Orange County homebuyers typically put $300,000 down, 3rd largest in US

• September 6, 2024

“How expensive?” tracks measurements of California’s totally unaffordable housing market.

The pain: Orange County homebuyers used the third-largest down payment in the nation in June.

The source: My trusty spreadsheet reviewed a Redfin analysis of how much money borrowers put into home purchases in 40 major housing markets in June – including four in Southern California.

The pinch

The median Orange County down payment was $300,000 – trailing only San Jose’s $451,500 and San Francisco’s $441,500. OC’s typical down payment was up 20% in a year.

Plus, the typical Orange County mortgage was 25% of the purchase price, the third-highest among the 40 metros. Note that huge down payments are often the result of a buyer using cash profits from a previous home sale.

Now ponder that massive amount of cash, then think about the paychecks required for a financed purchase.

A theoretical buyer of an Orange County starter home must have a household income of $251,300 to qualify to buy a $740,000 residence, according to a Redfin analysis of May to July data.

Pressure points

Look at elsewhere in Southern California …

Los Angeles: $188,000 median down payment (No. 7 among the 40 metros) – up 10% in a year. Median down equaled 20% of price (No. 5). And the starter-home income requirement was $184,500 for $615,000 residence.

San Diego: $183,500 down (No. 8) – up 24% in a year, 20% of price (No. 5). Starter-home income? $198,000 for $652,750 residence.

Inland Empire: $48,012 down (No. 25) – up 1% in a year, 10% of price (No. 29). Starter-home income? $122,900 for $408,000 residence.

Bottom line

Rising mortgage rates and stubbornly high sale prices forced the few who could afford to buy to scramble to make a deal pencil out.

So the big down payments are another big hurdle that kills many Southern California house hunters’ dreams.

Consider home shopping nationally. The median US down payment was $67,500 – and that was up 15% in a year. The typical US borrower put down 19% of the purchase price. And to buy a starter home, income of $79,250 is needed.

Quotable

“Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have promised to make homeownership more affordable, but only Harris has signaled that housing is a top priority,” said Redfin’s chief economist Daryl Fairweather. “Her plan to build 3 million new homes could make starter homes more affordable for the average American family. One pathway Harris has suggested for accomplishing that goal is through incentives to local governments and subsidies for builders of affordable housing. That could help battle the severe starter-home shortage, particularly in expensive coastal markets. Harris has also promised $25,000 in down-payment assistance for first-time buyers, which could boost homeownership in midwestern markets where people may be able to afford mortgage payments, but not necessarily down payments.”

Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at [email protected]

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register 

End of another unproductive Capitol year

• September 6, 2024

California legislators completed the legislative session on August 31, sending hundreds of bills to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his consideration by the end of September. Even though Democrats hold supermajorities in both houses, this session was marked by a variety of contentious issues and high-profile intraparty battles.

One of the strangest debates took place after the session officially concluded. The governor has called on the Legislature to hold a special session to address the state’s sky-high gasoline and oil prices. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Salinas, has announced he will move forward with it, but Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, continues to refuse.

In his rebuke, McGuire explained in a statement that lawmakers have “been working on this [package] for months. … The Senate always had the votes and was ready to get these important measures across the finish line.” Reports suggest McGuire has softened his stance, but his rebuke was pitch perfect.

Newsom spent significant time campaigning for the Democratic national ticket. If this were so important, he should have made it a priority during session. His hectoring about “gouging” is about political posturing. Gas prices are high, but Newsom has no interest in striking at the root of them — our highest-in-the-nation gas taxes and state regulatory policy.

This year’s biggest in-session fracas involved clod-footed efforts by Democrats to deal retail theft. Eager to stop a coming and popular ballot initiative that undermines a decade-old criminal-justice initiative (Proposition 47), Democrats passed a package of crime-fighting bills that ultimately were signed by the governor — but only after a series of missteps designed to derail a tough-on-crime measure on the November ballot (Proposition 36).

The Legislature passed a bill designed to deal with Artificial Intelligence — something that deserves more critical attention. Assembly Bill 1047 would require AI developers to “put appropriate safeguards and policies into place to prevent critical harms.” It also creates a new state agency. We doubt lawmakers have the wherewithal to oversee the development of such a complex technology — and fear their efforts will discourage AI development. Its definitions of “critical harms” are far too vague.

The Legislature at least shelved some dubious reparations proposals, including ones that could set the stage for direct payments. They are wrongheaded bills that promote divisiveness and are financially irresponsible. But some modest measures — such as a bill calling on the state to investigate racially motivated instances of eminent domain — are praiseworthy.

Lawmakers couldn’t avoid controversies that made California a national laughingstock, as they approved bills that provide illegal immigrants with access to $150,000 in down-payment assistance and one to give such immigrants access to unemployment benefits. We don’t think the state should provide housing payments to anyone — and California has yet to figure out how to pay for expanded job-loss benefits.

Lawmakers passed yet another plastic-bag ban. This time they banned the use of the heavier bags that they forced shoppers to use after they banned the previous form of thin plastic bags. Studies have shown that plastic waste has increased since the Legislature’s previous effort, so we suspect the latest one will do little more than annoy shoppers.

That’s a short roundup of a largely unproductive legislative session. Here’s hoping that the governor might get more engaged and get out that veto pen.

​ Orange County Register 

FHA has loan option for low-FICO homebuyers

• September 6, 2024

How low can a FICO score go for a homebuyer to mortgage qualify?

Federal Housing Administration mortgages, in some cases, allow a FICO score as low as 500. This is a homeownership inroad for those who thought they could not qualify.

The same is not true when it comes to conventional financing from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which both require a 620 or higher FICO score. Many subprime lenders offering exotic mortgages, or so-called nonqualified mortgages, only go down to a 620 score. Few subprime lenders will allow scores lower than 620.

Also see: Interest rates have dropped, but homeowners are not moving

Most borrowers and real estate professionals don’t think about Federal Housing Administration loans when it comes to rough credit. Indeed, FHA is a great solution for credit-challenged borrowers.

Largely, you can get in with just 3.5% down. If the lowest middle FICO score of all borrowers is 580 or higher, then the minimum required down payment is 3.5%. If it’s 500-579 then a minimum of 10% down is required.

Buyers can use gift funds as a down payment, too. And they can use non-occupant co-signers to help qualify.

Related: Homebuyer contract bill heads to governor’s desk

FHA interest rates range from 5.125% for borrowers with good credit scores or 7% for credit-challenged borrowers.

Qualifying income is generous. The total house payment plus monthly recurring bills or debt-to-income ratio can be as high as 56.99%. Subprime or non-QM financing will not allow a buyer to exceed 50% DTI. Conventional financing from the likes of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac requires the DTI to be under 50%.

Los Angeles County and Orange County are high-cost areas, so the maximum loan amount for a single home or condo is $1,149,825, a two-unit property it’s $1,472,250, three units is $1,779,525 and four units is $2,211,600.

The Inland Empire does not have so-called FHA high-balance or jumbo loans. The maximum loan amount for a single home is $644,000. For two units it’s $824,450, three units is $996,550 and four units is $1,238,500.

San Diego County is somewhere in the middle. The maximum loan amount for a single home is $1,006,250. Two units is $1,288,200, three units is $1,557,150 and four units is $1,935,150.

You may need to come in with more than the minimum down payment for three- or four-unit properties. Qualifying is a bit more complicated, too. The FHA self-sufficiency test considers whether the rental income will cover the mortgage after expenses or a vacancy factor. Call your mortgage broker for more granular details.

And if there’s a non-occupant co-signer, buyers must put 25% down when it comes to multiple units.

FHA requires owner-occupancy on its mortgage. In the case of multiple units, one of the units needs to be owner-occupied. A buyer can rent out the other units.

One downside to FHA financing is the mortgage insurance premium. Conventional financing requires private mortgage insurance if the borrower is putting less than 20% down. FHA mandates mortgage insurance even with down payments of 20% or more. And it’s not cheap.

There is an upfront mortgage insurance premium or MIP of 1.75% of the loan amount. For example, if your base loan amount is $100,000 then your total loan amount would be $101,750 when the MIP is added. Plus, you have a monthly mortgage insurance premium or MMI on a 30-year fixed of 0.55% when the loan is less than 10% down and the loan amount is under $726,200. A 10% or more down payment brings the monthly mortgage insurance down to 0.5%.

When the loan amount is $726,200 or more, and you are putting less than 10% down the MMI is 0.75%. If you are putting 10% or more down on a loan amount of $726,200 or more, then your MMI is 0.7%. For example, on an $800,000 loan the 0.75% would add $500 to the monthly payment.

FHA mortgage insurance is more of a pass/fail chart, no matter the borrower’s FICO score. In conventional loans, the mortgage insurance is matrix driven. The better the credit score, the cheaper the mortgage insurance.

Freddie Mac rate news

The 30-year fixed rate averaged 6.35%, unchanged from last week. The 15-year fixed rate averaged 5.47%, 4 basis points lower than last week.

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported a 1.6% mortgage application increase compared to one week ago.

Bottom line: Assuming a borrower gets the average 30-year fixed rate on a conforming $766,550 loan, last year’s payment was $392 more than this week’s payment of $4,770.

What I see: Locally, well-qualified borrowers can get the following fixed-rate mortgages with one point: A 30-year FHA at 5.125%, a 15-year conventional at 4.875%, a 30-year conventional at 5.5%, a 15-year conventional high balance at 5.25% ($766,551 to $1,149,825 in LA and OC and $766,551 to $1,006,250 in San Diego), a 30-year-high balance conventional at 5.875% and a jumbo 30-year fixed at 6.25%.

Note: The 30-year FHA conforming loan is limited to loans of $644,000 in the Inland Empire and $766,550 in LA, San Diego, and Orange counties.

Eye-catcher loan program of the week: A 30-year FHA fixed rate at 5.625% with zero points cost.

Jeff Lazerson, president of Mortgage Grader, can be reached at 949-322-8640 or [email protected].

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​ Orange County Register 

HOA Homefront: Is a consent calendar OK or does it help boards hide their business?

• September 6, 2024

Q: In an attempt to make meetings brief, the board has taken to voting the “consent calendar” as one agenda item, without any prior members’ knowledge, discussion or even speaking the items on it.

This month these include: approving minutes; acknowledging the directors reviewed the financials; treasurer’s report; manager’s report; and architectural/landscaping report. These matters are then adopted by the board at the meeting without discussion or disclosure of the contents.

The reports are then attached as separate PDFs to the meeting minutes. Shouldn’t these reports be seen by the members before the board votes on them? How can this square with the open meeting rules or intent? — R.S., Solana Beach.

A: If used properly, the consent calendar is a helpful tool to make board meetings more efficient without being less transparent.

Civil Code Section 4020(d) requires an agenda be posted along with the notice of meeting, and Civil Code Section 4930(a) prohibits, with narrow exceptions, boards from discussing matters outside the agenda. So, even with consent calendar, the items to be decided must be disclosed in advance. The items you listed appear to be more pro forma votes acknowledging receipt and approving those items.

Consent calendars group together routine or other noncontroversial items which do not require specific discussion. If used properly, it’s a rare HOA that would not benefit from their use. It’s not only that multiple motions are rolled into one, but also it helps because some directors feel that they must comment about every item, even if non-controversial. Consent calendars help avoid unnecessary comments regarding matters that don’t need commentary.

When setting the agenda, items which are not expected to require discussion (such as receipt of reports, payment of routine bills, and other such items) can be placed together in a group called the “consent calendar.”

At the beginning of the meeting, after quorum is confirmed and the meeting called to order, the chair of the meeting then asks for approval of the agenda. That is the moment that any director (not people in the audience) can request an item be removed from the consent calendar and placed in the discussion portion of the agenda. The requesting director need not state a reason but simply just make the request.  Then, the item taken out of the consent calendar will be deliberated in the rest of the meeting with other business items.

Once the agenda is set, the chair simply calls for a vote on the consent calendar group of items. There is no debate and no questions – items requiring questions or discussion by any director should already have been removed from the consent calendar. A quick vote follows, and the board has thus handled multiple items at once. This not only eliminates undue consumption of time but also preserves value time and energy of the board for the matters which merit questions and discussion.

The content of the consent calendar items will already have been disclosed in the agenda, and the decision will be recorded in the minutes. The only thing missing is the discussion.

Boards and their managers should use consent calendars in order to allow more focus upon the subjects which merit discussion.

Kelly G. Richardson CCAL is a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers and Partner of Richardson Ober LLP, a California law firm known for community association advice. Send column questions to [email protected].

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​ Orange County Register 

The best LED candles for a relaxing, flame-free glow

• September 6, 2024

Which LED candles are the best?

With their soft, cozy glow, candles are beautiful decor pieces. Unfortunately, they can leave puddles of melted wax on your furniture and pose a fire hazard, particularly if you have children or pets at home. LED candles are a smokeless, flameless alternative, so you can safely enjoy the ambiance of glowing candles.

LED candles are available in a variety sizes, shapes and colors. Enpornk’s top-rated candles are a great pick because the set includes nine realistic-looking candles with adjustable brightness levels and a flicker setting.

What to know before you buy LED candles

Shape and size

First, determine what shape and size of LED candles fit your needs and style. LED candles come in classic shapes, including tea lights, votives, tapered and pillars. The specific diameter and height measurements can vary from brand to brand.

Most LED tea lights are 2 inches tall and 1.5 inches in diameter, while LED votives are usually 1.9 inches tall and 1 .5 inches in diameter. LED tapered candles are generally 9 to 12 inches in height, and LED pillars are often 4 to 9 inches in height and 3 inches in diameter.

Sets

Some LED candles are sold individually, but others come in a set. Smaller candles like votives and tea lights are often available in sets of 12, 24 or 36. Larger candles like pillars can be sold individually, but some come in sets of three to nine. Tapered candles are generally available in sets of six to 12.

Appearance

All LED candles are designed to look like real candles, but the appearance of the flame can differ. Some LED candles produce flames with a warm white, amber or gold color. Many have a solid flame, while others flicker. Some candles even hide the flame for a more subtle look.

Most LED candles are made of plastic, but you can also find some with a genuine wax interior that gives them a more realistic look. Some larger LED candles are also shaped to look like they’re partially melted.

Controls

Many smaller LED candles, like tea lights, votives and tapered candles, feature an on/off switch on the bottom of the candle. Pillar candles also have a switch, but they often come with a remote control as well. Some LED candles also have a timer.

Some LED candles even allow you to control the appearance of the flame. By using the remote or moving a switch, you can change from a solid, steady flame to a flickering light.

Batteries

Smaller LED candles like votives and tea lights usually come with small buttons or cell batteries that can be replaced. Larger pillar and tapered candles typically run on AA, AAA or D batteries.

Some small styles offer 25-50 hours of operation before needing new batteries. Larger LED candles sometimes provide 300-500 hours.

Weatherproof

If you want to use LED candles outside on your deck or patio, be sure to purchase ones that are waterproof and weatherproof. Solar-powered LED candles, which are specifically designed for outdoor use, are a good choice for a waterproof option.

What to look for in quality LED candles

Flame

LED candles can feature either exposed or hidden flames. Exposed flames are usually made of small pieces of plastic in a flame shape that reflects the LED light. Some exposed flames are actually caps that sit over the LED bulb. Hidden flames sit behind a waxy shell, so they’re not actually visible. Instead, you only see the glow from the interior of the candle.

Dimmer

Some LED candles allow you to control how bright the light is. There’s usually a dimmer button, so you can dim the light to soften its brightness when desired.

Color changing

Most LED candles are white, beige or ivory in color. Other models are color-changing, so you can choose a color or have the candle rotate through colors for special occasions.

Remote

Some sets of LED candles include a remote to control the candles. The remote can adjust the settings on all of the candles, even if they’re not in the same room. In addition, most remotes have a 15 or 16-foot range, so you can control the candles from across the room.

Scented

If you are reluctant to give up traditional scented candles because of the delicious aromas they produce, you can actually find scented LED candles. Standard scent options include vanilla, cinnamon and rose.

Rings

Tapered LED candles sometimes come with latex rings that fit on their bottoms. These rings help the candles fit more securely in standard candle holders.

How much you can expect to spend on LED candles

You’ll usually pay between $7-$19 for LED candles. Those that range from $7-$10 are typically sets of 12 to 24 LED votive or tea lights. For $10-$19, you can find some single LED pillar candles, scented LED candles and other LED candles that come with a remote. You’ll spend more than $19 for larger sets of LED pillars or tapered candles.

LED candles FAQ

Do LED candles get hot?

LED candles, including their bulb, usually stay cool. That makes them a safe option to use inside a pumpkin, luminary bags or other decorative containers for special occasions.

How long do LED candles usually last?

Duration varies from candle to candle, but the bulb in most LED candles can last for up to a year. Of course, you may have to replace the candle’s batteries during that period.

What’s the best LED candle to buy?

Top LED candle

Enpornk Flameless Candles, Set of 9

What you need to know: This large set of realistic LED candles can create the perfect ambiance for your home.

What you’ll love: It contains nine flameless candles that resemble traditional candles and a remote. The user can control the candles’ brightness and flicker. They’re also made with real wax, which makes them look more realistic.

What you should consider: The glow the candles give off is very orange. They’re also all only one height.

Top LED candle for the money

Homemory Battery Operated Tea Lights, Set of 12

What you need to know: Homemory makes a realistic set of LED tea lights, which provide warm white light and feature a partially melted look.

What you’ll love: The set comes with 12 tea lights. Each tea light offers a battery life of more than 100 hours and is guaranteed to work out of the box.

What you should consider: The tea lights are made of plastic, which may not look realistic.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

​ Orange County Register 

The best LED candles for a relaxing, flame-free glow

• September 6, 2024

Which LED candles are the best?

With their soft, cozy glow, candles are beautiful decor pieces. Unfortunately, they can leave puddles of melted wax on your furniture and pose a fire hazard, particularly if you have children or pets at home. LED candles are a smokeless, flameless alternative, so you can safely enjoy the ambiance of glowing candles.

LED candles are available in a variety sizes, shapes and colors. Enpornk’s top-rated candles are a great pick because the set includes nine realistic-looking candles with adjustable brightness levels and a flicker setting.

What to know before you buy LED candles

Shape and size

First, determine what shape and size of LED candles fit your needs and style. LED candles come in classic shapes, including tea lights, votives, tapered and pillars. The specific diameter and height measurements can vary from brand to brand.

Most LED tea lights are 2 inches tall and 1.5 inches in diameter, while LED votives are usually 1.9 inches tall and 1 .5 inches in diameter. LED tapered candles are generally 9 to 12 inches in height, and LED pillars are often 4 to 9 inches in height and 3 inches in diameter.

Sets

Some LED candles are sold individually, but others come in a set. Smaller candles like votives and tea lights are often available in sets of 12, 24 or 36. Larger candles like pillars can be sold individually, but some come in sets of three to nine. Tapered candles are generally available in sets of six to 12.

Appearance

All LED candles are designed to look like real candles, but the appearance of the flame can differ. Some LED candles produce flames with a warm white, amber or gold color. Many have a solid flame, while others flicker. Some candles even hide the flame for a more subtle look.

Most LED candles are made of plastic, but you can also find some with a genuine wax interior that gives them a more realistic look. Some larger LED candles are also shaped to look like they’re partially melted.

Controls

Many smaller LED candles, like tea lights, votives and tapered candles, feature an on/off switch on the bottom of the candle. Pillar candles also have a switch, but they often come with a remote control as well. Some LED candles also have a timer.

Some LED candles even allow you to control the appearance of the flame. By using the remote or moving a switch, you can change from a solid, steady flame to a flickering light.

Batteries

Smaller LED candles like votives and tea lights usually come with small buttons or cell batteries that can be replaced. Larger pillar and tapered candles typically run on AA, AAA or D batteries.

Some small styles offer 25-50 hours of operation before needing new batteries. Larger LED candles sometimes provide 300-500 hours.

Weatherproof

If you want to use LED candles outside on your deck or patio, be sure to purchase ones that are waterproof and weatherproof. Solar-powered LED candles, which are specifically designed for outdoor use, are a good choice for a waterproof option.

What to look for in quality LED candles

Flame

LED candles can feature either exposed or hidden flames. Exposed flames are usually made of small pieces of plastic in a flame shape that reflects the LED light. Some exposed flames are actually caps that sit over the LED bulb. Hidden flames sit behind a waxy shell, so they’re not actually visible. Instead, you only see the glow from the interior of the candle.

Dimmer

Some LED candles allow you to control how bright the light is. There’s usually a dimmer button, so you can dim the light to soften its brightness when desired.

Color changing

Most LED candles are white, beige or ivory in color. Other models are color-changing, so you can choose a color or have the candle rotate through colors for special occasions.

Remote

Some sets of LED candles include a remote to control the candles. The remote can adjust the settings on all of the candles, even if they’re not in the same room. In addition, most remotes have a 15 or 16-foot range, so you can control the candles from across the room.

Scented

If you are reluctant to give up traditional scented candles because of the delicious aromas they produce, you can actually find scented LED candles. Standard scent options include vanilla, cinnamon and rose.

Rings

Tapered LED candles sometimes come with latex rings that fit on their bottoms. These rings help the candles fit more securely in standard candle holders.

How much you can expect to spend on LED candles

You’ll usually pay between $7-$19 for LED candles. Those that range from $7-$10 are typically sets of 12 to 24 LED votive or tea lights. For $10-$19, you can find some single LED pillar candles, scented LED candles and other LED candles that come with a remote. You’ll spend more than $19 for larger sets of LED pillars or tapered candles.

LED candles FAQ

Do LED candles get hot?

LED candles, including their bulb, usually stay cool. That makes them a safe option to use inside a pumpkin, luminary bags or other decorative containers for special occasions.

How long do LED candles usually last?

Duration varies from candle to candle, but the bulb in most LED candles can last for up to a year. Of course, you may have to replace the candle’s batteries during that period.

What’s the best LED candle to buy?

Top LED candle

Enpornk Flameless Candles, Set of 9

What you need to know: This large set of realistic LED candles can create the perfect ambiance for your home.

What you’ll love: It contains nine flameless candles that resemble traditional candles and a remote. The user can control the candles’ brightness and flicker. They’re also made with real wax, which makes them look more realistic.

What you should consider: The glow the candles give off is very orange. They’re also all only one height.

Top LED candle for the money

Homemory Battery Operated Tea Lights, Set of 12

What you need to know: Homemory makes a realistic set of LED tea lights, which provide warm white light and feature a partially melted look.

What you’ll love: The set comes with 12 tea lights. Each tea light offers a battery life of more than 100 hours and is guaranteed to work out of the box.

What you should consider: The tea lights are made of plastic, which may not look realistic.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

​ Orange County Register 

Chargers 2024 defense preview: Position-by-position breakdown

• September 6, 2024

Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz took a good look around once they got settled into their new jobs last winter as coach and general manager of the Chargers. They liked what they saw on defense, but believed they could do better with a few key additions to a few significant positions on the roster.

After all, the Chargers’ defense, while not the worst in the 32-team NFL during the 2023 season, was close to the bottom. The Chargers were 24th in points given up per game (23.4). They were 28th in net yards given up per game (362.9). They were 30th in passing yardage given up per game (249.8).

So, Hortiz went to work by adding veteran pass rusher Bud Dupree to provide depth beyond Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Tuli Tuipulotu, an emerging talent who filled in capably as a rookie from USC for an injured Bosa midway through the year. Bosa sat out the final seven games last season.

Hortiz also signed defensive lineman Poona Ford and cornerback Kristian Fulton.

But he wasn’t done – not by a long shot.

Denzel Perryman was signed to add depth at linebacker and the same went for Troy Dye. Scott Matlock, a defensive lineman, was given an additional role as a fullback, swapping his old uniform No. 99 for No. 44. Matlock maintained his gig as an important special teams player, too.

In addition, Hortiz drafted linebacker Junior Colson from Michigan, defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe from Alabama and defensive backs Cam Hart from Notre Dame and Tarheeb Still from Maryland. Hortiz wasn’t content, so he kept looking for talent even as training camp ended.

Here’s a look at the Chargers’ defense heading into the 2024 regular season, which begins Sunday afternoon against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium:

Defensive linemen: Morgan Fox, Poona Ford, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, Justin Eboigbe, Teair Tart

The Chargers were actually a middle-of-the-pack team when it came to defending the opposition’s ground game during the 2023 season. They ranked 17th against the run, giving up 113.2 yards per game. They also were 13th in red zone touchdown defense (59.94%). But by signing Ford and Tart and drafting Eboigbe, they filled a few gaps intended to make the defensive line stronger than in the past. Fox, Ogbonnia and Matlock were the only returners. By the looks of it, going into Sunday’s opener, this group is stronger and deeper.

Edge rushers: Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree

Mack set a career high with 17 sacks last season, reaching 101.5 for his Hall of Fame-caliber career. It’s unlikely he’ll repeat that sort of menacing performance in 2024. He is, after all, 32 and has played 10 seasons at a physically demanding position. Overlook him at your own peril, though. He looked as fit as ever during training camp, breaking down the Chargers’ new and improved offensive line during drills and getting close enough to their quarterbacks to make them a little nervous despite the yellow no-contact jerseys they wore. Bosa broke his left hand during camp and underwent surgery, but he said recently that he’s sound enough to start the season Sunday. Tuipulotu and Dupree give the Chargers depth they lacked beyond Mack and Bosa in the past. Chris Rumph II will start the season on injured reserve.

Linebackers: Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Troy Dye

Henley barely saw the field as a rookie last season, but performed well in a special teams role. The new regime installed him as a starter and he was excellent in training camp, making plenty of observers wonder why former coach Brandon Staley limited him to only a handful of snaps at linebacker during the 2023 season. Perryman began his career with the Chargers, who drafted him in the second round in 2015, when they were still based in San Diego. After two seasons with the Raiders and one with the Houston Texans, he’s back with the Chargers. Colson was sidelined for most of his first NFL camp after undergoing an appendectomy during the offseason, but he was a forceful presence upon his return to the practice field. Dye spent the past four seasons largely as a backup while with the Minnesota Vikings, and he’ll be asked to accept a similar role with the Chargers for the upcoming season.

Related Articles

Defensive backs: Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Derwin James Jr., Alohi Gilman, Deane Leonard, Ja’Sir Taylor, Cam Hart, AJ Finley, Elijah Molden, Tarheeb Still

If there were any doubts as to who might play opposite Samuel at cornerback, Fulton eased them within, what, hours of the start of camp? Minutes? Seconds? It was that quick. So, that problem was solved. James and Gilman formed a starting tandem at safety at some point during the 2022 season. Leonard made an impression as a special teams player over the past few seasons, but also showed himself to be a valuable defensive back. Taylor has been a versatile DB, too. Finley is the only other defensive back from last season’s roster, and he also was primarily a special teams player. Hart and Still were drafted to add talent and depth. Molden was acquired in a trade from the Tennessee Titans during training camp.

​ Orange County Register 

Heritage Barbecue expanding space with new smokers, seating and a historic barn

• September 6, 2024

One of Southern California’s best restaurants is about to get bigger.

Heritage Barbecue, Daniel and Brenda Castillo’s lauded Texas-style barbecue joint in downtown San Juan Capistrano, is in the working stages of an expansion. In addition to six new covered smokers and an upcoming prix-fixe menu option, a 144-year-old barn from the nearby Casa Manuel Garcia historical site will move to Heritage Barbecue, repurposed as an indoor/outdoor dining space.

The barn, a wooden structure constructed in 1880 and later reinforced in the 1930s with corrugated steel, will be disassembled gingerly, piece by piece, and then hauled two blocks down Camino Capistrano to the Heritage site.

SEE ALSO: Heritage Barbecue changed OC’s restaurant landscape — and beyond. Here’s how they did it.

“I talked to the developer who is building a distillery on the property, and they wanted to catalog it and put it away. Then I had the idea of using it as a part of Heritage,” said co-owner and pitmaster Daniel Castillo, who received approval the city and the San Juan Historical Society to use the outbuilding. “Originally I wanted to use it to house our new smokers, but then opted to use it as an indoor dining space.”

Once completed, the revamped barn will seat roughly 50 diners inside, a handful of new outdoor dining tables and a dedicated bathroom.

Rendering of Heritage Barbecue’s space will feature a circa-1880 barn. (Rendering by Bickel Group Architecture, Almquist – courtesy of Heritage Barbecue)

“There will be a butchering and meat fabrication room with a big window where people can see, you know, sausages being made and meats being hung,” he said.

Renderings of the new space show a 22-foot tall structure with repurposed wood and corrugated metal that will feature the original barn door, new wire mesh and a dark bronze finish. “We’re repurposing a lot of of the wood that we can’t use into furniture, like communal tables,” he explained. The completed look will maintain the original structure’s aesthetically appealing patina.

The new expansion will offer patrons seated dinner service as well as new, yet-to-be-revealed seasonal menu items. “The menu will consist of a prix-fixe and then the rest of it people will be able to order off the menu” a la carte, said Castillo.

Heritage Barbecue will keep its current seating area and window service at the front of the restaurant; the new additions will be found in the back portion of the restaurant.

Construction will start at the end of the year, with an anticipated completion in early 2025.

The smokers at Heritage Barbecue in San Juan Capistrano. The new expansion will see six more added to the restaurant. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The timing for Heritage Barbecue’s growth couldn’t be better: The Michelin Guide once again bestowed it with Bib Gourmand honors, which the dining guide gives to restaurants that serve good food at reasonable prices, earlier this year. And Daniel Vaughn, the unimpeachable authority on all things barbecue, of Texas Monthly named Heritage as one of the best Texas-style barbecue spots in America (outside of the Lone Star State, of course).

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The plaudits, which came fast and furious after its 2020 opening, and the long lines of customers, which remain daily occurrences at the San Juan Capistrano institution, will help Heritage Barbecue allow for more guests to get their paws on some of the Golden State’s best food — barbecued or otherwise.

The Castillo family plan on opening Les Brisket Hut, a taco and wine spinoff, in Santa Ana later this year.

​ Orange County Register