuable skills.

“We need people, and we need people for this summer, so it’s open online right now,” Rosaler said. “We’re thrilled to provide the mentoring and coaching for young adults to figure out where they want to go in life.”

Jasmine Riyhani, an administration

intern, began her career with the city, working in the recreation department at the Community Center. From there, she became more interested in helping to plant the city’s butterfly habitats.

When the city’s last Nature Interpretive Center intern left the position, Rosaler encouraged Riyhani to apply.

Riyhani graduated from Saddleback College with Environmental Studies and Liberal Studies degrees, and she is studying Public Administration at California State University, Fullerton.

Working for the city helped Riyhani realize what she wanted to pursue as a career.

“I tried a few different majors, and then I found Environmental Studies, and it led to this position where I really enjoy the program’s aspect,” Riyhani said. “I love getting to work with volunteers in the community and also the admin side of like, how do we get more volunteers, how do we actually run this project

long-term. It’s really steered me towards public admin.”

“It’s a really collaborative environment, and there’s so much opportunity to grow and learn within the city,” Riyhani continued.

For full-time student employees in the program, the city may reimburse education expenses up to 25% of the cost of full-time coursework at a California State University.

Looking ahead, Riyhani looked to continue working for the city and grow in her position.

Rosaler added that there’s lots of room to advance while working for the city.

“Especially with the recreation leader position in the Recreation Division of Community Services, there’s this natural ladder,” Rosaler said. “It’s rec leader, rec specialist, rec coordinator, rec supervisor, rec manager. and then the director position.”

“We’ve had a lot of rec leaders who have started seasonally who come on full-time so they’re here year-round, and then they hop naturally into the rec specialist position,” Rosaler continued.

Rosaler explained that individuals gain an understanding of what the division does, how a municipality is run and basic public administration as a recreation leader, which is why it serves as a stepping stone to higher positions in the division.

Generally, when looking to hire for seasonal or year-round positions, staff look for high school or college students with “a great attitude, somebody who smiles, who’s bright, who’s energetic, who’s happy to be out in the community helping us with these events, whether it’s Concerts in the Park or being at the Community Center front desk,” Rosaler said.

The city recruits many of its interns and recreation leaders from local volunteer groups, Rosaler added.

Sophie Andersen, a Dana Hill High School senior and seasonal recreation leader, was volunteering with the local Rotary’s Interact Club at the Community Center when she was approached by the city manager to apply for the position.

“At that point, I didn’t take him up; I think I was a freshman, and I was like, ‘I don’t need a job right now,’ ” Andersen recalled. “But then, a few years later, I ended up taking him up on that opportunity, and I’m really glad I did.”

As a seasonal recreation leader, Andersen works during special events, holidays and throughout the summer.

“One of my favorite events is the Spooky Trolley,” Andersen said. “All of us rec workers dress up in Halloween costumes, then we get on the trolley, which is decorated with Halloween attire, and we go around to different parks. It’s scheduled, and we’re giving kids candy, and it’s really fun.”

As a busy high school student, Andersen said the city has been flexible with her hours.

“Having the opportunity to have a seasonal job where at the same time I was playing water polo over the summer and studying for classes or the ACT … the flexibility they offered me, I don’t think I could have found anywhere else,” Andersen said.

Andersen added that she especially loves engaging with community members and the relationships she’s built with the other recreation department employees.

From volunteering to hired positions, the city offers many opportunities for high school and college students with a variety of interests.

“For any student that’s here that is looking for a position and they love Dana Point, and they want to give back to the community, but at the same time learn some skills that will help on your resume, come down, apply; we’d love to have you as a rec leader,” Rosaler said.

Those interested in applying for an intern, recreation leader or docent position can visit the city’s career page at danapoint.org. The first application review for the community development position is scheduled for April 19. According to the city, it will continually recruit for the intern positions until it receives a sufficient number of applications.

Administration intern Jasmine Riyhani shows visitors at the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center the resident snake named Beetlejuice. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

3 New Businesses Open in Prado West

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The Dana Point Town Center is bustling with new activity after three new businesses recently opened their doors in the Prado West development, with more to open in the coming months.

Penelope Pots, a green boutique that offers plants, bouquets, pots, home décor, jewelry and more, celebrated the opening of its newest location in the Lantern District in late March, while local chef Danielle Kuhn opened the wine and cheese shop Avec Moi and relocated her Maison Café + Market in early April.

Jackie Miller, a landscape architect, launched Penelope Pots in 2014 as an event and floral design concept. In 2020, Miller opened her first brick-and-mortar location in Long Beach at the Second & PCH development.

The storefront was initially intended to be an event venue, but when the pandemic hit, Miller pivoted and created a retail shop. Since then, Penelope Pots has opened new retail locations in Newport Beach and now Dana Point, as well as an event space in Huntington Beach.

With the newest location opening, Operations Coordinator Amber Mehta explained that customers can expect “the freshest, most beautiful flowers and plants available in the market.”

“We offer a carefully curated selection of unique gifts, allowing our customers to find something special if they’re looking to add on for a gift,” Mehta continued. “Whether you’re looking to freshen up your home with a new plant or searching for gifts for a special someone, or just want something lovely for yourself, we have a little something for everyone.”

Penelope Pots celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce on March 31.

“Jackie was so overwhelmed with the support and encouragement that day, like it was three times the turnout than we expected and just so many affirming and encouraging words,” Mehta said. “We just felt really welcomed in that area and just knew, ‘Oh, my goodness, this is the place for us.’ ”

“We’re so excited to continue connecting with the Dana Point clientele,” Mehta continued. “We’ve met so many people in the area that have been the most lovely, amazing people, and we’re just feeling right at home there.”

On April 4, Kuhn celebrated the reopening of Maison Café on the corner of Del Prado and Amber Lantern after relocating from its former location on Pacific Coast Highway.

Maison continues to offer a seasonal

menu of organic produce, drawing inspiration from the French and Italian countryside. The café offers fresh coffee and pastries daily. From Tuesday through Saturday, Maison offers its daytime menu from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., its dinner and bar menus from 5-10 p.m. and Sunday brunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Next door to Maison on Amber Lantern, Kuhn also opened Avec Moi, a wine and cheese shop. Avec Moi is open six days a week.

Clean Juice, a certified organic franchise offering a variety of healthy food options, is expected to open in Prado West in early May. Franchise owner Mendi Bartell explained that Clean Juice is far more than just juices.

“I’ll be selling sandwiches, wraps, acai bowls, salads, specialty toasts, smoothies, protein shakes, hand-macerated juices and cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, all kinds of great stuff on my menu,” Bartell said.

The franchise has 196 stores either open or in development. The Dana Point location will be Clean Juice’s third location in Southern California and the second in Orange County.

The new juice and food bar will also have a catering arm to serve local businesses. Clean Juice will open in the Prado West square, across from Bear Coast Coffee’s newest location.

“Prado West is the pinnacle of Dana Point now,” Bartell said. “I actually looked at a space that was the old Jamba Juice in Ocean Ranch, and then as I was sitting in the parking lot of Ocean Ranch, I pulled up an email that had Prado West in it, and I’m like, ‘Nope, I’ve got to go to Prado West.’ ”

Within two days, Bartell said she had toured the space at Prado West and began negotiating a lease soon after that.

“I love the walkability of Prado West,”

Bartell said. “I love what Raintree, the landlord, all of the exciting plans that they have to bring the community to Prado West, so for me it was a no-brainer.”

After a year in the making, Bartell said she is excited for Clean Juice to finally open the week of May 15. Bartell plans to host a variety of events throughout the week to celebrate the opening.

Max Fisher, owner of the Schwack restaurants, expects to open his latest concept, Homeslice, in late May or early June. Fisher anticipates construction to be finished by late April or early May, with efforts to hire new staff in May.

Though the new restaurant will open across the street from The Shwack Beach Grill, Homeslice is expected to be a divergence from Fisher’s other restaurant concepts, including the The Schwack Cantina in San Clemente.

“Homeslice is kind of a community-based place where we want people to feel welcomed,” Fisher said. “We want to be ingrained in the community, kind of like I am across the street, where you can just pop in at any time; you don’t need a reservation, you don’t need to be dressed a certain way.”

“It’s just all about a relaxed, cool environment for people to share a bunch of food and drinks and have a good time,” Fisher continued.

Homeslice is expected to offer a unique menu of tasting plates, as Fisher envisioned an environment where friends can share a variety of small plates together.

“This is going to be a very unique menu, single-off items that you won’t find anywhere else,” Fisher said. “We have lasagna nachos. We have parmesan-crusted Italian sausage tacos. We have really unique pizza ideas. We have baked pastas.”

“It’s more of a playful Italian menu

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

Dana Point City Council

6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall. This meeting will also be livestreamed through the city’s YouTube channel. A link for livestreams and replays is available on the city’s website. Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Suite 210 Dana Point. danapoint.org.

Because I Love You (BILY)

6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization

Because I Love You (BILY) will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference and in person/Zoom the first Tuesday of each month at The Noble Path Foundation. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

VA Disabled Claims Clinic

2-4 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 9934 will sponsor a Veterans Affairs Disability Claims Clinic at the Dana Point Community Center the first and third Wednesday of each month. Veterans can walk in and meet with a VFW Service Officer and receive information on how to file a claim for service-related medical issues. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

CUSD Board of Trustees

7 p.m. The governing board for the Capistrano Unified School District will meet to decide on local education matters. CUSD Headquarters, 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. capousd.org.

than anything else,” Fisher continued. “And the whole idea behind it is shared plates, cocktails. You go there with friends, you guys all pick something, and everybody shares. So, it’s a real community environment.”

The menu was developed in partnership with Marc Sullavin, and the restaurant was designed with partner Kegan Neill.

Though Fisher noted that it’s a challenging time to open a restaurant with food costs at an all-time high, he added,“We have an unbelievable community that has always supported everything I’ve done.”

Fisher said he feels “like we’ll get the same support for this when it opens, and we’ll be ready to go.”

Penelope Pots offers plants, pots, home décor, jewelry, accessories and more at its latest storefront in the Prado West Development. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Annual Ohana Music Festival Announces 2023 Lineup

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

This year’s Ohana Music Festival will offer something for all music lovers, with bands including the Killers, Haim, and the Foo Fighters set to take on headlining duties for Eddie Vedder’s annual weekend music festival in Dana Point.

The three-day Ohana Festival will return to Doheny State Beach from Sept. 29 through Oct 1. Vedder, the festival’s founder, will headline Night 2 (Saturday, Sept. 30), along with The Chicks. The Foo Fighters and The Pretenders will headline the final night of the festival.

On the first day of the festival, Father John Misty, Japanese Breakfast, Franc Moody, Glen Hansard, Hermanos Guti-

Annual Ocean Institute Conference Connects Students with Women in Ocean Science

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The Ocean Institute’s annual Girls in Ocean Science Conference for middle school and high school students will return to Dana Point in late April, offering girls interested in careers in ocean science an opportunity to convene at the Ocean Institute.

Registration is now open for this year’s Girls in Ocean Science conference, where professionals will share their experience with middle school students on April 22, and high school students on April 23.

Attendees will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals in small groups at the Ocean Institute labs, located at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, or at sea aboard the research vessel Sea Explorer.

Over the years, scientists from marine

êrrez, Amos Lee, Brooks Nielse, Danielle Ponder and Emma Routhier will join headliners The Killers and Haim.

Concertgoers on Saturday will see The War on Drugs, Goose, Charley Crockett, Lucius, Shame, Dhani Harrison, Trousdale, Wunderhorse and Big Joanie.

On Sunday, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Backseat Lovers, Suki Waterhouse, Thee Sacred Souls, Dehd, Talk, Lido Pimienta, The AquaDolls and The Alive will join the Foo Fighters and The Pretenders in the lineup.

Pre-sale tickets for those signed up for early access will go on sale at the Ohana Festival website, ohanafest.com, starting on April 13 at 10 a.m.

Those planning to attend the festival can choose between one-day or threeday general admission passes, VIP admission or Ultimate VIP passes. Tickets start at $169, for single-day General Admission, and $479 for three-day General Admission.

Dana Point Film Festival to Celebrate 60th Anniversary of ‘The Endless Summer’

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Endless Summer, the Dana Point Film Festival will screen the renowned surf film at sunset on May 5 at Salt Creek Beach Park, where the original photograph for the movie’s iconic poster was staged.

The surf documentary, directed by Bruce Brown, follows surfers Mike Hynson and Robert August on a worldwide surf trip. A mosaic of the film festival and a bronze statue of Brown were unveiled in Dana Point’s Waterman’s Plaza in September 2019. The documentary was filmed in 1963, screened in auditoriums in 1964 and released internationally in 1966.

“I can’t believe we are already celebrating 60 years of The Endless Summer,” Bruce Brown Films’ Managing Director Alex Mecl said in a media release.

“After all these years, the film is still just as important in American surf culture as it was back then,” Mecl continued. “From the staple poster photograph to the deep-rooted history, this surf documentary has paved the way for surfers for years and continues to be the motivation behind finding that perfect wave.”

The Dana Point Film Festival (DPFF) will launch its inaugural event from May 4 through May 7, featuring documentary films focusing on conservation, preservation, education, ocean adventure and big wave surf films.

The film festival will screen The Endless Summer, free to festivalgoers, as a tribute to the documentary’s 60th anniversary.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off our inaugural oceans film festival than with the 60th-anniversary celebration of The Endless Summer,” DPFF Founder Lloyd Bryan Molander said in the release.

“The film is iconic here in the Dana Point community and throughout surf culture,” Molander continued.“To host a screening of the legendary film is an honor, and we can’t wait to celebrate the anniversary together.”

DPFF will also premiere Richard Yelland’s new film, Birth of The Endless Summer: Discovery, a feature film that documents the birth of the surf manufacturing and publishing industry.

The film will be screened in the Dana Hills High School Porthole Theater on May 7. General admission tickets are $15 for the screening of Discovery Online registration for the free film screening of The Endless Summer is required ahead of the event, as tickets will not be available on-site.

VIP tickets are $60 each and include priority seating for the 8 p.m. screening, a hosted happy hour from 5-7 p.m., a Mexican food plate, a festival towel and a The Endless Summer T-shirt and poster.

Tickets are available at danapointfilmfestival.org.

catalyst for great change,” Smith said in a media release. “By connecting female students to female scientists, GIOS has the potential to help inspire a career path, create new friendships, or just spark a lifelong sense of stewardship with the oceans and the creatures that live in it.”

The conference is volunteer-driven by a planning committee of students who have participated in a prior conference.

San Clemente High School senior and Girls in Ocean Science planning committee member Naomi Villarete added that the conference “beautifully unites the next generation of scientists by introducing them to current professionals.”

Coffee Chat to Host Assemblymember Laurie Davies

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The Dana Point Civic Association will host Assemblymember Laurie Davies at its upcoming coffee chat on April 21, at 8:30 a.m.

veterinary medicine, oceanography, marine biology, university-level education, ocean conservation, water quality engineering, ecology, microbiology, physiology and climatology have attended the conference, sharing their expertise with students.

Ocean Institute Board member Jennine Smith, who has sponsored Girls in Ocean Science scholarships for the past five years, said that the conference experience can be life-changing.

“I believe Girls in Ocean Science is one of those experiences that can be a

“A truly unforgettable experience, the conference ignites a creativity to be reflected in the future of ocean science,” Villarete continued.

The conference is sponsored by the Steinmetz Foundation.

The Girls in Ocean Science conference runs from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The middle school program is on April 22, and the high school program is on April 23. Tickets are $70 and include a continental breakfast, lunch and committee-designed Girls in Ocean Science T-shirt.

First elected to the State Assembly in 2020 and reelected in 2022, Davies represents the 74th State Assembly District, which includes the cities of Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County, as well as Camp Pendleton, and Oceanside and Vista in North San Diego County.

During the coffee chat, Davies will share a legislative update on the bills that she introduced early on in her second term, as well as her priorities for the district.

The upcoming chat will get started at 8:30 a.m., when complimentary coffee will be available, courtesy of Coffee Importers. All are welcome to attend. The event is weather-permitting. Coffee Importers is located at 34531 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

Eddie Vedder performs on the second night of the Ohana Festival on Oct. 2, 2022. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Students interested in careers in ocean science will have the opportunity to learn from women in the field at the Ocean Institute’s annual Girls in Ocean Science Conference on April 22-23. Photo: Courtesy of Derek Horner

FUNDRAISER FOR THE ARTS An Evening with Alicia Olatuja

UNDERWRITTEN BY DAVID AND CAROLYN WESTENDORF

SUPPORT CASA ROMANTICA

Thursday, May 11, 2023 @ 6 PM • $250

This benefit dinner features a cocktail reception, 3-course gourmet meal catered by 24 Carrots Catering and Events, a luxurious live auction, and jazz performance by Alicia Olatuja. All ticket sales directly support Casa Romantica’s programs.

Alicia Olatuja, praised in The New York Times as “a singer with a strong and luscious tone,” has performed as a featured soloist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at the White House and worked with esteemed artists such as Chaka Khan, BeBe Winans, and Christian McBride.

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TIME FLIES WHETHER WE WANT IT TO OR NOT

Not only do I celebrate four years of getting to share this health and wellness column with all of you this month, but this week, I turn 60! This is the first birthday that makes me take pause. I think the reality that two-thirds of my life is complete, given my parents’ longevity at 89 and 93, is eye-opening, to say the least.

While I am a generally healthy, exceptionally active human, I have still inherited heart disease risk and have a handful of my own medical issues/ailments, likely a combination of genetics, exposures, and just plain old time. That being said, I have a whole host of feelings that are occupying my mind during this monumental moment in my life.

We all know that the “day before” a tragic event occurs, or before receiving news of a life-altering diagnosis or of a death, our lives were somewhat “normal and routine.” But in one moment, our lives can be knocked off-kilter.

As for me, surviving a handful of these tremendous tragedies in life, and

persevering, it is no wonder that one of my “big bucket” list items will be met in October, when my son and I, and others, will climb Mt. Whitney and hoping to reach the summit. I have often wondered if “I am running for my life or running from my life.”

I come to you today, once again attempting to get through to so many of you, pleading with you not to wait until it is too late, and instead encouraging you to advocate for your health and shift your lifestyle choices today.

I have so many prospective clients that come to me after the bad news is given, with numbers out of range for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, or test results indicating cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, or perhaps even cancer.

21 minutes. If you do this seven days weekly, you will meet the recommended 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise.

2. Try to eat more plants daily, including them at every meal and snack—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts/seeds, and legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils).

3. Add lean animal protein (including nonfat/low-fat dairy) and/or plant-based proteins to every meal and snack.

4. Include healthy fats (liquid oils, nuts/ seeds, avocado) with all meals and snacks.

5. Limit sugar, salt and refined grains.

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6. And be sure to have an occasional treat/splurge that you love.

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

BY GINA COUSINEAU

Though this initially sounds dismal, the good news can’t be denied, that with small shifts in your lifestyle/behaviors, starting with food choices (nothing punitive or restrictive, I promise) paired with a little exercise (a walking program), that you can attain a little weight loss and even more health gain. But, alas, the fear of failure prevents us from even trying.

So, today, I ask you to help me celebrate my big Six-0, and that is to simply allow me to help you improve your health so that you can experience more joy in your lifetime, rather than giving in to the aging process.

Let’s try some small but mighty daily changes that can improve our health and try to commit to one of these suggestions each week:

1. Step outside daily and simply walk for

Lastly, along with working with individuals of all ages and circumstances, in both private and group settings, we offer nutritious and delicious recipes, cooking sessions, and webinars every single month for free. Register at mamagslifestyle.com for our weekly newsletter. DP

Gina Cousineau, aka Mama G, is your local nutrition expert, chef, and fitness professional, with her BS in Nutrition and MS in functional and integrative nutrition. She uses a food-as-medicine approach for weight loss to health gain, and everything in between. Follow her on social media @mamagslifestyle, and check out her website mamagslifestyle. com to learn more about her programs and freebies offered throughout the year.

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 16 Issue 15. 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).

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GUEST OPINION | Food for Thought by Gina Cousineau

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

FRIDAY | 14

COA OPEN MIC NIGHT FOR TEENS

6:30-9 p.m. This free Open Mic Night event is open to those between the ages of 11 and 22 who love to sing and perform, and hang out in COA’s gaming area, too. Teens, do you love to sing, play guitar, piano? Do you have a band that is looking for exposure and to play on stage? Play an instrument, sing to tracks, sing solo or with others. This is a great way to build confidence performing in front of others with your peers. Sign up to perform by emailing coaentertainmentoutreach@gmail.com.

The San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. communityoutreachalliance.com.

SATURDAY | 15

GARDENFEST 2023 PLANT SALE

8 a.m.-2 p.m. The San Clemente Garden Club (SCGC) hosts this annual event in partnership with the City of San Clemente Parks & Recreation Department, to offer bargains on hundreds of plants with an emphasis on drought-tolerant species. SCGC members and sponsors propagated and donated the plants, along with a community center auditorium filled with flea market items useful for gardens, homes and hobbies. GardenFest also offers gardening and craft activities for children, display and sale of local art, craft demonstrations, displays about beekeeping and butterflies, and tips on water conservation. Master gardeners will offer free garden tool sharpening. South County area residents are also invited to enter the annual “Funky Plant Container Contest.” Attendees judge winners at the event. Entrees are due by 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 15. GardenFest proceeds fund

FRIDAY | 14 CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL

6:30-9 p.m. Guests are invited to sip on fine wines and taste a variety of delicacies at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa’s Richard Henry Dana Ballroom overlooking the Pacific. The California Wine Festival will run through Saturday at Sea Terrace Park, featuring fine wines, regional craft brews and artisanal food samples. Caribbean steel band Upstream will perform. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. info@californiawinefestival.com. californiawinefestival.com.

horticultural scholarships, programs for junior gardeners, and civic beautification. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. sanclementegardenclub.com.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET

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

STRAWBERRY U-PICK

9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Ecology Center is providing a chance to pick fresh berries. While baskets will be provided, participants are also welcome to bring their own. After you finish collecting a harvest, head over to the Farm Stand to pay for what you picked. Cost to attend is $9. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SPRING ART SHOW

9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Join the Dana Point

Fine Arts Association for its Spring Art Festival Show and Sale running through Sunday. Local, award-winning artists will display their art throughout the harbor. Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. info@danapointfinearts.org.

KAYAK HARBOR TOUR AND SAIL AT OCEAN INSTITUTE

10 a.m.-noon. Join the Ocean Institute for a two-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point Harbor and learn about the history of harbor and its unique ecosystem. All experience levels are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $28. In the afternoon, from 2-5 p.m., set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tall ship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tall ship. Must be 4 years or older to sail. Tickets are $65. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

ART AND SHORT FILMS AT THE SHACC

1 p.m. The Surfing Heritage and Cul-

ture Center will host two events that celebrate the works of artists in the surf world. From 1-4 p.m., there will be a free exhibit displaying never-seen-before art from Rick Griffin. The center will then host the U.S. premiere of six 4K short films from George Greenough, from 5-6 p.m. Tickets for George Greenough’s Echoes are $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente. 949.388.0313. shacc.org.

DANA POINT PUBLIC LIBRARY: ‘KING OF DEVIL’S ISLAND’ 2-4 p.m. Join the Dana Point Public Library for a screening of King of Devil’s Island, an award-winning movie from Norway. The film follows the true story of the infamous Bastoy Reform School in Norway. Dana Point Public Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. ocpl.org.

SUNDAY | 16

LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE

2 p.m. Watch a live performance of the hospital-set comedy It Runs in the Family at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater. Renditions will be held through April 16. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

MONDAY | 17

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. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

TUESDAY | 18

PAINT AND SIP AT BELLA COLLINA

6-9 p.m. Have fun painting “Turtle World” in this easy, step-by-step class led by artist Nick LeGuern. There will be acrylic paints and a template sketch aid, as well as a buffet served by the golf club. Tickets are $45. Bella Collina San Clemente, 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. 949.498.6604. bellacollinasanclemente.com.

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.

DANA POINT TIMES

Photo: Courtesy of Luis Esparza

WELCOME TO THE GREEN ISSUE

AS THE COST OF LIVING continues to be driven up at all angles, there is an increased focus on efficiency, sustainability and protecting our resources for longer-lasting use.

That is also our focus for our annual “Green Issue,” our yearly special section to help our readers learn about the variety of ways they can help themselves and the surrounding South Orange County community while taking care of this beautiful place we call home.

In this year’s issue, we put a spotlight on energy efficiency. California continues its push into electrical energy with an eye on switching over the high-traffic state into one populated by mostly electric vehicles. Is the state ready for that switch? And what steps are being taken ahead of

2035 to prepare the state’s infrastructure?

With the push toward electric vehicles, there will be an effort to beef up home charging capabilities. One way that will be done is with solar panels, especially with new laws coming into effect in California. We chat with local solar panel companies about these changes and what buyers can expect.

As that emphasis on home electricity continues, it will be paramount to be more efficient with our energy at home. We look into ways to cut down on your energy costs with simple home improvements that may even send a couple bucks back your way.

Outside the home, it’s been a wet winter, and while the hills are certainly greener, have Califor-

Wyland Challenge

South Orange County Cities Participate in Conservation Competition

By Breeana Greenberg

THE LAGUNA BEACH-BASED NONPROFIT Wyland Foundation launched a friendly competition among cities across the United States to see which town can be the most “water-wise” throughout the month of April.

On April 1, the Wyland Foundation challenged residents and city officials to take the “action pledge,” committing to conserving water, energy and other natural resources through its annual National Mayor’s Challenge.

When taking the conservation pledge, participants enter their city of residence and may see an encouraging message from their city’s mayor.

San Clemente residents making the pledge are greeted with Mayor Chris Duncan’s message urging residents to conserve: “We must act now to save our water resources for future generations.”

In Dana Point, Mayor Mike Frost emphasizes that the city “places a high importance on water quality, pollution reduction and sustaining our natural environment. I encourage our residents to use water efficiently and sustainably year-round.”

The City of San Juan Capistrano is not officially participating in the Mayor Challenge this year, though Wyland Foundation President Steve Creech encourages residents to participate even if their city’s mayor isn’t.

“Having a mayor who’s really gung-ho about it is not a precondition for the city to win; any city can win. It just depends on the resident participation, but we do find that if a mayor is behind it, the city’s behind it, that they do better,” Creech says.

nia and South Orange County had enough water to fully wipe out the drought? We look at what the wet winter means.

In the light of that drought and the wet winter, local towns are being challenged with water conservation. The Wyland Foundation put out the call to local officials to take a conservation pledge.

Additionally, we talk with the Surfrider Foundation about its Ocean-Friendly Restaurants program to see what restaurants in town are working toward sustainability.

We hope this year’s “Green Issue” will inspire our readers to be conservation-minded for the prosperity and longevity of their own home, as well as the community.

Creech encourages cities to spark friendly rivalries with neighboring towns to see which can be the most water-wise.

“It’s just a rallying point,” Creech says. “We kind of set the table, but it’s really up to the cities to bring their A-game. But we’ve had mayors from all across the country get involved.”

By taking the pledge, residents agree to make more eco-friendly choices by checking off recommended changes, such as repairing leaks and shortening shower times, reducing plastic use and wasting less food.

At the end of the month, the Wyland Foundation will pick five winners from

different population categories with the highest percentage of residents who took the challenge.

Residents in winning cities who pledged are entered to win thousands of dollars in eco-friendly prizes. The grand prize includes $3,000 toward their home utility bills, gift cards to home improvement stores and home irrigation products.

"WE MUST ACT NOW TO SAVE OUR WATER RESOURCES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS."

—Chris Duncan

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

Ocean-Friendly Restaurants Program Promotes the Reduction of Plastics Use

By C. Jayden Smith

REDUCING

THE

USE

OF PLASTICS

is one way to contribute to easing our burden on the Earth, and the nationally recognized Surfrider Foundation has found a way to highlight restaurants across the country for their collaboration.

Since 2013, the organization’s Ocean-Friendly Restaurants program has partnered with 350 businesses nationwide to serve as an eco-friendly community.

What started with the Huntington Beach chapter of Surfrider has since swelled to participation in 23 states.

Program manager CJ O’Brien says that most restaurants are connected through the work of chapter representatives.

“We have chapters and clubs all across the country, and so they’re really the ones spearheading the outreach to the restaurants in their community,” O’Brien says. “But we do have restaurants that reach out, because (the program) is nationally recognized, and so it has gained a lot of traction and publicity.”

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a dip in participation, but some businesses remained resilient, and Surfrider has seen a significant rise in recent months.

There’s excitement from restaurants, activists, and volunteers, according to O’Brien. California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington boast many of the partnering businesses, with notable membership on the East Coast as well.

Ocean-friendly restaurants in South Orange County include Dana Point’s Young’s Beach Shack, The Real Empanada and West Toast Café in San Clemente, and Trevor’s at the Tracks in San Juan Capistrano.

Marcelo Nonaca, co-owner of The Real Empanada, says the ownership group wanted to be a part of the program even before they opened in March 2022. He pointed to their relationship with the local surf community as one reason why, given that local surf artist Josh Paskowitz completed a surf mural for them.

“I wanted to have that connection, especially because we package our own unique boxes, which are recyclable and beach-friendly,” Nonaca says. “We don’t really use plastics at our shop, so I thought it was a really good fit. Plus, I wanted to really cater to the (surf) lifestyle as well.”

The Real Empanada became connected to Surfrider through the patronage of multiple South Orange County chapter board members, and the partnership grew from there.

Being a part of the program consists of a one-year membership that is free to join. The local activists come in to conduct compliance checks throughout the year by coming in to eat, talk with the owners and eventually build a strong relationship between Surfrider and each restaurant.

“Because it’s a yearly membership, the restaurants renew, which provides a really great opportunity for us to make sure the restaurants are following the criteria and (to check in) with them and get all the updated information,” says O’Brien.

Restaurants must meet seven criteria to be recognized as ocean-friendly.

They must only use reusable dinnerware and drinkware, silverware, and containers for on-site dining; they must only provide paper straws upon request; and they must follow proper recycling practices. The program also restricts the use of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam), plastic bags for takeout orders, single-use utensils, straws and other accessory items unless upon request, as well as restricting sale of drinks in plastic bottles.

Surfrider also lists optional criteria that businesses can meet, which serve as a more holistic approach by recommending the provision of “Best Choice” seafood and vegetarian options, actions toward water conservation and energy efficiency, and more.

O’Brien says the chapter activists give participating restaurants more leeway in letting them determine what is doable for their business.

“But, if a restaurant reaches all of the criteria—meaning all the mandatory and optional criteria—then they can become a platinum restaurant,” she says. “So, our chapters really try to get our restaurants to be platinum, and really provide support on how they can make those more sustainable choices.”

The organization also provides resources to educate the owners, such as a foodware guide.

At first, the decision to become ocean-friendly can be “daunting,” O’Brien says, but restaurant personnel show more enthusiasm as they begin to learn that the other collaborating businesses are saving money.

The chapter representatives are helpful with guiding owners to take their approach one step at a time, by simply eliminating the use of Styrofoam, for example.

“(That) will really help to act like a domino effect on how restaurants can reach more of the criteria and do more to reduce single-use plastics,” says O’Brien.

She adds that part of the businesses’ feedback from being involved is that their customers enjoy knowing that they will always have a plastic-free experience when they stop by.

Given that Surfrider hosts beach cleanups that result in picking up a lot of food-related plastic items, being a part of the OFR program is a stamp that member restaurants can proudly boast.

“Our ocean-friendly restaurants can reduce their plastic footprint, (and) they can show society and policymakers that a plastic-free future is possible,” O’Brien says.

Nonaca of The Real Empanada recommends that other restaurants participate.

“Whatever we can do to minimize our footprint on this Earth is obviously encouraged, especially (with me) being a 20-year San Clemente local,” says Nonaca.

Surfrider estimates that its partner businesses serve more than 60,000 meals without plastic each day, a number that will continue to grow as the program expands.

The Surfrider Foundation has partnered with restaurants across the nation since 2013 to reduce single-use plastics that often wash up on the beach.

Photo: Courtesy of Surfrider Foundation

Steering Cleaner Conditions

Energy Experts Discuss California’s Plan for More Zero-Emission Vehicle Use

ered on its promise (by) providing more than 1,600 MW of backup electricity during the September 6th grid emergency helping the state narrowly avoid rotating outages.”

Legislation has also been implemented to allow “certainty and timely permits for non-fossil fuel, clean energy projects within 270 days,” the CEC says.

“Over the next decade, electric vehicles are expected to add only a small amount of electricity demand to California’s grid,” CEC spokesperson Toan Lam says. “In 2030, 5.4 million light-duty electric vehicles and 193,000 mediumand heavy-duty electric vehicles will only account for less than 5% of total system electric load during peak hours.”

“Today’s smaller electric vehicle population only accounts for less than 1% during the same peak period in 2022,” Lam says. “In 2035, 12.5 million light-duty electric vehicles and about 400,000 medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles will account for about 10% of total system electric load during traditional peak hours.”

However, Brouwer says California is not sufficiently investing in or building electric transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Some parts of the electric vehicle market have gotten to the point where there is no longer a need for financial incentives, he says.

There are efforts to make sure building codes and real estate trends ensure electric vehicle users can charge their cars, Swanton says.

“Having a place to charge your car is critical,” he says.

Making sure businesses have places where people can charge their cars in multi-dwelling units is important, for instance.

“There’s a lot of moving parts to it,” Swanton says.

The year 2035 can be either a short amount of time to hit the state’s goal or a long time to work toward ensuring the mandate happens, depending on one’s perspective, he says. Infrastructure is in place for the transition to successfully occur, Swanton says.

“It’s very rapid how much infrastructure is being put in place,” he says.

Under the 2022-2023 Investment Plan Update, CEC staff estimates 90,000 new EV chargers will be available across the state, Lam says.

That number is more than double the 80,000 chargers in operation today.

By Collin Breaux

IF YOU ASK JACK BROUWER, he supports California’s goal for all new cars and light trucks sold in 2035 to be zero-emission vehicles.

However, he does say the plan is “quite aggressive” and difficult to implement by then, because of several factors—including people rebelling against the state mandate, and electric and hybrid vehicles not being within a price range consumers can afford.

There are also more systemic reasons.

“I am concerned that we are not making sufficient investments in our utility grid network and related infrastructure to meet the demands of a large increase in electric vehicle use,” says Brouwer, an assistant professor at the University of California, Irvine, whose research focus is on energy systems—including alternative power.

“I agree that the power outages that we have recently experienced and the more frequent wildfires, some caused by the electric utility grid network and most resulting in grid outages, together with the increased use of public safety power shutoff events caused by grid stress, all point to the fact that investments and policies thus far are insufficient,” Brouwer says.

California energy officials are encouraging more use of zero-emission vehicles to reduce carbon emissions. The 2035

mandate comes from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which issued the rule because of a wish for “cleaner air and massive reductions in climate-warming pollution,” according to a news release.

When asked if the decree is too ambitious, John Swanton—an air pollution specialist with CARB’s vehicles and incentives team—says there may be some people who think it’s not ambitious enough.

“As long as we keep on the pace of installing infrastructure, we’re good,” Swanton says. “It’s going to require careful management for the next 10 years.”

Ambitious goals are being set, because conditions will continue to remain status quo if there isn’t a push to move the market forward, Swanton says.

“California is looking at addressing a need with the climate crisis and what’s good for our economy,” he says. “It’s also looking at benefits to the consumer. (Electric vehicles) are more economical to operate.”

As for examples of what’s being done to facilitate the transition, Swanton points to a fact sheet released by the California Energy Commission (CEC), one of the agencies CARB coordinates with for the state’s energy landscape readiness.

The CEC says a multibillion-dollar Strategic Electricity Reliability Reserve was created in 2022 to “act as an insurance for all utilities and balancing areas in the state” and “deliv-

“We are also not sufficiently investing to enable the gas system to support renewable power generation and transmission and distribution,” Brouwer says. “We must decarbonize both our electric and gas infrastructure if we are to achieve a resilient renewable energy future that can indeed support 100% electric vehicles.”

Despite those remarks, Brouwer says the state’s plans are “laudable and consistent,” and he praised CARB as an agency.

“CARB is one of the most objective science-based policymakers in the state,” Brouwer says.

Brouwer says he cares about addressing climate change and improving air quality— the latter of which can affect people’s health.

Fossil fuels won’t be around forever, he says.

“It’s not sustainable, from my perspective,” Brouwer says. “It’s a good idea to transition from fossil fuels to electric vehicles.”

Brouwer supports the ambition to increase the use of zero-emission vehicles.

“Even if we get to only 80%, that’s good for the environment,” he says.

Swanton says the push to decrease vehicle carbon emissions has been in the works since the 1990s, maybe even before then.

“It’s an evolution, over the years, of getting more stringent,” Swanton says.

The 2035 goal and steps toward getting there are not “too revolutionary” except for the increased percentages, he says.

Incentives for more zero-emission vehicle use have been in California since the early 2000s, though those are “slowly getting smaller and smaller,” Swanton says.

“Combined with funding from utilities and other programs, these investments are expected to ensure the state achieves its goal to deploy 250,000 chargers by 2025,” Lam says.

Additionally, the state is working to advance vehicle-to-grid integration technology that will be able to send power back to the grid during peak demand periods, Lam says. That is expected to offset the need for new power plants and provide backup power to homes and buildings during outages.

“By 2030, the state’s EV fleet could be sending more power back to the grid than needed for charging,” Lam says.

Rep. Mike Levin—who represents California’s 49th Congressional District of South Orange County and portions of San Diego County—says “America can lead the way in automotive innovation” by embracing zero-emission vehicles, which will, in turn, create “good-paying jobs while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”

“I am proud of Congress’ accomplishments over the last two years to facilitate the transition to clean vehicles, including by providing new and used electric vehicle incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act, making historic investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and supercharging our domestic chip manufacturing capabilities through the CHIPS and Science Act,” says Levin, who has experience as an environmental attorney.

There will always be people who look back on fading technologies like gas-powered vehicles with nostalgia, Swanton says.

“Ultimately, in the long term, this is the way transportation is going,” Swanton says.

A charging station for electric vehicles is seen here in San Clemente. California energy officials are encouraging more use of EVs by 2035 to reduce carbon emissions.

Photo: Collin Breaux

GO GREEN, EARN GREEN

Taking energy-e cient actions at home can earn you savings on your bills, as well as rebates

By Zach Cavanagh

AS

COSTS INCREASE everywhere

and the temperatures rise heading into the summer, people are looking for ways to keep cool at home while not breaking the bank to do so. There are plenty of tips on how to keep your home more energy-efficient, and even a few ways to make a few bucks by doing so.

First, how can you make your home more efficient? ENERGY STAR, a ubiquitous label on home appliances and a partner with the Environmental Protection Agency, has created a list of six high-impact, energy-efficient home improvements to make for a cost-effective, cleaner home energy footprint.

As we come out of a wet and cold winter and move toward our sun-soaked summers, residents of South Orange County are dealing with the after-effects of keeping warm and looking forward to staying cool.

So, the first place to look is clean heating and cooling. Look to replace oil and

gas heaters with an electric heat pump, which can also cool air, despite its name.

Behind your air systems, the water heater uses the second-highest amount of energy in the home. Again, the ENERGY STAR suggestion is to go electric. A move to efficient heat pump technology could save more than $300 per year.

In a world that’s embracing technology, one of the most helpful gadgets is a smart thermostat. Easily purchased and easily installed, smart thermostats can learn your habits to efficiently deploy your heating and cooling for when you’re home and when you’re not.

There are a lot of suggestions about heating and cooling your home, but with all that work being done to do so, you shouldn’t make those systems work harder to keep up that balance.

ENERGY STAR’s next two suggestions are a well-insulated and sealed attic and high-performing windows. Save up to 10% on annual energy bills by not letting that air escape through the attic, and you

could save another 12% by changing out your windows for those with low emissivity to reduce heating and reduce UV damage to floors and furniture.

ENERGY STAR’s last suggestion is getting ready for the oncoming electric revolution. As states such as California turn toward electric cars and stoves and away from fossil fuels, it’s prudent to invest in your home’s wiring and electrical panel to make sure it can handle any changes you make on those fronts.

In California, making some of these changes could make you eligible for Golden State Rebates.

For example, if you install an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat, you could earn a rebate up to $75, and if you switch to a heat pump water heater, you could earn a rebate of $500.

For a list of qualified products, go to goldenstaterebates.clearesult.com, or search through your energy provider.

Earn green by going green and making your home more energy-efficient.

SOLAR LAWS UPDATE

Boden Energy Solutions Explains Changes to Net Metering Program

By Breeana Greenberg

BECAUSE CALIFORNIA S NEW Net Metering Program

takes effect on April 14, homeowners producing solar energy may see a dramatic decrease in the value of the credits they receive for exporting energy to the electric grid.

The new program, Net Energy Metering 2, changes the credit value for solar energy sent back to electric grids to incentivize storing excess energy with home batteries, according to Tyler Boden, founder of Boden Energy Solutions and a solar energy consultant.

Net Energy Metering 1, created in 1996, gave homeowners full retail value credits per kilowatt hour of solar energy produced and sent back to the utility grid. Under Net Energy Metering 2, which was created in 2016, customers receive full retail credit minus fees for solar energy sent back to the grid.

“Net Metering 3 is changing the dynamic, so that the export credit value is far less than retail value in most cases,” Boden says.

Using an “avoided cost calculator,” each utility company will set the credit value of exported energy, fluctuating throughout the year.

With San Diego Gas & Electric, for example, solar energy compensation can drop as low as $0.001 per kilowatt hour sent to the utility grid in April or as high as $2.795 in September.

“The credit value is much less than retail; on average, it’s about a 75% reduction in the value of exported energy statewide,” Boden says.

“The bottom line is the utilities want to incentivize people not to send them energy, and so this new net metering, or what’s considered net billing structure, will do that by giving people a much lower credit value for exporting energy to the grid,” Boden adds.

Instead, Boden explains, homeowners will be incentivized to store their solar energy with a home battery in order to offset their energy consumption during the peak time of use billing, generally between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

“In general, that will help to save people more money than if they were sending energy back to the grid,” Boden says. “So, that’s really where batteries will be valuable, and that’s exactly what the (California Public Utilities Commission) and the utilities are trying to incentivize people to do, is to add storage along with solar so that they’re sending less energy back to the grid.”

Energy companies want to incentivize homeowners to send less energy to the grid, because the companies incur costs while selling excess energy and supplying energy after sundown.

“During the day, when so much solar is being generated and sent onto the grid, they sometimes have to sell that to neighboring states at a discount, and I think even sometimes negative value,” Boden says. “In the evening, when the sun comes down, they have to generate all the energy to supply the demand during the ramp up when the sun is coming down and people are using more energy.”

Homeowners who submitted a complete application by 11:59 p.m. on April 14 were considered grandfathered into NEM 2 for 20 years from the date that they received permission to operate their solar systems. Those grandfathered in will continue to receive full retail credit minus fees for energy sent to the grid.

The program will not impact municipal utilities, only large electric investor-owned utilities such as Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric.

Since the return on investment for energy credits will be much lower for those who are not grandfathered into the previous net metering, Boden says that some homeowners may decide to add solar storage, such as a home battery or add a solar system that does not fully offset their electric usage.

What to Keep in Mind When Determining if a Home Battery Is Right for You

When homeowners are evaluating whether or not adding solar energy storage or a home battery is right for them, Tyler Boden—founder of Boden Energy Solutions and a solar energy consultant— explains that there are many factors that help curb the cost of installation.

“When someone is adding a battery, whether it’s along with a solar installation or without, because of the Inflation Reduction Act passed into law last year, they would get a 30% tax credit on the cost of that battery, before incentives,” Boden says.

There are also state rebates from the self-generation incentive program giving homeowners $250 per kilowatt hour of energy capacity for batteries that they add.

“So, in general, that’s somewhere in the ballpark of $2,500 for somebody who adds a single battery,” Boden says. “So, that’s another incentive that will help.”

From a savings standpoint, Boden explains that it’s easy for homeowners to determine their return on investment based on the capacity of the battery, energy use and cost of energy during that time.

Boden adds that the return on investment will vary by utility company and rate schedules, so it would take a deeper analysis of energy use to come up with an exact return on investment on the cost of the battery.

However, homeowners can get a general idea of their return on investment by using the following calculation:

“So, based on the energy capacity of the battery for a single cycle, you can factor that against the cost of energy during that time and, generally, the battery would discharge between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.,” Boden says.

“Multiply the depth of discharge of the battery by the cost per kilowatt hour from the utility per day, assuming that the battery would cycle once per day charging from solar and then exporting,” he adds.

As California adopts a new Net Metering Program, homeowners with solar panels may see a dramatic decrease in the value of the credits they receive for exporting energy to the electric grid.

Photo: Courtesy of Enlightened Solar

(COST OF THE BATTERY) - (COST PER KILOWATT HOUR FOR UTILITY USE PER DAY) X (DEPTH OF DISCHARGE OF THE BATTERY) = RETURN ON INVESTMENT

CALCULATING ROI

Winter Rainstorms Largely Lift California out of Drought

By Shawn Raymundo

CALIFORNIA GOT DUNKED ON this winter. That’s, of course, thanks to the dozens of atmospheric rivers that brought a deluge of rains up and down the Golden State.

While this year’s winter storms wreaked havoc for Californians, creating hazardous road conditions with flooded streets and damaging property from landslides, there is a silver lining for the state, which had been battling harsh drought conditions.

Putting the downpour into numbers, more than 78 trillion gallons of water fell on the state between Oct. 1 and the week of March 20, according to a USA Today analysis using data from the National Weather Service.

Assuming all things being equal across California, that amounts to about 30 inches of water covering the state. For further perspective, the national news outlet noted that the 78 trillion gallons of water is enough to fill the Rose Bowl more than 900,000 times.

So, what does all this water mean for California as we pivot to the spring and summer?

For starters, it’s great for the health of California’s ecosystem, as evidenced by the lush greenery and vegetation, explains Angela Jean Rigden, assistant professor of Earth System Science at UC Irvine.

“We see lots of plant growth. Just generally, it’s likely to delay the onset of the fire season,” she says.

She warned, though, that while the fire season may be delayed, all the vegetation and plant material that’s growing is what’s likely to fuel fires in the future.

It’s “kind of counterintuitive,” Rigden says. “We see all this wet vegetation, but when that dries out, we’ll see all this fuel for fires; so, it could lead to more severe fires in the future once it all dries out.”

As for drought conditions, California has seen a stark improvement following the storms.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of March 28, 44.7% of California was under abnormally dry conditions—down from the 83.3% just a month prior. Moderate drought conditions found in 49.1% of California as of Feb. 28 dropped to just 28.1% a month later.

“Orange County is out of it. … In Southern California, the

coastal regions are out of the drought,” Rigden notes, citing the Drought Monitor. She adds that “it’s great the rains have definitely alleviated the drought conditions and most of Southern California isn’t in a drought anymore.”

Asked for her prediction on how long this non-drought period would last, Rigden forecasts that California could face another period of drought next year.

“While it’s really wet now, that doesn’t mean it’s going to stay wet for a long time,” she says. “I think it’s important to understand that when thinking about drought, too, we think about what’s on the surface, near surface, soil moisture … but the definition of drought is drier than normal conditions.”

“So, if we consider ground water conditions, we still— ground water systems are still in ‘drought,’ ” she continues. “It’s because it takes a lot of time for the ground water system to replenish.”

The spate of rainstorms has also alleviated water shortage conditions, prompting the governing board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—the area’s water wholesaler—to lift emergency restrictions on water use for nearly seven million Californians.

Last June, the Metropolitan Water District, which sources water from the Colorado River, via the Colorado River Aqueduct, and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers in Northern California, imposed emergency drought restrictions on select communities in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, setting limits on outdoor watering use to one or two days a week and imposing water budgets on residents.

While the rainstorms allowed the Metropolitan Water District to roll back those restrictions last month, the agency stressed that “storage reserves have been drawn down and significant challenges remain to the region’s other sources of imported water—the Colorado River.”

Dave Rebensdorf, the utilities director for the City of San Clemente, echoed that sentiment.

“That’s the biggest challenge. … The Colorado River is at historic low levels, so we need to see a major rebound on those areas before the Metropolitan Water District is comfortable,” Rebensdorf says, adding: “We’re in a good position for the year or two, but we still have to keep watch of what’s happening at the Colorado River basin.”

In accordance with regional and statewide efforts to curb outdoor water use, the San Clemente City Council last June approved water conservation measures, voting to declare a Water Shortage Level 2 Water Alert.

Under the alert, San Clemente’s water customers saw rate surcharges on both their fixed and variable water rates, and they were instructed to shorten irrigation periods, limiting the times they could water their yards.

Rebensdorf said late last month that the city’s utilities department had been working with the Municipal Water District of Orange County and Metropolitan Water District about rolling back the local restrictions.

“But we want to see what the plan is for San Clemente, and likely we’ll make a recommendation (to the City Council) to go back to either a standard or a Level 1; and (Level) 1 does not have demand management rates.”

Asked what San Clemente residents and everyone else in South Orange County should know about the area’s water resources following the string of heavy rainstorms, Rebensdorf forecasted that the new drought is potentially a few years away.

“So, whatever our customers can conserve today, we can use tomorrow,” he says. “I want to thank our customers for reducing their water use, not only in this drought but previous droughts.”

The San Mateo Creek, which empties into Trestles in San Clemente, flows more heavily in comparison to previous years following an early winter rainstorm this past January.

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

WEDNESDAY | 19

LANTERN VILLAGE ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER

5-7 p.m. Have fun while raising scholarship funds and join the Lantern Village Association for its third annual scholarship fundraiser and happy hour mixer at Brio Tuscany Grille. The event is free to members and $20 per person for non-members. Tickets include one glass of wine or beer and free non-alcoholic drinks and heavy appetizers. RSVP at danapointlanternvillage.org.

Brio Tuscany Grille, 24050 Caminio del Avion, Dana Point. contact@danapointlanternvillage.org.

‘Air’ Impressively Takes Flight

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

What Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire (1996) does for football and Bennett Miller’s Moneyball (2011) does for baseball, Ben Affleck’s latest directorial effort, Air, does for basketball.

Like Jerry Maguire, it’s about a guy once successful in the athletics industry trying to convince an athlete with a lot of potential to sign with him before the former is out of a gig. And like Moneyball, Affleck’s new movie is about the ins and outs of how the sports community works beyond the games.

As someone who has never cared about sports, it takes a lot for me to enjoy and recommend a movie in this genre. But if the storytelling and execution are done well, like Jerry Maguire and Moneyball were, then a movie about athletes can occasionally grab my attention. Fortunately for Affleck and team, Air is now one of those pictures.

Set in 1984 Oregon, Air begins by showing us that the sneaker world is on its last thread. Adidas, Converse and Nike are all below 50% in revenue, with Nike dead-last at 17%. The

Free Shred Event

shoe corporations are desperately trying to grab the attention of up-and-coming basketball stars, and none of them are sticking.

Nike guru Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) is losing his mojo and can’t seem to come up with a strategy to recruit Nike’s next spokesperson. Until, suddenly, he has an epiphany. Michael Jordan is predicted to be the future of basketball, and Sonny thinks if this is true, and Nike puts all its priorities on Jordan, then the future of their sneakers is saved.

Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker and Affleck himself co-star as Sonny’s Nike co-workers; Chris Messina plays Jordan’s agent; and Viola

Davis is Jordan’s mother.

Right away, Air presents us with a stellar montage of 1980s pop culture set to Dire Straits’ classic “Money for Nothing.” It perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the dialogue-heavy historical dramedy.

The stakes are low, and the plot is simple. We know Nike and MJ are going to take over basketball. Even so, the cast and Affleck’s direction are entertaining enough for a Friday or Saturday night at the theater.

Air is the most recent, best example of an adult-oriented film being fun and enjoyable with just good chemistry from everyone involved. DP

LIMIT: Maximum of 5 banker boxes per person.

Pacific Coast Highway at Crown Valley Parkway

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Studios

PUBLIC NOTICES

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 •

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE T.S. No. 22-30334-BA-CA Title No. 220246701-CA-VOI

A.P.N. 673-491-21 ATTENTION RECORDER: THE FOLLOWING REFERENCE TO AN ATTACHED SUMMARY IS APPLICABLE TO THE NOTICE PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR ONLY PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE 2923.3 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 06/14/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, (cashier’s check(s) must be made payable to National Default Servicing Corporation), drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state; 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 in an “as is” condition, 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. Trustor: Marjan Gilani, and Hosein Gilani, wife and husband, as joint tenants Duly Appointed Trustee: National Default Servicing Corporation Recorded 06/29/2005 as Instrument No. 2005000500748 (or Book, Page) of the Official Records of Orange County, California. Date of Sale: 05/02/2023 at 12:00 PM Place of Sale: At the North front entrance to the County Courthouse, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $562,290.34 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 25091 Danapepper, Dana Point, CA 92629 A.P.N.: 673-491-21 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, 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 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. The requirements of California Civil Code Section 2923.5(b)/2923.55(c) were fulfilled when the Notice of Default was recorded. 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 on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership 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 outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance 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. 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 information 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 or visit this internet website www.ndscorp.com/sales, using the file number assigned to this case 22-30334-BA-CA. 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 postponement 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 a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” you may be able to 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 888-264-4010, or visit this internet website www.ndscorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 22-30334-BACA 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 a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

*Pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code, the potential rights described herein shall apply only to public auctions taking place on or after January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2025, unless later extended.

Date: 03/23/2023 National Default Servicing Corporation c/o Tiffany and Bosco, P.A., its agent, 1455 Frazee Road, Suite 820 San Diego, CA 92108 Toll Free Phone: 888-264-4010 Sales Line ; Sales Website: www.ndscorp.com Deandre Garland, Trustee Sales Representative A-4778603 04/07/2023, 04/14/2023, 04/21/2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 30-2023-01310639

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner

VICTOR LORENZO LEWIS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

VICTOR LORENZO LEWIS

Proposed Name MGM

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested

in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing

Date: 05/03/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100.

Room: Remote Appearance. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court’s website. To find your court’s website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/ find-my-court.htm.)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point Times

Date: 03/07/2023

JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court

Published: Dana Point Times March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236657730

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BLUSENSE

34605 VIA CATALINA

CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624

Full Name of Registrant(s):

CLEANBLU INC.

34605 VIA CATALINA

CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624

This business is conducted by a WY Corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a CLEANBLU INC/s/GINA LENGER, GINA

LENGER CHIEF FIANCIAL OFFICER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/07/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times Mar 24, 31, Apr 7, 14, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236658746

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PICNIC GRAZING CO.

117 FLEURANCE STREET

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677

Full Name of Registrant(s):

PICNIC ARTISANAL GRAZING, LLC

117 FLEURANCE STREET

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677

This business is conducted by a CA Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 07/15/2020

PICNIC ARTISANAL GRAZING, LLC/s/LORYN

E PURVIS, LORYN PURVIS, PRESIDENT

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/20/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 21, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

MICHAEL LESTER GROSS

Case Number: 30-2023-01312867-PR-LA-CJC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of MICHAEL LESTER GROSS

A Petition for Probate has been filed by ILWU-PMA WELFARE PLAN in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

Date: April 27, 2023 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: C8

Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (1) The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

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

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Jennifer N. Sawday, Esq & Megan A. Moghtaderi, Esq, Tredway, Lumsdaine & Doyle LLP, 3900 Kilroy Airport Way, Ste 240, Long Beach, CA 90806

PH: (562) 923-0971

Published in: Dana Point Times, Mar 31, Apr 7, 14, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 30-2023-01314185

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner

KATHERINE BODE BORING filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

KATHERINE BODE BORING

Proposed Name

KATHERINE HOPE BODE

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing

Date: 05/18/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Remote Hearing. (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court’s website. To find your court’s website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point Times

Date: 03/23/2023

JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court

Published: Dana Point Times April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 30-2023-01314884

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner JEREMY PALMER filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

JEREMY BRYAN PALMER

Proposed Name

TRISTAN DONALD CAMPBELL

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing

Date: 05/23/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100 The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Remote Hearing. (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court’s website. To find your court’s website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition

in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point Times

Date: 03/27/2023

JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court

Published: Dana Point Times April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236659175

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PHIELLA BEER

202 EAST STEVENS AVENUE

SANTA ANA, CA 92707

Full Name of Registrant(s):

SOPHIA OLLIE HANNA

24311 LAS NARANJAS

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677

This business is conducted by an Individual.

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

/s/Sophia Hanna

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/23/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236659083

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: GLOBAL SOURCE TECHNOLOGY

13 DION

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677

1A. Previous No. 20186517288

Full Name of Registrant(s):

GLOBAL SOURCE TECHNOLOGY, INC.

13 DION LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677

This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 09/01/1997

/s/Global Source Technology, Inc./Mark C. Pfutzenreuter, Chief Executive Officer

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/23/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times, April 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236659790

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BRIGHTLINE SHOPS

135 AVENIDA DEL REPOSO #B

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672

Full Name of Registrant(s):

S CORP/BRIGHTKIND HOLDINGS LLC

135 AVENIDA DEL REPOSO #B

SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672

This business is conducted by a CA Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 03/29/2023

S CORP/BRIGHTKIND HOLDINGS LLC/s/LORENA MCCORMACK, LORENA MCCORMACK, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/30/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times Apr 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 30-2023-01316149

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner

RANDI SHEA BROOKS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

RANDI SHEA BROOKS

Proposed Name

RANDI SHEA BENNER

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause

why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing

GARAGE SALES

YARD SALE - APRIL 15 & 16

April 15 & 16 only! 9am-4pm only!

34875 Calle del sol, Dana Point, CA, 92624. Furniture, art, rugs, misc….. High quality items! Cash only, no checks!

DOG SUPPLIES DRIVE AND CHARITY

YARD SALE - 100% OF PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT SHADOW HUSKY RESCUE

April 22nd from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm

@ 131 Avenida Princesa, San Clemente, CA 92672. The founder of the Dog Rescue will be onsite to share info on becoming a foster or adopting a new best friend! There will be a lemonade stand, and Husky decorated cupcakes. Needed items for donations includes: Dog Beds, Blankets, Sheets, Leashes, Collars, Harnesses, dog toys and pee pads. Yard Sale will include: Clothes, Shoes, Accessories, Toys, Home Goods, Car Supplies, Tools & more. So many of these beautiful snow dogs are overwhelming local shelters, because owners realize they are high energy and

Date: 05/30/2023

Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Remote Hearing. (To appear remotely, check in advance of the hearing for information about how to do so on the court’s website. To find your court’s website, go to www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.)

A copy of this Order to Show Cause must be published at least once each week for four successive weeks before the date set for hearing on the petition in a newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point Times

Date: 04/03/2023

JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court

Published: Dana Point Times April 14, 21, 28, May 5, 2023

need daily exercise. Shadow Husky Rescue pays for all supplies and vet bills while these wonderful dogs are in a foster home, awaiting a new forever home! They could really use our support!! shadowhuskyrescue.com.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER IN DANA POINT HARBOR

Last month, I was pleased to receive an invitation to a musical soiree at the Dana Point Yacht Club, hosted by former Dana Point Mayor Scott Schoeffel and his partner of 19 years, Julie Simer.

The event took place on March 31.

My beloved Greta and I had attended several of Scott and Julie’s annual soirees in the backyard of their Dana Point home. They always had incredible musicians playing.

Scott, an accomplished violinist taught by Jack Benny’s personal violin instructor, has hosted soirees for 26 years. His passion is to assemble talented 5- to 7-piece bands to perform soirees.

Scott and Pat Shoemaker are Staff

Commodores of the Dana Point Yacht Club. Most of the attendees were members of the club.

I felt a bit awkward attending without

FROM

THE ARCHIVES

would be performed and the corresponding name of the performers that made the songs classics in the 1960s-1970s.

From a cursory glance at the brochure, it was apparent that yacht club guests were in for a big treat. A few of the listed songs included:

“Landslide/Gypsy” and “You Make Loving Fun,” Fleetwood Mac

“Old Man,” Neil Young

“Fly Like an Eagle,” Steve Miller Band

One of the dancers was a woman who introduced herself as “Lady Hummingbird.” She, indeed, was buzzing around the dance floor, as active as a hummingbird.

Most of the guests were in their 50s or older, but man, oh, man, can they ever cut the rug.

The lead singer, Rachel Santa Cruz, whose father, Bobby Santa Cruz, played bass, is very talented. She performed songs made popular by Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks and Grace Slick, among others.

BY TOM BLAKE

Greta, but Scott and Julie greeted me warmly, knowing I would be a little out of sorts. They made me feel right at home. Seven musicians were warming up on a stage located in a dining room area at the yacht club.

A spectacular pink sunset appeared over the Dana Point Bluffs that enhanced the atmosphere of the evening. A group of stand-up paddleboarders was on the water.

There were approximately 50 tables for guests. Atop each table were printed brochures that read Kenny Lee Lewis & Frenz, which was the name of the band playing that night, in three sets.

The brochure listed 34 songs that

“Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” and “All My Loving,” The Beatles

“House of the Rising Sun,” The Animals

“Riders on the Storm,” The Doors

“Nights in White Satin,” Moody Blues

“White Rabbit,” Jefferson Airplane.

Scott started the soiree off as he always does with a heart-warming rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on his electric violin. Of course, everyone was standing for that.

The musicians appeared to be in their 50s and 60s, except for the lead singer, who was closer to 40. Kenny Lee Lewis headed the group of performers. He has been performing as a bassist, guitarist, background vocalist, producer and co-writer with the Steve Miller Band for more than 40 years.

I’m an oldies fan. I loved the night. I even got up and danced with a group, something I hadn’t done in a few years.

Dr. Grant

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

This 1970s promotional photo from Cabot, Cabot & Forbes Development shows Young’s Beach Camp, Strands and Headlands in the distance. This photo is available for viewing and purchase at danapointhistorical.org.

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

The band played for three hours, with three short breaks. I couldn’t imagine how their fingers and vocal cords must have felt, having played so intensely for so long. This was the most enjoyable concert I’ve ever attended, and it was right on the island in Dana Point.

Scott is also the founder and president of the Dana Point Symphony Orchestra. How fortunate we are that the arts are being promoted in South Orange County by Scott and others. DP

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.

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.

This handsome guy is Dr. Grant, a 5-year-old charmer who is ready to steal your heart. An outgoing and curious cat, Dr. Grant just loves to run and play. When he’s not chasing after toys, he enjoys relaxing in the sun and being scratched under the chin. If you’re looking for an allaround great cat, Dr. Grant has a wonderful personality and is sure to win you over.

If you are interested in adopting Dr. Grant, please visit petprojectfoundation. org to download an adoption application form, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP

Photo: Courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society

RISING TIDES

Dana Hills boys volleyball overcomes two winless seasons, clinches return to CIF-SS playoffs

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

For a program that entered the 2023 season on a 25-match losing streak after two winless campaigns following the pandemic-shortened season, Tuesday night, April 11, was all the sweeter for the Dana Hills boys volleyball program.

The Dolphins swept visiting El Toro, 28-26, 25-21, 25-17, to clinch the program’s first CIF-SS playoff berth since 2019 in a Sea View League game at Dana Hills High School.

“It means the world to this entire team, the entire program,” Dana Hills senior captain Jack Andrew said. “As many people know, it’s been a rough couple of years, but it really shows how much a great, fantastic new coach and a lot of hard work and dedication, how it all pays off. So grateful for this opportunity to be back.”

Dana Hills (15-11, 5-2) has won 11 of its past 12 matches after losing eight of its first 10 matches, including extending that two-year-plus losing streak to 28 games. That losing monkey is well off the Dolphins’ backs with a new coach and a new energy that has led Dana Hills back to the postseason.

“I don’t think anyone had told these kids, ‘Hey, you can be pretty good,’ “ first-year Dana Hills coach Spencer Andrews said. “I don’t know what it was like the last couple years, but they just didn’t think they could be good volleyball players. I came in here and watched a couple practices and was like, ‘Dude, you guys are good. Why don’t you go win games?’”

It was a long road back to the CIF-SS playoffs for the Dana Hills boys volleyball team.

The Dolphins likely would’ve qualified in the 2020 season, but the COVID-19 pandemic shut down and canceled the rest of the season, after Dana Hills had opened the campaign with a 12-4 record. That was the first bit of pain for this Dolphin program.

In 2021, Dana Hills did not win a single set in a winless 0-11 season. The losing streak extended to 25 consecutive games through another winless season in 2022, with just five set victories in the 0-14 season.

That’s when Andrews entered the picture.

Andrews, a Virginia Beach native with professional experience in England, Denmark and Germany, was coaching locally with T-Street girls volleyball and then Orange County Volleyball Club and the El Toro girls volleyball team when he got connected in to be the head coach of the Dana Hills boys volleyball team.

His early conversations with this senior-heavy Dolphins group showed, despite the mounting losses, they had the fight and desire to change this program’s fortunes.

“They were hungry,” Andrews said. “We struggled to get gym time with just the one gym, and so, we did all these classroom meetings. It was all seniors, so I asked, ‘What do you guys want out of this? How can I facilitate this experience?’ They were like, ‘Dude, we want to get after it.’ ”

Andrews said the players wanted to do 6 a.m. practices, plus afternoon practices, lifting sessions and beach volleyball sessions. Andrews also said the players wanted to truly rebuild this program back to the ultra-competitive days of the Oz Simmons Dana Hills teams.

“Almost everything they talked about was next year,” Andrews said. “We want to rebuild the program. We want to get a frosh-soph team. It’s 13 seniors on the varsity team. They could very much be selfish, have a good fun year, leave and be done with it, and that wasn’t it at all. They want to build something here. For 18-year-old kids, that’s pretty impressive.”

While Dana Hills put in its sweat equity and homed in on a renewed focus, the Dolphins still struggled to get results early.

Dana Hills won just one set in its first three matches before finally snapping the losing streak with back-toback tournament wins on Feb. 24. The Dolphins then lost their next five matches heading into Sea View League play.

Dana Hills opened league with its first of three sweeps of El Toro this season on March 14 and got up to a winning record in league with the second sweep of El Toro on March 23. The league results showed a clear upward trend for Dana Hills, but it was after this point during a trip to the Malibu Tournament that the Dolphins found their stride.

“We’re getting inconsistent results and playing good teams. We go to Malibu, where we finally play Division 4 teams. It was like playing JV,” Andrews said. “The ball moves slower. I think we got so much confidence.”

Dana Hill won the Malibu Tournament with a 7-0 record and an overall nine-match winning streak. Mission

Viejo would get the edge on the league title race with a five-set victory on March 28, but Dana Hills rebounded with wins over Capistrano Valley on March 30 and El Toro on Tuesday to finally send the Dolphins back to the postseason.

Dana Hills swept El Toro again on Tuesday, but the Dolphins were pushed. El Toro clawed back to force extra points in the first set, overcame a five-point deficit to tie at 20 and 21 points in the second set, and led, 8-5, in the third set. However, the Dolphins met every challenge to topple the Chargers.

“Every time we got in the huddle, coach was saying, ‘Find your rhythm. Find your rhythm,’ ” Jack Andrew said. “End of the day, volleyball is a game of momentum. Yeah, we did let up a little bit. Coach says we bleed out a little bit sometimes. It’s all about finding our rhythm, and we did that.”

Beyond finding their rhythm, the Dolphins have found the fun in the game. Under Andrews, Dana Hills has played with energy, and the seniors have formed a visible camaraderie. Every point earns a celebration on the court, including every block sending the bench players to the ground like bowling pins.

“It has to be fun. It’s high school volleyball,” Andrews said. “The thing I’m most stoked about is we’ve got four kids here, probably five or six, who are going to play college volleyball. They weren’t even thinking about it before this year. It reignited some passion for the game.”

Dana Hills volleyball has been reinvigorated, and the Dolphins will take that energy into the CIF-SS playoffs.

After playing at Mission Viejo on Thursday, April 13, Dana Hills closes out the regular season on Wednesday, April 19. DP

Dana Hills boys volleyball and Jeremiah Gillis (center) snapped a 28-match, two-year-plus losing streak earlier this season and will be back in the CIF-SS playoffs for the first time since 2019. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Let’s Go Green

Surfing continues to lead charge in environmental consciousness and action

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

As we hurtle toward Earth Day on April 22, we surfers have a lot to be proud of—and a lot of work to do.

An environmentally conscious group, largely out of sheer necessity, surfers are on the front lines of some of today’s most serious ecological dilemmas, and they’re not just standing idly by. Heck, Trestles would have a toll road running through it if we didn’t occasionally rise up and make some noise.

In a world that seems to constantly bombard us with end-of-day bad news, this week we’re taking a hot minute to celebrate the progress we’ve made and the important wins we’ve put on the board when it comes to surfing and the environment.

It was just a couple weeks ago that we reported on the Surfrider Foundation’s successful trip to Washington, D.C., where they met with lawmakers to discuss everything from clean beaches to climate change. With more than 100 Surfrider representatives from around the country in attendance, their collective voice comes through large and powerful.

Along with Surfrider, organizations such as Save Our Waves, Parley, Wildcoast and Sea Trees are also fighting the good fight. As we speak, Save Our Waves is looking to select the next World Surfing Reserve.

Why couldn’t the Trestles and San Onofre area qualify? After all, the San Mateo Creek remains a vital natural watershed, while the myriad of surf breaks in the area are enjoyed by thousands of surfers from around the world every year.

Meanwhile, Parley is taking on plastic pollution and Wildcoast continues to harness the power of community to conserve coastal and marine ecosystems and wildlife, most notably in Baja California.

Then there’s Sea Tree, which is combating climate change and coastal erosion by planting mangrove trees, kelp, coral and more. There are too many other effective surf-inspired environmental groups to keep listing here, but if you’re looking to get involved, there’s no shortage of good people doing good things out there.

It’s not just the NGOs that are initiating change; the surf industry has

BRYNLEY BECKMAN GROM OF THE WEEK

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

Look out, surf world, here comes Brynley Beckman. A stylish goofy-footer hailing from San Clemente, this 13-year-old has been doing some serious work on the competitive scene this season.

Enjoying tons of success among the NSSA ranks, Beckman is currently sitting in third in the Southwest Open Super Girls rankings, fourth in the Open Girls and second in the Explorer Girls. It’s hard enough to focus on one division, but to be so successful in three

embraced the challenge.

Today, surf trunks are made from recycled plastic bottles, traction pads are made out of algae, surfboards are certified eco-friendly; heck, there’s even a revolution taking place on how all of this stuff is packaged and brought to market.

Almost every big-name surf brand these days has woven sustainability into their business models. San Clemente-based Rip Curl was recently certified as a B Corporation, meaning it will be accountable for environmental and social milestones when it comes to the growth of its business.

Patagonia has long been at the forefront of the environmental fight. Time and again, it eagerly puts its money where its mouth is.

The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA) has a very active environmental fund. Every year, the Waterman’s Ball raises large sums of money for environmental causes and honors an Environmentalist of the Year—last year, it was Anne Earhart, founder of the Marisla Foundation.

different divisions speaks to her drive, tenacity, and work ethic.

Thriving in conditions big or small, Beckman isn’t afraid to pull into the barrel when the opportunity presents itself.

Last January, she made her first trip to Oahu’s famed North Shore, where she settled right into the heavier Hawaiian conditions. With a refined, powerful rail game, when it comes to turns, Beckman’s backhand is especially dangerous.(Maybe it’s all those lefts at Lowers?)

Supported by the good people at Sistr Revolution, Beckman is more than just a competitive machine, as she has also been known to tandem surf at events and is certainly not afraid to drop into massive skate ramps. DP

With summer not too far away, we can’t wait to see what Beckman gets up to next.

If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

Along the same lines, World Surf League PURE leans in on ocean issues via the power of pro surfing. Both SIMA and WSL PURE raise awareness for issues ranging from coral bleaching to wetland restoration, saving sand dunes and more. Perhaps the best thing about being a surfer and caring about the beach and ocean, we can all do our part. Everyone can pick up a few pieces of trash when they get out of the water. Just that small, simple act can have a ripple effect. We can all be the change we seek through being a little more aware and tweaking a few of our regular habits. This Earth Day, make it a point to be the change. DP

Jake Howard is a local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for 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.

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 54-56 Degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-10’

Outlook: Both S and NW swell drop to smaller leftovers by Friday, in the knee-waist high range (2-3’) on Friday. Conditions do improve with lighter SE/ESE wind for the morning, trending onshore out of the SW in the afternoon. A small pulse of S swell arrives for the weekend, helping keep surf in the knee-waist high range (2-3’) while select focal points likely top out around the stomach-high mark (3’+). Clean morning conditions all weekend with bumpy afternoons as moderate westerly onshore flow picks up.Primarily onshore winds over the weekend, light in the morning, then light+ to moderate for the afternoons.

A little hard work goes a long way when it comes to protecting the surf spots we know and love for future generations to enjoy. Photo: Courtesy of Surfrider Foundation

Brynley Beckman. Photo: Courtesy of the Beckman Family

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