July 28, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

July 28-August 3, 2017 YO U

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Check Out Inside/Outside: Refine Your Space SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 10, ISSUE 30

New Face in the Harbor

Dana Point Harbor Manager Shannon Levin discusses role, experience E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 8

Shannon Levin, the Dana Point Harbor Manager, poses for a photo in the Dana Point Harbor on Tuesday, July 25. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Police: Man who Barricaded Himself in Home Charged EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

World Tour Hopefuls Eye Big Results at Vans U.S. Open of Surfing DP SURF/PAGE 30

www.danapointtimes.com

Outdoor Offerings: Explore the Dana Point Headlands SPORTS/PAGE 28

GO TO DANAPOINTTIMES.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING dations included permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing.

On Wednesday, members of the Task Force said there were, at least, 60 people that are classified as homeless in the city.

Haynes said, at least, 42 of them qualified for permanent housing and 15 qualified for rapid re-housing.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Task Force plans to meet at the end of August and begin discussions of the Task Force’s charter. —KP

Police: Man who Barricaded Self in Monarch Beach Home Charged

Beau of Dana Point, takes photos of Rhino during Dana Point’s Second Annual National Night Out at Sea Canyon Park. This year’s event will be combined with two other events in Sea Terrace Park. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

What’s Up With...

the deputies that patrol the streets will be in attendance and will be able to build the partnership with local police officers.

Live entertainment will be provided by Redneck Rodeo.

City, Police Services to Hold Emergency Expo, Summer Concert and National Night Out

Homeless Task Force Gives Update

Five things Dana Point should know this week

THE LATEST: This year, the Emergency Expo is expanding to an all-day event by including National Night Out and the city’s summer concert in the park.

The event, which aims to promote emergency preparedness, will combine National Night Out to help promote policeneighborhood partnerships and provides the opportunity for the community to come together.

There will be equipment and vehicle displays from a variety of organizations such as the Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sherriff’s Department, SWAT, the Bomb Squad, the K9 and Bloodhound units and more.

Aaron Rosen, emergency services coordinator, said he’s enthusiastic for the combined events.

“Everyone will be able to see stuff you don’t normally get to see, stuff you may only see on TV,” Rosen said.

Jill Jackson, Dana Point Police Services’ crime prevention specialist, said a lot of Dana Point Times July 28-August 3, 2017

WHAT’S NEXT: The event takes place on Sunday, Aug. 6, beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Sea Terrace Park. A free shuttle will provide transportation from Dana Hills High School. —Kristina Pritchett

THE LATEST: The city’s Homeless Task Force met on Wednesday, July 26, to discuss updates.

During the meeting, Susan Price gave an update from the county while Larry Haynes, executive director of Mercy House gave a brief overview on his organization’s initiatives. Haynes told the Task Force that until the city makes investments toward helping the homeless, they’re just monitoring the situation.

“Until we make the investments, we’re simply monitoring the homelessness,” Haynes said. “If we’re going to end homelessness (in Dana Point), we have to do the hard stuff. We have to bite the political and financial bullets and make the investment.”

The city has been working with Mercy House, an organization that provides housing and comprehensive supportive services for a variety of homeless populations, to conduct a by-name list that provides data on Dana Point’s homeless population.

The city’s Task Force met in October and received four recommendations to house the homeless. Those recommen-

THE LATEST: Thomas Carr Dearmin, 59, was arrested for negligent discharge of a firearm and obstruction, police said on Wednesday, July 26, after police were called to Monarch Beach for a shot fired over the weekend.

On Sunday, July 23, deputies responded to a report of a shot fired around 11:24 a.m. at a Tennis Villa condo in Monarch Beach.

Throughout the day, police attempted to communicate with Dearmin, officials said.

Police said a woman exited the residence and said the incident was accidental.

Around 8:15 p.m., officials said SWAT had been activated and were on the scene.

Police obtained a search warrant and evacuated surrounding units.

“OCSD’s concern is about the weapon inside the house being a threat to the community and deputies on scene,” OCSD tweeted on Sunday.

Around 9:29 p.m., officials said SWAT entered into the residence after deploying tear gas and had taken Dearmin into custody.

At 9:47 p.m., officials said Dearmin was transported to the hospital.

WHAT’S NEXT: Lt. Lane Lagaret, public information officer of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, said Dearmin’s bail

is set at $50,000 and was booked at 7:38 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25.

Lagaret said Dearmin is still in the hospital and will be transported to the jail when he is cleared by physicians. —KP

SOCWA, Moulton Niguel Battle Each Other for Transparency in Audit THE LATEST: On Tuesday, July 25, the South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) executive committee decided to have the agency’s board of directors consider what money it will spend to address an audit approved by the state’s Joint Legislative Audit Committee.

The audit was brought forth by state Sen. Patricia Bates and Assemblyman Bill Brough after various questions had been raised regarding the agency’s accounting and allocation of costs to projects.

South Coast Water District is a member of SOCWA and utilizes its services for wastewater.

“SOCWA staff has been analyzing what may be in the audit and have had discussions with the state auditor’s office and organizations that have gone through similar processes, and they have discussed what our share of the costs will be,” said Steve Greyshock, a spokesperson for SOCWA. “We reviewed the cost and what it will be to work with the state, and SOCWA believes that to embrace the audit it has to be fully responsive and collaborative.”

Greyshock said it will take about $282,000 and 2,200 hours of staff time between the California State Auditor and SOCWA staff to complete the audit. A total of about $340,000 is expected to be expended by SOCWA on the entire effort, but this number has been disputed.

Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD) has been the driving force behind the audit, after it claimed SOCWA had at least (Cont. on page 4)

On Sunday, July 23, police responded to a Monarch Beach condo after reports of a gunshot. After 10 hours, police arrested a man. Photo: Eric Heinz

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www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) $1 million in unaccounted funds. They also claimed there has not been consistent monthly financial reporting, missing records and late audit filings. MNWD officials said they want more transparency in the processes of SOCWA in order to understand what they are paying for.

MNWD was sued in May by SOCWA regarding payments of $927,000 owed to the association related to capital improvement projects to the Coastal Treatment Plant.

Joon Lopez, the general manager of MNWD, said the district attempted to pay the amount, under protest, but that it wasn’t accepted by SOCWA. “Two weeks later they filed the lawsuit for the exact amount we offered to pay under protest,” said Lopez. “We tried to get through this reasonably, but it’s unfortunate they sued.”

MNWD also disputes the amount of money SOCWA is spending on the audit.

WHAT’S NEXT: The board of directors of SOCWA is expected to take up the issue at its next regularly scheduled meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3. The location of the meeting is 34156 Del Obispo St. in Dana Point. The audit is expected to take four months to complete, according to the latest estimate from the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. —Eric Heinz

Ocean Institute Holds Family Science Night with ‘Grossology’ Theme THE LATEST: The Ocean Institute’s Director of Outdoor Education Nathan Taxel began his lecture titled, The Scoop on Poop, by having attendees shout out together “ew, gross” for the first and final time.

“Hopefully we can learn some science now without being too grossed out,” Taxel said.

In the second of three installments of Family Science Nights on Thursday, July 20, guests were able to see and smell a collection of animal droppings.

Taxel led the crowd in a 40-minute lecture about the importance of life’s natural processes and what a scientist can learn from animal droppings. Taxel walked attendees through the research procedure, allowing them to discover which animal produced the droppings and what type of food it eats.

The theme for this year’s Family Science Nights is part of the institute’s “Grossology” exhibit that is open on weekends during the summer. Director of Public Programs Alexandra Latona said the exhibit includes three hands-on labs – slime, scat and smell—that explore the dirtier side of life.

Visitors will have the opportunity to

Ethan and Luca dissect owl pellets during the Ocean Institute’s Family Science Night on Thursday, July 20.

Photo: Erin McFaul

make their own slime, explore the smells of the deep ocean and examine animal droppings, Latona said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The institute’s final installation of the Family Science Nights series will take place on Thursday, August 17,

and will feature slime and why animals produce the sticky goo.

“We want to show them that science can be fun and it doesn’t always have to be serious,” Latona said. “There’s scientific inquiry in everything you do.”

—Erin McFaul

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Local Nonprofit to Host Benefit Concert for Mental Health Programs

The Green Ribbon Club, a South Orange County-based 501(c)(3) student-run nonprofit is set to hold its first benefit concert on Friday, July 28, at Recess Studios in Santa Ana in order to raise funds for programs focused on mental health and suicide prevention.

Founded in May 2016 by a group of local students, the Green Ribbon Club aims to end the social stigma surrounding mental illness in Orange County. The club is comprised of South Orange County students and recent graduates who have lost friends to either suicide or addiction, and their hope is to begin reducing the number of suicides and overdoses within the community by making mental health a household discussion.

The July 28 benefit concert will run from 8-11 p.m. and will feature three bands from South Orange County—Kevin Nichols, South County Money Boys, and The Gypsies. Representatives from four mental health providers—NAMI Orange County, Mental Health Association of Orange County, Mariposa Women & Family Center, and Western Youth Services—will also be at the event and available to speak with attendees. Organizers said they’re expecting 80 to120 youth to attend from across Orange County.

“With suicide being the second leading cause of death for our age demographic in Orange County, the issue is more relevant now than ever,” event organizers said.

Tickets are $10 online or $12 at the door. All funds from ticket sales go toward developing outreach and educational programs at local high schools and colleges.

To purchase tickets online or for more information on the Green Ribbon Club, visit www.greenribbonclub.org. To get in

Community Meetings

touch with the club, follow @thegreenribbonclub on Facebook, @greenribbonclub on Instagram, or email info@greenribbonclub.org.

Recess Studios is located at 2700 S. Main Street, Suite A, in Santa Ana.

Planning Commission Names Chair, Vice-Chair Planning Commissioner Scott McKhann was named chairman during the Monday, July 24 Planning Commission meeting.

McKhann previously served as the vicechair of the board and has been on the commission since May 2015.

Commissioner Danni Murphy was named vice-chair.

Murphy has also served on the Commission since May 2015.

Planning Commission is a decision-making body which reviews matters related to planning and development in the city.

City to Hold CERT Training in August Registration for Community Emergency Response Team training is still open for Dana Point residents.

The free seven-week program teaches participants to prepare in the event of a disaster. Participants receive training in how to build personal and family emergency kits, fire safety and fire suppression, medical operations, light search and rescue, terrorism awareness, disaster psychology and more.

The classes are Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. from Aug. 24-Oct. 5.

To register or learn more, contact 949.248.3579 or email cert@danapoint.org.

The course is open to all adults or teenagers attending with a parent. Classes will be held in Aliso Viejo, Dana Point and Laguna Niguel.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Networking at Noon

SATURDAY, JULY 29

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and network with other businesses at Good Choice Sushi by the Sea. Tickets are $18–$22. 34700 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 106, Capistrano Beach. www.danapointchamber.com.

Farmers’ Market

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

9 a.m. There will be fresh produce and treats for sale at the Farmers Market. La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point.

949.279.3122.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1

City Council Meeting Canceled Dana Point Times July 28-August 3, 2017

Action Associates

7:30 a.m. Members of the networking group meet every Friday at RJ’s Café. Membership is $45 per month and includes breakfast. Guests must RSVP before the meeting at actionassoc@gmail.com. 25001 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

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EYE ON DP

New Face in the Harbor Dana Point Harbor Manager Shannon Levin discusses role, experience

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

F

rom a young age, Shannon Levin knew she wanted a career that allowed her to spend time indoors and outdoors.

“I love the coast; it’s in my blood and it’s a part of me,” Levin said.

Levin, an Orange County native, was named the Dana Point Harbor Manager in May and officially stepped into the role in June.

Since she began, she said her top priority has been to meet everyone within the community.

“It’s really important that I know people by name, recognize their face, but let them get to know me too,” Levin said.

“We’re all colleagues; we’re all in this together.”

Levin said it’s important to her for the

Shannon Levin, the Dana Point Harbor Manager, poses for a photo in the Dana Point Harbor on Tuesday, July 25. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

community to know she’s here.

“I think, over the last few years, there has been some unrest and some question about stability,” Levin said. “I really want to be that stable, open and fair person that everyone can come to. I’m here, just ask questions. We have the resources to get things done.”

In the past year, the Harbor has seen its share of construction along the streets as part of the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Street Improvement project, a series of audit reports were released and the former Harbor Director retired from

his position one day after one of those reports was released.

In May, the OC Parks Commission approved to create a Harbor Advisory Council that will be made up of members from the community. The Council will hold public meetings to review Harbor events and improvements, as well as provide a forum to facilitate discussion and collaboration among groups in the Harbor.

Levin said having members from the community engage in this way will be a positive thing.

“I think having community involvement is what we’re here to do,” Levin said. “We’re here to listen to what the community wants.”

Levin was most recently the Harbor Supervisor for the city of Newport Beach where she focused on long-range harbor planning, coastal resource management, tidelands revenues and expenditures as well as public access.

She was with the city for 14 years, and brings her past experience to benefit the city of Dana Point and the Harbor.

“I knew when this job came up, it was something I wanted,” Levin said. “I felt like I had worked on so many high profile projects that it really geared me toward this job.”

Levin said she’s settling into her new role and is enthusiastic about the goals she is setting.

“There’s so much that could happen in the next few years that it’s really exciting that we can be a part of this amazing change,” Levin said.

Looking ahead, Levin did not discuss specifics about her long-term plans with the Harbor, but reiterated her focus on community engagement.

“I’m really happy to be here and getting to drive here every day,” Levin said.

“We’re in such a beautiful city that I want to do my best to make this the finest home and place possible.” DP

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

South County Summer Trolleys: All Aboard

E

ven before taking office as your Orange County Supervisor, I have been a strong advocate for an integrated trolley network that provides a convenient and flexible transportation system connecting our unique and beautiful South County communities.

Last year, as a member of the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors, I was pleased to support full funding of all Project V Community Circulator applications, investing more than $27 million for capital, operations and planning purposes.

As a result, this trolley service is now a fabulous way to experience South County’s summer destinations without the stress of sitting in traffic or fighting for parking.

For summer 2017, THE BARTLETT we now have three BULLETIN cities connected for a

By Lisa Bartlett fun and easy way to get around. All three trolley services are free of charge for South County residents and visitors alike. With 28 miles of trolley coverage, you can now connect to and from San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and Laguna Beach.

The San Juan Capistrano Trolley operates Friday evenings, as well as Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day. With frequency every 20 minutes, this service through Orange County’s most historic community also connects conveniently with the Dana Point Trolley.

The Dana Point Trolley connects to the Harbor Shuttle, as well as the San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Beach trolley junctions. The trolley service through this ocean lovers’ paradise is free of charge and runs daily through Labor Day, arriving at each stop every 15 minutes.

The Laguna Beach Trolley has pick-ups every 20 minutes. The free daily service runs through September 3. The Laguna Beach Trolley System offers three different routes through this famous artist colony for your enjoyment, including a convenient connection to the Dana Point Trolley.

The San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and Laguna Beach trolleys all interconnect, allowing South County explorers to enjoy continuous shuttle service through all three of these cities during summer without the parking hassles!

In addition, San Clemente and Mission Viejo also have successful shuttle services that operate within their respective city boundaries. And the Orange County Ran-

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Kristina Pritchett, 949.388.7700, x113 kpritchett@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Dana Point's free trolley service runs daily through Labor Day. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

chRide will be on board soon, too.

It’s summertime and the living is easy.

I hope you take advantage of these convenient, fun and free trolley services all summer long and encourage your friends and family to do the same. For more detailed information on each of these city trolleys, or to view a map of the entire South County Trolley System, please see my most recent newsletter at SupBartlett. ocgov.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

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Rachael Mattice City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

Letters to the Editor

ful city with beautiful people.

Thank You!

SAYING THANK YOU

SARAH MOSKO, Santa Ana

KATHLEEN BROUGHAM, Dana Point

It is a wonderful thing to find kindness in a complete stranger. On a beautiful summer evening before sunset and I set out on a walk with my sweet labrador retriever named Lilly. About a mile from home we arrived at Heritage Park and enjoyed seeing all the views of harbor life. As I was taking in the scenery, Lilly started limping and then just laid down. Her shoulder locked up on her and she wasn't able to walk. A very kind lady noticed our situation and offered if she could help. I've never seen her before, but I'd like to say a very big thank you to an extremely generous woman named June who lives in Dana Point. Out of the kindness of her heart she drove her dog home and then returned to the park and drove Lilly and I back to our home. Lilly is resting comfortably now. I am sincerely thankful to her for rescuing us. It is truly wonderful to live in a beautiDana Point Times July 28-August 3, 2017

DOES DARRELL ISSA REPRESENT YOUR VIEWS ON CLIMATE CHANGE? You might not know it given who was recently elected president, but Americans everywhere want their government to tackle climate change. An impressive national survey of over 18,000 adults by the The Yale Project on Climate Change Communication found that in all 50 states a solid majority of the public both believe global warming is happening, between 60 and 78 percent, and favor regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant, between 66 and 81 percent.

A breakdown by individual districts revealed a similar pattern of opinions, even in historically conservative areas like Orange County. For example, here in Darrell Issa’s congressional district (R-49), an estimated 70 percent believe climate change is happening and 74 percent want carbon dioxide regulated as a pollutant.

Given that we live in a representative democracy, one should expect Issa’s actions to reflect the opinions of his constituents.

It’s not clear that he has in the past, but there are signs he is coming around.

He’s long been an outspoken skeptic of governmental initiatives to slow global warming and even voted in the last Congress in favor of repealing rules establishing limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants as set by Obama’s Clean Power Plan (S.J. Res. 23 and 24). However, he recently took the bold step of joining the Climate Solutions Caucus, a nascent bipartisan coalition of now 34 House members (evenly split with republicans and democrats) dedicated to solving climate change. Whether or not his razor-thin win to retain his seat last November has anything to do with this apparent shift, he should be applauded for doing the right thing.

Next, he should also step up and cosponsor a first ever all-republican House resolution introduced on March 15 calling for action on climate change.

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@danapointtimes. com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

Page 10

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Jake Howard Debra Holm Tim Trent Erin McFaul Danny Ritz Rachel Wilford

Dana Point Times, Vol. 10, Issue 30. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.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 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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MOOD LIGHTING Proper illumination can impact daily emotions, atmosphere of the home

BY RACHEL WILFORD

Creating different lighting in various rooms in a home can change a person’s mood, stimulate energy and even increase productivity. Lighting has a tremendous impact on how someone feels and what they do on an everyday basis in their home.

According to interior designer Gigi Harris, creator of Kaizen Interiors in San Clemente, lighting is an essential part of a design space.

“You can have a really well-designed space but without the proper lighting, it really won’t do your space any justice,” Harris said. “Different types of lighting will add to the warmth of a space and can create a more inviting and relaxing environment.”

To achieve this environment, Harris suggests layering lighting in the home with dimmers and art lighting to create a more sophisticated feel. Ambient lighting like table lamps and pendant lights will add subtle emphasis on certain areas. Use strategic accent lighting to accentuate specific artifacts or artwork in the home in order to draw attention to these treasures.

Window tinting and UV protection Windows are also an important area of consideration when it comes to lighting.

Harris recommends window tinting to protect furniture from UV light and suggests automated window treatments that can automatically raise and lower shades depending on the time of day. Shades can be set to rise with the sun in the morning to illuminate the home and can also be set to lower at dusk to help create a tranquil, evening mood. To eliminate unwanted early morning rays from creeping in, blackout shades can be installed so sleep will not be disturbed.

Bulb selection for each room Another way to help facilitate certain moods throughout the home is through

the strategic use of lighting within different rooms. Each room within the home has a different purpose and mood and should be lit accordingly.

To Rob Edman, who has been in the LED lighting consulting field for eight years and is currently a consultant for Energetic Lighting, having proper lighting in each room is essential to creating a satisfying home environment.

“Lighting can affect how somebody feels in a certain room,” Edman said.

“Certain rooms require different color temperatures of light based on what the need for that room is.”

Edman suggests a warm, amber light bulb for living rooms because it can set a relaxing, comfortable mood. For the kitchen, he suggests a more natural light which will stimulate energy for cooking and will also help illuminate the food that is being prepared. Offices and school classrooms also require natural lighting because it will instigate more productivity.

To create an overall ambient atmosphere in bedrooms, Edman recommends warm bulbs in the overhead lights and brighter bulbs in the lamps next to the beds which will assist in reading.

The dining room, which Edman calls the “mood-setting room,” calls for warmer bulbs to emulate more of a romantic and intimate candlelight setting.

A mood can quickly sour if bathroom light bulbs are too high in color temperature because those types of bulbs will highlight imperfections. In order to see mirror reflections in just the right light, Edman recommends a 3000-kelvin light bulb to brighten the room just enough to see important features and details at a bare minimum.

Moods within the home can be created by experimenting with various techniques in light manipulation in order to create the desired ambience of comfortability and contentment at home.

For more information on lighting design, visit www.kaizeninteriors.com and for details on proper bulb selection, wattage and tinting, visit www.energeticlighting.com. •

WELCOME

This year’s Inside/Outside features a plethora of interior and exterior design concepts based on modern trends, varying financial budgets and issues that many local homeowners and business owners face. In this special section, readers will find features with creative ideas, practical tips and planning protocols from designers, consignment store owners, realtors, gardening experts, renewable energy innovators and local homeowners in South Orange County. Whether its renovations, modest upgrades, buying or selling, Inside/Outside will provide valuable tips to help you move forward with your next project.

Faux Pas to Avoid for Firsttime Home Buyers or Sellers A Q&A WITH CONRAD REALTORS

BY DANNY RITZ

Jeremy, Steve and Bill Conrad of Conrad Realtors in San Clemente are third generation realtors who have serviced the greater South Orange County region since 1963.

Still operating successfully under the guiding values that their grandfather George Conrad instilled in the family business over 50 years ago, Conrad Realtors can offer sound advice on selling and buying to firsttime homeowners alike.

Picket Fence Media spoke with Conrad Realtors to shed some light on common faux pas of the modern home purchasing experience.

Picket Fence Media: What is the most prominent misconception you encounter with first-time home buyers?

Conrad Realtors: They (buyers) are typically very nervous, considering this is probably their first large purchase and financial commitment.

They have a lot of questions, which we are happy to answer. As first-time buyers, they tend to have many friends, family members and colleagues giving them advice that tends to lead to more anxiety hearing all these different and possibly conflicting opinions. It’s best to consult with an expert.

What are some of the most common snags first-time home buyers should anticipate to try and avoid?

First-time buyers need to account for

closing costs, moving costs and maintenance costs of home ownership. They also need to be sure to have the long-term goals in mind. Typically, in 5-10 years, they will be in a good equity position, not necessarily in one to two years.

What might you call the most common “miss” of home buyers in the modern home purchasing process?

Most buyers underestimate the process of qualifying for the loan by not doing as much due diligence as they should before making the offer on a home and entering escrow. At the same time, sellers need to make sure their buyer is fully committed to buying the home and are qualified.

What do you see homeowners looking to sell or interested buyers highly focused on that you might call unnecessary or excessive?

It comes back to nerves and being too hesitant about the process of selling or buying a home. If the buyer or seller is working with a true, full-time real estate sales professional who is experienced, the trust that individual can offer the buyer or seller can go a long way in helping with the stress and anxiety of making such a large decision.

If you are interested in contacting Jeremy, Steve and Bill Conrad of Conrad Realtors you can visit conradrealestate.com or call their office in San Clemente at 949.492.9400. •

istockphoto.com/shippee

The Wo-Man Cave IN-HOME AND BACKYARD HIDEAWAYS PROVIDE ESCAPE FROM THE DAILY GRIND

BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS-CAMACHO

It’s the year of the shed.

Sports memorabilia, pool tables, flat screens and bars have long been staples of the pigskin retreats and poker hideaways dubbed man caves—a concept born out of the assumption that women control the home.

But a charming backyard trend has ladies staking claim on a haven of their own.

The man cave’s counter christened “she shed” is sweeping across social media, home improvement stores and cable networks as part of the larger, small-space movement to create a pressure-free zone and low-maintenance escape. It’s safe to say: Tiny houses, treehouses and sheds are everywhere.

Pinterest boards and Houzz design albums are filled with inspirational images of whimsical garden art studios and modern yoga retreats. The Today Show and Country Living have how-to-build-a-she-shed guides and top she-shed lists, while FYI has He Shed She Shed, a battle of the sexes showdown series centered on outdoor living space projects.

Lowe’s Home Improvement even offers step-by-step instructions—from shed foundation and French door installations to paint and design tips—on how to turn a regular storage shed into a stylish space. These online tutorials can also be tailored to build a business “shedquarters” or “pub-shed” for a backyard brew.

Whether its breathing new life into an under-utilized outdoor structure, starting from scratch or repurposing a room, shed or no shed, here are a few ideas that will

bring personality and function to a fun little hideaway.

Crafty Cottage: An ideal start to an art studio. Create an enchanting space to invigorate artistic work. Install French doors for natural light, window boxes for color and to connect with nature.

Yoga Oasis: Create a Zen-inspired space for yoga practice, reflection and meditation.

Start with a neutral base and incorporate clean, simple furniture and earth-toned fabrics. Keep artwork minimal and consider installing a water feature—a small, serene fountain or privacy pond to protect the sanctuary.

Backyard Bar: Inside create a refuge, outside design a space primed for a party.

Add a pergola onto the shed to expand the entertaining space. String market lights, stock the bar and bring in comfortable seating to create a warm, inviting environment guests will love.

Office Space: Enjoy a traffic-free morning commute to a backyard office. Utilize natural lighting by installing windows and skylights to create a bright space where creativity and productivity will flourish. Here, embrace bright pops of color to keep the space fresh and hanging shelves or bookcases to organize.

Literary Lodge: Give literary favorites a dreamy home. Add a couch, rug, pillows and blankets alongside shelving housing beloved stories to create a comfortable reading nook.

Now that a few ideas have been noted, it’s time to start planning. First, find a purpose.

Then, figure out individual style. Be it romantic or modern, rustic or quirky, make the space personal. •

A FULL MAKEOVER San Clemente Residents Turn Ranch Home Into Multi-Structure Home Base

BY RACHEL WILFORD

When 20-year residents John and Jenny Dewey bought a 1950’s ranch-style home near Lasuens Beach in San Clemente, they knew they wanted to make renovations.

At the time, their home was a long, single-story structure that stretched across two lots. When the house was built, homeowners were allowed to build across a double lot without being forced to merge them into one. Later on once the Dewey’s acquired the property, they went to the city to discuss splitting the lot, of which the city allowed them to move forward with their renovations as planned. Now, the city does not allow for such construction.

Today, all remnants of the 1950’s ranch-

style home are gone due to a full makeover project. In its place are two structures: the Dewey’s main house and their guest home, spliced by a grass yard and a basketball court.

Transforming the guest home The guest house was built as the smallest possible structure the Dewey’s were allowed to build so that they could maximize their backyard space. The yard backs up against a canyon, which is comprised of layers of terraces. Plum, lime, lemon and avocado trees grow on different levels of the terraces leading down the canyon.

“Part of the reason we decided to buy this house was because of the two lots, but the other reason was because of all of this land

that we have in the back,” Jenny said. “You can’t get terraces like this anymore. Most people just have land that slants down into the canyon.”

The Dewey’s originally planned to use the guest house as a place where family and friends could stay but instead, they acquired permanent residents. The top floor is the residents’ living area and the bottom is used as the family’s gym. The guest house structure was required to have a garage which the Dewey’s didn’t need, so they decided to transform that space into their exercise area.

Jenny, who is a personal trainer through her business Orange Door Fitness, is an exercise advocate and loves having the extra work out space at home.

Enlisting experts in renovation Because John is a concrete contractor for Urban Concrete Inc., he was able to enlist the expertise of professionals in the business when he and Jenny decided they were going to take on the project. The Dewey’s had also conducted renovations to their previous home, so they had a clear idea of what they wanted and what the process was going to look like.

From start to finish, the complete renewal only took 10 months.

“Know your finishes ahead of time,” Jenny said. “Pick out your tiles, your lights, your backsplashes, everything, before they’re ready to be installed. That way, when that part of the process is ready to start, you are prepared. You can tell them exactly what you want and those components can be installed immediately.”

The inside of the Dewey’s house is ornamented with light, especially in the main living area that connects to the kitchen.

From the wood floors to the tile-accented stairs to the kitchen’s center white, marble island, the house embodies a distinctly fresh elegance.

Jenny chose most of the interior designs and decorations herself while John focused on the structure. Her proudest accomplishment is the mud room, which most Southern California homes don’t have.

The mud room has a door on the outside for returning beach goers to shower off before entering the hallway. The mud room hallway also incorporates cupboards and cubbies where John, Jenny and their two children can store different daily items.

The upstairs master bed and bath is located in the back corner of the house with a view of the backyard. When designing the master bathroom, Jenny decided to position the sinks and vanity area overlooking the backyard, but kept the mirror small in size and in the center of the vanity so two windows could be positioned on either side, creating a subtle view of the expanse behind the house.

Knowing family habits before designing The Dewey’s paid attention to a lot of details when they designed their home, particularly their habits. For example, Jenny knew they only ate at the kitchen island in their previous home and the dining table was rarely used. When they renovated this home, she created a separate dining area that would only be used for special occasions and designed her island for everyday use.

“There are a lot of little decisions that you don’t realize you’re going to have to make,” Jenny said. “Really know how you live and know what you like to do in your house before you start designing.”

From their experience, the Dewey’s recommend studying examples of newly renovated homes of modest and high-end calibers before tackling any major renovation project.

“Go to high-end model homes throughout Orange County,” John said. “Walk through them with a tape measure and figure out those details early. That is a good way to gather ideas of what you want to do.” •

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GARDEN TO TABLE

CREATING AN HERB GARDEN FOR SMALL SPACES

BY MARIANNE TAYLOR

With more residents living in smaller dwellings and deceased backyards, many are forced to stretch out creativity and resort to a balcony or patio to create a green living space. Container gardening is the perfect antidote for creating gardens in small spaces, especially, a culinary herb garden connecting the garden to the resident and fresh herbs right at their fingertips.

The flavor of freshly picked home grown herbs in soups, stews, sauces, casseroles, pastas, salads and many other dishes cannot be matched. A culinary herb garden can not only be a functional garden, but a beautiful one as well. Some herbs, such as lemongrass, sage and thyme, have leaves with interesting textures, scents and shapes. Herbs also provide habitats for beneficial pollinators.

Whether it be buying or building a wooden raised bed, recycling a pallet, using pots or vertical wall hanging, anyone can be successful with gardening in small spaces with the right container for the right space by following these steps.

Location. Finding the right location is key. Herbs like it hot and need a sunny location. They will need at least six hours of sun a day. It’s best for an herb garden to be close to the kitchen and not out of sight and out of mind. An herb garden needs to be supervised or it will not succeed.

Containers. Herbs grow successfully in containers and can be designed to accommodate any setting. They can be arranged into attractive groupings and moved around on canisters as needed. Plant Depot of San Juan Capistrano has large selections and a variety of containers, from redwood wooden boxes to clay pots to corrugated metal, they have everything one will need to fit small budgets and spaces.

Soil. According to Meerae Park, team member of Plant Depot, it’s all about good soil. He suggests Gary’s Top Pot soil for herb and vegetable gardens. Most herbs need a welldrained, fertile soil to grow their best. Herbs like an organic soil, so he suggests filling the container with Gary’s Top Pot six inches below the rim of the container and then adding an organic top layer for micro nutrients. Then, plant the herbs

and finish with a finer wood mulch. The finer wood mulch decomposes easier and breaks down into more organic matter for the plants.

Water. Herb gardens don’t need as much water as a flower or vegetable garden. Be sure to water at least twice a week. However, setting watering reminders on calendars can be helpful so as not to stress out the plans and have them dry out completely.

Design and color. According to Wyatt Murphy, manager of Shore Gardens Nursery in San Clemente, it’s important to add flowering edibles to herb gardens too. Herbs not only provide flowers for the kitchen garden, but they aid bee habitat and pollinating insects in patio or balcony gardens.

• Create a theme of color or scent using edible flowers, Murphy said. Pansies, violas, calendula, marigolds and geraniums are some of the edible flowers that can be grown to compliment the leaves and flowers of herbs.

• Mix up the types of culinary herbs growing with an eye for design. Use a strawberry pot and layer the herbs, Murphy said. There are three types of culinary herbs: herbaceous, evergreen and annual. Herbaceous herbs—such as oregano, chives, tarragon and mint—die back to the ground each year but return in spring. Evergreen herbs, such as rosemary and sage, stay alive and green through winter where they are hard. Annuals—such as basil, cilantro and dill—die off in fall and will need to be replanted.

Theme gardens. Plan a culinary herb garden knowing the types of herbs that will be growing. Try creating a theme garden. Dana Point Nursery can get you started with ideas for a theme garden based on your dining preferences.

If Italian food is a household cooking favorite, planting plenty of basil, oregano, parsley, thyme and rosemary is a must. If Asian foods hold favoritism instead, make room for Thai basil, lemongrass and hot peppers. If interested in cooking Mexican cuisine, cultivate cilantro, chili peppers and epazote.

With these simple steps, a small green living space can be transformed into a thriving culinary kitchen in no time with daily benefits, regardless of space or budget limitations. •

Cost of Project: Discussing cost is probably the highest priority for every renovator. Costs will fluctuate depending on renovation location and the materials being used. Coastal and hillside communities need a foundation to fit soil recommendations from a geologist, which can get pricey depending on the required engineering needed to prevent hillside movement.

Interior of Project: The interior costs of a renova-

tion project costs less if you stay simple with all of the finishes. Keep the cost to a minimum with essentials, such as: • Purchasing the least expensive windows, doors and plumbing fixtures • Use a fiberglass tub instead of tile or travertine in the bathroom • Use formica instead of granite, quartz or tile countertops • Use less outlets and use the minimum required light fixtures inside and outside So what’s the final cost? About $180-300 per square foot in South Orange County. I don’t recommend going the cheapest route possible because of the real estate values.

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Bringing Travels Home Local residents decorate with artifacts, plants from around the world TEXT AND PHOTOS BY RACHEL WILFORD

To Liz Jonas, San Clemente resident, entrepreneur and mother of four, traveling is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Jonas has traveled to 44 countries so far and she has no plans to stop seeing the world, ever.

“I tell my kids that they have to visit one new place every year,” Jonas said. “It doesn’t even have to be out of the country, it can be in the United States. As long as they are going and exploring.”

But Liz doesn’t just travel for personal fulfillment. She has since expanded her initial goals to utilize traveling for business initiatives as well as interior design. She often brings back jewelry, shells, shoes, pillows, artwork, saddlebags and more. She has stories to tell, and the décor from her travels adorns her home to reflect those stories.

“When we travel, we never do any research beforehand,” said Jonas. “We always stay in small, authentic, local hotels. I want to feel like I’m living there, not like I’m a tourist.

The more exotic and off the grid, the better.”

Liz’s adventuring started when she moved to Paris after graduating from college and she met her husband Jeff while living there.

After they married, the couple has been traveling the world together and fueling each of their businesses from their travels too.

Jeff’s business GBI Tile & Stone has taken him all around the world in search of stone, tile and marble to supply to customers.

Liz would accompany him on his trips and started collecting stones at local markets wherever she went, in addition to the other artifacts she would collect for decorating her home. She eventually started making jewelry at her son’s baseball games as a hobby, but when people started requesting jewelry from her, she decided to create her business Jonas & Muse.

Liz collects stones, crosses, boar tusks, beads and more from places like Nepal, China and Ethiopia and then creates handmade, authentic jewelry from them. Her jewelry is sold in local stores, such as Sunny Days and Tuvalu.

For additional design concepts similar to Liz’s treasures from Nepal or Thailand, visit Bamboo and Beyond in San Clemente at 713 N El Camino Real or on Facebook at www.facebook. com/bambooandbeyond.

from the island of Madagascar. In its natural habitat, the palm can grow to almost 85 feet tall and in cultivation it can reach 40 feet.

In addition to the plant life, the Serklews have also built a vacation-style pool in their backyard. The pool features a sunken bar, hot tub, slide, baby beach and waterfalls that complete the tropical Hawaiian landscape theme.

For those interested in getting started with palms and cycads like Cary, visit Seaside Growers Nursery in San Juan Capistrano at 33773 Camino Capistrano or at www.seasidegrowers. com.

Calming Design

Asian Influence in Dana Point

A piece from Liz Jonas’ travels.

A Taste of the Tropics in San Juan Capistrano For years, Cary Serklew has worked tirelessly to cultivate his San Juan Capistrano backyard into a tropical paradise. Where some might find interest in interior design, Serklew finds his passion to be outdoor landscaping with plants.

As a member of the International Palm Society, Serklew has many contacts who are able to assist him in importing palms from all over the world, including New Caledonia, Australia, Mexico, China, Lord Howe Island and New Zealand.

Serklew’s lush botanical garden is also comprised of many complimentary plants such as bromeliads, tillandsias, philoden-

drons, cycads and ferns.

Serklew and his wife Karrie have not yet been to any of the places where their plants originate, but they would like to someday.

“When we went to Hawaii in 2000, all Cary did was go shopping for plants,” Karrie said. “He ordered plants while we were there and had them shipped home and he also brought back seeds.”

As an avid surfer, Cary has always been enthralled with the tropics. Before he and Karrie got married, he would go to Hawaii every year to surf.

“I wanted to move to Hawaii but Karrie didn’t want to go,” Cary said. “So I just started moving all of these plants and built my little Hawaii right here instead.”

Cary’s favorite plant in his yard is the bismarckia nobilis, a palm that originates

Cary Serklew’s tropical paradise.

Charis Burrett’s Asian-inspired entryway.

Walking through the front gate of Charis Burrett’s Dana Point home feels like an immediate transportation to Asia. Hanging next to the front entrance is a massive, serene Buddha face, welcoming visitors into the Chinoiserie-style sanctuary.

Buddha’s are a common theme throughout Burrett’s home. They are scattered throughout the front dining area and lead all the way outside to the pool, which is guarded by a towering, cross-legged sculpture.

Burrett, who is a model for Playboy magazine, moved to California at age 17 and began collecting antiques for her apartment.

She started collaborating various styles in her living space which helped her learn how to manage different elements of design.

Now, Burrett has her own company called The Mershon through which she consults others in the areas of interior design, fashion, restaurant design and vacation planning.

Burrett has explored many countries in Asia and Europe as well as New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Mexico and the Bahamas where she lived for a period of time.

She especially loves traveling to places that are artistic and unique and she models her home after those traits.

“I want my home to be my retreat,” Burrett said. “I want to feel like I’m on vacation all the time, so I designed my home to be like the permanent vacation that I would like to be on.”

The vacation destination that Burrett modeled her home after is Thailand, which is her favorite place that she has been to and the place that she hopes to move to. She also incorporates many family heirlooms in her home as well as French styles and pieces, and this fusion of Asian and French styles creates the popular European design of Chinoiserie throughout Burrett’s home.

Burrett said that Dana Point interior design store Bella Bazaar has helped her find many of the pieces that can be found in her home. Even though her taste is very specific, Bella Bazaar has always been able to help her find exactly what she needs for her eclectic home.

“I think the reason why people like coming to my home is because this house has an energy about it,” Burrett said. “It’s indescribable, you just have to see it and experience it.”

For ideas similar to Charis’ Chinoiseriestyle, home, visit Bella Bazaar in Dana Point at 34467 Street of the Golden Lantern or at www. bellabazaar.com. •

SMART HOME SAVINGS Transforming structures with renewable technology

BY DANNY RITZ

A sense of pride washed over Bret Pursuit, North Beach San Clemente resident and senior product developer for Sullivan Solar Power, as he spoke about his native South Orange County city as an innovative community in terms of solar energy conversion and environmentally friendly residential contributions.

“We’re blessed with sunshine and progressive policy,” Pursuit said.

Pursuit, who has been operating on his personal residential install of 12 panels since 2010, emphasized that there is no better time than the present for homeowners to take advantage of new smart technologies and eco-friendly advancements. Powering his own, as well as four to five other homes in his immediate proximity, Pursuit was quick to reference his own experience as an example of a smart upgrade to a number of South County residents and businesses.

State wide, renewables—including solar, wind and hydro—are now responsible for close to 30 percent of available energy. Sullivan Solar alone has placed more than 1,100 installations and deployed over 32,000 solar panels in the tri-city area. These installations have been responsible for an estimated $5 million dollars in annual energy savings and the elimination of more than 29 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions entering the atmosphere each year.

Currently, San Diego Gas & Electric users throughout South Orange County are charged a premium for their electricity during “peak” usage hours from 11-6 p.m. These times, which put maximum strain on the electrical grid, also happen to be the most productive times for solar power generation.

“What you can see here, is the arrow going backwards,” Pursuit said as he showed measurements on his “smart reader,” the now standard-issue digital electrical meter installed in most structures in the region.

“I’m actually producing power, and selling it back to the grid.”

Pursuit, like the rest of the state, is

producing an overage of energy during peak solar contribution hours. Here, Pursuit makes a point of recognizing the next step in solar’s contribution to the power grid, the development of higher quality battery devices to store this energy. This offers a variety of benefits to residents, including additional personal savings to the user as well as reduced strain on the current electrical grid infrastructure.

Seconding Pursuit’s positive solar technology experience was Kagan Industries, who contacted Sullivan Solar Power in 2016 for the addition of its solar-powered installation. Currently, the structure is the fifth largest solar powered installation in San Clemente. Previously facing $50-$60,000 in energy costs per year, Simone Kagan, facility manager of Kagan Industries, said that their solar conversion had an instant impact.

“We were first wave users in our personal homes,” Kagan said. “After applying it to our rooftop at our business, we are seeing immediate savings and can foresee our system paying itself off in four or five years.”

In the past, return on investment has been a controversial issue for solar conversion.

“Solar installations are at a higher quality and lower price than ever before,” Pursuit said. “There is an abundance of quality products on the market, most coming with 20-25-year warranties assuring return on investment.”

Sullivan Solar Power offers a solar education series held in community centers throughout South County in an effort to educate interested citizens. Led by Selene Lawrence, head of Community Development at Sullivan, these meetings often surround product alignment and proper financial planning to ensure a positive first solar experience.

For more information on the next upcoming solar education event, visit www. sullivansolarpower.com. For information regarding residential rooftop solar energy system permits in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point, visit city websites. •

Refurbishing on a Budget DECORATING WITH CONSIGNMENT AND ONE-OF-A-KIND ITEMS

BY ERIN MCFAUL

Homeowners seem to be straying away from antique home décor and looking for unique, high-quality items to furnish their living spaces. Local second-hand shops offer an affordable alternative to retail chains and provide their own creative ideas to customers.

Ziad and Helen Mahshi, owners of 2nd Hand Treasures in Capistrano Beach, offer a wide selection of furniture including items from big-name companies such as Pier 1 Imports, Thomasville and Crate and Barrel. With their discounted prices, Ziad said customers can furnish an apartment for under $1,000.

When the Mahshi’s purchase furniture from a home, they donate half of the items to local Marines and their families and load the other half into a truck to be delivered to the store each Friday. With seven years of customer satisfaction, Ziad said buyers begin tagging items before they even unload the truck.

Modern trends in consignment Ziad said that while buying antique furniture was the trend 10 years ago, their values are drastically fading. A wardrobe from 19th century France worth around $10,000 in the early 2000s now sells for around $1,300 dollars. Customers normally only purchase antiques for the quality design, later adding a fresh coat of paint to modernize the furniture, he said.

The colors that most customers are looking for tend to be light aqua blue and gray, Ziad said. The trend deviates from traditional home designs that fixated on white walls and dark furniture as a contrast.

“You have to use the fresh colors, the beachy colors, the lighter colors—no more dark,” Ziad said.

Furnishing small spaces Owners of Revel Resale, Kathleen Dabney and Sam Gaylord, use their San Juan Capistrano store to offer highquality furniture at affordable prices. Through consignment, items found in the store are listed at least 50 percent below retail price, Dabney said.

For buyers looking to furnish a small space, Dabney suggests that a larger piece can enhance a tiny space better than cluttering the room with several smaller items. Home owners can then design upwards, utilizing wall space with draping and lighting techniques.

“Add to the walls and then light it up,” Dabney said. “You can enhance the little dark spaces and make those the focal points instead of focusing on the size of the space.”

Dabney and Gaylord’s store showcases several ideas to tastefully decorate wall space on a low budget. An overhead projector played “The Thin Man,” displaying the 1934 film in an empty frame hanging on the wall—entertainment without the loss of floor space. The couple also demonstrated how to contrast heavier furniture by layering artwork over fabric to create a softer feel in the room.

Using unique home décor options To stray away from cookie-cutter designs, Dabney and Gaylord also offer suggestions for alternative uses to everyday furniture. Customers can decorate their dining room table by using a chandelier as a centerpiece, Dabney said.

The placement of the chandelier makes the table the focal point while still lighting up the room.

Among the items that sell the quickest is their everchanging collection of unique home décor. When custom-

ers come to Revel they can purchase items not available at big box retailers, Dabney said. From life-size French dolls to Incan statues, the store sells items from around the world.

“Our items are international whereas so many places you go it’s all imported from the same place and here it’s the whole world,” Dabney said. “There’s so many people moving here—It’s a boom town.”

With the desire for creativity, second-hand shops are the place to go for one of a kind items and fresh ideas.

DIY: refurbishing tips for at-home projects Homeowners looking to refurbish their furniture can turn to local and online resources to make the process easy and affordable.

Ziad Mahshi from 2nd Hand Treasures offers free lessons by appointment to customers who purchase one of his items. Mahshi said most customers come to him for help transforming their furniture to a shabby chic look. He helps them find the right paint and demonstrates how to scrub and hit the furniture until it has an older look.

Home Depot makes redecorating easy with a series of classes offered by associates. The Home Depot in Mission Viejo offers classes throughout the summer that include building a crate end table and installing a tile backsplash.

HomeGoods online offers a wide selection of blog posts written by interior designers too. The posts, which range from building an outdoor fire pit to redecorating the bathroom on a budget, offer time-saving tips and supply recommendations. With stores located in Ladera Ranch, Aliso Viejo and Lake Forest, customers can bring the ideas they saw online to life. •

BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS-CAMACHO

Calming Design

FIVE WAYS TO CREATE RELAXING SPACES WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Your home should be a place of refuge and relaxation.

Often, though, a sink of dirty dishes, the never-ending laundry, ever mounting clutter and projects that keep being put off push us away from our haven. It’s time to take back the house.

We talked to local design experts in decorating, lighting and landscaping to get their takes on how to create a calming space for relaxation, meditation and simpler living.

Whether you want to create a designated Zen space for meditating or want to integrate comforting elements into your entire home, these expert tips will help you find balance and create harmony at home. Just a few simple changes can leave you in a more positive state of mind.

1. Clean up and clear out. Clutter is a Zen design no, no.

Take it from designer Laura LeFever, with Reflections Interiors and Design in San Juan Capistrano, “Get rid of all clutter!”

Zen design is restful and uncluttered. Its simplicity and emptiness can be dramatic and calming, she said. Ridding your home, car or office of clutter will not only help create a more relaxed atmosphere but also leave you more attentive, calm and productive. Also, try removing electronics from a given space in your home. Televisions and hand-held sources of distractions like tablets and smartphones are disruptors.

Power down and relax in a technology-free space.

2. Use natural and soft light. Softening a room can be as simple as dimming the lights, said Alex Miranda, showroom manager at Lighting Innovation in San Clemente. Install a dimmer and bring lighting down when you aren’t in need of much brightness. Changing out fluorescent light bulbs with warmer incandescent or softer LED bulbs also helps, he said. For a more dramatic change, Miranda suggests using several lighting options in one space. Take the dining room. A combination of recessed lights, a central chandelier and buffet lamps can set a warm, inviting mood. And when possible, open the blinds and naturally illuminate interior spaces.

3. Bring the outdoors in. Houseplants can play an important role in interior design by infusing life into a room, creating a calming atmosphere and adding visual depth— they also purify the air. In search of a hearty, low light loving plant, Andrea Kemp, a nursery professional at Plant Depot in San Juan Capistrano recommended, the pothos plant.

It’s easy to maintain and thrives in a wide range of environments. Try growing in bright or low light and dry soil or water-filled vases. The upright, succulent-like Sansevieria plant, available-everywhere Chinese evergreen and cleansing Dracaena family trees are other indoor garden options.

4. Embrace a neutral palette. Colors have the ability to calm, and even heal. Think of a clean, neutral color room as your blank canvas or as a fresh start. Choose a paint hue that feels good to you—maybe a tranquil blue, serene gray, warm beige or hopeful cream. Keep textiles neutral too.

When adding accents to the space, choose natural, authentic and fabrics in neutral tones of the earth. Layering textures in a room will create warmth and interest, she said. A little boldness is alright, too. “A pop of red is okay, but keep the patterns simple and understated,” LeFever said.

5. Keep decorations simple. When it comes to decorating your de-cluttered, fresh space, LeFever said to, “Use accessories sparingly. Remember, simplicity is the essence of beauty.” Choose accessories in a natural material like wood, glass and metal, then add in geodes and agates—colorful natural stones that have been used for centuries to create a sense of harmony. Furniture should be kept simple with clean, straight lines and low seating. For windows, keep treatments natural and airy. To add a calming effect, integrate water elements into your design. Fountains and bubbling water as well as paintings of waterfalls and waterscapes can be soothing. •

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IN THE PIPELINE

BY DANNY RITZ

Water quality is often judged on a scale considering only it’s consumption and exposure safety. While health and safety is certainly of the utmost priority, what is in Solutions for pin-hole the water can have dramatic out-of-body impacts. pipe leaking from A current issue facing many tri-city homes today is the plague of pin-hole plumbing experts pipe leaking, causing massive amounts of damage to South Orange County homes.

San Clemente, Laguna Niguel and Ladera Ranch communities have had the most substantial impact.

For decades, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has added what are called “chloramines” to municipal water as a “disinfectant”. These disinfectants, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, are responsible for killing any live bacteria in the water that has grown while in transit to homes from local municipal distributors such as South Coast Water District, which supplies water to much of South Orange County. Although, all water serviced by local municipalities regularly meets and exceeds current state and federal safety regulations and there is very little or no conclusive scientific evidence to support that these disinfectants have any direct adverse health effects.

However, a conclusive negative consequence of these additives is the creation of devastating pin-hole leaking caused by the corrosive reaction of the chloramine and copper piping widely used by developers in the region.

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Brandon Taliaferro of A-Z Plumbing in San Clemente, a multi-generational plumber and son of Bill Metzger who is the owner and operator of Bill Metzger Plumbing in San Clemente, said the overwhelming presence of pin-hole leaks is causing havoc in the tri-city area and a large part of their home projects.

“We see new cases every day,” Taliaferro said. “I’m answering more and more of these calls as ‘newer homes’ are exceeding their 10-year developer warranties and require my services when leaks arise.”

Fortunately, Taliaferro said that viable preventative options do exist. These include epoxy pipe-linings that coat the interior of existing pipes as well as an alternative plastic “Pex” pipe material that is resistant to corrosion. Difficult to forecast, Taliaferro encouraged being attentive within the community and suggests preemptive professional inspection if neighbors are encountering pin-hole leaking.

“I think we could all agree, it’s better to catch a small leak than return home after a long weekend to see your home floating down the street,” Taliaferro said.

Taliaferro also said the best preventative action a homeowner can take is to install a residential water filter. Chris Edmondson,

owner of Chicks Plumbing in Capistrano Beach, said his preferred product for water filtering is the Halo Water System, which filters out contaminates and synthetic additives before entering a residence.

“The municipalities are solely focused on water safety” Edmondson said. “We have extraordinarily hard water, and like any mainstream water distribution system, we are likely to encounter contaminates such as medical and natural wastes in addition to the disinfectant additives.”

Edmondson and Taliaferro both independently support the proactive approach of in-home filtration.

“Sure, damage could already be done, but if you are a home or business owner, you can help reduce future damage and increase your peace of mind with installations such as these,” Edmondson said.

With starting costs hovering around $3,000, a residential water filtration system could seem like a daunting investment, but rebuilding costs can easily surpass that tenfold if left without maintenance.

Find out more about pin-hole leaking or about A-Z Plumbing services at www. atozleakdetection.com or Chicks Plumbing at www.chicks-plumbing.com. •

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies ‘Dunkirk’ is for History Buffs

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 28

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

S

LIVE MUSIC: MOUHAMMED BOUSSAJ 6-9 p.m. Mouhammed Boussaj will perform classic rock to modern hits.

JC Beans. 34114 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

FOOD & WINE EXPERIENCE: ITALIANINSPIRED SEAFOOD CELEBRATION 6-9 p.m. Executive Chef Brian Sundeen invites guests to join him for an evening of cocktails and cuisine prepared in an outdoor kitchen. He and his chefs will engage and interact with guests as they prepare the dishes for the night. Along with fresh seafood, a cheesemaker will hand select cheese and educate guests about different chesses and how to incorporate them into a menu. Tickets are $95 per person. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000.

LIVE THEATER: ‘INTO THE WOODS’ 6:30 p.m. Be careful what you wish for in this musical! A childless baker and his wife will take on an extraordinary journey to lift the family curse. Along their journey, familiar to fairy tales Cinderella, Jack, Little Red collide as each character attempts to fulfill their wish. Guests will learn about wishes, consequences of pursuing wishes and discover what can happen after happily ever after. The show continues on various days until August 6. Tickets range from $15-$20. Crown Valley Amphitheater. 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel. www.lagunanigueltheatre.org/tickets.

SUNSET CINEMA: ‘FINDING DORY’ 7-10 p.m. The county of Orange and OC Parks will hold a free viewing of Finding Dory. Bring a blanket, a picnic or chairs and head to the park. There will be free parking starting at 6 p.m. and the movie will begin around 8 p.m. There will be food trucks. Laguna Niguel Regional Park. 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel. www.ocparks.com.

LIVE MUSIC: FEED THE KITTY 7-10 p.m. Feed the Kitty will perform live in the bar and lounge area. They perform every Friday. There is live music Wednesday-Saturday. Salt Creek Grille.

32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

949.661.7799. www.saltcreekgrille.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE WAYBACK BROTHERS 7:30 p.m. The Wayback Brothers will perDana Point Times July 28-August 3, 2017

Photo: Allison Jarrell

FRIDAY, JULY 28: LIVE THEATER: ‘ROBIN HOOD’ 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse brings the legendary adventures of Robin Hood to life at San Juan Capistrano’s Historic Town Center Park. Watch as the story’s beloved characters fight to stop the evil Prince John and the nefarious Sheriff of Nottingham. See Maid Marian capture Robin’s heart as the history of England comes to San Juan Capistrano. Attendees will be treated to sword fights and an archery contest. The show runs each weekend through July 30. Tickets are $15. Historic Town Center Park. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Dana Point their home. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active-duty military and $25 for children. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

form at Harpoon Henry’s. 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.493.2933.

LIVE MUSIC: PHIL VANDERMOST 8-11 p.m. Listen to Phil Vandermost perform live. OverVue Lounge, Laguna Cliffs Marriot. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point.

949.661.5000. www.lagunacliffs.com.

Saturday | 29 COLORFUL, FLOWERING WATER-WISE PLANTS 9 a.m. Armstrong Garden experts will show participants perennials and shrubs that provide blooms and beauty all year long. Armstrong Garden Center. 32382 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.661.6666. www.armstronggarden.com.

SMART GARDENING 101: DESIGNING SMALL CONTAINER GARDENS 9:30-11 a.m. Learn about designing small container gardens during a free class during the 2017 Smart Gardening 101 Series with Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens and the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners. Reata Park and Event Center.

28632 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano.

949.606.6704. www.goinnative.net.

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join Ocean Institute scientists on a whale watching cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer to view wildlife that make the coastal waters of

ERIN KNIGHT DESIGNS TRUNK SHOW 12-7 p.m. Designer Erin Knight will join Jean-Jacque Mamie during a special summer trunk show. Monarch Beach Resort. 1 Monarch Beach Resort North, Dana Point. 949.240.2226. www.jeanjacquemamie.com.

TWO STEPPING UNDER THE STARS 5-10 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition to dance under the stars. This is a free family event to preserve and protect the equestrian lifestyle in San Jun Capistrano. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano.

27174 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. www.sanjuanequestrian.org.

ometimes you have to wonder how much fiction can be left to take place in World War II just because there have been so many books, films and TV series over the years set during the war. Just this year, we’ve already had The Zookeeper’s Wife, Their Finest and now Dunkirk. But with the latter, American audiences are at least getting a historical event that isn’t discussed as much over here: the surrounding of Belgian, English and French soldiers on France’s Dunkirk beach from May 26 to June 4, 1940.

Blockbuster filmmaker Christopher Nolan tackles his first film in a decade without his brother Jonathan co-writing the script. In Dunkirk, we follow three different plotlines. A shopkeeper (Mark Rylance), his son (Tom Glynn-Carney) and a teenager (Barry Keoghan) sail on a private boat to aid prisoners. A group of young soldiers hides in various locations near the beach, led by Fionn Whitehead and Harry Styles. And two Royal Air Force pilots, played by Tom Hardy and Jack Lowden, battle the enemy in the sky.

Kenneth Branagh and Cillian Murphy also make appearances as military servicemen. On a technical level, everything in Nolan’s Dunkirk is practically flawless, from the cinematography of Hoyte van Hoytema to the music score

by Hans Zimmer. Styles is a surprisingly decent actor and one of the better performances in the feature. The biggest relief is that the dialogue is not nearly as clunky as Nolan’s previous two films, The Dark Knight Rises (2012) and Interstellar (2014). For a big-budget history lesson, Dunkirk does just fine. DP

LIVE MUSIC: OLIVIA 6-9 p.m. Olivia will perform an array of covers and original music. JC Beans.

34114 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

LIVE MUSIC: MICHAEL WALLACE 6:30-9:30 p.m. Michael Wallace will perform live. There is live music WednesdaySaturday. Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.661.7799. www.saltcreekgrille.com.

(Cont. on page 24) Page 23

Photo: Melinda Sue Gordon/2017 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 23) LIVE MUSIC HARBOR CRUISE 8-9:30 p.m. Every Saturday join Dana Wharf for a live music harbor cruise. Tickets are $25 per person, and the event is for 21 and older. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

LIVE MUSIC: RAIN CROSS TRIO 8-11 p.m. Listen to Rain Cross Trio perform live. OverVue Lounge, Laguna Cliffs Marriot. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point.

949.661.5000. www.lagunacliffs.com.

Sunday | 30 WOMEN OF SURFING: ART & HISTORY Surfing Heritage & Culture Center (SHACC) has partnered with the Huntington Beach Art Center (HBAC) for the Women of Surfing: Art & History, the art center’s second exhibition of a threepart-series celebrating women in the arts, delving into the artworks of national and international artists who have an intimate relationship with the ocean and the sport of surfing. The exhibit runs until Sept. 2. 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente.

949.388.0313. www.surfingheritage.org.

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join Ocean Institute scientists on a whale watching cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer to view wildlife that make the coastal waters of Dana Point their home. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active-duty military and $25 for children. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

DANA POINT SUMMER CONCERT 2:30-6 p.m. Every Sunday through July enjoy music from a variety of bands. This week’s bands are Small World Band and Dead or Alive: The Bon Jovi Experience. There will be food and beverages for sale. A free shuttle service will be provided from Dana Hills High School from 1-7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Sea Terrace Park.

33501 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

LIVE MUSIC: REDNECK RODEO 4-7 p.m. Redneck Rodeo will perform live.

StillWater Spirit & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003.

Monday | 31 MOVIE MATINEE 2-4 p.m. Join the San Clemente Library for a free movie. Ferngully: The Last Rainforest will be the movie. 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.492.3493. www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc.

YOGA IN THE PARK 5:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga for yoga in the park every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this summer. Bring a mat, water bottle Dana Point Times July 28-August 3, 2017

and suggested donation of $8. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

ON THE MENU

Tuesday | 01 TINY TOTS: PARENT AND ME PROGRAM 9:30-10:30 a.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a six-week, maritime-themed series of exploration and play suitable for children ages 2 and 3. Stretch your child’s imagination through creative play that supports language development, social interaction and problem-solving. Cost is $30 for a single class. Program runs through August 15.

Register online. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

SUNSHINE READERS STORYTIME 11:30 a.m. The Sunshine Readers will entertain children of all ages during the hour-long storytime. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

Wednesday | 02 CASA KIDS: STORY TIME 10 a.m. Every Wednesday children ages 1-7 can enjoy listening to a picture book being read in the Casa Romantica courtyard. There is a question and answer segment and a dance after each book.

Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

READ TO A DOG 3 p.m. Children can read to therapy dogs who love to listen to stories at the Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517.

Thursday | 03 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano.

Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. Every Thursday.

31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to Dana Point Times by going to www.danapointtimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

BEEF PHO FROM PHO THANH BINH

P

ho (pronounced Fuh) is a hearty, but not heavy, soup-like dish that is the centerpiece of Vietnamese cuisine. A bed of rice noodles is topped with beef cuts, never frozen and certified angus-quality, perfectly cooked to order. Fresh and locally sourced vegetables, including onion, lemongrass and ginger, are accented with splashes of peppercorn and chilies before being doused with lime to taste.

The steaming bowl emerged from the kitchen carried by none-other than Pho Thanh Binh owner Hung “Paul” Bui. The most common of the virtually countless varieties of pho, the beef pho is also Bui’s personal favorite.

Bui came to the United States in the early 1960s as a Vietnamese refugee escaping the communist regime. The eldest of five siblings, Bui honed his cooking skills feeding his family in rural Saigon. After immigrating to California, he attended culinary school in Los Angeles before opening Pho Thanh Binh in 2013. Meshing traditional experience,

modern techniques and a stalwart dedication to quality, Pho Thanh Binh offers what Bui proudly considers an unrivaled Vietnamese dining experience.

“When I eat anything, I’m always judging the quality,” Bui said. “How it looks and how it feels; not just the taste. I won’t do anything if it isn’t done the right way, including having all of the right ingredients.”

—Photo and text by Danny Ritz Pho Thanh Binh 107 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, 949.369.3879

On Stage at The Coach House: JD Souther Brings California Country Rock

BY RACHAEL MATTICE, DANA POINT TIMES

C

ountry rock songwriter and pioneer JD Souther prefers to perform in intimate venues like the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano where he can capture an audience’s undivided attention free of typical distractions and transport the concertgoer to a time when his music was personal to them.

“As a performer, you have to make it a magical evening, thinking of the guest who is coming in from dealing with the problems of the world to a quiet space with someone who is fully committing themselves and lets the audience into their stories,” Souther said.

An architect in the early 1970s “Southern California Rock” movement alongside the likes of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt and Glenn Frey, Souther composed music for almost all of those musicians and dozens more. Most notably are his compositions for the Eagles, but his solo efforts fuse more jazz, country, pop and folk. Fans of Souther’s songwriting efforts as well as his personal discography will be able to witness his “cinematic” audio stories on Sunday, Aug. 6.

“I think I’ve finally embraced what has been called as the ‘Southern California sound’ because it’s what we were all playing,” Souther said. “It was us playing acoustic guitars with a fresh attitude toward making songs that had some country roots,

Page 24

Photo: Courtesy of Michael Withoite

but were more sophisticated harmonically and lyrically. I loved learning about country music; it was a thrilling experience.”

Producing the same content—whether it be music, poetry or some other form of creative medium—can be taxing on a musician, and one sometimes has to “jab yourself in the foot if you haven’t felt inspiration in a while to produce something new,” Souther said.

“If I live to be 100, I’ll still be a student,” Souther said. “I think a lot of our early learning years in music is about finding the tool that best expresses what you feel. It goes on forever.”

Doors open at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6 and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $32.50. For tickets or more information, visit www.thecoachhouse.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom Blake

Three Widowers, Divorced Man Ages 60-90 Comment on Dating

A

woman walked up to me at the San Juan Capistrano Costco last week and said, “I read your dating columns. Why don’t you write more about single men?”

I said, “Because I don’t hear much from men.” And wouldn’t you know it? When I got home, there were emails from four men, ages 62, 77, 81 and 91.

John, 62, divorced, wrote me after reading last week’s On Life and Love After 50 eNewsletter in which I quoted snippets of an email from a woman in North Carolina named Lynne. She was bemoaning the difficulty of being single later in life and the lack of available men.

One thing she said was, “Very few men talk about women in positive ways.”

John said, “Lynne is doing exactly what she feels men do—talking badly about the opposite sex. I strongly suspect ON LIFE AND her negative view of men LOVE AFTER 50 is not helping her find a

By Tom Blake suitable partner.”

Tom’s comment: Often, male readers of my columns don’t comment unless they read something that irks them. Such is the case with Dr. John. Whenever he emails me, it’s often the result of something a woman said that he perceives as negative (And, he’s usually right).

John, 77, a widower, emailed, “I live in Sacramento and have been widowed twice (18-year marriage and 23-year marriage).

After my last wife’s funeral, my son asked if I ever thought about moving back to Southern Orange County. My plan is to move by July 2018.

I’m very active as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Sacramento and would like to continue that with the Orange County Habitat for Humanity.

I’ve done some online dating, but it hasn’t been satisfying. It’s probably too soon as my wife is still very much in my head and heart, so I will give it another year or so before I try dating.”

Tom’s comment: Some widowers don’t understand they need to grieve and heal before joining the dating world. John tried it, but he discovered it was too soon for him.

Wise man. He’ll know when he’s ready, but it’s not today. Maybe, by the time he moves to South Orange County, he’ll be ready to meet one of our lovely women down here.

Dave, 81, also a widower, wrote, “I have a quandary. I am on two dating sites, have listed my real age of 81. The ladies who respond are usually my age…and with no disrespect, but they are my age. My cardiac surgeon calls me his 65-year-old, 81-yearold. I’m blessed with my mother’s genes.

Several online dating sites advised me to adjust my age, then communicate my true age up front when there is a connection.

Yup, I have a quandary.”

Tom’s comment: Wow, it is usually the women who fret over revealing their actual age, not a guy. In Dave’s case, hey, he’s just trying to get his foot in the door, realizing that women, when they see him, won’t care that he is 81 (unless he told them he’s 61, then that’s a stretch). The first thing he must do when he initially meets a woman face-to-face is reveal his true age. No more quandary.

Les, 91, also a widower, emailed, “I read your article in the June 23-29 Dana Point Times about Different Kinds of Relation-

Photo: Courtesy of the city of Dana Point

SCENE

On Wednesday, July 19, members of the City Council dedicated a plaque to the Lantern Village Association for their 25th anniversary. The { I N DANA P O I NT } Association was formed in 1991 as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization with a mission to beautify the Lantern Village neighborhood. In April, the City Council recognized the Association.

The plaque is in La Plaza Park and recognizes the founders of the Association and work they have done. ships. I may be interested in a LAT (Living Apart Together) relationship.

“My wife and I had a good relationship, we missed 50 years by three months. Currently, it’s my frame of mind holding me back. The ‘effort’ is just not there yet. In time, I know I will improve.

From your experience, what now? How do I meet a friend?”

Tom’s comment: “Meeting a new friend will take a little effort, but believe me, it can and will happen. My partner, Greta, saw your picture in the newspaper and said, “Les is a very handsome man.” (An article titled, American Pride, which featured Les, appeared in the same June 22-28 San Clemente Times newspaper on the same page as my column). So, already Les, you will be off to a good start when you decide to venture out.

The article stated, “One way is to get involved in a few new activities. A handsome, single man your age, will have no trouble meeting women who might enjoy a LAT

relationship.”

Tom’s comment: Les understands that he isn’t ready to start dating, but he’s thinking about it. Will he find a woman who will want a companion but who will be willing to live apart? I think he will.

So, to the woman who asked me in Costco why I don’t write about single men, she’ll be happy to know her question prompted an article about older single men in this paper the very next week.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating.

See his websites at www.findingloveafter50. com; www.vicsta.com and www.travelafter55. com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com.

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

Sudoku

Pet of the Week: Dreamy

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

L

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Dana Point Times July 28-August 3, 2017

See the solution in next week’s issue.

ooking for an adorable little critter to brighten your day? Dreamy the guinea pig would make a great pet for someone short on space. Ready with his happy little squeaks and purrs, this cute little cavie is just waiting to meet you!

If you would like to know more about Dreamy, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

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Dreamy. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

www.danapointtimes.com

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

949.485.4979, info@bodymindspiritiop.com, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

ASSISTED LIVING HOME FOR ELDERLY

Assisted Senior Home

949.248.9415, www.assistedseniorhome.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Represent.xyz

949.274.0590, www.represent.xyz

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, pat.powers@cox.net

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PET BOUTIQUE

Naked Dog Bistro

424 Forest Ave., LB, 949.715.9900, www.NakedDogBistro.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

SPECIALTY BEAUTY

Amazing Lash Studio

32932 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 9, 949.484.7676, www.AmazingLashStudio.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Wharf Fish Count DANA POINT TIMES

T

he bass fishing out in the waters around Dana Point continues to produce steady numbers, despite a mid-week swell that rolled through the area last week.

Here is the latest fish count out of Dana Wharf: 7/26 • 11 boats; 353 anglers: 159 calico bass, 58 sculpin, 38 sand bass, 30 rockfish, 9 white fish, 9 barracuda, 7 yellowtail, 6 bonito, 4 brown rockfish, 3 sheephead, 3

treefish.

7/25 • 10 boats; 252 anglers: 351 calico bass, 86 sand dabs, 60 sculpin, 41 rockfish, 33 white fish, 27 sand bass, 16 yellowtail, 7 boccacio, 6 sheephead, 5 vermillion rockfish, 5 blue perch, 4 bonito, 3 barracuda, 1 sargo.

7/24 • 8 boats; 248 anglers: 202 calico bass, 40 yellowtail, 17 sheephead, 13 sand bass, 12 blue perch, 11 white fish, 10 rockfish, 5 sculpin, 4 barracuda, 2 vermillion rockfish, 2 bonito, 2 opal eye. DP

Outdoor Offerings

Free Guided Tour of the Dana Point Headlands

BY DANNY RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

T

here is never a shortage of things to do and areas to explore in Southern Orange County, especially during the summer time. This week, we are highlighting a free outdoor offering by the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center.

What: Headlands Nature Hike When: First Saturday of every month at 9 a.m.

Where: Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center (34558 Scenic Dr.) Degree of Difficulty: Easy Length of Hike: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

The 949 Volleyball Club’s boys 17U team captured the gold medal at the USA Volleyball Junior National Championships. Photo: Courtesy

Scoreboard DANA POINT TIMES

949 VOLLEYBALL TURNS IN GOLDEN EFFORT AT JUNIOR NATIONALS The 949 Volleyball Club had several of its teams make spectacular runs at the USA Volleyball Junior National Championship tournament earlier this month, with two local teams capturing gold medals.

In all, 949 Volleyball Club, which draws players from Dana Point, took home four medals at the prestigious event, more than any other club.

The club’s boys 17U and 14U teams placed first in their divisions.

The 17U squad went in as the No. 1 overall seed, and faced the No. 2 seed in the quarterfinals. 949 lost the first game, Dana Point Times July 28-August 3, 2017

but came back to win the second and erase a five-point deficit in the decisive third set to seal the win and advance.

The boys 14U team earned the title of national champions after defeating teams from Lake Forest, Puerto Rico and Los Angeles in the knockout rounds.

The boys 18U team placed second in their division. The club’s boys 15U team won the bronze medal.

Following the excitement of the Junior Nationals, 949’s girls 14U team traveled to Arizona for the Phoenix Volleyball Festival.

The seventh-ranked 949 team advanced all the way to the championship match, but lost to a team from Hawaii and placed second.

“Our success this year is a product of the coaches, the families and athletes involved. It is a testament to the culture we have created,” 949 Volleyball Club founder and director Justin DeBlasio said.

The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center serves as the visitor center as well as base of educational and management operations for the entire Dana Point Conservation Area. Opening its doors in 2010, the DPCA is now managed by over 20 docents, responsible for interacting with and educating the public concerning the natural, historical and biological significance of the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area, which consists of South Strands Park, Hilltop Park, Harbor Point and the Center for Natural Lands Management.

At 9 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month, the Nature Interpretive Center offers a free guided tour of the Headlands.

This hike, which is open to the public, is centered on showcasing the native fauna and the diverse wildlife that lives within it.

Offering a fun and accessible opportunity to explore an often-overlooked region

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The pocket mouse, thought previously to be extinct, is one of the many indigenous species you can spot at the Dana Point Headlands. Photos: Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center

of the Dana Point Peninsula, some hike viewing highlights include the abundant coastal sagebrush, the pocket mouse (thought to be extinct until it’s discovery on the Headlands in 1993) and the coastal California gnatcatcher.

“Our nature walk provides the opportunity to engage with all the life that’s buzzing about on the Dana Point Headlands,” said Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center coordinator Bernice Villanueva.

“It’s a great way to explore outside, foster a greater appreciation for our open spaces and understand our conservation efforts to protect the area.”

The Nature Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, excluding federal holidays. The trails through the Conservancy are open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. Attendees are reminded that dogs or pets are not allowed in the parks. No smoking, no bicycles or drones.

Binoculars are available for rental. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyesters, or designer carpet. Showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point: 24662 Del Prado, Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available. All shapes and sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too! Call Mike at 949.240.1545

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week?

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949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times July 28-August 3, 2017

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Bring On the Open

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 70-74 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Outlook: Surf is a modest mix of S hemi, tropical swell and NW windswell for Friday with chestshoulder high sets at best breaks. Larger, solid run of surf due to kick in this weekend and continue next week. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

World tour hopefuls eye big result at upcoming Vans U.S. Open of Surfing

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s that time of year again—we’re in the dead of summer and the U.S. Open of Surfing is landing in Huntington Beach.

For area surfers this means two things.

First, Lowers will be more crowded than usual. The preferred haunt for most of the competitors, expect them to find their way from Surf City to San Clemente for some practice sessions. Consider yourself warned.

Second, and of considerably more importance, the Open is the first and only chance during the 2017 WSL Qualifying Series that American surfers will be able to compete for major points on native soil (or sand, as the case may be). Right now, Griffin Colapinto finds himself ranked seventh on the QS rankings with a very real chance of qualifying for the 2018 WSL Championship Tour. A couple of years ago, Colapinto won the Pro Junior event at the Open, so experience in the circus-like environment shouldn’t be an issue. Plus, his brother, Crosby, is in the main event as well, and a little family support could go a long way. It would be great to see the young gun jump onto the Championship Tour next year, and a result at the Open goes a long way in accomplishing this.

A few ticks down the rankings, Ian Crane is sitting at 21st on the QS. He’s holding onto a couple good results already, and should he decide he wants to join his pal Kolohe Andino on the Championship Tour full-time, he’s going to need buckle down at the Open, skip a couple autograph sign-

GROM OF THE WEEK

BELLA KENWORTHY

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s three-foot and playful at Salt Creek.

Jason Kenworthy is standing in shindeep water with camera in hand. His daughter, Bella, is out surfing. It’s been a couple of months since I last caught up with them at T Street, and she’s taken another giant leap forward. Her turns are tighter and sharper. Her rail game more committed. She’s standing out in the crowded lineup.

“She’s even got a few airs down,” Jason

Dana Point Times July 28-August 3, 2017

Tanner Gudauskas. Photo: File/KellyCestari

ing sessions and get down to business. He has talent in abundance and his surfing is kinetic and interesting. He’d be an interesting addition to the world tour if that’s something he wants to pursue.

Another pair of recognizable brothers, Patrick and Tanner Gudauskas, are also looking to the U.S. Open to kick-start their push back into the big leagues. Both have spent time on the Championship Tour in years prior, and getting back there’s an obvious goal. Patrick is currently ranked 27th, while Tanner is a little further down the line at 38th. Both are seasoned vets and know what it takes to make it deep at the Open.

So far this year, neither is holding onto any really strong results, but the QS season is long and there are plenty of opportunities

in the second half of the year. That said, their respective campaigns have to start in Huntington Beach if they’re going to build some momentum by the time they hit the Hawaiian leg at the end of the year.

As far as the surf outlook goes, get all your chores and work done this week, because next week is looking like it’s going to pump. Starting on Saturday, July 29, there’s a strong chance that a steeply angled tropical south-southeast swell will start to fill into the Southern California window. For the last week, there have been three tropical storms marching through the Pacific off the coast of mainland Mexico, and while the first two, Greg and Irwin, won’t do much for us, the Pacific Hurricane Hilary is expected to bring the heat.

said.

For years now, Bella and her Pink Helmet Posse crew have been wowing the skate world, but I’ve come to find out she is about to step onto a much larger stage.

“She got a wildcard into the U.S. Open Pro Junior and she’s skating in the U.S. Open too,” said a somewhat baffled Jason.

“She’s 10, dude.”

By any stretch, 10 years old is really young to be jumping into the chaos of Surf City and the U.S. Open, but Bella’s relishing the opportunity.

“They asked us if it would be too much if she surfed and skated at the Open, but I told them we surf and skate all day every day, so it’s just another day at the beach for us,” added Jason. DP

Bella Kenworthy. Photo: Courtesy of Jason Kenworthy

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There is also a sizable low pressure system developing in the Southeast Pacific, which will reinforce the tropical swell with a shot of long-period swell due to arrive Aug. 2-4.

All told, for the duration of the contest the Surfline extended forecast is calling for the surf to remain in the shoulder to overhead range, with a few bigger days thrown in for extra spice.

And if surf’s not your thing, there are plenty of other options at the U.S. Open.

Vans has done a commendable job designing the Vans Pro Park and ensuring that both the skateboard and BMX events are just as prestigious as the surf. It’s a great chance to see world-class skaters and riders rip through the bowls and blast big airs.

Worth checking out is also the Van Doren Village, which will host art exhibitions and a number of hands-on creative workshops.

The concert series has been eliminated to try and keep the chaos to a minimum, but other than that, let the good times roll.

There’s a full schedule of events available online at www.vanusopenofsurfing.com if you’re looking to plan at day at the Open.

The Vans U.S. Open of Surfing runs from July 29 through Aug. 6 on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier. You can watch it all live online, or you can load up the wagon, cruise up PCH and cheer on all the local surfers and skaters competing. DP

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