November 27, 2020

November 27-December 3, 2020

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

INSIDE: 2020 Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 13, ISSUE 48

In the Holiday Spirit

Pandemic Brings Changes to Annual Holiday Events, Traditions D P L I V I N G / PAG E 1 8

danapointtimes.com

The Dana Point Harbor Partners has announced the cancellation of the harbor’s annual Boat Parade of Lights. However, officials hope to offer alternative, socially distanced ways to celebrate the holidays. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Marinelli Fine Jewelry Closing Its Doors EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Wild Weekend: DIY PlasticFree Butterfly Feeders GETTING OUT/PAGE 15

Surfing Offers Silver Lining Amid 2020’s Challenges SURF/PAGE 22

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 2

danapointtimes.com

DP EYE ON DP

Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Logo Selection Committee will choose the winning logo from among the top four designs chosen by the public.

The winning logo will appear on Festival of Whales 2021 promotional material (as applicable), which could include: clothing, decals, posters, flyers, tote bags, buttons, print and digital media advertising, the official event program, event signage and news media.

Five things Dana Point should know this week

Logo Contest Announced for 50th Festival of Whales in 2021 THE LATEST: The Festival of Whales Foundation will kick off a golden anniversary logo design contest on November 27 for the upcoming 50th annual 2021 Dana Point Festival of Whales. The contest is open to the public and entries will be accepted through midnight, January 10, 2021.

The golden anniversary Festival is set for March 6 and 7, 2021, a departure from the traditional two-weekend format, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

“Whether we are allowed to proceed with some of our traditional events in person or switch to a hybrid in-person/virtual model, we will not miss the opportunity to celebrate this long-standing and iconic Dana Point celebration,” said Donna Kalez, Festival of Whales Foundation President. “Whether COVID restrictions persist or ease, the whales don’t mind and will, as always, grace our coast with their awe-inspiring presence during their annual migration.”

Whale-watching excursions have been, and are expected to continue, operating out of Dana Point with COVID protocols in place to provide viewing in a safe and socially distanced manner. Other Festival events will be tailored to adhere to restrictions, and a schedule will be forthcoming shortly.

Past event logo designers have included local amateur artists, high school art students and internationally known professional artists including John Van Hamersveld and Wyland.

For more information on the history of the Festival’s logo and to see some of the past winning designs, visit festivalofwhales.com/festival-of-whales-logo-history.

Entries must be emailed to dpfestivalofwhales@gmail.com by midnight January 10, 2021.

Text/font style, placement and arrangement are artists’ choice. Designs may be frameless/borderless or reside completely inside of any shape of a frame. However, the design must include text referencing the 2021 50th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales, March 6 and 7, 2021. The required text may reside anywhere on, in, above or below design elements.

Artwork must include a dominant graphic representation of the California gray whale—tail/s, entire whale/s, mother and calf, etc. Representations of other object/s relevant to the logo—such as the Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

WHAT’S NEXT: All four finalists and their artwork will be recognized at the conclusion of the social media public vote and their name/work could be published in the Dana Point Times.

The first-prize winner will receive $500, two whale watching tickets, and choice of four pieces of event merchandise.—Lillian Boyd

Mission Hospital Director on Pandemic: ‘We’re Still on Uphill Slope of the Curve’

Mika Denny designed the logo selected for the 49th Festival of Whales earlier this year. For 2021, the Festival of Whales Foundation is opening a logo design contest to the public. Graphic: Mika Denny

ocean, sun, boats, Dana Point Headlands and other wildlife—may be included but are not mandatory.

Final artwork should be a full-scale Vector file. Illustrator .eps, Illustrator .ia, Photoshop .psd and Corel Draw .cdr files are acceptable. Designs should be created in layers where applicable.

A maximum of four colors may be used in the final design. For graphics, Pantone solid coated colors are preferred; however, other colors used will be matched as closely as possible. All artwork must be original creations of the contestant.

By entering the contest, the artist

agrees to allow necessary changes (not affecting the integrity of the design) that may be necessary to ensure the best presentation of the logo on merchandise, advertising, in print and online media. The artist also agrees to grant exclusive use of the design to the Festival of Whales Foundation, to participate in media coverage of the contest (interviews and photos), and (if possible) to attend appearances/autograph signings/virtual events (no more than two) during the Festival.

Designs will be posted to social media for public voting from January 11-17. The Festival of Whales Foundation Board and

Dana Point

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES as of 11/25/20 TOTAL LAST 30 DAYS

cases

deaths

384

4

75

1

LAST 30 DAYS

est. population • 34,000 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

Page 3

THE LATEST: As COVID-19 cases continue surging in Orange County and throughout the country, one medical professional at Mission Hospital said this is an expected outcome and that another peak can be expected by Christmas.

James Keany, the Associate Director of the Emergency Department at Mission Hospital, recently spoke with Dana Point Times to give his medical perspective on the ongoing health crisis. Keany urged people to continue wearing a mask and washing their hands, saying they may not realize the importance of following such guidelines because they haven’t previously gone through a pandemic.

“They don’t understand the importance of limiting contact,” Keany said. “The unfortunate reality is people should restrict unnecessary movements.”

Despite the current rise in cases and subsequent advisories against traveling and gathering for Thanksgiving, conditions are not as bad as they were in the spring, when the pandemic first spread, Keany said.

Well over half of the general population is adhering to the public safety guidelines of wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and avoiding unnecessary gatherings, Keany said.

“We’re still on the uphill slope of the curve,” Keany said. “It only takes that 15 to 20 percent to screw us all.”

Orange County moved back to the state’s highest-risk level and most restrictive tier of the state’s coronavirus monitoring system on Nov. 16. A “Limited Stay-at-Home Order” for all counties currently in the purple “widespread” risk tier—prohibiting overnight non-essential work, movement and gatherings—was issued on Nov. 19.

(Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) San Juan Capistrano City Hall closed to the public on Nov. 6 after several city employees tested positive for COVID-19, though city services have continued.

Schools in Capistrano Unified School District will remain open.

South Orange County has had relatively fewer cases and less dire circumstances in comparison to other areas and the nation at large due to the region’s socioeconomic advantages, which include comparatively lower population density, more people having jobs that allow them to work from home, and access to health care and coronavirus testing, Keany said.

“South Orange County is not seeing as big a peak as in other areas, especially North Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego,” Keany said.

Keany said there has been talk of pandemic fatigue, in which people are tired of being cautioned against going out, tired of adhering to safety protocols and not being able to go about their business as usual.

“People want to live their lives,” Keany said. “It’s a normal desire.”

For the public health sector, though, Keany said these guidelines in the face of a safety issue are nothing new, comparing it to the advent of seat belt laws. Safety measures are intended to be for the good of everyone, Keany said.

The pandemic will not end until there is a vaccine and herd immunity, Keany said.

Health professionals and others have become better at treating COVID-19 and learning how to manage it, Keany said, though noting that some teenagers are dying from the pandemic.

“No one’s immune,” Keany said. “Some had no risk factors.”

Data is also available that shows COVID-19 is increasing strokes, blood clots in the lungs, and heart attacks in otherwise healthy people, Keany said.—Collin Breaux, Zach Cavanagh and Shawn Raymundo

Rep. Levin Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Solar Energy Tax Credit THE LATEST: Bipartisan legislation recently introduced by Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) and Rep. Dave Schweikert (R-AZ) aims to enhance an existing investment tax credit for solar energy jobs—a sector Levin said is crucial in Southern California.

The tax credit—created in 2006— has reportedly become challenging to utilize due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and it also has a looming phase-out period. The Solar Jobs Preservation Act makes the ITC temporarily refundable for projects that break ground by the end of 2021, and extends the phasedown of the tax credit schedule by one year, Levin’s office said.

During a phone interview from Washington, D.C., Levin said he’s heard from solar developers who have been unable to use the Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Marinelli (Marty) Lungo, longtime owner of Marinelli Fine Jewelry, has announced the closure of his business by year’s end as he transitions toward retirement. Photo: File

tax credit because the market has dried up.

“We will do all we can to get it passed in Congress,” Levin said. “In Southern California, it will have a very positive impact.”

While in office, Levin has often emphasized and advocated for addressing energy/ climate change-related causes and the pandemic’s economic impact. The legislation ensures solar companies continue to be incentivized, while helping to reduce carbon emissions and creating jobs, Levin said.

The bill has been endorsed by the Solar Energy Industries Association and various environmental groups. It is cosponsored

by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Paul Cook (R-CA).

“With nearly half a million clean energy workers still out of work from the COVID economic crisis, Congress should provide immediate relief in the form of refundability for the clean energy tax credits,” said Matthew Davis, Legislative Director for the League of Conservation Voters, in a statement from Levin’s office. “We applaud Rep. Levin for his leadership to make refundable and extend the solar tax credits for a year.”

Levin recently won a reelection bid to keep his seat in the 49th Congressional District, fending off Republican challenger Brian Maryott.—CB

Marinelli Fine Jewelry Closing Its Doors

By Year’s End THE LATEST: Marinelli (Marty) Lungo says he has a dream job with a dream view: owning a jewelry store overlooking the ocean.

But now that Lungo has been sitting at a jeweler’s bench for 51 years, he admitted something to himself.

“I’m starting to go crazy looking at all those fishing boats on the ocean, and I’m in here,” said Lungo, an avid fisherman.

Now, after a long and distinguished career, Lungo has decided it’s the right time to retire and enjoy life—and the ocean—a little bit more. As he prepares for the next chapter

of his life, a huge storewide retirement sale at Marinelli Fine Jewelry is underway.

“People have just assumed we’re expensive; they’re always impressed with the quality of work and usually say they wished they had found us earlier,” said Lungo. “For this closing sale, they’ll be even more surprised at the high-quality jewelry at a very low price.”

Born in Italy, he came to the U.S. in the early 1960s and started out as a jewelry apprentice in New York. After visiting some friends in Southern California, he packed up and moved to the area in 1975. He spent several years as a jewelry designer and manufacturer with his business in downtown Los Angeles, creating other pieces for other jewelers to sell. He decided to open his own storefront and directly bring his designs to his customers when he moved to Orange County in the early 2000s and opened Marinelli Fine Jewelry.

In the age of big-box retailers, Lungo credits his loyal customer base to always treating people well and providing a personal touch.

“I’ll miss the customers and having a daily schedule, but my wife is also retired, and it’s time to go have some fun and enjoy life,” Lungo said. “When people think of Marinelli Fine Jewelry, we hope we’re remembered as honest, hard-working people and that we made a lot of people happy over the years.”

Marinelli Fine Jewelry will likely remain open through the holidays and the year’s end.—LB

Orange County Board of Supervisors Approves New Grant for Child Care Programs THE LATEST: The Orange County Board of Supervisors has allocated an additional $5.1 million in CARES Act emergency funding to support licensed Orange

Page 4

County family child care homes and center-based child care programs—bringing the total to $10.1 million to help meet the profound need in the community.

Grant organizers received applications from 843 child care providers for the initial $5 million CARES Act grant, which allowed for only 350 applicants to receive funds. Now, with the influx of additional funds, it will be possible for all 843 applicants to receive financial assistance.

“The large number of applicants serves as a testament to the struggle facing local providers due to challenges posed by the pandemic,” said First 5 Orange County President and Chief Executive Officer Kim Goll. “This money will help care providers keep their doors open and allow them to continue serving Orange County’s children and families, but it does not solve the problems the industry was facing prior to the pandemic.”

In a recent survey of child care providers

by First 5 Orange County, 63% said they would have to close within the next six months without additional assistance. As the recent Orange County Child Care Landscape Analysis points out, the pandemic has only deepened the crisis. Nearly half of Orange County’s child care providers closed their programs from mid-March to early June, then began reopening with new requirements and reduced capacities to maintain social distancing guidelines.

The survey also showed that 44% had to furlough or lay off staff, and all respondents reported additional funds were needed to remain open, including for staff salaries, cleaning supplies, and facility charges. Half of the survey respondents are minority-owned businesses.

The addition of $5.1 million, sponsored

by Supervisor Doug Chaffee and Supervisor Andrew Do, will be distributed by Charitable Ventures to qualified early care and education providers in Orange County. Funds are being disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible licensed or licensed-exempt child care providers in Orange County to pay staff, purchase supplies, help cover mortgage and rental costs, business resilience and environmental improvements for children’s learning spaces. Grant organizers expect to award funds to hundreds of child care centers, family homes, and group care centers.

“We received incredibly high turnout in the number of applicants for the Orange County Child Care Funding Program, which underscores the need to support child care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chaffee.

WHAT’S NEXT: Eligible providers will be notified and funding will begin to be processed on Nov. 19, continuing through Dec. 15 until all funds are expended. All funds must be spent on approved COVID-19 related expenses by Dec. 30, 2020.

Visit occhildrenandfamilies.com/childcare for more information.—LB danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 5

danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Stand Up To Trash Hosts Inaugural Beach Cleanup Stand Up to Trash, a newly founded nonprofit environmental organization, hosted its first beach cleanup on Thursday, Nov. 19, with plans for monthly cleanups in the future.

The event was held at Doheny State Beach Park in Dana Point, where participants gathered in the county parking lot at Puerto Place by the harbor jetty. Masks, gloves and bags were provided to attendees.

Stand Up To Trash is an organization seeking to bring awareness to negative effects of plastic pollution and other forms of trash in the ocean environment.

“Stand Up To Trash was formed to help conserve and protect our oceans,” said Executive Director Vicki Patterson. “This is the beginning of a movement that we hope to grow and have an impact. For all of us who play in the ocean—sailors, surfers, paddleboarders, windsurfers and divers— we know that trash impacts all of our lives.”

An estimated 60 people attended the organization’s inaugural cleanup, including members from a Boy Scout troop, families and solo attendees. Nearly 40 pounds of trash were collected over the course of two hours.

For more information on future cleanup dates, follow Stand Up To Trash online at standuptotrash.com or at facebook.com/ standuptotrash.

Dana Point Announces Safe, Outdoor Holiday Festivities The City of Dana Point has planned a number of holiday and community events that are designed to provide safe, outdoor options for holiday celebrations.

While statewide guidelines have restricted some activities, a city press release announced that officials are focused on safe, outdoor events, as well as working with local elementary schools to help bring some extra holiday cheer, including school visits from its Jolly Trolley. The city’s holiday outreach also includes services for those in need and the senior community.

“We appreciate the commitment of our residents and businesses as we all work to minimize the impact of COVID-19,” said Dana Point Mayor Richard Viczorek. “In Dana Point, we are lucky to live in such a beautiful location that encourages fun and festive outdoor celebrations while ensuring safe distancing. This is when we can show our community spirit in more ways than one.”

For all events, 6-foot social distancing will be maintained, and masks will be mandatory.

On Friday, December 4, the community can see Santa as he rides Santa’s Jolly Trolley with his elves (from the City of Dana Point Recreation Division) and distributes Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

TUESDAY, DEC. 1

DANA POINT CITY COUNCIL 6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers at 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point.

is December 15. For 2020, homes will be judged on Best Overall, Most Creative, Best Use of a Theme, and People’s Choice.

All homes that are entered will be featured on the Youth Board’s Candy Cane Lanes map, published in the Dana Point Times and displayed on the city’s website and social media. In addition, all contestants gain citywide bragging rights and a sign to proudly display in their yard for all to see. Judging by the Youth Board will take place on December 17. Winning homes in each category will receive gift cards.

Residents who want to join in on the fun can email Monique Leon at mleon@danapoint.org or call 949.248.3507. Applications are available online starting Monday, November 30 at danapoint.org.

For more information on upcoming events, contact the Recreation Division at 949.248.3536.

and alumni to address cultural and racial inequity, Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) is considering modifications to their policy on bullying.

A first reading of the revised policy was read to the CUSD Board of Trustees during a meeting on Nov. 18. A second reading for a formal vote of approval is expected to come back before the board at a Dec. 16 meeting.

District staff reviewed CUSD’s policy after members of CUSD Against Racism highlighted topics of concern regarding marginalized groups, particularly when it comes to harassment experienced by students over their ethnicity and appearance, as well as for other reasons.

“The language changes more in the sense that it clears up or clearly defines bullying and what groups may be potentially targeted,” said Susan Holliday, Chief Administrative Officer of Education and Support Services.

Bullying can include sexual harassment, hate-motivated behavior, discrimination, cyberbullying, hazing or initiation activity, extortion, or harassment, according to the proposed revisions.

School District Considers Tweaks to Bullying Policy

Have something interesting for the community?

Stand Up To Trash volunteers collected nearly 40 pounds of trash during the nonprofit’s first beach cleanup at Doheny State Beach on Thursday, Nov. 19. Photo: Courtesy of Vickie Patterson

pre-packaged treats for kids up to the age of 12. Santa’s elves will collect letters for Santa to bring back to the North Pole for Santa to review and provide a response.

Kids can also mail letters to: Santa Letters, c/o City of Dana Point Recreation Division, 34052 Del Obispo St. Dana Point, CA 92629. Deadline to submit Santa letters in the mail is December 14.

The Jolly Trolley will stop at the following locations: PINES PARK • 3-3:30 P.M. 34941 Camino Capistrano SUNSET PARK • 4-4:30 P.M. 34345 Calle Naranja DANA WOODS PARK • 5-5:30 P.M. 24900 Dana Woods SEA CANYON PARK • 6-6:30 P.M. 33093 Santiago Drive LA PLAZA PARK • 7-7:30 P.M. 34111 La Plaza Street On Saturday, December 5, the city will host its Holiday Food Drive: “Tis the Season for Giving.” From noon to 4 p.m. at the Dana Point Community Center, residents can drive up and drop off food items. Santa and his elves will be on hand to provide treats to children in cars.

The City’s Recreation Department is also requesting donations for its Secret Santa for Seniors. Volunteers are matched with a senior for a specific item they have requested (up to $20 item), then volunteers can purchase the item and bring the unwrapped gift to the Dana Point Community Center by December 11. If interested, contact the City of Dana Point Recreation Division at recreation@danapoint.org Calling all Holiday Home Decorators!

The Dana Point Youth Board is taking applications for its “Candy Cane Lanes” Home Decorating Contest. The deadline to enter

In the wake of “Black Lives Matter” protests this summer and calls from students

Page 6

Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 7

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 8

danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Demonstrators burn face masks in a firepit at the beach near the San Clemente Pier on Saturday, Nov. 21, as part of a rally against the state’s latest Limited Stay-at- Home Order, requiring all non-essential work and gatherings to cease from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE

Hundreds Gather at Pier Bowl for Mask-Burning Rally

As the clock struck 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, hundreds enthusiastically threw face masks into a firepit on the beach near the San Clemente Pier, sending a sharp rebuke to Gov. Gavin Newsom and his limited curfew imposed on counties struggling to get a handle on the latest surge in coronavirus cases.

Led by San Clemente resident Alan Hostetter and his American Phoenix Project, Saturday’s demonstration was advertised as “a clear act of defiance” that coincided with the first night of the state’s Limited Stay-atHome Order. A similar rally was held the same night in Huntington Beach.

“This mask burning we’re about to do is the (Boston) Tea Party of 2020,” Hostetter said, eliciting cheers from the crowd of mask-less demonstrators, many of whom, donning Make America Great Again caps, waved American and Trump 2020 flags.

The limited curfew, announced late last week for counties within the purple “widespread” risk tier, placed a moratorium on all non-essential work, movement and gatherings between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the next month.

The order comes as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are on the rise in California and the rest of the nation. It also followed the state’s decision to drop several counties, including Orange County, back into the purple tier—the most restrictive level on its four-tiered, color-coded coronavirus monitoring system.

While there was a presence from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, like in previous rallies and protests throughout the year, the gathering and mask burning demonstration went off without intervention from law enforcement.

Sheriff Don Barnes last Thursday, Nov. 19, issued a statement in response

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

to the governor’s Limited Stay-at-Home Order, explaining that the department wouldn’t enforce the curfew and would instead maintain its position of taking “an education-first approach with regard to the public health orders.”

Barnes had said that while OCSD is “assessing the action by the Governor,” deputy sheriffs “will not be responding to requests for face coverings or social gatherings-only enforcement,” because they need to be available for emergency calls.

Daryl Wilkinson, a former Dana Point resident currently living in Anaheim who attended the rally on Saturday, acknowledged the severity of the pandemic, but said he believes the restrictions are a step too far.

“We want to stand up for our God-given Constitutional rights,” he said, adding: “It’s understandable that, yes, there is an epidemic, a situation with the pandemic, but our present government has no right to impede on everyone’s rights to assemble while they’re ignoring the data on the infection rate and the fatality rate of this pandemic.”

The county on Monday, Nov. 23, reached a new milestone in total cases, surpassing more than 71,110 cumulatively to date, as 1,422 new positive cases were reported to the health office. More than 1,550 county residents have died from the disease, according to Orange County Health Care Agency.

As of Monday, there were 428 people reportedly being treated for COVID-19 in the county’s hospitals, the highest number since mid-August. Of those in the hospital, 105 had been admitted to an intensive care unit.

Over the weekend, San Clemente also saw a jump in cases, adding 51 reported infections between Friday, Nov. 20, and Monday, bringing the city’s cumulative total to 759.

Though Wilkinson, who regularly wears a face mask for his work, participated in the rally on Saturday, he said he didn’t want to burn his mask, noting its cost and support for the reelection of President Donald Trump.

“No, I did not (burn it); I can’t,” Wilkinson said with a laugh. “Mine is a Trump 2020 mask, and I don’t want to burn it.”

—Shawn Raymundo DP Page 9

danapointtimes.com

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 danapointtimes.com

HOW TO REACH US

GUEST OPINION: By Joanna Clark

S E N I O R C I T Y E D I TO R

Saving Our Home Planet from Severe Changes

Lillian Boyd • 949.388.7700, x113 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING PRINT & ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com

GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

Advertising Sales (SJC) Debra Wells

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

General Manager Alyssa Garrett

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

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. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

O P E R AT I O N S

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Copy Editor Randy Youngman

vehicle is cooler when you return. Its fuel efficiency will increase because you won’t have to crank up its air conditioner as high when you return from your shopping spree. Simultaneously, the energy generated could help keep up with our increased energy demand during heat waves, while powering the car dealerships and shops in the mall.

Lancaster is well on its way to producing more electricity from solar energy than they consume daily. Why are we not following their lead?

Joanna Clark served as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, training aircrews on the Lockheed P3 0rion patrol aircraft. After leaving the Navy, she spent 22 years involved in global AIDS education. In 2015, she became involved in climate change. She is a member of the South Orange County chapter of Citizens Climate Education. DP

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho

I

n October 2018, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report 1.5°C and the U.S. 4th National Climate Assessment gave us 12 years to limit devastating global warming. It is now October 2020, which leaves us 10 years to save our home planet from severe changes.

The sad thing is that we have known how greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) have affected the environment and climate since the late-1800s. Furthermore, we have recorded the rise of atmospheric CO2 from its pre-Industrial 1760 C.E. level of 280 parts per million (ppm) to its

present-day level of 417 ppm.

With only 10 years to take action, we must pull out all the stops to fast-track clean, renewable energy, especially solar and battery storage, in light of the rolling blackouts we’ve experienced in response to the recent record-breaking heat waves.

The state law mandating solar on all new construction that went into effect on January 1, 2020, is a start, but think what we could do if we installed solar in every new-car sales lot and parking lot with more than 10 spaces.

Parking lot pavement absorbs and retains heat from the sun, lots of it, creating “urban heat islands.” The result is our cities are hotter than the GUEST OPINION surrounding areas.

By Joanna Clark A solar canopy over new-car sales lots and larger customer parking lots will not only provide vast amounts of protective shade, but they will also generate vast amounts of electrical energy.

Consider the advantages of parking your car in a shaded area while you shop; your

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

Dana Point Times, Vol. 13, Issue 48. 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.

Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DP TIMES

FACEBOOK.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • INSTAGRAM@DANAPOINTTIMES TWITTER.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Letter to the Editor JUST WANTED TO PUT OUT THE GARBAGE CANS ARTHUR MANOOGIAN, San Clemente

So, I hear a chopper flying around the neighborhood, as I often do. As I walk my garbage can down the drive, I notice all this commotion in the street. It’s the deputy sheriffs with guns drawn and a lone dude standing in the middle of the road. I am quickly told to go inside, as I’m in the line of fire! Wow, really!

So, here’s how I saw it coming down.

Twelve deputies, six firemen, a helicopter and an ambulance for a lone crazed person with a knife, which he didn’t appear to be holding, last I saw. Do we really need to devote this much resources for a lone crazed person?

Eventually, he was shot with “less lethal” ammo, as was explained to me.

Put a dent in the neighbor’s truck.

Still don’t see the logic in the show of this much force for a single offender.

Maybe I just don't understand modern policing.

Photo: File / Shawn Raymundo

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to letters@danapointtimes.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday. 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 or fewer words. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Page 10

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 11

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 12

danapointtimes.com

20

20

Holiday Happenings

Editor’s note: These events are subject to change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saturday, Nov. 28 SEE THE ‘WORLD’S TALLEST TREE’

Get a gander of what is being promoted as the “world’s tallest tree” at the Outlets of San Clemente, from now through Jan. 4. The 125-foot white fir Christmas tree from Mt. Shasta is a great photo spot for the family.

101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

HOLIDAYS AT THE HARBOR

Check out the annual holiday light display at Dana Point Harbor, from now through January 3. There will be lighted trees and themed exhibits for visitors to admire. 34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point. 949.388.3663. danapointharbor.com.

Thursday, Dec. 3 CAPISTRANO LIGHTS

Enjoy the annual holiday event on the historic grounds of Mission San Juan Capistrano. Grounds open at 4:30 p.m., nightly tree lighting is at 5 p.m., and the grounds close at 6 p.m. The event runs on select dates through January 3. Get into the holiday spirit by snapping a photo at the wreath by the front courtyard and enjoy the other festive sights. Face masks are

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

required, and social distancing will be enforced. Tickets must be purchased in advance: $5 for the general public and $3 for Mission members. 26801 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. capistranolights.com.

Friday, Dec. 4 SANTA PAWS

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Take a photo with your pet at Dana Point Harbor. Cost is $15 for an initial photo, and $10 for additional photos. All proceeds benefit the homeless animals at the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. Dogs must be leashed, and participants are required to wear face masks. A reservation system will be in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will also be held on Dec. 5. 34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point. 949.388.3663. danapointharbor.com.

SANTA’S JOLLEY TROLLEY

3-7:30 p.m. Santa and his elves from the City of Dana Point Recreation Division will spread holiday cheer throughout Dana Point and hand out pre-packaged treats. Onlookers are encouraged to wear face masks and practice social distancing. Visit the city’s website for a full list of stops and times. 949.248.3536. danapoint.org. (continued)

Page 13

danapointtimes.com

(continued)

DRIVE-IN MOVIE ON THE MEADOWS

5-7:30 p.m. The City of San Clemente is hosting a screening of The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause at Vista Hermosa Sports Park. Vehicle registration is $15, and pre-registration is required. Visit the city’s website for information on parking and safety guidelines. 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

LIGHT IT UP! AT SAN CLEMENTE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

5:30 or 7:30 p.m. San Clemente Presbyterian Church is looking to lift spirits with an outdoor night of Christmas carols, hot cocoa, photo booth opportunities, and more. There will be Christmas shows at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and a merry hour at 6:30 p.m. Kids can enjoy a Christmas workshop program at 5:30 p.m. Anyone going is advised to wear a mask, and the evening will be livestreamed if you’d rather watch from home. 119 Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente.

949.492.6158. scpres.org.

Saturday, Dec. 5 9TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima Academy is holding an outdoor and socially distanced boutique this year.

The event will have vendors and activities, including a raffle giveaway, Christmas tree decorating contest, and mimosa and hot chocolate bar.

Shopping for seniors and those with special conditions is from 9-9:30 a.m.

105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente.

949.874.0073. olfacademy.net.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOLIDAY MARKET

9 a.m.-2 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society will host a holiday market with vintage crafts in the Los Rios Historic District. All attendees are asked to wear a face mask.

O’Neill Museum, 31831 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.8444. sjchistoricalsociety.com.

BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Head out into the water at Dana Point Harbor with jolly St. Nick himself. The event is hosted by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Cost is $5 per person, with

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 14

proceeds going to Soroptimist of Capistrano Bay Charity. Boat riders must make a reservation beforehand, with a six-person limit per reservation. 34675 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. danawharf.com.

DRIVE-THRU HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

5-7 p.m. It will be a San Juan Christmas during a car parade and winter wonderland in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Festivities will include a car decorating contest, treat handouts and giveaways, and an appearance

by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The event is free, and participants can register on the city’s website (deadline is 5 p.m. on Dec. 3). El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. sanjuancapistrano.org.

Sunday, Dec. 6 GINGERBREAD HOUSE AND HOLIDAY COOKIE DECORATING

2-4 p.m. Bring the family to decorate a gingerbread house at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, with help from their pastry experts. Complimentary hot cocoa served, and other beverages will be available for purchase. The event will be held outdoors. Cost is $220 per gingerbread house, and reservations can be made by calling beforehand.

The event will also be held on Dec. 13. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 9 HOLIDAY CAROLERS AT DANA POINT HARBOR

4-7 p.m. Listen to some seasonal tunes while enjoying the water and shops in Dana Point. Carolers will also be out on Dec. 16 and Dec. 23. 34675 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point.

949.388.3663. danapointharbor.com.

Friday, Dec. 18 DRIVE-IN MOVIE ON THE MEADOWS

5-7:30 p.m. The City of San Clemente is hosting a screening of The Grinch at Vista Hermosa Sports Park. Vehicle registration is $15, and pre-registration is required. Visit the city’s website for information on parking and safety guidelines. 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

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

Friday | 27 DANA WHARF HALIBUT DERBY DAYS 7 a.m-4 p.m. Dana Wharf’s Halibut Derby Days will be every Friday and Sunday, 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. on either the Clemente or Sum Fun, now through March 31, 2021.

Participants may win cash and prizes for catching the largest halibut. Sign up today by calling 1.888.224.0603 or visiting danawharf.com. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

LITTLE NATURALISTS 9-10 a.m. Bring out the ‘Little Naturalist’ in your child and discover how humans are connected to the ocean, using different ocean animals as examples. Each session of parent-and-me classes includes sensory exploration stations, an art project and a science activity. Admission is $30 per parent/guardian and child pair (for children ages 3-4). Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

PAW PATROL WORKSHOP 10 a.m. Your child is invited to help tackle the job of creating Paw Patrol art. Artists will explore different techniques, styles, and materials to create art inspired by our favorite rescue pups: Marshall, Chase, Zuma, Skye, and more. KidCreate Art Studio, 34255 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 113, Dana Point.

949.545.7091. kidcreate.com.

Saturday | 28 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Photo: Ocean Institute Facebook

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27-29: WILD WEEKEND: DIY PLASTIC-FREE BUTTERFLY FEEDERS 10 a.m.-noon. Come to Ocean Institute for this outdoor Wild Weekend to make your own plastic-free butterfly feeder to take home. Your feeder will not only show your creativity but your commitment to using less plastic. Entry costs $10 per participant. Kids younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org/plan-your-visit.

101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

KAYAKING TOURS 10 a.m.-noon. Explore the ocean from the water. Join the Ocean Institute for a two-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. Learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem from an expert naturalist. All experience levels are welcome. Must be at least 12 years old to participate. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing is $40 per person; members receive 10% discount. Please sign up in advance, as space is limited. Walk-ins will not be allowed. Staff and participants must wear face masks. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org.

OCEAN INSTITUTE WEEKEND ADMISSION 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Ocean Institute is open for weekend admission on Saturdays and Sundays. Patrons will have the opportunity to check out the institute’s new shark and rays touch tank in the Sahm Marine Family Foundation Center. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 8-9:30 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through

the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth by the train tracks. Face masks are required on all tours until further notice.

26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

Sunday | 29 LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 10-11:30 a.m. The Feed Barn offers lowcost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. Vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams, and diagnostic testing available on-site. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. 34192 Dohebny Park Road, Capistrano Beach. 1.800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

Tuesday | 01 VIRTUAL EXHIBITION: CHRISTINE NGUYEN, INSTALLATION ARTIST Experience Casa Romantica’s free, virtual exhibition by installation artist Christine Nguyen through Feb. 7. Nguyen’s work draws upon the imagery of nature, the sciences, and the cosmos, but it is not limited

Page 15

to a conventional reading of these realms. It imagines that the depths of the ocean reach into outer space, that through an organic prism, vision can fluctuate between the micro- and macroscopic. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

Wednesday | 02 BACKYARD OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads’ backyard 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.

949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

Thursday | 03 SOCIAL DISTANCING HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE 2-7 p.m. Lingerie Paradis USA is hosting an open house. Dress in your pajamas for 20% off your purchase. There will be gifts with purchase, raffle prizes, champagne, goodies and a DJ on the patio. Lingerie Paradis USA, 24040 Camino Del Avion D, Dana Point.

949.218.1210. lingerieparadisusa.com. danapointtimes.com

DP

Dana Point Point Dana

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

In Life, Opportunity Often Arises from Adversity

M

illions of people worldwide have experienced unthinkable and unavoidable adversity in the year 2020. Of course, COVID-19 is the biggest factor, but natural disasters such as wildfires, smoke, hurricanes and flooding have added to the adversity.

People have lost their loved ones, jobs, homes and social interaction with friends—the list goes on and on. For the most part, adversity has hit seniors the hardest. The death toll from COVID-19 is highest among the senior population.

There is a flicker of hope on the horizon. The vaccines developed so far have been touted to be at least 90% effective.

Once this adversity is behind us, opportunities will start to arise for individuals.

Jobs will become available. Believe me, I’m not trying to paint a rosy or idealistic picture about what has happened to us all in 2020—it’s been a terrible year.

In 1994, I learned a valuable lesson about adversity and how opportunity can arise from it. On Christmas Eve in 1993, my life changed dramatically when my wife of six years—without informing me of her intentions—cleaned out the house and moved out of my life. She filed for divorce four months later.

I was so surprised and shocked that I started keeping a journal to try to gather

my thoughts and figure out what had happened. I started to date, thinking mid-life dating would be easy.

It wasn’t. I described the dating frustrations and failures in my journal.

After five months, my journal had grown to more than 100 pages. I converted it to a short story. I naively queried Playboy, Esquire and the New York Times, thinking those media giants might be interested in a story about a divorced man’s dating woes. They weren’t.

Eventually, two women editors of a local Dana Point newspaper agreed to review my material.

ON LIFE AND On July 7, 1994, just six LOVE AFTER 50 months after the moveBy Tom Blake out, my first column was published. I realized that my writing opportunity had grown out of the adversity I had experienced.

In June 1998, I met Greta, who had experienced adversity as well. She was a single mom, who had raised four kids. She created her own opportunity by becoming a special education teacher and being such a positive force in her students’ lives.

Again, I’m not saying that life after COVID-19 will provide opportunities for everyone. But it will for many. Some readers have already shared their newfound opportunities with me.

Take, for example, Patrick Hynes, a native of Australia who lives in Orange County. During the pandemic, he started publishing a postcard-type of blog, titled Patrick’s Brief Encounters … Snippets of My Life in America. I’ve read them, and they are excellent.

Another example is Wendy Green, also a single mom who raised two children.

Wendy has bounced back from adversity more than once in her life. She reached out to me by finding my articles on the

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Keith Emigh of Dana Point shouts protest slogans outside the Pan Pacific Hotel in Anaheim on October 7, 1989, during the “West Coast Symposium on Homosexuality and Public Policy.”

This photograph is dated October 8, 1989.

Photo: Los Angeles Public Library/Chou Ching Yeh

Dana Point Times website.

Wendy said, “In March 2020, I was laid off from my job because of COVID. I knew I still had a lot to give, and there were a lot of people from my generation experiencing a sense of loss and in need of inspiration. That is when I decided to start the Hey, Boomer broadcasts.”

Wendy’s website, heyboomer.biz, also features her weekly blogs.

As we emerge from this unthinkable adversity-filled year, it will be up to us as individuals to recognize our seed of oppor-

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Marion

Sudoku

DANA POINT TIMES

Last week’s solution:

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

tunity and make the best of it—although we may not realize or understand it until months or years later.

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. 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. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

BY MYLES MELLOR

T

his black and white beauty is Marion, a 3-month-old sweetheart who is ready to make your acquaintance. Quite the affectionate kitten, Marion will gladly trade you snuggles and purrs for some brushing and lap time. She has a confident personality and wouldn’t mind living with another cat or two. Could Marion be the one for you?

Marion and all of her feline friends are part of an adoption special going on now at the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. All adoption fees for cats and kittens are reduced by 50% during the month of November.

If you are interested in adopting Marion,

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 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com.

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

please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/adoptadog to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP

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

Page 16

See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 17

danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Boat Parade Canceled Harbor Offers Holiday Alternatives and Development Update

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

Officials have announced the cancellation for the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights amid concerns of rising COVID-19 spread, but they hope to uphold other opportunities to spread holiday cheer.

The notice was issued on Thursday, Nov. 19, just a day after the Newport Beach boat parade announced its cancellation.

“In the interest of the health and safety of the community, Dana Point Harbor Partners have made the thoughtful and difficult decision to cancel the 46th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights,” the release sent out on behalf of Dana Point Harbor Partners stated.

This year’s theme was formerly planned to be “Holiday Fiesta,” challenging boater participants to decorate their vessels with holiday lights. In years past, competitive and festive boaters would have dancers, carolers and music to appeal to the judges.

“The boat parade truly captures the essence of Dana Point,” Bryon Ward of Dana Point Harbor Partners and President of Burnham Ward Properties had previously said.

The parade customarily recognizes winners for best overall theme, most original, lights, music and more. Following the twoweekend event, participants and organizers traditionally celebrated and announced winners at Harpoon Henry’s over brunch.

“We realize this announcement is disappointing and sad,” said Kelly Rinderknecht, general manager of the Marina at Dana Point. “It pains us to make this decision. Unfortunately, these are unprecedented times, and the deep impact from COVID-19 has affected almost every large event in Southern California and around the nation, including parades and festivals.”

Rinderknecht is encouraging boaters to proceed with lighting up their vessels for the holiday season.

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

While the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights has been cancelled for 2020, harbor officials still hope to offer safe, socially-distanced alternatives for holiday festivities. Photos: Lillian Boyd and Chloe Anady

“There is nothing more peaceful and stunning from any viewpoint than boats lit up on the harbor water,” Rinderknecht said.

“We have the best bunch of boaters in the world. We will bounce back from this with a bigger, better, brighter Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights in 2021.”

Renovations Underway for Revitalization, Including Tree Removal Phase I of the Dana Point Harbor’s renovation began earlier this month after a more than decade-long public review and approval process, culminating in an approval from the California Coastal Commission.

The County of Orange signed a lease with Dana Point Harbor Partners, on Nov. 2, 2018, to renovate the nearly 50-year-old harbor.

On Nov. 11 of this year, community members and harbor visitors took to social media in response to the removal of eucalyptus trees along Golden Lantern at the entrance of the harbor. The trees have

traditionally been adorned in holiday lights for the winter seasons, drawing in crowds of spectators.

The tree removal and trimming are part of the redevelopment plan that was approved by the County, according to a statement released by Dana Point Harbor Partners.

“The trees that were removed were part of the Coastal Development Permit for the redevelopment and were reviewed and inspected multiple times by an approved biologist and arborist,” the statement said.

“As part of this review, several trees were identified as problematic. The trees did not have any active bird nests.”

As the renovation continues, harbor officials say that the existing trees and plant materials will be boxed and relocated to a temporary nursery to be repurposed in the future redeveloped Harbor. The wood from the removed trees will also be used to create furniture. The island trees, however, will remain untouched. In addition to the new parking structure, the $350 million Harbor renovation includes updates to building facades, two new hotels, a surf museum, and all new boat slips.

Page 18

Harbor Partners and Community Engagement The Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP), comprised of three real estate firms, was created to operate, manage and redevelop Dana Point Harbor in a partnership with the County of Orange. Burnham Ward Properties is responsible for stewarding the Harbor’s Commercial Core activities, featuring the retail, restaurants, offices and other landside buildings. Bellwether Financial Group guides the marina operations and redevelopment, including the boat slips, boater facilities, dry boat storage, day-boat parking and launch ramp areas. R.D. Olson Development leads the hotel redevelopment of the Harbor.

DPHP will soon launch a “Revitalization” section on its website, danapointharbor.com, to showcase the latest renderings, phasing maps, and frequently asked questions.

Harbor officials also say there are plans to set up a community space in an area of the Harbor where the public can view plans and renderings. Community members can send comments and questions to community@danapointharbor.com. DP

danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Frustration in Waiting Local sports scene grinds teeth as guidelines delayed, scheduled dates approach

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

O

ne year ago this week, sports in South Orange County were more than successfully in full swing.

Dana Hills boys cross country took runner-up silver at the CIF-SS championships for the second straight season and the fifth time in the previous six years.

San Juan Hills football won its first ever CIF-SS semifinal with a dramatic two-point conversion in overtime, and the Stallions were days away from their first-ever CIFSS championship.

JSerra boys water polo topped San Juan Hills in a goal-filled showdown for its first CIF-SS championship the previous week, and the Lions followed that with a run in the state regional playoffs.

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

JSerra’s Anthony Grover, now at Wake Forest, and St. Margaret’s Jackson Adelman raced to double championships with CIF-SS and state titles in back-to-back weeks. It was Grover’s second CIF-SS title and third straight state championship. St. Margaret’s girls cross country won its second consecutive CIF-SS title.

San Clemente’s Hana Catsimanes, now at Wake Forest, put a crown on a golden cross country season with a CIF-SS championship that followed wins at the Orange County Championships, Mt. SAC Invitational, Sea View League Finals and CIF-SS preliminaries.

San Clemente boys water polo just wrapped up a run to the CIF-SS championship game and a state regional appearance.

The Tritons’ girls basketball team began its road to the CIF-SS championship game by starting the season with a tournament victory at the Norco Veteran’s Week tournament.

Fall sports were handing out championships. Winter sports were open and running.

Flash forward back to the present as November reaches Thanksgiving and December on the horizon, and high school sports are in the same place they were in August, when districts began equipmentless and socially distanced conditioning camps; in July, when CIF announced its delayed and shuffled schedule; and in

March, when everything came to a standstill due to the coronavirus shutdowns.

Games are not being played, and despite the scheduled restarts creeping up in mid-December, rising coronavirus cases and reinstituted stay-at-home orders have many wondering and doubtful that sports will go off as scheduled.

“It’s been so frustrating in one respect,” CIF-SS commissioner Rob Wigod told the Orange County Register on Nov. 9, “in that we haven’t been able to put our fingers on when certain things can come back, what red tier means as to what you can and cannot do.”

Frustration is the word of the moment for almost anyone involved in youth and high school sports. Those who talk with coaches or scroll through those sectors of social media can find a daily round of statements, conversations and petitions all echoing the same frustrated sentiments.

Teams have been abiding by all the installed COVID-19 protocols with nary an outbreak or incident to be found locally, and players and coaches have been running the same limited drills for weeks upon weeks. Yet, despite CIF’s announced schedule, no one knows if they’re truly that much closer to participating in a full practice, let alone a competitive game.

CIF state and section offices and high

Page 19

CIF-SS sports are scheduled to start in less than three weeks, but the state has yet to provide updated guidance or any clarity on if that schedule can or will hold. Photo: File

school athletic departments, coaches and players are all stuck as they wait for an update to state guidance on youth sports, which was delayed last week when the state pulled an “emergency brake” on its coronavirus monitoring system.

Football is scheduled for a Dec. 14 practice date and a Jan. 8 season start. Boys volleyball is set to begin earlier, on Dec. 12, with girls volleyball following on Dec. 19. Boys water polo is scheduled for a Dec. 21 start, and girls water polo is set for Dec. 29. Cross country is set to run Dec. 26.

Whether those dates hold and sports start on time, or whether complete full seasons or championships get handed out, is still up in the air as the waiting game continues. DP

danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206588829 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: DC CRAFT SPIRITS 34132 CAPISTRANO BY THE SEA DANA POINT, CA 92629-9262 Full Name of Registrant(s): THIRD WAVE BRANDS, LLC 34132 CAPISTRANO BY THE SEA DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by a CA Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 3/28/2011 /s/THIRD WAVE BRANDS, LLC, DENNIS BARNETT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 11/6/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times November 27, December 4, 11, 18, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206588947 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: DANA POINT RV & BOAT STORAGE 1100 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 200 NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660-9266 Full Name of Registrant(s): STONEHILL STORAGE PARTNERS, LLC 1100 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 200 NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 This business is conducted by CA Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/STONEHILL STORAGE PARTNERS, LLC, BRYON WARD, MANAGING MEMBER/ MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 11/06/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times November 27, December 4, 11, 18, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206587612 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ADDICTED TO COLOR 106 DIJE CT, APT B SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672-9267 Full Name of Registrant(s): ZACHARY YOUNG 106 DIJE CT, APT 2B SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 KOLLEEN WALLACE 106 DIJE CT, APT 2B SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Partnership.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/ZACHERY YOUNG KOLLEEN WALLACE This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/22/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times November 20, 27, December 4, 11, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206587855 Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON 17291 IRVINE BLVD, SUITE 425 TUSTIN, CA 92780-9278 Full Name of Registrant(s): MELANIE SALDANA 320 W AVE PALIZADA, APT 4 SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92674 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/MELANIE SALDANA This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/23/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times November 20, 27, December 4, 11, 2020

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente, 949.485.4979, info@bodymindspiritiop.com, bodymindspiritiop.com

ATTORNEY

Rosen Law Offices, P.C.

34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 5, 949.335.0020, snrosenlaw.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206588360 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JACKIE’S BOARD LIFE 25781 KNOTTY PINE ROAD LAGUNA HILLS, CA 92653 Full Name of Registrant(s): JACQUELINE GOMEZ 25781 KNOTTY PINE ROAD LAGUNA HILLS, CA 92653 FRANK N MASTROIANNI 25781 KNOTTY PINE ROAD LAGUNA HILLS, CA 92653 This business is conducted by a General Partnership.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/JACQUELINE GOMEZ This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/29/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times Nov 13, 20, 27, Dec 4, 2020

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

State Farm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, elainelavine.net

MASSAGE THERAPY

Paul Svoboda CAMTC #76690 Monarch Beach Studio or Outcall, 310.387.2560 MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Yeungs Violin Studio

949.388.4038, heilingyeung@hotmail.com, yeungsschoolofviolin.com/violinestudio

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

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

Bill Metzger Plumbing

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

UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

Jeddy’s Interiors

34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. 2, 949.240.9569, jeddys.com

WANT TO BE FEATURED HERE? Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206587177 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SALT CREEK DESIGNS 25901 PORTOFINO UNIT 181 LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 Full Name of Registrant(s): COLIN MOORE 25901 PORTOFINO UNIT 181 LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 SAMANTHA MOORE 25901 PORTOFINO UNIT 181 LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 This business is conducted by a married couple.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/COLIN MOORE This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/16/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times November 6, 13, 20, 27, 2020

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the Dana Point Times.

EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

Page 20

danapointtimes.com

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at danapointtimes.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to info@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at danapointtimes.com Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700 ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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

Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times.

Call us today!

Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700 ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 21

danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

The Bright Side of Life

2020 hasn’t been easy, but surfing has been a silver lining

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

nybody else notice it’s been a weird year? Anyone?

A pandemic, civil strife, political chaos—if I didn’t live in this glorious little surf town, it might be hard to find a lot for which to be thankful. But as I recently got out of the water at San Onofre, the sun was shining, the wind was offshore, the crowd was light, and the surf was a perfect 3 feet.

I’m thankful for the two hours I just got to enjoy. And I’m sure the cormorant I watched pull up a little fish is thankful, too.

I don’t mean to wax poetic and get all Hallmark card on you, but we do have a lot to be thankful for around here as we sit down for what’s sure to be a different kind of Thanksgiving feast. And while basking in my post-surf glow, it’s worth taking a breath and recognizing all the good stuff.

I think I speak for just about every surfer from Salt Creek to San O when I say that over the past eight months, the ocean and its waves have provided us all with some semblance of sanity, stability and salvation.

Remember when this whole COVID-19 thing started and the beaches were closed? Remember what a shock it was to see armed police officers standing between you and the surf? The reaction by surfers was visceral.

Not happy with the situation, my favorite moment was the ill-fated storming of Low-

GROM OF THE WEEK

TOSH JOHNSON

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

here’s been a whole lot of ripping going on in our local waters lately, and San Juan Capistrano’s Tosh Johnson has been shining like gold.

All of 13 years old, he’s recently added a sticker from the surf brand Roark to the nose of his Timmy Patterson-shaped boards. Barreling through eighth grade at Marco Forster Middle School, he’s got plenty of stuff to keep him busy when he’s not out ripping at Creek or Lowers.

Johnson also has style and grace on a longboard well beyond his years, and he was starting to post some big contest results on the log (when surf contests Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

A Thanksgiving spread that a surfer can be proud of at San Onofre. Photo: Jake Howard

ers that ended up with a boat on the rocks and a couple brave and embarrassed locals having to justify their overeager actions.

Thankfully, the beaches were reopened, and our lineups have proven to be one of the safest outdoor spaces when social distancing and other precautions are taken—which, if you’re practicing proper surf etiquette, shouldn’t be an issue.

Once we got surfing back, something interesting happened. People took to the water in droves. Every longtime local I talk to has remarked about how crowded it’s been the past few months. And it’s not just anecdotal.

In a piece published by action sports industry publication Shop, Eat, Surf, it was reported that before the pandemic, there were three million people recognized as surfers. By August, that number had

were still being held). He also rips on skateboard and skimboard. And over the summer, he got hooked on fishing and has been known to pull in dinner now and again.

Johnson first got on a surfboard when he was only 2 years old, thanks to the love and passion of his dad. By 5 years old, he knew he was destined to live the surf life.

As we roll into the winter surf season and we get some of those healthy west swells rolling down from the North Pacific, it’s going to be epic to see where Johnson takes his surfing next. DP

swelled to 5.6 million.

With the influx of people finding their way to the waves, the surf industry, which has been languishing on life support the past few years, enjoyed a much-needed shot in the arm. Board and wetsuit sales have skyrocketed lately. Shapers, glassers and the other craftsmen and women who build surfboards have been slammed.

That’s a good thing.

For the first time in a long time, I’m optimistic about the outlook of the surf industry.

I think good times are ahead for next spring and summer. New brands such as Newport Beach-based Florence Marine X, two-time World Champ John John Florence’s latest endeavor, will be launching.

And established brands such as Rip Curl, which recently moved its North American operations to San Clemente, are

poised to capitalize on the success of their booming wetsuit and hard good sales.

We’ve also seen competitive surfing come back. The National Scholastic Surfing Association was able to safely pull off its National Championships in North Carolina last month. And next month, the World Surf League’s Championship Tour will kick off in Hawaii after its 2020 hiatus.

Then next September, the WSL will be crowning the 2021 World Champ at Lower Trestles, which is a great thing for our local surf community.

Sure, there are those who will grumble about having to temporarily give up their spot to the pros, but the WSL Finals is a one-day event, and only the top five men and women in the world will be invited.

So it’s not the huge production that the contest has been in years past.

I think it should be a holiday for all the groms in school around here. Take the day off and go to the beach.

Anyway, the point of all this is that as surfers, there’s a silver lining to a lot of the tough times we’ve been enduring.

Yeah, we may have to share a few more waves these days, but that’s what being part of a community is all about.

We’re all just trying to get by the best we know how, and for me, that’s to spend as much time as I can in the water. It’s like my obsessive Monty Python fandom has taught me, “Always look on the bright side of life.”

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

Tosh Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of @daysofcreek Page 22

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 23

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times November 27-December 3, 2020

Page 24

danapointtimes.com