EYE ON SJC

Municipalities Emphasize Education-First Approach to E-Bikes BY BREEANA GREENBERG, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH A s electric bikes rise in popularity, local state and city leaders, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, along with school resource officers, are emphasizing an education-first approach to addressing community concerns of reckless ridership.

Assemblymember Laurie Davies, for instance, introduced legislation earlier this year that would further promote school districts to partner with law enforcement agencies to provide safe riding education for electric and motorized bikes.

In San Juan Capistrano, the city’s Police Services is working with school resource officers to develop a program requiring kids to verify that they’re wearing their helmets and riding an age-appropriate bike.

And in Dana Point, Mayor Joe Muller is spearheading a proposed program As electric bikes rise in popularity, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, school resource officers and cities are emphasizing an education-first approach to addressing that looks to require kids 16 and young- reckless ridership. Photo: Jacqueline Garrett er to complete an e-bike safety course.

The ongoing education efforts come rise in popularity. as the City of San Clemente’s e-bike ban Incident data obtained from the on beaches, the Beach Trail, and the Mu- Orange County Fire Authority show nicipal Pier recently went into effect. that there have been 84 e-bike-related

When reached for comment on the incidents within its contract cities since latest details of the ban, San Clemente 2021, when the agency started tracking Assistant to the City Manager Jennifer such information. Savage wrote in an email that the city Four e-bike-related incidents occurred has focused primarily on education, in San Juan and nine in Dana Point, with enforcement beginning Memorial while San Clemente has seen 20 inciDay weekend. dents occur.

To further promote such education As public safety officials saw accidents and responsible riding, the City of San increase, Davies said she realized the Clemente on Thursday, May 27, held problem was rooted in a lack of educaanother Bike Safety Rodeo for children tion. 5 and older at the Vista Hermosa Sports “I don’t think there’s a consistency of Park. what the rules of the road are,” Davies

Earlier this month, Davies hosted a said. “Some are being told to be on the separate bike and e-bike safety event at sidewalk, some are told they can’t be on Dana Hills High School in partnership the sidewalk.” with California Highway Patrol, OCSD To address concerns in Dana Point, and the three South County cities of Muller has proposed a safety program, Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan. which he brought up during the Dana

“It’s really about education,” Davies Point City Council’s May 3 meeting, that said. “I mean, this is a great way for kids would require e-bike riders under 16 to get around; it’s getting them out of in the city to show proof of completing the house, away from the video games, a safety course if pulled over by law getting exercise, being able to be around enforcement. others.” Muller said that the overall problem

Municipalities began to notice that a of reckless riding likely won’t get any lack of education and awareness of rules better until kids and parents start seeing on e-bikes arose during the COVID-19 consequences. pandemic—when e-bikes continued to “If we are able to make it mandatory, (Cont. on page 6)

and parents start seeing—off the top of my head, this is totally off the wall—if we were to confiscate a bike, and they had to come back and pay a fine to get it . . . $500, $1,000 . . . that’s going to actually send a warning signal, get the kids in this class,” Muller said. “The classes, right now, they’re free. It’s a Saturday morning for a couple hours. Go through it, answer some questions, and get your certificate. I think it’s worth doing.”

Ideally, he added, he’d like legislation to be passed at the state level with a program similar to how California law requires all boaters to complete a safety exam and carry a California Boater Card.

In late April, the Assembly voted unanimously to pass Davies’ legislation, Assembly Bill 2028. The measure amends existing law that authorizes school districts to partner with law enforcement and public agencies to provide bike safety education by revising the list of vehicles to also include e-bikes, motorized bikes and motorized scooters.

“We want to be able to make sure that everybody’s educated, and now that, hopefully, this bill will go through, we can work together with our partners at (the Orange County Transit Authority). They’ve been fantastic, along with law enforcement, our schools and our parents,” Davies said.

The measure is now over at the State Senate, where it awaits an Education Committee hearing on June 8. In the meantime, Davies has encouraged local jurisdictions to develop their own programs.

“Sometimes, we get a little tunnel vision in our own world here in our cities,” Muller said at the May 14 bike safety event. “(Davies) said you need to start talking to other cities, San Clemente, San Juan; make it consistent around South County, countywide.”

Though Muller hopes to require kids younger than 16 to attend an e-bike safety class and receive a certification, he is not in favor of requiring a license to operate e-bikes.

“It’s really more, making sure that parents understand that this is an important class,” he said. “You need to make sure your kids take it if you give them an e-bike.”

He added that he’s not sure yet what the penalty would be for not completing the safety program, whether there would be impounding of bicycles, what the grace period would look like to start, or even if he had the votes on his council to pass it.

(Cont. from page 4)

“It’s just a discussion we’re having; we’ll probably put it on one of our June meetings, maybe July,” Muller said. “I’ve thought a lot about this; it’s the No. 1 complaint I get in the city.”

Rafael Reynosa, a public information officer for California Highway Patrol, said that it would be difficult to get all kids riding e-bikes under 16 to complete a safety course, but that “if we have some joint effort between the state, county, local municipalities, I think it can be done.”

Reynosa added that since e-bikes are relatively new, CHP has focused primarily on educating riders.

“We’re trying to focus more on education over giving them a citation, but when we see them, officers—and I’m sure deputies do as well—we stop them, educate them, tell them they can’t be doing this, whether they’re going too fast or riding without a helmet or riding with passengers when they’re not supposed to,” Reynosa said.

Passengers are not allowed on any bike unless it is a tandem bike or has a built-in seat.

Doheny Bike owner Jason Spates said he’s not in favor of a licensing or registration, but he agreed that the problem with reckless riders lies in a lack of education.

“There’s a lot of negligent circumstances where you see kids in turning lanes and things like that, and you wonder who’s telling you how to respect the right of way, the rules of the road, stay off the sidewalk, don’t be going 30 miles an hour when pedestrians are around,” Spates said. “Very common-sense things.”

“I don’t know if registering the e-bikes would regulate that, but there may be a way to get in contact more with parents and maintain that relationship with the adults, so that it eventually helps to solve problems before we have problems,” Spates continued.

Spates said Doheny Bike does not sell e-bikes to kids under 16. “We, as a company, don’t cater to young riders of our bikes,” Spates said. “We ask that riders be 16 years of age.”

He added that most of his clientele are older, using the bikes for mobility.

In reference to San Clemente’s ordinance restricting e-bikes on the Beach Trail, Spates said the city needed to address concerns of reckless e-bike riders without an all-out ban.

“We don’t want to go the way of San Clemente, where they start restricting access and mobility of the bikes,” Spates said.

Earlier this year, San Clemente City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting electric bicycles on the beach, Beach Trail, and the Municipal Pier. Enforcement of the ban will require a coordinated effort from the city’s Beaches, Parks, and Recreation Department, Park Rangers, Code Enforcement and Marine Safety, as well as OCSD.

“For me, it’s about safety education,” Spates said. “I’d rather be on the good side of the narrative than the bad side of the narrative, and as a company, you don’t see kids on our bikes, and that was done on purpose. I don’t want to be part of that narrative of the problem in town; I want to be part of the solution.”

Doheny Bike has offered helmet giveaways in order to promote safe riding and the importance of wearing a helmet.

During the bike safety event at Dana Hills High, Davies emphasized the need to involve kids, parents, public safety, OCTA and California Highway Patrol in addressing reckless riders.

“I think we should go by county, because one size doesn’t always fit all,” Davies said. “But what we need to do is we need to work together with OCTA, who does a lot of great bike safety. We need parents there, because we need to educate them as well.”

Dana Point School Resources Deputy Joy MacDonald is primarily assigned to Dana Hills High, as well as some of the elementary schools and private schools in the area. As e-bikes have boomed in popularity, OCSD has stressed bike safety education, holding information sessions and bike and e-bike rodeos.

“They’ve just grown so popular so quickly, so we’re kind of playing catch-up, but we’ve done what we can to put the education out there,” MacDonald said. “We definitely follow a model of education before enforcement, but at the end of the day, we need to make sure that people are staying safe and that people know the rules of the road.”

“Now, you’re giving kids these high-powered machines, and they don’t know the rules of the road,” MacDonald added. “Although it is a great thing to have and it’s a great resource, ultimately, they still need to be held accountable to making sure that they’re safe and others are safe.”

MacDonald also discussed some of the trends she’s seen with e-bike riders.

“What I’m seeing is people aren’t following the rules of the road,” MacDonald said. “If you buy your kid an e-bike, you want to make sure that they’re following the rules of the road and that they’re operating it safely.

“A lot of that is riding on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic, and using your hand signals and making eye contact when you approach intersections,” MacDonald continued. “A lot of times, otherwise, they’ll just kind of blow through intersections or make turns, and it startles cars, and that can cause accidents.”

She added that it’s important to always wear a helmet and make sure to wear reflective clothing when riding at night.

“Lastly, one thing that we’ve been dealing with at the high school that’s really caused some problems, there’s these new electric dirt bikes that came out, and you actually need an M1 motorcycle license to ride them,” MacDonald said. “So, you go to these bike shops and you see all these cool bikes, and you go, ‘Oh, I want that one,’ but you want to make sure you know what kind of bike you’re buying.”

There are three classes of e-bikes. Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assisted only and reach a maximum speed of 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes also can only reach a maximum speed of 20 mph; however, they have a throttle that can boost a rider’s speed even when they are not pedaling.

Class 3 e-bikes, which are also pedal-assisted but do not have a throttle, stop providing motor assistance when the bike reaches 28 mph. Kids under 16 are not allowed to ride Class 3 e-bikes.

San Juan Capistrano Police Services noted that it has seen kids under 16 illegally riding a Class 3 e-bike to school. Officers noted at the bike safety event that their plan is to promote education first over the summer, make sure kids are riding safely and enforce as needed.

They also discussed a program in development, in coordination with school resource officers, that would require kids to have their bikes inspected by OCSD and receive an educational pamphlet on the rules of the road in order to park their bikes on campus. The inspection would also ensure that kids under 16 are not riding Class 3 e-bikes.

The police services hope to have this program running by next school year. CD

ORANGE COUNTY E-BIKE INCIDENTS

According to incident data from the Orange County Fire Authority, there have been 84 e-bike-related incidents within its contract cities since 2021, which is when the agency started tracking such information. Among the three South County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente has seen the most incidents occur. Graphic: Chelsie Rex

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY STAFF

CD |Marco Forster Middle Math Instructor Is County Teacher of The Year

Sergio Sanabria, who teaches math at Marco Forster Middle School in San Juan Capistrano, was recently named one of six Teachers of the Year by the Orange County Department of Education. He was the only teacher from Capistrano Unified School District among the honorees.

Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares and OCDE representatives surprised Sanabria and the other winners in their classrooms when announcing the awards.

“It was a very humbling experience for me,” Sanabria said. “I think when you get into the type of work like this, where you are trying to motivate others to do well and try to encourage others to be successful, you don’t really expect that to reciprocate itself back onto you.”

Sanabria initially got into teaching as a substitute teacher, later deciding to make it a full-time career because he felt called to help students.

“I told myself this is what I want to do,” he said. “Now that I’m doing that, it feels great to know you’ve positively impacted students’ lives.”

Sanabria, who has been teaching at Marco Forster Middle School for nine years, also has an afterschool tutoring program for students who want extra help. He and the other countywide winners are now eligible to compete for state and national honors, according to the OCDE.

“(Teaching) is just extremely gratifying for me, because it’s one of those jobs where you know you’ve made an impact in many students’ lives … but you also don’t know the impact you’ve made on a lot of students’ lives,” he said. “It’s not until years later, sometimes, where they come and tell you you’ve made an impact.”

CD |Mental Health Nonprofit Aims to Help Young People

A therapy session at Walk Intuit in San Juan Capistrano might involve leading a horse around an outdoor area while discussing grief, rejection, and trauma.

Walk Intuit is a nonprofit focused on mental health and wellness, and it plans to expand into additional office

Marco Forster Middle School math teacher Sergio Sanabria was named a Teacher of the Year by the Orange County Department of Education. Photo: Collin Breaux

space on June 1 that will be next to its current office space on Paseo Espada. The nonprofit’s equine therapy is held at another location in San Juan, and it also has a location in Yorba Linda.

“We had a pilot session that we did. It was about 10 weeks long, and we had clients that ranged in age from 12 to 16,” said Cassandra Seidler, a staff social worker with Walk Intuit, about their work with young people. “I wanted to do something different, because I’ve been working with teenagers for a really long time, and I’ve noticed they don’t like mental health care. They feel judged, left out, unheard. What we do is I created a space for activities for them where they can feel seen and heard, and we just do things they want to do.”

Those activities can include learning about street art, photographic collages, and the importance of volunteering. Walk Intuit is preparing to open a fulltime safe space for kids to learn coping mechanisms, and it is asking for the public’s help in making the space lowcost or even free—through donations or other measures.

“We received 100% positive feedback from the teens and their parents (from the trial program), and every participant has asked to return when the program begins again,” Seidler said.

Walk Intuit also offers other clinic services, including art therapy, sound therapy, guided meditation, breathing exercises, community groups, and retreats. Along with helping kids, they also help adults—including people in or coming out of substance abuse recovery programs.

“We are seeing an alarming rate of teens in our community making what can become deadly decisions, due to a lack of spaces to meet and mingle with peers where there are no drugs or alcohol involved,” Seidler said. “Approximately 75% of our current client caseloads are via word-of-mouth, and the rest hear about us from community spaces or other referral sources.”

Visit walkintuit.com for more information.

CD |San Juan Hills Graduate Receives Scholarship from Local Group

San Juan Hills High School graduating senior Sandhya Ganesan recently received a $2,000 scholarship from the American Association of University Women, San Clemente-Capistrano Bay Branch, during an awards ceremony.

“Sandhya Ganesan was also recognized for her academic achievements as a valedictorian with a GPA of 4.0 or higher, Advanced Placement Merit, AP Scholar with Distinction, California State Seal of Biliteracy, and member of the National Honor Society,” a news release said. “Sandhya is also one of the co-editors of the school newspaper, is a member of BRIDGES and is a student representative on the SJHHS Cultural Proficiency task force.”

This is the 10th year AAUW San Clemente-Capistrano Bay Branch has awarded a scholarship to a recipient who has maintained exemplary grades in school performance and served her school and community with her time and efforts, according to the organization. COMMUNITY MEETINGS

SATURDAY, MAY 28 Challenging Cancer 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system, and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 31 Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 Coffee Chat 8:30 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. The first Friday session of the month will be held virtually via Zoom video conference; all other Friday forums will take place in person at Hennessey’s Tavern in San Juan Capistrano, 31761 Camino Capistrano. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for information.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7 City Council 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 Planning Commission 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9 Design Review Committee 4:30 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Design Review Committee will hold a scheduled meeting open to the public. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10 The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

RMV HOSTS FORUM ON FOSTERING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

As the master-planned area continues to emphasize well-being for residents and the community as a whole, Rancho Mission Viejo recently hosted a public discussion in partnership with the Urban Land Institute Orange County/Inland Empire about the impact home and community development has on people’s health.

“We were honored to be able to host this ULI event at Ranch Camp, our new amenity that prioritizes well-being with outdoor experiences, improves our quality of living, and brings the community together,” said Paul Johnson, executive vice president of community development for Rancho Mission Viejo, in a news release. “It’s crucial we continue to have conversations about how to enhance well-being for not only our residents on The Ranch but the Orange County community in general.”

The forum was the first event held at Ranch Camp, RMV’s latest amenity. Ranch Camp features an open-air fitness area, a swimming pool, and a visitor’s

When Dr. Maya Hatch—a researcher at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine—approached Reata Glen with a study she had in mind, there was an overall concept she wanted to assess: how essential core stability is for senior citizens when it comes to functioning in daily life.

To gauge that idea in the study, Hatch worked with management at the retirement community in Rancho Mission Viejo to hold a number of Pilates classes for the residents. UCI researchers are still crunching the data from the study, but Hatch said the venture has been far more successful than they imagined in terms of keeping older folks happy and active.

Since Pilates is often used to develop proximal stability for athletes and younger people, the study wanted to test that concept with retirees.

“It’s the same idea as that,” Hatch said. “It’s just trying to show it’s applicable to the aging population.”

The classes were taught by a physical therapist and Pilates instructor, and they were held from December 2021 to April of this year. Seniors performed movements on mats, and learned about maintaining their core—and also how to control their breathing.

Randall Lewis, a partner at Lewis Group of Companies, speaks during a public event in Rancho Mission Viejo about wellness and how communities can encourage well-being. Photo: Courtesy of Rancho Mission Viejo

center. It is in the Rienda neighborhood.

Randall Lewis, a partner at Lewis Group of Companies, and Teri Slavik-Tsuyuki, co-chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s (GWI) Wellness Communities & Real Estate initiative, were among the speakers.

“Everyone in our industry needs to pay extra attention to building health, well-being, and sustainability into our EVENTS AT THE RANCH

JUNE 4 Oak Development Talk 9-10:30 a.m. Ever wondered how an oak becomes the tree it is? Come out to the great outdoors of Rancho Mission Viejo to learn about how an oak starts off as an acorn and gradually develops into a mature facet of the land. The event will be at the Ranch Camp in the village of Rienda, and participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4 p.m. on Friday, June 3. Sign up at thenaturereserve.org.

residential communities. These factors are becoming more and more important to our customers,” Lewis said. “People are looking for more than shelter when they choose a place to live, and we believe health, well-being, sustainability, and a sense of community can greatly help the lives of our customers.” CD

Study at Reata Glen Analyzes Pilates Benefits for Seniors

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

“Breathing is essential for Pilates,” Hatch said. “We walked them through the program.”

Hatch said she came up with the idea for the study because her research made her realize how important core muscles are for physical stabilization.

“The literature really brought us to Pilates as a base,” she said.

Hatch was drawn to Reata Glen, because her aunt lives in a sister community in Northern California. When the Pilates program rolled out at Reata Glen, it was a popular activity with the residents.

“We had a wait list that we could never (fully) enroll,” Hatch said.

Jim Gatzke was one of the residents who got to participate in the Pilates classes, and he enjoyed it. It was his first experience with Pilates.

“By the second or third time we actually got together and went through the different exercises, I could immediately tell it did different things to parts of my body,” Gatzke said. “It works muscles deeper in your core.”

The classes got Gatzke more interested in Pilates, and he now muses he wished he had started it 30 years ago. The end results left him feeling encouraged, and he plans to do more Pilates in the future.

“Almost everything you’re going to do is involving your core and legs,” said Gatzke, who is in his 70s. “That was the biggest ‘aha’

Retired residents at Reata Glen recently got to take Pilates classes, as part of a study on core exercises for senior citizens by the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine. Photo: Courtesy of Coulter Grenier

(moment) out of the whole thing. None of these exercises are extremely strenuous.”

Hatch thanked and acknowledged the study’s funding source, a grant from the UC Irvine 41st Trust, for their support in making the venture possible. Hatch and the study team were also “tremendously impressed” with the interest and enthusiasm from the Reata Glen residents, and called working with the community “a dream.”

“Although we could only enroll a small number for this portion of the study, the overwhelming interest we received shows how physically active this community is and how committed they are to maintaining their overall health,” Hatch said. “Due to the initial acceptability and enthusiasm of our Pilates program by the residents and Reata Glen’s supportive staff and environment, we are currently working on further research at Reata Glen to expand our program.” CD

Welcome to ‘A New You’

If the past couple of years of living through a pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we humans are resilient and are capable of adapting to even the worst of circumstances.

Our mental fortitude has been tested, our eating habits adjusted, and even our personal relationships have either been strained, put through the ringer, or—for those more fortunate—have thrived.

The world has forever been changed by the events of the past two years, and as a result, so have most of us—ideally, for the better. And as more and more restrictions across the globe are lifted, we’re able to see things anew, with a fresh perspective.

For many, the pandemic-induced lockdowns were very isolating. So, for this year’s “A New You” special section—our annual guide to self-improvement—we speak with

By Andrea Clemett

After a couple of years of being inside because of the waves of COVID-19 restrictions, individuals who were diligent about staying indoors are navigating their way through the new normal.

But the anticipation of getting into the swing of in-person living again can spark uncertain feelings and anxiety.

Erica Curtis, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and owner of a private practice in San Juan Capistrano, identified three categories for the reservations some have about returning to life post-pandemic.

The first, she said, relates to health concerns from individuals with medical issues, as they need to limit how much they’re around others. A second reservation relates to those with various types of anxieties, while the third category pertains to individuals who have adapted to finding contentment in their home, “doing my own thing.”

“If anybody, especially those who may have suffered from a little social anxiety or a kind of anxiety, getting back in the world has been really hard,” said Dianne Mason, a marriage and family therapist associate located in San Clemente. “There’s a lot of fear around it, perhaps paranoia about getting sick and just forgetting how to socialize.”

Mason also found that young people were widely affected, ranging from teenagers in middle school to college graduates. Additionally, individuals in transition during the pandemic were likely to feel an impact when returning to an immersive in-person lifestyle.

“A lot of people were really connected on social media, but that doesn’t really help,” Mason said. “It actually makes them sad, because they’re seeing that other people are back into their lives and they’re not, because they feel like they can’t.”

Mason identified that the individualistic culture of the U.S., combined with a few years of isolation, was a catalyst for many to feel lonely. Although other cultures have community-based societies that keep people interconnected, the pandemic may have disrupted that, leaving people longing for friendships.

“I try to get people to go outside, even if they’re not going in public,” Mason said. “I’ve been telling people to try to get on Meetup or places like that to learn to socialize again; reach out to old friends and try to connect in-person.”

Dr. Vived Gonzalez, doctor of psychology and an LMFT, said socialization is part of the human biological makeup and a vital component of feeling connections and exchanging social reciprocity.

Studies have shown that people living in isolation or lacking interpersonal relationships will have weaker immune systems.

Gonzalez often suggests managing expectations when creating a new reality for ourselves in a “new norm.” Within her practice in San Juan Capistrano, therapists have encountered teens who have struggled to adjust to in-person or fully remote classes, expecting life to return to normal.

As routines frequently vary, individuals can benefit from understanding the change process while not letting others’ viewpoints determine one’s life or actions. Gonzalez uses the saying “what doesn’t break, bends” to establish flexibility in one’s thinking.

“If you want to wear a mask because it makes you feel safe, do it; it doesn’t matter what other people think,” Gonzalez said. “I encourage our patients to think about what they need and be OK with it and then integrate it slowly.”

Curtis said that learning how to cope with change is one of the biggest tasks of living. She suggests finding ways to get comfortable with the idea of change. She added that sometimes

area psychologists to tell us the best ways of easing back into society, reconnecting with old friends, and heading back into the office.

And regarding those strained relationships, our resident senior dating columnist Tom Blake provides some insight and advice on getting over an ex, or just moving on from heartbreak and bettering yourself.

Also, with more of us heading out for activities such as running, hiking, and going to the gym, we explore which sneakers, or kicks, are best to rock. And if you’re looking at more water-based activities, we’ve got you covered as well by highlighting some of the best spots to swim, paddleboard or even just hang out with friends.

After wrapping up those activities, what better way to relax than with a massage? Lastly, we look at the different types of massages that are available, outlining their benefits and explaining which ones are best suited for you.

Navigating the Post-Pandemic Life

just naming it as such, “this is change,” can deeply validate feelings that something is off. By gaining an objective perspective, it can lead to accepting that change is hard.

When getting reacquainted with in-person gatherings or returning to the office, Curtis said, “We don’t want to push our sort of nervous system faster than it’s ready to go, and at the same time, we want to find that place of stretch.”

It’s about finding a place of growth where a person can benefit from engaging with community, friends, or family, whether it’s getting together with one friend, going to an outdoor restaurant or even a larger public area.

When offering support to someone diligent about staying inside, consider listening to their needs, Gonzalez said.

Common conflicts or distress among people, families in particular, can lie in the desire to control another person. Therefore, validating another person’s concerns can establish a safe support system.

“That social connection occurs when we feel really seen and understood,” Curtis said. “And so, once we feel connected, we feel safer.”

A NEW YOU

Hit the Reset Button with a Massage

By Breeana Greenberg Massages offer a wide variety of benefits, such as pain relief, increased range of motion, increased circulation, and an immune system boost. However, it can be hard to decide what massage is best for you. From Swedish and hot stone to prenatal and deep tissue, each type of massage offers its own unique benefits.

SWEDISH

Swedish-style massages are more about relaxation, San Clemente Barefoot Bliss owner Aimee Phillips explained.

“It’s longer, broader strokes,” Phillips said. “If you just want to come in and just relax. You don’t have any specific focus areas at all that you want, it’s just to kind of check out but get light to medium pressure.”

SIGNATURE THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Similar to a Swedish massage is the Signature Therapeutic massage, which is what Michelle Bryant, owner of The Massage Associates in San Juan Capistrano, recommends for clients to start with initially.

“It’s what probably 75% of our clients get,” Bryant said. “It’s tailored to what each client needs. A little bit of relaxation combined with some deep-tissue work for extra tight areas. It’s basically a customized massage with a little bit of deep-tissue work.”

DEEP TISSUE

A deep-tissue massage is a great way to address specific areas of concern and target particular muscle groups. Masseurs typically do not recommend deep tissue as a first massage experience, as it can be an intense massage.

“Deep tissue is where the therapist uses forearms, elbows and more targeted work,” Phillips said. “So, if there are specific issues that need to be worked out, that they would work a little bit deeper.”

Bryant explained that The Massage Associates’ full-body, deep-tissue massage offers that deep tissue target work everywhere.

“This is somebody that says they want our elbows in their calves, their shoulders, their glutes and their lower back,” Bryant said. “They want full-body, deep tissue, everywhere.”

HOT STONE

Barefoot Bliss offers hot stone massages with basalt or Himalayan salt stones, said Meagan Pavlina, San Clemente Barefoot Bliss’ manager.

The basalt stones are heated by water, and are smooth and glide over the skin, Pavlina explained. The Himalayan sea salt stones are textured and full of minerals that sink into the muscle tissue, Pavlina said.

“The body really absorbs the heat, and so it penetrates really deeply into the muscles and gets an instant release that helps us to not have to add too much pressure,” Pavlina said. “It’s really good for tender areas and also just for general relaxation.”

Hot stones can be a great add-on to a massage to get even more benefits from the experience. The salt stone can also offer light exfoliation on top of the massage.

“It’s a combination of hands and then the stones are integrated into it,” Phillips said. “It’s like an extension of the hands, so it’s going to be a lot of the same flowing movements.”

REFLEXOLOGY

Reflexology is the idea that stimulating pressure points on the hands and feet during a massage can stimulate organs and relieve congestion in areas that might not be accessible through a traditional massage, Bryant explained.

“If you’re having stomach issues or respiratory issues, a lot of pressure points on the feet correspond to those areas that you can’t massage with traditional massage,” Bryant said.

ASHIATSU—BAREFOOT

The barefoot or Ashiatsu massage is a specialized technique in which the therapist uses the foot as a tool instead of the hands or elbow.

“It provides a broader pressure; it’s long flowing movements,” Phillips said. “The benefit of that is that you get more myofascial work, so you’re able to work at a deeper level but more comfortably for the client because you’re using the padded sole of your foot to do the work.”

Ashiatsu massage targets the parasympathetic nervous system, as opposed to the sympathetic nervous system, Pavlina said.

“It’s kind of like you get the relaxation of Swedish because it’s the slower, flowy strokes, but you also still get the benefit of the deeper, targeting, focus work,” Pavlina said. “The foot is, like, if I was to put a tennis ball over my elbow, that’s what my heel feels like. So, it’s really good for people who want that focus work but also still want a relaxing massage session.”

STRETCH COMBO MASSAGE

The Massage Associates suggests the stretch-combo massage for people looking for a sports-type of massage. It involves more stretching to increase flexibility, improve posture, range of motion and circulation, Bryant said.

“So, we incorporate more stretching techniques in with the therapeutic massage,” Bryant said.

SPECIALIZED MASSAGES: PRENATAL & ONCOLOGY

Prenatal massages are great for moms-tobe, Bryant said. A prenatal massage, wherein the customer lies on her side, consists of lighter pressure with broader, longer strokes like a Swedish massage.

“That one’s always really going to be lighter pressure, regardless of the focus work or anything, because their joints are going to be a little bit looser with all the hormones, that you really just want to keep things light and relaxing,” Pavlina said.

Barefoot Bliss can also offer side-lying massages to those who have trouble lying on their stomach or putting their face in the massage table’s cradle.

“We can do this for people who have contraindications to lay down, like if people don’t come in to get a massage because they have a hard time putting their face in the face cradle,” Pavlina said. “This is a really good option, because they can just lie on their side.”

The Massage Associates also offers an oncology massage from therapists who received specialized training to be able to safely work with cancer patients.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BOOKING A MASSAGE

Professionals recommend clients look at reviews, make sure that the masseur is licensed and certified. It’s also important that the massage therapist does a thorough intake when you come in, starts and ends the session on time, and respects your time, Phillips said.

It’s also important to see if the facility is clean and that you feel comfortable communicating with the therapist.

With all types of massages, it’s important to let the masseur know of any target areas you want addressed or avoided, communicate if you want them to increase or decrease pressure, and tell them if anything is painful.

“You want to feel like they’re seeing you as an individual and as your specific needs and they’re willing to meet you there,” Pavlina continued.

Massages are not supposed to be uncomfortable; even a sport or injury massage can be enjoyable, Pavlina said.

“It’s supposed to be a hurt-so-good kind of feeling,” Phillips said.

“You do not have to suffer through anything,” Pavlina added. “That’s a huge misconception that I think we hear a lot, so we try to re-teach our clients to prioritize enjoying the massage.”

That’s why a masseur should check in frequently during the massage and ensure that they’re hitting all of the spots you need addressed, applying the right level of pressure, and that nothing hurts.

In choosing the length of a massage, if you’re just looking to come and relax and do not have any specific areas of focus, 60 minutes is fine, Phillips said.

However, if you have any particular areas or concerns you want addressed through your massage, Barefoot Bliss recommends a 90-minute massage so that the masseur can address the whole body while also spending extra time on the spots that need special care.

“In today’s world, very rarely do you ever have an experience like that or just a moment to experience that and so, to be able to gift yourself, maybe once a month, that 90 minutes that’s just for you, can feel like a reset,” Pavlina said.

“That can just really keep you going, and I know that we have a lot of really hard-working people out here with lifestyles that just don’t quit,” Pavlina continued. “And so, it’s almost a necessity to hit that reset button, so that way they can continue with their life. It’s not just a luxury.”

If the Shoe Fits

Guide to finding the proper support for your feet to avoid exercise injury

By Zach Cavanagh

When you’re looking to change up your lifestyle and embark on the journey of “A New You,” the first step many will take is exercise, and the simplest workout anyone could start with is walking, running or hiking.

However, you probably just shouldn’t lace up your daily casual shoe for your exercise routine. Even the least strenuous exercise walks or runs could lead to an injury if your feet aren’t properly cushioned or protected, especially if the exercise becomes a regular part of your regimen.

While it’s still recommended to seek out a shoe sales professional if you’re going to get super serious about your footwear, there’s also nothing wrong with following some guidelines to help inform your search and help find what’s right for your upcoming journey. That’s where this feature comes in handy.

Generally speaking, most people will be walking, jogging or running on pavement or in the gym on a treadmill, and for this, you can stick with a typical road-running shoe.

While it’s the most widely used kind of exercise shoe and can be fairly simple to walk into a sporting goods store and just grab a pair of

Nike or adidas shoes off the shelf, there are several things aspiring walkers and runners should consider.

The main factors to consider in a walking or running shoe are cushioning, stability and fit.

The most notable right way will be the cushioning of the shoe, which is probably the factor most reliant on personal preference. You may think you want the most cushioning, especially if you’re a bigger body, but you may not love the squish underfoot of all that cushioning. Others may want to feel every bit of the ground they’re treading, and for that, there are thinner or even “barefoot” models of shoes.

The next and possibly most important factor is the stability of the shoe. Not everyone walks or lands on their feet the exact same way with every step. Some people might roll their foot inward on a step, or they may use too much of the outside of their foot. Finding out your pronation or supination—the way your foot rolls for impact distribution—for shoe selection is important for preventing injuries from the ankle to the back.

Stability is the step in which professional help is likely most needed, and some shoe stores have the ability to map out your foot and guide this process. This mapping will also help with insoles, which can round out the support for your foot that the shoe alone may be unable to provide.

Lastly is the fit, and this isn’t as much of a personal preference as someone might think. Most people might actually give themselves too much space inside the shoe, even in your casual everyday shoe, and obviously, you shouldn’t be shoving your foot into something too small. Find that right middle zone.

Aside from your regular running shoes for the gym or pavement running, there are more heavy-duty options such as trail runners, hiking shoes and hiking boots. Each is more rugged than the last, with different sole options for the terrain you’ll be conquering and more stability on the outside or, in a boot, up the ankle.

Whichever path you choose, make sure to properly support your feet, ankles and legs to keep up this journey and protect yourself from injury.

5 Tips for Overcoming Heartbreak

By Tom Blake

Growing old has many rewards: retirement, the opportunity to play lots of golf, and the likelihood that children are grown and usually married and have grandchildren. No more pressure from working 9-to-5. The list is endless.

However, as we age, we also experience loss. We lose loved ones through divorce, breakups, misunderstandings, and death. And it’s not just losing a partner.

We lose parents, siblings, and dear friends. We are dealt personal hardships. Perhaps we’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness.

It’s life, it’s inevitable, and it’s hard. When these things happen, we face a new challenge: overcoming our heartbreak and finding a new direction.

How do we do that? How do we become an improved version of ourselves? How do we become “The New You”?

In writing about senior dating and relationships for 28 years, here are five tips I’ve learned from readers on how to overcome heartbreak. 1. It’s understandable and OK to be sad. It’s OK to cry. It’s OK to be alone (for a time, but not for too long). 2. Remind yourself that healing takes time. It will sting for a while. In an April 2022 interview on Good Morning America, Robin Roberts asked Magic Johnson how he overcame the news in 1991 that he had HIV. Magic said, “You realize you aren’t alone.” Being aware of this helped him become “a new you.”

The Bee Gees, the popular 1970s singing group, was made up of three close-knit brothers. They had many hits, none bigger than “How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?”

I saw an interview on TV recently with Barry Gibb, about that song and how he dealt with the loss of his three younger brothers Andy, Maurice, and Robin, when each one unexpectedly passed away.

Gibb was devastated. He said, “I moped around for months; there were highs and lows.”

I lost my brother Bill a year ago in January; it’s taken that long to not think about him every day. I’ve healed, I guess, because I no longer reach for my phone to call him, as I did for months after he passed.

Again, healing takes time. And we will never forget. 3. Don’t try to go it alone. Have a support group, if only one or two people. Confide in them and talk to friends; be out socially, if possible. Try not to isolate yourself. Be around people by attending church, volunteering, and going to senior centers. 4. Remind yourself that everything is going to be all right in due time. It may not seem like it when adversity happens. Be positive as best you can. 5. Look for a seed of opportunity that often sprouts from adversity. When I was dealt an unexpected divorce in 1994, I started a journal just to gather and organize my thoughts. Six months later, using the words from that journal, I became a newspaper columnist.

A seed of opportunity came along, and I grabbed it. I’m still writing 28 years later.

Overcoming heartbreak is one of the main themes of music. Singing group Pablo Cruise had a 1978 hit titled “Love Will Find A Way.” Words from that song include:

“Oh, but it’s all right (all right)

Once you get past the pain (Past the pain)

You’ll learn to find your love again

So keep your heart open ’Cause love will find a way”

Remember Magic’s words: “You aren’t alone.”

South OC Provides Water Therapy

Through Various Forms

By C. Jayden Smith

Dana Point, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano residents are all aware of their proximity to the glistening Pacific Ocean, but the business of everyday life can distract from taking advantage of the water nearby.

Stresses such as work, taking care of family, and outside factors including social media or major news headlines can mount up, placing too much pressure on one person, with that person needing an outlet or a place to escape for just a few relaxing hours.

That’s where the concept of “water therapy” comes in.

Hydrotherapy is a relative new concept, in which water is used in varying amounts of pressure and flow to treat temporary or chronic health conditions and ease physical and mental health symptoms, according to Medical News Today.

Hydrotherapy offers numerous benefits, including reducing pain and easing arthritis symptoms without heavily impacting joints, improving mental health, and helping relaxation efforts.

Another way to get into the water is by swimming, which is the fourthmost popular sports activity in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Along with other aerobic activities such as bicycling or running, swimming for two and a half hours a week or more can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.

“People report enjoying water-based exercise more than exercising on land,” the CDC’s page on the benefits of swimming reads. “They can also exercise longer in water than on land without increased effort or joint or muscle pain.”

Swimming can also improve the moods of men and women, decrease anxiety in those with fibromyalgia, positively affect the mental health of pregnant women, and improve family connections within families that include children with developmental disabilities.

Locations such as physical therapy tanks, swimming pools, and saunas are all popular methods for people to get their water fix.

Fortunately, for South County residents looking for more, the sprawling coastline is at their doorstep.

We’ve identified some places within the area that will help take a load off, even for just a while.

DANA POINT HARBOR

The landmark’s obvious claim to fame, which keeps thousands coming back year after year, is the beautiful blue water residing within and around the area.

Go for a swim or lay a towel down at Baby Beach, try paddleboarding, or simply take a stroll throughout the area while admiring the dozens of docked boats and making a stop or two inside the harbor’s many shopping and dining options.

EVOLUTION SWIM

The newest year-round location under the Evolution Swim Academy name still provides the same quality indoor beginner swim lessons for children ages 3 months and older, Mondays through Sundays.

Additionally, Evolution Swim offers a spot for year-round pool parties, family swim time, a café and snack shop, a pro shop, and a play room, in addition to other programs. 28206 Airoso Street, Rancho Mission Viejo. 949.388.4545. evolutionswim.com. SAN CLEMENTE PIER

Another undeniable local hangout, the pier provides unparalleled views of the water throughout the day, and especially at sunset.

Take a dip in the Pacific Ocean on the pier’s south side to relax the mind and enjoy the beauty that the location has to offer. Surfing is another popular activity occurring on the northern end, where you’ll find plenty of other lovers of the sport waiting to find the right wave and get out in the water.

WESTWIND SAILING INSTITUTE

People who are both experienced and new to being on the water altogether have received highly rated boating instruction from Westwind Sailing since its inception in 1987.

Westwind Sailing offers classes, private lessons, and programs with sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards.

“We pretty much get everybody out on the water, because the benefits of our resources are amazing,” Executive Director Diane Wenzel says. “It’s not just being on the water and sailing or paddling; it’s very cathartic, it’s very cleansing, it’s very healing, and it’s just a really great place to be.”

Wenzel compares the feeling of success to a “fountain of youth,” as she enjoys seeing people smiling ear to ear and embracing the feeling that being near the ocean and the Dana Point Harbor brings.

The harbor’s legacy, in addition to the views of the nearby cliffs, Catalina Island, and other locations going both north and south along the coast, makes the resource of having water nearby valuable to residents and visitors alike.

Visit westwindsailing.com or call 949.492.3035 to learn more.

Skin’s In

South County Medical Businesses Look After Patients’ Skin Care Needs

By Collin Breaux

When it comes to taking care of your body and given the amount of sun exposure California residents might incur, one could say people in South Orange County have skin in the game when it comes to skin care.

Fortunately, specialty medical centers in the area have the experts, resources, and level of care to help keep patients looking their best.

Numerous places in South County are dedicated to ensuring skin issues are addressed— including those related to acne. The services available at Dana Point Acne Lab, for instance, are apparent in the name alone.

Sharon Loconsolo, an acne specialist and licensed esthetician who owns the business, has been treating patients for 30 years and decided to make treating acne a niche specialty five years ago.

“There is a need for it,” Loconsolo said. “It’s extremely rewarding to help people clean up their acne.”

A patient’s diet, what cosmetics they use, and other lifestyle factors are considered in acne cases, which are always specific to an individual. Loconsolo initially offers what she calls an “acne camp” when she first meets with clients, during which she analyzes the person’s skin and then comes up with a treatment program. Patients then usually go in for treatment every two weeks until the acne clears up.

“It’s all age groups that get acne,” Loconsolo said. “It really does take a toll on their self-esteem.”

Generally, cases of acne are related to lifestyle factors including the clothing and bed material they use—and, of course, puberty— but some other instances can be genetically inherited.

“It truly changes their life to get clear skin,” Loconsolo said of the clients she’s treated.

Social media is also influencing how people perceive their skin. There now can be an expectation that people should have flawless skin without any wrinkles—a perception that isn’t realistic, Loconsolo said.

Over in San Clemente, Seaside Skin Care is also ready to help patients with their skin care needs. Botox injections, microneedling, and laser treatments are some of the services available at the medical spa—which is clean, has a calming aura, and friendly staff ready to welcome patients to their appointments.

“We have our esthetician services, which do facials and peels,” said Michele Westendorf, Seaside’s clinic director and injection specialist. “(Clients get) a customized approach to their skin and treatment goals. We have a discussion with them about their type of skin they have and what their treatment goals are (when they first come in).”

Those initial discussions cover whether their skin is overly dry, if they’re concerned about sunspots and aging, and other particular issues. The experts at Seaside then come up with a treatment plan based on what the client is seeking.

“Here in California, we get a lot of sun exposure—which causes damage to our skin,” Westerndorf said. “There’s factors we don’t see until we’re older, and this is all about the long-term and maintenance to keep you feeling and looking healthy and younger.”

How people feel on the inside is tied to their appearance on the outside, which Seaside can help with in terms of enhancing a client’s natural beauty, according to Seaside Marketing Director Kate Tomalas.

“It ties into the overall feeling and self-confidence people have moving forward. Your skin and your appearance is the first thing you present when you meet someone,” Tomalas said. “I think feeling confident in your skin is what makes the big difference.”