Getting hitched from the comfort of home: Remote marriage licenses in California (News Brief)

Thanks to an executive order signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom this week, California state residents will not have the option to obtain marriage licenses remotely due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

Marriage licenses can now be obtained from your local county clerk via video conference. The only requirement being that both members are residents of California and that the proper identification can be provided during the video call.

Interested parties should act quickly though, the offer for remote marriage licenses only stands for the next 60 days.

Updated Coronavirus numbers for Orange County (News Brief)

(courtesy/Christian Aguilar-Garcia)

As of May 3rd, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Orange County have increased by 107 bringing the total amount of confirmed cases to 2,743. Of the total amount of cases confirmed, only 52 deaths have confirmed, with that number stagnating for now.

The total amount of hospitalizations have dropped from 202 to 187.
The largest counts of confirmed coronavirus cases are primarily in Santa Ana and Anaheim.

Stay safe, stay home, flatten the curve.

COVID-19 pandemic is not a reason to buy a gun (Ops response)

(courtesy/Christian Aguilar-Garcia)

I've never been able to comprehend the logic behind the decision to purchase or own a gun. As a first generation Mexican-American college student, I've always trusted in the ability of our local law officials and government figures to make decisions on behalf of the majority of us law-abiding citizens. My family were visitors in foreign lands, how could we possibly look for trouble when trouble was what my parents and others' were leaving behind.

I've never encountered a situation in my life that would have been made better or safer by having access to a gun and for that I'm fortunate. I'm aware of the perils that some people face in their communities but from my own personal experience, guns cause more damage than they solve. Be it through gang warfare, questionable handling or through some disgruntled youth with an axe to grind. When these types of things happen, people tend to lose faith in the virtues of guns and the implied freedom and safety they insinuate.

So, as COVID-19 maintains it's grasp on society and the general public grows increasingly uneasy; a startling trend has arisen. The American public is buying guns during the coronavirus pandemic, a whole lot of guns.

"While it is understandably difficult for state and local officials to sort out which types of businesses are “essential” and which are not, the coronavirus pandemic does not justify government-ordered shutdowns of gun stores. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide lockdown order instructing “non-essential” businesses to remain closed in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus was certainly imposed with good intentions.

But as critical as it is to prevent the spread of coronavirus, it is also still important to respect the constitutional rights of Americans," says the OC Register's The Editorial Board. "Whatever one feels or thinks about gun policy, gun control or just guns themselves, the reality is that the Second Amendment exists to protect the rights of Americans to keep and bear arms. 

Since the closure of lawful gun stores and related businesses under a view that they are not “essential” makes it impossible for someone who doesn’t already lawfully own a gun to lawfully acquire one, such an interpretation intrudes upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Californians."

To be frank, I'm puzzled. How does one protect themselves from an invisible threat? As Americans continue to stockpile essential items such as toilet paper or hand sanitizer, somewhere along the line the decision was made to stockpile guns and ammunition. As if a gun could deter COVID-19. Asking people to wear a face-mask in public is an infringement of personal rights, but carrying a gun is completely logical.

The argument stands as such: if the government oversteps the boundaries in terms of enacting social-distancing policies and shelter-at-home guidelines, then the average American citizen should stand tall and exercise their Second Amendment right against two 'imminent' threats; a totalitarian government and a highly contagious virus.

The logic is puzzling, but don't tell the protesters that. Behind a veil of deep state conspiracies and murmurs of 'QAnon' the reaction to guidelines issued by the CDC and enforced by local and state governments is more than reasonable. Demand the right to a haircut and distrust the people we've elected into power.

In all honesty, keep your guns. Keep protesting and demanding access to golf courses and beaches. Everyone else, stay home, stay safe and we'll make it to the other side just fine. 

Low cost and accessible hobbies you can do during the coronavirus pandemic (list)

(courtesy/Christian Aguilar-Garcia

As people around the world continue to shelter-in-place in the hopes of reducing the spread of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many are left with an abundance of free-time that they may not have had the luxury of having before. 

As a result, many people decide to pursue new hobbies given the circumstances; often with a varying degrees of success. Here at Local Laguna News, we've complied a list of hobbies that are easily accessible, have an enormous amount of resources online for reference and that are possible to invest time into while at home. 

Some of the recommended hobbies may require a variety of investment in terms of needed tools or items, however LNN has picked these hobbies due to the availability of supplies and ease of access that they have in terms of online, in-store and used options. 

Learning to play an instrument:

Those seeking an opportunity to pursue music as a hobby are in luck, in what is perhaps due in part to our relative vicinity to the beach and the abundance of neglected guitars, ukuleles and drums that occupy endless garages and living room corners once children grow bored, Laguna Hills has a seemingly endless amount of cheap and easily available instruments just waiting for the chance at a second attempt. This abundance of instruments coupled with the incredible amount of online music courses results in a relatively wholesome hobby should you decide to commit some effort.Whether you choose a string instrument or perhaps something a bit louder, We're sure that you're bound to get at least a little fun out of it.

Starting a blog:

In the modern age, the rate with which we can share information and transmit data across far distances results in some very interesting observations. Chances are that if you write about something you're interested via a blog or social media, someone will read it. This type of organic exposure lends itself quite well to what many people around the world are experiencing currently in the way of daily blogging or in some cases vlogging. Consider blogging about your day to day, give your opinion on ongoing events or just share some photos of your pets! It's really that easy.

Learning how to play a trading card game or board game:

Arguably, the best part of playing games of any variety is the social factor that is involved. There's nothing quite like outsmarting an opponent sitting across from you. But several alternatives to the experience have been made available following the coronavirus pandemic. Whether you want to learn the intricacies behind ratios and card advantage or create some completely heinous sentences with friends. The possibilities are endless and in many cases, completely free.

Cooking or baking:

There are fewer callings in life as relatable as cooking. To some degree, most of us have fantasized about cooking up a delicious meal and enjoying time with families and friends. However, for some the act of cooking is an impossibly overwhelming task. Luckily, that's where the shelter-in-place restrictions come in handy.Learn how to properly cho an onion or perhaps try your hand at baking cookies. References for cooking exist everywhere and cooking guides as well as videos, podcasts and books are abundant. Let's admit it, if there's one thing we could all be a little better at, it's definitely cooking. 

Bonus: Jazzercise?

What is this? Whatever, it's free and if you shut the curtains, no one will see you doing it. 

Ultimately, regardless of the hobby you choose to pursue the goal is largely the same. If you can find something to commit to that interests you and inspires you to try something new while you stay inside to fight the curve, then it's likely a hobby worth doing. Good luck!

Top 3 breakfast spots in Laguna Hills (List)

(Courtesy/Scratch Bakery Cafe)

Everyone loves breakfast foods; From pancakes and waffles to sandwiches and burritos, these wonderful, carb-loaded but undeniably essential parts of any good morning routine are impossible to decline. As a new arrival to Laguna Hills, Local Laguna News set out to uncover the three best breakfast spots in and around the Laguna Hills area. Read on below to find out the LNN picks for 'Best Breakfast Spots'.

(Courtesy/Scratch Bakery Cafe)

Scratch Bakery Cafe 

(24321 Avenida De La Carlota)

Situated in a busy shopping center, Scratch Bakery Cafe has been serving the residents of Laguna Hills for upwards of 5 years with a variety of fresh baked goods and delicious breakfast foods such sandwiches, coffee and our personal favorite; The Ronnie G.

(Courtesy/Plumeria Cafe by Stacks)

Plumeria Cafe by Stacks (23811 Aliso Creek Rd)

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous and don't mind some very specific hours-of-operation, then Plumeria Cafe by Stacks is well worth your consideration. Featuring some Hawaiian-style staples such as Kalua pork and Spam alongside unique offerings such as the Captain Crunch Mac Nut french toast. Plumeria is a must visit spot for the early bird, but show up early. the lines can get very long.

(Courtesy/Robin.A)

Cloud Cafe (23401 El Toro Rd, Ste 200)

In an unassuming building overlooking one of the busier roads in Laguna Hills lies Cloud Cafe, a breakfast spot that looks more akin to an office building than a local secret. Despite the obscurity of the cafe however, once you know about Cloud Cafe, you tend to understand why people don't mind the strange location. The food, in particular the Denver Omelette, demands that you look past the surroundings and focus instead on a wholesome and delicious breakfast accompanied by some hot fresh coffee. Enjoy the view!

Why reopening California sooner than later is a bad idea (Opinion)

(courtesy/Peggy Popadak)

According to recent statistics provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) the United States currently has the most cases of coronavirus when compared to any other country in the world with hot-spots situated in larger, more densely populated states such as New York, California, Illinois and Texas.

Despite the abundance of data that illustrates a growing rate of infection, people across the country have begun protesting many of the shelter-in-place restrictions that have been enacted by state officials and leaders, citing an infringement of personal rights as a primary source of grief as well as a necessity to work as an underlying reason. 

As a result, and due in part to pressure from public outcry many states around the country have resorted to a mentality of leniency regarding social-distancing and shelter-at-home procedures. Much to the frustration of healthcare workers and law-abiding citizens.

While people continue to follow guidelines recommended by the CDC, it appears that these restrictions are completely out of the question for the primarily far-right protesters who are steadfast in their newfound determination to 'get haircuts' and 'have prom'. 

Ultimately, the issue remains clear-cut. Should California and various other states reopen too soon, then the potential for an increased spread of COVID-19 is entirely too certain. A spread that would result in increased rate of infection and death as well as a longer and more severe level of quarantine. 

Karens' of the world should reconsider how badly they want their haircuts and summer-tans, by collectively buckling down and following the guidelines of officials, we may see an end to the coronavirus pandemic sooner than later.

From ear to ear: LCAD's student-organized initiative to print 'ear-savers' for medical staff (Q&A)

History has shown us that in times of great uncertainty, people tend to have the inclination to withdraw into feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Regardless of how these emotions are brought about; be it by political, social or economic turmoil, the ramifications are usually the same. When the future is unclear, people lose motivation and become understandably distressed. Emotions such as the aforementioned are completely justifiable given that the majority of events of this nature tend to come-about entirely unannounced and thus require people to adjust to new issues and foreign surroundings in their lives with little to no warning.

However, in situations such as what millions of people the world over are currently experiencing, in the way of the COVID-19 pandemic; sometimes a sudden life-changing event acts as the impetus that motivates an individual to pursue goals and interests that are out of their comfort zones. Goals that are driven perhaps by a sense of resolution or an obligation of duty to others and the community.

As medical professionals continue to fight on the front-lines of the pandemic; often without adequate supplies or assistance. The millions of people who stay home in an attempt to contribute to flattening the curve, may find themselves wishing they could do more to shift the tide. For one such person, that desire to contribute to the battle against COVID-19 took shape in the form of direct assistance to medical professionals through the power of 3D printing, community support and public outreach.

I spoke with Elisa Gimenez Valdes Fernandez Posada about the initiative she spearheaded alongside the Laguna College of Arts and Design to produce ear-savers; a device worn around the head to relieve the strain of face-worn PPE (personal protective equipment) for medical professionals at the Mission Viejo Hospital Foundation as well as other local hospitals in Orange County. As well as the ongoing campaign to recruit people to join the cause by contributing their time and resources. At the time of writing, the MHF has requested a total of 1000 ear-savers for their staff with possibility for more requests to come in the arriving months.

What is your name, can you tell me a little about yourself?

"I’m Elisa Gimenez Valdes Fernandez Posada, I’m 22 years old, and I’m an Animation major at LCAD. I’m from Mexico City, Mexico, but I moved to California for college, so I’m a full-time international student."

I stumbled on a post made by the LCAD Twitter account that described your involvement with the ear-savers campaign. What motivated the decision to start this initiative, what's the goal?

"The idea for ear savers came from a feeling of helplessness. Being cooped up in my house, reading the news and watching the world fall to pieces outside was the scariest feeling in the world. I wanted to help, but I didn’t know how to, so I started looking for ways I could make a difference. People started posting pictures everywhere of doctors and nurses who were getting injured from their PPE. I had never even thought about how uncomfortable face masks and other PPE could be after wearing them for 12 hours a day until I saw those pictures. So, I reached out to several Orange County hospitals to gauge whether there was any need for this kind of help and the answer was a resounding yes. Along with some other hospitals requesting donations, the Mission Viejo Hospital Foundation requested 1,000 ear savers for their staff!"

Can you tell me about ear-savers? What exactly are they? 

(Courtesy/Thingverse)

"Ear Savers are a 3D printable strip of plastic that is secured at the back of the head and holds the elastic from medical face masks, relieving pressure from the ears. I read about Quin Callender -from Vancouver, Canada- who came up with the first ear saver design as a solution for the PPE injuries problem.
I thought it was amazing that he posted the file online with a public domain license and was encouraging others to print them as well. So I did some research and found out that Ear savers are approved by the NHI for clinical use, are easily disinfected so they can be used multiple times, and according to all the testimonies I found, are actually very effective in relieving and preventing pain behind the ears caused from the face masks' elastic."

So with the design in mind, it came down to finding support to help produce the ear-savers. That's where LCAD stepped in?

"With this in mind, I reached out to Hugo Hernandez, LCAD’s Fabrication Lab’s Manager, to ask if these could be printed on our printers and he got to work right away on a prototype, and we kept going from there."

Has LCAD been supportive of the initiative?

"LCAD has been incredibly supportive, and I am very thankful and proud to be part of an organization that so readily and decisively jumped to help out. Not only have they helped with outreach and social media, but the entire project is also currently being funded by LCAD. They’ve also been doing a terrific job reaching out to students and sharing resources to help during this COVID-19 crisis. Thanks to them backing and funding the project, we've been able to offer anyone with a 3D printer willing to join our efforts support such as a downloadable template and printing instructions for the ear savers as well as PLA filament for their printers."

Now that production is moving along with the ear-savers, what's the goal?

"I’d like to get at least three more printers working with us. Once all the kinks are worked out we can get a steady supply going and focus on distributing them wherever they’re needed.
My main concern is time. I want to print them faster to make sure medical professionals don’t have to spend another day injuring themselves while helping those affected by COVID-19.
I guess I keep hoping this crisis will be over soon and then the ear savers will no longer be needed, so I want to get them out fast. I know that’s a little naive and there’s no reliable way to tell how long this will last, but that’s what I keep hoping."

What does post-pandemic look like for you?

"I don’t know what post-pandemic looks like to me. Hopefully, like before, but with an essential workers’ union, higher minimum wage, and a renewed appreciation for all the people that kept the world going when the apocalypse happened: farmers, truckers, supermarket workers, sanitation workers, and all the other essential workers we often forget about. I also hope they come up with some better fail-safes to make sure something like this doesn’t ever happen again."

For more information on how you can contribute to Elisa and LCAD's ear-saver initiative, the following links are provided.
https://www.facebook.com/LCADBFA/
https://www.instagram.com/lcadbfa/?hl=en