May 22, 2020

LO C A L

N EWS

May 22-28, 2020

YO U

C A N

U S E

How Sports Handled the 1918 Flu Pandemic PAGE 12 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 21

Something to Smile About After Restrictions Ease, Dana Point Dental Reopens with New Protocols E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3

Dr. Lilian Cifarelli and the team at Dana Point Dental are taking additional precautions to ensure a sterile and safe environment to welcome back patients. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Retail Roundup: List of Curbside Retail Options GETTING OUT/PAGE 8

City Forecasts Budget Shortfalls amid Pandemic EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

danapointtimes.com

Mental Health Awareness Month SOAPBOX/PAGE 6

DP EYE ON DP

Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Dana Point Dental Reopens with Restrictions to Patients THE LATEST: Dana Point Dental has received the green light to see patients.

As of Monday, May 18, Dr. Lilian Cifarelli, Dr. Amir Larijani and Dr. Ashish Vashi resumed modified operations after previously having to close its doors in observance of state directives.

Office management now undergoes a set of screening procedures prior to setting an appointment with clients. Once patients state they haven’t experienced COVID-19 related symptoms or done international travel within a certain time frame, management proceeds to set up an appointment.

When a patient arrives for an appointment, they are asked to wait in their car and call the office to alert them of their arrival. When staff is ready to see the patient, the patient has their temperature taken upon entering the office.

Dana Point Dental has also brought on additional staff in order to assemble a sterilization team to sterilize the patient room, or operatory, after each appointment.

“The office could not be more sterile,” said Cifarelli, who has practiced dentistry for more than 20 years. “We might even be going overboard with the cleaning.

But we’ll do whatever it takes to give ourselves peace of mind and our customers peace of mind.”

To allow time for cleaning, patients are scheduled further apart from each other.

Standard hours were previously 8 a.m.-5 p.m. But after Dana Point Dental’s soft reopening, office hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m., with split shifts.

Cifarelli says patients were already asked to rinse their mouths prior to procedures to reduce bacteria as much as possible. Now, patients use an altered formula of rinse with more hydrogen peroxide. Patients also are required to wash their hands and place their belongings in a specific area to reduce any cross contamination.

In addition to face masks, dentists also put on face shields.

“You definitely feel warmer while wearing the shields, so we’ve had to have the air running cold,” Cifarelli said. “We tell Dana Point Times May 22-28, 2020

Dana Point Dental reopened on Monday, May 18 after directives from state leaders previously had required that the office close. Photo: Lillian Boyd

our patients ahead of time to dress for a colder environment, and we’ve also invested in blankets that we allow patients to keep after use.”

Dana Point Dental first closed after the governor’s stay-at-home order was issued on March 19, leaving some confusion in the dental care community as to whether dental visits were considered essential.

The following day, the California Dental Association (CDA) recommended that California dentists suspend all dental care except for emergency treatment to minimize the risk of virus exposure and to preserve the supply of critical personal protective equipment for health care workers who are treating COVID-19 patients.

On April 7, the California Department of Public Health released a new directive for dental practices that provides specific guidance about clinical care delivery during the COVID-19 crisis. The guidance directed dentists to suspend providing dental care, with the exception of emergencies, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Amid the closure, Cifarelli would check in with patients over phone calls, text messages and Skype calls.

On May 8, state officials released guidance on resuming deferred and preventative dental care.

“If you’re closed for eight weeks, there are patients who are in mid-treatment,” Cifarelli said. “A patient who had a small cavity could now have a big cavity. A patient who needed a filling could now need a root canal.”

Cifarelli adds that oral health has a correlation with physical and mental health.

“We know that the bacteria in your mouth impacts your whole body, especially your heart,” Cifarelli said. “This is the first part of your digestive system, so

it’s not a separate entity from the rest of your body. It’s where everything enters your body.”

Cifarelli continued to use social media and technology to connect with patients and prepare them for upcoming appointments.

“As dentists, we are accustomed to having an intimate connection with our patients,” Cifarelli said. “We do as much as we can to make sure they’re comfortable. We get to know them in a personal way. We continue to find ways to adapt and make adjustments to make sure our patients continue to feel cared for and comfortable.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Dana Point Dental specializes in cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry. For more information, visit danapointdental.com or call 949.661.5841.

—Lillian Boyd

City Staff Anticipates a Cumulative $10 Million Hit for Current and Next Fiscal Years THE LATEST: Due to the subsequent hit that the coronavirus pandemic has taken on the local economy, city officials say there will be a $4.2 million revenue hit for fiscal year 2020 (FY20) and a tentatively estimated $6 million hit for fiscal year 2021 (FY21).

On April 7, 2020, staff informed the Dana Point City Council that they were working on assessing the full impact of the economic toll that hotels and other industries were experiencing, along with the resulting impact on city revenues.

“We immediately dove back into the financial policies this council spent a lot Page 3

of time on,” said City Manager Mike Killebrew. “There is work being done at the federal level to get money back to cities.

We worked with department heads and staff to reduce budget line items throughout the budget in order to minimize impacts to services.”

Killebrew emphasized that assessment will continue for many months, as the full effect of COVID-19 impacts come to light.

“We took to heart not only the policies to maintaining infrastructure and facilities but really the extent of which council put emphasis on this in developing financial policies,” Killebrew said. “So investments in maintaining city infrastructure was high priority.”

After reviewing line items within the budget, Killebrew presented $1.45 million in savings. According to the staff report, other revenues performing better than budgeted totaled about $212,000.

Staff also recommended dipping into the economic stability reserve to use about $935,000, and reducing about $2 million total in money for unfunded pension liability and the community investment account.

While Councilmember Debra Lewis lauded city staff for putting in the work to find savings, she expressed concerns for an adjustment of $734,000 for the city attorney’s budget.

“We were going down the road of a deficit before COVID, and we knew a recession was coming, but we weren’t expecting this,” Lewis said. “I have tried to propose bids from other law firms. . . . This is an opportunity to look at things like this and save a substantial amount of money without lessening our services.”

Lewis, who teleconferenced into the council meeting, had to abruptly disconnect the call due to a family emergency.

Later, during comments on the budget adjustments, Mayor Pro Tem Jamey Federico stated that the majority of legal expenses were unanimously approved by city council.

“Quarterly, we review our legal strategies, and we’ve unanimously approved those,” Federico said. “We may need to address some of the strategies and services we provide.”

To conclude the presentation, Killebrew stated it was still difficult to forecast fiscal impacts, as it is unclear how quickly businesses will reopen and when. City staff has been meeting with the hotels twice a week, and initially, in March, staff met with hotel officials five days a week.

“Our hotels have been very forthcoming in projected occupancy numbers,” Killebrew said. “With things changing every day, I’m suggesting we wait prior to taking massive actions until we see what happens with our local economy. I’m not saying wait until we know for sure, but give it time, because so much has changed. We (Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP said passengers knew about the dangers and risks involved.

Wylie Aitken, attorney for the Chester family, said the family does not wish to comment beyond the contents of the complaint.

“This action is simply about accountability and getting answers with our hope that what we will learn will in some way help to avoid such tragedies in the future,” Aitken said.—Collin Breaux

(Cont. from page 3) need to see what happens with federal relief packages and whether we get some help.”

Killebrew added that he would likely discuss the budget at each council meeting going forward, with possibly scheduling additional special meetings in August.

After Killebrew provided a separate presentation on COVID-19 updates, Councilmember Joe Muller requested that staff present the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s plan on reopening businesses to state and county officials for feedback.

Councilmembers unanimously approved the budget adjustments and the motion to renew an amended proclamation of a local emergency, although Lewis was absent for those votes.

“We all understand we are here tonight because of a situation that is almost unprecedented,” Mayor Richard Viczorek said. “These types of events don’t happen very often. When they do, you hope you’re in a position to deal with them. I think the approach that was taken by this council, the work done by staff, has put us in as best a position as we’d hope to be.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The next city council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2.—LB

Orange County Partially Opens Beach Parking THE LATEST: The County of Orange reopened limited parking at county-operated beaches on Monday, May 18.

Parking with reduced capacity reopened at Salt Creek, Strands and Baby beaches in Dana Point. The coastal lot reopened at Aliso Beach in South Laguna, with the inland lot remaining closed. Parking at Capistrano Beach is closed for maintenance.

“County beaches are open for active recreation only,” an OC Parks news release states. “Appropriate physical distancing must be observed. Non-stationary activities like walking, running, swimming, surfing, paddling, boating, kayaking, etc. are permitted. Stationary activities like sunbathing; building sandcastles; volleyball, spikeball and other group activities; and bringing coolers, umbrellas, grills, etc. are not permitted.”

County-operated beaches reopened for active use, as the state approved the County of Orange Phased Beach Reopening Plan, on Thursday, May 7, according to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

The plan, Emergency Services Director Mark Ghilarducci said in a letter to OC Parks Director Stacy Blackwood, is consistent with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stayat-home order, issued on March 19.

“Therefore, beaches operated by the County of Orange are permitted to reopen Dana Point Times May 22-28, 2020

Bike and Pedestrian Enforcement Operation Planned for Dana Point

On Friday, May 22, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians who put roadway users at risk. Photo: File

under this beach management plan,” the letter states.

Under the county’s plan, the countyrun beaches will be open to the public seven days a week, during standard operating hours, while parking lots will continue to remain closed to reduce the potential for overcrowding.

The governor ordered all beaches countywide to close in late April as a targeted response to news photos that had showed large crowds of people visiting Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, in defiance of his social distancing directive, amid a heat wave that had hit Southern California.

Since imposing the controversial directive on Friday, May 1, the state has been lifting the closure on a city-by-city basis, depending on the beach management plans each city has submitted to the governor’s office for approval.

Beach hours are now as follows: • County beaches in South Laguna Beach (Aliso, Table Rock, West, Camel Point, Thousand Steps and Treasure Island beaches) are open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, consistent with City of Laguna Beach hours.

Please note that the access way and restroom at Thousand Steps Beach are closed.

• Capistrano and Poche Beaches are open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

• Salt Creek and Strands Beaches are open

5 a.m.-12 a.m. daily.

• Baby Beach is open 5 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

• Bayside Beach (at Newport Harbor Patrol) is open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Parking at county beach lots is $1 per hour via pay-and-display machines, or via OC Parks annual beach parking passes or all county parks and beaches parking passes.

Chester Family Files Lawsuit over Fatal Helicopter Crash THE LATEST: The family of Payton and Sarah Chester has filed a lawsuit against Island Express Helicopters stemming from a fatal crash earlier this year that took the lives of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School eighth-grader Payton Chester and her mother, Sarah, along with Kobe Bryant and six others.

The lawsuit, filed by surviving members of the Chester Family, alleges negligence by the helicopter company. Payton and Sarah Chester died in the crash in Calabasas on Sunday, Jan. 26.

A representative for Island Express Helicopters did not respond to a request for comment. In a people.com story on a separate lawsuit filed by Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, the company reportedly Page 4

THE LATEST: The Orange County Sheriff’s Department plans to take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules and responsibilities.

On Friday, May 22, deputies will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation.

Deputies will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way.

Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate, according to OCSD. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads.

Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33% from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed is up nearly 25% over the past five years.

“People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal,” said Carrie Braun, director of public affairs for OCSD. “People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.”

OCSD warns that drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions such as using a cellphone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.”

To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org.—LB danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

buildings unused for weeks,” states a MNWD press release. “That means the water in your building’s pipes or water system can become stagnant.”

MNWD suggests refreshing the building’s water system to ensure the highest quality of water.

“We recommend that customers flush out all the water that has been sitting stagnant in the building,” the release states. “While Moulton Niguel continues to provide safe and reliable water for our businesses and community, prolonged building closures can impact water quality within plumbing.”

COMPILED BY STAFF

Chamber’s Business Toolkit Submitted to County, State The City of Dana Point will be submitting the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s “Back in Business” Toolkit to the County of Orange and to state officials for review.

The “Back in Business” Toolkit provides business owners with the necessary information to prepare for reopening and to assess evolving business needs.

“The safety and health of our business community, including its employees and customers, are at the forefront of what guided these recommendations,” said Vickie McMurchie, the Chamber’s executive director. “We look to the County and State for any feedback and input they may provide. Our goal is to get our local businesses back in business, all while following health and safety guidelines.”

The toolkit has nabbed endorsements from the Chambers of Commerce in Aliso Viejo, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest and Mission Viejo.

The toolkit grows more prevalent as officials anticipate reopening. On May 18, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced updated criteria for counties to meet in order to request a variance to the state’s stay-at-home order—meaning that additional businesses could reopen.

If a county decides to pursue variance, the local public health officer must: 1. Notify the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

2. Certify through submission of a written attestation to CDPH that the county has met the readiness criteria, including guidance to be issued by the county and detailed plans, and that the county is designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

For small businesses in need of financial support, the County of Orange has been awarded $700,000 to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

In partnership with the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB), the County of Orange will be launching the OCWDB COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Support Program.

Eligible businesses can receive up to $10,000 in grant funds. This funding is intended to help local small businesses mitigate layoffs and adhere to "social distancing" provisions established by state and federal health entities.

To be eligible for this grant funding, businesses must be in Orange County, have a workforce of 500 or fewer employees, and be up to date on Unemployment Dana Point Times May 22-28, 2020

To restore a building’s plumbing with fresh water, Moulton Niguel recommends taking the following steps: 1. Identify all water faucets, toilets, shower and bathtub fixtures, refrigerator/freezers with an ice maker or water dispenser, drinking fountains, and any other source of potable water.

2. Turn on all the water faucets with drains for approximately 10 minutes. (Make sure to check that each drain is working properly).

NOTE: Water/Ice being flushed out of the building can be used to water plants and landscapes.

3. While the faucets are running with fresh water, flush each toilet to refresh the tank water and empty the old water from the toilet bowl.

With business and building operators preparing to reopen, Moulton Niguel Water District has announced a set of tips on ensuring safe water and effective plumbing. Photo: Pexels

Insurance (UI) taxes and in good standing with the State of California.

Businesses will need to submit an application on the Orange County One-Stop Centers website to be considered for grant funding. Applications opened on Thursday, May 21 at 9 a.m. and close on May 28 at 5 p.m. or until 170 applications are received, whichever comes first.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our Orange County economy. They help stimulate local economic growth and provide job opportunities within the community,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “This program helps the County’s local businesses during this critical time while complying with state and federal guidelines.”

For more information on Orange County One-Stop Centers, visit oconestop.com or call the Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at 714.480.6500.

applicants must meet testing criteria. The other three new announced sites are in Buena Park, Orange and Santa Ana. The addition of the four sites increases Orange County’s testing capacity by 2,640 per week, a press release said.

“I believe that knowledge is power,” said County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “Now that we have the ability to test more residents, we can gather additional data that may help us refine our knowledge of COVID-19 in Orange County and inform our policy decisions moving forward.”

Visit occovid19.ochealthinfo.com for more information.

SJC Added as Testing Site

Moulton Niguel Water District (MNWD) has announced suggested water tips when reopening your business or a building operation that has been dormant during the stay-at-home order.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has left many businesses, schools, homes and other

San Juan Capistrano is one of four new local coronavirus testing sites, OC Health Care Agency recently announced.

The tests are by appointment only, and

MNWD Gives Tips on Ensuring Healthy Water When Reopening Business

Page 5

4. Dump any old ice in the refrigerator/ freezer and continue to remove the new ice for 3-5 cycles. Run approximately 1 gallon of the water from the refrigerator dispenser to bring fresh water into the reservoir and water line to the refrigerator.

5. If the hot water has a sulfur smell or other odor, consider draining your water heater before use. (Follow manufacturers’ directions carefully for safety and protection from water damage.)

6. Don’t forget to check that all water faucets have been turned off after flushing.

While under the State of Emergency, Moulton Niguel Water District’s Board of Directors is temporarily granting credits for additional charges applied in Tiers 4 and 5. To learn more about bill adjustments, visit mnwd.com/adjustments.

To learn more about stagnant water and how to ensure safe water, read Guidance for Building Water Systems from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For additional information, email customerservice@mnwd.com or call MNWD at 949.831.2500.

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex O P E R AT I O N S General Manager Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director Mike Reed Accounting & Distribution Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Jake Howard Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 13, Issue 21. 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 2020. All rights reserved.

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Dana Point Times May 22-28, 2020

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

Mental Health Awareness Month—-Express Yourself

W

e have all heard the saying “health is wealth.” Never has this saying been more relevant to our mental health and state of mind than it is now. It is ironic that this year, Mental Health Awareness Month falls at a time when our country is facing one of the most challenging health crises in its history.

The COVID-19 crisis has taken a significant toll on the mental health and well-being of our community. It has left many people feeling lonely, isolated, afraid and worried.

These feelings are very real and can have a powerful impact on how we behave and relate to those we hold near and dear to our hearts. While physical distancing is vital as we navigate through these uncharted waters, self-care, healthy personal connections and resiliency have never been more important than right now.

May is Mental Health Awareness month—a time for us to shine a light on mental illness and empower those suffering from mental health and behavioral issues to seek care. This year’s theme, “Express yourself,” focuses on creative ways you can express yourself by exploring self-care and showing support to others throughout Mental Health Awareness Month.

Orange County’s Health Care Agency’s

(HCA) Behavioral Health Services Division is ready, able, and willing to help. The Behavioral Health Services Division provides telephonic and telehealth services throughout its continuum of behavioral health care, in addition to crisis services. The division extended its hours and offers community educational resources to support all Orange County residents during this difficult time.

I encourage everyone to become familiar with available resources in order to expand their own knowledge on mental health. In addition to other local sites, the OC Health Care Agency and Be Well OC recently developed THE BARTLETT websites in response to BULLETIN the COVID-19 outbreak,

By Lisa Bartlett providing information on behavioral health resources and self-care.

The Each Mind Matters website at eachmindmatters.org provides valuable information on mental health matters, educational resources and tips on how you can support mental health for all. The effects of selfexpression and creativity on our mental health and well-being have been widely documented. Everyone can benefit from

incorporating creative self-expression into their wellness routine. Tips on how you can incorporate self-expression into your wellness routine are available in the Each Mind Matters monthly activity guide.

Finally, in our continuing effort to reduce and eliminate the stigma associated with behavioral health conditions in Orange County, please remember the Stigma Free OC movement. There are steps that we can all take to educate ourselves and others about stigma related to mental illness and substance-use disorders, and show support to someone who is struggling. This effort to create stigma-free communities involves everyone, including any concerned individual; any organization, including businesses, schools, churches, etc.; and cities. Take a pledge of support today at stigmafreeoc.com in support of wellness and recovery for all.

We are all in this together and must care for ourselves and others.

Lisa Bartlett sits on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, representing the 5th District.

She was reelected in 2018. DP

Letters to The Editor

before the emergence of COVID-19. In eight out of the past 10 years, we spent more than we took in, resulting in net operating deficits in every year except the last two.

Even before the pandemic, Dana Point was expecting structural deficits (anticipated expenditures exceeding revenue). Per the staff report, “When the current budget was adopted, a long-term financial plan through FY25 was also approved; in that plan was a $627,000 structural deficit projected to accumulate between FY22 and FY23.”

If council does not address the root causes, Dana Point’s fiscal problem will become a crisis. This year’s $4 million hole will be plugged, but what about the $6 million hole expected next year, and the continued shortfalls likely in the years after that? Next year’s $6 million shortfall will be too big to fill with designated reserves without violating council’s fiscal policy or raiding funds currently set aside for roads and deferred property maintenance.

This problem is serious, and it can’t wait.

A few years ago, Councilmember Paul Wyatt did an analysis that concluded Dana Point was spending about 30% more than comparably sized cities in every single department. It’s time for this council to get serious about “right sizing” our city – not just balancing the budget, which has been a challenge for years, but cutting expenditures

by at least 20% so that there’s a comfortable margin to replenish reserves and put the city on the road to financial health. We can no longer ignore sacred cows like the $1.7 million city attorney budget, the lavish city vehicle policy, or the $13 million police budget that the council majority rubber-stamps without question each year. We simply can’t afford to ignore potential savings in any area.

It’s time for our city council to do what every business owner in our city is doing right now—look at every line item and find creative ways to improve efficiency and cut expenditures to create a healthy and sustainable financial model. Behind every crisis is an opportunity. Let’s not miss this one.

COUNCIL NEEDS TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT $10 MILLION BUDGET SHORTFALL TONI NELSON, Capistrano Beach

City Manager Mike Killebrew should be commended for taking immediate action to address a $4 million budget shortfall expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. He found approximately $1.5 million in line-item expenditure cuts to at least partially address the devastating hit to the city’s transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue.

Unfortunately, almost half of those savings were wiped out by a whopping $734,000 increase in the city attorney budget, but it was an impressive effort and long overdue. He also tapped unrestricted funds and reserves, taking $1 million out of the reserve for unfunded employee pension liabilities. Unfortunately, the challenge is far from over, because another $6 million hit to TOT is expected next year.

The elephant in the room is that Dana Point had a serious fiscal problem long

Page 6

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to lboyd@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning.

Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

At the Movies: Revisiting ‘Beautiful Girls’

Photo: Courtesy of Miramax Films / Woods Entertainment

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

I

Hobie Surf Shop in Dana Point is now open for online shopping and curbside pickup. Photo: Chelsie Rex

Retail Roundup: What’s Open?

COMPILED BY STAFF

With retail shops now allowed to reopen with modifications and restrictions under the state’s Stage 2 reopening plan, Dana Point Times compiled a list of the area’s retailers that are open for delivery and pickup services. Staff is asking for any other retail shops to reach out, letting us know you’re open so we can add to the list.

Please contact City Editor Lillian Boyd at lboyd@picketfencemedia. com or Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh at zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com for inclusion. This information is subject to change during the pandemic.

2nd Hand Treasures 3472 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach, 2ndhandtreasures.com, 949.218.7962 Art Gallery & The Gift Chateau 34507 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.9811 Art of Inner Peace 34505 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, artofinnerpeace.net, 949.290.3993 Dana Point Times May 22-28, 2020

Bella Bazaar New Location in Dana Point Harbor (Across from El Torito) 34511 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, bellabazaar.com, 949.429.6200 Browne’s Flowers 34156 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, brownesflowers.com, 949.661.4748 Camellia Boutique 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, camelliaboutiques.com, 949.218.3899 Chez Nevine 34509 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, cheznevine.com, 949.487.7000 Cycleogical 34102 La Plaza, Suite A, Dana Point, cycleogicalbikes.com, 949.542.4777 Dana Point Nursery 34100 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.496.5137 Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, danawharf.com, 949. 496.5794 Girl in the Curl 34116 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, girlinthecurl.com, 949.661.4475 Golden Galleon Boutique 34677 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, goldengalleonboutique.com, 949.493.8521

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n an era in which movements such as #metoo and Times Up are now common and a part of the everyday life narrative, concepts such as “separating the art from the artist” are also now more difficult than ever.

When the Harvey Weinstein scandals jumpstarted #metoo back in 2017, his name began tainting hundreds of movies as a producer and studio head. One specific film I keep thinking back to whenever this subject is brought up is Ted Demme’s romantic comedy Beautiful Girls (1996).

The moderate hit takes place in a small town in Massachusetts during the weekend of a high school reunion for five longtime friends—played by Timothy Hutton, Matt Dillon, Michael Rapaport, Max Perlich and Noah Emmerich; along with the women in their lives, played by Mira Sorvino, Uma Thurman, Natalie Portman, Martha Plimpton and Lauren Holly. Throughout the film, we see the usual, feel-good tropes in date movies, though slightly cruder, to remind us that this R-rated romcom is more about the dudes than the chicks.

Since 1996, Beautiful Girls appears to have been cursed with some seriously unlucky coincidences over the years. Besides being produced by Miramax Films when it was run by the Weinstein Bros., male lead Hutton was accused of rape in March 2020; Rapaport pled guilty to harassing ex-girlfriend Lili Taylor in 1997; and most of the women in the cast have since gone public with their own personal stories of being victimized by sexual misconduct. Although honestly, even if any of these unfortunate connections didn’t exist, I don’t think the film would have aged all that well.

Some of the dialog now feels artificial and faux-sophisticated. In particular, Portman’s dialog makes it jarringly obvious the script was written by a man in his mid-30s—Scott Rosenberg—trying to make it sound like a 13-year-old girl. And yet, I somehow still have a soft spot for Beautiful Girls nearly 25 years later. I think appreciating Beautiful Girls for what it is really only works if you have a nostalgic memory of enjoying it when you were younger and more innocent. DP danapointtimes.com

DP

Dana Point Point Dana

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love after 50 by Tom Blake

Senior Online Dating

F

or single seniors seeking a mate, online dating is almost their only dating option during these stay-at-home times. Over the past couple of months, I have received many questions from singles asking what dating sites would be best for them.

Take Sheri, for example. She said: “I lost my husband three years ago and tried Match.com. There were a lot of scammers on the site, and most men lied about their age. Can you recommend a senior dating site that is better than the others?”

And Judy emailed: “I’m a financially secure gal who cannot find local men to date. I joined Match.com, only to have Match notify me that four of the men they sent me were frauds.

“What on Earth? Where can I meet a nice man online? At my age, I don’t ON LIFE AND want to drive two hours, LOVE AFTER 50 which is how far away

By Tom Blake some of the men live, who’ve been recommended by sites.”

I asked my eNewsletter readers to share their experiences and recommendations for online dating.

Bruce wrote: “I met my wife on eHarmony, a very professional and reliable site, but it does cost money to join. I would recommend eHarmony; it’s not just a hook-up type of site.”

Jeanne said: “I went on OurTime in 2015, seeking men in their late 60s or early 70s.

I dated several nice men, one of whom has become my live-in partner.

“A person needs a lot of patience to go through the online process of looking, responding and meeting! So many men post old or blurry pictures of themselves. But online dating can be worth the hassle.

“I was happy living on my own, but since I am not a bar person and not much of a churchgoer, I realized I had to do what I term the big cocktail party in the cloud, because my chance of meeting single men was limited. It’s nice to be in social-distancing-mode with a significant other!”

Harvey shared: “I’m 73, looking for a college-educated woman, 65-75, to be my life partner from here to the end. I use Zoosk and have been quite pleased with the women I’ve met there. OurTime also has been good. I also checked out Elite Singles and Match, neither of which worked for me.”

Art said: “I have been on and off POF (Plenty of Fish) for 12 years, and back on since March. I am searching for a woman in her 70s, living within a half-hour drive of my house. I am talking with six women and plan to meet them for lunch when this quarantine is over.”

Thyrza stated: “Although this pandemic has limited the options of finding love, there are many dating websites from which to choose. While hibernating at home, a person has more time to browse those sites.

“My guy friend suggested that women should go to those websites with no expectations of meeting Mr. Right; rather, to look at it as entertainment, especially during this time.

“I did not expect much from online dating.

I say give it your best shot, enjoy the process, and you may just find that someone. I did.”

Carol emailed: “I’m an active 77. I’ve tried many dating sites, including paying for a three-day trial with SilverSingles, a Germany-based company. Many men are not within realistic driving locations. The three-day trial did not warrant paying for a full membership.

“Plenty of Fish, and OKCupid are free sites. Many want personal information

group of people on a sailboat in Dana Point Harbor. Dana Point Yacht Club can be seen in the background.

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 cred, as well as the date and location of the photo to lboyd@picketfencemedia.com.

immediately, like your phone number, or email address, so they can ‘chat.’

“I don’t care how many compatibility tests they give you. Those tests don’t guarantee that a person hasn’t made up answers, or would be a compatible partner.”

My suggestions to senior singles: Prior to spending money to join an online dating site, check and compare several sites. Do research. Read the reviews. Check costs. Do they focus on seniors? I read Zoosk is for younger people, not seniors. There are scammers on every site, not just on Match.com, so trust your instincts. Be very careful. POF and OKCupid are free sites.

There are companies such as

Online4.love.com, which evaluate and compare online dating sites. While that company’s information seems helpful, keep in mind that it and similar sites make money when people click on links from them to the specific dating sites.

Good luck with online dating.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middleaged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50. com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point 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 Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

T

Dana Point Times May 22-28, 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo was taken in 1995 of a

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Faith hree-year-old Faith is a sweet girl that is ready to start a new life in her forever home. She is a fun and energetic dog that would likely make a great jogging or hiking partner. A good pet for adults and older children, Faith would do well in an active home with experienced owners.

If you are interested in adopting Faith, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/adoptadog to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshel-

Photo: Courtesy of Sherman Indian High School

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

ter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP

Page 10

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 100 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT on JUNE 2, 2020 the City Council of the City of Dana Point will conduct a hearing to consider the following: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR PARKING VIOLATIONS Hearing Date:

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Hearing Time:

6:00 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as possible)

Hearing Location:

Dana Point City Hall Council Chambers, Suite 210 33282 Golden Lantern Dana Point, California 92629

The proposed resolution, list of fees, and the estimated cost required to issue parking citations, can be found on the City’s website at www.danapoint. org as part of the staff report.

As a result of the COVID-19 virus, and resulting orders and direction from the President of the United States, the Governor of the State of California and the Orange County Health Care Agency, as well as the City of Dana Point Emergency Declaration, the public will not be permitted to physically attend the Dana Point City Council Meeting.

Those desiring to be heard in favor or in opposition to this item will be given an opportunity to do so in writing via mail to the City Council at 33282 Golden Lantern, Ste. 203, Dana Point, California 92629, Attention: City Clerk or email to comment@danapoint.org. Please reference hearing title and date of hearing in any correspondence. For further information, you may contact the City Clerk at (949) 248-3505. The meeting can be viewed live on Cox Cable Channel 855 and online on the City of Dana Point YouTube Channel.

Any petition for judicial review of a decision of the Dana Point City Council is controlled by the statute of limitations provisions set forth in Sections 2.50.010 and 2.50.020 of the Dana Point Municipal Code and Sections 1094.5 and 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedures. Any action or proceeding to attack, review, set aside, or void any decision of the Dana Point City Council is controlled by Section 2.50.010 and Section 2.50.020 of the Dana Point Municipal Code. In of, which attacks or seeks to set aside, or void any decision

of the Dana Point City Council shall be limited to those issues raised at the hearings as provided in Chapter 2.50 of the Dana Point Municipal Code.

Copies of the procedures for the conduct of City Council public hearings are available from the City Clerk. _____________________________ KATHY WARD, CITY CLERK PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206573799 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MELIUS INVESTMENTS 45 WESTGATE LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 Full Name of Registrant(s): MIGMIR, LLC 45 WESTGATE LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 This business is conducted by a DE limited liability company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A. /s/MIGMIR, LLC/TIMOTHY MULLANEY/ PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 05/11/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times MAY 22, 29, JUNE 5, 12, 2020

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The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A. /s/DEEPBLUEWATER INC/JONATHAN BRICK/ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/28/2020.

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Looking Back

That meant that Ruth—who was primarily a pitcher in the 1917 season, with a 24-13 record, 2.01 ERA and a career-high 35 complete games—had to play more games in the field.

Ruth went on to lead the league in home runs that season with 11. Ruth had only hit nine home runs in the previous four seasons and went on to hit 714 home runs in his 22-year career.

With more players taken off rosters due to World War I and the ongoing pandemic, MLB halted the season early and pitted the Red Sox against the Chicago Cubs for the World Series on Sept. 5. On Sept. 11, Boston defeated Chicago in Game 6 to give the Red Sox the World Series championship.

Ruth played one more season with Boston before being sold to the Yankees in December of 1919, invoking the famed “Curse of the Bambino.” The Red Sox would not win another World Series for 86 years.

A view of the sports world during the 1918-19 influenza pandemic

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on general society are unprecedented, with shutdowns of this magnitude not seen in more than 100 years.

The sports landscape has been almost completely shuttered across North America and the globe, but how did the sports world handle the last pandemic of this impact, the 1918-19 Spanish flu?

North American sports in 1918 were much different than today, and not just because of the lack of television, big-money media contracts and merchandising.

The NFL was still two years away from being created as the American Professional Football Association. The predecessor of the NBA, the Basketball Association of America, was still 28 years from establishing itself. The NHL was only a year old, and its teams still played against other leagues’ champions to compete for the Stanley Cup. Even the Rose Bowl Game was in its infancy, with its first true annual installment in 1916 and the actual Rose Bowl still four years away from its inauguration.

However, even in those nascent days of North American sports, the 1918-19 pandemic created three historic events on local, national and international levels that may have set precedents for our present months to come.

SPRING FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

On the local level, the CIF did exist—if only in the Southern Section from 1913-17 before becoming a statewide organization in 1917—with a handful of high school boys sports being officially run, including football, baseball, basketball, swimming, water polo and track and field.

On the whole, the 1918-19 pandemic didn’t have a large effect on the CIF-SS championship landscape, as the first cases of influenza in Southern California didn’t come until September of 1918. Baseball, track and water polo held their championships in both years. Swimming’s 1918 entry isn’t listed in the CIF-SS record book, but the 1919 championships were held.

The 1919 CIF-SS boys basketball playoffs were canceled outright due to the pandemic.

In the fall of 1918, the football season continued on, as long as officials would allow. The season was halted before the CIF-SS semifinals, when the California Board of Education shut down high school athletic activities.

However, the season was not deemed over at that point by CIF-SS. The State CIF had canceled the state championship and even rescinded a rule passed by the Southern Section to allow athletes an extra semester Dana Point Times May 22-28, 2020

YEAR WITH NO CUP

The 1918 MLB season was shortened due to World War I and the influenza pandemic, but saw the rise of Babe Ruth (top row, fourth from left) as a hitter and the Red Sox’s last title before the 86-year “Curse of the Bambino” drought. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Heritage Auction Gallery

of eligibility due to the pandemic. CIF-SS soldiered on.

On Feb. 12, 1919, CIF-SS stated the football semifinals would be played on Feb. 21. In those semifinals, Fullerton defeated Santa Monica, 60-0, and Coronado of San Diego defeated Redlands, 14-0. Those games set up what is still the latest football game ever played in CIF-SS history, when Fullerton defeated Coronado, 18-0, for the CIF-SS title on March 8, 1919.

The 2020 football season may not start on time, and the CIF-SS has stated its willingness to push the start and end date of some fall sports. Could we see a CIF-SS football championship push into 2021? Possibly, but the March 8 date will be hard to beat.

THE RISE OF THE BAMBINO

On a national level, the professional team sport of the day was the national pastime, baseball. The 1918 season, in particular,

brought a level of intrigue, with historic results that shaped nearly a century of baseball history.

The flu pandemic first appeared in the United States in March of 1918, but the MLB season still went off as scheduled with Opening Day on April 16. With baseball deciding to play through, the flu had numerous effects on the season.

As we see today going to grocery stores and the like, face masks were prevalent in 1918 America, including on the diamond.

Many players, managers and umpires wore masks during games on the field of play.

Despite the measure, many players still became sick. Most prominent among those afflicted was Babe Ruth, who with several of his Boston Red Sox teammates contracted the flu during spring training. As some players had to be drafted into service for World War I and others became sick, the major league rosters were significantly reduced.

The Toronto Globe announces the cancellation of the 1919 Stanley Cup Final. Several Montreal Canadiens players became ill with the flu, and the Seattle Metropolitans would not accept the forfeit win. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/The Globe and Mail Page 12

On an international level in North America, the Stanley Cup itself became victim to the 1918-19 pandemic.

At the time, the Stanley Cup was not solely awarded to the NHL champion. It was still contested as it was conceived, as a “Challenge Cup,” with winners of multiple leagues competing for it.

The 1918-19 NHL was a far cry from today’s 31-team league. The NHL operated as a three-team league, with potential teams having financial troubles and Montreal’s No. 2 team, the Wanderers, not resuming play after the Montreal Arena burned down. The thenToronto Arenas withdrew from the season early due to financial trouble, and the Montreal Canadiens bested the Ottawa Senators for the NHL title.

The 1919 Stanley Cup Final pitted the Canadiens against the winner of the three-team Pacific Coast Hockey Association, the Seattle Metropolitans. The two teams had battled to a 2-2-1 tied series through five games when tragedy hit.

Several Montreal players had contracted the pandemic influenza, which left the Canadiens without enough players to compete.

Montreal offered to forfeit the Cup to Seattle, but the Metropolitans refused. Canadiens defenseman Joe Hall died days later of pneumonia brought on by the flu, and the Stanley Cup was not awarded.

The year 1919 is one of only two years in which the Stanley Cup was not awarded, both of which are still engraved on the Cup itself. The other instance was the 2004-05 season that was canceled in its entirety due to a lockout over the owners’ insistence on a salary cap.

The NHL is pushing to complete its season and the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, with plans of an amended 24-team tournament at neutral sites. However, if the COVID-19 pandemic pushes on, there might be a third year without a Stanley Cup champion to be inscribed on the trophy. DP danapointtimes.com

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 67-69 Degrees F

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12‘ Outlook: South/southwest swell maintains waist-head high surf (3-5’) on Friday, as light southerly winds in the morning rise to 6-10kts for the afternoon. A combination of old, easing South/southwest swell and smaller, new Northwest swell leads to weakening waves over the weekend, with Sunday’s surf dropping to thigh-waist high, (23’). Moderate southerly wind due through much of Saturday. Lighter/more variable winds Sunday morning, shift to a moderate westerly sea breeze in the afternoon.

GROM OF THE WEEK

RIVER BIOLOS

Members of the Surfrider Foundation fight for clean water on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. Photo: Courtesy of Surfrider Foundation

Surfrider Wins Big in U.S. Supreme Court

Surfrider Foundation notches a huge victory in defense of the Clean Water Act

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n addition to all that’s been happening with our local beaches and the various openings and closings over the past couple of months, there’s other important surf news that hasn’t been getting the attention it deserves.

One of the big stories that we should all be celebrating is the San Clemente-based Surfrider Foundation’s victory in the U.S. Supreme Court at the end of April.

The Maui chapter of Surfrider originally filed its litigation against the County of Maui back in April 2012. It was filed as a result of groundwater pollution from the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility.

Surfrider and its co-plaintiffs alleged that three-to-five million gallons of treated sewage was finding its way into the Pacific Ocean each day through groundwater beneath the facility. As a result, nearby beaches and reefs were dramatically impacted.

The U.S. Supreme Court decided that Maui was in violation of the Clean Water Act and was responsible for the pollution.

“The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires those who discharge pollutants into navigable waters from pipes or wells to obtain a federal permit,” explains a Surfrider statement.

“The district court and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the plaintiffs, but the County appealed to the Supreme Court.”

“The question presented to the Supreme Court was whether the CWA requires a permit when pollution originates from a point source (like the wastewater plant on Maui) but is conveyed to navigable waters by a non-point source, such as groundwater here,” the statement continues.

Dana Point Times May 22-28, 2020

The County of Maui and Environmental Protection Agency had been pushing for a stricter reading of the Clean Water Act, which would have absolved them of responsibility for the polluted groundwater.

Their contention was that the pollution did not “directly” enter the waterway. The Supreme Court agreed with Surfrider that there are protections in the Clean Water Act for groundwater pollution, referred to as “point source pollution,” such as this.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments for the case on Nov. 6, 2019. Surfrider was joined in the case by Sierra Club-Maui Group, West Maui Preservation Association and Hawai’i Wildlife Fund, as represented by Earthjustice. The final verdict was handed down on April 23.

“Congratulations are deserved for Surfrider Foundation’s Maui Chapter that has been working on the complex and arduous campaign for over a decade in order to reach today’s rewarding decision,” reads a statement from Surfrider’s Angela Howe.

The case has now been remanded to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, where Surfrider members believe they will ultimately be victorious.

“Surfrider Foundation is very pleased with the Court’s ruling today, and we are confident that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will rule in our favor on remand,” continues the Surfrider statement. “The ruling makes clear that at least some instances where point source pollution (such as the injection wells in Maui) that travels through groundwater to a water of the United States, like the Pacific Ocean, will be covered under the Clean Water Act.”

A huge win for Surfrider, this decision is not just important for the people who live and enjoy the ocean in Maui, but the effects will potentially reverberate around the country and set a precedent for other legal action in the future, as needed.

From a local perspective, maintaining the health and integrity of our local waters is paramount to the health of both our community and economy. At present, the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) continues to go through the decommissioning process, which includes storing more than 100 stainless steel canisters full of nuclear waste close to the waterline at San Onofre. And in Dana Point, the harbor is just about to go through an expansive and comprehensive upgrade.

In both instances, there is a potential for pollution to find its way into our local surf breaks. And while it will take vigilance on everyone’s part to ensure the health and integrity of our beaches remains undisturbed, it’s great to know that, right here, in our own backyard, we have an advocate such as Surfrider that knows what it means to take the fight to the highest court in the land and come away victorious.

Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times, 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. DP

Page 14

River Biolos. Photo: Courtesy of Rob Henson

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

G

rowing up the son of one of surfing’s most esteemed surfboard builders, River Biolos undoubtedly was going to find his way into the ocean sooner rather than later. Learning to surf at 4 years old at Doheny, River was pushed into his first waves by his famous father, Matt—and now they can’t get him out of the water.

“Surfing inspires me to see the world and surf many different places,” River says. “I was technically forced to surf, because my dad owns a surfboard business. But once I learned how, I realized it is really fun and how much I enjoy it.”

Currently finishing fifth grade at Concordia Elementary School in San Clemente, River, like all of his other classmates, has been making the most of the remote learning that the schools have implemented. And when the computer work is done, it’s time to surf.

“These days, I either surf at Trestles, or I like to go to the pier,” River says.

Looking up to local heroes such as Griffin Colapinto and Kolohe Andino, River’s already ripping.

“My favorite thing about surfing is that feeling you get after you do a sick, two-turn combo or an air for the first time,” he says.

“It makes you just feel happy and excited to do more.”

In terms of where he sees his surf life taking him, the future is wide open.

“In 10 years, I think surfing will take me to a good enough level so that I can travel and surf really good waves,” River says. “I never really want to be a professional surfer or snowboarder, because my purpose in life is to keep the family business running, and that is what I will try to teach my kids when I grow up.” DP

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