April 23, 2021

APRIL 23-29, 2021 | VOLUME 14, ISSUE 17

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

INSIDE: Special Section

U S E

Affording a Roof over Your Head Cities Tasked with Identifying Affordable Housing Opportunities E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3

Work is underway to develop DP’s Housing Element update, focusing on public outreach, identifying housing sites and updating the programs to meet current housing laws. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Former DHHS Student Held on $1 Million Bail

Shipwreck Park to Get Nautical Facelift

Study Uncovers Pandemic’s Effects on Beaches

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SURF/PAGE 26

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Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

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What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Affording a Roof over Your Head: Cities Tasked with Identifying Affordable Housing Opportunities

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

Work is now underway in identifying sites for affordable housing in Dana Point and neighboring cities.

In order to develop and update the City of Dana Point’s “Housing Element” update for its city plan, staff and contractors are focusing on public outreach, as well as exploring housing sites, to meet the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). It’s all in an effort to update programs to meet current housing laws.

“This is an eight-year cycle. Unlike the General Plan, where you can update it however long you want, every eight years, jurisdictions have to update them.

It’s the only element that has to be certified by the state,” said Colin Drukker, a principal with PlaceWorks.

In May 2020, Dana Point City Council approved an agreement with PlaceWorks to assist in amending the Housing Element for the 2021-29 planning period.

The deadline set for council to adopt the Housing Element is Oct. 15, 2021—it must be adopted within 120 days of this deadline in order to avoid the state mandate of updating the Housing Element every four years.

“Everyone knows Dana Point is an extremely desirable place to live,” Drukker said. “Housing prices are going up faster than wages, and Dana Point’s is going up faster than other places in the region.

This is also true for rental, where almost 60% of renters in Dana Point spend more

Dana Point COVID-19 UPDATES as of April 21

cases

deaths

total

1,502

33

30

3

last 30 days

est. population • 34,000 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

than 30% of their income on rent.”

The average one-bedroom unit costs $2,000 in Dana Point.

“For some, it’s because they really want to live here,” said Drukker. “For others, it’s because they’re struggling.”

Drukker addressed the city’s existing housing needs in his presentation to city council. In 2019, the Point in Time count identified 35 homeless individuals. In 2020, city homeless outreach staff worked with roughly 20 clients and housed 48 individuals.

RHNA allocation is a number of units in four income categories as determined by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). In late 2019, SCAG was assigned with identifying land for 1.34 million additional housing units across the four income categories. The state assigns the total number of units for the region, and SCAG adopts a methodology to determine the number for each city. Orange County was to take on more than 180,000 of those homes. For Dana Point, SCAG allocated 530 units for the four income categories: 147 units for very-low-income households (0-50% median); 84 low-income households (51-80% median); 101 moderate-income households (81-120%); and 198 above-moderate-income households (121% and above median). “(530) is a very small number compared to most jurisdictions,” Drukker said. “In most jurisdictions, people are throwing up their hands and thinking about lawsuits. For Dana Point, I think it’s very fortunate the way the metrics worked out.”

On October 26, 50 jurisdictions within the SCAG region, 20 of which are in Orange County, filed appeals of their allocations. The cities of Garden Grove, Irvine, Newport Beach and Yorba Linda filed appeals contesting the allocation for the City of Santa Ana. RHNA Appeal Hearings have concluded, and only two jurisdictions were successful: Pico Rivera and County of Riverside. Because these cities are outside the county, the city’s RHNA did not change.

“Staff believes the City’s RHNA is attainable based on development potential in Town Center, as well as anticipated

The City of Dana Point is required to identify 530 units for affordable housing to meet the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). Photo: Lillian Boyd

rezoning in Doheny Village and construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs),” stated the staff report. “If the sites are approved and accepted by HCD, there will be no need to rezone additional properties.”

Very low income is defined as less than $52,000 of annual income and low income is defined as $52,000-$82,000. Affordable housing is defined as 30% or less of monthly income (a maximum rent of $1,300 or less for very low income and $2,050 for low income).

For multiple earners in a household, the threshold increases, with very low income being less than $64,000 a year and low income being less than $102,000 a year.

“It’s hard to think of someone who is making $100,000 a year as low-income, but given the cost of living in Southern California, that’s kind of the case,” Drukker said.

Drukker’s presentation identified those who need affordable housing to include teachers, college graduates, retirees, hospital nurses and resort workers.

“There a lot of people who are low-income earners who serve as a vital role in the economy,” Drukker added.

The Kennedy Commission is a community-based nonprofit that works with residents and community organizations to increase the production of homes affordable to lower-income households in Orange County.

In a letter submitted to city council, the Kennedy Commission urges the city to evaluate its policies.

“The City must evaluate its current policies and programs to ensure they facilitate the development of homes affordable to low-income households in the city which they have failed to do thus far,” the letter states. “…Thus far, the City has followed a market-rate approach toward affordable housing and has opted not to implement concrete policies that Page 3

would facilitate its production. It is clear from the City’s inability to meet its current lower-income housing need and the drastic housing over-production at the above-moderate-income level that a market-rate approach does not produce affordable housing.”

The Kennedy Commission called for the city to develop and implement policies and programs that “truly produce affordable housing” such as mixed-income ordinances and inclusionary policies.

The letter asked that the city incentivize the development of affordable housing, as well as prioritize the development of affordable housing on city-owned land.

In order to accommodate future needs for affordable housing, PlaceWorks recommended reviewing existing and proposed projects, vacant or underutilized land and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). ADUs are defined as having a second small dwelling right on the same grounds (or attached to) a regular single-family house, such as an apartment over the garage, a tiny house or “granny flat” in the backyard. ADUs have grown increasingly popular for homeowners looking to generate additional income.

Drukker also highlighted the Town Center Ralphs, Doheny Village, Victoria Boulevard and a surplus site owned by South Coast Water District as potential opportunity sites.

As far as public outreach, PlaceWorks and city staff have previously conducted a study session with the Dana Point Planning Commission, conducted an online survey, as well as briefings with the city’s youth board. A virtual public workshop is scheduled for May 20. A review of the draft Housing Element and submittal to HCD will be held with the Planning Commission on May 24 and with city council on June 15.

The total cost for the General Plan Housing Element and Safety Element (Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

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(Cont. from page 3) Updates with associated environmental review is $246,000. The City was awarded $150,000 to offset the costs of the Housing Element Update from the Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grant. The remaining $51,000 was committed from the General Plan Update Reserve Fund.

In San Clemente, the city is expected to present the draft Housing Element update to the Planning Commission for further consideration on May 5 and will present it to the city council on May 18.

The environmental impact report for the update is likely to be completed over the summer. San Clemente is tasked with finding about 980 new housing units.

To address misconceptions of low-income housing, San Clemente Commissioner Zhen Wu explained in an April meeting that affordable housing is meant to support local workers whose annual income wouldn’t otherwise permit them to afford renting or buying in affluent areas such as Dana Point and San Clemente.

“So, who are these people? They’re our service providers, they’re our teachers,” Wu said. “The city is obligated by state law to provide feasible housing opportunities to them. I think that’s important for people to understand that.”

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

CUSD Investigation Clears Teacher of ‘Unlawful Activities’ During Pro-Trump March

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, DANA POINT TIMES

Kristine Hostetter was allowed to resume teaching her fourth-grade class last month, after an investigation into whether she had any involvement in the Capitol riot on Jan. 6 found no evidence of her engaging in “unlawful activities,” according to Vista Del Mar Elementary School in San Clemente.

In a March 13 letter to parents, school principal Troy Hunt said Hostetter would be returning to the classroom to teach on March 15, concluding the administrative leave on which she was placed while the personnel investigation occurred.

“During my many visits to the classroom during her absence, children have shared with me how much they miss her and want to see her return,” Hunt wrote in the letter. “Upon return, her focus will continue to be to provide a safe, positive and professional learning environment for your children.”

For those in the educator’s corner, the investigation confirmed what many have long maintained—that she participated in the rally but did not take part in the

storming of the Capitol while Congress was certifying President Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory.

Hostetter came under fire from students and parents at the start of the semester when social media videos and photos surfaced of her attending the proTrump march in Washington, D.C. with her husband, Alan Hostetter, a nationally recognized conservative activist.

The demonstration, which attracted thousands of the former President’s supporters, turned violent when rioters stormed the Capitol building, resulting in five deaths including Capitol Police officers.

The social media posts in question had originated from the Instagram account of the American Phoenix Project—the far-right group Alan formed that has organized anti-lockdown protests and mask-burning rallies, as well as helped fund a rally in front of the Supreme Court on the eve of the pro-Trump march.

In the posts, Kristine is seen marching

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alongside Alan and participating in the rallies, but none shows her during the insurrection. In another, since-deleted video from the account, Alan appears to be recording the mob from the terrace of the Capitol building.

The Capistrano Unified School District placed Kristine on administrative leave after the student-led group CUSD Against Racism pointed to that video and called for an investigation to determine whether she had participated in the insurrection.

According to Hunt, the district hired an independent, third-party investigator to look into the matter. The investigation found no “evidence that Mrs. Hostetter participated in unlawful activities during her visit to Washington, D.C. on January 5-6, 2021.”

While Kristine has faced backlash from many in the community since attending the march on the Capitol, she’s also received considerable support from other residents who have come to her defense, arguing that she merely marched peacefully.

“What Mrs. Hostetter believes in has nothing to do with what an amazing teacher she is,” the group Parents for Teachers’ Rights said in an online (Cont. on page 5)

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Former DHHS Student Held on $1 Million Bail

BY COSTA B. PAPPAS, DANA POINT TIMES

A makeover for Shipwreck Park, located on the corner of Golden Lantern Street and La Cresta Drive, has been on the city’s plate for the past decade. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Shipwreck Park to Get Nautical Facelift

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

Shipwreck Park, a small playground park on the corner of Golden Lantern Street and La Cresta Drive in Dana Point, will be getting a nautical makeover in the spirit of its namesake.

On Tuesday, April 20, Dana Point City Council approved to award a construction contract for the Shipwreck Park Renovation Project. R.E. Schultz Construction, Inc., the lowest of seven bidding companies, will lead the project after

submitting a bid for about $363,000.

The city council established the Facilities Improvement Fund (Fund 12) to allow for major improvement and rehabilitation expenditures of City Facilities and Parks. According to the staff report, city staff has been actively addressing deferred maintenance of city facilities and making repairs. Shipwreck Park facilities were identified as being in need of significant repair/replacement. Staff completed the design for the Shipwreck Park Renovation Project (Project) and advertised the project for construction bids.

“This project has been on the city’s plate for over a decade. It kept getting

deferred with the Great Recession and other commitments,” said Dana Point City Manager Mike Killebrew.

According to a report presented by the city’s public works director, Matt Sinacori, staff worked together to create a design and put the project up for bid.

“We got seven, very good, competitive bids. It was very surprising, considering the environment right now; everyone’s pretty busy,” Sinacori said.

City council unanimously approved about $425,000 to cover the construction contract bid, as well as a 12% contingency, material observation and testing, construction staking, construction support services and printing services.

A former Dana Hills High School student was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and driving under the influence in Riverside on Saturday, April 17.

Mason Rodney Howard, 22, of Laguna Niguel was arrested that night after his 2003 red Ford Ranger slammed into a 33-year-old San Bernardino woman on the 4600 block of Mission Inn Avenue. Howard fled the scene, where a witness followed him until officers could detain him.

The victim was tending to an injured small dog that had been previously struck by a vehicle. She was standing in the roadway, in the path of Howard’s truck, when the collision occurred. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, said Sergeant Ryan Taack, an RPD officer.

According to police, alcohol appears to have been a contributing factor, but further details on intoxication levels have not been released.

Earlier in the day, Howard uploaded a video onto his Instagram with the caption “D*mn, good Saturday” along with a clip of his vehicle off-roading in an unknown location, and at one point driving alongside a body of water.

The identity of the woman had not been released, as of press time. The status of the dog she was attending remains unknown. Howard was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center over the weekend in lieu of $1 million bail.

Anyone with information regarding the collision is urged to call Riverside Police Traffic Detective G. Anderson at 951.826.8723 or ganders@riversideca.gov.

Abandoned Vessel Found at Doheny

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

(Cont. from page 4) petition to support Kristine. “She has freedom of speech. If the district starts disciplinary action based on people’s beliefs/politics, what’s next?”

The group collected about 2,960 signatures for its petition on Change.org.

CUSD Against Racism, which formed last summer amid the wave of mass protests advocating for racial equality and police reform, had also created a petition, asking the local community to join its call for the investigation.

According to the petition’s page on The Action Network, more than 6,420 signatures were collected.

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

“The problem is, we’re unsure if the investigation that the district did actually looked into the ideologies and whether those beliefs can translate into the classroom,” the group said.

According to Hunt, Kristine had asked that he include the brief details of the investigation’s conclusion in the letter. He further noted that she “will not be able to discuss any information regarding her absence.”

As of press time, Kristine had not responded to a request seeking comment.

CUSD would not comment or provide additional details on the investigation, citing “general practice.”

On Monday, April 19, the group said it respected the results of the investigation, saying they were glad to hear that no criminal activity was uncovered.

“We support free speech and the teacher’s right to protest,” the group said.

“We respect the results of the investigation. Our petition merely called for the investigation to see whether any criminal activity occurred.”

The student group, however, remains concerned with the parameters of the investigation, questioning whether the investigator looked into Kristine’s ties to the American Phoenix Project, of which she is reportedly listed as its chief financial officer.

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Law enforcement responded to an abandoned vessel on Wednesday morning, April 21, along the shore at South Doheny State Beach.

The boat was reported at 7 a.m. across from 34664 Pacific Coast Highway in Capistrano Beach. No people were located nearby, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Carrie Braun. When OCSD officials arrived, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and California State Park lifeguards were at the scene.

Investigators searched the 25-foot abandoned long boat and found no individuals on board or nearby.

“The vessel and investigation were turned over to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol,” Braun said. danapointtimes.com

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NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

DP | Local Women-Led

Republican Group Raises Funds for Scholarships, Military Families The San Clemente Area Republican Women Federated (SCARWF) raised more than $1,500 toward its college scholarship program for local high school students during the group’s annual Fashion Show earlier this month.

The Fashion Show, which included a wine tasting and twilight dinner at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens on April 14, coincided with an online auction for the purpose of providing scholarships for deserving local high school students.

“Numerous individuals, businesses, and merchants from the local communities of San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, and Irvine donated generously to make this annual event a success,” SCARWF said in a press release.

Additionally, the group also recently raised more than $700 toward the Gary Sinise Foundation as part of the ongoing Caring for America Project that’s led by the California Republican Women Federated (CRWF).

The Gary Sinise Foundation’s motto is “We serve our nation by Honoring our Defenders-Veterans-First Responders-Their Families and Those in Need.”

CRWF clubs have cumulatively raised more than $11,140 for the foundation since the project began in 2020, according to SCARWF. Along with supporting the foundation, SCARWF supports military families stationed at Camp Pendleton through various fundraising events and group activities, such as the annual delivery of Thanksgiving dinners and a baby shower for military moms-to-be.

DP | Local Athlete Biking

Cross Country for Charity When Paul Webb got the invitation to attend his 50-year high school reunion in Neptune, New Jersey at the end of the summer, he didn’t think about impressing his former classmates by pulling up to the milestone event in some luxury automobile wearing a three-piece suit.

Instead, the 67-year-old Talega resident pictured himself bicycling across the country just to get there. But more than that, he wanted to use the opportunity of traveling 2,899 miles by bike to raise money for a worthy cause.

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

After dipping the back tire of his bicycle in the water near the San Clemente Pier on Tuesday, April 20, Paul Webb gets set to embark on a 2,899-mile bike ride across the country with the goal of raising money to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

“I thought if I’m going to do a ride across the United States, I’m going to do it for charity and to inspire other people,” said Webb.

A sales trainer and author of a book entitled The Number One Best Selling Book, Webb departed for his 3½-month journey on Tuesday, April 20, starting from the beach at San Clemente Pier, where he dipped the back tire of his bike in the water. He intends to dip the front tire in the Atlantic Ocean when he arrives in Neptune on Aug. 6.

As a former lifeguard and professional athlete with experience in downhill ski racing and long-distance swimming, Webb wants to see all the money he raises—from both book sales and the bike ride—go toward the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a nonprofit that supports individuals with limitations who are pursuing athletic activities.

“The Challenged Athletes Foundation has been saving people’s lives, and I want to be associated with that,” Webb said. “I thought I’d tie my bicycle ride across the country, 2,899 miles, and use them as my charity for donations, a penny a mile.”

As of Tuesday, Webb had raised $1,594, about 5% of his overall goal of $28,990.

With a 2,899-mile trip ahead of him, Webb will need to average roughly 27 miles a day in order to reach the East Coast in about 100 days from now. However, Webb said, he’ll likely travel about 40 miles per day, matching what he sometimes rides just for sport.

“For the past two years, I have been riding from Talega to Dana Point and back, and that’s 20 miles. Sometimes, I’ll do it twice a day; I’ll just do that as my Page 6

workout,” Webb said.

The challenge in bicycling across the U.S. won’t necessarily be physical, he said.

Rather, he’ll need to overcome mental roadblocks. For Webb, those mental challenges are something CAF’s athletes face, which is why organizations such a CAF are critical.

“That’s what I really admire in the Challenged Athletes Foundation, is they help with the mental and the physical,” he said. “My whole life has been centered around athletes; I’ve always competed …

I know that people who are challenged athletes would love to compete, and that’s what this ride is for.”

Derek Herrera, a captain in the U.S. Marines, sustained a spinal cord injury in 2012 while serving in Afghanistan.

He became involved with CAF shortly thereafter as part of his recovery and has since used his time to volunteer as a representative for the organization.

“When I came back, I was adapting to the way that the injury that I sustained had left me, so I had different limitations and new things that I had to learn to adapt to,” said Herrera, who joined Webb for the first few miles of the trip on Tuesday.

“After being athletic in my previous line of work, playing sports and everything growing up, I had to learn new ways of doing that, and it wasn’t necessarily easy or straightforward,” he continued. “And psychologically and emotionally, it wasn’t something that I was excited about pursuing.”

Over time, Herrera added, other volunteers and members of CAF helped him find new opportunities to stay athletic, including participating in various mara-

thons with the use of a handcycle.

To help him on his trip, Webb said, he’s received support from dozens of sponsors that have contributed equipment and other supplies, including his Surly Bike that’s designed for distance, as well as his small trailer and saddlebags that’ll allow him to carry about 120 pounds of gear.

Additionally, Ocean Honda of San Juan Capistrano donated a Honda Odyssey to the cause, so a group of Webb’s friends, as a support team, can travel across the country as well, restocking his supplies or changing out tires every few days.

As for resting, Webb said he’ll be camping out on the side of the road every night, as he follows the Race Across America Route—a path for “ultracyclists” crossing a dozen states that starts in Oceanside and ends in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I’m going to just veer a little bit further north at the last 100 miles to go to New Jersey,” Webb said.

While out on the road, Webb will post to his social media accounts periodically, as well as update the “Where’s Webb?” portion of the website for the book, allowing supporters to keep track of his journey.

Over the summer, there will be three ways to support Webb and the Challenged Athletes Foundation—by donating money for CAF; contributing funds to pay for his support crew’s gas and food; or by sending messages of moral and emotional support to Webb.

Links to donate to the cause and CAF can be found at thenumberonebestsellingbook.com. Additionally, all proceeds from the book’s sales, according to Webb, will go toward the foundation. danapointtimes.com

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Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

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Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

Letters to The Editor

patriotic Democrats out there somewhere. America needs to hear your voice before your party reduces American citizens to servants wholly dependent on the government (i.e., the Democratic Party).

ILLEGAL FIREWORKS KAREN OCONNELL, San Clemente

DEMOCRATS UNDERMINING THE CONSTITUTION DAVID DAVISON, San Clemente

Recently, I came face to face with the increasingly disturbing fire risks that exist when a Forster Highlands neighbor, once again, set off fireworks.

Fireworks in my neighborhood have always deeply worried me because of the fire risk and the noise disturbance, but seeing them visually recorded on my security camera, spreading wide and over 50 feet in the air above the large two-story home that sits next to open space hillside made a deep, lasting impression on me.

Policing this issue has not been effective enough—the Sheriff’s Department told me when I reported fireworks over the past three years that they must catch them in the act and that’s hard for them to do.

The use of fireworks is increasing.

Firestorms are a real threat—do you remember the amount of fires last year?

Research shows where neighbors get to know neighbors, where people work together to keep their neighborhoods safe, life becomes easier, more enjoyable and safer for the community.

I am inviting you to brainstorm solutions with me.

My goal is to improve the compliance on illegal fireworks through making genuine, neighbor-to-neighbor friendly, reasonable communication.

One possible option to consider is a neighborhood watch program through the city within the Crime Prevention department. I contacted Lisa LeBron, who heads this department. She advised me on ways neighbors can organize.

Many residents also have HOAs. I am going to my HOA board meeting to ask for their support in helping me find others who want to join me in problem-solving the illegal use of fireworks to create a safer community.

I by no means have all the answers here.

But as I begin to imagine what is possible, I know if others are willing to join me in brainstorming options, we can make an important difference. Do you have helpful ideas? Are you interested? karenoconnell@mac.com.

The Democratic Party, whenever they don’t get their way, changes the rules to benefit or advantage themselves in their insatiable thirst for power. Hence, they implemented ballot harvesting in California because it makes it easier to engage in voter fraud. Not coincidentally, even safe Republican districts went blue following this change.

Now, Democrats are attempting to pack the U.S. Supreme Court. Joe Biden once called this a “bone-head idea,” but now that he is non compos mentis, he is all for it.

RBG, at whose altar liberals worship, stated, “Nine seems to be a good number, and it’s been that way for a long time.”

Ginsburg explained that expanding the Supreme Court so a president could load the bench with like-minded jurists would politicize the high court and erode its independence. Liberal Justice Stephen Breyer is also against court packing. Democrats don’t care; they want power and control.

Democrats don’t care that their actions are unconstitutional; like Pelosi with Trump’s SOTU speech, they tore it up long ago. Contrary to what the Constitution says, they want to make D.C. into a state, because they understand that demographically, it will be a blue state.

They have made similar motions toward Puerto Rico—because again, they’re confident it will go blue. If either D.C. or Puerto Rico were likely to go Republican, Democrats would fight these propositions tooth and nail and their loyal media allies would come to their rescue.

Similarly, they propose getting rid of the Electoral College, which has served this nation well. Democrats view it as an impediment to gaining control over the people.

Colluding with Big Tech and the propagandists in the media, the Democrats have managed to censor, ban, block, demonetize, or otherwise undermine First Amendment rights of conservative Republicans, making it difficult for them to get their message out.

Consistent with this attack on Constitutional rights, Joe Biden is threatening to limit the Second Amendment guarantees of the right to keep and bear arms, using—of all things—executive orders.

There have got to be some law-abiding,

SUPERVISORS MEETING ON OC DIGITAL VACCINE RECORD MARILYN PARKER, Dana Point The article in the Dana Point Times, published April 16, highlighted the topic Page 7

of a Digital Passport Program here in OC that was on the Board of Supervisors agenda on April 13 for a report by Dr. Clayton Chau, the county health officer.

Dr. Chau had come under fire by multiple citizens from all walks of life for previously stating that the county could not only track records of people who made a reservation through Othena, but the agency was investigating a way to gather vaccine information from private providers. In addition, Dr. Chau was captured on a recording announcing his intentions to set up vaccination stations at public schools in order to offer vaccinations to minor children. Some more serious accusations were made by other attendees, which I have not researched.

The people who stood outside the building for hours, including myself, were there to protest any program that would intrude on personal medical information being used to “allow access,” and any attempt by Dr. Chau to have vaccinations available to minor children without their parents’ knowledge. Over 200 people signed up to speak to the BOS for one minute each. They were very concerned doctors, nurses, business owners, parents, lawyers, grandmothers and grandfathers.

I have issue with the description of just one of the attendees mentioned in the article, Mr. Hostetter, as an “activist” rallying with other “activists.” He was described as being active at various other protests in OC against COVID-19 lockdowns and even attended the Jan. 6 rally in D.C., which was his Constitutional right. Are we labeling this man? The word “activist” is not a derogatory term.

Our nation was founded by activists.

Citizens have the right to be activists in this country.

There is no doubt that this past year has been stressful, terribly sad and disruptive for all Americans, but we can recover and move forward. Let’s look at the facts right here in Dana Point. As reported in this paper, over the past year, 32 poor souls have died of COVID-related illness out of a population of 34,000, which is a death rate of .0009. The overall recovery rate has been reported to be over 99%. Follow the science.

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GETTING OUT

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

FRIDAY | 23 UNDER THE DOMES Noon-1 p.m. Join South Orange County Economic Coalition for a look inside the decommissioning of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

Via a live broadcast on Facebook and YouTube, a panel of experts will walk viewers through the station’s history, as well as discuss the future of its spent fuel and when the twin domes will be removed, among other things. South Orange County Economic Coalition, economiccoalition.com.

SATURDAY | 24 WESTERN MONARCH BUTTERFLY AWARENESS 9-9:50 a.m. Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens will host a Zoom talk with guest speaker and conservation specialist Susie Vanderlip to explain the decline in population of monarch butterflies and ways to reverse it. Goin’ Native will be selling milkweed plants from 10 a.m.-noon in front of their training center at Reata Park. Reata Park, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.674.6307. goinnative.net.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE BREWHOUSE 6-8 p.m. Jim Plays Dan will perform at this craft beer spot. Order a round, sit back and enjoy musical renditions of Steely Dan tunes. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. thebrewhousesjc.com.

SUNDAY | 25 LOW COST K-9 VACCINE CLINIC 10 a.m.-noon. The San Clemente/Dana Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

Point Animal Shelter is offering low-cost vaccinations for San Clemente and Dana Point residents’ pets. Available vaccines include DA2PP and Bordetella for $10 each, as well as the rabies vaccine, which is free with purchase of a license. There will also be a $15 microchipping service.

The animal shelter will have special procedures in place to comply with social distancing requirements for the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers.

Appointments are required. Contact the shelter at 949.492.1617 to sign up. San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter, 21 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. petprojectfoundation.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT SWALLOW’S INN 1-5 p.m. Come and enjoy live music again at one of San Juan Capistrano’s most popular spots, but keep in mind this is outdoors only. Rob Staley Band will perform. Cover charge is $5 and requires a food purchase. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

Editor’s Pick San Clemente community member Bill Hart is battling lymphoma. His friends are holding a blood drive this Saturday. Photo: Collin Breaux.

THURSDAY | 29

SATURDAY | 24 BLOOD DRIVE IN HONOR OF BILL HART 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Friends of former San Clemente council candidate and active community member Bill Hart are organizing a blood drive in his honor. Bill Hart, who is the brother of San Juan Capistrano Councilmember Howard Hart, was diagnosed with lymphoma in March 2020 and needs blood as part of his treatment. The blood drive will be held in conjunction with the South OC Cars and Coffee show. Appointments and a photo ID are required, and there will be antibody testing of each blood donation. Type 92672 into the zip code spot to pull up an appointment. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 844.380.5220. scbloodbank.org/donate.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 6 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Michael Lucas will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

AT THE MOVIES

Hypocrisy in the New ‘Space Jam’ Movie?

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

N

ostalgia and outdated pop culture are a heck of a combination, and usually one that doesn’t end too well. Warner Bros.’ reboot of Joe Pytka’s cult comedy Space Jam (1996) looks to be testing this formula as far as it can go, based on the new trailer for Malcolm D. Lee’s Space Jam: A New Legacy.

But before we could joke about the sequel being an obvious, easy cash grab, some highly distracting and possibly obtuse hypocrisy in the trailer was quickly acknowledged on social media.

Unlike the first film, which featured all the classic Looney Tunes characters, plus some new cartoon faces alongside basketball superstar Michael Jordan, this new flick is tossing everything at the wall and including nearly

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Studios

all of the properties the studio currently owns next to LeBron James.

This would be only amusingly obvious if it weren’t for some more controversial character cameos also spotted in the new trailer. The Droogs from Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971), the War Boys of George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) and the White Walkers of HBO’s Game of Thrones (2011-19).

The first two are from R-rated movies and the third from a TV-MA cable series, and all feature graphic violent content. Why are these characters making appearances in a family-friendly fantasy-comedy?

These additions are not only peculiar, but

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almost hilariously bewildering after Warner and Lee went out of their way to claim the new movie would be more progressive by portraying Lola Bunny as less sexy and more girl power-heavy, plus snubbing Pepe Le Pew’s presence.

Pepe’s absence is not surprising, since the character’s schtick is very dated. Watching some of the old Pepe cartoon shorts contemporarily on YouTube, it is a little awkward to see the skunk so physically up in the cat’s personal space while she’s not interested in him at all, even if the gag is toward his delusion.

For generally politically incorrect content in their classic cartoons, Warner Bros. usually begins the shorts with a special disclaimer as a warning and reminder that the studio’s current views aren’t relevant to a half-century ago.

This is generally a tactic I prefer over a studio such as Disney that has a habit of hiding its controversial material as if it doesn’t exist.

But if that’s the route Warner Bros. is choosing to go with Pepe Le Pew this time around, at least be genuine with it and don’t make it completely obvious that it’s only performative when you feature R-rated famous movie/ TV characters inappropriately in a PG-rated comedy. DP

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Welcome

As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to roll out and restrictions ease, our seniors have the most to celebrate after more than a year of being most vulnerable to the viral disease.

In our biannual Aging Well guide, we’re providing the usual tips for readers to continue enjoying life and prospering in South Orange County, as well as paying mind to the changes brought about by the waning crisis.

In this spring edition of Aging Well, we’ve curated a collection of stories on what the tri-city area of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano has to offer, in addition to important information needed on staying healthy and active.

Read about how local senior living homes are transitioning out of lockdown while still maintaining health and safety protocols. After senior homes were prioritized for vaccinations, their residents are finally able to return to some sense of normalcy. But management and staff continue to balance precautions while providing residents with a high quality of life.

This special section also reports on travel trends based on conversations with representatives from AAA and other local travel agencies. If you haven’t yet considered how to protect your estate, Aging Well provides some expertise from local financial planners about new laws that retirees need to be aware of as they contemplate estate management.

For the elderly creative souls, this edition also profiles a local art and ceramics teacher and offers a recipe for a healthy heart from a local nutrition expert.

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

TO AGING WELL

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

ESTATE PLANNING

HAVING TRUST IN YOUR TRUST W

By Shawn Raymundo hether we realize it or not, we all have an estate plan when we die.

Where we differ, explains Ryan Krause, a financial planner with Edward Jones, is whether our estate falls to a probate plan by default or we’ve been proactive by creating an official plan—or trust—with professionals.

“When you go through a probate plan, the courts and the government decide who gets what and how it’s split up,” according to Krause “That probate plan takes longer … and is also more costly.”

Those costs, he adds, include court fees and attorney fees that will come out of one’s own estate. And in California, it can be a very sizable amount.

A trust, on the other hand—while costly in its own right and can also take time to develop—is still the least expensive and most time-efficient route. But more importantly, Krause says, it’ll maintain one’s control of their estate, helping to ensure that their belongings go exactly where they are intended.

“No one is forever, so this is going to have to be addressed at some point,” Krause says. “It’s a matter of whether you want your estate passed on the way you want it to be or let the government decide.”

So, if you don’t currently have a proactive plan in place, what’s the first step in preserving control of your estate when you’re laid to rest? Krause recommends consulting with an estate attorney to help create a comprehensive plan.

Locally, he says, there are a lot of great professionals, many of whom will offer a complimentary consultation.

“All it takes is just a phone call,” he notes. “That’s the first step, get a phone call, learn more about it and get something in place.”

Now, equally important as having a comprehensive plan in place is also managing it.

This means reviewing and updating the plan period-

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ically as laws get amended, situations change and relationships with beneficiaries evolve.

“Review your plan and update it, as not only does the regulatory environment change, but also your situation changes,” Krause says.

“Whether that’s acquiring new properties, those that you want to leave it to, that may change; births, (deaths). It’s really important to review and update that on a regular basis … that’s crucial.”

When reviewing your estate, Krause says work with your attorney to make sure everything is done by the book so your estate goes right where you want it to.

Since 2000, he explains, there have been 11 law changes impacting the estate tax and thresholds—the levy on one’s assets. The most recent update occurred in 2017, when the federal threshold for the estate tax was placed at $11.58 million for an individual.

“If your estate is valued below that, your estate will transfer to whoever you want it to without an estate tax,” Krause says, further explaining that an estate valued higher than $11.58 million may be subject to a flat 40% federal tax.

Though $11.58 million is the current threshold, it’s likely to continue to evolve, Krause says.

“It could go higher, lower, so keeping up to date on these law changes are crucial, because that’ll dictate how you transfer your assets,” he adds.

So, what could happen if you don’t have a comprehensive trust in place? As previously mentioned, your estate will go through the probate process, leaving it up to the government how to divvy up your belongings.

“The government and the courts are going to use a by-the-book basis to decide who gets what,” Krause explains. As an example, “If you don’t have a trust in place, but you have three kids, each kid may be entitled to get a third of the share. But the reality is you may have one kid you don’t want to give anything to.”

However, with a trust, you can help maintain control of who gets what and when— even after death.

“You can be very creative with the estate process,” Krause says. “Say there’s minors, and they could be a spending risk, you can put a provision that says they get a certain amount at various times or certain ages. It does give a ton of control.”

The probate process is also a very public endeavor, as the government identifies the person’s assets and liabilities, listing belongings in publications.

“They make it very public,” Krause says.

“Whereas with a proactive plan, you help avoid the public reconciliation of your estate.”

danapointtimes.com

Matt Duncan, a San Clemente resident, is now able to visit his wife, Arleeta, more regularly at Aegis Living Dana Point. Photo: Lillian Boyd

A NEW DAY

Senior Living Homes Celebrate a PostVaccine Chapter

By Lillian Boyd aring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s comes with its challenges.

With the threat of COVID-19, seniors with memory care issues face high risk, and even under standard circumstances, a lack of communication interferes with human connection.

“On a good day, a hug is what you know you can get. But with COVID restrictions, it’s this whole other layer of complexity,” Suzy Welbaum, a San Clemente resident, said in February. “I just want a hug. A real hug. It’s that personal touch that is missed.”

Welbaum’s mother has been a resident at Aegis Living Dana Point for four years, after living with Suzy for 25 years.

But caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s amid a global pandemic adds to the distress. Matt Duncan had been caring for his wife, Arleeta, throughout 2020 as her struggles with memory began to

C

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

worsen.

“The thing with Alzheimer’s is that it seems to roll in like a fog. It begins with a loved one asking the same question they already asked just moments later,” Duncan said. “More and more issues start happening, and you go from a mild cognitive impairment to the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.”

Duncan says his wife did not seem to understand the magnitude of the coronavirus pandemic. When she’d tend to her garden, neighborhood kids would walk by to greet her, and she’d want to give them hugs at a time when social distancing was being heavily stressed, Duncan said.

It was when Arleeta took off alone, triggering a manhunt from the fire department, that Duncan realized the help and care she needed was beyond his capabilities.

“I had it in my head that bringing

her here for the first time would be this traumatic moment for me. It felt like betrayal. I was going to be leaving my soul mate here,” Duncan said. “But Aegis staff was very accommodating and equipped.

The goodbye seemed to be anticlimactic.

I realized this was the best decision for her, and I took comfort in that. There was some relief.”

Arleeta came into Aegis’s care in January, amid a rise in cases. As is customary with memory care residents, friends and family were discouraged from visiting for the first two weeks of her transition in order to ensure a smoother adjustment.

Extra precautions were in place due to COVID—a factor in Duncan’s decision to choose Aegis. Additionally, Aegis had already begun preparations for vaccinating its staff and residents.

In November, Aegis Living registered its communities with CVS Health, its primary pharmacy provider and one of the organizations that has been formally approved by the Department of Health & Human Services, to administer the vaccine. On Feb. 2, Aegis Living Dana Point celebrated the administration of the first round of vaccines for its residents. Now, nearly 100% of residents and staff are vaccinated.

“It was hard at first, because you didn’t know what was going on or what to look forward to,” 98-year-old Aegis resident Marian Whitney said.

Whitney says she’s constantly asking when she can get a haircut and when she

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gets to take off her mask. But she says she continues to go on her daily walks—a routine she’s maintained since arriving at Aegis about 13 months ago. “(The walks) are my therapy,” Whitney said. “The pandemic happened within several months of me coming to Aegis.

There is really nice care here. Everyone is so polite, everyone knew my name right away. But it will be nice for things to feel normal again … for me to see my family again.”

Management at Aegis made the first day of vaccinations a day of celebration.

While the protocols and safety measures will continue, residents are getting a taste of the old life again. Whitney is enjoying in-person visits and outings with relatives again. Duncan is able to see his wife’s living accommodations for the first time, engage with staff and her new friends, take her out for local appointments and joyful events—such as walking the San Clemente Pier.

“The community is full of life with group activities in full swing—from daily exercise groups to gardening and art classes, book club, courtyard games, happy hours, wine tasting and scenic drives,” said Nandi Butcher, a public relations specialist for Aegis. “We currently have 6-10 activities per day.”

Butcher adds that everyone is thrilled to be dining together again. The biggest highlight has been in-person visits with residents and their loved ones—but staff is still on guard with safety practices and infection control.

Atria San Juan Capistrano, a senior living home under Atria Senior Living, Inc., is one of six locations in Orange County.

The six local locations all have more than 90% of residents and staff vaccinated.

The first vaccine clinic at an Atria Orange County community took place on January 13 at Atria Newport Plaza. Since then, the vaccine rollout has included more than 54,000 doses administered so far.

The high vaccination levels, along with continuing de-escalation of state restrictions, are enabling the expansion of resident groups from 15 to 20, and expanding visitor capacity (including families, external guests, or potential residents) from 3 to 5.

This expansion comes as a result of Atria’s successful “Sleeve Up, Atria” vaccination campaign. Vaccination rates are expected to increase as the company’s May 1 deadline for mandatory staff vaccination approaches.

“Atria was the first large senior living provider in America to mandate the vaccine for our staff in early January. The results make us glad we made up our minds early. So far, the breakdown is that more than 92% of our U.S. residents and 85% of our staff have taken the vaccine,” said John Moore, Chairman and CEO of Atria Senior Living.

“We know the health benefits of a social living environment, full of expression and engagement. So many of our residents and staff have expressed their excitement to put many of the restrictions danapointtimes.com

of the pandemic behind us and take on a beautiful life ahead,” Moore said. “We’ve entered a ‘COVID Watch’ period where we are still observing our safety protocols but are also able to expand group dining, the use of community amenities and increased family visits as regulators allow. But this phase also equips us to escalate back to higher protocol levels, if necessary.”

cols, and the things we have learned in managing through the last year, give us confidence in our plans to turn the page and spring into life at its fullest.”

Francis Cruz is the Engage Life Director at Crestavilla, Atria’s location in Laguna Niguel.

“My main purpose is to keep our residents engaged and continue living happily. When the pandemic hit, that became really difficult, but technology made a big

“The community is full of life with group activities in full swing—from daily exercise groups to gardening and art classes, book club, courtyard games, happy hours, wine tasting and scenic drives. We currently have 6-10 activities per day.” —Nandi Butcher, Aegis Moore says the goal is a ‘Post COVID-19’ protocol in which there are no restrictions on community amenity usage, all visitors are allowed pending screening questions, and PPE requirements are relaxed or in some situations eliminated.

“We are ready for a world where we’re poised to react, but where we also have greater freedoms as disease activity wanes and immunity takes hold through the vaccines,” Moore said. “The decline in disease activity in our communities gives us hope, and the protection afforded by the vaccine, continuing safety proto-

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

difference,” Cruz said. “At first, it was hard to get Zoom and FaceTime going, but now we’re offering programs as either virtual or in-person, socially distanced.”

Cruz says senior residents are now coming to him daily for more ways to use technology.

“Now that our staff and residents are nearly all vaccinated, I am most excited for older adults to enjoy that sense of security in freedom again. It feels like Crestavilla here. We’re known for our events, and finally, we can enjoy a meal together again.”

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Local Knowledge

Special Advertising Section

With the Market Near All-Time Highs, Should You Be Excited or Concerned?

When markets are near record highs, you wonder, “Is this a bubble?” When markets dive, you ask, “Is this THE Crash?”

Your biggest question: How do you keep your head on straight when Wall Street is sending your retirement savings on a rollercoaster ride?

After one of the most spectacular recoveries in recent years (from the bottom in March 2020 to March 2021), both the Dow and S&P 500 continue to notch record highs – enough whipsawing to make your neck and retirement accounts ache.

There’s an effective medium, though, between doing nothing and panicky trading. Here is an often-overlooked tool that we have successfully used over the past 2-plus decades working with some of the most successful and savvy retirement savers and investors during the biggest bull and bear markets in history that can keep you level-headed.

Do You Have an IPS? If you are not familiar with what an IPS is, it isn’t something you need to visit a doctor for. An IPS or Investment Policy Statement is something you create (either on your own or with the help of an experienced advisor) that describes your investment philosophy and style, and guidelines as well as constraints for you and your advisor to manage your investments.

An IPS serves as your guardrail so you don’t veer all over, chasing investments or changing your strategy as markets ebb and flow.

Your IPS should be centered on your key investing goals and life priorities. In addition, your IPS should also set targets for your asset allocation within your investment portfolios. These targets should be ranges and treated strategically for market cycles, as opposed to static figures for each class. This increases your options for making strategic investment decisions as markets rise and fall. This is very important, especially if you happen to be within 5 years before or after retirement or what we like to call the Retirement Red Zone—a key time in life to avoid negative market volatility.

Creating a perpetual portfolio, one that stands the test of time, begins with a thoughtful IPS that you can revisit through the years, as your goals and priorities may change with age.

Would you like your own personalized Investment Policy Statement? Visit quiverfinancial.com/protect-your-retirement-live-event to learn how to create your own IPS in 4 simple steps.

Aging Successfully with Holistic Health Care

By Drs. Burton & Emma Wagner, DC It’s been said that “the trick is growing up without growing old.” If you’re over the age of 55, you’ve likely pondered this notion at least once in your life. Do you think aging has to be painful, is about dealing with diseases and taking a lot of medications? That the body will become more fragile, making it harder to recuperate from trauma and losing your independence? There are natural holistic solutions that everyone can use easily.

Well, let’s look at 4 benefits of holistic health care that play an essential role in successful aging: • Pain relief: Fixing the underlying causes of pain without medications for better mobility, flexibility and vitality. The causes of inflammation need to be addressed. Holistic Chiropractic care, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy and microcurrent stimulation are examples of holistic modalities to reduce pain and increase vitality.

• Reducing our toxic load: Holistic care focuses on detoxifying the body. As your health improves, you can reduce your medications with unpleasant side effects and that may have high levels of toxicity. A food cleanse, the use of nutritional supplements, lymphatic massage, saunas and ionic foot detox baths are good tools to remove toxins already present in the body.

• Preventing trauma and repairing from trauma faster: As we age, we can feel more fragile, stiff, and less capable of doing things. It may seem like our body’s ability to heal is reduced and it takes longer to heal. Holistic modalities such as Red Light Therapy, PEMF and microcurrent stimulation are good supports for assisting your body to heal.

• Increase life enjoyment: Life enjoyment comes from feeling more secure and stable in your body/mind. Holistic care focuses on creating balance both physically and psychologically to help you maintain your sense of independence and confidence, which allows you to fully enjoy life with your loved ones.

Many people now seek holistic care, whether as a treatment solution, complementary treatment, or for prevention of problems. Holistic care like gentle chiropractic, lifestyle coaching, and the modalities listed above help maintain vitality through proper range of motion, a balanced nervous system, and improved organ function.

One last tip: Staying active is the best way to feel good.

Focus on the mobility of your feet and visualize the connection between your feet and your brain by challenging your balance and coordination. Since the brain controls every part of your body, improving your brain-body connection can dramatically improve your sense of vitality.

San Clemente Vitality Center offers gentle innovative holistic care. Bring in this article to ask for a special gift when you come in for your Free Discover Session.

San Clemente Vitality 647 Camino De Los Mares Suite 218 San Clemente, CA 92673 949.441.7755 sanclementevitality.com

Quiver Financial Holdings, LLC 501 N. El Camino Real, Ste. 200, San Clemente, CA 92672 949.492.6900 | quiverfinancial.com Advisory Services Offered through Quiver Financial Services, LLC A registered advisory License OB75303 Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

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What to Look for in a Memory Care Community Dementia doesn’t just affect the person who has it. It affects the entire family. It’s often challenging to provide the care your loved one needs while juggling other responsibilities. It’s also hard to know when it’s time for memory care or where to start your research process.

Serra Sol Memory Care helps family members who are walking this journey and can be counted on to provide helpful advice for caregivers. Ultimately, if you feel it’s time to consider a memory care community, our team can help you navigate that process, answering any questions you have.

Not all memory care communities are created equal. When considering a community, you should prioritize a few key concepts, including: • Safety and security • 24/7 caregiver support • Comfortable accommodations and amenities • Transparent pricing structures • Life-enriching activities to encourage socialization and interaction • Support for family members What may be most important, though, is finding a place where your loved one will feel at home — something we take seriously at Serra Sol. We strive to create an environment that speaks to the warm embrace of home.

Unlike other health problems, which can come on all at once, dementia is a progressive decline, and there may not be an immediate need to seek memory care. As the decline continues, however, you may come to believe that your loved one needs a stable memory care environment.

You may wonder, is a move to a community really needed, or will in-home care work? There’s no easy answer, as it depends on your loved one’s specific needs and the availability of family members to be full-time caregivers.

In-home care can be a reasonable solution for some, especially in the early stages of dementia. In many cases, though, memory care becomes the better option. Caregivers at a community like Serra Sol are expertly trained to care for those with dementia. Our professional caregivers can provide the assurance of around-the-clock safety as well as access to medical care. Programs specific to Serra Sol, like LifeCycles, can provide a peerless level of engagement for those with dementia while also giving family members both relief and full peace of mind.

Serra Sol Memory Care is coming soon to San Juan Capistrano, and we know that in order to provide a truly inspired life for residents in our care, it’s about much more than making sure a resident’s health-related needs are met. It’s about the little things that mean a lot—warmhearted staff who know your loved one’s favorite activities; comfortable routines that spark positive memories; and opportunities for fun, laughter and joy each day. It’s a community that truly feels like home. To learn more about the Serra Sol way of life or to schedule a tour, visit our website at SerraSol.com or call 949.485.2022.

Serra Sol Memory Care 31451 Avenida Los Cerritos, San Juan Capistrano, CA 949.485.2022 | SerraSol.com | RCFE: 306005946 danapointtimes.com

San Clemente Village: A Wonderful Local Resource When you hear of San Clemente Village, you might think it’s a senior living facility.

On the contrary, it is a vibrant organization of vetted volunteers who provide planned events, activities, programs and services for those aged 55 and over in our beautiful town. Their vision is to help people thrive and live well in their homes.

San Clemente Village is part of the nation-wide Village to Village network, which, the website says, “...pioneered the way for a positive, forward-thinking model for aging.”

Village Movement California is our state-run branch, and in 2016, San Clemente was lucky enough to get its own Village organization.

Our local Village’s Executive Director is Jan Montague.

She has a gerontology background and is also on the state Village Board. Volunteers and board members consist of local residents.

Pre-Covid, the Village calendar listed nearly a dozen activities a month. Typical outings include Bridge and Lunch Bunch, Dine Around, Movie Matinee, and Exploring Technology, educational programs on a variety of topics and other social activities. San Clemente Village makes it easy to connect with those members who have similar interests. During Covid, a Zoom coffee hour, bingo and happy hour are the main events, along with birthday gift bag and fun bag deliveries.

Services like these are offered to members during the Covid restrictions: • Computer/phone assistance • Paperwork organizing • Transportation (medical appointments within a 20-mile radius & errands 10-mile radius) • Minor indoor and outdoor home maintenance services (replacing a furnace filter) • Pet Assistance • Zoom educational programs • Village health companion for medical appointments • Puzzle exchange • Phone check-ins Physically-distanced front porch and patio visits Even during this time of physical distancing, San Clemente Village Volunteers are reachable by phone from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm daily to provide assistance for services. They are the matchmakers who make sure that the appropriate person is called to provide help for each request.

San Clemente Village To inquire about membership or volunteer opportunities, visit our website at scvillage.org or call 949.441.1348.

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

Getting

HANDS-ON with Ceramics

Artist Kathryn Dennis Teaches Craftsmanship

By Collin Breaux

I

n the age of smartphones, social media, and premade items, we might not always be literally hands-on when it comes to crafting our own items.

San Clemente-based ceramic artist Kathryn Stovall Dennis, who has been teaching in South Orange County for nearly 20 years, provides people an alternative to that with her classes.

“It’s active,” Dennis said of ceramics. “It’s not a passive thing. … This is an opportunity to bring yourself into a project.”

Dennis has taught at Saddleback College and The Hive Ceramics, the latter in the Talega Business Park.

Like many other people, Dennis transitioned to digital Zoom sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s small classes,” Dennis said. “It’s tailored for COVID protocols.”

Dennis also taught classes at a studio in her house, but those were canceled due to the outbreak. She generally taught those classes once a week and is considering bringing them back when California is expected to fully reopen in mid-June.

Dennis didn’t start teaching until her late 40s, and she is now in her 60s. One advantage she has as a ceramics instructor, she said, is that she doesn’t have the burnout others may have.

“I still have a lot of enthusiasm,” Dennis said.

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Kathryn Dennis

Her classes generally fill up within 24 hours, and a lot of participants are past students from her college courses. The age range for students is predominantly 35-75, and the classes are generally publicized through word-of-mouth.

People are drawn to ceramics, because it’s an opportunity to create their own object, she said. Class participants make functional items such as bowls or platters in the beginning courses, as ceramics often ties into food, Dennis notes.

Dennis’ work can be purchased at Mission Fine Art Gallery in San Juan Capistrano, and her work is also publicly visible throughout San Clemente. Learn more about her artwork through her website, stovalldesign.me.

“It’s never too late to explore your creative side,” Dennis said. “It’s good for people, as they get older, to push themselves and learn new things.” danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

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By Zach Cavanagh fter a year of folks being inside the four walls of their home and enduring various levels of quarantines, shutdowns and restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, the siren call of summer and vacation plans is calling louder than ever.

With those shutdowns in the rearview mirror, the restrictions easing with each passing month and the distribution of vaccines making quarantines nearly a thing of the past, the idea to travel is becoming more and more appealing to potential vacationers across the country.

“Being that they’ve been cooped up for so long, that’s the motivation that people are looking to get out and travel,” said Christine Fredlov, San Clemente’s branch manager at the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA). “Some people are vaccinated and feeling more comfortable, and others are just anxious to get out and travel with things starting to open up.”

According to a global travel trends report released by American Express Travel in March, 78% of travelers surveyed said they’re looking for ways to get out and go somewhere in 2021 to relieve the stresses of 2020.

“While individual sentiments differ, one thing is clear: there’s a pent-up demand for travel and a clear appreciation for the benefits that it can bring,” Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, said in a statement. “In fact, people miss traveling so much that 76% of respondents surveyed are creating their destinations wish list for future travel even though they might not be able to travel yet.”

Additionally, to further describe people’s desire to get out and see the world, 64% of the survey’s respondents said they

A

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

Return to Travel

As the world begins to reopen, the travel industry is ready for those comfortable and willing to get back out there and explore would be willing to give up social media for a month just to go on vacation, and another 56% of respondents said they’d be willing to book trips right now even if they had to cancel them.

This thirst for travel will be much appreciated by an industry that saw travel spending in the United States suffer a 42% decline in 2020 from 2019 numbers, according to analysis from Tourism Economics. That decline represents about a $500 billion difference.

However, with the vaccines beginning to be distributed in December 2020 and ramping up through the early parts of 2021 along with fewer and fewer cases of COVID-19 infections, the world has begun to reopen—and that includes the world of travel.

Fredlov said February was when phone inquiries started picking up, and the walk-ins began showing up again at the San Clemente AAA office.

Fredlov said the most popular destinations have been river cruises around the United States, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida, particularly Orlando and Walt Disney World. San Diego has been the most popular Southern

California destination for South Orange County residents.

“We’re definitely getting the older generation that are booking U.S. river cruises,” Fredlov said. “Mississippi and Ohio Rivers are popular. We’re also getting a lot of families booking trips, especially the Florida trips.”

For the river cruises, Fredlov said many of those trips are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, as the ships can be small and compact. Ocean cruises from the United States will likely require those as well, but those could still be a ways off.

“No idea,” Fredlov said of when U.S.based ocean cruises could return. “We’ve been hearing this fall, but there’s a lot of requirements they have to get done. We keep hearing that it keeps being pushed further out.”

Bookings for ocean cruises have begun in some places internationally, such as from the Bahamas, but all trips on the big ocean liners are still battling against the tides of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, there are those trips that are opening up, and when looking to travel in the post-COVID world of 2021, there are

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plenty of things of which to take note.

First, if international travel is in the cards, including trips to Mexico, a big recommendation is to check on passport expiration dates. It’s recommended that if the passport is expiring within six months of the date trip that it should be renewed.

In San Clemente, passports can be renewed at the post office at 520 E. Avenida Pico or at the Rancho San Clemente Station post office at 905 Calle Negocio.

In Dana Point, the renewal site is at the post office at 24551 Del Prado. Fredlov also said passports can also be handled at the AAA San Clemente Branch at 638 Camino de los Mares.

The next big recommendation for 2021 travel?

“Travel insurance, travel insurance, travel insurance,” Fredlov said. “Not only for cancellations, but medically, if they’re travelling outside of the country, to have some sort of primary care. Always inquire with their travel agent.”

After 2020, many will be familiar with the pain of canceling an anticipated travel plan. Fredlov said they were able to maintain a lot of business by professional agents, keeping lines of communication open and vendors providing incentives to travelers to rebook.

Fredlov said that vendors and agencies usually have multiple promotions underway. AAA has a recovery plan in which travelers would get a rebate at the time of travel, depending on the size of the package. Many vendors and agencies are providing incentives to travel in 2021.

After a year of staying indoors and limiting travel to the immediate area—or just to and from the couch—opportunities are available as the world slowly heads toward normalcy. Whenever ready, there are destinations waiting. danapointtimes.com

By Gina Cousineau

HEART-HEALTHY AT HOME

FOOD AS MEDICINE

A

s I turn 58 this week, I remind my senior clients, me being one, that we are sitting in the midst of what are potentially the best years of our lives.

As a culinary nutritionist, I strive to merge the two worlds of “nutritious and delicious” when helping my clients use a “food as medicine” philosophy. While we can all agree upon what a wholesome diet looks like, putting it onto your plate multiple times a day, week after week, in a sustainable way, is always a task.

This recipe is the perfect collaboration of plants combined to give you appropriate calories, a huge boost of plant-based protein, a plethora of vegetables that are both low in calories and high in nutrition, topped with a little flavor boost of Parmesan Reggiano providing additional protein and a ton of joy.

While I personally follow an omnivore diet, including animal foods most days, a meatless meal is always a welcome change. Using bean pastas allows those who prefer a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle, or who might have gluten intolerance, get adequate protein along with wonderful texture and flavor, sans the “meat.” Nutritional Yeast or vegan “cheese” can replace the Parmesan if desired.

Macaroni Minestrone Soup • 2 tbsp Olive Oil • 2 cups Zucchini, small diced • 2 cups Carrots, small diced • 2 cups Onions, small diced • 2 cloves Garlic, minced • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp dried) • 4 cups Vegetable Broth (or chicken broth) • 15 oz Tomato Sauce, canned

• 1 15-oz can Cannellini Beans, drained/rinsed • 1 8-oz box Chickpea Pasta Shells (or any other small pasta) • 10 oz Baby Spinach (can be omitted) • Fresh Basil, cut into strips, optional • Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

Heat olive oil in large pot w/ lid, and sauté zucchini, carrots, onions, garlic, and thyme, until veggies are soft, seasoning with salt and pepper (about 10 minutes). Stir in vegetable broth, tomato sauce, and cannellini beans, bringing to a boil. Cover, lower heat to simmer, and allow to cook for 30-plus minutes. When ready to serve, add pasta and cook until pasta tender. Remove from heat and stir in baby spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, as desired. Top each serving with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings 400 calories / 41.3 g carbs / 11.6 g fat / 29.1 g protein

Gina Cousineau is a trained chef, fitness professional, and integrative/functional nutritionist. She educates her clients how to advocate for their health using “food as medicine,” helping them make a complete lifestyle shift, beginning with nutrition education and culinary skills, partnered with her food template and recipes, and adding in a little calculated exercise, which allows them to lose weight and thrive.

You can reach her at 949.842.9975, mamagslifestyle.com, or follow her on social media @mamagslifestyle.

Gina Cousineau

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

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danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

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

Some Women Didn’t Like Tom’s Relationship Advice

S

ome women didn’t like the advice I included in my most recent column: “Woman worries that her boyfriend might leave her” (April 9-15 issue). Two women in particular, “M” and Theresa, took me to task.

M wrote: “I enjoy reading your column in the Dana Point Times even though I’m not over 50 :) I just finished reading the column about the 65-year-old woman Corrine who is afraid her boyfriend might leave her.

“I had such a visceral reaction to your advice to her ON LIFE AND LOVE that I am compelled

BY TOM BLAKE to write you.

“I’m saddened that you are encouraging this woman to not voice her own needs in the relationship for the sake of her boyfriend’s comfort. And for encouraging her to settle for something sub-optimal because, as you said to her, ‘there’s no guarantee you would find someone as compatible.’

“She’s been with this guy for eight months, and she’s in love with him. I think it’s appropriate for her to express her desire to move the relationship to the next level.

“She is looking for a ‘life partner.’ Her boyfriend responded that he may not

be that life partner for her and now he feels pressure, which should tell her a lot. She should take him at his word and get out now.

“Corrine says she feels insecure in the relationship. That is not a good feeling and that is NOT how one should feel if she is in a loving, respectful relationship.

“She shouldn’t be afraid to talk about the future and ask for what she wants out of fear he might leave. That is not loving, and no one should settle for that.”

And Theresa wrote, “I have been enjoying your column for years. Usually, I find myself nodding in agreement, but not this time. I am miffed.

“Why would you suggest Corrine just tiptoe around her true feelings? After eight months of an intimate relationship, it is natural for a woman to begin to think longer term. It’s how we are wired. You seemed to advise her to hide her feelings to keep the guy sticking around.

“This is messed up. It’s like play acting a false reality out of desperation. If it were me, I would be honest about how I felt and what I was hoping for, and if the guy freaks out and runs, then he wasn’t the right person for me.”

Tom’s written response to M and Theresa: “I appreciate what you say. But a woman younger than 50 hasn’t walked

Photo: OC Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photograph is captioned, “Capistrano Beach, looking south, 1930.”

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 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com.

in the shoes of a woman, 65. There were two reasons I advised Corrine to stay in the relationship, even without a ‘life partner’ commitment from him.

“First, if she left him, she’d be sad and might look back with regret, thinking, maybe he wouldn’t have left her.

“And second, age might be a factor.

Corrine feels it would be difficult to find someone as suitable now that she is 65.

The ratio of single women to single men at that age is close to four-to-one. She figures she’d rather be happy now than have to start over again at such challenging odds.

“The approximate ratio of single women to single men below age 50 is close to one-to-one. Women younger than 50 have far more men from whom to choose than their older counterparts. If a guy

Sudoku

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Ash

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Page 21

they like won’t commit, there are plenty of other fish in the sea.”

In a follow-up email, M wrote: “That age 65 ratio is certainly depressing!”

When I submitted that column to my newspaper editor, a woman far younger than 50, she said: “If I were Corrine, I’d have been on the next!” (I think she meant the “next” train out of town.)

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

DANA POINT TIMES

T

his blue-eyed charmer is Ash, a 2-year-old Husky mix with a great personality. While he may not want to play fetch, Ash is an affectionate boy who absolutely loves to be by your side.

With a sweet disposition, he would likely be a good companion for family members of any age.

If you are interested in adopting Ash, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ adoptadog to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216602134 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BLUE SILVER STUDIOS 27612 VISTA DE DONS CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 Full Name of Registrant(s): RAYMOND DENNIS GRESKO 27612 VISTA DE DONS CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 KIMBERLY ANNE GRESKO 27612 VISTA DE DONS CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 This business is conducted by a General Partnership.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/RAYMOND GRESKO/KIMBERLY GRESKO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/12/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DAVID PANZA CASE# 30-2021-01181472-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 DAVID PANZA. A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by JACQUELINE FORSYTH in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that JACQUELINE FORSYTH be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. May 20, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. in Dept: C08. b. (1) You must attend the hearing by video remote using Microsoft Teams; (2) Go to the Court’s website at http://www.occourts.org/media-relations/probate-mental-health.html to appear for probate hearings; and for remote hearing instructions; (3) If you have difficulty connecting to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance.

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.

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

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.

a set of Contract Documents to be placed on the City’s official plan holders list to bid this Project.

In accordance with State Law, electronic copies of the Contract Documents are made available for public viewing on the CITY’s website at https:// www.danapoint.org/department/city-clerk/public-notices-bids, and in other electronic plan rooms. In order to bid the Project, however, every BIDDER is required to purchase a hard copy set of the Contract Documents from the CITY. Upon purchase of the Contract Documents, the BIDDER will be added to the CITY’S official plan holder’s list.

Bidders who have not purchased a hard copy set of the Contract Documents and are not on the CITY’S official plan holder’s list will be deemed non-responsive, may not bid this project, and the bid will be returned unopened.

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: MATHEW ALDEN 611 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 310 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (951) 289-2062 Published in: Dana Point Times April 23, 30, May 7, 2021

4. COMPLETION OF WORK: The CONTRACTOR shall complete the work within Sixty (60) working days from the Notice to Proceed. Work performed beyond the allowable working days will be subject to service fees and liquidated damages per Sections 6-7.2 and 6-9 of the Project Specifications, respectively. CONTRACTORS are required to provide written documentation, as part of their bid, if this schedule cannot be met. The AGENCY reserves the right to reject any and all bids on this basis.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS FOR SLURRY SEAL PROJECT FY 2020/2021 1. ANNOUNCEMENT: PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Dana Point, as AGENCY, invites sealed bids for the above-stated project and will receive such bids in the offices of the City Clerk, 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629, up to the hour of 2:00 PM on MAY 12, 2021, at which time they will be publicly opened. Bidders who submit after 2:00 PM on MAY 12, 2021 will be automatically disqualified, and the bid will be returned unopened. In addition, bidders who are not on the official plan holder’s list will be deemed non-responsive and the bid will be returned unopened

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

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

2. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The general category/type of work includes, but is not limited to slurry seal application on various streets citywide as outlined on the Contract Documents.

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

More specific work items included within the general category/type of work listed above include, but are not limited to: mobilization/demobilization; traffic control; community outreach; removal of all pavement markings and raised pavement markers; application of Type I and Type II emulsion aggregate slurry; signing and striping; installation of raised pavement markers; implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP) for storm water pollution prevention during all construction activities; and other general improvements as outlined in the Contract Plans and Specifications for the above-stated project.

8. WAGE RATES: This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1771.4 of the Labor Code.

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

3. BID DOCUMENTS: Copies of the Contract Plans and Specifications are available from the City of Dana Point Public Works Department, 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Suite 212, Dana Point, California 92629, upon payment of a $100 nonrefundable fee and must be picked up from the City. Bidders must purchase Page 22

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

Contractors are required to meet provisions of California Senate Bill 854 for the payment of Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) established prevailing wages. This applies to all public projects as defined in California Code 22002 for contracts exceeding $1,000.00. Contractor’s shall register with the DIR in accordance with California Labor Code section 1771.1(a) and 1725.5, and will be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR, subject to section 1771.4. Contractors must submit certified payrolls electronically to DIR. By bidding this Project, Contractor is indicating that they have registered with DIR and have submitted the required PWC-100 Information Form online at www.dir.ca.gov. The City may deem bidders non-responsive if this requirement has not been met.

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

10. CONTRACTOR’S REFERENCES: The CONTRACTOR shall produce references and experience that show, to the satisfaction of the AGENCY, that the CONTRACTOR bidding the project has adequate working knowledge of slurry seal as the PRIME CONTRACTOR. Furthermore, the CONTRACTOR must have completed, and shall produce as part of its bid, references of five similar Projects as the PRIME CONTRACTOR to the satisfaction of the AGENCY. All noted information shall be provided in the locations designated in the bid documents. If these requirements are not met, the AGENCY reserves the right to determine any and all bidders non-responsive, and reject any and all bids on this basis. These requirements are due to the critical nature of the work and the need for the AGENCY to ensure adequate experience is provided to complete the project.

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

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

13. PROGRESS PAYMENTS: The AGENCY will deduct a 5-percent retention from all progress payments as specified in Section 9-3.2 of the Project Specifications. The CONTRACTOR may substitute an escrow holder surety of equal value to the retention. The CONTRACTOR shall be beneficial owner of the surety and shall receive any interest thereon.

14. QUESTIONS/REQUESTS FOR INTERPRETATION: danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM All questions shall be directed to Mr. Matthew Sinacori, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, in writing via email at msinacori@danapoint.org no later than April 26, 2021 at 5:30 PM. The AGENCY hereby affirmatively ensures that minority business enter¬prises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this notice and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, or religion in any consideration leading to the award of Contract.

In entering into a Public Works Contract, or a subcontract, to supply goods, services, or materials pursuant to a Public Works Contract, the CONTRACTOR, or subcontractor, offers and agrees to assign to the awarding body all rights, title and interest in, and to, all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. Section 15) or under the Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 [commencing with Section 16700] of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), arising from purchases of goods, services, or materials pursuant to the Public Works Contract or the subcontract. This assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the awarding body tenders final payment to the CONTRACTOR, without further acknowledgement by the parties.

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

BY ORDER OF the City of Dana Point, California.

Full Name of Registrant(s): FIDEL CHAVEZ 22931 LEO LANE LAKE FOREST, CA 92630 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/FIDEL CHAVEZ This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 3/19/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216600649 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BANANABELLE BROWN 316 S CLEMENTINE ST ANAHEIM, CA 92805 Full Name of Registrant(s): ANABELLE BROWN 316 S CLEMENTINE ST ANAHEIM, CA 92805 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/05/2021 /s/ANABELLE BROWN This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/26/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE

Shayna Sharke, Date

Deputy City Clerk

Matthew Sinacori, Director of Public Works/ City Engineer

Date

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216599937 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: COLORADO GLASS WORKS 17 SON BON LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 Full Name of Registrant(s): MEGHAN WILMESHER 17 SON BON 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: 05/31/2018 /s/MEGHAN WILMESHER, MEGHAN WILMESHER/OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 3/19/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times April 9, 16, 23, 30, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216599906 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CHAVEZ AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR 25741 OBRERO DR, UNIT A MISSION VIEJO, CA 92691-9269 Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216599025 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MUSIC EPICENTER 24292 TAXCO DR. DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): LEZLIE CAMPION 24292 TAXCO DR. DANA POINT, CA 92629 MICHAEL CAMPION 24292 TAXCO DR. DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by a Married Couple.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 02/14/2013 /s/LEZLIE CAMPION, MICHAEL CAMPION This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/11/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021

ACUPUNCTURE

BUSINESS LISTINGS

ATTORNEY

CAFE - DELI

AUTO REPAIR

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

BODY MIND SPIRIT

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Notice to Creditors ...and more

Create a life Plan to attain the life and relationships you ideally want & deserve 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente (949)248-7377 Billmartinphd.com

EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111 Page 23

LOCALS ONLY

Axos Acupuncture Inc Jeff Hyung S. Choi 27462 Calle Arroyo Ste A San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.9899 axosacupuncture.com drjeffchoi@gmail.com

Rosen Law Offices, P.C. 34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 5, Dana Point, 949.335.0020, snrosenlaw.com

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the Dana Point Times.

INSURANCE SERVICES

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

COFFEE SHOP

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

ICE CREAM

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

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

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection 1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, billmetzerplumbing.com UPHOLSTERY AND WINDOW TREATMENTS Jeddy’s Interiors 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 2 Dana Point, CA 92629 949-240-9569 www.jeddys.com Want to be featured here?

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102

danapointtimes.com

CLASSIFIEDS

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

Submit your classified ad online at danapointtimes.com FOR SALE 5 ACRE UNDEVELOPED HORSE PROPERTY La Cresta. Electricity on property. Dedicated horse trail on north end of property leading to National Forest. $199,000. 38454 Via Sereno, Murrieta. www.zillow.com DANA POINT PHONE NUMBER FOR SALE 949-661-0000. $5,000. Richard (949)661-0000

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

E-mail your garage sale info to info@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

HELP WANTED PART-TIME EVENINGS, JANITORIAL Cleaning of restrooms and offices 949-606-6708 PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT Local perio office looking for part-time dental assistant amenable to help out at the front desk.

Please email resume to ginnyperio@att.net.

P&C LICENSED TEAM MEMBER Get 2021 off to a great start! Local Insurance Agent seeks a P&C Licensed Team member for a Customer Sales/ Service Position. Income based on your efforts, Flexibility available, Experience Preferred, apply at www.elainelavine.net

Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

DOLPHIN REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Football Earns Share of League Title with Help from Laguna Hills While Dana Hills dropped the opportunity to clinch its first outright league title and celebrate on its own terms when it lost to Portola on April 9, the Dolphins’ hopes for a Pacific Hills League title were not totally dashed.

As Portola still had one league game against Laguna Hills, Portola would either win the league outright with wins over Laguna Hills and Dana Hills, or Laguna Hills would set up a three-way tie for the inaugural league title.

And like everything in this newly formed league, the result was a razor-thin margin.

As Dana Hills was being edged out on the final play of a Pacific Coast Conference crossover affair by Pacific Valley League champion Irvine, 35-33, Laguna Hills put up a goal-line stand as time expired to hold off Portola, 14-10, and split the Pacific Hills League title three ways among the Dolphins, Hawks and Bulldogs.

The win by Laguna Hills (2-2, 1-1) created the perfect three-way tie for the Pacific Hills League crown, as Dana Hills (3-2, 1-1) beat Laguna Hills; Portola (3-2, 1-1) beat Dana Hills; and Laguna Hills beat Portola. Northwood, the league’s fourth member, canceled its league slate due to the number of injuries on its roster.

In both teams’ league opener, Dana Hills got a goal-line stop as time expired to beat Laguna Hills. Portola’s win over Dana Hills came in overtime, with Portola stopping the Dolphins on a fourth down at the 5-yard line. Then, as mentioned, Laguna Hills also won its game over Portola with a goal-line stand.

This was the level of competitiveness Dana Hills was looking for when the football program left its longtime home of the Coast View Conference to join the Pacific Coast League, as did Laguna Hills in all sports.

The result was Dana Hills’ first league title since 2012 and the second league championship in school history.

The thin margins extended to the Dolphins’ season finale at Irvine, where the Vaqueros won on the game’s final Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

Dana Hills lost its season finale to Irvine on a final-play touchdown, but thanks to Laguna Hills’ win over Portola, the Dolphins split the Pacific Hills League championship, their first league title since 2012. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

play. On a high-lofted pass thrown from the 11-yard line into the very back of the end zone, a Vaquero wide receiver leaped above a pack of Dolphin defenders to reel in the last-second prayer and take the win, 35-33.

Trailing 14-9 at halftime, Dana Hills pushed ahead in the third quarter on a 9-yard touchdown pass from junior Bo Kelly to junior James Allemann, for a 16-14 lead.

Irvine regained the lead in the fourth quarter on a touchdown run and two-point conversion to make it 22-16, then extended the lead on an 85-yard touchdown run on the next drive for a 13-point lead, 29-16.

Dana Hills then showcased the resiliency it has demonstrated all season, as the Dolphins came right back with another 9-yard touchdown pass from Kelly to senior Nicolas Intha. Then Dana Hills’ defense got the stop, and the Dolphins marched down the field again.

With under two minutes to play, Kelly hit Intha on a 32-yard touchdown pass to tie the game, 29-29. Junior Kian Afrookhteh knocked in the extra point to put the Dolphins in front, 30-29.

On the next possession, Dana Hills stopped Irvine on fourth down, and then with 27 seconds remaining, Afrookhteh knocked through a 26-yard field goal to extend the lead, 33-29.

On the ensuing kickoff, Dana Hills got tagged for two 15-yard penalties for hit-

ting a player while out of bounds, which set up Irvine for its final-minute magic.

Kelly completed 25 of 42 passes for 351 yards and four touchdowns. Senior Will Craven caught eight passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. Alleman caught seven passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.

Junior Omarjaye Black caught six passes for 61 yards and a touchdown, and junior Hayden Dendiu caught two passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. Dendiu also pulled in an interception on defense.

In this strange, shortened and twice-delayed pandemic season, Dana Hills wrote a new page in its history. The Dolphins proved that the move to the now-Pacific Coast Conference was a move that suited them and the direction of the program.

Now that Dana Hills has some wins in its blood and young talent coming up in the wings, the Dolphins’ turnaround may be coming faster than people had anticipated.

District Hockey Team Finishes as National Runner-Up The Capistrano Unified School District’s combined high school hockey team—the Capistrano Coyotes—made program history on Monday, April 19, as the team competed in its first national championship game.

In the USA Hockey High School Division II National Championship in

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Omaha, Nebraska, the Coyotes went out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, but the hometown Omaha Junior Lancers pushed back to force overtime, 4-4. Ten minutes into the extra session, Omaha scored off a faceoff to win the title, 5-4.

Capistrano went 4-1-1 overall in the tournament, with wins over teams from Kentucky, Utah, Colorado and Florida.

The Coyotes qualified for the tournament by winning the CAHA High School Division 2A state championship in March.

Capistrano’s leading point-scorer in the tournament was Dana Hills junior defenseman Quinton McElligott, who scored three goals and added six assists for nine points. All three of McElligott’s goals came on the power play. The Coyotes’ leading goal scorer was senior Nathan Brunelle, who attends the Capistrano Connections school, with five goals.

Dana Hills senior forward Joe Pratt also contributed with two goals and two assists for four points, and Dana Hills junior forward Luke Baker also got ice time for the Coyotes.

The Capistrano Coyotes have four games remaining in their Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League season and returned to the ice on Thursday, April 22, against Orange Lutheran at Great Park Ice in Irvine. Results were not available at press time. The Coyotes play next against St. John Bosco on Saturday, April 24, at Great Park Ice. DP danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

Our Beaches & Pandemic Pollution Problem Quieter Days on Local Beaches May Not Have Had Effect You Thought

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

fter a busy weekend of warm weather and good surf, a walk down the Beach Trail in San Clemente reveals discarded face masks left on the trail, on the sand, in gutters on the street and, more than likely, floating around out there in the water.

In the daunting age of COVID-19, face masks seem to be the new cigarette butts on the beaches. And like cigarette butts, it’s gross.

So, after a year of the pandemic life, how are our beaches really doing? With reduced crowds, lack of large gatherings and less tourism, one would assume sensitive environmental areas have had the opportunity to bounce back, and, ultimately, there’d be less trash on the beaches.

But then there’s the whole mask thing, as well as an uptick in the usage of plastic for packaging and take-out dining.

The point here isn’t to digress into the

With an early-season south swell tickling Cotton’s Point, it’s just another beautiful day at Trestles. Photo: Jake Howard

political hot potato of mask wearing; rather, to look at the real effects that personal protective equipment (PPE) have had on the beaches.

Earlier this month, the San Clemente-based Surfrider Foundation released the results of a study they conducted on the effects of COVID-19 on our beaches.

The results are fascinating, telling and sad.

The group looked at beach cleanup stats from March 2019 to February 2020 and compared it to data collected from March 2020 to February 2021.

“Despite a nearly 91% decrease in the number of volunteers doing cleanups, Surfrider was able to host 900 cleanups—only 39 less than the previous year,” reports Surfrider. “This year’s dataset

showed an average of 58.98 items collected per person, compared to 14.97 in last year’s dataset. This means that despite having fewer volunteers collecting less items in total, each volunteer collected nearly four times more items than the previous year.

“Yet, in spite of more hours spent doing cleanups and covering more area than the year before, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an almost 63% decrease in the number of overall items collected during cleanups.”

So, while the number of cleanups around the country didn’t drop off too severely, the amount of waste being removed from beaches decreased considerably. But how much of that was a result of pre-existing problems, and how much

of that came from new sources, such as PPE? In June 2020, Surfrider added PPE information to its database to measure the impact it was having on beaches.

“This past, year PPE made up 1.84% of all items collected. While it may not seem like much, that is about the same percentage that plastic straws made up in the previous year—and they were the tenth-most commonly collected item,” reports Surfrider.

And speaking of plastic straws, Surfrider has also been a prime mover behind legislation in Washington, D.C. that could potentially curtail how much plastic waste lands on our beaches.

Called the “Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act,” the federal bill seeks to “incorporate a multitude of requirements for plastic producers, single-use plastic bans and restrictions on waste disposal.”

Currently being shepherded through the process by Sen. Mark Udall and Rep. Alan Lowenthal, Surfrider has signed onto the legislation and claims “it would be a huge step in the fight against the plastic pollution crisis.” Another 55 environmental groups have also signed on in support.

“Citizen scientists are working harder and simply cannot keep up with the amount of trash ending up in the environment,” Surfrider reports. “We need to stop plastic pollution at the source.”

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

SURF FORECAST

GROMS OF THE WEEK

MASON & EVAN HEATH, CONNOR BEMUS, MASON HIBNER

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

S

pring has sprung, and if you’re looking to spruce up the garden, it’s time to get on the Gromscapes program.

Making the world a better place, San Clemente brothers Mason and Evan Heath, along with buddies Connor Bemus and Mason Hibner, have been hard at Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

The boys from Gromscapes are joined by the Gudauskas brothers at San Onofre. Photo: Courtesy of @gromscapes

work on the tools with their local landscaping business. At 14, Evan is the oldest of the group, while the other three are 11.

The boys launched Gromscaping

in 2019 after Connor’s pop, who owns Bemus Landscaping, taught them how to use some tools and run a small business.

Cutting lawns, trimming bushes and hitting the surf when time allows, they recently donated $200 of their earnings to the San Clemente Lifeguard and Junior Lifeguard Foundation.

For the effort, they enjoyed a pizza party and surf session at San Onofre with Dane, Patrick and Tanner Gudauskas.

“What they’re doing is so pure. Not only are they learning the responsibilities of running a business, but to give back to their community like that and help support water safety and the San Clemente lifeguards, it’s incredible,” Tanner Gudauskas told the Dana Point Times.

For more, check the boys out on Instagram at @gromscapes. DP Page 26

Water Temperature: 60-63 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8 Outlook: Strong South swell fills in on Friday, pushing waves up into the head high to several feet overhead range, with occasional sets hitting double overhead, (5-8-10’). The powerful South swell peaks on Saturday, with surf running 6-8-10’.

Slowly easing waves Sunday are head high to several feet overhead, (5-8’).

Saturday sees mainly light+ South turning Southwest winds through the day, then it’s moderate South winds shifting out of the West on Sunday.

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Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

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Dana Point Times April 23-29, 2021

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