April 15, 2022

APRIL 15-21, 2022 | VOLUME 15, ISSUE 15

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

INSIDE: Special Section

U S E

Right on Track

Serra Siding Rail Project Entering New Phase with Upcoming Release of Environmental Impact Report E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3 The Serra Siding Project that proposes to extend 1.2 miles of a parallel railroad track in Dana Point so trains can pass each other is set to enter a new phase. Photo: Jacqueline Garrett

danapointtimes.com

Ohana Music Festival Announces 2022 Lineup

United Way Launches Financial Literacy Program at R.H. Dana

Two DHHS Grads Make MLB Opening-Day Rosters

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

EYE ON DP/PAGE 7

SPORTS/PAGE 28

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Page 2

danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Serra Siding Rail Project Entering New Phase with Upcoming Release of Environmental Impact Report

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The public will soon have an opportunity to weigh in on Metrolink’s proposed plan to extend a parallel railroad track along Capistrano Beach, as the agency is anticipated to release its Draft Environmental Impact Report for a 60-day comment period.

Referred to as the Serra Siding Project, the plan proposes to extend 1.2 miles of the siding track that runs parallel to the main track in Dana Point from Victoria Boulevard to Beach Road so trains could pass each other.

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) expects the project to increase the safety, reliability and efficiency of train service.

OCTA Communications Specialist Eric Carpenter explained that the project aims to address train bottlenecks and delays that occur within the 9.3-mile, single-track segment between Dana Point and San Clemente.

“South Orange County residents would indirectly benefit from improved air quality and reduced traffic conges-

tion, as Metrolink strives to attract more riders and meet state and regional environmental goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Carpenter wrote in an email. “A siding track will improve operational performance and enable regular services, making it more desirable for people to use the train rather than drive, now and into the future.”

The project also seeks to replace the 94-year-old railroad bridge that crosses Coast Highway, add fencing along Coast Highway and construct retaining walls.

The project’s estimated cost is approximately $50 million based on the preliminary design. Carpenter explained that about 70% of the project cost is related to the replacement of the Coast Highway bridge.

Carpenter said that Metrolink plans to coordinate with the construction contractor to avoid or minimize any disruptions to train service.

Metrolink and OCTA have said they plan to work with nearby businesses in advance of and during construction to minimize the impact of construction noise, dust and traffic. The construction is estimated to take two years.

“As with any construction project, residents near the project and visitors to the area may experience temporary construction impacts,” Carpenter said. “These impacts may include some noise, dust, and additional traffic. These areas are being studied in the Draft Environmental Impact Report, and mitigation measures to lessen those impacts as much as possible will be identified where appropriate.”

The Serra Siding Project proposes to extend 1.2 miles of a parallel railroad track in Dana Point from Victoria Boulevard to Beach Road, allowing trains to pass each other. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Ahead of an April 2021 Dana Point City Council Meeting, local businesses and residents submitted letters in opposition to the project; however, a public hearing wasn’t held until a subsequent council meeting in July of last year.

In a letter to Metrolink and OCTA, retired Chief of the Los Angeles County Lifeguards Mike Frazer wrote about his experience with extreme coastal storms damaging piers and nearby facilities and infrastructure. He said that the project is destined to be damaged by future storms.

“It makes no sense to be spending $50 million adding infrastructure to an area that continues to experience severe erosion, while at the same time, your agencies are contemplating budgets in the billions (of dollars) to relocate coastal tracks several miles south,” Frazer said in the April 2021 letter.

OCTA last year had extended a Notice of Preparation to the end of July to conduct more public outreach in Dana Point.

City Council heard a presentation on the project at its July 20, 2021 meeting.

At the time, Dana Point residents spoke in opposition of the project, citing concerns with coastal erosion at Capistrano Beach, noise and debris impacting visitors, hotels and businesses, as well as construction impacting views.

The Draft Environmental Impact Report will study the potential impacts and concerns raised by residents and business owners, Carpenter said.

“OCTA has heard some of these concerns from residents about construction impacts. It’s important that we do hear from them during this phase of planning,” Carpenter wrote in an email.“Those potential impacts and how they could best be mitigated are being studied as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Report and will be discussed more thoroughly when that report is completed.”

The Draft Environmental Impact Report is scheduled to be available for public review in late May or early June.

The public review period will begin once the report is released to the public and will last for 60 days.

Ohana Announces 2022 Lineup for Annual Music Festival

Along with Nicks, Friday’s lineup of artists and bands includes Gang of Youths, The Revivalists, Khruangbin and Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes.

Before Vedder and White take the stage on Saturday, Billy Strings, Manchester Orchestra, Curtis Harding, and others will perform.

And St. Vincent, Dermot Kennedy, Group Love and Broken Social Scene, among others, will round out the rest of Sunday’s lineup before Pink closes out the festival.

Tickets are now on sale for the general public at the Ohana Festival website, ohanafest.com.

Those looking to attend the festival can choose between single-day and weekend general admission passes, as well as VIP admission passes.

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Rock and roll royalty is coming to Dana Point at the end of the summer, as Stevie Nicks is set to headline the opening night of Eddie Vedder’s annual Ohana Musical Festival at Doheny State Park.

The three-day Ohana Festival will make its return to Dana Point from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. Vedder, the festival’s founder and Pearl Jam frontman, will headline the Saturday, Oct. 1, lineup along with Jack White, while Pink takes on headlining duties for Sunday night.

This year’s Ohana Music Festival at Doheny State Park, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, will feature such headliners as Stevie Nicks, Jack White and Pink, as well as festival founder Eddie Vedder. Photo: File/Allison Jarrell

Dana Point Times April15-21, 2022

Page 3

danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS NEXT DOOR:

San Clemente Council Backs Pending Legislation, Pushes Back on Bicycle Omnibus Bill

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

Letters of support for all but one of a few staff-recommended pieces of pending state legislation were approved by the San Clemente City Council last week.

Each of the supported measures, the council found, aligns with the city’s overall direction, as well as with General Plan policies that support safe connectivity between the community and city’s coastal and hillside outdoor spaces, the promotion of safety awareness for all parties involved in traffic, and the preservation of the surfing heritage and culture within San Clemente.

As part of the council’s vote, city staff was directed to send the letters of support to Assembly Appropriations Committee Chair Chris Holden and California State Assemblymember Janet Nguyen.

Among the measures that the council backed was Assembly Bill 1946, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath’s legislation that would direct California Highway Patrol to develop statewide safety standards and training programs pertaining to electric bicycles.

Both of the Assembly’s committees on Transportation and Appropriations unanimously approved AB 1946, sending the bill to the consent calendar on April 7.

Another measure, Assembly Bill 2177, would establish a path to designate an area of the coastline as a state surfing reserve, while Assembly Concurrent Resolution 116 would recognize Sept. 20 as California Surfing Day. Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’s AB 2177 remains within the Committee on Appropriations, and ACR 116 has sat in the Committee on Rules since January.

Crucially, one bill making its way through the Assembly did not receive the council’s stamp of approval at its

At its April 5 meeting, San Clemente City Council approved letters of support to be sent to Sacramento for bills concerning e-bike safety and surfing, leaving out one controversial measure related to a municipality’s authority to govern e-bikes. Photo: Jacqueline Garrett

the authority to establish local laws prohibiting any class of electric bicycles on equestrian trails and hiking and recreation trails.

Based on an apparent lack of outreach from Friedman’s office regarding the bill, Councilmember Kathy Ward agreed that speaking with Apreya would be a more direct method.

Additionally, a public speaker voiced her concern with the lack of shared responsibility between motor vehicles and e-bike riders to keep a safe distance on the road and the restriction of local control.

As the bill stood on Wednesday, April 13, motor vehicles would be required to move into another lane, if available, when passing an e-bike and any overtaking would occur at a distance no less than 3 feet between the two modes of transportation.

City Manager Erik Sund said last week that after Apreya discusses the council’s opinion with Friedman, he will meet with councilmembers to review his findings.

April 5 meeting: Assembly Bill 1909, Assemblymember Laura Friedman’s legislation concerning municipalities’ authority to govern e-bike usage.

Jennifer Savage, assistant to the city manager, said the oft-revised bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations and contains provisions that have troubled Republican assemblymembers, such as barring cities from licensing the e-bikes. “(Just off that) alone, I can’t support it,” replied Mayor Gene James. “From my perspective, I think we wait until this goes to the floor of the General Assembly and see what that final bill looks like.”

The councilmembers discussed how to best communicate their issues with the city’s representatives in Sacramento, with Mayor Pro Tem Chris Duncan suggesting they speak with Mark Apreya, San Clemente’s contracted legislative consultant, to determine the next step regarding AB 1909.

According to the latest version of the bill, if enacted, cities would have

zation’s partnership with CASA to provide every animal in its care a warm bed, veterinary care, food and daily exercise and socialization until a permanent home can be found.

Those interested in participating in the Zoom call can email dptcivic@gmail.com for the link. The meeting will be recorded, and a link will be available on the Dana Point Civic Association’s Facebook page.

Coffee Chat to Host Local Animal Shelter

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The Dana Point Civic Association will host Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA) and Pet Project Foundation at its virtual coffee chat on Friday, April 15, at 8:30 a.m.

CASA Operations Manager Jen Stinett will discuss the local animal shelter’s Dana Point Times April15-21, 2022

“progressive and innovative approach to animal welfare.” The San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter has rescued local lost and abandoned animals for nearly 40 years.

Pet Project Foundation Chair Vickie McMurchie will speak on the organiPage 4

COMMUNITY MEETINGS TUESDAY, APRIL 19

Dana Point City Council Meeting 6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council will hold a regular meeting. Dana Point Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

VA Disabled Claims Clinic 2-4 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 9934 will sponsor a Veterans Affairs Disability Claims Clinic at the Dana Point Community Center the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Veterans can walk in and meet with a VFW Service Officer and receive information on how to file a claim for service-related medical issues.

Attendees should wear a face covering in order to comply with CALOSHA policies. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Page 5

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Page 6

danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Employees, Student File Lawsuit Challenging Community College Districts’ Vaccine Requirements

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Opposition to COVID-19 vaccines for school campuses and workplaces continues—and, this time, it is going to the courts.

Community college employees in San Diego County and South Orange County, in conjunction with one student, have filed a lawsuit to stop the college districts’ requirement that they be vaccinated to attend classes and work on campus.

The 416-page complaint, filed in federal court on April 1, alleges that the vaccination requirements set by the community college districts of South Orange County, Grossmont-Cuyamaca and San Diego are unconstitutional and discriminatory to those who do not want to get the shot.

Michele Clock, a spokesperson for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, said on Monday, April 11, that the district isn’t able to comment on pending litigation.

As of press time, representatives from the other two districts had not responded to requests seeking comment.

Jess Perez, an administrative assistant in the athletics program at Saddleback College, is one of the seven plaintiffs.

Perez, who has worked at Saddleback College for more than 20 years, said he refuses to get the shot because of his deeply held beliefs as a born-again Christian.

He has not received a vaccine of any kind for the past 20 years, including flu shots.

“The word of God says we are to take care of our bodies because we believe He resides in our bodies,” Perez said in a

phone interview on April 7. “I don’t want to defile the temple that God lives in. He created all individuals to be free.”

The South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees voted last year to require vaccinations for employees and students, starting in January. However, exemptions were allowed, which Perez applied for and was granted.

He has to regularly get tested twice a week for COVID-19, which he feels is discriminatory because vaccinated people do not have to undergo regular testing.

“I absolutely hate it when people abuse authority, and become a bully with that authority,” Perez said.

Perez further addressed his opposition to vaccine requirements during a press conference the California Constitutional Rights Foundation held regarding the lawsuit on Monday morning. The COVID-19 vaccine was not a condition of his employment when he was hired, he said Monday.

“I’ve done my job faithfully,” Perez said at the press conference.

Other plaintiffs are from the Grossmont-Cuyamaca and San Diego Community College Districts.

“After 18 years of working for Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, I was forced to use my vacation pay, then go on unpaid leave because I refuse to be vaccinated due to my sincerely held religious beliefs,” plaintiff Patricia Sparks said in a news release.

“I am facing financial hardship and stress, but what is worse, the District

Community college students and employees from regional school districts including South Orange County are taking legal action in an attempt to overturn COVID-19 vaccine requirements. Photo: Courtesy of Gustavo Fring/Pexels

OC United Way Launches Permanent Financial Literacy Program at R.H. Dana

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

A financial literacy pilot program to teach families at R.H. Dana Elementary School about personal financial management and budgeting has been deemed a success and will now be offered on a permanent basis, Orange County United Way announced last week.

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when many service industry workers were impacted the most, OC United Way launched the pilot program through a partnership with the City of Dana Point and the Capistrano Unified School District in 2021 with the intention of helping 100 South Orange County families.

“We knew that there was need across the county, and we do a lot of programming across all of Orange County, but there hadn’t been a financial wellness program like this in South County,” OrDana Point Times April15-21, 2022

ange County United Way President and CEO Sue Parks said.

“We were excited because of the great team at the City of Dana Point, the Capistrano (Unified) School District, the principal, Kristen Nelson at R.H. Dana,” she added.“It’s just been a perfect spot to make that Hub.” Over the past year, the nonprofit met its goal. Of the 100 families that took part in the program, 28 of them were connected to local services to keep the support coming after they completed the program, and 54 families were loaned laptops so that they had a way to manage their budgets.

“It was really, really a gratifying program.

What’s been very cool is that people are referring their friends and their families,” Parks said.“So, we decided this was a fullblown program, the pilot was so successful, Page 7

tossed my years of dedication and love for Grossmont College for nothing more than a refusal to be injected with a drug that does not stop infection, nor does it stop the transmission,” she continued in the release.

The consensus of medical experts is that the vaccine is safe, helps prevent widespread transmission of COVID-19, and has undergone rigorous and careful development.

In addition to seeking a stop to vaccine and testing requirements, the lawsuit is also intended to put a halt to masking mandates, according to a legal brief.

The employees and a student filing the lawsuit contend their college districts conducted pandemic policies “without any reasonable belief that plaintiffs had symptoms, had contracted COVID-19, or had been in close contact with a person known to be infected with COVID-19,” the court filing said.

Perez said whether to get vaccinated should be a personal matter, and not forced on people by employers or the government.

“I really just believe it is everyone’s individual choice to be vaccinated or not vaccinated,” Perez said.

A court hearing date has not yet been set for the lawsuit.

Opposition to vaccination requirements and pandemic protocols has frequently popped up in South Orange County and elsewhere throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including as it applies to school campuses and students.

Under a California bill recently proposed

by State Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), the COVID-19 vaccine could be added to the list of immunizations that students are required to have for school. That bill, though, has not moved forward since being referred to the State Senate’s Health and Education committees in February.

so we started off this year with the first cohort (group). (The program) runs quarterly, and that first cohort filled up very quickly.”

The literacy pilot program at R.H. Dana is part of OC United Way’s larger SparkPoint OC financial empowerment program, which started in 2012, and is meant to help Orange County families gain financial independence by offering financial education and one-on-one coaching.

The first group of families to participate in the local program started in early January and ran through mid-March.

The second cohort runs from late March to mid-June, and the next group will run from mid-June to August.

United Way aims to have 25 people per cohort, but no more than 30.

The program is open to families with children at R.H. Dana Elementary or Palisades Elementary Schools and families who live within South Orange County.

Families within the program earn an average income of a little more than $30,000 a year. The financial literacy program

requires access to a computer and internet connection, but a limited number of laptops will be available for loan.

Families in the program receive a coach with whom they are able to meet, one-on-one. At the start of the quarter, families will set up a schedule with their coach and take an assessment to ensure that the program is helping the family work toward their goals based on their needs. Families will also have access to a series of educational workshops.

“It’s a really wonderful opportunity for all of us that are part of South County to come together and help families,” Parks said.“It’s a pleasure to work with the school, the City of Dana Point, Capistrano School District, and so many other caring individuals. We’re just thankful for all the support.”

For those interested in learning more about the financial literacy program, an information session will be held on June 7 from 11-11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Marcela Ticas at marcelat@ unitedwayoc.org or call 949.263.6178. danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | Health & Nutrition 101 by Gina Cousineau

Nutrition Chaos I

love to hike, so I want to take this opportunity to introduce you to free docent-led hikes for all fitness levels with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy group at letsgooutside.org.

While there are awesome trail systems right here in our own backyard, I love the opportunity to meet new people and explore trails that I never knew existed in my 37 years of living and hiking here.

During these hikes, it is bound to come up that I am a culinary nutritionist, with a focus on preventing disease, and so the questions commence.

HEALTH AND I happen to love NUTRITION 101 talking all things

BY GINA COUSINEAU food and fitness, so I welcome these conversations.

I begin these encounters by listening very carefully to the questions/statements shared with me. Then I thoughtfully decide what my next move will be, swaying between comments such as these: Where did you hear that? What are your goals? Or why would you consider that?

At the top of the list of comments I hear are “What do you think of the keto

Letter to The Editor SAN CLEMENTE HOSPITAL AND MEMORIALCARE DANIEL SOUZA, San Clemente The article regarding the latest development of MemorialCare and our closed hospital in San Clemente since 2016 has me scratching my head.

Let me make sure I got this right. Memorial closed our hospital in San Clemente because they wanted to transform the property into an upscale urgent care, physician offices, imaging center, etc. They are a nonprofit health group, and they were not making enough money.

The City of San Clemente and its citizens Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

diet” for most of their adult lives. When I ask about their success, they always state “the diet worked until I went off it.”

(Deep sigh from Mama G.) With the influx of social media and access to the internet, opinions abound in the multibillion-dollar nutrition and health industry, so we must be very careful with whom we allow to influence us.

While bullying and brainwashing have existed from the beginning of mankind, the concept of “gaslighting”—making people question the validity of their own thoughts—is alive and viciously present today.

My hope with my readers is to empower them with health and wellness information that is “reasonable”; consider goals when it comes to health; understand that a decrease in weight of only 5-10% can remarkably improve your health, but that it doesn’t have to come with a punitive and restrictive diet approach; move toward more wholesome food choices; gather in the kitchen to cook and eat meals together; and get outside and enjoy this beautiful place in which we live.

Gina Cousineau is an interventional culinary nutritionist. With an extensive education—a BS in Dietetics and MS in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, as well as being a trained chef and fitness professional—her goal is to help her clients’ health thrive using “food as medicine.”

She is offering a complimentary, four-week webinar series this month (all sessions recorded). Subscribe at mamagslifestyle. com or at mamag@mamagslifestyle.com to participate. DP

diet?”“I intermittent fast,” and “I was told to avoid dairy and gluten.”

I often cut to the chase with the goal of education and providing background to where the latest diet craze came from.

In the case of the “ketogenic diet,” this was a medical nutrition therapy designed by clinicians working with children who had uncontrolled epilepsy, way back in the 1920s. As you can imagine, this was a huge medical breakthrough, as every seizure potentially damages the brain, so taking extreme action was necessary.

These children were followed closely and supplemented with nutrients they would inevitably be missing from this high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet, missing out on important vitamins, minerals, and much-needed fiber. This was not meant for the general population.

Much of what I do in life is to try to get people to consider if their latest diet approach is reasonable. And for me, when we talk about consuming high amounts of fat, including “heart damaging” saturated fat, along with removing major food groups, aka the “keto” diet, I have to ask, “Why?” Unfortunately, the nutrition strategy is usually driven by the desire to lose weight, not the desire to improve health.

And while most new clients come to me with the primary goal of weight loss, within a few weeks of educating them, I would say most, if not all, buy into the desire of preventing, halting, and reversing disease processes with the goal of a long, healthy, independent and joyful life. And, surprisingly, the almighty scale follows suit.

Most of my clients are excellent dieters, meaning they have tried many, and some admit to having been “on a

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared.

The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

83% of any group to agree on an issue?

Here is a suggestion, since cost is always an issue. Could we not carve out a special district that is inclusive of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano residents to contribute to the funding of a new hospital?

This is not a new idea.

did not want that, because we wanted and needed a hospital with an emergency room.

So MemorialCare sued the City of San Clemente for not allowing them to do this.

The lawsuit was settled in 2019, and the judge told the two parties to work out their differences.

So, it does not sound to me that the two parties have settled their differences. The citizens of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano are all still commuting to an “overwhelmed” Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo or Laguna Beach for their emergency medical needs.

Now this article is saying that Memorial wants to do all the same things they wanted to do in 2016 but with one little wrinkle, and that is to add on some senior housing. We don’t need any more urgent cares. We have four others in town.

What we need is a new hospital with an ER, and the recent survey in San Clemente last year regarding the city’s interest in developing a new hospital responded with an 83% yes for creating a new hospital. When do you ever get

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

Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Page 8

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

HOW TO REACH US MANAGING EDITOR Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x113 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP + SC) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

Dana Point Times, Vol. 15 Issue 15. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW DANA POINT TIMES

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

danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

ing passes will be given at check-in and are valid until 12:30 p.m. upon completion of the cleanup. Trash bags, drinking water and light snacks will be provided.

Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. vwiker@parks.ca.gov.

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

Editor’s Pick

DANA POINT TIMES Children gather candy and eggs at Sea Canyon Park in Dana Point, during one of the city’s two annual egg hunts in 2015. Photo: File/Andrea Swayne

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at danapointtimes.com/weekender

FRIDAY | 15 COFFEE CONCERTS WITH HIGH TIDE COFFEE 10 a.m.-noon. Enjoy a cup of coffee and watch an acoustic performance from local musicians. Free with general admission. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

OCEAN INSTITUTE DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER 6-8 p.m. Head to Ocean Institute in Dana Point to learn about extreme weather from Dr. Steve LaDochy, an expert meteorologist, and ask questions. Explore extreme weather with LaDochy, a professor emeritus for Dept. of Geosciences & Environment at California State University, Los Angeles, and talk tornadoes, learn about lighting and seek out storms with Ocean Institute— where guests will learn about weather, what goes into studying it and how to chase the storms. General admission is $15, or $10 for Sea Star and above members.

Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. oceaninstitute.org.

‘FRI-YAY FUN’ WOOD WORKSHOP 6-9 p.m. Spend a Friday night crafting a unique item to call your own. Customize a wood sign, bath tray, photo frame, or other item during this hands-on workshop. Registration can be done beforehand online. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2. 949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 9 p.m. Live music is featured at this popDana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

SATURDAY | 16 EGG HUNTS 9-10 a.m. Hop on down with your family and discover hidden treasures of candy and plastic eggs filled with goodies at the Dana Point Recreation Department’s springtime egg hunts for children up to 10 years of age. A pancake breakfast will be available at two locations—Pines Park and Sea Canyon Park—from 8-11 a.m., with proceeds benefiting Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary’s charitable efforts. The Easter Bunny will visit from 9-10 a.m., with the egg hunts starting promptly at 10. Make sure to bring an empty basket to pick up the candy and eggs. Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach and Sea Canyon Park, 33093 Santiago Drive, Dana Point. 949.248.3636. ular South Orange County venue. The ’80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.600. danapointstillwater.com.

SATURDAY | 16 E-WASTE, SHREDDING AND COMPOST GIVEAWAY 7-10 a.m. Are you looking to get rid of an old cell phone, computer, microwave, or other electronic items? If so, the City of San Juan Capistrano is hosting an event in which you can do so. Come get rid of your defunct items for free. The secure destruction of personal information will also be available, as will compost while supplies last. Reata Park, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.487.4307. sanjuancapistrano.org.

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles.

Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing.

Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or

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

SENSATIONAL SPRINGTACULAR 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy family fun at Vista Hermosa Sports Park with three jam-packed events all in one day. The Springtacular and Camp Palooza at the Meadows, from 9 a.m. to noon, will feature a visit from the Easter Bunny, a giant slide, live music, spring games, and more. The early egg hunt will start at 10 a.m. and continue for varying age groups through 11 a.m. From noon to 4 p.m., children can participate in an underwater egg hunt and water games during the Splashtacular at the Aquatics Center.

Activity wristbands can now be purchased at san-clemente.org. A $5 discount will apply if you purchase more than one wristband in the same transaction. Cost may increase on the day of the event.

Entry into the Splashtacular is $10. Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.361.8264.

EARTH DAY BEACH AND CREEK CLEANUP 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. California State Parks Foundation is hosting a beach and creek cleanup at Doheny State Beach. Check in at the picnic tables along the Doheny State Beach boardwalk, adjacent to the lifeguard headquarters and San Juan Creek river mouth. Complimentary park-

Page 9

WYLAND’S WHALE AND DOLPHIN ADVENTURE ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 9 a.m.-noon. Available Saturdays through April 23, Dana Wharf is offering this exclusive package for kids ages 12-and-under that includes an art lesson via video feed by environmental artist Wyland and a free two-hour whale watching adventure. Each child who participates in the art lesson will be entered in a contest to win prizes, as well as a gift from Wyland and Dana Wharf. Lessons cost $10. Dana Wharf, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. danawharf.com.

DANA POINT LIBRARY EVENTS 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Check out three events the Dana Point Library is hosting throughout the day. Starting at 10 a.m., there will be a Crochet for Beginners class for those interested in the beautiful art of crochet. Participants will get to take home their project, and all supplies will be provided. Then at 2 p.m., author Randi Bierderman will lead a talk about how her father-in-law, Hirsch, was from Poland and the third person named on Schindler’s List. His family had a treasured coin collection that they buried to keep from the Nazis. This is the story of what happened to Hirsch, his family, and the coins. There will also be a book signing afterward. And then from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the library will host Color Happy! Kid’s Coloring Club to explore a new world of coloring with coloring sheets, plus hundreds of coloring pencils, crayons, markers, gel pens, and more. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road. ocpl.org/libraries/dana-point.

949.496.5517.

SUNDAY | 17 LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 5 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Alternative Rock band Bonneville Seven will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Pop artist Marc Cohn will perform. Tickets are $39. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

(Cont. on page 10) danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

(Cont. from page 9)

MONDAY | 18 OPEN JAM 7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

TUESDAY | 19 BEGINNING HIP-HOP DANCE 101 6 p.m. Learn the basics of hip-hop dance in this four-week series led

by Casa Romantica’s Marketing and Programs Director Kylie Travis. Classes are $60 for Casa members and $80 for non-members. Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

LOW COST K-9 VACCINE CLINIC 5-7 p.m. The San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter will host this clinic to offer K-9 vaccines, including the Da2PLP ($10), Bordetella ($10), and Rabies (free with the purchase of a dog license). 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. 949.492.1617.

WEDNESDAY | 20

Capistrano. 844.216.3767. regencymovies.com.

BIKING CLUB FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS AND HIGH SCHOOLERS 5-6:30 p.m. Anyone have middle schoolto high school-aged kids who love to bike? Community Outreach Alliance’s biking club meets every Wednesday afternoon at different trails, with professional biker and mentor Mike Russell from Freakshow Aloha. San Clemente High’s COA club, which hosts this free activity thanks to the Hardman Classic, has bikes and helmets for participants to borrow. To participate, fill out a registration form online at form.myjotform. com/91392099886576. For questions, call or text 949.795.4721. communityoutreachalliance.com/bike-club/.

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

THURSDAY | 21 LEGISLATIVE & LOCAL AFFAIRS: OC REGISTRAR OF VOTERS 9-10 a.m. Join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center for a legislative and local affairs update via Zoom. The Orange County Registrar of Voters will present important information about the upcoming Primary Election on June 7, including voting options and information about how to register to vote. Register for the Zoom meeting at danapointchamber.com.

949.496.1555.

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.

‘FLASHBACK WEDNESDAY’ MOVIE NIGHT 7 p.m. Travel back in time when the Regency Theatres’ downtown location screens Dazed and Confused as part of its “Flashback Wednesdays” series. Tickets are $10. Regency Theatres San Juan Capistrano, 26762 Verdugo Street, San Juan

VIRTUAL SWALLOW LECTURE 11 a.m.-noon. Biological science professor and swallow expert Dr. Charles Brown will give an online lecture about

AT THE MOVIES

‘The Lost City’ Is Easy Weekend Viewing

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

S

omeone—most likely screenwriter Seth Gordon—definitely came up with the concept for Adam and Aaron Nee’s new adventure-romcom The Lost City after revisiting Robert Zemeckis’ Romancing the Stone (1984) and Anne Fletcher’s The Proposal (2009).

We get the now-familiar and successful trope of Sandra Bullock paired with a good-looking, younger male star in a goofy comedy, yet it still falters slightly.

Loretta Sage (Bullock) is a middle-aged former archaeologist who switched over to penning romance-adventure novels after her husband’s death. What used to be a distraction from her grief is now a nuisance to

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Photo: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

herself, as she sabotages her latest book tour and embarrasses her regular cover model, Alan Caprison (Channing Tatum).

Before she realizes what’s happening, Loretta is kidnapped by billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Dan-

iel Radcliffe), who believes the exotic lost city of her new novel is real and wants her to show him where it is. Alan and secret service agent Jack Trainer (Brad Pitt) are off to Loretta’s rescue.

Bullock and Tatum are naturals with

Page 10

San Juan Capistrano’s famous bird. The talk is part of Mission San Juan Capistrano’s monthlong virtual Earth Day celebration. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

HISTORIC ADOBE LECTURE 1-3 p.m. Ione R. Stiegler, principal architect for IS Architecture, will speak at a San Juan Capistrano Docent Society meeting. Stiegler is a leading expert in historic adobe and earthen structures and will present her firm’s work in restoring and rehabilitating both the local Blas Aguilar and Montanez Adobes. San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano. 949.551.1914.

CHAMBER MIXER: DANA POINT WOMAN’S CLUB 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Dana Point Woman’s Club will be hosting a mixer with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce at the Dana Point Women’s Community House. This special, after-hours mixer is an opportunity to meet business members in the community, make connections and generate new business leads, all while enjoying a fun evening. Tickets are $20 for members and $30 for guests and include two drink tickets for adult or soft beverages, light appetizers and the chance to network. Dana Point Women’s Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point. 949.496.1555. katie@danapointchamber.com.

comedic material and have all the necessities for box-office appeal, as proven with past action-comedy hits. Radcliffe is impressively entertaining as the kooky, high class villain of Lost City, while it’s fun to see Pitt on the side in a tongue-in-cheek glorified cameo.

The Lost City appears to be the Nee brothers’ first studio feature, which might explain its lack of proper cinematic vision. It aesthetically feels like a generic blockbuster churned out by Paramount as an easy cash-grab. The humor is fine, though it mostly lands because of the cast’s delivery, rather than the writing.

Yet, even with its weaknesses and serious effort from the viewers to suspend practical logic for the plot’s progression, I might still recommend The Lost City for Bullock’s and Tatum’s performances and chemistry, because they are a no-brainer of an on-screen couple.

Also—and this might be the most nit-picking I’ve ever done in a movie review—the bonus scene in the middle of the end credits is really stupid. Bonus scenes are supposed to be an extra joke or tease for a sequel. But this one just reminds you how dumb The Lost City’s universe is and ruins the mood during an otherwise easy viewing. DP

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

Page 11

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

Page 12

danapointtimes.com

THE GREEN ISSUE

WHERE DOES SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY GET ITS WATER? Welcome TO THE GREEN ISSUE

The sound of the beating drum for the nations of the world to act on climate change only grows louder each passing year, as communities around the globe continue to face rising sea levels, drought, record-setting wildfires, floods and heat waves.

Those threats are expected only to worsen, as nations haven’t yet done enough to offer cities, coastlines and farmlands protection, the latest scientific report authored by 270 researchers from 67 countries concluded last month.

The somber findings should serve as a drastic wake-up call.

This month, as the U.S. and other nations observe Arbor Day and Earth Day— two holidays meant to create changes in human behavior, promote better policies to address the warming planet, and inspire hope for our collective future—we publish our annual “Green Issue.”

This yearly special section serves as a reminder of the various ways we in South Orange County can help take better care of the planet and leave our corner looking a little better than before.

In this year’s edition, we talk to one local business owner who’s operated without the use of plastics while helping others in the community maintain a plastic-free lifestyle—all in the hope of reducing waste that can be harmful to marine life.

Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

We also catch up with Ryan Hickman—now 12 years old—to see how his recycling efforts have taken him around the world. In addition, we list locations where residents can take their bottles and glass for recycling, as well as explore where South Orange County gets its water supply.

And as the state continues to inch closer toward its goal of having only zero-emission vehicles sold in California by 2035, we look at some of the progress that’s been made to reach that ambitious target and show how some local auto dealers are embracing the transition.

Lastly, the issue also offers a look at the new arts-based campaign that the local environmental nonprofit Wyland Foundation started, to remind residents that trash and debris collected in storm drains ultimately make their way to the oceans.

We hope this 2022 issue informs readers of ways to be more in tune with nature and inspires them to practice environmental stewardship in any form that takes.

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

R

oughly 90% of the water that South County residents use comes from imported sources.

The other 10%, according to the Orange County Water District—the local authority on groundwater—comes from the area’s small groundwater basins and local water recycling projects.

Our water supply, brought down to us by the Metropolitan Water District, comes from two primary sources: the Colorado River, via the Colorado River Aqueduct, and the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers in Northern California, through what’s referred to as the State Water Project.

The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) purchases that imported water from Metropolitan and then distributes it to its more than two dozen member agencies comprising both city water departments and water districts.

Water districts including South Coast Water District, Santa Margarita Water District and Moulton Niguel Water District, largely serve South Orange County cities, including areas of Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano.

The water districts provide the retail water services to ratepayers within their jurisdictions.

But some cities—and that includes San Clemente—largely manage their own water utilities, distributing the imported water and billing residents.

Up until last year, when the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved plans to transfer water utilities over to Santa Margarita Water District, the City of San Juan Capistrano similarly managed its own.

Ongoing environmental concerns exacerbated by drought, as well as worries of supply disruption from potential earthquakes, have encouraged agencies, municipalities and elected officials to diversify the area’s water supply and consider alternatives to reduce reliance on imported water.

In late 2020, Santa Margarita Water District opened its Trampas Canyon Dam and Reservoir on land acquired from Rancho Mission Viejo, south of Ortega Highway, where the agency will maximize recycled water use.

Santa Margarita Water District will use its reservoir to store water in the winter months for use during the summer, and supply irrigation water for San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente.

And other agencies, such as South Coast Water District, also utilize water desalination plants, which adds local groundwater into the distribution system.

Page 13

South Coast Water District is currently forging ahead with its longstanding plans to develop the Doheny Ocean Desalination Plant, which would draw water from the ocean, remove all the salt and then distribute potable water to the public.

The agency is looking at potential partnerships, including with City of San Clemente, to help support the desal project that’s estimated to cost about $120 million. danapointtimes.com

THE GREEN ISSUE

Auto Dealers Embrace Electric Vehicle Market

BY COLLIN BREAUX AND SHAWN RAYMUNDO

A

ll new cars and trucks sold in California must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) by 2035—the mandate set by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2020 to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

While automakers have more than a decade to meet Newsom’s statewide target of transitioning California’s transportation industry, local car dealers are already in the thick of embracing the electric vehicle market.

“Until recently, there have been limited options, and the percent of new cars powered solely by electricity has been less than 2% of the market,” said Miles Brandon, owner of Capistrano Volkswagen and Capistrano Mazda. “Momentum really started building in 2021. Last June, 32% of our VW store’s new car sales were EVs.” Not just the dealerships, but automakers as a whole, including General Motors and Ford, are also embracing the transition. News outlets reported last year that GM is looking to produce only electric vehicles by 2035, and it plans to roll out 30 new plug-in models by 2025.

Brandon attributed a number of reasons for the shift, including increasing regulation.

Aside from California’s mandate, countries outside the United States—including China and in Europe—are regulating for internal combustion engines (ICE) to disappear over the next dozen years.

“As environmental requirements tighten and the share of the pie shrinks, the cost to produce an ICE will continually rise at the same time that mass production—together with advancements in batteries—will continDana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

ually bring down the cost of EVs,” Brandon said.

California’s shift toward an all-ZEV auto industry comes as the state continues to feel the impacts of climate change, largely brought on by carbon emissions and smog from motor vehicles.

According to the state, transportation makes up nearly 50% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions, with medium- to heavy-duty trucks contributing the most vehicle pollution despite only comprising “two million of the 30 million registered vehicles in California.”

“California has made great strides in cleaning up our air, but the Los Angeles region and the San Joaquin Valley still suffer from the worst air quality in the nation,” the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development said in its report on market strategies for zero-emission vehicles. “Greenhouse gas emissions are falling in California as a whole, led by our clean electricity sector, but transportation still accounts for nearly 50% of the total.”

As part of the 2035 mandate, the state has set intermediate goals over the next several years, such as the benchmark to reach five million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030. The market strategies report noted that as of September 2020, there were more than 766,800 zero-emission passenger vehicles and trucks sold in the state.

In late February, the governor’s office reported that more than one million plug-in electric vehicles—cars, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles—had been sold in California.

Steve Smith, electric vehicle sales manager for the two San Juan dealerships, said con-

sumers are driving a demand in market sales prescription while doing so. after hearing about the benefits, designs, and “Most manufacturers were standing on unique features of electric vehicles—which the sidelines just a few years back, but are can include smooth vehicle turning and easynow all jumping in with plans of being 100% to-use screens that can easily control air conzero-emission vehicles within a decade,” dition temperatures and driving navigation Brandon said. “There are now EVs on the instructions with the few touches of a finger. market that, after available rebates, cost “They are reading about the awards and acabout the same as a comparably sized and colades EVs are receiving in the market. They equipped ICE car.” now see more charging locations wherever Asked their thoughts on the state’s 2035 they go on a daily basis, such as at shopping target, Miles and Smith both said trends tend centers, grocery stores, their local Walmart to start in California. or Target—and usually with prime parking “However, it truly is not just a growing locations,” Smith said. “Consumers now see California or even a U.S. trend in the auto more of them on the road than ever before industry, but a global one,” Smith said. “I and in growing numbers, making the idea of believe—based on consumer demands and transitioning to electric less foreign.” auto manufacturer plans—that, at this rate, The private market is also driving a shift by the time 2035 arrives, most consumers will toward EVs. have already replaced at least one ICE vehicle “Investors aren’t looking at manufacturers’ in their driveway with an electric vehicle, if pasts, but rather investing heavily in companot two.” nies who are taking the lead in building EVs,” Advantages electric vehicles have over Brandon said. “Investments in new battery gas-powered vehicles, as mentioned by Smith technologies and new battery production and Brandon, include annual savings on fuel, facilities are skyrocketing as well.” lower routine maintenance costs, and the Those investments to improve battery convenience of being able to charge an EV at technology—which make up the biggest home as opposed to filling up at a gas station. portion of an electric vehicle’s price tag—are A recent study by AAA found that while what’s needed to also help drive down the owning a new EV was “slightly more expenhigh costs associated with EVs and make sive” than owning a gas-powered automothem a mass-market product, according to bile—about $600 more annually—drivers of Bloomberg.

EVs spend less on fuel and “At current rates and pack maintenance. sizes, the average battery “The electricity required to “MOST cost for a typical EV works drive 15,000 miles per year MANUFACTURERS out to about $6,300, though in a compact electric vehicle the ones that go into premicosts an average of $546, WERE STANDING um models are more,” acwhile the amount of gas ON THE SIDELINES cording to a November 2021 required to drive the same JUST A FEW YEARS report from Bloomberg, distance costs $1,255 (or which also noted that battery 130%) more,” AAA explained.

BACK, BUT ARE pack prices have dropped And when it comes to NOW ALL JUMPING considerably—89%—over vehicle maintenance, EVs IN WITH PLANS OF the past decade. don’t require oil changes or A previous concern air-filter replacements like BEING 100% ZEROregarding the mass gas-powered cars.

EMISSION VEHICLES production or adoption of “If maintained accordWITHIN A DECADE.” EVs has been whether the ing to the automaker’s infrastructure for charging recommendations, electric —MILES BRANDON stations can accommodate vehicles cost $330 less than EVs traveling long distances. a gas-powered car, a total of Both the state and federal $949 annually,” AAA said. government have taken steps to allay those As for what those unfamiliar with electric concerns. vehicles should know, Smith said anyone new As another one of the state’s intermediate to EVs should consider them a “viable option.” goals, California is looking to have 250,000 “Yes, EVs used to be priced—and, of public and shared charging stations and 200 course, many still are—for the wealthy,” Smith hydrogen fueling stations by 2025. said. “However, the costs have come down Nationally, President Joe Biden has set a significantly as EV options have increased goal of establishing a network of 500,000 EV over the past few years.” chargers around the U.S. Funding for that People also need to look beyond the initial goal is coming from the bipartisan Infrastrucpurchase price and instead look at the total ture Investment and Jobs Act enacted last fall. cost of ownership over the term of the lease Brandon says that the quantity of pubor loan, Smith said. lic charging stations and available home “Yes,” Smith added, “you can continue to charging capabilities have already “soared” in wait until the costs come down even more the past few years. over time, but then the current level of EV For instance, public charging stations are incentives at federal, state and local utility available at the Walmart on Avenida Pico in company levels will also continue to decrease San Clemente, where drivers can spend a over time—making the benefit of waiting less short time charging their vehicles and may be and the opportunity for annual savings even even prone to chat with other drivers or fill a greater over time by jumping in now.”

Page 14

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

Page 15

danapointtimes.com

THE GREEN ISSUE

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

T

he Wyland Foundation, a local environmental nonprofit, has launched the Streams of Hope public arts and awareness campaign to bring attention to the importance of maintaining the county’s storm drains, channels, and waterways.

Streams of Hope aims “to promote good water stewardship and give people a way to have fun doing it,” said Steve Creech, president of the Wyland Foundation.

The Wyland Foundation, funded by environmental artist Robert Wyland in 1993, works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waterways and marine life. Through community events, educational programs and public art projects, the foundation encourages environmental awareness.

The 29-year-old foundation developed the Streams of Hope campaign to bring awareness to pollution and marine debris in California’s storm drains and waterways.

“That’s really what the Wyland Foundation is all about,” Creech said. “Our goal is clean water, healthy oceans, but when you think about it, we all live downstream from somebody else. Whatever we’re putting into our storm drains will wash into our storm channels and eventually out to sea if it’s not intercepted.”

The Wyland Foundation developed the Streams of Hope campaign in partnership with the Municipal Water District of Orange County, Orange County Conservation Corps and the County of Orange.

It’s also sponsored by other agencies and organizations, including the Metropolitan

Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

WYLAND FOUNDATION LAUNCHES STREAMS OF HOPE CAMPAIGN Water District of Southern California, the Orange County Department of Education’s Inside the Outdoors, and KCAL9/CBS2.

Through Streams of Hope, the Wyland Foundation also looks to bring awareness to the county’s Adopt a Channel program.

The program is “really a way for partners across Orange County to get involved and help support the cost of maintaining the storm channels around Orange County,” Creech said. “Orange County Conservation Corps plays a big part in that, because they provide employment and retraining for people, some from tough circumstances, but they get them on their feet and give them their first jobs, and a lot of that is maintaining those storm channels.”

The Streams of Hope campaign reminds residents that the trash and debris collected in storm drains and channels ultimately make their way to the ocean and impact marine life.

“The problems really start upstream, and especially now as our communities get larger and the things that we consume are spread wider across the community,” Creech said.

“It’s one thing if there’s one home and there’s fertilizer running off into the storm channel and the local watershed, but when you’ve got 20 million people doing that, you’re looking at much bigger problems, and they magnify downstream.”

Throughout April, 8-foot by 4-foot, relief-style whale murals will be painted by artists across Orange County in celebration of Earth Month. The murals will be exhibited in shopping centers, City Halls, schools and Orange County storm channels and serve as a reminder of the impact land-based pollution and debris have on the ecosystem and marine life.

The first mural of the series was unveiled at the Festival of Whales in Dana Point and was painted by Huntington Beach artist Dave Reynolds.

The foundation recently announced that there will be three baby whale murals placed around Downtown Disney. The whales were painted by a group of artists from the Laguna Woods Art Association.

“Most of the artists are going to be local to that city, and then that statuette will be sponsored by that water district, painted by local artists and displayed in that area,” Creech said. “We want to keep it really local, because that’s really how we feel like these issues are going to be addressed; it’s locality by locality, neighborhood by neighborhood. That’s how you deal with pollution.”

The Streams of Hope website will be updated with the location and pictures of the murals as they are placed throughout Orange County.

To be a good environmentalist, the Wyland

Page 16

Foundation believes that one needs to both care and be informed. This program brings both of those aspects together, Creech said, to remind people of “the beauty around them and also encouraging them to seek out information and ways that they can get involved and take action.”

The Streams of Hope campaign will culminate in a large coastal and waterway cleanup effort on Earth Day and coincides with Wyland Foundation’s National Mayor’s Water Challenge—a friendly competition between U.S. cities to see who can best conserve water, energy and other natural resources.

The Foundation’s website includes a pledge to make “water-wise” choices, as well as actions that individuals, groups and communities can take on to conserve water.

For individuals, some of the recommended actions are conserving toilet water and taking shorter showers, whereas community actions include eliminating plastic straws, organizing hazardous waste collection drives and holding community cleanups.

The Wyland Foundation will soon announce dates for beach and waterway cleanups for the Earth Month celebrations and the Streams of Hope campaign.

“Water pollution affects us all,” Municipal Water District of Orange County General Manager Rob Hunter wrote in a recent press release. “Every piece of trash or harmful chemical that ends up in our waterways encroaches on the fragile ecosystems that support healthy communities. This campaign serves as a reminder that we can all do our part to protect and preserve our natural resources through education, good environmental stewardship, and an action plan.”

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

Page 17

danapointtimes.com

THE GREEN ISSUE

WAYS TO RECYCLE WHERE TO DO YOUR PERSONAL RECYCLING IN SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

L

ocations for personal recycling in South Orange County have faced plenty of changes over the past few years.

Back in 2019, rePlanet, California’s largest redemption recycling operator at the time, shut down its 284 locations across the state, including locations in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. At the time, Consumer Watchdog reported that 40% of California’s redemption centers had closed over the previous five years.

Despite some of those centers being scooped up and taken over by local companies after the rePlanet closures, more redemption centers have closed around South Orange County over the past few years.

However, despite these closures, there are still ways to get your personal recycling done and redeem cans and bottles around the area.

According to CalRecycle, there is only one redemption recycling center in the tri-city South Orange County area: Ponce Recycling in San Clemente, which operates behind the Ralphs at 638 Camino de los Mares.

Ponce Recycling is the company that grabbed some of the rePlanet centers in 2019.

Outside of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano, Ponce Recycling also has a center in Mission Viejo at 25104 Marguerite Parkway and in Aliso Viejo at 26901 Aliso Creek Road.

There are two other redemption recycle centers just outside the local area, according to CalRecycle. In Mission Viejo, you can visit Next Generation Recycling #2 at 27771 Center Drive, and in Aliso Viejo, there is CRV Recycling Solutions at 26892 La Paz Road.

For more recycling centers outside the Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

immediate area, go to calrecycle.ca.gov/BevContainter/RecyclingCenters.

CalRecycle also provides a list of local stores that offer in-store CRV redemption for your cans and bottles.

In San Clemente, there are two participating Albertsons locations—at 989 Avenida Pico and 804 Avenida Pico—and at the Walmart at 951 Avenida Pico.

In Capistrano Beach, check out Dollar Tree at 34077 Doheny Park Road and Smart & Final at 34091 Doheny Park Road.

In Dana Point, go to Albertsons at 33601 Del Obispo Street, either CVS location at 32575 Golden Lantern or 32900 Pacific Coast Highway, Gelson’s Market at 24 Monarch Bay Plaza or Rite Aid at 24829 Del Prado.

In San Juan Capistrano, look for the Farmers Market at 31109 Rancho Viejo Road, Vons at 32401 Camino Capistrano or either Rite Aid at 32121 Camino Capistrano or 31890 Plaza Drive.

In Rancho Mission Viejo, check out Gelson’s Market at 30731 Gateway Place or Rite Aid at 30551 Gateway Place.

If gathering your bottles and cans and taking them to any of these locations is still too much of a hassle, there are other ways to recycle.

As has been featured previously in The Capistrano Dispatch and in our “Green Issue,” including this year’s, there is the entrepreneurial spirit of 12-year-old Ryan Hickman and Ryan’s Recycling.

Ryan and his dad, Damion, operate a pickup recycling business across Orange County that has been rolling for years. To schedule a pick-up, go to ryansrecycling.com/contact.

In an ever-changing world, there are still plenty of ways to do your part for the planet.

Page 18

A Helping Hand

SJC’s Own Ryan Hickman CONTINUES CAMPAIGN TO KEEP SOUTH OC CLEAN AFTER GROWING IN POPULARITY

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Ryan Hickman has been busy since he was last profiled in 2016’s “Green Issue.”

The San Juan Capistrano-based youngster is active in recycling efforts in South Orange County, and he is a champion for sanitation in the local area and beyond.

“I’ve traveled around the country and even around the world speaking about taking care of our environment. I’ve gone to Alaska with Recycle Across America and Subaru to help teach people how to take care of the environment while camping at Denali,” Ryan said. “I was in a ‘Got Milk?’ commercial, I was a TIME magazine Kid of the Year finalist, I’ve gone to Vancouver to speak at ‘We Day’ and toured so many recycling facilities across the country.”

He’s also done plenty of interviews and been on television—including the Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Even with the newfound national exposure, though, Ryan has not deviated from his core cause of keeping the world environmentally clean.

“Now, I’m 12 years old, and I’ve recycled nearly 1.6 million cans and bottles, and I’m still doing beach cleanups every week either after school or on the weekends,” he said. “In 2021, I started a nonprofit named Project3R, and its goals are to help educate people about recycling and taking care of our environment. I’m

excited to teach people about how easy it is to take care of the environment.”

Ryan donates proceeds from his online shirt sales at ryansrecycling.com to help support his friends at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, which he estimates has reached about $15,000 so far.

“My dad and I typically do a beach cleanup every week, and it’s simply walking the beach for 60 or 90 minutes with a bucket and a trash grabber, picking up trash from the sand,” Ryan said. “We find a lot of small plastic items like straw wrappers that are important to pick up, because birds and other sea animals eat our trash, thinking it’s food. I’ve done quite a few large cleanup events, and we get hundreds of people coming out to join us. It’s awesome.”

Ryan has also found toys, which he cleans up and then donates.

The young green steward regularly picks up items, because he wants future generations to be able to enjoy a clean environment.

“I try to raise awareness because when people see it’s easy enough for a 12-yearold kid like me to do it, they can do it, too,” Ryan said.

Follow Ryan Hickman on Instagram @ryans_recycling and Facebook for upcoming cleanup dates and for more information.

danapointtimes.com

THE GREEN ISSUE

THE IMPORTANCE OF REDUCING DAILY PLASTIC USE

AS THE PUBLIC BECOMES MORE AWARE OF THE DANGER THAT PLASTIC PRODUCTS PRESENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT, UNDERSTANDING WAYS TO ELIMINATE THEIR USE AND THE BARRIERS THAT PREVENT PEOPLE FROM PARTICIPATING CAN PROVIDE HELPFUL INSIGHT.

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

P

lastics are an essential part of daily life and are used to protect food, medication, and beauty products that can seem hard to live without.

An estimated 367 million metric tons of plastic were produced in 2020, using various types of polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene resins.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimated that 14.5 million tons of plastic containers were generated in 2018, contributing to 5% of all municipal solid waste (MSW) generation.

Additionally, more than 69% of those containers and packaging products ended up at landfills, and the amount recycled has been inconsistent, spelling trouble for the environment.

Single-use plastics, which can have a lifespan as short as a few minutes, often end up in the oceans and other bodies of water, where they harm animals by blocking their digestive tracts if consumed or by strangulation.

The overwhelmingly negative impact of plastics on the Earth has received massive media attention in recent years. Now that the public has grown increasingly aware of the problem, the next step is to find ways to mitigate these products’ effect, or to eliminate their use altogether.

Colleen Henn, a New Jersey transplant, has already helped some in the San Clemente area maintain their own efforts to live without plastic. Her business, All Good Goods, delivers pantry staples with the expectation of reusing glass jars for all orders.

Before Henn moved to California, she worked for six years with Surfrider Foundation, educating people about the impact of single-use plastics and advocating for legislation to prohibit plastic straws and Styrofoam.

She said that it is easiest for people to understand and empathize with the reality of plastic waste posing problems to marine life. From the beginning of its production stages to the end of its lifespan, otherwise known as the “cradle-tograve” process in the environmental world, there are several hazardous parts.

Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

Fracking is the first step, in which wells are drilled into the earth to then release natural gas liquids— they can contaminate groundwater—that are then collected and sent through a pipeline that also has the potential to leak before ending up in a refinery, where the oils are used to make compounds for plastics.

“Those refineries tend to be in communities of color and have a high incidence of cancers, asthma, a whole suite of health issues due to the proximity of oil refineries,” Henn said. “And that’s all before the plastic is even being used.”

She added that there are also toxic chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, to which consumers are exposed in the form of plastic storage containers and other products.

The affordability of plastics, to make them and to buy them, can overshadow the actual environmental and human health costs of production, as well as the costs of disposal, according to Henn.

Conversely, sustainable and reusable products can initially appear expensive because of the money necessary to make a product sustainably and pay fair wages to those who are a part of the process. As more options become widely available and more affordable, there is the opportunity for the general population to contribute positively.

“I think if you have the capacity and the ability to be able to afford sustainable products, it does pay off in the long run, because a lot of these are made to be used for years and years to come,” Henn said. “Choosing those more sustainable products is a really great way for people to make an impact.”

Another limiting factor that could prevent some from committing to a plastic-free lifestyle is merely access.

“Right now, when you go to the grocery store or when you go to a pharmacy to pick up something, chances are it’s going to be wrapped in plastic,” she added. “Luckily, there are companies out there that are sort of spearheading the change from a single-use plastic business model to a refill business model.”

Progress has been made, but “big wheels turn Page 19

slow,” Henn cautioned.

For more individual efforts, she advised that people avoid trying to throw away every household object that contains plastic, as that can be overwhelming. Instead, identify one area where there may be too much waste, and slowly start from that point by purchasing shampoo bars to replace bottles.

Sustainability can even translate to families participating in arts and crafts activities.

When going to a craft store, avoid purchasing plastics such as glitter, or use mason jars to store unused paint at home.

Henn said that looking at all everyday actions through the lens of sustainability can help people on their journey, as they learn to think of how long they will use a certain product or whether a certain investment is worth the cost.

“I really like the lifestyle of sustainability, and it really is a lifestyle, because you become more minimal and you become more mindful,” she said.

Stores such as Sonora Refillery in Oceanside that sell home items in bulk, in addition to other utensils made out of alternative materials like bamboo, are helping the cause. Henn also recommended Eco Now and Fill Up Buttercup, both refill stations and purveyors of other goods located in Costa Mesa.

She challenged those who may be more able to purchase sustainable products from small businesses to do so, especially with larger corporations’ tendency to follow what successful, local companies do.

Henn said that such actions will go a long way and genuinely improve the lives of those who live sustainably.

“I think there is definitely something to say about just being prepared anytime you leave your house,” she said. “You want to have a reusable water bottle with you, you want to bring cutlery with you, you want to bring a reusable bag with you.”

By consistently practicing these efforts, habits will eventually form, and with the addition of planning ahead, sustainability becomes much easier to achieve, according to Henn. danapointtimes.com

THE GREEN ISSUE

REDUCE AND REUSE

REPURPOSING OR UPCYCLING CAN LESSEN DEPENDENCE ON LANDFILLS

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

W

hile there is plenty good being done by recycling, some argue a better way to make a positive impact on the environment is through repurposing or upcycling.

Where recycling takes materials and breaks them down for reuse, upcycling and repurposing takes items and materials out of that cycle. Instead of contributing to the stream of refuse, one can take items out of that loop and repurpose them into something that can be used around their home.

Things such as aluminum, cardboard and certain plastics can all be recycled, but there’s

Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

plenty to grab for upcycling. Upcycling and repurposing offer an alternative way to lessen the dependence on landfills.

Old or damaged furniture can be rescued from your own home, yard sales or thrift shops and the like and repurposed into different things around the home. Old dressers can become antique vanities, for example.

A popular example of upcycling is repurposing old metal trash cans. Rather than sending them to a local landfill, these metal barrels can be turned into planters for flowers

or other garden-type displays.

What can and can’t be upcycled might be difficult to determine, and for some items, it might take more creativity than others.

For larger items, there are plenty of businesses and services that can take a look at things such as furniture to determine whether it should be trashed or if it could be repurposed at the home or sold somewhere else. Businesses including OC Junk Hauling can look at those items and haul them where they can be used.

While some large items such as furniture and

Page 20

trash cans can be obvious cases for repurposing, there are plenty of smaller everyday items that can be repurposed around the home.

As warmer weather and summer approach, you might be unearthing the pool toys from storage, and you might discover things such as pool noodles are in some disrepair. Instead of tossing the pool noodle, the foam tubes can be cut up and repurposed.

For young families, pool noodles can be excellent cheap forms of baby-proofing the home. The noodles can be cut and sliced to be affixed to sharp, hard edges. Also, as more people remain working from home, some stress can be relieved for those sitting at a keyboard all day by slicing up the pool noodle and used as a wrist rest.

When cleaning out those garages, you might find your electrical cords and other extension cords have formed quite a tangle.

When reorganizing these cords, look for some ponytail bands or paper towel/toilet paper rolls to help store these coiled-up cords and not allow them to get tangled up again.

For plastics, various containers can be reused around the home. A plastic container that once housed a pile of cashews or other nuts can store nails or screws at your work bench for those summer projects. Plastic milk jugs can be sliced in half and used as scoops for items such as dog food.

In ways big and small, people can do their part to lessen their refuse and reuse items all around the home.

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

Page 21

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15–21, 2022

Page 22

danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

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

HOW THE DATING SCENE HAS CHANGED IN 28 YEARS

T

his week, I came upon my first newspaper article, which was published on July 8, 1994, in the Laguna Niguel News and the Dana Point News.

The article was titled, “Home alone, with only dogs for company.” When I reread that article, I thought about how dating has changed for seniors since 1994.

The inspiration for writing about dating after 50 was an unexpected move-out by my wife, followed soon by a divorce. I wasn’t a writer then, but I had often kept a journal.

I wrote about the move-out, the divorce, and the unsuccessful attempts to date within the first few months afterward. I had blind dates, first dates, expensive dates, frigid dates, frustrating dates, and last dates. After each date, I’d come home and write the woe-is-me details in the journal.

Five months later, I converted those notes into a 70-page short story. I thought a newspaper or magazine might be interested in my hard-luck story, written from a dumped and newly divorced man’s point-of-view.

Two women editors at the Laguna Niguel News and Dana ON LIFE AND LOVE Point News gave

BY TOM BLAKE me a chance. They thought my articles would agitate but be enjoyed by South County women readers.

At that time, the internet was just in its infancy, so responses from readers were either faxed to me or left on the newspaper’s telephone InfoLine. There were no internet dating sites.

In that first article, I described the middle-aged dating scene as a “jungle.”

Not much has changed in that regard; senior dating is still a jungle and even more difficult now.

The biggest changes: the internet, online dating sites, and cell phones.

Seniors can cast their nets far and wide to try to find a potential mate, which can dramatically improve their chances of meeting someone.

They can chat and FaceTime each other. However, with the good comes the bad; scammers prey on vulnerable seniors and are a menace to internet dating.

And for the past two years, we’ve had this thing called the pandemic, which has made meeting people face-to-face Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Pictured is Tom Blake’s first newspaper column, which was published in the Laguna Niguel News and the Dana Point News in July 1994. Then-titled “Middle Aged and Dating,” Blake’s column focused on some of his hard-luck dating experiences following his divorce. About 28 years later, Blake is living happily with his partner, Greta, while still writing about relationships for Picket Fence Media’s three local publications in South Orange County.

challenging at best.

Dating terminology has changed. In 1994, there were terms such as breaking up and making out. Now, words including ghosting and catfishing are tossed around.

One of the biggest changes is the ratio of single women to single men.

In 1994, that ratio was approximately 1-to-1. But now, as seniors reach 70, 80 and beyond, that ratio is nearly 5-to1—making dating more difficult for women.

One thing hasn’t changed: networking through friends to meet potential mates is still an important way for singles to find a partner.

Yes, the situation has changed since

the middle-aged dating era. We aren’t middle-aged anymore; we’re seniors.

To keep up with the times, I’ve changed my column name from “Middle-Aged and Dating” to “On Life and Love After 50.” I haven’t figured out what the next name will be. Perhaps readers will make suggestions.

In 2013, I changed newspapers from the Orange County Register to the three newspapers that make up Picket Fence Media: Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times and The Capistrano Dispatch. It was the smartest journalism move I’ve ever made. I’m blessed to still be writing for printed newspapers, managed by dedicated, hard-working people.

I am grateful for the 28 years of Page 23

writing columns. There have been nearly 4,430 columns and e-newsletters written and five printed books published.

Some readers have followed me for nearly the entire time. I appreciate their friendship and support. Together, we will continue to monitor senior dating changes.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared.

The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: Aaron B. Jacobs, aka Aaron Bennett Jacobs, aka A.B. Jacobs Case Number: 30-2022-01253389-PR-PW-CJC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of Aaron B. Jacobs, aka Aaron Bennett Jacobs, aka A.B. Jacobs A Petition for Probate has been filed by Robert L. Ward & Frank Condrey in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The Petition for Probate requests that Robert L. Ward & Frank Condrey be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The Petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The Petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: June 16, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. in Dept: C08 b. Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (1) The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions.

If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Petitioner: GREGORY W. CABO, ESQ., LAW OFFICES OF GREGORY W. CABO Address: 1855 W. KATELLA AVE., STE 365, ORANGE, CA 92867 Telephone: (714) 771-2227 Published in: Dana Point Times, April 15, 22, 29, 2022

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 3/08/2022.

Published in: Dana Point Times March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226629059 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SAGE AND TIME WISE PERSONAL CONCIERGE 29242 BALLOCH STREET LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677

Full Name of Registrant(s) DONNA HUNNICUTT 29242 BALLOCH STREET LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A DONNA HUNNICUTT/S/DONNA HUNNICUTT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 3/03/2022.

Published in: Dana Point Times March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226630151 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: POINT PAINTERS 33645 FLYING JIB DR DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): TYLER STEVENS 33645 FLYING JIB DR DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/TYLER STEVENS This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/17/2022.

Published in: Dana Point Times APR 15, 22 29, MAY 6, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226630413 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: TAY RAE 34300 LANTERN BAY DRIVE UNIT 30 DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s) TAYLOR LABRIOLA 34300 LANTERN BAY DRIVE UNIT 30 DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A /S/TAYLOR LABRIOLA This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 3/22/2022.

Published in: Dana Point Times April 1, 8, 15, 22, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226629261 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SIERRA PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION COMPANY 33671 PEQUITO DRIVE DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s) DAMON ANDREW MURRAY 33671 PEQUITO DRIVE DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A DAMON MURRAY /S/DAMON ANDREW MURRAY Page 24

danapointtimes.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

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

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Page 25

danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING DANA POINT TIMES

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Dahlia

Meet Dahlia, a pretty little kitty who is finally ready to move out on her own. Only 11 months old, Dahlia has a calm and quiet demeanor. She enjoys people-watching from her perch and doesn’t mind being petted or brushed. Dahlia gets along with other cats and would make a good feline roommate.

If you are interested in adopting Dahlia, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ 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.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

(From right) Adam Alkhaiat and Zabia Bassal opened Knights Shawarma in November 2021, bringing authentic Syrian Shawarma to Dana Point. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

TAKING CHANCES Knights Shawarma Brings Authentic Syrian Cuisine to Dana Point

BY BREEANA GREENBERG, DANA POINT TIMES

F

ood has always been Adam Alkhaiat’s passion.

While all of his family worked in the furniture business, Alkhaiat wanted to cook. When he immigrated to the U.S. from Damascus, Syria, he held onto his passion until he could make it a reality and open a restaurant in Dana Point.

Alkhaiat and his wife, Zabia Bassal, originally moved to Spain in 2011 as a result of the Syrian civil war. In Spain, he worked to perfect his technique at making shawarma, and when the couple moved to the U.S. in 2015, Alkhaiat decided he wanted to open a restaurant.

“Because the people here don’t know the origin of shawarma,” Alkhaiat said.

“Most of them, they know gyro, and the gyro is different. So, I opened here in Dana Point, because there is no place like here.”

Knights Shawarma opened in November, 2021 at “The Row” on Pacific Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Coast Highway. Alkhaiat said that he was warned not to open a new restaurant during the pandemic, but he felt as if it was “now or never.”

“Everybody told me that—they told me, ‘Why are you opening now? It’s a really hard time,’ especially with everything, you see everything expensive,” Alkhaiat said. “But I told them, ‘Yeah, I’ve been waiting for this chance for a long time, since I moved from my country.’”

“Take it or leave it,” Bassal chimed in.

“I’m not going to leave it,” Alkhaiat said. “If I want to do something, I will do it, because I don’t want to regret it later.”

The name, Knights Shawarma, comes from the very long knife that chefs use when shaving the shawarma off the cone. Alkhaiat likened the knife to a knight’s sword, and he designed the logo of a sword through a cone of shawarma.

The shawarma that Alkhaiat serves is more traditional than what is served elsewhere in Orange County, Bassal explained. Alkhaiat marinates the beef and chicken for 12 hours overnight and shapes the cone of shawarma each morning.

Even the pita bread is a different type of bread. Alkhaiat’s pita is thin and specially toasted on the grill.

“This is the traditional way for our sandwich in our country,” Bassal said.

Alkhaiat hopes that customers see the difference in the taste of the shawarma he serves and appreciate the authenticity. DP KNIGHTS SHAWARMA 34255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 103, shawarma-knights.business.site, 949.545.7045

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

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Photo: Courtesy of Los Angeles Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Pictured is a view of the estuary where San Juan Creek meets the Pacific Ocean at Doheny State Beach, taken in Dana Point on Jan. 5, 1978.

Every week, the Dana Point Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit, as well as the date and location of the photo, to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.

Page 26

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Page 27

danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

DOLPHIN REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Two DHHS Grads Make MLB Opening-Day Rosters The Dana Hills baseball program began the MLB season with two former Dolphins on big-league rosters, another top prospect waiting in the wings to get back and several more looking to make their mark.

Houston Astros left-handed reliever Blake Taylor and San Francisco Giants utility player Luke Williams made their respective Opening Day rosters, while Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Hans Crouse starts the season in Triple-A after making his MLB debut last season.

Taylor, 26, is in his third MLB season—all with the Astros—and fresh off his first World Series appearance. Taylor was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft.

In the World Series, the lefty made two appearances covering 2/3 of an inning against the eventual champion Atlanta Braves, allowing one run and two hits, with one walk and one strikeout. In total last postseason, Taylor made four appearances over 3 1/3 innings, allowing one run and four hits, with two walks and five strikeouts.

This season, Taylor opened the season in his hometown ballpark at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Taylor appeared in two games, pitching a total of one inning, allowing one hit and striking out one. Taylor has a total of three appearances this season covering 1 2/3 innings, allowing one hit with two walks and one strikeout.

Williams, 25, made a stunning MLB debut with the Phillies last season after being drafted by the team in the third round of the 2015 MLB Draft. Williams earned his first MLB hit in his first big-league at-bat, and the next day, the infielder made his first start and ended the game with a walk-off home run, his first MLB homer.

When spring training finally started after the offseason lockout, the Phillies designated Williams for assignment and traded him to the San Francisco Giants.

Thanks to an injury to second baseman Tommy La Stella, Williams made the Opening Day roster and will be a utility player for the Giants with the ability to play every single position on the diamond, aside from pitcher and catcher.

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Dana Hills baseball has hit a rut in league play, and the Dolphins have an uphill battle to return to the playoffs and fight for the South Coast League title. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

In three games so far this season, Williams is 2 for 5 with a double and three RBI. Crouse, 23, made his MLB debut for the Phillies last season as a September call-up. The right-hander was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft and was traded in July of last season.

Crouse is rated as the Phillies’ No. 6 overall prospect and No. 3 pitching prospect by MLB. Crouse opened his season in Triple-A with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs on Saturday, April 9. Crouse threw 3 2/3 innings, allowing three runs and two hits—both home runs—with two walks and five strikeouts.

There are three other Dana Hills graduates still in minor league baseball.

Peter Tago, 29, is in the Giants organization with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. The right-hander has made three appearances totaling three innings, allowing two runs and three hits with a walk, two hit batters and one strikeout. Tago was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox sixth overall in the 2014 MLB Draft and has yet to make the big leagues.

Justin Sterner, 25, is in the Tampa Bay Rays organization with the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits. The right-hander has made one appearance, allowing one hit and no runs in one inning, with one strikeout. Sterner originally signed a free agent deal with the Miami Marlins in 2020 and was traded to the Rays orga-

nization in 2021.

Marrick Crouse, 24, older brother of Hans, is in the Atlanta Braves organization with the High-A Rome Braves. The right-hander has made two appearances covering two innings, allowing eight runs and three hits, including a home run, with five walks, two hit batters and six strikeouts. Crouse was originally selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 11th round of the 2015 draft but chose to play in college at USC. Crouse signed a minor league contract with the Braves in 2019.

Baseball Continues League Skid Against Capistrano Valley The Dana Hills baseball team has hit a rut in South Coast League play.

After winning their league opener against Mission Viejo on March 29, the Dolphins have lost their last four league games, including a stretch of seven losses in eight games through the Ryan Lemmon Tournament over spring break.

Dana Hills (7-14, 1-4) had the opportunity to steal some league momentum at home on Tuesday, April 12.

Last season, the Dolphins split the league title three ways with Mission Viejo and Capistrano Valley, while going 1-2 against both teams and 5-1 against the rest of the league. Dana Hills knew it had some leeway, but with its run of recent play, the Dolphins had to get on track fast.

Early on against the Cougars on

Page 28

Tuesday, the Dolphins had the elements on their side on a particularly blustery day in Dana Point. The ball danced out of starting pitcher Bo Kelly’s hand as the wind made the baseball act like a Whiffle ball, as some Capo Valley players remarked as they struck out and walked back to the dugout. Kelly struck out seven of the first nine Cougars.

The wind also helped Capo Valley, as a couple long fly balls turned into solo home runs in the second, third and fourth innings. The Cougars blew the game open in that fourth inning with a grand slam home run for a 7-0 lead.

However, Dana Hills stormed back in the fifth with eight singles, including a bases-loaded, run-scoring safety-squeeze bunt by Kade Murray, to score seven runs and tie the game, 7-7. Jack Moulin had a two-run single, and Sebastian Moore, Grant Faris, Garrett Leite and Ryan Edwards all collected RBI. But the momentum ceased quickly for the Dolphins, as Capo Valley’s bats came alive in the sixth for a four-run inning that would hold up in an 11-7 win.

Capo Valley won the following day at home, 6-1, on Wednesday, April 13.

Dana Hills hosts the Cougars one more time on Friday, April 15, but the Dolphins have an uphill battle in front of them.

Dana Hills plays three games against El Toro next week, with two on the road, and another series against Tesoro to close the season. DP danapointtimes.com

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS

AUTO REPAIR

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

BODY MIND SPIRIT

ARE YOU HAPPY? Let us assist you in creating a life plan for the life & relationships you want & deserve. Body Mind Spirit, 949.248.7377, bodymindspirit.com CAFE - DELI

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

COFFEE SHOP

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

ICE CREAM

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

INSURANCE SERVICES

State Farm/Elaine LaVine 34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, elainelavine.net

Want your business or service to be featured here?

Call Lauralyn Loynes for pricing and details at 949.388.7700, ext. 102

CLASSIFIEDS SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD AT DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com.

Deadline 12pm Monday.

FAMILY GARAGE SALE – SATURDAY, APRIL 16TH 8:00am – 1:00pm. 28012 Camino Santo Domingo, San Juan Capistrano.

Selling: Huge selection of designer clothing for men and women, shoes, furnishings, numerous misc. items

ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE APRIL 22ND & 23RD 8am to 2pm. Clubhouse at Capistrano Valley Mobile Estates. 26000 Avenida Aeropuerto, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Vintage items, clothing, household goods, small furniture.

HELP WANTED SMOG TECHNICIAN Star Smog Station in San Clemente looking for a full-time smog technician.

Please call Danny at 949-235-6366

Do you want to reach 42,000+ people in the Dana Point area?

Then you need to be in the DP Times. Call us today!

Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Page 29

danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

One Club to Rule Them All The U.S. Board Riders National Championships are coming to Lower Trestles April 21-23

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

H

eroes, legends, groms and pros—they’re all headed to Lowers for the first-ever U.S. Board Riders National Championships on April 21-23.

Years in the making, the event will feature Board Riders clubs from around the country squaring off at the most high-performance wave in the country.

Presented by Quiksilver and A New Earth Project, it is an opportunity for generations of surfers to come together, stoke some friendly rivalries, crown a national champion and have a ton of fun.

Modeled after the Australian Board Riders club that has long served as the backbone for local surf communities throughout the country, this inaugural event in the U.S. is being hosted by the San Clemente Board Riders Club and will see teams arriving from the East

The powerhouse San Clemente Board Riders Club will be looking to claim the first-ever U.S. Board Riders National Title in its own backyard later this month. Photo: Courtesy of SC Board Riders

and West Coasts.

“Everybody involved in this, all of these clubs, they’ve given everything they’ve got to make this a reality, and to see it coming to Lowers, it’s going to be incredible,” says San Clemente Board Riders Club President Benji Severson.

“This really is the culmination of the vision of a lot of people.”

The event will kick off with the 2022 Wheat Cup Championship presented by Quiksilver and Sport of Kings—named after the late Casey Wheat, a founder of the West Coast Board Riders who died in May 2020.

The action gets underway on Thursday, April 21, with a qualifying round featuring clubs from Santa Barbara, Northern Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Carlsbad and Oceanside.

The winning club from the qualifiers will go on to the championship round,

where they will battle hometown favorites San Clemente, Santa Cruz, Huntington Beach and Encinitas—all of which won regional qualifiers during the regular West Coast Board Riders season.

The top two teams will advance into the U.S. Board Riders National Championships on Saturday, April 23.

Already punching its ticket to the big dance from the East Coast is 7 Mile Island Board Riders from South New Jersey, and representing the Florida Board Riders will be the Space Coast Board Riders and New Smyrna Beach Board Riders.

Competing in seven different agegroup divisions, from the Under 14s to the Over 50s and Open Women’s Division presented by Roxy, the U.S. Board Riders National Championships will see each club comprising 14 surfers.

Each surfer will be allowed to ride four waves in their heat, with their top two

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA

GROM OF THE WEEK

SURF FORECAST

SLATER VAN BRUGGEN

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

Slater Van Bruggen. Photo: Courtesy of @dp.surfcoach

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

With the surf pumping at Salt Creek last weekend, the groms were ripping at the most recent Western Surfing Association competition. Stepping up his game was local rising star Slater Van Bruggen.

The Dana Point hammer finished second in the 10 and Under division, a critical result as he now cements his position atop the ratings heading into the WSA West Coast Champion-

waves counting in their score line. There will also be one “double whammy” surfer per team per heat, meaning that if said surfer gets an epic ride, they’ll have the opportunity to double the score.

And for the seven West Coast Board Riders teams that didn’t make the cut and are not vying for a national title, there’s plenty of reason to smile. They’ll each get their own expression session between heats during the final day on April 23, which means a quick session at Lowers with nobody out—not a bad consolation prize.

“There’s so much excitement around all of this, the energy couldn’t be better,” says Don Meek, the board chair for the organization. “This has always been about uplifting local surf communities and bringing them all together. The future truly is local.”

The first West Coast Board Riders event was held in 2016 and featured a duel between Huntington Beach and Seal Beach. Over the years, more and more clubs on the West Coast started popping up, and most recently, the organization expanded to the East Coast, thus creating the national entity, U.S. Board Riders.

Stacked with talent, the San Clemente Board Riders have been a powerhouse since the early days, even going undefeated in 2018 to win the Wheat Cup. They look to be heavy favorites in their backyard, but when it comes to surfing, anything can and usually does happen.

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

ships coming at Church this May. Van Bruggen, 10, has been a competitive force all year, thanks to his abundance of talent and incredible mindset both in and out of the water.

A hard-working, good student at ILA Independent Learning Academy, Van Bruggen is in fourth grade but already surfing well beyond his years. Dana Point could have a little Mark Occhilupo in the making with this powerful goofy-footer, who has a vicious backhand snap.

Van Bruggen recently joined forces with Electric sunglasses for some support and has been working hard with coach Lucas Taub to dial in the technique and competitive savvy.

Together, they’ve got about a month to prep for the big WSA showdown. For the salty old surf contest wonks out there, if the ocean provides, think Occy at J-Bay. DP

Page 30

Water Temperature: 60-62 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-10 Outlook: Combination of Northwest and rising South/southwest swell for chest to head high waves, (4-5’), Friday through Sunday morning, then the surf slowly eases Sunday afternoon. Light/variable winds Friday morning are followed by a light+ afternoon sea breeze.

Light+ to moderate southerly winds due for Saturday and Sunday.

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Page 31

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times April 15-21, 2022

Page 32

danapointtimes.com