Beckman’s girls basketball team sank a season-high 11 3-pointers — all in the first three quarters — and defeated host San Clemente 59-45 in the teams’ South Coast League opener Tuesday.

The Patriots (13-4, 1-0), ranked No. 8 in Orange County, made seven shots from beyond the arc in the first half as they took a 31-22 lead in their South Coast League debut.

Jeanette Fabella and Aksharaa Prakaschander opened the third period with consecutive 3-pointers to force a timeout by No. 11 San Clemente (8-9, 0-1), the defending league champion.

Beckman made four of its six attempts from beyond the arc in the third to lead by as many as 16 points in the quarter.

Natasha Jafari made all four of her 3-point attempts en route to a game-high 21 points for the Patriots.

The senior finished 7 for 12 from the floor and added 10 rebounds and three steals.

Prakaschander and Fabella each added a pair of baskets from beyond the arc and finished with 14 and seven points, respectively.

Beckman made 11 of 21 of its 3-pointers (52 percent) and recorded 12 assists, including six by Taylor Tam.

Izzy Sims sank three of the San Clemente’s five 3-pointers for all nine of her points. The junior also had 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Kiley Husbands scored 10 of her team-high 13 points in the first half.

Beckman plays host to San Juan Hills — another team known for its 3-pointer shooting — on Thursday.

In other games:

In the Crestview League:

Canyon 53, Crean Lutheran 49: Point guard Zulymar Velazquez, who has been slowed by injured this season, scored 20 points to lead the Comanches (9-9, 1-0) past the No. 16 Saints (12-4, 0-2).

Kyara Vargas and Sara Kong added 16 and 14 points, respectively, for Canyon, which plays at Esperanza on Friday.

In the North Hills League:

El Modena 46, Pacifica 10: Amira Tomizh scored 19 points and Sienna Gamez added 14 as the visiting Vanguards (18-0, 1-0) remained undefeated. El Modena plays at Foothill on Friday.

But the same can’t be said for mocktails, which have proven, at least for now, to be much more than a passing trend.

ALSO READ: Mocktails, the hero of Dry January, find their place on cocktail menus — and beyond

Alcohol-free or low-ABV (alcohol by volume) beverages are fantastic alternatives for those practicing moderation or in recovery. Gone are the days when teetotalers were limited to a syrupy Shirley Temple or a soda loaded with high-fructose corn syrup or aspartame. Today, most bar and restaurant cocktail menus feature a “mocktail” or “zero proof” section, offering a bounty of flavor and creativity. With the arrival of Dry January, the annual ode of kicking off the year alcohol-free, here are a handful of standout spots in Orange County to grab a snazzy sip.

Belly of the Beast at Stowaway

14401 Newport Ave., Tustin, 657-208-2088, stowawaytiki.com/botb

At this hush-hush, Pinocchio-themed speakeasy hidden behind Stowaway tiki bar, you’ll find a few mocktails like the Bahama No Mama (with coconut, orange, pineapple and grenadine), POGtail (passionfruit, orange, guava). Reservations required.

Bosscat Libations

18169 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949-333-0917; 118 W Chapman Ave., Orange, 714-716-1599; bosscatkitchen.com

Three mocktails are available at this O.C.-born spot from Leslie Nguyen and John Reed. Check out the Coconut Wireless (featuring pineapple, coconut, ginger, allspice and almond), the Zero Proof (apple spice, soda water, citrus, cranberry and ginger) or the Pivot (ARU coffee and coconut horchata syrup).

ALSO SEE: Here are 5 LA County restaurants where you can order mocktails for Dry January

The Cauldron

8028 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714-484-2733, thecauldronbar.com

In a world of increasingly costly mocktails, it’s nice to see a place giving those who eschew booze a break at only $6 a pop. The lineup at this witchy venue includes Cat’s Claw (featuring cranberry juice, soda and lemon), Bitter Ginger (ginger beer, bitters, lime and mint), Upside Down (pineapple juice, vanilla, ginger beer and cherry), Dead and Berried (fresh blackberries, mint, lime, simple syrup and soda water) and Orange Is the New Black (cold-pressed coffee, orange juice, vanilla and Aztec chocolate bitters).

Ilya (San Clemente)

1502 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949-703-1111, ilyarestaurant.com

“Top Chef” winner Charbel Hayek’s new coastal Mediterranean restaurant in San Clemente offers a couple of mocktail bangers that are as tasty as they are gorgeous. Clean Sheet features a chamomile-thyme tincture mixed with blue fig Syrup, elderflower and lemon juice finished with elderflower tonic, while the False Promise boasts jasmine and sencha tea extract with coconut water and lime juice finished with ginger beer and Thai basil.

Khan Saab

229 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton; 714-853-1081, khansaaboc.com

Noted as the pioneers of the mocktail movement in Orange County — “When we opened Khan Saab in February of 2020, our nonalcoholic bar program was the first of its kind in Southern California and only the fourth in the nation,” said chef Imran Ali Mookhi in 2022 — this Fullerton spot offers a creative and vibrant litany of mocktails. Highlights here include a Mango Mojito (with manho nectar, mint, jaggery and lime), a Smoked Negroni (Seedlip Spice 94, rose syrup and Palo Santo bitters), a Peshawari Mule (Seedlip Spice 94, ginger, mint and ginger beer) and even a Dirty Sprite (lime, simple syrup, salt, mint and its titular lemon-lime soda).

ALSO SEE: 5 places to get mocktails for Dry January in the Inland Empire

Puesto

8577 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949-[608-9990; 3311 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949-608-7272‬; 1040 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714-294-0362; eatpuesto.com

Conceived by Beau du Bois, Puesto’s vice president of bar and spirits, nonalcoholic tipples include a Passionfruit Margarita that uses a zero-proof tequila alternative; a Cantarito featuring a tequila alternative, orange cordial, fresh lime and Jarritos grapefruit soda; and a Michelada with nonalcoholic Corona beer, housemade clamato, shamoy, mango and fresh lime. Zero-proof beers include two Beros: a Kingston Golden Pilsner and a Double Tasty West Coast Style IPA. House-made agua frescas (like passionfruit and pineapple).

Strong Water Anaheim

270 S. Clementine St., Anaheim; 714-844-1875 or strongwateranaheim.com

Since opening in 2019, Ying Chang and Robert Adamson’s Anaheim spot has become the gold standard for cocktails in Orange County. So much so that they’ve earned two consecutive James Beard Award nominations. They also make two mighty fine mocktails: the Anana Rising (a punchy concoction with pineapple, lemon, cinnamon and walnut bitters) and the Tarobi Colada (a tropical tipple with pineapple, lime, coconut, taro cream and sugar cane). Strong Water also pours two low-alcohol brews, the Bitter Mai Tai and the Fernet Swizzle.

Intermittent lane closures, detoured pedestrian access and temporary loss of parking are expected in areas targeted for redevelopment, including El Camino Real between First Street and Sixth Street and Main Street between Newport Avenue and C Street.

The work will also include upgrades aimed at improving walkability for pedestrians and bicyclists.

“I think it’s great. I like being able to walk to the bookstore and then visit the improv comedy shop,” said Tustin Councilmember Lee Fink, who grew up in Tustin and welcomed the upgrades. “Old Town is constantly thought of as a hidden gem — I’d like more people to discover what we have.”

Nearly $4 million has been approved for the work through the city’s capital improvement program, which the City Council adopted in June. The project is being paid for by the city and funded through Community Development Block Grant money, along with proceeds from land sales.

On Main Street, improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure is central to the plan’s vision for economic development, intended to strengthen connections between Old Town and nearby destinations such as the Tustin Branch Library and Tustin Civic Center.

According to the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan that city leaders developed in 2018, planned upgrades include reducing vehicular lanes, adding on-street parallel and diagonal parking and enhancing pedestrian crossings.

Additional improvements are expected to include raised medians, repairs to uneven sidewalks, and enhanced safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers through updated signage and right-of-way indicators. Landscape enhancements, such as new street trees aimed at beautifying the area and improving environmental health, will complement new parklets, officials said.

The parklets are being created out of sidewalk extensions that convert select street parking spaces into additional seating or public plaza areas.

Those renovations, planned along El Camino Real and Main Street, are intended to transform open spaces into vibrant community gathering areas that encourage interaction and activity. Fink said renovations will also benefit the community events held in the downtown, such as the Tustin Art Walk, Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off and Sunset Market.

Fink said he hopes the improvements will make Old Town more welcoming to visitors and give people a chance to appreciate everything it has to offer.

“It’s a great place to spend the day,” he said, adding that Old Towne Orange “gives us an idea of what Old Town Tustin could look like.”

City officials said the project team aims to keep disruptions to a minimum, but residents and visitors should expect temporary impacts, including construction noise and the presence of heavy equipment. Regular construction hours will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Well, here are our suggestions for things you can do that won’t break the bank — both during the day and at night. (But if the event is outdoors, you’d better make sure it’s not canceled, since at this writing, rain was forecast.)

Anaheim: So sorry. The countdown to 2026 at the STC GardenWalk has been canceled due to a forecast of inclement weather. anaheimgardenwalk.com/event/33593-countdownto2026

Brea: Have fun counting down at the “Noon Year’s Eve” party at the Brea library, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All ages. Enjoy a craft, snacks and a balloon drop. 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea. ocpl.libcal.com/event/16062370

Cypress: Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” early with Magician Dave Skale at the Cypress library. His family-friendly performance is at 11 a.m. and then stay for the balloon drop at noon. 5331 Orange Ave. Cypress. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15787730

Garden Grove: Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” early and enjoy a special storytime, followed by a fun craft at the Chapman branch of the Garden Grove library. Then count down together and ring in the “noon” year with a balloon drop at 12 p.m.  9182 Chapman Ave. Garden Grove. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15843994

Ladera Ranch: Head over to the family-friendly “Noon Year’s Eve” with other families at the Ladera Ranch branch library. 11:30-12:30. Crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 29551 Sienna Parkway, Ladera Ranch. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15792817

Lake Forest: Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” early with other families at the El Toro branch library. 11:30-12:30. Crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15711617

Long Beach: Enjoy this family “Noon Year” celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 2nd & PCH mall. There will be games, fun and giveaways at their outdoor Kids Club (weather permitting.) Check in between 10-11:15 a.m. and enjoy crafts, face painting, bingo and a dance party before a countdown to “noon year” with bubbles. Mickey and Minnie are rumored to be there. 6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach. 2ndandpch.com/portfolio/kids-club-noon-year-bubble-show-party/

Long Beach: Head over to Shoreline Village for a free dance party, followed by fireworks at midnight. DJ Rome is scheduled to play dance music from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. There’s a self-serve photo booth from 9 p.m. to midnight near Louisiana Charlies. Get there early, rideshare or expect a hunt for nearby parking. And then enjoy the fireworks show near the Queen Mary. 429 Shoreline Village Drive. facebook.com/events/830685192682976

Long Beach: The Long Beach Public Library is holding a “Noon New Year’s Eve Party” at several locations. Enjoy a dance party, crafts, balloon drop at noon and more.  a fun craft, a dance party and more. Hours vary but are generally from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.. Check out these locations: Billie Jean King Main Library. 200 W. Broadway; Mark Twain Neighborhood Library, 1401 E. Anaheim St.; Harte Neighborhood Library, 1595 W. Willow St. longbeach.gov/library/events/

Los Alamitos/Rossmoor. Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” with other families at the Los Alamitos branch library. 11:30-12:30. Crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 12700 Montecito, Seal Beach  ocpl.libcal.com/event/15803407

Los Angeles: Organizers are promising a huge event at Gloria Molina Grand Park downtown from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. including two stages with live music, a spectacular City Hall light show and interactive art installations. Live performances by Ruby Ibarra, Ceci Bastida, DJ Wayne Williams, Bardo and more. Food trucks will be there. Parking is $10 or ride the Metro. Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 North Grand Ave. Los Angeles. RSVPs are not mandatory but requested at grandparkla.org/nyela

Los Angeles: Don’t want to drink? Enjoy this party sponsored by Artists In Recovery from 7-11:59 p.m. It includes an open AA meeting (all welcome to attend), live music, games, food and drinks. Even a guitar raffle. At the C.A.P.O. center, 7946 W 3rd St. Los Angeles.

Marina del Rey: Enjoy the countdown at this Glow Party at Burton Chace park, including fireworks at midnight (Organizers say rain or shine.) Plans include music, magic shows, face painting, stilt walkers, fairies, robots, a giant LED screen showing the ball drop from Times Square and more. Two fireworks shows, at 8:50 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. shot from the south jetty. The event is free but parking is paid. Plan to get there early because of traffic and parking. 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey. Check the website for parking locations. beaches.lacounty.gov/nye2025/

Redlands: This town was built on citrus, so head out for the annual NYE Orange Drop from 6 to 9 p.m. and celebrate the East Coast countdown. The countdown starts at 8:45 p.m. Music, live performances, kid zone, confetti cannons, food vendors and more. On Citrus Avenue between 6th and 8th streets. redlandschamber.org/orangedrop/

Rowland Heights: The countdown to 2026 starts at 5 p.m. at the STC Rowland Legacy (formerly the Rowland Ranch Plaza). Festivies include a dance party with live music and DJs, a Happy Market with food and shopping, giveaways and more.  There’s a community countdown at midnight. The evening runs until 1 a.m. STC Rowland Legacy, 18991 Colima Road, Rowland Heights. Reserve a free ticket online: eventbrite.com/e/ocla-countdown-to-2026-stc-rowland-legacy-tickets-1963611325333

San Juan Capistrano: Have a family-friendly “Noon Year’s Eve” party with other families at the library. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.. Crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15784435

Seal Beach: Enjoy “Noon Year’s Eve” eat the Seal Beach branch library. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dancing, crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 707 Electric Ave. Seal Beach. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15586083

Stanton: Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” eat the Stanton branch library. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Crafts, snacks, fun and a balloon drop at noon.7850 Katella Ave. Stanton ocpl.libcal.com/event/15737660

Temecula: Yes, it’s time for the annual Temecula Grape Drop festivities, from 6 to 10 p.m. It’s family friendly with an East Coast countdown at 9 p.m. and a drone show. Live entertainment, kid activities, food vendors and more. Civic Center, 41000 Main St., Temecula temeculaca.gov/1425/Holiday-Fun

Tustin: Start the new year off at the Tustin library …. at noon! Enjoy a balloon drop and fun crafts at the “Noon Year Eve” celebration from 11 a.m. to noon. 345 E. Main St., Tustin. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15881080

Westminster: Start early by celebrating “Noon Year’s Eve” early at the Westminster branch library. This is family friendly. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Crafts, fun and a balloon drop at noon. 8180 13th St. Westminster. ocpl.libcal.com/event/15798822

UPDATE: An earlier version of this story listed First Night in Fullerton, but organizers say the event has been canceled because of safety concerns about inclement weather.

Corona del Mar proved that Tuesday. Five players for the Sea Kings scored in double figures in their 74-71 win over Cypress in the Orange County North/South Challenge at Tesoro High.

Junior guard Maxwell Scott scored 17 points. Senior guards Aiden Cole and Oliver Nakra scored 14 points each, senior guard Luke Mirhashemi scored 13 points and sophomore guard Nolan Scott added 11.

The Sea Kings, No. 4 in this week’s Orange County Top 25, are undefeated at 12-0. No. 6 Cypress is 10-5.

Cypress took a 54-53 lead into the fourth quarter. A 3-point basket by Nakra was an important one, giving Corona del Mar a 64-60 lead. Nakra made another 3 a couple of minutes later, and a basket by Maxwell Scott later pushed the Sea Kings’ lead to 71-64.

The Centurions twice trimmed their deficit to three points in the fourth quarter but did not get closer.

Mirhashemi liked the Sea Kings’ effort Tuesday.

“We played super hard,” Mirhashemi said. “Our coaches do a great job of getting us prepared for every game.”

Junior guard Brennen De La Cruz led Cypress with 18 points. Senior guards Ryan Gov and Ethan Mai scored 13 points each for the Centurions.

The Orange County North/South Challenge is being played for the 26th time. The event is dedicated to the late Tim O’Brien, who coached at Northwood, Estancia and elsewhere in Orange County boys basketball.

Also in the Orange County North/South Challenge on Tuesday:

No. 2 Crean Lutheran 72, No. 7 Los Alamitos 69: Hunter Caplan made four free throws in the final 17 seconds to keep the Saints ahead in the final game of the eight-game event.

Crean Lutheran is 10-3. Los Alamitos is 4-6.

Caplan, a junior guard, scored a game-high 24 points including five 3-point baskets. Crean Lutheran 6-11 senior Chadrack Mpoyi scored 16 points.

Los Alamitos was led by sophomore guard Isaiah Williamson’s 19 points. Senior forward Tyler Lopez scored 17 points and sophomore guard Riley Bowers 15 added 15 points for the Griffins.

The Griffins led at various times during the fast-paced game, including a 67-66 lead with 1:35 left in the fourth quarter. Los Alamitos’ frenetic style bothered Crean Lutheran, but Crean Lutheran’s size advantages were in a large way responsible for the Saints’ victory.

No. 12 Tesoro 61, Irvine 46: Max Draper scored 18 points with 17 rebounds for the Titans (13-2).

Carson Hatch added 15 points for Tesoro.

No. 18 San Clemente 59, No. 23 Woodbridge 49: Bryan Blake scored 24 points and Desi Gutierrez scored 23 for the Tritons (7-7) in their win over the Warriors (10-4).

No. 21 Fountain Valley 67, Trabuco Hills 65 (OT): Kenneth Nguyen made two 3-point baskets in overtime for the Barons (12-0) in their victory over the Mustangs (9-7).

Nguyen finished with a team-high 21 points including four 3-pointers. Nguyen made his other two 3s in the fourth quarter. Isaac Chinchilla scored 17 points and James Pennington contributed 13 points for Fountain Valley.

Ryan Hull scored 24 points for Trabuco Hills. Devon Williams added 19 points for the Mustangs.

San Juan Hills 68, Tustin 51: Rocco Jensen’s 27 points led the Stallions (9-5) over the Tillers (8-8).

Stallions coach Jason Efstatiou said Tuesday’s game was a rare one for San Juan Hills because the team finally had a full-health roster.

San Juan Hills got off to a solid start and had a 27-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In other North/South Challenge games Huntington Beach defeated Dana Hills 69-39 and Northwood defeated El Toro 74-57.

The Centurions have defeated three teams ranked in the Orange County Top 25 since Dec. 12. They beat Orange Lutheran 75-68 in the North Orange County Championships tournament before nonleague wins over San Clemente 57-50 and Fairmont Prep 59-49.

This week’s county rankings have Fairmont Prep at No. 8, Orange Lutheran at No. 11 and San Clemente at No. 18. Cypress is No. 6, having moved up from No. 17 last week.

Cypress beat Fairmont Prep without All-County point guard Ryan Gov, who was out because of a sprained ankle.

Centurions 6-7 senior forward Gavin Kroll scored 25 points and Emmanuel Igbekoyi, also a 6-7 senior forward, scored 22 in the win over Orange Lutheran.

Kroll scored 18 points with four 3-point baskets against San Clemente. He scored 18 points with four 3s and five blocked shots in the win over Fairmont Prep.

“Kroll’s been awesome,” Cypress coach Derek Mitchell said. “His offense overshadows how good his defense was last week, especially against David Abisogun of Fairmont.”

Abisogun, among Orange County’s top 10 players and a Texas State, signee, was limited to 12 points against Cypress.

Senior guard Ethan Mai took over the on-court leadership duties in Gov’s absence.

Mitchell said Gov, who committed to Azusa Pacific University this month, might play against Corona del Mar on Tuesday in the Orange County North/South Challenge at Tesoro High.

NORTH/SOUTH CHALLENGE

The Orange County North/South Challenge is Tuesday at Tesoro.

The schedule (including teams’ Orange County ranking): El Toro vs. Northwood, 9 a.m.; Dana Hills vs. Huntington Beach, 10:30 a.m.; Trabuco Hills vs. No. 21 Fountain Valley, noon; San Juan Hills vs. Tustin, 1:30 p.m.; No. 18 San Clemente vs. No. 23 Woodbridge, 3 p.m.; No. 12 Tesoro vs. Irvine, 4:30 p.m.; No. 4 Corona del Mar vs. No. 6 Cypress, 6 p.m.; No. 2 Crean Lutheran vs. No. 7 Los Alamitos, 7:30 p.m.

Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for students and those of ages 5-12. Free admission is available for children under 5 years old.

The North/South Challenge is dedicated to the late Tim O’Brien, who coached at a few schools in Orange County, including leading Estancia to a state championship in 1991. O’Brien died of cancer in 2020.

NOTES

The sit-out period for transfers who did not make a change of address upon transferring ends Friday. Many teams will improve. Among them is Fairmont Prep, where the Huskies will add 6-2 guard Jordan Ceballos, who showed much promise last season as a freshman at Crean Lutheran, and 6-8 senior forward Eric Gong from St. John Bosco. …

La Habra junior guard Javier Nash is out for the remainder of the season because of torn knee cartilage. He was a key starter for the Highlanders. …

The Charlie Wilkins Memorial Tournament is underway at Westminster High. Orange County teams in that one are Saddleback, Tarbut V’Torah, University and host school Westminster. …

Post-Christmas tournaments in Orange County include the Estancia Coast Classic at Estancia High and the Ringo Bossenmeyer/Tustin Holiday Classic at Tustin High; the latter is named for longtime Tustin coach Ringo Bossenmeyer who retired from coaching after the 2024-25 season. The Estancia tournament includes county teams Marina, Newport Harbor, San Clemente, Western and Woodbridge. The Tustin tournament includes county teams Beckman, Servite, Tesoro and Tustin. …

Many O.C. teams are playing after Christmas in The Classic at Damien tournament. The tournament has nine divisions. Crean Lutheran is in the top division, the Platinum Division.

Notable this week: Cypress rises from No. 17 last week to No. 6 this week after victories over then-No. 15 San Clemente and No. 4 Fairmont Prep. … Santa Margarita stays on top after close wins over Basha and Bishop Gorman in the Tarkanian Classic tournament in Las Vegas. … Canyon’s young team climbs after a win over rival Villa Park. … Los Alamitos continues its rise after a 20-point win over Torrey Pines. … Corona del Mar and Fountain Valley take undefeated records into this week.

1. Santa Margarita 13-1: The Eagles advanced to the semifinals of the top division of the Tarkanian Classic, the Platinum Division, including a win, 86-79, in overtime over Bishop Gorman. Drew Anderson scored 29 points with 19 rebounds.

Previous ranking: 1

2. Crean Lutheran 9-3: The Saints lost to Sierra Canyon, 69-40, a team widely considered No. 1 in the CIF Southern Section. They play in the top division of The Classic at Damien after Christmas.

Previous ranking: 2

3. JSerra 8-5: The Lions won their first two games in the Tarkanian Classic’s Spalding Division by one-sided scores, 88-60 over Bingham and 70-35 over Mojave.

Previous ranking: 3

4. Corona del Mar 11-0: The undefeated Sea Kings did not play last week. They will play No. 7 Cypress in the Orange County North/South Challenge at Tesoro on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Previous ranking: 5.

5. Canyon 7-3: Often with three freshmen on the court at the same time, Canyon beat Villa Park 65-58 in the Challenge For CHOC showcase at Sonora. They will play in the post-Christmas Classic at Damien’s Diamond Division.

Previous ranking: 9

6. Cypress 10-4: The Centurions had a great week, with wins of 57-50 over San Clemente and 59-49 over Fairmont Prep. They play Corona del Mar at Tesoro on Tuesday.

Previous ranking: 17

7. Los Alamitos 4-5: The Griffins impressed again with a 73-53 win over Torrey Pines. They continue their rugged schedule by taking on Crean Lutheran at Tesoro on Tuesday.

Previous ranking: 10

8. Fairmont Prep 7-5: The Huskies beat Oak Hills 52-47 and lost to Cypress 59-49. They will play in the Diamond Division of The Classic at Damien after Christmas.

Previous ranking: 4

9. Pacifica Christian 11-2: The Tritons have won eight in a row since a loss to Rolling Hills Prep. They will play in the Silver Division of The Classic at Damien.

Previous ranking: 6

10. Mater Dei 7-5: The Monarchs went 1-1 over the first two days of the Tarkanian Classic. They had an 87-61 win over Coeur d’Alene as Richie Ramirez scored 41 points and Luke Barnett scored 33.

Previous ranking: 7

11. Orange Lutheran 10-4

Previous ranking: 10

12. Tesoro 12-2

Previous ranking: 11

13. El Dorado 11-1

Previous ranking: 12

14. La Habra 11-3

Previous ranking: 13

15. Edison 9-2

Previous ranking: 14

16. Esperanza 13-1

Previous ranking: 16

17. Servite 11-3

Previous ranking: 18

18. San Clemente 6-7

Previous ranking: 15

19. Newport Harbor 9-3

Previous ranking: 19

20. Sonora 10-4

Previous ranking: 21

21. Fountain Valley 11-0

Previous ranking: 22

22. Foothill 5-5

Previous ranking: 20

23. Woodbridge 10-3

Previous ranking: 23

24. Villa Park 10-6

Previous ranking: 24

25. Aliso Niguel 9-5

Previous ranking: 25

In a heartfelt announcement posted to its social media platforms, the owners shared that the decision was “incredibly heartbreaking” and “not taken lightly.”

While they didn’t provide a specific reason for the closure, they expressed gratitude to the community, stating, “It has been an honor to serve you, and we are deeply grateful for your support, your loyalty and the wonderful memories you have shared with us throughout the years.”

ALSO READ: After nearly 25 years, Gemmell’s in Dana Point announces closure

Opening in July 2019 with John Park as its inaugural chef (he’s now chef-owner of the new Rise Bagels in Irvine), it turned into a popular place for brunch along Harbor Boulevard over the last few years. Recent menu items had included avocado toast, soba noodle salad, grille cheese and tomato soup, Korean fried chicken sandwich, pork belly bowls, sisig burrito and more.

In 2022, Toast opened a Tustin location, which is still open for business.

The team of the season was the Santa Margarita football team. The Eagles won the top division championships in the CIF Southern Section and the state. They won those two championships while dominating their opponents.

Just as impressive was the manner in which Santa Margarita won those games: with class and discipline.

Touchdown celebrations were free of antics and not the over-the-top, in-your-face gyrations that have become too common among some of Southern California’s championship teams of the last several years.

What was unacceptable years ago has become acceptable to some.

It was refreshing to see Santa Margarita prove that winning with dignity is still attainable. Eagles first-year coach Carson Palmer coaches the way he played.

NOTES

• Santa Margarita senior receiver Trent Mosley is Orange County’s best football player. Mission Viejo senior quarterback Luke Fahey had the best season, so Fahey is the Orange County offensive player of the year. Mosley missed 36 percent of his team’s games, but of course when Mosley did play he usually was the best player on the field. …

• Beckman and Woodbridge advanced to CIF State championship football games. Both teams lost, but just getting to a CIF State championship game is a huge achievement. If you’re a high school football team playing a game after Thanksgiving, you’ve had a great season. …

• The CIF-SS places football teams into playoff divisions according to the current season’s performance, as measured by computerized ratings. It is fine and yet, like every system before it or to come, it is imperfect. It would be great if league champions were guaranteed first-round home games. But if a 16-team division has nine league champions because that’s how the ratings set up a division – Division 7 had eight league champions this season – that’s going to be difficult to accomplish. …

• Mater Dei’s football team lost three games, an astonishing total to some. A closer look: one loss was to Corona Centennial by seven points in a nonleague game; the Monarchs lost to Santa Margarita by one point; and the final loss was to Centennial by one point in the Division 1 playoffs. …

• JSerra hired former NFL star linebacker Hardy Nickerson as its football coach this week, a few days after Nickerson coached Oakland’s Bishop O’Dowd to a state championship. Nickerson’s JSerra roster does not have the talent that Palmer inherited at Santa Margarita, so don’t expect the same sort of immediate success. The competition for high school football talent in south county is wild, with Santa Margarita certainly in a position to attract more great players, Mission Viejo and San Clemente will continue to be great destinations and the area’s other public and private schools are viable alternatives, too. …

• Orange County has set its football leagues for the 2026 and ‘27 seasons. The Alpha League, again the county’s top-ranked league — not counting the Trinity League — will be a six-team league, with holdovers Edison, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo and San Clemente being joined by San Juan Hills and Yorba Linda. The next league, the Bravo League, will include Capistrano Valley, Corona del Mar, Crean Lutheran, La Habra, Tustin and Villa Park. …

• The lowest-ranked league is the Tango League. It will have nine teams: Bolsa Grande, Century, Godinez, La Quinta, Loara, Magnolia, Santa Ana Valley, Santiago and Savanna. The Zeta League is no more. …

• The CIF-SS office has figured out a way to discover whether or not a student-athlete who transfers actually has made the change of residence required for immediate athletic eligibility. The office folks won’t say what that method is, because they want to make sure the method remains effective. CIF-SS commissioner Mike West said it best when he told league representatives: “Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to a transfer.”

• Mater Dei’s girls volleyball team lost to Sierra Canyon in four sets in the CIF-SS Division 1 final. Sierra Canyon clearly was the superior team that day. Ten days later, Mater Dei clearly was the superior team as it defeated  Sierra Canyon in four sets in the CIF Southern California Regional final. Mater Dei went on to beat Rocklin in four sets in the CIF State Open Division championship match. …

• Newport Harbor boys water polo has enjoyed some splendid seasons in its history. This season is up there with the best of them. The mega-talented Sailors, including Orange County player of the year Kai Kaneko, beat Cathedral Catholic 14-12 in the CIF Southern California Regional Division I final to cap a 33-1 season that included winning the CIF-SS Open Division championship. …

• JSerra’s flag football teams went 28-0, including a 25-20 win over Orange Lutheran in the CIF-SS Division 1 championship game. Orange Lutheran finished 24-3, with all three losses to JSerra: 21-20, 18-7 and 25-20. …

• Flag football is growing so rapidly it might be the next sport to have CIF State playoffs. …

• Irvine senior Summer Wilson won the CIF State Division II cross country championship with a course record of 16 minutes, 20 seconds at Woodward Park in Fresno. …

• JSerra’s girls cross country team won a CIF-SS championship for the fifth year in a row. The only other Orange County girls cross country program to do that was Corona del Mar, 2004-08. …

• Century senior Monserrat Santillan-Silva finished 56th in the Division 4 race at the CIF Southern Section Finals last year. She won the Division 4 title this year. …

• CIF-SS and CIF State divisions need to change for cross country. JSerra’s girls again were in Division IV, but in terms of competitive quality that is a top-division program. Divisions in cross country are set by enrollment, and now it’s time for the sport to seek a way to place teams in the correct divisions. …

• The girls golf teams at JSerra, Portola and Santa Margarita won CIF-SS championships. Santa Margarita also won the CIF State title. …

• Corona del Mar’s girls tennis team went undefeated through winning CIF-SS and CIF SoCal Regional championships before losing to Los Altos 4-3 in the state finals to finish 24-1.

Steve and Kay Duckett of Tustin, who are selling their home in the Tustin Meadows neighborhood, and moving to Idaho, after living there for over 40 years, climb onto Santa’s sleigh, parked in front of their home, for a final visit with Santa as part of his annual tour of the neighborhood with the Tustin Police Department on Thursday evening, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Residents of the Tustin Meadows neighborhood get the chance to meet Santa as he makes a stop as part of the annual Tustin Police Department’s Santa Sleigh tour on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Steve Balagot, Erika Balagot, and their daughter, Alina Balagot, 1, stand with Santa on his Sleigh, being pulled by a Tustin Police Department truck, during the department’s annual Santa Sleigh tour in the Tustin Meadows neighborhood on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Residents of the Tustin Meadows neighborhood get the chance to meet Santa as he makes a stop as part of the annual Tustin Police Department’s Santa Sleigh tour on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Residents of the Tustin Meadows neighborhood get the chance to meet Santa as he makes a stop as part of the annual Tustin Police Department’s Santa Sleigh tour on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Sebastian Halsey, 3, of Tustin meets Santa as he makes a stop in the Tustin Meadows neighborhood during the Tustin Police Department’s annual Santa Sleigh tour on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Residents of the Tustin Meadows neighborhood get the chance to meet Santa as he makes a stop as part of the annual Tustin Police Department’s Santa Sleigh tour on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Residents of the Tustin Meadows neighborhood get the chance to meet Santa as he makes a stop as part of the annual Tustin Police Department’s Santa Sleigh tour on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Frank Rivera of Tustin holds twins Mateo and Athena Rivera, 2, while Maria Rivera holds Edith Rivera, 2 months, as they meet Santa aboard his sleigh during the annual Tustin Police Department Santa Sleigh tour of the city on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Santa waves from his sleigh, being pulled behind a Tustin Police Department truck, as he tours the Tustin Meadows neighborhood on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Santa waves from his sleigh, being pulled behind a Tustin Police Department truck, as he tours the Tustin Meadows neighborhood on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Emma Bui, 6, and her brother, Ehtan Bui, 9, chat with Santa on his Sleigh, being pulled by a Tustin Police Department truck, during the department’s annual Santa Sleigh tour of Tustin neighborhoods on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Mia Roque, 5, a resident of the Tustin Meadows neighborhood, dresses as a dinosaur as she meets Santa during the annual Tustin Police Department’s Santa Sleigh tour on Thursday evening, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Sanya Shah, 9, a resident of the Tustin Meadows neighborhood, stands with Santa as he makes a stop in her neighborhood during the Tustin Police Department’s annual Santa Sleigh tour on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Residents of the Tustin Meadows neighborhood get the chance to meet Santa as he makes a stop as part of the annual Tustin Police Department’s Santa Sleigh tour on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Nova Rose Brackian, 7, of Tustin meets Santa as he makes a stop in the Tustin Meadows neighborhood during the Tustin Police Department’s annual Santa Sleigh tour on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Jennifer Collins of Tustin holds her daughters, Summer Collins, 8 months, and Marlie Collins, 2, as they meet Santa on his sleigh during the Tustin Police Department’s annual Santa Sleigh tour, which visits various neighborhoods throughout the month, on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Tustin residents Peter and Christine stand with their daughters, Nora, 9, and Sophie, 7, as they pose with Santa on his Sleigh, being pulled by a Tustin Police Department truck, during the department’s annual Santa Sleigh tour in the Tustin Meadows neighborhood on Thursday, December 11, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

On weeknights since Dec. 1, Santa Claus has had a police escort around Tustin.

The festive patrol continues through Monday, Dec. 22, and in its 15-night run, it will have traveled all the residential streets of the city.

The Santa Sleigh tour makes frequent stops each night so children can visit with Santa and take photos. They can get up close to his sleigh and wooden reindeer, which are pulled on a platform by a Tustin Police Department truck.

This is the 28th year the department has organized the special patrol, and families now eagerly wait for the night the Santa Sleigh is scheduled to cruise their block.

Check the remaining schedule at tustinca.org.