Former 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne is found guilty of rape in Australia

• April 6, 2023

Former Australian rugby and SF 49ers running Back Jarryd Hayne has been found guilty of raping a woman in 2018.

According to CNN affiliate 7News, a jury returned a unanimous verdict in the New South Wales District Court on Tuesday afternoon.

CNN has reached out to Hayne’s lawyers.

It is the third time Hayne has faced a jury for the incident. In his first appearance, a retrial was ordered after it ended in a hung trial. He was then tried a second time and, in March 2021, Hayne was found guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse without consent.

The court found that he had traveled to the woman’s house on September 30, 2018, and while his taxi waited outside, Hayne assaulted the woman while she told him “no” and “stop.”

Jarryd Hayne enters NSW District Court on March 15, in Sydney, Australia. The former Australian rugby and NFL player has been found guilty of raping a woman in 2018.(Don Arnold/Getty Images)

According to the court’s findings, Hayne’s “actions were forceful and rough.” The victim was said to have “felt overwhelmed by the physical disparity and the speed with which the offender assaulted her.”

As a result of Hayne’s actions, the victim suffered injuries and bleeding in her groin area, according to the court.

At the time, he was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison, with a minimum time served of three years and eight months before being eligible for parole.

After Hayne had spent nine months in prison, an appeals court overturned his convictions and ordered a third trial.

But on Tuesday, after seven days of deliberations, Hayne was again found guilty of rape. He will be sentenced at a later date, according to 7News.

Hayne has indicated that he would appeal the decision.

Outside court, Hayne maintained his innocence “100 percent.”

“I never lied to the police. I never deleted evidence. I never hid witnesses,” he said, per 7News.

Hayne is one of the National Rugby League’s most famous players, having won numerous awards for his success on the field.

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​ Orange County Register 

Anaheim Hills briefs: Celebrate Earth Day with Canyon Hills Library

• April 6, 2023

Canyon Hills Library will open its doors on April 22 to host a special Earth Day Celebration from noon until 4 p.m., and the community is invited to attend the all-family event.

This library-wide event will include STEAM activities, crafts, special guests and storytime. A beautiful butterfly release is scheduled for 2 p.m. There is no charge to attend.

For additional information contact the branch at 714-765-6444.

New at the library

The Canyon Hills Library also has a new children’s librarian, Jenn DeBaun-Holm. Prior to joining the staff at Canyon Hills, DeBaun was a children’s librarian assistant at the Yorba Linda Public Library, while earning her master’s degree in library and information science at University of Washington.

DeBaun is excited to be part of the Hills community and share her performance and outreach experience through several new programs planned for Canyon Hills. Come meet Miss Jenn at her new Family Storytime that she will lead on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., for kids of all ages. In addition to stories, this fun after-school program includes wacky puppet shows and fun songs.

Also happening this month at Canyon Hills, is a poetry contest open to kids in first through 12th grades. In celebration of National Poetry Month, the Young Adult Council at Canyon Hills is assisting with the event and will accept poetry submissions through April 30 for a chance to win a special gift card prize.

This is a great opportunity for students to express their creativity.

Those interested should visit Anaheim.net, branch calendars/Canyon Hills and scan the QR Code to submit their poetry. Call the branch at 714-765-6444 for questions.

Be fashionable with the Women’s Club

If you would like to join members of the Anaheim Hills Women’s Club for its April 19 luncheon and fashion show at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course, make your reservation by April 10.

This fun, social event is open to all women in the community, beginning at noon, and will include an exciting fashion show presented by coordinator Eileen Gerber, featuring beautiful clothes and accessories.

Cost to attend is $35 per person and anyone who would like to attend should call Karon Kelleher at 714-912-4907.

Fundraiser aces helping youth organization

A record-breaking sum of more than $180,000 was raised during the recent Ace of Clubs Casino Night hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress at The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon in Anaheim.

Mayor of Anaheim Ashleigh Aitken was the event’s honorary chair, with Henry DiCarlo of KTLA Channel 5 serving as the evening’s celebrity emcee.

Festivities included a delicious dinner, exciting live and silent auctions, casino games, live entertainment. Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros and Cypress Police Chief Mark Lauderback took their turn on the stage for a “friendly competition” participating in the “Fund A Need Paddle Raise” part of the evening’s program.

One of the evening’s special highlights was a surprise presentation of the club’s JMAC Scholarship to Joecelyn Soria. In addition to the $2,500 scholarship, Soria is also the 2023 Youth of the Year Award Recipient for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress.

Funds raised from this year’s event will help support many of the club’s free and low-cost after-school and summer programs that foster academic achievement, health, build character and improve lives; while offering kids a safe environment. The Anaheim-Cypress Club is very active with more than 1,000 kids and teens daily participating in its programs.

“This event was an extraordinary night, as we raised critical funds for the next generation of game changers, trailblazers and history makers,” said Anne Hertz-Mallari, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress.

Visit www.theboysandgirlsclub.org for additional information about programs and services.

Share your library stories

Congratulations to the Anaheim Public Library, which was recently named among the 30 finalists for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service and as one of six institutions in California being considered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

In celebration of this prestigious honor, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is encouraging the community to share special stories, memories, pictures and/or videos reflecting the impact the Anaheim Public Library has had on the community.

Share your input on social media using hashtags #ShareYourStory and #IMLSmedals and engage with the Institute of Museum and Library Services on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Visit www.imls.gov for additional information.

Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area. Reach her by phone (714-998-4604 or e-mail ([email protected]).

​ Orange County Register 

Orange County SC advances to US Open Cup 3rd round

• April 6, 2023

Orange County Soccer Club advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup thanks to Wednesday’s 5-0 win over Capistrano FC.

Emil Nielsen and Bryce Jamison scored in the first half.

Milan Iloski added a pair of goals in the second half with Thomas Amang also scoring.

Alex Villanueva had a pair of assists.

Capo FC is based in San Juan Capistrano won the inaugural NISA Nation Southwest Division in 2022 and will play in the USL League Two this season. It defeated Ventura County Fusion 4-1 in the first round.

“I thought Capo tried to do what they needed to win the game and I respect that,” OCSC coach Richard Chaplow said. “I think these games in the Cup are nice for the community because our people are here, and Capo is local so it’s a little bit more of a family affair if you will.

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“You know, and as an organization representing professional football in Orange County, it’s nice to have anyone local come to town and play against us and this was a local game, so it was nice to have them here.”

OCSC will learn its next opponent for the third round during a draw Thursday. The club returns to USL Championship play Saturday on the road against El Paso Locomotive FC.

​ Orange County Register 

Looking for Easter brunch? Hop on over to these Orange County restaurants

• April 6, 2023

On Sunday, April 9 numerous restaurants around Orange County will present festive menus inspired by Easter. Some places will serve brunch, others will use the occasion to premiere specialty spring-inspired dishes, and many will assemble opulent buffets for families and friends. If you haven’t made plans yet, don’t fret. There are still numerous options available. This is a roundup of Easter-themed eats from fine dining to family-friendly takeaway meals. There are tasty options for everyone.

1. Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar

Chef Rainer Schwarz hosts a seaside Easter brunch buffet with an iced seafood station, made-to-order omelets, and various selections of sliced-to-order meats including roasted Double R Ranch prime rib, and baked honey ham. Driftwood Kitchen offers a full bar with signature cocktails, wines by the glass, and by the bottle. Brunch buffet is $95 for adults; $25 for children. Reservations suggested via opentable.com/driftwood-kitchen. 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach; 949-715-7700; driftwoodkitchen.com

2. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar is hosting brunch at both its Tustin and Newport Beach locations on Sunday, April 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Executive Chef Yvon Goetz has created a spring-inspired, prix-fixe menu and guests can enhance their dining experience with a seafood tower or endless mimosa service. Prices and menus vary by location. (Beverages, tax, and gratuity separate.)For reservations, call the restaurant.  2647 Park Ave., Tustin; 714-258-7600; 3131 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach; 949-999-6622; thewineryrestaurants.com

Handmade desserts are among the offerings for Easter Brunch at Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa (Courtesy of Knife Pleat)

3. Knife Pleat

Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault created an Easter-inspired Saturday Afternoon Tea Service. On Saturday, April 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Knife Pleat presents its exquisite tea service. A selection loose leaf teas from La Maison du Thé teas are paired with a tower of scones and sandwiches, elegantly composed with Persian cucumbers, beet-cured salmon, and breakfast radishes, along with other savories like free-range chicken tartlets, Maine lobster eclairs, black winter truffle brie on brioche, and estate caviar topped deviled eggs. Handmade desserts like lemon curd and meringue-filled cream puffs complete the tasting experience. A supplemental caviar service is offered. Reservations are encouraged. 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 714-266-3388; knifepleat.com

The Great Maple at Fashion Island will be serving truffled deviled eggs as part of its Easter Brunch. (Courtesy of the Great Maple)

4. The Great Maple

Enjoy an Easter meal with the family at Great Maple. Through April 9, Great Maple will offer seasonal dishes including housemade strawberries & Cadbury cream doughnuts and truffled deviled eggs. Fashion Island, 1133 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach; 949-706-8282; thegreatmaple.com

5. Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar

Easter Brunch at Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar, located in historic Old Towne Orange, is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 9. The menu includes Haven favorites such as the duck confit chilaquiles, bread pudding-French toast, and chicken & waffles. “Brunch-y beverages” include bottomless mimosas with fresh orange juice, Irish Coffee, and the Haven bloody Mary. Make reservations or place orders, by calling the restaurant. 190 S. Glassell St., Orange; 714-221-0680; havencraftkitchen.com

6. Hendrix Restaurant & Bar

Hendrix Restaurant & Bar presents its Easter brunch buffet on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The experience includes stations with brunch favorites such as eggs Benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, made-to-order omelets, and a rotisserie carving station with Double R Ranch prime rib and honey baked, mustard glazed ham. Bottomless mimosas for an additional $18 per guest (two-hour limit). This buffet is $79 for adults, $19 for children (13 and younger), and free, 6 years and younger. Reservations recommended. 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel; 949-248-1912; hendrixoc.com/our-menus#menu=easter-buffet

Fable & Spirit in Newport Beach will serve Easter Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 9. (Courtesy of Fable & Spirit)

7. Fable & Spirit

On Easter Sunday, Fable & Spirit executive chef David Shofner will serve elevated takes on classic brunch favorites. Wood-fired shakshuka with baked eggs, Moroccan-spiced tomato, crème fraiche, and queso fresco, served with naan; house-smoked salmon on toasted pumpernickel, with everything bagel spices, citrus-infused red onion, dill crème fraiche, and crispy capers. Brunch will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 3441 Via Lido, Newport Beach; 949-409-9913; fableandspirit.com

8. Georgia’s Restaurant

Easter Sunday brunch is available at both Georgia’s locations, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Georgia’s Anaheim Packing House and from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Georgia’s Long Beach Exchange. Georgia’s Restaurant is known for its traditional soul food set in a casual family-friendly environment. On Easter, adults may order specially priced brunch cocktails, including peach sangria ($5), mimosas ($5), hard lemonade ($5), and bloody Marys ($7). 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., #209a, Anaheim; 714-906-1900; georgias-restaurant.com

9. Sushi Roku

Sushi Roku offers a non-traditional Easter dining experience. With a menu that combines Japanese cuisine and global flavors with California’s seasonal bounty, Sushi Roku serves high-quality, fresh fish sourced from around the globe. Reservations for April 9 are recommended. 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-706-3622; sushiroku.com/menus/newport-beach

Vanilla bean crème brûleé with berries will be among the dessert options for Easter Brunch at Citrus City Grille in Orange. (Courtesy of Citrus City Grille)

10. Citrus City Grille

The Easter 3-course prix fixe menu ($45) includes the choice of Avgolemono, a Greek lemon chicken egg soup, or an organic greens salad with caramelized pecans. Entrée selections include honey-glazed ham with sweet mashed potatoes or butternut squash ravioli with mushrooms in a fennel bourbon cream sauce. For dessert, selections are the flourless chocolate cake with chocolate panna cotta or the vanilla bean crème brûleé with berries. 122 N. Glassell St., Orange; 714-639-9600; citruscitygrille.com

The Confit de Canard at OEB Breakfast Co. in Newport Beach is served with poached eggs and duck fat-fried herb potatoes. (Courtesy of OEB Breakfast Co.)

11. OEB Breakfast Co.

The brunch hotspot will serve its full menu for Easter. Popular dishes include the photo-friendly French Toast Trifle, brioche bread layered with lemon curd and topped with torched pavlovas, fresh berries, and pistachios. Savory breakfast dishes are elevated with French-inspired twists. The Confit de Canard is served with poached eggs and duck fat-fried herb potatoes. The Holy Crab Benny with wild blue crab is served on a croissant with brown butter hollandaise, and herb potatoes fried in beef tallow. Lacto-ovo-vegetarian-considerate dishes include Forestière Toast, rye bread topped with wild and cultivated mushrooms and poached eggs with lavender fleur de sel and microgreens. OEB Breakfast Co., 1104 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach; 949-438-7337; us.eatoeb.com

12. CUCINA enoteca

Executive Chef Cesar Sarmiento’s brunch specials at CUCINA enoteca’s two OC locations are infused with California-Italian flavors. At Newport Beach, blueberry pancakes are accompanied with grand marnier whipped mascarpone. Where in Irvine, the sweet pancakes are swapped for a savory New York steak with fried eggs, parmesan potatoes and béarnaise sauce. Both locations offer a version of avocado toast, smoked salmon potato hash and a poached egg, vegetable gnocchi. 951 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-706-1416; 532 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; 949-861-2222; urbankitchengroup.com

13. Billy’s at the Beach

Easter prix fixe brunch at Billy’s at the Beach is full of options. Start with one of the three wine pairings ranging from Candoni Prosecco to Veuve Clicquot. For the first course, choose from Maui onion soup with caramelized onions, Billy’s style clam chowder, a Caesar, or a burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes. The second course includes either 8-ounce Angus beef patty loco moco with eggs over jasmine rice, Hawaiian French toast with coconut meringue, the miso-marinated Mahi Mahi, the grilled Barramundi filet with chimichurri sauce, or a prime steak sandwich on a parmesan sourdough roll. Finish with dessert, which is a choice of key lime pie or Hawaiian-style doughnuts with raspberry coulis, chocolate, and Haupia dipping sauces. Brunch starts at $60. Reservations are recommended. 2751 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach; 949-722-1100; billysatthebeach.net

14. Tanaka Farms

Farm-to-table hilltop lunches at Tanaka Farms in Irvine begin with a tractor ride up to the buffet where visitors can select from ham, tri-tip, chicken, house-made sweet and smoky glazed vegan ham, along with grilled seasonal vegetables and dessert. The experience includes a visit with the Easter bunny and an egg hunt. The brunch is $79 for adults, $49 for children (4-12 years old), and free for children 3 and under. 5380 ¾ University Dr., Irvine; 949-653-2100; tanakafarms.com/hilltop-luncheons

15. Seasons 52

Seasons 52 will offer an à la carte Easter brunch menu and an Easter Green Box for takeout. Brunch entrées include crab and cheddar quiche, upright French toast with fresh blueberry compote, wood-grilled shrimp and grits, and apricot-glazed ham with French green beans and sweet potato mash, along with maple-pecan streusel. The Easter Green Box, which serves 4-6 people and needs to be warmed at home, offers a choice of apricot-glazed spiral ham, a side of cedar plank-roasted salmon, or wood-grilled beef tenderloin, along with choice of salad, two side dishes, and six mini indulgences desserts for $145. Make reservations at opentable.com. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Suite #2802, Costa Mesa; 714-437-5252; seasons52.com/menu/all-day

16. The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille opens early Easter Sunday. The restaurant’s full dinner menu, as well as four brunch dishes and sparkling mimosas, will be served. Brunch entrées include lobster frittata with butter poached lobster tails, bone-in dry-aged NY strip steak and eggs, and filet mignon, all served with white cheddar hash browns. The new dish is a smoked salmon and caviar topped blini and white cheddar potato cake. Brunch dishes will be available 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 714-432-1140; thecapitalgrille.com

17. Morton’s the Steakhouse

Morton’s presents a three-course filet and lobster menu available Friday, April 7 through Sunday, April 9. First-course choices include a Caesar, artisan goat cheese salad, or lobster bisque. The entrée is a center-cut filet mignon (filet comes 6, 8 or 12-oz) served with a cold-water lobster tail.  Dessert selections are key lime pie, crème brûlée or the hot chocolate cake. Morton’s full menu is also available. Price for the Easter three-course menu starts at $79, depending on filet selection. Easter hours are 1-9 p.m. 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana; 714-444-4834; mortons.com/santaana

18. Outpost Kitchen

The Aussie-inspired restaurant with an organic-sustainable philosophy will serve a three-course Easter brunch prix fixe menu for $59 per person (tax and gratuity not included). There are two seatings for this brunch experience, starting at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and a children’s menu for kids under 12 is available. Reservations suggested. 3420 Bristol St., Costa Mesa; 714-852-3044; Outpostkitchen.com

19. Mah Jong’s by Chef Mike

Celebrate Easter with a tiki-style brunch at Mah Jong’s by Chef Mike at the Collage Culinary Experience, a global dining collective located at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza. Available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Tiki brunch menu offers cocktails inspired by the Hawaiian Islands and ten brunch entrées ranging from pulled pork pancakes and shrimp cake Benedict to grilled fish tacos. 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa; 949-295-3841; mahjongsbychefmike.com

20. Cocoa Parlor

Cocoa Parlor has created 3 vegan, organic chocolates for Easter: white chocolate bunnies ($15) made with freeze-dried raspberry powder, dark chocolate peanut butter filled bullfrogs ($6), and a dark chocolate boxed bunny ($32) made with vegan, organic, and ethically sourced dark chocolate. 31161 Niguel Road, Unit A, Laguna Niguel; 949-877-9549; cocoaparlor.com

21. Gracias Madre

Gracia Madre’s executive chef Diana Briscoe created a plant-based, Mexi-Cali-inspired Easter Sunday brunch. Set on the restaurant’s patio, guests will sample specials such as the Ensalada De Primavera ($18) with haricot vert, roasted spring onions, pepitas, queso fresco, pea tendrils, and spinach pesto, or the Enchiladas De Hongos Silvestres Poblano Y Queso ($15) made with cashew corn poblano sauce, or the Crispy Jackfruit Taquitos De Deshebrada ($16). Beverage director Sean Stewart created a Conejo Loco ‘Silly Rabbit’ alcoholic cocktail made with Ensemble mezcal, passion fruit, cacao, and garnished with shaved dark chocolate. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach; 949-386-8100; graciasmadre.com/location-newport-beach

22. Cafe Gratitude

On Easter Sunday, Cafe Gratitude offers a plant-forward brunch. A new spring menu by executive chef Dreux Ellis includes dishes such as the ‘I am Hospitable’ gluten-free chick’n waffles ($18.75), ‘Yo Soy Vida’ machaca Mexican breakfast hash ($17.75), and the ‘I am Vivid’ acai superfood bowl ($17.75). Reservations are encouraged. 1617 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach; 949-386-8101; cafegratitude.com/pages/newport-beach

23. Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens

Easter brunch at Farmhouse at Roger’s Garden highlights locally sourced breakfast favorites by Executive Chef Rich Mead. The brunch menu includes a seasonal frittata with shiitake mushrooms, roasted butternut squash, and carmelized onions, the citrus marmalade French toast; or the baked shakshuka with spinach, eggs, and potatoes in a tomato cumin sauce. Brunch is served 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar; 949-640-1415; farmhouserg.com

Läderach at South Coast Plaza is offering limited-edition Easter-inspired chocolates decorated by artisan chocolatiers in Switzerland. (Courtesy of Läderach)

24. Läderach

Limited-edition Easter-inspired chocolates decorated by artisan chocolatiers in Switzerland are available at Läderach inside South Coast Plaza. Bunny Cleo almond milk chocolates are studded with caramelized almond bits and ears decorated with edible glitter dust. The Grand Cru dark chocolate Cleo bunny is made of single-origin 70% dark chocolate from Ecuador. Other Easter creations include hazelnut FrischSchoggi eggs made with Swiss milk chocolate mixed with whole caramelized hazelnuts from Piedmont, Italy. 3333 Bristol St., #2814, Costa Mesa; 949-594-2280;laderach.com/us-en/

RESTAURANTS IN RESORTS

1. The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel

Enjoy Easter by the ocean with the family-friendly Beachside Easter Brunch at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 9. Feast on a spread of oysters, snow crab claws and jumbo shrimp. The experience includes maple sugar-glazed ham and prime rib carving stations, made-to-order omelets and eggs, waffles dressed up with blueberry compote and fresh fruit, and a crepe station. Healthier menu options such as chia almond milk elixirs, vegan, gluten-free parfaits, and build-your-own-acai bowls. The Easter entertainment includes live music, photos with the Easter Bunny, custom balloon animals, a petting zoo, and air-brush body art. The Waterfront Beach Resort’s Easter Brunch is $149 for adults and $79 for children, 12 and under (includes service charge & tax; excludes EventBrite fees). Space is limited and reservations must be made via Eventbrite. 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach; Waterfrontresort.com

Aveo Table + Bar at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club will host an Easter buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 9. (Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club)

2. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

Easter at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club includes views of the Pacific Ocean paired with spring-inspired menus at the resort’s restaurants. On Sunday, April 9, Aveo Table + Bar will host a breakfast buffet, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Chef David Kasparian will serve breakfast favorites and Latin-inspired dishes at several action stations. Made-to-order omelets and eggs benedict. Stations will offer guests meat carved upon request including sea bass and herb-roasted leg of lamb, a selection of caviar, sushi and ceviche along with a station for pastas, and seasonal fruit and yogurts. The brunch buffet starts at $154 for adults, $84 per child, ages 5-12, and $44 per child, ages 2-5. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com

Bourbon Steak

On April 9 from 2-8 p.m., chef Christopher Sanchez will serve a specialty a la carte menu for Easter at Bourbon Steak, a Michael Mina restaurant. In addition to the holiday menu, regular offerings will be available such as prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. Reservations should be made by calling 949-234-3900. 1 Monarch Beach Resort N, Dana Point; waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com/dine

3. Lido House, Autograph Collection

Celebrate Easter near the marina at The Mayor’s Table at Lido House. The family-friendly brunch, starting at $68, is served from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The three-course dining experience includes several choices. For the first course, choose from the spring vegetable frittata or a Garden of Eden local greens and shaved spring vegetable salad. The butter poached lobster salad with lemon vinaigrette can be supplemented for an additional $25.  For the second course continue on with the house-made pasta with English peas and parmesan foam, or the wild halibut with green mole and nasturtium sauce. Supplement the course with herb-roasted rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes for $25. The dessert course is a choice between comforting lemon ricotta pancakes with fresh berries and brown sugar whipped cream or the creative avocado chocolate mousse with caramelized raspberry puree and popping candy. Brunch reservations should be made on resy.com. 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach; 949-662-6160; lidohousehotel.com

4. Marriott Irvine Spectrum

Situated as a social hub at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum, Heirloom Farmhouse Kitchen, the property’s full-service restaurant, will offer a special Easter brunch buffet on Sunday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breakfast classics will be served alongside a shellfish bar, a custom omelet station, and prime rib carved to order. The buffet is $89 for adults and $29 for kids (12 and under). Reservations should be made with resy.com. 7905 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine; 949-880-2420; heirloomfarmhousekitchen.com

5. Surf & Sand Resort

Celebrate Easter Sunday with a view of Laguna Beach’s shoreline. At the Surf & Sand Resort. The property’s restaurant, Splashes, will offer an Easter brunch from noon to 3 p.m. The three-course prix-fixe brunch features ocean-inspired cuisine. Highlights include the local bass aqua, seared branzino, beef wellington, foraged mushroom toast, and desserts such as carrot cake and chocolate pecan eggs.  Reservations are suggested and should be made by calling 888-579-8544. 1555 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach; surfandsandresort.com

6. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is a Victorian-style resort perched on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor. The California beach-style respite is serving Easter Brunch at Outer Reef by Celebrity Chef John Tesar on Sunday, April 9 from 8a.m. to 2 p.m. The Easter Bunny is co-hosting this luxe breakfast buffet. (Diners also have the option to order from an a la carte brunch menu.) Festivities include photos with the Easter Bunny and treats on the Vue Lawn. Reservations available via Opentable. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point; 949-487-7555; outerreefoc.com

7. VEA Newport Beach

VEA’s VIEW Restaurant & Lounge launches its brunch service on Easter Sunday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Menu items by executive chef Andrew Arndt include fried chicken & waffles, egg white frittata, short rib breakfast potatoes, and buttermilk French toast. ) Guests can order Champagnes along with brunch cocktails including sangria, raspberry mules, and the “Good Morning Newport” cocktail with tequila blanco, grapefruit, Campari, and Firestone 805.  Reservations are suggested at opentable.com. 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-640-4000; Viewatvea.com

8.The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The resort’s annual Easter brunch includes a variety of tasting stations and specialty bars with caviar, smoked fish, sushi, dumplings, and a raw bar. Traditional breakfast food includes waffles, French toast, an omelet bar and Indian cuisine by chef Sanjay Rawat. The New Delhi-native chef helms the resort’s culinary program dedicated to South Asian weddings. The brunch is $250 per person and should be reserved on Tock. Festive photo opps include giant Easter eggs displayed throughout the property and a floral installation surrounding the RAYA restaurant. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point; 949-240-2000; ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/laguna-niguel

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​ Orange County Register 

Small-business tax changes and tips to know in 2023

• April 6, 2023

Tax season brings rule changes for business owners, and this year is no different. For instance, you can deduct 100% of what your business spent at restaurants in 2022 on your taxes this year. But in 2023, that figure will return to 50%.

What never changes, experts say, is the need to keep accurate records and work with a tax professional you trust.

“Business owners are oftentimes viewing their financial record-keeping as the last thing to do on the list. And they do it themselves, and they do it at night over a cup of coffee while they’re watching TV,” says David Levi, a certified public accountant and managing director at CBIZ, a tax, accounting, insurance and HR firm with offices across the United States.

“[But] you don’t know what you don’t know. And the one thing that’s certain in the tax world is change,” Levi says.

Here are some key rule changes and deadlines to note as you file your 2022 taxes and plan for 2023.

Find out whether you can still claim the Employee Retention Tax Credit

The Employee Retention Tax Credit — a policy meant to encourage business owners to keep staff during the COVID-19 pandemic — applied only to wages paid before Oct. 1, 2021, so you can’t claim it on your 2022 tax return.

But there’s still time to amend your 2020 and 2021 returns to claim the ERTC, which was worth up to $7,000 per quarter per employee while it was in effect. You can generally amend tax returns within three years after filing your return.

“It’s probably one of the most powerful credits that I’ve seen in my 30 years with the [Internal Revenue] Service,” says Eric Hylton, the national director of compliance for Alliantgroup, a tax consulting firm, and former IRS commissioner for the Small Business/Self-Employed Division.

You might qualify for the ERTC if your business was ordered to fully or partially close in 2020 or 2021, or if your revenue compared to 2019 decreased by more than 50% in 2020 or more than 20% in 2021.

Talk to a tax professional about whether you qualify. Hylton notes, too, that there were “significant delays” in processing ERTC applications last year.

Prepare for bonus depreciation to begin fading out this year

From mid-2017 until the end of 2022, business owners who bought costly equipment could claim 100% of the asset’s bonus depreciation — which is usually spread out over the life of the equipment — in the same year they bought the asset.

That provision is going away unless Congress extends it. In 2023, bonus depreciation falls to 80%. It drops an additional 20% each year after that.

“People have been of the mindset that, ‘you know, if I go out and I buy a piece of equipment, or I go out and I spend something on my real estate, that’s going to be completely capitalizable; I might be able to take 100% bonus [depreciation],’” Levi says. “That’s not the case, [in 2023] it’s 80%.”

Look into starting a retirement plan for your employees

Businesses with up to 50 employees can now claim a tax credit for 100% of the cost of starting a retirement plan, up to $5,000. You can also claim a credit for up to $1,000 in employer contributions to each employee’s plan.

The tax credit phases out for businesses with 51 to 100 employees. It previously covered 50% of retirement plan startup costs.

“If a business owner is on the fence [about] whether they should start a 401(k) or retirement plan, some of these credits could push them over the decision point,” says Janel E. Carroll, a CPA and certified financial planner at Truepoint Wealth Counsel in Cincinnati.

Plan a tax- and energy-efficient renovation

If you’ve been thinking about going green, 2023 might be a good time from a tax perspective, Hylton says. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in August 2022, included several tax credits and business deductions.

One change increased the size of the Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction, allowing business owners to claim larger deductions per square foot of renovation if their projects qualify. In addition, tax-exempt organizations such as charities and religious institutions can now claim these deductions, too.

On top of that, in 2023, businesses can claim a tax credit of up to $7,500 when they purchase electric or fuel cell electric vehicles. For vehicles larger than 14,000 pounds, the credit can go up to $40,000.

Hylton encourages business owners to “probe your CPA or tax practitioner on some of these other credits [to see] whether your business actually qualifies” for these tax benefits.

Get ready for a more robust IRS

The Internal Revenue Service has announced plans to hire 4,000 phone support staffers and 700 in-person support staffers for the 2023 tax season. It’s the result of a funding boost meant to help the agency provide better customer service and expedite processing times, Hylton says.

When waiting for a refund or tax credit, “time is money,” Hylton says.

While Hylton notes that a better-staffed IRS may also result in a “slight increase in audits,” he and Carroll don’t think most business owners need to worry.

“I think the focus is going to be on customer service — and based on the wait times that we have when we call the IRS, that’s definitely where the need is,” Carroll says.

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Rosalie Murphy writes for NerdWallet. Email: [email protected].

The article Small-Business Tax Changes and Tips to Know in 2023 originally appeared on NerdWallet.

​ Orange County Register 

Daxon: Brea police chief proposes Integrated Crime Center

• April 6, 2023

Most of us have only heard about integrated crime centers on TV police shows, if at all.  Brea Police Chief Adam Hawley hopes to change that.

Chief Hawley plans to bring the crime-fighting advanced technology of an Integrated Crime Center to Brea and use it to dramatically alter how his personnel prevents, manages and solves crimes in Brea. Or, as he puts it, “Solving big city crime with small city resources.”

An ICC is a real technical wonder with backbone software and many moving parts to enhance police work and our safety by employing video management systems that can store video from more than 300 cameras throughout the city for up to 45 days. The plan is for various components of the ICC be added each year for five years in total.

The system will include automatic license plate readers, the ability to manage traffic, video analytics and other high-tech equipment as well as personnel for solving crimes and providing community benefits,  including managing emergencies such as wildfires, earthquakes and other incidents by serving as an emergency operation center.

Probably most important, the system will be able to send real-time alerts to police officers and generate investigative leads. Hawley said this ability will also be used to keep folks safe at city events including the July 4 Country Fair, Brea Fest and other public gatherings.

Hawley first presented the proposed plan late last year at a City Council study session, and again this year at the Jan. 17 City Council meeting so more of the public could learn about. It will come back to the council possibly in June for a vote. That video presentation is available on the city’s and Police Department’s websites.  Everyone is encouraged to view it.

On March 30, Hawley and Professional Standards Lt. Chris Harvey, the project’s manager, presented the proposed ICC project to Brea Chamber of Commerce members, representatives from Rep. Young Kim and Phillip Chen’s offices, Brea Mall officials and others.

At that presentation, Hawley explained that crime is rising and pro-active policing is changing, utilizing more technology to prevent and fight crime. And we’ve had some serious crimes over the past year in Brea, including several home invasion robberies in the Blackstone neighborhood, a smash and grab robbery at the Brea Mall and a deadly shooting at a 7-Eleven store.  All of these have been resolved, he said, but that doesn’t mean more criminals won’t try again. An Integrated Crime Center may be the answer to keep crime down.

Hawley added that the department’s present portable cameras are outdated and need replacing.

Along with new cameras, unmanned drones and license plate readers will be added. In years three and five, drones as first responders will be included.

DFRs will be able to reach and report an incident before a patrol car could reach it. The DFR will have landing pads throughout the city. If PD drones seems too invasive to you, Hawley said the cameras would face skyward in flight, not aimed at your backyard.

The estimated total cost for the five-year project is nearly $5 million and they are seeking federal and state grants to fund it.

Community input is very important for such a huge project. Give yours at the ICC Town Hall Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on April 13 in Community Rooms A-B at the Brea Civic Center. And share your thoughts on the project by taking the ICC Survey at BreaPolice.net.

Terri Daxon is a freelance writer and the owner of Daxon Marketing Communications. She gives her perspective on Brea issues twice a month. Contact her at  [email protected].

​ Orange County Register 

Alexander: Clippers win high-stakes meeting with Lakers, but what’s next?

• April 6, 2023

LOS ANGELES — Yes, Wednesday night was the biggest Clippers-Lakers game in years, maybe ever, just because there was something tangible at stake beyond their respective fan bases’ bragging rights.

The biggest, at least … until the next one?

This one was pivotal enough, a 125-118 Clippers victory that gave them a cushion in the race with the Lakers to finish sixth and avoid the play-in round. The Clippers already controlled the first tiebreaker should it be needed, since they’ve now swept the season series from the Lakers – and, in fact, are 14-2 against their hallway rivals going back to the start of the 2019-20 season and 11-0 in Ty Lue’s three seasons as coach.

It was, Lue said, “the first time when a game’s actually really meant something between these two teams.”

But not everyone in his locker room got the memo. Kawhi Leonard, who scored 25 points in 43 minutes – including all 24 minutes of the second half – was asked if this was the most meaningful game he’d played against the Lakers in the time he’s been here.

“I didn’t feel that way,” he said, and when the questioner emphasized what was at stake, he repeated himself: “I didn’t feel that way.”

Then again, Kawhi’s not the excitable type, and probably not the guy you want to ask about emotional moments.

Or maybe Kawhi had it nailed. The reason this was a vital game was because the teams were playing to avoid something, rather than to attain something. The underlying message: These were two groups who had underachieved over the course of the season, which is why both were desperate to avoid the play-in.

The Lakers had a positive experience in their brush with the play-in two seasons ago, beating the Golden State Warriors in the 7-vs.-8 game, though the next round was a six-game loss to Phoenix. The Clippers had their opportunity last season (also known as the non-Kawhi year) and lost twice, at Minnesota and then at home to New Orleans to miss the playoffs.

“Yeah, I’m not a fan of the play-in,” Lue said with a chuckle.

Maybe it’s all about one’s previous experiences. LeBron James seemed almost unconcerned – almost – about the possibility of his team having to play its way into a first-round series. Maybe it’s less of an existential crisis when you’ve survived it … and, in fact, when you sank the jump shot that got your team past the play-in, as LeBron did against the Warriors in 2021.

“It is what it is,” James said Wednesday night after scoring 30 of his 33 points in the second half. “Wherever we end up, that’s who we end up playing.

“It’s been like four or five seasons in one for us. We don’t have the luxury of saying this is what we need to do, this is where we need to be. Really, we just have to continue to play good basketball. We have another game on Friday versus a very good team (Phoenix), then the end of the season on Sunday versus Utah. So we’ll see what happens. We’ll see. Wherever we fall, we’ll be ready to go.”

It has been a season of transition for both teams, one of medical reports and acquisitions and trying to figure out which pieces fit where. The trade deadline meant lots of jigsaw puzzle pieces strewn all over the living room carpet for both of these teams, and in a league where quality practice time is not only precious but also just about impossible as the 82-game grind unfolds, working new players in at midseason is a particular challenge.

Lue figured that what had seemed like a disadvantage, playing 61 games before the All-Star break, turned out to be an advantage instead.

“Now we have more practice time, having three days off, two days off, and we (were) able to get a lot in,” he said.

“I credit Russ (Westbrook) for a lot of that, because you wouldn’t get a veteran team like this to practice as hard as we did in March, you know? But for those six or seven practices we had, we went hard, and he led that charge as far as just getting everybody going, doing it full speed, understanding what we want to do on both sides of the basketball.”

The Lakers all but assembled a brand new team around James and Anthony Davis at the deadline, and a squad that began the season 0-5 and 2-10 incorporated D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura and Malik Beasley around the deadline, has also watched Austin Reaves have a breakout season, and is 15-8 since Feb. 11 and transitioned from the dead weight category to “team you don’t want to face” material in the span of a few weeks.

“As I’ve been saying all year, you got to go through the valleys in order to enjoy the mountaintop,” Coach Darvin Ham said.

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“You know, sometimes it’s more not being a good fit than someone being a bad player. And once we acquired the pieces that became the best fit to put around our top two guys, we took off.”

It’s quite the narrative. Westbrook was seen as the source of much of the Lakers’ troubles before he was traded to Utah, bought out, and signed with the Clippers. He’s the same guy now, but in a better situation.

And yes, as James noted, health will always be a key factor. Before Wednesday night’s game James and Davis were considered “questionable,” but both played. The Clippers will be without All-Star Paul George for the foreseeable future, but recent acquisitions like Eric Gordon, Mason Plumlee and Bones Hyland have stepped up, as they did Wednesday night, as did Westbrook and Norman Powell (27 points off the bench).

Mind you, the Clippers’ chances of staying in the top six in the Western Conference are better than they were before Wednesday, but they’re not yet out of the woods.

And if you thought that game had high stakes? Imagine if L.A.’s teams faced each other in the play-in. The phrase “win or go home” would have an entirely different meaning.

[email protected]

​ Orange County Register 

Coachella 2023: Where to go for breakfast, lunch or late-night snacks pre-and post-festival

• April 6, 2023

Before it became home to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the desert city of Indio was known for its date groves.

Milkshakes made with dates are one of the culinary attractions visitors look for during their time in the valley for the festival or its sister event, the Stagecoach Country Music Festival. Coachella takes over the 78-acre Empire Polo Club April 14-16 and April 21-23, followed by Stagecoach, which is scheduled for April 28-30.

While there are plenty of food concessions on festival grounds, people may want to eat before getting to the venue or after spending a long day at the event.

Here are some of the places that locals go to in the Coachella Valley for breakfast, lunch or a late night snack.

En route to the Coachella Valley

Most people who drive to the festival on the 10 Freeway are going to want make a rest stop. Here are a couple of popular places a few miles west of the valley.

Crazy Coyote Tacos

13033 Malki Road, Banning; 951-849-2000; Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Monday.

Festivalgoers have been stopping at this taco stand along the 10 Freeway for as long as the festivals have been in existence. The menu includes tacos, burritos and nachos, plus $10 dinner plates with rice, beans and a canned soda.

Hadley Fruit Orchards

47993 Morongo Trail, Cabazon; 951-849-5255, hadleyfruitorchards.com; Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Hadley’s began as a fruit stand in the 1930s, but is now best known for its date shakes. There are three kinds: original, banana and vegan, running $4.49-$6.69.

Breakfast and brunch

Here are some places with local flavor to relax or get caffeinated.

Elmer’s Restaurant

1030 E Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-327-8419, eatatelmers.com; Open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

This family restaurant has been around for decades. It’s known for its buttermilk pancakes. It also serves crepes and Florentine Benedict.

Lulu California Bistro

200 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-327-5858, lulupalmsprings.com; Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday.

Three-course weekend brunch includes choice of such items as eggs Benedict, pancakes, strawberry Belgian waffles, panini and chicken pot pie. Beverages include mimosas.

Starbucks Reserve Bar

110 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-318-2287, starbucksreserve.com; Open 5 am.-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. on Saturday; 5:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

This Starbucks is a little different than your neighborhood Starbucks, with pour-over, full-leaf tea and “Palm Springs exclusives” such as Iced Coachella Chai. The snacks in the display case, however, look very familiar. It is located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs.

Lunch

Most of these places have been established in the Coachella Valley for decades. The exception is a new gastropub in the city of Coachella, but it has some history since it occupies a building that was formerly a fire station.

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Aspen Mills Bakery & Cafe

555 South Sunrise Way, Palm Springs; 34175 Monterey Ave., Rancho Mirage; 73600 Alessandro Drive, Palm Desert; 46520 Washington Street, La Quinta; aspenmillsbakery.com; check locations for hours.

This local chain serves cold sandwiches on its own artisan bread, including the Coachella, a meatless sandwich made with pepper jack cheese, avocado, red onion and housemade salsa on nine-grain bread.

Coachella Firehouse Bar & Grill

1517 Sixth Street., Coachella; 760-619-2150; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

If people who go to the Coachella festival really want to experience the city of Coachella, this new gastropub near the civic center specializes in burgers, beer and wine.

Fisherman’s Market & Grill

235 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-327-1766, fishermans.com; 44250 Town Center Way, C-1, Palm Desert; 78575 Highway 111, No. 100, La Quinta; 760-777-1601, fishermans.com; check locations for hours.

This chain serves a variety of seafood and fish, not to mention beer. The menu includes fish and chips, fish tacos and bowls.

Shields Date Garden

80-225 Highway 111, Indio; 760-347-0996, shieldsdategarden.com; Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

This 99-year-old date grove is one of the closest tourist attractions to the Empire Polo Club. It serves as a reminder of the Coachella Valley’s agriculture industry, which was built on dates and citrus in the late 19th century. The front is a gift shop with a counter that serves date shakes, ice cream and fresh-squeezed orange juice. In back is a café that is open for breakfast and lunch. The menu features dates in salads and other items.

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery

401 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; 760-325-1199, 73161 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert; 760-568-1350, shermansdeli.com; Open 8 a.m.9 p.m. daily.

This family restaurant serves a long menu of New York deli favorites, include hot and cold corned beef, pastrami, lox and cream cheese, chopped liver and cold beet borscht. Specialties include Beef ‘N Latkes, sandwiches made with potato pancakes instead of bread. The bakery supplies tall layer cakes, cheesecakes, babka, Boston cream and coconut cream pies.

Late night

Businesses tend to shut down by 9 p.m. in the Coachella Valley, with the exceptions of casinos and fast food chains.

By the time the headliners wrap up their sets at Coachella and Stagecoach and vehicles crawl out of the parking lots, the action will have shifted to drive-thrus like Del Taco, according to Tim Hackbardth, chief marketing officer for the chain.

“After the show, or after that last guitar has been packed away, Del Taco is the place to be in the Coachella Valley,” he said.

Agua Caliente Casinos

68960 East Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City; 401 E Amado Road, Palm Springs; 32-250 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage; aguacalientecasinos.com.

Each location has multiple options, from fine dining to grab-and-go. Check with the casinos for hours.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio; 800-827-2946, fantasyspringsresort.com.

A pizza parlor and some bars are open until 2 a.m. Lique, an ice cream parlor, is open until 5 a.m.

Spotlight 29 Casino

46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella; 760-775-5566; spotlight29.com.

The Taproom serves a late-night menu until 6 a.m. that includes pizza, bar food and steak and eggs.

Del Taco

Three locations in Indio, 13 in the Coachella Valley; deltaco.com; Open 24 hours.

This Orange County-based chain serves a long menu of Mexican foods as well as burgers and fries.

In-N-Out Burger

One location in Indio, four in the Coachella Valley; in-n-out.com; Open until 1 a.m.

This nearly 75-year-old chain is only in seven states, but it has a worldwide reputation for its burgers, fries and shakes.

​ Orange County Register