May 28, 2021

MAY 28-JUNE 3, 2021 | VOLUME 14, ISSUE 22

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

INSIDE: Special Section

U S E

A Day Without Water SCWD Continues Push for Self-Reliant Water Sources, Desalination E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3

danapointtimes.com

Photo: Courtesy of Steve Johnson/Pexels

Editor’s Pick: Memorial Day Services in Dana Point

Local Book Club Event to Feature Best-Selling Author

Olivia Paquette wins CIF-SS Diving Title

GETTING OUT/PAGE 8

EYE ON DP/PAGE 6

SPORTS/PAGE 21

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

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danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

What’s Up With...

eter pipelines that you and I could walk in. These pipelines would take quite a while to repair at that magnitude.”

On May 21, Shintaku presented an overview of South Coast Water District’s projects and ways the agency could potentially accomplish portfolio diversification—including desalination.

“South Coast Water District enlisted a public workgroup,” Shintaku said. “We chose a lot of folks who were against the Doheny project upfront, so we really wanted to get an honest assessment.

Throughout the workgroup, they had four or five months of study and a lot of presentations from experts. They found the Doheny project would provide a lot of reliability.”

The public workgroup found that the Doheny Ocean Desalination Project would provide a continuous supply well over 60 days for South Coast Water District.

As far as operation, the most cost-effective way for desalination at a large plant is reverse osmosis, says Shintaku.

Fresh water comes out while brine gets screened out. The brine in this case will be comingled with the wastewater outfall that extends two miles out into the ocean. Ocean water is being pulled in and run through these reverse osmosis membranes at high pressure.

“We would use slant well technology,” Shintaku said. “It’s very populator.

This is the preferred intake method by regulators and the California Ocean Plan Desalination Amendment.”

The intake would consist of roughly 93% ocean water and 7% brackish groundwater. The slant wells would be located on Doheny State Park. SCWD officials say the Doheny site is geologically optimal location for a slant well.

SCWD has overseen a smaller-scale desalination facility in Dana Point since 2008. The 126 reverse osmosis membranes on site treat water from San Juan Creek. While the water from San Juan Creek only has salinity of about 2,100 parts per million (sea water has roughly 35,000 ppm), Shintaku has previously stated the current facility offers a solid foundation for SCWD to expand its desalination technology.

SCWD owns the property of lots from its current desalination facility off Stonehill Drive.

While the SCWD Board of Directors did vote to certify the environmental impact review study in June 2019, the Doheny desalination project has not yet been given the greenlight. Officials are currently exploring other due diligence studies, assessments and configurations for the most cost-effective route toward desalination.

In the meantime, SCWD hopes to solicit partnerships, which would lessen the costs.

TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

A Day Without Water: SCWD Continues Push for Self-Reliant Water Sources, Desalination

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

How long could you last if water supply was cut off in the event of an emergency?

Our region is nearly entirely reliant on water that is imported from hundreds of miles away. In the event of a catastrophe that would prevent water delivery from outside sources, experts recommend that there be at least 60 days’ worth of water supply. As of now, South Coast Water District could provide roughly 11 days’ worth.

“Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) developed the criteria that its agencies should plan for a 100% interruption of MET supplies for up to 60 days with a concurrent power grid outage for a minimum of 7 days,” the 2018 Orange County Reliability Study states and adds, “These criteria essentially mean that the retail agencies are on their own for up to two months following a major earthquake in OC.” According to that same study, that could mean at least a $1.7 billion economic loss in South Orange County if there was an 80% outage for 60 days.

MWDOC states that the Doheny Desalination project provide cost-effective

annual supplies and emergency supplies.

North Orange County can provide 75%+ of drinking water whereas 25% of their drinking water is imported. Without a robust groundwater basin, South Orange County is particularly water dependent.

The single largest risk exposure, according to South Coast Water District’s general manager Rick Shintaku, would be an earthquake that disrupts state water project flow for more than a year.

And with the ongoing threat of drought in California, water officials in South Orange County have long been discussing ways to diversify our area’s “water portfolio.”

Shintaku points to the five major fault lines that threaten the pipelines at Diemer Water Treatment Plant (Orange County’s water plant)—where water from the Colorado River and Northern California is treated for South Orange County use.

“If one of these pipelines were to sever, this isn’t something like a pipeline on your street where, in three days, you’d be back in service,” Shintaku said. “This is something where these are large diam-

South Coast Water District has had a small-scale desalination facility in Dana Point since 2008 and owns the property of lots off Stonehill Drive. Photo: File

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

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Dana Point COVID-19 UPDATES as of May 26

cases

deaths

total

1,523

33

19

0

last 30 days

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

“The bottom line is SCWD needs partnerships. Partnerships will significantly reduce the cost impact to SCWD customers,” Shintaku told Dana Point Times in a January 2020 interview. “This decision needs to be balanced with the water reliability needs that South Coast Water District customers want and need to be best prepared for drought and emergencies, such as a significant seismic event.”

According to a survey conducted by research firm FM3, 63% of those surveyed reported they would be willing to pay at least $15 per month on average to build the desalination project. About 78% are willing to pay an added $5 to their water bill.

“Our intention is to stay within an added $5-7 or less,” Shintaku said. “That’s why we want to find partnerships and grant funding for this.”

Thus far, SCWD has secured $10 million from the California Department of Water Resources Desalination Construction grant and about $20 million from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Water Infrastructure Improvement for the Nation.

“If we were to ask you to cut back 90% of your supply during that (60-day emergency period), how would you go about doing that?” Shintaku poses hypothetically. “You could cut off your outdoor irrigation … you’d be taking 30-second showers, doing every other load for laundry … it’s not feasible.”

As far as potential stakeholders, like Santa Margarita Water District, who can help take on a role in financing the desalination project, Shintaku says that a financial assessment study coming out in July will be key in groups determining partnerships going forward.

“These groups really want to know the unit costs and the potential impacts on rates before taking that step,” Shintaku said.

To view the entire presentation, courtesy of the Dana Point Civic Association Coffee Chat, visit danapointtimes.com. danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

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danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Dana Point, Neighboring Cities Gear Up for Housing Element Updates

BY COLLIN BREAUX AND SHAWN RAYMUNDO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s with every other municipality in California, the City of Dana Point is preparing to update its Housing Element— regulations that provide a framework for providing housing, an ever-present topic of discussion in a state where housing costs are climbing.

The Housing Element update is part of updates to the General Plan, which serves as a local government’s principal guideline. In neighboring city San Juan Capistrano, the Safety Element and a new Environmental Justice Element will be included in the General Plan Update.

The updates are required every eight years for Orange County and its cities.

As part of community outreach for its plans, the city hosted virtual workshops about the proposed updates on May 12 and 26.

San Juan Capistrano specifically is expected to have to provide more than 1,000 housing units that will be for a mix of income levels, from lower to moderate to above-moderate. San Juan Capistrano currently has 13,059 housing units. Of those, 74% are owner-occupied and 26% are renters, according to the workshop.

The median household income is $91,600, and the median home price is $870,452.

Very-low income is defined at the $67,250 range, low at the $67,250$107,550 range, moderate at the $107,550-$128,050 range, and above-moderate topping $128,050. Income levels are for a four-person household.

Two hundred and seventy housing units are planned for very-low income; 173 for low income; 183 units for moderate income; and 428 units for above-moderate income.

The workshop stressed the city’s obligation is to provide sufficient land to accommodate housing requirements, but not to construct housing themselves. “(Construction is) still up to private developers and public developers,” said Dan Wery, a project manager with Michael Baker International, a firm hired by the city for the plan update.

Wery said part of the update includes a needs assessment, which looks at socioeconomic data, general conditions, costs, housing burdens, and how much people can afford.

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

Dana Point, like other Southern California cities, is looking at required updates to its guidelines regarding housing. Photo: Lillian Boyd

the Planning Commission this summer, and a public hearing before the city council this fall.

Neighboring cities are also considering Housing Element updates. San Clemente’s population of nearly 64,500 is expected to grow by 5.3% over a 20-year period. That estimate, from an association of local governments and counties in Southern California, would mark a gain of more than 3,400 residents between 2020 and 2040.

Countywide, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) estimates, the population is likely to grow by 8.3% over the same period, from about 3.2 million people to more than 3.46 million.

The update, which has been in place since 1969, is meant to ensure that jurisdictions are adequately planning to meet housing needs for current (and future residents) of the community, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

“In order for the private market to adequately address the housing needs and demand of Californians, local governments must adopt plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for (and do not unduly constrain) housing development,” HCD explained of the Housing-Element law.

The state’s housing department is tasked with reviewing each jurisdiction’s

“We use that to help determine our needs. And then we look at our resources,” Wery said. “What do we have that’s available to help us build housing? Part of that is—in control of the city—zoning appropriately.”

Constraints—which might include permit processing, fees, natural and regulatory issues, and the market—will also be examined. Some of those are within the control of the city and others are not, Wery said.

Participants in the May 12 workshop were asked various poll questions, including about housing challenges. Answers included lack of affordable housing, difficulty paying rent, access for disabled people, and housing segregation and discrimination.

“Most people are paying more than 30% of their household income (for housing costs),” Wery said. “That’s because the costs of rent and mortgage and purchase are far in excess of what most households earn and can afford in terms of their income.”

Incentives for developers mentioned

by Wery include density bonuses, streamlining the development process, and fee waivers. Wery discussed programs that can help meet housing needs, such as affordable housing requirements.

As for further steps with the general plan update, there will be a community meeting in June, a public hearing before Page 5

updated Housing Element, currently in its sixth cycle, covering another eightyear period. For municipalities within SCAG, comprising 197 jurisdictions—six counties and 191 cities—all Housing Element updates are due to HCD by Oct. 15.

In the updates, cities “look at what the needs are of the community and look at what are the best ways to address your needs—not only of your current residents but also future residents,” said Veronica Tam, the city of San Clemente’s consultant on housing.

An assessment of each county’s and city’s housing needs for the future—the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)—comes from HCD and is based on the expected population of households, overcrowding and vacancy percentages over the next eight years.

Though cities, in their Housing Elements, must show that they can accommodate the projected housing demands and demonstrate adequate residential capacity, they’re not on the hook to ever build any of those units—a point city officials and housing experts have been stressing. “(Development of the homes is) not going to happen tomorrow; it’s not going to happen next year,” San Clemente Councilmember Chris Duncan emphasized during the council’s May 18 meeting.

“This is just down the road.”

Duncan added that part of the goal in updating the Housing Element is to do so before the mid-October deadline—a task the city was unable to accomplish with the previous update back in 2013, resulting in HCD requiring a midterm update from the city in 2017.

Based on the RHNA, SCAG was assigned with planning for 1.34 million new homes between its 197 jurisdictions for the latest Housing Element cycle.

Orange County was to take on more than 183,861 of those homes.

Dana Point was allocated 530 units. In Laguna Niguel, it’s responsible for showing that it can accommodate 1,207 new homes, with Newport Beach is responsible for 2,845 homes.

RHNA allocations cover units across four income categories—low and verylow, moderate and above-moderate.

The state assigns the total number of units for the region, and SCAG adopts a methodology to determine the number for each city.

Lillian Boyd contributed to this story. DP danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERYKA FORQUER, FOR THE DANA POINT TIMES

ACUPUNCTURE

DP | Local Book Club

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

Event to Feature Best-Selling Author Three Dana Point book clubs are planning a virtual event on Tuesday, June 1 that features local Capistrano Beach resident Alan Bell, who is the best-selling author of the book “Poisoned: How a Crime-Busting Prosecutor Turned His Medical Mystery into a Crusade for Environmental Victims.”

The author talk will feature a 30-minute presentation conducted by Bell and a segment where audience members can ask questions. Toni Nelson, the host of the event, said that she encourages everyone to attend regardless of whether they have read the book or not.

“It’s a very well-known book within the environmental community,” said Nelson. “Alan has really done a good job of bringing this to the forefront and his book is really interesting. I’m hoping that people will show up and we can share it.”

Bell, a former attorney who prosecuted the Colombian cartel and the Mafia, took a private sector job at a skyscraper in Florida where he was poisoned by the toxic chemicals in his office’s building. After developing sore throats, high fevers, impaired breathing, swollen glands and seizures, he was diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

MCS is defined by John Hopkins Medicine as a medical disorder that is triggered by exposure to chemicals or other environmental factors. After his diagnosis, Bell spent the next eight years isolated in a sterile “bubble.”

He lived in a nontoxic house near Tucson, Arizona, that was composed of only metal, glass and brick. With the help of his daughter, Bell found an experimental treatment and was able to leave isolation and relocate to Capistrano Beach.

“It’s a pretty debilitating disease that he is suffering from,” Nelson said.

“He’s really been to hell and back with this. It’s been really horrible for him and he still suffers from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.”

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

ATTORNEY

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

AUTO REPAIR

Photo: Courtesy of Alan Bell

Bell, who called environmental linked illnesses the “silent epidemic of the 21st century,” said he wanted to recount his experience in a book to put a face on a large issue.

“This is a huge issue that’s affecting every family in this country,” Bell said.

“More people get sick and die from environmental exposure found in their everyday lives than all of those inflicted with AIDS, accident, murder, war and COVID combined.”

In his book, which became the number one environmental book in 2017, Bell alerts people of the hidden dangers within their home and identifies the ten most toxic chemicals that can be found in everyday life.

Bell advises people to buy home kits to check for toxic chemicals and offers modifications that can be made to reduce the risk of becoming ill.

The author talk on June 1 starts at 7 p.m. and will be conducted through Zoom. While a few local book clubs are coming together to host the event, Nelson said that it is also open to the public.

“It’ll be a very casual format,” Nelson said. “People can just raise their hands and ask questions. His personal story is very interesting and he also has a lot to share on which chemicals we really should be avoiding. He has a lot of information that people will find interesting.”

The link to the event’s Zoom meeting can be found in the online version of this article at danapointtimes.com.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

DEEP CLEAN SAVE 20% Carpet Upholstery Tile & Grout Natural Stone Wood Floors Commercial Residential Cleaning South Orange County Call 949-427-2904 or Schedule Online at CommercialResidential Cleaning.com Licensed & Bonded Certified Free Estimates

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

BODY MIND SPIRIT 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 CAFE - DELI

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

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INSURANCE SERVICES

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

COFFEE SHOP

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

Jeddy’s Interiors 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 2 Dana Point, CA 92629 949-240-9569 www.jeddys.com

ICE CREAM

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

Want to be featured here?

Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX

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

HOW TO REACH US S E N I O R C I T Y E D I TO R Lillian Boyd • 949.388.7700, x113 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING PRINT & ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com

GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

Advertising Sales (SJC) Debra Wells

EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex O P E R AT I O N S General Manager Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director Mike Reed Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent, Chloe Anady

Dana Point Times, Vol. 14 Issue 22. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA.

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FACEBOOK.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • INSTAGRAM@DANAPOINTTIMES TWITTER.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

PUBLISHER’S LETTER | By Norb Garrett, Owner & Publisher of Picket Fence Media

The Worst of Times Brings Out the Best in Us I 1ST PLACE

n life, relationships, business and sports, we’re often reminded that you find out the most about yourself and others during the darkest times rather than the brightest.

That sentiment couldn’t be more appropriate when describing our entire team here at Picket Fence Media and our staffs at the Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times and The Capistrano Dispatch and how they stepped up in 2020 in the face of significant challenges.

At the outset of the pandemic and

BY NORB GARRETT the first lockdown OWNER & PUBLISHER in March 2020, I made a commitment to our entire staff that we’d do everything we could to ensure no one lost their job as a result of the pandemic.

As a team, we understood the challenge ahead, as well as our responsibilities to our communities who depend on us for original, local news reporting.

Things would be different, as we’d each be working from home, isolated, but never alone.

Everyone on the team took on added responsibilities, as reporters were deemed essential workers, vital to keeping the flow of information out to the public. Our reporters risked the unknown, venturing out to report the news wearing whatever protection the latest CDC and state guidelines mandated.

The summer of racial and social unrest, coupled with a contentious Presidential election in the fall, added to the COVID-19 challenges, meaning 2020 would indeed be unprecedented in its complexity.

Unsurprising, our team responded in a big way, coordinating with our communities while launching daily COVID updates, new daily e-newsletters and expanding our social media and digital efforts. We didn’t cancel a single print edition despite having to find a new printer after ours of 14 years succumbed to the economic pressures caused by the pandemic.

Fittingly, our team has been rewarded for their efforts with a record 10 California Journalism Awards from the California News Publishers Association (CNPA):

Front Page Layout & Design DANA POINT TIMES • PRINT

By Lillian Boyd, Chelsie Rex

2ND PLACE

Sports Feature Story THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH • PRINT

By Zach Cavanagh, “Fighting the Fire: Battling Rare Neuropathy, San Juan Hills' Efstathiou Coaches with New Perspective” Coverage of Protests and Racial Justice Photo DANA POINT TIMES • PRINT

By Lillian Boyd, “Wheels of Justice” Coverage of Youth and Education DANA POINT TIMES • PRINT

By Lillian Boyd, Shawn Raymundo, “Funding Education Facilities: Voters in San Clemente, Dana Point to Decide on Bond Measures for Schools” Coverage of Protests and Racial Justice News or Feature SAN CLEMENTE TIMES • DIGITAL

By Shawn Raymundo, “Surfers Paddle Out for Floyd; Calls to Defund Police Met with Opposing Voices from Local Officials”

3RD PLACE

General Excellence SAN CLEMENTE TIMES • DIGITAL

By Shawn Raymundo, San Clemente Times Staff

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4TH PLACE

Local Coverage of Election 2020 DANA POINT TIMES • PRINT

By Lillian Boyd, “PAC Spends Thousands to Oppose Local Candidate, Both Newkirk and Frost Denounce Tactics”

5TH PLACE

Inside Page Layout & Design SAN CLEMENTE TIMES • PRINT

By Fred Swegles, Chelsie Rex, “Let’s Visit the Nixon Library that Got Away from San Clemente” Informational Graphic THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH • PRINT

By Chelsie Rex, Zach Cavanagh, San Juan Capistrano COVID Cases Breaking News DANA POINT TIMES • DIGITAL

By Lillian Boyd, Zach Cavanagh, “Crews Use Crane Barge to Lift Iconic Tall Ship ‘Pilgrim’” I’m incredibly proud of how this team came together at a time of crisis and excelled. Please join me in congratulating our terrific journalists, while all of us here at Picket Fence Media offer our thanks again to you, our readers, Insiders, advertising partners and communities of San Clemente, Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, San Juan Capistrano and Rancho Mission Viejo for your continued support through this challenging year.

For a link to the full list of winners, head to the online version of this column. DP

danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

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

FRIDAY | 28 ONLINE TOUR OF MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 3 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano is offering online guided tours of its historic grounds every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Learn about the history and see the charming grounds and gardens of this South Orange County landmark. Cost is $45 for up to four devices, and the Zoom tour lasts up to an hour. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Check the Mission website for exact hours. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

SATURDAY | 29 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts.

The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Village Art Faire, hosted by the San Clemente Downtown Business Association and now located in the lawn of the SC Library, offers a variety of work, including photography, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, fused glass, home décor, botanicals, textile art, and more. Visitors can expect to find many of their favorite artists, as well as some new faces. 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.218.5378.

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

Editor’s Pick Memorial Day 2019 in Pines Park. Photo: File

MONDAY | 31 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES IN DANA POINT 10-11:30 a.m. This year’s Memorial Day Services will feature the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard, classical trumpeter David Longoria, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 Rifle Team, and the VFW “Boots and Rifle” Ceremony. Program speakers include U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, Dana Point Mayor Jamey Federico, Dana Point Police Services Captain Kirsten Monteleone, Sergio Prince from Orange County 5th Supervisorial District Office, and a squadron Commander and Chaplain from Marine Aircraft Group 39.

This program will include special recognition to veterans of World War II and Korea. For more information, call VFW Post 9934 at 949.248.1419. The event will be held at Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach.

info@scdba.org. scdba.org.

unwind while listening to live music at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Karly Moreno will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

SUNDAY | 30 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville. 949 361 8200. san-clemente.org.

WEDNESDAY | 02 TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse will host a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends, or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 2 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and

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Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

BACKYARD OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads’ backyard is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

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Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

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Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

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A NEW YOU

WELCOME TO ‘A NEW YOU’

We are better than we were. We will be better than we are.

We encounter situations over our lifetime in which we’re forced to modify our everyday habits and outlook, giving us a chance to reinvent ourselves. While self-care looks different for each person, it is key to maintaining our well-being and developing our growth. It may look like challenging ourselves to try new things, such as CBD products, or new workouts and alternative health solutions. Self-care can also take the form of traditions, such as walks or jogs, a day at the spa or treating yourself to a manicure. No matter the circumstances, becoming A New You provides endless possibilities that can be both terrifying and wonderful. When you become A New You, you can let go of things that bogged you down. You can charge into the great unknown. In this year’s issue of A New You, we explore ways to help you stay in shape, maintain a healthy lifestyle, relieve stress and continue seeking wellness.

4

Four Ways to Get Fit Outside of Traditional Gym

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

A

fter a year dominated by indoor and isolated activities, many might be looking for a way to jump-start their fitness heading into the summer. Restrictions have been eased, and people are ready to show themselves off outdoors. Even if people had been keeping up their fitness with indoor routines, maybe that routine has become stale. Luckily for those in South Orange County, there are a myriad of alternative ways to get into fitness outside of the traditional gym structure.

1/

BOXING GYMS

Boxing gyms are a fantastic way to transform any of the frustrations of your past year, month, week or even just the day into positive fitness goals.

Boxing is a great workout for strength and endurance that hits anaerobic and aerobic workout paths to reach those fitness goals. It’s also not a bad way to learn self-defense in a fun manner that’s accessible to almost anyone.

Capistrano Boxing Gym (31896 Plaza Drive, Suite E4, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; capistranoboxinggym.com) is the premier name in boxing gyms in South Orange County. Capistrano Boxing Gym offers a variety of programs from classic boxing and fitness boxing to classes for youth boxers and for older adults, age 55 and over, dubbed the “Silver Sluggers.” In San Clemente, 9Round (979 Avenida Pico, Suite K, San Clemente, CA 92673; 9round. com) is an international chain of kickboxing fitness gyms that offer programs in just 30 minutes. The 9Round program incorporates functional, cardiovascular and circuit training programs on a system of nine workout stations.

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

2/

CROSSFIT

iHeartYoga offers in-studio classes and outdoor classes. Photo: Courtesy

3/

The biggest brand name in non-traditional gym experiences right now has to be CrossFit, and there are numerous groups in South Orange County offering the workout regimen. At its core, CrossFit is a revved-up version of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that combines weightlifting, powerlifting, plyometrics, gymnastics, calisthenics and other disciplines. CrossFit aims to have people performing constantly varying movements at those high-intensity intervals to help develop endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility and coordination, among other attributes.

Locally, there are several places to book a CrossFit class or session. CrossFit San Clemente (101 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, CA 92672; crossfitsanclemente. com) offers group workouts and private training with hourly CrossFit sessions.

CrossFit Dana Point (34198 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite B, Dana Point, CA 92629; crossfitdanapoint.com) offers a free intro, as well as specialized programs, nutrition counseling and other services. There are several gyms in San Juan Capistrano, including Eternity CrossFit (27130A Paseo Espada, Suite 1407, SJC, CA 92675; eternitycrossfit.com), CrossFit to the Core (31896 Plaza Dr., E5, SJC, CA 92675; crossfittothecore.com) and CrossFit No Boundaries (27136 Paseo Espada, Suite 1101, SJC, CA 92675; crossfitnoboundaries.com). In Rancho Mission Viejo, F45 (30595 Gateway Place, SJC, CA 92675; f45training.com) offers a similarly functional, high-intensity interval workout.

YOGA

Forever incredibly popular in South Orange County, yoga provides a way to stay in tune with your body, as well as focus on fitness and flexibility. Yoga can help relax, alleviate stress and anxiety, improve strength, flexibility and balance and help with some lower-back pain.

In the annual “Best of” awards from the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch, gold and silver awards are given to the best yoga studios in each town. In San Clemente, the gold-winning YNG Studios (102 S. Ola Vista, San Clemente, CA 92672; yngstudios.com) offers heated and non-heated yoga with a focus on sequencing for students to find their full potential.

The silver winner in San Clemente was EPIC Yoga (1709 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672; epicyogasc.com). iHeartYoga (34485 Golden Lantern, Dana Pont, CA 92629; iheartyoga.com) was the gold winner in Dana Point, and it offers indoor and outdoor classes to take in the beauty of the Lantern District and Dana Point Harbor. Studio A Pilates & Yoga (24849 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, CA 92629; studioapilates.yoga) was the silver winner in Dana Point. In San Juan Capistrano, Yoga Bungalow (32382 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; yoga-bungalow.com) won the gold for being the antithesis of the “one size fits all” yoga studio, offering a variety of classes.

Align Pilates & Yoga Center (31896 Plaza Drive, Suite E6, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; alignpilatescenter.com) won the silver in San Juan Capistrano.

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JIU-JITSU

Jiu-jitsu is a type of close-combat martial art that originated in Japan, but most jiu-jitsu schools or gyms locally will have a focus on Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

The Japanese jiu-jitsu was originally developed as a close-combat system for samurai dealing with weapon-wielding or armor-wearing opponents, whereas the Brazilian form has developed into sport with a focus on grappling. Brazilian jiu-jitsu mostly takes place on the ground, as the two opponents grapple and try to establish a dominant position and force their opponent into submission with chokeholds and joint locks.

Locally, there are several jiu-jitsu gyms, again with the focus on the Brazilian variety. In San Clemente, Guillobel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (621 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672; guillobelbjj. com) has won the “Best of San Clemente” gold medal for best martial arts school several years running. Guillobel offers classes for kids, adults and special women’s self-defense courses. The silver medal in San Clemente went to Gracie Barra San Clemente (225 Calle Pintoresco, San Clemente, CA 92672; graciebarra.com/ san-clemente-ca). Gracie Barra is also a chain of Brazilian jiu-jitsu trainers, with another school in Dana Point (34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 106, Dana Point, CA 92677; graciebarra.com/dana-pointca). In San Juan Capistrano, Team Capo BJJ (31921 Camino Capistrano #20, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675; teamcapobjj. com) offers classes for adults and kids, and check their website for special deals. danapointtimes.com

A NEW YOU

Tattoos Heal All Wounds

Getting Your Steps In:

WALKING VERSUS RUNNING

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

W

hen it comes to cardio and general fitness, walking and running are both great forms of exercise and solid ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“Anything is better than nothing,” explains Ryan Steinhoff, operations manager for SoCal Boot Camp, which has locations in Dana Point and San Clemente.

While running is often associated with weight loss, walking has its merits as a cardiovascular exercise. Fitness experts note that an appropriate intensity while walking can help strengthen a person’s heart, as well as improve their respiratory functions.

Walking can also help burn off calories—generally speaking, about 100 calories per mile, Women’s Health recently reported. The body can burn off additional calories depending on the pace of the walk and also whether you’re on an incline, like a hiking trail or stairs.

In the discussion of walking vs. running, there’s also the safety aspect to consider, Steinhoff explains.

“The biggest difference is the impact they’re going to put on your body—the pounding that comes with the running and the injuries that may occur that come along with it,” he says. “Walking is less impact while still getting the cardio in.”

One study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2000 found that walkers had a significantly lower chance of sustaining an inju-

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

ry compared to both young and old men who ran.

“Running is a young man’s game,” Steinhoff says. He adds that men who regularly run as a young adult generally develop weaker legs and limp more later in life “because they spent so much time pounding the pavement.”

For those who are looking to get into running to lose weight faster, Steinhoff warns that the body will eventually adapt to a daily running routine. To avoid that, he suggests switching up the types of runs you employ so you’re always “tricking the body.”

“You just always want to switch it up, because your body starts to adapt and your body starts to lag,” he says.

“So, if you do the same 5-mile run, slowly (your body) will start to adapt … the body is used to doing that, so you’re no longer getting the exact same results.”

Luckily for those of us in South Orange County, there’s no shortage of scenic trails and routes on which to run and/or walk.

For Steinhoff, the choice is clear: “The (San Clemente) Beach Trail is going to be the best option,” because of the soft ground.

Those looking to get some quality cardio time in can also check out San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente’s extensive trail systems, which are sure to get the heart thumping on those inclines.

There’s also the San Juan Creek trail, connecting San Juan to Dana Point. And there, you can also get your steps in at the walkway at Strands or even on the Headlands Conservation Trail system.

things, especially if they (the tattoos) are old.”

Livingston’s goal for his clients, he says, is for them to leave his shop feeling like they can comfortably show off their ink without feeling embarrassed—and maybe even get harassed a bit by strangers inquiring where they got the work done.

“It’s a beautiful thing and just incredible to see somebody transform from that spikey caterpillar to that beautiful butterfly, in a sense,” he says. “It’s beautiful. And like I said, don’t ever stop working on your artwork. If you don’t like it, continue making it grow.”

Livingston explains that a lot of planning and

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO preparation goes into cover-ups, as he and the client have to be selective with the new artwork that’s replacing, or essentially disguising, the old piece. ime heals all wounds—or so the “You have to have something that kind of saying goes. camouflages in a way, so where you don’t see that But for many of us with tattoos, tattoo anymore, and that’s where the trickery and some pieces from our younger days the illusion of camouflaging a tattoo comes in,” he only serve as constant reminders of says. our past selves—a person we may no longer relate Part of his process includes photographing the to or wouldn’t even recognize in a mirror. Whether old tattoo and using photo-editing software on the that’s a good or bad thing is certainly a matter of computer. He says he layers images on top of the perspective. photo of the existing work, to see what will properAs time goes on, we (ideally) get a little wiser. ly mesh with and mask the older piece.

We outgrow who we were. That tattoo you got as a When first meeting clients, he explains, many young college kid has likely begun to fade a bit, and will either give him carte blanche, letting him be perhaps that quote on your arm doesn’t even carry as creative as possible, even wanting him to pick the same meaning you thought it did back then. the subject, or they’re stringent and have a very If we’re never done truly growing, or evolving, narrowed idea of what then the artwork we’ve they want. tattooed on our bodies Livingston says havshouldn’t, either. ing creative freedom Much like a painting can be nice, but having on a canvas, Monte a subject in mind, at Livingston, the owner the very least, goes a of Living Art Gallery long way.

Tattoo Lounge in San “It varies. I do like a Clemente, explains, bit of creative freedom your tattoos are never with people; it’s always quite finished until nice,” he says, “And on you’re absolutely happy the other end of that, and satisfied with the it’s really nice when end result. someone knows specif“You’ve got to think ically what they want, of your body as a so it makes the process canvas, and if your artMonte Livingston of Living Art Gallery Tattoo Lounge covers up one of Shawn go really easy, because I work is incomplete or Raymundo’s older tattoos. Photo: Lillian Boyd know what I need to do.” unfinished, you’ve got to Quite a few of Livingston’s clients, he notes, are keep working on it,” says Livingston, who specializalso those who have scars that they’re looking to es in tattooing over existing pieces, as well as over cover up—a tattooing process that poses a differphysical scars. ent set of challenges because there are additional Tattooing since he was a teenager, Livingston, considerations, such as placement and the skin now in his mid-30s, has worked with a myriad of itself. clients, encountering a variety of tattoos that were Livingston said he’s currently seeing a client either old and fading, incomplete or just downevery few weeks to cover up a large scar on her right poorly done. back, as such pieces require multiple sessions to “I get bombarded from every angle, but, yeah, complete. He notes that a lot of pre-planning goes I see old tattoos, or a tattoo that just was abaninto tattooing over scars, but there will be times in doned—you see a lot of abandoned tattoos,” he says, which he’s able to add details as the work goes on. adding: “There’s a lot of different reasons, but I’m Though it’s a major undertaking, he said his very happy to fix people’s artwork that they curclients get a boost in their confidence when the rently have and give them some fresh stuff as well.” work is complete, as there’s some new, fresh ink Livingston says he enjoys performing cover-ups there that’s much more pleasant to look at, rather simply because of the excitement and joy he saw than a scar. from clients who felt more confident, or revital“They’re able to show it off a little bit more,” ized, after getting that restored tattoo. he says. “Tattooing is a process, especially when “It’s amazing to cover a really bad tattoo that you’re’ dealing with scars (and) cover-ups, because someone has been holding onto for 20 years, and sometimes they need to be layered more than won’t take their shirt off because their arm has once to make sure that tattoo truly sticks … if it just a faded, old ugly tattoo,” he says, later adding: doesn’t look good, continue working on it until it “I’m heavily rewarded with praise from these looks great.” people, and I really enjoy it. I enjoy covering these

T

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danapointtimes.com

A NEW YOU

Health and o2 Wellness Local Mother and Daughter Team Up to Bring Alternative Health to South OC

BY LILLIAN BOYD

B

renda Carbone had been living with severe arthritis and neck pain for several years, so she was faced with a decision: to have fusion surgery on her 3, 4 and 5 neck vertebrae to relieve her arthritis symptoms and pain, or to continue living with the aid of pharmaceutical drugs—as she had been doing for several years.

“I ended up trying therapeutic wholebody vibration,” Brenda said. “I stepped off the machine and for the first time in eight years, I felt relief.”

Brenda began consistently using the whole-body vibration machine and, within weeks, was off her medications and feeling better than she had in years.

Not only was she pain-free, but after consistent use for a longer period of time, Brenda says she lost 30 pounds, toned her muscles, had more energy, slept better, reduced her stress level, and had an overall sense of well-being.

Her daughter Kristy started using the machine. Almost immediately, she lost inches and weight, increased lean muscle mass, and felt better than ever.

While it isn’t recommended as a replacement for regular exercise, whole-body vibration can offer some fitness and health benefits, according to the Mayo Clinic.

With whole-body vibration, you stand, sit or lie on a machine with a vibrating platform. As the machine vibrates, it transmits energy to your body, forcing your muscles to contract and relax dozens of times each second.

Advocates say that as little as 15 minutes a day of whole-body vibration three times a week may aid weight loss, burn fat, improve flexibility, enhance blood flow, reduce muscle soreness after exercise, build strength and decrease the stress hormone, cortisol.

Together, Brenda and Kristy researched, studied and participated in learning more about taking charge of their own bodies and how to offer this to the public; thus, began the creation of o2 Wellness—a one-stop shop for health and wellness in San Clemente. This year, the Carbones are celebrating 11 years of business.

“We would hear that customers were having trouble losing weight, dealing with pain, couldn’t sleep or struggled

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

Page 13

Brenda and Kristy Carbone. Photo: Lillian Boyd

with having energy,” Brenda said. “We offer services and products that address all those ailments—and they work. Otherwise, we won’t sell them here.”

In addition to whole-body vibration, o2 Wellness’s weight loss services include Bioslimming body wraps, cavitation machines, infrared sauna, ionic foot detox and more.

Ultrasonic cavitation relies on ultrasound technology to break apart fat cells.

Ultrasound waves are sent deep into the layers of your skin, causing a disruptive vibration. Fat cells then break apart from each other and are dislodged from your dermal layers, according to Healthline. com. After a few days, the fat cells are absorbed by your lymphatic system and drained as waste from your body. Several studies have shown participants saw a reduction in body fat mass after treatments.

“The most rewarding aspect of opening o2 Wellness has been the relationships I’ve built with people in the community,” Brenda said. “I get to see people transform into more happy, energized, pain-free versions of themselves. I love seeing those kinds of results.”

O2 Wellness also offers products for beauty and skin care—which she attributes to helping keep the business afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

“People were unable to use our services inside the shop, so we offered product pickups to customers,” Brenda said. “COVID is an awful thing to have happened, but I believe one good outcome is that people are starting to take their health more seriously.”

Brenda and Kristy added that they try to make o2 Wellness an affordable option for customers; they even accept Health Savings Accounts.

“There will be more pandemics in time,” Brenda said. “But staying healthy is so important. I think we all have a better appreciation for health now.” danapointtimes.com

A NEW YOU

Well-Polished

Nail Salon Aims to Pamper in Post-Pandemic Days

BY LILLIAN BOYD

T

he No. 1 one reason we got through this past year is because of the loyalty of our customers,” said Jenny Nguyen, co-owner of Posh Nails in Dana Point. “Now that we are open again, and seeing a brighter future ahead, we want to welcome the community back in the salon chair for pampering.”

The nail salon industry was hit particularly hard throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Under state health guidelines announced in September, nail salons were able to reopen indoors across California.

Previously, nail salons had been allowed to reopen only in counties in Tier 2 or higher on the state’s fourtiered reopening blueprint. Counties in Tier 1 went forward with having the option to let nail salons operate, although counties still had the authority to keep shops closed. That change came after months of outcry from business owners and salon workers who felt they had been unfairly targeted after Gov. Gavin Newsom claimed the first COVID-19 case in the state had originated at a nail salon.

Speaking to reporters on May 7, 2020, Newsom said the first person in California to contract the coronavirus through community spread caught it in a nail salon, when asked why personal services, such as nail salons, must remain closed.

“It began with Gov. Newsom sharing inaccurate information on May 7, with devastating impacts on the beauty industry in California and

with far-reaching repercussions across America,” said a statement by Nailing it for America, which was cited by the Los Angeles Times.

Now, and as salons continue to welcome back customers, Nguyen remains optimistic for the business.

“I opened this salon with Ha (Alice) Doan, my cousin, in December 2007,” said Nguyen, who says she’s worked in the industry since the ’90s, all over the country. “It was my mom’s idea for me to do nails when I was younger. Since then, I’ve been able to grow along with the industry and build a business.”

Nguyen says much has changed in the industry since opening Posh Nails’ doors.

“Back then, women wanted basic manicures or pink and white tips,” Nguyen said. “As a salon, we’ve evolved with the trends. Now we do gel and dip nails. We stay on top of what the demand is.”

According to Nguyen and Doan, social media has amplified the popularity for creative nail designs as well.

“Customers will bring in a photo of nail designs they saw on Instagram or Pinterest,” Nguyen said. “If you have a photo of a design, we can do it for you.”

But a few key components have remained constant and consistent for Posh Nails.

“We always have gone above and beyond to maintain a clean, sanitary and relaxing environment for our customers. Safety and health are a priority,” Nguyen said. “And we continue to deliver the best customer service.”

Posh Nails is located at 24040 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point. For more information, call 949.496.7674.

Courtesy of Posh Nails

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949.369.1626 1041 Avenida Pico, Suite C

949.492.2200 32241 Camino Capistrano, Suite A103

24040 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point 949.496.7674

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Ocean View Nails 949.388.7218 638 Camino De Los Mares, Suite C-200 oceanviewnails.com

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

saloncapistrano.com

Happy Nails and Spa 949.493.6888 32301 Camino Capistrano happynails.com

Paradise Nails 32880 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 35 949.443.2772

Jenny Nguyen and Ha (Alice) Doan opened Posh Nails in Dana Point in 2007. Photo: Lillian Boyd

paradise-nails-salon.com Page 14

danapointtimes.com

CBD Is It Good for You?

A NEW YOU

BY COLLIN BREAUX

I

f you ask Bill St. Clair, the benefits from CBD are endless.

St. Clair is the president of CBD company San Clemente Naturals. St. Clair, who calls South Orange County home, raves about the potential benefits of CBD but has a clear, measured tone in doing so.

The exact science of CBD is still being investigated, but some of its uses include relief from pain, anxiety, and depression.

“In the last decade, you’ve had lots of research done on CBD,” St. Clair said.

Different Routes of Ingestion CBD can be used by people with arthritis or acute pain and taken and applied in various ways, including through tincture droplets, creams, or soft gels.

CBD can also be smoked—an option St. Clair noted is becoming popular.

San Clemente Naturals sells CBD tinctures, salves, and body creams online, with distribution based in San Clemente. The company also grows hemp in the Paso Robles region that it sells to other companies for their own CBD products, and it maintains a research facility in Colorado.

CBD’s main health benefit is pain management, particularly for people with arthritis or acute pain, St. Clair said.

St. Clair cautioned against people going off their regular medications if using CBD for mental health issues, but he did note studies are showing positive results when it comes to CBD’s effects on people with depression and anxiety.

Questions Arise as New Product Emerges In September 2020, Harvard Health Publishing of Harvard Medical School sounded a cautionary note about CBD when discussing the rosy marketing of the product.

“Given its promising results in animal models, along with its relative safety, non-psychoactive properties, and low potential for abuse, CBD is an attractive candidate to relieve pain,” Harvard Health Publishing said in a blog post.

“Unfortunately, there is a lack of human studies about the effectiveness of CBD.” HealthDay, in an April story on a scientific study, said that CBD and one’s Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

Page 15

assumptions about its effects can mitigate the effects of pain, but CBD doesn’t reduce pain intensity itself. HealthDay also urged consumers to be discerning when choosing products.

The FDA states on its website that it has only approved one CBD product, a prescription drug to treat seizures associated with Lennox Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex. FDA regulations make it currently illegal to market CBD by adding it to a food or labeling it as a dietary supplement, and the agency said it has seen only “limited data about CBD safety and these data point to real risks that need to be considered before taking CBD for any reason.”

Claimed Benefits Back to St. Clair’s perspective, cancer is another illness he mentioned when discussing CBD’s possible benefits. CBD can help with chemotherapy-induced nausea, St. Clair said.

The American Cancer Society said there have been some early clinical trials of cannabinoids in treating cancer in humans and that more studies are planned.

“While the studies so far have shown that cannabinoids can be safe in treating cancer, they do not show that they help control or cure the disease,” the American Cancer Society said.

Though CBD and marijuana come from the same cannabis plant, CBD will not get you high (the psychoactive component in marijuana is THC, which is different from CBD).

St. Clair said more benign uses for CBD include treating acne.

“The whole beauty industry is the new frontier,” St. Clair said.

Research is also being done on how CBD can treat people with epileptic seizures and Alzheimer’s, with the company Charlotte’s Web pioneering the latter, St. Clair said.

“There’s so many benefits,” St. Clair said. “There’s hundreds of compounds in this plant.”

People are starting to use CBD for substance abuse and anti-psychotic treatment, including for schizophrenia, St. Clair said. Studies are also being done on potential anti-tumor properties.

“CBD was pretty new, but now it’s working its way into the mainstream,” St. Clair said. “You’ll definitely see this product evolve over time.” danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

Page 16

danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

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

Characteristics of Potential Mates

W

hen I started writing columns about dating 26 years ago, I promised myself I would not write about politics or religion.

A friend, 72, sent an email this week stating, “I realize you have to be careful with your column topics, but the information in the enclosed attachment is a good guideline for me in finding a serious relationship.”

I assumed he said that because the attachment had someON LIFE AND LOVE thing to do with

BY TOM BLAKE politics or religion.

It did, sort of. The attachment was a newsletter called Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope, written by Rick Warren, the founder and senior pastor of California’s largest church, Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. Warren’s headline read: “Let God Guide Your Choices.”

My first reaction was to ignore the attachment, because I don’t write about religion. However, because my friend felt the content could help him meet a compatible mate, I opened it, thinking the information might help other single seniors as well.

Warren listed five characteristics to avoid when choosing a potential marriage partner and two characteristics that a mate should have. Warren cited a biblical reference to each characteristic.

I assumed those references were what my friend had alluded to that I don’t nor-

mally write about. I read what Warren wrote and feel his seven items make a lot of sense for senior singles. (Warren’s Bible references are not included).

Five of the items that Warren listed started with the words “Whoever you marry must not be …”: • “Nursing uncontrolled anger.” Uncontrolled anger reveals deep insecurity and low self-worth.

• “Stuck in an addiction.” There are hundreds of ways to get addicted.

• “Harboring bitterness.” Bitterness is like a poison. It eats you alive.

• “Selfish.” When it comes down to it, the number one cause of conflict in marriage is selfishness.

• “Greedy.” If you marry a greedy spouse, you will be in debt your entire life.”

And, two items that Warren listed started with the words, “Whoever you marry must …”: • “Be generous and kind.”

• “Tell the truth. Love is based on trust, and trust is based on truth. If you don’t tell me the truth, I can’t trust you. And if I can’t trust you, how can I love you?”

Photo: OC Public Libraries

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photograph shows camping at Doheny State Beach in 1956.

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.

get busy making my list.”

I can think of two modern-day issues that senior singles will likely consider when evaluating whether a person would be a suitable mate for them. They could be considered “hot-potato” issues.

The first: political-party affiliation. With the country so divided politically, people belonging to different political parties might be too opinionated for each other.

The second characteristic has emerged because of the pandemic: Are both parties vaccinated for COVID-19?

So, considering Pastor Warren’s eight items, and the two “hot potato” modern-day issues, my friend should be able to create an effective written list of the qualities he seeks in a partner. Plus, he’ll

Warren added a significant eighth point, stating that if a person has any of the five negative qualities, he or she should be avoided as a life partner “… no matter how good-looking, rich or nice they are.” That, in my opinion, addresses a major mistake some singles make.

My friend concluded his email thusly: “I wonder what qualities other single seniors think are important? I’d better

Sudoku

Elektra

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

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

DANA POINT TIMES

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

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

likely add other characteristics that are important to him.

Whoops! I wrote about both politics and religion in this week’s column. But, I don’t think I seriously infringed upon my 26-year-old promise to avoid those topics.

After all, I need to stay current with what’s happening in the senior dating world.

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

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Page 17

M

eet Elektra, one of the most lovable kitties you are likely to meet. This petite young lady raised four kittens while practically being a kitten herself. Now that her job is done, she is finally ready for her own forever family. Elektra is incredibly outgoing and affectionate and is sure to brighten your day with her sunny personality.

If you are interested in adopting Elektra, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/adoptacat 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 PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on May 18, 2021, the City Council of the City of Dana Point introduced an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5.38 OF THE DANA POINT MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDING REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES AFFECTING SHORT-TERM RENTALS The proposed ordinance amends Section 5.38 of the Municipal Code to implement new and enhanced regulations for short-term rentals.

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

This proposed Ordinance was introduced by the City Council of the City of Dana Point, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 18th day of May, 2021, by the following vote: AYES: C ouncil Member Mike Frost, Council Member Richard A. Viczorek, Mayor Pro Tem Joseph L. Muller, and Mayor Jamey M. Federico NOES:

Council Member Michael Villar

ABSENT: None KATHY M. WARD CITY CLERK Dated this 28th day of May, 2021.

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216604951 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: OH HAPPY DAY PUBLISHING 31563 CRYSTAL SANDS DR LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 Full Name of Registrant(s): CELESTE MARIE DIMILLA 31563 CRYSTAL SANDS DR LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A CELESTE DIMILLA/s/CELESTE DIMILLA This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 05/11/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216603054 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PATTY GRACE COACHING 24782 HIDDEN HILLS RD, APT F LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677-9267 Full Name of Registrant(s): PATRICIA PERRONE 24782 HIDDEN HILLS RD, APT F LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

Full Name of Registrant(s): MARY MICHELLE INC. 668 N COAST HWY #318 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A /s/MARY MICHELLE INC./MARY MICHELLE POSKAITIS LOVELY/PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/26/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021

/s/PATRICIA PERRONE This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/21/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216603420 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: NEXUS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC 34085 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY SUITE 114 DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): KIMBLEY CHIROPRACTIC, PC 34085 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, SUITE 114 DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 02/19/2018 /s/KIMBLEY CHIROPRACTIC, PC/DR DANIEL KIMBLEY/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/26/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216603465

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

PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01196755

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BE WELL KITCHEN 668 N COAST HWY #318 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 Full Name of Registrant(s): MARY MICHELLE INC. 668 N COAST HWY #318 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A /s/MARY MICHELLE INC./MARY MICHELLE POSKAITIS LOVELY/PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/26/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale ...and more

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

To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Jill Christine Thomas; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Jill Christine Thomas PROPOSED NAME A. Christin Thomas The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 06/22/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Other: Remote Hearing. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point Times Date: April 22, 2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216603466 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. YOUR MESSAGE MATTERS 668 N COAST HWY #318 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 Additional Fictitious Business Name(s): 1B. LOVELY NUTRITION THERAPY Page 18

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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 NEW FOLDING ELECTRIC BIKES - $450 San Clemente, CA. 14-inch DYU D3 Plus. 36V 250W, 15-20Mph Speed. Battery length: 30-40 Miles Black, White or Red. More info @ Mike: 847-858-4397

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale info to info@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. GARAGE SALE, 8 AM – 12 PM, SATURDAY, MAY 29TH 34061 Formosa Dr., Dana Point Moving Sale, Home Décor, Ceiling fans, lights, clothing, housewares (714)746-0862 GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, JUNE 4 Sat. June 5th & 6th 7AM-12PM. Router, Planer/joiner, compressor clamps, and much more.

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Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Dana Hills Honors 12 Student-Athletes in Amended Signing Day Ceremony

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s the strange 2020-21 school year nears its close, Dana Hills High School honored its graduating seniors that are signed and committed to continue their athletic careers in college in an amended Signing Day ceremony on Monday, May 24.

“It’s really special,” said CJ Zwahlen, who signed with Washington State to play baseball. “A lot of these guys have just worked so hard to get to the places they’re going, especially with all of the challenges they’ve faced over the last year. Being able to come out here and celebrate that they’ve worked hard enough to continue their athletic careers at the next level is so good to see.”

Dana Hills recognized 12 student-athletes across seven sports that will be attending 12 different universities all over the country.

The ceremony was held in the Dana Hills gymnasium with all participants and attendees wearing masks among a small crowd of the honorees’ family members.

“This year was a little interesting, because when we got to the actual Signing Day time, there wasn’t a lot of feedback and a lot of kids hadn’t signed yet because of COVID,” said Dana Hills athletic director and baseball coach Tom Faris.

“Everyone was falling a little bit late on stuff. So, I decided let’s do it toward the end of the year, and I almost feel like this

DOLPHIN REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Anderson’s 14th-Inning, Walk-Off Home Run Keeps Baseball League Title Hopes Alive The South Coast League action on Wednesday, May 26, at Dana Hills High School was going to end by either an act of Mother Nature or by the hand of the Dana Hills or Mission Viejo baseball teams.

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

Dana Hills recognized 12 of its student-athletes continuing their athletic careers in college in a Signing Day ceremony in front of a small, family-only crowd in the Dana Hills gymnasium on Monday, May 24.

Photos: Zach Cavanagh

is what we’ll do every year. It gets more kids involved, and it’s great any time we can celebrate the seniors, especially during this pandemic. It’s a positive.”

The Dolphins baseball team had the most representatives honored with four players in attendance: Zwahlen, Ian May (UC Berkeley), Aedan Anderson (Xavier) and Garrett Knuf (Cal Tech). A fifth baseball signee, Rocco DiFrancesco (Colorado Mesa), was not in attendance on Monday.

“It’s great, obviously, for the program,”

Zwahlen said. “Good players breed other good players. As a baseball program, this school is really used to winning and that kind of culture that everybody has. Coach Faris taught us all the value of hard work, and especially, a lot of guys that buy into that, they get the ability to play at the next level.”

Fortunately for the Dolphins’ leaguetitle hopes, it was Dana Hills that found the game-ending thunder clap.

As darkness encroached in the bottom of the 14th inning, Dana Hills senior Aedan Anderson got a hold of one and sent it over the left field fence to break the nearly nine-inning-long deadlock with a walk-off home run, defeat Mission Viejo, 2-1, and keep the Dolphins alive in the race for the South Coast League championship.

“I was 0 for 5 or 0 for 4,” Anderson said, “and on the previous at-bat I got hit in the head by a pitch. Must’ve knocked my eyes right or something, because I was seeing the ball well. I was actually talking to the catcher about my girlfriend being here for all 14 innings and I want to go home. And that was it!”

Anderson sent everyone home and the Dolphins to the top of the South Coast League standings.

With one game left to play, Dana Hills sits atop of the South Coast League at

7-4. Capistrano Valley has no more games on the schedule and sits in second at 7-5 waiting for the season finale to play out.

Mission Viejo is 6-5 and hosts Dana Hills in that finale on Friday.

If Dana Hills beats Mission Viejo on Friday, the Dolphins would be outright South Coast League champions.

If Dana Hills loses to Mission Viejo, it would create a three-way tie for the league championship. Based on playoff seedings tiebreakers, Dana Hills would be the league’s No. 3 representative and open the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs on the road.

Here is the full list of Dana Hills student-athletes honored on Monday: Baseball • Aedan Anderson, Xavier

Tony Henney Hired as New Football Coach Dana Hills announced the hiring of Tony Henney as the new Dolphins head football coach on Monday, May 24.

Henney was most recently serving as a volunteer assistant defensive coach for

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University; Rocco DiFrancesco, Colorado Mesa; Garrett Knuf, Cal Tech; Ian May, UC Berkeley; CJ Zwahlen, Washington State.

Track and Field • Jillian Stafford, UCLA; Jonathan Sweeney, Humboldt State.

Golf • Jason Bannister, Southern Indiana.

Soccer • Parker Finnegan, Western Michigan.

Football • Christian Preijers, Trine University.

Softball • Piper Tago, Idaho State.

Lacrosse • Jake Hubbard, Adams State.

his alma mater Cal Poly, but Henney has 12 years of high school head coaching experience with a 92-50 overall record.

Local football fans will remember Henney for his one season as head coach at Trabuco Hills High School in 2014. Henney’s Mustangs went 10-4 and won the CIF-SS Southwest Division championship over now-Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold and San Clemente High School.

The 2014 season was also one of three seasons in which Henney was named a CIF-SS coach of the year. Henney was also named CIF-SS coach of the year in his back-to-back CIF-SS Northwest Division championship seasons at Nordhoff High School in Ojai. Henney’s most recent high school coaching position was the head coach at St. Bonaventure High School from 2014-17.

Henney replaces Phil Skinner, who stepped down on April 28 after six seasons as Dana Hills head coach and 14 seasons in the program. DP danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Dana Hills’ Olivia Paquette Wins CIF-SS Diving Title

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s only natural that the Dolphins have a stellar diving history, and Dana Hills added another name to its pantheon of acrobatic splashers on Friday, May 21.

Dana Hills junior Olivia Paquette posted an 11-dive total score of 517.45 points to edge out a competitive field and win the CIF-SS Division 2 girls diving championship at the Marguerite Aquatic Center in Mission Viejo.

“It felt really good,” Paquette said.“I wasn’t expecting it to feel as good as it did.”

Paquette is the only the second Dana Hills girl to win a CIF-SS title after 2002 Division 1 champion Joey Brown. Dana Hills has three boys titles – Division 4A champion Nate Smith in 1992 and two Division 1 championships by Jake Greenberg in 2015 and 2017.

Dana Hills also earned a podium position on the boys side as junior Rhys Davies finished second in Division 2. Davies’ 535.30 total points trailed only South Pasadena junior Nicholas Chau’s winning 572.90 total points. Dana Hills freshman Caden Diehl finished in seventh with 368.80 points.

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

Dana Hills junior Olivia Paquette (center) won the CIF-SS Division 2 girls diving title on Friday, May 21. On the boys side, Dana Hills junior Rhys Davies (left) finished second, and freshman Caden Diehl (right) finished seventh. Photo: Dana Hills Athletics

Paquette didn’t lead wire to wire, as she sat in second after a couple of dives she said she missed on.

In the fifth round, Paquette scored 8.0s on a reverse 2 1/2 somersault tuck off the 3-meter springboard, which propelled her up the scoreboard.

“It’s my most challenging and scary dive,” Paquette said. “It had been moving

slow (in practice), but I had a good top and I ripped it.”

Paquette said she peaked up at the scoreboard only a few times, but felt good when she saw her name go up to the first position.

Paquette’s 517.45 total points beat out Sage Hill freshman Ennika Carlson’s 494.95 points and Gabrielino sophomore

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Morgan Ogata’s 476.25 points.

Paquette’s championship comes nearly a full 12 months since her return to the pool. At the outset of the pandemic, Paquette’s practices with her club at Crown Valley community pool in Laguna Niguel were cancelled until June, which meant Paquette was out of the pool for four months.

“In diving, that’s a long time,” Paquette said. “It can be scary and more difficult to get back in after that time off.”

However, the practices with her club and club coach paid off with the CIF-SS championship.

With a senior year ahead of her next year, Paquette still has goals to achieve.

Normally, following the CIF-SS championships, there are state qualifiers and a CIF State meet to compete in, but with the pandemic, there are no state diving events to continue on in.

Paquette made it to the state qualifiers as a freshman, but she did not advance.

Now, with the pandemic leading to the cancellation of her sophomore and junior year state events, Paquette can keep the goal of moving on to the state meet next year. DP

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DP SURF

Pressure at the Points Local Lineups Are Already Impacted, and Summer’s Not Even Here Yet

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

“I

ve never seen it this crowded in my life. COVID killed surfing.”

“I’m averaging about one wave an hour out here.”

“It’s feeling really sketchy, really dangerous, nobody knows what they’re doing out here.”

“Uppers … you mean e-Bike Point?”

Four quotes from four different, exasperated local surfers at Trestles over the weekend. On Sunday, the first sunny, semi-clean morning we’ve had in a while, there was barely room to paddle for a wave at the Trestle—and let’s not even talk about the two-hour line to get into San Onofre.

What’s crazy is that we’re not even into the summertime swing. The crowds are only going to get bigger. So, what do we do when our local lineups are so impacted that enjoying a day in the water feels almost impossible?

I’m sure this idea is going to go over like lime juice on a reef cut, but last week it was announced that those attempting multiday ascents of El Capitan, Half Dome and other iconic climbs in the Yosemite National Park would be required to procure permits beginning on May 21.

These new climbing permits, which

How to solve the crowd dilemma? It’s a conundrum that’s plagued surfers since the second guy paddled out.

Photo: Jake Howard

will be free, were inspired by the wilderness permits that backpackers have been required to obtain for decades in an effort to protect the sensitive backcountry areas of the U.S. National Parks.

A two-year pilot program, the permits will be doled out based on the number of people attempting a designated route each day.

“I think we’re going to have a lot of climbers whining and complaining, because they were gifted this thing that they think is a right, and it was really a privilege,” Hans Florine, who has climbed El Capitan more than anyone, told the Associated Press. “We were given incredible rag-tag Wild West privileges for the last 40 years in Yosemite. All they’re asking is to let us know you’re there.”

“These walls are the cultural centerpieces of our sport; they have spawned movements like the clean climbing revolution and have fostered leaders of the modern environmental movement,” countered veteran climber Tommy Caldwell in an extended Instagram post.

“We climb because of the adventure, the camaraderie, and the sense of freedom it brings. My fear is that this permit system could take just a bit of that away.”

Obviously, going for a surf and scaling a 7,500-foot sheer granite wall are two different endeavors, but much like Yosemite, the walls at Uppers and Lowers are a cultural centerpiece of our sport.

And the roots of surfing’s modern environmental movement can be found at Trestles and San Onofre. After all, it was

President Richard Nixon who created the park at San Onofre to help protect from urban sprawl and give people a place to escape the hustle and bustle of life. And the Surfrider Foundation is headquartered just a few short miles from the California State Parks.

So, could surf permits be a solution to the overcrowding at these natural surf resources we all enjoy so well? There is precedent.

There are beach communities on the East Coast where permits, or tokens, are required just to step onto the sand. Because of coastal access regulations—for which Surfrider continues to fight—this isn’t allowed in California.

But, hypothetically, say the number of surfers in the lineup at Lowers or Uppers at any given time was capped at 50. Sessions would be doled out in three-hour blocks, and nobody would be allowed to book a session more than two weeks in advance.

I can only imagine the headache it would create for area lifeguards and park rangers, but what a boon for Surfline’s forecasting business.

Mind you, I don’t actually think this would work. Surfers are scammers by nature if it means scoring good surf. But I do know it’s more crowded than ever, and summer hasn’t even started yet. Any suggestions?

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

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

Gage Burch. Photo: Courtesy of the Burch Family

crew out at Lowers, T-Street or Riviera when they paddle out, but he’s already chalked up plenty of experience in international waters.

Over the past couple of years, he’s scored waves in Bali, Morocco, New Zealand and Spain. Plus, last month, he got to tag along with his brother to the Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California, and experience its mechanized perfection.

Gage can’t wait to pull the WSA jersey back on next season and keep the competitive fire burning. As far as where he sees surfing taking him, Gage keeps it simple: “Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep traveling with my family and having fun.” DP

up to him and most of his friends,” Gage told the Dana Point Times.

Chances are, you’ll find Gage and his

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

GAGE BURCH

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

rapping up third grade at Concordia Elementary School like a boss, 8-year-old Gage Burch is ready to kick off the summer on the good foot. He recently came off a second-place finish in the 9-and-under Push-In division at the WSA Championships.

First learning to surf when he was only 6 years young, Gage looks up to his older brother, Brayden, who’s a critical member of the powerhouse San Clemente High School surf team.

“My brother rips pretty hard, so I look

Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

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Water Temperature: 63-65 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12 Outlook: For Friday, a fresh Southwest swell moves in as Northwest swell continues, maintaining waist-shoulderhead surf, (3-4-5’). Light+ South/ southeast wind most of Friday morning turns to a westerly sea breeze in the afternoon. The combination of primary Southwest swell and smaller Northwest swell peaks for the weekend, with chest to head high waves, (4-5’), on Saturday and Sunday. Southerly winds prevail through the weekend, light+ to moderate for Saturday, then mainly light+ on Sunday.

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Dana Point Times May 28-June 3, 2021

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