October 14, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

October 14-20, 2016

YO U

C A N

U S E

Checking in on the Dana Point Art Scene DP LIVING/PAGE 28

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 42

www.danapointtimes.com

City Council Candidates Participate in Candidate Forums EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Teams Compete in State BBQ Championship DP LIVING/PAGE 27

Hans Crouse, Team USA Win at Pan-Am Baseball Championship SPORTS/PAGE 30

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING Hilleman said. “But, we work hard to see what the kids like, what they’ll consume, and to see what parents, administrators and even ourselves think should be on the menu.”

Hilleman said the breakfast costs about $1.75, and she is hoping more students participate in the program.

“It’s a big deal to have fuel in the morning,” Hilleman said. “It helps with cognition, it helps students get better test scores, and have better behavior.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Food and Nutrition Services in CUSD is looking to expand in more schools across the district, and are looking to sell more breakfast in the schools.—KP

Civic Association to hold South Coast Water District Candidate Forum

Two men were saved from a fishing boat that was sinking this week. Photo: Courtesy of Harbor Patrol

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Harbor Patrol Rescues Two Men from Sinking Fishing Boat THE LATEST: Two men were rescued by Harbor Patrol Tuesday night after their fishing vessel began to sink, police said.

Deputy Anthony Larios, with Harbor Patrol, said fire boat three received a call around 9:06 p.m. for a boat taking on water.

A 39-year-old man and a 37-year-old man were aboard The Commander, a 1958 commercial fishing vessel, when it began to take on water.

“Deputies Arturo Arellano and Blaine Stephenson responded to assistance,” Larios said. “Prior to arrival, they requested the victims to light a flair, and they were able to locate them about five-and-a-half miles off of San Mateo, where the county line is.”

Larios said the officers found the men standing on top of the cabin holding an emergency-indicating device.

“The officers had the victims jump into the water—there was too much debris around the boat, and they swam to the fire boat and pulled them out,” Larios said.

The men were transported to Dana Point Harbor Patrol, where they were checked out by paramedics before being released.

Dana Point Times October 14-20, 2016

WHAT’S NEXT: Larios said it’s still under investigation, but the vessel is partially sunk and a salvage operation is currently being coordinated.

—Kristina Pritchett

Breakfast an Option for Dana Point Students THE LATEST: In every Dana Point school in the Capistrano Unified School District, students are now able to get a healthy breakfast while at school.

Last month, Palisades Elementary School joined the other schools in the city in serving breakfast to interested students in the morning.

“They’re serving about 70 meals at recess,” said Kristin Hilleman, director of the food and nutrition department for CUSD. “That’s about the average since they started.”

Hilleman said the school district is under strict guidelines to ensure the students are eating a healthy and balanced meal. The items, if they are a grain item, must be 100 percent whole grain, and juices must be 100 percent fruit- or vegetable-based.

Students are offered a variety of different meals like bagels, breakfast sandwiches, mini pancakes and more. The meal also comes with yogurt with granola or graham crackers, 100 percent juice, 1 percent milk or non-fat chocolate milk and fruit.

“We have some really good stuff available for the kids,” Hilleman said. “And it’s probably one of the healthiest meals they’ll get.”

She said the district does taste tests every once in a while to see what the students are leaning toward.

“It’s different at different school sites,”

THE LATEST: South Coast Water District candidates will be answering the public’s questions during a candidate forum held by the Civic Association and the Dana Point Times during Coffee Chat at Coffee Importers on Friday, Oct. 21 at 8:30 a.m.

During the forum, the Times will ask the candidates questions that were submitted by residents about various issues.

The Times is currently collecting questions for the forum. If interested in submitting a question, please email editorial@ danapointtimes.com.

All are welcome to attend. Free coffee will be served to those who attend, courtesy of Jim Miller of the Civic Association and Coffee Importers.

WHAT’S NEXT: Coffee Chat is held once a month at Coffee Importers, located at 34531 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.—KP

Coastal Commission Discusses Short-Term Rentals THE LATEST: During the California Coastal Commission’s meeting, Supervisor and Chair Steve Kinsey said the Commission is continuing to work with cities about their short-term rental ordinances.

Kinsey said it’s been challenging, but the Commission will continue to protect any given “community’s character” while protecting the public’s access to the coast.

Kinsey said the Commission has posted samples of their actions on short-term rentals, including Dana Point’s ordinance.

Dana Point City Council approved the ordinance on Sept. 6 after five hours of discussion. Currently, a referendum is in the hands of the Orange County Registrar, where more than 2,100 signatures must be

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validated.

WHAT’S NEXT: If the appropriate amount of signatures is validated, the referendum could help overturn the ordinance.—KP

City Council Candidates Participate in Candidate Forums THE LATEST: The five City Council candidates met twice this week to answer residents’ questions during two separate candidate forums.

The first forum was held by Capo Cares at Capo Beach Church on Tuesday night.

The topics of questions included shortterm rentals, group homes, the city’s spending, the city’s staff and more.

The candidates were asked if they signed the referendum to overturn the short-term rental ordinance the City Council approved on Sept. 6. Three of the candidates, including Nadia Khalil, Paul Wyatt and Debra Lewis, said yes. They were then asked, if elected would they support bringing the existing ordinance to a vote of the people.

“I’m really unclear on that,” Khalil said.

“I’m sorry, I’m unclear on our community now and how they would vote so I don’t think I would want that. I’d want it to be demanded by the new Council.”

Wyatt and Lewis said they would bring it to a vote of the people. Michelle Brough and Penny Maynard did not say if they would bring it to a vote but they both agreed they would have voted against the ordinance.

The candidates participated in a lightning round, which allowed them to say a sentence or two about various topics, including preserving the character of neighborhoods, Doheny Village’s character, the city attorney, lawsuits and legal fees and more.

On Wednesday night, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters held a candidate forum at the Community Center, with questions submitted by the audience about parking, development, funding and more.

Regarding the city’s litigation, Brough said if she’s elected she would like to see an ordinance pass that would force the city to mitigate before reaching litigation.

“If you get to the point of litigation, you failed somewhere along the lines,” Brough said.

Lewis said she would like to see the Council use a law firm different than the city attorney’s firm when the city decides to enter litigation.

WHAT’S NEXT: On Thursday, Oct. 20, the Lantern Village Association will have a City Council candidate forum at the Community House at 7 p.m.—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.

Saturday, October 8

Thursday, October 6

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Dana Point Drive, 24800 Block (10:54 p.m.) Police were called for a woman climbing onto balconies and trying to sneak into rooms.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Street of the Amber Lantern, 34100 Block (11:46 p.m.) A woman told police she saw a shadow of two arms out of her secondstory bathroom window. The woman’s husband saw a ladder leaning up against the side of the house.

DISTURBANCE Dana Point Drive, 24800 Block (9:10 p.m.) A man told police he got into a verbal altercation with a neighbor who was flying a drone. He said he felt it was “invading his privacy.”

DISTURBANCE- MUSIC OR PARTY Crown Valley Parkway, 32400 Block (11:06 p.m.) Police were called for people playing a “loud game” of beer pong.

SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Bluehill Bay, 23800 Block (11:52 p.m.)

A caller told police there were numerous shots fired behind the hotel.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Danaoak, 32900 Block (9:50 p.m.) A woman told police that her vehicle, which was stolen, was back in front of her house but that she was afraid for her safety.

DISTURBANCE La Serena Drive, 34100 Block (9:14 p.m.) Police were called for “loud” skateboarders.

DISTURBANCE Del Prado/Street of the Violet Lantern (5:53 p.m.) Police were called for a man urinating into a dryer.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via California, 26300 Block (7:04 p.m.) A caller told police one or two people in hoodies looked like they were stealing wood and items from a construction site next door.

RECKLESS DRIVING Street of the Golden Lantern, 33300 Block (5:48 p.m.) Police were called for a driver in a BMW doing donuts.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Pacific Coast Highway/Crown Valley Parkway (6:54 p.m.)

Animal Control was called after a man was seen yelling, squeezing and beating a small dog.

VANDALISM REPORT Street of the Golden Lantern, 32500 Block (10:59 a.m.) Police were called after someone attempted to get into the business, possibly with a crowbar.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Meridian Drive, 24700 Block (6:36 p.m.) A woman told police she believed someone went into her house. She said the dash lights in her car were on, but it was parked in the garage and no doors were found open.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Street of the Golden Lantern/Pacific Coast Highway (9:30 a.m.) A dog was running through the intersection.

RECKLESS DRIVING Dana Strand Road, 34300 Block (5:06 p.m.) Police were called for five vehicles in the parking lot.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Del Prado/Street of the Golden Lantern (4:53 p.m.) Police were called for a dog locked inside of a white Tesla with no windows cracked.

Friday, October 7 SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION El Camino Capistrano, 24700 Block (11:20 p.m.) A woman told police she heard loud gunshots and saw a flash of light but could not tell if it was a gunshot or fireworks.

DRUNK DRIVING Doheny Park Road/Domingo Avenue (5:11 p.m.) An arrest was made after police were called for a driver seen driving very slowly on the freeway, and randomly braking and hitting curbs.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Pacific Coast Highway/Crown Valley Parkway (6:41 a.m.) A gray Ford and a white Ford were involved in an accident.

Dana Point Times October 14-20, 2016

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Via California/Via Gomez (2:58 p.m.) A driver struck a mailbox.

HIT-AND-RUN PARKED CAR Del Prado, 24800 Block (6:53 p.m.) A gray Volkswagen Jetta was struck.

DISTURBANCE Dana Strand Drive, 34300 Block (6:08 p.m.) Police were called for multiple drones in the park. A woman told police she was upset because it was “invading her privacy.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Caribbean Way/Antilles Way (12:07 p.m.) Police were called for an alarm going off for 10 minutes.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Monarch Beach Resort, 0 Block (9:50 a.m.) Police were called for a woman driving a Honda who struck another vehicle, then attempted to leave.

Tuesday, October 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Del Obispo Street, 33500 Block (4:35 p.m.) A woman told police two men drove up to her and asked her to get into their vehicle.

She told police she didn’t know them.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

A Walk through History

RECKLESS DRIVING Santa Clara Avenue, 24400 Block (6:49 p.m.) A resident told police his neighbor drives his Maserati at 100 mph on the street.

9 a.m. The walk focuses on the city’s history. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. RSVP to dpnaturalresources@ danapoint.org or call 949.248.3527.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Stonehill Drive/ Street of the Blue Lantern (5:29 p.m.) A sign was down in the middle of the road.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 17

STOLEN VEHICLE Via Verde, 34500 Block (11:42 a.m.) A black Jeep Liberty was reported stolen.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Canon, 26300 Block (11:20 a.m.) A caller told police an unknown juvenile came into their home and started playing with their cats.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Pacific Coast Highway/ Camino Capistrano (3:37 a.m.) Northbound lanes were closed for a rock slide.

Monday, October 3

Wednesday, October 5

Community Meetings

DISTURBANCE La Cresta Drive/Aurelio Drive (5:05 p.m.) An arrest was made after police were called about a girl being chased.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Del Prado/Pacific Coast Highway (3:08 p.m.) A driver in a Toyota hit something on a job site, left, then returned to speak with the workers.

DISTURBANCE Victoria Boulevard/Doheny Park Road (11:42 a.m.) Police were called for a woman shouting at people passing by.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (8:24 a.m.)

Police were called for a driver who looked like they were trying to dump items.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-INJURIES Del Obispo Street/Stonehill Drive (7:30 a.m.) Drivers in a Chevy and a Mazda were involved in an accident. One driver complained of neck and head pain and said a two-year-old needed to be checked out.

PROWLER Costa Del Sol, 0 Block (1:32 a.m.) A caller told police a man was seen in the backyard and running toward the front yard, but it was too dark to get a description.

Planning Commission

6 p.m. Members of the Commission will meet in Council Chambers.

Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18

City Council

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19

Arts & Culture Commission Meeting 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in Council Chambers. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. For questions, contact Yolanda Brenes at 949.248.3557 or email ybrenes@ danapoint.org.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Mixer

5:30-7:30 p.m. Join members of the Chamber to network. Dana Wharf Sportfishisng & Whale Watching.

34675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. $12 for Chamber members, $20 for non-members.

UPCOMING EVENTS SATURDAY OCTOBER 22

Bulky Item Drop Off Event

7:30 a.m. Residents can drop off bulky items for free as well as shred documents. Dana Hills High School and Palisades Elementary School. For more information, contact Jennifer Anderson at 949.248.3571 or email janderson@ danapoint.org.

PROWLER Bridgeport Street, 0 Block (12:26 a.m.) A caller told police people were walking in a field behind the location and pointing flashlights into windows.

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www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

The classic car show is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 23 along Del Prado. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT

Lantern District Car Show Scheduled

The Lantern District Car Show is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 23 from 1-5 p.m.

The car show will take place along Del Prado between Old Golden Lantern and Ruby Lantern. Classic motorcycles are also invited to participate in this event.

There will be a DJ and food options for those who attend.

For more information, contact the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce at 949.496.1555 or email media@danapointchamber.com.

Art Walk, Fine Arts Show This Weekend In celebration of Arts and Humanities Month, two events will be held this weekend for art lovers.

Throughout the Lantern District, art displays, art exhibits and more will be featured during the Art Walk. The event is scheduled from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct.

16 along Del Prado, between Ruby Lantern and Old Golden Lantern.

There will be exhibits inside local businesses and live music at several outdoor locations. Baba Elefante Trio, a jazz group, will be playing next to Jack’s Restaurant.

There will also be dance performances.

Admission is free for art walkers. For more information, contact Nancy Jenkins at dpartwalk@cox.net.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Dana Point Fine Arts Association will be holding a show and a sale.

Art of various media will be on display from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Harbor boardwalk alongside the boat docks in Mariner’s Village.

There will be watercolor, oil, acrylic, colored pencil, pastels and photography works by many artists.

Dana Point Fine Arts annually donates a portion of the proceeds from the show to Dana Hills High School Art Department.

For more information, visit www.danapointfinearts.org.

Monarch Beach Resort Hospitality Academy Officially Opened Members of Capistrano Unified School District, Dana Hills High School, Monarch Beach Resort and the city of Dana Point

Dana Hills High School student and the Capistrano Unified School District superintendent and trustees participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Oct. 10. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

officially opened the Monarch Beach Resort Hospitality Academy with a ribboncutting ceremony on Monday, Oct. 10.

Monarch Beach Resort Hospitality Academy is a program that allows students to head to Monarch Beach twice a week to learn about the hotel industry. This is the first year for the program, and 16 Dana Hills students currently attend the sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The students are able to learn from experts in culinary arts, hotel management and hospitality.

Next semester, the students will choose a field in which to have an internship.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

EYE ON DP

Another Set of Ideas

TCA unveils proposals for toll roads, traffic alleviation throughout South Orange County

BY ERIC HEINZ, DANA POINT TIMES

S

ince at least 2008, the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) has been trying to find a way to connect the 241 Toll Road to Interstate 5 through South Orange County.

Plans to build a toll road through Trestles was defeated in 2008 and in early 2015, but TCA is now holding consensus meetings to gather data from the public to address a broader issue that seems inevitable: alleviating traffic through the South Orange County corridor.

TCA hosted a meeting on Oct. 5 in San Clemente to hear public input about finding transportation alternatives to the I-5 and other existing transportation infrastructure. Some of the ideas discussed included roads that would go through Cristianitos; a long road from Ortega Highway that would eventually connect to

The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) met with South Orange County residents on Oct. 5 to discuss transportation proposals. Photo: Eric Heinz

Avenida Pico; more lanes to the I-5 corridor in San Clemente; traffic light synchronization; more bike lanes; and increased train frequency.

The planning, environmental studies and conception of any plan will take at least seven to 10 years, TCA officials said.

Soliciting Ideas from the Public

Jeff Corless, managing director of Venture Strategic, a consulting firm working with the TCA, said the latest proposals use information from several stakeholders, including the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). These proposals take into consideration any infrastructure that could be in place by 2035.

“This is solving a problem defined by

the public and verified by a significant amount of data and planning documents,” Mike Chesney, Chief Strategy Officer of the TCA, said. “The working group decided it would be important to launch a public input forum series … and incorporate the needs and priorities.”

One of the challenges of improving transportation routes, especially in South Orange County, is the potential of impacting natural resources. There’s also the potential, in these early stages, that any given proposal will not contribute to the flow of traffic in a significant way.

The Toll Roads are funded largely by toll revenue bonds to finance the roads.

The tolls collected on the roads pay back the debt. Some funding sources for the proposed extensions include OCTA Measure M funding, future TCA surplus toll revenue and competitive grants for bicycle lane additions.

There are also ideas to get more train frequency through South Orange County, but some of the costs could be prohibitively expensive ($8 billion for a tunnel, for instance, was just an estimate).

“Clearly, as an agency we’re tasked with planning for the future, and 2035 numbers are what we’re basing this on,” Chesney said. “Some say we’re already at a critical threshold (of traffic).”

Environmental and Civic Concerns

Kevin Nelson, founder of the Nature

Commission, an organization that has been outspoken against any toll roads coming through San Clemente and surrounding towns, said these plans are a repeat of what was proposed in 2008 and 2015.

“All that land south of Ortega is wild and is in a very important network of watersheds and animal habitat and for people because it’s one large mass,” Nelson said.

Nelson drew particular attention to one of the options that runs around the east side of the Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy.

Disturbing the land within the areas proposed, he said, could have irreversible consequences.

“If you don’t save the species and the watersheds, then you’re sure as hell not going to have things for the people,” he said. “I’m essentially sure that people in the future will ask, ‘What happened in Southern California, where everything was taken in a rush of greed?’” DP

To see the different proposals, visit www.danapointtimes.com and find the article with this same headline. Files will be provided there. To see raw data from the TCA and Get Moving Orange County, visit www.getmovingoc.com.

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor VOTES YES ON MEASURE M GREGG SWENSON, Capistrano Beach

As a longtime CUSD resident and a retired teacher, I urge my CUSD neighbors to vote yes on Measure M. I worked in a neighboring district for nearly four decades and witnessed firsthand many of the benefits that a well-planned and fortuitously timed bond issue can contribute to a school district. The students not only benefit from the improvements to aging structures and classrooms, but there is a sense of pride when they know their school is as good as or better than it ever was. Conversely, students suffer lapses in concentration and attention when air conditioning fails in hot weather, and they learn less when they’re crammed into structures designed for the class sizes enjoyed decades ago rather than the reality of today’s class sizes.

My own children attended CUSD schools and enjoyed some of the modest improvements brought about by the last bond issue more than a decade ago, but those “upgrades” were primarily much needed repairs necessitated by longneglected maintenance. The benefits of Measure M would not only serve today’s students but will continue to serve generations to come.

The district has done an excellent job of polling community members, parents, students and teachers about what is needed and which schools will receive what type of improvements. Administrators and school board members conducted meetings and produced an informative website to involve and inform the community. The website and the recently received voter information booklet are quite clear on costs, expenses, specific improvements for each site and a sound argument for the urgency of passing Measure M at this time.

There is an opportunity presented by Prop. 55, which offers matching funds to any school districts in California that have passed a bond this year. If Measure M passes on Nov. 8, the district will be able to gain $229 million in state matching funds. If Measure M is not passed, voters in CUSD will still pay for an increase, but see that $229 million go to other districts.

With interest rates at all-time lows, more money can be used to pay for improvements rather than debt service.

Parting with hard-earned cash is always difficult, but there is a difference between spending and investing. Money for schools is, and always has been, an investment.

Dana Point Times October 14-20, 2016

RESPONSE TO ITEM IN SHERRIFF’S BLOTTER

and have Council members who reflect a greater vision for Dana Point.

JACQUELINE LOVELL, Dana Point

UPDATE: REFERENDUM ON SHORTTERM RENTAL ORDINANCE

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

BARBARA WILSON, Dana Point

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

I'm a grateful resident of the wonderful community of Dana Point/Capistrano Beach, and I appreciate the news in the Dana Point Times. I read it cover to cover and always read the Sheriff's Blotter even though it never applies to me. However, I noted a report in the October 7-13 issue that demands a response. Sheriffs were called to a “disturbance” to investigate “15-20 people standing around flicking cigarette butts onto the ground.” What a monumental waste of manpower and tax dollars. These folks are guilty of inconsiderate bad manners, but are hardly a threat to public safety.

Dana Point is a lovely and peaceful place to live because of people, not police enforcement. This situation needs to be addressed directly by the individual feeling offended. The job of the Sheriff's Department is to protect and serve, not act as a big brother.

The complainer should put their energy into forming a neighborhood watch team that can patrol and interact with these so-called offenders. Bad manners are usually an absence of awareness, and these smokers likely have no idea how offensive their behavior can be. A friendly reminder, a kind word and genuine interest into why this group is smoking on the street might engender a dialog and understanding. Please let the sheriffs do an already dangerous and difficult job, and leave petty annoyances to a socially responsible citizenry. Thank you.

THE UGLY TRUTH LYNN SMITH, Capistrano Beach

In last week’s Dana Point Times opinion section, two letters about STRs from Phil Littell and William Matthies told the ugly truth about what goes on when a city allows short-term rentals. The ugly truth: they are impossible to monitor by our “one-man-band” STR cop, Ted Harris, who has to let flagrant violators slide. The ugly truth: the STR websites email STR owners to flood City Council Chambers and have them wax poetically about the benefits of a transient city. The ugly truth: permanent residents do not matter to our current City Council. The ugly truth: 600 complaints from Beach Road residents. Why won’t Ted Harris regulate STRs on Beach Road if it is a city code? The ugly truth: absentee owners who short-term rent their properties could care less about our community.

And the worst ugly truth: our City Council does not care about the residents’ quality of life in our community either. The big lie: that our city can effectively control/monitor/regulate STRs. The truth: we need to get back-room political antics out of our City Council

The referendum was submitted to the Dana Point City Clerk with 3,956 signatures of Dana Point registered voters, who were against the short-term rental (STR) ordinance passed by Councilmen Schoeffel, Olvera and Mayor Tomlinson. The City Clerk has submitted the referendum to the Orange County Registrar of Voters to validate the signatures. It will take approximately 2,100 qualified signatures to pass the referendum.

The strong support for the referendum should send the City Council a clear message that an ordinance needs to consider the interests of all the residents of Dana Point and not just a few STR operators.

The provisions of the city’s ordinance intended to protect residents are virtually unenforceable, especially with the California Coastal Commission prohibiting limits on number of STRs, changes to minimum night stays and reduction in number of vehicles allowed at STRs. Recent documentation suggests that misleading information was presented at the City Council meeting regarding the efficacy of the city’s STR program.

Enforcement is highly questionable since illegal rentals are still allowed to operate in the city. It is also disconcerting that hundreds of violations are being reported to the police or the district without finding out if they are attributable to short-term renters. And many people who signed the referendum do not call the police but are disturbed by STRs. The Council saw fit to change the scheduled date to vote on the ordinance.

Letters were sent to notify the STR owners of the change, but why was no written notice sent to the citizens of the city? This issue is one of the most critical ever to be considered by the City Council. They should have fully informed residents and encouraged their participation before making such an important decision.

With the passage of the referendum by such a significant margin, hopefully the City Council will choose not to have a special election and bring the citizens of Dana Point together to forge a new STR ordinance that protects our neighborhoods.

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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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

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

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 Jake Howard Evan Da Silva Debra Holm Tim Trent Victor Carno

Dana Point Times, Vol. 9, Issue 42. 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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EDITOR’S PICK

FIFTH ANNUAL PEOPLE’S MARCH AGAINST BULLYING 4 p.m. The National Association of People Against Bullying hosts this anti-bullying support walk. The San Clemente group helps local schools—like San Clemente High School and Dana Hills High School— start anti-bullying clubs. Walk starts at Main Beach in Laguna Beach. www.napab.org.

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

Friday | 14 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.

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.

ITALIAN OPERA AT SADDLEBACK COLLEGE 7:30 p.m. Saddleback’s applied voice students will present a concert of Italian love songs and arias. Tickets are $15, and may be purchased online or over the phone. Saddleback College, Fine Arts 101.

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

949.582.4656. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

‘FAHRENHEIT 451’ 7:30 p.m. Ray Bradbury’s classic dystopian novel comes to life at Saddleback College via the Department of Theatre Arts. Runs through Oct. 23. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students.

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

949.582.4656. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

BALLROOM BASH COSTUME PARTY 7:30-8:30 p.m. Costumes and funny Tshirts are encouraged at this Halloween party. The $10 admission includes soft drinks, food and dancing to ballroom, Latin and swing music. Mini lessons are offered throughout the evening. This event is for singles and couples 18 and older. Community Presbyterian Church. 32202 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano. 949.498.0233. www.ballroombash.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE BAYOU BROTHERS 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from The Bayou Brothers at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

‘BEAUTIFUL’ 7:30 p.m. Beautiful – The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom. Runs through Dana Point Times October 14-20, 2016

LIVE MUSIC: BUNCH OF GUYS 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Bunch of Guys at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Photo: Alex Paris

SATURDAY, OCT. 15: DANA POINT OKTOBERFEST Noon-7 p.m. Spaten Munchen hosts the annual Dana Point Oktoberfest at Sea Terrace Park. The opening ceremony and keg tapping starts at noon, followed by a day of competitions as well as German festivities, food and drinks. An assortment of German beers will be on hand. Admission is free and open to all ages. 33501 Niguel Road, Dana Point. www.danapointoktoberfest.com.

Oct. 16. Tickets start at $29. Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. www.scfta.org.

‘DIAL M FOR MURDER’ 8 p.m. Deception, murder, and passion complicate Frederick Knott’s darkly brilliant tale of jealousy and greed, Dial M for Murder. This is the second production of the season at the Camino Real Playhouse.

Show runs through Oct. 30. Tickets start at $20. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC: JANNA AND THE GIANTS 8 p.m. Listen to live music from Janna and the Giants at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

LIVE MUSIC: FELISHA 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Felisha at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, No. 106, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Saturday | 15 TALEGA RUN CLUB 7:30 a.m. All ages and running abilities are welcome to this weekly running club.

2XU, an athletic apparel store in San Clemente, supports the club and helps lead the runs. Group meets in front of Peet’s Coffee at 801 Avenida Talega, San Clemente.

949.558.5054. www.meetup.com/2XU-SanClemente-Outlet-Meetup.

DANA POINT WOMEN’S CLUB GARAGE SALE 8-11:30 a.m. The Dana Point Women’s Club will be having a garage sale to raise money for the organization. The Women’s Club gives scholarships to students at Dana Hills High School, raises funds for the armed forces and other organizations. Dana Point Women’s Community House. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point.

949.859.5706.

REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30 a.m. The Tree of Life Nursey celebrates planting season with a series of workshops on growing native species in your yard. The Oct. 15 class concerns “creating and caring for your garden.” The workshop is free. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

SMART GARDENING 101: CREATING A HABITAT GARDEN WITH CALIFORNIA NATIVES 9:30-10:30 a.m. Listen to the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners as they share information on how to use native, drought tolerant plants in your garden. Cost is free. Hosted

by Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, and event will be held at Reata Park. 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Family Style performs live music in the afternoon, followed by Honky Tonk Kings. The Swallow’s Inn.

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LIVE MUSIC: FLOCK OF 80’S 8 p.m. Listen to live music from Flock of 80’s at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente.

206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

LIVE MUSIC CRUISE 8-9:30 p.m. Sonic Gold performs onboard the 95-foot Dana Pride. Full bar includes wine, beer and mixed drinks. Tickets are $22. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

LIVE MUSIC: MIKEY DE LARA 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Mikey de Lara at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, No. 106, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

Sunday | 16 SAN CLEMENTE SURF CLASSIC 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The second annual San Clemente Surf Classic takes over T Street Beach. The competition is strictly for San Clemente youth, and about 200 groms are expected to compete. Registration for contestants is $40. 339 W. Paseo De Cristobal, San Clemente. www.scchamber.com.

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING CRUISE 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Hop aboard the R/V Sea Explorer to see whales, dolphins, sea lions and more. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and active- duty military and $25 for children. The Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES HUNGER WALK 12:30-5 p.m. FAM hosts their 29th annual Hunger Walk. Meet at the San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.492.8477. www.hungerwalk.family-assistance.org.

(Cont. on page 25) www.danapointtimes.com

THE ELECTION ISSUE

Quite the Propositions California voters will choose sides on a variety of statewide initiatives This November, California voters will decide the fate of 17 ballot initiatives, including whether to legalize marijuana, repeal the death penalty and enact gun control measures regarding ammunition and magazine size. Here, we’ve highlighted those three important measures, and you can view our breakdown of the other 14 propositions at www.danapointtimes.com.

PROPOSITION

62 Prop. 62 repeals the death penalty in California, which has been in effect since 1978.

Including California, 30 states allow the death penalty. If passed, Prop. 62 would make life in prison without possibility of parole the harshest punishment available.

For: Former President Jimmy Carter, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, California Democratic Party, California NAACP, several ACLU groups, select religious and humanist organizations Against: California Republican Party, dozens of law enforcement advocacy groups, and dozens of district attorneys and sheriffs throughout California.

PROPOSITION

63

This initiative would require people wishing to buy ammunition to obtain a permit from the state, and would effectively prohibit possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines. The permit would require a background check by the Department of Justice.

For: California Democratic Party, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland, and several law enforcement officials.

Against: California Republican Party, National Rifle Association, California Police Chiefs Association.

Race for the State Assembly Bill Brough, the Republican candidate for California’s 73rd Assembly District, is the incumbent and served on the Dana Point City Council from 2010-2014.

Brough’s challenger is Mesbah Islam, a write-in candidate. However, after weeks of continuous emails and phone calls, Islam did not respond to set up an interview. A spokesman for the Democratic Party of Orange County said in September that they didn’t think Islam “was very serious about running anymore.”

As Islam has been unreachable, we will only report excerpts from our conversation with Brough. If Islam responds between now and the election, we will run his answers online.

ON PROP 47 Dana Point Times asked Brough if he would do anything to alter Prop 47, which reduced punishments of certain crimes to citations in lieu of jail time.

“I think there were some unintended consequences that were missed when Prop 47 was passed. We had a series of bills to try to correct those, and as things come up…

U.S. Senate Candidates: FIVE FACTS Loretta Sanchez (D)

PROPOSITION

64 If passed, Prop. 64 would allow adults 21 and older to possess and use marijuana for recreational (that is, non-medical) purposes. Smoking marijuana in public and while driving would be illegal, as would possession in school zones. Californians would be able to possess up to 28.5 grams at a time, and could cultivate six plants at home.

Taxes would be levied on cultivation and retail sales of marijuana. Revenue would be used to fund drug research, youth programs and an initiative to help police determine whether or not a driver is high. Municipalities would be able to ban the sale of recreational marijuana, but they won’t receive a share of the tax revenue.

For: California Democratic Party, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, ACLU of California, California NAACP, California Nurses Association Against: California Republican Party, Rep. Bill Brough and many sheriffs, district attorneys and police organizations

1. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996.

2. Served on the Armed Services Committee and the Homeland Security Committee since 2011. She touts being a champion for women in the military, among other things.

3. Attendance record in Congress has been criticized, and according to data from GovTrack, has missed about 33.5 percent of votes since mid-2015.

4. Sanchez leans left on most social and fiscal issues. Nearly half of the legislation she has sponsored, however, focuses on armed forces and national security issues

Bill Brough we’ll certainly look at legislation to fix that,” Brough said.

ON SOBER LIVING HOMES “We’ve got a big epidemic with prescription drug use,” Brough said, adding that he wants to approach sober living as a “consumer-protection issue.” He said, “I’m going to get with the insurance (companies) and see what it is they offer, and maybe there’s a way to steer people toward a licensed facility rather than an unlicensed (facility).”

ON HOMELESSNESS “We have to have a community plan,” Brough said. “There’s actually money and programs out there, and the county is sitting on a bunch of mental health money, and I know they’re moving forward on that as a county problem. We just need to get that money out and the money needs to go to the homeless veterans and the support groups who are helping.”

and taxation.

5. She has received endorsements from several colleagues in the House of Representatives.

Kamala Harris (D) 1. Served as California’s Attorney General since 2011, and District Attorney in San Francisco prior to that.

2. Touts a focus as Attorney General on combating international drug rings and weapons trade.

3. Performance as Attorney General has been critiqued (by Sanchez and others), who point to the fact that violent crime has increased 10 percent in California during her term.

4. Leans left on most social and fiscal issues, and wants to reform the criminal justice system and enact stricter environmental regulations.

5. Harris has earned the endorsement of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, Senators Barbara Boxer and Elizabeth Warren, and a long list of organizations and local officials.

SANCHEZ AND HARRIS, BOTH DEMOCRATS, ARE VYING FOR THE U.S. SENATE SEAT AFTER SEN. BARBARA BOXER’S RETIREMENT.

DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

THE ELECTION ISSUE

South Orange County’s CUSD Candidates Six candidates are running for three seats on the Capistrano Unified School District’s Board of Trustees in Areas 1, 2 and 3, which cover schools in South Orange County. Each area has two candidates vying for a seat, and in Area 3, both candidates are newcomers, as incumbent John Alpay is running for a seat on the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees. There is also a fourth seat up for election in Trustee Area 5, which covers schools in Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel.

Incumbent Gary Pritchard is running against Jake Vollebregt. Introductions from candidates in Areas 1, 2 and 3 are listed below in the order that their names will appear on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.

Trustee Area 1

Trustee Area 2

Trustee Area 3

R.H. Dana Elementary, R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility, Palisades Elementary, Las Palmas Elementary, Shorecliffs Middle School

Harold Ambuehl Elementary, Chaparral Elementary, Ladera Ranch Elementary, Las Flores Elementary, Oso Grande Elementary, Wagon Wheel Elementary, Ladera Ranch Middle School, Las Flores Middle School, San Juan Hills High School

Truman Benedict Elementary, Concordia Elementary, Marblehead Elementary, Clarence Lobo Elementary, Vista del Mar Elementary, Bernice Ayer Middle School, Vista del Mar Middle School, San Clemente High School

Wendy Shrove, Software Development Business Owner

Gould Workman, Sales Manager

Laura Ferguson, Public Information Officer

Shrove is a 20-year resident of San Clemente, whose children both attend CUSD schools.

Shrove said she’s running for CUSD Trustee to provide better representation on the school board for residents.

She plans to focus on helping students meet minimum standards in English and math and improve the district’s occupational training program to meet the demands of the current job market.

She is against Measure M, the $889 million bond, because she says it would add unnecessary debt.

Workman is the father of five children in CUSD, and his wife is a district teacher. He’s worked 22 years as a project and sales manager.

Workman has served on the PTA board, and wants to focus on a democratic, open approach to board discussions and decisions. Workman says the last 15 years of CUSD boards have not put residents’ interests first, claiming the current board is “dismissive” towards those in the community wishing to share input.

Ferguson has served as a San Clemente city employee for 17 years. She says she wants to raise the district’s math and English ranks from 31st and 23rd in the state, respectively.

Ferguson serves on State Assemblyman Bill Brough’s Education Advisory Committee, and is an advocate for more school choice. She opposes the $889 million bond—she also led a citizen advocacy group in Talega to win a reduction of Mello-Roos taxation payments in the neighborhood.

Amy Hanacek, Incumbent, Business Owner

Jim Reardon, Incumbent, Business Owner/Engineer

Patricia Holloway, Retired Business Owner

Hanacek touts the rapid growth in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) programs during her time on the CUSD board.

She says her targets on the board include practicing fiscal prudence to make sure cutting-edge resources are available to students. She serves on the College and Career Advantage Board, which provides technical education and career pathways for students.

Hanacek is a Capistrano Beach resident, small business owner and is the parent of two CUSD graduates.

Reardon is the current CUSD board vice president. He supports “classroom reform, school choice, local control, program innovation and fair taxation.”

Reardon opposes CUSD’s $889 million bond, which he says will burden younger families. Reardon says his focus will be on opening new schools (like in Esencia) and overseeing expansion (as at San Juan Hills High School).

Reardon is a parent and business owner. He also runs a nonprofit serving sixth- to 12th-grade students with autism.

Holloway is a 30-year San Clemente resident and volunteer. She has experience with fundraising efforts for nonprofits like Casa Romantica and the Marine Monument.

She says she’s running to build trust between CUSD and the community, and plans to build an economic council if elected to bridge the gap between residents, teachers and parents. She supports more school choice, language immersion programs and an increase in the technology and new education tools available to area students.

THE ELECTION ISSUE

CUSD’s Measure M:

What You Need to Know

BY ALLISON JARRELL

The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted in August to call a school bond election within the newly formed School Facilities Improvement District #2, which encompasses the entire district except for Rancho Mission Viejo. On Nov. 8, district voters will have to decide whether they want to pay more taxes to help the school district leverage state funds for over $800 million in deferred facilities maintenance.

Below is the district’s official summary of Measure M, which will appear on the ballot: “To upgrade neighborhood schools by repairing outdated classrooms; improving science, technology, engineering, and math labs; ensuring fire/drinking water safety; removing asbestos; replacing leaky roofs; upgrading safety/security; repairing, constructing, and equipping educational facilities to prepare students for college/ vocational/military careers, shall School Facilities Improvement District #2 of the Capistrano Unified School District issue $889 million in bonds at legal interest rates, requiring an independent citizens’ oversight committee, annual independent audits, no funds for administrator or teacher salaries/ benefits, and all funds used locally?”

Five Facts about Measure M: 1. If 55 percent of voters approve Measure M in November, the district estimates that residents living within SFID #2—which includes the entire district except for Rancho Mission Viejo—will be taxed $41.81 per $100,000 of assessed value on their homes in fiscal year 2017-18 in order to begin funding the bond. That amount will grow to $42.93 per $100,000 in 2025-26 and reach a maximum of $42.99 per $100,000 of assessed value in fiscal year 2032-33. *Bonds can only be issued if the tax rate levied does not exceed $60 per year per $100,000 of taxable property, according to the California Education Code.

2. The total debt service, including principal and interest, for the $889 million general obligation bond would be $1.8 billion. Taxpayers will pay off the bond over a 35-year period.

3. The Orange County Taxpayers Associa-

Bond Measure Key Features BOND AMOUNT $889 Million ESTIMATED MAXIMUM TAX LEVY $43 per $100,000 of assessed value (not market value) IMPLEMENTATION TIMEFRAME 10-year plan SCHOOLS INCLUDED Every existing school in CUSD

tion has confirmed that Measure M meets the association’s minimum criteria for school bonds; however, the association does not endorse measures. The South Orange County Economic Coalition announced its opposition to Measure M in September because it is “too large and its impacts too broad to support.”

4. How CUSD will spend the potential new funding is a topic of contention. Measure M states that the proceeds from the sale of bonds would be used for “construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities.” The measure lists 53 school sites, including charter schools. Additional expenditures may include “student transportation, food service, maintenance and operations facilities” (excluding the district office). By law, none of the bond’s funds can be used for administrator salaries or pensions. Critics of the measure say the ballot language lacks specificity and transparency.

5. Should Measure M pass, the district will be required to establish an “independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee to ensure that bond proceeds are expended only for the school facilities projects” listed.

The district will also conduct an “annual independent financial audit of the bond proceeds until all of those proceeds have been spent for the school facilities projects” listed in the measure.

Wondering what specific improvements are planned for your school? For a complete list of facility projects included in the ballot measure, visit www.capousd.ca.schoolloop.com.

South OC Community College District The South OC Community College District encompasses Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Irvine Valley College in Irvine and the Advanced Technology and Education Park in Tustin. The board is comprised of seven members, who are voted in at-large. This year, Trustee Areas 3, 4 and 6 are up for election (two areas are unopposed), and the candidates for those Trustee Areas must live within its boundaries. One seat is available in each area.

Trustee Area 3 Includes Laguna Beach, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point and parts of Laguna Hills, Newport Beach, San Clemente and unincorporated areas

Trustee Area 4 Includes San Clemente, Ladera Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, Coto de Caza, parts of Rancho Santa Margarita, Las Flores and unincorporated areas

TERRI WHITT, INCUMBENT Whitt touts analyzing budgets and carrying out “due processes” in all matters during her time on the board.

Her priorities include the Emeritus Program for seniors, supporting K-12 partnerships, expanding veterans’ curricula and supporting the transition program with California’s state universities. Whitt has spent 40 years at Saddleback College as a nursing professor.

BARBARA “BOBBIE” JAY, INCUMBENT Jay was appointed to the board two years ago to fill a vacancy. She has worked as a teacher and business owner for 42 years, and has volunteered with Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College. Her priorities include fiscal responsibility with no new taxes, lifelong learning for seniors, job training, expanding K-12 and community partnerships and improving student access.

JOHN ALPAY, BOARD MEMBER, CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Alpay touts business experience at Oakley and Samsung, as well as a board position with the South Orange County Economic Coalition. His priorities include increasing public-private partnerships between community colleges and businesses. As a CUSD board member, Alpay says he advocated for reducing property taxes, saving residents $61.1 million in Mello-Roos payments. He says he also helped refinance bond obligations in South Orange County.

PETER J. ESPINOSA, COLLEGE PROFESSOR Espinosa touts 41 years of experience in the field of higher education as a professor, counselor and administrator at the college and university level. He served two terms as a school board trustee for Capistrano Unified School District. His goals include cutting the cost of administrators, streamlining financial aid, improving technical and career training and more.

JIM LEACH, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH Leach served two terms as president of the Saddleback College Foundation Board.

During his tenure, he claims growing the Foundation endowment from $500,000 to $5 million, increasing scholarship funding by 157 percent, and increasing the number of students receiving support. One of his foci is on using tax dollars on student achievement, instead of getting caught up in bureaucracy.

KIMBERLY CLARK, NON-PROFIT DIRECTOR/ EDUCATOR Clark has 22 years of experience in areas of management, collaboration, staffing and facilitation of programs. She’s served as school-site administrator and counselor, coordinated programs and volunteered as a court-appointed CASA advocate. She has a doctoral degree in education and runs an education non-profit organization.

Her priorities include fiscal responsibility, improving educational quality and hiring a new chancellor and president for the district.

GARY V. MILLER, RETIRED TEACHER Miller’s focus is on providing students more opportunities.

This includes offering meaningful internships by partnering with businesses; offering college courses to high school students; and ensuring the district remains committed to returning students, especially veterans—Miller himself is a veteran. Miller previously served eight years on the Mt. San Antonio Community College board of trustees.

DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

Trustee Area 6 Includes Lake Forest, parts of Irvine and unincorporated areas

JAMES “JIM” R. WRIGHT, INCUMBENT Wright is a current trustee and a former college administrator and chemistry professor.

He also served as the Math/Science Dean at Saddleback College. His priorities include ensuring tax dollars enhance student success, maximizing programs for transfer, vocational and life-long students and keeping in line with his “values as a fiscal conservative.”

MIKE DALATI, EDUCATOR Dalati is a professor at ORT Jewish College and co-founder of the OC Latino Outreach nonprofit organization. His two kids attend Irvine Valley College. His focus is not on politics, but on “leveraging and maximizing our resources” to meet future educational needs. He says the time is now for an overhaul of leadership on the board.

THE ELECTION ISSUE

City Council Candidates Make Their Final Pitches Five candidates are seeking to be elected to one of two open spots on the Dana Point City Council.

In order to get a better idea of the overall vision each candidate has for the city, we asked them, “What do you see as the main issue Council should consider over the next four years?”

The candidates’ responses ranged from encouraging development to maintaining an identity, indicating a wide array of goals and initiatives the city could take on in subsequent years.

Check out www.danapointtimes.com to see the candidates’ responses to questions about affordable living, development in Doheny Village and the Lantern District, and sober living facilities.

The candidate’s responses are listed in the order in which their names will appear on the ballot.

NADIA KHALIL

TRAVEL AGENT Khalil said the main issue the Council should consider is the fact that the city has turned into a “marketing” campaign—particularly in light of Council’s recent approval of short-term rentals.

“Our community is being marketed, and we the residents are being marketed out of our community,” Khalil said. “Everybody I’ve heard that recently moved here, purchased a place and now [are renting] them as vacation rentals, stated, ‘We moved here because of the charm of Dana Point. We love Dana Point; don’t you want to share Dana Point?’ Well, of course.”

Khalil said the city has a large tourism area but she doesn’t agree with what she sees as residents turning residential areas into tourism areas.

“We have a huge tourism area of Dana Point, but that doesn’t mean I as a resident, who pays taxes, needs to turn my area as well into the tourist area,” Khalil said. “I was surprised to hear the Turkey Trot was marketed to what it is today, and I thought, ‘Why is the Turkey Trot marketed?’ That was our hometown event for just the residents to grow with.”

Khalil said there is a lot of greed in the city, which has only progressed over recent years. She added that if the city had listened to its residents, the city would be an “even better money maker.”

“It’s a beautiful location but if you continue to build it away, you’re not going to have that anymore. Instead of building it away, we should be enhancing it,” Khalil said. “We should have a tourism area so that our hotels are doing well, our businesses are doing well; [but] they are overdeveloping to not support these industries. If they looked at what we have, enhance what we have, we would be a destination that real estate would be very valuable.”

PAUL WYATT

RETIRED ENGINEERING EXECUTIVE Wyatt said the main issue the Council should consider is the city’s financial health, “which will take more than four years [to work on].”

He said since 2009, the city has been deficit spending “by quite a lot.”

“Often they will argue with you they didn’t draw down the reserves but it drew down something.

The savings account doesn’t have as much savings in it,” Wyatt said. “The city’s chest of money isn’t quite nearly as

big as it used to be.”

He said the city needs to stop spending.

“It can’t continue to spend, they sold some land and other things that covered some immediate expenses, but there’s only so much that can do,” Wyatt said.

Wyatt said the city needs to make a plan to get the expenses and revenue “in line.”

“It will take some time to rebuild [the city’s funds] and look how we’re going to fund the Doheny Village project and other things until they get the financial house in order,” Wyatt said.

He said a lot of spending has also gone to the increasing number of staff the city has. “[The city has hired] a lot of new employees over the last few years; their payroll, I think there’s 12 or 14 people that are making $150,000 a year base. That’s a lot of money for a city this size,” Wyatt said. “I think they need to get the financial house in order, that’s really the biggest problem that can get the city in trouble or make it so the rest of the plans go sort of awry.”

DEBRA LEWIS

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER Lewis said she believes the main issue the City Council should consider is development.

“I think development of various issues is huge, Town Center, Doheny because it impacts everything we’re doing,” Lewis said. “It impacts our parking, it impacts our roads, it impacts transportation.”

Previously, when the Times asked each candidate what they would like to see from development in the Lantern District and Doheny Village, Lewis said she would like to hear from the public what they want to see go into the areas. But, one initiative she did say she would like to see is to incorporate a “music identity.”

Lewis said development also impacts how the city gets people in and out.

“Until we know what we’re going to put there, and what we anticipate of how many people are coming in and out and how we’re going to get them there, I don’t know how else you can address those problems,” Lewis said.

She said the first thing she would want to do is to look at the whole city. “[We need to take a look and see] what needs to be done there, how are we going to do that, and then what are the issues that go along with that,” Lewis said. “Our decisionmaking process as a city is so flawed that this is what causes the problem.”

PENNY MAYNARD

NONPROFIT CONSULTANT Maynard said she believes the main issue is building out the Lantern District, and building out the city’s economy.

“I think implementing the vote from H to build out the Lantern District [will be important], and I think it needs DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

to be built out because [of the businesses on Del Prado],” Maynard said. “I’ve tried to work closely with them over the years, and I think that needs to be dealt with.”

Maynard said that even though the city’s economy is good and primarily strong due to tourism, it still needs to be worked on.

“If we build [Del Prado] out, and have a nice area where people want to come, somewhere the hotels and resorts want to send their guests, there and to the Harbor,” Maynard said. “When Doheny Village is completed in a way where they have their restaurants and gift shops, it will be beautiful.”

She said she’s for “building the economy” and thinks it can always grow.

“Even though we’re pretty much built out, you can still grow it,” Maynard said. “If you look around, you can see, we’re not getting the foot traffic we should on Del Prado. If people come, there aren’t as many shops and restaurants and things to do. It isn’t something that will keep them there for any length of time.”

She added that a connection needs to be made between the business areas in the city.

“You need to connect Doheny Village, the Harbor and Lantern District,” Maynard said. “I would be interested to see what we can do there.”

MICHELLE BROUGH

BUSINESSWOMAN/INVESTMENT ATTORNEY Brough said the main issue is that the city needs “a facelift.”

“The issue for me is the facelift of Dana Point being started and completed,” Brough said. “We cannot have projects lingering for years and years and years.”

She said the Dana Point Harbor Plan from 2006 is one example of a plan that was created years ago and needs to be either revisited or executed.

“So much has changed. If you leave these projects that you use taxpayer dollars on, creating these huge projects, you have the community come together, you have town hall meetings, all the resources being used to create this plan, and then it just languishes,” Brough said. “They really need to be pushed through to completion.”

She said with these development changes, she’s adamant about the city keeping its charm.

“In all honestly, my family, we’re lifers in Dana Point. We made the choice to move here, and we’re going to make it work,” Brough said. “It’s honestly my hope that my kids can eventually, and want to, come back to this area.”

She said to ensure that the younger generation comes back, redevelopment is necessary.

“There are there are those who agree no growth is the best approach, that’s not what I believe. I don’t believe in ‘no growth,’ I believe in keeping the charm and the uniqueness of Dana Point,” Brough said. “But some of the residents want no growth, that’s great. Let’s have a conversation, I’m absolutely accepting of that, I think it’s a wonderful position, it’s not mine but it is a lot of people’s position.”

THE ELECTION ISSUE

Water District Candidates Make Their Pitches

South Coast Water District (SCWD) SCWD is a five-member elected board of directors that oversees policy-making, financing, rate-setting, capital programs and long-term planning for Dana Point, South Laguna and areas of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Three members will be elected.

Wayne Rayfield, Incumbent Rayfield has served on the SCWD board for eight years, including seven as president.

His priorities in a new term include protecting both drinking and ocean water quality, keeping rates low, developing local sources for potable water and listening to feedback from the community. He says he wants to continue Doheny Desalination Plant work and expand recycled water infrastructure.

Rick Erkeneff, Dana Point Business Owner/Incumbent Erkeneff has served on the SCWD board as vice president for the last four years, and says his top priority in the next term would be to continue protecting the coastal environment.

He supports the repair of aging infrastructure and the expansion of water recycling, which

Candidates District 49 U.S. House of Representatives

he says saves millions of gallons of water. He also supports responsible ocean desalination.

Bob Oakley,

for seven years constructing capital projects in Dana Point. He wants to focus on fiscal responsibility and creating better local partnerships for water and wastewater issues.

Retired Project Manager As a former business owner and Project Manager at a major public utility, Oakley says he brings broad knowledge of the challenges faced by California’s water districts. Oakley touts educating hundreds of elected officials about hydroelectric facilities including reservoirs and tunnels. His priorities include protecting the environment, increasing water reliability and protecting water quality.

Robert W. (Bob) Moore, Retired Business Owner Moore is a longtime Dana Point resident who has volunteered for causes such as the incorporation of Dana Point, the Dana Point Historical Society and the Chamber of Commerce. His focus will be on moving the desalination project forward and adding new additional reservoirs, while spending ratepayer money efficiently.

Julie A. Simer, Attorney Simer claims close to three decades of experience as a prosecutor, national health care lawyer and public health professional. She says she first learned the importance of water growing up in a farm town in Illinois, where water supply from rain meant the difference between economic failure and survival. Her priorities include upgrading SCWD’s consumer experience, navigating government regulations efficiently and educating consumers about water supply and wastewater disposal Douglas Erdman, Civil Engineer Erdman is a longtime resident of Capistrano Beach and a registered civil engineer with over 24 years of professional experience. He currently works for Lake Forest as a Principal Civil Engineer. Erdman previously worked

Municipal Water District of Orange County, Division 7 MWDOC purchases and distributes water throughout most of Orange County. It is governed by a seven-member board. District 7 of MWDOC covers South Coast Water District, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. One member will be elected.

Megan Yoo Schnieder, Water Engineer Schneider has over 12 years of professional and association experience, including serving on two boards of directors, and she possesses multiple bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering. She is also a licensed professional civil engineer in the State of California.

Schneider says she invests much of her time to increase public awareness and educate the younger generations about the importance of water.

Col. Doug Applegate (D)

Evan Chaffee, Business Owner/Consultant Chaffee is a lifelong Orange County native and small business owner. His focus serving on MWDOC would be to provide fiscally responsibly leadership by ensuring customers receive inexpensive water. He also wants to incorporate emerging technology and water supply options, including desalination. Chaffee has previously served as a city planning commissioner and public policy advisor.

Richard Gardner, Water Systems Consultant Gardner says by conserving water, the area has been able to meet demands of a growing population, without yet increasing water supplies. Gardner supports further water conservation and the California water fix, which he says will provide high quality water without damaging the environment or state fisheries. If not approved, Gardner said he will work as a board member to secure state and federal funding to fill in the gaps.

Raymond Miller, Registered Professional Engineer Miller is a water manager and registered engineer in South Orange County. He was the general manager of the South Coast Water District for 25 years and also served as the vice president of the American Water Works Association, the national organization of water professionals. His focus is on ensuring water availability given California’s ongoing drought and water shortages.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R)

Colonel Doug Applegate served 32 years in the Marine Corps, and has lived in San Clemente since 1981. He is also a civil trial attorney. This is his first time seeking elected office. Applegate’s platform includes reform of mandatory sentencing laws, a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and increased regulation of the financial sector. He would also call for a second look at the Trans-Pacific Partnership, retooling Veterans’ Affairs and protecting Medicare and Social Security.

A former member of the U.S. Army and businessman, Issa has served numerous roles in his 16 years in Congress, currently serving on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The richest member of Congress, Issa lays claim to having played integral parts in several matters of importance. He touts initiating a movement to create a commission to investigate the “root causes of the financial crises,” and launched an investigation into the attacks on U.S. offices in Libya.

On Why They’re Running

“I was concerned about the leadership in Congress because every time I hear somebody talking about the use of military force or combat operations, I’m hearing somebody talk that’s never really seen the trials and realities and the fog of war. And you just can’t send our children, our grandchildren, our blood and our treasure off to foreign lands without asking the right questions.”

“I didn’t plan on being here 16 years, but 9/11 happened and something else happened. And instead of going back to my business career, I’ve stayed with doing what I’m doing. Now I’m very involved in some things that I want to get done, and I’m asking the district to consider are they better off with somebody with my experience and the things that I plan to accomplish, and I’m hoping they say yes.”

On the Environment

“We should have a Manhattan-type project with renewable fuels. And guess what? This part of Southern California has all these natural synergies in research for so many things. It’s stupid that our Congressmen haven’t been pounding the table on that. I mean, I know who to drag up from the Pentagon to say, ‘Hey renewables, talk to all these idiots.’ And it’s a national security thing, so if you think this is some grand liberal conspiracy or whatever, it’s not. This is a real issue.”

“We have to essentially get off burning carbon faster than it’s produced. So the entire sustainability question of ecology is in fact the same question as the global warming crowd has. I’m not going to be an alarmist and every time it’s a little warmer or cooler say ‘My goodness. Climate change’ and the floods here are there are automatically caused because I don’t think they are. What I do know is there’s 7 billion people in the world, and we are not in a sustainable mode.”

Bio

THE QUOTES ABOVE WERE TAKEN FROM OUR INTERVIEWS WITH THE CANDIDATES IN SEPTEMBER. FOR THE FULL TRANSCRIPTS, VISIT WWW.DANAPOINTTIMES.COM.

DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12)

Monday | 17 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.

COA BEREAVEMENT GROUP 6:30-8 p.m. The first session of the Communtiy Outreach Alliance’s bereavement group. It will be hosted by Pondo Vleisides, a pastoral care coach and spiritual advisor, and Tanya Brown, author, speaker and sister of Nicole Simpson-Brown.

Event is free. TLC Ministries. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Tuesday | 18 TINY TOTS: PARENT AND ME PROGRAM 9-10:30 a.m. Children ages 2 and 3, and their parents, are invited to The Ocean Institute to explore shapes, colors and textures with the sea star. Runs every Tuesday until Nov. 8. Cost is $30 for one class, $150 for the whole series. The Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

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.

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.

LECTURE: HISTORY OF ARCHAEOLOGY OF RANCHO MISSION VIEJO 7-8:30 p.m. Carol Demcak, president of Archaeological Resource Mgmt. Corp, will present the history of archaeology at Rancho Mission Viejo. The talk will focus on identification and recording of the ranch’s artifacts—of which many will be on display. Spots fill up quickly, so RSVP at www.rmvreserve.org. Event is free and available to adults and kids ages 8 and up.

28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.9778.

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke every Tuesday night Dana Point Times October 14-20, 2016

at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente.

206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

AUTUMN NIGHTS JAZZ SERIES 7-9:30 p.m. The Casino San Clemente hosts the second installment of their seasonal jazz series. Tickets are $7 online, $10 at the door. 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.369.6600. www.casinoautumnnights.brownpapertickets.com.

Wednesday | 19 LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE 9-11:30 a.m. Bring a friend or come by yourself to learn bridge. People age 9-99 are welcome. South Orange County Bridge Center. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. www. danaharborbridgecenter.org.

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

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 | 20 HEALTHY SKINCARE AND NUTRITIONAL DETOX CLASS 6-8 p.m. Join Dr. Helene Pulnik, ND, for this health and detox class. Class is free. 24865 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point.

949.416.4670

Friday | 21

Photo: Courtesy of A24

CARING FOR OTHERS, CARING FOR SELF SEMINAR 2:30-4:30 p.m. A discussion of healthy and successful aging hosted by the Orange County Aging Services Collaborative.

Sen. Pat Bates provides opening remarks.

Outlets at San Clemente, VIP Lounge.

101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. Event is free. 949.757.3775. www.occaringresources.eventbrite.com.

At the Movies: ‘American Honey’ is a Sweet Alternative

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. are $49.

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

888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

LIVE MUSIC: CHRIS ANDERSEN BAND 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Chris Andersen Band 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.

THE DISH

“The Tube” SURFIN’ CHICKEN

71 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente. 949.498.6603. www.scsurfinchicken.weebly.com.

Surfin’ Chicken looks and sounds like the kind of place that might appear in the background of a 1990s arcade game—of which there is one in the actual Surfin’ Chicken—but “The Tube.” Matt Cortina the food inside couldn’t get any realer.

The first thing you see inside are about a dozen broken down whole chickens spread across a big open grill that flames as fat drips down. There’s also fish rotated daily—the red snapper looks charred and delicious, but come on, chicken is in the name. There’s only one choice.

“The Tube” is aptly named because that’s really what it is—an inglorious vessel for glorious chicken. Shredded meat is impossibly moist and imbued with the flavor of some time-tested and reddish spice rub. There’s a diced salsa and small avocado salad with which to top The Tube, which comes in a clear plastic tray, but it’s all a modest pedestal for the meat.

To be clear: This might be the best chicken you’ll ever eat. At least this year. And the look of the place might be an easy jab, but it’s the kind of casual ambiance that only adds to the shop’s lore. —Matt Cortina Page 25

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

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n the midst of Halloween season, when appropriately spooky movies like Miss Peregrine’s, The Girl on the Train and Ouija 2 are in theaters, Andrea Arnold releases her new coming-of-age indie drama, American Honey. In the same vein as her previous film about teen girlhood, Fish Tank (2009), but with a Texan girl instead of an English one, American Honey also has traces of the 1969 classic road film, Easy Rider.

Eighteen-year-old Star (Sasha Lane) lives in a shack with her lowlife stepfather and her two little halfsiblings, whom she raises more than anyone else. One day while at the store, a charismatic nomad named Jake (Shia LaBeouf) convinces her to join his van of fellow vagabonds.

Jake, Star and the other free spirits drive city to city all over middle America selling magazine subscriptions. When they’re not making money, they’re partying at night and discovering love.

In her usual fashion, Arnold casts an ordinary teenage girl with no acting experience as the lead, and Lane makes just as impressive of a debut as Katie Jarvis did in Tank. The natural, raw delivery of Lane’s breakthrough performance is matched perfectly with the filmmaker’s tight, documentary-style direction. Alongside LaBeouf and Riley Keough, who are the only Hollywood actors in Honey, Lane holds her own as if she’s had just as much experience acting.

Every scene of the nearly three-hour film revolves around Lane and she completely shines and has great chemistry with LaBeouf. If you’re not into horror, here’s the film to see this October. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Dana Point Organizations Benefit from Shopping Extravaganza

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

Senior Women Who Date Younger Men: “Don’t Call Us Cougars.”

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henever I write about senior men dating much younger women, the majority of responses come from women. Many women think the guys who try to do so are delusional.

And yet, some women don’t have a problem with those guys, as long as women dating younger men is acknowledged.

Today, six Southern California women share their opinions.

Maurya, San Clemente, said, “It’s important to look at the other side of the coin, or the reverse situation, which is less common but noteworthy. I know a number of women over 50 (who are divorced or widowed) ON LIFE AND who are quite hapLOVE AFTER 50 pily dating or married to

By Tom Blake younger men.

“As in any relationship, finances may play some role: younger men may be attracted to the economic security that many older professional women have achieved.

“In this day and age of changing social roles, revised identities and greater self-awareness, the pre-existing barriers of gender stereotypes and behaviors are beginning to change, thank goodness.”

Stella, Newport Beach, wrote, “Regarding dating and aging, I’ve heard … that the ideal age gap should be five to seven years either way (men or women dating younger). Beyond that, you have to start to question the motives…”

Diane, Laguna Woods, emailed, “How about older women dating younger men? It is very liberating, no stress to marry, guys are respectful, the women love it (I know I do). Commitment issues seem to be not so important.

“And please, don’t call us ‘cougars.’

It’s disrespectful. I am 73, and he is 58.

We’ve been seeing each other two to three times a month for four years. (We) met on Senior Date, and he contacted me. I was very hesitant for the first five or six dates, but we have the highest respect for and expectations of each other.

“Expectations were outlined as soon as we met: No marriage, can continue to date others if the other wants to. Keep open, trusting, respecting each other as adults. I would never lie to him, or accept a lie from him. Respect is our biggest asset!”

Joanie, of Torrance, said, “I had a relationship with a man 14 years younger.

He was a bit immature (although a very nice person) and eventually we had little to share—it almost felt like mommy and son. Both of us needed a relationship with someone closer to our age.

“Music and events related to particular decades are fun to discuss and share, but when the partner is over a decade younger, he might not have been born at the time so he cannot share ‘memories.’ Maybe a fiveto seven-year age difference would work.”

Janice, of Anaheim, said, “All of us hope our relationships will withstand the test of time. However, the ones with less baggage—such as not having a big age difference—will most definitely have a greater chance of doing so.”

Shelly, of San Diego, said, “I am 68, a widow of two years and a retired school teacher and have been seeing a man five years younger for six months. His online profile said he likes to walk, swim, travel, dance and that he is ‘playful,’ likes to sing and play the guitar and piano.

“But, we have managed to take only a few short walks together. He usually says he can’t walk more because he suddenly feels overheated. We went on four halfhour bike rides and then he said his hip

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Dana Point Times October 14-20, 2016

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

T

wo Dana Point organizations benefited from the second annual Shopping Extravaganza charity fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 8.

The Outlets at San Clemente hosted more than 1,400 attendees and raised $42,150 to benefit more than 20 nonprofits. The outlets donated $25 for every $35 ticket purchased to a local nonprofit of the shopper’s choice.

The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) and Fighting For Me were two of the local nonprofits that participated in this year’s event.

Ed Neely with the DSBIA, said the event was a great one and heard nothing but positive feedback.

For more information about the event, visit www.outletsatsanclemente.com. DP

Kelli Capel walks down the long carpet en route to the Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday, Oct. 8, hosted at the Outlets at San Clemente. The event raised more than $42,000 for local charities, according to Outlets officials. Photo: Eric Heinz

Pet of the Week: Lola

Sudoku 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

hurt so he can’t ride a bike anymore. He takes a long nap every day. Sleeps nine to 10 hours a night! I never nap and sleep only 5-6 hours a night. He watches a lot more TV than I do.

“We have yet to travel anywhere together because I refuse to go on a trip with him unless and until we can spend more than three consecutive nights together. He lives an hour from me and usually comes over on Saturday and spends three nights at my home then we start to get on one another’s nerves and so he leaves. Why do I keep seeing him?

“He tells me he admires my intelligence and asks my opinion on many things. We are on the same page as far as politics, music and humor go. He is very playful and funny. We laugh a lot together. He always says he misses me when we are not together. And, I miss him as well and wish we could spend more time together.”

I endorse older women dating younger men. If compatibility is present, a reasonable age difference (10 years or less) doesn’t matter much. It is good that the preexisting barriers, as Maurya pointed out, are beginning to change.

Maurya is also right about the financial part of it. That often plays a role in relationships where there is a significant age gap.

What can we call women who date younger men? Perfectly normal human beings, of course.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident who has authored several books. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta. com and www.travelafter55.com. Email: tompblake@gmail.com. DP

P See the solution in next week’s issue.

retty little Lola is a sweet dog with a happy and energetic personality. She’s always ready for fun. This one-year-old Poodle mix would make a great pup for someone who loves playtime. Once you’ve met Lola, she’s sure to win you over.

If you would like to know more about Lola, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

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Lola. Photo: San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

BBQ Champions Crowned More than 100 barbecue teams from across the West traveled to Sea Terrace Park to compete for the top prize in the state.

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

A

cross the park, groups prepared chicken, ribs, brisket, pork and other BBQ delicacies, all vying for the top prize.

Winners for the contest’s top prize are: Best Overall in the Competition

First place: Big Poppa Smokers Second place: Loot N’Booty BBQ Third place: Left Coast Q Fourth place: Lady of Q Fifth place: Burnin and Lootin To see who won individual categories, visit www.danapointtimes.com. DP

More than 100 teams competed for the top spot at the State BBQ Championship on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Sea Terrace Park. Teams prepared and served a variety of food including ribs, chicken, brisket and more.

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

New Country Music Festival Heads to Doheny ountry music stars and their fans will fill Doheny State Beach this Veterans Day at the debut Driftwood festival.

Driftwood will not only provide music, but will also have more than 100 craft breweries and wineries on hand for tastings.

Part of the proceeds will benefit the San Onofre Parks Foundation, a non-profit that works with California State Parks to develop, preserve and enhance the parks, along with the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, a local non-profit dedicated to the park’s beaches, facilities, marine refuge and more.

Performers such as Jerrod Niemann,

Rodney Atkins, Thompson Square, Parmalee, the White Buffalo and Mariachi El Bronx will be in attendance.

Breweries that will participate include Ballast Point from San Diego, Bottle Logic Brewing from Anaheim, Stone Brewing Company from San Diego and more.

Participating wineries include Lberated, Maggio Winnery, Mark West, Rebel Coast, William Hill and more.

Tickets range from $45 to $199. Active and retired military can receive a $50 discounted ticket for early entry admission, and a roundtrip shuttle.

The festival runs on Saturday, Nov. 12, from noon-8 p.m.

To purchase tickets, or for more information visit www.driftwoodfest.com. DP

Rodney Atkins is scheduled to perform at the first Driftwood festival at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, Nov. 12. Photo: Courtesy of SGE

Thompson Square is scheduled to perform at the first Driftwood festival at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, Nov. 12. Photo: Courtesy of SGE

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

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Dana Point Times October 14-20, 2016

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DP LIVING

Artistic Impressions Paul is dead and other rumors from the Dana Point art scene PHOTOS AND TEXT BY MATT CORTINA, DANA POINT TIMES

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’m not buying it. Mark Downing is showing me The Beatles’ Let it Be and Let it Die album covers, and saying one has the photo of Paul McCartney and the other has a photo of Billy Shears. Paul died in a car crash in 1965, didn’t I know?

I laugh, and he doesn’t.

Meanwhile, a free-spirit with a nose ring and a black kimono says the neon Talking Heads: 77 album on the counter costs more money than she has in her entire life at the moment. I look at the price tag, and my soul is warmed.

Downing’s shop is first on my unofficial tour of Dana Point art spots. When I ask for his opinion on the city’s art scene, he says, “There is one?”

It’s an easy perception to have. Steps away from Downing’s store is a statue of a cow painted with members of the band Green Day on it. That cow is steps away from another painted cow, which is steps away from another with Kobe Bryant painted on it. That is steps away from a painted elephant.

OK, switch the medium. In music, you can catch an ’80s cover band any night of the week if that’s something you want.

In finer arts, there’s the renowned Dana Point Symphony, and well-esteemed dance studios, but there’s such a high barrier to classical music and dance, it seems.

They’re probaby for tourists, but doesn’t it seem like there are so many photographs and portraits on display of Dana Point scenery? Several restaurants dutifully rotate art pieces, but where’s the murals of social comment, the subversive graffiti—the public art not sponsored by the biggest developer in town?

Where is the art that engages the young and yearning hearts? Where is the independent book store, the art house, the statue that provokes more thoughts than, “Damn, Henry Dana was ripped”?

Where are the places in Dana Point out of which art grows organically?

That was the goal—what with it being Arts and Humanities Month, whatever that means—when I stopped in at California Records and Gifts to chat with Downing: to find art in a city where, honest to goodness, I once asked a city official about the vision for public art only to be told of upcoming plans for new benches. They were to be gray and ergonomic.

So I walked down Amber Lantern to a steep stairway, which led to walkway and a bridge. At the end of the bridge was

Dana Point Times October 14-20, 2016

A sculpture of Jesus as a homeless man on a bench at St. Edward the Confessor church in Dana Point.

A cow painted with the faces of Green Day inexplicably welcomes people to Dana Point.

an archway from the old Dana Point Inn with ivy draped along the sides. There’s a plaque that, if you shield your eyes from the glare off Henry Dana’s pectoral muscle on a nearby statue, tells a story that takes place during the Great Depression. Framed in the old arches is the new harbor, and it evokes.

On the other side of town, at St. Edward the Confessor, I ask a staffer where the statue of Jesus is. The one where he’s curled in fetal position, covered by a raggedy blanket, with only his punctured feet showing. She says it’s right out on the street and that I passed it when I came in.

That’s the point. This art evokes.

In Town Center, I stop into Laura Seeley’s studio and gallery. She lives above the shop with her boyfriend, Dana Yarger, who is responsible for the elephants and cows.

On the wall hangs dozens of her original paintings, books and wood work. Being one of the only joint galleries-studios in town has Seeley feeling like a scout for Dana Point city officials to see if it’s worth investing resources in the gallery scene.

“The true art collectors aren’t coming here looking for art, they’re all going up north (to Laguna Beach),” Seeley said.

“It’s hard for me.”

Seeley said she doesn’t understand why

the city put in landscaping so that it blocks drivers’ views of Del Prado when they’re coming from the north. She said the Art Walk, which will take over Del Prado on Oct. 16, is too short to incentivize artists to participate.

Now, Seeley wasn’t all doom and gloom—after all, she moved to Dana Point in part because there is a diverse population of art lovers—but she also wasn’t the only one to question the city’s approach to cultivating art. Downing said he’s had code enforcement called on him several times when trying to host music events, even with a crowd lined up outside his store listening, even with a tween riffing on “Frankenstein.”

Elise Capener runs Mermade Market, a biannual market for local artisans and craftsmen to sell their wares. Capener said Dana Point is ahead of other cities in some regards—festivals and the elephant statues—but could “step up its game” if it wants to attract artists.

“There is an abundance of people that are truly amazing makers, but have to go outside Dana Point to be seen,” Capener said. “It would be amazing if somehow the city could allow for more art galleries to be created—possibly for cheaper rent—or some kind of community-based gallery,

Page 28

possibly a workshop studio where anyone can rent a space to work on their project.”

Later that day, I met Dana Point Arts and Culture Commissioners Nancy Jenkins and Karin Schnell. They’re helping run the Art Walk, the third of its kind, but our conversation was prospective. When I mentioned the lack of a writing group or poetry venue, they began discussing plans to encourage businesses to start one.

Heck, the art house idea was Jenkins’. And Schnell agreed that the city could stand to offer more venues for organic art.

Let’s go back to round this thing out. I’m telling Councilman Scott Shoeffel, a member of the Symphony and self-proclaimed arts enthusiast, that “art” sponsored by the dairy industry (that is, the cows) is worse than no art at all. But I’m convinced by Schoeffel that in Dana Point, having a style is more important than the style itself.

“Sometimes, you have to start somewhere,” Shoeffel said. “Up until the elephant parade, we had really no meaningful public art program … but the elephant parade serviced a tremendous charity while at the same time gave people 10 weeks of the ability to encounter art. And it may not have been everybody’s style, but I have to tell you, a lot of people loved that elephant parade, and for a lot of people, it may have been the only art they’ve ever experienced in their life.”

Shoeffel said later that “the development of art is to a significant extent a pretty organic process.”

That’s right, but how can a city do that?

By enacting an arts residency program; implementing business districts to defray the costs of bringing in art; using zoning to create maker spaces; and collaborating with venues to host events, he offered.

That doesn’t sound organic. But it does sound like an effort to build the garden walls and plop down soil, so that gardeners can sow their seeds. Or not, who knows.

Schoeffel says art is emerging—there’s a mural under Crank + Grind, tile work on city bridges and the potential for art in unusual places like on utility boxes.

But the foundation-laying is the critical bit, Schoeffel said, because “things don’t tend to happen if they’re not part of your plan, your vision.” DP

California Records and Gifts has more than records on display—there’s interesting art and live music.

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Pitching His Way to Gold

I had a lot of nerves yet a lot of excitement at the same time with the gold medal on the line,” Crouse said. “I just got a good rhythm out there on the mound early. I never really had to work out of the stretch at all; I was just in the wind-up grooving.”

Crouse did not allow a hit through the first 4 2/3 innings against Cuba, giving his team plenty of time to tack on runs.

The USA team scored three in the second inning and two in the seventh to seal the win. Of the 96 pitches Crouse threw in the championship game, 66 of them were strikes.

The performance capped off a solid week for Crouse, who pitched 12 total innings. He allowed three hits, no runs, five walks and piled up 12 strikeouts in two games. He was the winning pitcher in both appearances.

Team USA went 7-1 overall at the tournament, which was held in Monterrey, Mexico. The lone loss came against hometeam Mexico on Oct. 7.

Crouse’s road to making the 18U National Team was hard-fought. One year ago, he tried out for the squad and made it to the final stage of cuts and was eventually left off the team. This time, he impressed the coaches enough to land a spot on the elite 20-man roster filled with the best baseball players in the country.

Crouse was joined by fellow Orange County standouts like Royce Lewis (JSerra Catholic), Hagen Danner (Huntington Beach) and Nick Pratto (Huntington Beach), who all played integral roles on the team.

“It was probably the greatest time of my life out there. I developed 19 best friends for life,” Crouse said. “There is nothing like winning gold in a foreign country and bringing it back home. It’s the most awesome feeling you could ever get.’ DP

wide receiver Logan Montgomery will lead the Hawks’ offense.

Dana Hills will also enter Friday’s matchup on the heels of a lopsided loss.

The Dolphins lost to Fullerton 50-14 on the road last week. Dana Hills quarterback Corey Cisowski continued his productive season against Fullerton, completing 22 of 37 passes for 219 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

lost just two total sets against league opponents. The Dolphins (15-8, 4-0), who sit comfortably in first place in the standings, have recorded three straightset sweeps of league opponents.

Dana Hills’ defeated Mission Viejo 2514, 25-15, 25-13 on Oct. 10 to pick up its fourth consecutive league win. Hunter Riedl led the Dolphins with nine kills and Avery Allemann had five blocks.

Cross Country Teams Nab Top-10 Finishes in Clovis

Girls Golf Sets its Sights on League Title

Hans Crouse, Team USA win at Pan-Am Baseball Championship

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen he went down to a team breakfast the morning of the USA Baseball 18U National Team’s championship game against Cuba on Oct. 9, Hans Crouse got a message he was not expecting.

His coaches were handing him the ball to start against the formidable Cuban team with the COPABE Pan American AAA Championship gold medal at stake.

Crouse started in the USA team’s first game of the high-profile international tournament against Panama, but had not thrown since. He was told he might close the game against Cuba, but the decision to start the hard-throwing senior out of Dana Hills High School came out of the blue.

Because he had only thrown in one game, Crouse was ready to go. He dominated the Cubans, tossing seven shutout innings while striking out 11 in a 6-1 American victory that clinched the gold medal. “(The pressure) was just another level.

Dolphin Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the Dana Hills High School fall sports programs, follow us on Twitter @ SouthOCsports.

Water Polo Team on Collision Course With El Toro After one full round of South Coast League play, the Dana Hills and El Toro boys water polo teams are gearing up for a re-match that could decide the league title.

The second-place Dolphins, winners of three straight league contests, will host the first-place Chargers on Oct. 20. If the second game between the two programs is as good as the first, fans can expect a high-energy game that comes down to the wire. El Toro (13-6, 3-0 league) narrowly defeated the Dolphins (10-8, 3-1) in a Dana Point Times October 14-20, 2016

Above: Dana Hills High School senior Hans Crouse was the winning pitcher for the USA Baseball 18U National Team in the COPABE Pan American AAA Championship gold-medal game. Left: Hans Crouse celebrates with his teammates after defeating Cuba in the COPABE Pan American AAA Championship game on Oct. 9. Photos: USA Baseball

double overtime thriller back on Sept. 20.

Since then, both teams have made a full rotation through league play and neither has faltered with a loss.

Dana Hills will enter the match riding a three-game winning streak. The Dolphins recently picked up wins over Mira Costa (Oct. 8), Aliso Niguel (Oct. 11) and Los Osos (Oct. 12).

Dolphins Football Opens League Play Against Hawks The Dana Hills football team will make its return to the Sea View League for the first time since 2013 on Oct. 14. The Dolphins (1-5) will travel to play Laguna Hills (3-3, 0-1), a team that is coming off its most lopsided loss of the season.

The Hawks were throttled by Capistrano Valley 40-3 in both teams’ league opener last week. The Dolphins shouldn’t expect the Hawks’ offense to stay dormant for a second consecutive game. The Hawks have posted at least 28 points in three of their six games this season, and have played a much tougher schedule than Dana Hills up to this point. Standout

The Dana Hills boys and girls cross country teams had solid showings at the Clovis Invitational on Oct. 8. The boys team placed third and the girls took seventh. Junior Jack Landgraf placed fi fth overall in the boys championship race, and sophomore Lauren Soto placed 28th in the girls championship race.

Volleyball Sweeping its Way Through League Play Four Sea View League matches in and the Dana Hills girls volleyball team has

Page 30

The Dana Hills girls golf team controls its own fate in the South Coast League standings. The first-place Dolphins (16-7, 7-2) have one game against Aliso Niguel left on their schedule. A win over the Wolverines would guarantee at least a share of the league title.

Trabuco Hills and San Clemente are lurking behind with 5-2 records in league. The Mustangs were set to play El Toro and the Tritons were scheduled to play Tesoro on Oct. 13. Results for both matches were not available at press time. www.danapointtimes.com

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Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

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WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

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DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE LIKE NEW IKEA FUTON $125/OBO Grey couch/futon folds out into large bed.

Comes with a navy blue slipcover. Very clean.

Can send pictures. 949-533-9761 STENTURA 450 STENOGRAPHY MACHINE Excellent condition! $400 OBO Contact Debra @ 949-439-6295 CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. Mike 949-240-1545.

GARAGE SALES CASITAS DEL RIO HOA COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, October 22, 2016. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Corner of Camino Del Avion and Alipaz GARAGE SALE @ 33222 MESA VISTA DR. SATURDAY OCT. 15TH 7am-12pm Pottery Barn crib and mattress, boys baby/kids clothes, toys, women’s clothes, dvds, stroller/ car seat, and more.

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE: 1609 Calle Las Bolas, San Clemente, North Beach Area. Saturday, October 15th 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Housewares, Furnishings, Collectibles, Furniture, Sporting Goods, Toys, Tools, Men’s and Women’s Clothing and much more.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.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 Dana Point Times October 14–20, 2016

Page 33

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Classic in San Clemente Second annual San Clemente Surf Classic lands at T Street this Sunday

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

here’s no shortage of surf events in the local area for those looking to tip their toes in competitive waters.

From the Gudauskas brothers’ Stoke-ORama, to Nate Yeoman’s Fishbowl Classic, to weekend NSSA and WSA contests, all the way on up to the big leagues and the WSL’s Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles, there’s literally something for every age and ability level. Adding to that list, for the second year in a row, the second annual San Clemente Surf Classic is coming to T Street on Sunday, Oct. 16 Citing an abundance of events for adults, professionals and up-and-coming amateurs, last year the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce established the first annual San Clemente Surf Classic as a way to provide the kids around town with an opportunity to come down to the beach with their families, ride a few waves with their peers, and soak in the surf culture that put this area on the map.

Now, back for a second year, the upcoming incarnation of the San Clemente Surf Classic looks to be even bigger and better.

“We have such a rich surfing heritage in this area, and it’s something we all really love to celebrate,” said local surfer Phil Johnson.

“The San Clemente Surf Classic is great.

We were down on the beach last year and the kids had a blast. The community vibe is amazing, and the kids are also able to sort of get a feel for the culture and identity of the town they’re growing up in. To be a surfer in San Clemente is a special thing, and it’s great we have an event like this where we can all come together and enjoy it.”

To be sure, the grommets will be out in force this weekend. There is currently space for 200 competitors in a multitude of divisions (the entry fee is $40 per division and competitors must live within San Clemente city limits). From the Under 12s for both boys and girls, to the bigger Under 18s, all the way to longboard and “beater” board divisions, there’s something for every kid regardless of their surfing style or approach. And if pulling on a jersey and duking it out in the waves is not their idea of a good time, no worries—it’s a familyfriendly day with plenty of other activities and fun to be had.

“The contest is epic, but just being down at T Street with all our friends and neigh-

Dana Point Times October 14-20, 2016

Photo: Courtesy

GROM OF THE WEEK

CARSON KROPFL

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

L

Last year’s San Clemente Surf Classic kicked off with local groms and their families enjoying a day at the beach.

Photo: Courtesy

bors, that’s a big part of it, too,” continued Johnson. “Surf contests should be just as much about community as they are competing, and I think the San Clemente Surf Classic does a good job of that. Excited to see what they came up with this year.”

As far as the size of the waves go, it’s looking like the Pacific will provide. There’s a healthy dose of southwest swell heading into the area for the second half of the week.

The swell is expected to peak on Friday as “breaks in SoCal run thigh-waist-chest high, and focal points mainly in Orange County go shoulder-head high at times,” reported Surfline.com forecaster Schaler Perry. “The size is down slightly and holding Saturday morning, before easing through the weekend into early next week.”

Surfline’s calling for the surf on Sunday at T Street to hover in the playful two- to three-foot range—perfect for the kids. The weather’s also looking cooperative with the daytime high expected to linger in the low 70s and light west winds under 10 knots in the afternoon.

Picking up a lot of support from the local surf brands, everybody’s favorite sock maker Stance has signed on as this year’s title sponsor, while eyewear company Dragon is proud to be the presenting sponsor. Support is also coming from Salt Life, Catch Surf, DSC, Fight Strong MMA, the Republik of Kalifornia and San Clemente

post-surf grind staple, Pedro’s Tacos.

The San Clemente Surf Classic takes place at T Street in San Clemente on Sunday, October 16, and runs from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Trophies will be awarded for first through sixth place in all of the divisions, and working the mic on Sunday will be former WSA judge and local fixture, silverthroated Dave Schulte.

Just because summer is officially over doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a good day at the beach. See you down at T Street on Sunday. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 63-68 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-10’ Fair Catalina: 15-20’ Fair-Good Outlook: Touch of slightly stronger SSW swell and steep NW swell combo for the second half of the week keeps surf in the modest to locally fun size range. Morning winds and conditions remain mostly favorable. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Page 34

egends aren’t born, they’re made, and 11-year-old Carson Kropfl is well on his way. Showing up at T Street for this fall’s rendition of the Stoke-O-Rama—a kid’s surf contest put on by resident pros Dane, Pat and Tanner Gudauskas and their Positive Vibe Warrior foundation—young Carson was psyching to compete. Putting his all into it, he didn’t exactly win, but he did capture a lot of hearts. Pat Gudauskas called him “the warrior of the day.”

“He was our first-ever Stoke-O-Rama injury,” explained Pat. “He took a board to the head, got five stitches and then came back with the intent to win. He surfed the second round with his head all wrapped up and barely missed making the final. But he was there all day frothing and was easily the grom of the event.”

For his grit and gumption, Kropfl ended up leaving the beach with the inspirational Timmy Dowell Sportsmanship Award, which is given out based on passion and character in the name of the late Dowell, a much-loved local surfer, who passed away in his sleep in 2004. As the old adage goes, sometimes winning isn’t everything. DP

SURF RESULTS Stoke-O-Rama T Street Beach, San Clemente, Saturday, Oct. 8

12 and under Boys: 1. Miles Biggs; 2. Tyrone Fomenko; 3. Brayden Burch; 4. Dax McPhillips; 5. Conan Craig; 6.Aidan Pearce

12 and under Girls: 1. Sawyer Linblad; 2. Ezra McPhillips; 3. Nicole Economos; 4. Taylor Stacy; 5. Makayla Moss; 6. Julia Guild

10 and under Boys: 1. Ben Brantell; 2. Makai Bray; 3. Cannon Carr; 4. Azure Trujillo; 5. Maddox Bray; 6. Alex Guild

8 and under “Pops and Pups”: 1. Kai Finn; 2. Zealand Post; 3. Brooks Montoya; 4. Mia McLeash; 5. Nolan Senn; 6. Carson Carr Most Stoked Award: Zion Walla Sportsmanship Award: Carson Kropfl Inspirational Award: Dutch Althouse

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