September 25, 2020

INSIDE: 2020 Fall ‘Aging Well’ for the Young at Heart

SPECIAL SECTION

OUR COMMUNITY, OUR VOICE

FOUNDED IN 2002

SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO AND RANCHO MISSION VIEJO

SEPTEMBER 25-OCTOBER 8, 2020 • VOLUME 18, ISSUE 18

The Road Forward

Auto Dealers Adjust Business Practices During Pandemic E Y E O N S J C / PAG E 3

Miles Brandon, owner of Capistrano Volkswagen/Mazda, says the business is responding to customer needs during the ongoing health crisis. Photo: Collin Breaux

Health Officials Deny Elementary School Waiver EYE ON SJC/PAGE 4

Historian Remembers Old Venice Beach EYE ON SJC/PAGE 8

Beat Morning Heat with Outdoor Yoga EYE ON RMV/PAGE 10

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The Capistrano Dispatch September 25–October 8, 2020

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EYE ON SJC

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

but to adjust the way you do business.”

—Collin Breaux

Restaurants Bring Back Indoor Dining

Five things San Juan should know this week

Car Dealerships Pressing on Through Health Crisis THE LATEST: There was a six- to eightweek period, from mid-March to early May, in which business at Capistrano Volkswagen/Mazda was off by as much as 75% for sales and service.

“It was the worst I’ve ever endured in the car business,” owner Miles Brandon said.

Sales eventually bounced back in May, and service rebounded in June, with overall business stabilizing since then.

Like everyone else, auto dealers in San Juan Capistrano are adjusting to the different world that’s emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve been trying to work on a lot of things to make it easier for people to buy a car from their own couch and house,” Brandon said. “With COVID, it charged our efforts. We regularly take cars to customers’ homes for a test drive.”

Capistrano Volkswagen/Mazda didn’t fully push that option before the health crisis, but it is responding to customer needs and a growing preference for online shopping.

Someone buying a new car might do all the preliminary work online, only visiting a dealership at the end to pick up the keys.

Even so, some people still prefer to visit lots in person to browse and look over cars.

“One of the things we’re most proud of is, even though business was way off for six to eight weeks, we virtually laid off no one,” Brandon said. “That’s in large part because we’ve always known our people are our No. 1 asset.”

Easton Burke, 2, celebrates his birthday at Trevor’s at the Tracks with his parents Stephanie and Matt Burke. Indoor dining has returned to local restaurants at limited capacity after Orange County moved to the red tier in the state’s color-coded coronavirus tracking system. Photo: Collin Breaux

A federal Paycheck Protection Program loan that the business secured also helped.

Brandon said inventory availability hasn’t been a big issue for their two brands.

“We’re just going to move forward and take care of everything a day at a time, with what is presented in front of us,” Brandon said.

Sal Gutierrez, general manager for Ocean Honda, said business has ramped back up after the sales department was initially shut down for a while at the outset of the pandemic.

“It was a fluid process—the guidelines for what to do to conduct business in a safe manner,” Gutierrez said. “We’ve always been big on providing customer service and customer care. That’s helped us in this case.”

Ocean Honda is also facilitating home deliveries and online signatures for sales.

More people are returning to the lot in person, though, as coronavirus cases go down in Orange County and restrictions ease.

San Juan Capistrano COVID-19 TRACKER

Confirmed cases Deaths

Ocean Honda employees have trained for how to interact with customers based on new health guidelines, including maintaining social distancing and avoiding handshakes. Ocean Honda representatives also ask customers if they’re comfortable coming inside the dealership to discuss numbers or if they prefer to do that via email.

“In the past, we want the sale right now; get them in,” Gutierrez said. “What changes now is, what do they want to do?

How are they going to be comfortable moving forward?”

Steve Smith, general manager at Tuttle Click’s Capistrano Ford, said their revenues were off about 50% in March and April. Conveniences such as online vehicle purchasing and contactless payments are now available for customers.

“Although volume is still down, we are optimistic that market conditions will continue to improve,” Smith said. “When you face such adversity, you have no choice

Rancho Mission Viejo

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COVID-19 TRACKER

Est. City Population: 36,318 • Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. *Information as of 9/23/20. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

THE LATEST: When Orange County moved into the red tier on the state’s four-tiered, color-coded coronavirus monitoring system, Trevor Baird was ready to get back to indoor dining.

“We were excited for it,” Baird, owner of Trevor’s at the Tracks, said. “The inside had kind of been abandoned, so we had to do a deep-clean and get everything back on track, but it was easy. I have the staff already lined up.”

The red tier designation on Sept. 8—the state’s second-highest risk level—effectively allows indoor dining to return at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is less.

Baird said their adjusted inside capacity is approximately 35 people.

“After a very busy summer, with what we had, to have a little bit of reprieve and have some relief from the heat with the air conditioning on is a little more enticing to everyone,” Baird said.

Patrons in general, though, reportedly still prefer to dine outdoors at the Trevor’s patio, particularly in the evenings to enjoy the Southern California weather. An additional seven patio tables have been added by the train plaza, through a program the city instituted to expand outdoor dining.

“Basically, that covers what we lost on the main patio because of social distancing and spacing out the tables appropriately,” Baird said. “I picked up what I lost, so I’m kind of at a net-even for the outside. My inside seating was 60% of my overall seating, so I lost over half of my overall seating.”

Trevor’s has added delivery and to-go service during the pandemic. They’re also staying open an additional day of the week.

“I used to be closed, historically over (Cont. on page 4)

Confirmed cases

61

Deaths

<5

Est. City Population: 10,000 • Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. *Information as of 9/23/20. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

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EYE ON SJC (Cont. from page 3) the last three years, on Mondays,” Baird said. “We felt the need, financially, to be open and get as much revenue as possible.”

The adjustments to the health crisis came after Trevor’s also had to deal with construction from the Verdugo Street Beautification Project.

“We had that street down for seven months, and soon as that gets lifted, COVID hits,” Baird said.

Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria, a nearby business, has also reinstituted some indoor dining. Co-owner Eric Miller said the return has been “about as good as expected.”

“Fortunately, we have had such nice weather after the crazy heat wave that people are enjoying dining al fresco as much as possible,” Miller said. “Those that do eat inside are happy to return back to some form of normalcy.”

Selma’s outdoor dining space includes their upstairs rooftop patio, where they offer live music in the evening Thursday through Sunday.

“It’s been different, for sure,” Miller said of how overall business has been since the pandemic started. “But, fortunately, we are still in business and have been able to keep our entire staff employed. We are certainly proud of that. We are happy to be back serving our amazing patrons!”—CB

City Council Approves Rezoning of Northwest Open Space THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council approved a code amendment and rezoning of the Northwest Open Space during a meeting on Tuesday, Sept.

15, that basically sets in stone existing uses at the city-owned outdoor preserve.

The rezoning changes the designation of the 65.5-acre property along Camino Capistrano from a community park to a specific/precise plan. Existing uses, which include a dog park and events at the Swanner House, will still be allowed.

The upcoming Putuidem Cultural Village, scheduled to be constructed starting this fall, is also still permitted. There were previous zoning inconsistencies under the community park designation.

“The community park zoning allows for sports fields, public facilities and tot lots,” Development Services Director Joel Rojas said.

“But through the years, a number of projects have been approved for the site, and they’re not necessarily consistent with the community park zoning—for example, the Swanner House has weddings, alcohol services.”

Mayor Troy Bourne said the rezoning plan’s process began last year, when camping on the property was proposed. While Bourne and others were open to the idea, some weren’t. Camping is not allowed under the new zoning designation.

“It was brought up that it didn’t strictly comply with the community park zoning to allow camping there, even though

CUSD Elementary Waiver Application Not Approved

Junipero Serra High School in San Juan Capistrano could be renamed, following criticism of Saint Junipero Serra’s interactions with Native Americans. Photo: Collin Breaux

camping was an open space use and it’s allowable under open space and under other designations,” Bourne said. “I thought that was a fair concern, but then it was also raised, while camping doesn’t comply and is technically an illegal use, many of the other uses that are currently on the property—including the proposed Putuidem Village—also did not comply with the community park zoning.”

City officials wanted to make sure ongoing and upcoming uses at the space aren’t lost due to lawsuits or complaints from residents.

“We’re just trying to make sure that the existing uses are protected, and that we’re protecting the city from litigation, which I think the city council is particularly committed to doing,” Bourne said.

Councilmember Sergio Farias said the plan is a response to what’s out there now and a survey put out to residents. The city council directed staff in December to create the plan. The city’s planning commission recommended the council approve the rezoning back in August, after reviewing the issue.

Councilmembers Farias, Bourne, John Taylor and Derek Reeve approved the rezoning. Councilmember Brian Maryott did not attend the meeting.—CB

Mental Health Professionals Discuss Anxiety, Loneliness During Pandemic THE LATEST: Stress, anger and other mental health concerns are being felt by plenty of people during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health professionals in South Orange County recently confirmed.

Robyn Igelman, a psychologist in San Clemente, said people tend to feel worried, anxious or fearful about the ongoing health and economic crisis. Those feelings can also revolve around when the pandemic will end and when things will get back to normal.

“They also feel disconnected, lonely,” Igelman said. “They miss the things they

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

used to be able to do.”

Local mental health experts also noted the lack of physical contact brought about by increased time spent indoors away from people is also affecting mental health. In addition, people may worry about elderly parents or other relatives.

“I will say I receive a lot of calls every day,” Igelman said. “I probably have seen about a 20% increase in the number of individuals reaching out to me for support.

Whether that’s directly related to the pandemic or not, it’s hard to say.”

Some people feel that anxiety or depression they had experienced previously has been exacerbated, Igelman said.

Adriane Nada, a marriage and family therapist in Dana Point, said she has seen an increase in mental health issues. The first few weeks of the pandemic were marked by a sense of quiet as people processed the changes to daily routines, but after that, she received more emails and calls from clients needing help.

Mental health concerns revolve around careers, balancing child care with other responsibilities and financial concerns, Nada said. More indirectly, previous traumas may be retriggered.

There are differences but also commonalities in how people are processing the pandemic, Nada said.

“Some of the themes . . . there is a sense of fear directed at different things,” Nada said. “Some people can feel trapped.

There’s some grieving going on. There’s depression, with people not being able to do some things they used to, like hug.”

Tips for people to manage their mental health include getting outside, exercising, eating healthy, staying in the moment and grounded, as well as practicing deep breathing or meditation. Other advice is to create a schedule, connect to friends and loved ones either physically or in other ways, getting adequate sleep through a bedtime routine, and finding ways to connect to a bigger picture.

“Limit social media. Limit news media,” Igelman said. “I tell my clients, ‘Why bother? Don’t even look at it anymore. It’s just stressing you out. Don’t do it.’ They absolutely say it helps.”—CB

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THE LATEST: OC Health Care Agency officials denied an elementary school waiver applied for by Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD).

In a letter to Superintendent Kirsten Vital and CUSD, health officials said that even though the district had met requirements for a reopening plan, they declined to approve the waiver because only 29.6% of elementary teachers surveyed by Capistrano Unified Education Association (CUEA) had supported the request and CUEA had not submitted a letter of support.

The district can still proceed with previously planned phased campus returns. Students will return to preschool through fifth grade starting on Sept. 29 through Oct. 5.

CUSD Board of Trustees President Jim Reardon previously called the waiver for elementary schools to reopen as soon as possible an “insurance policy” that would allow schools to be open even if state guidelines change.

Teachers who called in to comment during a Sept. 23 Board of Trustees meeting brought up the rejected waiver, among other topics. At issue were remarks Reardon had made to Voice of OC in which he said teachers who contended they weren’t consulted on the reopening plan “weren’t paying attention” and that he had “very little sympathy for people who cry out at the last minute.”

Jennifer Vega, a teacher and CUEA member, said the hybrid model in place does not match current practice and will not facilitate a smooth transition back to campus. Vega said she did not receive an adequate response from Reardon when she raised concerns.

“Block periods are too long for the middle school age group and, not to mention, this is a teacher’s worst planning nightmare,” Vega said. “Why were teachers not included in creating an in-person model when we are experts in the field?”

Reardon addressed his remarks, saying he was asked what he thought about teachers who were “suddenly complaining” that they hadn’t been consulted.

Reardon also said there was “ample evidence” of significant consultation based on memorandums of understanding with the teachers’ union related to reopening.

“If anybody was offended by that, I apologize. I think that, as we’ve heard in some of the comments this evening, it’s clear teachers are committed to the work ahead,” Reardon said. “Let’s get on with the work.”

WHAT’S NEXT: In other CUSD news, trustees unanimously approved forming a committee to consider new names for Junipero Serra High School, a continuation school in San Juan Capistrano. Trustee Gila Jones brought up the issue of renaming, as Saint Junipero Serra’s legacy has come under scrutiny over his treatment of indigenous people while instituting missions in California.—CB thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;October 8, 2020

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EYE ON SJC

District 5 Candidate Election Q&A John Alpay and Howard Hart are the two candidates running for the District 5 seat on the San Juan Capistrano City Council. Ahead of the November ballot, we asked them questions about various topics of interest and are publishing their answers. More questions and answers will be published in an upcoming issue. CD

QUESTION 3

QUESTION 4

What’s your perspective on homelessness and homeless people in San Juan?

What do you think about road pavement conditions in San Juan, and what can be done to fix streets?

JOHN ALPAY

HOWARD HART

JOHN ALPAY

HOWARD HART

Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that defies a simple and elegant solution.

When asked about homelessness, most people think about individuals with mental health issues who live on the streets. That does exist, and it is a real problem. To that end, the City must continue to partner with the County and other agencies that provide mental health and ancillary services.

However, in District 5, homelessness wears a slightly different face. Given our proximity to Doheny State Beach, with its availability of showers, toilets and septic disposal, it is not uncommon for the homeless to live in campers, dilapidated motorhomes or simply their car. When night comes and the beach closes, these people have traditionally parked in Capistrano Beach, but increasingly they are finding the streets in San Juan Capistrano a safer haven.

District 5 is residential, and motorhomes on our streets or people sleeping in their cars is not ideal or necessarily safe. The City should designate a City parking lot in an industrial or commercial area as a designated safe zone for the homeless to park their vehicles at night where they can securely sleep. The lot would provide for adequate lighting and allow for proper security and regular cleaning. With the rise of the sun, these individuals can go about their affairs.

This proactive approach has many other benefits, including potential avoidance of future litigation regarding homeless issues. The Federal courts have looked to South Orange County as a place in need of a county-operated homeless shelter. If the City can show that it has taken concrete actions within city limits to establish homeless-related facilities such as a night parking facility, it will be far less likely that the courts will seek to impose the placement of non-community-supported facilities within our boundaries.

In Boise v. Martin, the federal court system ruled that cities such as ours are not allowed to enforce anti-camping and other ordinances unless we provide emergency shelter services to the homeless population. While one can argue the merits of the ruling, it is the current law of the land.

People experience homelessness for a variety of reasons. Substance abuse, mental illness, and economic misfortune all contribute. As a community, our first priority ought to be to help those who want help. In this regard, I support current plans to build permanent supportive housing in conjunction with a new city hall on its current location.

However, that is not enough. Homelessness is a regional issue, and all solutions must, therefore, be regional solutions. In order to enforce our anti-camping ordinances, South Orange County communities must team up with the County government to make available access to emergency shelter services. This cooperative—and cost-sharing—approach is the only rational approach. Only then, after offering regional services to those who need and want them, can we truly address the homelessness issue.

With my extensive relationships throughout South Orange County and possessing a reputation for honesty and fair-dealing, I am the only candidate who can get this done.

Our roads are abysmal, and we all know it. The one current City road improvement project underway is in the Meredith Canyon, Viewpointe, Alta Capistrano and Connemara communities, and it is happening due in part to the advocacy of the Meredith Canyon Community Association, my local HOA. My colleagues on the HOA Board and I had the foresight to meet and discuss road conditions with key City personnel. We also worked cooperatively with the Santa Margarita Water District regarding possible repairs to existing water leaks under the roadway.

Did we get everything we wanted in the road improvement project? Absolutely not, but we do have a tangible project underway to replace the existing roads, which were neglected since their construction in 1976.

It is often possible to tell the health of a City’s budget by the conditions of its roads. San Juan Capistrano has room for improvement.

Years of neglect and lack of proper preventative maintenance dictate that many of our roads must be entirely rebuilt. This fundamental lack of long-term vision has created our current plight, with no easy solution.

The City is hampered by the fact that it has a long-term structural budget deficit that is presently masked by depleting existing reserves. In addition, the City’s own projections show a 28% decline in sales tax-related income directly attributable to COVID-19.

Budgetary issues are just beginning.

The next and perhaps only major road improvement we will see in San Juan Capistrano is the widening of Ortega Highway. This is a certainty for no other reason than the fact that this is a County project, as opposed to a City initiative.

Following the success of Meredith Canyon, I propose in the near term to work cooperatively with County officials to pursue funding and advocate for the expedited widening of Ortega Highway.

If you believe that the quality of San Juan Capistrano’s roads could be improved, you aren’t alone. This past December, City Manager Ben Siegel stated that our city’s roads are in “fair” condition, based on a Pavement Condition Index score of 72.7.

In other words, our pavement earned a Cgrade. It is unacceptable to have C- roads in our A+ town!

Road conditions affect everything from car maintenance to how visitors view our city. What’s the use of improving Verdugo Street and revitalizing downtown if visitors have to travel over decrepit streets to get there?

We can do better, and we will do better.

An overnight long-term fix does not exist.

However, as we emerge from the pandemic, we have an opportunity to examine how we prioritize our General Fund expenditures. Improving our roads needs to be brought to the very top of that list.

However, the long-term solution is to increase the size of the General Fund.

That means we need to continue aggressively pursuing revenue-generating retail businesses. I point to the construction of Ganahl Lumber as an example, for which I advocated, reviewed, and approved as a Planning Commissioner. It is anticipated that once Ganahl Lumber opens, they will generate nearly another half-million dollars in sales-tax revenue for the city. Only by bringing similar revenue-generating businesses to town will San Juan Capistrano residents get the roads we deserve!

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The Capistrano Dispatch September 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;October 8, 2020

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EYE ON SJC

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

West Coast Startup Aims to Enhance Food Preservation Grant Stafford and Bill Birgen mention soggy french fries when explaining how their company intends to improve the food industry.

Stafford and Birgen are behind SavrPak, a startup based in San Juan Capistrano that intends to keep food fresh and enjoyable through a frozen peel-and-stick patch on food containers.

The patch reduces humidity in containers by removing moisture and keeping it away from the food—hence, reducing the chance of soggy fries in your drive-thru order. The patch can be put on a number of containers, including clamshell containers, pizza boxes and paper bags.

“The people get better food,” Birgen said.

The technology was invented by Birgen, an aerospace engineer living in Arizona. Birgen has worked in the defense industry and explains the science behind SavrPak, saying the patch keeps condensation from returning to contained food, ensuring food preservation.

“I’ve been doing this my entire professional career,” Birgen said.

The patch is currently being used on a trial basis by a number of domestic and international companies, as well as some regional restaurateurs.

South Orange County Preschool Opens Kids are learning about caterpillars, staying active and enjoying the outdoors at Community Seedlings Preschool in the Capistrano Beach/San Clemente area.

The private preschool holds classes at Palisades United Methodist Church during the week, though it is not affiliated with the church. Community Seedlings Preschool opened in mid-July for its summer program and started a fall program on Sept. 1.

“We keep all the children in small groups,” said Carrie Fetter, co-founder and director. “The kids are having a great time. The most important part is, because of how beautiful it is here, we spend 98% of the day outside.”

Teachers and staff wear face masks and have their temperature taken before they enter the campus. Kids rotate to different spots and activities as part of the curriculum. The school generally welcomes 30 to 35 children a day.

“We have gardening and outdoor

MONDAY, OCT. 5 49th Congressional Candidate Forum 5 p.m. Rep. Mike Levin, the Democratic incumbent for the 49th Congressional District, and his Republican challenger, San Juan Capistrano Councilmember Brian Maryott, will participate in a forum hosted by Voice of OC, which will livestream the event on its website and Facebook page.

TUESDAY, OCT. 6

Peyton Wood, 4, stands by an outdoor activity area at Community Seedlings Preschool, located along Camino De Estrella, on Friday, Sept. 18. Photo: Collin Breaux

nature work,” Fetter said. “We do real clay work, real paint, real materials. We do all our art outside. We have music. We have woodworking.”

The preschool also has a STEM room for kids to study science, technology, engineering and math. The curriculum additionally emphasizes literacy and other skills.

Visit learningcommunities.org for more information.

SJC Resident Walking to Honor Fellow Cancer Victims The usual cancer walks and runs held in association with Susan G. Komen aren’t happening this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but one San Juan Capistrano breast cancer survivor still plans to bring the issue to light on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Ginger Modiri, cancer-free for eight years, will participate in a private walk through a gated neighborhood with family and friends to raise money for cancer victims. The walk is not a Komen-sponsored event, and the Komen organization is encouraging virtual events on Saturday.

Modiri said she and others have been doing the walk for years. Mordiri’s walk will start at Marbella Country Club and include banners and balloons.

“When you go through the treatment, it’s hell on wheels,” Modiri said. “When I walk, I walk with a heavy heart for the people going through it.”

Despite the disruption of in-person events, people can still donate to help cancer patients at komen.org.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

Local Author Pens Book About Venice Beach History Donna Friess grew up with a front-row look at the artists, Holocaust survivors and other people in Venice Beach in the 1940s. Friess now lives in San Juan Capistrano and has recently written a book about her experiences in the eclectic beach town, Growing Up Venice: Parallel Universes.

The Venice Beach that Friess grew up with has changed over time. The oil fields she remembers are no longer in sight, and high-rise condos have sprung up in the area, she said.

“It’s like nowhere else in the world,” said Friess, a longtime San Juan resident and active member of the community.

Friess started working on the book during the coronavirus-induced global shutdown and wanted to document times gone by so they aren’t forgotten. Her book explores the immigration of Holocaust survivors and what they went through, among other historical aspects of old Venice Beach. She interviewed various people for her book, which she calls a historical narrative written from a personal point of view.

Friess mentions parallel universes in the title since the bohemian culture exists alongside the condos. Living by the beach and surfing not far from her front gate was amazing, she said.

“What I’ve written is the best of my childhood,” Friess said of her ninth book.

Growing Up Venice: Parallel Universes is available on Amazon.

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City Council Meeting 5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano City Council will hold a meeting. Face masks or coverings are required of attendees, and social distancing and other pandemic health guidelines will be in place. The meeting can be viewed on the city website for those who can’t attend in person. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

City Council Candidate Forum 6:00 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association is hosting a moderated forum at The Coach House with District 5 candidates John Alpay and Howard Hart. An audience isn’t being allowed due to the pandemic, but the event will be livestreamed on alerttheglobe.com and Facebook.

THURSDAY, OCT. 8 Design Review Committee Meeting 4:30 p.m. The city’s Design Review Committee will hold a meeting. Face masks or coverings are required of attendees, and social distancing and other pandemic health guidelines will be in place. The meeting can be viewed on the city website for those who can’t attend in person. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. sanjuancapistrano.org.

FRIDAY, OCT. 9 Coffee Chat 9 a.m. A spirited town hall forum on community issues. Occurs virtually on Fridays through Zoom. Follow Coffee Chat SJC on Facebook for more information.

The next print issue of The Capistrano Dispatch publishes.

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

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25â&#x20AC;&#x201C;October 8, 2020

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EYE ON RMV

NEWS & HAPPENINGS AT THE RANCH

The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Hosts Outdoor Yoga Sessions

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

People looking to stay active and steady their minds through yoga can still do so in South Orange County, without having to be crammed shoulder-to-shoulder while indoors.

The Reserve—an outdoor preserve at Rancho Mission Viejo—has instituted outdoor yoga sessions since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Laura Coley Eisenberg, executive director of The Reserve, said they have slowly brought back some events during the ongoing health crisis. The Reserve figured outdoor

yoga, which was previously offered on an occasional basis, would be a good fit.

“People are more comfortable being outdoors,” Coley Eisenberg said.

“We have an ideal location at our Pole Barn.”

Participants can ground themselves on the barn’s solid floor while practicing their positions. Sessions are currently limited to approximately 12 people due to social distancing guidelines.

Coley Eisenberg points to yoga’s physical and mental benefits, which are especially relevant given the

tumultuous conditions unleashed by the pandemic.

“It’s all about your journey,” Coley Eisenberg said. “When you add the outdoors, it adds the extra element of getting people to relax.”

The yoga classes are usually conducted earlier in the day, given the hot conditions in California this season.

“Hopefully, you can take that relaxation with you throughout the day,” Coley Eisenberg said.

The Reserve is also hosting hikes, with social distancing. For more information, visit rmvreserve.org. CD

Events at The Ranch SEPTEMBER 30

Outdoor Yoga at The Reserve 10-11 a.m. Stretch while surrounded by the scenic beauty of The Reserve. The area will have plenty of room to accommodate social distancing. Increase your flexibility, get guidance on centering yourself and take the opportunity to meet new people. A signed release waiver must be submitted to participate. The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo Headquarters, 28811 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.9778. rmvreserve.org.

Practice mindfulness and increase your flexibility at The Reserve. Photo: File

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WELCOME

Aging Well As autumn greets us, so comes this year’s second edition of Aging Well. Yet no matter the season, there is no wonder why so many South Orange County residents choose this region to embrace their golden years.

In this edition of our biannual guide for seniors, Aging Well, we’ve curated a collection of stories on what the tri-city area of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano has to offer, as well as important information needed on staying healthy and active throughout the challenges of a pandemic.

In this Fall edition, local columnists offer insight on living healthy lives. Fred Swegles provides guidance on how seniors can implement best practices in avoiding COVID-19, and health expert Gina Cousineau lists seven healthy habits for seniors to stay active. Be sure to read up on how to best navigate virtual doctor visits to take advantage of technology and enjoy the benefits of virtual appointments.

Continue reading for a special profile on Ruth DeNault, a well-known matriarch of DeNault’s ACE Hardware; a closer look at how massage can be crucial for seniors; resources on meals and housing, and so much more.

We hope this edition of Aging Well can help readers learn something new and also help them make the most of living in beautiful, sunny South Orange County.

Help Through a Computer Screen: Virtual Doctor Visits

P

By Collin Breaux

eople are understandably wary of face-to-face contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they still may need to pay a visit to their doctor for medical issues.

Fortunately, telemedicine—already a budding trend before the ongoing global health crisis—can be there to fill the void. It’s not exactly the same as making an in-person visit at a doctor’s office, but treatment is treatment.

Local health professionals spoke with Picket Fence Media about varying aspects of virtual doctor visits, particularly at a time when people are exploring digital and creative ways to continue with routines.

There has been an uptick Tony Nakhla, a dermatologist and surgeon with OC Skin Institute, said his office has seen The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

an increase in virtual appointments recently.

OC Skin Institute has made it a point to adopt telehealth for senior visits.

OC SkinLab founder and CEO Michelle Hure said their practice has embraced virtual teledermatology visits for most common visits, with the exception of skin checks.

“Our teledermatology integration has been seamless, and we see more virtual than in-person appointments per week,” Hure said. “This has lessened the need to have more people in the office and allowed for better spacing out of our patients who need to be seen in person.”

Most of the in-person visits are by senior patients who need to have skin checks, biopsies, procedures and surgeries, Hure said.

Virtual visits can’t replace all aspects of in-person appointments.

Virtual visits are ineffective for specific concerns that need a physical exam such as listening to lung sounds or examining the skin for atypical moles or skin cancer, according to Hure.

Nakhla said they’re also not effective if someone needs surgery on the spot. Another challenge is technological issues that may arise—patients may spend time getting Page 13

a web camera to work or trying to log in for their appointment.

However, they can be convenient in terms of avoiding traffic or taking a lot of time off work if someone has an issue that can be addressed via telemedicine, Hure noted.

“The visits are convenient and allow you to talk to your doctor in the safety of your home without the need to converse in a mask or risk exposure to coronavirus or the upcoming flu season,” Hure said.

Telemedicine should be relatively accessible to people.

Almost anyone who has coverage through Medicare or a preferred provider organization should be able to register for a telemedicine visit. The COVID-19 pandemic has further facilitated a transition to virtual doctor visits.

“Virtual visits have always been around, but were underutilized due to lack of insurance coverage,” Hure said. “Once the shutdowns occurred due to COVID, insurance companies began allowing these visits to be covered by patient plans.”

Patients definitely need reliable Internet access and a webcam on their computers, or they can use a smartphone, Hure said. thecapistranodispatch.com

Ruth DeNault

Unwavering Mother, Philanthropist, and Matriarch of DeNault’s Hardware Stores

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By Haley Chi-Sing

eNault’s hardware stores have become a landmark business in the South Orange County area, with five stores (including San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano) and each one encompassing the neighborhood-friendly, round-the-cornerstore essence. Despite their unquestionable success and growth over the years, it is the woman behind the name that is responsible for the expansion of the business. Ruth DeNault, the matriarch of DeNault’s ACE Hardware Stores, has been at the helm of

the business since their opening in 1956 and continues to lead the company these many years later, all while balancing her family life, education, and philanthropic works.

Originally from North Dakota, DeNault moved to Southern California in the early 1950s as a means of joining her husband, Jim DeNault, who had just recently been a soldier in the Korean War. Promptly after her husband’s Army years, the DeNault family settled in San Clemente with plans of growing a family in the seaside town.

“We looked around for a good place to raise our family and decided that San Clemente was the place we would like to be,” said DeNault.

Shortly after moving to San Clemente, DeNault and her husband took it upon themselves to open their own hardware store after they had been in the business two years prior. In 1956, the family-owned business opened its doors for the very first time at the corner of Ola Vista and Del Mar in downtown San Clemente.

“We started out as a diversified general store, because we had sporting goods, tricycles, bikes, dinnerware,” said DeNault.

“Change has been constant.”

DeNault’s own ventures have been accompanied by change, as well. DeNault decided to continue her higher education at Concordia University and earned her BA and MBA, all while managing DeNault’s stores.

Already having had plenty of experience of her own in business administration, DeNault recalls having found her prior experience “extremely helpful,” as she went back to school, along with maintaining her hands-on approach in the family business.

Despite all of the personal changes DeNault took on, one constant that remained

Hearing Better for a Better Quality of Life

By Zach Cavanagh Muffling of speech, difficulty understanding words with background noise, trouble hearing over the phone or following conversations with two or more people talking, the need to have people repeat themselves, turning up the TV volume too loud, being unable to understand women and children when they speak.

These are all symptoms of something that a majority of Americans will eventually suffer from: hearing loss.

One-third of Americans between the ages of 65 and 75 have some hearing loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. That percentage increases to about one-half for those

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

older than 75.

Hearing loss doesn’t just affect the person whose hearing has suffered. Effects range to family, friends, colleagues and others as they navigate the issue and accommodate the person with hearing impairment or loss. But there are ways to make the situation better.

There are two major types of hearing loss, both of which can be remedied to help you and others around you live a happier life.

The first and easiest to deal with is conductive hearing loss, which is when sounds cannot reach the inner ear due to earwax, fluid or a punctured eardrum. This can be treated and managed.

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was DeNault’s Hardware’s friendly, reliable service. Known for their distinct welcoming feel, the hardware stores continued to provide individualized assistance to every and all customers who walked through their doors.

“We keep up with what people are looking for, and we give them good, friendly service and knowledgeable people to help,” DeNault said. “[Customers] enjoy shopping at our stores and talking to people that they know.”

However, one curveball the company’s president never saw coming was the dismantling effect that was the coronavirus pandemic. Considered an essential business starting in March of this year, DeNault’s ACE Hardware stores remained open all through the pandemic, providing supplies and hardware throughout the lockdown.

“It’s been very good. Our stores have been extremely busy because people have time at home now to do projects in their home and in their yard. . . . It’s been a busy time for us,” said DeNault.

To comply with CDC and statewide guidelines, all of DeNault’s stores have installed screens in front of cash registers, required customers and clerks to wear masks upon entering, and have maintained social distancing measures when interacting with individuals. While it has proven somewhat difficult in relation to showing customers certain products and items, DeNault’s stores have maintained their customer-first approach throughout the pandemic.

“We really enjoy knowing our customers . . . it’s really a very friendly place. You come in, and we would have friendly people working for us, and people love to come in and have somebody to chat with about their projects,” said DeNault.

Sixty-four years since they first opened their doors, DeNault’s Hardware has expanded as her four sons—and now, her grandchildren—have joined the business, and so has DeNault’s endless list of familial and community jobs. Along with her position at the family business, DeNault has served on San Clemente PTA boards, her sons’ Cub Scout groups, and as president of the Archeology Institute of America, Orange County branch. She is currently an e-board member of the Archeology Institute of America, President of the Cultural Center at Casa Romantica, member of the Foundation Board of Directors at Concordia University, and a Sunday School teacher.

The second, and the one that will require some hardware, is sensorineural hearing loss, which comes from innerear damage. This is the most common type of permanent hearing loss and where hearing aids come into play.

There are also two main types of hearing aids. The cheaper and smaller hearing aids are simply amplification systems to make sounds louder. The more expensive and larger aids help distinguish sounds and make sounds crisper.

If you are experiencing any symptoms linked to hearing loss, contact your doctor or one of several local hearing services and hearing aid centers.

thecapistranodispatch.com

Age Is a State of Mind

Baby Boomers Combat Aging with Bodywork

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By Michelle Bryant, Owner, The Massage Associates ccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preventing disease and injury is critical to reducing the expected growth of health-care costs headed our way, as more than 70 million U.S. baby boomers cross the 60-yearold threshold. Moreover, disease prevention is critical to, well, your health.

Whether you’re a boomer who is running a marathon or running after your grandchildren, you know that growing older doesn’t mean growing old. If you’re wondering how to stave off the effects of aging, the preventative and restorative nature of massage and bodywork might be just what the body ordered.

Immunity and Stress If you’re already a frequent recipient of massage, you know what the work does to combat daily stress. But did you know how detrimental those stressors can be?

Experts say the majority of disease we encounter today is associated with stress. Not only that, stress is a huge factor in premature aging of the body. Researchers say chronic stress ages the body, weakens immune cell function, and can make cells appear up to 17 years older than they really are. Through its effects, massage deftly attacks stress, while boosting the immune system.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

Squashing the Pain Part of the aging process, unfortunately, involves dealing with aches and pains. You might find a day of gardening brings on back pain you never experienced before, or your biking regimen now requires greater recovery time afterward. Even though pain is a constant source of grief for an aging body, massage can make a difference.

In addition to the pains of physical exertion an aging body experiences, the discomfort caused by arthritis can be just as debilitating. Experts predict that one-third of Americans will get arthritis as they age.

Ironically, most arthritis sufferers may not think of massage when they start to explore which therapies might ease their pain. While it is doubtful an arthritic joint can “heal” completely with massage, it can feel better. And for an arthritis sufferer, better is a welcome word, particularly when there are no side effects involved.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, an increasing number of doctors are recommending massage to their arthritis patients to help relieve the pain and stiffness caused by their disease. Massage can increase circulation around painful joints, bringing healing oxygen and nutrients, including amino acids, to rebuild tissue. Many massage therapists report that their arthritic clients find better and longer-lasting relief from massage than from pharmaceuticals.

Whether it’s reducing the symptoms of arthritis, or simply addressing the aches and pains of living an active life, massage can play an important role in aging well.

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BENEFITS for Boomers The benefits from massage and bodywork can help bodies of all ages, especially for baby boomers. Research has shown that massage: • Improves range of motion and decreases low-back pain.

• Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.

• Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles.

• Reduces swelling and scar tissue.

• Reduces recovery time from injury/ surgery.

• Reduces stress, a major contributor to disease and ill health.

• Releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller, thereby reducing the need for medications.

• Stimulates lymph flow and supports the body’s natural process of detoxification.

Michelle Bryant is a Licensed Massage Therapist and the owner of The Massage Associates in San Juan Capistrano.

The Massage Associates has therapists who are specifically trained in helping the older generation be their healthiest selves. In-office or in-home treatments are available. 31952 Camino Capistrano, C-10, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.7924, themassageassociates.com. thecapistranodispatch.com

How to Not Get

COVID

By Fred Swegles When asked if I had any story ideas for this year’s Aging Well section, my reply was, “That’s easy.

Don’t get coronavirus!”

I’m 72, and now I’m seven months into the pandemic, not sick with COVID. That doesn’t make me an expert. And I could be asymptomatic. But I think the precautions I take have worked pretty well.

I’m not perfect. There’ve been stupid moments. Fortunately, they didn’t come back to haunt me. Well, not yet.

Some may call the precautions I take paranoia. I feel they’re pretty simple.

A friend who drove cross-country on a work-related trip told me that wherever he went, he asked, “Do you know anyone with COVID?’—and nearly everyone said no.

I do know it’s out there. And I can’t take a chance. I happen to be caregiving for my brother, who has health challenges not related to COVID. I wouldn’t want to bring COVID home to him or my other housemates. So I’m home most of the time, taking precautions when out shopping or exercising.

hour, every morning, early, when few other people are out and about, then another 30-45 minutes in late afternoon or evening.

I take routes where it’s fairly easy to steer clear of people. To work my legs, I keep the bike in the hardest gear. I pedal as hard and as much as possible.

Sometimes, after dark, I’ll walk around the block, rarely encountering anyone.

Whether walking or riding, I steer clear of people. I’ll walk across the street to pass someone. Or hang a U and head back. Paranoid? No, just prudent. Who cares which direction I’m going? It’s not about where. It’s exercise.

AVOID CROWDS I figure if you’re a senior like me, a vulnerable group, it’s best to stay home as much as possible without going batty. This is the first summer in my life I’ve spent hardly any time at the beach. And travels are on hold.

It’ll pass.

I read a lot. I get outside regularly for exercise and, as need be, to do newspaper work.

For exercise, I ride my e-bike about an

ABOUT MASKS I wear a mask nearly everywhere I go when I leave the house.

Early on, I sometimes wore a gaiter around my neck instead of a mask during early morning bike rides. I figured I could enjoy fresh morning air, unfettered, on deserted streets and raise the gaiter over nose and mouth as need be.

I have gaiters of varying fabrics, so I chose thicker ones. Then I stopped using them at

THE BEACH TRAIL Early on, I gave up regularly riding/walking the beach trail. It was too easy to get trapped in with a grouping of people at choke points.

On rare occasions, I’ve done short bits of the trail, avoiding choke points and prepared to reverse direction if I so choose.

Social distancing is about helping protect other people, not just yourself. The trail is pretty wide, most of the way. But I can do without it, for now.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

all, after a pedestrian one morning called out to me from a sidewalk, noticing my gaiter below my mouth. We were probably 25 feet apart, with a parked car between us.

I pedaled by without responding that we were plenty far apart. But then I thought, wearing a mask on all my bike rides is no big deal, just do it. I stopped using the gaiters. I may use them on my face this winter, when it’s cold.

On the other hand, I’ve had people call out to me. ridiculing my mask as overkill, laughing at a bicyclist out on the street using a mask. Indeed, at 10-20 mph, I ride fast enough to generate a breeze, so it’s probably a safe environment.

I figure, just wear the mask, if only for a sudden situation that may arise. And as a continual show of kindness to others.

THE BEACH I have a pretty solid tan, despite avoiding the beach this summer. I buy into the idea that sun exposure is beneficial, giving you healthy Vitamin D and UV, if not in excess.

I’ll sit a brief period daily in my patio.

A few days, I’ve picked an uncrowded stretch of beach to sit, read, hop in the ocean. On those days, I’m getting probably more sun than I should. Hey, until this summer, I did that all the time. Now it’s rare. I’m more conscious of minimizing exposure.

I’ll wear a mask to and from the beach, removing the mask once I’ve found my peaceful patch of sand.

GROCERIES Senior hours at supermarkets are golden.

Shop with no crowd. Except that masked

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store employees are busy stocking shelves at that hour. You have to navigate the aisles.

And what if something I need hasn’t been stocked at that early hour? You can politely ask. They’ll help.

Sometimes, I’ll avoid others by switching directions and walking roundabout to reach my desired shelf. Exercise is good. Paranoia?

Nope. No big deal.

I like finding my shopping cart sanitized at the entrance, with cleaning wipes I can drape over the handle. I carry a mini bottle of hand sanitizer I can use, leaving the store.

Is that paranoia? To me, it’s easy. No hassle.

Same with washing hands.

HEALTHY DIET Evidently, a few readers took exception to an SC Times column I wrote about Thomas Appell’s book, Never Get Another Cold, suggesting healthy diet as a preventative if you’re concerned about COVID. For many Americans, the diet he advocates is too extreme. I took a little ribbing for having written the column. I’m convinced he is onto something, COVID or not. To me, the diet makes sense.

But for me, the diet was asking too much.

I adopted elements of it into my own version of a better diet to help avoid getting sick, pandemic or not.

I’m happy with my compromise.

None of us is an expert. We do our best.

There are no guarantees. Be positive. Be kind. Be happy. Count blessings. With prayers and condolences to families touched

by COVID, I’m increasingly confident we can come out of this fine. thecapistranodispatch.com

SEVEN

Healthy Aging Habits for Staying Active

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By Gina Cousineau Too often we take “advice” from so-called “experts,” who don’t practice what they preach, nor do they necessarily have the knowledge to do the teaching. In this area, I have experience working with many seniors over the years, and I, too, am a senior, albeit a rookie at 57 years of age. But the combination of my wisdom and education allows me to address this topic, which is very near and dear to my heart. These suggestions are in no particular order, but all are necessary practices to consider:

1/ Joy

Finding aspects of your life that provide pleasure on a daily basis is like drinking from the proverbial fountain of youth. Be it the food we eat or the activities we participate in, our actions can dictate our happiness.

While we understand that life has many obstacles, if we can focus on that we are grateful for, I do believe that this can be a game-changer for living a joyful, active life.

2/ Nutrition

As a culinary nutritionist, it is obvious that I believe that food is of great importance, providing the calories and nutrients necessary for our bodies to function and thrive. As we age, we tend to have lesser appetites, due to a decrease in our taste sensation. To counter this, we need to add more flavor to our food, including herbs and spices, upping the flavor factor. Keep it simple, sticking with whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy, healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts/ seeds) and lean protein options, and this will be your recipe to success.

3/ Movement

The statements “motion is lotion” and “move it or lose it” holds true in my experience. While our fitness level can decline rapidly as we age, simply walking most days will help to boost our fitness and our mood.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

Page 17

4/ Faith

Whether you follow a formal religion or are simply “spiritual,” this practice allows our lives to have meaning and purpose.

5/ Work/Volunteering

Doing for others, be it in a work or volunteer capacity, provides a sense of accomplishment. Never stray from this habit.

6/ Family & Friends

These relationships provide support and comfort throughout life, and according to studies, improve our mental well-being and are protective against mental illness.

7/ Self-Care

Being your own advocate, and having someone to pair with your efforts, is paramount to living a long, healthy, independent life.

Having an internist/primary care physician that helps guide all aspects of your health care is critical. Too often we neglect health screenings that can detect diseases, which can be treated if caught early. And with aging and as our our health histories become more complex, this individual can play “quarterback,” helping manage potential risks/benefits of tests, screening, treatments, medications and more. They remind you not only about your yearly flu shot, but when you need your shingles and pneumonia vaccines, the intervals for your colonoscopies, prostate screening, skin checks, and they will refer you to a specialist as needed. They also monitor your blood pressure and labs, which is no different than when you take your car in to the mechanic for routine maintenance. Don’t wait until the “check engine light” comes on, folks, as unlike a vehicle that can be replaced, your body cannot. Being proactive and focusing on prevention can add years to your life.

Gina Cousineau sees clients virtually and in person out of her San Clemente office. Her extensive education with a BS in dietetics and MS in integrative and functional nutrition, chef training, and 30-plus years as a fitness professional allow her to help clients lose weight and improve their health. You can reach her at mamag@mamagslifestyle.com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram /Facebook @mamagslifestyle. thecapistranodispatch.com

OC Office on Aging Provides Many At-Home Senior Services During Pandemic

S

By Zach Cavanagh enior services are plentiful throughout Orange County to help its older and aging residents. There are so many that it may be confusing or difficult to find exactly where to go or what will suit a specific need.

That’s where the Orange County Office on Aging comes in. The Office on Aging acts as a facilitator between the county’s many service providers and any member of the aging population who uses those services. The office also administers and funds throughout the county and through service providers.

The Office on Aging can be found online at officeonaging.ocgov.com and can be contacted by email at areaagencyonaging@ occr.ocgov.com or by calling 714.480.6450 or toll-free at 800.510.2020. The Office on Aging can also be engaged on Facebook at @OCOoA and on Twitter and Instagram at @OC_OoA.

The Office on Aging’s service provider in South Orange County is Age Well Senior Services, which operates the Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano senior centers and the Dorothy Visser Senior Center in San Clemente.

In addition to the senior center services, Age Well also offers home-delivered meals, in-home services and non-emergency transportation to and from medical appointments for seniors.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Age Well has also been the Office on Aging’s South Orange County provider for the state’s Great Plates Delivered program, which helps seniors and other adults at risk to COVID-19 stay home and receive three meals a day. The meals are provided by local restaurants, which in turn receive some economic stimulus during these tough times. On Sept. 10, the state extended the program through at least Oct. 9.

The Great Plates Delivered program for

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

South Orange County can be found online at greatplates.agewellseniorservices.org or by phone at 949.382.6099.

Age Well can be found online at agewellseniorservices.org or reached by phone at 949.855.8033. Their South County Senior Transportation program can be reached at 949.855.8033.

While food and nutrition may be among the most important and widespread that the Office on Aging provides, there is a wide-ranging list of support that can be found from the office.

The easiest way to find these services is through the Office on Aging’s mobile app, OC Senior Resources. The app, which is available on the iPhone and Android through the App Store and Google Play, provides easy access to all of the Office on Aging’s services and resources, including disability services, caregiver support, employment, education, financial assistance and insurance. The app also has information for hotline numbers, behavioral health Page 18

services, veteran benefits and volunteer opportunities.

When it comes to hotlines and behavioral health services, the Office on Aging provides several ways for seniors to reach out or for neighbors to help out, which is very important during lonelier times in the pandemic.

Seniors feeling anxious, fearful or lonely can call the 24-hour, toll-free Friendship Line California at 1.800.670.1360. Seniors needing emotional support and resources can call or text the 24-hour OC WarmLine at 714.991.6412 or call toll-free at 877.910.8276.

For those looking to help their senior neighbors, the Office on Aging also provides a downloadable postcard to fill out and give to a neighbor to help with groceries, errands, mail or just daily check-ins.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Orange County Office on Aging has stepped up to aid the local senior and aging population and make sure they get through healthy and happy. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Sun: Advantages, Precautions—and How Much is Too Much?

By Collin Breaux

Sunshine is a double-edged sword of sorts—it can be refreshing and conjure up feelings of beach days and drives down PCH, but it also can be a hazard that causes sunburn and other unpleasant effects.

Given the sun is such a ubiquitous part of South Orange County life, we decided to ask some local medical professionals their perspectives on different aspects of catching some summer rays.

Sun exposure can benefit your mental health.

“It’s well known that sunlight can trigger the release of serotonin, which is a moodboosting neurotransmitter (chemical in the brain) that regulates anxiety, fear, mental focus and feelings of relaxation,” said OC SkinLab founder and CEO Michelle Hure.

What’s excessive exposure is subjective.

The line between a healthy dose and getting burned can depend on your skin type.

Tony Nakhla, a dermatologist and surgeon with OC Skin Institute, said 15 to 20 minutes a day of unprotected sun exposure is OK for some.

Nakhla recommended leaving your face out of that exposure and limiting it to arms, leg and backs of hands.

Be wary of peak UV periods.

Hure recommends keeping exposure to a minimum between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., peak

hours of the day when the UV Index is highest.

“In addition, wear Zinc-based sunscreen on all exposed skin and even under clothing if the garment isn’t UPF 50-plus,” Hure said.

“A white T-shirt has an SPF of 6, which is inadequate. Using enough sunscreen and reapplying every 90 minutes or sooner if swimming or sweating are essential.”

The higher, the better, according to Hure, saying “it’s a myth that anything over SPF 30 is all the same.” Hure recommends against using a sunscreen spray on the face.

Overcast conditions won’t necessarily protect you.

Eighty percent of UV radiation penetrates through the atmosphere even on the cloudiest of days, Hure said.

“So, observe the same precautions whether it’s sunny or cloudy,” Hure said. “In fact, I see the worst sunburns happen on cloudy days when people don’t think they need sunscreen.”

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

Page 19

thecapistranodispatch.com

Local Knowledge SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Importance of a Smile

BY DR. HAMILTON LE

Local Knowledge

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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

What is periodontal disease?

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

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

When should you see a Periodontist? · Unexplained bleeding while brushing or consuming food · Bad breath that continues despite thorough cleaning

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

· Loose teeth or gum recession. (Often times bone loss may be associated with both of these conditions) · Related systemic health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease or osteoporosis.

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

Dr. Vanessa B. Bikhazi is a Periodontist, practicing at Moran Perio in San Clemente. As a highly trained surgeon, Dr. Bikhazi can perform the following procedures: tooth extractions, crown lengthening, correction of a gummy smile, gum/bone grafting, LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure), sinus lifts, and single tooth to full mouth dental implants.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, go to moranperio.com or call 949.361.4867 (gums).

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

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

Prosthodontists have advanced training in restoring and replacing teeth. Prosthodontists are considered the leaders of the dental treatment plan.

They regularly lead teams of general dentists, specialists, and other health professionals to develop solutions for your dental needs.

They construct oral prostheses to replace missing teeth and associated oral structures with permanent fixtures, such as implant-supported prostheses, crowns and bridges, or removable fixtures such as dentures and removable partial dentures. These specialists also restore function and aesthetics to traumatic injury victims, and to individuals with diseases or birth defects.

Choose a prosthodontist because of their advanced education and training, efficiency, and expertise with advanced technology. Prosthodontists are extensively trained in state-of-the-art techniques and procedures for treating complex dental conditions and restoring optimum function and esthetics.

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

Dr. Hamilton Le is a board certified prosthodontist and is part of the Moran Perio team located at the mouth of Talega in San Clemente, He is a native of Southern California who attended UC Berkeley for his undergraduate training. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree, he moved to Boston where he attended dental school and a prosthodontics residency at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

As the leading prosthodontist in South Orange County, Dr. Le’s commitment to dentistry and patient care is the foundation for his treatment philosophy, providing you the necessary information to understand your dental needs and concerns.

For more information, visit moranperio.com or call 949.361.4867.

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Local Knowledge

Local Knowledge

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TIPS FROM A LOCAL ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY

5 Ways to Get Organized for Yourself, Your Family and/or Your Fiduciaries

Finding the Right Memory Care Searching for memory care for your loved one can be an overwhelming, emotional experience. If you’ve taken the step to look for memory care, you’ve decided that it’s no longer working for your loved one to remain in their own home and you are unable to provide the type of care they need yourself.

This revelation generally comes with a powerful feeling – guilt. Take comfort in knowing that sometimes providing care on your own simply isn’t realistic. You may have a fulltime job, other family members that need your attention, or maybe your loved one has special circumstances that require expert care that you are not qualified to provide.

Any memory care community should offer the basic necessities - safety and security, access to medical care, comfortable accommodations and caring, 24-hour staff. To find a community that’s a wonderful fit for your loved one, look beyond the basics and think about what characteristics will truly help your loved one live their best life. We suggest looking for these two things.

BY JAN A. MEYER As an attorney who assists families with trust administrations and probates, I have seen my fair share of the issues that being disorganized can bring, whether it is when someone is incapacitated or after that person passes away. I have helped a grieving widow with picking up the pieces after her husband passed, including helping her figure out how her bills were paid. I have helped foreign trustees to sort through years of paperwork to determine the estate’s assets and debts.

I have assisted a trustee and agent of a power of attorney take over the day-to-day running of the life of a person with dementia. After all that, I realized that people needed to engage in preemptive organization. There is so much that goes into running your home and your life. If you become incapacitated or you pass away, your family or your nominated fiduciaries (trustees, executors and agents) are left with the responsibility of keeping things going or wrapping things up. Here are FIVE organizational areas that your family or fiduciary would thank you for: Make a list of your physical assets. You should include the cost basis of the asset, the current fair market value of the assets, as well as how the asset is titled, where applicable.

Make a list of your monthly bills, as well as your longterm liabilities. Include information about how these bills and liabilities are paid.

Leave your family and/or agents with all your medical information such as prescriptions, refills, doctors’ contact information, so that your health care can continue without issue in the event of incapacity. If you have an advance health care directive, make sure that it is updated and that

your agent knows its location.

Make a list of your digital assets including passwords to access these accounts. These are online accounts in your name such as email accounts, credit cards, etc. If you have an estate plan, you want to make sure that your fiduciaries have the power to access and manage this class of assets.

Take on some intentional spring cleaning. Throw away unimportant paperwork. Upload photos and videos to an online storage drive. Leave instructions for what to do with your remaining stuff. Families left to do this feel guilty throwing things away and sometimes end up keeping decades of junk out of that guilt.

Finally, keep your lists and instructions updated regularly. In my experience, having these areas organized makes a world of difference for the person(s) who are left to handle it.

Visit my website at danapointwills.com to download a FREE copy of our organizational spreadsheet.

PRO TIP: Leave your printed lists or your computer password and name of your file in an envelope or folder marked “FOR MY FIDUCIARY” in an easily accessible location.

Law Office of Jan A. Meyer Dana Point, CA 949.607.9412 www.danapointwills.com

ROBUST ACTIVITIES • Ask how the community will help your loved one in all dimensions of wellness – physical, social, spiritual and intellectual. Look for a variety of both group and one-on-one activities that are customized to your loved one’s interests and abilities. If they enjoyed cooking, gardening or music prior to entering memory care, find out how these interests can continue to be cultivated. Also, ask how often residents go out for trips, and if activities include children, pets and local events. Until there are better medications, a strong and well-rounded activity program is the currently the most effective way to treat and manage dementia conditions such as Alzheimer’s. The very best programs are designed to engage residents all day, 7 days a week.

HOME-LIKE FEEL • It’s important to find a place where your loved one will feel at home and be treated with the dignity they deserve. Both are things that Serra Sol Memory Care will take to heart. We will create an environment that feels like home and ask all employees to treat residents (and each other) like family. When touring, observe and ask good questions. If you see caregivers interacting with residents – playing games, visiting with them, sharing hugs and smiles – these are all great indications that the environment is warm and loving. Most importantly, trust your instincts. Ask yourself: Does the community have a home-like feel and is it easy to navigate? Does their philosophy of care resonate with me and my family? Would I feel comfortable and at peace if my loved one lived here?

Robust activity programs and a home-like feel are just two things that will make Serra Sol Memory Care truly unique.

A partnership between Protea Senior Living and Agemark Senior Living, Serra Sol is coming to San Juan Capistrano in 2021. For more information visit serrasol.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

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The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

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SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

HOW TO REACH US C I T Y E D I TO R

If Disaster Hits, Are You Prepared?

Collin Breaux • 949.388.7700, x109 cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING PRINT & ONLINE

Debra Wells • 949.388.7700, x104 debra@wellsadsolutions.com

DISTRIBUTION

L

iving in Southern California certainly has its perks—warm weather year-round, proximity to a magnificent coastline, majestic mountains, lush forests . . . the list goes on.

While beauty abounds in this wonderful state, so does the risk of natural disasters. California has long experienced many devastating events, such as wildfires, earthquakes and mudslides, to name but a few. That is why it is incumbent upon all of us to be prepared for such emergencies now, and not wait until they come knocking on our door!

National Preparedness Month (NPM), recognized each September, provides each of us an opportunity to prepare ourselves and our families for unexpected emergencies now and throughout the year. The recent fires throughout Northern and Southern California are a grim reminder of the need for everyone to be prepared for the unexpected long before it happens.

Emergency situations can happen at any time, making it crucial for THE BARTLETT everyone to be prepared BULLETIN well in advance. NPM is

By Lisa Bartlett sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and this year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.”

Often, we will be the first ones in our communities to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself and your community. Below are some ideas we can all benefit from to help plan ahead.

Make a Plan

Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. For ways to help you and your family make a plan for a disaster/ emergency, visit readyoc.org/prepare/ get-plan.html.

Build a Kit

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living

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 PUBLISHER

Photo: Ozzie Stern/Unsplash

in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. For ideas on what to include in your First Aid Kit, visit readyoc.org/ prepare/make-kit.html.

Prepare for Disasters

Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family. Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert. For ways to help prepare yourself and your families for different disasters/ emergencies, visit readyoc.org/prepare/beinformed.html.

Teach Youth About Preparedness

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved. For ways you help teach your children on how to prepare for a disaster, visit readyoc.org/programs/ ready-fox.html.

Sign Up for Alert OC

AlertOC is a mass notification system designed to keep residents and businesses informed of emergencies that may require immediate life-saving actions. If you have not already done so, you can sign up at alertoc.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

In addition, each year my office hosts the South County Disaster Preparedness Expo. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have partnered with Saddleback College and Cox Communications to bring the event to you virtually. Starting Wednesday, September 30, the “VIRTUAL South County Emergency Preparedness Summit 2020” will air twice daily for one week on Cox Cable Channel 39 at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. It will also be available on my Facebook page and YouTube channel.

This year’s event will feature a county update from my office and presentations from the Orange County (OC) Sheriff’s Department, OC Emergency Management, OC Health Care Agency, OC Fire Authority, Southern California Edison and San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). I hope you find this information helpful. One more thing: Don’t forget to test your smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. Stay safe and, as always, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 714.834.3550 should you have any questions or require additional information.

Lisa Bartlett sits on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, representing the 5th District. She was reelected in 2018. CD PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, The Capistrano Dispatch provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com. The Capistrano Dispatch and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

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Norb Garrett

Advertising Sales (SJC) Debra Wells

EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Art Director Jasmine Smith

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex O P E R AT I O N S

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

General Manager Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

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

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

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

by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (danapointtimes.com) and the SC Times (sanclementetimes. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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

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

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at thecapistranodispatch.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE – SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 Saturday, September 26th - 8am-2pm.

55 Via Armilla, San Clemente, CA. Electronics, housewares, teen girls/boys clothes, misc. items, wetsuits, surfboards, boogie boards, accessories, girls bike. Lots of stuff.

GARAGE SALE - SEPT. 25 & 26 Friday, September 25 & Saturday, Sept. 26.

8am -2pm. 25442 Westborne Dr., Dana Point.

Electronics, Tools, Christmas, Etc. GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@thecapistranodispatch.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED • WAREHOUSE POSITION I: Must have experience in shipping and receiving. Fork-lift experience, requires lifting and must have valid Drivers License with a clean driving record. Full-Time, benefits, 401K. Please call 949.492.4399 or email your resume to: dromero@ndaonline.net • WAREHOUSE POSITION II: Must have experience in shipping and receiving, requires lifting and must have valid Drivers License with a clean driving record.

Full-Time, benefits, 401K. Please call 949.492.4399 or email your resume to: dromero@ndaonline.net

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

Then you need to be in The Capistrano Dispatch.

Call us today!

Contact Debra Wells at 949.388.7700 ext. 104 or debra@wellsadsolutions.com The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

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GETTING OUT YOUR EVENT PLANNER

EDITOR’S PICK A dedication for the new water reservoir is being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Collin Breaux

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9: VIRTUAL TRAMPAS CANYON RESERVOIR DEDICATION 9 a.m. Join the Santa Margarita Water District for an online dedication event for the Trampas Canyon Reservoir and Dam, under construction south of Ortega Highway. The reservoir will store recycled water as part of water conservation efforts. Register online. 949.459.6420. form.jotform.com/smwd/trampasdedication.

The List

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

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to The Capistrano Dispatch by going to capistranodispatch.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Friday | 25 LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 3-6 p.m. Eat some food, grab a drink and unwind with live music on the outdoor patio at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Sawyer Auger will perform. Matt Akiona will also perform later that night, from 7-10 p.m. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S STATION 7:30-10:30 p.m. Order fish and chips, grab a pint and relax to live outdoor mu-

sic at this downtown Irish pub. Hollywood Blonde will perform. Paddy’s Station Irish Pub, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

Saturday | 26 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.

DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Take part in a Lion Nation Disc Golf Tournament at the JSerra Catholic High School athletic campus. Bring the family out for a day of fresh air. Spots are limited, and paid registration is available

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25–October 8, 2020

online. JSerra Catholic High School, 26351 Junipero Serra Road, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.9307. jserra.org.

LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 3:30-5 p.m. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano is offering this clinic. There will be discounted vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagnostic testing available on-site. No appointment needed, and walk-ins are welcome. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. Pets Plus San Juan Capistrano, 32022 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

Sunday | 27 PIPER SUNDAY 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Southern California Uilleann Pipers Club is hosting a Zoom seminar featuring online discussion with guest speakers about Irish piping and music. Joey Abarta will join this session from Boston. A PayPal donation of $20 is suggested. socalpipers.com.

‘SWANNER’ SUNDAYS 1-4 p.m. A Stone’s Throw Winery hosts a free admission event on the last Sunday

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of the month. There will be live entertainment and food available for purchase. A Stone’s Throw Winery, 29943 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.364.2063. astonesthrowwinery.com.

Friday | 02 FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday afternoon. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

Saturday | 03 LIVESTREAMED COMEDY 7 p.m. The Council on Aging Southern California will host their annual event “An Evening of Comedy” through livestream on YouTube and Facebook this year. Jay Mohr, Fritz Coleman and Frances Dilorinzo will perform. The event intends to raise funds for the Council on Aging and the SmileMakers Holiday Gift Program. Registration is encouraged. 714.479.0107. coasc.org. thecapistranodispatch.com

GETTING OUT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 8 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth by the train tracks. Face masks are required on all tours until further notice.

26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

Sunday | 04 SUP YOGA IN DANA POINT HARBOR 8 a.m. Combine the best parts of paddleboarding and yoga with stand-up paddleboard yoga, while enjoying the lush view at Baby Beach and other waterfront spots. Participants will be provided a

board and paddle and over an hour of instruction, and must know how to swim.

Sunscreen and swimwear are recommended. Online registration is required.

Westwind Sailing, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. 949.945.9891. socalpaddleyoga.com.

Wednesday | 07 WINE-DOWN WEDNESDAY WOOD WORKSHOP 6-9 p.m. Brush up on your craftsmanship skills with this woodworking DIY class.

Potential projects include wood signs, bath trays or photo frames. Register online to reserve a class seat. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano.

949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Melinda Sue Gordon/Warner Bros. Pictures

At the Movies: ‘Tenet’ Saves the Day

BY MEGAN BIANCO, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

A

cclaimed English film actor Robert Pattinson has come a long way since his vampire days as the male lead in the Twilight flicks, and his most recent releases are no exception. The first is the highly anticipated sci-fi epic of Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. Let’s see how well it lived up to fans’ expectations.

We follow the story’s protagonist played

by John David Washington while he is trained to manipulate time to prevent another world war from breaking out.

Pattinson, Aaron Johnson and Clémence Poésy are a few of the big names helping Washington to save the day from a supervillain played by Kenneth Branagh.

Elizabeth Debicki becomes dangerously close to the damsel in distress trope as the female lead, but fortunately she is redeemed by the third act.

So after all the hoopla of the blockbuster

possibly not getting its necessary theater experience because of COVID-19, film fans were still blessed with Tenet’s release, albeit two months later than scheduled.

The feature itself is still essentially what you get from most of Nolan’s movies. The action sequences, casting, the cinematography, the special effects and—most of all—the music score are top-notch; ultimately, however, they are sandwiched between some stale dialogue and stiff comic relief. Tenet isn’t Memento (2000) or The Prestige (2006), but it doesn’t feel as hokey as The Dark Knight Rises (2012) or Interstellar (2014), either.

While flawed, it’s still a good month for Robert Pattinson fans. His two latest performances, as a suave espionage agent in Tenet and as a sleazy preacher in Antonio Campos’ The Devil All the Time, are a reminder of just how much range and versatility the actor has. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25–October 8, 2020

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SJC LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Annual Shea Center BBQ Reimagined

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he Shea Center BBQ isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happening as usual in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean clients, staff and volunteers are going unrecognized.

The annual fundraiser was a weeklong celebration this year incorporating digital events. It began on Saturday, Sept. 12, with a drive-thru recognition for clients and volunteers.

Here are some photos from the recognition. Visit sheacenter.org/bbq for more information. CD

The Shea Center BBQ this year culminated with a livestreamed program and auction on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. Photos: Collin Breaux

Sudoku

Adoptable Pets of the Week: Louisa & Clara

BY MYLES MELLOR Solution:

THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

L

ouisa and Clara are quite the delightful duo. These two little guinea pigs are not only cute, they also are fairly easy to handle. Take them home, and they will fill your days with loveable squeaks and adorable squeals.

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

Louisa and Clara. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

interaction appointment. CD

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

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 Page 28

thecapistranodispatch.com

SJC LIVING

The San Clemente Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution sponsored a ringing of the bells at Mission San Juan Capistrano on Sept. 17 in celebration of the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Photo: Susan Schultz

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENING

San Juan Community Submitted Photos

BY COLLIN BREAUX, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

Some of our readers have recently sent in photos of events and sights around town, and so we want to share them with you. If you have an interesting photo, send it to City Editor Collin Breaux at cbreaux@picketfencemedia.com and it could be featured in an upcoming issue. CD

Kelly Kaban, a dentist with Kaban Dental Group, is keeping her patients safe by wearing personal protective equipment during the ongoing health crisis. Photo: Edna Ortiz

OC SkinLab Founder and CEO Michelle Hure wears personal protective equipment because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Courtesy of OC SkinLab

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE EDITOR’S COLUMN: Cavanagh Corner by Zach Cavanagh

Full Sports Schedule Restores Sense of Normalcy

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH

T

he first two full Sundays of the NFL season have been incredible, but not just for the thrillers, the comebacks or any of the incredible highlights.

It was incredible in how incredibly normal they felt.

For months, sports fans and nonfans alike have been yearning for that “sense of normalcy.” In this crazy 2020 with the world on fire, a pandemic lingering, election rhetoric flying and life seemingly on hold for many, what that normalcy was going to be is a bit ethereal and personal. Because of how truly unnormal these times are, you probably CAVANAGH won’t realize what that normal is until CORNER

By Sports Editor, you’re already in it.

Zach Cavanagh For myself as a sports fan and sports writer, the summer of 2020 was particularly empty without sports to take up my days, nights, conversations or TV

The Capistrano Dispatch September 25-October 8, 2020

After months away, every major sport is in action all at once, giving sports fans a sense of normalcy and a full TV schedule. Photo: JESHOOTS.com/Pexels

schedules. Even when some leagues returned, it still felt far from what it should be, with shortened seasons, entire leagues and playoffs in bubbles and stadiums without fans.

However, after the initial shock, I grew accustomed to watching the games in these new surroundings, and, sure enough, my love of sport dragged me in. I was watching games every day and night, as if nothing had ever happened to take them away.

Strangely enough, the shutdowns due to COVID-19 have actually created a golden age of watching sports from your couch.

The early rounds of the NHL and NBA playoffs had games broadcast from breakfast to bedtime here on the

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West Coast. After its own early coronavirus scare, Major League Baseball’s condensed schedule left almost no room for days off and doubleheaders scheduled seemingly every other day in a race to the finish. Men’s and women’s soccer leagues around the world had games crisscrossing the schedule at all times.

Two weekends ago became the zenith of that frenzy, and I think what finally clicked in that normalcy switch in my brain.

Thursday, Sept. 10, was the first day in sports history that the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and WNBA all played on the same day. Saturday, Sept. 12, brought the opening of college football for some of the power conference teams, as well as the first matchday of the Premier League season in England. The U.S. Open of tennis crowned its champions on Sept. 12-13, and the U.S. Open of golf awarded its championship last weekend.

Austin Hedges is behind the plate for the Cleveland Indians. Dante Pettis is running routes for the San Francisco 49ers. Nick Harris is suiting up for the Cleveland Browns.

Every major sport from all corners of the globe is in session, and they’re all somewhere on your TV or streaming service.

It may be hard to say sports are completely back to normal when you can look in our own backyards and see that youth sports games and the high school sports schedule are both a ways away. And I, too, would rather be in the sun at the Big A cheering on Mike Trout or taking in the sparkling new wonder of SoFi Stadium with the Rams.

For now, this sports fan will take his full days of watching games on TV with a smile, knowing what it’s like without any of them at all and appreciating the ability to indulge in all of them at once. CD

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