December 16, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

December 16-22, 2016 YO U

C A N

U S E

Ocean Institute and Guests Explore Tide Pools PAGE 3 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 51

Finishing on a High Note Dana Hills Marching Band reflects on their best season ever D P L I V I N G / PAG E 1 2

Steve Wade, Dana Hills High School Marching Band director, plays the trumpet with the band during rehearsal.

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Debra Lewis Elected Mayor during City Council Reorganization EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

City Removes Strand Gates after Coastal Commission Denial EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Women’s World Longboard Title Stays in South Orange County 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

Debra Lewis and Paul Wyatt were sworn into office by City Clerk Kathy Ward on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Lewis was elected mayor and Wyatt was elected mayor pro-tem during the meeting. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week

Debra Lewis Elected Mayor, Paul Wyatt Elected Mayor Pro-Tem during Reorganization THE LATEST: Debra Lewis will serve as the mayor of Dana Point in 2017 after members voted three to two in favor of appointing her to the position.

Lewis and Paul Wyatt were sworn into office Wednesday night moments before the Council voted for the mayor and mayor pro-tem. Wyatt earned the same 3-2 vote to gain the mayor pro-tem spot.

Councilman Joe Muller nominated former mayor pro-tem Rick Viczorek to the mayor position, which was voted down 3-2.

Former mayor John Tomlinson nominated Lewis; and Muller and Viczorek voted against it.

Viczorek said it was disappointing and that he was surprised and “a bit taken aback.”

“The whole process seems to be disappointing,” he said. “I’m a very conservative, traditional guy, and usually what we do for a ceremonial post like the mayor is simply rotate amongst the members. There’s usually no contention over who the mayor is going to be, and it’s usually understood of that’s how it’s going to happen.”

He added that as a new City Council, they should show the city they’re united and not have a split vote.

“It’s a little concerning to me,” Viczorek said.

Tomlinson said his decision was nothing Dana Point Times December 16-22, 2016

against Viczorek personally.

“It was necessary to change the direction of the Council and follow the will of the people,” Tomlinson said. “That’s who I’m here to serve, and it’s not a ceremonial position.”

He added that this year’s voter turnout was one of the highest and said he’s been hearing what the residents want for the past year.

“I’m sorry Mr. Viczorek you didn’t get to be mayor, but I think good governance dictates the way I voted for my vote,” Tomlinson said. “It’s nothing against you; I just think it’s the will of the people.”

Lewis and Wyatt received the most votes during the Nov. 8 election, with Lewis receiving 7,878 (31.6 percent) and Wyatt receiving 7,544 (30.3 percent) of the residents’ votes.

Lewis and Wyatt filled former councilmen Carlos Olvera and Scott Schoeffel’s seats Wednesday night for the first time.

Olvera announced in the summer that he would not re-run for his seat while Schoeffel served two seats and was unable to run again.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next Council meeting will take place in January.

—Kristina Pritchett

Post-Measure M, CUSD to Remain Focused on Improving Facilities THE LATEST: After Capistrano Unified School District’s Measure M failed to pass on Nov. 8, district officials have said they intend to remain focused on improving school facilities and will increase outreach to city officials regarding the district’s facility needs.

The CUSD Board of Trustees placed the $889 million general obligation on the ballot in an effort to leverage state funds for more than $800 million in deferred facilities maintenance.

Measure M failed with 72,915 votes (45.5 percent). The bond needed 55 percent of the vote to pass.

In a post-election press release, board president Amy Hanacek wrote that with more than “4 million square feet of building space and inadequate funding,” the district still faces facility challenges such as “leaky roofs, HVAC, plumbing and electrical issues, security and fire safety, insufficient classroom and bathroom spaces for overcrowded schools, classroom technology upgrades, access for special needs students” and more.

At the board’s Nov. 16 meeting, Hanacek said she hoped to improve communication with city officials so they understand that the children in their communities “need more from them than a photo opportunity or a handshake at graduation.”

In Dana Point, school principals say they will continue to work with the district.

Jason Allemann, Dana Hills High School principal, said the school will continue with its fundraisers and encourage the community to figure out how to best support the students.

“I remain hopeful some of the items will be addressed for the general wellbeing and safety of the students,” Allemann said.

“The school district will continue working with on-site administrators to address those needs.”

Some of the work around the high school, which was projected to cost $72.8 million, included a new performing arts center, remodeling the library media center, modernizing the swimming pool and more.

At Palisades Elementary School, Principal Curt Visca said the school was in need of a permanent HVAC system in each classroom so they could be adjusted individually.

The projected cost for the 52-year-old school was $14.8 million.

At R.H. Dana Elementary School, where they began focusing on a science and technology curriculum, Principal Christina Portillo said they would have liked to see some modernization. The total projected cost for the school was $14 million.

Previously, she said they will continue their efforts to the transform the school into a science and technology academy, and will need to reassess and determine their priorities and resources.

WHAT’S NEXT: In addition to continuing those conversations, the district has created two new opportunities for community oversight—the Community Facilities District Citizen’s Oversight and Advisory Commission, and the School Facilities and Finance Administrative Advisory Committee. To learn more about the new committees, visit www.capousd.org.

—Allison Jarrell and Kristina Pritchett

Page 3

Construction Begins for Raintree Project on Del Prado THE LATEST: Construction for the mixed use project along Del Prado has begun, a Raintree Partners official said.

Jason Check, managing director with Raintree Partners, said the project is underway with construction.

“We’re very excited about really moving on this project,” Check said.

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

The project was approved by City Council in October 2014 and was originated by Majestic Housing and Development. The Planning Commission voted two members in favor and two members against the project, which meant the plans did not pass. But Majestic then appealed to the Council, which approved the project in a 3-1 vote.

Raintree acquired the project in December 2015.

Check said the development is scheduled to be completed in late 2018 or early 2019.

Currently, the developers are relocating existing overhead utility lines and performing grading activities, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of February.

“It’s quite involved at this point,” Check said.

He said the next step would be grading and excavating for the subterranean parking.

WHAT’S NEXT: Check said currently they have already begun commercial leasing for the space, and he expects residential leasing will begin next summer. —KP

Ocean Institute and Guests Explore Tide Pools THE LATEST: During a hike with the Ocean Institute to explore tide pools on Wednesday, Orange County residents and visitors walked over the rocky beach to see sea creatures and learn about the tides.

Two of those explorers were Gina Scolari and her 4-year-old grandson, Johnny, who followed behind an Ocean Institute employee to check out tide pools in the marine protected area. Johnny walked briskly, trying to get to the beach faster.

Once they arrived, Johnny showed his grandmother different things he could see in the water.

“Look,” he said as he pointed, “it’s a (Cont. on page 4) www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Johnny Scolari and his grandmother Gina look into the tide pools during the Ocean Institute’s hike on Wednesday, Dec. 15. Photo: Allison Jarrell

(Cont. from page 3) little crab moving.”

During the two-hour event, Institute employees Megan Peterson and Caitlin Mouri showed different sea creatures like a Black Sea Hare, a California Brown Sea Hare, hermit crabs and anemone out to the group.

Not only does the hike provide participants exercise, but the group is able to learn about the importance of the tide pools.

“It’s important, especially in a marine protected area, to be able to interact with animals, and it’s not something everyone is able to do,” Peterson said. “They can really learn a lot more by seeing it.”

The leaders asked the group to gather items they saw so they were able to discuss it after the hike. They also offered a scavenger hunt and handed out sheets with information on different shells that can be found in the area.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Ocean Institute will hold two more tide pool hikes on Dec. 27 and 30. For more information, visit the Ocean Institute at www.ocean-institute. org. —KP

City Removes Strand Gates after Coastal Commission Denial THE LATEST: Last week, one day after the California Coastal Commission (CCC) voted against retractable gates at Strand Beach, the city took down the gates at the beach access points.

The dispute began six years ago when City Council approved of an ordinance to limit beach access hours through the neighborhood. Several lawsuits and appeals ensued, and this week’s removal of the gates is the culmination of a settlement recently reached between the city and the CCC. That settlement resulted in enforcing Dana Point Times December 16-22, 2016

the operating hours of 5 a.m.-10 p.m. at Strand Vista Park, Central Strand Beach Access and Mid-Strand Beach Access.

The switchback trail and the revetment trail are open 24 hours per day.

In July, the Planning Commission recommended sending a zone text amendment to the Headlands Development and Conservation Plan (HDCP) to the City Council to allow the use of retractable gates at the Central Strand Upper Access point and the Central Strand Lower Access point.

The amendment also enforced the CCCapproved night-time hours of operation through the Strand neighborhood.

During a CCC meeting on Dec. 7, the commissioners voted 8-4 against the retractable gates, which was a recommendation from the Commission’s executive director.

However, a couple of commissioners were in favor of the gates and said they could see the positive aspects.

Commissioner Effie Turnbull-Sanders voted against the gates and said she was concerned about the message it sent. “[Californians] may not feel welcome,” Turnbull-Sanders said.

Commissioner Olga Diaz also voted against the gates and said that it feels like the Commission was trying to fix something that hadn’t gone wrong yet and there was not a justification for the gates.

The commissioners did say the city could hang a rope in place, but Councilman Joe Muller and attorney Steve Kaufman, who was hired by the city during the litigation process, said a rope or a chain would not prevent people from entering the beach during closed hours.

Less than 24 hours after the decision was made, the city removed the gates at the access points but left the fence.

WHAT’S NEXT: Acting City Manager Mike Killebrew said removing the gates was part of the settlement and that the gates have been locked in an open position for more than a year now. —KP Page 4

EYE ON DP

Community DP Sheriff’s Blotter Meetings

DISTURBANCE FAMILY-DISPUTE El Camino Capistrano, 24700 Block (3:45 p.m.) A man called police after his sister broke into his house. He said that once he found her in the house, she punched him in the face.

COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

Dana Point Farmers Market

9 a.m. The market will be set up at La Plaza Park. Pacific Coast Highway and La Plaza.

A Walk through History

9 a.m. The walk focuses on local Dana Point history, including the “Woodruff” era of the 1920s and ’30s. The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center.

34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. RSVP to dpnaturalresources@danapoint.org or call 949.248.3527.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20

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.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21

Traffic Subcommittee Meeting Canceled THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22

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.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

Farmers Market

9 a.m. The market will be set up at La Plaza Park. Pacific Coast Highway and La Plaza.

UPCOMING EVENTS

City offices will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24-Sunday, Jan. 1

Dana Point Times December 16-22, 2016

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.

Friday, December 9 GENERAL BROADCAST Pacific Coast Highway/ Street of the Crystal Lantern (12:07 a.m.)

Police were alerted after a drunk driver was seen “swerving all over” Pacific Coast Highway. The drunk driver was last seen pulling into Del Taco.

Thursday, December 8 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Caribbean Way, 33200 Block (8:43 p.m.) A man called authorities after he heard pounding on his front door. The man said when he got to his front door, he saw a minivan speeding away and a package at his doorstep that said “Believe the Magic.”

PETTY THEFT Street of the Golden Lantern, 33900 Block (8:32 p.m.) A woman called police after a man stole her puppy from her. She told authorities that she saw multiple dogs inside of the man’s garage.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Pacific Coast Highway/ Doheny Park Plaza (3:09 p.m.) A woman was seen crawling over the wall on the center divider of Pacific Coast Highway with a black bag over her head and a rope around her neck and legs.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/ Granada Drive (9:34 a.m.) Two men and a woman in a white van were reported to police after they were heard “screaming and cussing at each other” in the parking lot.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (2:59 a.m.) Police were called after a man was disturbing the peace over French fries he received after going through a drive-through.

911 HANGUP-WIRELESS La Plaza, 34100 Block (12:03 a.m.) Police received a phone call from a man saying, “Do you want to fight?” before hanging up.

Wednesday, December 7 DISTURBANCE Street of the Crystal Lantern, 33900 Block (10:28 p.m.) A vehicle was seen screeching and driving erratically with the occupants of the vehicle hitting each other. The caller told police that the driver could be heard yelling, “don’t touch me,” from the car.

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Ante Up for Autism Raises $500,000 for Talk About Curing Autism The 10th annual Ante Up for Autism event raised $500,000 for the organization Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) during its Nov. 12 event at Monarch Beach Resort.

The funds raised from the event are allocated toward developing 12 programs, which will connect affected families with professionals who can provide help.

The event was started by San Clemente residents Pat and Stephanie McIlvain to benefit TACA. During the event, dinner was served and those who attended were able to play casino games and enter a poker tournament.

“The event was an incredible success, as not only did we meet our goal, but we exceeded it. Our grand total was over $625,000 raised toward TACA programs, supporting families nationwide and offering real help now to families living with

Lanier Rossignol and Kenna James play a game during the 10th annual Ante Up For Autism benefiting Talk About Curing Autism at Monarch Beach Resort.

Photo: Courtesy of All Star Photo

autism,” said Lisa Ackerman, TACA executive director, in a statement.

For more information about TACA, visit www.tacanow.org.—Kristina Pritchett

Ocean Institute Opens 2017 Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference Registration Registration is officially open for the Ocean Institute’s 2017 Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference.

The conference is scheduled for SaturPage 5

Tuesday, December 6 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via California/Via Lopez (11:33 p.m.) A man and a woman were seen on the front of a bridge looking down at the I-5 freeway below.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 32800 Block (4:28 p.m.) A man wearing a skirt was seen harassing firemen taking a break from work.

WELFARE CHECK La Cresta Drive/Chula Vista Avenue (3:36 p.m.) A caller notified police of a gray Jeep swerving all over the road. The caller was concerned that the driver was possibly a minor. The man went on to say he could hear a child crying inside the vehicle and someone who appeared to be falling out of an open door.

CITIZEN ASSIST Del Prado, 24500 Block (1:50 p.m.) A woman employee of a massage parlor called police after a man left without paying.

Monday, December 5 DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street/Pacific Coast Highway (1:42 p.m.) A man was seen wearing a baseball cap, a sweater, blue jeans and no boxers. The caller told police he asked the man to pull up his pants because the caller’s daughter was able to see the man’s buttocks. The man then bent over and let his pants fall to the ground, revealing his “hairy buttocks.” day, Feb. 18 for middle school students and Saturday, March 18 for high school students. Each conference runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The conferences are dedicated to inspiring young women to pursue degrees and careers in science. Sixteen scientists from around the country will interact with the girls in a series of hands-on workshops aboard the R/V Sea Explorer and in the Institute’s teaching labs.

The girls will have an opportunity to explore careers in oceanography, marine ecology, astronomy, biochemistry, computer science, museum studies and space exploration.

Registration for the conference is required. Early registration is $49.95 per participant, which must be done by Feb. 1 for middle school girls and March 1 for high school girls. Prices will increase after that to $65. Members receive a 10 percent discount. Cost includes a continental breakfast and lunch for the participants.

To register, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call 949.496.2274. —KP Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS RESPONSE TO SHORT-TERM RENTAL LETTER SHEVY ATKINSON, Dana Point

This area in Capistrano Beach is the subject of a traffic calming project. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Letters to the Editor RESPONSE TO COMMENT POSTED ON 'CAMINO CAPISTRANO TRAFFIC CALMING’ ARTICLE ON DEC. 2 MATT SINACORI, City of Dana Point

We wanted to respond to the comment posted by Gary Rohr on the online version of the article entitled “Camino Capistrano Traffic Calming,” questioning why the city didn’t reduce the speed limit on Camino Capistrano.

In response to complaints, the city evaluated the feasibility of reducing the speed limit on Camino Capistrano in the early stages of our review on this issue. The city must follow state law (California Vehicle Code) when setting speed limits to avoid establishing unenforceable limits (speed traps). The law requires us to prepare a Traffic Speed Survey of prevailing speeds, accident history and road conditions for each street segment. This was done for Camino Capistrano in 2015 and resulted in a limit of 35 mph. The street was surveyed again in 2016 and the results were the same. Therefore, reducing the speed limit was not an option.

In designing Camino Capistrano improvements for a planned Repaving Project, the city seized the opportunity to add traffic calming improvements. The city’s Traffic Improvement Subcommittee and property owners in this area supported narrower vehicle lanes, realigning two side street intersections, constructing several raised bulb outs at intersections and adjusting the roadway striping.

The project will be brought to the City Council for consideration of an award of contract in January. Please contact me with any questions at 949.248.3574.

Dana Point Times December 16-22, 2016

DANA POINT: LEARN FROM THE MISTAKES OF YOUR NORTHERN NEIGHBORS ROGER E. BÜTOW, Laguna Beach

Just filed in Orange County Superior Court is a lawsuit that’s being stealthily pushed by our taxpayer’s association: Forget about the fact that this is actually a diminishment from 95 percent of your total population's quality of life. That includes long-term renters and homeowners.

For your information, here in Laguna, 43 percent of our residents are in fact renters.

Proponents invoking CEQA or Coastal Act use an Alice-In-Wonderland, pretzel logic: More of these short-term rentals (STRs) would negatively impact residential neighborhoods, and CEQA requires mitigation that I guess many think 30 pieces of silver from taxation coffers adequately compensates.

1. People bought their places without the commercial entitlement, without the mandated Conditional Use Permits required for businesses.

2. These same people now want to acquire such concessions/exactions but without due process, circumventing local land use ordinances—in essence re-zoned mixed use.

3. Just because they've been getting away with it for years doesn't allow them to allege non-permitted activities are retroactively (grandfathered) legal. Typifying it as prohibition is disingenuous. It’s a taking.

4. Charging $400 per night might be slightly cheaper than our other motels/ hotels but is still beyond low income budgets. Now add how much more local amenities/entertainment, groceries and/ or restaurants cost; think we're still talking affordable?

STRs are a slippery slope, a commercial Trojan horse.

This letter is in response to Nadia Starner’s Nov. 25 letter to the Dana Point Times regarding vacation homes/shortterm rentals (STR). I am a Dana Point resident. I own one single-family residence where I am raising a family with four kids.

Let me state emphatically: the city’s STR ordinance that until recently had been in effect for the past three years was not turning residential neighborhoods into “hotel zones” or anything like that. Ms. Starner severely mischaracterizes and maligns the average short-term renter in this city, at one point branding them as “self-interested profiteers who cannot see beyond the dollar.” If you actually meet STR owners in Dana Point, you will find that many of them are retirees that live in their homes part of the time and travel other times. Some are teachers that desire to live near the coast but cannot afford to without renting their homes during the summer, etc.

It is frankly a mystery why the STR issue suddenly turned white hot after the law had been in effect for three years without significant public controversy. In fact, there are substantially fewer STRs operating today than when the ordinance was passed three years ago. Interestingly, one neighborhood focused on by STR opponents, the Beach Road community was initially developed over 50 years ago largely for people wanting second homes or vacation homes.

Several years ago my family and I lived on Beach Road for six months while building our home elsewhere in the city. It was a great experience living there, STRs and all. Lots of Beach Road families I spoke to while living there had been doing so for many years, some well over two decades, and love the lifestyle. More importantly, I was free to choose whether I wanted to live in a community that has STRs or not.

If I chose not to live near them, I could have moved to a neighborhood controlled by a private homeowners’ association with property restrictions that prohibit STRs. Finally, your suggestion that anyone that wants to share his or her home part of the year should move to a commercial zone is ludicrous. STRs are residential uses. They are not “businesses” any more than leasing your home for longer than 30 days is a “business.” The underlying land use for a STR is residential.

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 Victor Carno

Dana Point Times, Vol. 9, Issue 51. 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

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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.

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

Friday | 16 ORANGE COUNTY WINTER FEST BEGINS 2-11 p.m. The first day of the annual Winter First begins at OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. There will be ice tubing, light displays, tree lighting ceremonies, bounce houses, the world’s largest walk-through ornament, a snow play area and more. Tickets start at $15 for adults, $10 for children. Kids under 3 are free to enter. The festival runs through Jan. 1.

88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. 714.855.1187. www.winterfestoc.com.

‘ELF THE MUSICAL’ 5 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County presents the junior version of the musical based on the holiday film Elf. Two performances (different age groups) run on Dec. 16, 17 and 19. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at www.tapocelf.brownpapertickets.com. The Arts Project Theatre.

1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente.

949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

CRAZY CHRISTMAS HOUSE AND SANTA’S TOY DRIVE 6:30-8:30 p.m. This annual event allows guests to donate a new toy to a Marine family, take a picture with Santa, visit with local Marines, enjoy some cocoa and cookies and listen to the sounds of the San Clemente High School women’s a capella group. 31192 Calle Del Campo, San Juan Capistrano.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ AT SADDLEBACK COLLEGE 7 p.m. Saddleback College hosts the Laguna Ballet, a non-profit junior ballet company serving Orange County families, which presents its 31st anniversary production of The Nutcracker. Tickets are $26 with discounts for students and seniors.

Show also runs Dec. 17 and 19. For the full schedule and to buy tickets, visit www. saddleback.edu/arts or call 949.582.4656.

Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 7:30 p.m. The second weekend of the 42nd annual edition of the boat parade kicks off on Friday night. You can join in on the parade by watching from the shore or hopping on a boat with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching or The Ocean Dana Point Times December 16-22, 2016

Tuesday | 20

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: File

SUNDAY, DEC. 18: SOUTH COAST SINGERS PRESENT ‘MISTLETOE AND MEMORIES’ 4 p.m. Listen to the South Coast Singers perform holiday favorites as well as some new tunes. Tickets are $20, with discounts for students and seniors. Kids under 6 years old are free to enter. South Shores Church. 2001 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point. www.southcoastsingers.org. 949.613.7840.

Institute. The parade also runs on Saturday, Dec. 17. www.danapointharbor.com.

‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse continues performances of the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. The show runs every weekend through Dec. 18. Tickets range from $27-$37. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www. caminrealplayhouse.com.

Saturday | 17 CASA LA PAZ HOLIDAY SALE 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Get your holiday shopping done at the Tree of Life Nursery’s gift shop and bookstore at this annual sale.

Select items will be on sale throughout the store. 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE ACADEMY 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sit in on one of two gingerbread house decorating workshops at Monarch Beach Resort. The pastry team will offer tips for decorating with the seemingly endless amount of candy and frosting available. There will also be a special visit from Santa, complete with pictures.

Cost is $85 per gingerbread house, with a maximum of four people per house.

One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point.

949.234.3200. www.visitdanapoint.org.

HANDEL’S ‘MESSIAH’ WITH ORCHESTRA 2 p.m. Listen to Handel’s classic oratorio Messiah as performed by the Basilica Choir at Mission Basilica. Admission is

one food item donated to Father Serra’s Pantry. 31520 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1360. www.missionparish.org.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Family Style performs live music at 2:30 p.m., followed by Grand Junction at 8:30 p.m. There will also be a food drive from noon to 5 p.m. that supports Father Serra’s Pantry. Nonperishable food items are requested. The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 18 ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor.

Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday.

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

Monday | 19 KIDS HOLIDAY ARTS CAMP 9 a.m.-noon. Kids are invited to sing, act, dance, create and more at The Arts Project of Orange County’s weeklong camp. Camp days run through Dec. 23, and reservations can be purchased for one, any or all days of the camp.

1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente.

949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

Page 8

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.

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 | 21 LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE 9-11:30 a.m. Bring a friend or come by yourself to learn bridge. People age 9-99 are welcome. South Orange County Bridge Center. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. www.danaharborbridgecenter.org.

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.

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.

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

GETTING OUT THE DISH

KOUIGN AMMAN AT ELLIE’S TABLE

I

t would be great if life was such that we could live according to the rules of the kouign amman (pronounced queen ah-mahn). We could allot 40 percent of our workdays to air hockey tournaments, 30 percent to boozy umbrella drinks and 30 percent to naps. We could spend 40 percent of our money on fully cashmere wardrobes, 30 percent on adopting puppies and 30 percent on hiring a full-time caretaker for those puppies, who also happens to make awesome pizza.

The point is—and there is a point—the kouign amman is a pastry that must abide by strict rules of production, but those rules are empirically great: 40 percent must be dough, 30 percent butter and 30 percent sugar.

Modern takes on the pastry do stray, but Ellie’s Table’s version is as indulgent as it gets. Their signature pastry is composed of a robust and beautifully caramelized pastry, packed to the brim with sweet and rich custard filling—indeed, the chef calls it crème

brûlée filling. What works so well is the contrast between bouncy filling and flaky crust; between sweet cream and perfectly bitter burnt edges.

The inherent flaw in the kouign amman theory of living is that if you made the pastry 30 percent of your diet, you’d quickly die. But what a sweet way to go that would be.

Ellie’s Table at North Beach 120 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 714.636.6045. www.elliestable.com.

Photo: Dale Robinette/Lionsgate

At the Movies: ‘La La Land’ Doesn’t Miss a Beat

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he movie musical is a genre that was at its prime in the mid-20th century, but once rock music officially made its mark by the late 1960s, traditional song and dance was changed forever. Of course, there have been brief moments of resurgence, like Everyone Says I Love You (1996), Chicago (2002) and DreamGirls (2006). But the days of seeing a musical nearly every month at the theater are long gone. Yet, that makes Damien Chazelle’s La La Land one of the freshest films to come presently.

Mia Dolan (Emma Stone) moves to Los Angeles for her dream of becoming a

Page 10

successful actress at the same time Seb Wilder (Ryan Gosling) is fired from his gig as a restaurant pianist. The two keep bumping into each other in the city until they eventually meet up properly and begin a casual courtship. As Mia’s auditions continue to falter, Seb’s music career grows with the help of big shot music act Keith (John Legend), who conflicts with his old fashioned jazz.

La La Land comes from Chazelle right off of his sleeper hit Whiplash last year and couldn’t be more different. While Whiplash was a rough-and-tumble character piece, La La has all the influence and homage that Chazelle has carefully borrowed from the likes of Singin’ in the Rain (1952), Swing Time (1936) and The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967). Stone and Gosling are wisely chosen for their experienced chemistry, and the film is now on its way to be the big breakthrough of the holidays. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Dana Hills Marching Band Reflects on Their Best Season Ever

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t was the semi-finals of the 2016 high school marching band competition, and the Dana Hills Marching Band stood on the field at Westminster High School awaiting the results. There were 14 teams to be ranked, but the 70 student musicians that comprise the Dana Hills band were hoping their finish would be, at least, better than last.

“As soon as they called 14th and it wasn’t us, I started getting very emotional,” said senior Justin Alabran.

Alabran and the others heard school after school named. The anticipation within the band grew as the numbers went lower.

“And then they called us at fifth place,” Alabran said. Student leaders of the band, sitting next to Alabran days later, smiled at the memory.

But the high finish at the semi-finals— they scored 79.4—was merely the precursor to more success. On Nov. 19, Dana Hills capped off their spectacular season by placing fourth overall at the state competition with a score of 81.65. This marks the best season the Dolphins have ever had, director Steve Wade said.

“They paid attention to each rehearsal,” Wade said. “They got faster at retaining the information because they realized it would save time at rehearsal.

“They knew the show so well it was like a level of professionalism. They made it work together,” he said.

The band’s show was called “Interstellar” and was something new for the band, Wade said. It was created for them by Walter Simonsen, a USC staff member.

“He came up with the idea and wrote the music for it,” Wade said. “It basically accommodated the student’s abilities.

We have some students that are really good and some that are still learning, and we were able to write for those specific students. We’ve done pre-written shows before, but they’re not personal.”

He said it was a really good show, and the students around him nodded in agreement.

“It was really detailed, all the movements, there was a story line through it,” said junior Abbey Brisbin. “You could really portray the story through the music, it

Dana Point Times December 16-22, 2016

The Dana Hills High School Marching Band finished in fourth place at a state competition recently. This has been the band’s best season. Photos: Kristina Pritchett

was really cool.”

She added she also enjoyed the solos.

Brisbin is one of the percussion captains; Wade said her section was able to make rocket sounds and “sounds of being in space.”

The band said this show was one of the more difficult ones they’ve performed.

“There were a lot more components we had to put together,” said Drum Major and junior Kyle Chang. “But, in the end everything was just really great.”

Although the band had many successes this season, it wasn’t without complications. Wade said the season was longer this year due to the school year starting in August rather than September.

“We added two weeks of competition,” Wade said. “It’s our longest season.”

When asked if the students were exhausted at this point, they laughed.

“Going home after practice and doing homework is pretty exhausting,” Brisbin said. “But, when you get through the competitions and when you win, it’s really worth it.”

The student’s schedules not only include attending school, but practic-

ing eight hours a week as a band at a minimum, playing at every football game, practicing before every competition and practicing on their own.

But the students say it’s worth it. Now, as they walk down the hallway, students and teachers have been recognizing them for their hard work.

“It’s really nice. I know in the past, marching band has been seen as something that’s not really a cool thing to do,” Brisbin said. “When people see that we actually put a lot of hard work into it and work just as hard as sports and other programs, it’s cool.”

Wade said the students have been receiving a lot of encouragement from the football team and the cheerleading squad.

“It’s a unique thing to Dana I think,” Wade said. “We definitely felt their respect.”

Wade added that he believes the support positively influenced the students.

The positivity helps drive more grating parts of running a marching band, including financing it.

“Funding is always an obstacle,” Wade said. “We’ve worked really hard to raise

Page 12

funds. The whole thing is, do we believe enough in the show to practice; to fundraise and keep going? It’s been tough, but we’re kind of used to it now.”

For many of the older students, some who will be graduating in the spring, their favorite moments include just hanging out with the band members.

“We’ve become a family,” said junior Nicki Giles. “It’s one of my favorite things.”

A few weeks after the state competition, the band’s season is winding down, the holidays are around the corner and the semester is almost finished.

On a Thursday afternoon, the band met in Dana Hills’ band room to practice before a holiday parade. Wade stood in front of the room, watching the students before grabbing a trumpet and joining them. During that practice, he also grabbed drums and helped specific sections.

It was indicative of a greater sense of community felt throughout the band.

“I felt like this year the band believed in itself, the band members believed they could do it and the band leaders pushed us forward to finally get us there,” Alabran said. “It was the most satisfying thing.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

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

Romance in Nepal

A country filled with beauty, Nepal is well worth a visit for travelers

W

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

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

34202 Camino Capistrano, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

hen I was a kid, I was fascinated to learn that Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand, and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal, had become the first people to climb Nepal’s 29,028-foot Mt. Everest, the tallest peak in the world.

Their historic climb happened on May 29, 1953. I hoped that someday I would get to see that mountain, which the Nepalese people proudly call “the top of the world.”

That dream came true two weeks ago when my partner, Greta, and I spent nine days in Nepal, mostly in Kathmandu, the capital.

Kathmandu is a bustling city, with gridlock on the streets from motor bikes and buses. A 2015 earthquake devastated Kathmandu. Reconstruction creates a major dust and smog problem, particularly this time of year, when there is no wind.

One trip highlight was viewing Mt. Everest up close. Of course, not as close as Sir Edmund and Tenzing did, but from a chartered Buddha Air sightseeing turbo prop plane.

One evening, our tour company, Gate 1 Travel, arranged for a woman to speak to our group of 13 about mountain climbing. Myra Sherpa, a 40-year-old from the Sherpa tribe, is one of only 11 women Sherpa climbers in the world.

Myra has climbed mountains over 20,000 feet tall 18 times, including Mt. Everest four times. She is one of only four women to conquer K2, considered to be the most difficult mountain in the world to climb. What an inspiration Myra was.

Tibet is on the opposite side of the Himalayan Mountains from Nepal. Tenzing wanted a Tibetan woman in his life, but there are only a few thousand Tibetans living in Nepal.

During dinner, I asked how he met his wife. His reply surprised our group: “On the internet, of course!” He explained there is a Tibetans-living-in-Nepal singles website.

Marriage is a big deal in Nepal. As we

traveled around, we saw many wedding parties from our tour bus. Cars and small buses were draped in flowers. Horns would blare, and newlyweds would wave from inside vehicles.

ON LIFE AND Our group learned LOVE AFTER 50 from our Nepalese guide

By Tom Blake that most of the marriages of young people, often less than 20 years old, are arranged marriages. The parents picked their mates.

Engaged couples are not allowed to live together before marrying, and after they marry, they live—often for months or years—with the husband’s parents. Yikes!

Historically in Nepal, widowed people have found dating or finding a new mate virtually impossible. They have been ostracized by society, as if the situations they are in are their fault. How sad. Niraj, our guide, said that archaic way of thinking is slowly changing.

Despite Nepal facing multiple challenges, they are rebuilding. The people are highly ethical. Twice, while Greta and I bought souvenirs, I inadvertently paid with a 500-rupee bill ($5), thinking it was a 100-rupee bill ($1). Both times, each merchant chased after us and returned the 400 rupees we had overpaid.

If you are wondering about traveling to Nepal, give it a chance. The country is beautiful, as are its people.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter50.com, www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

Last week’s solution:

Page 13

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: Book Talk by Dan DeNeve and Maggie Villalobos with the Dana Point Library

Attention History Buffs

R

The Dana Point Harbor’s annual Boat Parade of Lights went “Under the Sea” on Friday Dec. 9. The parade will continue Dec. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. Photos: Kristina Pritchett

Dana Point Harbor’s Boat Parade of Lights Goes ‘Under the Sea’

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

O

ver the weekend, brightly colored vessels floated down the Dana Point Harbor as they participated in the 42nd annual Boat Parade of Lights.

This year’s theme was “Under the Sea,” which brought in characters like Dori and Hank from Finding Dori; one boat even played the movie on a projector. Some boats had live and light-up mermaids, one

had a moving whale tail, and one even had dancing sharks.

The event is a two-weekend event, continuing Dec. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. in the Harbor.

Prizes will be given out for Judges’ Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Animation, Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat and more. DP

Pet of the Week: Boomer

B

oomer is a quiet soul who wants nothing more than to be by your side. While he is an avid snuggler, he also enjoys brisk walks and play time in the yard. Boomer has been great at making friends of all ages and would make a great family pet.

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

Dana Point Times December 16-22, 2016

Boomer. Photo: San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

Page 14

egular readers of the Dana Point Times may have fond memories of “Reading with Wright.” While Chris is enjoying his retirement in New Mexico, we have assumed the mantle and will be continuing his article… with a bit of a spin. Each column will feature books for the younger reader as well as the adult reader.

For the middle school history buff in your life, check out Outrun the BOOK TALK Moon by Stacey Lee. PubBy Dan DeNeve and lished earlier this year, Maggie Villalobos this story is set in San Francisco in 1906. Lee tells the story of Mercy Wong, a 15-year-old girl who is determined to break from the poverty in Chinatown and earn her education at St. Clare’s School for Girls. Mercy will do anything in her power from trickery to bribery to gain entry. But life isn’t necessarily easier at St. Clare’s School for Girls.

Dealing with spoiled heiresses is the least of Mercy’s worry. When disaster happens, Mercy and her new friends must put all their skills and wits to the test in order to survive. While this is a fictional account of the San Francisco earthquake, Lee shows true human interactions. Readers will cheer for Mercy as she rises to each new challenge. The Dana Point Library owns a copy.

Older teens who enjoy historical fiction won’t want to miss Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. While it was published in 2012, the story is just as gripping and heartbreaking today. On October 11, 1943, a British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. The pilot and passenger are best friends, but only one girl has a shot at survival. “Verity” tells the Gestapo about her past, her friendship with Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the plane wreckage.

But nothing is ever that simple. Be sure to have tissues handy when you check this

book out from the Dana Point Library.

If you are looking for that perfect gift for the World War II reader this holiday season, look no further than Francis Pike’s, Hirohito’s War: The Pacific War, 1941-1945. Published in 2015, this most current, encyclopedic work of almost 1,100 pages will keep the most avid reader of the subject busy. What makes this work interesting is that Pike brings a British perspective to the subject, which is slightly different from most American authors. For example, Pike gives the Burma theater a considerable amount of focus in this highly detailed book. Burma, generally, is given short-shrift among American historians. Additionally, he argues that Guadalcanal was the turning point for the war effort in the Pacific, and he does not shy away from taking General MacArthur to task. This book does not have to be read in order, but it will keep the reader busy for some time. It is also useful as a reference tool. One drawback is that the bibliography, appendices and all maps are not included in the book; they are online at Pike’s website for the book. While that can be a minor nuisance, if he had added them to the book, the 1,100 pages would have expanded to more than 1,600. Nonetheless, this book makes a great present this season. The Dana Point Library owns a copy.

The Dana Point Library’s informal group, formerly the Tea Time Book Club now the Seaside Book Club, meets every fourth Monday of the month from 10:3011:30 a.m. All are welcome. We will not meet in December, but will be discussing In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez.

Dan DeNeve is Dana Point Library’s new adult librarian and will be covering adult books. Maggie Villalobos is the children and teen librarian and will be making recommendations for older elementary children through high schoolers. 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

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 of flooring. We sell tile too!

Mike 949-240-1545.

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

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

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

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

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

Dana Point Times December 16-22, 2016

Page 15

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

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

his left foot off a pass from Kasra Diba to seal the win for Dana Hills.

Dolphins goalie Alan Diaz had 12 saves on the night.

The comeback win marked the second consecutive victory for Dana Hills (2-5-1).

The Dolphins beat Marina 2-0 at home on Dec. 7, and have now scored twice as many goals in their last two games than their previous six matches combined.

Dana Hills will host Calvary Chapel on Dec. 16 before entering the Fountain Valley Tournament on Dec. 27.

Girls Soccer Draws with Chargers, Remain Undefeated

Balanced Scoring Leads to First Win for Boys Hoops

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

As of Dec. 15, the Dana Hills girls soccer team had yet to feel the sting of defeat.

After notching three consecutive wins over San Juan Hills, Capistrano Valley and Long Beach Wilson, the Dolphins (3-0-3) drew even with Chino Hills 2-2, and had the same 2-2 result with Edison on Dec. 8 and Dec. 10, respectively.

Dana Hills will host Huntington Beach in a nonleague game on Dec. 19 before entering the Excalibur Tournament on Dec. 27.

Boys Cross Country Places 14th at Nike Cross Nationals

The Dana Hills boys cross country team has been among the best programs in California for quite some time. As a result of their high finishes at big-time meets (the team most recently notched back-toback second-place finishes at the CIF-SS Finals and CIF State Championships) the Dolphins were invited to compete at the prestigious Nike Cross Nationals event in Portland, Oregon, on Dec. 3.

Racing against the best high school programs in the nation, the Dolphins placed 14th in the 22-team field.

Senior Brandon Hough was the Dolphins’ highest finisher, coming in 57th place overall with a time of 16:29.8.

Junior Jack Landgraf (16:32.1) placed 61st, sophomore Eddie Wagenseller (17:10.4) took 127th, sophomore Simon Fuller (17:21.7) placed 142nd, senior Thomas Wilfert (17:31) placed 152nd and sophomore Hayden Stein (17:45) placed 166th.

Girls Basketball Downs Foothill in OT

For the second time in as many games, the Dana Hills girls basketball team showed it has the ability to close out close games. Playing in the Ocean View Hawk Classic tournament, the Dolphins defeated Foothill 51-48 in overtime on Dec. 10, one day after closing out Lakewood 42-40.

Peyton Romo led all scorers with 23 points in the win over Foothill, and Maicie Saia scored 15.

Dana Hills (7-3) will host Irvine in a nonleague game on Dec. 22.

Dana Point Times December 16-22, 2016

Isabel Barnett and the Dana Hills girls soccer team have yet to lose a game this season. Photo: Victor Carno

Zach Stirtz scored 18 and Devan Garland scored 16 as the Dana Hills boys basketball team moved past Garden Grove 66-62 on the road in a nonleague game on Dec. 12.

Like they have benefitted from all season, the Dolphins (1-5) got contributions from up and down the roster in the win. Tony Brown and Harrison Wiese each scored nine points and Cole Slagle chipped in seven.

Dana Hills used a first-quarter push to pick up the win. The Dolphins outscored Garden Grove 19-11 in the first, and took a 36-25 lead into the break. The win snapped a five-game losing skid to start the season for Dana Hills.

The Dolphins will travel to compete in the SoCalPrep Holiday Classic on Dec. 29.

Baba Powers Dolphins Water Polo in Early Going

The Dana Hills boys cross country team placed 14th at the prestigious Nike Cross National meet in Oregon on Dec. 3. Photo: Courtesy

Boys Soccer Storms Back to Stun Eagles in 4-3 Victory

The Dana Hills boys soccer team trailed Santa Margarita 1-3 at the half on Dec. 14, and the Eagles picked up where they left off in the second half, threatening to increase their lead.

Santa Margarita was awarded a penalty kick early in the second half, but the attempt missed. From then on, the momentum belonged to the Dolphins.

Dana Hills scored three unanswered

second-half goals to come all the way back and defeat the Eagles 4-3 in nonleague competition.

Everett Brunelle got things going for the Dolphins in the second half, scoring on a penalty kick to cut into the Eagles lead, 3-2. In the 78th minute, a Mark Garcia free kick went sailing into the Eagles’ box, and it found the head of Dana Hills’ Seth Eisenberg, who flicked it into the goal to tie things up.

Brunelle scored the game-winner in stoppage time, powering home a goal with

Page 16

Sydney Baba has been on a goal-scoring tear to start her senior season for the Dana Hills girls water polo team. The utility player has played in 12 games and is second in Orange County in goals scored as of Dec. 15.

Baba’s 48 goals trail only Shanna Zuanich of Marina in the county standings, and there is no reason to think Baba will slow down any time soon.

Baba has scored at least four goals in each of the Dolphins’ last four games. She scored six goals twice in that span, against Cerritos and Troy on Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, respectively, and had a five-goal effort against Warren.

The Dolphins (8-4) are also picking up steam.

The team won its first five games of the season, and after some tough losses to top-level competition like La Jolla (Dec. 3) and Santa Margarita (Dec. 6), they found success in the Villa Park Tournament last week. The team defeated Cerritos, Warren and Marina in order before falling to Troy 11-8 on Dec. 10.

Dana Hills will travel to play Long Beach Wilson on Dec. 18 before heading into a showcase tournament at Mount Carmel High School on Dec. 19. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

San Clemente’s Tory Gilkerson took the Women’s World Longboard Championship on Dec. 9 on the Chinese island of Hainan. Photo: Courtesy WSL/Bennett

Women’s World Longboard Title Stays in San Clemente Tory Gilkerson wins WSL’s Women’s World Longboard title and keeps San Clemente on top for second year in a row

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen asked about her surfing aspirations in a 2014 interview, San Clemente’s Tory Gilkerson, then only 20 years old, said, “I would love to be the world champ!”

Apparently dreams come true. Last week, the San Onofre regular was crowned Women’s World Longboard champion.

Traveling to Riyue Bay on the island of Hainan in China for the World Surf League’s Women’s World Longboard Championship, Gilkerson took full advantage of her opportunity.

Competing as a relative dark horse compared to some of the other more established names in the draw, Gilkerson found a consistent rhythm early in the event, and by the time she hit the money rounds, she was firing on all cylinders. En route to the final, she tallied the highest single wave score and highest heat score of the entire contest.

In the final, she found herself matched up against Brazil’s Chloe Calmon. In a Dana Point Times December 16-22, 2016

somewhat anticlimactic affair, Calmon couldn’t find the waves she was looking for and posted her lowest heat score of the contest, essentially handing the title to Gilkerson, who tallied a 15.93 heat score to win the final.

“This means a lot to me,” said Gilkerson after being chaired up the beach by her friends and countrymen. “It was really stressful out there. I was really stoked to get that 8.00 at the end, it just made it that little bit harder for Chloe.”

“I was so nervous in that heat because I knew how well Tory had been surfing all event,” said Calmon. “I think I let my nerves get the better of me and could not calm myself. I’m upset, but I think I’m hungrier to go and learn from my mistakes and come back next year. I believe everything happens for a reason and obviously today wasn’t meant to be my day.”

For Gilkerson, the win is the result of years of dedication and training.

“I’ve been working on staying calm and smooth and I think that really helped me

this year,” she said. “Surfing against the best women longboarders in the world is an honor, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform at this level. To win the whole thing is just amazing.”

One of the reasons Gilkerson may have put so much pressure on herself was due to the fact that last year 18-year-old Rachael Tilly, another San Onofre regular, won the title and keeping the world title trophy in San Clemente had a nice ring to it.

“I was here last year when Rachael won, and as an American, it was a really proud moment for all of us. I’m so stoked that I can keep it in California for another year; it means the world to me,” said Gilkerson.

Before her win at Riyue Bay, Gilkerson had never advanced out of the quarterfinals of the World Longboard Championship.

Previously, she’s won the U.S. national title three times, but this is by far the biggest accomplishment of her budding career. She’s also appeared in a women’s only longboard surf film entitled Say No More. She first started surfing at the age of seven and has noted that her initial motivation was just to keep up with her twin brother in the water.

But by the time she was 13, Gilkerson had grown into a seasoned competitor and won her first U.S. title.

Considering that the marquee spot at San Onofre is called Old Man’s and one of the world’s most high performance waves is less than a mile up the beach at Lowers, longboarding may have seemed like an odd choice for a young surf rat in San Clemente, but the style and grace of gliding across a wave face on a big, old log was too fun for her to ignore. So, while her classmates were learning to do airs at T Street, Gilkerson was cross-stepping at The Point.

The nostalgia proved inescapable.

“I just love the vibe that comes along with longboarding,” said Gilkerson. “The community is great, with a laid-back feeling out in the water and on the beach. Nose riding is my favorite part of being a longboarder, it’s the best feeling to be perched on the nose.”

Being perched on the nose is pretty sweet, but to be fair, being perched atop the winner’s podium being crowned the best surfer in the world, that has to rank right up there. DP

GROM OF THE WEEK

MAX BEACH

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

M

ax Beach is as core a grom as you’re going to find around San Clemente or Dana Point. He runs with a talented pack when he’s home and just got back from a training stint on the North Shore of Oahu. We caught up with the 15-year-old to see what makes a grom of his caliber tick: What’s your surf life like in town?

In the summer, I’m down at Lowers pretty much all day [laughs]. And during the winter swells I spend most of my time at T Street or Gravels. My favorite wave in San Clemente is probably Lowers. When it’s firing, it can be one of the best places in the world.

And when it’s time to surf, do you put the word out to your crew?

I don’t plan or call up anyone to surf, but usually surf with the same group of kids from San Clemente.

Fill us in on the North Shore—how was it?

I had the best trip ever. I went over with Brad Gerlach and Taro Watanabe. When we first got there, the swell was smaller, but rising, so the first day we were out at Rocky Point and Sunset. The next few days, as the swell started pumping, Taro and I pretty much planted ourselves at Haleiwa and Pipe—making pit stops at Crispy Grindz for acai bowls and Foodland for “F’real” milkshakes on the commutes.

What’s coming up next?

In the next few years, I’d like to see my surfing improve a whole lot more and being able to do what I love as a job, whether it’s being on the tour or traveling.

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-63 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-10’ Fair Outlook: Surf is expected to bump up Friday with stormy windswell mix in the waistshoulder high+ (3-4’+) range. Then it’s fading surf through the weekend. Conditions/winds are an issue as well, so be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Page 18

Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

www.danapointtimes.com