April 24, 2020

INSIDE: INSIDE: Celebrating A New You—— Earth Day Thriving and More in at Green HomeIssue The

SPECIAL SECTION SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

APRIL 24-MAY 7, 2020 • VOLUME 18, ISSUE 8

Almost Done

Verdugo Project Wrapping Up E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 4

thecapistranodispatch.com

A downtown improvement project is nearly finished. Photo: Collin Breaux

School Graduations, Grading in Flux EYE ON SJC/PAGE 7

Golf Courses Reopen Across Orange County SPORTS/PAGE 18

The Ranch Adjusting to Pandemic

EYE ON RMV/PAGE 8

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

DO YOU KNOW A BUSINESS IN NEED? The San Juan Capistrano Chamber is here to help.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COALITION OF CALIFORNIA CHAMBERS – ORANGE COUNTY

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR COVID -19 COVID-19 RECURSOS PARA PEQUEÑOS NEGOCIOS The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Congress is presently working to allocate an additional $310 billion.

Para proveer a nuestras dueños de negocios de habla Hispana con información actualizada de COVID-19 y recursos, los líderes de La Cámara de Comercio Hispana de California (CHCC) ha colaborado con SBDC para traerles información actualizada por expertos en la materia en Español.

While the application process has temporarily closed, we expect it to reopen once Congress approves additional funding. Local businesses who have not yet applied should prepare their application now.

1. Am I Eligible?

You are eligible if you are: • A small business with fewer than 500 employees • A small business that otherwise meets the SBA’s size standard • A 501(c)(3) with fewer than 500 employees • An individual who operates as a sole proprietor • An individual who operates as an independent contractor • An individual who is self-employed who regularly carries on any trade or business • A Tribal business concern that meets the SBA size standard • A 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization that meets the SBA size standard In addition, some special rules may make you eligible: • If you are in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72), the 500-employee rule is applied on a per physical location basis • If you are operating as a franchise or receive financial assistance from an approved Small Business Investment Company the normal affiliation rules do not apply

2. What Will Lenders be Looking For? Borrowers will need to complete the Paycheck Protection Loan Application and payroll documentation Lenders will also ask you for a good faith certification that: 1. The uncertainty of current economic conditions makes the loan request necessary to support ongoing operations 2. The borrower will use the loan proceeds to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage, lease, and utility payments 3. Borrower does not have an application pending for a loan duplicative of the purpose and amounts applied for here 4. From Feb. 15, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020, the borrower has not received a loan duplicative of the purpose and amounts applied for here If you are an independent contractor, sole proprietor, or self-employed individual, lenders will also be looking for certain documents (final requirements will be announced by the government) such as payroll tax filings, Forms 1099-MISC, and income and expenses from the sole proprietorship.

3. How Much Can I Borrow?

employees that is a: • salary, wage, commission, or similar compensation; • payment of cash tip or equivalent; • payment for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave • allowance for dismissal or separation • payment required for the provisions of group health care benefits, including insurance premiums • payment of any retirement benefit • payment of state or local tax assessed on the compensation of the employee 2. For Sole Proprietors, Independent Contractors, and Self-Employed Individuals: The sum of payments of any compensation to or income of a sole proprietor or independent contractor that is a wage, commission, income, net earnings from self-employment, or similar compensation and that is in an amount that is not more than $100,000 in one year, as pro-rated for the covered period.

EXCLUDED PAYROLL COST: 1. Compensation of an individual employee in excess of an annual salary of $100,000, as prorated for the period February 15, to June 30, 2020 2. Payroll taxes, railroad retirement taxes, and income taxes 3. Any compensation of an employee whose principal place of residence is outside of the United States

4. Will this Loan be Forgiven?

A borrower is eligible for loan forgiveness equal to the amount spent on the following items during the eight-week period beginning on the date of the origination of the loan: • Payroll costs (using the same definition of payroll costs used to determine loan eligibility) • Interest on the mortgage obligation incurred in the ordinary course of business • Rent on a leasing agreement • Payments on utilities (electricity, gas, water, transportation, telephone, or internet) • For borrowers with tipped employees, additional wages paid to those employees Not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs and the loan forgiveness cannot exceed the principal.

INCLUDED PAYROLL COST: 1. For Employers: The sum of payments of any compensation with respect to

The amount of loan forgiveness is reduced if there is a reduction in the number of employees or a reduction of greater than 25% in wages paid to employees. Reductions in employment or wages that occur between February 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020 (as compared to February 15, 2020) shall not reduce the amount of loan forgiveness if by June 30, 2020 the borrower eliminates the reduction in employees or reduction in wages.

For more information, please contact the San Juan Chamber of Commerce at (949) 493-4700 or info@sanjuanchamber.com or visit www.uschamber.com/co EN ESPAÑOL MARQUE: 833-ASK-SBDC FOR ENGLISH AND SPANISH CONTACT: OSCAR GARCIA: OSCAR@CAHCC.COM, EDITH GOMEZ: EDITH@CAHCC.COM

JOHN ALPAY Chairman San Juan Chamber of Commerce

GEORGE PEPPAS Chief Executive Officer Coalition of California Chambers - OC

EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

Renovation work planned for the Ortega Highway/Del Obispo Street intersection is being delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to City Councilmember Derek Reeve. Photo: Collin Breaux

What’s Up With...

Five things San Juan should know this week Coronavirus Pandemic Expected to Impact San Juan Capistrano Finances, Projects THE LATEST: San Juan Capistrano City Councilmember Derek Reeve addressed how city finances could be affected by the coronavirus pandemic in a Facebook video.

The city is projecting a loss in revenue of about $1.4 million for the current economic cycle and anticipating another $2 million for next year, according to Reeve. The city’s general operating fund budget is $30 million.

“That’s pretty tough; $3.4 (million) is pretty big,” Reeve said.

One solution is to borrow money from the reserve fund, said Reeve, who noted he has been a fiscal hawk when it comes to borrowing from the reserve fund. But it is there for emergencies and unanticipated expenses.

Another solution is cutting and delaying spending. City administration will run “a little leaner,” said Reeve, who noted citiThe Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2020

zens mostly won’t notice the effects. Capital expenditures will be delayed, including the Del Obispo/Ortega Highway project.

“We’re going to continue with the design, but we’re not going to actually build that project as anticipated by this summer,” Reeve said. “That’s about a $500,000 project.”

Funds are expected to come “from the back end,” from the Camino Real Playhouse site developer. Another project expected to be impacted is the skateboard park, which Reeve said is not currently expected to come before the council for funding allocation.

“Before that, we would, but now we’re kind of on hold,” Reeve said.

The Putuidem Cultural Village project is also being delayed until city officials have more information.

Reeve said fees or taxes will not be raised to make up for the shortfall.

The current fiscal year ends on June 30 and the new fiscal year begins on July 1, which means the city will be making preparations for the next fiscal year. The city council will continue its tradition of approving a new fiscal year budget in June.

For the past eight years or so, the city has passed a two-year budget. This year, the city will instead do a one-year budget due to unknown factors caused by the coronavirus crisis.

“It will give us a little bit more flexibility,” Reeve said. “We’re going to have a budget workshop in May, and then have a vote on the final budget in June.”

WHAT’S NEXT: City Manager Ben Siegel

said city staff plans to present the council and community with a full budget briefing in May/June, where they will make several recommendations related to project deferrals and some limited service reductions, coupled with a limited borrowing of reserve funds to address the financial impact of the shutdown.—Collin Breaux

Verdugo Beautification Almost Complete THE LATEST: Work on the Verdugo Street Beautification Project is nearly done.

Portions of downtown San Juan Capistrano were recently blocked off for resurfacing as part of the project.

The project began in October 2019 and intended to “beautify and provide for a more pedestrian-friendly gateway to downtown San Juan Capistrano,” the City of San Juan Capistrano website stated.

Paving of the Verdugo Street/Camino Capistrano intersection has recently occurred.

Work on the project included the installation of traffic loops, which detect waiting vehicles and transmit the information to the traffic signal, City Manager Ben Siegel said.

Benches have been placed on the Verdugo Street sidewalks and in the train plaza area.

“The new bistro-style string lights across Verdugo Street have been installed,” Siegel said. “Additionally, Camino Capistrano pavement work has been completed and striping work was scheduled for Tuesday, April 21. Lastly, replacement

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of a traffic signal cabinet is scheduled to be completed on Monday, April 27.”

A four-face clock donated by the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club is also scheduled to be installed at the train station plaza area.

Planting pots, landscaping and utility improvements have been some of the previous improvements.

“Construction of the Verdugo Street Beautification Project continued this week with the installation of pavers, concrete pedestals for the new planting pots and new streetlights,” a Feb. 27 update from the city manager said.

“The City’s contractor installed new curb and gutter along the east side of Camino Capistrano in preparation for additional sidewalk work scheduled to take place . . .”

Portions of Verdugo Street near the downtown movie theater have already been paved. Total costs for the Verdugo Street work are $1.9 million. Downtown has practically been a ghost town, with few pedestrians and businesses open due to the coronavirus pandemic, though some restaurants are remaining open for takeout and delivery orders.—CB

Events Go Digital in Coronavirus Era THE LATEST: It used to be normal to go on haunted history walks in downtown San Juan Capistrano, have a seat at Hennessey’s Tavern on Friday mornings for Coffee Chat or file into city hall for a city (Cont. on page 5) thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 4) council meeting.

That was before the coronavirus pandemic caused event cancellations and prompted residents to stay indoors.

People are still finding new ways to enjoy social activities online and over the phone, though.

Zoom, social media and online streaming are becoming the predominant platforms for traditional activities in the physical distancing era. Haunted Orange County, which previously held paranormal history walking tours in San Juan Capistrano and other events in Orange County, is posting live videos and online articles in lieu of neighborhood walks.

“While some tour companies have decided to go dark and do what they can to survive, we wanted to take a different approach and use it as a time to thrive and grow another part of our business which we had not focused on, and that was our social media platforms, which include Facebook and Instagram,” said Ernie Alonzo, Creative Director for Haunted Orange County.

Haunted Orange County had free online events the first week the California stay-at-home order was in place, including paranormal lectures and interviews with paranormal experts and television personalities.

“We’d be foolish to miss out on this opportunity to fill a much-needed void right now. There are volumes of on-demand free content out there,” Alonzo said.

“What we want to provide is a live-stream event that is well done and will keep you coming back for more. We’ve had a blast doing it, and we’re confident that many of these new eyes will convert to future ticket buyers once the current crisis is behind us.”

Coffee Chat, an open community discussion regularly held on Friday mornings in downtown San Juan Capistrano, is also going digital for the time being.

In-person gatherings were canceled in March after the announcement of the Swallows Day Parade postponement, but the group eventually came back together in a different way.

Ann Ronan, who frequently participates in and co-hosts Coffee Chat, reached out to other co-hosts and suggested they needed to find another way to stay connected. Ronan and Erin Beyer, another frequent participant and co-host, started by posting short video updates as Ronan learned how to manage the Zoom platform with many participants. They held a live session on April 10 with 22 participants and plan to continue to do so weekly until they can meet in person again.

“Coffee Chat attendees care about city matters and each other. For some folks, it may be one of the few times they connect with their neighbors each week,” Ronan said. “Continuing online allows us to The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2020

check in with each other and celebrate the generous spirit of our restaurants, nonprofits and corporate sponsors who are providing food and other resources for those in need. It also allows us to keep informed about city council items that are still moving forward during this time.”

The San Juan Capistrano City Council has also transitioned to the new world.

The April 7 meeting was the first entirely teleconferenced meeting, and the public was not allowed to attend in person. However, the meeting was streamed live on the city website, and residents were able to call in with comments or email them in advance.

“We’ll continue to enhance the call-in procedures, but overall the meeting format was successful in allowing for public participation while also doing our part to promote public health by limiting gatherings,” City Manager Ben Siegel said. “We’d also like to note that building permit processing and plan check are now handled via email or over the phone, city inspectors are conducting video inspections, and a wealth of information and resources are available on the city’s website.”

For residents without Internet access, the city has created resource flyers in both English and Spanish, installed citywide signage, and partnered with community organizations to distribute information. They are also providing resource materials directly to their majority senior communities.—CB

Pavement Rehabilitation Scheduled This Year THE LATEST: Pavement maintenance work is scheduled to take place in San Juan Capistrano later this year.

Roadway resurfacing will occur on Calle Esperanza, Avenida Calita and other streets. The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved plans and specifications for the work—referred to as the Meredith Canyon Streets Pavement Rehabilitation Project—during a meeting on Tuesday, April 21.

“The project site is located near the city’s southern limits, just north of Camino Las Ramblas,” Public Works Director Tom Toman said.

Advertisement for bids could begin as early as May, with a construction contract awarded in June. Construction is planned to start in July and anticipated to take three to five months, depending on the inclusion of other work. It is estimated to finish in the fall.

“The total project budget for construction is approximately $4.1 million,” Toman said. “Funding is provided through a combination of Measure M, Gas Tax and Road Repair and Accountability Act funds.”

The scope of work includes excavation,

grading, saw-cutting, milling of existing street asphalt concrete pavement, removal of damaged curb and gutter, sidewalk and curb ramps, reconstruction of existing speed humps, curb and gutter, adjusting existing manholes and signing and striping, according to a project report.

The estimated construction cost is approximately $4 million. The estimated construction cost for repaving Camino Las Ramblas is an additional $1.4 million, exceeding the budget.

“The repaving of Camino Las Ramblas between Kinkerry Lane and Via California is not part of the Meredith Canyon Streets Pavement Rehabilitation Project; however, it is proposed to be included in the construction bid package as a Bid Alternate in order to receive a construction cost for this adjacent arterial street that is also in need of repair,” the report said. “Depending on the construction bid amount received and available budget, staff may recommend that the City Council include the Camino Las Ramblas work in the construction contract for the Meredith Canyon Streets Pavement Rehabilitation Project.”

City staff anticipates a shortfall in Gas Tax and Measure M revenues for the remainder of the current fiscal year and going into the next fiscal year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The shortfall could be covered by a temporary loan from the Capistrano Circulation Fee Program, pending bid results, Toman said.

That financing mechanism allowed for street paving within the Capistrano Villas community, Toman said.

Funds borrowed would be expected to be repaid with gas tax and Measure M allocations received in Fiscal Year 202122.—CB

Census Continuing During Pandemic THE LATEST: Though people are staying indoors due to the coronavirus crisis, they are still being counted through the 2020 U.S. Census.

The Census Bureau, though, has adjusted operations to protect the health of the public and census workers, while ensuring an accurate count. Nearly half of American households have reportedly already responded to the census count online after self-response forms were sent out by mail.

Response rates by state, county and city can be viewed on the census website.

As of press time, the response rate was 61.4% in San Juan Capistrano, 58.2% in San Clemente and 52.1% in Dana Point.

The response rate for the 49th Congressional District, so far, was 55.4%, and 57.7% for Orange County. The statewide response for California was 50.9%.

Online responses are preferred, Page 5

though people can also contact a call center to be counted.

“The Census Bureau temporarily suspended 2020 Census field data collection activities in March,” the Census Bureau said in a press release. “Steps are already being taken to reactivate field offices beginning June 1, 2020, in preparation for the resumption of field data collection operations as quickly as possible following June 1.”

The Census Bureau will then begin a “lengthy, thorough and scientifically rigorous process” to produce redistricting information and other data. Census counts are used to determine funding allocations, and the schematics of political representation for areas on the state and federal level.

The Census Bureau statement said the agency is seeking statutory relief from Congress of 120 additional calendar days to deliver final apportionment counts in order to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the 2020 Census.

“Under this plan, the Census Bureau would extend the window for field data collection and self-response to October 31, 2020, which will allow for apportionment counts to be delivered to the President by April 30, 2021, and redistricting data to be delivered to the states no later than July 31, 2021,” the press release said.

Rep. Mike Levin, whose district includes South Orange County, highlighted the importance of the 2020 Census during a virtual town hall on Wednesday, April 15. Levin said he had already responded to the census, calling it “super easy,” and strongly encouraged viewers to do the same.

U.S. Census Bureau Partnership Specialist Roberto Garcia, who also spoke during Levin’s town hall, said communities benefit from accurate counts because they can get political power.

“It comes down to city councilmembers that are elected locally, mayors, senators, congressmen, you name it,” Garcia said.

“Water districts are made up of how many people are living in a community, school districts in a similar manner. We need to count everyone to make sure people have equitable representation at all levels of government.”

The census asks for a respondent’s name, race, ethnicity and date of birth.

It will not ask about citizenship status, Social Security numbers, property permits or criminal convictions, among other information.

“All your information is protected by Title 13 of the United States Code. Basically, what this means is we will never, ever share your personable identifiable information with any department of the government, whether it be FBI or immigration services like ICE,” Garcia said.

“Everything you provide is confidential.”

More information can be found at 2020census.gov.—CB thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

the press release said.

Nominations for the 49th District Constituent of the Month can be made online at mikelevin.house.gov.

COMPILED BY STAFF

San Juan Hills Seniors Gifted Lawn Signs Seniors at San Juan Hills High School face the possibility of not walking across the graduation stage or going to prom, but their achievements are not being overlooked.

The San Juan Hills Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and Associated Student Body (ASB) gifted lawn and window signs to all of the school’s 570 seniors in recognition of their accomplishments, particularly in light of the coronavirus crisis, which has shut down schools in the community and across the country.

The Class of 2020 may not get the traditional graduation ceremony this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the community hasn’t forgotten them.

“They’ve lost prom, grad night and with graduation uncertainty, we hoped to give them a little bit of acknowledgement that we see and love them,” PTSA President Melissa Hodge said.

Teachers and staff also volunteered their time for a drive-through recognition event in front of the San Juan Hills campus, where they waved and congratulated students and families driving by.

The pandemic era has forced Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) students into a period of uncertainty and new experiences, with district officials mulling whether to hold graduations due to physical distancing guidelines, health concerns, widespread shutdowns and the rapidly changing nature of the crisis.

Students are engaging in distance learning on computers and other devices while classrooms are closed.

CUSD officials had not made an official decision on graduation and other educational matters as of press time.

CREER Looking to Help Families

Lucy Hodge and other students may not get a graduation ceremony this year, but they haven’t been forgotten. Photo: Courtesy of the San Juan Hills High School Instagram account and Melissa Hodge

Music Preserves Foundation Provides Enrichment for Distance Learning

Levin’s Constituent of the Month Working on Coronavirus Testing One of the founders of a regional company working to develop rapid coronavirus testing is being recognized in Congress for the company’s efforts.

Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) recently honored Tej Patel as the Constituent of the Month for April. Patel helped found the medical diagnostic company Fluxergy with fellow engineers Ryan Revilla and Jonathan Tu in 2013.

“Tej saw a deficiency in the turnaround of testing for COVID-19, and knew there was a better way to address testing in the most efficient way pos-

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2020

Like other nonprofit organizations, CREER wants to help families impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

CREER—which helps second-language students learn English and has afterschool tutoring programs—has launched a campaign to raise $30,000 to help families with food, rent and utilities. Contributions to the CREER Emergency Fund can be made by check to P.O. Box #1347, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92693 or online at creeroc.org.

CREER is also asking for food pantry donations. Suggested items include canned vegetables and fruit, pasta, rice, beans, oatmeal and juice boxes.

Items will be collected every Monday and distributed every Thursday, from noon to 3 p.m., in both instances. CREER offices are located at the corner of Camino Capistrano and La Zanja Street in San Juan Capistrano. For more information, call 714.788.8339 or 714.788.7404.

Medical diagnostic company Fluxergy has been recognized by Rep. Mike Levin for their work in developing coronavirus testing. Fluxergy co-founders Tej Patel, Jonathan Tu and Ryan Revilla. Photo: Courtesy of Rep. Mike Levin

sible. Many tests sent to outside labs range from days to weeks for a patient to receive their results,” Levin said in a press release.

“Fluxergy’s on-site test for COVID-19 requires a very small sample, typically a nasal swab,” Levin continued in the release. “This swab is mixed with a reagent

solution, loaded onto the Fluxergy card and inserted into the Fluxergy Analyzer that produces results in under an hour.”

Levin further said the Fluxergy development can help save lives.

Fluxergy is based in Irvine and reportedly worked in collaboration with UC San Diego Health to create the testing system,

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Music Preserves Foundation is hosting an online enrichment music program for junior high and high school students within Capistrano Unified School District.

The “Artist Spotlight” series is a biweekly online enrichment program that features a performance by a touring or local professional musician and spotlights a CUSD music student. Each episode features a short interview followed by a live musical performance by the professional musician and a pre-recorded performance by a CUSD music student.

The first episode premiered on Wednesday, April 15 on CUSD’s Facebook and Instagram accounts and featured local musician Jason Feddy and South Orange County School of the Arts at Dana Hills High School student Molly Bergman’s video “Days Like That.”

The next episode will air on Wednesday, April 29 at 1 p.m., with musician Corey McCormick and San Juan Hills High School student Jasmine Seveah.

CUSD students interested in having a song considered for the Music Preserves Artist Spotlight can email a YouTube link to anthony@musicpreserves.org.

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

thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON SJC

Students play at Ambuehl Elementary School, before the coronavirus pandemic caused campus closures. They now take part in distance learning due to physical distancing guidelines. Photo: Collin Breaux

Capo Unified School District Discusses Graduations, Grades

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) has not yet made a decision on student graduations, in light of the evolving coronavirus pandemic.

The CUSD Board of Trustees heard a report from CUSD officials about graduation, grading and other aspects of local education affected by the global shutdown during a meeting on Wednesday, April 15. Further discussion and decisions could happen at a CUSD Board of Trustees meeting on April 29.

A report from Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Susan Holliday and Associate Superintendent of Student Support Services Greg Merwin said, “It is a little early to make a plan (on graduation), because of the timing and conditions of our release from the health restrictions still remain uncertain.”

“We know the timing and conditions regarding our health restrictions may change, so we want to be mindful of that, but we want to be mindful of putting anyone at risk,” Holliday said during the meeting. “We want to be safe.”

Parents and students are wondering what will happen with graduation, and some have supported having graduation ceremonies. Other people have proposed virtual graduations. Inperson gatherings have been discouraged by government and health officials, to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

During the meeting, Holliday said surveys have been sent out asking for feedback about graduation, the results of which will be shared at the April 29 meeting.

CUSD officials also discussed how to handle grading during a time when students are continuing education through distance learning, another name for online education, which beThe Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2020

gan on March 24. One proposal is a “do no harm” approach, meaning campus closures should not negatively impact report card grades. “ ‘Do no harm’ could be that no student receives a failing grade during the spring semester,” the report from Holliday and Merwin said. “Instead, if a student has not completed work to sufficiently assess their progress during the second semester, a ‘No Credit’ or ‘Incomplete’ could be given, with students provided the opportunity to finish the course, with no penalties, during the summer and/or when school resumes in the fall.”

Students would also not receive lower grades than grades they already have; for instance, students who got a B on a previous report card could not subsequently get a C. Trustee Patricia Holloway said she liked the recommendation for the “do no harm” approach.

Trustee Amy Hanacek also liked the recommendation but is open to tweaking it. Hanacek said the discussion on grades is facilitating a personalized approach to student education.

“We’ve got to look at each student. You’re going to have the high-performing student who wants a letter grade because life is competitive, and that’s how they operate,” Hanacek said. “And you’re going to have the children that are at-risk— and we have no idea what their challenges are—and they cannot be (harmed) with any of the decisions we make. Also, these are children.”

As for attendance tracking, CUSD is said to be taking note of student participation in online learning and is reaching out to families of students who aren’t checking in. School districts are not required to track daily attendance but are strongly encouraged to do so.

Parents and other members of the public called in to comment during the meeting on various aspects of education under the pandemic, including students needing a peer network, communication difficulties with teachers and the amount of homework assigned. Some parents also called for campuses to reopen and asked what will happen for the 2021 calendar.

Trustees and CUSD officials thanked people for the feedback and encouraged parents to continue coming forward with input, to reach out to teachers and guidance counselors Page 7

if they have concerns, and to remember education is a “human business.”

“We have to take into account human variables as well.

We don’t have robots on the other end teaching, even though they’re online classes,” Hanacek said. “I know everybody will have some patience with that.”

Testing and college entrance exams were also addressed by CUSD officials. Advanced Placement testing can be done at home with open books and notes.

“On April 1, 2020, the UC Office of the President announced measures to relax undergraduate admissions requirements to ‘mitigate some of the extraordinary challenges students and their families face,’ ” the report from Holloway and Merwin said. “These measures include suspending the letter grade requirement for A-G courses completed in winter/spring/summer 2020 for all students, including UC’s most recently admitted freshmen; suspending the standardized test requirement for students applying for Fall 2021 freshman admission; providing that there will be no rescission of student admissions offers that result from students or schools missing official final transcript deadline and student retention of admission status through the first day of class until official documents are received by campuses.”

The CSU system also amended admission guidelines for incoming freshmen, including accepting “unofficial or selfreported data” due to campus closures.

Assessment and proficiency testing in California has been suspended by an executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Students have received Chromebooks for distance learning, and school counselors have continued helping students. Holliday noted students and teachers are adapting to the new way of learning, which includes video and audio instruction, as the world has changed.

“My own child wakes up, and we look at our schedule so we know what is going on that day at what time, and it’s helpful to have that whole week in front of you as you prepare for your week to support your students or child,” Holliday said.

Trustees participated by telephone during the meeting, which was live-streamed online—common occurrences for public meetings now due to physical distancing guidelines. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

The Ranch Community Adapting to Strange Times

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Before the world changed, the Rancho Mission Viejo community enjoyed drinks at the Hilltop Club bar on Friday nights, worked out in the gym and visited the coffeehouses in the community.

Then the coronavirus pandemic began.

Events, including the annual rodeo and regular group hikes at The Reserve, have been shut down. Businesses are closed or have reduced operations. People are hunkering down indoors. Playgrounds go unused, and traffic is light when driving through the area. There are fewer cars than usual in the parking lots at Sendero Marketplace, where many Ranch residents shop.

As of Thursday, April 23, Rancho Mission Viejo had six cases of coronavirus, according to Orange County city case count reports, after previously not having been listed.

Unincorporated areas with fewer than 25,000 people are not listed by name in the Orange County reports until they reach five cases. Local officials had previously said that

city-by-city case numbers might not reflect where transmission occurred or where individuals are being treated.

Despite the circumstances, life in Rancho Mission Viejo continues on, and residents find new ways of doing things.

The Ranch has pivoted to their already-existing RanchLife app to facilitate communication and give tips on activities, including dancing and art. Neighbors still check in through digital get-togethers. Walkers, joggers and bikers get fresh air on the sidewalks and in the outdoors while enjoying the view of the nearby hills—and while adhering to physical distancing guidelines, of course.

“It’s been quite an interesting time for us,” said Amaya Genaro, Vice President, Community Services, for Rancho Mission Viejo. “It’s been amazing to watch how the community has come together.”

Residents have shared photos of themselves or their children enjoying the outdoor scenery, working out or just smiling. Rancho Mission Viejo has shared photos and videos on social media of people suggesting reading mate-

rial, going for a hike or enjoying time with pets. Instead of being part of big crowds at the beach, kids instead enjoy the water in inflatable pools at home.

Neighbors have offered to run errands and bring meals for each other, and groups are making protective masks for first responders and facilitating volunteer work, said Genaro. Nearby eateries are offering take-out options.

The RanchLife program is also partnering with Esencia School on a food drive.

“It’s heartwarming to see neighbors live out our Ranch code—neighbors helping neighbors,” said Genaro.

The Ranch community is working together to make the best of unusual times, added Genaro.

Genaro said this is a time to enjoy the outdoor pathways and outdoor views at the Ranch. For people thinking about moving into the Ranch, virtual home tours are also available.

Though the Visitors Center is closed, Ranch officials are still available to talk to people curious about its amenities and other features.

Clockwise from top: A Sendero Marketplace parking lot has more open spaces than usual during the coronavirus pandemic. A playground at RMV goes unused on April 21. People are encouraged to stay indoors to limit the spread of the coronavirus and keep hospitals from being overwhelmed. The Rancho Mission Viejo Visitors Center is closed. Some usual amenities have stopped or been altered due to the current health crisis. Photos: Collin Breaux

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2020

Page 8

thecapistranodispatch.com

Welcome to

A NEW YOU Thriving in this environment So much of these past few months has been comprised of us being told what we can’t do. Directives to stay at home have essentially deconstructed everything about our day-to-day lives. But how do we go about reconstructing our lives as we hope for this pandemic to come to a conclusion? Use this time of self-quarantine to focus on what you can do. Focus on what reconstruction of your life looks like for you.

While self-care looks differently for each person, it is key to maintaining our well-being and developing our growth. It could look like organizing your kitchen, decluttering your office, getting rid of old bank statements or putting on a face mask (the skin-care kind of face mask—although protective face masks are recommended, too).

While at this time of year we typically give you an in-depth look at the best local options for healthy living, skincare, esthetics, spa experiences and beauty, directives to combat the coronavirus are putting various industries on hold. Even so, we have no doubt that you will come out of this self-quarantine “A New You.”

WHY YOUR

Nutrition Matters

BY GINA COUSINEAU, AKA MAMA G

W

e are hard-pressed not to mention COVID-19 as part of our daily conversations today.

When thinking about finding “the new you,” the importance of selfcare has really been brought to the forefront of our lives, and your nutrition can no longer be ignored.

I have spoken for years of the worldwide obesity pandemic threatening our lives, yet few have taken me seriously. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic dictates our every move; nevertheless, I still stand behind my strong viewpoint that lifestyle diseases (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke and colorectal cancers), brought on by our food and movement choices, will still have a greater impact on our health and wellness than this virus.

As we are quarantined at home and forced to develop a new normal, there is no better time than now to focus on YOU. While being homebound, many of us are having to get reacquainted with our kitchens, perhaps for the first time ever, to feed our families. When the pandemic first arrived in South Orange County, the shelves with many of our tried and true staples were bare.

As a nutrition expert who has always touted the benefits of wholesome carbohydrates, I could not help but wonder who was buying these very foods that the media and self-proclaimed health influencers had been demonizing for years. All of a sudden, those who had been afraid to consume foods that contained gluten, dairy, and lectins (legumes and grains) began clearing the shelves of these foods. All of a sudden, bread baking is all the rage, and we have a yeast shortage now.

Whether using it for fuel to provide you with the energy needed to move about your day, or as comfort in times of need, your reward for being good—or if you practice restriction with it when you are dieting—food has tremendous power in our lives.

Unlike an alcoholic or drug addict who can avoid their triggers, we must consume food to live each and every day. Because food brings pleasure, and we have significant memories surrounding our eating experiences, it is hard to detach from the emotions that surround our choices. And few have healthy relationships with this very powerful entity.

So, how do we use food to

provide us with the calories and nutrients we need to not only exist, but allow us to find pleasure in each morsel we ingest, and to also be our defense to diseases that threaten our very lives? This is the multibillion-dollar question that drives the health and wellness industry.

Everyone is an expert, and everyone, from your doctor to your neighbor, has an opinion. I will challenge you here to think logically, look to science and evidence, and consider trying a new approach, especially if the “diet plan” you have been following has failed to help you reach your goals.

Along with a solid nutrition approach, I also invite you to find a routine/schedule in your at home daily life, as these habits are known biological treatment strategies for those who suffer with depression— and, let’s face it, this is depressing.

Right now, come up with a game plan to build “a new you” at home, as well as post-quarantine, while you have the time.

I propose we consider a threefold approach encompassing our nutrition, fitness, and activities of daily living to build a master plan with the goal of thriving and living that long, healthy, independent life.

Your Daily Routine Keep consistent wake and sleep times during the week. Be flexible with your schedule on the weekend, allowing for different activities such as movie/ game nights, leisurely wake-ups, brunch, and afternoon hikes. u Begin a daily walking program if you are new to exercise. Fresh air and sunshine are paramount to your health, with proper social distancing, of course. Begin with 10-minute sessions in your neighborhood. (Masks need only be worn when in close proximity to others.) u

u If you are a seasoned exerciser, be open to trying new activities. Many groups online are offering free virtual classes in which you can participate. And be kind to your body; it deserves a day or two of rest each week. This is an ideal time to work on mobility and stretching exercises that we often forgo due to our tight timelines. u Plan/cook meals together as a family. Choose theme nights or let each person choose their favorite meal.

When shopping, be sure to have a menu planned for the following week or two, allowing you to limit your shopping trips. u Choose minimally processed foods as close to nature as possible. Don’t shy away from frozen/canned fruits, vegetables and beans, but when possible, choose low-sodium and no added sugar/ fat options. u Be sure to have routines for all members of the household, including your pets. Dogs need their daily exercise, but be careful not to over-exercise older furry friends and those with medical conditions. u Embrace old and new hobbies alike.

Music studios provide online lessons.

Crossword and Sudoku puzzles challenge your brain. Knitting and crocheting help with dexterity and hand strength. Pull out all those games collecting dust on the shelves.

Using the 2020 Nutrition Label to guide your food choices

1 / Pay attention to portion size and calories per serving. The new label has increased the font and bolded this information to bring your attention to it. That bag of chips is likely more than one serving with the update, as more realistic serving sizes have been used.

2 / Be aware of added sugar. While a banana has natural sugar, fructose, it has no added sugar. The new label indicates if there is “added sugar” in the food product—relevant information for the consumer, especially when looking at sugar-laden beverages.

3 / Fat, cholesterol, sodium and protein have been bolded to help consumers consider these nutrients when choosing foods—all important considerations for your daily food intake.

4 / The nutrients of concern for the general population have been updated, highlighting vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. The new label allows you to see what percentage the food stuff contains.

Gina Cousineau works with clients virtually and is offering her services at no charge during the public health crisis. Her extensive education with a BS in dietetics and MS in integrative and functional nutrition, chef training, and more than 30 years as a fitness professional, allow her to help clients with finding a practical nutrition that works for their lifestyle. You can reach her at mamag@mamagslifestyle.com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram and Facebook @mamagslifestyle.

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

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

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

GUEST OPINION: A Letter from Dennis Erdman, South Coast Water District President

Partners Like You, in Times Like These

W

ater is, of course, a most essential service. Daily, our teams continue to perform their duties of delivering and cleaning our drinking and recycled water, and cleaning and disposing of our wastewater so that our community can continue to live and work as best as possible. As President of the South Coast Water District, my heartfelt and sincerest thanks go to our team, who are ensuring our community’s water is safe, clean and available—no matter what.

South Coast Water District supplies water, recycled water, and wastewater services to most of Dana Point, South Laguna Beach, and parts of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano— and we’ve done so for almost 100 years. We are certainly used to planning for drought and rainy days, but weathering this pandemic “storm” certainly makes us grateful to our GUEST OPINION past and present District

By Dennis leaders who have prioriErdman tized safety, resilience and environmental stewardship.

April is often a time that we celebrate our environment and our responsibility to protect it. This year, on April 22, our nation celebrated 50 years of Earth Day, reminding us that protecting our environment today will ensure that our world will be livable and sustainable for years to come.

And that is what drives our work at South

Coast Water District. We believe that all resources are valuable and, as a purveyor of a natural resource, we have a responsibility to perform environmental stewardship and protection whenever possible. Whether it’s drinking water, recycled water or wastewater, it is water all the same, and we recognize that all water plays an important part in our quality of life. Earth Day doesn’t feel like a one-day celebration for us—it’s a daily commitment we make to protecting, conserving and caring for our natural environment.

We do our best to protect it through planning, infrastructure maintenance and project implementation. From significant communityled conservation efforts, to daily water quality monitoring and to diversifying our water portfolio with desalination, South Coast Water District has a history—and a culture—of taking on and leading efforts to ensure the proper care of our natural resources.

So while we may not be able to host a celebration—or gather at all—to celebrate 50 years of environmental stewardship and protection, South Coast Water District is playing our part in protecting and sustaining our community’s incredible natural environment and resources to honor the wonder and beauty of our coastal community. And we’d like to ask you to join in with us.

Here are 10 ways you can celebrate 50 years of Earth Day at home with us: 1. Start a small herb garden or invest in

some house plants.

2. Fix that leaky faucet you’ve been meaning to get to.

3. Eat a plant-based meal or forgo meat for the day.

4. Watch a nature documentary series as a family.

5. Get the kids involved! Plan a nature scavenger hunt or a family science experiment.

6. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth.

7. Wash laundry in cold water—and always wait until you have a full load.

8. Never flush wipes! Even the “flushable” ones will clog our wastewater system.

9. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs.

10. Raise awareness on your social media channel.

Thank you for helping South Coast Water District protect the environment for our community today and for generations to come!

Dennis Erdman is the President of the South Coast Water District. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch 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 The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

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

Letters to the Editor DO THE GREEN THING

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 18, Issue 8. The Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch) is published twice monthly

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. 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 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

F O L L O W T H E C A P O D I S PATC H

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2020

• Purchase food such as pasta, rice, nuts and cereal from bulk bins and fill in a reusable bag or container.

• Bring reusable grocery sacks when grocery shopping.

—MARY BRESKIN and JUDITH ANDERSON, San Juan Capistrano

• Bring your own reusable bags for all types of shopping.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, we can all commit to honor our planet by taking steps to limit our purchase of single-use plastic. Our toxic love story with single-use plastic is choking the Earth, but we can each take action and effect a positive change.

• Buy products in boxes instead of bottles

Here are some things we can do: • Carry a refillable water bottle.

• Buy products with less or no packaging.

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

reusable bag.

• Buy soaps in bar form instead of plastic bottles.

• Buy produce loose or bring your own

• Make fresh squeezed juice or eat fruit instead of buying juice in plastic bottles.

• Opt for fresh fruits and veggies instead of products that come in single-serving cups.

• Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags.

• Eliminate your use of plastic straws.

• Pack your own toiletries when traveling instead of using the small plastic bottles in hotel rooms.

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• Bring your own containers for take-out or leftovers since many restaurants use Styrofoam.

As residents of Orange County with the bounty of citrus trees, our “fresh is best” option of juicing our own nutritious resource is the healthy, green way to respect Mother Earth.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Breskin and Anderson are members of the South Orange County Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. The Capistrano Dispatch reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

Local Businesses Continue to Promote Healthy Living

BY LILLIAN BOYD, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

With social distancing directives altering how people stay active, local studios and gyms are modifying their classes so that people have the option to exercise from their living room while remaining connected with their instructors. iHeartYoga, located in Dana Point Harbor, is offering low-cost online yoga classes for those looking for a high-quality home workout. Classes will be offered daily for $8 for non-members, and iHeartYoga members can access any of the class offerings for free.

A schedule of classes can be found at iheartyoga.org/schedule. iHeartYoga’s Facebook and Instagram pages will have the most up-to-date content.

“On March 18, we made the difficult decision to close our Dana Point Harbor Studio, donation classes in Lantern Bay Park, postpone four Mexico retreats, and cancel numerous local events such as Yoga at the Rooftop Laguna Beach and Bend and Brew at a new surprise location,” said Elsa Stuart, founder of iHeartYoga. “Strong businesses find new and creative ways to reinvent themselves in challenging times, and we gathered as a team and built a new offering quickly called iHeartYoga Live.”

Stuart says staff turned the yoga studio into a video production studio and now livestream 18 classes per week.

“Our students expect really high-quality yoga from us, so we really invested into everything from video equipment, schedule automation, lighting, and creating an environment so our amazing instructors could deliver really great content without having to worry about everything behind the scenes,” Stuart said.

Stuart says her team created iHeartYoga Live as a way to remain connected to the iHeartYoga community and remind everyone that health is not a given, especially during a time of such uncertainty and social distancing. Secondly, she wanted a way to keep investing in her instructors by paying them for content on iHeartYoga Live while most fitness instructor income has essentially vanished.

“Concentrating on your health is now more important than ever,” Stuart said. “We want all of our students to rise from this pandemic stronger than ever, and iHeartYoga Live is our offering to help everyone keep a strong yoga practice until we open iHeartYoga back up again.”

Page 13

iHeartYoga is one of several health businesses that has modified operations to offer classes online. Photo: Courtesy of iHeartYoga

Studio A Pilates & Yoga, another Pilates studio in Dana Point, has partnered with ZOOM + FitGrid to bring live virtual classes taught by Studio A instructors. The live stream fully integrates with MINDBODY, a program that enables users to create accounts. Access to unlimited virtual classes are available for purchase in two-week increments for $39, or single class drop-ins for $8.

For those who hope to incorporate other aspects of lifestyle health, CrossFit Dana Point is offering incentives for participants in their “21 Day Lifestyle Challenge.”

The challenge is open to everyone, including non-members and participants not in “CrossFit” shape. Minimum registration is $25 (or they can pay more). If you complete the challenge, at the end of the 21 days, you get 100% of your money back in the form of a gift card from one of the eight local spots.

The eight local businesses are Project Social in Dana Point, Bear Coast Coffee in Dana Point, JD Flannel Donuts in San Juan Capistrano, Artifex Brewing Company in San Clemente, Cocoa Parlor in Laguna Niguel, The Shwack Beach Grill in Dana Point, Restore Hyper Wellness in Laguna Niguel and Hobie Surf Shop in Dana Point.

“We know it’s a hard time for many of us small businesses, so we wanted to band our community together to help in any way we can,” said CrossFit Dana Point owner Zak Kepner. “There is strength in numbers!”

As far as the challenge tasks, Kepner says that most are encouraging people to do small things such as making your bed, drinking water, stepping outside, eating one serving of veggies, reading, connecting with family/friends, fitness, etc.

“So, really, anyone can participate and win their money back; that’s the goal,” Kepner said. “We do not make any money from this; 100% of a participant’s registration goes directly to the local business they choose and given back to them as a gift card.”

Anyone who is interested can email info@crossfitdanapoint.com, message CrossFit Dana Point on Facebook or Instagram (@crossfitdanapoint), or text/ call 949.342.5139. Once a person contacts CrossFit Dana Point to register, they will receive the challenge checklist and scoring sheet, as well as payment info. CD thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT

LIVING ROOM WORKOUTS CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Stay-at-home directives to prevent the spread of the coronavirus have disrupted our usual exercise routines, but don’t let self-quarantine get in the way of your fitness. The Capistrano Dispatch staff has compiled five fitness channels on YouTube that cater to all sorts of workout styles.

24 HOUR FITNESS Ideal for those who are already members of the gym, 24 Hour Fitness offers its variety of workout and fitness classes virtually through its YouTube Channel, as well as the 24GO app. The classes are led by 24 Hour’s team of instructors whose goal is to help you move smarter and push harder.

YOGA WITH ADRIENE For the yoga enthusiasts out there, check out this channel to help you stretch and enhance flexibility. One video focused on the theme of uplifting, guides you through breathing techniques while carefully lifting up various body parts.

ATHLEAN-X Jeff Cavaliere shows you how to stay active without any equipment in his “The Perfect PUSH-UP Workout (3 LEVELS)” video. His technique includes doing pushups incorporating your knees,

At the Movies: Italy, as Viewed on Screen

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

W

ith the unprecedented circumstance of the whole world slowly shutting down as tragedy looms over the major regions of Asia, Europe and the U.S., our perception is changing slightly as well. How we view art from these specific locations is currently a bit bittersweet, especially with how bleak the past month has been for Italy.

On social media, I’ve noticed a minor resurgence in old Hollywood films like David Lean’s Summertime (1955) and William Wyler’s Roman Holiday (1953). The films are set in two of the country’s most popular cities, Venice and Rome, with a romantic, whimsical atmosphere that makes you wish you were having adventurous vacations there. Obviously a trip to

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2020

anywhere in Europe would not be ideal or appropriate right now, but maybe this kind of escapism through film could help ease the pain, so to speak.

At home last weekend, I revisited one of my favorite Italy-set films, Michael Winterbottom’s The Trip to Italy (2014). The second in the Trip series starring comedic actors Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as fictionalized depictions of themselves, Italy has been my favorite of the duo’s episodic, scenic adventures, as I think it has the best jokes and moments. All three comedies are very entertaining and clever, partly because Winterbottom, Coogan and Brydon make use of the locations to have some fun. But it’s also clear that the filmmakers have genuine appreciation for the country’s history and geography.

Trip to Italy primarily holds up and is still very funny, though now, with everything going on, watching it does leave a somber tone. When the Sept. 11 attacks occurred, a lot of movies filmed in New York City went through a brief period of being somewhat taboo. Similarly, we could see a

Page 14

allowing for some variety. Cavaliere doesn’t give a repetition count, instead encouraging you to do them “to failure”—that is, until you can’t do them anymore.

BUFF DUDES WORKOUT Even though gyms are closed, you can still get buff at home with dumbbells.

The Buff Dudes Workout channel on YouTube gives helpful tips through home workout videos, including doing squats while holding dumbbells above the shoulders.

NATACHA OCÉANE For different kinds of workouts, Natacha Océane offers a variety of exercise videos, including high intensity interval training (HIIT), home workouts that don’t require any equipment, fat-burning exercises, ab workouts, leg day sets and more. CD

Photo: Courtesy of BBC Films / IFC Films

period of new sensitivity to other geographical regions for a while. CD

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

The MS Rotterdam anchored off of Lerwick, Scotland in September 2019. Photo: Tom Blake

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

It Could Have Been Us

I

t’s hard to feel upbeat during this COVID-19 health crisis, with so much alarming news, and knowing that so many people are suffering.

And yet, my partner, Greta, and I feel blessed, because we know our situation could have been worse. Much worse.

How so? We love to travel. More specifically, we love to travel on cruise ships. Our adopted cruise ship company is the Holland America Line (HAL). All the cruises we’ve taken have been on HAL vessels, except one Viking river cruise and one short Princess ocean cruise.

On HAL, we’re what are called four-star mariners, which means we’ve logged a lot of sea days (245) on multiple ocean cruises.

When you spend an extended time on a cruise ship, you start to feel the ship is your friend. You trust it. You trust the captain and

the crew. When a cruise ends, and you say goodbye to the crew, there’s a tug on your heart, because they’ve become your friends, and you realize you probably won’t see them again.

In 2018, we were on the MS Amsterdam, the Rotterdam’s sister ship, for 82 days, a round trip from Los Angeles throughout the Far East and back. We visited 34 ports, three of which were in China, including a visit to the Great Wall of China. We traveled on trains and buses in Shanghai, mingling with hundreds, if not thousands, of Chinese citizens.

As the COVID-19 crisis started to evolve, Greta and I watched closely about what was happening with cruise ships. We visualized passengers being quarantined to 392-square-foot staterooms, some with no windows. Ships in all parts of the world were being affected.

We were saddened to hear that the Zaandam was not allowed to stop in a port in Chile because COVID-19 had infected passengers.

Four died. The Zaandam made its way to the Panama Canal, but then wasn’t allowed to transit through to get back to Florida—too many sick passengers on board.

And then, our old pal, the Rotterdam, was sent to assist the Zaandam off the Panamanian coast. Oh, my gosh, there they were—two

More than ever, our newspaper voices need to be heard. Please visit thecapistranodispatch.com/insider to read Picket Fence Media Publisher Norb Garrett’s messages “Keep Local Media Alive” and “In the Midst of Uncertainty.” Become an Insider.

Greta and I will be traveling again someday, and we’ll be cruising. We hope all of you will give your travel agents the green light to book you on a trip—maybe even a cruise.

Trust me, the cruise ship companies will ensure those sea-going beauties will be sanitized from bow to stern and back again.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Dispatch 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 Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

BY MYLES MELLOR

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2020

A NOTE FROM TOM:

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Pita his pretty girl is Pita, a 2-year-old Husky mix with so much love to give.

Like most Huskies, Pita has lots of energy and enjoys getting a good amount of exercise. When she’s ready to settle down, she can be quite the snuggle buddy and can’t pass up a nice belly rub. Pita would prefer to be the only pet in a home where she doesn’t have to share the spotlight.

If you are interested in adopting Pita, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application

Holland America ships that had been home to us for a combined total of 118 days— caught in the heart of the virus outbreak.

When we saw those two ships together, we looked at each other, saying, “It could have been us.”

Thankfully, the Zaandam and Rotterdam were finally allowed to traverse the Panama Canal, and received permission to dock in Port Everglades, Florida.

Greta and I have always been impressed with how careful HAL has been with sanitation. Hand sanitizers placed throughout the ship. Constant reminders to wash hands. Staying in your stateroom if sick.

Spraying passengers’ ON LIFE AND hands when leaving and LOVE AFTER 50 returning to the gangplank.

By Tom Blake They are perfectionists for health; we always appreciated the crew going that extra mile.

Travel agents have been crushed by COVID-19. Airline travel, down 96%. Hotels, 80% empty. Cruises on hold. When things get back to normal, give them a call. They will be anxious to return to work, as the rest of the world will be.

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 Solution:

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

form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. CD

Page 16

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email debra@wellsadsolutions.com

Submit your info online at www.thecapistranodispatch.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 104 or email debra@wellsadsolutions.com

Do you want to reach 24,150+ people in the San Juan + Rancho Mission Viejo area?

Then you need to be in the Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today!

Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2020

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Open Clubface

Golf Courses Reopen with County Safety Guidelines

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Amid pushbacks and protests against stay-at-home orders across the country, Orange County opened a small door to normalcy and outside activity.

The OC Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday, April 21 to allow county golf courses to reopen in a limited capacity by following “industry best practices for implementation” of social distancing and other safety guidelines “to provide the opportunity to recreate on the course.”

Some courses around South County seized that opportunity immediately, with San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Capistrano reopening to annual members only on Wednesday, April 22; Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point reopening to the public on Thursday, April 23; and Bella Collina San Clemente, a private club, reopening to its members only on Friday, April 24.

“We are reopened with restrictions to our IN-Club membership with the upgrade of a short-term IN-Club Plus program available as of today on our site,” San Juan Hills general manager Ryan Brown said. “We look forward to resuming regular operations in the near future.”

If not currently an annual member at San Juan Hills, a public course, any non-member must purchase an IN-Club annual membership and an IN-Club monthly membership to enjoy playing privileges at this time. Current members must purchase a monthly membership. No guests are allowed. Membership costs and other details are available on the club’s website.

As of press time on Thursday, April 23, the officials for the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course and the city of San Clemente were scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss reopening. In San Clemente’s City Council meeting on Tuesday night, outgoing Mayor Dan Bane had said the city would treat reopening the golf course as they have with the city’s beaches “as soon as able to do so safely.”

Also as of press time, websites and Facebook pages for Shorecliffs Golf Club and Talega Golf Club in San Clemente and Marbella Country Club in San Juan Capistrano said the courses remained closed until further notice. Request for comment

by The Capistrano Dispatch had not yet been returned.

In a copy of the county guidance to the courses obtained by The Capistrano Dispatch, The Capistrano Dispatch April 24-May 7, 2020

San Juan Hills Golf Club reopened to members only on Wednesday, April 22 after the Orange County Board of Supervisors passed guidance to allow courses to reopen for recreation. Photo: San Juan Hills Golf Club

the OC Board of Supervisors identified a list of health and safety standards to protect golfers.

These standards include that courses “should” be walking-only with social distancing enforced by course marshals. During the Supervisors meeting, there was some discussion over that word “should,” to allow leeway for courses that deemed motorized golf carts as necessary to get around the course. If motorized carts were allowed, the Supervisors expected the carts to be cleaned and sanitized after each use.

San Juan Hills and Bella Collina each said their courses would be walking-only. Monarch Beach will provide individual carts for golfers.

The guidance also called for the elimination of all “touch points” on the course, including removing flagsticks and bunker rakes and closing self-service areas such as restrooms, where social distancing cannot be enforced.

The guidance also asked for the cups to be inverted on the greens, and ball washers to be covered.

Groups should also be limited to four or fewer players, and tee times should be staggered. Guidelines for tee time staggering— the length of time between groups—were not

given explicit limits by the county, allowing individual courses to do what suits their layout best.

Clubhouses, pro shops, snack bars, sitdown restaurants and other amenities are still to remain closed at the golf courses, to minimize face-to-face interaction between players and course personnel.

“This is not reopening golf courses,” Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said in Tuesday’s county meeting. “This is basically allowing the golf course owners and managers to put in place a certain policy to allow the golfers to recreate. We’re not open for business, for golf course or any other nonessential business. It’s strictly allowing individuals to recreate on their course. It’s not open for business, come one, come all.”

Bartlett, whose district includes Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, introduced the guidance directive to the OC Board of Supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting. While there was some pushback from other Supervisors to passing the guidance on Tuesday, Bartlett was adamant about putting out the guidance as soon as possible.

“Time is of the essence,” Bartlett said in Tuesday’s meeting. “We have people that are getting totally stir-crazy at home.”

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Her latest stance represented a bit of a turnaround for Bartlett, who had advocated for closing of golf courses in an earlier Board of Supervisors meeting on March 31. While other courses had closed at the time, Shorecliffs had remained open, and Bartlett voiced her concerns then about keeping clubs open.

“I understand people want to get exercise; they’re getting stir-crazy,” Bartlett said in the March 31 meeting. “We have a public health crisis we’ve got to lock down. Golf courses are not part of the essential worker, essential business list pursuant to the governor’s executive order. We need cooperation out there.”

The San Clemente Municipal Golf Course has been closed since March 16. Monarch Beach, San Juan Hills and Marbella, a private club, had closed their courses on March 20, the same day Gov. Gavin Newsom issued California’s stay-at-home order. Talega and Bella Collina closed on March 22. Shorecliffs closed on April 1.

Elsewhere in South Orange County, three Mission Viejo courses are set to reopen following the county’s guidance. Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club and Mission Viejo County Club, a private club, were set to open on Friday, April 24. The city-owned Casta del Sol Golf Course is scheduled to reopen on May 1. CD thecapistranodispatch.com