April 28, 2023

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Metrolink Reveals Potential Solution to ‘Ghost Train’ Stoppages

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Metrolink intends to utilize new train tracking technology that could potentially decrease the frequency with which the signal arms come down at the Del Obispo Street crossing—a stop nicknamed the “ghost train” in San Juan Capistrano when no train passes through.

The train agency aims to implement the change by December 2024, officials said last week. The ghost train is a source of frustration for residents and motorists because of resulting traffic delays.

According to Luis Carrasquero, chief deputy operating officer for Metrolink, the ghost train activates when trains stop at the nearby downtown station. To address the issue, Carrasquero explained to the San Juan City Council on April 18, Metrolink has a plan that includes implementing new wireless components for the current train tracking system.

“The train is in constant communication with GPS satellites for track location, as it moves down the tracks. It’s in constant communication with the dispatch center for temporary track conditions,” Carrasquero said of the planned new system.

“Lastly, it’s in constant communication with wayside devices, so that’s how the train is able to know what signal indica-

Longtime Teacher Looks to Open New Private School in South OC

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Though Dennis Frayne has been a teacher all his life, he sees deficiencies in the current public education system that hinder kids from adequately learning and enjoying education.

“I think that our emphasis on testing and assessments is unnecessary, not useful, and actually harms education, because teachers have to teach to the test,” Frayne said. “We put an enormous amount of pressure on kids. We focus on things that are not necessarily important. Everyone needs to do the same

tions or signal alignments are ahead of the train,” he continued.

The implemented changes are intended to activate only one gate activation per train movement. Testing of the new system is said to have been successful.

“As the train is approaching the (downtown) station, Del Obispo is activating, because the crossing doesn’t know if the train is making a through move or station stop,” Carrasquero said. “Since the crossing has to default to the worst-case scenario, meaning a through move, it is activating and assuming it is going to go through.”

Trains will be able to leave the station more fluidly, rather than having to “creep out” when departing the station and wait for the signal arm to activate, he said.

Metrolink’s next steps will include procuring materials, hardware installation at crossings, software updates, and procurement of licenses, which it is working on with vendors.

“We received regulatory approval as late as September of last year,” Carrasquero said. “Our team moved forward with identifying the different crossings across our system that could benefit and, I will say, Del Obispo has ranked No. 1 on priority for this technology.”

The rough estimate for the Del Obispo crossing work is $400,000.

Councilmember John Taylor, who lives near the crossing in the Los Rios Historic District, said fixing the issue has been one of his promises to the community during the three times he’s run for office.

“It’s just a delight,” Taylor said of the proposed fix. “I can’t even believe I’m hearing this. Thank you very much. We really appreciate it. That part of town,

the traffic is pretty bad, as is.”

Mayor Howard Hart said the presentation is “huge news” for residents, because the ghost train “has been a fact of life in San Juan Capistrano” for a long time.

“To finally see an implementation plan with dates on it is truly remarkable,” Hart said. “We look forward to that day when we see that arm stay up. We appreciate the efforts all of you have made on our behalf.”

thing, learn the same thing, get tested on the same thing.”

Motivated by that disenchantment, Frayne—who lives in Lake Forest and has taught in public and private schools—is looking to open a new private K-12 school in South Orange County called USASB Unschool Academy of Art, Science, and Business.

“Unschooling,” as Frayne said, represents an alternative to how public schools currently educate kids. The USASB Unschool Academy intends to be a large school that can serve 1,000 students.

“Project-based. Student-centered. Kids doing what they want to do, following their interests,” Frayne said of the envisioned curriculum. “Helping them in an entrepreneurial way. Not sitting in classrooms and desks and through lectures, but more hands-on, doing things, learning that way. No grades. No tests.

Not participating in what are considered national standards, national assessments, all that kind of stuff.”

An exact campus location has not yet been chosen. Frayne, and a team of parents and teachers he is putting together to open the school, are considering Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel and other towns in South County as options. The projected opening is for the 2024-25 school year.

Though Frayne has put up some initial money into the opening steps, he and his team plan to pursue funding more aggressively as plans move forward. He is also open to donor funding and aims for the school to eventually be self-funded.

“I feel like I’ve striven to take what I consider the best ideas from the education scholars and philosophers out there, and other schools that are doing things differently—Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio-Emilio,” said Frayne, who has a

master’s degree in teaching and a doctorate in Educational Leadership. “The times are changing. Kids are growing up differently than they used to. The world of work is different in a lot of ways. I feel like we need new education strategies.”

Another aspect of their curriculum is potentially running small businesses within the school, Frayne said.

Many kids now hate school as is and sometimes drop out, he said.

“We can do better by those kids,” Frayne said. “I decided I wanted to build a school. I wrote a lot about it privately and then put together a plan and started talking to people about it. Now, there’s so much interest out there.”

Frayne has held interest meetings and gauged public interest through Facebook.

“The people that come to the meetings are generally pretty enthusiastic,” Frayne said.

Visit usasb.org for more information.

Metrolink plans to implement new technology that will more accurately track train movements, and in turn reduce the number of times the signal arms come down at the Del Obispo Street crossing when no train is actually coming—a reoccurring event colloquially referred to as the “ghost train.”

Photo: Collin Breaux

Council Approves Design Agreement for Arguello Way Beautification Project

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Widened sidewalks will be constructed on the western side of Camino Capistrano near Arguello Way as part of a beautification project that councilmembers voted on during their April 18 meeting.

The San Juan Capistrano City Council unanimously approved a design agreement with Adam Streeters Civil Engineers for $140,000 for the project, as recommended by city staff. Drainage improvements, reconstruction of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant ramps, and new pavers for Camino Capistrano sidewalks and Arguello Way will be included in the beautification.

“Our goal for this overall project is to provide for a more pedestrian-friendly and ADA-compliant walkway in the heart of downtown,” Public Works Director Tom Toman said.

The project will be similar to the Verdugo Street beautification, which finished in early 2020 and was also designed by Adam Streeters.

“We’re going to use the same brick pavers, similar brick pallets, and bistro lights,” Toman said.

The design process is expected to take approximately 60 days to complete, with construction anticipated to begin this summer, according to an agenda report from the city.

“(Adam Streeter) is excited to start the project,” Toman said. “Construction is projected to take approximately three months to complete. The goal here is to have the project completed before mid-November. We get busy in mid-November with our holiday season.”

“I understand our summer season is very busy, too, but we have a threemonth window to get the project done,” Toman said. “We think we can do that.”

The Public Works Department and Adam Streeters will work with impacted businesses, Mission San Juan Capistrano,

CUSD Trustees to Consider Opening Extracurricular Activities to Underperforming Students

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Students who currently have lower than a 2.5 or 2.0 GPA—or have reported behavioral issues—may be prohibited from participating in school clubs, athletics, and other extracurricular activities.

Trustees with the Capistrano Unified School District are exploring a proposal to remove that barrier, which would allow underperforming students to participate in clubs and activities outside the classroom so they could feel more connected to their schools and communities.

Trustee Gila Jones brought forth a request to revise the district’s policy on extracurricular admission standards, which went through a first hearing on April 19. District staff and trustees will

work out exact details on the new policy, which will come back before the Board of Trustees for final approval.

“The idea of withholding participation in pleasurable activities from those who have poor attitudes represents an antiquated and flawed understanding of human motivation,” Jones said. “Of our students who have been expelled and have long discipline records, what percentage are involved in school or community activities? I don’t know for sure, but probably not many.”

“How does restricting students with low grades from participating in school activities make them happy? How does it motivate them to get better grades?”

and other relevant parties during the design and construction phases.

The project’s overall cost will include a budgeted $555,000 from the recent sale of city-owned land, with an additional $250,000 proposed to be included in the upcoming 2023-24 Fiscal Year budget.

The Arguello Way work is “minor in scope,” with some hardscape and landscape improvements, Toman said.

A motion by Mayor Howard Hart for the project to go before the Planning Commission and Design Review Committee for committee feedback failed in

Jones said. “How does it motivate them to want to come to school? I don’t believe it does. I believe students with low grades are precisely the ones who need to be encouraged to participate in activities.”

Trustee Michael Parham said encouraging children is a better approach with kids instead of punishing them. He told stories of academically underperforming kids he knew growing up who either felt a lack of purpose after not being allowed to continue playing school sports or who felt they belonged after being permitted to play in the school band.

Trustee Amy Hanacek said a 2.0 GPA is “not hard to get” and having a student in a student government organization doesn’t help if they don’t end up graduating.

“First and foremost, we’ve got to have young people graduating able to read, to do basic math, and to be able to go out in the world and feel well about themselves,” Hanacek said.

Some underperforming students don’t

a split, 2-2, vote. Hart and Councilmember John Campbell voted yes on the motion, while Mayor Pro Tem Sergio Farias and Councilmember Troy Bourne voted no.

Councilmember John Taylor recused himself from the discussion.

“I’d like to see this go through,” Farias said.

City staff did not send the Arguello Way project to other city committees beforehand, because the work is similar to the Verdugo Street beautification, which had gone through committee review.

go to school and may not be drawn to extracurricular activities, Hanacek said.

“There are ways to capture students and make them feel connected,” Hanacek said. “We need to start sooner with our elementary school kids that know there’s a seat at the table for them.”

Trustee Judy Bullockus said some students may not be able to make high grades but possess some other talent.

“I don’t think we have teachers that will start letting kids with just a 1.0 come hang out and fill the seats,” Bullockus said. “I think our teachers are good enough to be discerning about giving that student a break because (they) see it within them, but might need to be the one to pull it out of them.”

In other CUSD news, a request by Trustee Lisa Davis to explore alternatives to the California Healthy Kids Survey— which asks students about aspects of their life and health, including drug use and mental health—was tabled until a September meeting.

City staff will enhance sidewalks near Arguello Way, similar to the renovated Verdugo Street pictured here. Photo: Collin Breaux

TheDPFilmFestivalwill featurelocaliconandTall ShipCaptain,Jim"Skip" Wehan,onMay5th, 5PM-7PMattheDouble TreeHotel.Theinspiring filmcapturesthejoyof maritimeexploration, sailingadventure,and Skip'slifeofinspiring youth.Alongwiththe film,afundraiseris underwaytocommission astatueof"Skip"inDP harbortoinspirenew generationsofmaritime seaexplorers.ScanQR codefordetailsandto contribute!

OBITUARY Adaline (Addie) Reenders Brown

July 3, 1924 - April 11, 2023

After 98 years of a life filled with love, laughter, special friendships, and professional and personal accomplishments, our mom, Addie, passed away on April 11th in San Clemente, California.

She is survived by her 3 children, David (Chris) Reenders of San Clemente, Steven (Jan) Reenders of San Clemente, and Christine (John) Drake of Marina Del Rey. She was the adored Grandma Cookie to her 8 grandchildren, Jeff Reenders (Kelly), Annika Lawrence (Brett), Ellie Servais (Elliott), Matthew Drake (Lindsey), Michael Drake (Sandy), Andrew Reenders (Julie), Emily Brockman (Harvey), and Rachel Devany (Vinny) and Great Grandma Cookie to her 14 great grandchildren, Brooks, Wiley, Noe, Nolan, Blair, Kevy, Hutch, Cord, Noah, Kawena, Makenna, Chenzo, Soren and Emilia.

Addie was preceded in death by our dad, Neil Reenders as well as her second husband Colin Brown, her parents Billy and Georgia Clark, her brother Larry Clark, and her beloved nephew Randy Clark.

During World War Two she worked for the Army Corps of Engineers and attended the University of Redlands. After graduating she became a teacher and taught first grade for 25 years in the Covina Valley Unified school District.

She retired to San Clemente in 1972 where she volunteered for numerous charitable organizations, played golf and bridge, spent hours in the sun getting the best tan, and sailed the Pacific in their Ericson 27 sailboat. She loved to travel and over the years, along with dear friends and family, she went all around the world. She was a dancer and piano player from her early childhood well into her nineties. Tap, ballet, ballroom, or the Highland Fling, if there was music playing she was dancing!

Addie’s life was so full of wonderful and enriching experiences but what she cherished the most and gave her the greatest joy was her family. She was the best mom and grandma to all of us and she will be loved, missed, and remembered always.

A Celebration of Addie’s life will be announced in the near future.

NEWS BITES

COMPILED BY STAFF

CD | School Counselor Receives Recognition from Assemblymember Davies

Capistrano Union High School counselor Shannon Halbert cried tears of joy and appreciation on April 14.

Halbert was presented with a recognition award by State Assemblymember Laurie Davies for her years of helping out students at the alternative school in San Juan Capistrano.

The award was given after Halbert’s coworkers contacted Davies’ office concerning a recognition, as Halbert had been nominated for Teacher of the Year awards by her coworkers but never won because she is not a teacher.

Halbert’s husband and son, as well as students, Principal Brittany Casey, and others were on hand for the celebration.

Though generally not one to seek the spotlight, Halbert said she recalled her mother’s advice when told of Davies’ recognition beforehand.

“Anytime someone wants to give you love, you better take it, because sometimes it doesn’t always come around,” Halbert said.

“When I came to this school 15 years ago, I didn’t know how I’d be with high school kids. I worked with middle school kids,” Halbert said. “I grew roots. That’s what I do with places I love and people I love. We get through this thing called school and hopefully prepare you all for

something and, hopefully, prepare you all for something bigger and better.”

Davies responded enthusiastically to Union High School’s request for a recognition of Halbert.

“My mother was a schoolteacher for many years. I understand the influence you have on kids and generation after generation,” Davies said. “That is a gift you don’t see all the time. I truly believe God gave you this gift and you’re sharing it with everyone here, whether it’s your colleagues or students here.”

Work is being done to ensure counselors can also receive a state award, Davies said.

“She gives so much to our students and staff personnel. Her heart is so much larger than our small campus can contain,” Union High School’s initial message to Davies said. “In her over decade of service at our site, she has possibly affected and influenced so many of our students, providing the inspiration and motivation to graduate either from our high school or return and graduate from their home school.”

CD | SJC Woman Gets 22-Year Prison Sentence for Role in 2019 Murder

In October 2019, Sheila Marie Ritze of San Juan Capistrano and Hoang Xuan Le of Fountain Valley took Tri “James” Minh Dao on a late-night lobster fishing trip in Dana Point Harbor—or so Dao thought.

Le shot Dao, who owed him money. Investigators say Dao fell overboard from Ritze’s boat, and Ritze and Le left the man to die in the Pacific Ocean.

For her actions, Ritze, 42, was sentenced

to 22 years in federal prison on April 17.

At the hearing, United States District Judge David O. Carter said Ritze’s conduct was “horrific” and “horrendous” and exhibited “callousness,” according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

“At the conclusion of a 12-day trial in April 2022, a federal jury found Ritze guilty of one count of second-degree murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators,” the Department of Justice said.

Le was found guilty of first-degree murder in December 2021. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 17, where he faces a mandatory life sentence.

Ritze reportedly made false claims that she never had met Dao prior to the October murder when interviewed by federal investigators in December 2019, even though the two had been in Las Vegas together 11 days prior.

“Ritze’s crime has left a grieving mother, grieving widow, grieving brothers, a grieving sister, and two fatherless small children,” prosecutors said in a sentencing memorandum. “Ritze continued on with her life after murdering Dao as though nothing had happened, continuing to party with Le … and assisting Le with tracking (the victim’s) grieving widow with GPS trackers.”

CD | City Council Declares May as National Historic Preservation Month

With San Juan Capistrano being a

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

TUESDAY, MAY 2

City Council

5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 5

Coffee Chat

8:30 a.m. A 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.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Learning English Class

10-11:30 a.m. The La Playa Center is hosting free English classes for adults on Wednesdays. Students will be provided materials and workbooks. La Sala Auditorium, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. crossculturalcouncil.com.

Planning Commission

5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Planning Commission will hold a meeting open to the public. Nydegger Building, 31421 La Matanza Street. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 12

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

town steeped in history, San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart issued a proclamation recognizing May as National Historic Preservation Month on April 18.

The San Juan Cultural Heritage Commission and Docent Society will host a celebration to coincide with the monthlong designation on May 6 at the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum on El Camino Real and along Los Rios Street. Docents will give informational tours of the area’s long-standing adobes, including the Montanez Adobe.

Cultural Heritage Commission Chairperson and local historical advocate Ann Ronan was given an award of recognition by Hart.

“Our city’s motto says it all: ‘Preserving the past to enhance the future,’ ” Hart said. “Our city is unique and grounded in a mission of Native American culture, Mission heritage, and (an) agrarian past.”

Hart also mentioned San Juan’s historic neighborhoods and buildings, and the city’s efforts to ensure preservation. Los Rios Street is said by local historians to be California’s oldest residential street, while Mission San Juan Capistrano dates back to 1776.

National Historic Preservation Month was first instituted in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Capistrano Union High School counselor Shannon Halbert (left) was recognized by State Assemblymember Laurie Davies on April 14 for her work in supporting students. Photo: Collin Breaux

Capo Unified Deals with Gradual Decline in Student Enrollment

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

New housing developments in San Clemente over the years have led to more home ownership in the area. Its impact has had an unintended consequence on schools, according to San Clemente High School Principal Chris Carter.

As homeowners grow older and stay in the neighborhood, their children grow up and eventually graduate or otherwise age out of the public school system.

“People bought their homes. They’re not leaving,” Carter said.

The area’s aging population has, in part, led to a

decline in Capistrano Unified School District’s student enrollment.

A review of CUSD’s enrollment numbers from recent years reveals that the district has seen a continual decline, which educators attributed to a variety of factors—including the aging residential population, as well as upheavals from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the five-year period between the 2018-19 school year and the current academic year, CUSD experienced a roughly 21.4% reduction in student enrollment, according to data compiled from Ed-Data, an online resource of fiscal, demographic and performance data

for K-12 schools.

DECLINING ENROLLMENT

For the upcoming 2023-24 school year, CUSD projects to have 40,939 students enrolled, down from the 41,854 students in classrooms this school year.

Since the 2018-19 school year—when student enrollment was at 53,269—the district has experienced a gradual decline each passing year, dropping to 52,794 in 2019-20; 50,419 in 2020-21; and then 49,974 in 2021-22.

Carter said local educators have anticipated the decline for some time.

Student enrollment has generally declined in California public schools in recent years. This table, using data from ed-data.org, shows how the Capistrano Unified School District’s enrollment numbers compare to other districts of similar size. Illustration: Chelsie Rex

“We knew that decline would hit us in the high school,” he said.

It’s a trend expected to continue for the next 10 years, according to Carter.

CUSD is not alone in seeing a decline in student enrollment. The shift follows a statewide and national trend. A news release put out by the Orange County Department of Education this month said California’s public school enrollment has dropped for the sixth consecutive year, though data released by the state Department of Education suggests the declines are slowing.

“According to statewide figures, the number of TK-12 students in public schools fell by 0.67 percent for the 2022-23 academic year, a decrease of 39,696 students from the previous year,” the news release said. “By comparison, enrollment was down 1.84 percent in 2021-22 and 2.6 percent in 2020-21, the first year of the pandemic.”

Dean West, associate superintendent of Business Services for the Orange County Department of Education, said countywide enrollment peaked near 2003 and plateaued through 2012.

“After that, declines persisted through grade levels,” West said.

“Those declines accelerated in 2021, and the state forecasts declining enrollment over the next decade.”

A WORLD UPENDED

Dana Hills High School Principal Brad Baker said the decline was already projected by the time he was hired in 2019. The decrease was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, because the health crisis upended the usual ways public schools operated, which in turn may have convinced some frustrated parents to turn to private or charter schools instead, Baker said.

“I don’t think you can point your finger at one thing,” Baker said.

One parent who pulled their kids out of CUSD altogether after the pandemic upheaval is Chris Mattingly. Mattingly, who went to San Clemente High for his junior and senior years in the 1990s, previously had his older son enrolled in Orange County Academy of Science and Arts (OCASA) College Prep, a charter school in San Juan Capistrano.

Mattingly and his wife were one of the first families to send their kid to OCASA when they heard the school was starting in 2020. They liked what the school stood for: more one-on-one instructional time for students and a curriculum that uses student projects to prepare children for college and careers.

However, when the COVID-19 lockdown hit California and elsewhere, they pulled their son out because they found themselves able to spend time with him while they were working from home and traveling. Mattingly’s son was unable to do hands-on activities in school, which was a big selling point with OCASA.

Mattingly and his wife work remotely and travel fulltime in an RV. Their son is now enrolled in an online private school, where Mattingly said he is thriving.

“We have a lot more time to spend exploring places, like national parks,” Mattingly said.

The couple also has time to get their son in front of

workers in the tech industry, which he’s drawn to, for a potential internship opportunity.

Alex Zhao is the advisory student board member for the CUSD Board of Trustees. When asked his perspective on the decline in student enrollment, he also said the pandemic showed learning can happen online and not necessarily in person.

“But, of course, there is also the perspective that constantly changing conditions—especially ones caused by COVID-19—may have put families in tough situations where students perhaps do not have the means to go to traditional school, or for some other factor or reason,” Zhao said.

“One should also consider the fact that there will always be a population of students and parents who are discontented with certain district policies and have chosen to leave the district in favor of home schooling or some other schooling alternative,” he continued.

Baker said Dana Hills is in its fourth year of declining attendance and has decreased by a few hundred students overall since then. The school is projected to drop by even more next year, he said.

NO END IN SIGHT

Interim Superintendent Clark Hampton said the phenomenon is normal and expected, given the housing developments built within South Orange County over the years and homeowners not leaving the area after their children graduate.

For instance, what’s happened in San Clemente is expected to eventually happen in neighboring Rancho Mission Viejo, where new homes are being built.

“When you build new homes, you get a spike in enrollment,” Hampton said. “If you fast-forward 15 years from now, you will see a decrease in Esencia enrollment.”

The declining birth rate across the country adds to the trend, Hampton said.

The fall in student enrollment also mirrors an overall drop in Orange County’s population.

“Orange County’s population declined from 3,169,542 in 2021 to 3,162,245 in 2022,” a recent Orange County Community Indicators report said. “This decline, which represents less than one percent of the county population, does reflect increasing outmigration due to the county’s increasing cost of living.”

Pointing to the report, West notes that since June 2012, home prices in Orange County increased by 123%, reaching a median home price of about $1.27 million in June 2022.

“This means that an Orange County homebuyer would need a minimum qualifying income of $250,000 in the first quarter of 2022, while first-time home buyers would need a minimum qualifying income of $157,500 for a home with a median price of $1.071 million,” West said.

THE COST OF ENROLLMENT

While Hampton said the enrollment decline is nothing dire, a decrease in enrollment can subsequently mean diminishing funding for school districts because fund-

ing depends on the number of students who attend school.

“The impact is you need to start making budget cuts,” Hampton said.

Currently, CUSD has been able to mitigate funding cuts through pandemic relief funds issued by the federal government—though that is a one-time money source.

Proposition 98, which voters approved in 1988 to require a minimum of the state’s budget to be spent on education, is helping maintain funding levels in the short term, West said.

“However, declining enrollment and low average daily attendance rates due to absenteeism are expected to leave districts with fewer resources, particularly when you factor in the reported COLA—or cost-of-living adjustment—increases,” West said.

CUSD is evaluating school capacity and demographic trends and projections as the state works through finalizing details on California’s upcoming education budget, Hampton said.

Diminishing enrollment can impact daily school operations in numerous ways, including less participation in extracurricular activities.

“Athletes will start to decline,” Carter said. “Musicians will start to decline. Programs will be smaller.”

Filling multiple advanced placement courses for physics or other subjects can also be harder, Carter said.

Baker said the decline can impact how Dana Hills High handles staffing, which can include having a smaller number of school employees as time goes on.

“That’s the unfortunate part of declining enrollment,” Baker said. “We lose good staff.”

A silver lining, though, has been small class sizes, Baker said.

“That’s going to be extended for the next few years,” Baker said.

The school’s sports teams have done a “great job” competing, and there haven’t been noticeable detrimental impacts on daily school operations, Baker said.

“I’m extremely proud of our results with grade and testing data,” Baker said. “Regardless of losing kids last year, our staff has done a great job.”

Zhao, who attends Capistrano Valley High School in Mission Viejo, said his school has not been hit too hard by the impact of dwindling enrollment.

“Overall, it’s a tough situation that even, as a student, I couldn’t say how to keep my peers at school or in the district, but I think it’s just about making school a place that students want to go,” Zhao said when asked if he has any mitigation strategies or solutions in mind.

“Whether improving facilities or opening specialized education programs or classes, these are all an appeal to students and may be able to help with enrollment figures,” he continued.

School districts, county offices of education and charter schools—collectively known as local educational agencies, or LEAs—may deal with declining enrollment differently, depending on their specific circumstances, communities, and experiences, West said.

“Some LEAs are indicating they may need to look at closing schools with low enrollment. Others are leveraging lower class sizes to provide added services in the classroom,” West said. “Much of this is based on onetime allocations or equity funding within the state’s Local Control Funding Formula, which was designed to channel more resources to students with the greatest needs.”

For now, San Clemente High is moving forward.

“The campus still feels packed when you walk around,” Carter said. “It’s positive. It’s buzzing.” CD

“ One should also consider the fact that there will always be a population of students and parents who are discontented with certain district policies and have chosen to leave the district in favor of home schooling or some other schooling alternative. ”

Brad Baker, Dana Hills High School Principal

New Coffee Shop Opens in RMV

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

For Christian Galindo, his current coffee endeavor started with farmers markets and in Guatemala.

Galindo has extended family in the Central American country, where he obtains coffee beans to roast. Being someone who enjoys roasting and drinking coffee, he decided to start selling it at the markets—which eventually turned into starting a coffee shop in Rancho Mission Viejo’s Village of Esencia.

“I’ve been drinking our coffee since I was a child,” Galindo said. “My uncle started producing what’s known as natural coffee, and I was able to taste a distinct quality in that coffee—a lot more complex, more beautiful, more interesting.”

The coffee shop is known as Blue Hummingbird Coffee and opened on April 7. Galindo said the customer reception has been positive so far, with lines

that stretched for a half-block after the opening.

The RMV location is Blue Hummingbird’s second, with the first operating in Irvine.

“We started about six years ago offering a wide profile of high-quality coffees, mostly sourced from the farmers in Central America or partners in other regions of the world focused on fair trade and sustainable coffee,” Galindo said.

People started clamoring for the coffee he brought back from Guatemala, so he decided to turn it into a business.

“Why don’t we do tastings at the farmers markets and offer our coffees and explain what these beans are about?” Galindo said.

Coffee, according to Galindo, can be as complex in its flavors as wine. There are different regions it’s grown in and farming methods—which extends to the taste. Blue Hummingbird’s offerings can

have hints of blueberry, for instance.

“The beans, over here, we roast. We roast weekly,” Galindo said. “Our espresso bean currently is a Guatemalan bean from all women-owned farms. It’s a good espresso bean to mix with milk and do lattes and all that.”

Other aspects of Blue Hummingbird’s operations are similarly precise.

Galindo is driven by a passion to showcase “good coffee” and showcasing

what various regions of the world offer. Business has been steady at the Irvine location as word of mouth spread, which Galindo thinks will be the same for the RMV coffee shop.

“We’re still new to Rancho Mission Viejo,” he said. “We are getting to know the locals and what their needs are. ” Blue Hummingbird Coffee’s address is 75 Esencia Drive. Visit bhbcoffee.com for more information. CD

Blue Hummingbird Coffee founder Christian Galindo is bringing Guatemalan coffee to Rancho Mission Viejo residents with his Esencia coffee shop. Photo: Collin Breaux

Aging Well

Picket Fence Media is back again with our latest edition of Aging Well, our biannual guide for readers to learn how they can continue to thrive and flourish.

For this spring issue of Aging Well, we spotlight the many local clubs, groups and nonprofit organizations that provide volunteer opportunities and other fun activities to help seniors stay active in their communities.

From our three towns’ individual historical societies to clubs that offer advice on handling money, there are plenty of great groups in South Orange County that cater to a variety of interests and needs.

For older adults looking for more companionship, senior pets can be just the thing to add a spark of joy back into their lives. An aging furry companion can be a great match to an older adult’s lifestyle.

We chat with officials from the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter and the Laguna Beach-based nonprofit Unconditional about these mutually beneficial relationships for both seniors and senior pets.

Age Well Senior Services, which runs the area’s senior centers, highlights the plethora of activities and events it regularly hosts for older adults to enjoy, such as bingo nights and line dancing lessons.

And some area seniors who are truly Aging Well talk to us about how they’re staying fit, active and energized. We also turn to them to offer some advice for others who are maybe starting to feel a bit long in the tooth.

Take a gander at all these stories to learn how you can Age Well down here in sunny South Orange County. •••

Golden Generation

LOCAL SENIORS CAN EXTEND ATHLETIC COMPETITIVE PRIMES IN CALIFORNIA SENIOR GAMES

By Zach Cavanagh

The weather and abundance of facilities in South Orange County encourage local seniors to stay active, and for those who have continued to extend their athletic primes, there are even more opportunities available to continue their competitive athletic careers.

Each year, senior athletes of all ages and abilities gather to compete in various Senior Games with local editions held throughout the state and across the country. While qualifying for this year’s Summer National Senior Games in Pittsburgh is closed, there are still plenty of California Senior Games sites where older athletes can compete.

The Capo Classics, a senior men’s basketball group out of San Juan Capistrano, has competed in these games and taken home state and national championships at various age levels in the past. Some of those Capo Classics athletes have gone on to represent Team USA in international competitions and won world championships.

For the senior games, there are numerous age categories in five-year increments from 50 years old to over 100 years old for athletes to compete—and to eventually qualify for the National Senior Games, which will next be held in 2025. There are individual sports like track and field events, golf, disc golf, tennis, race walking, power walking, archery and even billiards and bowling. Additionally, there are events for cycling, powerlifting and swimming. Seniors can also group together for team events including basketball, beach and indoor volleyball, soccer and softball. Paddleball and pickleball are, of course, also offered for top competition.

While there are no Orange County senior games, local athletes can still make their way to other local events.

Next up in Southern California are the Pasadena Senior Games, hosted by the Pasadena Senior Center at various venues across the San Gabriel Valley from May 20 through

July 23. For more information or to register, check out pasadenaseniorcenter.org/activities-events/senior-games.

Later in the summer with some event locations closer to South Orange County, the San Diego Senior Games will be held from Aug. 25 through Sept. 24. Registration for the events opens in May at sdseniorgames.org. Pickleball will be the closest-held event in Oceanside.

San Diego and Pasadena will be co-hosts of the 2024 California Senior Games State Championships.

The Inland Empire Senior Games close out the Southern California slate of contests from Sept. 22 through Oct. 6 and are hosted by the City of San Bernardino and the Fontana Community Senior Center.

Instead of a broad goal of general fitness, which is still encouraged for all seniors, local athletes can aim for gold and shine on well into their twilight years.

California Senior Games provide opportunities for older athletes across numerous age divisions and sports to participate in a competitive environment and stay active and athletic. Photo: File

By C. Jayden Smith

or older adults in South Orange County looking to stay active, Age Well Senior Services and local community centers have combined to provide a bevy of mentally and physically captivating activities.

The Dana Point Senior Center, Dorothy Visser Senior Center in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano Senior Center all serve as hotbeds for fellowship through nutrition, exercise, and programs that assist with learning about technology and other personal affairs.

Beth Apodaca, executive director of the Dorothy Visser Senior Center’s operations, and San Juan Capistrano’s Community Services Manager Heidi Ivanoff both spoke with Picket Fence Media about everyday life at their cities’ respective centers.

Apodaca, whose center functions independently of the City of San Clemente, says that while there are positives associated with not having city involvement, the negatives include having to fundraise to achieve its main objective.

“We want to keep seniors in their homes as long as we can, so we’d like them to come down to the center and socialize, get out (of the house),” she says. “We offer a ton of activities that appeal to different ages. Then, when the time comes, and they are no longer able to come down here, we provide the Meals on Wheels program … we will take the meals to them.”

Ivanoff says that Age Well handles the congregate meal program, where older adults gather at the San Juan Capistrano center for lunch from Monday to Friday.

Older adults who come to the Dorothy Visser facility have access to a gym and exercise classes such as chair yoga and strength and flexibility programs.

Wednesday night bingo events are a big hit, according to Apodaca, who notes that the game’s use of numbers helps to keep the participants’ minds stimulated.

Additionally, they can participate in tech support classes for using iPhones or computers, a food pantry, and a recently initiated transition support group for focusing on events such as retirement or losing a loved one.

“It’s a great class to help seniors branch over to dealing with the changes that happen when you get over 60 or 70 years old,” says Apodaca.

Over in San Juan Capistrano, Ivanoff spoke

about classes for learning English as a Second Language (ESL), a United Way-sponsored tax preparation service, an open gym for basketball, and hosting programs from Saddleback College’s Emeritus Institute.

Programs have included art classes, tai chi, and yoga.

The exercise classes are what the San Juan Capistrano community especially “gravitates” to, according to Ivanoff. With options for people looking to attain various goals, the classes can reach as many as 60 attendees.

The Dorothy Visser Senior Center hosts game events for playing bridge or Mexican Train Dominoes, and brings in experts on teaching conversational Spanish, answering Medicare questions, drafting wills and trusts and more.

As the staff welcomes anyone over 50 years old to the facility, Apodaca says they are always trying to change up the routine and find new things to do.

“We have seniors that are extremely active in their 60s, or we have seniors that are in their 80s and 90s that are using a walker or a cane,” she says. “So, we appeal to all levels of seniors to make sure everyone gets out and gets an opportunity to come out.”

Ivanoff adds that the community partners in San Juan Capistrano are part of the center’s efforts to have accessible programming for all participants, a practice other centers also try to follow.

“All of the programs and the services that we offer from the center are generally free,” says Ivanoff. “We pride ourselves on that, that

everything is no cost to our seniors, and many of the programs and services are offered and run by volunteers.”

F Exercise, Social Opportunities Abound for South OC Older Adults

Although the City of San Juan Capistrano oversees all the programs, Age Well does step in on occasion to put on special events. It may be a Bingo Blast or a party on a major holiday such as Christmas or Mother’s Day, including a special meal and live entertainment.

“We both do similar functions, but they do more of the parties,” Ivanoff says, referring to Age Well.

A sizeable portion of those who come to the Dorothy Visser Senior Center “have no filter,” according to Apodaca, which always makes for a good laugh. She recalls getting to know the older adults and the achievements they’ve fulfilled.

“Every one of them has served a full life, and there’s so much history with them,” says Apodaca. “They are a ton of fun.”

Ivanoff, who has worked with the City of San Juan Capistrano in several different capacities, says she and her department have a passion for serving adults and that they bring “joy to the center of our lives.”

“I think our staff learn a lot of life lessons from those that we meet, because we meet seniors of all different backgrounds, (a) very diverse group of men and women,” says Ivanoff. “It really is something that they really bring us joy, and we love doing what we do.”

Apodaca adds that her staff receives significant appreciation from not only the older adults, but their family members and caregivers.

“We are truly so blessed by this community and the support they show for the seniors,” says Apodaca. “Their families really appreciate that we’re here to help their parents transition into the next stages of their lives.”

Coming up at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center, there will be live entertainment that will include an octet singing group of women and an Elvis Presley impersonator—whose legitimacy Apodaca fully endorses.

Age Well also provides weekday lunches, Meals on Wheels, legal consultations, and other services in Dana Point, in addition to the Dana Point Community Center hosting activities such as beginner and intermediate chair exercises.

Call 949.496.4252 to learn more about services in Dana Point or access the city’s Recreation Department information at danapoint.org.

Call 949.498.3322 for additional information about San Clemente’s senior center.

For San Juan Capistrano, visit the city’s Senior Services webpage, sanjuancapistrano. org/175/Senior-Services.

Older adults at San Clemente’s Dorothy Visser Senior Center participate in hula dancing. Older adults at the San Juan Capistrano Senior Center pose after competing in a pool tournament. Photos: Courtesy of Beth Apodaca and Heidi Ivanoff

C.A.R.E.101 CONFERENCE

SAT|MAY20|8:30-11:30AM|FREE

Do

GuestSpeakerTopics

Speakersaddressingtopicssuchas…

Whatishappening?Whyismyloved onechanging? Atypicalroadmaponthedementia journey. Howcanwe(patient&caregiver) communicateandnotfeelfrustratedor afraidintheprocess? Importantquestionstoaskdoctorsand nurses.

Supporters/Exhibitors

Aconferencetoencourageandequipthosecaring fordeclininglovedonesfacingadementia-related diagnosis,includingAlzheimer’sandParkinson’s.

Come in to have an expert evaluate your hearing. At Hear

Trouble hearing a conversation?

you will receive personalized service to provide you with individual attention.

now to schedule your appointment.

you will receive personalized service to provide you with individual attention.

Come

Whenisittimeforhospice&howtofind aqualityone? PowerofAttorneyandhowtoadvocate formylovedone. Howtodealwithgrief&thesenseofmy lovedoneslowly'disappearing'--losing thembeforethey'reactuallygone?

now to schedule your appointment.

If your hearing could use a little boost, we offer hearing aids from every major manufacturer.

You can try the top brands right here in our office to decide which model fits you best !

You can try the top brands right here in our office to decide which model fits you best !

CA 92675 Exit the 5 Freeway at the Junipero Serra exit turn LEFT on Rancho Viejo Rd turn RIGHT at 2nd driveway Dr. Maria Abramson

If you, or a loved one that you know has a hearing loss, treating it early reduces the risk of dementia. www.hearnowoc.com

www.hearnowoc.com

Continental Breakfast Exhibits & Helpful Resources

PCCPRESENTS

— not just survive— the journey. Reserve

Howtomaintainbalancewithother relationships,work,etc.andselfcare.

confidently,compassionately, andeffectivelyadvocatefor declininglovedonesandthrive tsurvive—thejourney.

JanePamphileMundt Break

GetInTouch

C.A.R.E.101 CONFERENCE

Exhibits&HelpfulResources

pacificcoastchurch.org/care101

2651CalleFrontera,SanClemente

Caringforalovedonewhohasa formofcognitivememory impairmentcanbeatruly dauntingjourney.Emotionally, theroadaheadholds heartbreak,confusionand frustratration.Logistically,itoften feelsoverwhelmingand exhausting!Nooneshouldhave to travelitalone.

PattyBarnettMouton PastorMattMcGill

PanelQ&A 11:30AM

Dismiss/VisitExhibits

Whatishappening?Whyismylovedonechanging? Atypicalroadmaponthedementiajourney. Howcanwe(patient&caregiver)communicateandnotfeelfrustratedorafraid intheprocess?

C.A.R.E101(Compassionate AdvocateResourceEssentials) willprovidepractical,proven guidanceandempathetic encouragementfrom knowledgeableleadersinthe fieldtoeasetheburden.Itwill helpcaregiverslearntomore confidently,compassionately, andeffectivelyadvocatefor declininglovedonesandthrive —notjustsurvive—thejourney.

Importantquestionstoaskdoctorsandnurses. Whenisittimeforhospice&howtofindaqualityone? PowerofAttorneyandhowtoadvocateformylovedone. Howtodealwithgrief&thesenseofmylovedoneslowly'disappearing'--losing thembeforethey'reactuallygone?

Howtomaintainbalancewithotherrelationships,work,etc.andselfcare.

Speakersaddressingtopicssuchas…

SAT|MAY20|8:30-11:30AM|FREE

Aconferencetoencourageand equipthosecaringfordeclining lovedonesfacingadementiarelateddiagnosis,including Alzheimer’sandParkinson’s.

8AM

2651 Calle Frontera, San Clemente | 949-940-2600

ExpertSpeakers

ContinentalBreakfast

HelpfulResources&Exhibits

ElizabethLonseth Author/speaker Elizabethwillcoverthe challengingfeelingsofa caregiver,thebasicsof dementia,anddenial. JanePamphileMundt SeniorCareConsultant, CEONextStepsSeniorCare,Inc. Janewilldiscussdifferenttypes ofcare,insurance,support, preparation,andadvocacy. PattyBarnettMouton,MSGe V.P.OutreachAdvocacy, Alzheimer'sOrangeCounty Pattywillexplore communicationwithyourloved one,hospice,advance directives,andmore.

DoorsOpen-Refreshments

Matt McGill ExecutivePastor,PCC Mattwillsharehowwemight developcompassionate,Christlikecharacter.

8:30AM

Welcome

ElizabethLonseth

JanePamphileMundt

Break

PattyBarnettMouton

PastorMattMcGill PanelQ&A

11:30AM

Dismiss/VisitExhibits

Whatishappening?Whyismylovedonechanging?

Atypicalroadmaponthedementiajourney. Howcanwe(patient&caregiver)communicateandnotfeelfrustratedorafraid intheprocess?

Importantquestionstoaskdoctorsandnurses. Whenisittimeforhospice&howtofindaqualityone?

PowerofAttorneyandhowtoadvocateformylovedone. Howtodealwithgrief&thesenseofmylovedoneslowly'disappearing'--losing thembeforethey'reactuallygone?

Howtomaintainbalancewithotherrelationships,work,etc.andselfcare.

ElizabethLonseth

Author/speaker

Elizabethwillcoverthe challengingfeelingsofa caregiver,thebasicsof dementia,anddenial.

JanePamphileMundt SeniorCareConsultant, CEONextStepsSeniorCare,Inc.

Janewilldiscussdifferenttypes ofcare,insurance,support, preparation,andadvocacy.

PattyBarnettMouton,MSGe V.P.OutreachAdvocacy, Alzheimer'sOrangeCounty Pattywillexplore communicationwit one,hospice,advance directives,andmore.

Matt

ExecutivePastor,PCC Mattwillsharehowwemight developcompassionate,Christlikecharacter.

Speakersaddressingtopicssuchas…

A Sense of Purpose

ACTIVITY CLUBS OFFER SENSE OF BELONGING FOR OLDER PEOPLE

By Collin Breaux

Whether you’re living in a retirement community in Rancho Mission Viejo or enjoying the coast in San Clemente, there are plenty of groups in South Orange County catering to a variety of interests and needs.

Some may be looking for financial advice, while others want to volunteer at a local landmark, or just want to meet new friends and get out the house. No matter the reason, there’s something for everyone.

We asked around and found out about different clubs in the area and what they do.

The Wizards of Wall Street

Members of Reata Glen, a retirement community in Rancho Mission Viejo, are welcome to get involved with the Wizards of Wall Street—a financial advisory group in which residents can give and get advice on handling money, whether it’s about investments, writing a will, and other fiscal topics.

The so-called Wizards was started in late summer 2019 by residents Bob Franz and Tom Hoffmeister as a casual get-together to share investing information. The original group included about 12 men and met monthly in a Reata Glen Clubhouse conference room.

“The group grew to about 18 men and moved to Zoom in late spring 2020,” co-chair Jeff Zakaryan says. “As COVID restrictions eased, the Wizards began to meet again in person monthly and, in response to questions, began offering presentations from outside professional experts on a broadening range of financial, estate and philanthropic topics.”

Today, the meetings average more than 50 attendees, with more than half of them women. The talks help retirees navigate handling finances, particularly as they enter a later stage of life, Zakaryan says.

For instance, attorneys have spoken to the group about estate planning. Other advice covers what to do after the loss of a longtime partner, particularly if that partner was the one who handled finances.

“Most of us will get to this stage of our lives,” Zakaryan says. “We want a peace of mind. We all have challenges that come with aging.”

In addition to the monthly programs, the Wizards meet for an informal open forum talk over coffee on the first Thursday of each month.

San Clemente Historical Society

As a nonprofit driven by volunteers, the San Clemente Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of the beach town.

“We seek to unite all persons who are interested in the historical and cultural aspects of San Clemente in order to foster greater community appreciation and local identity,” member Diana Hardeman says. “We work to present the Society’s views to the appropriate governmental agencies regarding proposed major developments and legislative action affecting our histor-

ical environment.”

The Historical Society was founded in 1973 to curtail the demolition of historic buildings—particularly the Bartow, Rasmussen, and Ole Hanson Jr. mansions.

“Since then, we have expanded our membership and our efforts across a variety of initiatives to preserve and promote the heritage of San Clemente,” Hardeman says. “We just celebrated 50 years of service with a special Golden Anniversary Gala at Casa Romantica in March.”

The Historical Society meets monthly as a group and comprises subcommittees dedicated to different aspects of preservation. Visit sanclementehistoricalsociety.org for more information.

San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

Similar to the town’s slogan, the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society’s motto is “Remembering our past ensures our future.”

The group collects genealogies, biographies, books, photographs, charts, aboriginal relics, and other historic objects.

“They preserve such materials and make them accessible to those who wish to examine or study them,” local preservationist Ann Ronan says. “They operate a museum site on Los Rios Street, where their collection is housed. They welcome you to join as they celebrate their 60th anniversary.”

Volunteers provide tours every week of Los Rios Street and the Historical Society buildings and museum.

“Some work in the archives, filing, digitizing, and cataloging documents and objects,” Ronan says of the work that volunteers perform. “Volunteers are also needed for events—registering guests, selling raffle tickets, preparing and serving food and more.”

tour other historic sites such as the Aliso Viejo Ranch and the Moulton Museum.”

The DPHS also sponsors and maintains the Baby Beach Tile Wall, where people design their own tiles at Fired Up in San Clemente. The tiles are then installed by professional DPHS volunteers. DPHS also leads historical tours of the Lantern District above Dana Point Harbor during the Festival of Whales.

“We encourage young people to be interested in Dana Point’s history,” Johannes says. “We offer two $1,000 scholarships each year to graduating seniors living in the City of Dana Point.”

The DPHS website at danapointhistorical.org has further information on its activities.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens

Kathi Koehler, volunteer services director at Casa Romantica—a historical venue in San Clemente—says it has a “very robust and active” program.

“We maintain about 150 volunteers on our roster, with an average age of 70,” Koehler says. “Some are in their 90s. They are asked to commit to five hours per month.”

Ways that volunteers help include welcoming guests and sharing Casa Romantica’s history while collecting admission fees, maintaining the venue’s gardens, providing tours for groups of eight or more people, or working in the gift shop.

“Anyone wishing to become a volunteer can apply on our website. They will then be contacted by the volunteer director and scheduled for an orientation and training,” Koehler says. “Volunteering at Casa Romantica is a very rewarding experience. Being able to give back to your community while volunteering in a beautiful site is very fulfilling.”

San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library

The SJC Friends of the Library mission is to support the San Juan library by promoting and supporting library programs and enhancing literacy, arts and culture in the community by engaging with the public, Ann Ronan says, wearing a different hat.

“Volunteers are needed to sort and process donated books, maintain the bookstore shelves (by) ensuring they are filled, organized and neat, and working shifts in the bookstore assisting customers and ringing up sales,” Ronan says. “Volunteers also give downtown tours of the city’s unique architecture, including the postmodern library, every Saturday.”

American Legion Post 721

Based in San Juan Capistrano, Post 721—formed in 1946 by World War II veterans—has more than 100 members from San Juan and surrounding communities.

“We feel honored to participate in many of the city’s activities such as the Swallows Day Parade since 1959, Veterans Day, Independence Day celebration and carnival, Memorial Day remembrance, Rotary Club annual Classic Car Show, and Summer Nites Concert Series,” Commander David Berg says. “Please stop by and say hello to us.”

Dana Point Historical Society

Historic artifacts, buildings, and sites that contribute to the visual character of the community and serve as reminders of Dana Point’s colorful past are kept intact through efforts by the Dana Point Historical Society.

“We have encouraged the owners of historic commercial buildings and homes to apply to the City of Dana Point for historic designation,” President Barbara Johannes says. “More recently, the DPHS donated the first significant sum to the Hobie Memorial in Waterman’s Plaza, and our members volunteered in fundraisers for the cause.”

The DPHS maintains a museum at the City Hall Plaza, which people can visit on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. or by appointment.

“We have quarterly program meetings where speakers share their research on local and family history,” Johannes says. “Local residents, as well as those from other communities, have made appointments to research their books on surrounding communities. We sponsor field trips where our members and guests

This past year, Post 721 held ceremonies for several Korean War and WWII veterans, and citizens who support veterans and families of the community.

“Some of the organizations that we provide support to are Homefront America, SJC Little League; (California) Boys and Girls State; Veterans Relief Foundation; San Clemente Military Family Outreach; and Camp Pendleton’s 1st Battalion, 11th Marines,” Berg says.

Post 721 recently formed a Color Guard for flag presentation ceremonies and can play the military song “Taps” upon request. Post 721 also has a flag disposal bin at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, so people can properly dispose of an old American flag.

“We meet on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the senior lounge at the SJC Community Center,” Berg says. The Community Center is at 25925 Camino Del Avion.

Contact Berg at LegionPost721@gmail.com or call 949.633.2341 if you are a veteran, spouse, son or daughter of a veteran, or are related to a veteran and interested in learning more about membership.

American Legion Post 721 member Matt Gaffney walks in the 2023 Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Collin Breaux

A lovely and casual senior living community with hints of mission-style architecture nestled conveniently near historic downtown San Juan Capistrano. Live with us independently or with assistance—we can accommodate our residents at every stage so they can age in place comfortably. In our community, we o er a ordable senior living at its best! Discover the charm of Capistrano Senior Living! Call

How to Age Well in South Orange County

NEW - Now as Low as 55 Yrs. Young can Apply !! No Payments Loan Amounts up to $4,000,000.00

NEW - Your Home is at All All time Highs! 51% Appreciation

Don’t wait and let your value drop!

NEW - The Easiest Loan on the Market NOW! Cash OUT - TAX FREE!!!

NEW - NEW Reverse 2nd Mortgage! KEEP your 3% 1st Mortgage!

NEW - OR, get a NEW HELOC up to 90% of Value or $ 500,000.00 !!!

90% of ALL Reverse Mortgages are FHA ( Government) Loans. Go with someone who has been Funding FHA loans for over 43 Years! Go with someone who is Professional, has been on KFI 640AM as an expert, and who goes out and Personally Meets with All Reverse Clients – One on One!

JAMES W GORDON

Lending since 1979

NIMLS329512 • DRE00517589

Go with EXPERIENCE! Lender since 1979

Licensed Department of Real Estate since 1974 In GOD we (I) Trust

www.MortgageLeagueofAmerica.com

Learn & Have Fun with Free Events at Serra Sol Memory Care!

Our events are tailor-made for those who love someone with any type of dementia.

Power

May 4, 2023 | 5 - 6 p.m.

Featuring Attorney Mark Padilla. We’ll answer your questions about power of attorney, trusts, living wills, estate planning and more.

Location: Tim’s Coffee: 31431 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

A Taste of Italy

May 22, 2023 | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy homemade pasta, wine and tiramisu with Chef Robert of Serra Sol Memory Care. Take a tour, meet our team and register to win prizes.

Location: Serra Sol Memory Care, 31451 Avenida Los Cerritos, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Save your spot, call or text (949) 426-3509 or scan the QR code with your cell phone to RSVP.

By Shawn Raymundo

Here at Picket Fence Media, our editorial team has an average age of about 31 years old, so we understand any hesitancy in trusting anything we write on how to “age well.” With that in mind, we’ve chatted with a handful of successful, older individuals who are truly aging well and can offer their advice for thriving in South Orange County.

ALEX RENTZPERIS, 67, San Clemente

For the past 33 years, Alex Rentzperis has owned and operated the Sports Barber in Dana Point. He had moved to South Orange County in 1980, when he began learning how to cut hair as an apprentice under the stewardship of his uncle.

At 67 years young, Rentzperis lives in San Clemente, near the 12th hole of the Shorecliffs Golf Club, though that doesn’t mean you’ll find him on the links most days.

In fact, Rentzperis is an avid fisherman who enjoys logging some serious hours aboard his 19-foot fishing boat, catching Calico Bass—when he’s not running his local barbershop, of course.

“I’ve averaged over 100 days a year fishing for 27 years,” boasts Rentzperis, who routinely fishes every Sunday and Monday, when the launch is wide open. “It’s my pastime, it’s my hobby, it’s what I like to do.”

Asked how others his age and older can live their best life in South Orange County, Rentzperis says to just get out and enjoy the area’s year-round beautiful weather.

“I suggest getting off the couch, go out for a walk, walk the (Dana Point) Harbor, take a bike ride, play some tennis,” Rentzperis says, adding: “We have the weather that lets us do what we like to all year-round.”

TAMMY LUTZ, 67, Dana Point

At 67 years of age, Tammy Lutz acknowledges that her body and physicality are not the same. Mentally speaking, though, she doesn’t feel 67; rather, she says, “I feel like I’m in my 40s.”

For 40 years, she was a self-proclaimed gym rat, waking up early five days a week to be at the gym, pumping iron and taking spin classes. Things have, unfortunately, slowed down on that front recently.

“Things are just starting to slow down, and my body is betraying me, but my mind hopefully will stay fit,” says an optimistic Lutz, a former nail salon owner who’s now a realtor working with her partner—both romantically and professionally.

She’s hasn’t let her health issues keep her down, though.

“Whatever, I love the beach, I love to travel, I love sunshine,” she says. “If I say anything, I don’t think it’s a good idea to retire; it’s not easy to retire. It’s important to do something. Get up, get out, take walks. Keep living. Find something you do that gives you joy; keep active.”

Giving her advice on how South County

folks can keep aging well, Lutz recognizes the blessing it is to live here.

“It’s paradise. It’s one of the best places to live on the planet,” she says. “Keep moving, stay active, get out, go to the beach, go to a community pool. Stay active and keep moving.”

HEATHER KNOTTS, 70, Dana Point

After a fruitful career in residential lending of 42 years—constantly on a laptop or cellphone “just 24/7, seven days a week”—Heather Knotts was ready to step away after the death of her husband in 2016.

“I finally, finally get to have ‘Heather time,’ ” she jokes before noting that it wasn’t long until she found a new job to keep her busy. “I’m such a livewire that I couldn’t stop working, so I went to work for Trader Joe’s and had a blast with that.”

Most recently, she’s been spending time with her partner, Reuben, a devout gymgoer of 45 years, which has highly motivated Knotts, who starts each of her weekdays exercising at Life Time Rancho San Clemente.

Referring to herself as a purveyor of good times, Knotts notes that she’s not one to sit still for too long, telling her daughter that she would prefer to receive experiences as gifts rather than stuff.

“I just can’t sit still,” she says. “That’s been the nature of me almost all of my life.”

“Last weekend, Reuben and I went on a dolphin excursion, and the next day we went to a beer tasting,” she recalls. “And Reuben built me these beautiful, 3-foot-high corrugated planter boxes on the oceanview side of my home, and we both get out there.”

In her free time, Knotts makes sure she gets her steps in, enjoying walks around the Dana Point Harbor with her two hunting dogs, and greeting the many beautiful people she passes by in the morning.

“On Thursdays, I volunteer at the senior center, and I deliver Meals on Wheels, which I love,” she says. “I love to cook, and I love to have people over to eat, and they love to eat my food, so that all works out really well.”

Knotts, who also meets with her gal pals a couple times a week and spends time spoiling her two grandchildren with fun trips to Sea World, Knott’s Berry Farm and the Santa Ana Zoo, says one of the keys to aging well is to get out of the house.

“Enjoy all that we have around us,” she says. “We’ve got so many lovely places to visit. There’s great museums that are not far away. Beautiful beaches to walk on. There’s just no reason to just sit in your house. There’s people out there who are intriguing. Just start up a conversation. I think I scare people when I’m walking my dogs, because I always greet them.”

Chronic Diseases and Medicare

As people age, they often face an increased risk of developing chronic diseases. In fact, nearly 95% of people over the age of 65 have at least one chronic condition and nearly 80% have two or more. ese conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, can signi cantly impact an individual’s health and well-being and their ability to access and pay for healthcare services. For those who are eligible for Medicare, these chronic diseases can also have a signi cant impact on their coverage and costs.

Chronic diseases can impact coverage and costs in several ways for those who are eligible for Medicare. First, individuals with chronic conditions may require more frequent medical care. is increased demand for healthcare services can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs and higher premiums for Medicare coverage.

Second, individuals with chronic diseases may have di culty accessing certain types of care, such as specialized treatments or procedures. Medicare coverage is designed to be comprehensive, but there are still gaps in coverage for certain services. For example, Medicare does not cover most dental care, which can be a signi cant issue for individuals with chronic conditions that impact their oral health.

ird, chronic diseases can impact an individual’s ability to participate in Medicare Supplement insurance, which are private insurance plans that provide additional coverage beyond traditional Medicare. Medicare Supplement insurance plans typically require individuals to meet speci c health requirements to enroll. Individuals with chronic conditions may not be

Local Knowledge

Good oral hygiene is the foundation for the health of your entire body, particularly as one ages. Lack of attention to oral hygiene by failing to brush twice daily and oss at least once a day, may lead to periodontal disease. Genetics, hormonal changes, medications, smoking, immunosuppression, and diabetes are also risk factors that contribute to the development of periodontal disease. 80% of Americans will be a icted with periodontal disease by age 45, and 4 out of 5 patients with the disease are unaware they have it. Periodontal disease increases with age and 70% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is characterized by the in ammation of gum tissue, presence of disease-causing bacteria and infection below the gum line. Infection and bacteria in the mouth can cause bone loss, tissue recession and even tooth loss. ese infections and bacteria can spread beyond the mouth and lead to disease in other parts of the body.

Treatment may include deep cleanings, LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure), bone regenerative therapy or gum grafting to restore and strengthen tissues that have been damaged.

When should you see a Periodontist?

· Unexplained bleeding while brushing or consuming food

· Bad breath that continues despite thorough cleaning

eligible for these plans or face higher premiums.

Despite these challenges, there are steps that individuals with chronic diseases can take to manage their healthcare costs and access necessary care. For example, individuals with chronic conditions should work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. ey should also explore all available Medicare coverage options, including supplemental plans and Medicare Advantage plans, to determine which plan best meets their needs and budget. ere are many local non-pro t associations that provide resources and education for chronic conditions as well.

The Importance of a Smile

BY DR. HAMILTON LE

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school plus at least three additional years of advanced training and education in a prosthodontic graduate program. ey specialize in treating and handling dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing teeth and jaw structures.

e term “prostho” means replacement and “dentist” means dealing with teeth. Essentially, prosthodontists are THE recognized experts when anything needs to be replaced in your mouth. is can range from a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all teeth and gums in the mouth. While many other dentists can do some of these treatments, prosthodontists are the specialists dedicated to this type of care.

Ronald Stock 714.664.0607 ron@betabene ts.com www.betabene tsmedicare.com

· Loose teeth or gum recession. (Oftentimes, bone loss may be associated with both of these conditions)

· Related systemic health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease or osteoporosis.

Periodontists are highly trained surgeons with three-plus years of training beyond dental school. ey work with your general dentist to improve esthetics and achieve optimum dental health. In addition to the treatment of periodontal disease, periodontists remove non-restorable teeth, replace missing teeth with implants, treat gum recession with grafts and re-contour gums (crown lengthening) to improve the restorations of existing teeth.

Dr. Raymond Wright is the Periodontist at San Clemente Periodontics & Implants. As a highly trained surgeon. Dr. Wright can perform the following Procedures: tooth extractions, crown lengthening, correction of gummy Smiles, gum/bone grafting, LANAP (laser assisted new attachment Procedure), LAPIP to help with failing/ailing implants, sinus lifts, and single tooth to full mouth dental implants. For more information or to schedule an appointment, go to scgums.com or call 949.361.4867 (gums).

Prosthodontists have advanced training in restoring and replacing teeth. Prosthodontists are considered the leaders of the dental treatment plan. ey regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions for your dental needs.

ey construct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth and associated oral structures with permanent xtures, such as implant-supported prostheses, crowns and bridges, or removable xtures such as dentures and removable partial dentures. ese specialists also restore function and aesthetics to traumatic injury victims, and to individuals with diseases or birth defects. Choose a prosthodontist because of their advanced education and training, e ciency, and expertise with advanced technology. Prosthodontists are extensively trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating complex dental conditions and restoring optimum function and esthetics.

Rigorous training and experience give prosthodontists a special understanding of the dynamics of a smile and the preservation of a healthy mouth.

Dr. Hamilton Le is a board certi ed prosthodontist and is part of the San Clemente Periodontics & Implants team located at the mouth of Talega in San Clemente, He is a native of Southern California who attended UC Berkeley for his undergraduate training. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree, he moved to Boston where he attended dental school and a prosthodontics residency at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. As the leading prosthodontist in South Orange County, Dr. Le’s commitment to dentistry and patient care is the foundation for his treatment philosophy, providing you the necessary information to understand your dental needs and concerns. For more information, visit scgums.com or call 949.361.4867.

Senior Pets Offer Companionship for Older Adults

By Breeana Greenberg

For older adults looking to bring a companion pet into their lives, senior pets can be a great match to their lifestyle, offering a mutually beneficial relationship for both the seniors and senior pets.

Senior pets are often overlooked by younger families looking for a more active pet, says Animal Services Supervisor Jennifer Stinett of the Coastal Animal Services Authority, which oversees the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter.

As older pets tend to match the activity levels of their senior adopters, it’s a natural fit, Stinett adds.

Pet Project Foundation Board Chair Stephanie Cocumelli echoed that sentiment, explaining that it’s all about finding the right match between adopter and pet.

“What we’ve seen, what I’ve seen personally at the shelter, is that some of our seniors who are either alone or aren’t super active, they want that companionship, and when we have it here and when you see the match, there’s just such joy,” Cocumelli says.

Pet Project Foundation, a nonprofit, is the rescue partner for the local animal shelter.

“I remember a couple months back, we had an older woman who was assisted by a walker, and her son brought her in, and they wanted to see cats, and she ended up really falling for one of our older cats who was a little bit quieter and just wanted to be held and loved and played with,” Cocumelli recalls.

Cocumelli adds that it was rewarding to see the joy in the older cat as it was adopted and the older woman looking for a new companion.

Through Pet Project Foundation, all the senior animals at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter receive all the care they need from a veterinarian, as the foundation works to decrease the financial burden of adopting an older dog.

“It decreases the burden, but it also creates a comfort level that even though you’re getting an animal that’s been with us on this Earth for a little bit of time, you’re getting one that its health concerns have been met,” Cocumelli says.

For those concerned about their mobility to meet a pet’s needs, such as bending down to clean a litter box, Cocumelli explains that there are lots of

products available to help, and the Pet Project Foundation is happy to make recommendations.

“We can definitely assist with making recommendations that would get them around those hurdles,” Stinett says.

The Laguna Beach-based nonprofit Unconditional works to get senior and special needs dogs adopted. The often-overlooked population is much less likely to get adopted than younger pets, Unconditional co-founder Amy Mack explains.

“My husband and I started Unconditional a few years ago, because we personally had always adopted senior and special needs dogs and saw some statistics that basically showed how big the problem was becoming in our local shelter,” Mack says.

In many shelters, it’s harder for senior and special needs dogs to compete with younger dogs for attention, so the nonprofit partners with shelters to highlight the personalities of older and disabled dogs.

“You’re looking for someone to fit into your lifestyle, and it can be really hard to determine that with the current technology that’s really available to people,” Mack says. “So, we’ve had people come to us and say, ‘Hey, I really want to adopt. I’d love to get a senior; I’m a senior, but I just don’t really know how to find the right dog.’”

“And so, we’ve actually, through a quick interview, consultative process, we’ve been able to talk to them a little bit about what their lifestyle’s like, what kind of dog they’d be looking for, and there’s an abundance of senior dogs out there, so we’ve been able to make some really great matches,” Mack adds.

Mack says that senior dogs are a great match for

various demographics, not just for older adopters. For example, Mack notes that a senior pet might be a great match for a younger professional who doesn’t have time to house-train or handle the energy and exercise requirements of a younger pet.

“We’re trying to broaden people’s minds to the fact that senior dogs are great pets for so many people,” Mack says. “A lot of times, senior dogs are already house-trained or have some level of training.”

There’s often the misnomer that older dogs will be sad or come from a rough background, but Mack emphasizes that dogs are resilient.

“The truth is, they are the happiest dogs ever if given the opportunity,” Mack says. “Having a senior and special needs dog has been just the absolute best. It’s so rewarding; they’re so grateful. They’re happy to be here.”

Stinett adds that older adults in the community would benefit greatly from the companionship of senior pets.

“And for those that can’t adopt, we have a senior reading program now, so every month we have a day set aside, an afternoon for our senior community to sign up to come and read to all of our pets,” Stinett says.

Cocumelli adds that Pet Project Foundation is there to meet the needs of the community and facilitate finding the right match between an adopter and pet.

“When you see the face of the animal and the adopter, there’s no question why it’s a great thing, and we’re here to see that that happens as often as possible,” Cocumelli says.

Future, a senior Mastiff and Labrador Retriever mix, is available for adoption through the Laguna Beach-based nonprofit Unconditional. Photo: Courtesy of Sarah DeRemer

Guest

Dr. James La Jevic D.M.D. is a former full-time professor of prosthetics at the prestigious University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. In 1982 he founded BioMark Dental Implants, the first all-inclusive implant center in the US. Later in 2015 he earned a national award for “Outstanding Lifetime Service” before establishing Correct Choice

Mar (Flower Hill)

CLASSIFIEDS

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE - CAPTAIN’S HILL

NEIGHBORHOOD - APRIL 29

32401 Lookout Ct, San Juan Capistrano. April 29th, 7:30 am to 12 pm. Quality & choice misc. items, loveseat, crystal, frames, tools, clothing, kitchen dining stuff. You name it, we go it

SAN CLEMENTE NEIGHBORHOOD

GARAGE SALE! APRIL 29

Saturday April 29th - 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM.Brisa del Mar, Harbor Ridge, Harbor View, Richmond Pointe and Villagio II neighborhoods in Rancho San Clemente. Follow the Pink Garage Sale Signs up Calle Del Cerro (off Pico). Call Michelle Wilson 949-482-5505 for more information.

| Wellness & Prevention

by Susan Parmelee

Please Talk About Mental Health

In the United States, at least one in five adolescents lives with a mental health condition and less than half receive the support they need. Many young people report that they are afraid to ask for help, their concerns are ignored, or that adults tell them it is “just part of being a teenager.” These reactions show that there is a gap in understanding by adults of the mental health challenges facing young people. Unfortunately, this gap in understanding and a prevailing culture of silence lead to stigma surrounding mental health symptoms and results in fewer young people getting the help and support they need. This leads to more serious mental health diagnoses, crisis situations, and suicide. The team at the Wellness & Prevention Center aims to help both adults and teens get the support they need to have open and honest discussions about the stressors and very real mental health symptoms they experience.

Talking to teenagers is tough; there are many important topics that adults need to discuss with the young people they love. In 2020, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory calling on all of us to protect youth mental health—noting that in 2020, 25% of young people were struggling with

Letter to The Editor

LETTER TO REP. MIKE LEVIN ON CLIMATE CHANGE

JOANNA CLARK, San Juan Capistrano

I am writing to express my opposition to HR-1 (Lower Energy Costs Act), introduced by Steve Scalise (R-LA). If this bill becomes law, it will promote an increase, not decrease, in our reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to climate change, the driving force behind the sixth extinction.

The Republicans and climate deniers are correct when they claim that the Earth’s atmosphere has continually changed throughout its 4.5-billion-year history, cycling through periods of cooling and warming, glacial advance, and retreat. They tend to overlook, however, that these events occurred millions of years before our arrival.

The most recent—and famous—mass

symptoms of clinical depression and 20% with symptoms of anxiety.

haviors; do not minimize their emotions or encourage anyone to “move on”

• Be open to a conversation on the young person’s schedule

Here are some online resources:

• Mental Health First Aid: mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2017/06/5-tips-talking-teenager

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: aacap.org

• Crisis Text Line: 741741

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

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

CITY EDITOR

Collin Breaux • 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS

Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING

Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com

WELLNESS & PREVENTION

BY SUSAN PARMELEE

Talking to the young people in your life about their well-being is crucial to keeping them safe and healthy. Helping the one in five youth and their families learn how to navigate these symptoms of depression and anxiety is key to increasing positive longterm outcomes and healthy adulthoods.

It is important for youth to have safe places to discuss their questions and concerns about their mental well-being.

It is the responsibility of all adults in our community to be prepared to talk about mental health.

Here are some tips for adults about talking with young people:

• Practice talking about mental health with other adults in your life

• Remain curious and open to queries from youth about mental well-being—listen to their questions and ask them what they think

• Listen more than you talk

• Empathize with their feelings and be-

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there will be activities in many communities that support mental health. The Wellness & Prevention Center and the Ocean Institute will hold a Mental Health Town Hall, The TALK, on May 10. Ocean Institute exhibits open at 5:30 p.m., The TALK begins at 6:30 p.m. To register for free tickets, go to bit.y/talktownhall.

Also, Orange County Community Foundation hosts its first annual Mental Health Giving Day on May 17 called Imagining Mental Wellness. Please consider donating to the Wellness & Prevention Center that day or any of the very worthy nonprofits that support the mental wellness of our community.

The Wellness & Prevention Center, is here to help as well. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about supporting healthy teens. CD

Susan Parmelee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and executive director of the Wellness & Prevention Center: wpc-oc.org. She can be reached at susan@wpc-oc.org.

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 Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch .com.

extinction came at the close of the Cretaceous period; it wiped out the dinosaurs, plesiosaurs, mosasaurs, ammonites, and pterosaurs.

The most important thing the deniers ignore is that these events occurred over millions of years, not a few years.

Our species—Homo sapiens—emerged about two hundred thousand years ago, in a section of eastern Africa, more than 65 million years after the last extinction event. More importantly, before our Industrial Revolution, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels averaged about 265 parts per million for almost 6,000 years of human civilization.

Since then, humans have generated an estimated 1.5 trillion tons of CO2 pollution, much of which will continue to warm the atmosphere for thousands of years.

Carbon dioxide levels now exceed the Pliocene climate optimum between 4.1 and 4.5 million years ago, when they were close to 400 ppm. During that time, sea levels were between 5 and 25 meters higher than today, high enough to drown many of the world’s largest cities.

The last ice age ended around 11,700 years

ago, ushering in a new temperate interglacial period—known as the Holocene—and triggering the birth of agriculture and the rise of civilization.

Reliable surface temperature records have been available since around the 1850s.

“The science today is irrefutable: humans are altering our climate in ways that our economy and our infrastructure must adapt to,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “We can see the impacts of climate change around us every day. The relentless increase of carbon dioxide measured at Mauna Loa is a stark reminder that we take urgent, serious steps to become a more climate-ready nation.”

I urge you to vote no on the Lower Energy Costs Act.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY: 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. Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to cbreaux@picketfencemedia. com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. 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.

DISTRIBUTION

Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com

GENERAL MANAGER

Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

CEO/FOUNDER

Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor

Shawn Raymundo

City Editor, Capo Dispatch

Collin Breaux

City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg

City Reporter, SC Times

C. Jayden Smith

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Digital Producer

Evan Lancaster

Columnists

Tom Blake

Special Projects Editor

Andrea PapagianisCamacho

Copy Editor Randy Youngman

ADVERTISING

Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (SC + DP)

Advertising Sales

Debra Wells (CD)

ART + DESIGN

Special Projects Art Director

Jasmine Smith

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

Advertising Design

Marc Hostetter

OPERATIONS

General Manager

Alyssa Garrett

Group Operations & Production Coordinator

Inna Cazares

Local Distribution

Tim Trent FINANCE

Accounting & Finance Manager

Tricia Zines

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

The Capistrano Dispatch, Vol. 21, 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 2023. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE CAPO DISPATCH

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

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday!

Sign up for The Weekender at thecapistranodispatch.com/weekender

FRIDAY | 28

FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

PICK YOUR PROJECT WOOD WORKSHOP

6-9 p.m. Craft your own wood sign, plank tray, or photo frame with this fun DIY workshop. Customize your project with designer paints and non-toxic colors. Participants can register online beforehand. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano. 949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

FRIDAY NIGHT AT SWALLOW’S

9 pm.-1 a.m. Put on your cowboy hat and boots and get ready to enjoy all the Western-style fun at one of San Juan Capistrano’s best-known dive bars and country music spots. Rayford Brothers Band will perform. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

SATURDAY | 29

STRAWBERRY U-PICK

9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Ecology Center is providing a chance to pick fresh berries. While baskets will be provided, participants are also welcome to bring their own. After you finish collecting a har-

Editor’s Pick

SATURDAY | 6 NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH CELEBRATION

11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Cultural Heritage Commission and Docent Society will host a celebration downtown in observance of National Historic Preservation Month. There will be informational tours of the area’s historic adobes and people who lived in them. Los Rios Street and downtown, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

vest, head over to the Farm Stand to pay for what you picked. Cost to attend is $9. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

DÍA DEL NIÑO

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Unidos South OC will host a children’s festival. There will be activities, games, and food sales to benefit local elementary schools. Stone Field Park, 31422 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.326.0320. unidossouthoc.com.

SUNDAY | 30

LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S

6-9 p.m. Listen to some live music and dance, perhaps after enjoying fish and chips and a pint. The James Kelly Band will perform. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE

7 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Country musician Steve Dean will perform. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

MONDAY | 1

BRIDGE GAME

12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday

through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

WEDNESDAY | 3

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE

6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

SATURDAY | 6

SAN CLEMENTE MILITARY FAMILY OUTREACH GARDEN TOUR

11 a.m.-4 p.m. San Clemente Military Family Outreach is hosting a tour of five gardens in South Orange County to raise money for military family assistance. Tickets are $35. 949.388.2812. militaryfamilyoutreach.org.

LIVE THEATER AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE

2 p.m. Watch a live performance of the Agatha Christie murder mystery The Mousetrap at San Juan Capistrano’s local theater. A second showing will happen at 7:30 p.m. Renditions will be held through May 14. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

AT THE MOVIES

Beau Is Too Afraid for Its Own Good

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

We’ve seen how once in a blue moon a major studio will toss a bunch of money to a popular stylistic writer-director with no restrictions. Nearly every time this happens, the movies end up doing only decently with critics and terribly with audiences.

We’ve already gotten a few of these types of movies in the past year, and right after a global lockdown, no less. So, it’s a little bewildering to see the film industry continually struggle in real time.

Unlike Robert Eggers’ The Northman (2022), which was essentially a traditional action/adventure with some flashy direction, or Damien Chazelle’s Babylon (2022)—a movie I generally had problems with, but also featured elements I appreciated—Ari Aster’s new Beau Is Afraid is very hard to simply enjoy from beginning to end.

It’s three full hours of Joaquin Phoenix’s Beau experiencing either an anxiety attack, a nightmare, a paranoid fantasy, or all of the above, while getting bombarded with bad luck and misfortunes.

Patti LuPone and Zoe Lister-Jones play Beau’s overbearing mother during various periods of his life. Nathan Lane and Amy Ryan are a seemingly caring couple with alternate intentions who take in Beau after a serious accident. And Parker Posey appears as “the one who got away” in Beau’s nonexistent love life.

There’s no doubt that Aster is a visionary artist. Even with the polarizing, pessimistic nature of Beau Is Afraid, we get some striking direction, editing and cinematography, just as we did with his horror hits Midsommar (2019) and Hereditary (2018).

The thing is, those two movies felt as if they utilized their genre a lot more naturally than Beau does. I’m not even sure what Beau wants to be. It’s technically a surreal, dark comedy with fantasy elements, but it’s not grounded enough for anything to pay off realistically or metaphorically.

The cast is solid and filled with talent, but the characters are insufferable. The lengthy runtime makes Beau Is Afraid feel extra tedious.

Obviously, we wouldn’t have entertainment without an artist’s vision. But in this case, throwing three harsh hours of self-indulgence and no reason to care or root for any of the characters into major theaters, really isn’t the best release strategy.

And for the record, I still think the script’s working title of Disappointment Blvd. sounds much better than the official Beau Is Afraid

Learn about the history of the Montanez Adobe and San Juan Capistrano’s other adobes during docent-led tours on May 6 around Los Rios Street and Downtown San Juan. Photo: File/Allison Jarrell

Queen Nation

BY COLLIN BREAUX , THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

“We Will Rock You.”

Practically everyone knows those lyrics to the famous Queen song. Come May 12, fans will get to sing along when tribute act Queen Nation takes the stage at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.

Based on the West Coast, the cover band is a regular at the South Orange County venue. Guitarist Mike McManus said they’ve played to sold-out shows there in the past.

Given some of the other names who’ve played The Coach House, including Kenny Loggins and Hall & Oates, such a turnout is “moving” for the band members, McManus said.

While Queen Nation plays bigger venues, including the City National Grove of Anaheim and Angel Stadium of Anaheim, they enjoy more intimate settings that serve several hundred people such as The Coach House, McManus said. Having people sing along right near the band was likened to a “homecoming” by McManus.

“The staff there is great,” he said.

The May date is a “perfect time” to squeeze in a San Juan stop into their spring schedule, he said.

Queen Nation plays all the big Queen hits that audiences love, as well as performs lesser-known B-sides. The tribute act came together years ago when their agent heard about a venue owner who wanted a Queen cover band to perform.

The members of Queen Nation had their first rehearsal after feelers were put out and felt portraying the iconic arena rock act could either be a good decision or go south.

SHOW DETAILS

What: Queen Nation

When: Friday, May 12. Doors open at 6 p.m.; concert starts at 8 p.m.

Where: 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano

For tickets or more info: thecoachhouse.com. Tickets are $35.

that audience has expanded to include fans born after Queen’s heyday.

The biopic Bohemian Rhapsody provided an additional boost.

Get ready to sing “We

Considering Queen Nation is celebrating its 19th anniversary this year, one could argue they made a good decision.

“That’s twice as long as The Beatles were around,” McManus said of their longevity.

Queen Nation’s target audience when they started out included people who saw Queen live. Now that time has passed, and younger fans have discovered Queen and other classic rock acts,

“Queen’s music is very uplifting,” McManus said. “It’s very communal. ‘We Are the Champions.’ ‘We Will Rock You.’ It’s songs to sing while you put your arm around your best friend.”

McManus also called Queen’s repertoire “timeless” and one that can motivate families to drive down from Northern California to see renditions performed by Queen Nation.

“We just want to thank everyone who’s been coming to support us at The Coach House,” he said.

Are the Champions” and other Queen songs when tribute act Queen Nation plays The Coach House on May 12. Photo: Courtesy of Queen Nation

THE COACH HOUSE

TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930

4/29 CREAM OF CLAPTON

4/30 STEVE DEAN / JAMES KELLY BAND

5/2 BETH HART

5/3 MORGAN JAMES

5/4 SERGIO MENDES

5/5 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS

5/6 MISSING PERSONS / STACEY Q

5/7 METALACHI

5/11 BLOOD BROTHERS feat. Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia

5/12 QUEEN NATION (Queen TribuTe)

5/13 THE ENGLISH BEAT

5/14 HALEY REINHART

5/19 JOHN CAFFERTY

& The BEAVER BROWN BAND

5/20 HEARTBEAT CITY (The Cars TribuTe)

5/21 LET’S HANG ON! (Frankie Valli & The Four seasons TribuTe)

5/26 BANG TANGO

5/27 BLINK 180TRUE & NIRVANISH (blink 182 & nirVana TribuTes)

5/28 BOBBY GRAY

6/1 TOAD THE WET SPROCKET

6/2 THE RISING (bruCe springsTeen TribuTe)

6/3 JUDY COLLINS

6/4 THE MOTHER HIPS

6/7 THE OUTLAWS

6/8 BLACK SABBITCH (all Female blaCk sabbaTh TribuTe)

6/9 AL Di MEOLA

6/10 SHAWN COLVIN

6/11 THE RAT PACK 6/16 AL JARDINE and his endless summer band

AMBROSIA

YYNOT (rush TribuTe)

6/30 THE SWEET

7/1 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES

SHINE ON – pink Floyd experienCe

TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK (TribuTe FeaT. mark Verabian)

THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND

CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE:

7/28 SPACE ODDITY (daVid bowie TribuTe)

GUEST OPINION | On Life

and Love After 50 by

Tom Blake

Senior Online Dating: When Is the Proper Time to Try It?

Afew days ago, Gloria emailed, “I’m 70. I lost my partner of 11 years on Jan. 12, 2023. I realize that you lost Greta in October. I know you have joined two online dating sites. I need your advice. Is it too early for me to start online dating? Please comment on your senior online dating experience.”

I replied to Gloria. “Two months ago, I was in my Dana Point home on a Saturday night, feeling empty, lost, and missing Greta terribly. Loneliness is awful. I thought, I cannot continue feeling like this. I need hope. I need a woman to talk to. And maybe even a hug. Yes, I’ve met a few nice women, but there has not been a relationship connection.

“So, I took a deep breath and joined match.com, and another site called Zoosk, which a friend had recommended to me. After seeing the first few profiles and faces of potential mates, I felt new hope in my life.

“Since then, I’ve learned a lot about senior online dating. I’ve learned through my own experience that there are scammers on all sites. The most important thing: What one views in a profile may not be what you see when you meet in person. Pictures are often outdated, perhaps taken years ago. People may not be as available as they claim they are.

“Women 20-years-younger have raved at my profile. I’d feel amazed. And then, at some point, their true motivation revealed itself. Some might have had their

eyes on my modest assets, not on me.

“Have I had online dating success? Let’s just say I’m a work in progress— navigating a road I never envisioned I’d be on.

ON LIFE AND LOVE

BY TOM BLAKE

“So, Gloria, when is it time for you to try online dating? Probably when you decide like I did that you need to be more assertive in meeting potential mates. A senior must decide whether online dating is right for them, and the timing is strictly up to each person. There is no right or wrong answer.”

Also, this week, I received an email from Jane. She wrote, “I’ve been reading your articles and newsletters for a long time. I even came to one of your singles nights at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point many years ago.

“I have not done any online dating for 15 years. But I’m ready to put that toe in the water again.”

I asked Jane why.

“I’ve had many adversities in the last few years. So, now, I am trying to make a new life. I love the thought of a companion. But the difference is that now I feel worthy of a relationship. I feel I have a lot to give. However, it must be the right person. What that means is someone I’m attracted to. Someone I can laugh with and who is caring and kind.

“I don’t feel desperate. I have a very

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo depicts Filomena Rios in San Juan Capistrano in 1909.

Every issue, The Capistrano Dispatch will publish a historical photo. To submit your historical photo for consideration, provide information about the photo along with your name, date, location and a small description to cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com

full life. If I find that certain someone, it will be the icing on the cake. So, here is to living life at its fullest and remaining grateful for my blessings. I’m going back online to meet new people. I’m ready.”

So, there you have it. When is the right time for senior singles to start dating again? Today, Gloria said she is contemplating dating online four months after losing her mate of 11 years. The other woman, Jane, hasn’t done any online dating for 15 years, but she’s beginning to try it. Who’s right? They both are.

CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

THE

This pretty girl is Luanne, a 1-year-old pup ready for a new start. Full of happy energy, Luanne is a fun dog with the potential to make a great jogging or hiking buddy. She gets along with other dogs and would thrive in an active household. Could Luanne be the one for you?

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

BY MYLES MELLOR SOLUTION:

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

Senior singles must follow their hearts, but they need to do it wisely and trust their instincts. CD

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com.

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 Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com.

Photo:Courtesy of Harley Lobo

Sudoku

SAN JUAN PREPS ROUNDUP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

For in-game updates, news and more for all the San Juan Capistrano high school sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports and on Instagram @South_OC_Sports

Boys Indoor, Girls Beach Volleyball Playoffs Open

It’s a busy season above the nets in San Juan Capistrano with two boys indoor volleyball teams and three girls beach volleyball teams taking to the court in the first round of the CIF-SS Playoffs on Thursday, April 27.

Results for Thursday’s matches were not available at press time. The second round of both the boys indoor and girls beach volleyball playoffs is Saturday, April 29.

On the boys side, reigning CIF-SS Division 4 champion St. Margaret’s is the No. 1 seed in Division 3, as the Tartans (26-5) hosted wild card-winner Downey on Thursday. If the Orange Coast League champion Tartans advanced, they would travel to either Garden Grove league champion Bolsa Grande or Pacifica Christian of Orange County for the second round.

Capistrano Valley Christian, which was the runner-up to St. Margaret’s in last season’s Division 4 Final, has been pulled up to Division 2, where the Eagles (13-9) were on the road at No. 2 seed Servite on Thursday. If CVC advanced, the Eagles would host either Long Beach Millikan or Santiago of Corona in the second round. For girls beach volleyball, this is the first-ever CIF-SS playoffs for the sport, which is just in its second year of CIF-SS administration.

JSerra is the No. 3 seed in Division 1 after winning the Trinity League this season. The Lions (14-1) hosted Ventura in the first round on Thursday. If JSerra advanced, the Lions would travel to either Notre Dame Academy or Palos Verdes in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, May 2.

Both St. Margaret’s and Capistrano Valley Christian are seeded in Division 2. The Orange Coast League champion Tartans are the No. 2 seed, and the San Joaquin League champion Eagles are the No. 3 seed.

St. Margaret’s (8-1) hosted wild

card-winner Bishop Amat in the first round at Huntington Beach, and if the Tartans advanced, they would travel to either Tri-Valley League champion Foothill Tech of Ventura or Oak Park in the second round.

Capistrano Valley Christian (12-1) hosted wild card-winner El Segundo in the first round at Corona del Mar State Beach, and if the Eagles advanced, they would either host Schurr of Montebello or travel to El Dorado of Placentia in the second round.

San Juan Hills also qualified for the CIF-SS playoffs as the third-place team out of the South Coast League, but the Stallions fell in the wild card round on Tuesday, April 25, at Palos Verdes.

JSerra Baseball Plays for Automatic Playoff Berth on Final Day

The defending CIF-SS Division 1 champion JSerra baseball team left its CIF-SS playoff fate up to the final day of the regular season, as the Lions travelled to take on Orange Lutheran at Hart Park in Orange on Thursday, April 27.

JSerra, Orange Lutheran and Mater Dei all entered the final week of the regular season tied in the Trinity League standings holding onto the second, third and fourth positions. With Santa Margarita already clinching the league title, that left two unclaimed playoff spots to be fought over by the three eligible teams.

Mater Dei split the first two games of its three-game set with rival Servite. Orange Lutheran landed the first blow against JSerra, 5-3, on Monday, April 24, at Hart Park, but JSerra responded at home, 7-3, on Wednesday, April 26.

That left JSerra, Orange Lutheran and Mater Dei once again tied in the league standings, making Thursday’s finale between JSerra and Orange Lutheran a de facto playoff game for one of last automatic playoff spots. However, there were other permutations based on a Mater Dei loss.

While one of the three teams will be left applying for an at-large selection to the CIF-SS playoffs, it’s likely they would still qualify. JSerra is ranked No. 4 in Division 1, Orange Lutheran is No. 8 in Division 1 and Mater Dei is No. 5 in Division 2.

CIF-SS playoff brackets for baseball will

be released on Monday, May 1, at 10 a.m. San Juan Hills and St. Margaret’s were in similar situations to JSerra entering the week, but both the Stallions and Tartans lost their opening games to fall out of CIF-SS playoff contention. Neither team is eligible for an at-large selection with a losing record.

CVC Baseball Coach Clemente Bonilla Earns 300th Win

It’s been a nearly unparalleled run of regular season success for the Capistrano Valley Christian baseball team that hit a milestone for the Eagles’ head coach last week.

With CVC’s 4-1 win over Tesoro on April 19, Eagles head coach Clemente Bonilla earned his 300th career win, all at the helm of the Capistrano Valley Christian baseball program.

Bonilla began coaching at CVC in 2007, and his Eagles have won 12 consecutive league championships.

Capistrano Valley Christian will aim for a 13th straight league title in a new format with the San Joaquin League Tournament on Thursday and Friday, April 27 and 28. Because of their run of league dominance, the Eagles have not played a league game all season and will face their first San Joaquin League competition in this mini-tournament.

CVC (18-10) will compete in the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs where the Eagles will look for their first CIF-SS championship since 2014.

CIF-SS Rankings

Several San Juan Capistrano teams were ranked in the second to last CIF-SS rankings of the season, as teams prepare for the CIF-SS playoffs next week.

In softball, JSerra is the lone ranked city team at No. 8 in Division 2.

In boys tennis, JSerra is ranked No. 2 in Division 2, and St. Margaret’s is ranked No. 6 in Division 3.

St. Margaret’s is ranked No. 4 in Division 1 boys lacrosse and No. 6 in Division 1 girls lacrosse.

CIF-SS Playoff Brackets

The spring sports playoffs in CIF-SS will open in earnest next week with the rest of the team sports brackets being released over the weekend.

On Saturday, April 29, softball brackets will go out at 10 a.m., and the boys and girls lacrosse brackets will go live at 11 a.m. On Monday, May 1, in addition to baseball being released at 10 a.m., the boys tennis bracket will be published at 11 a.m.

St. Margaret’s boys volleyball and senior setter Shane Aitken (pictured) are the No. 1 seed in CIF-SS Division 3 after winning the Division 4 championship last season. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

MemorialCare’s Heart & Vascular Institute Providing Modern Cardiac Care in Orange County

By: Paul Drury,

Understandably, it’s scary when you find out you have a serious heart condition but with the next generation of technology in cardiac procedures, the process is far less daunting for patients than it was years ago.

The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Saddleback Medical Center is one of the leading hospitals in the country with physicians specializing in advanced, minimally invasive heart and vascular procedures. Its renowned cardiac specialists utilize innovative techniques that allow patients to benefit from fewer complications, less scarring, greater comfort, and faster recoveries.

Selecting specialists to treat your heart and vascular disease or condition is an important decision to make. Some of the most advanced yet minimally invasive heart procedures o ered by the team of dedicated specialists at Saddleback include:

Catheter ablation with mapping – Catheter ablation is a non-surgical technique used to pinpoint and interrupt specific abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). State-of-the-art mapping is also used to generate 3-D images of the heart’s chambers locating the area causing the arrhythmia. These techniques provide patients with less time under anesthesia, quicker recovery and less risk.

The WATCHMAN™ – The first of its kind alternative treatment for AFib. The WATCHMAN device is used to reduce stroke risk without the need for medication. Over time, heart tissue grows over the device, and becomes a permanent part of the body. The only option for patients prior to the WATCHMAN implant was open heart surgery. Saddleback is one of the largest volume performers of WATCHMAN implantations in Orange County.

Leadless pacemakers – Leads are electrical wires insulated with silicon or polyurethane which connect a pacemaker or defibrillator to the heart chambers. Leadless pacemakers are inserted into a vein in the leg and then moved up into the heart. For reference, they are half of the size of a AAA battery with no scarring or visible lump on the chest typical of a traditional pacemaker. Patients benefit from the convenience of a same day procedure or one day hospital stay at most.

Patients with severe heart conditions are often hesitant to seek care and live with severe symptoms which could possibly lead to a stroke. The latest advancements in cardiac procedures have allowed us to help a new spectrum of patients.

Our team performs hundreds of these innovative procedures a year and can greatly improve a person’s quality of life and reduce future complications. Today, patients have far more options available to them that are less invasive and have a high success rate. We are proud to be helping and improving the lives of residents in Southern California.

Interested to learn more? Visit MemorialCare.org/heart.

associate medical director of electrophysiology at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Saddleback Medical Center