May 20, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

May 20-26, 2016

YO U

C A N

U S E

City Officials Join Sober Living Debate PAGE 8

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 21

All the Way in WSA

Six local surfers crowned Western Surfing Association West Coast champions D P S U R F/ PAG E 1 8 Bella Kenworthy (right) of Dana Point was among the six local surfers who claimed seven Western Surfing Association season champion titles at the tour’s West Coast Championship, May 14-15 at San Onofre State Park, Church Beach. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Time Capsule Unearthed EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Coast Highway Pedestrian Bridge Approved EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

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Capo Beach’s Joyce Hoffman Gets Wall of Fame Honors DP SPORTS/PAGE 16

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DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

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Five things Dana Point should know this week

Rock Guarding 50-YearOld Time Capsule Moved Ahead of Celebration THE LATEST: An 8-ton granite rock covering a time capsule that was buried in Dana Point in 1966 was moved at a recent ceremony in anticipation of the unveiling of the time capsule’s contents.

The time capsule—about 4 feet long and made of stainless steel—was buried almost 50 years ago, coinciding with the beginning of construction of the harbor. The rock on top of the buried capsule was chosen from those used to build the seawall.

The rock was moved by Orange County Parks in a small celebration that precedes a much larger commemorative ceremony and barbecue dinner on August 29—50 years to the day after the capsule was buried. Attendees of the 1966 burial were given free tickets to the August celebration, which will be at Baby Beach at 4 p.m.

Dana Point Councilman Carlos Olvera said he’s already heard of ticket holders returning to Dana Point for the event, including Miss Dana Point 1966, Nancy C. Buenger, and Miss San Clemente 1966, Valeria A. Zagwolski. Olvera also anticipates the attendance of an Oregon man and a woman residing in Florida who both attended the original ceremony—as each other’s dates.

In the meantime, the contents of the time capsule are being catalogued by researchers at the John D. Cooper Archaeological and Paleontological Center in Santa Ana. WHAT’S NEXT: Reproductions of the 60plus time capsule items will be on display at the August 29 event. The rock that served as the capsule’s cover will also be moved to Baby Beach.

All interested guests are welcome to attend, though a ticket is needed for the free meal. —Matt Cortina/Andrea Swayne

Dana Hills Science Teacher Named CUSD High School Teacher of the Year THE LATEST: Kristine Clarke, a science teacher at Dana Hills High School, was named Orange County Teacher of the Year on May 11 in a surprise ceremony.

Clarke was first honored as the Capistrano Unified School District High Dana Point Times May 20-26, 2016

Orange County Parks moved an 8-ton granite rock that was sitting over a time capsule buried in 1966. The time capsule will be opened and its contents will be displayed at a celebration on August 29. Photo: Alan Gibby

A plaque on the boulder that sat atop the time capsule in Dana Point. The rock will be moved back to Baby Beach. Photo: Alan Gibby

School Teacher of the Year. While Clarke was teaching in her classroom, a cadre of school and district officials gathered ahead and then surprised her with the award. CUSD Board President Amy Hanacek, Board Clerk Martha McNicholas, Superintendent Kirsten Vital, Capistrano Unified Educators Association President Sally White and Dana Hills Principal Jason Allemann were among those who honored Clarke, who has taught at Dana Hills for 11 years.

“You engage students in real and authentic ways in the classroom and that clearly has a lasting impact on their lives,” Vital told Clarke in the classroom. “It is an honor for me to be here to share this news with your students. Your experience, your ac-

complishments and your heart for teaching make you deserving of this great honor.”

“You are truly a classroom innovator offering your students a relevant education in whatever science class you teach and a pioneer in creating a new course,” Hanacek said. “You create learning experiences for your students that are obviously meaningful in so many ways and the respect that you have from those students and appreciative parents is obvious and warranted.”

Clarke has led “CSI-type murder investigations” as well as hands-on global warming research, according to a press release from the district. Clarke’s work in the classroom won the school a two-year grant from the National Science Foundation Research in Institutions program, which enables biotechnology students at the school to do college-level laboratory work in conjunction with California State University, Fullerton.

The Dana Point City Council also honored Clarke at its May 17 regular meeting.

WHAT’S NEXT: Clarke will represent CUSD at the Orange County Department of Education Teachers of the Year program where four teachers will be selected to move on to the California Department of Education Teacher of the Year contest. —MC

Capo Unified Continues Consideration of New Immunization Policy THE LATEST: On May 11, the Capistrano Unified Board of Trustees held the third reading of the district’s new immunization requirements for the 2016-2017 school year.

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Last June, Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 277 into law, eliminating personal belief exemptions from immunization in schools statewide. In order to comply with the new law, which goes into effect July 1, the district will no longer enroll students who don’t have the required vaccinations, “unless the family submits a medical exemption from a licensed physician,” according to staff.

Since the first reading of the policy in March, trustees have been directing staff to make revisions. On Wednesday night, three parents brought up the issue of whether special education students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) would be exempt from the new vaccination requirements. Staff answered that under federal law, all students with an IEP are guaranteed access to educational services, regardless of their immunization status.

Trustee Jim Reardon voiced several concerns Wednesday night, including that people will be seeking reasons to obtain an IEP in order to avoid immunization. He anticipates the district will “have difficulty sorting through the authenticity of physicians’ statements granting regular education students exemptions,” and was glad that staff is looking into a form that can be used to “obtain proof of authenticity.” “… there’s going to be a significant flood of these things coming to us that may not be proper,” Reardon said, adding that local, prominent doctors may end up, in some cases, becoming victims of forgery.

WHAT’S NEXT: With several suggested revisions to the policy from the board, the item was continued to the next regularly scheduled meeting, which will be held on May 25. —Allison Jarrell (Cont. on page 4) www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3)

Coast Highway Crosswalk Gets Approval as Pedestrian Bridge Crumbles THE LATEST: Plans to build a crosswalk on Coast Highway at the Surfside Inn were approved by the Planning Commission and City Council this week.

The project includes the construction of a fully signalized, at-grade pedestrian crosswalk/intersection. Approval of the crosswalk comes after it was determined that the pedestrian bridge over Coast Highway would be demolished. The County of Orange is responsible for the destruction and has applied to the California Coastal Commission for a development permit. The county will leave the bridge over the railroad tracks until a separate project to replace it has been approved.

The County of Orange determined the bridge, which was built about 30 years ago, was deemed to have excessive concrete spalling, corroding reinforcement and did not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act for its lack of an elevator.

Plans call for signage to alert drivers of the new crosswalk once it is constructed.

The Commission also said that no parking will be lost in the area because of the crosswalk construction.

WHAT’S NEXT: The county will conduct a traffic management plan to consider public comment and discuss traffic control plans, rerouting of busses, local access to the area, parking and more. The bridge will not be torn down until the county provides a safe method to cross Coast Highway.

—MC

Doheny Village Development Project Approved THE LATEST: The Dana Point Planning Commission approved a development permit to demolish the Dana Party Supplies building on Doheny Park Road and build a 5,997-square-foot building in which an AutoZone will reside.

The construction is part of the ongoing redesign of Doheny Village.

The previous building has been on the site since 1965. The project includes the construction of a new sidewalk in front of the building, the application of new pavement and painting in the parking lot, and the implementation of new landscaping throughout the lot.

The building itself will conform to local style, with a smooth stucco edifice, a “sand dune cultured stone veneer,” a metal trellis to support vines along Doheny Park Road and large recessed windows. The city clarified in its design guidelines that new construction should promote pedestrian

A new pedestrian walkway on Coast Highway was approved by the city of Dana Point. It will replace the portion of the crumbling pedestrian bridge that currently runs over the highway. Photo: City of Dana Point

travel, which is going to be a focus of the entire Doheny Village redesign.

Two signs were approved for the project—one main halo-lit sign that is 42 inches high and 21 feet long, and another smaller sign that will rest vertically on the side of the building.

WHAT’S NEXT: The application was passed 4-0 at the May 9 Planning Com-

mission meeting, with newly appointed Commissioner Roy Dohner not yet voting.

Commissioner Scott McKhann stipulated that the developer has to look for additional parking lot configurations. The current plan calls for 17 spots. The Dana Point City Council approved the Planning Commission’s action on Tuesday, May 17. It is not immediately known when the project will begin. —MC

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY MATT CORTINA

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.

Monday, May 16 WELFARE CHECK Corniche Drive, 0 Block (9:33 p.m.) Police were called to check on a 5-year-old child whose parents, the caller said, were smoking marijuana and “on the patio talking loudly” at their house.

DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24900 Block (9:26 p.m.) A “belligerent and unstable” woman allegedly stood on the bar and almost fell off and knocked stuff over. The 19-year-old was kicked out once earlier that night when she didn’t pay for her food.

DISTURBANCE Azul Drive, 27000 Block (9:17 p.m.) Eight people in front of a sober-living home were reportedly screaming and yelling.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34400 Block (8:37 p.m.) A woman called 911 and asked for medics. Then she said she needed police, only to then refuse to tell the desk operator what the issue was. She ultimately disconnected.

DISTURBANCE Cordova Drive, 24700 Block (7:39 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested for a bunch of kids playing soccer in the street near the location.

DISTURBANCE Pointe Sutton, 32600 Block (7:03 p.m.)

A woman told police her 17-year-old son was angry and hitting things in their home because she took his car. The woman said her son suffered from severe depression and anxiety and had no weapons.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway/Doheny Park Road (7:02 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a man in a black hoodie and navy shorts, who looked like he was trying to pull a post out of the ground.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Dana Drive, 25000 Block (6:42 p.m.)

Animal services were requested for a baby seal in the street.

Dana Point Times May 20-26, 2016

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via California, 26400 Block (6:11 p.m.)

A 25-year-old man dropped a large duffle bag in front of the location and was seen walking around with a flashlight. The caller who notified police said he thought the man was “mentally disturbed.”

A patrol check was requested when two women were seen walking “too close to the cliffs off the trail.” The caller was concerned for the women’s safety.

DISTURBANCE Calle Portola, 34500 Block (1:05 p.m.)

A woman said her “irate ex-boyfriend” was hitting himself with a piece of wood and was threatening her with a rock. The woman said her ex-boyfriend was, at the time, taking a load of his stuff to his mom’s house but was returning in five minutes.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Alcazar Drive, 33800 Block (2:45 p.m.)

A caller told police the house at the location was condemned and boarded up but that someone had removed the boards.

The caller was not sure if anyone was in the house but did suspect that the former resident did it because “she’s been trying to get in since she was removed.”

DISTURBANCE Granada Drive/Pacific Coast Highway (11:29 a.m.) Two men were fighting each other on the corner of the intersection. Both men had beards, but neither had weapons. One man threw the other against a car.

PETTY THEFT Del Prado, 24800 Block (11:36 a.m.)

Two women in long black skirts allegedly came into a business and stole razor blades before leaving in a light blue minivan. Police suspected they may have also hit up a Costco.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 34000 Block (9:25 a.m.)

Police were flagged down to address a homeless man and woman who were yelling at people on the bike trail.

Sunday, May 15 DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (11:24 p.m.) A man told police a homeless woman had locked herself inside the restroom of a business that had recently closed. The man asked her to leave but she refused.

She reportedly had a lot of bags with her.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (9:50 p.m.) A man told police a “random skinhead showed up out of the blue” meaning to harm him, but that he ultimately didn’t do anything.

DRUNK DRIVING Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24200 Block (8:28 p.m.) Police arrested a 50-something woman for drunk driving after they were notified that she had stumbled out of her Volkswagen Beetle, crawled into the bathroom and then got back in and started to drive away.

PATROL CHECK Pointe Monarch Drive, 0 Block (7:55 p.m.)

A bobcat or mountain lion was seen on the greenbelt by the gate to the community.

KEEP THE PEACE Nottingham Way, 33300 Block (7:52 p.m.)

A man told police his 28-year-old stepson kept coming into the unlocked house and “being mean, laughing and making fun of” him. The stepson was in the backyard when police were called.

PATROL CHECK Scenic Drive, 34500 Block (2:06 p.m.)

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL Calle Maria, 26800 Block (9:23 a.m.)

A person called police after hearing “major house construction on a Sunday,” and asked police if they could make the construction stop.

PETTY THEFT Pacific Coast Highway, 32800 Block (1:09 a.m.) A business owner told police that a 25-year-old man in all red clothes with a skateboard came in and took coffee without paying and was hanging around the building outside.

Saturday, May 14 DISTURBANCE Balearic Road, 32500 Block (8:44 p.m.)

Police were notified when five or six teen boys allegedly rang the doorbell of a home several times and then ran away. The teens reportedly returned a few minutes later and started kicking the front door. A woman inside the home called police and requested a patrol check. Meanwhile, her husband was driving around the neighborhood looking for the kids.

PETTY THEFT Del Prado, 24500 Block (6:24 p.m.) A caller told police a homeless man in a wheelchair in front of a restaurant appeared to be drunk, passed out and “smells foul.”

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 34900 Block (3:06 p.m.) A patrol check was requested in the park when a caller told police about a male and female who were “making out” on the grass. The caller thought the two lovebirds were “mentally disabled.”

PETTY THEFT REPORT Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (4:19 a.m.) A woman told police that six men and a woman did not pay their restaurant bill at Harbor House Cafe. The group left in three vehicles toward Pacific Coast Highway.

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Community Meetings MONDAY, MAY 23

Planning Commission Meeting Canceled

The next meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Monday, June 13, 6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 24

Special BILY Meeting

7-9 p.m. Because I Love You (BILY) is a group to help parents manage their children’s behavior. San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 Avenida De La Estrella, www.stopb4ustart.com.

Dana Harbor Toastmasters

7-8:30 p.m. Fine-tune your public speaking skills each Tuesday at Capo Beach Church, 26975 Domingo Avenue, Capistrano Beach, 949.492.7181, 1707.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club

7-8:30 a.m. Join members of the volunteer-centered club for breakfast and a meeting each Wednesday at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.monarchbeachrotary.com THURSDAY, MAY 26

Coastmasters Toastmasters Club

7-8:30 a.m. Practice your public speaking skills every Thursday at the OC Sailing & Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place, Building B, 6658.toastmastersclubs.org MONDAY, MAY 30

Memorial Day

City Hall offices closed. Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

Memorial Day Services

10-11:30 a.m. A memorial will be held for all fallen veterans of all wars.

Flowers will be placed on the memorial and a traditional Marine Corps empty boots ceremony will be included. Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, 949.248.7696, www.vfwpost9935.org.

www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

In an essay contest, fifth graders from area schools wrote about what it means to be an “eco hero.” Winners were given a whale-watching excursion courtesy of Dana Wharf Whale Watching. Photo: Courtesy

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

S.O.S.PATHS Club Recognized for Community Service The Dana Point City Council honored the members of the S.O.S.PATHS Club at its meeting on Tuesday, May 17.

The student-centric club was created seven years ago and has since logged 1,987 hours of service to the community. The club seeks to provide youth an opportunity to have fun outside and in other venues in a safe, drug-free environment. Their programs include those concerning education, prevention, parenting, intervention and assessment to assist families and individuals who are dealing with substance abuse, family crises or delinquent behavior.

The club was started at Dana Hills High School when a group of students found there wasn’t a place where they could have fun and be sure not to encounter drugs and alcohol. The students, weary of being pressured to take part in the party scene, reached out to the school intervention counselor, Mike Darnold, and together created the club.

This year, the club helped kids at the Winter Festival by running face-painting and crafts stations and ushering them to see Santa.

Eco Hero Essay Contest Champs Win Whale Watching Excursion In honor of Earth Day, the Ritz-Carlton and Laguna Niguel’s Eco-Adventure Center joined the Capistrano Unified School District to hold a student essay contest.

The winners of that contest were announced on April 23.

Fifth graders from within the district were invited to enter 300- to 500-word essays, a piece of art or a public service announcement on “What it means to be an Eco Hero.” Of the large group of submisPage 7

sions, 15 essays were selected, and the winners were awarded a whale-watching excursion courtesy of Dana Wharf Whale Watching.

The winners of the event were: Sophie Andersen, Brenden Bellavia, Mallory Brunner, J.R. Cifone, Acey Evangelista, Luck Flinn, Agathe Ford, Olivia Henchel, Zoe Herndon, Brynne Kehlet, Talia Penzell, Leila Rooney, Madison Roth, Camille Treichler and Kaitlin Van DerVeen.

House of Design Ready Philharmonic House of Design will be redesigning a home into a “Coastal Mediterranean masterpiece” from May 24 to June 19 at The Strand at Headlands in Dana Point. Fifteen renowned interior designers will revamp the 8,700-squarefoot home.

The Philharmonic House of Design will be open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The house is closed on Mondays. Tickets start at $40. Shuttle parking will be available from 34111 Selva Road, Dana Point.

For more information on the Philharmonic House of Design, call 714.840.7542 or visit PhilharmonicSociety.org/HOD.

Orange County collects 7,779 pounds on Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Orange County held a Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to coincide with the Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Drug Take-Back Day on April 30. Supervisor Lisa Bartlett organized the effort and reported that 7,779 pounds of prescription pills were gathered at the event—with 2,383 pounds coming from South Orange County.

Prescription drugs can be submitted for disposal year-round in Dana Point at the Dana Point Sheriff’s Department Office, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 140.

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

EYE ON DP

A Sobering Discussion Local lawmakers, including four Dana Point officials, meet with more than 600 residents to discuss sober living homes in South Orange County

BY MATT CORTINA, DANA POINT TIMES

M

ore than 600 South Orange County residents, including four Dana Point city officials, gathered in Laguna Hills on May 12 for a town hall meeting to discuss sober living homes.

The event underscores the growing discontentment with sober living facilities that many towns and residents in Orange County are beginning to feel. The intent of the meeting was to educate residents on current legislation being considered by the state and discuss why regulating sober living homes is difficult.

It was the fourth town hall sponsored by State Sen. Pat Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) in the last 12 months, and this time she was joined by Assemblyman Bill Brough (RDana Point) and Assemblyman Matthew Harper (R-Huntington Beach). The three state legislators opened the evening with a few general remarks about sober living facilities.

“We can’t even get in there to find out if these things are working,” Brough said. “I agree that people need help … but these homes are not the right facilities to go to.

I’m not a doctor, but it doesn’t make sense to me to put six addicts in a home and [then] they’re free to do what they want to do at night.”

Harper was one of the few speakers to discuss addressing the underlying problem associated with sober living homes: substance abuse.

“Places that we never would have thought about it, there are young kids who are getting addicted to opioids,” Harper said. “When heroin does hit, it’s significant.”

Bates spoke of three pieces of legislation the group had authored and that failed to gain traction at the statehouse. Those bills include one from 2015, authored by Brough and Harper, which would have required such facilities to receive licenses; it did not receive a hearing. There was another bill this year, authored by Bates and Brough, which would have enforced health and safety standards on sober living facilities. It only received Republican support and was defeated in committee.

Two bills are currently making their way through the legislative process, having passed the Assembly Health Com-

Dana Point Times May 20-26, 2016

About 600 people, including several Dana Point city officials, gathered in Laguna Hills for a town hall meeting to discuss sober living homes and how to regulate them.

Photo: Matt Cortina

mittee, Bates said. One is a bill that is co-authored by Bates, Brough and Harper, and that enforces a certification program on sober living homes and requires contact information for the home operator and at least one tenant. The other bill, co-authored by Bates and Brough, would allow cities to request that the state not allow new treatment facilities to be built within 300 feet of other treatment facilities.

Such a law would prevent the over-concentration of sober living homes that many South Orange County communities are reporting.

So many attempts at legislation have been made because regulating sober living facilities is tricky. Dana Point City Attorney Patrick Muñoz gave a presentation on the legal aspects of sober living homes with Todd Leishman, a lawyer at Best Best and Krieger.

By definition, because sober living homes do not provide medical services to their patrons, they do not have to seek licensure from state or local health departments, and thus avoid regulation. And because people “in recovery” are considered disabled by the state and federal law, they are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects certain groups from housing discrimination, among other things.

“The courts have made it very, very clear that persons who are living in sober living homes … are disabled,” Muñoz said.

“If a city adopts a law that is targeted at them, it is discrimination and we cannot do it.

Muñoz added that operators are also required to report if they have seven residents or more, and thus incur regulations,

but operators subsequently do not always report accurate figures.

There were two case studies presented at the meeting—one on Costa Mesa and another on San Clemente.

Tarquin Preziosi, the city attorney of Costa Mesa, talked about his city’s successful efforts to enforce regulation on sober living homes—something other municipalities haven’t been able to do yet.

Preziosi outlined how Costa Mesa passed laws that put a 650-foot buffer between sober living homes, banned them from residential areas and required contact information for operators. Solid Landings Behavioral Health, which owned 33 homes in Costa Mesa, sued the city.

A district court ruled in favor of the city before a U.S. appellate court granted an injunction upon appeal, meaning that the city would not be able to enforce its law.

However, the city and the sober living home operator reached a settlement, and over time, 15 homes were closed, with the other 18 scheduled to shut down over the course of two years. Solid Landings will still be allowed to operate two community centers.

It’s also important to note that such a strategy incurs many costs—Newport Beach was forced to pay more than $5 million in settlement money alone when sober living home operators sued legislation they had enacted that was similar to Costa Mesa’s.

In another case study, David Hurwitz, a San Clemente resident, recounted his ongoing legal battle with a sober living facility that moved next door to his home in Talega 18 months ago. Hurwitz said “the entry of the facility has changed the Page 8

character of our neighborhood,” claiming that up to 14 people are living in the fourbedroom house, and that he wouldn’t wish the situation on his worst enemy. Hurwitz said he used his golf range finder to determine the sober living home’s smoking area was only 12 yards from his house.

“We went as far as to bring in a CSI-type investigation company that did chemical testing on our windows that shows nicotine stuck on our glass,” Hurwitz said. “We are constantly having interruptions in the middle of the night … lots of people drinking Red Bulls, staying up late. It became unlivable next door [to the facility].”

So Hurwitz sued, claiming that the facility is running a commercial operation in a residential area, and the Orange County Superior Court will make a ruling on their case on June 6. As many sober living home opponents claim that the facilities should be outlawed because they are commercial operations in residential areas, the ruling could set a major legal precedent.

However, Sober Network Properties, which owns the home (and many others in Orange County), is counter-suing Hurwitz for their right to operate. The company says they were issued a cease and desist letter by the city, violating two anti-discriminatory laws prescribed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act. Following the case studies, a panel of all the participants took pre-screened questions from the audience. Absent from the event was an opportunity for sober living home residents and operators to speak, though a show of hands revealed about four dozen of such people in attendance.

DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor MEASURE H PROPONENTS DISRUPTED ART WALK ANNETTE SZLACHTA-MCGINN, Dana Point

My husband and I enjoyed a pleasant Sunday afternoon at the Dana Point Art Walk on May 15. The artwork was a pleasure to view, and the artists were congenial and enthusiastic about the event and the lovely Del Prado, Lantern District venue.

The Art Walk was marred, however, by a group of sign-toting, attendee-accosting group of Ballot Measure H supporters.

My husband and I were approached by a sign-waver, and when we said we were not interested in discussing the ballot measure, he made a dismissive gesture at us and stalked away. We were happy to be rid of him because we felt the event was an inappropriate place to politick.

The city, the local business community and the artists put on a great show for Dana Pointers and out-of-town guests, which was, unfortunately, rudely interrupted by a partisan group.

They won’t deter us from taking pleasure in our city’s delights, and we look forward to more events planned for all to enjoy.

CRAIG ALEXANDER’S MEMORY SELECTIVE REGARDING BILL BROUGH STEVE STEWART, Dana Point

Craig Alexander’s letter in the May 6-12 issue of the Dana Point Times praising his friend Bill Brough’s role in Town Center is quite a version of selective memory.

Bill Brough was not on the City Council to spearhead adoption of the Town Center/Lantern District plan back in 2008.

He was elected to the Council in 2010.

He did “spearhead” on the Council, as Craig likes to put it. Among the actions he spearheaded was the reckless vote in April 2014 to take all the available city funds not in protected reserves and invest them in reworking Del Prado. This was done despite the pleas of citizens and votes of outnumbered Council members who thought this expenditure premature, unnecessary and a bad investment. Time has shown it was everything its opponents said it would be.

The Town Center project was to be phased based on results from incremental improvements. Now we have, by Craig’s accounting, millions sunk into a very small part of Dana Point and no capital for development in other parts of the city, like Capo Beach. Craig bemoans the vacant lots and like so many others on his side of the issue, points at those empty Dana Point Times May 20-26, 2016

lots as somehow being the future fruit of Measure H. Those lots have been vacant for 85 years and throwing $20 to $30 million at them while under the influence of Bill Brough hasn’t made much of an impact. A ballot measure that has not even been passed is not the problem and will not be a problem. Projects designed within the envelope that Measure H defines are already in the development pipeline and thus evidently quite workable.

Another vote that Brough spearheaded was the decision to overturn a Planning Commission decision and ignore the protests of hundreds of residents about a project that was too tall, too dense and not adequately parked. Brough’s “leadership” brought us the Majestic (now Raintree) project, with 109 apartment units on 2.2 acres. Intense residential development is not what the Town Center Plan envisioned. Majestic is precisely why the community had to put forward Measure H. Bill Brough didn’t care because he was moving on to the State Assembly, with campaign contributions from the local development community.

Nor apparently did he care if city resources were misused and major legal expense was incurred on his watch, as the city stepped into a private party’s contractual dispute and turned it into the Strands Gate lawsuit against the city. The city lost four times in court with an indefensible case and Brough was along for the ride on most of it. The Mayor and City Manager like to spin the $300,000 fine assessed against the city by the Coastal Commission as some kind of generous investment in marine education for underprivileged students. It really is a fine, a punitive sanction, and part of the $500,000 or even $1 million the city is on the line for as a result of this disastrous legal case. Brough was there for most of it.

Brough’s governing style fits well with the Measure I people, who want to excuse developers from providing adequate parking for their projects and push the burden on to taxpayers for the parking assets that will have to be bought or built. Although he claims to be a real conservative, he is great at spending other people’s money.

The pattern he “spearheaded” is what we still see going on in Dana Point today.

Some people call it crony capitalism.

Contrary to Craig’s assertion, there is

no “empty lots measure.” The people telling that story want to make more money on the backs of Dana Point taxpayers.

They are the friends of Bill Brough. Vote yes on H to stop the exploitation of our city and its taxpayers.

PROTECT RESIDENTS’ VISION: VOTE NO ON H, YES ON I ROBERT K. AND CYNDI E. ELDERS, Monarch Beach

We have been residents of Dana Point for 17 years. During our time in this city, we have seen many changes—some were welcomed, others took some getting used to. But never has a more important choice, with such an impact on our beautiful city’s future, been presented before us as the one on the June 7 ballot. Unfortunately, the critical issue has proven to be equally confusing. What is best for our city: Measure H, or Measure I? We want to thank longtime Dana Point resident, Craig Alexander, for providing clarity to the issue in his piece in the Dana Point Times May 6-12 issue. We cannot contain our excitement for the wonderful, family-friendly downtown atmosphere that will be brought to Dana Point through the Town Center/Lantern District project, and we now know that we will be voting no on Measure H and yes on Measure I, to protect the vision the residents of this city—ourselves included—established almost a decade ago.

CORRUPTION: WHY IS THE COUNTY IN THE MOTEL BUSINESS IN THE FIRST PLACE? GREGG CUNNINGHAM, Dana Point

With all due respect, Supervisor Lisa Bartlett misses the point on the Dana Point Harbor Marina Inn scandal (Dana Point Times, May 13-19). The issue here isn’t whether the county approved the room rate discounts, which corrupt bureaucrats were passing out to their cronies (at our expense); the darker problem is why the county was ever in the motel business to start with.

This motel should be sold at auction ASAP and the proceeds used to defray the expenses required to improve our harbor facilities. When the government owns and operates what should be private sector

EDITOR’S NOTE: It has come to our attention that proponents of Ballot Measure I (the city initiative) used the Dana Point Times logo on a campaign brochure without our knowledge. The logo appeared on the brochure alongside information reported in a story that appeared in the April 15 issue of the newspaper. The quoted information came from a court decision regarding the language used in Measure H (the voter initiative) proponents’ rebuttal to Measure I. While fair use of our logo is permitted for identification purposes of the source only, it is not acceptable to use a logo to suggest the Dana Point Times endorses the Measure I campaign in any way. It does not. The Dana Point Times does not endorse either side of this issue, or any issue for that matter, and takes exception to this unauthorized use of the logo to create that impression.–Andrea Swayne

Page 10

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 Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@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 Senior Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne 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 Melissa Calvano Evan Da Silva Debra Holm Cameron Sadeghi Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 9, Issue 21. 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.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX businesses, inefficiency will often be compounded by corruption. In the meantime, someone (or ones) should go to jail.

VOTE YES ON H FOR THE TOWN CENTER WE ALL ENVISION BETTY HILL, Capistrano Beach

The 2015 Town Center Initiative, Measure H, is endorsed by thousands of Dana Point residents. Measure I, put on the ballot by the City Council, is backed and being heavily funded by developers and outside special interests. Only Measure H supports the provisions of the 2008 Town Center Plan (Lantern District Plan) approved by the Community: • Measure H promotes the Town Center Plan’s goal to “improve Town Center as one of the city’s primary shopping districts with a small town village atmosphere.”

• The 2008 plan states that parking is critical to Town Center success.

Measure H contains the 2008 Town Center Plan’s requirement that projects provide “the minimum number of parking stalls by use, as detailed in the Dana Point Zoning Code.”

• Ground floor retail is required with residences allowed only on upper floors, as stated in the 2008 Town Center Plan.

• The 40-foot height and three story

limits of the 2008 plan must be enforced.

• Measure H requires voter approval for major changes with variances per the Dana Point code.

Measure I is a Lantern District Plan as amended on September 15, 2015. Measure I will cancel Measure H if Measure I receives more votes. Measure I and the Council’s approach for Town Center: • Measure I reduces the business element and promotes extra floors of high-density residential development.

• It drastically reduces the parking requirements without reference to the Dana Point zoning code.

• Commercial and restaurants only need two spaces per 1,000 square feet and one-bedroom units require one parking space.

• Overflow parking from development will overwhelm public parking and impact our neighborhoods with no long-term solution planned.

• Businesses will not be attracted to Town Center and existing businesses will suffer.

• The plan can be changed with three votes of the City Council.

Residents deserve the 2008 Town Center Plan they were promised. Development is underway with multiple projects that adhere to the 2008 Plan, including one recently approved at Golden Lantern and Pacific Coast Highway. Measure H

EDITOR’S NOTE:

By Andrea Swayne, Senior Editor

Signing Off

I

t is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from Picket Fence Media as I venture out to pursue other opportunities.

Although I am excited for what my future holds, I can’t help but to feel sad about leaving the dedicated team that makes the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch the top-notch local newspapers they are.

It has been an honor to serve the community over the past eight years, working hard to provide the best information to help residents (my neighbors) stay informed on the news of the day and to experience everything our beautiful tri-city area has to offer.

I would like to thank you, our readers, for your support, feedback and contribu-

tion to the editorial makeup of our papers.

You have been of great assistance to me, and our team, via letters to the editor, questions, suggestions and story pitches about the interesting people, places, events and issues you care about. It has been a distinct pleasure serving you.

See you around town. DP

promotes responsible, fair and consistent development following the 2008 Town Center Plan.

Vote yes on H and no on I. This letter was respectfully submitted

by Betty Hill, on behalf of members of Dana Point Residents for Responsible Development.

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.

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: By Joe Muller, Dana Point City Councilman

Why Measure H is Damaging for Dana Point

I

am opposed to Measure H for multiple reasons.

The city of Dana Point and the South Coast Water District spent millions to prepare for the Lantern District Plan.

Measure H will make any development in the Town Center too costly, which will mean the empty lots stay empty. This will cost the city approximately $4.5 million in lost Development Impact Fees, as well as $680,000 per year in lost sales tax revenue.

It will eliminate the “park once and walk” environment envisioned for the Lantern District. This was the vision that took more than 30 months and 30 public meetings to define. “Park once and walk” districts don’t Joe Muller consist of large private parking lots. They consist of shared public parking lots that will be free to residents.

It will stop shops, restaurants and other services from coming to Dana Point. Dana Point residents currently need to leave the city to buy a pair of jeans. Most people leave to have dinner.

Our resorts send their guests to neighboring cities for these services. This is unacceptable. This is lost revenue for our city, revenue that is used to build infrastructure, deliver programs and events for our residents. For more information on this, you can go to the city’s web page (www.danapoint.org) and view the economic impact report from Keyser Marston Associates.

The “yes on H” group is providing misleading information and was actually sued by a citizens group regarding comments they made (in their rebuttal statement to Measure I). The judge agreed, stating the group had made “false and misleading” statements and ordered them to remove some and change others.

Most of the changes they are proposing are already part of the Lantern District Plan (Town Center Plan). One such change is building height. They are proposing a 40-foot maximum height limit, which is already in the existing plan. In reality, they are proposing a 40-foot height that would include utilities, such as air conditioning units and elevator shafts.

This effectively reduces the heights of buildings by nearly an entire story.

They accuse the City Council of approving huge buildings and destroying the city. This is simply untrue. There is no evidence to support any of their claims.

As a matter of fact, this Council denied the only request for a variance that has come before it. They are relying on speculation and fear because the facts to support their

Dana Point Times May 20-26, 2016

claims simply don’t exist.

They accuse the Council of being arrogant for running Measure I. Their reasoning being 4,240 residents signed the petition. What they don’t tell you is only 3,081 were verified and Dana Point has over 20,398 registered voters (as of April 2, 2015) A total of 940 of the signatures checked were found invalid. I have been personally contacted by many people who signed the petition but no longer support it, because they found out what it would do to our city.

As a result, the Council ran Measure I as an informational measure so people would truly understand the impacts of Measure H. I think most people consider holding true to your beliefs shows integrity, not arrogance.

They accuse the Council of being in the pocket of developers and special interests.

This Council has not given one variance or concession to any developer and denied a developer’s request for a Community Facilities District (CFD), better known as a Mello Roos District.

We have City Council elections every two years. If you don’t agree with the Council, work hard and change the members. Damaging an entire city because you don’t agree with the current Council members is short-sighted and only hurts the city of Dana Point.

Please vote no on Measure H and yes on Measure IT 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.

Clarification: In a story that appeared in the April 29 issue, “Strand Semantics,” the online version has been changed.

The word “trespassing” has been omitted and replaced with the more accurate “crossing privately owned land.” The word trespassing has two definitions, one of which is the colloquial use meaning to enter an owner’s land without permission and the other is the legal determination of such an act. While the use of the first definition was intended, the story was changed to more accurately convey the intent. Information regarding legal protection—in addition to the 1976 passing of the California Coastal Act mentioned in the story—for beach access as provided by the California State Constitution and the Public Trust Doctrine was also added to the story.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

At the Movies: ‘Captain America: Civil War’ Fights to Success

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 20 MEET THE AUTHOR 1-2 p.m. Meet author and ex-police officer Joe De Ladurantey, who will discuss his two new books, Cowards, Crooks, and Warriors; and Rock & Roll and DooWop. Walk-ins welcome. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

ST. EDWARD FIESTA 5-10 p.m. A family-friendly weekend of fun kicks off at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church. There will be carnival rides, games, food, drinks, live entertainment, a country store, a cake walk and more. Event runs through the weekend: Noon-10 p.m. on Saturday, and Noon- 8 p.m. on Sunday. 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point. More information at www.stedwardfiesta.org.

DANCING FOR A CAUSE 6 p.m. The San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club will host its sixth annual “Dancing for a Cause” fundraiser, based on the TV show Dancing With the Stars. This friendly dance competition between five local nonprofit groups will raise money for their causes. Each group’s dancer is paired with a professional dancer, and the pairs compete for monetary prizes for their charities and the coveted “Top Dancer” trophy. The Hills Hotel, 25205 La Paz Road, Laguna Hills.

Saturday | 21 DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

DANA POINT HISTORY TOUR 9-11:30 a.m. Go on a walk that explores the history of Dana Point, led by a docent.

History Tours occur on the third Saturday of each month and have rotating themes.

Walks begin at the Nature Interpretive Center. 34588 Scenic Drive, Dana Point.

RSVP to either wqintern@danapoint.org or 949.248.3527.

Sunday | 22 ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf Dana Point Times May 20-26, 2016

Photo: File

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 21-22: DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL 11 a.m. Bands hit the sand with blues, rock and soul at the 19th annual two-day music festival at Doheny State Beach. Lineup includes Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot!, Aaron Neville, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Edgar Winter Band, Walter Trout, The Record Company and more atop three stages. The event also includes food, microbrew tastings, a wine lounge and merchandise vendors throughout. Paid parking will be available in the Doheny State Beach lot. Overflow parking will be available at Dana Hills High School with a $5 shuttle service to and from the event. General admission $60 single day; $115 both days. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.360.7800, www.dohenybluesfestival.com. luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor.

Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday.

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

Monday | 23 HOMEWORK HELP AT THE DP LIBRARY 3:30-5 p.m. Free homework assistance for kindergarten through eighth-grade students by high school volunteers. Mondays and Wednesdays through June 1. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

PJ STORYTIME WITH THE SUNSHINE READERS 7-8 p.m. Reading event for children of all ages, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Wear your pajamas if you like.

No pre-registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

class, or $150 for the series. Classes run on Tuesdays from May 3 through June 7. Register online. 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.

TACO TUESDAYS AT SUNSETS 4 p.m. Tacos for $2 and $3, margaritas and tequila for $5, Mexican beers for $4 and a DJ starting at 7 p.m. Sunsets Bar & Grill Capo Beach, 34700 Pacific Coast Highway, Capistrano Beach, 949.276.8880, www.sunsetsbar.com.

Thursday | 26

Tuesday | 24 TINY TOTS: PARENT & ME PROGRAMS AT THE OCEAN INSTITUTE 9-10:15 a.m. The Ocean Institute hosts a six-week series of classes for children ages 2 and 3 and their parents. Toddlers will explore shapes, colors, textures and more with the sea star. Each session includes an activity and an animal encounter. $30 per

SESSIONS AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Talented musicians from around the world perform together. Where else can you see local musicians on stage with members of Pink Floyd? StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

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For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com

Photo: Walt Disney Pictures

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he most anticipated blockbuster of the summer is already here, and it’s as good as a big budget action flick can be. Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War was released this month, not long after the disastrous Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice—it more than makes up for that lackluster superhero flick and the other studio duds from the past eight weeks. Themes like government control, guilt, betrayal and friendship are brought up again, like in Dawn of Justice, but with much more fluidity.

After Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) accidentally causes the death of a group of innocent people with her extraordinary powers in the middle of battle, Secretary of State Ross (William Hurt) thinks it’s time to finally go through with the Anti-Hero Registration Act. Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) is on board with the bill, as he’s seen too many innocent people die while saving the world; but Captain America (Chris Evans) isn’t completely convinced, especially when the government wants his best friend, the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), dead.

Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Vision (Paul Bettany) and War Machine (Don Cheadle) are Team Iron Man. While Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Agent 13 (Emily VanCamp) are Team Captain America. Civil War has many story arcs and characters running around, yet never loses its narrative.

Both sides of the conflict are well executed, and there’s a fine balance between drama and comic relief. As for the rest of the summer, X-Men: Apocalypse and Suicide Squad now have a lot to live up to. DP

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Reading with Wright by Christopher Wright

Adios Dana Point, Viva New Mexico

T

his is my last column; I am retiring and moving to New Mexico. I’ve enjoyed sharing books and authors with you for the past two and a half years as well as receiving feedback from you at the library. Over the course of 30 years of living in California and crisscrossing the continent, I never gave much thought to retiring in New Mexico. That all changed around three years ago when I discovered a certain town off the beaten path. They READING WITH WRIGHT call New Mexico the

By Christopher “Land of Enchantment” Wright for a reason. Here are a few books set in New Mexico that enchanted me as much as the place.

Fire Season: Field Notes by a Wilderness Lookout, by Philip Connors Romanticism meets pragmatism in this story destined to become another classic about the West. Besides being an introspective book, it’s also a primer on the natural world and the American West.

In the story, readers meet Jack Kerouac, Norman Maclean, Aldo Leopold, and the ghosts of the Apache and Buffalo Soldiers.

Great prose, vivid descriptions and lines/ aphorisms will linger with you.

Red Sky at Morning, by Richard Bradford This is the best coming-of-age story you’ve never heard about. It is required reading in New Mexico schools. Set in New Mexico during the last year of World War II, Josh is a 17-year-old living in Mobile, Alabama. His dad, who owns a shipyard, finally gets his wish to go to war with the Navy. Rather than leave Josh and his mom in Mobile while he goes off to

war, he puts them up in the family vacation home in the mountains of New Mexico, a place the wife loathes. Josh is a flexible young man and the tale is full of humorous exchanges with his classmates as he adjusts to going to school there for the first time. He knew the town from his many summers there but living there full-time is a whole new experience for him. Bradford introduces readers to the cultures of the places and the times. Josh’s mom has a hard time living without her husband and her beloved South. She eventually turns to the bottle, and a male freeloading friend of the family shows up and won’t go away.

Lots of interesting adventures ensue in this relocation drama as Josh connects positively with all the local folks. Josh was always a good kid who took on responsibility but he shines during this chapter in his life.

Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya This is the best coming-of-age novel I’ve ever read—period. More than a Chicano feel-good book, this story packs so much into it. It’s magical, marvelous, tragic, hopeful and beautiful. Some of the dialogue in which the main character Antonio talks to his dad about life and its vicissitudes is sublime, as are young Antonio’s heartfelt questions to God on why bad things happen. It’s set during and after WW II in rural New Mexico, but the story is timeless. A Spanish-speaking boy is getting ready to go to school and learn English. His mom is from a family of farmers, and his dad is from a family of vaqueros. Despite some tension between the growers and ranchers, the family gets along well. Tension between the townspeople and the people of the countryside—farmers and cowboys—adds to the tale. Antonio is only starting first grade

Pet of the Week: Nero

T

hree-year-old Nero is a friendly little guy who is hoping to be your new best friend!

Full of energy and tons of fun, Nero loves going on walks and playing in the yard. Once you meet him, this spunky little pup is sure to win your heart. If you would like to know more about Nero, please call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente. DP Dana Point Times May 20-26, 2016

Nero. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter

Page 14

but he’s already witnessed some terrible things, such as the murder of a PTSDailing veteran by a mob in a riverbed. He’s a smart boy, and his mom thinks he’ll become a priest. His three older brothers are off to war and anxiety over their safe return hovers over the family. But then Ultima, a shaman of sorts, comes to live with Antonio and becomes his mentor. She has an unearthly wisdom that she imparts to Antonio. There are the rituals of Catholicism and the beauty of nature competing for Antonio’s attention, and all the while there’s an evil “spirit” in the community that Antonio will face. This great book has also been made into a beautiful movie that perfectly captures its soul.

I hope you will enjoy these tales set in my new home state. Adios, Dana Point.

The Dana Point Library’s informal group, the Tea Time Book Club, meets every fourth Monday of the month from 10:30-11:30 a.m., and tea is served. Bring your favorite tea cup and join us. All

are welcome. Next month’s meeting on Monday, May 23 will feature The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson. For a list of future featured titles, call the library at 949.496.5517.

For more information about upcoming events across the Orange County Public Libraries system, visit www.ocpl.org. The site also provides access to online databases, digital copies of popular magazines, PDF copies of historical sheet music, ebooks, audiobooks, jobseeker resources and more.

Chris Wright is not sure if he lives to read or if he reads to live. He has been a public librarian with the OC Public Libraries since 2006. He will retire from the Dana Point branch on June 9. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

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

See today’s solution in next week’s issue.

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com AUTOS FOR SALE MUST SELL!! SEATS 7!

2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER 4x4 Silver with black interior. Bluetooth CD player with lan hookup. New Bilstein shocks. K&N air filter. In great shape. $13,000 949-633-3860

FOR SALE QUANTUM ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR Value $3,000 for sale for $700 OBO Call 949-496-9541 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. We sell tile too!

Mike 949-240-1545.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE SATURDAY MAY 21 7:30am-2:30pm. Big Moving Sale - Furniture, Desks, Patio Chairs, Sofa Sleeper, Pool Table, Pinball Machine, Slot Machine, Dog House, Surfboards one is brand new, Wetsuits, Skateboards, Lots of Clothing, Books, Movies, DVD’s, Old VHS, Plants, Camping gear, Audio Equipment, Pro Speakers, Bar Stools, Lots of Kitchen goodies! All will be priced to Sell so come on down to 35291 Vista De Todo, Capistrano Beach.

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

HELP WANTED HELPER NEEDED FOR ELDERLY WOMAN Light housekeeping for 1-bed apt, grocery shop, occasional ride to doctor, library, all within SC. $20/hr 2-4 hrs/wk Eileen 949-218-9813

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 May 20–26, 2016

Page 15

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Carving a Legendary Path Capo Beach Native Joyce Hoffman enters SC Sports Wall of Fame

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

A

t the age of 12, Joyce Hoffman learned how to surf. By 13, she was competing in contests. By the time she turned 16, Hoffman had emerged as the budding sport’s bright new star.

From 1963 to 1971, Hoffman, a Capistrano Beach native, dominated women’s surfing competitions across the globe, cementing herself as a true legend and pioneer for a whole generation of surfers.

Between 1965 and 1967, Hoffman won three consecutive United States Surfing Championship titles and won her fourth title in 1971. She won the Women’s World Surfing title in 1966 and 1967. In 1964, Hoffman was the first woman to win the women’s division of the annual SURFER poll. She was the first surfer to be named Los Angeles Times Woman of the Year in 1965.

On May 21, Hoffman can add one more accolade to her list.

Hoffman will be inducted into the San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame this weekend, along with tennis player Doris Stephens and volleyball player Bob Yoder,

Dolphin Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Cota Returns to Pitch Dolphins Into First Round of Playoffs Dana Hills senior left-handed pitcher Kayl Cota pitched a total of just five innings over a five-week stretch before he was handed the ball in the Dolphins biggest game of the season on May 18.

Cota, who started off the season as Dana Point Times May 20-26, 2016

From 1963 to 1971, Joyce Hoffman dominated women’s surfing across the globe. Photo: Courtesy

at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park Aquatics Center at 6 p.m. The Wall of Fame is in partnership with the Friends of San Clemente Foundation.

Hoffman’s stepfather, Walter Hoffman, was an accomplished big-wave surfer and introduced his teenage stepdaughter to the sport when the family moved to Capistrano Beach. The first time Joyce rode a wave in competition was with Walter in a tandem ride. However, Joyce did not like the fact that she was not in control of the board and was merely a passenger while Walter steered. From that point on, Hoffman was determined to be in total control the Dolphins No. 2 starter, was nursing a shoulder injury for most of the year but took the mound against Great Oak in a CIF-SS Division 1 wild card game with his team’s season on the line.

It turned out Cota was ready to go.

Cota pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only four hits while striking out nine, in a 4-0 victory that pushed the Dolphins through into the first round of the playoffs.

Dana Hills will travel to play top-seeded JSerra in the first round on May 20.

The win was Cota’s third on the season and his first victory since March 18.

The Dolphins (14-16) got to Great Oak’s ace, Zack Noll, in the fourth inning when Max Mircovich stole second and was doubled in by Jeremy Ciolek for a 1-0 lead.

Mircovich delivered a two-out single in the fi fth that scored Chad Morgan for a 2-0 advantage. Ciolek, who is batting a blistering .357 with a team-leading 21 RBI, singled in Matt Garlan in the fi fth to cap a Dolphins rally and make it 3-0.

Joyce Hoffman, regarded as one of the best female surfers ever, will be inducted into the San Clemente Sports Wall of Fame on May 21.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

out on the water.

Hoffman surfed up and down the Southern California coastline but called the breaks off San Clemente her home turf.

When she paddled out at San Onofre or the Pier as a 12-year-old girl, she was greeted with some sideways looks. Surf-

ing was predominantly a male sport when Hoffman started out back in the 1960s, and only a handful of women ever ventured into the water looking to ride waves.

Hoffman’s skills as a surfer quickly turned those looks into approving nods.

“As soon as you’d ride a few waves and they could see you knew what you were doing, (the surfers) became supportive and protective,” Hoffman recalled. “(The surfers) were real supportive of me when I was surfing. If any guy from out of town would come out and try to give me some vibes, (the locals) would be like, ‘Hey, don’t even go there. She’s one of us, she belongs here.’ It was really neat.”

The wins began to pile up for Hoffman as she toured the West Coast, earning victories in the Bay Area on down to San Diego. She would travel to Hawaii and at the age of 16, won the Makaha International Open, a landmark victory. Her professional career would take her across the globe, from Australia to Europe.

Hoffman devoted herself to the sport and particularly to fitness. She incorporated cross-training exercises like paddling, swimming and running into her training regimen, which she said kept her in top physical condition and gave her an edge in competition.

Now, Hoffman resides in San Juan Capistrano and runs the 25-acre Tar Farms Stables, which has been in the Hoffman family for years. She still paddles out in the Capo Beach area to catch a few waves, where she is joined by her family out on the water.

“We all love the same thing. We love the water and we love the experience of it all,” Hoffman said. “It always feels like I’m at home because I’ve spent so much time doing it and it’s so integral to my family.” DP

Dana Hills pitcher Kayl Cota pitched a complete game shutout against Great Oak in a CIF-SS Division 1 wild card game on May 18. Photo: Kevin Dahlgren/Preps365

Cota faced a bases loaded situation in the fi fth inning, but escaped the jam.

Dana Hills’ Joey DeBaca hit a solo home run in the sixth to close out the scoring.

By starting Cota in the wild card game,

Page 16

the Dolphins will have their ace, junior Hans Crouse, rested for the May 20 tilt against the Lions. JSerra has been atop the CIF-SS Division 1 polls for most of the season and are the Trinity League champions. www.danapointtimes.com

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WSA Champs Crowned

Point BOYS/GIRLS U10: 1. Makai Bray, San Clemente 2.

Luke Wyler, San Clemente 3. Bryse Celaya, Huntington Beach 4. Eli Park, Carlsbad Season Champion: Makai Bray, San Clemente BOYS U12: 1. Raphael Castro, La Jolla 2. Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach 3. Lucas Owston, Oceanside 4. Cole McCaffray, Cardiff-by-the-Sea Season Champion: Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach BOYS U14: 1. Taro Watanabe, Malibu 2. Hagan Johnson, San Clemente 3. Kai McPhillips, San Clemente 4. Sebastian Ojeda, La Jolla Season Champion: Taro Watanabe, Malibu BOYS U16: 1. Kai McPhillips, San Clemente 2. Taro Watanabe, Malibu 3. Noah Hohenester, San Clemente 4. Max Beach, San Clemente Season Champion: Kai McPhillips, San Clemente BOYS U18: 1. Jake Hennessy, Cardiff by the Sea 2. Gavin Doan, Carlsbad 3. David Economos, San Clemente 4. Hagan Johnson, San Clemente Season Champion: Gavin Doan, Carlsbad GIRLS U12: 1. Bryce Ava Wettstein, Encinitas 2. Ryann Daly, Dana Point 3. Sawyer Lindblad, San Clemente 4.

Mara Morales, Huntington Beach Season Champion: Bryce Ava Wettstein, Encinitas GIRLS U14: 1. Kalohelani Danbara, Huntington Beach 2. Caitlin Simmers, Oceanside 3. Bryce Ava Wettstein, Encinitas 4. Izzy Hopkins, Dana Point Season Champion: Olivia Pessanha, San Diego GIRLS U16: 1. Olivia Pessanha, San Diego 2.

Brooke Young, San Diego 3. Kalohelani Danbara, Huntington Beach 4. Chiasa Maruyama, Huntington Beach Season Champion: Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas GIRLS U18: 1. Chiasa Maruyama, Huntington Beach 2.

Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas 3. Jordyn Barratt, Encinitas

4. Kristina Hehl, Huntington Beach Season Champion: Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1.

Jimmy Wynne, San Clemente 2. Cash Cherry, Manhattan Beach 3. Aidan Sautner, San Clemente 4. Rhyn Chambers, San Clemente Season Champion: Jimmy Wynne, San Clemente JR. LONGBOARD U18: 1. Kevin Skvarna, San Juan Capistrano 2. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas 3. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach 4. Jameson Roller, Laguna Beach Season Champion: Kevin Skvarna, San Juan Capistrano GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 1.

Brooke Carlson, Calabasas GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1.

Soleil Errico, Malibu 2. Ocean Tsutsui, San Clemente 3.

Liv Stokes, Aliso Viejo 4. Aine Dwyer, Coronado Season Champion: Liv Stokes, Aliso Viejo MEN 18-29: 1. Evan Sandison, Laguna Niguel 2. Gentry Gard, Laguna Niguel 3. Drew Stanfield, Westminster 4. Kai Matteo, Oceanside Season Champion: Drew Stanfield, Westminster MASTERS 30-39: 1. Jonathan Warren, Long Beach 2. Ryan Aguilar, San Clemente 3. David Morgan, Los Angeles 4. Philip Salick, Los Angeles Season Champion: Ryan Aguilar, San Clemente SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1. Rick Takahashi, San Diego 2. Gavin Haughey, Laguna Niguel 3. Pedro Diaz Rangel, Oceanside 4. Tom Dillon, Ventura Season Champion: Rick Takahashi, San Diego LEGENDS 50+: 1. Jeff Jessee, San Clemente 2. Rusty Phillipy, Cardiff-by-the-Sea 3. Masaki Kobayashi, San Clemente 4. Chas Wickwire, Seal Beach Season Champion: Chas Wickwire, Seal Beach OPEN MEN: 1. Jared Fearon, San Diego 2. Jonathan Warren, Long Beach 3. Cameron Griggs, Mission Viejo 4. Drew Stanfield, Westminster Season Champion: Cameron Griggs, Mission Viejo OPEN WOMEN: 1. Jordyn Barratt, Encinitas 2. Maile Davis, Carlsbad 3. Maya Saulino, San Marcos 4. Jayme Linnes, San Clemente Season Champion: Maile Davis, Carlsbad OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Kevin Skvarna, San Juan Capistrano 2. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas 3. Jameson Roller, Laguna Beach 4. Kurt Greenbaum, Newport Beach Season Champion: Kevin Skvarna, San Juan Capistrano OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Soleil Errico, Malibu 2. Betsey Lee, Topanga 3. Cate Stokes, Aliso Viejo 4. Bianca Dootson, Aptos Season Champion: Keili McEvilly, Carlsbad SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1.

Lance Albright, Huntington Beach 2. Kurt Greenbaum, Newport Beach 3. Jorge Barba, Oceanside 4. Larry Casas, Huntington Beach Season Champion: Lance Albright, Huntington Beach ADAPTIVE SURFERS PRONE: 1. Whitney Tyler, San Diego Season Champion: Whitney Tyler, San Diego ADAPTIVE SURFERS STANDING: 1.

Rodney Roller, Oceano,Ca. 2. Danielle Burt, San Diego 3. Ryan Gambrell, San Diego 4. Matt Foushee, Orange Season Champion: Matt Foushee, Orange ADAPTIVE SURFERS WAVESKI: 1. Jeff Munson, Corona Del Mar 2.

Charles Webb, Oceanside 3. Chris Oberle, Los Angeles 4. Mark Thornton, Carlsbad Season Champion: Mark Thornton, Carlsbad

boards, they get me really nice wetsuits that keep me warm. I love them. They help me a lot. I also want to thank my sister and two brothers. They come to the beach every day for me, even though they don’t like it very much. And they’re just so supportive, and they stay and try not to whine or anything. I love my family so much.”

Cascia finished her first season of competitive surfing May 14 and 15 at the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour West Coast Championship at Church Beach. Her debut competition season also included surfing as part of the Marco Forster Middle School surf team in Scholastic Surf Series events.

At the conclusion of the SSS season last month, Cascia was the second-place season finisher in the Orange County middle school girls shortboard division and helped her team to a third-place team finish.

In WSA Girls U12 Shortboard, she ended the season ranked No. 12 among a field of 32.

“I got third in my heat and didn’t advance,” Cascia said. “I heard Jordyn Kelly get like an 8.0 and I thought, ‘Oh gosh. I can’t make it now,’ but I just kept trying.

I saw Ryann Daly catch a good wave and felt like I really didn’t have a chance. I still tried; I probably could have tried harder.

I caught one OK wave, but I didn’t back it up. I learned that I need to catch more waves. If I see a good one coming, go for it, because I might not have that opportunity again.”

Overall, Cascia counts her first year of contest experience as fun and valuable to her growth as a surfer.

“I loved competing in the whole SSS and WSA season, even though I never made a final in WSA,” she said. “I really like competing, even when I lose. I just review what I did wrong and what I can fix. I like to watch other heats my friends are in, to see where they’re paddling out, where they line up and what they do. I’m not just surfing at contests; I’m studying.”—Andrea Swayne

Six locals take Western Surfing Association West Coast titles

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he culmination of a season rife with cancelations and make-up events— thanks to El Niño—came to an exciting close on May 14 and 15, with six local surfers crowned season champions in seven divisions.

The season’s weather-related contest rescheduling along with the tour’s mix of talented competitors—from Micro Groms under the age of 9 to the Legends division for surfers over 50—made for exceptionally tight races at this year’s season finale, and exciting action in the lineup.

The weather, although a bit chilly, worked in the surfers’ favor all weekend at San Onofre. Overcast skies kept glare at bay on both days. Waves on Saturday began in the 3- to 4-foot range and by Sunday afternoon a new swell filled in, the wind died down and surfers enjoyed glassy, clean and rampy 4- to 5-foot waves on which to strut their stuff in the days’ semifinal and final rounds.

In the end, six local surfers were crowned West Coast champions.

Dana Point’s Bella Kenworthy finished a brilliant season with a win in Micro Grom Girls U10, clinching season top honors with 13,870 points. San Clemente’s Ezra McPhillips was the season runner-up with 13,390 points.

Bella Kenworthy (Dana Point) was among six local surfers who claimed WSA West Coast Champion titles.

Kenworthy won the Micro Grom Girls U10 division. Photo: WSA/Jack McDaniel

Kevin Skvarna, of San Juan Capistrano, was the biggest winner of the day, and the season, taking double wins in the event and double season titles in Junior Longboard U18 and Open Men Longboard divisions.

Skvarna took the Open Men Longboard win over Encinitas’ Trevor Anderberg by a slim 140-point margin.

Local champions also included San Clemente-based surfers Makai Bray in Boys/Girls U10, Kai McPhillips in Boys U16, Jimmy Wynne in Boys Longboard U14 and Ryan Aguilar in the Masters 30-39 division. DP

WESTERN SURFING ASSOCIATION RESULTS MICRO GROM BOYS U9: 1. Chase Niemann, Carlsbad 2. Petey Romaniuk, Huntington Beach 3. Taylor Francis, Carlsbad 4. Loyal Cash Kenworthy, Dana Point West Coast Season Champion: Chase Niemann, Carlsbad MICRO GROM GIRLS U10: 1. Bella Kenworthy, Dana Point 2. Julianna Romaniuk, Huntington Beach 3. Ezra McPhillips, San Clemente 4. Addie McPhillips, San Clemente Season Champion: Bella Kenworthy, Dana

GROM OF THE WEEK

CASCIA COLLINGS

C

ascia Collings, 12, of Dana Point began surfing at the age of 7, and it has since become her favorite sport.

Although she is focused on becoming the best competitive surfer she can be— practicing nearly every day before or after school—Cascia’s surfing goals do not include chasing a professional surfing career.

“I want to be a surf commentator like Rosy Hodge,” she said. “I love to travel and surf, and that would be a great way to do both.”

A straight-A student, Cascia also enjoys school and wants to study science in college.

When not concentrating on riding waves or school work, she also enjoys skateboardDana Point Times May 20-26, 2016

Cascia Collings. Photo: Andrea Swayne

ing and art.

Cascia credits her family as her biggest supporters and a large part of the reason for her success.

“I’d like to thank my parents for everything,” Cascia said. “They take me to surf breaks near and far, they buy me rad

Page 18

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