July14, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

July 14-20, 2017

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Grom of the Week: Aidan Wallace PAGE 14 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 28

A New Chapter

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Executive Director to leave position, city E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

www.danapointtimes.com

Heather Johnston, executive director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, has announced her resignation, effective Friday, July 21. She and her husband will be moving to Mammoth Lakes, Calif. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Dana Point Planning Commission Approves Headlands Hotel EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

First Concert in the Park Draws Large Crowd EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Rec League Kicks Off Summer Season SPORTS/PAGE 12

GO TO DANAPOINTTIMES.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week

First Concert in the Park Draws Large Crowd THE LATEST: The city’s summer concert series returned to Sea Terrace Park on Sunday, July 9 with the Neil Deal and the Sam Morrison Band.

Despite the heat, the park was filled with locals having picnics, dancing to the live music, enjoying barbecue served by the Dana Point VFW Post 9934, eating ice cream from students at Dana Hills High School and mores.

The Neil Deal, a tribute band to Neil Young and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, as well as the Sam Morrison Band, a tribute to Bob Seger and Southern Rock, performed during the afternoon.

WHAT’S NEXT: Rio, a tribute to Duran Duran, and Crimes of Passion, a Pat Benator tribute, will perform on Sunday, July 16, from 2:30-6 p.m.

A free shuttle bus is available at Dana Hills High School from 1-7 p.m.

The series continues through August 20. —Kristina Pritchett

Dana Point Planning Commission Approves Headlands Hotel THE LATEST: Planning Commissioners unanimously approved coastal development, site development and minor conditional permits for a new hotel.

During the Monday, July 10 meeting, Commissioners reviewed the plans for the Wave Resort which will feature a 57-room hotel, 4,000 square foot restaurant with outdoor dining, a 40-bed hostel, a visitor center, subterranean parking and more.

The hotel will be located on Pacific Coast Highway and is part of the Headlands commercial site.

Some of the commissioners were concerned regarding the project’s parking, which also includes valet and tandem parking.

“I’m not concerned we don’t have enough parking, but making sure it’s managed properly,” said Chairman Eric Nelson.

The project will have a total of 174 spaces provided with the tandem and valet. Six of those spaces are for the Open Dana Point Times July 14-20, 2017

The Sam Morrison Band, a tribute band to Bob Seger and Southern Rock, performs at Sea Terrace Park during the city’s summer concert on Sunday, July 9. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Space Visitors, which is required by the California Coastal Commission, according to the staff report.

Overall, the commissioners said they believed the project was a good one.

“I think there’s a lot of merit to this project,” said Commissioner Danni Murphy.

“It certainly sets a nice entryway coming into the city. We want people in the city, in the Town Center.”

WHAT’S NEXT: To review the staff report, and some of the hotel’s plans, visit www. danapointtimes.com. —KP

Dana Point Symphony to Hold Summer Concert THE LATEST: To reach more of the community and to incorporate their youth education initiative, the Dana Point Symphony is switching things up this summer.

On July 22, the Dana Point Symphony will be joined by musicians of the Montecito International Music Festival (MIMF).

The orchestra is comprised of 50 students, ages 14-18 from all over the country as well as China, Korea and Japan.

Amisha Patankar, executive director of the Dana Point Symphony, said a lot of people have been requesting a summer show and believes they will enjoy this concert.

“People have said they love it and wish it was around for the whole year,” Patankar said. “This is a great chance for the students to work alongside the Dana Point Symphony, some of them have trained with great musicians.”

Patankar said the Symphony has wanted to do a concert like this for a while and it has a potential to expand.

The performance includes George Bizet’s “Symphony in C.” “It should be an exciting afternoon of music for all,” said Dean Anderson, conductor of the Symphony.

WHAT’S NEXT: The concert will be held at 4 p.m. at the Laguna Niguel Presbyterian

Church, located at 30071 Ivy Glenn Drive, Laguna Niguel.

Patankar said they are holding it in another location to expand their reach to different communities.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, seniors and military. Tickets can be purchased at www.danapointsymphony.com.

Patankar said they will also be announcing the 2017-2018 season this summer and hopes it gives people something to look forward to. —KP

South Orange County Wastewater Authority to be Audited by Independent Firm THE LATEST: Per a request by state Sen. Patricia Bates and Assemblyman Bill Brough, both of whom represent Dana Point, an independent audit of the financial procedures of the South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) will be conducted.

A legislative bipartisan committee approved the request on Wednesday, June 28.

The request comes after the Moulton Niguel Water District, a participant of SOCWA, accused the district of having $1 million in unaccounted funds, a lack of transparency and other accusations, according to a press release from Moulton Niguel.

But officials with SOCWA said Moulton Niguel has failed to make payments of about $900,000 for repairs on a water treatment facility in Laguna Beach, the Coastal Treatment Plant.

“They haven’t paid their bills dating back more than one year,” said Steve Greyshock, a spokesperson for SOCWA. “Those members have been asking for a long time. After about a year, member agencies were forced to ask them to stop being delinquent. There are projects that are being delayed because there’s missing

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money. It’s vitally important that projects continue.”

Greyshock said the Moulton Niguel district no longer requires the services of the plant and therefore did not want to pay for the repairs.

“They’re basically asking to dissolve their contract and exit their agreement, and that’s fine, but other agencies are asking them to pay their bills,” Greyshock said.

The SOCWA serves about 600,000 people in South Orange County, which includes San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. Moulton Niguel currently owns about 30 percent equity of the treatment plant.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to the press release from Moulton Niguel, the audit is expected to take about six months.

FIND OUT MORE: Links to the audit and additional information will be provided in this article online at www.danapointtimes. com. —Eric Heinz

Annual Car Wash to Benefit Marines, Families and Remember Locals THE LATEST: This year, the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group is changing up their annual car wash to honor locals.

“We’re calling it the American Hero’s Car Wash,” said Terry Rifkin, president of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. “This car wash will honor our hometown heros on Monday, July 10, all of the Marines who died in the Missippi crash as well as the families that love them.”

Rifkin said they will specifically be honoring Capt. Sean Elliott, a Forward Air controller for the 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines. He was killed in the Marine Corps’ cargo plane crash in Mississippi.

His parents, Cindy and John Elliott, San Juan Capistrano residents, are volunteers of the organization, Rifkin said.

Those who attend will have an opportunity to learn about the community and the fighting 5th Marines. Local police and fire fighters will also have their equipment on display.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Wounded Warriors, Marines, Sailors and families of the 5th Marine Regiment.

The Dana Hills High School Football team and Marines will dry the vehicles.

WHAT’S NEXT: The event will run from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, at Doheny Village Hand Car Wash, located at 34241 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach.

For more information, visit www.danapoint5thmarines.com. —KP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP ers of the popular surf shop, Killer Dana, once again earlier this year.

To kick off the summer season and celebrate the grand re-opening, the store and the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony.

For more than 25 years, the shop has offered sports apparel, surf lessons, rental equipment and more.

“With all of the renovation going on in Dana Point and all of the growth in the area, we’re really excited to be jumping back into this on our terms,” Ralphie previously told the Dana Point Times.

—Kristina Pritchett Optivest celebrated their anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony, held by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, June 28. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Business Beat News from Dana Point’s business community COMPILED BY STAFF

RIBBON CUTTING OPTIVEST, INC. 24901 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Suite 200, Dana Point 949.363.8686. www.optivestinc.com.

Optivest Wealth Management celebrated 30 years of investment strategy and comprehensive financial planning with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, June 28, with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

As a family wealth advisory firm, experienced Optivest advisors have offered consultation and education to families and individuals in Dana Point since the company’s move in 2007.

Senior Wealth Advisor Bart Zandbergen joined the Optivest team in January with 25 years of experience in the financial field. Zandbergen said the switch to Optivest signaled the next phase in his career path alongside Mark Van Mourick, CEO of Optivest.

“Optivest provides myself and my clientele with the unparalleled caliber of service and expertise that is in-demand, yet hard to find,” Zandbergen said.

The ribbon cutting also celebrated Zandbergen’s arrival to the Optivest team.

Zandbergen said the Dana Point community, with warm and genuine locals, provides a beautiful backdrop for Optivest and the company’s dedication to serving its people.

“To see and experience the support from the City was incredible,” Zandbergen said. “We feel very much at home in Dana Point thanks to the dedicated community.”

—Erin McFaul

GRAND RE-OPENING KILLER DANA SURF SHOP 24621 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point.

949.489.8380. www.killerdana.com.

Chris “Ralphie” Andrews and Steve “Lounge” Price officially became the own-

Killer Dana Surf Shop celebrated the grand-reopening and new ownership during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 16.

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

NEW ADDITION ARTISTRY SALON 33971 Selva Road, Suite 105, Dana Point www.artistryatinahagersalon.com.

949.240.1773.

Clip-ins, wefts, tape-ins, keratin bonds— Artistry Hair Salon now offers a blowout and extension bar in addition to haircut and color services.

Owner Tina Tesch Hager moved to Dana Point after purchasing the salon more than 13 years ago. Building her business on quality haircare and a luxurious experience, Tesch Hager now leads a team of 13 stylists at one of the top rated hair salons in Dana Point.

Tesch Hager said she had been looking to expand her services, and with her phone ringing off the wall for blowouts and extensions, she began construction on the bar in April.

The addition, which stands where a portion of the salon’s waiting area was, offers a five-star experience, Hager Tesch said.

Blowouts last around 35 to 40 minutes and include a shampoo treatment and a threeminute scalp massage using top of the line haircare products.

“I think what makes us different compared to other blow dry bars is our attention to detail. We’re about quality and not quantity,” Tesch Hager said.

Blowouts begin at $38 and hair extension prices are determined by consultation and vary by method. If interested, customers can schedule an appointment online within minutes or over the phone. —EM

Community Meetings SATURDAY, JULY 15

Famers Market

9 a.m. There will be fresh produce and treats for sale at the Farmers Market.

La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. 949.279.3122.

TUESDAY, JULY 18

City Council Meeting

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

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 WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

Traffic Improvement Subcommittee Meeting

3 p.m. The Subcommittee will meet in Council Chambers. Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

Arts & Cultural Commission Meeting 6 p.m. The Commission will meet in Council Chambers. Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

THURSDAY, JULY 20

Third Thursday Quad Mixer

5:30-7:30 p.m. Join the Chamber for a networking event. Tickets are $12 for members and $20 for prospective members. Monarch Beach Resort.

1 Monarch Beach Resort Road, Dana Point. www.danapointchamber.com.

EYE ON DP

A New Chapter Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Executive Director to leave position, city

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he day she submitted her application and résumé to become the next executive director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, Heather Johnston sat inside Olamendi’s Restaurant in Capistrano Beach with her husband, Matt.

“We were sitting there, and I said ‘Can you imagine if I worked in Dana Point?

My job would be to represent businesses like this, that would be so amazing,” Johnston said.

She wasn’t sure if she had the right qualifications for the job because she didn’t have a lot of experience with Chambers at the time.

“I was fortunate enough to be chosen,” Johnston said.

Five years later, Johnston is getting ready to say farewell to Dana Point. Inside her office, boxes were packed and lined up against the wall. Johnston will be heading north with her husband, who was offered a job opportunity in Mammoth Lakes.

Before becoming the executive director, Johnston has previously worked for the Irvine Company, Walt Disney and helped create a visitor bureau in Torrance.

In the past five years, Johnston said she’s been able to work with the city to further the interest of businesses in the community.

“I’ve been so fortunate to have a good relationship and support from the city,” Johnston said. “They’ve been nothing but helpful. We don’t always agree on everything, but for the most part they have an understanding that having a strong business community is imperative for having a good city.”

Johnston said one of the issues she worked on over the years was rebuilding the Chamber.

“When I first started, our membership was really down, and overall, our financial health was critical,” Johnston said. “It was really important to get the reputation of the Chamber back up.”

She said they began to hold new events, like Networking at Noon, and she worked with the Finance Committee to execute stronger financial policies.

“But, it’s not just me, it’s my staff.

They all give 100 percent to helping the community and this Chamber,” Johnston said. “It’s because of them we’ve been

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Heather Johnston, executive director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, has announced her resignation, effective Friday, July 21. She and her husband will be moving to Mammoth Lakes, Calif.

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

able to put some money away.”

She said in the summer of 2011, the Chamber had less than $3,000 in the bank.

“Since then, we’ve seen a 40 percent increase in revenue and almost a 100 percent increase in operating expenses,” Johnston said. “We didn’t even have money in the bank, much less in reserves.”

She said because the Chamber is in a healthy position, she knows the next person who comes in will have a strong foundation and will be able to take the Chamber to the next level.

“We have a good reputation within the Chamber communities; they’re going to be some quality applications,” Johnston said.

In her absence, she said the Board has stepped up and has taken responsibility of specific areas.

“I don’t think people will even notice, with the exception of not seeing me at events, that I’m gone,” Johnston said with a smile. “I think we have it organized enough that it will be an easy transition.”

Johnston said she is sad to leave the city because she loves the small town.

“I have a lot of pride in the Chamber and a lot of pride in working with our members,” Johnston said. “People should be so lucky to have an experience like this in their career.”

Johnston said while she’s still looking for a job up north, she’s excited about hiking more and possibly adopting a dog.

Johnston’s last day will be Friday, July 21. She invites everyone to attend the Chamber’s Quad Mixer on Wednesday, July 20, at Monarch Beach Resort for her last official event. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: by Megan Yoo Schneider, Representative on the Board of Directors of the Municipal Water District of Orange County

California WaterFix Critical to South County

T

he Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is 435 miles from South Orange County, but the impact of what happens there is felt as close to home as your shower.

The Delta is the heart of the State Water Project. Near Stockton, the Delta is where the tidal forces of the Pacific Ocean meet the outflows of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. Water flows through the Delta before entering a series of reservoirs, pumps and canals that bring water from the Sierras to Southern California.

About 50 percent of the water used in South Orange County flows through the Delta. Without a rich aquifer, we are nearly dependent on water imported from the Sierras or the Colorado River.

Before that abundance of melted snow and freshwater reaches us, it must navigate more than 1,100 miles of levees that channel water through the Delta. In contrast, the entire California coastline is about 840 miles. But the levees are old and susceptible to failure from age, earthquake and even too much water. A catastrophic failure would cripple our water supply.

Efforts to protect fish and other environmental regulations also means that Southern California gets only 60 percent of its water allotment from the Sierras in an average year, which increases our depen-

Letters to the Editor IN RESPONSE TO COUNCIL’S CORNER

BY JOE MULLER JOHN NAVARRO, Dana Point

Below are my points and comments about Councilman Muller posting.

1. Councilman Muller is characterizing the conversation in his terms when he says that the community has “implied” we are in financial straits, and he assures us “that this is not the case.”

2. He also says that our general fund is 43 percent, 2.5 times the amount recommended. But are these empty statistics that don’t speak to the real problem? This would require deeper investigation and analysis than what Muller is providing.

3. Councilman Muller also says that our budget will balance in FY 18 and FY 19. What he really means is revenue vs. expenses may balance. His interpretation doesn’t allow for capital accumulation for depreciation and future capital projects.

Dana Point Times July 14-20, 2017

dence on the Colorado River.

State officials and water leaders support a solution: the California WaterFix, which would build twin tunnels beneath the Delta to deliver the water to Southern California. A partner project, California EcoRestore, would create natural habitat through the Delta to support fish and address other enviBy Megan Yoo ronmental concerns.

Schneider A study of Orange County’s future water supply determined the WaterFix is the single-most, cost-effective, large-scale project to ensure long-term water reliability for Southern California.

The WaterFix will ensure we receive our share of the water by taking it directly from the Sacramento River during high-flow periods, and funneling it beneath the Delta.

Instead of losing valuable stormwater to the Pacific Ocean, the WaterFix will allow it to be captured and used where it is needed.

Your local water suppliers, all members of the Municipal Water District of Orange County, are working on new sources of water, too. The Santa Margarita and South Coast water districts and San Juan Capistrano want to maximize use of the area’s groundwater basin; South Coast plans a de-

salination plant, and all agencies, including Moulton Niguel Water District, are honing the art of using water efficiently.

The Orange County Water Reliability Study found the WaterFix will remain a critical part of California’s water system even with these projects. Yes, the WaterFix comes with a price tag– about $5 per month per customer—but the cost of ignoring our infrastructure needs are much greater.

Leaders of the Laguna Beach County, Moulton Niguel and South Coast water districts have endorsed the WaterFix. Reach out to your elected officials—city, state and federal—and let them know you do, too.

Although your shower might be the first place you notice a water shortage, the impacts will be felt throughout Southern California.

See www.californiawaterfix.com for more information.

Megan Yoo Schneider is a registered engineer in California and represents South Orange County on the Board of Directors of the Municipal Water District of Orange County. She was elected in 2016. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

4. Councilman Muller states that the option to cut expenses means cutting services he is unwilling to prioritize. Yes, it does mean making tough choices, but when there is a lot of overhead in salaries and contracts, the question is, are we getting what we need at a good value and reasonably price?

5. Councilman Muller proclaims that the Lantern District “could” generate up to $1 million in property and sales tax revenue.

This is a total overstatement; it is estimated that it will take a decade to build that district at which point it will only generate $600,000 per year.

While the above “could” be considered facts, these possibilities don’t take us to a solution.

The City Council must be proactive now and negotiate the best services, for the best value. Every line item on the budget should be challenged and have each justify why their budget shouldn’t be cut 15 percent starting now.

debt? How will all this magic money show up on our door in 2020 when the projects haven’t started?

Prior to our moving to this great community, we stayed in an AirBnB east of PCH in the Lantern District. While we met very nice people, there were racing cars, people screaming at night, parties and lots of disturbance. Several nights we were awakened by loud music and parties.

Is this what we want more of when we go to the Lantern District? More noise, loud parties and more traffic?

No thanks, I’d rather have a Council that fights for our lifestyle and stands up to investors and investments that don’t serve our community interests. We need champions that are watchdogs with the budget.

Let’s stop playing the blame game by pointing to our Mayor. (Don’t shoot the messenger). Let’s get to work on addressing the budget instead of “hoping” that we “could” receive revenue though the magic money of devaluing our lifestyle.

About the Lantern District How can a prudently fiscal Councilman suggest that adding Lantern District expenses won’t drive the city further into

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 > Rachael Mattice 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 PapagianisCamacho 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 Jake Howard Debra Holm Tim Trent Erin McFaul Duane Paul Murphy

Dana Point Times, Vol. 10, Issue 28. 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 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

Sunday | 16

COMPILED BY STAFF

ACOUSTIC SUNDAYS Noon-3 p.m. Listen to live performances every Sunday. Stillwater Spirits and Sounds.

24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.com.

Friday | 14

Monday | 17

THEATER IN THE PARK: ‘ROBIN HOOD’ 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse brings the legendary adventures of Robin Hood to life at San Juan Capistrano’s Historic Town Center Park. Watch as the story’s beloved characters fight to stop the evil Prince John and the nefarious Sheriff of Nottingham. Attendees will be treated to sword fights and an archery contest.

Shows each weekend through July 30. $15.

Historic Town Center Park. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

YOGA IN THE PARK 5:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga for yoga in the park every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this summer. Bring a mat, water bottle and suggested donation of $8. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

What’s going on in and around town this week

Saturday | 15 A WALK THROUGH HISTORY 9 a.m. The walk focuses on Dana Point’s history. It’s designed to introduce participants to the main historical periods.

The walk occurs the third Saturday of the month and begins at the Dana Point Natural Interpretive Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. RSVP to dpnaturalresources@ danapoint.org or call 949.248.3527.

DESIGN BASICS FOR SMALL SPACES WITH MIKE EVANS 9:30 a.m. Mike Evans will lead a workshop on outdoor space and how it can be molded to fit any lifestyle. Tree of Life Nursery. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

LIVE MUSIC HARBOR CRUISE 8-9:30 p.m. Join Dana Wharf for a live music harbor cruise. Tickets are $25 per person, and the event is for 21 and older.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

SPIDER NIGHT 8:15 p.m. Get your “spidey senses” tingling with Jim Ortez. He will bring some eightlegged friends and teach guests all about them. The event is part of the Doheny State Beach’s campfire programs. Doheny State Beach. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive. www.dohenystatebeach.org.

LIVE MUSIC: SOUND HOUSE 8-11 p.m. Listen to Sound House perform live. OverVue Lounge, Laguna Cliffs Marriot. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point.

949.661.5000. www.lagunacliffs.com.

Dana Point Times July 14-20, 2017

EDITOR’S PICK

Tuesday | 18 AUTOBIOGRAPHY & LIFE STORIES WORKSHOP 10 a.m. Have you ever told yourself, “Someday I will write about my life, my parents’ life, or that of my ancestors?” If so, this is the class for you. Be inspired on the fulfilling journey of writing your personal story. You will gain writing skills and experience, plus tips on getting organized as you enjoy sharing your stories with others in this workshop. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point.

949.248.3530. www.danapoint.org.

SUNSHINE READERS STORYTIME 11:30 a.m. The Sunshine Readers will entertain children of all ages during storytime. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517.

Photo: Eric Heinz

ON THE MENU

SATURDAY, JULY 15- SUNDAY, JULY 16 41ST ANNUAL SAN CLEMENTE OCEAN FESTIVAL It’s time once against for “The Greatest Show on Surf.” Throughout the weekend, athletes will compete in intense ocean-based and lifeguard competitions, including the one-mile swim, standup paddle board races, the Dory Boat races and more. There’s also fun for the whole family north of the San Clemente Pier at the Youth Pavilion. San Clemente Pier. www.oceanfestival.org.

BREAKFAST BURRITO FROM LOS PATIOS

S

ituated in the cozy confines of Old City San Clemente near Avenida Miramar, Los Patios Mexican Cocina offers an authentic quality and affordability for Mexican cuisine, especially when they open doors at 11 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Friday to Saturday. Operating since 2002, Los Patios Mexican Cocina was founded by Carlos Frutos, a Mexico City, Mexico native who moved to San Clemente as a teenager and attended Saddleback Community College. Most of the meals he and his staff prepare have origins as well as inspirations from the Mexican state of Michoacán de Ocampo. One of their own delicious entrees includes a breakfast burrito.

This $6.25 meal is great for brunch and is filled with two scrambled eggs, potatoes, refried beans and ham. Other meat choices for

this particular burrito dish include sausage or bacon. This also includes tortilla chips with guacamole and two citrus slices with lettuce as well as shredded red cabbage.

Beyond their exquisite burrito entrees, other specials include Taco Tuesday’s and happy hour on week days between 3-7 p.m.

Los Patios Mexican Cocina 111 West Avenida Palizada, Suite 17, San Clemente, CA 949.492.0162, www.lospatiosrestaurant.com

‘The Big Sick’ is a Deserved Sleeper Hit

Wednesday | 19

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

LIVE MUSIC: ONE WORLD RHYTHM 11 a.m. Enjoy the rhythmic sounds of One World Rhythm and participate in making music. Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517.

Thursday | 20 FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT 6-8 p.m. This month’s topic is the scoop on pop: the science of what is left behind.

During the lesson, participants will get to become dropping detectives and learn how to unlock the secrets of dung. Tickets are $10 per person, $9 for members. The Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274.

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.

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mazon Studios’ new feature The Big Sick is a wonderful collaboration between comic actor-turnedscreenwriter Kumail Nanjiani, A-list producer Judd Apatow and indie filmmaker Michael Showalter. The film is reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) or Bend It Like Beckham (2002), where a young protagonist is attached to their overprotective family, and conflict arises when they begin a courtship with someone outside of their culture. Here, Nanjiani not only loosely based the romantic comedy on his real life and cast himself as the lead, but also kept his real name for the character.

Nanjiani begins the film by showing how his family immigrated to the U.S. from Pakistan when he was a teenager, and then how his life consists of being an Uber driver, performing local stand-up and dodging his parents’ (Anupam Kher and Zenobia Shroff) insistence that he marry a nice Pakistani girl. In the middle of passively ignoring the blind dates set

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon Studios

up by his mom, Kumail falls in love with a local white girl named Emily (Zoe Kazan), who is unaware she has a lung infection.

Like most of Apatow’s films, stand-up comedy plays a big role in the story, but not to an obnoxious level as was the case with Funny People (2008). Nanjiani and his wife, Emily Gordon, write their love story together in a charming and sentimental way. The Big Sick is the very definition a feel-good movie, despite the subject of illness surrounding the plot, and possibly the best comedy of the year thus far. DP www.danapointtimes.com

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Sudoku

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Senior Dating Has Changed Over the Years

S

eventeen years ago, I was sitting in a chair on the set of The Today Show at the NBC studios in New York City, waiting for Matt Lauer to interview me.

I could see a few hundred people gathered on the street in front of Rockefeller Center, waving signs and placards.

Although I had been on Today two years before, I was still nervous. After all, the show was being ON LIFE AND broadcasted across the LOVE AFTER 50 country.

By Tom Blake Matt introduced me: “Tom Blake, syndicated columnist and author of the book, Middle Aged and Dating Again, has some great advice for people dating the second and third time around.”

I had been a columnist for six years and had published the book two years before.

Matt’s first question: “Do you think the dating rules have changed in your 50s versus in your teens, 20s and 30s?”

I smiled and said, “Some of us haven’t had a date in 30 years—you bet they are different.”

During the 4-minute interview, I attempted to explain how dating had changed and why dating after 50 was so difficult. These five items summarize what Matt and I talked about.

1. Older singles aren’t prepared. After a long-term marriage or relationship, perhaps 30 years or more, our spouse or significant other is gone. We had been preparing to spend our retirement years together, not preparing to date.

2. There aren’t places to go where there are relatively even numbers of single men and women in our age range. The ratio is often four or five to one, women to men, making it difficult for women to meet available men.

3. Baggage. Matt mentioned the word baggage often. There are ex’s, kids, grandkids, fear of getting hurt again, financial issues and an endless number of factors that can bog down a relationship.

4. We’ve aged. On Today, I explained to Matt that age made dating more difficult compared to those younger years he mentioned. We don’t have the energy we once had and dating takes energy. Plus, we’ve added wrinkles and wear and tear on our bodies.

5. Compatibility with a mate is hard to find.

As we age, we are more set in our ways. We aren’t going to accept someone to share our life with who doesn’t measure up to our standards or who has vastly different beliefs.

Dana Point Times July 14-20, 2017

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

17 YEARS LATER Now, 17 years after appearing on that show, I see how senior dating has changed since even then. The basic premises of the five items above remain the same, but the degree of difficulty of each has increased.

It’s now dating after 60, 70 and 80.

If singles weren’t prepared for dating after 30 years in a relationship, think how unprepared they are now after 50 years in a relationship.

And, as if those ratios of women to men weren’t challenging enough for single women, now the ratios are more like six or seven to one. According to the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Program from 2011 to 2015, as we hit 60 and 70, the number of available single men decreases significantly.

Plus, in 17 years, we’ve aged even more.

I saw Matt Lauer on Today last week and he’s aged right along with us. We don’t move like we did at 50. We have aches, pains, bad hips and knees and a myriad of other health issues, making it harder to get off the couch, out of the house and into the dating world.

And one very big factor is technology.

Think how the Internet has evolved with social media, dating sites and romance scams.

Texting by phone is how some singles communicate. They even break up by text.

Technology can be intimidating and overwhelming for seniors. Some don’t even own a computer; some have never sent a text.

So yes, senior dating has changed; it’s more difficult now. But, it’s not impossible.

Maybe Matt will have me back on Today and I can update him on what senior singles can do to find a mate.

They need to keep smiling, keep trying, keep moving and be positive and appreciate life. And above all, they should never give up. Miracles can happen.

To view Tom’s Today Show interview with Matt Lauer, visit www.findingloveafter50. com/videos. The interview is on row two, far right, and row three, far left.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating.

See his websites at www.findingloveafter50. com; www.vicsta.com and www.travelafter55. com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com.

Email: tompblake@gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Page 11

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

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Pet of the Week: Lava

L

ava is a spunky little pup with a silly personality. He’s only 6 months old and is always up for playtime. He just loves to make new friends. With a pup like Lava, you’ll never be far from fun! If you would like to know more about Lava, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal

Lava. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/ Dana Point Animal Shelter

Shelter at 949.49.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Wharf Fish Count DANA POINT TIMES

I

n his weekly fishing report, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching captain Brian Woolley thanked the recent heat wave for producing consistently great bass fishing off the coast.

As the heat rose, so did the water temperature. But not only did the water get warmer, it stayed consistently within the 69- to 72-degree range, which Woolley says are ideal conditions for catching bass.

Here is the most recent fish count out of Dana Wharf:

A member of Codgers & Kids kicks a ball into play during an adult co-ed sports league game at the Dana Point Community Center. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Rec League Kicks Off Summer Season DANA POINT TIMES

K

ickballs and softballs were flying through the air for the first time this summer, as the City of Dana Point’s Recreation adult co-ed sports leagues got underway on Monday, July 10.

The popular leagues offer both beginner and advanced kickball, and co-ed slow-pitch softball every Monday and Wednesday night, and runs until Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Here are the scores from the first week of recreation league action:

Drinkers with a Kicking Problem 2, CVCS Eagles 0.

Monday Softball Laguna Cliffs Marriott 10, Bullets 9; The Gimps 13, Cheers 5; Feel the Heat 7, Dead Pull 2.

Wednesday Kickball Codgers & Kids 4, Team Smith 1; Bemus Ballers 6, Kickball Krew 4; One Kick Wonders 9, Athlete’s Foot 1.

Monday Kickball Pitch Please 4, Just Can’t Kick Enough 3; The District Salon 4, Swallow’s Inn 0;

Wednesday Kickball (Advanced) Hennessey’s 3, GrassKickers 2; Grasskickers 6, Luxe n Libre 3. DP

A pitcher for team Unstoppable rolls the ball toward home plate. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Team Codgers & Kids’ defense lines up during a kickball game on July 12. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Dana Point Times July 14–20, 2017

Page 12

7/12 • 8 boats 231 anglers: 131 calico bass, 30 vermillion rockfish, 15 barracuda, 12 bonito, 11 yellowtail, 10 sand bass, 10 blue perch, 2 rockfish, 2 sheephead.

7/11 • 6 boats; 227 anglers: 135 calico bass, 68 yellowtail, 49 white fish, 26 bonito, 13 sand bass, 12 sheephead, 3 rockfish, 1 sculpin, 1 barracuda, 1 blue perch.

Joey Madison of San Clemente shows off a calico bass caught aboard the Sum Fun. Photo: Courtesy

7/10 • 8 boats; 264 anglers: 177 calico bass, 31 sand bass, 28 bonito, 26 yellowtail, 11 blue perch, 6 sheephead, 5 sculpin, 4 white fish, 2 white sea bass.

7/9 • 9 boats; 241 anglers: 169 rockfish, 139 calico bass, 102 white fish, 38 mackerel, 28 bonito, 22 sand bass, 21 yellowtail,14 barracuda, 8 sheephead, 3 blue perch, 1 ling cod.

7/8 • 8 boats; 265 anglers: 124 calico bass, 36 barracuda, 12 sand bass, 2 sculpin, 2 sheephead, 2 rockfish, 1 yellowtail.

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE LADIES ROLEX PRESIDENT WATCH Ladies Rolex President Watch, 18 KT Gold, Recently serviced, Beautiful condition...

New $20,000... Asking $6,800. Call Chuck (760) 844-3929 CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyesters, or designer carpet. Showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point: 24662 Del Prado, Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available. All shapes and sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too! Call Mike at 949.240.1545

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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Page 13

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

The Drumbeat of Summer Packed lineups, shark sightings and plenty of south swell kicks summer off with a boom

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

fter a deluge of June gloom and south winds, summer has certainly arrived. Roaring wildfires, scorching temperatures and ample surf have San Clemente and Dana Point in the swing of the season. Last weekend, the first in a trio of swells hit area beaches, and everybody and their mother’s uncle sprang into action.

By Sunday morning, Salt Creek, Trestles, San Onofre and surrounding spots were overflowing.

“Summer’s definitely here,” joked Trestles regular Mark Stevenson. “I was down at Lowers at first light on Sunday and I think I got four waves in four hours. It was ridiculous. All the usual pros…young kids were out. Kelly Slater showed up on his electric bike with his little dog, Action.

I don’t know if any ripple went through unridden. It was full on.”

Lowers has a reputation for being one of the most, if not the most, congested surf spot in California in the summer, and with the forecast beckoning, surfers from San Diego to L.A. braved weekend traffic to score, in the words of Jeff Spicoli, “a few tasty waves.”

“It’s been a pretty bad summer up around L.A. We just don’t get the souths like you guys do down here,” said Los Angeles surfer Mike Jones, who’s normal haunt includes the greater Topanga area.

“A couple friends and I decided to head down and try and get a few. It’s pretty crowded, but everyone seems to be getting along alright. I got a few good ones that made it worthwhile.”

One thing that isn’t worthwhile is the

GROM OF THE WEEK

AIDAN WALLACE

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

S

urfboard builder, designer and innovator Skip Frye once said, “Surfing to me is like playing music; you play different melodies with different boards.”

Dana Point Times July 14-20, 2017

Trestles is a world-renown surfing location south of San Clemente at San Onofre State Beach, but South Orange County has a wide variety of other surf breaks to avoid the crowds. Photo: File

line to get into San Onofre. By 8 a.m. on Sunday morning, the line was wrapped entirely around the waiting area on top of the bluff and spilling out into the main road.

People reported waiting in line for nearly two hours. There’s not much California State Park officials can do about the issue because there are capacity limits and only so many parking spots to go around—but get this, if you don’t want to waste your time, there isn’t a shortage of other great beaches in the area.

“I saw that line and immediately went somewhere else. With the wait time so long, you could be done surfing somewhere else by the time you’re just getting a spot at San O,” explained Steven Baxter, who frequents Old Man’s when the weekend traffic isn’t so heavy. “I get it, I mean, San O’s like the dream summer spot. You park right on the beach, the waves are right there, you can barbecue right there.

As far as ease of use, it’s hard to beat. But when it’s crowded like that, I’m over it. We live in a beach town, and there are other options.”

Down at Trails on Sunday morning there was no shortage of purported shark

sightings. I say this not to scare you because, yes, there have been numerous sighting there recently, but at Trail One it seemed like every 15 minutes dudes were claiming to have seen “a 6-footer” or “a big one just breached.” At one point, a trio of portly gentlemen on soft-tops screamed “Shark!” and bee-lined it for shore. Everyone else in the water just sat watching in perplexed amusement. One of the results of all the great white sightings over the last couple of months is that paranoia has crept into the lineups. While valid, yelling “Shark!” in a congested lineup is akin to yelling “Fire!” in a theater…you just don’t do it, unless it’s the real deal. (Editor’s note: It’s also not protected under constitutional free speech).

As far as what the Pacific has in store for us, there’s a lot in play. By the time you read this, you’ve probably partaken in some of the juice that Hurricane Eugene provided. Steep-angled hurricane swells are typically better aimed at northern Orange County, especially Newport Point, but Lowers sucks in any south swell and has probably been a pretty good bet. There are also a couple of shots of southern

It’s an important point to remember here in South Orange County, where there is no shortage of surf terrain and setups. We have long, playful points, a myriad of sandbottom beach break options, as well as a few sneaky reefs that get good on the right swell and tide. That means summer’s for sliding and gliding as much as it is ripping, and young Aidan Wallace has embraced the longboard jam to the hilt.

Cut from the cloth of a classical stylist, he’s a distinguished member of the Aliso

Niguel High School longboard squad, which took home state titles in men’s and women’s longboarding earlier this year.

Enjoying all the options Dana Point and San Clemente have to offer, Wallace has his act at spots like Doheny and San Onofre on lock. His light, agile build gives him the freedom to cross-step up and down the board at will, and with so much other exceptional longboard talent to look up to, we’re excited to see where the next set takes him. DP

Page 14

hemi swell on tap that will keep us jumping and jiving. It should keep wave heights in the playful to overhead zone through the weekend.

The water’s warm, the waves are up, the great whites are jumping, it’s summertime and the living’s easy. Get out there, just be sure to mind your p’s and q’s, and don’t yell “Shark!” the next time a dolphin swims by. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 66-71 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Outlook: Good size Southerly swell continues through the back part of the week then slowly fading through the weekend. Winds are lightest in the early mornings. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Aidan Wallace. Photo: Noah McPherson

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