April 7, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

April 7-13, 2017 C A N

U S E

Artist Uses Local Beaches, Culture as Inspiration PAGE 18

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 14

Paddle Like a Mongoose

Annual Mongoose Cup comes to Dana Point Harbor this weekend D P S U R F/ PAG E 2 2

Mickey Munoz speaks at last year’s Mongoose Cup, a stand-up paddleboard race, music show, community gathering and more. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Capo Beach’s Ganahl Lumber to Move to San Juan EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

County Extends Harbor Revitalization Deadline EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Dana Hills Baseball Shines in National Tournament SPORTS/PAGE 20

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Dana Point Resident Earns Eagle Scout Rank

by Motivating Others THE LATEST: Dylan Lam is not your average 12-year-old. The Marco Forster student recently completed his Eagle Scout project by motivating athletes at a local lacrosse center.

Dylan’s project consisted of hanging inspirational banners that he designed and flags of various colleges with good lacrosse programs along the walls at Victory Lacrosse Center in San Juan Capistrano. Dylan also installed sun shades at the center.

“This is where I started playing lacrosse,” Dylan said, adding that he enjoyed the project because he was able to help the community. “It was more fun than work.”

The process took about 10 months, and Dylan had to raise more than $5,000.

He set up a page on GoFundMe, took in recyclables and sold beef jerky sticks to raise funds.

Dylan’s parents simply laughed when asked what they thought about their son wanting to achieve Eagle Scout at such a young age.

“It’s one of those things that’s a big goal and a huge undertaking,” said Duke Lam, Dylan’s father. “We tracked his progress, and it was cool to see the progress he was making toward his Eagle rank. As parents, we’re really proud.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Dylan said now that his project is complete, he’s going to focus on enjoying his time with the Scouts, helping mentor other kids and continuing to play sports. —Kristina Pritchett

Raintree Partners Officials Give Construction Update THE LATEST: Construction of underground parking for the Raintree project in Town Center could be underway in May following SDGE’s scheduled removal of overhead power lines, according to Raintree Partners.

Jason Check, managing director at Raintree, said they have recently completed the underground conduit necessary to Dana Point Times April 7-13, 2017

Dylan Lam, 12 of Dana Point, earned his Eagle Scout rank by creating motivation to those who utilize Victory Lacrosse Center in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

remove and relocate the overhead lines at the property.

The project will include 109 residential units and 27,000 square feet of commercial space for restaurants, shops and public courtyard space.

“We’ve also installed new underground water and gas lines to service our building,” Check said in an email.

WHAT’S NEXT: Check said the project is still on track to open in spring 2018, and they do not have any road closures planned for April. —KP

San Juan to Negotiate Sale of Lower Rosan to Ganahl Lumber THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano City Council voted unanimously in closed session on April 4 to negotiate the sale of the Lower Rosan Ranch—a 15-acre property off of Stonehill Drive—to Ganahl Lumber Company.

The family-owned lumber company currently has nine facilities in Southern California, including a store in Capistrano Beach at 34162 Doheny Park Road.

When the state “dissolved” redevelopment agencies back in 2012, the city of San Juan Capistrano, like other agencies, was required to develop a plan to sell any agency-owned property. For San Juan, this meant selling the Lower Rosan Ranch, which is currently utilized by nearby auto dealers as off-site car storage.

The city called for bids on the property last fall and began reviewing 13 bids in January. The Council held a community workshop on March 29 to receive public input on five of the development proposals for Lower Rosan.

Ganahl Lumber’s proposal includes the Ganahl facility, a quick-serve restaurant,

self-storage and car storage for neighboring auto dealers. The Ganahl store will sell lumber, building materials and hardware primarily to contractors and other professionals.

The city will receive about 10 percent of the net proceeds of the sale, which will go to the general fund, according to city staff.

In addition, Ganahl representatives project the facility will provide the city with approximately $480,000 in sales tax revenue and 88 new jobs.

WHAT’S NEXT: San Juan Capistrano Mayor Kerry Ferguson said the Council’s decision is a “great win for the city.”

“I’m excited that this property will finally be developed in a really good way that will benefit the city and will be helpful to our auto dealers, and by a company that has been in the neighborhood for many years,” Ferguson said.

Ganahl President Peter Ganahl said the company will close its Capo Beach location and move operations to the Stonehill Drive property. —Allison Jarrell

County Extends RFP Deadline for Harbor Revitalization THE LATEST: Companies looking to lead the revitalization of the Dana Point Harbor have until May 4 to submit their proposals after a deadline extension, according to the Orange County Parks website.

The county’s Request for Proposals (RFP) process is the second step in a twostep procurement process to enter into a public-private partnership through an option and a 50-year lease to plan, design, permit, fund, construct, renovate, market, operate, manage and maintain the Harbor premises.

The original RFP deadline was

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March 16.

In March 2016, the county released their Request for Qualifications (RFQ). In June 2016, solicitation closed with three proposers responding to the RFQ, and in October 2016, the county released the RFP to those three pre-qualified proposers.

The next steps will be for the proposals to be evaluated, scored and proposers to be interviewed by the evaluation committee. The committee will then make recommendations to the board of supervisors.

The board will then consider approval of a preferred proposer and direct staff to negotiate agreements; they will also consider an approval of the option agreement.

The preferred proposer will then complete due diligence and meet the terms of the option agreement, and the board will consider the approval of a lease agreement.

WHAT’S NEXT: To review the RFP, visit www.danapointtimes.com. The OC Parks Commission is scheduled to meet in May and could discuss the Harbor, officials said. —KP

Pacific Marine Mammal Center Disentangles Sea Lion from Rope in Dana Point Harbor THE LATEST: A sea lion was disentangled from a thick rope on Tuesday morning in the Dana Point Harbor, according to Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) officials.

The PMMC and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) worked together to free the animal from a rope that was embedded around its torso.

According to officials, members of the NOAA West Coast and the PMMC rescue team were in the Harbor early Tuesday morning with hopes of freeing the animal.

They said they were able to locate the animal quickly and get into position with a rescue boat on stand-by.

NOAA West Coast Stranding Coordinator Justin Viezbicke used a knife to cut the rope and disentangle the animal.

The sea lion is believed to be a juvenile female and was spotted about five weeks ago.

Officials said there were multiple attempts made to disentangle the animals with the assistance of Dana Point Harbor Patrol, SeaWorld Rescue and NOAA. PMMC officials said they received calls daily from citizens about the animal.

WHAT’S NEXT: Krysta Higuchi, the events and public relations coordinator for PMMC, said they see a lot of malnourished pups beaching themselves this time of year. To see the video, visit www. danapointtimes.com. —KP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY STAFF

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.

Tuesday, April 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Victoria Boulevard, 25800 Block (4:35 p.m.) Police were called for a man reportedly looking into vehicles.

DISTURBANCE Saint Francis Court, 0 Block (1:24 p.m.) A caller told police a male and female juvenile were in an argument at the community pool. They said the boy was punching a sign and hitting his head.

DISTURBANCE Benjamin Circle, 24500 Block (7:54 p.m.) A caller told police four men showed up to a party the owner was holding for over 30 kids. They said they knew the kids but were not invited and then a girl at the party pushed one of them before punching him in the stomach.

The men reportedly became angry and punched a house window and broke it.

The caller requested police to help keep the peace.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Rosita, 34600 Block (3:33 a.m.) A caller told police someone was in the garage.

The caller and their roommate said they locked themselves into the room and others were asleep in their rooms.

Sunday, April 2 RECKLESS DRIVING Dana Strand Road, 34300 Block (8:59 p.m.) Police were called for several vehicles racing.

CITIZEN ASSIST Via Sacramento, 26500 Block (6:27 p.m.) A woman told police an unknown man sent a picture of his genital area to her 11-year-old daughter.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC La Cresta Drive/Alcazar Drive (7:40 p.m.) A caller told police a man was sitting on the curb and was drunk. They said they were concerned he was going to walk into traffic.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Danacoral, 25100 Block (6:16 p.m.) A caller told police two men offered the caller’s 10-year-old daughter candy from a bucket.

PETTY THEFT Victoria Boulevard/Doheny Park Road (5:48 p.m.) The caller said a Sailor Jerry’s bottle of rum was taken.

BOAT TOW Fisherman’s Wharf (4:43 p.m.)

A disabled Jetski was towed to a launch ramp.

WELFARE CHECK Salt Creek (5:10 p.m.)

Lifeguards were requested to check on a boat going in circles with people jumping off of it.

BOAT ASSIST Fuel Dock (4:21 p.m.) A boat was spotted up on the rocks and the caller said it didn’t look like they knew how to control their boat.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Camino Del Avion/ Street of the Golden Lantern (9:54 a.m.) Police were called for a dog locked inside of a vehicle and was heard barking for more than an hour. The caller said there were keys in the front seat but they did not see anyone.

CITIZEN ASSIST Coral Reach Street, 33400 Block (4:58 p.m.) A man told police his neighbor’s put out “kids playing” signs in the street and was upset because he would have to move them to back out of his driveway.

PETTY THEFT Doheny Park Plaza/Pacific Coast Highway (9:39 a.m.) A man reportedly stole items from the store before leaving in a vehicle.

BOAT OVER Harbor Entrance (4:36 p.m.)

Harbor Patrol was called for an overturned vessel, which put three people in the water.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Pacific Coast Highway/ Crown Valley Parkway (7:49 a.m.) A small barrel and other debris were in the traffic lanes.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Street of the Copper Lantern/Del Prado (3:20 p.m.)

A caller told police there was a new baby carriage and found it odd it was just sitting there.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Ocean Ridge/ Ocean Spray (3:36 a.m.) Police were called for a car traveling with its lights off at a slow speed. The caller said it passed by twice.

Monday, April 3 TRAFFIC HAZARD Lantern Hill Drive, 24300 Block (3:52 p.m.) A caller told police two juveniles were tossing a football over vehicles as they passed by.

GENERAL BROADCAST Street of the Golden Lantern/Ocean Spray (1:34 p.m.) A man said a woman almost hit him as he walked through the parking lot.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 32900 Block (9:37 a.m.) A woman said a man came up to her and said he was a danger to himself and gave her his ID. DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 34000 Block (10 a.m.) Police were called for a man naked in the bathroom, who was heard screaming.

Dana Point Times April 7-13, 2017

VANDALISM Pacific Coast Highway, 32800 Block (1:15 p.m.) Police were called for a woman who reportedly poured transmission fluid on the caller’s golf cart.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Eastwind Drive/Sunridge Drive (2:57 p.m.) A caller told police two men were going door to door and were possibly soliciting, which is not allowed in the neighborhood.

VANDALISM Street of the Silver Lantern, 34000 Block (1:20 p.m.) The caller said their vehicle might be vandalized and said the suspect is the neighbor.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Street of the Silver Lantern, 34000 Block (7:18 a.m.) A caller said they found a man inside their car.

They said he got out and started walking toward Pacific Coast Highway.

RECKLESS DRIVING Street of the Golden Lantern, 33300 Block (10:38 a.m.) Police were called for a vehicle doing donuts in the school lot and reportedly driving over 100 mph.

TRESPASSING Domingo Avenue, 25900 Block (10:17 a.m.) A caller said five people were sitting on a planter and damaging the property.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Camino Capistrano, 34800 Block (6:36 a.m.) A caller said they saw a vehicle with “extensive” damage to the front end. They said they saw a man get out and leave in a possible Uber.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Timothy Drive, 24300 Block (3:43 a.m.) A caller told police they saw a man looking around the residence with a flashlight.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-INJURIES Monarch Bay Drive, 0 Block (1:44 a.m.) A driver hit a light pole.

Friday, March 31

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY East Basin Cove Side B Dock Slip 14 (1:02 a.m.)

Police were called for loud music coming from a boat.

DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road/Domingo Avenue (11:24 p.m.) A caller told police a man and a women were in a physical fight and the man may have hit the woman with a skateboard.

Saturday, April 1 RECKLESS DRIVING Selva Road/Dana Strand Road (8:32 p.m.) Police were called for a vehicle street racing.

GENERAL BROADCAST Stonehill Drive/Selva Road (7:28 p.m.) A driver was seen weaving in and out of lanes and driving slow.

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Community Meetings SATURDAY, MARCH 8

Farmers Market

9 a.m. There will be fresh produce and treats for sale at the Farmers Market. Every first Saturday of the month there are craft vendors. La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point.

949.279.3122.

MONDAY, MARCH 10

Planning Commission

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

Veteran’s Assistance-VFW Post 9934 1:30-3 p.m. Dana Point VFW Post 9934 provides veteran’s assistance on the second Tuesday of the month.

They will answer questions. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

Because I Love You (BILY) Meeting

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

Dana Harbor Toastmasters

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

Coastmasters (Toastmaster’s)

7-8:30 a.m. Join the members of the Coastmasters every Thursday to improve your speaking and leadership skills. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. OC Sailing & Events Center. www.coastmasters.org.

Mayor Debra Lewis Office Hours

3:30-5:30 p.m. The meetings will be in 15 minute increments. To schedule a time, contact Gail Roseen at groseen@ danapoint.org or call 949.248.3501.

Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

City Hall Offices Closed www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

COMPILED BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT

Dana Hills Student Named Finalist in DAR Good Citizen Contest A Dana Hills High School senior was selected as a finalist in this year’s Good Citizen Contest, which is put on by the San Clemente Island Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Sheila Abazari was selected for Dana Hills High School, Nico Zani was chosen from Capistrano Valley High School, Victor Mendoza represents San Clemente High School and Julia Gordon represents San Juan Hills High School.

During DAR’s annual Good Citizen Luncheon, Nico was selected as this year’s winner. He was awarded a $1,000 monetary award. Each of the finalists received a $200 award.

Four Capistrano Unified high school seniors were chosen to represent their schools based on their attributes of dependability, leadership, patriotism and service.

Each Good Citizen contestant submitted a resume, transcript and letters of recommendation, completing the competition with a timed essay.

Used Computers Wanted Kingdom Builders Ministry and Labdoo Orange County are seeking laptop computers that are no longer wanted or needed for charity.

The donated computers will be brought to the Labdoo facility to have the hard drives wiped and a new operating system installed. School study programs in Spanish will also be installed.

Kingdom Builders Ministry and Labdoo Orange County are nonprofit organizations who work together to donate laptops for school children who don’t have access to study tools such as computers.

For more information, contact Don Glasglow at 949.481.0116 or email donglasgow45@aol.com.

San Juan Mayor to Speak during Capistrano Valley Republican Women’s Event Kerry Ferguson, mayor of San Juan Capistrano, and Melody Carruth, mayor pro-tem of Laguna Hills, will be discussing the importance of female leadership during the Capistrano Valley Republican Women’s event on April 19.

The group will meet at Marbella Country Club at 9 a.m. The event is $25 per person and includes a buffet breakfast.

Dana Point Times April 7-13, 2017

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

St. Edward the Confessor Parish School’s academic decathlon team placed second during the 2017 State Academic Decathlon Championships. Photo: Courtesy of Doug Ekizian

For reservations, call Stacy Reynolds at 714.267.5750 or email stacyreynolds@ gmail.com. The country club is located at 30800 Golf Club Dr., San Juan Capistrano.

To register, visit www.aauw-womensleadership-fourm-eventbrite.com.

For more information, call Laurie Jacobs at 949.361.8463.

Doheny Blues Festival Seeks Volunteers The Doheny Blues Festival is seeking volunteers to work during the 20th anniversary show from May 20-21 at Doheny State Beach.

Volunteers will receive free admission to the festival, an official T-shirt and a meal voucher.

To apply to volunteer, visit www.dohenybluesfestival.com. The volunteer application must be completed six days prior to the event.

A $15 registration fee is required for Doheny Blues Festival volunteers; 100 percent of proceeds from the fee will be donated to the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association.

AAUW to Hold Women’s Leadership Forum at Saddleback Beth MacLean, executive vice president and bank loan portfolio manager at PIMCO, will be a keynote speaker during the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Women’s Leadership Forum on April 28.

The forum will be held at Saddleback College and will have panel discussions with women in the fields of business, science and the community as well as breakout sessions and workshops.

Topics to be discussed are networking, overcoming barriers/bias and shattering the glass ceiling and salary negotiation workshops.

The forum is open to local college students and the general public. Registration is free and the first 100 people will receive a free lunch.

St. Edward Students Score High Marks in Recent Competitions St. Edward the Confessor Parish School’s academic decathlon team placed second during the 2017 State Academic Decathlon Championships in Sacramento recently.

The seventh- and eighth-grade students represented the Diocese of Orange in the annual competition after being named the county champions for the third year in a row.

St. Edward competed against nine Roman Catholic Diocese schools from California and Colorado.

They placed first in super quiz, English and current events; second in social studies, religion and literature; third place in science; and fourth place in logic quiz, fine arts and math.

The students study content, test-taking strategies and team collaboration to prepare for competitions. The event includes eight individual subject tests, two all-team tests, the logic test and the five-subject super quiz.

The championship came just a few days after the school took first place at a regional Battle of the Books competition.

Battle of the Books is a reading incentive program for fourth and fifth graders. The students read 20 books this year, meeting regularly with parent volunteers to discuss the plot, characters and themes.

The students demonstrated their abilities to test their knowledge of the books and defeated five South Orange County schools. DP Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

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Nearing Final Approval, Trader Joe’s Eyes September Opening Trader Joe’s is one step closer to becoming a reality in San Juan Capistrano.

On March 28, members of the city’s Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit for the store’s alcohol sales. The commission is also recommending that the City Council issue a letter of public convenience or necessity for the project on April 4—the last city approval Trader Joe’s needs in order to sell alcohol at the site.

Trader Joe’s is set to occupy the former Big Lots space in the Mission Village Center, located at 32151 Camino Capistrano. Proposed hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily with a staff of 15 to 35 people depending on the season.

The store has already received administrative approval from the city for minor exterior enhancements such as replacing swing doors with automatic sliding doors and other ADA improvements. The city is currently reviewing those proposed improvement plans.

Peter Impala, of Art Rodriguez & Associates, spoke on behalf of Trader Joe’s at Tuesday’s commission meeting. Impala said that after five years of looking for a space in San Juan Capistrano, Trader Joe’s is “very excited about this location.” He added that they anticipate opening the store in September.

While the Planning Commission ultimately approved the permit, a couple commissioners did voice some concerns about parking at the site. Commissioner Rob Williams said he felt that the success of the chain may increase the need for parking compared to the city’s estimate. He noted how difficult it is to “find a parking space anywhere near the store” at the Trader Joe’s in San Clemente.

“I’m all for Trader Joe’s, I just want to make sure we’re doing it right,” Williams said.

Joel Rojas, director of development services, said that staff applied the city’s required parking standard and counted spaces at the site to ensure that there is adequate parking.

“Whether Trader Joe’s is so successful that they have more parking need than even our code says they should have, well we can’t do anything about that,” Rojas said.

The parking requirement for Trader Joe’s is 74 spaces, compared to 59 stalls for the previous Big Lots. Staff said the Mission Village Center provides 141 spaces in total.

Commissioner Tim Neely said the issue with the parking lot at the San Clemente Trader Joe’s is that it’s a very small closed loop. “I’ve frequented [the Mission Village] center for decades, and even with all of the tenants and everything being fully occupied, I’ve never seen a parking problem here,” Neely said.

The City Council’s April 4 meeting begins at 5 p.m. at City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto.—Allison Jarrell www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Council’s Corner by Debra Lewis

City’s Budget: It’s All about the Money

E

very two years, the city prepares its bi-annual budget. That time is now upon us. This June, City Council will be presented with a proposed two-year budget for Fiscal Years 2018-2019 (July 1 to June 30, abbreviated “FY”). FY 2017 ends June 30, 2017.

Many details are contained in the city’s 2016 audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and the city’s amended budget per the COUNCIL'S CORNER 3/17/17 council agenda.

By Debra Lewis Two major trends are significant to note. The first is the drop in Total Governmental Funds (TGF), the city’s main bank account, available for future city costs and capital improvement projects. The second trend of note is the rate of growth in city expenditures that is far outpacing the city’s expected revenue.

Let me preface this discussion by assuring you that in the short term the city is fiscally sound. However, the downward trend in Total Governmental Fund balances and rising expenditures should not be ignored: 3.7 percent: City’s total cumulative revenue growth over the past ten years Approx. 40 percent: City’s cumulative operating expenditure growth over that same period $30,668,000: Total Governmental Funds (TGF) at end of FY 2016 $21,086,000: Projected TGF at end of FY 2017 While $21 million sounds like a lot of money (and it is) $12.6 million of that balance is kept in prudent, emergency reserves and another approximately $4 million is held in trust or restricted for designated purposes. That leaves only a total of $4.8 million left for potential Capital Improvement Projects. These projects

have averaged $11 million per year over the past 10 years—$9 million if the Lantern District funding is removed.

In preparing the budget FY 2018-2019, the City Council, the city staff and the Financial Review Committee will be addressing how to manage city spending and provide funding for desired capital improvement projects. I am confident that careful consideration will be given to the city’s financial future and that fiscal responsibility will be achieved while maintaining the quality of life and resident services enjoyed by all.

Debra Lewis was elected to City Council in 2016 and serves as the city’s mayor. You can contact her at dlewis@danapoint.org.

DP

Letters to the Editor

have a better track record but is prohibitively expensive and a temporary solution at best.

What was particularly disconcerting was a recent letter, which seemed to indicate that a strategy of “managed retreat” is an implied governmental conspiracy to illegally seize property without compensation to the owner. Let’s reject fear mongering and let people who understand these complex issues help our state and cities develop strategies to manage our coast line and the inherent beauty of this exceptional community where we all live.

30 years of operation in the U.S. with no radiological releases.

• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) currently requires that we inspect dry storage facilities, and will require more specific inspections of the individual canisters after the first 20 years of operation. SCE has already taken the first step by committing to submit an inspection and maintenance plan to state regulators by 2022 for the new dry storage facility.

• Because used fuel assemblies at San Onofre have cooled for so long, they would not spontaneously catch fire if exposed to air, a conclusion affirmed by the NRC. • San Onofre was originally designed to withstand a 7.0 earthquake, and later evaluations showed the plant could withstand 7.5, a fact that was publicly discussed at a Feb. 16 Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting. San Onofre’s dry storage facilities are built to withstand a substantially greater magnitude quake than the nuclear plant.

Emergency preparedness changes were made at San Onofre because potential accidents related to an operating plant are no longer possible here and the used fuel has cooled sufficiently. These changes were reviewed and approved by the NRC in 2015.

SCE encourages our neighbors to join the conversation. Please join us for the next CEP meeting on May 11 in Laguna Hills.

ON FACING BEACH EROSION

NICHOLAS TARANTINO, O.D., Capistrano Beach

I continue to be disappointed by letters from well-meaning people who believe that beach erosion can be managed by employing techniques such as placing low-level sea walls, boulders in front of structures and importing sand to our beaches while either disregarding or not spending the time to research the work of experts who have spent considerable time studying the complexities and dynamics that lead to beach erosion. Experts in coastal and marine geology agree that sea level rise is inevitable with the current trends in climate change with increasing storm severity and frequency. There is repeated evidence that building seawalls may protect property from damaging storm waves for a few years, but could end up doing more harm than good.

According to Stephen Leatherman, Ph.D. (environmental (coastal) sciences from the University of Virginia) of the National Healthy Beaches Campaign, “Bulkheads and seawalls may accelerate beach erosion by reflecting wave energy off the facing wall, impacting adjacent property owners as well,” adding “that such structures along retreating shorelines eventually cause diminished beach width and even loss.”

Beach replenishment (dredging) may Dana Point Times April 7-13, 2017

SCE IS TAKING CORRECT STEPS THOMAS PALMISANO, vice president of decom-

missioning and chief nuclear officer of Southern California Edison

Elected officials and community leaders in Southern California have been actively involved in public discussions the past three years to find ways to expedite the removal of the used fuel from San Onofre.

Southern California Edison(SCE) fully supports these efforts, which include proposed Consolidated Interim Storage (CIS) facilities in Texas and New Mexico that have broad-based support in those states.

Congressional leaders of both parties are working to provide funding for these facilities, as well as the long-delayed federal repository for used nuclear fuel at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.

CIS is clearly a potential option for San Onofre, and I would like to clear up a few common mischaracterizations about CIS: • Dry cask storage of used nuclear fuel has been proven to be safe, with more than

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.

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

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

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

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

Dana Point Times, Vol. 10, Issue 14. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

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 readersubmitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

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www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

WHALE WALK AND TALK 9-11 a.m. This walk focuses on the offshore visitors that can be frequently seen from the Dana Point Headlands. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. 949.248.3527. www.danapoint.org.

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 07 CASA KIDS: BIRDHOUSE MAKING WORKSHOP 10-11:45 a.m. Children ages 6 and up will create birdhouses made from re-purposed milk cartons to take home, while learning about garden ecosystems and Southern California native wildlife. The event is free. Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

LIVE MUSIC: HANS & JANINE 4 p.m. Join Waterman’s Harbor for live music with Hans & Janine every Friday.

Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

FILM PREMIER: ‘ISLAND EARTH’ 5 p.m. The Ecology Center hosts the premier of the film Island Earth. The film traces a young indigenous scientist’s struggle for truth between science and tradition as he enters an industry that many feel is threatening his homeland. His journey takes him through the corn fields of GMO companies to the loi patches of traditional Hawaiian elders. Bring your own dinner for a picnic at 5 p.m. The showing occurs at 6 p.m., with a Q&A to follow. Admission is free and suitable for all ages. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

LIVE MUSIC: THE FLIPSIDE BAND 7-10 a.m. Listen to live classic rock music featuring The Flipside Band at Adele’s located at The San Clemente Inn. 2600 Avenida

a class on how to plant vegetables now for a summer harvest. No registration required.

32382 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.661.6666. www.armstronggarden.com.

Photo: Courtesy

SATURDAY, APRIL 8: DANA POINT SYMPHONY PRESENTS “ROMANTIC TRAVELS” 7:30-10:30 p.m. The third concert of the Dana Point Symphony Orchestra’s spring season will include Carl Maria von Weber’s “Oberon Overture,” Aleksandr Glasunov’s “Concerto for Saxophone,” and Antonin Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 8 in G Major.” Tickets are $15-$20. St. Edward the Confessor Church. 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point. www.danapointsymphony.com.

del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.481.1222. www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

Saturday night. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. 949.661.5000. www.lagunacliffs.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘ONCE UPON A MATTRESS’ 7:30 p.m. The Department of Theatre Arts at Saddleback College will premier Once Upon a Mattress, the popular musical based on The Princess and the Pea. Tickets are $10-$15. The show runs through April 15.

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

949.582.4656. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

Saturday | 08

LIVE THEATER: ‘ON GOLDEN POND’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse stages On Golden Pond, the touching, funny and warmly perceptive story of a spirited and lovable elderly couple facing their twilight years. Show runs through April 15. Tickets start at $20. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT OVERVUE 8-11 p.m. A rotating lineup of musicians performs at OverVue Lounge at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott every Friday and

GIANT EASTER EGG DISPLAY All day. In celebration of spring, The RitzCarlton, Laguna Niguel introduces four non-edible Easter eggs, each individually painted by local artists including Trevor Mezak, James Galindo, Robin Hiers and Kym de los Reyes. People are invited to take photos in front of the display.

One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

GARDENFEST 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The San Clemente Garden Club hosts this annual celebration and sale of all things gardening. San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. www.sanclementegardenclub.com.

GARDENING CLASS: GROWING VEGETABLES 9 a.m. Stop by Armstrong Garden Center for

REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30-10:30 a.m. Join Tree of Life Nursery’s Designer in Residence Rama Nayeri for a workshop on selecting plants for coastal gardens. 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

SMART GARDENING 101 WORKSHOP 9:30-11 a.m. Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners host the first of their summer Smart Gardening series workshops, entitled “What You Need to Know.” Reata Park and Event Center. 28632 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.606.6704. www.goinnative.net.

KITCHEN GARDENING WORKSHOP 10 a.m.-noon. Learn how to design, build and care for an abundant kitchen garden in your home. April is the best time to plant a kitchen garden, and Southern California’s climate allows for a variety of culinary herbs and vegetables to grow in both large and small spaces. Admission is $30. The Ecology Center. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

FREE KIDS’ MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY 10 a.m.-noon. The San Juan Capistrano Library hosts a free showing of Disney’s Moana in the La Sala Auditorium. 31495A El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. www.facebook.com/SJCFriends.

(Cont. on page 12)

At the Movies: ‘The Zookeeper’s Wife’ Deserves More

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

J

Photo: Focus Features

Dana Point Times April 7-13, 2017

essica Chastain and cute zoo animals feels like a good enough combination to get movie fans into the theaters. That’s certainly what the marketing for Focus Features’ new period piece The Zookeeper’s Wife would lead you to believe. The film is five years in the making as a somewhat passion project for Chastain, and the end result leaves a bit to be desired despite all the ingredients for success.

In 1939 Poland, Jan Zabinski (Johen Heldenbergh) and wife Antonina (Chastain) run

a very popular local zoo in Warsaw, where they live with their young son, Ryszard (Timothy Radford and Val Maloku). One fall evening, the zoo becomes one of many victims of the Nazi German bombings to overtake the country. Together, the family decides to use the remains of the zoo to not only save the animal survivors of the attacks, but also the Jewish targets. Antonina also manages to keep friendly alliances with German zoologist Lutz Heck (Daniel Brühl).

The Zookeeper’s Wife starts off as almost a pro-animal rights feature, but then quickly

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turns into the typical World War II drama we’ve seen before. Which is a shame because Heldenbergh does give a strong performance, and director Niki Caro has made quality dramas before. Angela Workman’s script should have had a lot of potential not only from Diane Ackerman’s original novel, but also the diaries of the real Antonina Zabinski. Instead we have the usual emotional manipulation using cute animals and a precocious kid, and Chastain trying her best to hold her fauxPolish accent. DP www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT THEDISH DISH THE

PANANG CURRY WITH SHRIMP & SQUID

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here are few things that warm the body and soul like curry. Its components appeal to all senses and offer a little indulgence of salt and cream, while spice from chilies, either mixed in or added, heat the body from within.

The Panang curry at Thai Paradise hits all the right notes. The peanuts in the red curry are familiar and inviting, while ground lemongrass and lime leaves bring citrus and herbs. Coconut milk is rich and slightly sweet, while chunks of green beans and green bell pepper provide crunch.

The shrimp is cooked to perfection— fresh and snappy—while the squid comes in long filets that soak up the flavor of the curry while offering mild brininess. And the heat built into the curry is the kind that starts somewhere deep in the stomach and doesn’t overwhelm.

(Cont. from page 10) SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A day of live music kicks off with Dalton Gang at 2 p.m. followed by the Rob Staley Band at 8:30 p.m.

Food from Lisa’s Kitchen will be available throughout the afternoon. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

The curry comes alongside pillow-soft rice, a crispy wonton and a small and crisp ginger-dressed salad. All in all, it’s an exceptional lunch combo.

Thai Paradise Restaurant.

3551 Camino Mira Costa, Suite B, San Clemente.

949.489.9914.

THE MARKETPLACE IN SAN CLEMENTE 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Marketplace in San Clemente takes place every second Sunday of the month in San Clemente, 201 Calle de Los Molinos. www.themarketplacesc.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE BAYOU BROTHERS 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to music from The Bayou Brothers at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

BEND AND BREW 11:30 a.m. iHeartYoga holds a Bend & Brew session at Left Coast Brewing Company’s tasting room in San Clemente. It’s a one-hour yoga class followed by a pint of beer. Admission $10. 1245 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente.

949.363.3152. www.iheartyoga.com.

Sunday | 09

Monday | 10

GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park.

Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

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.

SPRING JEWELRY BOUTIQUE 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Jewelry Artists of the San Clemente Art Association invite the public to their 2017 Spring Jewelry Boutique at the San Clemente Art Gallery.

There will be refreshments and many items of jewelry from local makers available to peruse and purchase. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.492.7175. www. scartassociation.com.

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m. Hop aboard the Ocean Institute’s R/V Sea Explorer this spring for whale watching excursions. Tickets range from $25-$45. Visit the Institute’s website for more dates and times. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

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

Tuesday | 11 TINY TOTS: PARENT AND ME PROGRAM 9-10:15 a.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a six-week, maritime-themed series of exploration and play suitable for children ages 2 and 3. Stretch your child’s imagination through creative play that supports (Cont. on page 15) www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 12) language development, social interaction and problem-solving. Cost is $30 for a single class, or $150 for the full six weeks. Program runs through May 9.

Register online. 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.

COA IMPROV COMEDY NIGHT 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Community Outreach Alliance hosts a weekly comedy show and workshop, where kids interested in comedy can listen to clean acts, while also refining their own material. Admission is free. 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Wednesday | 12 CASA YOGA 9-10 a.m. This yoga class at Casa Romantica blends multiple traditions to create a unique practice that’s suitable for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

Cost is $5. Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

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.

KARAOKE AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 7 p.m. Sing karaoke, imbibe and eat free popcorn at The Swallow’s Inn’s karaoke night with Bobby and Joel. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to make and taste three cocktails.

Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

Dana Point Times April 7-13, 2017

LIVE MUSIC: THE PACIFIC UNION BAND 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to music from The Pacific Union Band at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are welcome to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.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 | 13 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. Every Thursday. No experience needed. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

SCIENCE NIGHT 6:30 p.m. Learn about current science-related topics presented in a family-friendly format. Generally, hands-on activities and displays will be present and geared toward children. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point.

949.248.3527. www.danapoint.org.

CASINO SPRING JAZZ SERIES 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Casino San Clemente’s Spring Jazz Series continues with music from the Ordiano Brothers, who will appear on piano and drums alongside Leider Chapotin on trumpet and Ross Schodek on bass. A $25 ticket includes dinner; tickets for just the music are $10. 140 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.369.6600. www.thecasinosanclemente.com.

SESSIONS AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Listen to live music when artists from around the world perform together.

Stillwater Spirits and Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THE CHRIS ANDERSEN DUO 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to music from The Chris Andersen Duo 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.

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THE DISH

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: On the Ocean by Jim Graves

The History and Education Available Onboard Tall Ships

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his week, I spoke with Dan Goldbacher, the Ocean Institute’s director of maritime programs. In this role, he oversees education programs that occur on the Institute’s two tall ships, the Pilgrim and the Spirit of Dana Point.

Graves: Tell me about the Ocean Institute’s tall ships.

Goldbacher: The Pilgrim is a replica of the merchant ship that Richard Henry Dana sailed ON THE OCEAN from Boston to California

By Jim Graves in 1835, as described in his memoir Two Years Before the Mast. It is a wooden sailing vessel known as a brig, with two masts with square sails. The current ship was retrofitted from a three-masted schooner built in Denmark in the 1970s.

The Spirit of Dana Point is a wooden traditional gaff-rigged schooner built

by Denise Holland in his Costa Mesa backyard. It launched in 1983 under the name Pilgrim of Newport. In 2001, the ship was purchased by the Ocean Institute and renamed the Spirit of Dana Point.

Graves: How are the ships maintained?

Goldbacher: Both ships are primarily maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers. They go aloft to check the rig, paint, perform general maintenance and work on the ships’ diesel engines. Without these volunteers, we would not have these ships as a teaching platform for more than 10,000 students annually. More volunteers are always welcome!

Graves: What are some of the things students learn on these ships?

Goldbacher: We’ve been doing programs for more than 30 years. The first was “Before the Mast Overnight,” an 18-hour

experience onboard the Pilgrim. Students serve as crewmen just as Dana did in 1834. They prepare meals, learn to row, collect cattle hides, go “a loft” and set sails. Its goal is to have students experience the hardships of being thousands of miles away from home without ever leaving the dock in Dana Point Harbor.

We also have a “Revolutionary Voyage Overnight,” where students help supply General George Washington in his efforts to secure the future of our young nation.

We have several day programs, such as our new “Patriots, Pirates and Privateers,” where students answer the call of the Continental Congress by enlisting as privateers aboard the Spirit of Dana Point. We do a Catalina Island trip for our older kids. With summer camps coming up, we’ll be busy.

Graves: Can the general public also go out for a sail?

Goldbacher: Yes. During our “Pirates, Patriots, and Privateers Adventure Sail” guests help haul lines, raise sail, take the helm and enjoy a beautiful view of the Headlands which Dana once called “the only romantic spot on the coast.” For landlubbers, we also offer dockside tours of the Pilgrim on Sundays.

Graves: Tell me about the tall ship cannon battles held during the annual Tall Ships Festival in September.

Goldbacher: We invite ships from up and down the West Coast to participate in mock cannon battles, where everything except the cannon balls are real. The ships tack and maneuver to gain the best position on one another. When the time is right, boom, they fire blanks at the other ships.

The ships’ guests get to keep track of the hits by listening to the reverberating sound of the cannon blast on the other ships.

For more information on the Ocean Institute, visit www.ocean-institute.org. DP

The Ocean Institute holds a number of events throughout the year with their tall ships. In January, the Ocean Institute held a mock cannon battle. Photo: Alex Paris

Dan Goldbacher, director of maritime programs at the Ocean Institute stands before the Spirit of Dana Point. Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Institute

Dana Point Times April 7-13, 2017

Taylor Arthur, owner of Taylor Made Cuisine, serves tacos during the annual Taste of Dana at Dana Hills High School on Thursday, March 30. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Annual Taste of Dana Aims to Benefit Grad Nite t the 21st annual Taste of Dana on March 21, the Dana Hills High School mall and gym were filled with local restaurants offering up servings of their dishes to raise money for the school’s graduation celebration, Grad Nite.

The Taste is a major fundraiser supporting Grad Nite, a safe, drug- and alcohol-

free celebration for the school’s seniors.

Restaurants that participated in this year’s event included Waterman’s Harbor, Coffee Importers, Boneyard Café, Mahé, Cannon’s, The Shwack Beach Grill and more.

Along with the restaurants, guests were entertained with live music, a grand raffle and a silent auction. DP

The Lobster Shack served shrimp rolls during the annual Taste of Dana at Dana Hills High School on Thursday, March 30. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Jim Miller, owner of Coffee Importers, serves a coffee drink during the annual Taste of Dana at Dana Hills High School. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

A

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www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Ashley Keene preps a surfboard for her artwork at Strands Vista Park. Keene uses local beaches for inspiration.

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Visual Storytelling

Local artist uses everyday life as inspiration

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

E

ver since she was a child, Ashley Keene knew she wanted to be an artist.

“I remember painting with crayons a little mermaid scene on my desk when I was little and my mom getting mad about it,” Keene said smiling. “I told her, ‘It’s a work of art.’”

Since then, she knew it was ingrained in her to be an artist. And now, at 31 years old, she’s made art her career.

Keene’s work has been seen in Dana Point during the Elephant Parade, on one of the kickball walls at R.H. Dana Elementary School, on a utility box in San Clemente and on public art banners in Laguna Beach. She’s had showcases, and has been a part of art walks and shows.

In 2013, when the life-size elephant statues came to Dana Point, Keene said it was a special moment to produce art in the project.

“I didn’t realize it was going to be such

a big event,” Keene said. “I was really honored to be the local chosen artist, and it was a lot of fun.”

She said she was able to work with kids on painting miniature versions of the elephants and was extremely pleased when her statue sold.

“A good amount of money went to Asian elephants; I was really proud of that,” Keene said.

Last year, Keene submitted her work for R.H. Dana Elementary School’s 50th anniversary.

“I grew up in Dana Point, both of my parents went to Dana Hills, (and) my grandma has lived here for 43 years,” Keene said. “It was suiting to be able to design the mural.”

Today, though Keene has moved to San Clemente, her mural still stands brightly on the kickball wall on the school’s blacktop with a design of whales and other marine life swimming, a tall ship in the background with the iconic bluffs.

Pet of the Week: Thomas

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homas is an 8-year-old sweetie who is finally ready to settle down. He’s a gentle and mild-mannered cat and enjoys spending his afternoons lounging on a sunny window sill or birdwatching.

Thomas has an adorable and quirky personality and would make a great companion for almost anyone.

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

Dana Point Times April 7-13, 2017

Keene said she enjoys doing public art pieces and feels it’s part of her duty as an artist.

“I feel obligated a little bit to get my art out there,” Keene said. “I want to give my local community some art.”

Currently, Keene works freelancing gigs and works on different pieces on commission.

“I do graphic design, I do murals or renovations,” Keene said. “I do different commissions from things like surfboards and skateboards, sometimes broken records.”

Using recycled materials is important to Keene and growing up in Dana Point only cemented that philosophy.

“I think people are always breaking boards and trashing them, and they can be utilized still. I want to help preserve the area, and I’m always looking to do that in an art form,” Keene said.

The surfboard artwork began when she was interning at Lost Surfboards in San Clemente. She said her boss showed her videos of how to paint on the boards and from there, it stuck.

“A lot of my friends would break their boards and just throw them away, so I would take them, clean them up and paint on them,” Keene said. “I feel like they have some character because it had a life before me and it was something someone loved.”

The iconic beaches have inspired her, and many Dana Point locals would recognize her scenic pieces.

“My dad lives right over there,” Keene said pointing to the residences across the street from the parking lot that leads to Strands Beach. “I grew up coming here, and it’s always been a part of my life.”

Along with Strands Beach, her most recent piece showcases Killer Dana.

Keene said some of her other inspirations come from her annual trips to Yosemite with her family and everyday life.

“We always go hiking and camping so I’ve grown up in the outdoors,” Keen said.

“Those things are usually what inspire me.”

When asked what her favorite piece of artwork was, she said it’s usually her most current piece.

“They’re all kind of snapshots of what I’m going through,” Keene said. “As I go on, I like the most recent thing I’m doing. It’s kind of like writing a book, but a visual one. Whatever is going on in my life comes out in the art piece.”

She said she works on making each piece better than the last and wants to continue to grow.

“I’ve fine-tuned it a little bit, I’m trying to put more time into [the craft] to make those finishing details really pop,” Keene said.

“Hopefully, throughout my career it will always be getting better because I never want to say I’ve reached this point where I want to be; I always want to be getting better.”

Lately, Keene said she hasn’t been showcasing her work as much because she’s focusing on creating more pieces.

“I’ve been painting more rather than worrying about showcasing as much,” Keene said. “I definitely want to and plan to in the future, I just want to get prints available to be able to sell them.”

Keene will be one of the artists at the Dana Point ArtFest on May 21, which runs along Del Prado.

To see her work, visit www.shleeart. net. DP

Ashley Keene poses with some of her artwork at Strands Beach. Keene often uses local beaches as inspiration to create her art. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Ashley Keene stands next to her finished elephant for the Dana Point Elephant Parade. Photo: Courtesy of Rick Keene

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

Last week’s solution:

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

Page 18

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

949.485.4979, info@bodymindspiritiop.com, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

ASSISTED LIVING HOME FOR ELDERLY

Assisted Senior Home

949.248.9415, www.assistedseniorhome.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Represent.xyz

949.274.0590, www.represent.xyz

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, pat.powers@cox.net

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

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

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

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PET BOUTIQUE

Naked Dog Bistro

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

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

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SPECIALTY BEAUTY

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WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphins Shine in North Carolina Dana Hills High School baseball team reaches finals of national tournament

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he Dana Hills High School baseball team ran through a wide range of emotions competing in last week’s National High School Invitational in Cary, North Carolina.

The Dolphins were one of 16 teams invited to play in the high-profile event that featured the best programs in the nation, and Dana Hills nearly bested them all.

Dana Hills made a spectacular run through the single-elimination event, defeating powerhouse programs in dramatic fashion to reach the championship game against Orange Lutheran. But it was against the Lancers, considered by many polls to be the top team in the nation, where the Dolphins’ storybook run ended.

Orange Lutheran held off the Dolphins in a classic battle and won the game, 3-2, on April 1.

Dana Hills earned a spot in the title game after pulling off three come-frombehind wins, and nearly notched its fourth comeback victory against the Lancers.

Dana Hills erased an early 2-0 deficit when Zach Waters and Joe DeBaca collected RBI singles in the third to tie the game. Senior Hans Crouse tried to keep the rally going when he appeared to beat out an infield hit that would have scored one run, but he was called for the third and final out.

The Dolphins had multiple chances to take the lead, and had a runner thrown out at the plate in the fourth inning.

Orange Lutheran scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly in the sixth to end

the scoring.

It was a tough loss for the Dolphins, who entered the tournament under the radar. Crouse, who is projected to be a first-round MLB draft choice in June, was the Dolphins’ big star heading into the tournament, and in his first start, he played like it.

Crouse won the duel against Cullman (Alabama) and its ace starter and future draft pick Hayden Henderson in the opener on March 29. Crouse tossed 5 1/3 innings, striking out nine while allowing three unearned runs. DeBaca, who swung a hot bat throughout the entire tournament, hit a two-out, two-RBI single to tie the game 3-3 in the third inning, and Jeremy Ciolek hit a go-ahead RBI double in the fourth to give Dana Hills the lead for good in a 4-3 victory.

Dana Hills rallied to score five times between the third and fifth innings to pick up a 6-3 win over Canterbury (Florida) in the quarterfinals one day later. Thomas Van Hoomissen, Jordan Matthews and DeBaca had clutch RBI hits in the game, and Dana Hills starting pitcher Jack Sterner delivered 6 1/3 strong innings. Sterner allowed three runs in the second but bounced back with four scoreless frames.

Freshman pitcher Dante Jackson was a secret weapon out of the Dolphins’ bullpen throughout the tournament. The tall, lanky left-hander threw 1 2/3 innings and got the save against Cullman, and recorded the final two outs in the win over Canterbury in the quarterfinals. He also pitched an inning in the championship game.

Hans Crouse (middle) and the Dana Hills High School baseball team celebrate a walk-off victory over Winder-Barrow in the semifinals of the National High School Invitational on March 31. Photo: USA Baseball

Freshman Dante Jackson pitched 3 1/3 strong innings in relief for Dana Hills at the NHSI tournament.

Photo: USA Baseball

In a tournament packed full of them, the Dolphins’ most dramatic moment came in the semifinals against Winder-Barrow (Georgia) on March 31.

With the game tied 5-5 in the seventh inning, Crouse slapped a one-out single into right field that brought home the winning run in walk-off fashion. Crouse had three RBI in the game, and DeBaca tied things in the seventh when he worked a bases loaded walk.

“We battle all day. We came here as the biggest underdog in the tournament and now we’re going to the championship,” Crouse said on television following his big hit. DP

Dana Wharf Crowns Halibut Derby Champion DANA POINT TIMES

A

fter four months of fishing, the Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching’s annual Halibut Derby came to a close on March 31.

The annual contest is open to anglers who catch halibut during the season, and whoever catches the biggest one wins the grand prize payout.

This year David Mendez’s 32-pound halibut topped the scales. Mendez caught the fish in November, and his prize catch weighed nine pounds more than the next biggest fish. Mendez took home $1,500 for his catch.

Janice Krause, Jeff Randall, Steve Snieder and Joshua Smith finished inside the top-5 for the dery and also took home cash prizes.

David Mendez displays his winning 32-pound halibut aboard a Dana Wharf boat. Photo: Courtesy

Jordan Matthews batted .333 during the NHSI tournament. Photo: USA Baseball

Dana Point Times April 7-13, 2017

Page 20

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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 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. Mike 949-240-1545.

HELP WANTED MAINTENANCE DAY SHIFT IMMEDIATE OPENING Guest calls relating to immediate maintenance needs. Guest room preventative maintenance program. Ongoing Painting and repairs. Apply in Person (Starts at $12.00 per hour – full time). Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Marina Inn. Tony

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com

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

DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

SERVICES HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More. Phone Chris – 949 510 6645

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

Dana Point Times April 7-13, 2017

Page 21

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Paddle Like A Mongoose

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-62 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Outlook: Fun size blend of WNW and SSW swell through this weekend with wave heights mainly in the waist-head high (3-5’) range along with some larger sets at times. Winds are an issue though, with onshore flow expected and strong at times. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Annual Mongoose Cup comes to Dana Point Harbor this weekend

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

B

ack in the old days, before Instagram and Twitter handles stole our attention, the surf community was so small that everyone got a nickname. If you were a surfer coming out of the ’50s, you were given a name—some were heroic in nature, others, not so much. Greg Noll was famously “Da Bull” thanks to his largerthan-life persona and hearty physique. Dale Velzy went by the handle “Hawk.” And for decades now, Mickey Munoz has been known to friends and surfers around the world as the “Mongoose.”

The etymology of Mickey’s moniker harkens back to The Jungle Book. Originally published in 1894, author Rudyard Kipling included a short story in the publication titled “Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.” Billed as “the adventures of a valiant young mongoose,” the story revolves around a mongoose’s uncanny ability to outflank venomous cobras and overcome deadly odds with its cunning and smarts. The nickname is quite apropos.

Born in New York City in 1937 to an opera singer, Mickey shortly thereafter moved west with the rest of the Munoz family. By the time young Mickey was ten years old, he was a regular at Malibu. By the time he was 20, he was dating a woman named Kathy Kohner—who’s better known by her nickname, Gidget. Mickey even served as the stunt double for Sandra Dee in the Hollywood incarnation of Gidget. Those that know him well still chide him for donning a blonde wig and bikini for the part.

Eighty years down the track and Mickey’s still sticking and moving like a mongoose, still riding waves, still paddling, and still showing us all what it means to be a salt-of-the-sea waterman. This weekend, the annual Sport of King’s Mongoose Cup is coming to Dana Point. An all-day affair on Saturday, April 8, the race/expo/party is going down at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor.

The event features paddle races for all age groups; from the very, very young to some of the planet’s most elite strokers.

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with awards scheduled for 3:45 p.m., so get there early, load up on sunscreen and be prepared to go fast. And for those that reckon themselves more cruiser than racer, there’s no shortage of entertainment. For starters, some of the top stand-up paddle brands will be on hand demoing their latest and greatest Dana Point Times April 7-13 2017

GROM OF THE WEEK

LIAM MURRAY

A participant competes at last year’s Mongoose Cup, a stand-up paddleboard race, music show, community gathering and more. Photo: Steve Breazeale

gear and equipment. For those thinking of upgrading their board or paddle, it’s a great chance to try something new. For those picking up a paddle for the first time, there’s an opportunity to take a lesson and learn from the best. Safety courses will also be offered. There’s a midday yoga session.

The first live band takes the stage at 7:30 a.m., and the after-party is guaranteed to keep going well after sunset.

Like most things in his life, Mickey was one of the early pioneers of stand-up paddling. After seeing Laird Hamilton at Malibu one day some years back, he sped back home to Dana Point, where he sawed off the blade of a kayak paddle, glued it to a broomstick and immediately started experimenting in the Harbor. His passion for stand-up paddling has only grown in the years since—which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise.

“When you’re surfing Pipeline, you need to commit totally,” writes Mickey in his new book, No Bad Waves. “You’re better off going for it than trying to pull back at the last second because the wipeouts when you pull back at the last second are way worse.

You have to want it, and even though you’ve made a mistake and you know you’ve taken off too late or you can’t do it, you still need to go for it because it’s worse if you don’t.

You can apply that one to life in general.

Don’t be dumb. Don’t think you can stand in front of a train or jump out of an airplane without a parachute and flap your wings and fly. Don’t be totally stupid, but if you do commit to something, go for it. You’ll learn from the wipeouts. So, you take off deeper in the pocket and you might not make a lot of waves, but the ones you do will be the real rewards.” DP Page 22

2017 Salt Life Mongoose Cup Event Schedule

Liam Murray. Photo: Courtesy NSSA

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

SATURDAY, APRIL 8 7:30 a.m. Event Registration Opens 7:30 a.m. Live Music – Tropical Blues 8:45 a.m. National Anthem, Opening Remarks, Event Safety Briefing & Sport of Kings 8:55 a.m. Hawaiian Blessing – Duke Aipa 9 a.m.

Sophia Tiaré Bartlow Memorial 9:05 a.m. Paddle Out & Blessing for Sophia 9:30 a.m. REGISTRATION FOR TIME TRIAL CLOSES 10 a.m.

One Mile Time Trial 10 a.m.

Waterman Clinics Begin • Adaptive Paddling (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

• Boga Fitmat Yoga Session – “Love, Shine, Glow Flow” (10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 a.m., 1 a.m., 2 a.m.)

• Infinity Multi Person Board Demo (TBD) 11 a.m.

REGISTRATION FOR ALL REMAINING RACES CLOSE 11:30 a.m. Kids SUP Race 11:30 a.m. Lunch Served by Wahoo’s Fish Tacos 12 p.m.

Live Music – Kalama Bros.

Entertainment 12:30 p.m. Paddleboard Sprints 12:30 p.m. Kids SUP Race Award Ceremony 1 p.m.

Sport of Kings Race 2:30 p.m. Luck of the Draw Relay 3:45 p.m. Awards Ceremony 5 p.m.

Waterman’s Harbor Restaurant After Party TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

W

hen you’re hot, you’re hot.

This week, Grom of the Week honors go to a very deserved Liam Murray. Named the NSSA’s Surfer of the Week, the 15-year-old has been on fire lately. A couple weeks back he showed up at the State Championships, where he helped lead San Clemente High’s JV squad to a resounding state title. For his part in the action, Murray placed second in his division, contributing much-needed points to the team effort. Not content with just one trophy on the mantle, the next week he kept grinding at the NSSA contest at C Street in Ventura, where he made the final in both the Open Men’s and Open Juniors’ divisions.

Murray only started surfing about three years ago, but his success should come as little surprise. He picked up the sport thanks to the Colapinto family, most notably his friend Crosby. He also runs with an extremely talented crew, including pals Kade Matson, Jett Schilling, David Economos and Taj Linblad (all previous Groms of the Week).

As far as his inspiration and where he finds happiness, he says, “I love surrounding myself with good people to make myself the best surfer in the water. I grew up with the Colapinto family and seeing Griffin surf so well inspires me. I hope I will be at that level one day traveling the world surfing with my friends.” DP www.danapointtimes.com