Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

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March 4-10, 2016

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DHHS SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW SPORTS/PAGE 18

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 10

Check out the Official Dana Point Festival of Whales Event Guide on our website!

Marine Ecology is Elementary High school students mentor elementary school kids on plastic pollution of oceans, together build a sculpture for Festival of Whales E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4 Dana Hills High School students host elementary students from John S. Malcom Elementary for a marine ecology lesson and to build a whale skeleton sculpture with single-use plastic bottles to be displayed at the Festival of Whales, March 5, 6, 12 and 13 at Dana Point Harbor. Photo: Andrea Swayne

R.H. Dana Elementary Celebrates Golden Anniversary EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

MemorialCare Announces SC Hospital Closure May 31 EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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Greg Long Crowned Big Wave World Champion DP SURF/PAGE 22

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

comments and dedications by school district officials, former students, city and county dignitaries.

The unveiling of a new mural at the school’s handball courts by local artist Ashley Keene was also set to be unveiled.—AS

Five things Dana Point should know this week

Baby Beach Dredging to Finish before Festival

MemorialCare Announces San Clemente Hospital to Close May 31 THE LATEST: After 18 months of efforts to try to keep MemorialCare’s Saddleback Memorial Medical Center open in San Clemente, officials announced Wednesday they will close the campus on May 31.

In a statement released by Saddleback Memorial Medical Center administrator Tony Struthers, he stated the health care provider will continue to examine possibilities of providing urgent care to San Clemente residents, but the hospital services will cease May 31.

“At this point, we will continue to provide ongoing medical and emergency services,” Struthers said in an email Wednesday afternoon, adding the services will continue for at least 90 days.

Struthers said the hospital will continue to meet with local officials and agencies to plan “a transition of services.”

MemorialCare officials have said since August 2014 the current hospital model is not feasible to keep open because of declining inpatient numbers, which fund a great portion of the hospital.

Originally the hospital came up with proposals to establish a large outpatient urgency care center in the hospital’s place, but that was dismissed by community members as not being adequate medical services for San Clemente.

Officials then made a legislative effort to allow for a free-standing, or “boutique” or “satellite” hospital, with fewer amenities but similar emergency services hospitals offer. This is currently not legal under California law.

Assemblyman Bill Brough and State Sen. Patricia Bates introduced separate bills in their respective houses to try to change that law, but both bills died in committee in January. Following that defeat, the city of San Clemente enacted a zoning ordinance to require the owner of the hospital land to provide emergency services.

In a joint statement, Bates and Brough said they were disappointed with the hospital’s decision and will pursue further options by “consulting with community members to find a realistic solution that works for the region.”

The San Clemente Hospital was built in 1971 and at one point provided more than Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

Students in Bonny Pitkin’s fifth-grade class from R.H. Dana Elementary School pose for a photo before their whale watching adventure aboard Sum Fun. Photo: Alex Paris

105 beds. Today, it has 73 beds. Struthers said the hospital was averaging 11.6 inpatients a day before the closure. A total of 16 inpatient surgeries were done in February, less than one per day, and outpatient surgeries totaled 56 in that month.

The nearest hospitals to San Clemente that provide emergency services are Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, about 10 miles away on Interstate 5, and MemorialCare’s Laguna Hills location, about 15 miles away on I-5.

WHAT’S NEXT: Struthers said no decision has been made regarding the sale of the San Clemente campus.

“At this point we have had some inquiries but nothing beyond that,” he said.

Struthers added that hospital officials are looking to relocate their staff within the MemorialCare network.

“We are working with our approximately 150 full-time and part-time employees to help them identify other potential employment opportunities within the (MemorialCare) health care system and our sister facilities,” Struthers said.—Eric Heinz

2012. A young pine was planted in its place in December 2012.

In 2015, a new community organization, Capo Cares, brought back the tree lighting tradition, organizing a gathering with holiday music, refreshments and ornaments hand-made by area children for the original tree each year between 1987 and 1998.

WHAT’S NEXT: The parks department is in the process of searching for a replacement in hopes of replacing the diseased tree as soon as possible.

We don’t want a small tree, we want something comparable,” said Kevin Evans, director of Community Services and Parks. “We are in search of the perfect tree.”—Andrea Swayne

R.H. Dana Elementary Celebrates Golden Anniversary

Capo Beach Christmas Tree Felled for Disease THE LATEST: The Capistrano Beach Christmas Tree, on the median at Camino De Estrella and Camino Capistrano has been felled by the city’s community service and parks department due to disease. No other trees in the median were affected.

The original Capo Beach Christmas tree was donated by the Capistrano Beach Community Association in 1987. The tree was the center of an annual tree lighting and holiday gathering at Pines Park until the dissolution of the association in 1998.

From then on the tree was decorated, without fanfare, each year by the city until a strong storm blew it down in April of

THE LATEST: This year marks R.H. Dana Elementary School’s five decades of educating Dana Point children.

Established in 1966, the school now has more than 300 students, 60 faculty members and has received many accolades, including being named a National Blue Ribbon school, California Distinguished School recognition and earning Title I Academic Achievement Awards.

As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, the entire student body was treated to a whale watching adventure on Wednesday, courtesy of Dana Wharf Whale Watching.

WHAT’S NEXT: The school was set to hold its own on-campus celebration on Friday, March 4, including live music, “Dancing through the Decades” and singing performances by students, along with

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THE LATEST: The dredging and sand replenishment of Baby Beach will be completed in time for the March 5 kick off of the Dana Point Festival of Whales, county officials said Wednesday.

Sand replenishment at Baby Beach was the first phase of the county’s harbor dredging project, which entailed pumping 70,000 cubic yards of sand onto the beach.

“Baby Beach is essentially complete,” said Harbor Director Brad Gross. “The last step is the grooming and the raking of the sand, which was set to be completed by midday Thursday.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The new sand has nearly doubled the area of Baby Beach. The project’s next step will involve pumping sand onto Doheny Beach. The entire dredging project is likely to run through May, Gross said.—AS

No Metrolink, Amtrak Train Service This Weekend South of San Juan THE LATEST: This weekend, on March 5 and 6, Metrolink and Amtrak will suspend rail service south of San Juan Capistrano while crews replace rocks to secure the railroad tracks, according to officials.

During this time, all Metrolink Orange County Line and Inland Empire-Orange County Line trains will only operate to and from San Juan Capistrano and north.

“Metrolink will be conducting the scheduled track maintenance to restore existing rocks, which secure the right-ofway along the beach and prevent damage to the track due to heavy rains,” officials said in a press release. “The San Clemente community near the tracks will experience some noise in the daytime this weekend as work is completed.”

Metrolink will not provide buses or alternate transportation during this brief closure. Amtrak will run alternate buses, but they will not stop at the San Clemente Pier. Buses will stop in San Juan Capistrano and Oceanside.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information on Amtrak service, visit www.amtrak.com.

For details on Metrolink’s schedule, visit www.metrolinktrains.com.—EH www.danapointtimes.com

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Marine Ecology is Elementary High school students mentor elementary school kids on plastic pollution of oceans, together build a sculpture for Festival of Whales

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s part of the Dana Point Festival of Whale’s ongoing efforts to increase student involvement, this year area elementary school children were mentored by high school students for a lesson in the effects of plastic pollution on the ocean and sea life and a hands-on project to carry that message to the festival.

Dana Hills High School science teacher Randy Hudson and his marine ecology students hosted a group of second- through fifth-graders on Feb. 23 to help with the creation of a sculptural representation of a whale skeleton using single-use plastic bottles.

Before the high school seniors and elementary school kids teamed up to build the sculpture, the younger students gathered in Hudson’s classroom for a lesson on whale biology and marine ecology.

“I learned that many animals in the ocean eat the plastic that ends up breaking down to smaller pieces and it’s unhealthy, not just for the animals but for us too, when we eat seafood,” said fifth-grader Sadie Riester. “I got to feel baleen and touch whale bones too. It was really cool. I want Mr. Hudson to be one of my teachers in high school and I really want to study marine ecology.”

Hudson also gave the students a briefing on the design and construction of the sculpture—a metal “skeleton” with plastic bottle “bones” that will represent the

spine and rib cage of a whale, and the kids headed outside to begin building.

“Malcom is a feeder school to Dana Hills, so that fact that we can work together is really important,” said Nona Areimer, one of the visiting Malcom teachers. “We want our students to know that the ocean impacts and is impacted by everything we do on land. It was really important for them to learn today that most of the single-use plastic bottles are never recycled and none of them get made into new bottles.”

Malcom teacher Elisa Slee added that for her students, working with high school kids is making a big impression on them.

“Anytime we can have young scholars in action with older scholars, it helps inspire them,” Slee said. “Some of these kids have never been in a high school classroom or even on a high school campus and this experience can be extremely powerful.”

The finished sculpture will be 30 feet long, by 9 feet tall, by 8 feet wide and will be on display adjacent to the Harbor walkway between Island Way and Baby Beach, along with all of the Dana Hills High School visual arts displays. The sculpture will remain in place through the entire two-weekend event, March 5, 6, 12 and 13, as well as the week in between.

Hudson added that the partnership is good for his students as well.

“What we’re trying to do here, overall, is to promote stewardship,” he said. “It’s

Sadie Riester, 10, a fifth-grader at John S. Malcom Elementary, works with Dana Hills High School senior Sarah Barton on a life-size whale sculpture made with single-use plastic bottles to represent the harm plastic pollution has on the ocean and its inhabitants. The sculpture will be on display at the Harbor during the Festival of Whales. Photo: Andrea Swayne

one thing to talk about it and another thing to be involved in it. And what my students are doing here are stewarding the next cohort of students that are going to come up to Dana Hills. In the big picture, they are all going to serve as models for adults as well. Our students are very ecologicallyminded. They don’t like what our generation and generations past have done. They know they are inheriting a big problem and they want to take action. This gives them that outlet, to be active, be involved and do something about it.”

Senior Alyssa Boscardin agreed.

“I think sharing this knowledge with young kids is important because it can

help protect our oceans and beaches in the future,” Boscardin said. “We are helping the younger kids build a love for the ocean and its animals. I love working with kids and to see them get involved like this since they will be taking our place in a few years. This project will add a great message to the festival because many people don’t realize how big an effect plastic has on our oceans. Seeing it as part of a sculpture representing the carcass of a whale illustrates how deadly the problem really is.”

For a full lineup of Festival of Whales events, visit www.danapointtimes.com to read the official event guide. DP

Rita Rudner is grand marshal for this year’s Festival of Whales Parade. Photo: Courtesy

husband, Martin Bergman. In between festival weekends, she will play gigs in Palm Desert and Phoenix, and then she’s off to Isreal in April and looking forward to future “Act 3” performances in Los Angeles and Toronto.

Rudner said she is not only excited to do her part in kicking off the two-weekend event at the parade on Saturday, March 5, but also to experience the events at the Harbor. A special event on her to-do list includes attending the Whale of a Concert on the Water, Sunday, March 13, when her daughter, singer/songwriter Molly Bergman, will play at noon. At the age of 13, the talented young musician has already performed at many local venues.

“I’m ready for the parade,” Rudnersaid.

“My husband and my in-laws are English, so I have the queen wave mastered. They get together and are English together and eat potatoes and Yorkshire pudding and complain about American bacon and wave like the queen. I can even do it without any underarm jiggle. And I got my teeth cleaned so I am ready to sparkle.” DP

Meet Parade Grand Marshal: Rita Rudner

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen I was asked to be the grand marshal for a whale parade, I thought someone was telling me I was fat,” quipped actress and comedian Rita Rudner with a laugh when asked about her latest gig. “I’ve never been the grand marshal of anything and when they said I wouldn’t have to do anything physical, like run a 5K, and I could just ride in a car and wave and then lunch at Hennessey’s, I was all in.”

Rudner said, in all seriousness, she is very honored to serve as the parade grand marshal for the 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales and counts the city as one of her favorite places.

“I feel very honored to be asked and I feel very fortunate to have a vacation

Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

home in this beautiful place,” Rudner said.

“My husband and I honeymooned here 28 years ago and one of our goals at the time was to be successful enough to own a house here. It took 26 years, but we did it.

I mostly live in Las Vegas and travel a lot— that variety is one of the best things about being in show business—but I always love coming here. This is my favorite, favorite, favorite, triple favorite place.”

Rudner began her career in the entertainment business at the age of 16 with a 10-year stint as a dancer on Broadway before changing her focus to comedy and acting. Rudner recently completed a month-long run acting at the Laguna Playhouse in the U.S. debut of “Act 3,” a comedic play by David Ambrose and Claudia Nellens and directed by her

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DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

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.

Sunday, February 28 FOLLOW-UP REPORT Via Corvalian, 33500 Block (6:49 p.m.) Following an earlier call reporting a loud verbal argument at the location, a woman called deputies to report her boyfriend had stolen her purse and was using her credit cards.

TRESPASSING La Cresta Drive, 24200 Block (5:55 p.m.) Kids were seen on the roof at R.H. Dana Elementary School.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Dana Strand Road, 34300 Block (4:53 p.m.) A caller reported seeing a man in a vehicle “doing physical things” to a woman who looked unconscious.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Stonehill Drive, 23800 Block (4:44 p.m.) A caller reported seeing a drunken person in the park. A 29-year-old man, who refused to tell deputies what he does for a living, was arrested, cited and released the next day.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Street of the Golden Lantern/Pacific Coast Highway (4:41 p.m.)

A dog was locked inside a parked white Mercedes for 45 minutes. Animal Control was called.

DISTURBANCE Las Vegas Avenue/Doheny Park Road (1:41 p.m.) A transient woman was inside the post office lying on her makeshift bed and smoking.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Via Corvalian, 33500 Block (12:30 p.m.) The sounds of two women screaming and a dog barking were heard on an open line.

CITIZEN ASSIST Via California, 26300 Block (10:04 a.m.) An irate man said he feels “because he lives in Capo Beach he is being treated as a second-class citizen and gets no police presence.” He complained of people constantly running stop signs near his house and “almost hitting his Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

kids” while they are playing. The man said he “wants something done.”

PETTY THEFT REPORT Seville Place, 34100 Block (9:48 a.m.) A caller’s birdbath was stolen.

TRESPASSING Del Obispo Street, 34200 Block (10:08 a.m.) A shirtless man in his 30s with a tattoo on his chest was on the roof at Denny’s.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Golden Lantern/ La Cresta Drive (2:24 a.m.) Two men and one woman were at Shipwreck Park “running around yelling about how high they are.”

WELFARE CHECK Cove Road/Street of the Green Lantern (8:25 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for a group of juveniles seen passed out inside a blue VW Jetta parked at the top of Cove Road.

Friday, February 26

SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Dana Drive, 24700 Block (7:35 a.m.)

A caller on a boat reported hearing a gunshot on the island side of the Harbor.

A 24-year-old man was arrested, cited and released the next day.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Del Obispo Street/Stonehill Drive (7:21 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for a duck in the middle of the road.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (2:53 a.m.) A man fell asleep at a table at Harbor House Café. The caller said the man was breathing but wouldn’t wake up.

BRANDISHING A WEAPON Pacific Coast Highway/Dana Point Harbor Drive (11:23 p.m.) A man with a bald head, a backpack and green pants threatened to kill the caller with a knife at the Jack in the Box restaurant. An unemployed 54-year-old man was arrested and booked into Central Men’s Jail. The man posted bond.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Ocean Hill Drive, 33100 Block (3:27 p.m.)

A man drove up to a residence and offered to repair vehicles. The caller said she had also seen the man approaching other homes in the neighborhood.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Via Corvalian, 33500 Block (6:59 a.m.) A woman said someone broke into her house and then took off running.

Saturday, February 27 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camaron, 32700 Block (9:26 p.m.) A woman called deputies after receiving a call from a neighbor who told her there were 20 cars parked in front of her house.

The woman was calling from out of town and she believed her teenage son was having a party at the house without her consent.

Thursday, February 25 GRAND THEFT REPORT Spinnaker Drive N, 33400 Block (4:05 p.m.) An elderly woman’s wallet was stolen at Costco and $3,000 was charged to one of her credit cards.

WELFARE CHECK Pacific Coast Highway/ Ritz-Carlton Drive (12:23 p.m.) A child was locked inside a silver Scion. Orange County Fire Authority broke the window due to the heat. The child was OK.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Street of the Golden Lantern/Dana Point Drive (8:10 p.m.) A drunken man in his 30s or 40s was seen “pleasuring himself” near the restrooms.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Vista de Todo, 35200 Block (6:32 p.m.) A man in a dark colored Audi station wagon was buying drugs on Del Rey. The caller was confronting the man. Deputies advised the caller to go back to his residence.

DISTURBANCE Bridgeport Street, 0 Block (11:09 p.m.) People were outside screaming they were going to kill each other.

ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLE Seville Place/San Marino Place (6:18 p.m.) A woman was upset because her vehicle was cited for being parked in a lot “owned by the county.”

911 HANGUP-WIRELESS Street of the Golden Lantern, 33300 Block (4:47 p.m.) A man called saying he needed police. When asked for his location, the man “used an expletive” and the line disconnected.

Wednesday, February 24

Tuesday, February 23

HIT-AND-RUN PARKED CAR Pacific Coast Highway/Ritz-Carlton Drive (3:32 p.m.) A white Toyota Camry full of juveniles was seen hitting a parked black Cadillac Escalade and then driving away.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIES Pacific Coast Highway/Camino Capistrano (10:49 a.m.) Bicycle vs. wall.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Park Lantern, 25100 Block (12:23 p.m.) A guest at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa was throwing beer cans off his balcony into the pool.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (9:25 a.m.)

A male transient was sleeping in front of Jack’s Surfboards. The caller tried to wake the man up but “he was snoring too loud.”

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Community Meetings SATURDAY, MARCH 5

Recycling Event at Dana Hills High School

9 a.m.-11 a.m. Residents can drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the school parking lot—near the tennis courts and pool—for students to collect and sort for recycling. Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs. For more information, email president@dhhsptsa.com.

33333 Golden Lantern in Dana Point.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

Dana Harbor Toastmasters

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

South Orange County Toastmasters Meeting

7 p.m.-8:40 p.m. Practice becoming a more confident communicator on Tuesdays at Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, 949.429.1794, 3944816.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

Coastmasters Toastmasters Club

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

MONDAY, MARCH 14

Planning Commission Meeting

6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

City Council Meeting

6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

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News Next Door

Stop and Talk

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

Lighthearted Chats with the People of Dana Point’s Business Community

BY ALLISON JARRELL

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO City Pursues District Elections, Set to Hire Demographer At the Feb. 16 San Juan Capistrano City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved transitioning from at-large to by-district elections before the upcoming Nov. 8 election.

Along with approving the switch, the council directed staff to bring back a district-mapping process that would include at least three community forums to gather input. At the council’s March 1 meeting, council members authorized the city manager to seek proposals and hire a demographer. Community input and the demography work would be used to determine whether to create five districts or four with an elected mayor.

The council’s discussion on Feb. 16—which took all of 20 minutes—was prompted by a voting rights lawsuit filed against the city on Jan. 27, which claims the city’s at-large elections violate the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 and result in “vote dilution for the Latino residents” by denying them “effective political participation in elections.”

Latinos account for about 39 percent of San Juan’s population, and according to city staff, no Latino representatives have been elected to the City Council for at least the last five election cycles.

City Attorney Jeff Ballinger and City Manager Ben Siegel advised the council to initiate the switch to district elections—as many other cities that have been similarly sued have done—in order to avoid costly litigation. DP

BY ALISON JACQUES

DANA POINT GOLD & COIN 24422 Del Prado, Ste. 1, Dana Point 949.545.6777, www.dpgoldandcoin.com Childhood friends Pierce Pierce and Kevin Borba let nothing sour their ideas to make a buck.

“We were the lemonade stand kids,” said Pierce Pierce, 32.

Now Pierce and Borba have “a big boy business,” Pierce said with a laugh. They own Dana Point Gold & Coin, a small, nondescript store that requires customers knock before being buzzed in to consult with either Pierce or Borba about the coins, jewels or even solid gold talismans they’d like to sell, for the right price. On the day we stopped by, Pierce sat behind the counter where he examines, prices and often prepares to resell the unique treasures his clientele hope to unload.

DANA POINT TIMES: Did you always have an interest in coins?

BRAD PIERCE: I grew up around it … my dad had the same exact business. He would take me to the store with him, make me work for free … I have decades of knowledge of this industry.

DPT: What was the scariest thing to happen to you as a child?

Brad Pierce. Photo: Alison Jacques

BP: Almost drowning in Santa Cruz. I was 17. It was huge out there. I was on a small little board. The wave caught me and drove me to the bottom. I was climbing up my leash and my leash snapped. (I) hit the bottom.

DPT: What is the best thing that happened to you?

BP: Getting into the sport of surfing.

DPT: If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why?

BP: A dolphin, to ride the waves. DP

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor QUEEN BEES, WORKERS BEES, WHICH BEE ARE YOU?

,

BY THERESA NOWAK Capistrano Beach

I have written a couple of letters to the editor addressing littering of cigarette butts.

I am very happy to report that the improvement where I walk is so awesome! My friend/neighbor called me the other day to tell me she saw another man walking and picking up cigarette butts. He was wearing protective orange gloves. My first question to her: “Did you get a pic?” Unfortunately she did not, but one of these days we will see it and snap it. So, I want to thank you sir with the orange gloves and anyone else out there who is helping to make a difference in our hive.

In our city we have queen bees and worker bees. Our queen bees take charge, delegate and also inspire the worker bees to find what they are good at. The worker bees then contribute their small but important part to the hive. Now, as in any hive, there are bees who just feel they don’t have time and are too busy to get involved in their hive—surely the other bees will pick up their slack. But just imagine if all the bees participated. It doesn’t even have to be a time consuming job. Pick up a piece of trash, cigarette butts or sweep your gutters when they have debris. Our oceans give us so much pleasure and are such an important part of our hive. A little contribution

will make a big difference for all the bees.

Recently, the Neighborhood Watch Program was inspired to become more active by Capo Cares (check them out on Facebook) and Dana Point Police Services.

If you are interested, contact Jill Jackson at jnjackson@ocsd.org 949.248.3581. I got involved and the participation that I have experienced with it in my neighborhood has been very rewarding. My sister and her neighbor also became block captains on their street and signed up more than 30 neighbors. We have found that meeting new neighbors has been an added bonus to making our hive safer. I hope you worker bees out there will think about joining us and start a Neighborhood Watch on your block.

Oh, by the way, I am a worker bee.

THANKS TO JACK’S SURF SHOP FROM AN OLD-TIMER STEVE STROOT, Chiloquin, Oregon

I’d like to thank the folks at Jack’s Surf Shop in Dana Point. About a year ago my wife and I traveled the California coast on vacation. A strong south swell was generating great surf at Doheny. Undeterred by my age (65), I entered Jack’s Dana Point Surf Shop and asked to rent a surfboard.

I explained that 37 years ago life took me away from the coast and my passion—surfing. On this day, after almost four decades, I hoped to re-experience the joy of wave riding. I selected a board and drove to the beach where I proceeded to paddle out to the beautiful 4- to 5-foot waves. There were no memorable rides that day. Truthfully, I was barely able to paddle out. But it was a wonderful day nonetheless. The smell of the ocean, the sight of the nose of the board

cutting through the water as I paddled, the feel of rising as the swells passed beneath me, the sun on my face, being back among the surfing brotherhood—all of this brought back the unique joy that is surfing.

A couple hours later, thoroughly exhausted, I returned the board to Jack’s. I approached the sales counter where the manager and three young employees were waiting. The manager said she wanted to meet the old-timer her employees had told her about and to ask if I’d enjoyed my surf outing. I replied emphatically, “Yes!” but acknowledged that the intervening 37 years had taken its toll on strength, stamina, balance and reflexes. I opened my wallet to pay the board rental fee. The manager raised her hand in a “stop” gesture. Then, she and her employees all smiled in unison as the manager said, “No charge.”

I often think back to that day and my brief foray into the waves. I also fondly remember the staff at Jack’s Surf Shop who understood and appreciated an old surfer trying to relive his glory days. I want to thank them for their kindness.

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.

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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Orange County Goals and Objectives

G

oing into my second year as a county supervisor, I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues for appointing me as 2016 chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. I am deeply appreciative of Supervisor Todd Spitzer for his passion and leadership in 2015, and I offer my congratulations to the recently appointed vice chair, Michelle Steel.

With new leadership on the board, many residents are asking about my goals and objectives for 2016. There are many goals, as the county government consists of more than 25 departments that address many areas of our lives. To that end, a number of my key county initiatives include, but are not limited to: • Increasing efficiency, effectiveness and transparency as a foundation of good Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

governance: I am committed to ensuring that good governance values are what I utilize to lead our county. One of the first efforts will be to distribute board agendas two weeks ahead of meetings, which THE BARTLETT will result in better prepaBULLETIN ration and transparency.

By Lisa Bartlett • Alleviating traffic and improving goods movement: I am working in collaboration with stakeholders to deliver key transportation projects including the connection between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano via the La Pata Extension, a direct carpool connector between SR-91 and SR-241, I-5 widening and completing SR-241.

• Enhancing John Wayne Airport so

that Orange County can remain competitive in a globalized economy: JWA ranks within the top 50 commercial airports in the country and contributes more than $6 billion toward Orange County’s economy.

Gaining Point of Entry status would allow JWA to remain competitive as a worldclass airport.

• Building the county’s first permanent homeless shelter in Anaheim to help vulnerable families, children, domestic violence victims, veterans and individuals: Research in similar counties report that housing is more productive and can save taxpayers nearly 80 percent in public cost to address homelessness.

• Modernizing OC Animal Care for improved and cost-effective service: Based on recent milestones, we are on a path to (Cont. on page 12)

Page 10

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING PICKET FENCE MEDIA Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Evan Da Silva Debra Holm Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 9, Issue 10. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX

This drawing shows a view of some of the changes planned as part of the Dana Point Harbor revitalization project. Rendering: Courtesy of Orange County

(Cont. from page 10) building our new state-of-the-art animal shelter, developing a strong partnership with animal rescue groups, developing private funding sources that help to lower the overall cost of operating a shelter and reforming OC Animal Care procedures and policies.

• Advocating for Orange County’s fair share of tax dollars from the state: Out of 58 counties in the State of California, Orange County receives the least amount of property taxes at 6.4 cents for every tax dollar paid. Orange County residents stand to benefit up to $600 million for essential services.

• Improving public safety, especially as it relates to securing more resources to address the growing presence of AB 109 offenders in county jails: Under AB 109, a prison reform initiative mandated by the state, convicted felons are allowed to be sentenced to county jail rather than state prison. This burden along with Proposition 47, which converted many offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, has clearly demonstrated the need for additional resources to ensure the safety of our communities.

• Revitalizing OC Dana Point Harbor to spur economic development and better access to the coast: After 18 years of waiting to see revitalization of Dana Point Harbor begin, I have ensured that the revitalization of the Harbor will not go by the wayside. Last year, we received Coastal Commission approvals to move forward and board approval to begin phase one of the revitalization plan.

• Developing a collaborative solution to the challenges San Clemente Hospital has faced in the wake of increasingly punitive regulations and downward pressures on reimbursement rates.

• Ensuring that San Clemente has the appropriate level of access to healthcare that the community desires.

• Instituting new reforms at CalOptima: One in four residents receives medical Dana Point Times February 26-March 3, 2016

Page 12

care from CalOptima. As a CalOptima board member, I am committed to the financial stability and enhanced oversight of the agency in order to improve the quality of medical care for residents.

• Addressing the drought through regional cooperation: Working with a team of the county staff, water districts and cities, we will advocate for grant funding for new water projects, streamline local permitting and creating a definitive guide for water conservation. We are working on several innovative solutions to address our dependency on imported water.

• Continuing to host public service events in South County that benefit my constituents: These events include my annual Senior Summit, Disaster Preparedness Expo, Veterans Summit, Job Fair, Conditions of Children Forum, Pet Expo, Water Workshop, State of the Community, Flu Shot Clinic and Prescription Drug Drop-off, among others.

In closing, I strongly believe that 2016 will be a year in which our board, our employees and our county will achieve many great things that will have a positive impact now and well into the future. Our collective strategic goals and initiatives will truly make Orange County one of the best places in the world to live, work and play.

To stay up to date on how the county progresses with these goals, I encourage you to follow me on Facebook (Supervisor Lisa Bartlett), Twitter @ocsupbartlett and visit my website at www.ocgov.com/gov/ bos/5 to sign up to receive my weekly e-newsletter.

My door is always open. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at Lisa.Bartlett@ ocgov.com or 714.834.3550. 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.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

EDITOR’S PICK The 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales kicks off at 10 a.m. with a parade down Pacific Coast Highway. Photo: Andrea Swayne

SATURDAY, MARCH 5: DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES 10 a.m. The 45th annual event spans two weekends—March 5, 6, 12 and 13—at the Dana Point Harbor, featuring education and entertainment celebrating the annual migration of California gray whales.

Events include whale watching, art show and sale, Diamond Dig, sandcastle building contest, live music, educational lectures and activities, vendors, games and more. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. on March 5 with a parade down Pacific Coast Highway and a street fair at La Plaza Park.

All other activities are centered around the Harbor. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern.

For more information, including parking, shuttle and a full events listing, visit www.festivalofwhales.com.

Saturday | 05 WHALE WALK AND TALK 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Learn about the area’s largest mammal visitor on this 1.5-mile

walk through the Dana Point Headlands conservation area on the second Saturday of the month, except October and November. Tours will also run March 5, 6 and 12 and 13 during the Festival of Whales.

Hear about California gray whale migration patterns, different whale species and learn how to spot, watch and identify whales. Bring binoculars or borrow ours.

RSVP to dpnaturalresources@danapoint. org or 949.248.3527. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

WHALES AND TAILS WAG-A-THON 8:30 a.m. Join Pet Project Foundation in the Festival of Whales Parade with your dog. Meet at the parade staging area, Selva Road and Pacific Coast Highway in the Strand Vista Park parking lot, and wag down PCH to the adulation of the crowds. Following the parade, join PPF at the Street Fair at La Plaza Park for dog games, vendor booths, food and more. Enter your dog in the Pet Costume Contest for a chance to win the $100 grand prize.

Pet Project Foundation, 949.595.8899, petprojectfoundation.org.

Sunday | 06 VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m. The Village Art Faire is held on the first Sunday of every month and is put on by the San Clemente Downtown Business Association. Stroll and shop while enjoying more than 60 vendors offering arts, crafts and other items. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.218.5378, www.villagesanclemente.org.

FIFTH ANNUAL FAM CLOTHING BENEFIT 1 p.m. Sweeet Repeeet Consignment is hosting its annual fashion show benefit to support Family Assistance Ministries in San Clemente. Each year 600 pounds of clothing is donated to help those in need. $10 per ticket. All proceeds go to FAM. 538 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.429.3100, www.srconsignment.com.

At the Movies: ‘Only Yesterday’ Worth the Wait

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

F

or more than 30 years, the Japanese film company Studio Ghibli has found fruitful success with its family movies including Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001) and Howl’s Moving Castle (2004). Since partnering with Disney as an international distributor in the mid-1990s, the films have also grown to find popularity in the U.S. For the first time ever, the 1991 feature Only Yesterday

Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

is finally getting officially released in the states.

Switching off between 1966 Tokyo and 1983 Yamagata, we follow Taeko Okajima (Daisy Ridley and Alison Fernandez) as 27-year-old Taeko leaves her basic office job in the city to go farming in the countryside during the summer. While traveling and harvesting with her brother-in-law’s family and becoming friendly with a young man on the farm named Toshio (Dev Patel), Taeko has many flashbacks of life as a

Monday | 07

San Clemente, 949.388.0114 ext. 205, www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Trips available every day of the week. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary depending on the vessel. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

Friday | 11

Tuesday | 08 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.

Wednesday | 09 FIESTA GRANDE AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Four contests and a night of Wild West entertainment are rolled into one evening of fun at the Fiesta Grandé.

Join your friends and make new ones at the Swallow’s Inn and enter to win one of the categories being judged. Spectators are welcome. Entrance fee is $5 per person, per category. Pay when you arrive.

Winners will receive a $50 gift certificate from the Boot Barn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

Thursday | 10 COMMUNITY OUTREACH ALLIANCE: FREE HULA HOOPING 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Have fun while exercising with a free hula hoop and jam session.

Talega Life Church, 1050 Calle Negocio,

10-year-old at school and at home.

Written and directed by Isao Takahata, Only Yesterday had more trouble finding distribution in America compared to Ghibli’s other pictures because of a sequence where elementary school kids learn and talk about menstrual cycles. Like most Ghibli films, Yesterday is an atmospheric character study of the simplest and sweetest kinds. There’s little plot or action this time, but it’s cute enough for a rainy day. Ridley does a great job at dubbing Taeko in her second Hollywood production since The Force Awakens, as does Fernandez as younger Taeko. For

Page 15

HOOS’GOW DAY 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hoos’Gow Day is an annual tradition that brings a taste of the Wild West back to downtown San Juan Capistrano. The “sheriff” and the “deputies” of the Fiesta Association are dressed in their traditional black and white Western garb while they roam the town in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing Western clothing, the deputies just might “arrest” you and throw you in the Hoos’gow, leaving you no choice but to make “bail” by purchasing a Fiesta Association souvenir. Downtown San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-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.

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

UPCOMING EVENT: MARCH 12

58TH ANNUAL SWALLOWS DAY PARADE & MERCADO STREET FAIRE 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s 58th Swallows Day Parade begins at 11 a.m., with the Mercado Street Faire running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown San Juan Capistrano. The parade is one of the largest non-motorized parades in the nation and marks the end of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas season, which celebrates the return of the swallows to Mission San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976 or visit www.swallowsparade.com.

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

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

© 1991 Hotaru Okamoto – Yuko Tone – GNH

Ghibli fanatics, the movie is worth the wait. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: It’s History by Carlos N. Olvera

Murder He Wrote

L

ocal history, in this column, has included people, events, buildings and stories—mostly positive. Death and murder is an unfortunate part of history but its presence shapes a community, just as the pleasant happenings of the past. Dana Point has had its share of such unfortunate events. Here are a few of the most headline-grabbing incidents in the city’s past, all of which have left an indelible mark in local history.

It was 1958 and the Seyfert family, enroute from Arizona in a converted yellow school bus, was traveling through Dana Point after visiting family in San Clemente. The father was taking his family to the “promised land.” The mother had left a note with her sister fearing for her and the children’s lives. After the family passed through the immigration checkpoint, the father urged his older son to keep his hand on his revolver. The sister, having heeded the alarm in Mrs. Seyfert’s note, notified police of the danger and the bus was stopped at Pacific Coast Highway and Blue Lantern. Mrs. Seyfert and a 4-yearold daughter broke free from the bus and made it safely past the two responding deputies just seconds before gunfire erupted. When Mr. Seyfert exited the bus with a revolver in hand and was instructed by the deputies to drop it, he did. However, his 14-year-old son ran out and started firing. The 10-year-old then came out and scooped up the dropped gun. The shootout left one deputy dead and one wounded.

Mr. Seyfert and both sons also died. Apparently in the melee, the father had shot himself and his 10-year-old son.

A spree of violent rapes in the Sacramento area in the 1970s attributed to the

East Area Rapist (EAR) was escalating as he moved south to Orange County, with at least 40 victims on the way. Murders in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties at the time were attributed to the Original Night Stalker (ONS). In August of 1980 the ONS struck in Niguel Shores, killing newlyweds Patrice and Keith Harrington.

As the use of DNA technology advanced, the crimes were eventually linked. A case in 1979 in Goleta wasn’t linked to the Niguel Shores case until 2001.

This DNA match created Proposition 69, passed in 2004, to help track serial killers. This 40-year-old cold case is still open, and connections have IT’S HISTORY still been made as late

By Carlos N. as 2013. The EAR/ONS Olvera attacks now are listed at 50. According to reports, the FBI has begun a new all-out effort to find him.

Another tragedy began to unravel in September 1987 and took 28 years to solve. Early one morning, walkers found the body of an unidentified young woman behind the Ocean Institute. It was presumed she had either jumped off the cliff or was pushed. Little evidence was found but a purse at the top of the cliff next to an empty Coke can with a map and phone number. The number was that of a cab company that reported she had taken a cab from Mission Viejo to the top of Cove Road at about 4 a.m. This story became the subject of a television episode of “Unsolved Mysteries.” After 25 years as a cold case, the Orange County Coroner put out a public plea for help with the identification of the “Dana Point Jane Doe.” Finally in early 2015, through pictures, friends from Whittier contacted authorities identifying the deceased as Holly Glynn.

Glynn’s body had been cremated and her ashes scattered at sea.

In January 1988, a Dana Point woman collapsed and died. She was an 11-year trustee of the Capistrano Unified School District. Her name was Janet L. Over-

Pet of the Week: Xena

O

ne-and-a-half-year-old Xena is just about as sweet as they come. Full of playful energy, Xena loves giving kisses and hugs to her walkers. If you’re looking for a friendly pup with a winning personality, this little cuddle bug may be the one for you!

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

Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

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

Page 16

ton. Four years after her death, a grand jury brought an indictment against her husband, Richard. Overton had been poisoned slowly over time with cyanide and selenium. Always maintaining his innocence, Richard Overton’s trial led to the discovery of a similar situation with a former wife in 1973. Dorothy Boyer, his first wife, accused him of attempting to poison her as well. It was also discovered that another woman he was married to at the same time he was married to Boyer, Caroline Draper, was convicted for the attempted murder of her third husband.

Richard Overton was married four times.

Evidently, divorce was not a solution back then. Richard Overton died in 2009 while serving a life sentence at Folsom. He was 81. The murder trial was the longest and costliest in OC history.

Also in 1988, a Dana Point resident (reportedly), Michael F. Goodwin, a former business partner of racing hero Mickey Thompson, was arrested on suspicion of murder of Thompson and his wife Trudy.

Goodwin was arrested in 2001 and jailed in 2007. After two decades of investigation and numerous TV shows on the subject, nearly all considering him guilty, he has remained behind bars. Even after losing a 2015 appeal, the defense has not given up. Look for an upcoming book and TV

miniseries.

In 1993, a killing in Dana Point added fodder to the phrase “going postal.” Over the previous seven years stories of postal workers going on shooting sprees across the United States dominated the news.

Here, it was Mark Hilbun, a dismissed Dana Point Post Office employee who added to the horror. Hours after a post office shooting was reported in Michigan, Hilbun first killed his mother and her dog by stabbing them. Then at the post office he shot and killed mail carrier Charles Barbagallo, shooting him once between the eyes, and wounding several others.

Hilbun had worked at the post office for four years. A painting of “Charlie” Barbagallo—my former mailman—hung on the wall at the post office serves as reminder. Hilbun was convicted in 1996.

Twelve Dana Point postal employees left after the rampage and the Postmaster never returned to work.

Carlos N. Olvera is chairman of the OC Historical Commission and a Dana Point city councilman.

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

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

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

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 949.485.4979 info@bodymindspiritiop.com www.bodymindspiritiop.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

Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

34202 Camino Capistrano, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com

HANDYMAN

Beach City Handyman

33292 Bremerton St., 810.569.7295, gnarlyconceptdesign.com

HAULING

Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

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

MASSAGE

Crystal Clyde Intuitive Bodywork

32840 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. E, 949.584.2462, www.crystalclyde.com

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY

USE LOCALS ONLY

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

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

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

949.444.6323, www.offshoreconstruction.org Page 17

In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

2016 Dana Hills High School Spring Sports Preview

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, EVAN DA SILVA AND MICHAEL MATOSSIAN, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he 2016 prep sports spring season is on the horizon. In our annual season preview, we get you caught up on all the Dana Hills High School spring sports programs as they head into the new year.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @ SouthOCsports for in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the Dolphin teams all season long.

BASEBALL Last Season: 24-8 overall (6-6 league); advanced to the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships.

Players to Watch: Hans Crouse, David Clawson and Shawn Kany.

Circle ’em: Aliso Niguel (3/24) and Capistrano Valley (4/5) Outlook: Despite losing a group of impact seniors to graduation this offseason, the Dana Hills baseball team returns plenty of firepower in 2016.

The Dolphins pitching rotation will be led by junior standout Hans Crouse.

Crouse broke out as a sophomore, tossing 50 2/3 innings in 13 appearances. Crouse went 6-1 in seven starts, compiling a 1.80 ERA and consistently flashed the ability to make opposing bats miss. In 50 2/3 innings, Crouse racked up 54 strikeouts.

Crouse’s main battery mate this season will be David Clawson, a senior catcher who is committed to BYU. Senior Kayl Cota figures to be the Dolphins No. 2 starter, but head coach Tom Faris said he has plenty of pitching depth, particularly left-handed arms, available.

Because the team was senior heavy last season, many of the current Dolphins players spent time playing at both the junior varsity and varsity levels in 2015.

The tactic allowed players to consistently get at-bats at both levels. Jordan Matthews, Chad Morgan and Joe DeBaca are newcomers brought up from junior varsity that will make up the Dolphin outfield.

“I feel like they’re really excited to play,” Faris said. “Maybe because there’s not a lot of varsity experience and they’re excited to see how they’re going to do.

Those things accumulate to some positive ends.”—Steve Breazeale

BOYS GOLF Last Season: The Dolphins won the South Coast League and the South Coast Divisional CIF Golf Championship.

Players to Watch: Clay Feagler and Tanner Podres.

Circle ’em: Tesoro (3/22) and Champions Invitational (4/1-2) Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

The Dana Hills boys golf team returns five of its top-7 players from last year’s CIF South Coast Divisional Championship team. Photo: Steve Breazeale

“

This year I think [the golf team is] going to progressively improve.

Their goal is to make it to the CIF state meet.

”

Senior Kayl Cota and the Dana Hills baseball team are ready to make a run through the South Coast League. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

—Head Coach Glenn Forster

Outlook: It will be hard to top the success of last year’s Dana Hills boys golf team, but head coach Glenn Forster believes the 2016 version of his team might be able to reach new heights.

The Dolphins return five of their top-7 golfers from last season, including senior Clay Feagler, the reigning CIF-SS Individual Champion. Senior Tanner Podres, who advanced to the sectional qualifying stage of the 2015 U.S. Open, and Cal State San Marcos commit Matt Fry, return.

It’s a loaded group that is not running from high expectations.

“This year I think we’re going to progressively improve,” Forster said. “Their goal is to make it to the CIF state meet.

That’s a lofty goal, but I think if they play

well this team can definitely do that.

The Dolphins depth got a boost from Blake Brothers, a transfer from Texas, who is already posting scoring averages that have him inside the Dolphins’ top-3.

Dana Hills will play a tough nonleague schedule, with an appearance in the highprofile Champions Invitational at The Golf Club at Terra Lago in Indio scheduled for April 1. –SB

BOYS LACROSSE Last Season: 9-9 overall Players to Watch: Colton Brown, Jake Shiflett and Max Ramenofski.

Circle ’em: Skyline (3/4) and El Toro (4/12)

Page 18

Branson Salhus, a transfer from Seattle, will help make up a versatile and talented midfield for the Dana Hills boys lacrosse team in 2016. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Outlook: The Dana Hills boys lacrosse team knows first-hand how close the margin of error is in high school lacrosse.

In the final game of the 2015 regular season, the Dolphins saw a late lead they held over El Toro slip out of their hands in the second half, costing them a trip to the playoffs.

Dana Hills returns plenty of those same players who felt the sting of last season and enter the new year with a veteranheavy roster.

The Dolphins will feature a versatile midfield and attacking unit, anchored by Colton Brown, the team’s second-leading scorer last year. Surrounding Brown will be midfielders Brandon Rogers and (Cont. on page 20) www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE QUANTUM ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR VaLue $3,000 for sale for $800 OBO Call 949-496-9541

GARAGE SALES NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE MONARCH CHAPTER RUMMAGE SALE Saturday, March 5, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Presbyterian Church of the Master, Youth Room, 26051 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Designer items, adult/kids clothing, shoes, boots, coats, suits, purses, housewares, bedding, jewelry, sporting goods, electronics, small appliances, toys and more.

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE San Juan Capistrano, Saturday 3/5, 7amnoon, clothes, furniture, desk, chairs, tools and more... 31256 Via Cuartel, SJC off Ortega

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

HELP WANTED OCEAN INSTITUTE IS HIRING INSTRUCTORS. Visit http://www.ocean-institute.org/ employment for more information

LOST/FOUND PHOTO SLIDES FOUND IN SAN JUAN Found: 2-18-16 at10:30 am Location: San Juan Creek Road, in front of Plant Depot (SJC) Item Found: Box containing Kodak Carousel Transvue 80 slide tray, with slides. There is a label on it that says, “1993-96 Family.” Also written on it is, “Patterson Family, 1993, 94, 95, 96.”

Call Don at 949.798.9952

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.

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Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

Page 19

www.danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

L to R: Frankie Tago, Hailey Hoklotubbe and Samantha Williams return to lead the Dana Hills softball team in 2016. Photo: Evan Da Silva

The Dana Hills girls swimming team’s motto this season is “team spirit.” Photo: Evan Da Silva

(Cont. from page 18) Branson Salhus, a transfer from Seattle.

All three players will be able to shift in and out from midfield roles to attacking roles in the Dolphins game plan, according to head coach Chris Iltis.

The Dolphins also have versatile attacks that can drop back into the midfield if necessary, like returning senior Max Ramenofski.

Junior goalie Jake Shiflett will anchor the Dolphins on defense.

“We have a lot of experienced guys.

They know they want to take care of business this year and we’re definitely trying to go for a run this season,” Iltis said.—SB

Coast League and placed second at the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships.

Swimmers to Watch: Shane Forker, Owen Kao and Trent Pellini.

Circle ’em: Capo Relays (3/10-12) and Capistrano Valley (4/12) Outlook: Following another successful campaign last season, the boys swim team is looking to once again capture the South Coast League title and make a push into the CIF-SS Championships. With a talented roster led by distance swimmers Shane Forker and Owen Kao, who are both training for Olympic trial bids, head coach Matt Rosa is confident in the skill-set and depth his team will be riding throughout the season.

“We have one of the top teams in the county,” Rosa said. “It’s a really nice chemistry and group we’ve got here, pretty versatile too.”

For years the boys team has found great success in long-distance freestyle events, and this season will be no different. Rosa expects the 500- and 200-yard freestyle events to be the team’s strongest, with breaststroke and sprints also playing in their favor. –EDS

GIRLS LACROSSE Last Season: 5-12 (2-8 league) Players to Watch: Sam Warday, Tracy Mann, Gabby Ahad and Sydney Deindoerfer.

Circle ’em: San Clemente (3/10) and Laguna Hills (3/22) Outlook: The Dana Hills girls lacrosse team will enter the new season under the guidance of first-year head coach Linda Kim. Kim, a Dana Hills alum, served as a junior varsity assistant and head coach of the junior varsity program in years past.

Kim has inherited a veteran Dolphins group and called up several of her former junior varsity players.

Senior defender Sam Warday is among the more experienced Dolphins players and will be joined on the field by newcomers Gaby Ahad and Sydney Deindoerfer.

Kim said that Tracy Mann has the ability to play multiple positions on the field and will do so in 2016.

Kim will get a first look at her team in competition when the Dolphins open their season on the road against Santa Margarita on March 8.—SB Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

SOFTBALL Last Season: 13-12 (2-6 league) Players to Watch: Samantha Williams, Frankie Tago, Hailey Hoklotubbe and Serafine Parrish.

Circle ’em: Mater Dei (3/23) and Mission Viejo (4/12) Outlook: After a disappointing 2015 campaign, the Dana Hills softball team is looking to have a bounce-back year. Using the experience of seasons past coupled with a stronger veteran presence in the lineup, head coach Brandon Cosenza is confident his players are ready for the tough schedule awaiting them.

“I think we have a strong possibility of finishing top-two in league,” Consenza said. “We have great leadership top to bottom, and our pitching staff has a lot of experience under their belts.”

Cosenza believes junior pitcher Serafine Parrish has the ability to anchor the Dolphins rotation and is poised for a breakout season after having a full year of varsity pitching experience.

On offense, the Dolphins are led by their big three: Samantha Williams, Frankie Tago and Hailey Hoklotubbe.

The trio is a powerful core of seniors all headed to Division I colleges in the fall.

Last year, Williams batted .487, compiled an on-base percentage of .530 and slugged .750. Hoklotubbe posted a .446/.474/.532 line.

“Our number one strength is offense,” Cosenza said. “We’re going to hit the ball really well. We have a lot of team speed and we play solid defense … we are returning virtually our entire starting infield from last season.” –Evan Da Silva

GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING Last Season: N/A Players to Watch: Courtney Prefontaine and Devin Forker.

Circle ’em: Capo Relays (3/10-12) and Capistrano Valley (4/12) Outlook: A young, talented roster and a group of swimmers that have already begun to gel before the start of the season has Dana Hills head coach Cynthia Carlson excited about what this year holds for the girls swim team.

“This group of girls is already working as a unit. Our theme this year is ‘team spirit,’ and each year I try to work on our unity. We’re all trying to rally around one common cause: swimming,” Carlson said.

The freestyle events, specifically the 200-yard freestyle, the medley relay and backstroke will all be some of the girls’ strongest events this season, according to Carlson. Sophomore Courtney Prefonatine, who was part of last year’s CIF relay group, and incoming freshmen Devin Forker are some of the younger swimmers Carlson pegged to have breakout seasons.–EDS

BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING Last Season: The Dolphins won the South Page 20

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS BOYS TRACK AND FIELD Last Season: The Dolphins won the South Coast League.

Athletes to Watch: Jake Ogden, Mason Coppi and Diego Southard.

Circle ’em: Mt. SAC Invitational (4/16) and Mission Viejo (4/27) Outlook: For the Dana Hills High School boys track and field team, maintaining the strong elements of their game and polishing the weaker parts will be a huge part of continuing the success that the program is known for.

The distance crew, led by seniors Jake Ogden and Mason Coppi, will be strong yet again. Many of the Dolphins distance runners were members of the cross country team that placed third in the nation at the Nike Cross National in the fall.

Diego Southard will be leading the way in the hurdles and looking to build off his third-place finish in the South Coast League Finals last season.

“Right now we have a fairly balanced team,” head coach Craig Dunn said. “We were league champs last year and this year, on paper, we are supposed to get third in league. We will see if this team has the drive to get better.”

Headlining the field events will be pole vaulter Jack Riddler and long and triple jumper Charlie Kappes. They will be looking to complement the strong track events by earning points of their own.

“I think this year we are just as good as last year,” Kappes said. “If we can pull the sprints together with the field events, I think we have a chance of going somewhere in CIF.” –Michael Matossian

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD Last Season: Dana Hills finished second in the South Coast League.

The Dana Hills boys tennis team is hoping an aggressive style of play and new head coach will translate into wins in 2016. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Athletes to Watch: Claire Kao, Sienna Serrao and Kathryn Kaloroumakis.

Circle ’em: Mt. SAC Invitational (4/16) and Mission Viejo (4/27) Outlook: For Dana Hills girls track and field head coach Ryan Crane, finding the identity of this year’s team is key to making this season a success.

After finishing second in league last season, Crane decided to look within the school for talent that could improve the 2016 squad. Crane convinced 14 soccer players to try out for the track team and is in the process of assessing what events the newcomers would have the best chance to succeed in.

“This is the first time I have no idea where our strengths are going to lie,” Crane said. “Our strengths basically are going to lie in what we can create as a team.”

BOYS TENNIS

L to R: Grady Yould, Jake Freeman and Nathan Simpson and the Dana Hills boys volleyball team will rely on their ball control and chemistry in 2016. Photo: Steve Breazeale

One event that will be a constant for the Dolphins is the pole vault. Dolphins senior vaulter Claire Kao is the reigning CIF-SS Division 1 champion and will be joined by senior Ella Hampson, who placed sixth in the pole vault finals last year. “(Kao) has been a great leader, she’s put in a lot of time in the offseason and we are trying to let her open up to doing more than just the vault,” Crane said.

Distance runners Sienna Serrao, Kathryn Kaloroumakis and Alyssa White will lead the distance runners. All three had strong league final showings last year and are looking to translate that into deep postseason performances this year. –MM

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Seniors Claire Kao, left, and Ella Hampson form a powerful one-two punch in the pole vault for the Dana Hills girls track and field team. Photo: Michael Matossian

Dana Point Times March 4-10, 2016

Outlook: Over the past two seasons, the Dana Hills boys volleyball team has built a brand centered on ball control and solid serve-receive. The Dolphins, who are a smaller team when compared to other top Division 1 programs, have been using their height, communication and agility to jumpstart their signature style of play.

Dana Hills returns four starters from last year’s team, which went undefeated in South Coast League play. Three of those players, seniors Grady Yould and Jake Freeman and junior Thomas DeStefano, are all natural liberos, according to head coach Oz Simmons. But the versatility of the trio allows the Dolphins to have three like-minded, ball control specialists on the court at the same time. Yould, a UCSB commit, and Freeman both play outside hitter while DeStefano gets the official libero label.

Yould believes the focus on control has pushed the Dolphins to another level.

“I feel like we have an advantage because, like last year, when we go up against a (taller opponent), we just have a consistent play throughout, no ups and downs. We just push through,” Yould said.

Dana Hills, which also returns junior Dylan Campeau at middle blocker, went 4-1 at the Tesoro Tournament last week and defeated Servite in three sets on March 1.—SB

Last Season: 29-4 overall (8-0 league); advanced to the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships.

Players to Watch: Grady Yould, Jake Freeman and Thomas DeStefano.

Circle ’em: OC Championships (3/18-19) and San Clemente (4/21) Page 21

Last Season: N/A Players to Watch: Tyler Bloom, Marek Michulka, Michael Perez and Riley McCall.

Circle ’em: Capistrano Valley (3/24) and San Clemente (3/29) Outlook: When Mike McCall heard that the Dana Hills boys tennis team was looking for a new head coach, the veteran tennis player was eager to jump at the opportunity. McCall will lead the Dolphins, who are now under the guidance of their second coach in two seasons, in 2016.

McCall said he hopes to provide stability for the program and believes a trio of freshman players and a talented senior are the foundation on which the team can build.

Senior Tyler Bloom is one of a handful of returners and will headline the Dana Hills singles unit. Freshmen Marek Michulka, Michael Perez and Riley McCall have emerged as talented singles players and will vie for a spot in the starting rotation throughout the season, according to McCall.

McCall noticed immediately how many of the Dolphins played with an aggressive style, forcing the issue on their opponents instead of laying back and participating in long rallies. McCall was excited when he saw this attribute and hopes it can lead to success down the road.

“They all play good attacking tennis.

They all stay in the point well and they’re all very aggressive, which I like,” McCall said. “I think we’re going to surprise some people this year.”—SB www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Long Crowned Big Wave World Champion Greg Long of San Clemente earns his second WSL Big Wave world title at Jaws

GROM OF THE WEEK

ADDIE McPHILLIPS

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

G

reg Long said he wasn’t thinking about points or ratings when the World Surf League Big Wave World Tour season started. After missing out on the first event of the season due to injury, he was simply thankful to be able to make the last two events and went into it looking to enjoy the surfing, he said.

On Feb. 29 at Jaws during the Pe’ahi Challenge, his easygoing attitude and desire to have the best time possible doing what he loves—paddling into the world’s biggest waves—paid off in a big way.

Long earned the points needed to claim his second WSL Big Wave World Tour title. He earned his first title in 2012.

“Every event and session this year, I wasn’t putting pressure on myself other than to simply go out and enjoy myself as much as possible, which I unquestionably did and in turn had some of the best performances and memorable waves of my life,” he said. “Winning the Big Wave World Tour is a tremendous accomplishment and feels great, but the real gift was the amazing waves I had the opportunity to ride and the incredible friends who I had the opportunity to share them with.”

Although Long missed event No. 1 and didn’t win at event No. 2 at Todos Santos in Mexico or at Pe’ahi, by making the finals at both events he earned 21,266 points for the season to beat last year’s champion Makuakai Rothman of Hawaii by 7,272 points. Hawaiian Billy Kemper, the winner at Pe’ahi, came in third for the season.

RESULTS NSSA Open, Event No. 9, February 27-28, Ventura, C Street MEN: 1. Liam Gloyd, Carlsbad; 2. Kade Matson, San Clemente; 3. Jordy Collins, Carlsbad; 4. Josiah Amico, Ventura. JUNIORS: 1. Kade Matson, San Clemente; 2. Dimitri Poulos, Ventura; 3. Tommy McKeown, Oxnard; 4. Jabe Sweirkocki, Ventura. BOYS: 1. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente; 2. Levi Slawson, Encinitas; 3. Jett Schilling, San Clemente; 4. Nicholas Coli, San Clemente. MINI GROMS: 1. Dane Matson, San Clemente; 2. Cole McCaffray, Cardiff; 3.

Lucas Owston, Oceanside; 4. Jake Chandler, Pacific Palisades. WOMEN: 1. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Point; 2. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente; 3. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad; 4.

Tiare Thompson, La Jolla. GIRLS: 1. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente; 2. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente; 3. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad; 4. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla.

Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 4, February 21, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street TEAM: Laguna Beach, 59 def St. Margaret’s, 35; Santa Margarita, 44 def El Toro,13; JSerra win/bye. MEN: 1. Jake Levine, Laguna Beach; 2. Travis Booth, Laguna Beach; 3.

Jacob Lauricella, JSerra; 4. Tyler Mittelholtz, JSerra; 5.

Gunner Gehl, St. Margaret’s; 6. Solomon Banks, St. Margaret’s. MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Jacob Lauricella, JSerra; 2. Christian Potts, Santa Margarita; 3. Garrett Kuntz,

Dana Point Times March 4–10, 2016

Addie McPhillips. Photo: Nancy McPhillips

A 2015/2016 Big Wave World Champion Greg Long of San Clemente pulls into a massive barrel at Jaws during the Pe’ahi Challenge. Photo: WSL

2015/2016 WSL BIG WAVE TOUR TOP 5 1. Greg Long (USA) 21,266 2. Makuakai Rothman (HAW) 16,994 3. Billy Kemper (HAW) 16,714 4. Nic Lamb (USA) 16,594 5. Josh Kerr (AUS) 13,589 Fellow San Clemente-based pro surfer Dane Gudauskas was at Pe’ahi to watch the event. He called Long’s performance amazing and almost superhuman, especially his St. Margaret’s; 4. Jake Levine, Laguna Beach; 5. Tomas German, JSerra; 6. Chance Garcia, Santa Margarita.

WOMEN: 1. Kelly Smith, St. Margaret’s; 2. Claire Kelly, Laguna Beach; 3. Evin Rose, El Toro; 4. Alexis Truong, Santa Margarita; 5. Elise Lauricella, JSerra. WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Anika Pitz, Laguna Beach; 2. Chloe Norris, St. Margaret’s; 3. Elise Lauricella, JSerra; 4. Evin Rose, El Toro; 5. Brianna Courmier, El Toro. COED BODYBOARD: 1. Spencer Davis, Laguna Beach; 2. Solomon Banks, St. Margaret’s.

UPCOMING EVENTS March 5: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier March 6: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier March 12-13: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty March 12-13: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 6, Make-up heats from Jan. 16-17, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty; Event No. 7, Make-up heats from Feb. 13-14, Huntington Beach, Pier March 19: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 6, San Clemente, Pier March 19-20: NSSA Open, Event No. 10, Huntington Beach, Pier April 16: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 7, San Clemente, T Street April 16-17: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 7 and No. 8, Carlsbad, Ponto April 23-24: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 9, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach April 23-24: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 9 and No. 10, Huntington Beach, 9th Street

9.0 ride—a highlight of the event that saw Long pulling into one of the largest barrels ever in big wave surfing.

“That wave had at least a 50-foot face, maybe more, and was so gnarly,” Gudauskas said. “It was just about as critical and as deep a situation as you could find yourself in, in big wave surfing. It was incredible to see Greg tapping into his years of experience as one of the world’s best. I don’t think many other people could have navigated that wave the way he did.” DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-62 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 4-8’ Poor-Fair Outlook: New, solid West-WNW swell builds in on Friday. Surf in the shoulderoverhead high zone with bigger sets at winter standouts. Light/variable conditions to start the morning off on Friday but look for onshore winds to build into the weekend with a chance of rain. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Page 22

ddie McPhillips, 10, of San Clemente, is an athlete at heart with dreams of becoming a pro surfer and pro skater.

She also loves playing soccer and basketball, the drums, xylophone and piano. As part of the Las Palmas Percussionists at her school, this multi-talented fourth-grader performs with the group at area schools as well as community events such as Puttin’ on the Glitz and Cinco de Mayo.

Addie is a top student earning mostly As and although she takes her studies very seriously, she genuinely enjoys school.

“I love school, it’s really fun,” she said.

“What I like most about it is getting to see my friends, math, reading and learning to speak Spanish. School is important because it makes you smarter. You get to learn about what your life is going to be and you need it so you can get good jobs when you grow up.”

Addie started surfing at the age of 3, riding tandem with her dad at San O. “That was really fun but I really started surfing a lot when I was about 8,” she said. “I started going to Trestles and Church’s and I started competing last year. I like it because it’s fun surfing against friends and I like to win trophies. Being in that situation really helps me get better too.”

Addie competes in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour, San O contests and the Stoke-o-Rama.

Determined to continue climbing the amateur ranks, she practices every weekend and on weekdays when she doesn’t have a lot of homework.

Addie credits her family with helping her to reach her goals, in surfing and in life.

“I would like to thank my dad, mom, grandma, grandpa, uncle, aunt and cousins for teaching me how to surf and do other sports and for always supporting me when I have tough times,” she said. “They also taught me about having good sportsmanship.”

Addie’s rules for life: “Have good sportsmanship; try not to get mad, even if you get last; always tell the truth and never give up.”—Andrea Swayne www.danapointtimes.com