December 9, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

December 9-15, 2016 YO U

C A N

U S E

Holiday Tradition Continues with Pines Park Tree Lighting Ceremony PAGE 3 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 50

Dana Hills High School Winter Sports Preview Dolphins gear up for exciting new seasons S P O R T S / PAG E 1 4

Sadie Camacho and the Dana Hills High School wrestling team are hoping technique and experience will lead to a successful season on the mats. Photo: Victor Carno

City Settles Legal Dispute with Surfrider Foundation EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

City Council Approves Funding for Hobie Memorial EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights Returns to City GETTING OUT/PAGE 8

VOTE FOR THE 2016 BEST OF DANA POINT AT DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING pleased the dispute has been resolved.

WHAT’S NEXT: “Surfrider looks forward to moving on to other issues supporting beach access and ocean conservation,” the statement said. —KP

City Council Schedules Meeting to Reorganize, Swear in New Members

Shannon, a Capistrano Beach resident, looked at lights on the holiday tree in Pines Park during the tree lighting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 5. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week

Holiday Tradition Continues with Pines Park Tree Lighting Ceremony THE LATEST: On Monday evening, a couple hundred people gathered at Pines Park to watch the annual lighting of a holiday tree.

The Capistrano Beach holiday tree lighting started in 1987 after the Capistrano Beach Association purchased an elarica pine tree.

In the tree hung wooden ornaments that were created by Nick Clarke, former Dana Point mayor Karen Lloreda’s husband.

The first year, the kids were able to decorate them, which were placed on the tree during the tree lighting ceremony.

“My husband would create a different ornament each year,” Lloreda said.

“It started with the wreath, and then we would have the ceremony on a Sunday and decorate the tree with them.”

Dana Point resident Richard Gardner found some of the original ornaments, including Shana Sutherland’s, who decorated her ornament when she was 10 years old.

WHAT’S NEXT: For a number of years, the ceremony was moved to the medians along Camino de Estrella, which continues Dana Point Times December 9-15, 2016

to be decorated with holiday lights. However, in 2015 Capo Cares founders Toni Nelson and Patricia O’Keefe brought the ceremony back to Pines Park.

—Kristina Pritchett

THE LATEST: Dana Point City Council will swear in the two newest members next Wednesday, Dec. 14, during a special meeting.

Debra Lewis and Paul Wyatt received the most votes during the Nov. 8 election and will replace Carlos Olvera and Scott Schoeffel.

During the Dec. 6 meeting, Acting City Manager Mike Killebrew told Council members the election results were certified by the Registrar of Voters earlier in the day.

The Council will also vote to determine who will be the mayor and mayor pro-tem for the upcoming year.

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting will take place in Council Chambers at 6 p.m. —KP

City Council Approves to Help Pay for Hobie Memorial

City Settles Legal Dispute with Surfrider Foundation over Strand Beach Access THE LATEST: Over the weekend, the city of Dana Point announced they reached an agreement with the Surfrider Foundation regarding the hours of access to Strand Beach in the Headlands development.

In the city’s agreement, effective Nov. 22, Surfrider will receive a one-time payment of $150,000—or one-third of Surfrider’s attorney’s fees. The payment must be received within 30 days of the agreement’s effective date, according to the settlement.

The settlement, which follows the California Coastal Commission’s (CCC) approval of an agreement, resolves a sixyear legal dispute. In October, Surfrider filed a motion for attorney’s fees and costs, seeking $446,429.08 from the city incurred over the years.

In an effort to bring an end to litigation, the parties agreed to settle and resolve all outstanding issues, according to the statement.

The CCC’s agreement guaranteed four routes of public access to the beach, while allowing Dana Point to maintain local control.

“The city is pleased to reach this agreement that is fair and equitable to both Surfrider and the taxpayers,” said Mayor John Tomlinson in a statement.

According to a statement, Surfrider is

THE LATEST: The Hobie Memorial Foundation will receive financial help from the city to pay for a memorial sculpture after City Council voted in favor of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the Dec. 6 meeting.

Currently, the cost estimate provided by the Foundation to complete the memorial is $350,000. The staff’s recommendation to the city—which was approved—was to provide a dollar for dollar match up to 50 percent of the cost, but not to exceed $200,000. The funds would come from the Art in Public Places reserve.

According to the staff report, the memorial must be delivered within one year and the city would maintain the final approval of the artwork, location, placement and aesthetic aspects of the memorial. Upon completion of the memorial, it will then be dedicated to the city, and the city would be responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and integrity of the piece.

In November, the Council approved a resolution adopting a final tract map in South Cove—the development on Del Obispo—for the linear park where the 27foot tall memorial will be placed.

Councilman Joe Muller said he was in favor of the project but had concerns with the price tag attached to it.

“We have about $300,000 from in-lieu fees, and you’re asking for two-thirds to go

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into one project,” Muller said. He added that it concerned him a big portion of the Art in Public Places funds would be spent in one area rather than across the city.

Director of Community Development Ursula Luna-Reynosa told the Council the money in that fund is for these types of projects.

“Dana Point needs to embrace its heritage, and the surfing heritage and everything that goes along with it. We have to look after it.” said Robie Roberson, president of the Hobie Memorial Board of Directors.

During the Dec. 6 meeting, the Council voted four to one in favor, with Councilman Rick Viczorek opposing the item.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Foundation told Council they want to see the memorial presented next summer during Zephyr’s grand opening. —KP

City Files Lawsuit against Health Group, Property Owner THE LATEST: The city has filed a lawsuit against a health group claiming it was allowing a property to provide treatment to clients without a state-issued license.

City Attorney Patrick Muñoz told the public during the Dec. 6 Council meeting that the city had filed the lawsuit because the company was not complying with code.

The lawsuit was filed in Superior Court against Luminance Health Group and Robert Boniadi, the property owner.

According to the lawsuit, Luminance was permitting the use of the property as a drug abuse recovery or treatment facility that provides treatment to seven or more clients and failed to obtain the stateissued license.

The property is located on Camino Capistrano and has two separate dwelling units. The second dwelling was approved by the Planning Commission in 2002 and was required, if rented, to be occupied by “an individual adult or two senior adults, and must be affordable to persons of low and moderate income and remain affordable for the life of the project.”

The lawsuit also says the use of the property as a recovery or treatment center is not a permitted use according to the city’s zoning code.

During the Nov. 15 meeting, Muñoz gave an update regarding the sober living homes and lawsuits pertaining to them.

He said the city was preparing to pursue code enforcement on the property.

WHAT’S NEXT: At the Nov. 15 meeting, Muñoz said the city was looking at three or four properties that they believed were providing treatment without the proper licenses. —KP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter

COMPILED BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Sunday, December 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Selva Road, 34100 Block (10:31 p.m.) Police were called for a person knocking on the door, and allegedly trying to open the front door and the front porch slider of a home.

The caller said they had no description of the person, just that it was a shadowy figure that had been moving around for the past 10 minutes.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Doheny Park Road, 34000 Block (9:12 p.m.) A man told police someone was in his backyard but refused to answer any questions.

RECKLESS DRIVING Ritz-Carlton Drive, 0 Block (7:43 p.m.) Police were called about a vehicle chasing another vehicle in the area. The caller didn’t know the make or model.

DRUNK DRIVING Street of the Golden Lantern/Camino Del Avion (5:47 p.m.) Police

were called about a woman twho was falling down in the store and was then seen leaving in her vehicle.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Monarch Bay Drive, 200 Block (5:43 a.m.) A caller told police they saw on their security surveillance camera that three men and two women were breaking into the location.

The caller said the people took the heater and disconnected the video camera so the caller could not see anything else.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIES Calle La Primavera, 34000 Block (3:08 p.m.) A driver was unresponsive after an accident.

Saturday, December 3

Friday, December 2

DISTURBANCE Danabirch/Mar Y Sol (11:54 p.m.) A man told police he thinks someone threw a stink bomb at his front door.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Camino Del Avion/Street of the Golden Lantern (10:03 p.m.) A caller told police two juveniles threw a glass bottle at the caller’s vehicle.

DISTURBANCE Malaga Drive, 33900 Block (9:36 p.m.) A woman told police her neighbor came into her home without permission and hit her stomach. She told police she was pregnant and that the neighbor also hit her mother.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Pacific Coast Highway/ Crown Valley Parkway (4:07 p.m.) A large bag of trash was in the northbound lanes causing people to swerve.

DRUNK DRIVING Pacific Coast Highway/ Camino Capistrano (9:13 p.m.) Police were called about a driver in a red vehicle who was seen driving erratically before hitting a side wall.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Pacific Coast Highway/Street of the Crystal Lantern (12:08 p.m.) A woman in a silver vehicle hit a wall.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Pacific Coast Highway/Palisades Drive (3:50 p.m.) A metal patio chair was in the southbound lanes.

ASSAULT WITH DEADLY WEAPON Street of the Violet Lantern, 34000 Block (11:42 a.m.)

A caller told police their father swung a knife at them.

DRUNK DRIVING Crown Valley Parkway/ Pacific Coast Highway (1:32 p.m.) Police were called about a car swerving through lanes.

Thursday, December 1 DISTURBANCE Shell Drive, 25700 Block (9:40 p.m.) A caller told police two younger men were wearing sombreros and throwing rocks near the smaller pool at the end of the complex.

GENERAL BROADCAST Selva Road, 34100 Block (11:21 a.m.) Police were called about cars racing up and down the street.

NEWS BITES

mission of helping change the lives of our veterans in need,” said Bruce Brainerd, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and founder of The Diamond Ball and Yappy Hour, in a statement.

COMPILED BY STAFF

Annual Diamond Ball Raises $575,000 to Benefit Veterans During Veterans Day weekend, 500 people attended the Diamond Ball at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel to raise money for The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative. More than $575,000 was raised for the group.

The event included a musical performance by the winners of the X Factor, Alex and Sierra, a four-course dinner, a live auction and more.

Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan of the United States Air Force was honored along with his service dog, Rue; Anne Roberts, recipient of the Geneva Davis Award; and individuals who have been ambassadors of the program.

The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative provides an opportunity for veterans to regain independence through the support of a Canine Companion Assistance dog. Proceeds go to the Initiative to help with the training of service dogs by Canine Dana Point Times December 9-15, 2016

New South Coast Water District Directors Sworn in

Staff Sergeant Jason Morgan, United States Air Force, and his service dog, Rue, attended the Diamond Ball at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel to raise funds for The Canine Companions Veterans Initiative. Photo: Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

Companions.

“For those veterans making a new start putting their lives back together from an injury or those suffering from PTSD, a Canine Companions service dog provides the assistance they need to regain their independence, and we are extremely proud to support Canine Companions and their

During a special South Coast Water District meeting on Friday, Dec. 2, newcomer Douglas Erdman and incumbents Rick Erkeneff and Wayne Rayfield were sworn into office.

Erdman was elected into office during the 2016 election after Director Dick Dietmeier chose not to re-run for his seat.

Erdman is a Capistrano Beach resident and is a civil engineer who previously served on the water district board.

Rayfield was selected as president for the eighth year, and Director Bill Green was elected to fill the vice president seat by the board.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

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Community Meetings SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Whale Walk and Talk

9-11 a.m. The walk will focus on offshore visitors that can be seen from the Headlands. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. RSVP to dpnaturalresources@ danapoint.org or call 949.248.3527.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

Planning Commission

6 p.m. Members of the Commission will meet in Dana Point Council Chambers. Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

Veteran’s Assistance VFW Post 9934

1:30-3 p.m. The Dana Point VFW Post provides veterans with assistance.

Contact Robert Fowler at rfnamvet@ gmail.com or by calling 949.275.3412. www.vfwpost9934.org.

Because I Love You (BILY) Meeting

7-9 p.m. every Tuesday. BILY helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. 119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente. www.bilysc.org.

Dana Harbor Toastmasters

7-8:30 p.m. Fine-tune your public speaking skills each Tuesday at Capo Beach Church. 25975 Domingo Avenue, Capistrano Beach. 949.492.7181. www.toastmasters.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

Santa Photos

5 p.m. Bring your dog and a camera to get a photo with Santa. The event is free. El Torito Courtyard, Dana Point Harbor. 24650 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Mixer

5:30 p.m. Join the Chamber of Commerce and other businesses in the city during the monthly mixer. This month’s location is Monarch Beach Resort, 33 Degrees North Restaurant.

Price is $12 for Chamber members, and $20 for non-members. www.danapointchamber.com.

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DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Chloe looked at the lights on the Christmas tree in Pines Park during the tree lighting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 5. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Letters to the Editor SHOWING PRIDE RYAN GOLDSMITH, Monarch Beach

I’m a lifelong resident of our city, and I’m writing to express my pride and honor in being from Dana Point. 2016 has held many joys in town.

Bicycle access along the coast as well as inland from the Harbor is the best in the area. Del Prado looks fantastic. I’m thrilled to have counted in the vote (Yes on H) to uphold our smart growth plans.

I love walking to town on sand and park land. Donation yoga in Lantern Bay Park, R.H. Dana’s 50th year celebration and weekly farmers’ markets are all joys.

Thank you to our hard-working City Council and employees. Peace to the citizens of Dana Point!

CAPO BEACH TREE LIGHTING A TRUE COMMUNITY EFFORT TONI NELSON, PATRICIA O’KEEFE, Capo Cares

Monday night’s tree lighting at our new location in Pines Park was a great example of all that is wonderful about Dana Point.

City staff, Capo Cares, community volunteers and some unexpected “elves” made the night an occasion to remember—and to repeat as an annual tradition.

Our sincere gratitude to City Parks Director Brian McClure, who searched for and planted the perfect eldarica pine—the same species that was purchased three decades ago and planted at the location of the original community tree lighting in the median on Camino De Estrella. Both trees were lit on Monday night and will burn brightly with traditional old fashioned bulbs throughout the season, but it was decided to move the lighting to Pines Park in order to facilitate more activities and a larger crowd. Many thanks to our carolers from the Capo Beach Church high school music ministry, led by Rod Mayer. And special thanks to Sherry Murphy of Community Development, who coordinated volunteers from the DHHS PATHS Club and city staff, who acted as “elves,” serving hot cocoa Dana Point Times December 9-15, 2016

and cookies and helping kids with a choice of three crafts. Cookie trays were supplemented by generous donations from both the Women of Palisades United Church and Aegis retirement home.

Capo Cares volunteers worked with Deputy City Manager Mark Denny and staff to coordinate and promote the affair, which included a display of decades-old, handmade ornaments; a recounting of the history of the community tree lighting; and the main event, coordinated by Mayor John Tomlinson—a countdown and lighting by Anna, the lucky four-year-old winner.

All five new City Council members, scores of adults, kids and a whole lot of dogs in Santa suits had a great time renewing an old tradition and enjoying what makes our community so outstanding— community volunteers, church groups, businesses and neighbors working with a professional and supportive city staff to recognize a time-honored tradition with oldfashioned, Capo spirit. We anticipate that as our tree grows, so too will this and other fun events at our beautiful Pines Park.

THANK YOU VOTERS OF CAPISTRANO UNIFIED JOHN ALPAY, Former Capistrano Unified Trustee, Area 3

When I was first elected as Trustee for Capistrano Unified, my oldest daughter, Autumn, had just entered kindergarten, my daughter Saige was new to preschool and my wife and I still measured the age of our son, Logan, in months.

As I now leave office, Autumn is at Bernice Ayers Middle School and Saige and Logan are well into their tenure at Las Palmas Elementary School. After two terms of office, I am grateful and thankful for having had the opportunity to serve.

For those who remember, my first election into office was during a period of instability for Capistrano Unified after three sets of recalls. While the slate I was a part of did not win a majority of the seats, Trustees Gary Pritchard, Lynn Hatton-Hodson and I did something unexpected by working “across the aisle” with Trustees Anna Bryson and Jack Brick.

I am proud to say that the five of us were successful in ending the corrosive discord and returning attention to classroom instruction. Back then with negative press written about Capistrano Unified on a near daily basis, an early metric of Board success was how often we were not mentioned in the Orange County Register.

Having returned focus back on education, the District achieved noteworthy things, including creating educational opportunities for all students. With the help of San Clemente resident Thalia Tong, the Board created what I consider to be the greatest achievement reached while I was in office: Orange County’s first and only

successful public Mandarin Immersion Program. This program was ultimately recognized with an award by the Orange County Business Council. And during the same period, Capistrano Unified received, reviewed and approved more charter school applications than any other school district in Orange County.

Fiscal management was another area of success. With Capistrano Unified subject to Sacramento’s chronic underfunding, Mello-Roos is a fact of life in many parts of South Orange County. With interest rates at historical lows, the Board refinanced existing bond obligations, saving taxpayers $81.1 million dollars without reducing any facilities funding to our schools. This kind of responsible management led to the Orange County Taxpayers Association nominating Capistrano Unified for their coveted Rose Award.

None of this was achieved by individuals but rather by people working in concert.

For example, while serving as Board President for two consecutive terms and holding the same role with the South Coast Regional Occupational Program, I would have long since been buried in the obligations of both offices without the support of Superintendents Joe Farley and Kim Thomason. In that same spirit, I also owe debts of gratitude to Chris Korpi, Trudy Podobas, Linda Verasater, Vicky Soderberg, Greg Young, Jane Boos, Kristen Nelson, Michelle Benham, Ronda Whalen and many others.

Now that I have done my part, it is time for others to address the current issues facing Capistrano Unified, including the looming teacher shortage, lack of modern facilities, adequate senior leadership, and community trust. For the sake of my children, I wish them success.

My decision not to seek another term in Capistrano Unified and move on to other adventures was the right move for me.

Instead of focusing on education policy, it will be on the education of my three children. One immediate benefit will be the lack of Board functions and more time for my children’s volleyball and soccer games. After some time, perhaps I will seek to serve again, but for now I thank the voters of Capistrano Unified for the amazing experiences and for allowing me the opportunity to serve.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Kristina Pritchett, 949.388.7700, x113 kpritchett@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Maggie Fetterly Jake Howard Debra Holm Tim Trent Victor Carno

Dana Point Times, Vol. 9, Issue 50. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

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

Friday | 09 THE 2ND BATTLION, 4TH MARINES WELCOME HOME BBQ 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce, the city of San Clemente and more host a welcome home barbecue for members of the 2/4. The Chamber is accepting gifts for the Marines and their children, and anyone interested in doing so should contact the Chamber. San Onofre Beach, Camp Pendleton. 949.492.1131. www.scchamber.com.

MERMADE MARKET 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Mermade Market’s seventh event in Dana Point includes handmade goods, food trucks, live music and items for sale offered by more than 60 local outdoor and indoor makers. Market also runs Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point. www.mermademarket.com.

LIL ELVES WORKSHOP 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Playschool is decking the halls for a morning of holiday cheer.

Santa’s elves are in need of extra special help from tiny tots putting crafts and games together. Children will sing holiday songs, enjoy special guest appearances from Santa’s helpers, make gifts for family and friends, decorate holiday cookies and more. Tickets are $20 per child, and registration at www.san-clemente.org is required. San Clemente Community Center.

100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

LOS RIOS ROCK SCHOOL’S ‘NOT SO SILENT NIGHT’ 7 p.m. Los Rios Rock School hosts a unique holiday performance, promising the most amazing music and characters you’ll see all year. Tickets start at $30, and the performance also runs Dec. 10, 16 and 17. The Lobby at Los Rios Rock School. 32124 Paseo Adelanto, No. 5, San Juan Capistrano. 949.456.1081. www.losriosrockschool.tix.com.

LIVE MUSIC: CHRIS ANDERSEN 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Chris Andersen at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Dana Point Times December 9-15, 2016

Photo: File

FRIDAY, DEC. 9 AND SATURDAY, DEC. 10: DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 7:30 p.m. The 42nd annual edition of the boat parade kicks off on Friday night. You can join in on the parade by watching from the shore or hopping on a boat with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching or The Ocean Institute. The Ocean Institute will also be holding a viewing party from 6-9 p.m.—festive food and drink, crafts and activities will be available. The parade itself also runs on Dec. 16 and 17. www.danapointharbor.com.

At the Movies: Isabelle Huppert is Regal in ‘Elle’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he queen of French cinema, Isabelle Huppert, sits high on her throne this holiday season with Paul Verhoeven’s Elle, a screen adaptation of Philippe Djian’s novel, Oh…. Despite all her triumphs in her home country, with features like The Lacemaker (1977), Loulou (1980) and The Piano Teacher (2001), Huppert has never had much traction in the U.S. That could all change this year, as her performance in Elle is leading people to think she could go up against Emma Stone and Natalie Portman at the Oscars.

Cold as ice, Michèle Leblanc (Huppert) is a successful CEO of a video game company and also has a lazy son, Vincent (Jonas Bloquet); a trashy mom, Irène (Judith Magre); and a deadbeat dad in prison. When Michèle experiences

a home invasion and is assaulted in the middle of a mid-December afternoon, she begins to reconsider the safety of her house as well as her relationships with the men in her life, including her ex-husband, Richard (Charles Berling), and her lover, Robert (Christian Berkel).

Elle is a fascinating, although graphic, character study of a woman who is a victim, but does everything she can to not be pitied. Dutch-based Verhoeven, famous in the U.S. for blockbusters like Robocop (1987), Total Recall (1990) and Basic Instinct (1992), goes back to his Euro-film roots here and succeeds, for the most part. While the second half of the movie falls short of the quality of the first half, Huppert’s performance is worthy of viewing for anyone interested in seeing a pro at her craft. DP

Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Saturday | 10

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse continues performances of the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. The show runs every weekend through Dec. 18. Tickets range from $27-$37. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.com.

‘THE NO SHOW’ EQUESTRIAN EVENT 8:30 a.m. This equestrian event includes no excess sign-up fees or ribbons required and gives young riders and horses valuable experience. Per round cost is $25. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.633.3445. www.facebook.com/equisportsthenoshow.

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WREATH MAKING WITH NATIVE PLANTS 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Celebrate Tree of Life Native Plant Nursery’s annual tradition of creating your own handmade wreath fashioned out of California native plant material. Craftswoman Hilda Evans will instruct two workshops. Registration is encouraged and costs $35 per wreath. There are two sessions on Dec. 10. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

HOLIDAY BOOK IDEAS 10-11 a.m. Let the Dana Point Library cross names off your holiday shopping list with personalized book recommendations for adults and kids. Library Meeting Room. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517.

THE ECOLOGY CENTER OPEN HOUSE 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This free open house at The Ecology Center includes light refreshments and holiday shopping from local artisans.

32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

UNDER THE SEA HOLIDAY TEA 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a late morning tea including finger sandwiches, specialty teas, a hot chocolate bar and cupcake decorating. Kids’ favorite mermaid friend, Catalina, will join for a meet and greet, story time and a swim.

Also runs Dec. 11. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Dalton Gang performs live music at 2:30 p.m., followed by the Rob Staley Band at 8:30 p.m. The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

HOLIDAY ART MAKING EXTRAVAGANZA WITH PIZZA 3-6 p.m. The whole family is invited to stop by and create unique gifts for the holidays with Motif Paint Events. The $35 ticket includes pizza, drinks and the choice of making two ornaments, two wine glasses or one vase. A seasoned art teacher will be on hand to offer tips. Event held at Ball Park Pizza, and also runs Sunday, Dec. 11.

831 Via Suerte, Suite 101, San Clemente. www.facebook.com/motifpaintevents.

CHRISTMAS AT THE SHORES CONCERT 4 p.m. South Shores Church hosts the 70-member ensemble of vocalists, orchestra members, children’s choir members and handbell musicians at their holiday concert. Show repeats at 6 p.m. as well as at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11.

32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point.

949.496.9331. www.southshores.org.

(Cont. on page 10) www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8) HOLIDAY JAZZ CONCERT 6:30 p.m. The Saddleback College Big Band presents their annual jazz holiday concert. This lively concert for the whole family features a sing-along, some humor and a special gift for the first 150 folks in the theater. Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

949.582.4413.

LIVE MUSIC: BOX CAR 7 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Box Car 7 at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Sunday | 11 HOLIDAY NATURE CRAFTING 9-11 a.m. Enjoy a cool, winter morning creating treasured keepsakes and personalized gifts made from natural and recycled materials. Space is limited and tickets are $5. Reserve your spot online at www. rmvreserve.org. The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor.

Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday.

See more events online. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CELEBRATION 7 p.m. Celebrate Human Rights Day and listen to documentarian Shapour Daneshmand in a talk entitled, “Historical Perspective and its Evolution.” San Clemente Bahá’i Center. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. www.bahaicenter.com.

Monday | 12 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Tuesday | 13 HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

Dana Point Times December 9-15, 2016

WINTER WONDERLAND LIGHT DECORATING CONTEST 5:30-8 p.m. The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce awards residents and business owners prizes for the best holiday light decorations in a variety of categories. Those interested in competing must return an entry form to the Chamber by Dec. 12. www.scchamber.com.

On Stage at the Coach House: Gary “Ho Ho” Hoey

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

BY MATT CORTINA, DANA POINT TIMES

G

ary Hoey may have been raised in Boston, but his musical career took off in Southern California after receiving encouragement from an unlikely guardian angel: Ozzy Osbourne.

After spending his youth noodling on guitars and skipping high school to loiter and learn around the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Hoey tried out for Osbourne’s band in 1987 when the icon stopped by Boston. Though Hoey didn’t get the spot, Osbourne encouraged Hoey to move to Los Angeles to kick start his career.

Hoey returns to Southern California on Friday, Dec. 16, taking his Ho Ho Hoey Rockin Holiday Tour to the

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke every Tuesday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

Wednesday | 14 FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French Flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

LIVE MUSIC: THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from the Kalama Brothers at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

Thursday | 15 FREE SANTA PHOTOS 3-5 p.m. Stop by the Dana Wharf Courtyard and bring your cameras to snatch a selfie with Santa. A $5 donation to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club is suggested. 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.5794. www. danawharf.com.

‘ELF THE MUSICAL’ 5 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County presents the junior version of the musical based on the holiday film Elf. Two performances (different age groups) run on Dec. 15, 16, 17 and 19. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at www.tapocelf.brownpapertickets.com. The Arts Project Theatre.

1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente.

949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

THE DISH

Photo: Courtesy

Coach House.

Since that fateful trip to L.A., Hoey has recorded 19 albums—over 1 million sold—and earned a Billboard Top 5 spot with his cover of “Hocus Pocus.”

Hoey is a guitar virtuoso who has shared the stage with other masters of the craft like Joe Bonamassa, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Jeff Beck, Dick Dale and more.

Tickets start at $23 and are available at www.thecoachhouse.com. DP

DAN DAN NOODLES

T

here’s a universality about meat and noodles. Every region has its own take on the variety, whether it’s a Bolognese or matriciana in Italy, a ragout in continental Europe, that weird gravy and noodles thing people “like” in Cincinnati, or dan dan noodles from the Sichuan province of China.

The latter is available at Dana Point’s fine strip mall find, The Little Kitchen. Pleasantly chewy udon noodles were topped with ground chicken, chili peppers and garlic, and tossed with freshly steamed bok choy, carrots and celery. The best bites are the ones in which the crunchy greens balance the thick noodles, while the spice base reigns in each bite.

The form is so widely replicated for a reason—stuffing your face with carbs and warm, savory meat sauces is easy to do. But

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ AT SADDLEBACK COLLEGE 7 p.m. Saddleback College hosts the Laguna Ballet, a non-profit junior ballet company serving Orange County families, which presents its 31st anniversary production of The Nutcracker. Tickets are $26 with discounts for students and seniors. Show also runs Dec. 16, 17 and 19. For the full schedule and to buy tickets, visit www.saddleback.edu/arts or call 949.582.4656. Saddleback College. 28000

Page 10

the excellence of The Little Kitchen’s take on it is in the nuanced approach it takes to simple, balanced and fresh ingredients.

The Little Kitchen Asian Cafe 24831 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point. 949.276.7799. www.thelittlekitchenasiancafe.com.

Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

LIVE MUSIC: BLACK CAT BONE 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Black Cat Bone at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to Dana Point Times by going to www.danapointtimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Festive Traditions Help Dana Point Ring in the Holidays

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he first weekend in December brought Dana Point residents to the Harbor and Plaza Park with the annual Winter Festival and the Harbor’s Open House.

On Friday, Dec. 2, the Dana Point Harbor held their “Holiday in the Harbor” open house. The event allowed guests

to take photos with Santa, listen to live performers, play in “snow,” watch a magic show and more.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, Dana Point residents headed to La Plaza Park for ice skating, crafts, games, performances, a visit with Santa and a tree lighting ceremony during the city’s annual Winter Festival. DP

Dancers from Francina Mans School of Dance in Dana Point entertained a crowd during the city’s annual Winter Festival at La Plaza Park on Saturday, Dec. 3. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Maka Clements, a Dana Point resident, ran to the city’s Christmas tree after the lighting ceremony at La Plaza Park on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Dana Point Times December 9-15, 2016

San Clemente residents, Miako, 6 years old, and Naomi, 2 years old, posed for a photo with Santa during the Holiday in the Harbor open house on Friday, Dec. 2. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Page 12

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: On the Ocean by Jim Graves

Providing Ocean Education for a New Generation

F

or nearly 40 years, the Ocean Institute has been a unique feature in the Dana Point and Orange County communities. We are excited to begin writing a monthly column in the Dana Point Times about a wide variety of topics, including what our researchers and lecturers are working on, local ocean recreation and conservation news, and interesting takes on major nature ON THE OCEAN trends and stories.

By Jim Graves First, I’d like to include a bit of history about The Ocean Institute if you’re one of those people who have heard our name but never stepped inside our doors. Founded

as the Marine Institute in 1977, its purpose is to offer ocean science and maritime history programs to the more than 100,000 students who visit each year (and their teachers). Ultimately it is the staff’s goal to educate the public about the need to respect and conserve our oceans, and hence inspire individuals and organizations to act in a positive way on the information they’ve acquired.

School children take classes during the week; the general public is also welcome to tour portions of the facility daily. The Institute has a research vessel, the Sea Explorer, which offers weekend whale watching cruises. It also has two tall ships, Spirit of Dana Point and Pilgrim, which take visitors back in time to experience life onboard a ship in the 1800s: hauling in

SCENE { I N DANA P O I NT }

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, students from

South Orange County School of the

Arts (SOCSA) prepared for four days of performances of

The Sound of Music. There are shows at Dana Hills High

School Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. in Dana Hills High School’s Porthole Theater.

The Ocean Institute is located in the Dana Point Harbor, and has been in operation for nearly 40 years.

Photo: Courtesy of the Ocean Institute

Pet of the Week: Hazel

Dana Point Times December 9-15, 2016

sion. The Headlands exhibit showcases the underwater world of our oceans, with hands-on activities for children.

The Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dependent on the local community for its survival. The Institute is also supported by many volunteers, who engage in a wide range of activities, including working in the gift shop, teaching classes, maintaining the tall ships and greeting walk-up guests.

The general public is cordially invited to take an active role in supporting the Institute. To learn more, including about upcoming events and ways to support the Institute, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call 949.496.2274.

Jim Graves has worked for the Ocean Institute since 2003. DP

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

Last week’s solution:

H

azel is an energetic dog who is always ready for more fun. A lover of outdoor activities, she would make a great hiking or running buddy. Hazel is an especially smart pup who would thrive in a home that could provide her with a lot of mental stimulation. If you would like to know more about Hazel, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

lines, standing watch and hearing tales of the sea. The Pilgrim is a replica of the tall ship that Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Dana Point’s namesake, sailed onboard into Dana Point Harbor in the 1830s.

Some of the newer features of the Institute include the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, an expansion and enhancement of its dock for the Sea Explorer and Spirit of Dana Point, which also provide facilities for instruction in ocean science and maritime history.

In 2015, the Institute opened its Headlands and Beyond: A Hands-On Exploration exhibit in the Institute’s courtyard and atrium, which allowed the facility to be open to visitors daily. Previously, the Institute had only been open on weekends, when school programs were not in ses-

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Hazel. Photo: San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

Page 13

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

2016 Dana Hills High School Winter Sports Preview

BY STEVE BREAZEALE AND VICTOR CARNO, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he winter prep sports season is underway, and in our annual season preview, we get you caught up to date on all the athletic programs at Dana Hills High School.

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the DHHS programs all season long, follow us on Twitter @ SouthOCsports.

GIRLS BASKETBALL The slogan “One Team, One Purpose” is everywhere during a Dana Hills girls basketball practice. It is on the shirts they wear while on the court, in the coaches’ room, and it can be heard as the team breaks at the end of huddles.

The slogan was the Dolphins’ rallying cry last season, when they appeared to turn the corner and take the program to heights it had not seen in years. The Dolphins won 16 games last year after failing to reach that mark in the two previous years combined. The 2016 season was what Anne Honey described as “the beginning of the turnaround.”

With eight players returning from last

year’s team, the Dolphins are keeping the same motto. Now, they are just planning on tweaking it a bit.

Honey and her staff have placed a new emphasis on team defense, and it has been paying off in the early going.

Dana Hills (5-3) is holding opposing offenses to just over 42 points per game, and they have quality wins over Cypress, University and San Juan Hills. The Dolphins defense has held opponents to 39 points or less five times through eight games played this season.

“We feel that our defense creates our offensive opportunities, and we’ve been working really hard on making that a huge focus,” Honey said. “They’ve put in all the offseason work and now they’re going to work and doing it.”

Junior captain Peyton Romo has stepped into the role of the team’s leading scorer.

Romo was second on the team in scoring last season, when she averaged 13.4 points per game as a sophomore.

Senior co-captains Alex Williams and Elise Parsaee, along with junior Megan Honey, have been contributing on both ends of the floor while getting major minutes. Freshman Maicie Saia has impressed the coaching staff and has added depth to the roster. —Steve Breazeale

L to R: Sisters Madison Morrison and Reid Morrison, Sophia Hanna and Bella Hanna, and Victoria Barnett and Isabel Barnett and the Dana Hills girls soccer team are ready for the new season. Photo: Victor Carno

Isabel Barnett sends a pass in during a Dana Hills girls soccer practice. Photo: Victor Carno

GIRLS SOCCER

The Dana Hills girls basketball team is focusing on playing with an tough defensive style this season.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Dana Point Times December 9-15, 2016

Coming off of a season that included ten ties, the Dana Hills girls soccer team is looking to use their greatest strength to their advantage this year—chemistry.

Only two starters graduated after last season and nine of them are returning, which leaves this team relatively untouched. Along with an impressive returning cast, this season also feature three sets of sisters. Madison and Reid Morrison, Sophia and Bella Hanna, and Victoria and Isabel Barnett bring lifelong chemistry into this tight-knit team this year, which coach Carrie Taylor believes will help in overcoming those stunning ties from one year ago.

“Having ten ties is not satisfying at all,” Taylor said. “But the team gets along great, everyone really knows each other.

Page 14

Now it’s just a matter of having the confidence and killer instinct to go to the goal.”

The Dolphins suffered a double overtime first-round loss in the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships last season, and it left a sour taste in the mouths of the returning players.

“We have a lot of fight, and we are definitely looking to overcome that first round in CIF,” Taylor said.

Notable standouts include junior Reid Morrison, a three-year varsity starter, and senior Chloe Gaynor, who is committed to Pepperdine University.

The Dolphins are off to a hot start this season, and were undefeated with a 3-0-1 record as of Dec. 8. Dana Hills has wins over regional rivals San Juan Hills and Capistrano Valley. —Victor Carno (Cont. on page 17) www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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Mike 949-240-1545.

BEAUTIFUL GUCCI MAN’S WRIST WATCH with Diamond Numbers. Never been used.

Fantastic buy at only $949 (Paid $2,200) Call 760-519-1491

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE 8AM-2PM ON SAT. DEC 10 Ipods, vacuum sweeper, china dishes, tools, RCA VCR, golf balls, shoes & clubs, luggage, beach umbrella, nice small wood table, jewelry and loads of misc. items. Cosmetics, clothes, jackets and more of everything!

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 8AM -12PM 34421 Calle Carmelita, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Tons of kids/baby stuff, clothes, tools & much more. No Early Birds Please.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

SERVICES HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris – 949 510 6645 WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARD Wood Rot Repair Certified Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed. Phone Chris -949 510 6645

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week?

Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times December 9–15, 2016

Page 15

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LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

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ASSISTED LIVING HOME FOR ELDERLY

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AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Represent.xyz

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DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

34202 Camino Capistrano, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

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INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

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State Farm/Ted Bowersox

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PET BOUTIQUE

Naked Dog Bistro

424 Forest Ave., LB, 949.715.9900, www.NakedDogBistro.com

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

L to R: Sadie Camacho, Kian Abedi, Troy Walker, Levi Jones and the Dana Hills wrestling team will lean on technique to excel in the new season. Photo: Victor Carno

Sadie Camacho grapples with a teammate during a Dolphins wrestling practice. Photo: Victor Carno

juniors.

The young team has been incorporating a lot more weight training into its practices, as well as practicing situational weaknesses.

Standouts this season include senior Troy Walker, who has found success in many invitationals and tournaments in his career. In addition, Abedi described how Sadie Camacho, a standout returner, is one of the first Dolphins’ girl wrestlers to stay with the program longer than a single season. —VC GIRLS WATER POLO

(Cont. from page 14) WRESTLING Size isn’t everything in wrestling, as the Dana Hills wrestling team can attest to.

The Dolphins’ young, and relatively small, wrestling team is looking to use technique and discipline to propel them to CIF competition this year. Headed by coach Reza Abedi, the team isn’t focusing on the tough South Coast League this season, which features powerhouses like Laguna Hills and San Clemente. Instead, they are focusing on preserving their bodies and stamina for the state championships.

“I am a firm believer in technique over size. An excellent technician could overcome a size difference,” Abedi said. “I told them that their season really starts after league finals. Telling someone you won league is not as important as being able to say you placed in CIF.” Abedi went on to explain that he has witnessed so many athletes lose sight of the bigger picture that is the postseason.

Abedi said when it comes down to finishing out the season strong come time for CIF, some teams’ “bodies and minds aren’t up for the task.” Dana Hills is working toward finishing strong, Abedi said.

The Dolphins will have just six seniors on their roster, and a large portion of the team is made up of sophomores and Dana Point Times December 9-15, 2016

Teaching from experience is exactly what the Dana Hills Girls water polo coaching staff is doing this season.

Dana Hills graduate and second-year head coach Carrie Pierce and all three members of the Dolphins coaching staff

were members of the first Dana Hills team to bring a league championship to the program. Who better to learn from than someone who has done it themselves?

“All three of our coaches were on the same team in 2011 that brought Dana their first water polo championship,” Coach Pierce said. “Not only is the chemistry great with the coaching staff, but we have been focusing on team bonding with the players outside of the pool.”

The team has put on multiple fundraiser events, conducted team building competitions, and has had regular dinner and bowling nights together. All of which helped strengthen the bond between each player on the 2016 team.

After the CIF-SS restructured its postseason divisions this season, Pierce is confident in her team’s chances to make a deep playoff push. The Dolphins advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 2 Championships last season, and a handful of the top teams in Division 2, like league rivals San Clemente and El Toro, have been promoted to Division 1. The Dolphins will remain in Division 2.

The No. 3 goal scorer in Orange County last season was Sydney Baba. Baba, a returning Dolphins senior who scored 135 goals in 29 games last year, feels her team is ready for the challenges of a new season.

“We have all been working on strengthening our defense, and I feel like we are all a lot closer and stronger this year,” Baba said.

The girls are hitting the weight room more this season to work on core and leg strength in order to help them finish strong in each of their matches, which will help for the inevitable overtime games the Dolphins will play this season.

Dana Hills started its new season off strong by recording five straight victories, during which they outscored their oppo-

L to R: Sydney Baba, Kaley Hardgrave, Sam McGowan and the Dana Hilsl girls water polo team reload for a new season. Photo: Victor Carno

Page 17

nents by a combined 48-27 margin. They lost back-to-back games against La Jolla and Santa Margarita on Dec. 3 and Dec. 6, respectively. —VC BOYS BASKETBALL Through six games played, the Dana Hills boys basketball team has seen a balanced scoring effort from up and down its roster. In four of the team’s six games, the Dolphins have had a different player lead the team in points.

But so far, the balanced scoring has not led to many wins. Dana Hills, which has played several nonleague games and appeared in the Godinez tournament last week, owns a 1-5 overall record. The Dolphins have kept things close, however. Three of their losses came in games where the margin of victory was four points or less.

The Dolphins were heavy on seniors last season, and return a handful of players with experience to the new season.

Leading the way are returning seniors Troy Brown and Zach Stirtz. Both Stirtz and Brown led the Dolphins with 12 points apiece in the team’s 57-43 win over Orangewood Academy on Dec. 2.

Newcomers Ben Carr, Adrianne Maboloc, Devan Garland and Reed Romo have all contributed and add to the team’s depth.

The Dolphins are gearing up for a run through the Garden Grove tournament next week and head to Sea View League competition in mid-January. —SB BOYS SOCCER The Dana Hills boys soccer team graduated 11 seniors from last year’s squad, which has left the 2016 version of the team in search of a footing to start off the new season.

Dana Hills has played against tough competition to start its season, and owns a 1-3-1 overall record as of Dec. 8. Two of the Dolphins opponents this season, San Clemente and Godinez, appeared on the CIF-SS Division 1 and Division 2 preseason watch list, respectively.

The Dolphins return a handful of players with experience, including junior defenseman Robert Reynolds, junior Noah Cook and senior Nicholas Wagener. Cook scored for the Dolphins in its 2-1 loss to Division 1 power San Clemente on Nov. 30, a game in which Dana Hills hung tough against a strong opponent, and Wagener scored the team’s lone goal in a 5-1 loss to Godinez, a Division 2 playoff watch-list team.

After competing in the Aliso Cup tournament, the Dolphins picked up a 2-0 victory over Marina on Dec. 7 for their first win of the season. The team will continue its tough nonleague slate with an away match against Santa Margarita of the Trinity League on Dec. 14. —SB www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

The Surf Park Dilemma

After one failed attempt, should San Clemente still look to build a wave pool?

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

year ago, Kelly Slater stunned the surf world when he debuted what was immediately heralded as the best artificial wave in the world. Engineered in a secret test pool off of Highway 99 in the Central Valley, the dream that for so long had plagued surfers and pool designers appeared to be solved. Overnight, the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch proved it was possible to recreate a perfect, five-foot, barreling wave as good or better than any wave in the world.

In August, the International Olympic Committee voted to include surfing in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Organizers of the Games remain insistent that Olympic surfing will take place in the ocean, but having a failsafe, manmade wave-making facility in their back pocket appears to have buoyed their confidence.

“This is a game-changing moment for surfing,” said Fernando Aguerre, president of the International Surfing Association.

“We are already seeing increased popularity of the sport across the world, and the Olympic Games will provide an incredible platform to further showcase surfing and its core values.”

Aguerre made it perfectly clear that wave pools will very much factor into the future of surfing. The World Surf League supports the Olympic movement and has also invested in Slater’s proprietary technology.

But Slater’s wave isn’t the only game in town. There are a number of projects in the works around the world utilizing various technological innovations, and the surf park revolution appears to be in full swing.

This summer, a new park opened in Austin, Texas, with another one in development in the Lone Star State. There are also plans to

GROM OF THE WEEK KIRRA PINKERTON

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

F

rigid water, heavy currents and huge” is how NSSA Director Janice Aragon described the conditions at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz last weekend during a Northwest Conference contest.

Shortly after celebrating her 15th birthday, Kirra Pinkerton made the 400-mile trip up Highway 101 to keep her

Dana Point Times December 9-15, 2016

Kelly Slater is a pioneer on waves—both natural and artificial, the latter of which is the topic of much discussion in surf communities around the world.

Photo: Courtesy Kelly Slater Wave Co.

build a massive surf park at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. In Australia, there are parks being planned for Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. In Europe, surf parks have been opened in Wales, the Spanish Basque country, and even the airport in Munich, Germany.

In 2011, a surf park was approved by the San Clemente City Council. It was intended to be built at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park along with a miniature golf course, but in 2014, the deal was terminated when the city said the partners failed to meet deadlines to demonstrate financial capability, submit plans, secure permits and build the facility. In April 2016, fraud charges were filed against four of the businessmen involved in the project.

So where does this leave South Orange County in its pursuit of freshwater shredding? Well to begin with, there is a large contingent of local surfers that don’t see the point.

“Why would you build a wave pool in San Clemente?” pondered Trestles regular Mike Wilson. “We have such amazing natural wave resources right in our own backyard. From Trestles to San Onofre, Salt Creek, Doheny, there’s almost always a wave to ride somewhere. I can’t imagine why somebody would want to surf in a pool

or that it would attract a lot of business.”

Or would it? Most of the lineups in the immediate area are well utilized and often extremely crowded. A good summer day at Lowers will see an excess of 150 surfers in the water at any given time, and when you’re only looking at a three-wave set every 20 minutes, it means most people aren’t catching very many waves. An artificial surf facility could serve as a release valve for the pressures that build up at the more high-profile spots.

“If there was somewhere I could go on my lunch break and be guaranteed to catch a few really good waves, it might be worth it,” explained Brendan Svenson, a surfer who lives and works in the area. “What’s the difference of paying to go surf or paying to go to a gym? I’d rather go surfing than run on a treadmill.”

For reference, at the NLand Surf Park in Austin, it costs $90 for a 90-minute session.

By no means is it as cheap as feeding a couple bucks to the meter at T Street, but for those that mix it up at Lowers on a regular basis, it’s considerably cheaper than a stress-related heart attack.

A wave pool in San Clemente or Dana Point could also potentially help foster upand-coming talent. This area produces some of the best surfers in the United States and

epic NSSA season rolling. Undaunted by the bombing six- to eight-foot surf at the Lane, she jumped right into the fray and slammed home wins in the Women’s and Girl’s divisions. In her Girl’s semifinal heat, she posted a perfect 10-point score to further illustrate her comfort in the cold.

Pinkerton has been dominating the NSSA ranks this season. Besides showing up and blowing up in Surf City North, she took out the Open Women’s division at a Southwest Conference contest in Newport

Beach in November (she had to settle for second in the Girl’s division). Earlier in the month, at a contest at Church in San Clemente, she enjoyed the best of her local waters. With a pumping northwest swell in the water and offshore winds howling, she won the Girl’s division and finished third in the Women’s division.

San Clemente’s produced plenty of men’s NSSA champs over the years, but thanks to Pinkerton’s stand-out performances, the girls have had a lot to cheer about lately too. DP

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perhaps a training facility would provide them with a platform to take the world by storm. The last Californian to win a world title was Tom Curren in 1990, and with gold medals on the line in 2020, our local surfers have the potential to do something very special.

Getting surf parks built is an inherently difficult and expensive endeavor, and to be sure, after the last proposed project in San Clemente went up in flames, investors and developers have every right to be wary of jumping back in the pool (pun intended).

But there’s also a lot of upside to building a world-class wave in a community that already has world-class waves. It may just take a leap of faith. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-63 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-10’ Fair Outlook: Small mix of swells the back half of the week with best breaks hitting thighwaist high (1-3’) at best. Morning winds are favorable. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Kirra Pinkerton. Photo: NSSA/Kurt Steinmetz

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