April 21, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

April 21-27, 2017

YO U

C A N

U S E

Inside:

Dana Point Grand Prix Event Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 10, ISSUE 16

Going for the Gold Special Olympics track and field event returns to Dana Point S P O R T S / PAG E 1 7

Dana Hills High School senior Sarah Rodas completed the 100-meter dash during a Special Olympics event on April 17. Photo: Steve Breazeale

City Council Approves Rope Modification at Strand Gates EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

City Holds Annual Egg Hunt at Sea Canyon, Pines Parks EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Fearing the Great White Shark DP SURF/PAGE 18

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...

after the Dana Point Times print deadline.

For an update, visit www.danapointtimes. com.—KP

Earth Day Events Planned for Dana Point

Five things Dana Point should know this week

City Holds Annual Egg Hunt at Sea Canyon, Pines Parks THE LATEST: On Saturday, April 15, about 500 kids of all ages dashed across the grass at Sea Canyon Park to gather eggs, candy and goodies during the city’s annual Egg Hunt.

The city hosted two events—the other taking place at Pines Park in Capistrano Beach—where kids ran to get full-sized candy bars, eggs filled with surprises and search for one special golden egg.

The day’s events included a petting zoo, games, races and a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary and Satellite Club to benefit local charities.

WHAT’S NEXT: To see all the photos from the day’s event, visit www.danapointtimes. com. —Kristina Pritchett

City Council Approves Rope Modification at Strand Gates THE LATEST: During the April 18 meeting, City Council voted 5-0 in favor of adopting suggested modifications approved by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) in its certification of the city’s Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) regarding the Strand gates.

The Council, in the same vote, approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend the Headlands Development and Conservation Plan to address public access in specific areas of the residential portion of the Headlands, and to submit it as part of the LCPA for approval and certification by the California Coastal Commission.

The modifications include removing the word “gate” to enforce the approved hours of trail use through the residential development and replace it with a “single rope or similar device.”

In December, the CCC voted 8-4 in favor of the city’s LCPA, which replaced the planned retractable gates with a rope.

There are signs placed at each of the access ways to provide information regarding public access and hours of operation, but residents felt that a rope would better Dana Point Times April 21-27, 2017

Kids in the youngest age group hunted for eggs and candy during the city’s egg hunt at Sea Canyon Park on Saturday, April 15. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

enforce these restrictions.

Staff met with the Headlands HOA in March, and said they had concerns regarding the use of ropes, but that they unanimously supported moving forward with the recommended changes.

WHAT’S NEXT: Final approval and installation of a rope, or a similar device, would be subject to a separate discretionary approval via a Coastal Development Permit.

—KP

Investigation Says Measure I Committee Failed to Comply to Advertising Requirements THE LATEST: According to a California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) investigation, a Dana Point committee formed to oppose Measure H last year failed to comply to advertising requirements.

According to the FPPC, Save Public Parking, No on H; Yes on I and Michael Powers, the committee’s principal officer, violated the Political Reform Act by failing to include a disclosure statement on five advertising banners and failed to print a disclosure statement sized at least five percent of the height of 300 yard signs.

The Measure I Committee formed as a local ballot measure committee to oppose Measure H, which required voter approval for development changes in the Lantern District, and to support Measure I, a City Council-sponsored measure that specified

certain parking, building height and other requirements that oponents said differed from the original Town Center Plan.

According to the Political Reform Act, ballot measure committees must print its name on any advertisement. On yard signs and other over-sized print media, the disclosure statement must be at least five percent of the height of the advertisement.

The FPPC said in their order that a central purpose of the Political Reform Act is to ensure voters are fully informed about those who make contributions and expenditures during a campaign, and they believe the Measure I committee and Powers failed to include proper disclosure statements on their advertisements.

“As a result, the public was deprived of important, time-sensitive information about the source of these advertisements,” the FPPC wrote.

According to a tentative ruling, the Save Public Parking, No on H; Yes on I and Powers agreed to a stipulation, which will be submitted to the FPPC at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The total proposed penalty is $3,500.

“Since our group had no political experience, we hired some political consultants to assist with the campaign and the signage,” Powers said. “Unfortunately they were not aware of the disclaimer guidelines, which led to an action against us by the pro-Measure H backers. The issue was a simple disclaimer at the bottom of the sign. As a result, there was a fine and subsequent settlement.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting occurred

Page 3

THE LATEST: To celebrate Earth Day, Dana Point residents have a variety of options to get involved locally.

The California State Parks Foundation is hosting a restoration and cleanup day on Saturday. Volunteers are wanted at Doheny State Beach to remove diseased or dead non-native shrubs and trees from the campground.

For more information, contact Vicki Wiker at 949.310.2546 or vwiker@parks. ca.gov.

At the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, kids can learn fun facts about whales and other marine life from the Dana Point Headlands. The event runs from 10 a.m.-noon. RSVP is required by emailing friendsoftheheadlands@cox. net. There will be a free BBQ lunch from noon-2 p.m. with games and activities from noon-4 p.m. For more information, visit www.danapoint.org.

WHAT’S NEXT: Parking will be limited along Scenic Drive and Green Lantern.

Guests can park in the Dana Strand Beach parking lot and take a scenic walk to the Dana Point Preserve. —KP

City Terminates Contract with Communications Lab THE LATEST: City officials said they have terminated their contract with a communications consulting firm because they no longer need their services.

In October, Council approved staff to execute the agreement with Communications Lab for communication services related to city programs and services.

The company is a communications consulting firm that specializes in services including media relations, community outreach, graphic design, video production and more.

The agreement was for six months with a retainer of $6,000, not to exceed the amount of $36,000.

WHAT’S NEXT: Mike Killebrew, acting city manager, said the city no longer needed the company so they terminated the contract.

He added the company was retained last year by City Manager Doug Chotkevys to assist in connection communications regarding litigation issues, and the former city manager had the city attorney contract for the services provided, and payments were made by the city attorney. —KP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Community NEWS BITES Local Shelter to Host Meetings Kitten Foster Training COMPILED BY STAFF

MONDAY, APRIL 24

Planning Commission Canceled TUESDAY, APRIL 25

Orange County Board of Supervisors Meeting 9:30 a.m. The supervisors will meet in the board hearing room.

Agendas are available at www.ocgov. com. First floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana.

Ocean Water Quality Subcommittee Meeting 3 p.m. Members of the

subcommittee will meet in Suite 212.

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

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, APRIL 27

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. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing & Events Center. www. coastmasters.org.

Mayor Debra Lewis City Office Hours

3:30 p.m. Mayor Debra Lewis will be in City Hall to meet with residences in 15 minute increments. Call to schedule a meeting by contacting Gail Roseen at groseen@danapoint.org or by calling 949.248.3501. Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

Action Associates

7:30 a.m. Members of the networking group meet every Friday at RJ’s for networking. Membership is $45 and guests must RSVP before the meeting at actionassoc@gmail.com.

Dana Point Times April 21-27, 2017

The San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter is hosting a kitten foster training on Thursday, April 27 from 7-8 p.m.

Anyone interested in learning about the fostering experience is invited. To register, call 949.492.1617 or 949.595.8899.

The training will be held at the Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group at 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite C-1, San Juan Capistrano.

Volunteers Needed for Dana Point Grand Prix

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.

Monday, April 17

TRAFFIC HAZARD El Encanto Avenue, 34000 Block (9:10 a.m.) Police were called for a skateboard ramp in front of the location.

The caller was concerned the street would not get cleaned because of the ramp.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Del Obispo Street, 33500 Block (12:07 a.m.) Police were called for a vehicle that may have been unoccupied. The woman who called said she saw a poster that stated, “If you see something, say something.” When asked what was suspicious, she said she felt that suspects leave vehicles behind before they commit a crime.

mit their shots via Instagram or Facebook by using the hashtag #picturedanapoint and tagging @cityofdanapoint. For those who don’t use social media, email your submission to picture@danapoint.org.

For more information on the contest, or the annual calendar, contact the city at 949.248.3553.

Boutique to Hold Fundraiser for Mental Health, Wellness Programs A Dana Point boutique, Rococo, will be hosting a special sales event on April 28 to benefit Mission Hospital.

Ten percent of each purchase made will support mental health and wellness programs at Mission Hospital Laguna Beach.

Shoppers can enjoy cocktails, appetizers and will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Chan Luu item.

The event is from 5-8 p.m. Rococo is located at 24040 Camino del Avion, Dana Point. For more information, contact the store at 949.488.0366.

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

Island Drive, 32500 Block (9:46 p.m.) A woman said her garage alarm went off and she saw a man running up the hill.

their door and then would run away. They believe the man was waiting for them to open the door.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street/Pacific Coast Highway (7:08 p.m.) Police were called for five people who reportedly jumped the fence into a construction site and were breaking things.

DISTURBANCE Sand Piper Lane, 100 Block (9:31 p.m.) Police were called for juvenile skateboarders who reportedly were being loud and yelling at vehicles passing by.

The caller said then one of the girl’s moms asked them to quiet down, the girl yelled back and cursed at her.

DISTURBANCE Elisa Drive, 33100 Block (5:27 p.m.) A caller told police they heard children screaming and banging.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Golden Lantern, 34600 Block (12:59 p.m.) A caller told police a juvenile was skateboarding down the long staircase and almost ran into people.

GRAND THEFT Calle Fortuna, 34700 Block (9:29 a.m.) An engagement ring was reported missing.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Sea

City Officials Announce Calendar Contest Every year the city produces a complimentary calendar for citizens and visitors that contains city events, meetings, community gatherings, holidays and Capistrano Unified School District scheduling.

The calendar has switched between modern and historical images of the city every other year. For 2018, the city will be opening the opportunity to its residents to submit photos of the city.

Those interested have from Memorial Day, May 29, to Labor Day, Sep. 4, to sub-

Volunteers are needed for the 11th annual Dana Point Grand Prix on Sunday, April 30. Those who wish to volunteer will be able to assist with organizing and course set-up; ensuring the safety of participants and spectators; directing fans to points of interest; disassembling and cleaning up the venue; and more.

Sunday, April 16

Available shifts include those from 6-10 a.m., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 2-6 p.m.

Volunteers will receive a free, limited edition Dana Point Grand Prix T-shirt and lunch.

Those under 18 must have proof of eligibility and written parents’ consent.

The Grand Prix is a one-day professional bike race and bike festival. This year, the OCTA Bike Festival is a new feature of the day and will include free bike tune-ups, giveaways, demos and more.

To sign up, visit www.danapointgrandprix.com. —Kristina Pritchett

DISTURBANCE Quail Run, 25600 Block (10:47 a.m.) A caller told police a man was working on a vehicle and they believed he was running a business. They said the vehicles he works on are not registered to the location.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Eastwind Drive, 25600 Block (7:29 a.m.) A woman told police she woke up and went downstairs to see the front door open and paperwork was missing even though she lives alone.

Saturday, April 15 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE El Encanto Avenue, 33700 Block (10:23 p.m.)

A caller told police a man kept banging on

Page 5

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Mesa Vista Drive, 33200 Block (6:12 p.m.) A caller told police a woman rang their doorbell but thought it was strange because she was singing and talking.

PETTY THEFT Monarch Beach Resort, 0 Block (6:09 p.m.) A caller reported a cell phone missing from their vehicle.

GRAND THEFT Monarch Bay Drive, 0 Block (4:16 p.m.) A woman reported her wedding ring missing from the home.

PETTY THEFT Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (9:52 a.m.) A caller told police a woman was seen selecting an item and attempted to conceal it and remove the sensor. The woman walked out of the business and was confronted by an employee. The caller said they got the item back and the woman left.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Orilla Road, 33800 Block (9:28 a.m.) A caller told police there was a man in their vehicle but they didn’t know him. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Council’s Corner by Joe Muller

Let’s Work Together to Save Capo Beach

I

am very pleased at the response from my previous article. It has elicited the responses I expected. My intention was to issue a call to action, not mandate any single solution.

First, I need to do a little housekeeping.

One of the Letters to the Editor mentioned a wave run-up study be conducted by the city of Dana Point. This is not true. The city is not and does not plan to do this study. The beaches in the city of Dana Point are operated by either the county of Orange or the state of California, so any study would need to be commissioned by one of these organizations.

One point made in response to my column, with which I totally agree, is that this problem needs a long-term solution.

However, as we are working on the longterm solution, we may need to implement some short-term solutions to address the damage and loss of access to our public serving infrastructure.

We may not have as much time as we think to save our beaches. An OC Register article by Lauren Williams was published

Letters to the Editor CLARIFICATION OF MAYOR’S NUMBERS MIKE KILLEBREW, Acting Dana Point City Manager

Mayor Debra Lewis’ Council Corner article two weeks ago included erroneous numbers. Where she said we spent $11 million per year was a “limited interpretation” of a document we have produced that shows over 15 years’ worth of capital investments, into both existing capital assets and new assets (like the PCH bridge, medians, salt creek water treatment facility, new parks, etc.)

I have boiled this discussion down to what I believe to be truly meaningful to the readers if one looks at the actual 10 years of financial data associated with our capital investments (and there are a lot of them): Fiscal Year 2006-07 through 2015-16 • Rehabilitation of Existing Infrastructure: $29 million ($2.9 million per year) • New Infrastructure: $42 million ($7.1 million per year) • Total Investment (new and rehabilitation): $71 million ($7.1 million per year) Dana Point Times April 21–27, 2017

on March 28, stating that we could lose our beaches by 2100 without human intervention.

We need to accept the fact we are part of the environment. We have the ability to influence COUNCIL'S the world environment CORNER as is evident when you

By Joe Muller consider sea level rise.

We are concerned about how this impacts the coastal environment but what we don’t want to discuss is: how can we keep the coast as is today?

To me, the question is: does sea level rise have a detrimental effect on the coast and, if so, is there a solution that will allow us to keep the coast line as undisturbed as possible?

The Surfrider response was totally expected. They have their agenda and clearly stated it in their letter to the editor.

The reality is that armoring is one solution that has been employed along the coast.

It works in some areas and not so well in

If you want to assess the city’s fiscal health going forward, the more relevant number is what it costs to take care of what you have, which on average the past 10 years has been $2.9 million per year.

To build new capital assets that bump up the annual spending to anywhere near $7.1 million per year, we would have to raise revenues and/or cut costs/services.

If that is the communities’ and thus the Council’s direction, that is what the staff will work toward.

THE FINANCIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE: INDEPENDENT, OR NOT? BETTY HILL, Capistrano Beach

As an observer of the meetings of the Financial Review Committee, it appears that this supposedly “independent” committee, with a mandate from the City Council to analyze the financial condition of the city, is being directed by Mike Killebrew, the acting city manager, who also happens to be the person responsible for the city’s financial statements and practices under review. Ensuring the Committee’s independence should be paramount since it is crucial to its credibility and the reliability of its findings.

The reports being presented at the meetings, based on the city’s financial statements, show that rising expenses will exceed the city’s expected income unless preventative measures are taken to

others. For every example of a failure and damage to the beach, examples of where armoring works can be given.

Managed recession, even though it may sound good in theory, does not deal with public coastal access or private property owners’ rights. If this is the path people want to go down, they need to be prepared. As the beaches disappear, so does coastal access. This was never meant to be a debate over what solution is best. My desire is to start the discussion of possible solutions to saving our beaches. This is a call to action to bring all stakeholders together to start this discussion. I am calling on the county of Orange, the state of California, Surfrider, Coastal Commission and any interested party to come together and have meaningful productive conversations to try and solve this problem. 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

avoid a crisis in the future. In fact, deficit spending has occurred in many of the past 10 years and is projected again for this fiscal year ending June 30. The city’s total government funds are declining dramatically due to capital improvement projects and other expenditures.

At the last Financial Review Committee meeting, a vote by three members appointed by Councilmen Viczorek, Tomlinson and Muller determined that these findings would not be presented to the public at the April 18 City Council meeting. The public deserves transparency, accountability and reports based on an independent review of the facts. Most importantly, the Committee should make the public fully aware of the current financial condition of the city.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

Page 6

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

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

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

Dana Point Times, Vol. 10, Issue 16. 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

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

200 volunteers are needed at Doheny, and 75 are needed at San Clemente. Register before attending. For San Clemente, contact Cryssie Moreno at 949.366.8594 or cryssie.moreno@parks.ca.gov. For Doheny, contact Vicki Wiker at 949.310.2546 or vwiker@parks.ca.gov.

EDITOR’S PICK

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

REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30-10:30 a.m. Native Edibles author Beverly Treadwell leads a workshop on the role of native edible plants in modern gardening at Tree of Life Nursery. 33201 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

Friday | 21 MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

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.

LIVE THEATER: ‘SHREK THE MUSICAL’ 5 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County presents two stagings of Shrek the Musical, one at 5 p.m. with a junior cast, and one at 7:30 p.m. company cast. Showings run throughout the weekend, and also include presentations with a teen cast. The musical is based on the animated hit, Shrek. Presale tickets are $12, and tickets purchased at the door are $15. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente. 949.276.2787. www.tapocshrek.brownpapertickets.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘MARY POPPINS’ AT SCHS 7 p.m. The Disney musical Mary Poppins will fly to the San Clemente High School stage.

The production features SCHS’s drama students under the direction of Laurie Mason. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $20 for premium seating and $10 for students, military personnel and seniors.

Show runs nightly April 20-22, with an additional matinee showing on Saturday at 1 p.m. 700 Avenida Pico. 949.293.4135 www.schsdrama.com.

At the Movies: Brit War Film is Their ‘Finest’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

T

here have been more movies and TV series set in World War II than any other war, and it’s because it is one of the few wars where there is a clear hero and clear villain viewed no matter what your politics are. Of course there

Dana Point Times April 21-27, 2017

Photo: Emily Kaufman

FRIDAY, APRIL 21 AND SATURDAY, APRIL 22: CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL The two-day California Wine Festival kicks off at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott with a sunset tasting of reserve and rare wines on Friday night from 6:30-9 p.m. Top regional chefs will serve appetizers, and there will be live jazz music. On Saturday, the festivities move to Lantern Bay Park from 1-4 p.m. Tickets for the eighth annual event include tastings and food, and proceeds benefit the Surfrider Foundation. Tickets range from $35-$159. www. californiawinefestival.com.

CASA KINETIC: CONTEMPORARY DANCE COLLECTIVE 7-8:45 p.m. Casa Romantica debuts its third original dance commission with a Contemporary Dance Collective consisting of members of Helios Dance Theatre and the Assembly, as well as a Grand Prix finalist from the Orange County Ballet Theater. Each company will present an original, site-specific performance commissioned by Casa Romantica in the first half of the evening, with patrons walking from performance to performance throughout the facility. Admission is $25. Casa Romantica. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.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 Saturday night. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. 949.661.5000. www.lagunacliffs.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘ALMOST, MAINE’ 8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse presents the premier of Almost, Maine. In the play, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways on one cold Friday night. Show runs through May 14. Tickets are $15-$20. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465.

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS BEACH CLEANUUP 9 a.m. Volunteers are needed at Doheny State Beach and San Clemente State Beach to participate in the California State Parks Earth Day cleanup. Activities will include removing non-native shrubs, cleaning park trails and restoring common areas. About

then becomes an oversaturation of these period pieces, but with the recent British film, Their Finest, we get one of the rare, not as discussed subjects of the war era: the film industry who made the war films audiences were seeing while the soldiers were fighting.

A 1941 married woman Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton) decides to take a writing gig at a London film studio to make some extra money, when she’s suddenly thrust into the production of a war film that’s supposed to feel genuine, but also patriotic. Catrin and Tom Buckley (Sam Claflin) are the screenwriters given the task for the plot, veteran character actor Ambrose Hilliard (Bill Nighy)

is one of the film’s leads, US soldier Carl Lundbeck (Jake Lacy) is given a special role and Ellis Cole (Jack Huston) is Catrin’s artist husband at home.

Their Finest is directed by Lone Scherfig of An Education (2009), and adapted by Gaby Chiappe from Lissa Evans’ book. Though the film includes tragedy in a few scenes, the tone of the film is primarily light-hearted. There is a decent, well directed love triangle between the leads, the usual comic relief from Nighy and some rather interesting insight into how historical-set films are written and produced.

Definitely the most intriguing film this month so far. DP

Saturday | 22 GARDENING CLASS: GROWING CITRUS 8 a.m. Stop by Armstrong Garden Center for a class on how to plant citrus trees. No registration required. 32382 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.6666. www.armstronggarden.com.

Page 8

DESIGN YOUR DREAM GARDEN WORKSHOP 9:30-11 a.m. Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners host a workshop to help you design your dream garden. Reata Park and Event Center. 28632 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.606.6704. www.goinnative.net.

DANA HILLS HIGH FIVE-A-THON AND MUSIC FESTIVAL 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join Dana Hills High School in a casual walk around the track and give people high fives while listening to up-and-coming youth singers. There will be a kids’ zone, raffle prizes, food and drinks and more. Proceeds benefit mental health education, research and advocacy.

33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.el.foundation and www.danapoint.org.

EARTH DAY AT THE ECOLOGY CENTER 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate Mother Earth at The Ecology Center’s free Earth Day festival. There will be live music, dancing, strawberry-picking, art demonstrations, gardening and nature workshops (such as backyard composting and quick pickling), and much more. The Ecology Center.

32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

(Cont. on page 13)

Photo: Courtesy of STX Entertainment Motion Picture Artwork

www.danapointtimes.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2017

Welcome to the 11th annual

Dana Point Grand Prix

USA Cycling RACE SCHEDULE

Presented by Kingston Technology The Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling is one of the best-organized and -attended oneday professional and Bike Festival events in America. Come experience the fun and exciting celebration of bikes. This year we’ve partnered with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to bring you their annual OCTA Bike Festival to help educate and market valuable OCTA bike initiatives and programs within Orange County.

The OCTA Bike Festival will feature BMX stunt shows, free bike tune-ups, giveaways, free bike safety lights, OCTA bike racks to park your bicycles and much more. Participate in the Bike for the Month contest by pledging to bike for the month and enter for a chance to win a free bike.

Watch exciting and spectacular competitions with top pros, amateurs and excited kids on the best race course in America in beautiful, coastal Dana Point California.

The day is not just for the adults though, throughout the event there is plenty for the younger bikers to enjoy.

Kids can experience the fun and freedom of riding on a professional race course, and participate in free and fun activities. Our free Youth Bike Events are for children ages 0 to 12 years old, a fun event to watch is the kids’ race for kids under 4 years old. All participants

receive a free t-shirt, award medal and cool goodie swag bag!

Enjoy the day and experience all Dana Point has to offer. Dana Point is nestled in a beautiful coastal Southern California beach and harbor community half way between LA and San Diego. Whether it’s a day trip, or a destination, Dana Point has amazing food and drink, excellent shopping and fun activities within the Lantern District community.

The Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation raises money to support local charities and increase the awareness of the long-term benefit of cycling beginning at a young age.

We are delighted to continue partnering with local organizations such as the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. We would like to thank the merchants and residents for allowing us to hold this event in the Lantern District for the past 11years and hope to continue for many years to come.

Come join us for the action, excitement and family friendly fun, on Sunday, April 30 for the 2017 Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling.

Sincerely, Steven Weinberg

Former Mayor, Dana Point and Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation Board Member

FREE YOUTH EVENTS SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2017

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8) EARTH DAY AT THE OCEAN INSTITUTE 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Stop by The Ocean Institute’s Earth Day celebration for a tie-dye workshop using natural ingredients and Native American techniques. Cost is $5.

There will be a beach cleanup earlier in the day at 8:30 a.m. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org EARTH DAY BBQ 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day with the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center.

There wil be a free barbecue starting at noon, with kids’ activities and hiking opportunities beginning at 10 a.m. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

SAN CLEMENTE MICRO-BREW FESTIVAL Noon-5 p.m. The seventh annual San Clemente Micro-Brew Festival will feature craft beer from all over Southern California, food from a variety of popular food trucks, and continuous live music throughout the day. You will also have the opportunity to tour the Left Coast Brewing Company’s brewery with a VIP admission. Tickets are $35-$45 and include 12 beer samplings. 1245 Puerta del Sol, San Clemente.

949.492.1131. www.scchamber.com.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A day of live music kicks off with Mirage at 2 p.m. followed by the Honky Tonk Kings 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.

LASS YOUR AFF OFF! COMEDY NIGHT 7:30-9:30 p.m. Listen to comedy from Ron Ruhman, Jonathan Blake, Jenna Perry and Yamo at Adele’s at The San Clemente Inn. Admission is $15. 2600 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.481.1222. www. adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

LIVE MUSIC: FAMILY STYLE 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to music from Family Style at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Sunday | 23 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.

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.

Dana Point Times April 21-27, 2017

THE DISH

TUNA POKE AT KAMEA POKE

P

oke joints nowadays tend to serve beautiful food in aggressively modest means. Whether it’s a compostable box or a plastic take-home tray, the vessel indicates what’s great about the meal inside it: it’s a feast for the eyes and mouth, made for a casual beach picnic or impromptu outdoor lunch.

Kamea Poke—the Dana Point Times winner for Best Poke Place—lives up to the hype with a simple variety of fresh seafood, vegetables, sauces, toppings and additional features. You can customize your poke a thousand ways, yet what comes out is always simple and delicious.

The assembly line set-up of Kamea makes it easy to build your bowl, in this case, beautiful hunks of tuna atop brown rice, with jalapenos, scallions, avocado, pineapple, onion, ginger and sesame seeds. A spicy shoyu sauce adds umami and kick.

LANTERN DISTRICT CAR SHOW 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come out to the Lantern District Car Show hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, benefiting the VFW Post 9934. Grab some brunch at a Lantern District restaurant and walk around to see all the classic cars and motorcycles. Del Prado between the Lantern District arch and Violent Lantern, Dana Point. www.danapointchamber.com.

The poke is an enjoyable indulgence—not only are the ingredients fresh and on the healthier side of the food pyramid, but each bite is so well-balanced in flavor, texture and temperature. It’s at once creamy and crunchy, bright and savory.

Kamea Poke.

34320 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

949.443.5226.

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.

Monday | 24 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner-level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente.

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

COA 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, S an Clemente. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

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 | 25 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 language development, social interaction and problem-solving.

Cost is $30 for a single class. Program runs through May 9. Register online. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke every Tuesday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente.

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

Wednesday | 26 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.

Page 13

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. Ever y 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.

LIVE MUSIC: THE MOON POLICE 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to music from The Moon Police 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 | 27 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.

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

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

www.danapointtimes.com

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY GUEST OPINION: Book Talk by Dan DeNeve and Maggie Villalobos

Joining the ‘Hamilton’ Bandwagon

W George Jewell, a Dana Point resident, stands with his two classic cars. The 210 Handyman will be on display during the Dana Point Lantern District Car Show on Sunday, April 23. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Locals Gear up for Dana Point Lantern District Car Show

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

S

itting outside his Dana Point home, George Jewell recalls when he made the decision to paint his 1956 210 Handyman yellow.

“Everyone said that wasn’t a good choice,” Jewell said.

Now, he gets recognized for the bright color wherever he goes.

“They see it, and tell me how great it looks,” Jewell said looking over the vehicle.

Jewell, along with other classic car and motorcycle owners will line up along Del Prado for the Dana Point Lantern District Car Show on Sunday, April 23.

The biannual event is hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and will feature more than 200 vehicles and 1,000 participants.

The event runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. between Violet Lantern and the Lantern

Cars lined up along Del Prado during the Dana Point Lantern District Car Show. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

District Arch/Pacific Coast Highway.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 949.496.1555 or email operations@danapointchamber.com. DP

Pet of the Week: Burberry

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Dana Point Times April 21-27, 2017

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:

S

weet little Burberry is a great dog on so many levels. At 4 years old, he has a patient and gentle personality, while still loving to run around and have fun. Burberry is pottytrained and would get along well with family members of any age. If you would like to know more about Burberry, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

e’re jumping on the Hamilton bandwagon this week. “The plan is to fan this spark into a flame,” goes the song “My Shot” in the musical sensation, Hamilton. We, at least, hope to make you think about Alexander Hamilton and the American Revolution in a new light.

One Dead Spy by Nathan Hale tells the story of Nathan Hale’s ancestor, also called Nathan Hale, who was America’s first spy. (Original) Hale is famous for saying, “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.”

In this history book, (author) Hale starts with the college years and finishes with a hanging. Older elementary students will love the gruesome details and comic book style. Middle and high school readers will enjoy the story as well.

Dana Point Library has a copy available for borrowing.

Susan Casey examines the lives and actions of 20 women in Women Heroes of the American Revolution. The book is organized into five aspects of heroism: “Resisters, Supporters, and Rescuers,” “Spies,” “Saboteurs,” “Soldiers and Defenders of the Home Front,” and “Legendary Ladies.” Each part focuses on only four women. Readers will be astonished to learn about Deborah Sampson Gannett, who dressed as a man to enlist in the Continental Army and served for three years. Others may already know about Sybil Ludington, who rode her horse twice as far as Paul Revere to help her father

gather his troops. This well-researched volume is sure to spark an interest for middle or high school students.

Dana Point Library has a copy available.

With the musical Hamilton gaining in popularity, it is time to review the policies and beliefs of Alexander Hamilton himself. Thomas DiLorenzo does just that in his book, Hamilton’s Curse: How Jefferson’s archenemy betrayed the American revoBOOK TALK

By Dan DeNeve lution—and what it means and Maggie for Americans today.

Villalobos DiLorenzo makes a strong case that Hamilton is not the paragon of the Revolution that many would think he is with the buzz the musical has created. In fact, DiLorenzo proves that Hamilton was the opposite. Hamilton believed in the British system of mercantilism. Furthermore, he was a proponent of big government and national debt, which were anathema to Jefferson, a strong supporter of states’ rights and no national debt.

Furthermore, Hamilton wanted to tax just about anything and everything in order to build a large government and make everyone rely on that same government.

Despite defending the constitution in the Federalist Papers, Hamilton later interpreted the Constitution to mean whatever he wanted it to in order to support his views.

Besides the musical, what makes this book so timely is that much of what we see in government, right or wrong, can be traced back to Hamilton.

The Seaside Book Club, meets every fourth Monday of the month from 10:3011:30 a.m. All are welcome. We will be discussing The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. 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. DP

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

Page 14

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

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 DANA POINT MARINA INN We are ramping up for summer and looking for service oriented persons. Full and part time shifts available - Flexible days and hours. Job listings: *Front desk clerks *Reservation agents *Housekeeping supervisors (experience required) *Housekeepers *Porters *Breakfast room attendants *Maintenance *Painters. Great working environment - Paid vacations Apply in person. Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, Ca 92629.

GARAGE SALES MISSION BELL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE San Juan Capistrano. April 22 – 8am.

Del Obispo and Blue Fin

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, 4/22.

7a start. DONUTS too! Lots of hot items including Volcom boys stuff sizes 8-10 and some men’s items too. 4 Via Huesca, San Clemente 92673

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

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

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

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

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

949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times April 21-27, 2017

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

Page 15

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

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.

Cross Country and Track Trio Sign NLI Dana Hills seniors Thomas Wilfert, Evan Harper and Brandon Hough will compete in cross country and track and field at the collegiate level.

The talented trio signed their National Letters of Intent during a ceremony on April 11, the first day high school studentathletes in certain sports are allowed to declare their college of choice.

Wilfert will attend UCSB, Harper will attend Chapman University and Hough will attend Montana State University.

Baseball Team Heads Down the Stretch The Dana Hills baseball team’s firstplace standing in the Sea View League will be put to the test over the final weeks of the regular season.

The Dolphins, who share the top spot in the league with Trabuco Hills, have five games remaining on their schedule, and will square off against the hard-charging Mustangs and third-place San Juan Hills down the stretch.

Dana Hills (12-8, 5-2) will travel to play Laguna Hills on April 21, and following four nonleague games, returns to league play with a two-game series against Trabuco Hills on May 3 and May 5. Dana Hills then closes out the regular season with a two-game tilt against the Stallions on May 9 and May 11.

Softball Team Remains Undefeated in League A 6-1 Sea View League victory over El Toro on the road on April 18 kept the Dana Hills softball team in first place in the league standings.

Pitcher Kate Donaldson pitched a complete game, allowing three hits and one run while striking out eight batters. Tori Sickmeier went 4 for 4 at the plate, collectDana Point Times April 21-27, 2017

L to R: Thomas Wilfert, Evan Harper and Brandon Hough will compete in cross country and track and field at the collegiate level next fall. Photo: Courtesy

ing a double and an RBI. The Dolphins (10-12, 3-0) were scheduled to play Tesoro in a league game on April 20. Results were not available at press time.

Tennis Team Bounces Back with Three Wins After falling to rival San Clemente in the first meeting of the season on March 30, the Dana Hills boys tennis team has rallied back and remains in the hunt for the South Coast League title.

The Dolphins (9-6, 5-1) defeated Tesoro, Aliso Niguel and San Juan Hills in consecutive matches.

The Dolphins’ singles players were especially dominant in the team’s 16-2 victory over the Stallions on April 18.

The singles players won all nine possible points up for grabs in the match.

Golf Team Edges Wolverines The Dana Hills boys golf team defeated Aliso Niguel 199-209 in a South Coast League match at El Niguel Country Club on April 18. The win kept the Dolphins (7-4, 5-1) in first place.

Blake Brothers earned match medal honors by carding a score of 35 (-1) on the front nine.

Volleyball Looks to Control Own Destiny The outcome of the first place Dana Hills boys volleyball team’s match against rival San Clemente on April 20 was not known at press time. Regardless of the result, the Dolphins (14-11, 5-0) should be in position to control their own fate in the competitive league with three matches remaining.

The Tritons entered the contest sitting one game behind the Dolphins in the standings. Dana Hills defeated the Tritons in five sets on March 28. Dana Hills will finish the regular season with league matches against Aliso Niguel (April 27) and Tesoro (May 1).

Page 16

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

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PET BOUTIQUE

Naked Dog Bistro

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

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

SPECIALTY BEAUTY

Amazing Lash Studio

32932 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 9, 949.484.7676, www.AmazingLashStudio.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

CUSD Special Olympics Track and Field Event Returns to Dana Hills

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

W

A CUSD student celebrates after finishing the 50-meter dash. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Students take a dance break during the Special Olympics event. Photo: Steve Breazeale

A Dana Hills cheerleader congratulates a Special Olympic’s athlete. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Middle school students run in the 100-meter dash. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Dana Point Times April 21-27, 2017

ith the crowd cheering her on and a large support group waiting at the finish line, Dana Hills High School senior Sarah Rodas couldn’t help but smile.

April 17 marked the final time she would participate in the Capistrano Unified School District’s Special Olympics event at Dana Hills, and she was going to do the 50-yard dash for the first time using a walker rather than her wheelchair.

Rodas walked down the home stretch of Dolphins Stadium to a backdrop of applause and celebrated with her family, teachers and friends at the finish line.

One of Rodas’ biggest cheerleaders was Joel Tapper, one of her STEPS teachers. Rodas has been a student of Tapper’s since she was a freshman, and every year the Special Olympics event is a highlight of their calendar.

“At Dana Hills we have a really strong

culture of inclusion and it’s an opportunity for the district to get together and let the kids have the best experience possible,” Tapper said. “To see that full circle and see (Rodas) maximize her potential, that’s all you want as a teacher.”

The day saw more than 200 middle and high school students come to Dana Hills for a full slate of activities.

Students participated in the 100-meter dash, relay races, shot put and the long jump. There was also a cheer clinic, tug-ofwar, face painting and music.

The Dana Hills Best Buddies program ensured that every Special Olympics athlete was matched with a Dana Hills student.

Students from six CUSD schools, including San Clemente High School, participated in the event.

CUSD will also hold a Special Olympics event at Dana Hills in the fall.

For a full slideshow of this spring’s Special Olympics event at Dana Hills High School, visit www.danapointtimes.com. DP

A Dana Hills student crosses the finish line of the 50-meter dash. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Page 17

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Fearing the Great White Shark

GROM OF THE WEEK

KAI McPHILLIPS

The most terrifying of sharks, breeching recently, is as threatening as a lightning strike

Photo: Jack McDaniel/WSA

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

C

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

O

n Easter Sunday, a three-foot southwest swell danced on the buoys. The afternoon spring wind laid down as the tide filled in. At Old Man’s, a few hundred yards offshore, pelicans savaged a roiling bait ball.

“I wonder how many sharks are out there?” muttered one of the surfers bobbing in the lineup.

At about that exact moment, a great white shark breeched at Upper Trestles and lifeguard trainees near the San Clemente Pier witnessed another shark swim through a wave. Earlier in the week, Surfline’s Lowers webcam captured imagery of a great white breeching while a group of unsuspecting, midday surfers sat idly by. The video caught internet fire and quickly spread across social media feeds.

A handful of other sightings have been reported around San Onofre earlier this year.

So, what the heck’s going on? Are we seeing more sharks in local waters? Is seepage from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station creating a generation of nuclear-powered super sharks? Is a sharknado brewing? Are we all gonna die?!

No, no, no and no. You wouldn’t freak out if you saw a lion in the jungle in Africa, would you? So why are you freaking out because of an apex predator in the ocean?

Some years ago, I was on a surf trip in Tahiti when I asked the local fisherman driving the boat if there were sharks in the water.

“Dip your finger in the water. Taste it. Is it salty? If there’s salt, there’s sharks,” he bluntly answered.

The point is that there are sharks in every ocean in the world—just like, hopefully, there are fish, and whales, and seaweed and all that other marvelous undersea life.

True, there appears to be an increase in sightings and interactions, but there is absolutely no need to buy into the Shark Week fear mongering. In 2016, there were a total of three unprovoked, non-fatal shark attacks in California. The running average since 1900 is 5.4 attacks per year. The old surfing adage states that you have more of Dana Point Times April 21-27, 2017

Sharks have recently been spotted from Upper Trestles to the Pier. Photo: Jake Howard

a chance of getting struck by lightning than you do getting mauled by a shark. That’s true. You also have more of a chance of dying from a dog bite or being put to death via legal, state-sanctioned execution.

The fact is, most of the sharks that live in our local waters between Dana Point and San Clemente are bottom feeders.

Leopard sharks are quite common in the area. They feed primarily on clams, worms and shrimp—not human flesh. They don’t even have teeth. Sharks such as makos and threshers are often seen in the open waters, especially by area fishing boats, but there is no record of them devouring beachgoers in South Orange County. A couple years back, when the water grew unseasonably warm, there were a handful of encounters with hammerheads, but they were far more the exception than the norm.

That leaves the great white as the obvious candidate for finned super villain, but a deeper dive into the facts illustrates they probably have more to fear from humans than humans do from them (last year a fisherman hooked one off the San Clemente Pier). In a conversation with Leslie Kretschmar at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, she noted that the San Onofre Trails area, just like Malibu in Los Angeles, is a reputed rookery for great whites.

“They’ve been there for a lot longer than

surfers, that’s for sure,” said Kretschmar.

“They’ve had ample opportunity to explore all the dietary options at San Onofre, but we’ve never seen that happen… ever.”

This is a key distinction to understand because, by and large, juvenile great whites don’t pose a danger to people. In the early stages of their development, they primarily feed on rays, skates and fish. It isn’t until they grow longer than 10 to 12 feet that their hunting strategies and prey begin to change. An overwhelming majority of the reported shark sightings in our area describe animals eight feet and under.

Historically speaking, there are no records of a shark attacking a surfer in South Orange County waters in the last 30plus years. In 2016, a woman was bit while swimming off the coast of Corona Del Mar and the last shark-related fatality in California came in Solana Beach in 2008 when a long-distance swimmer was attacked. Previously, there hadn’t been a shark-related death in the state in nearly 50 years.

This is not to say that if you go surf Trestles or Salt Creek you are one hundred percent safe. You’re not. Anytime you step into the ocean you’re stepping into the food chain and all kinds of freaky stuff can happen, but having the right perspective and a little background knowledge definitely helps take the edge off. DP

Page 18

ongrats to Kai McPhillips on his win in the Under 16 division at the Western Surfing Association Championship Series contest at Salt Creek. Clicking into a consistent rhythm, McPhillips also earned himself a fourth-place finish in the Under 18 division. Held over Easter weekend, thanks to a playful mix of northwest swell and a new shot of southwest swell, the surf hung in the three- to five-foot range with relatively clean, contestable conditions.

Crushing competitors must be a family affair, because not only did McPhillips come away from the comp with two finals appearances, but his younger sister, Ezra, took out the Micro Groms Girls Under 10 division.

Points from results at this contest are part of a series to qualify for West Coast Championship Titles later this year. Kai is currently sitting first in the Under 18 rankings and second in the Under 16 rankings. Needless to say, he looks like he’s going to be a heavy favorite to win a couple titles this summer when championship season rolls around. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-62 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Outlook: WNW and SSW swell mix continues through this weekend. Wave heights bump up a notch for Friday and this weekend, mainly in the shoulder high to overhead (4-6’) range with sets going a couple feet (7’) overhead at standouts. Winds look light for the early mornings. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

www.danapointtimes.com