August 26, 2022 by Dana Point Times

Open Pathways Running Unopposed, Council Hopefuls Outline Goals, Priorities for Elected Office EYE ON DP / PAGE 7 danapointtimes.comThe council candidates running unopposed in their respective districts sit down with Dana Point Times for a Q&A. Photos: Breeana Greenberg & Lillian Boyd LOCAL NEWS YOU CAN USE AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 | VOLUME 15, ISSUE 34 Chamber to Present DP Classic Car Show GETTING OUT/PAGE 10 $300 Million Revitalization Begins in Dana Point Harbor EYE ON DP/PAGE 3 Dana Point Sister Cities Launch Community Activities EYE ON DP/PAGE 4 INSIDE: Special Section

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Begins in Dana Point Harbor

Oct. 15, according to the newsletter. The Dana Point Marina Slip License Agreement requires that vessels be in seaworthy condition. Vessel seaworthy inspections will be performed during vesselPriorrelocations.torelocation, boaters will be notified from six weeks to two months in advance that they will need to move to a new, temporary slip.

“We’ve done a lot of temporary fixes to make them (the docks) structural, so people can still be in the harbor, but they’ve been working on trying to replace this for 20 years,” Ueberroth said.

Dana Point Boaters Association President Anne Eubanks said that when the rate increase took place, many boaters left the marina, either selling their boats or docking in a different marina.

Some boaters who spoke with the Dana Point Times this month on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal said there has not been adequate communication between the Dana Point Harbor Partners and boat owners throughout the revitalization process.

The work in the marina is scheduled to occur over roughly 15 phases, with construction anticipated through November 2028. Boaters docked in the marina will be able to stay in the harbor throughout the duration of construction, and will soon have the opportunity to pick new slips, according to Ueberroth.

“We communicate to the boaters, and when it’s their phase where they’re currently existing, we will move them into other places in the harbor,” Ueberroth said. “No boaters are being displaced.”

In choosing new slips, the decision will be based on seniority, in which the boaters who have been in the harbor the longest will have first pick. The average length of the harbor’s slip will increase from 30 feet to 32 feet, Ueberroth said. The number of slips will decrease from 2,409 to 2,265. “The new design addresses both ADA accessibility and public access; the guest services will set a new standard for the West Coast, and the electrical and pumpout systems will meet the needs of boaters for generations to come,” Ueberroth said in a recent media release. The new docks are a better design, Ueberroth explained, as they’re stronger and require less pile.

“After many years of working on this and following the footsteps of many others for decades, it feels wonderful that we have started in-water construction at Dana Point,” said Joe Ueberroth, founder and managing partner of Bellwether Financial Group—one leg of the Dana Point Harbor Partners. The harbor has served the community for well over 50 years, Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said in a recent media release. “As we embark on the harbor revitaliza tion, I am excited for all the improvements that are coming that will enhance the expe rience for all the citizens of greater Orange County, as well as for visitors to our harbor from near and far,” Bartlett said.

“We have removed C Dock from the west cove and we’re replacing it with three docks in that same area,” Ueberroth said. According to the Marina at Dana Point newsletter, all vessels previously docked at C Dock have been relocated within theTheharbor.next phase of construction will consist of replacing B Dock. Tenants with slips in B Dock will receive relocation notifications by mid-August and will need to be cleared from the dock by

“I think people are really going to like the gate systems, the gangways, the different aspects of the docks,” UeberrothThesaid.docks currently in the marina are at the end of their useful life, Ueberroth said.

“Our waiting lists are growing, the demand is getting more and more as we bring in a new Marina; we think the demand will grow even more at that time,” according to Ueberroth.

Though Judge Glenda Sanders denied an emergency request by boaters to put a halt on the slip-fee increases, Sanders ruled this past March that the boaters’ lawsuit can proceed.

Aug. 5 marked the groundbreaking on construction in the Dana Point Mari na and official commencement of the long-awaited harbor revitalization project. The redevelopment of the marina is the first of three components in the harbor revitalization efforts, with the commercial core and hotel projects to follow.

Responding to allegations that the marina would empty of boaters as a result of the increases, Ueberroth said that hasn’t been the case.

$300 RevitalizationMillion

The start of construction on the marina comes amid a class-action lawsuit that boaters filed last fall against the Dana Point Harbor Partners stemming from the fee increases imposed on slip renters this past October. The complaint alleges that the increases are a violation of the lease agreement DPHP has with the County of Orange, the Dana Point Tidelands Grant, and state law.

What’s Up With...

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The start of the marina redevelopment comes four years after the Dana Point Harbor Partners entered a 66-year lease agreement with the County of Orange to manage the harbor and invest $300 million toward the revitalization.

Ueberroth, however, encouraged boaters to reach out to the Marina at Dana Point with any concerns. “If boaters have concerns, they need to express their concerns,” Ueberroth said. “But I haven’t seen anything that’s happened in the harbor from an operational standpoint that would merit them having“Boaters,concerns.”rightly so, are interested in what is occurring in the harbor,” Ueberroth continued. “We communicate to our tenants, all of them, on a weekly basis.”

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

“There hasn’t been good communication the whole time,” Eubanks said. “The Dana Point Boaters Association used to have a fairly good working relationship with all the stakeholders in the harbor, including the Dana Point Harbor Partners until the master lease was signed.”

“Once the master lease was signed, I think they felt like we were more of a nuisance than a collaborative stakeholder at the table,” Eubanks continued.

Photo: Keaton Larson

TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Construction of Dana Point Marina is now underway as part of an initial phase in the long-standing plans to revitalize the Dana Point Harbor.

Working alongside different governmental agencies, “it’s taken a long time for us to get final plans,” Ueberroth said. Despite the long process to get to the point of beginning construction, Ueberroth thinks boaters will be pleased that the final marina layouts are “extremely similar to what we’ve provided before. The boaters that I’ve talked to are pretty excited.”

The first stage of construction entails demolition of the existing dock and piles, followed by pile driving. Though con struction is permitted on Saturdays, dock construction will take place primarily on Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The first two phases of docks are already built and ready for installation, Ueberroth said. The C Dock replacement will be the first of 15 phases in the marina revitalization, with an additional two phases in the outer basin.

EYE ON DP

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

BY BREEANA GREENBERG Point Symphony, Pet Project Foundation and Music Preserves Foundation.

Wind

The exhibition will run through Oct. 9 and is sponsored by the Dana Point Sister Cities International, the City of Dana Point, Dana Point Arts Alliance, and Orange County Fifth District Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett.

While Dana Point previously had a sister city relationship with Viterbo, Italy in 2014, the Dana Point Sister Cities is currently pursuing relationships with the cities of Sorrento, Italy and Thessaloniki, Greece. In the future, the nonprofit hopes to hold cultural exchange events with the cities. It’s also interested solidifying a sis ter city or friendship city relationship. Un like a sister city, a friendship city relation ship is less formal, meaning that the two communities can join for a single event, rather than an ongoing relationship.

“The purpose of it is to do international exchanges and also to bring the cultures of those countries to Dana Point and then share these wonderful things that we have in Dana Point with our sister cities,” Zasa said. Pending a friendship or sister city agreement, Zasa hopes to develop a youth program with local middle schools and high schools including an email pen pal program with students in Sorrento and Thessaloniki. In the meantime, the Dana Point Sister Cities is planning events throughout the fall and into the new year, partnering with local nonprofits to raise awareness for Sister Cities’ programs. Those interested in joining Dana Point Sister Cities as members for the Autumn in New York trip can bzasa@dpsistercities.org.emailMore information about membership can be found at the Dana Point Sister Cities website,

From Sept. 15-18, the small group will have the chance to enjoy a private tour of the Hispanic Society Museum in Washington Heights, guided by featured artist Timothy J. Clark. Members will also have the chance to eat at the historic members-only National Arts Club and participate in a guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

CulturalPromotesEvents

“My mission has been to treat every one of our employees like a member of my family. This business has always been very personal to me, and I appreciate our employees and our guests more than I can say. Thank you for an amazing 50 years.”

Challenging Cancer 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system, and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or heritagesc.org.linda_crdv@yahoo.com.

Bob Mardian, owner of the Wind & Sea, gathers with fellow Dana Point Harbor business owners, current and former employees and dignitaries at the restaurant on Monday, Aug. 22, to celebrate the local business’ 50th anniversary. Photo: Breeana Greenberg with framed Continuingresolutions.thecelebrations, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, the restaurant will offer special anniversary prices as a way of saying thanks to its loyal patrons.

“We want to contribute to our cultural heritage, so we’ll build the foundation on things that are very noteworthy and what Dana Point is known for,” Dana Point Sister Cities Association President Bob Zasa said. The Dana Point Sister Cities is partnering with the City of Dana Point, the Dana Point Historical Society, the Dana Dana Point Sister Cities

Members of the Dana Point Sister Cit ies will receive discounted travel opportu nities and pricing for events throughout the year. Members will also participate in educational and cultural opportunities in art, music, surfing, opera and maritime heritage-focused events. Following the Plein Air event, the Dana Point Sister Cities will take a group of 24 members to New York for a cultural art and theater excursion.

COMMUNITY

MEETINGS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30 Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

Ten Plein Air painters will capture the city’s beauty throughout the festival, which will feature tall ships and other maritime-related activities, before holding an exhibition and art sale at Gallery Dana Bay on Sept. 23.

AnniversaryCelebratesSea50th

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After graduating from Stanford University, on his way to becoming a lawyer, Bob Mardian fell in love with the restaurant business and opened the Wind & Sea. Half a century later, fellow Dana Point Harbor business owners, current and former employees and dignitaries gathered on Monday, Aug. 22, to celebrate the restaurant’s 50th anniversary. Mardian opened Wind & Sea in the Dana Point Harbor on Aug. 22, 1972 and has run the restaurant to this day. Along the way, he’s also opened several other restaurants in Dana Point and Hawaii. At the anniversary celebration on Monday, Mardian reminisced on the last half-century in the restaurant business, holding the Wind & Sea’s original lease that he had signed when he was 24 years“Whatold.a great break he gave to a 24-year-old kid,” Mardian said of John Fleming, one of the three businessmen to launch the Dana Point Harbor Association. “He said, ‘Let’s not waste money on lawyers; why don’t you write the lease the way you’d like. I’ll review it, put what I would like in it, and then we’ll get one lawyer to put it in legalese.’ ”

“Our guests make every day special, and our employees are the backbone of Aiming to promote cultural exchanges and international communication, the Dana Point Sisters Cities will be partnering with local nonprofits to launch a variety of events centered around marine life, surf, American music, opera and art.

In late June, the Dana Point Historical Society partnered with Dana Point Sister Cities for the nonprofit’s first fundraiser event. The kickoff event promoted the Sister City program with a “salute to the ambience of Italy” and a performance by the Lyric Opera of Orange County.

The Dana Point Sister Cities is partner ing with the Dana Point Art Alliance to present the inaugural Plein Air art event at the 38th annual Maritime Festival in Dana Point from Sept. 9-11.

ourdanapointsistercities.org.operation,”Mardiansaid.

Fifty-one years ago, Fleming and Mardian wrote the lease for the Wind & Sea that was signed on June 15, 1971. Mayor Joe Muller, Orange County Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett and representatives from the offices of State Sen. Patricia Bates, Assemblymember Laurie Davies and Congressman Mike Levin honored Mardian and the Wind & Sea &

With the formation of the new nonprofit this past May, Dana Point joins the nearly 500 communities that make up Sister Cities International—a collection of cities with formal partnerships and agreements to have ongoing cultural events.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27

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MATTHEW PAGANO: Just from my background, I want to make sure that the city is financially set up and being prudential with the taxpayers’ funds and making sure that the budgets run accordingly. One thing that you see manifest in other cities, not so much in Dana Point, but I just want to make sure that we’re continuing to invest in law enforcement, making sure that law enforcement is getting what they need in order to keep everybody safe. Controlled growth would be a big goal of mine as a local. While development is important, I think we need to ensure that it is done in a controlled and paced manner, such that there’s not unintended consequences like traffic issues, keeping the values that Dana Point has had for a long time.

The special meeting occurred after Dana Point Times went to press. Check danapointtimes. com for our report on the outcome of Thursday night’sSpeakingdiscussion.withDP Times this past week, both Gabbard and Pagano said they still intend to spend the months leading up to November participating in meet-and-greets and talking with their constituents about their concerns.

What are three issues that you would like to prioritize as a Dana Point City Councilmember? What will your goals be for your term as a councilmember?

GABBARD: Seventeen years in the Marine Corps … plus another 26 years of homebuilding experience as an executive. … Certainly, having a business background and understanding how business finance works and what are the levers that they need to push in order to make their businesses be successful is a big help.The other part of it is, my public service experience helps me understand what being in government and doing the work of the people means and how important it is.

City Holds Special Meeting to Consider Appointing Council Candidates to Open Seats

The seats for Dana Point’s Districts 1, 2 and 3 are open for the Nov. 8 election. However, each district only has one candidate seeking office—incumbent Councilmember Jamey Federico (D3); John Gabbard (D1), chairperson for the city’s Plan ning Commission; and Mathew Pagano (D2), the chief financial officer of Pan-Pacific Mechanical.

While the city might not see a council race this fall, Federico noted that the new makeup of the dais will still comprise individuals with varying perspectives.“Healthydiscussion and seeing opposite sides of issues is always good for the city,” Federico said, adding: “It’s still healthy for Dana Point, even though we aren’t going to have a contested election.”Askedfor his thoughts on this year’s race having few candidates seeking elected office, Federico pos ited that people in Dana Point are just generally happy.“Ilike to think that people are happy in Dana Point and there aren’t people that feel that they have a lot of negative issues that they wanted to run on,” Federico said. Leading up to Thursday’s special meeting, DP Times surveyed the candidates on their goals for the position and main issues facing Dana Point. DP

I think it lends a diverse perspective on and vantage point on solving business issues.

FEDERICO: Prior to becoming a councilmember, I was a Marine officer for 22 years, and I think that my experience in the Marines makes me approach issues from a very pragmatic, practical perspective.

JOHN GABBARD: Certainly, neighborhood security, making sure that we have clean beaches, making sure that we are fiscally conservative and that we’re watching taxpayers’ money closely and that we are doing responsible development. We need to come to a conclusion on (short-term rentals) … and then after that, I’d like to see us finish up on the Town Center Plan and then get to work on Doheny Village. … Those are the top three; the other one is the desalination plant. South Coast Water District has the lead on it, but I think it’s important for all of us to keep an eye on it, make sure it happens. Other things I want to work on are things like decreasing the amount of time it takes homeowners or property owners to get through the design review pro cess and getting a building permit. It’s quite a lengthy process, and anything that we can do to make that streamlined, I think we’re going to be better off.

ith all three candidates running unopposed for this November’s City Council race, the current council was scheduled to hold a special meeting on Thursday, Aug. 25, to consider appointing the candidates to the open seats and canceling the upcoming local election.

JAMEY FEDERICO: On a philosophical level, to provide stable, dependable leadership, maintaining a great city staff, and working through that strategic plan. We approved an updated strategic plan in April of 2022, and my goal for the next four years is to work through it. One of the highest priority issues is going to be the pedestrian connectivity and infrastructure improvement on Doheny Park Road and Coast Highway; I think that’s really important for the community. Another initiative is quality of service in City Hall and customer service-oriented attitude at City Hall, helping residents solve every myriad of issues that they might have. What experience do you bring to the City Council? How does your background inform your approach to the position?

In the circumstances in which candidates are running unopposed, California Elections Code

PHOTOS & TEXT BY BREEANA GREENBERG, DANA POINT TIMES allows a City Council to hold a vote to appoint certified candidates for the open seats, which will save taxpayer money—in Dana Point’s case, the Orange County Registrar of Voters estimates the city would save between $30,516 and $37,339.

PAGANO: I have a local perspective, but as a businessman, I have advanced degrees in finance and leadership.I’ve (run) and consulted for very large, sophisticated companies across a multitude of industries: nonprofit, for-profit, education, hospitals, construction, landscape, banking. So, I ran the gamut from that perspective.

I’m always more interested in finding the practical solution to issues and cutting out the emotion and getting to a solution that works for people. My experience on the City Council has been invaluable. It’s a steep learning curve once you get on the City Council to become a good councilmember, to become effective. (Cont. on page 8)

GABBARD: It’s a problem. I’m all for public-private partnerships in order to help address it. If we can find some excess land and we can use that to create some workforce housing, I’m all for it. If it’s vacant and it’s not earmarked for something and we can use it, do something like that, I would be a proponent.

FEDERICO: The county has the funds to provide homeless services and where they put those shelters; I’m not going to pretend to know where’s the best place. But the City of Dana Point has been very successful in utilizing the resources available and helping our homeless population get to sheltering.

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FEDERICO: Short-term rentals have been in Dana Point since Dana Point has been a city. It’s an issue that we just need to solve. We will see what the Coastal Commission has to say about our draft policy in the coastal zone. And then we’ll go from there and we’ll solve this issue.Ultimately, there needs to be a regulation passed outside the coastal zone, and our city’s zoning doesn’t match up or overlay with the coastal zone and what the coastal zone looks like. So, after we learn from the Coastal Commission, how they feel about what that ordinance looks like in the coastal zone, we do need to have an ordinance that works with that one to solve this issue citywide.

FEDERICO: I don’t know that there is a lot that the city should be doing. We can’t create more land in Dana Point, and it’s a free-market system and people want to live here. I don’t think we’ll ever meet demand for Dana Point, but nonetheless, we will make sure that we’re in compliance with state directives on housing laws. I think any future development will include various price points for housing to make sure that we’re in compliance with state laws, and we have to understand that different price points of housing are important and helpful for our economy.

PAGANO: We need to be equitable to all citizens, regard less of their financial or economic status in the community. How deep that goes and how much is incumbent upon us, I would have to really take into consideration what’s been presented, what’s been instituted, what’s been successful, what have been the challenges and roadblocks there before I give you a particular response.

I really think the long-term solution is permanent supportive housing, and that sheltering is not a solution. I serve on the Orange County Housing Finance trust, and we’ve helped fund projects for permanent supportive and low-income housing, and the shelters are not a solution.

Planning Commission Chair John Gabbard is running unopposed in Dana Point’s District 1 for the City Council race this November. Ensuring the safety of neighborhoods and preserving beaches, as well as concluding Dana Point’s ongoing battle with short-term rental guidelines, are among Gabbard’s top priorities as an elected official.

I think the city has done a fantastic job with a very difficult issue. Our model works. We engage our homeless population, and we do everything we can to help them get to the services that are available to them.

Matthew Pagano, the chief financial officer of Pan-Pacific Mechanical, is running unopposed in District 2 for the City Council race this fall. As a local businessman, Pagano is looking to utilize his advance degrees in finance and leadership on the dais.

Incumbent Councilmember Jamey Federico, who represents Dana Point’s District 3, will run unopposed in this year’s City Council race. One of the top priorities he’s looking to address during his next term in office will be improvements to the pedestrian connectivity and infra structure on Doheny Park Road and Coast Highway.

GABBARD: I believe that so long as we’re not forcing short-term rentals into HOAs and that in the areas outside of the HOAs that we are managing the party house syndrome and we are not turning neighborhoods into hotels, that there’s a certain amount of private property rights that every homeowner should have. So, to the extent that we’re not over-saturating the market, and we’re not creating party houses, I think that it should be allowed. Beyond the business code, I think that there needs to be a limitation on how much saturation you can have in the community. What that right number is, I’m open; in my personal opinions, I think it needs to be tied to housing stock.

PAGANO: Always, I think council should be taking into consideration the thoughts of the community. So, getting to know where the citizens stand on that, I’d have to dig into more of the details. Getting to know what the current status is, is really important before going in trying to make any changes, but I trust the direction of the previous council, and I am a fan of the direction that council is going so far. I think that the right people are there to be objective enough to listen to the citizens of the community and make the best decision going forward.

GABBARD : We in Dana Point have enough beds; in fact, our count went down. From that standpoint, I don’t know if we need to expand our capacity. Certainly, other towns around us need to expand, but from our standpoint, I think we’re fine. If I was the supervisor, I would be looking for excess land where we could put a shelter up, but I think for what we need right now, I think we’re OK. I’m happy with what I’ve seen. A couple years ago, you would drive up and down PCH and you’d see homeless people constantly out there, and I think that the task force did a great job of identifying and frequent contact, making sure that there’s a facility available for them and then getting them off the streets has been an effective strategy. Unless there is a great influx of new population, I would continue with the same program that we have.

What, if anything, do you believe the city should do to address lack of affordable housing?

PAGANO: Certainly, you can address that through new development with some type of housing that’s catered towards low-income. However, I think part of the allure of our town is that there’s value here and it brings a lot of different people. The town has changed dramatically in the last 10 years as far as the citizens that occupy it, and we need to ensure that we’re giving everybody an opportunity to live here, regardless of what their income is. I don’t know that we want to wholesale change the dynamic beauty of our community by putting up a bunch of new housing; I think we’d have to take a phased approach and look at what our options are before addressing that.

The Orange County Grand Jury pointed to a need for an emergency homeless shelter in South Orange County. What are your thoughts on the grand jury’s findings? How do you feel about how the city has addressed homelessness?

What are your thoughts on shortterm rentals and how do you believe council should address them?

The Big Freeway Boys say they would like to finish out the HOV lanes to the county line. But here’s the weird part: the expansion stops right there. I’m no traffic engineer, but if you create two extra lanes, then choke them up a few miles down the road, aren’t you creating a natural bottleneck?

erIndyNASCARline.downPicous,haveBigMeanwhile,movie.theFreewayBoyshugeplansforfromAvenidaallthewaytothecountyIfyouenjoyandThe500,don’tboth-withTV,because

rowing up in San Clemente was as idyllic as a Disney episode—a quaint Main Street, nice folks, great beaches, with an ambience of peace and tranquility. Well, if our friends at Caltrans and OCTA get their way soon, you can certainly kiss off the “peace and tranquility” part.What’s now afoot here is a political and economic boondoggle, stemming from Faustian bargain, struck by our local leaders with the Big Freeway Boys (Caltrans and OCTA), ostensibly to keep the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) from extending its tentacles into our backyard, with an alternative for “trafficRegrettably,relief.” this deal will guarantee neither.Infact, it’s what we call in southern politics—you can take it from me as a former White House strategist—as the oldLet“okey-doke.”meexplain: our well-intentioned local leaders heard our plea to stop the toll road through our town. But the TCA has more arms than an octopus. So, a grand bargain was struck among our local pols, the shovel-ready OCTA, and the county Board of Supervisors.

danapointtimes.comDana Point Times August 26-September 1, 2022 Page 9 MANAGING EDITOR Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, sraymundo@picketfencemedia.comx113 SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.comx110 ADVERTISING Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, lloynes@picketfencemedia.comx102 DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, icazares@picketfencemedia.comx111 GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, agarrett@picketfencemedia.comx10034932CalledelSol,SuiteB,CapistranoBeach,CA92624phone 949.388.7700 fax danapointtimes.com949.388.9977 Dana Point Times, Vol. 15 Issue 34. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (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 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. FOLLOW DANA POINT TIMES FACEBOOK.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • INSTAGRAM@DANAPOINTTIMES TWITTER.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith City CapoEditor,Dispatch Collin Breaux Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake ProjectsSpecial Editor Papagianis-CamachoAndrea Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP + SC) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & CoordinatorProduction Inna Cazares FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard HOW TO REACH US PICKET FENCE MEDIA PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opin ion 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. SOAPBOX

the live version will be running through your living room, thanks to their plan to widen the I-5 by two extra lanes.

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

I remember that when we had a bottleneck like that in the past, frustrated motorists hopped off, flooding local surface streets like ants, just to escape. That’s going to happen again.

The previous project, the six-mile jog from San Juan Creek Road to Pico, was $230 million, so I’m wondering what the

BY KESHISHIANCRAIG Big Dig by Craig Keshishian

GUEST OPINION | The

Widening I-5 for HOV Lanes

Sadly, our elected guardians failed to get an actual “wet ink” sign-off from the TCA itself, so I’m left to wonder, as a former lecturer in the law, whether we even have a binding agreement. With a successful court challenge, a toll road scheme can rise from the dead like in a bad zombie

G three-mile extension would be priced in 2022 dollars. Frankly, I think we’re better off just fixing the streets and bridges around the OC, then treating the whole town to a Mexican cruise with the savings. Once the bridge-breaking starts, which will be nightly, dig out those earmuffs from last year’s ski trip. I actually saved the best part for last: burrowed deep in Big Freeway Boys’ schematic is a “transportation demand management” option, which includes possible “tolled lanes,” priced for surging traffic, like you see in LA and North County San Diego. If you want to dodge all this, please reach out to Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, State Sen. Patricia Bates and Mayor Gene James and tell them to stop the Big Dig before it starts. Our elected leaders and transpor tation officials breathed life into this deal, and they can, hopefully, still snuff it out.

Craig Keshishian was a White House staff member during the Reagan Administration, working on political strategy and speechwriting. The San Clemente resident, who graduated from San Clemente High in 1977, is now a political commentator on TV and radio. DP

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 9 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Straight 78 will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. danapointstillwater.com.949.661.6003.

Editor’s Pick

FRIDAY | 26 OC PARKS SUNSET CINEMA: ‘LUCA’ 6 p.m. The County of Orange and OC Parks are pleased to welcome back the annual Sunset Cinema film series featuring 12 free movies at OC Parks. Pack a picnic, blankets and beach chairs to enjoy recent favorites and introduce young ones to beloved classic films. All movies are free to attend, with free parking and pre-show entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. and showtimes starting after sunset. Food trucks and concession booths will offer food and beverages for purchase on-site. Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, 33333 South Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 714.973.6865. ocparks.com.

danapointtimes.comDana Point Times August 26-September 1, 2022 Page 10 GETTING OUT (Cont. on page 23) The List DANA POINT TIMES What’s going on in and around town this week

‘THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW’ 7:30 p.m. For one final weekend, the Cabrillo Playhouse will perform The Rocky Horror Show, a loving homage to the classic B sci-fi film and horror genres with an irresistible rock ’n’ roll score. The show, a hilarious, wild ride that no audience will soon forget, tells the story of one fateful night when Brad Majors and his fiancée, Janet Weiss, innocently set out to visit an old professor. A thunderstorm and a flat tire force them to seek help at the castle of Dr. Frank ’N’ Furter, a mad, cross-dressing scientist with a manic genius and insatiable libido. Brad, Janet, and Frank ’N’ Furter’s cohorts are swept up into the scientist’s latest experiment. Admission is $33. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 6:30-9:30 p.m. Local band Family Style will perform. Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

‘THE FUTURE IS FEMALE’ GOODBYE SUMMER COMEDY SHOW 8 p.m. “The Future is Female” and Knuckleheads will celebrate the end of the summer with comedy and music by the Where 2 Next Band. Crystal Su will host this week’s show, which will feature Breanna Kelley as the headlining act, Anastasia Washington, Katie Male, Viva Rose, and many more. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. knuckleheadsmusic.com.949.492.2410.

able ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness the curiously beautiful phenomenon. A meter net is deployed 600 feet deep to capture thousands of these drifting organisms, which can make their own light. Tickets are $50 per adult, $45 for children between 3 and 14 years of age, and free for children under 2. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE 8:30-10:30 p.m. Learn about the remark-

CULINARY COOKOUT: TEXAS BBQ 6-9 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is bringing back its celebrated Culinary Cookout on the Coast, an outdoor dining series set on the edge of an expansive bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Pitmaster Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue will kick off the series with a Texas Barbecue event. The event costs $150 per person and includes two drink tickets, tax and gratuity. Dogs are welcome for an additional $25 donation, which will support the Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence. Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com.

SUNDAY | 28 DANA POINT CLASSIC CAR SHOW 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce presents the Dana Point Classic Car show. The event is free for spectators. Located on Del Prado Avenue between Golden Lantern and the Pacific Coast Highway/Del Prado Archway, this event attracts thousands of spectators to enjoy hundreds of custom and classic cars, awards, food trucks, beer gardens and more. Dana Point Car Show, 34183 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite A, Dana Point. 949.496.1555. carshow@danapointchamber.com. danapointcarshow.com.

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Allow us to assist with our Home Improvement Guide, in which we help you explore ways of giving your household, both inside and out, a fresh look, as well as offer some insight on home foundation matters. For our latest guide, we dove deep into our bag of gardening tools as we explore the benefits of converting lawns into more drought-tolerant landscaping. Doing so can help homeowners save money and water amid the state’s ongoing drought. We also chat with the good folks at Plant Depot to gather some tips on how to prepare your garden for the fall, as well as get their recommendations for beginner gardeners who have begun their journey into indoor gardening. Though summer is nearing its end, pool maintenance is a year-round responsibility for many homeowners. Fortu nately for you, we talked to some local professionals to give their expert advice on properly caring for your pool and keeping the water healthy. Dive into these helpful stories and more as you deservedly work on improving your home. ome is certainly where you make it. But what if your home is also a rental? As a tenant, you certainly have considerable latitude when it comes to decorating your space and laying out your furniture. As for making renovations and alterations, well, that’s where things get a bit more complicated.

By Shawn Raymundo Home Improvement Guide Welcome

TO THE

Those who practice and write about real estate emphasize the importance of conferring with the rental agreement before getting started on any major project. While most lease agreements are fairly standard and include boilerplate language, there may be certain conditions regarding renovations.

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For renters, gain the approval of the landlord before nailing that first hammer (figurately speak ing); and for owners, let the tenant know that construction crews are about to go to work outside of their Thoughwindow.communication is important for all parties involved to maintain a positive relationship, tenants should know that in California, landlords can enter the premises for several reasons, including emergency situations, or “to make necessary or agreed-upon repairs, decorations, alterations, or other improvements,” according to the state’s guide for tenants.

As for the topic of repairs, well, that’s a whole other laundry list of details that we can’t fit into this one article. But for information on the subject, you can check out the tenants’ guide at courts. ca.gov/documents/California-Tenants-Guide.pdf.

Rights and Responsibilities Regarding

After spending so much time indoors these past few years, there’s no better time than now to consider sprucing up your humble abode with new décor or just making certain upgrades to protect your investment.

Likewise, the home and property owners of rentals should also first review their agreement with their tenant before starting any sort of construction, Rose Morrison, a real estate writer, explained.

As Rick McIntire, an Orange County-based real estate agent, previously explained to Picket Fence Media, even a good-intentioned installment can end up being costly for the renter when they are looking to move out.

Tenants’ Upgrades and Alterations Renters & Renovations

Communication is also key—and that goes both ways. Whether it’s the renter or the property owner who’s looking to make upgrades to the home or apartment, both should communicate their wants and needs.

In terms of the design and installation process, Sonance uses independent companies such as Audiovisions, which specializes in smart home technology solutions. Like Sonance, some have been around for decades, allowing for company leaders to build experience and evolve to having luxury showrooms.

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He added that the advantages of being able to move speakers all around a yard included not subjecting them to being placed over a hot surface, such as a barbecue grill, and equally spreading the sounds across the landscape instead of having multiple quiet areas during an event.

“Sonance is offered through direct dealers who specify custom integration systems, and the brand also has a strong presence in retail through spaces like Best Buy,” the company said. “Sonance partners with both the Custom Integrator and the retail channel to support a successful implementation of the audio experience for both aesthetics and installation.”Withthecompany’s global stature, its established tenets serve as a solid ground as the future approaches, according to the email.

ince 1984, Sonance has been an industry leader in providing high-quality audio equipment to residences, businesses, and everything in between.

“It had to be a blend of the high-fidelity speakers, but it also had to be unobtrusive, so the interior decorators or whoever was running the design of the house (could have) something that more or less (went) away,” Struthers says.

In the 2000s, the company created speakers that could be hidden near bushes and other places around a yard. Struthers remembers that one specific fac tor within the production process held more significance than others. “Outside, you’re now getting hit by ultraviolet light, so getting the plastic that stood up to the outdoor environment was a big deal,” he says of the speakers. “The grill material was a big deal, because some of the original materials were like aluminum or something, and until you found the right metal, they corroded terribly.”

By C. Jayden Smith

San Clemente-Based Sonance Creates Intimate Soundscapes Outdoor Tunes

Photos: Courtesy of Sonance

“Looking forward, Sonance leans on its 4 foundational pillars for guidance: Develop technology that is Designed to Disappear, cultivate relationships that demonstrate an Authentic Partnership, continue to build upon a Heritage of Innovation, and leverage our position in the community to take steps toward Making the World a Better Place.”

After a couple of years passed, in which Sonance fielded requests from around the San Clemente area to install audio systems in unique areas such as light fixtures, the com pany began to take a commercial approach. It made appearances at trade shows and hired independent representatives for marketing purposes, and “it took off like a rocket ship” as a result, according to Struthers.

The company has progressed significantly since the days of cofounder Scott Struthers and his partner working in a garage with a hot glue gun and crude tools, to an entity comprising teams of acoustic and engineering experts all working in tandem to create the best possible products. High-end, audio-video equipment was Struthers’ initial focus in 1983, before finding that there was a desire in the home design market to put speakers in the walls.

Homeowners can benefit from having the pleasures of creating an intimate soundscape for various occasions and elevating the activity.“You can put it around your basketball court, you can play music, put it around your picnic table in your backyard, whatever you want to do,” Struthers said. “Now you can really have an acoustic soundscape that matches the design of whatever your activity (is)Inoutside.”anemail, Sonance representatives add that the speaker placement faces toward the listening area instead of toward neighboring yards, delivering an “even blanket of sound throughout the space.”

United States within one year,” says Struthers. “I think for a bunch of guys without a lot of experience, we were able to get a lot of speakers sold really quickly, especially when it was a newThecategory.”movetoward creating outdoor equipment began around the 1990s, when Sonance-produced speaker systems were designed to fit under eaves, or the parts of a roof that extend beyond the side of the building.

The companies that Sonance works with, Struthers says, have a lot of experience working with interior designers and architects. As the home design industry has evolved, so too have the “wonderful products” that those companies have created over the years, he adds.The Sonance brand has continued to grow toward the present day, expanding its manufacturing capabilities by acquiring the James Loudspeaker speaker company in 2020.

Hiding the equipment from view is another aspect Sonance regards highly.

“For years, we’d been doing a few hundreds of thousands of dollars (yearly) in contracting work, and then the first year we ever really got serious about Sonance, which was a speaker company, it went up to $850,000 the first year,” he says. “It was just on fire.” As analog speakers grew in popularity, so did Sonance’s business and production. The team built speaker switchers and learned how to apply numerous pairs of speakers to amplifiers, earning a significant role in the industry as founding members of the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA).Thegrowth of the industry of designing luxury audio systems, home theater, and other in-home entertainment options occurred around the time in which Sonance was well-positioned to take advantage, Struthers recalls.Anincreasing number of competitors joined the company as makers of in-wall speakers, but through an established brand and a relationship with electronics company Bang & Olufsen, Sonance pressed on. The team signed B&O representatives from across the country to carry their products and expand Sonance’s reach further. “At that point, we were 25 years old, and we were able to basically cover the whole

“Like what we were inside, outside (the speakers were) now designed to disappear,” says Struthers. “That’s one of the biggest premises of our company.”

By Keaton Larson Home renovations are top of mind for many Americans this year. About 55% of homeowners renovated their homes in 2021, according to Houzz and Home survey—the highest number over the past four years—and the trend looks similar for 2022.

Even something as simple as replacing old light bulbs inside your home with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), which use about 60-70% less energy than incandescent bulbs, can help reduce your energy costs overall.Both Energy Star and SoCalGas have marketplaces, as well as tips and advice on upgrading, that allow you to search and compare appliances to find a product than suits your budget and energy efficiency preferences.Also,stores like Dewey’s in San Clemente are local options to compare the benefits of appliances in-person.

How to Upgrade with Efficiency in Mind ECO-FRIENDLY APPLIANCES

When renovating a home, upgrading appliances can be a large part of the conversation. But how can the appliances we upgrade save us money in our pockets and resources like energy and water for our region? One of the best ways to understand the energy efficiency of a product is by checking their Energy Star, a government-backed certification that helps consumers and businesses understand how environmentally friendly a product is.

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For example, dishwashers that are certified with an Energy Star can save more than 8,000 gallons of water a year, according to SoCalGas, and about $130 annually on your utility bills. Energy Star-certified appliances like clothes washers, too, can see similar benefits. These certified models can use 25% less en ergy and 33% less water and can keep about $370 in your pocket each year compared to a regular clothes washer. The Municipal Water District of Orange County offers a rebate starting at $85 for high efficiency clothes washers, and SoCalGas also offers rebates for energy efficient appliances across the board.

Energy Star-certified natural gas ovens, dryers, water heaters, fireplace inserts, and pool heaters are all products that SoCalGas offers rebates for.

For those of us who like to relax by a fireplace during the winter—there are some of us in California—SoCalGas offers a $300 and a $500 rebate for natural gas powered fireplaces.Woodburning fireplaces might have a sense of nostalgia to them, but the health benefits of an alternative like natural gas are worth the switch. Burning wood can spread unwanted particles, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds into the environment and throughout your home that can be negative to your health and lungs.

“The first thing is control of water and water flow,” Tourjé says. When rainfall is left uncontrolled and unhandled, the soil then moves. One way that homeowners can start to handle drainage is by having roof gutters, Tourjé says. Which roof gutter is best for a home depends on the individual home’s design, says Tourjé, adding that expensive homes primarily have copper gutters, which he considers the best material for them. Alpha Structural can fix issues with roof gutters, or even if a home has sunken.

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Advice on Home Foundation Matters

By Collin Breaux different,” Tourjé says. Most homes Alpha Structural fixes are from the 1980s and older. Tourjé advises those homeowners to be mindful of their surroundings.“Theearlier you get, the more you should be paying attention,” he says. Warning signs of a bad foundation include floors sloping, cracks forming on walls, and doors that “stick.” “These things only happen when a home is sinking,” Tourjé says. Alpha Structural is celebrating its 30th year of business, and Tourjé has been licensed since 1998. The process for homeowners to potentially have Alpha Structural work on their homes is by first calling the company, which will then book an appointment to come out to the home for an inspection. Alpha Structural’s assessors look over the home, propose next steps, then give a cost estimate that factors in engineering work and construction costs. In addition to construction, Alpha Struc tural also does engineering. It designs and builds foundation improvements.

“Sometimes, it’s just a very simple repair,” Tourjé says. “If we install straps to a foundation that isn’t moving that much, it’s a few thousand (dollars).” Major foundation work can top two, three or four thousand dollars. Alpha Structural is already looking at six-figure jobs in Orange County. Tourjé stresses that his company does not paint, handle drywall work or do other miscellaneous home improvements. More information can be found at alphastructural.com.

omeowners in California face unique challenges when it comes to making sure their house is in order—quite literally. Whether it be making sure it sits on a stable foundation, ensuring its drainage systems are not clogged and seeing that walls stay standing and uncracked, people living in the Golden State—particularly the coastal area with its bluff-side homes— have a lot to Fortunately,monitor.Alpha Structural is ready to help.Thefoundation repair company serves Orange County and the wider Southern California area. CEO Dave Tourjé says most foundation repairs can be tracked back to water problems, which, in turn, come from a lack of control when rain occurs.

Weathering the Storm

Alpha Structural Gives Insight,

“The soil engineering standards are

An issue that can pop up with homes built in the 1980s, or before then, is that they may have more of a tendency to sink because their building standards were less stringent in comparison to today’s.

However, the American Lung Association (ALA) advocates homeowners choose hard-surface flooring when they can because of pollutants such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroach allergens, particle pollution, lead, mold spores, pesticides, dirt and dust that can get trapped inside carpet.

Tile flooring can be just as durable, if not more, than hardwood, and ranges from $8 to $15 per square foot. Ceramic tile tends to resist the wear of daily life, moisture, dents, and stains better than most other flooring options. The humidity and moisture of an area, and the type of wood used, can affect wood floors unlike ceramic tile.

First, wood and tile flooring are more durable than carpet and likely healthier. Yes, you will pay a higher cost for wood and tile options, but these floors will have longer lifespans than carpet. Solid hardwood floors are one of the most durable options on the market, yet they are generally the most expensive. The installed cost could range from $5 to $10 per square foot, according to Consumer Reports, but the floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times. If hardwood floors are too expensive, there are several options that maintain the style and have similar durability such as engineered wood, laminated flooring, vinyl, or tile.

Hardwood and carpet are still the most popular options for homeowners, though, with about half of consumers updating their look to one of those two options in 2021, according to Floor Trends Magazine Carpet is quiet and soft, and comfort is still a big factor in the decision-making process, especially after spending so much time at home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

FLOORING

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Carpet will likely require the most maintenance from a homeowner. More accidents and spills are trapped in carpet, requiring more cleaning. Carpet floors are more comfortable to walk on, though, and they can be some of the most cost-effective options.

Wood v. Tile v. Carpet: What to Know

By Keaton Larson omeowners looking to make home improvements have numerous questions, and one of the more expensive decisions to make can relate to flooring. How does one choose between wood, tile, or carpet flooring? How do you know which choice is best for your needs and budget?

These pollutants and small particles disperse into the air when vacuuming or doing something as simple as walking through your home. If you decided to purchase carpet flooring, the ALA recommends looking for a product with fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—gases found in flooring products and installation processes.Thesechemicals can be harmful to a homeowner, and when purchasing products with VOCs, always ask to air the new carpet outside before installation.

Whatever decision you end up making, it is always best to understand the look you want, the cost you are willing to spend, and the durability for which you are hoping. Nailing down those three factors will make it easier to narrow down your choices.

These are one of the most resilient plants for a beginner gardener. Snake plants are hardy and can handle both overwatering and underwatering, lowand bright-light conditions. However, they prefer bright indirect light and infrequent waterings. Plant your snake plant in a well-draining potting mix or cacti mix and allow the soil to dry out between waterings—generally, about once a month.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia, also known as ZZ plants, are a great “neglect and forget” plant, as they are very low-main-

“Pick a day of the week that’s like your day to care for your plant babies, and make that your day,” Kittle says. “It helps to avoid the overwatering, because there aren’t very many house plants that need water more than once a week.”

tarting one’s journey into indoor gardening can be daunting, but building confidence by choosing forgiving, resilient and easyto-care-for plants can help ease worries of not having a “green thumb.”

Snake Plant By Breeana Greenberg

Plant Depot owner Jennifer Kittle recommends beginners use well-draining soil so that plants are not sitting in water between waterings.

3 / ZZ PLANT

/ SNAKE PLANT

Planttolerateindirectplanttenance.Thisslow-growingprefersbrightlightbutcanlowerlight.yourZZplantin a well-draining soil mixture and allow the soil to dry out between waterings, generally, once a month.

Plant Depot also recommends using seaweed extract every time you water to give your plants an extra “health and vitality”Keepingboost.your plants’ leaves clean also helps to keep them healthy, Kittle adds. Wiping down your plant’s leaves will decrease their likelihood of getting pests and diseases.

4 / POTHOS With so many varieties of Pothos, these easy-to-care-for vining plants make a great addition to a beginner’s collection, from the variegated “N’Joy,” the freckled “satin Pothos,” to the vibrant “neonPothosPothos.”prefer a humid environment but can tolerate a drier environment well and are forgiving of neglect or overwatering. Plant your Pothos in a well-draining soil mixture and allow the top of the soil to dry out between waterings. Pothos like to be displayed in bright, indirect light; however, they will also tolerate lower light. Direct light may burn its leaves.

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2 / DRACAENA This slow-growing plant prefers bright indirect or filtered light but can toler ate lower light conditions. Plant your Dracaena in a well-draining soil mixture and allow the soil to dry out between waterings, generally once a month.

5 / MONSTERA DELICIOSA Large, leafy Monstera Deliciosa make a great focal piece for any home. These tropical, fast-growing, vining plants prefer warm, humid environments; however, they can tolerate a drier environment. If your Monstera develops browntipped leaves, it may be a sign of too little humidity. Plant your Monstera in well-draining soil and water roughly once a week when the top of the soil is dried out.Monstera like to be displayed in bright, indirect light.

Five Easy Starter Plants for Any Beginner Gardener S PLANT DEPOT RECOMMENDS

“There’s a decent variety to choose from,” Johnson continues. “A lot of people have this

St. Augustine, not watering and removing the dead grass will not get rid of it, Johnson says.Inthese cases, homeowners may need to use a product to kill the roots.

There are also low-growing, ground-cover plants that can give the look of a grassy area without the same watering and maintenance needs of traditional lawns.

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“Once you’ve gotten rid of the grass and you’ve cut it all out, then you can introduce different plants in that space or you can design it in a way where there’s alternatives for grass,” Johnson says.

Hummingbirds and butterflies tend to be attracted to red, yellow, orange, and pink flowers.

“It’s a matter of what space you have, how you’re going to utilize the space,” Johnson says, adding: “I always recommend hiring a designer and getting a consultation with the landscape designer who can come out, give you their opinion of the space, talk you through the process, understand what is involved and what our goals are, so they can design the space accordingly, whether it’s to your budget or to your use.”

Buffalo Grass is a California Native grass that requires less water and less maintenance than a traditional lawn, Johnson explains.

“I think that’s really important to have the flowers that bring in the birds and the bees and the different things that pollinate, be cause it’s good for the plants and nice to have those creatures in your yard,” Johnson says. “So, definitely, butterfly gardens are popular.”

“We basically live in a desert, and so watering is on everybody’s mind,” Johnson says.

For homeowners choosing to replace their lawns with drought-tolerant and California Native landscaping, the first step is to remove the existing lawn and its roots. With more in vasive varieties of grass such as Bermuda and

impression of native landscapes as kind of like a desert state or something like that, but there are a lot of plants that will flower, attract

birds and hummingbirds and stuff that you want in the yard.”

PLANT

GARDENPREPPINGOFFERSDEPOTTIPSONYOURFORFALL

Drought-Tolerant LandscapingSaves Water and Money

California Native landscaping can be overwhelming to people who are unfamiliar with it, McClelland says, so she recommends starting small and hiring a professional.

Now is a good time to mulch. Early fall tends to be the hottest time of the year, so Plant Depot recommends that homeowners mulch to help control the temperature of the soil and help retain some moisture. In helping soil retain its moisture, mulching can be helpful to decrease wateringThoughneeds.it’salittle too early to start pruning, Plant Depot owner Jennifer Kittle says that fall is a great time to weed and feed your garden. Now, Kittle adds, is a great time to plant a second round of summer vegetables during this seasonal transitionary period.Kittle also noted that early fall is a great time to get your garden ready for your winter crop. eplacing lawns with California Native and endureswaterforlandscapingdrought-tolerantcanbeagreatwayhomeownerstosavebothandmoneyasthestateyearsofdrought.

Matt Johnson, owner of Western Garden Designs, Inc., explains that there are lots of great native and pollinator plants available for homeowners to plant.

Homeowners have a wide variety of flow ering, California Native and drought-tolerant plants to choose from to attract pollinators.

“If you’re not well-versed in it, there are landscape architects that can help you,” McClelland says. “There’s lots of resources, and if you feel like you can start small, just start in a small area.”

Dana Point resident Kathryn McClelland, who converted her front garden into California Native landscaping, recommends planting plants such as milkweed and butterfly bush to attract pollinators. McClelland planted a patch of milkweed in her front garden to attract Monarch butterflies and has had to extend the patch into her backyard to be able to feed all of the caterpillars that have visited her garden.

The No. 1 reason to plant native landscaping, Johnson explains, is that native plants thrive in local soil and watering conditions.

Homeowners looking to replace their lawns with waterwise landscaping can also apply for turf replacement rebate programs.

R By Breeana Greenberg

“We do like to use natives; we can also mix in some other plants that do well in our climate,” Johnson says. “The good thing about our climate is there’s a lot of areas around the world that have similar climates.”

danapointtimes.comDana Point Times August 26-September 1, 2022 Page 20 A Deep Dive into MaintenancePool Expert Tips on How to Care for Your Pool Year-Round By Hayze Law

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As the seasons float by, for folks who would like to save money on electricity, he suggests his clients invest in a variable speed pump, which is more energy-efficient than the tradi tional ones.

Pretty soon, new building codes went into effect requiring property owners to address the structural issues that plagued Southern California buildings. Since then, thousands of properties have been reinforced, brought up to code, and deemed safe per today’s standard. Alpha Structural is proud to have had a large hand in accomplishing this for Southern California property owners as the trusted structural specialists of 30 years.

In addition to what their clients say about them, Alpha Structural, Inc. is also a proud awardee of the famed Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company award multiple years in a row, among many other recognitions. Additionally, they have received countless commendations and recognitions from city mayors such as those from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Irvine, Yorba Linda, Los Angeles, and more. They were recently honored by the California State Senator Anthony J. Portantino for their dedication to safeguarding city residents through their work.

323.258.5482 alphastructural.com | @alphastructural pool every seven to 10 years for an acid wash, which cleans the surface of the pool. In the meantime, he cautions against buying products for the pool, beyond the necessary balancing chemicals.

Alpha Structural – Setting the Standard for the Last 30 Years

The key to Alpha Structural’s continued success is their motto of quality first. They strive to deliver more to their clients than they expect and will continue to do so for years to come.

Serge Simard, owner of Plumeria Pools, is a local pool expert who has been in the busi ness for more than 20 years. Speaking with Picket Fence Media, Simard outlined his top tips for maintaining a pool—from balancing chemistry of the water, to caring for and utiliz ing proper equipment.

First and foremost, a healthy pool is depen dent on the balance of the chemicals in the water, he says. “When the chemistry is off-balance, it becomes corrosive to the equipment and to the surface of the pool,” Simard says. For those who opt to test the water on their own, he recommends using a profes sional-grade toolkit for inspection, though cautioning to check that the bottles are not expired to avoid an inaccurate reading. Beyond just checking the chlorine and the pH, toolkits also check the total alkalinity, which acts as a buffer to control the pH in the pool, and the conditioner that stabilizes the chlorine, so it lasts longer.

For those with saltwater pools, saltwater-compatible heaters are crucial, because the high levels of calcium in the saltwater carry gritty sediments that corrode regular heaters over time. As for filters, Simard says, “There are many different filters out there, but the best ones nowadays are cartridge filters; they are easy to clean and do a good job.”

SECTION

“The more stuff you put in your pool, the harder your water is going to get over the years, so only add what you need,” Simard says. Aside from pool chemistry, pool owners should know how to care for and utilize their equipment—specifically, the pump, heater, andAtfilter.theheart of the pool system is the pump, which circulates the chemicals evenly throughout the pool, and can be a costly use of energy.During the summer months, for the aver age home, Simard recommends that pumps run a minimum of eight hours a day for prop er filtration. As a general rule, the higher the usage, the longer the pump should run.

For all equipment, he suggests covering it with burlap because most are made of fiber glass, which begins to shed over time, under the exposure of the sun. To maintain a pool overall, Simard suggests that an insured and licensed contractor visit the home once a week, to check the balance, clean, and make sure everything is working properly.

Another method for checking the chemical levels in a pool is by using strips; however, once those are opened and exposed to oxy gen, they are no longer accurate after about a week. For those just starting out, Simard recom mends calling a professional, to assist in the process and set you on the right foot. From there, it is best to test pool water at least once a week, if not more, to ensure the levels are balanced, and to keep the sanitizer at optimal levels.

In reference to the balance of the pool, it is also important to keep in mind the hardness of the water, which is particularly hard in Southern California because of warm weath er, mineral content of the groundwater, and lack of regular rainfall. This creates a “shell” of sorts, making it difficult for the chemicals to permeate the water, according to Simard. To combat this, he recommends pool owners empty their

LOCAL - SPECIAL ADVERTISING

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Alpha Structural is one of the few, if not the only, company in Los Angeles & Orange County that is licensed to both engineer and build every job. Each project is taken care of under one roof by in-house engineers, draftsmen, permit expeditors and then project supervisors and crews. This is a much-preferred method according to property owners, where the alternative is separate engineering firms and contractors, which can add time and money when there are questions once construction starts.

he laundry list of pool care chores is enough to make any one’s head swim. If you dive in without becoming properly informed, you may just find yourself in over your head.

KNOWLEDGE

To avoid that sinking feeling, there are several resourc es to pool, like the help of local professionals and quality equipment, to maintain proper care and ensure the overall health of your water.

danapointtimes.comDana Point Times August 26-September 1, 2022 Page 22

IMPROV FOR UKRAINE 7-9 p.m. Join the Rotary Club of San Clemente at the VIP Lounge at the Outlets at San Clemente for an evening of comedy and improv. Admission is $50, with all proceeds going to benefit humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine. For the link to purchase tickets, click on the events tab on the Rotary Club’s Facebook page. For more information, email burnsr@stifel.com.

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market, and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags. La Plaza Park, 3411 La Plaza, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

danapointtimes.comDana Point Times August 26-September 1, 2022 Page 23 GETTING OUT

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. knuckleheadsmusic.com.949.492.2410.

HEROES NIGHT OUT 5-9 p.m. Join Homefront America in honoring military veterans with a courtyard dinner. Guests can reserve seats beforehand. There will be live entertainment in a courtyard setting. Serra Plaza, 31910 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano. homefrontamerica.org.949.248.9468.

THURSDAY | 01 CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY 5:30-9:30 p.m. Surf & Turf Therapy is hosting a fundraiser to help support its programs and provide scholarships for qualifying participants. The night will feature an exhibition polo match, patient stories, a rider demonstration, dinner, drinks, and live music. Tickets are $114 and can be purchased online. Orange County Polo Club, 27271 Silverado Canyon Road, Silverado. 949.312.7227. surfandturftherapy.org. from 10) Want a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday? Sign up for The Weekender! danapointtimes.com/weekender

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S 6 p.m. Ever wanted to relax with some calming outdoor live music as the trains come and go? Stop by at Trevor’s for soothing sounds, food and a close view of downtown San Juan Capistrano. Hans & Janine will perform. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

(Cont.

MONDAY | 29

OPEN JAM 7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. knuckleheadsmusic.com.949.492.2410.

OUTDOOR THEATER AT LOS RIOS PARK 2 and 3 p.m. Take a trip back in time when the Round About Players present A Fast Train to Capistrano in the Los Rios Historic District. The short performance will depict aspects of San Juan Capistrano’s history. The event is free, so check it out while you’re strolling about. Los Rios Park, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

BUNCH OF GUYS ON THE ‘DANA PRIDE’ 7:30-10 p.m. Cruise around the Dana Point Harbor with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching and enjoy a complimentary glass of pride punch. The band Bunch of Guys will perform. Tickets are available for those 21 and older at $28 per person. Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point. info@danawharf.com.888.224.0603.

FREE MARINE FLARE COLLECTION 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring unwanted or expired marine flares and smoke signals to the Dana Point Harbor. Upon arrival, staff will retrieve items directly from the trunks of vehicles. OC Waste and Recycling will also welcome walk-up disposal near restrooms by the marina. OC Health Care Agency will be on-site promoting their Free Bilge Pad Exchange Program. Participants will receive free boater kit and flare discount coupons courtesy of the California Coastal Commission. 34555 Casitas Place, Dana Point. ocrecycleguide.com. oclandfills.com.

BARKS & BREWS 4-7 p.m. Join the Outlets at San Clemente and Pet Project Foundation for tail-wagging fun at Barks & Brews. Enjoy craft beer, pup swag, doggie activities, live entertainment, and more. Proceeds will benefit Pet Project Foundation, which has worked with the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal shelter for nearly the past 40 years to provide pro-humane care to the lost and abandoned animals of the two cities. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. outletsatsanclemente.com.

RODEO BLOCK PARTY 6 p.m. Celebrate the end of summer with barbecue and live music. Family Style will perform. The event continues on Sunday with James Kelly Band and line dancing with Marie Kelly; the event starts at 3 p.m. that day. Bad to the Bone BBQ, 31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.218.0227. eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY | 27 CLUB RUN: DANA POINT HARBOR 6:45-9:45 a.m. Join the South Coast Roadrunners for an out-and-back flat run covering a portion of the “Dana Point Turkey Trot” course. The club will meet at the end of Dana Point Harbor Drive, near the pier at Baby Beach. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. roadrunners.org. scrr-info@cox.net.

SUNDAY | 28 LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 4-7 p.m. Tight Rope will perform. Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

IMPROV MONDAYS WITH BOB BURNS & IMPROV CITY 3-5 p.m. Put on by the San Clemente-based Noble Path Foundation, teens between the ages of 13 and 18 can receive comedy lessons with professional actor Bob Burns & Improv City, where they’ll build confidence, stage presence, a funny bone and a chance to perform at Improv City. Sign up for these Monday classes at SanFoundation,social-activities/.thenoblepathfoundation.org/TheNoblePath420N.ElCaminoReal,Clemente.949.234.7259.

TUESDAY | 30 TRIVIA TUESDAY 6:30 p.m. Test your knowledge every Tuesday night. Teams of two to six people are welcome to join in for a chance to win prizes. Call beforehand to reserve a table. Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria, 31781 Camino Capistrano, Suite 201, San Juan Capistrano. 949.429.3599. selmaspizza.com.

WEDNESDAY | 31

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. brewhousesjc.com.949.481.6181.

SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDA TION POP-UP SHOP 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Cottage and Visitor Center showcases local history, flora and fauna at this original 1934 ranger’s cottage. A rotating exhibit features the history of San Onofre. Stop in at the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop to say hello, do a little shopping and learn more about the history of the local state parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches. Historic Cottage and Visitor Center is located within the San Clemente State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. sanoparks.org.admin@sanoparks.org.949.366.8599.

RANCHO MISSION VIEJO RODEO 1 p.m. The annual rodeo returns this weekend after a two-year hiatus and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Contestants will compete in a variety of events, including bull riding and roping. There will also be food, vendors and live music. The event continues Sunday; gates open at 11:30 a.m. that day. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. rmvrodeo.com.

page

CaseNAMENo. 22LBCP00279 TO

Hearing Date: September 12, 2022 Hearing Time: 6:00 PM (or as soon thereaf ter as possible) Hearing Location: 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Dana Point City Hall) All persons either favoring or opposing the sub ject project are invited to present their views to the Commission at this hearing. Note: This project may be appealed to the City Council. If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in writ ten correspondence delivered to the City of Dana Point prior to the public hearing. For further information, please contact John Ciam pa, Senior Planner at the City of Dana Point, Com munity Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248-3591. NOTICE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Yavonne Tranese Dent filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name Yavonne Tranese Dent Proposed Name Yavonne Doris Porter THE COURT ORDERS that all persons inter ested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name chang es described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

2022 AUTO REPAIR Dana Point Auto 34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086 BODY MIND SPIRIT ARE YOU HAPPY? Let us assist you in creating a life plan for the life & relationships you want & deserve. Body Mind Spirit, bodymindspirit.com949.248.7377, CAFE - DELI Coffee EspressoImportersBar 34531 Golden coffeeimporters.com949.493.7773,Lantern, COFFEE SHOP Coffee EspressoImportersBar 34531 Golden coffeeimporters.com949.493.7773,Lantern, ICE CREAM Coffee EspressoImportersBar 34531 Golden coffeeimporters.com949.493.7773,Lantern, INSURANCE SERVICES State Farm/Elaine LaVine 34080 Golden Lantern, elainelavine.net949.240.8944, LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS Want businessyourorservicetobefeaturedhere? Call 949.388.7700,pricingLoynesLauralynforanddetailsatext.102

CASE NUMBER: (Numero del Caso): TheBCV-22-100968nameandaddress of the court is: (El Nombre y direccion de la corte es): Kern County Superior Court, Metropolitan Divi sion, 1215 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 The name, address and telephone number of plain tiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de telefono del obogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): David B. Potter, Arrache & Potter, P.O. Box 10809, Bakersfield, CA 93389-0809

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 09/7/2022 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept.: 26. The address of the court is Governor George Deu kmejian Courthouse, 275 Magnolia, Long Beach, CA 90802. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of gen eral circulation, printed in City of Dana Point and County of Orange: Dana Point Times, August 26, September 2, 9, 16, 2022. Date: July 27, 2022, Judge Michael P Vicencia, Judge of the Superior Court PUBLIC NOTICE (CITACIONSUMMONS JUDICIAL)

AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 ó más de valor recibida me diante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el grava men de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso.

IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hear ing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Coastal Development Permit CDP21-0022, Vari ance V22-0002, and Site Development Permit SDP22-0041: To permit the construction of a new, two-story, 4,471 square foot, single-family dwelling and an attached 517 square foot, two-vehicle ga rage, pool, and detached mechanical/storage area.

¡AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continu ación. 949.388.7700,

Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para pre sentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respues ta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correc to si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su Puederespuesta.encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le dé un formula rio de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incum plimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remis ión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servi cios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales.

Project Numbers: CDP21-0022, V22-0002, and SDP22-0041 Project Location: 34152 Chula Vista (APN: 682-245-34) Project Applicant: Anders Lasater (Architect) Property Owner: Mr. and Mrs. Mouchawar Environmental: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is found to be Categorically Exempt per Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construc tion or Conversion of Small Structures).

danapointtimes.comDana Point Times August 26-September 1, 2022 Page 24 Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the Dana Point Times. EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE:

PUBLIC

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (AVISO AL DEMANDADO): Monterey Botanicals II, LLC, A California limited liability company; Envy Farms, LLC, A California limited liability company; and Does 1 through 50, inclusive YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (LO ESTA DEMANDANDO EL DEMANDANTE): PTS RENTALS INC., a California corporation NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may de cide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information Youbelow.have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this sum mons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts On line Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/self help), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney re ferral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Ser vices Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

Ph: DATE:(661)328-1800(Fecha)04/25/2022, Tamara Harber-Pick ens, Clerk of the Court, by (Secretario) Vickie Fo gerson, Deputy Clerk(Adjunto)

The project is requesting a height Variance to ex ceed the maximum 29 foot limit for a hillside con dition lot and allow the structure to be 33 feet 8 ¾ inches tall to address the design challenges with a steeped sloped lot. The project also proposes a five foot wall/fence within the required 20 foot setback and retaining walls exceeding 30 inches to address the hillside condition of the property. The property is located in the Coastal Overlay District (Coastal Zone) and the Residential Single-Family 7 (RSF-7) Zoning District at 34152 Chula Vista.

Published: Dana Point Times, August 5,12,19, 26,

danapointtimes.comDana Point Times August 26-September 1, 2022 Page 25 PLACE BUSINESSYOURCARDHERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com PLACE BUSINESSYOURCARDHERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com PLACE BUSINESSYOURCARDHERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com PLACE BUSINESSYOURCARDHERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com BUSINESS DIRECTORY

FROM THE ARCHIVES

P On and Off for 30 Years, Now They Are ‘Comfortable Companions’ GUEST OPINION | On Life and Love After 50 by Tom

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com.

Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Library

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdi vided 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 Sudoku BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

See the solution in next week’s issue.

This handsome guy is Lloyd, a laid-back cool cat who is ready to find his forever home. About 5 years old, he is a great mix between playful and mellow personalities. Lloyd gets along well with other cats and would make a great addition to just about any home. If you are interested in adopting Lloyd, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed anandanimalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org,toyouwillbecontactedaboutmakinginteractionappointment.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

“Dan is still a homebody with few interests, but that’s OK. In 2018 and 2019, I had vertebrae surgeries, and I am doing well but have limitations, which Dan is very understanding about. So here we are together 30 years later, comfortable companions.”

This photograph from the Lorna Mills/Laguna Federal Collection gives an aerial view of the future Dana Point Harbor development on Aug 21, 1966. Every week, the Dana Point Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

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. dating-again times, Dan invited Jim over for a BBQ. During the evening, Jim and I discovered that we had a lot of interests in common. We decided to do some activities as just friends. Our friendship turned to love. “Jim told Dan about our love. Dan was angry for a while, but got over it. Jim reminded Dan that Dan had his chance with me for years, and he blew it! Jim and I were so happy for 14 years. I have no family, and I was included as family by his married daughters and grandchildren. Jim and Dan remained best buddies. Jim jokingly told Dan that in his will, he was leaving me to Dan. “Last December, my sweet Jim passed away from heart failure. He was 80. I saw Dan for the first time in 14 years at the service.“Afew months later, Dan asked me to dinner. We are now dating if you can call it that at our age. We thought we were old when we were divorced in our 40s, but now, we really are! He’s also 77. We are comfortable talking about Jim and sharing stories about him, and I like that. Neither wants to be married.

1. Seniors should not burn bridges. They must forgive, forget, and move on. They never know when old friends or old flames might reappear. In Pam’s case, if she had pushed Dan out of her life forever after he dumped her, she likely wouldn’t be with him as “a comfortable companion” 30 years later. Having a companion is a lot better than going it alone when seniors are in their 70s or 80s. 2. Previous relationships can rekindle. We hear of people reconnecting at high school and college reunions. And in Pam’s situation, after being with Jim for 14 years, she’s spending time with Dan, who was Jim’s friend. They can talk about Jim without either one getting wigged out. I wonder if Jim willed Pam to Dan, as he had joked. That’s kind of a cute twist to this somewhat hard-to-follow story.

Lloyd

senior-relationship lessons.

Tom’s comment: I told Pam I needed to create a flow chart to understand the group’s saga. Pam’s story provides two Blake

danapointtimes.comDana Point Times August 26-September 1, 2022 Page 26 DP LIVING am, 77, a Southern California single, emailed: “I was married for 28 years and then was ambushed by divorce. I have been single for 30 years and have been enjoying your articles for nearly that long. Your wise advice is always appreciated. Thank you for the generosity of your time and compassion for the singles of a certain age. “A year after my divorce, I dated Dan, whom I met in the singles Sunday school class at the EV Free Church in Fullerton. A girlfriend of mine from the class (Jeanne) dated another man from the class (Jim); he and Dan were good friends. The four of us did a lot of fun things together. We were all ‘dumpees’ (our spouses had left“Sixus).months after we all met, Jim’s wife decided she wanted him back. He reconciled with her. I never forgot that he told Jeanne that the four of us made a great“Shortlycouple!after that, Dan broke up with me, and everyone moved on. Dan and I remained friends and would date off and on through the years. “Jim was remarried to his ex for 10 years, and then she kicked him to the curb“Inagain.themeantime, Jeanne married a terrific“Whenman.Dan and I were in one of our ON LIFE AND LOVE BY TOM BLAKE

DANA POINT TIMES

In their first year, the show traveled to Orlando, San Francisco and Boston. This year, they’ll head to Charleston and Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Atlanta, Chicago and

“I will say I’m a bit of a different breed, like I was from a very young age,” said Dovsek. “I’ve been really driven … in third grade, I was selling dog treats on the side of the road, because it was more lucrative than a lemonade stand.” During her time at Hofstra, she had the opportunity to start a career in golf journalism, golf media and golf broadcast journalism. Dovsek reported on the PGA Championship held at the Black Course in Bethpage State Park in New York, for CBS Sports during her freshman year. The following summer, she moved to Orlando, Florida and worked for the NBC Golf Channel, giving her the realization that she wanted to be in front of the camera, not behind it. Within her continuing years in school, she was approached by On Course, a SiriusXM golf radio show that took interest in Dovsek after she was the youngest to work on the NBC Golf Channel. On Course initially had her on as a guest, but elevated her to co-host and assistance with its social media content.

Dana Point Native Tees Off into Her Career A

danapointtimes.comDana Point Times August 26-September 1, 2022 Page 27 DP LIVING

helped create and now co-hosts a travel series with Long Drive Pro Champion Maurice Allen, called “72 in 72” for PGAowned media platform Skratch.

Speaking of international ventures, Dovsek has her sights on winning the Pro Long Drive Championship this September in Nakagawa, Tochigi held under the Japan Pro Long Drive Organization.

“I mean, the competition is going to be at another level, it’s going to be super cool, but I thought what better way than competing,” Dovsek said. “I’ve always wanted to do it, and when I saw it was held there, I knew it was going to be fun.”

Being surrounded by Maurice Allen, he’s such a powerful role model for me; he just has such a different outlook on life than anyone I’ve ever been around.” The concept of the show is to play 72 holes in 72 hours and bring the golfers and audience to beautiful destinations.

Since graduating from Dana Hills High just a few years ago, Averee Dovsek, now 22, has taken her golf career to new heights by using her knowledge and skills of the game as a sports commentator for numerous media outlets.

BY JAMIE JOHNSON, DANA POINT TIMES

“It’s been a massive goal; I’ve always wanted to try and own a lot of properties to make passive investments,” she said. “I was doing the math, and I was like, ‘This may be feasible a little earlier than I thought.’ ” Dovsek caddied for the Trump National in Jupiter, Florida last year, and the income produced from that job, she placed in the deposit for her first house. At the time, Dovsek was working three jobs, still attending university classes and undergoing athletic training.

Wisconsin.Dovsek,her agent, and Allen are currently in the process of creating a larger international and domestic travel series.

‘The 72 in 72’ forced me to grow very quickly, being on camera for nine hours straight,” said Dovsek. “Not only do you have to have a personality, but you have to be decent at golf … it’s pretty exhausting, but I love it more than anything.

“Time is so valuable, and if I can get ahead while in college and make it all hap pen, I’m going to come out of the college at a different level,” said Dovsek, who grad uated with two degrees and many years of professional experience under her belt. Even though Dovsek has been increasing ly successful in golf, the sport never caught her eye. Dovsek’s father, Henri Dovsek, was her main influence and motivator to become interested. His vision was beyond what she was able to see at the time.

“

“My ultimate goal would be being able to travel internationally and domestically and play for entertainment,” Dovsek said. “If we make the travel series come true, that is definitely a huge goal of mine, because it doesn’t feel like work to me; I’m so myself out there.”

Dovsek’s drive, ambition and work ethic are what got her to where she is today—a young, growing success story. DP

“We have noted that Maurice and I have a really good friendship, good chemistry on camera, and we just mesh really well together, and we might as well make it bigger, because I think there’s so much potential to learn from both of us on both sides,” Dovsek said.

Dovsek currently works for USA Today doing its media content and other independent appearances and partnerships. She hosts a fitness series, covers everything fashion and fitness, and for USA Today’s GolfWeek, she’s in charge of being the face of most video content. USA Today gives her creative freedom and most of the content she creates is her own. Dovsek also appears at tournaments producing videos for social media platforms with interview style content and “end of the round” recaps.

Photo: Courtesy of Averee Dovsek my time in college. Not one person educated me on how to be a golf journalist,” Dovsek said. “It was tough, because I was essentially guessing and learning from myHermistakes.”podcast allowed her to progress through the static and transitional period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Preparation is still very minimal when it comes to hosting her show, she says. Dovsek likes to record without notes to build her speaking and interviewing skills, as well as Afterspontaneity.pandemic-related regulations were lifted and Dovsek was allowed to re turn to New York, she pushed forward in her career and accomplished much more. While the podcast was becoming a hit, Dovsek made independent appearances for golf tournaments, golf events and “Beat the Pro” fundraising events. Dovsek veree Dovsek, a South Orange County native, has achieved many triumphs at the young age of 22. A resident of Dana Point, Dovsek attended Dana Hills High School, where she started her initial golf career when she made varsity her freshman year. Eventual ly, she was named team MVP and earned All-Improved and All-State honors. Dovsek received a full-ride combination scholarship (academic and athletic) to Hofstra University, where she played Division 1 golf all four years. Dovsek also was the first to attend college in her immediate family and had to navigate the D1 and NCAA process herself.

Dovsek previously won a Pro Long Drive Championship held in New York last fall, under the Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA). Among career goals, projects and accomplishments, Dovsek has personal goals. She bought her first house in West Palm Beach, Florida earlier this year.

In 2019, she created and hosted her own podcast, “WHY YOU SUCK AT GOLF!” available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. Through this podcast, Dovsek interviews golfers, caddies, enthusiasts and more, discussing the overall sport and giving her honest opinion on their game. “Golf was transitioning into this digital media; it blew up essentially during

“Graham Central Station,” a mix of graham cracker ice cream, graham cracker ripple, and a chocolate-covered honeycomb, is one of its most popular flavors. “Oree-dough,” a combination of Oreo and cookie dough, mint chocolate chip and chocolate peanut butter brownie are other popular items. It also serves several vegan ice creams, including a rotating fruit flavor and a co conut milk-based chocolate Oree-dough.

BY KEATON LARSON, DANA POINT TIMES his summer, a new addition to the sweet treats scene in San Clemente is serving classic and fresh ice cream. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream on Camino de los Mares opened in June, and the store has seen long lines and satiated faces so far. The scoop shop offers everything from traditional cones and bowls of ice cream to sundaes, banana splits, ice cream sandwiches, milkshakes, and floats.

Keith worked in an advertising agency for many years before teaching at California State University, Fullerton as an advertising professor. His experience in the marketing world helped him and his fellow business partners choose an ice cream shop with which to run. One day, Keith’s brother-in-law tasted some Handel’s Ice Cream that a family member had brought down from the Rancho Cucamonga location, and he urged Keith to try it himself. Several months later, they were submitting their application for a franchise. “The way people talk about In-N-Out in Southern California is the way people talk about Handel’s,” said Keith. “People rave about it. And I saw that in Handel’s, because we make it fresh every day in every store. And it makes a complete

It is also planning seasonal flavors for the upcoming fall and winter seasons, says Manager Noe Pinedo, including pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake and peppermint.Eachflavor is made in-house by ice cream makers, and each day, the staff may churn out as many as 30 to 40 buckets of ice cream. This process and the quality of the ice cream were among the reasons Keith and Shirlyn Kesler, California natives and longtime residents of Laguna Beach, wanted to open a Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream shop. This opening is not their first foray into ice cream, though. The San Clemente location is Keith and Shirlyn’s ninth location in Southern California, the first being in Laguna Niguel, with two others in Orange County and four in San Diego.

“My oldest son lives in San Clemente, right by North Beach,” Keith said, noting his excitement to have a location in San Clemente, a city that has been one of his regular stops for years.

Pinedo loves managing the San Clemente location. He said it’s hard to find any negatives about managing the store. He can see many regular faces and share in the joy that customers have when ordering a scoop of their favorite flavor. The location will have its grand opening on Sept. 1. Keith is excited to plan a fun-filled day for the community with giveaways and music from the San Clemente High School band. Keith hopes to create a place for families and neighbors to come and hang out and forget the cares of the world. “If you come to Handel’s and spend a half an hour there, it’s like a half an hour of being on vacation,” he said.

HANDEL’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM 610 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, 949.312.2304, handelsicecream.com

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New Handel’s Ice Cream Delivers on Dessert T difference.”Keithrecognized the special love customers had for the ice cream and the excitement that came with the Handel’s brand. No amount of money can buy you the loyalty that customers have for this ice cream, Keith said. “The nice thing about working at an ice cream store is it’s not a hard sell,” said Pinedo, a family friend of the Kesler family who was recently the general manager of the Rancho Santa Margarita location. “Everyone is already happy. We’ve had a very warm reception from all the locals here.”

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in San Clemente serves fresh ice cream and sweet treats this summer at their new location on Camino de los Mares. Photo: Keaton Larson

CLASSIFIEDS SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD AT DANAPOINTTIMES.COM GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE Email your listing to Deadlineinfo@danapointtimes.com.12pmMonday. FOR SALE SURFBOARD FOR SALE Hand-shaped Channel Islands 7’4” surfboard (20 x 2 3/4). Great condition. $300 OBO. Text 949.702.3142.

Girls Volleyball Earns First Win, Drops Home Match Dana Hills girls volleyball charged out fast in the decisive fifth set to hold off a St. Margaret’s surge and earn its first victory, 25-18, 25-22, 18-25, 13-25, 15-6, on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano. The Dolphins followed up on Wednes day, Aug. 24, at home against JSerra, but the Lions were mightier in a straight sweep, 25-11, 25-17, 25-23. Dana Hills played for a third straight day on Thursday, Aug. 25, at home against Laguna Beach, but results were not available at press time. Dana Hills (1-5) is next in action with another three consecutive days of play next week. The Dolphins host Foothill on Monday, Aug. 29, travel to Corona del Mar on Tuesday, Aug. 30, and play at Mission

ood week with nice weather, for the most part. Half-day boats were fishing bass along some stretches off San Clemente and up through Dana Point. There was some action on the live baits. Fly-lined sardines got bites, but the best action came off the rubber lures like the smaller three-inch swim baits and the five-inch, fluke-style baits. Lures that were small, like an anchovy, fished well. There were some nice

danapointtimes.comDana Point Times August 26-September 1, 2022 Page 29 SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Dorado, also known as mahi mahi, were being caught in large numbers last weekend. Photo: Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

Dana Wharf Fish Report G

AUG. 22 • 5 boats, 89 anglers: 250 dorado.

There were some more yellowtail shots for the Fury fishing San Clemente Island. Fly-lined sardines and surface iron caught this stuff, which ranged in size from 12 to 28 pounds of good grade and plenty of bass fishing as the alternative. Finally, for our small boat fleet wanting the bluefin, they’ve been making the necessary run early in the week to make their catches, but sounding like some fish showing a little closer over the last two days, so hopefully that’s an option as well. Here are the latest fish counts from Dana Wharf Sportsfishing & Whale Watching:

The Clemente had a kelp on Sunday, Aug. 21, for 109 dorado and two yellowtails. The San Mateo fished the same kelp for 38 more dorado.

AUG. 20 • 11 boats, 238 anglers: 32 dorado, 18 yellowtail, 56 calico bass, 55 rockfish, 42 vermilion rockfish, 28 whitefish, 15 bocaccio, 15 barracuda, 8 sculpin, 4 treefish, 4 sheephead, 3 sand bass, 258 bass released.

Dorado remainsfishingwhite-hot

For in-game updates, news and more for all of the Dana Hills High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports and on Instagram @South_OC_Sports BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

Dana Hills girls volleyball earned its first win of the season on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at St. Margaret’s. Photo: Zach Cavanagh Viejo on Wednesday, Aug. 31. On Tuesday at St. Margaret’s, the Dolphins trailed by as many as six points in the first set, but Dana Hills closed out the set on a 13-2 run to overtake the Tartans, 25-18. In the second set, the Dolphins withstood a 9-0 St. Margaret’s run and came back from six points down again with a 7-0 run to win the set,The25-22.Tartans didn’t go away quietly and stormed back to take the third set with an 11-3 run, 25-18. St. Margaret’s then controlled the fourth set from start to finish with a 9-1 run and a 9-2 run for a 25-13 win. In the tiebreaking fifth set, Dana Hills dominated. The Dolphins sprinted out to a 4-0 lead and eventually a 12-3 lead to cruise to the win, 15-6, and record their first victory of the season.

AUG. 21 • 11 boats, 306 anglers: 174 dorado, 33 yellowtail, 101 calico bass, 28 whitefish, 18 bonito, 12 sand bass, 11 barracuda, 8 sculpin, 5 sheephead, 1 rockfish, 193 bass released.

Football TravelsPhysicalityEmbracesinOpener,toLagunaBeach

Every week, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching provides the Dana Point and San Clemente Times a report on the week’s fishing from Captain Brian Woolley, in addition to the weekly fish count. Here is Captain Woolley’s report for last week’s action:

Over the course of the offseason, the biggest goal for the Dana Hills football team was to increase its physical presence. The Dolphins committed to the weight room to strengthen their offensive and defensive lines and prepare for a fall season in which they would commit to the running game. All of that hard work showed up in the season opener. Senior running back Christian Guarascio ran for 259 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries, and senior linebacker Ethan Brougham led the defense with 18 tackles and two sacks, as Dana Hills held down University, 2114, at home on Friday, Aug. 19. Both Guarascio’s rushing yards and Brougham’s tackles topped the Orange County stat charts for the opening week of play. Dana Hills’ air game also broke for big plays, with senior receiver Blaize Bolter catching four passes for 131 of the Dolphins’ 208 total passing yards. Senior quarterback Connor Vernon completed 10 of 18 passes with a touchdown to junior Noah Brown and an interception in his first start. This week, Dana Hills (1-0) travels up Pacific Coast Highway to take on Laguna Beach (0-1). The Breakers dropped their opener nearly 850 miles away at Homedale, Idaho, 46-14. Last season, the Dolphins beat Laguna Beach at home, 35-7. DP

AUG. 23 • 6 boats, 147 anglers: 66 dorado, 6 yellowtail, 66 whitefish, 61 calico bass, 5 sheephead, 5 bonito, 1 sculpin, 1 barracuda, 94 bass released.

sheephead on the dropper loop setups, as Three-quarter-daywell. trips were still kind of a dual-target type of deal. Mornings were spent out off the beach looking for kelp, fishing dorado, and in the afternoons, boats came in on the beach, fishing bass. It’s the same deal as the half-day on the bass, with it being on the tougher side but still getting some shots. As far as the offshore scene goes, it’s been a great opportunity. All-day trips were out fishing for dorado (also known as mahi mahi). Certainly, if you’re the first to roll on a kelp in the morning, you stand a great chance of catching a few fish, but the better biting fish has been off the kelps. Some of these schools of fish have been massive. We’ve caught fish on breezers and legit foamers of dorado this week. We will continue to fish this as long as we’re seeing it and it remains in our range.

DOLPHIN REPORT

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA

For the men, Toledo will look to claim the title that’s eluded him thus far. Moving his family from Brazil to San Clemente, in part to be closer to Lowers, he’s considered one of the best smallwave surfers in the world. Winning events at Bells Beach and Rio in 2022, he also added runner-up finishes in Portugal, El Salvador and Indonesia to his scoreline. Wearing the yellow leader’s jersey as the No. 1 seed, he’ll have the luxury of watching all the action go down while he waits to see

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES itive Boys Under 14 division, Noah’s results wereNoahwell-earned.andhisbrother, Laird, are both passionate, dedicated surfers. The Lavik boys embody what it means to stay stoked all the time. When the waves are up, they’re shredding. When the wind comes up, they’re probably skating somewhere. And during

T NOAH LAVIK to become a hive of activity. The opening ceremony and press conference will take place on the San Clemente Pier on Sept. 6. Open to the public, swing by and listen to what the surfers have to say and check out the temporary installation dedicated to all the world champions over the decades. On Sept. 9, there’s going to be a special screening of the iconic surf film Searching for Tom Curren, as well as Conner Coffin’s new film, Mind Surfing, at the Rip Curl headquarters in San Clemente. Curren will be on hand playing music with some special guests. Open to the public, tickets are being sold to benefit the Surfrider Foundation. And then on Sept. 10, there’s going to be a team signing event at the Rip Curl shop in San Clemente during the day.

Curren, Bethany Hamilton, Mick Fanning and others will be on hand. And in the evening, the party’s moving to the Drew Brophy Gallery for an art show with artist Erik Abel, who created the artwork for this year’s WSL Finals.

Carissa Moore and Filipe Toledo head to Lowers as the No. 1 seeds and favorites to win the 2022 world titles whom he’ll face in the title match. And with last year’s winner, Gabriel Medina, absent from the event, he should feel pretty good about his chances.

Water Temperature: 68-71 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-7 Outlook: Fresh South-southwest swell builds on Friday and peals over the weekend. More chest to head high waves (4-5’) Friday morning push overhead through the weekend (4-6’+). Saturday is the largest day. Light morning wind sets up clean conditions early each day, before a light to moderate onshore see-breeze develops out of the west each afternoon.

Defending world champ Carissa Moore and San Clemente resident Filipe Toledo, who has his sights set on capturing the first world title of his already accomplished career, come into this battle royal of a surf contest as the No. 1 seeds.

Considered the biggest day in professional surfing, we’re only a few short weeks away from the surf world descending on San Clemente. Here we go!

Photo: Courtesy of WSL/Tony Heff

DP GROM OF THE WEEK

those frosty winter months, they’re all about hitting the mountains. Surf, skate and snow, it’s good living. Congrats to Noah on his solid result to start the WSA season, as well as all the rising stars out there who made the most out of the event at Trails. The next WSA contest lands at Surf er’s Point in Ventura on Sept. 17-18. DP

SURF FORECAST

Looking to win her third consecutive world title, Hawaii’s Carissa Moore will go into the 2022 Rip Curl WSL Finals as the No. 1 seed and the surfer to beat at the biggest day in pro surfing.

Meanwhile, for the men, Australia’s Jack Robinson rolls into Lowers as the second seed, followed by countryman Ethan Ew ing in third, Brazil’s Italo Ferreira in fourth and Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi in fifth. As we get closer to the opening day of the waiting period, expect our local zone he new Western Surfing Association season got off to a fantastic start with its first event held at Trail 6 earlier this month. Drawing young surfers from around Southern California, the vibes were up, and the ocean delivered some fun, “rippable” conditions. For some young surfers, it was a chance to pull the jersey on for the first time and see what competing was all about; for others, including San Clemente’s Noah Lavik, it was a chance to get back to work and keep chasing thoseFinishingdreams.runner-up in the highly compet-

For Moore, this incarnation of the WSL Finals is a chance to win her sixth world title—only one away from tying the record of seven held jointly by Layne Benchley and Stephanie Gilmore. Moore’s been on a tear the past few years. She won the world title in 2019 and 2021, as well as captured the first-ever Olympic gold medal for surfing in Japan last summer. She somehow only won one contest during the 2022 regular season, but she did finish runner-up in three oth er contests and made the quarterfinals or better in every event except one. Her consistency makes her one of the hardest surfers in the world to beat— and Lowers is one of her favorite waves on the planet.

Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Jour nal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation.

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W Rip Curl WSL Finals Lineup Locked In

Noah Lavik (second from left). Photo: Courtesy of NSSA and it worked out,” Moore explained after claiming her fifth world title last year. “I’ve never been in the water when winning a world title, so this is extra special. I couldn’t ask for anything more!”

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES ith the 2022 WSL Champi onship Tour regular season wrapping up last week in Tahiti, it’s time to shift gears and get ready for the Rip Curl WSL Finals. Coming to Lower Trestles, it will feature the top five men and top five women in a one-day, winner-take-all sprint for the 2022 world titles. Going down right here in our backyard, the waiting period runs from Sept. 8-16—historically, the most consistent time of year at Lowers.

The remaining women in the draw include France’s Johanne Defay as the No. 2 seed, Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb in third, Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy in fourth, and Stephanie Gilmore, seven-time world champ from Australia, rounding things out in fifth.

“I tried my best, surfed from my heart,

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August 26, 2022

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