December 4, 2020 by Dana Point Times

LO C A L

N EWS

December 4-10, 2020 YO U

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INSIDE: 2020 Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

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SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 13, ISSUE 49

The Next Chapter

City Reflects on Former Councilmember Paul Wyatt’s Service E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

Former Councilmember Paul Wyatt was recognized for his four years on Dana Point City Council and his notable work in preventing and reducing homelessness in the community. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Editor’s Pick: Santa Paws

GETTING OUT/PAGE 18

Federico Named Dana Point Mayor EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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How Safe Is the Water at San Onofre? SURF/PAGE 22

Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

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Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With... Five things Dana Point should know this week

Prior to his appointment as mayor, Jamey Federico served as mayor pro tem for Dana Point City Council through most of 2020. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Federico Named Mayor, Frost and Villar Sworn In THE LATEST: Jamey Federico will lead Dana Point City Council as mayor, and his appointment followed the swearing in of new Councilmembers Mike Frost and Michael Villar. Both Frost and Villar are the inaugural council representatives for Districts 4 and 5, respectively, since the City of Dana Point transitioned toward districted elections in 2018. Both councilmembers were voted into office during the Nov. 3 election after beating their respective opponents Gary Newkirk and Benjamin Bebee on the ballot. In 2018, Districts 1, 2 and 3 voted in Councilmembers Joe Muller, Richard Viczorek and Jamey Federico, respectively, and they are currently serving their four-year terms. Frost’s career has been vested in the real estate industry and includes experience in financial modeling, accounting, purchasing, consulting, and operations within large-scale real estate companies. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In 2019, he was appointed to the city’s Financial Review Committee. Frost has also served on the city’s Traffic and Parking Subcommittee. “My tagline was ‘working together,’ “ Frost said. “It wasn’t quite as catchy when I was out with the residents. But it’s probably perfect for this moment. I promise to my fellow councilmembers, and also city staff and leadership … I promise to work hard, to analyze, debate, argue, compromise thoroughly.” Frost previously reflected on his campaigning, stating that through door knocking and meet-and-greets, he was able to learn about unique issues impacting different sectors of the community. “What I Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

also promise is to support the implementation of any decisions we make, whether I agree with them or not,” Frost said. “That’s something that I think once we as a team make a decision, it’s up to us to support that decision and work forward in a positive manner, and that’s going to create the best environment for our city to flourish.” District 4 mostly comprises the Lantern Village area, as well as neighborhoods surrounding the Dana Strand beach area. District 5 represents the southern portion of Capistrano Beach. After Villar was sworn in to the council, he remarked that it had not been the first time he had taken an oath thanks to his military career. “It’s not lost upon me that we take an oath to an idea, to an ideal, which is the constitution … We don’t take an oath to a person, to a king, or to a president or to an individual,” Villar said. “We take an oath to a constitution. It’s really important that we understand our roles in government are to support and defend the Constitution of the U.S. and the Constitution of California. During Frost’s council comments, his first act as councilmember was a request that city staff prepare a status update on the Dana Strand Beach parking lot. “That’s a consistent item I heard while walking,” Frost said. “The issues have been enhanced by COVID … regarding the street racing going on, code enforcement, kids partying late, walking into the Strands community after hours. I know staff has been working on it, so I’d just like a status report on it.” WHAT’S NEXT: Federico was appointed mayor with unanimous approval from fellow councilmembers. He has served on council since being elected in 2018. The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 6 p.m.—Lillian Boyd

CCC Holding Hearing for Capo Beach Interim Protections THE LATEST: The California Coastal Commission will hold a hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 9, regarding a coastal development permit for interim protection measures at Capistrano Beach County Park. According to an announcement from OC Parks, the managing agency for the beach, the purpose of the application is to allow previous actions performed to protect the existing facilities and amenities at Capistrano Beach to remain, as further analysis for long-term solutions continues. Capistrano Beach has sustained considerable damage and erosion in recent years. However, residents and local stakeholders are at odds over what a solution would look like. Between 2004 and 2020, eight emergency permits were issued to OC Parks to address damage to Capistrano Beach

Dana Point

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES as of 12/2/20

cases

deaths

TOTAL

437

LAST 30 DAYS

123

LAST 30 DAYS

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

caused by winter storms and high tide events, six of which were issued within the past five years. These Emergency Permits required OC Parks to apply for a follow-on Coastal Development Permit for after-the-fact authorization of the actions taken, or otherwise remove any site work that was previously performed. Earlier this year, high tides have overtaken the parking lot, causing further damage to the beach’s sidewalk area. In October 2018, inclement weather and high tides caused the boardwalk and basketball court to buckle; those amenities, as well as a restroom, have since been demolished. This past July, both Mandy Sackett and Rick Erkeneff spoke on behalf of the South Orange County Chapter of Surfrider Foundation. “We do not support more boulders on the beach; it doesn’t make sense here, and it’s creating a hazardous situation. More boulders will not solve the problem,” Sackett said. Erkeneff, a Dana Point resident and vice chairman for Surfrider, echoed Sackett’s sentiments and played video footage for the commission that was taken on Fourth of July. “We’ve been monitoring the issues at Capo Beach. Over Fourth of July weekend, the parking lot was completely inundated, and the parking lot had to be evacuated. The sidewalks are buckled, the pavement is buckling,” Erkeneff said. “Anything less than taking out the entire parking lot, I think, would be a failed effort. I’d appreciate the consideration for denying future emergency permits for riprap.” If the CCC approves the requested permit, the county will be allowed to maintain the existing armor rock (riprap) and sand cubes, as conditioned by emergency authorizations. “This will ensure that the current facilities and amenities at Capistrano Beach will remain until the Master Plan is completed and implemented,” said Jennifer Jung, OC Parks’ project manager. The permit would also preserve no-cost

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public parking and provide interim access to the beach, as well as allow protection of the parking lot, entry road, and coastal trail, until a comprehensive long-term plan is completed, Jung said. According to the Dana Point Historical Society, Capistrano Beach was once part of contiguous property owned by the Doheny Companies and the Doheny family since the 1920s. It’s also where the Capistrano Beach club once stood. Now the building’s remaining seawalls are experiencing climate exposure and are slowly being destroyed. For residents including Toni Nelson, preserving the beach and its coastal access trail is a priority. “No one disputes the challenges and effects of sea level rise, a severe lack of sand nourishment and the relentless assault of the Pacific,” Nelson stated in comments to be submitted to Dana Point City Council. “It’s a reality we must face, but not retreat from, without first doing our very best to retain precious coastal resources.” The City of Dana Point has submitted public comments in support of the planned work for Capistrano Beach, citing background on a city-owned, multimilliondollar storm drain at the beach. “In the past five years, most notably in 2019, the sandy beach and a substantial portion of the trail were eroded by wave action,” the comments state. “Continued erosion of just a few feet could have resulted in the destruction of the Facility, causing deposition of facility debris into the ocean along with discharge from the storm drain runoff that the City is required to treat.” According to city staff, continued protection for Capistrano Beach is critically important. WHAT’S NEXT: Staff with the CCC are recommending the commission approve the CDP application with several conditions, including incorporating sensitive species and water-quality protection measures, (Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) submitting a feasibility study for a naturebased pilot project, prohibiting placement of new armor rock and limiting permit authorization to two years. Community members who wish to submit comments during the hearing must submit a speaker slip for the Wednesday agenda online by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8. A link to submit the speaker request is available at the top of the agenda, which can be found at coastal.ca.gov.—LB

State, Newsom Warn of Potential Hospital Overcrowding as OC Remains in Purple Tier THE LATEST: In a state update on Monday, Nov. 30, Gov. Gavin Newsom addressed the state’s continually rising coronavirus case rates, the potential overcrowding of hospitals and ICU units, as well as the forthcoming first steps of vaccine distribution as 51 California counties, including Orange County, slid further into the purple “widespread” risk tier. The state’s four-tiered, color-coded coronavirus monitoring system is the main component of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy for determining in what capacity different sectors, businesses and activities can reopen safely as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The state has sailed far past the previous mid-July highs in new cases and case averages that were passed last week. The 14-day rolling average of daily new cases rose to 13,123.8 on Sunday, Nov. 29, from the 10,605.8 on Nov. 23, with the previous high average being 9,504 on July 24. The largest single-day number during the pandemic of 18,350 cases was posted on Nov. 24. The single-day high for cases in July was 12,807 on July 21. However, Newsom put California’s rising case totals into perspective. As the most populous state in the nation, California’s raw totals will always be high, but Newsom pointed to the national numbers for seven-day average case rate per 100,000 residents. California comes in 39th of the 50 states at 34.5 cases per 100,000, while North Dakota (112.3), Wyoming (111.7), South Dakota (111.5) and Minnesota (104.6) top the list. Newsom also reported that the state expects that roughly 12% of those daily COVID-19 cases will lead to hospitalizations within two weeks of reporting, which, with those rises in case rates and the 89% increase in hospitalizations over the past 14 days, is concerning to state officials. Newsom warned that hospitalizations could increase two or three times the current total in one month if there was no change in behaviors. Currently, 59% of California’s hospital beds are in use, with 11% of those being COVID-19 cases, and 75% of all ICU beds are occupied, with 23% Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

of those being COVID-19 cases. Based on current rates, the state projects that by Dec. 24, 79% of the state’s hospital beds could be in use and 112% of the state’s ICU beds could be occupied, including 107% of Southern California’s ICU beds. Newsom mentioned that there is the potential for another stay-at-home order for purple tier counties if the hospitalization and ICU capacities continue toward those levels. Nearly all of California is now in the purple tier, with 51 of the state’s 58 counties at the highest risk level. There are only six counties at the red “substantial” risk level, one county at the orange “moderate” risk level and none at the yellow “minimal” risk level. Just five weeks ago, only nine California counties were purple. Newsom remained confident that California would be ready to handle the surge and touted the state’s personal protective equipment (PPE) stockpile. Newsom reported California’s PPE stockpile is the largest in the country, even larger than the federal stockpile, with 40 million more N95 masks in the state inventory than in the national stockpile.—Zach Cavanagh

Radiation Study at SONGS Finds No Leakage THE LATEST: A recent independent survey of the dry cask storage system at the San Onofre power plant found no evidence of contamination or radiation leakage coming from the canisters containing spent nuclear fuel. Based on radiation readings taken at the outlet vents on the 51 storage modules where nuclear waste is being stored at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), Southern California Edison concluded that its canisters are not leaking—as purported by some members of the community. “No contamination was found on any of the 51 outlet vents, which indicates that there has never been any leakage from the canisters, and there is no indication of any airborne radioactivity at any of the modules,” Eric Goldin, a certified radiation protection professional, said at SoCal Edison’s quarterly Community Engagement Panel Meeting on Nov. 19. According to a summary of the radiological survey, which SoCal Edison released ahead of last month’s CEP meeting, the dose rates measured at the outlet vents ranged from as low as 0.04 millirem per hour to 0.3 millirem per hour. The federal dose limit is 25 millirem per year to the public. The survey, which SoCal Edison contracted Philotechnics Ltd. to conduct, was meant to serve as a response to concerns by San Clemente resident Donna Gilmore, who runs the website San Onofre Safety and has alleged that the Nuclear Horizontal Modular Storage (NUHOMS) canisters at SONGS are leaking. While Edison touted the survey as an effort in transparency, Gilmore on Tuesday,

Dec. 1, said she doesn’t trust the findings, mainly because the utility company didn’t photograph or record a video of a reading or measurement taken by a technician from Philotechnics. “Edison at the previous meeting, they promised they would video or take pictures of the readings, as they were taking them as a measure of trust, and they didn’t do that,” Gilmore said. “There was not one video or photo of the measurements next to the vents. They showed people, but they did not show that. So, I don’t trust them.” She also questioned why Edison would hire a third-party company, which— Edison noted—was recommended by the Radiological Branch of the California Department of Public Health. Acknowledging that she doesn’t know much about the company and can’t state for certain whether she trusts it or not, she said the fact that they were chosen by SoCal Edison was enough reason to give her pause. Asked what evidence she had to support the belief that there’s a leak, Gilmore said she didn’t know for certain that there’s a leak, which is why the survey needed to be done. Responding to Gilmore’s remarks, Edison spokesperson John Dobken said, “The truth of the matter is we went out and hired a contractor recommended by the California Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch to conduct a survey with calibrated instruments. They did the survey, and we posted the results in the interest of openness and transparency.”—Shawn Raymundo

News Next Door: Railroad Administration Denies Waiver Renewal for Quiet Zones THE LATEST: Over the past week, San Clemente residents living near the train tracks or walking the Beach Trail have been met with the unwelcome sound of train horns blaring through town ahead of each pedestrian crossing. For the past five years, trains weren’t required to sound the horn while traveling through San Clemente thanks to a special five-year permit, or waiver, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) had granted the city, which had installed audible warning systems at the crossings. That waiver, however, is no longer in effect, as the FRA last week denied the city’s waiver renewal for the Pedestrian Audible Warning Systems (PAWS), citing a handful of compliance issues found during inspections this past spring and summer. According to the Nov. 24 denial from the FRA’s Railroad Safety Board, it “found that the issues with noncompliance during the inspections, the overall poor condition of the required fencing, and apparent lack of maintenance and communication processes and procedures between the City

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and Metrolink, are concerning.” Notifying the city council of the denial on Tuesday night, Dec. 1, interim City Manager Erik Sund acknowledged that while “there were some things that needed to be addressed on a repair and maintenance standpoint,” those issues “were repaired and addressed and reflective in Metrolink’s inspection report that they also concluded on.” Sund also noted that those inspections took place with officials from both the RFA and Metrolink in the early part of 2020. “However, it wasn’t until Nov. 24 that we received notice from RFA that they were denying our waiver application and in essence turning the horns back on,” he said. Back in 2015, “quiet zones” were essentially established in San Clemente, as the FRA granted the city its five-year waiver to bar the use of the train horns at seven public highway-rail grade crossings under the condition that the city operate the PAWS at those locations. Unlike officially designated quiet zones that have standard wayside horn systems— preventing municipalities from having to renew approvals—the city went with the PAWS system, which has a lower audible decibel reading and, therefore, requires a renewal of the waiver every five years. “When the city took on this initiative, the residents were vocal in wanting the lower horn system for the city of San Clemente, so with that want, it put us in a position of having to ask for the waiver every five years,” Sund explained. According to the RFA, the city had put in for a renewal back on April 27, 10 days after an inspection with officials. Those inspectors reviewed five of the seven crossings—because two were inaccessible at the time—revealing a series of noncompliance issues. Such issues included the PAWS not operating as intended at various locations, with sound levels below the 80-decibel minimum, and poor or inoperable conditions of signage and emergency exit swing gates. It also included areas of fencing designed to keep out pedestrians from trespassing on the tracks being ineffective because of sand buildup. The FRA went on to highlight repeated issues with the PAWS system found during a subsequent inspection this past June. The RFA stated that while the city performed maintenance to the system, some PAWS “were still not in compliance.” Lastly, the FRA found that the city and Metrolink haven’t been conducting joint periodic testing of the PAWS’ decibel levels to ensure they’re operating as intended. WHAT’S NEXT: Sund on Tuesday said that the city is working with RFA, Metrolink and the Orange County Transportation Authority “to remedy the situation.” “At this point, that is where we’re at, and I’ll be working with the FRA looking at the best solution to get back on track, no pun intended,” he said.—SR danapointtimes.com

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EYE ON DP

City Reflects on Former Councilmember Paul Wyatt’s Service BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

There are usually two distinct reasons for homelessness, says former Dana Point City Councilmember Paul Wyatt. “There is either a behavioral issue, like drugs, alcohol or mental health issues, or you don’t have enough money to rent a place to live,” Wyatt said. “With financial homelessness, you can’t just offer someone money to cover their rent for the month, because next month is right around the corner. The same problem will be there.” Dana Point City Council and community leaders bid farewell and gave special recognition to the outgoing councilmember as his four-year term concluded. One of his notable achievements, as mentioned throughout the evening, was his work on the Homeless Task Force and his further involvement in coordinating resources to prevent and reduce homelessness. The task force, which Wyatt formerly headed, was created to work with neighboring cities, agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide sustainable services to the homeless community. In September, Dana Point City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city and Orange County United Way for the purpose of providing financial literacy coaching and education, case management and wrap-around services to parents of R.H. Dana Elementary School students and residents of Dana Point. The goal is for families to be equipped to overcome barriers to stable housing. The partnership has been part of an ongoing effort for Wyatt to find ways to remediate underlying causes of homelessness—a feat that was acknowledged multiple times throughout the evening. “I appreciate the resolutions and the plaques, but I’m on an advisory board—this council,” Wyatt said. “We take on a role to try and oversee and give direction. But without (staff), we’d just be up here talking.” Wyatt acknowledged Assistant City Manager Kelley Reenders for her work with toward remedying homelessness in the city. “All we’ve done is give guidance and direction,” Wyatt said. “And what (Reenders and staff) did was far better than any direction we gave them.” Wyatt plans on continuing his work with the Orange County Commission to End Homelessness, as well the nonprofit organization 211OC, a group that aims to connect people with resources and Be Well OC, an organization that works to positively impact mental health in the region. In closing remarks ahead of his departure, Wyatt advised to the council’s newcomers that they have the opportunity to provide hope to the community. Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

Then-Councilmember Paul Wyatt waves to onlookers at the Festival of Whales Parade held in March. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Outgoing Councilmember Paul Wyatt expresses gratitude for the support of his wife, Doreen Bunoan-Wyatt, during closing remarks at his last council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Photo: Lillian Boyd

“We’re the only access to government that (people) feel is actually tangible, and so being able to recognize that, if they have any hope of feeling like they’re being listened to, it has to come from this dais,” Wyatt said. “It’s an important role, and I hope that as you are coming in, Mike and Michael, you embrace that fact. … It’s up to you to pay attention.” New Councilmembers Mike Frost and Michael Villar were sworn in following Wyatt’s recognition. DP Page 6

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EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association Announces New Name The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association is rebranding itself as the Doheny State Beach Foundation. Founded in 1982, it is one of the oldest nonprofit cooperating associations in the California State Parks system. “We believe that our name change will help the public more easily understand what we do,” explained Board President KC Kinnings. The organization’s mission is dedicated to the protection of Doheny State Beach beaches, facilities, marine refuge, and historical and cultural stories. “This year has been one of transition for us, and we’re looking forward to all that we can do in the future,” Kinnings said. “It’s been both a challenge and an opportunity for us to continue to pursue our mission.” With the Doheny State Beach Visitor Center closed since mid-March, the Foundation has taken the gift shop online, as well as to the Beach’s Boardwalk. The Visitor Center Pop Up Store is open at the main beach boardwalk on Thursday afternoons, as well as all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday. “It’s been very well received. We find that locals have started their holiday shopping with us, and visitors are happy to be able to take a little something from Doheny State Beach,” said Pop Up Volunteer Sue Simpson. The Foundation is also continuing its efforts to share Doheny’s educational resources with the public and has created a “Virtual Aquarium” so that people can see what the Center’s creatures are up to, as well as promoting Park Naturalist Vicki Wiker’s educational YouTube videos. For more information, visit dohenystatebeach.org.

Dana Point Student with Dyslexia Publishes Children’s Book, Donates Proceeds Dana Point fourth-grader Caitlyn “Sissy” Varela, who was diagnosed with dyslexia last year, recently published her own children’s book, DOGGY DAZE: Jack and Princess. Varela, who attends St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel, says she did not let her diagnosis slow her down. Rather, it motivated her to work even harder in school. Last March, Sissy took advantage of having more time at home due to the Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Each Saturday, California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market. Craft vendors are available the first Saturday of the month. La Plaza Park, Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. TUESDAY, DEC. 8

BECAUSE I LOVE YOU (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will conduct its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9

Caitlyn “Sissy” Varela, a student at St. Anne School, recently published her own children’s book, DOGGY DAZE: Jack and Princess. Photo: The Sissy Books Facebook

stay-at-home order and began writing a children’s book. She spent hours sitting at the kitchen table researching and writing the story. She enlisted the help of her uncle, David Varela, to illustrate the book and her third-grade teacher, Mrs. Lisa Aguire, to edit it. Sissy is donating a portion of the proceeds to start a scholarship fund at the Johnson Academy and help other children who are struggling with dyslexia get the help they need. For more information and to order a copy of the book, visit Sissy’s Facebook page at facebook.com/thesissybooks or her website thesissybooks. com. You can also buy a copy of DOGGY DAZE at the surf shop Girl in the Curl, in Dana Point. Paperback books are $14.99; hardcover editions are $19.99.

‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ Kicks Off in OC Home Instead’s seasonal favorite “Be A Santa to a Senior” program returns with new options for community participation. After a recent transition in ownership, the Orange County Home Instead Leadership team recognized the importance of the holiday program and made adjustments with the safety of donors, seniors and volunteers in mind. With Orange County seniors more isolated

than ever due to concerns related to COVID-19, Home Instead is teaming up with Amazon Business to create a contactless gift-giving experience for volunteers and recipients. The new Amazon Business collaboration will provide the same holiday cheer to local seniors while also prioritizing the safety and wellness of all who are involved. “The ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ program brings so much joy to seniors in our community,” said Jim Kordenbrock, who recently took over the Orange County Home Instead office with his wife, Candice Kordenbrock. “Seniors are especially at risk for the feelings of isolation that we’ve all felt at some point during the pandemic, and a simple gift can show them that they have been thought of, which is more important this year than ever.” Be a Santa to a Senior relies on the generous support of the Orange County community and volunteers, as well as area businesses, nonprofit organizations, and retailers. This year, Home Instead has partnered with Ossur, Optum, local schools & Audio Quest. Members of the community can visit beasantatoasenior.com and enter their zip code to view Wish Lists for local seniors on Amazon Business through December 4. A personalized greeting can be included with the gift, which will be shipped directly to the senior or to the

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DANA POINT ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION 6 p.m. The Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point.

Home Instead office where it will be safely delivered to the senior. “We need the community’s help more than ever to make sure seniors feel connected this year,” said Kordenbrock. “This year, we knew we had to find a way to spread holiday cheer to seniors, and we are grateful for the community’s and our employees’ participation.” Since the program’s creation in 2003, Be a Santa to a Senior has provided approximately 2.1 million gifts and, with the help of more than 75,000 volunteers, brightened the season for more than 750,000 seniors nationwide. With adjustments, Home Instead will be able to continue the annual gift-giving program while following social distancing and safety precautions during COVID-19. For more information about the program, visit beasantatoasenior.com or call Sue King at 949.347.6767.

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 13, Issue 49. 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.

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Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS CHRIS KRAMER, of the Citizens Climate Lobby, San Juan Capistrano

“Nature. That’s the one thing that tips the balance in terms of living here in California. Within minutes, I can be in a desert, at the ocean, in a park, and that’s the most nourishing food for my soul,” English actress Lara Pulver once said. Whether we were born here or are transplants, we love our parks, but climate change is having a negative impact on them. The warming ocean and air temperatures concurrent with the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions skyrocketing since the industrial revolution have dire consequences on our more than 280 California State Parks. A rising sea level and an expected increase in shoreline erosion will shrink popular California State Park beaches, and threaten many facilities. We have already seen that at Doheny State Beach, with the loss of parking spaces, and at the beach south of Doheny, with the loss of bathrooms, erosion of the walking/bike trail and the loss of the basketball court. Tide pool animals typical of Southern California are replacing colder-water species along the central coast, competing with local species. A few inches of sea level rise could mean the loss of thousands of acres of valuable wildlife habitat. Some spring wildflowers are already blooming earlier than before, disturbing their relationship with pollinators. In Joshua Tree, the loss of trees will reduce bird species by 40%. The State Park System’s 1.6 million acres are a rich storehouse of biodiversity, and the park works to preserve, protect and expand park wildlands to make it possible for many climate-threatened species to survive. Our parks are doing their part to reduce greenhouse gases by making their facilities more energy-efficient, relying more on solar power, and using lower-emission vehicles. But even with these actions, humancaused emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are changing California. Regardless of Earth’s historical fluctuations between warm and cool, wet and dry, the proven relationship between increasing temperature and dramatic CO2 levels since the 1800s is fact. To save the planet from runaway temperature rise, we must stop the increase in the atmospheric C02. Please read the excellent web version of the park’s brochure “Climate Change and

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

California State Parks” for more information. And don’t be discouraged. You can make a difference by reducing your “carbon footprint.”

MASK-BURNING RALLY RICHARD GREEN, San Clemente

This law-abiding citizen of San Clemente wonders when Sheriff Barnes will shift his approach to public health orders from his chosen method of “education first.” The sheriff has chosen this non-enforcement approach from the beginning. His “education first” policy has obviously failed. The infection rates in OC are quadrupling while public health orders are violated with impunity. What a horrible shame.

MASK-BURNING IN SAN CLEMENTE ALBA FAFAGLIA, San Clemente

This Thanksgiving, our small gathering of three gave thanks for the doctors, nurses, aides, custodians who work in hospitals, nursing homes, for all health care workers everywhere. They take care of us. They are the best of us. So, I was saddened to read about the large gathering of mostly Trump supporters burning their masks in protests of regulations put in place to control the pandemic. We are (in) a purple tier, and COVID-19 is affecting more people every day, overwhelming the hospitals and care facilities. President Trump has been a poor role model. He makes fun of people who wear masks. Trump's adoring supporters follow him blindly. They do and believe everything he tells them.

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Just think, if the President had encouraged us all to wear masks, these same people who throw their masks in a bonfire would do his bidding, and we would be in a much better situation today. We could give the health care workers a much-needed respite and show them appreciation and respect for the work they do.

MASK DEFIANCE KEN ANDERSON, San Clemente

It’s sad to see people in San Clemente burning masks in the middle of a pandemic. These science-challenged individuals show no concern for their fellow citizens or any recognition of the more than 265,000 Americans who have died from this disease. One can only hope that when a vaccine is distributed, these same people won’t pour it into the streets, claiming it’s their “God-given, Constitutional right” not to take it and by doing so, continue to infect the population.

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.

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Dana Point Times December 4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10, 2020

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Dana Point Times December 4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10, 2020

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Holiday Happenings

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

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.

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

Dana Point Times December 4–10, 2020

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 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. (Continued)

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(continued)

HOLIDAYS AT THE HARBOR

Check out the annual holiday light display at Dana Point Harbor, from now through January 3. 34571 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point. 949.388.3663. danapointharbor.com.

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 in the Los Rios Historic District. 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 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.

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.

Dana Point Times December 4–10, 2020

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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.

Saturday, Dec. 12 A NOT-SO-SILENT NIGHT: OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

4-7 p.m. A free event featuring live music, live nativity, crafts for kids, and hot drinks. Experience the joy of the season through songs and scenes from the Christmas story. The entire event is outdoors with space for social distancing. South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point. 949.496.9331. southshores.org.

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.

Sunday, Dec. 27 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 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.

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CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

GARAGE SALES MOVING SALE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 Moving sale: Saturday, December 5, starting at 8:30 am at 2922 Calle Guadalajara, San Clemente, 92673. Beautiful plants and pots, Gas barbecue, front load LG washer and dryer antique table, chairs, double bed frame and like new Mattress set to fit, and lots of miscellaneous objects.

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

HELP WANTED P&C LICENSED TEAM MEMBER Get 2021 off to a great start! Local Insurance Agent seeks a P&C Licensed Team member for a Customer Sales/Service Position. Income based on your efforts, Flexibility available, Experience Preferred, apply at www.elainelavine.net

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 December 4-10, 2020

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Variance V20-0001, Site Development Permit SDP20-0002 and Minor Conditional Use Permit CUP20 0002 located at 26252 Via Canon: A request to construct a duplex dwelling on a steeply sloping vacant lot with variance requests to (1) exceed the maximum 29-foot height limit for structures with roof pitches of less than 3:12 on a hillside condition lot, and (2) to allow less than the required 20-foot front yard setback of the Residential Duplex (RD-14) Zoning District. A Site Development Permit is requested to allow the residential structure in a hillside condition to have three stories, and for retaining walls visible from the public right-of-way to exceed 30-inches in height. A minor Conditional Use Permit is also requested to allow the optional duplex parking arrangement for duplexes on lots less than 50-feet wide. Project Number:

Project Location: Applicant: Owner: Environmental:

Hearing Date: Hearing Time: Hearing Location:

Variance V20-0001, Site Development Permit SDP20-0002 and minor Conditional Use Permit CUP20-0002(M) 26252 Via Canon (APN 691-401-22) Mark Brooklyn Design James and Amanda Corrales Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is categorically exempt per Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines (Class 3 Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) since the project consists of the construction of a new duplex, and retaining walls. Monday, December 14, 2020 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible) 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Council Chambers)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Coastal Development Permit CDP20-0016: A request for the reconstruction and expansion of an outdoor patio cover and minor site improvements for a single-family residence on a coastal bluff lot. The project site is within the Residential Single Family 3 (RSF 3) zoning district at 34781 Doheny Place. The project site is located in the City’s Coastal Overlay District (the California Coastal Zone) and the Appeals Jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission, located at 34781 Doheny Place. Project Number: Project Location: Applicant: Environmental:

Hearing Date: Hearing Time: Hearing Location:

CDP20-0016 34781 Doheny Place (APN 123-233-06) Patrick Luke The project is Categorically Exempt from the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construction). Monday, December 14, 2020 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible) 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Dana Point City Hall)

Environmental:

Hearing Date: Hearing Time: Hearing Location:

All persons either favoring or opposing the subject project are invited to present their views to the Commission at this hearing. Note: This project may be appealed to the City Council. If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Dana Point prior to the public hearing. This project may also be appealed to the California Coastal Commission in accordance with Dana Point Municipal Code Section 9.69.090. The process includes, but is not limited to contacting the Coastal Commission for the appropriate forms and instructions to file an appeal. For further information, please contact Sean Nicholas at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248-3588. PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Coastal Development Permit CDP20-0011: A request to allow a remodel, minor site improvements, and a 1,322 square foot addition to a singlefamily residence that would expand the house and garage to 6,090 square feet. The project is located in the City’s Coastal Overlay District (the California Coastal Zone) and the Appeals Jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission at 37 Monarch Bay. Project Number: Project Location:

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Applicant:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following:

Environmental:

Coastal Development Permit CDP20-0020/Minor Site Development Permit SDP20-0027(M): A request to demolish an existing single-family residence and attached garage, and construct a new 4,490 square foot two-story, single-family residence with attached three car garage of 789 square feet. A Minor Site Development Permit is required for retaining walls greater than thirty (30) inches in height in the rear yard. The project is located in the City’s Coastal Overlay District (the California Coastal Zone) and the Appeals Jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission at 429 Monarch Bay. Project Number: Project Location: Applicant:

CDP20-0020/ SDP20-0027(M) 429 Monarch Bay (APN: 670-151-21) Morris Skenderian Associates

The project is Categorically Exempt from the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construction). Monday, December 14, 2020 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible) 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Dana Point City Hall)

Hearing Date: Hearing Time: Hearing Location:

CDP20-0011 37 Monarch Bay (APN 670-141-35) Ronald and Katherine Brown The project is Categorically Exempt from the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities). Monday, December 14, 2020 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible) 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Dana Point City Hall)

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also be appealed to the California Coastal Commission in accordance with Dana Point Municipal Code Section 9.69.090. The process includes, but is not limited to contacting the Coastal Commission for the appropriate forms and instructions to file an appeal. For further information, please contact John Ciampa at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248-3591. 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 danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM 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 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 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206587855

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

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the Dana Point Times. • Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Notice to Creditors • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale ...and more EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS 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

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

Dana Point Times December 4–10, 2020

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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.

danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Last Call’

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 | 04 Photo: Courtesy of Dominion Films/K Street Pictures

DANA WHARF HALIBUT DERBY DAYS 7 a.m-4 p.m. Dana Wharf’s Halibut Derby Days will be every Friday and Sunday, 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.

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

Saturday | 05 SOUTH SHORES CHURCH CHRISTMAS & CRAFT FAIRE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. South Shores Church’s beautiful ocean-view campus will become an outdoor shopping experience featuring local crafters, jewelry, candles, art and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. There will also be food trucks on-site. South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point. 949.496.9331. southshores.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. THE VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The monthly Village Art Faire has returned to Downtown San Clemente on a new day and in a new location. The show will now take place on the first and third Saturdays of every month in the San Clemente Community Center parking lot. The new location will allow the event to offer a modified version of the old show while adhering to current health and safety guidelines, providing a safe shopping experience for the community. Visitors can expect to find some of their favorite artists, as well as some new faces. Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy of Pet Project Foundation

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4-5: SANTA PAWS 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Santa Paws is coming to town, so capture a keepsake photo with your four-legged best friend and jolly St. Nick in the Dana Point Harbor. To accommodate COVID-19 modifications and keep volunteers and attendees safe, there is a new reservation system and a limit on the number of walk-up photos for this year’s event. The cost is only $15 for a picture, and you’ll receive the photo immediately. Additional photos can be purchased for $10. All proceeds benefit the homeless animals at the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. Photos will take place under the covered pagoda. Attendees should park in the wharfside parking lot. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, and all dogs must be leashed. Masks are required by all human participants. Reserve your photo timeslot at petprojectfoundation.org. Dana Point Harbor, 34571 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

The show, hosted by the San Clemente Downtown Business Association, offers a variety of work, including photography, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, fused glass, home décor, botanicals, textile art, and more. To adhere to COVID-19 guidelines, only 50 people will be allowed entry at a time, and face masks will be required. 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.218.5378. info@scdba.org. scdba.org.

Sunday | 06 FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949 361 8200. san-clemente.org.

Page 18

iopics, which aren’t foolproof with critics and audiences, are perplexing, because you would think it would be hard to mess up such a traditional screen formula. Fortunately, in the case of Steven Bernstein’s Last Call, I can say that the new biopic is generally a good feature, despite being shelved for almost five years. Shot in both color and black and white, Last Call portrays the final days of legendary romantic poet Dylan Thomas (played by Rhys Ifans) as he is tortured by both his craft and alcoholism in Greenwich Village, New York in 1953. Throughout the film, we see Dylan leave his wife Caitlin (Romola Garai) and their children in Wales to tour and showcase his poems and other works on American college campuses and in arts centers. Dylan’s fellow writer and friend John Brinnin (Tony Hale) is constantly reminding the Welsh writer to edit a book Brinnin is writing. There’s a lot to appreciate with Last Call. The whole cast is exceptionally memorable and impressive, especially Ifans as the lead. I wouldn’t say the period character piece is style over substance, but the quality of the movie does depend most on the performances and Bernstein’s artistic direction. The cinematographerturned-director’s choice to have the Wales sequences be in color while all of the New York City scenes in black in white is clever, and the fantasy elements and non-linear structure between Dylan’s home life, poetry tours and car visits are fitting. It’s too bad that Last Call was released in the middle of the unpredictable shuffle of 2020, because this is one of the more distinctive historical dramas to come out recently. DP danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

Page 19

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Point Dana

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Ocean Institute has launched Virtual Field Trips to safely accommodate the need for ocean education in the classroom within the parameters of COVID-19 restrictions. Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Institute

Foundation Matching Donations for Ocean Institute Virtual Programs BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

cean Institute officials say the organization has much to be thankful for during this season of gratitude. Throughout the pandemic, the educational nonprofit has introduced new programs to fit within parameters and restrictions. From online curriculums to “All Out(doors)” programming for families, to summer camps that offered big experiences on a small scale, officials say that the pandemic constraints inspired innovative new offerings. The recent launch of Virtual Field Trips, during which classes participate in unique activities live from Ocean Institute, presented a new challenge. “Demand exceeded our ability to supply,” said Dr. Wendy Marshall, President and CEO of Ocean Institute. “Within days of introducing our Virtual Field Trips, our schedule through the end of the year was full. Schools are simply starving for motivating real-world

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

In recognition of this need, the Steinmetz Foundation is challenging the community to show support for the Ocean Institute. Between now and the end of December, the Steinmetz Foundation will match every dollar donated, up to the first $200,000. The funding will support the Virtual Field Trip programs, as well as other pandemic-proof programming. The Ocean Institute is showcasing voices from a variety of stakeholders on its website at oceaninstitute.org/give/ match-a-thon, as well as on social media every day between November 28 and December 31. “Ocean Institute is a community icon, and we are thrilled to share the stories of our impact as told by the diverse beneficiaries and supporters,” said Marshall. “We have no doubt the community will rise to the challenge and help us exceed our match goal.” DP

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Leonidas en-year-old Leonidas is the epitome of sweet and gentle cats. Though he can be a bit shy at first meeting, he quickly comes around and wants nothing more than to snuggle by your side. Leonidas loves to be petted and brushed, and he would likely make the perfect lap cat in a calm and quiet home. If you are interested in adopting Leonidas, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and

content that engages and inspires students.” With donors removing financial barriers to the program for schools in need, Marshall says the Ocean Institute was flooded with interest that exceeded its ability to deliver. Unlike a pre-recorded video or large-scale webinar, Ocean Institute’s Virtual Field Trips were designed to be highly interactive, with only one class participating at a time. “My students loved that they could use the chat box or talk directly to the instructor,” said Lindsay Riscalla, a fifth-grade teacher from Courreges Elementary in Fountain Valley. But this small-scale approach limited the number of virtual field trips that could be offered each day. “We quickly realized that our only obstacle to fulfilling all requests was equipment. We were just a few cameras and computers away from tripling the number of students we could reach each day,” said Marshall.

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

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 20

See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Season’s Retreatings

CIF puts hold on competition until likely January, cancels state championships BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

n Tuesday, Dec. 1, the CIF State office announced that all full practice and competition start dates for the fall sports season are officially on hold as players, coaches, teams and athletic governing bodies all wait for updated state guidance on youth and high school sports. The CIF does not expect guidance to allow a return to play until after Jan. 1, 2021 at the earliest. Updated state guidance on youth sports was expected in mid-November, but as the state pulled its “emergency brake” with

Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continuing to surge at the same or higher rates than the previous peaks of July, the guidance was delayed. In the CIF-Southern Section, fall sports were slated to return with boys volleyball opening for games on Dec. 12, football beginning full practices on Dec. 14 and girls volleyball, boys and girls water polo and cross country opening through the rest of the month. Now, all fall sports will have to continue in the holding pattern of conditioning workouts they’ve been running since August. The CIF State office also announced the cancellation of the fall sports regional and state championships, which would allow CIF sections to move back their playoffs and give schools and teams more runway to play as many games as possible instead of cramming a limited amount of games into a shortened season. The CIF-SS said it would update the status of its fall sports championships on Jan. 19, 2021. Additionally, CIF moved boys volleyball and its regional and state championships back to the spring. As a consideration for gym time and space, boys volleyball had

been moved back to the fall instead of its traditional spot in the spring. However, citing the fact that boys volleyball had its 2020 spring season and championships canceled, CIF did not want to see a sport canceled twice and moved boys volleyball back to the spring. While CIF State officially has practices and competitions on hold, CIF-SS said its calendar for the 2020-21 school year “is in place and will remain in place” with the provision that schedules are likely to be delayed and some postponements and cancellations may be in line. “If schools are not able to begin practice/competition for fall sports in midDecember, as originally planned,” CIF-SS commissioner Rob Wigod said in an update on Tuesday, Dec. 1, “then the hope would be you can begin at a time in the future that would allow you to do so.” With the continued delay in state guidance and the CIF State announcement, the expectation is that tournaments and nonleague games would be canceled or postponed at the start of the seasons. Wigod said that at minimum, league play and the CIF-SS playoffs would remain as scheduled.

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“If regular seasons are shortened, it would be at the front end of the season,” Wigod said, “keeping the back end of the season unchanged. It is our intention for postseason play to be a destination for schools who are able to play this fall, even more so if regular seasons are reduced at the beginning.” Full practices and competitions first came to a halt in mid-March, and it wasn’t until June 15 that the county released guidance to allow youth sports practices. Capistrano Unified School District schools had set a tentative return to camps for July 6 before those plans were scrapped and state guidance that counteracted that earlier county guidance was announced on July 8. CIF-SS made the announcement of its new 2020-21 schedule on July 20, and the state amended its guidance on Aug. 3 to allow for conditioning workouts. CUSD then opened its Phase 1 conditioning camps on Aug. 18 with limited group sizes and activities. CUSD programs then worked up to Phase 2 on Sept. 23 and to Phase 3 on Oct. 26, with groups of up to 20 athletes and shared use of equipment while maintaining physical distancing of six feet. DP

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

How Safe Is the Water at SanO?

GROM OF THE WEEK

FINN MCCARTY

Surfrider Foundation to Begin Testing Local Waters for Radiation Pollution from SONGS

Finn McCarty. Photo: Courtesy of Finn McCarty BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

n Thanksgiving morning, there was a long line to get into San Onofre State Beach, and the wait was at least an hour. As Sprinter vans, Audi wagons, beat-up old work trucks and all other sorts of surf vehicles idled on the bluff, waiting their turn to get in, the giant concrete domes of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) coldly stared them down. Enjoying a warm cup of coffee in the car and anticipating a pre-holiday surf session, I doubt if anyone gave the nuclear plant much thought. We’ve all grown accustomed to it blending into the scenery. But just a couple of days prior to Thanksgiving, Surfrider Foundation announced that it was joining a campaign called “Our Radioactive Ocean,” which will “test liquid radioactive effluent at San Onofre State Beach.” Collaborating with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the mission to monitor nuclear radiation in the world’s oceans was inspired largely by the 2011 meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan after it was badly damaged during a historic earthquake and tsunami event. There has been concern from scientists and environmentalists about the impact of radiation in the Pacific ever since. Recently, SONGS has been performing a number of Radioactive Batch Releases, which release radioactive material into the atmosphere or ocean, based on guidelines established from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The latest of these took place on Nov. 19 and released 84,000 gallons of wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. SONGS is currently the only nuclear plant in the U.S. to give liquid batch release notifications and post details on the volume, radiation dose and time of release 48 hours in advance—something for which Surfrider actively campaigned. By coincidence, also on Nov. 19, Dr. Ian Fairlie, an expert on radiation biology, gave an online Zoom seminar entitled “Is it Safe to Live Near San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant?” Sponsored by the Samuel Lawrence Foundation and Coalition for Nuclear Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

Surfrider Foundation announced last month that it will begin to test the waters around the San Onfore power plant for radiation pollution. Photo: File/Cari Hachmann

Safety and speaking to an audience of about 150 people, he explained the risks of living within a 3-mile radius of SONGS. “All I can say is that there is a large number of studies showing that people who live within 5 kilometers—which is about 3 miles—of the nuclear power stations in many countries around the world get cancer,” Fairlie explained. “In particular, the kids get leukemia. So, if you’re within 3 miles, it’s serious,” he continued. “That’s why I recommended that pregnant women, lactating women, children, and women who expect to have a family should not live within 3 miles of the plant.” This makes the new partnership between Surfrider and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution all the more vital to our public health, as well as the health and safety of the thousands and thousands of visiting surfers who use San Onofre every year. “This project will give community scientists and organizations the rare opportunity to test the waterways before, during, and after a wastewater release to measure how nuclear effluent alters the local water quality,” reads a statement released by Surfrider. “While the levels released by SONGS are reportedly very low as measured by Southern California Edison, the plant majority owner and operator, the new testing will provide an additional layer of public transparency into water quality levels for nearby local communities,” Surfrider adds. As part of the program, Surfrider will be working directly with volunteers to collect water samples both in the surf, as

well as at the outfall site a mile offshore. The samples will then be tested and processed by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The main radioactive isotope they will be watching for is Cesium-137. SONGS was closed in 2013 and continues to go through the decommissioning process. The eventual goal will be to remove the concrete domes that house the plant’s reactors. And while the site will look considerably different in a few years, the U.S. federal government still has not developed a long-term storage solution of the spent fuel. Until that problem is solved, we will have 3.6 million pounds of radioactive waste stored on-site in stainless steel canisters about 100 feet from the waterline. “Surfrider Foundation will continue to advocate for the removal of the nuclear material away from the bluffs of San Onofre as soon as feasibly possible,” continues the Surfrider statement. “There is no question that there are better and safer locations for this material than along the densely populated coastline of earthquake-riddled Southern California.” For more on the findings about nuclear radiation in our oceans, go to ourradioactiveocean.org. 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

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t’s crazy how fast kids around here develop skills on a surfboard. Seems like one day they’re getting pushed into mellow rollers by dad, and the next, they’re busting airs. Such is the accelerated development of Finn McCarty’s brilliant surfing lately. All of 10 years old, the goofy-footer has been logging some serious water time and putting in the work. And for the effort, as well as enduring the dropping water temps, he deserves a little shine. Fine-tuning his attack, Finn’s surfing has gotten more powerful and explosive. He’s got a sick layback hack on lock, and his above-the-lip bag of tricks seems to be getting bigger by the day. One of the things that’s most telling about Finn’s progression is how much his timeless, epic style has developed. He’s mature beyond his years, and there are some classic old-school vibes flowing in his approach, harnessing the best of resident style-lords such as Nate Yeomans, Chris Ward and the Gudauskas brothers. In or out of the water, Finn has a killer sense of style. His boards are always colorful and have a lot of pop, the wetsuits provided by his sponsor Visla are always fun and vibrant, and he’s even been known to mow some foam now and again. Finn is a surfer’s surfer, and it’s rad to see all the passion paying off, as he just keeps getting better and better. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-61 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8 Outlook: On Friday, the West/northwest swell peaks, for chest to head high waves, (4-5’). Light+ offshore winds in the morning Friday, shift to light+ westerlies by the afternoon. The West/northwest swell winds down over the weekend, for thigh to waist high surf by Sunday. Pattern of light offshore morning winds followed by a light+ to moderate afternoon sea breeze continues through the weekend.

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Dana Point Times December 4-10, 2020

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