October 23, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

October 23-29, 2015 YO U

C A N

INSIDE: Crib to College An Educational Guide to Your Child’s Success

U S E

SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 8, ISSUE 43

Saddleback College Nears 50

After nearly five decades of change Dana Point’s nearest community college continues forward momentum E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

One of the most recent and ongoing improvements at Saddleback College, as it moves into its fifth decade of service, is a new Sciences Building, now under construction. Photo: Andrea Swayne

TBID to Offer IlluminOcean Lights to County EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

County to Issue RFP for OC Sailing & Events Center EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Team USA Wins Gold at ISA World Jr. Championship DP SURF/PAGE 34

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING bluff/cliff side were removed the construction of a 48-foot-long soldier and beam wall was started.

WHAT’S NEXT: During construction the road will be closed during weekdays and open on weekends.

The wall is expected to be complete by Friday, Oct. 30.—AS

County RFP in the Works for Management of OC Sailing & Events Center

The Orange County Public Works Department is in the process of building a 48-foot wall at the base of Cove Road to prevent rockslides from the bluff/cliff side from rolling onto the roadway. Photo: Eric Heinz

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week TBID Offers IlluminOcean Lights to Harbor THE LATEST: At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Tourism Business Improvement District board—general managers of the city’s four largest hotels—voted to loan the lights used last year at their IlluminOcean, ocean-themed lighting display at Dana Point Harbor to the county along with $25,000 for a display this holiday season.

The TBID canceled the event in August.

Jim Samuels, general manager of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, made the motion to offer the lights to the harbor (county) plus the $25,000. The board agreed.

WHAT’S NEXT: Although Brad Gross, OC Dana Point Harbor director, had not been contacted by the TBID regarding the offer, he said on Thursday that the Harbor is not interested in accepting it.

“From what I understand the TBID last year invested close to $1 million to bring IlluminOcean to the Harbor,” Gross said. “I also understand they decided not to recreate IlluminOcean because the contractor they hired allegedly stored the lights and displays in a fashion rendering them unusable for future use. The Harbor Department is not interested in receiving a tangled ball of used lights with the expectaDana Point Times October 23-29, 2015

tion of recreating a $1 million display.”

According to Gross, the Harbor Department will instead be working with operators and the Harbor Merchant’s Association and installing new lights, as had been customary in years past—before last year’s IlluminOcean debut—in addition to its other holiday traditions such as Holiday in the Harbor (Dec. 4) and the Boat Parade of Lights (Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19).

“We will create a modest-in-comparison display, but still spectacular and enhanced compared to the displays we have done in the past,” Gross said. “If the TBID or the city of Dana Point would like to recreate IlluminOcean in the Harbor similar last year’s display, the county would welcome them and once again issue no-fee permits.”—Andrea Swayne

Rockslide Retaining Wall Under Construction at Base of Cove Road THE LATEST: Following an Oct. 6 rockslide that brought basketball-sized boulders rolling down onto Cove Road from the bluffs above and necessitating the road’s closure, the county is building a wall as a precautionary measure.

According to a letter from Khalid Basmi, assistant director and county engineer for the Orange County Public Works Department, the department consulted with a geotechnical consultant to work out a long-range solution for the potential of future rockslides in the area—on county land at the intersection of Cove Road and Dana Point Harbor Drive.

On Oct. 9, OC Public Works terraced the K-rail barriers, added signage and reopened the road.

On Oct. 12 dislodged rocks on the

THE LATEST: Upon learning of the intention of the County of Orange to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a private company/independent contractor to assume management of the OC Sailing & Events Center at the Dana Point Harbor, groups utilizing the center for sailing/ maritime lessons and rentals, community group meetings, exercise classes, etc. are protesting the move.

Groups currently utilizing the facility, such as Westwind Sailing and the Sea Scouts, have launched campaigns asking for help from the public with making their dissatisfaction with the county’s decision known to county leaders. The move, they contend, puts their businesses/organizations in jeopardy, as they believe a private company would be able to do with the center whatever they want and could either remove them from the center or price them out of it.

WHAT’S NEXT: Lisa Bartlett, Orange County Supervisor 5th District, confirmed the county is currently in the process of drafting an RFP that is seeking a company to manage the OC Sailing & Events Center building and grounds and the west side docks (on the Baby Beach side). The RFP does not include Baby Beach, docks on the opposite side of the Event Center, parking lots or the grassy park/picnic area.

The RFP is expected to go out to bid within the next 60 to 90 days, she said, to test the market for interest, and the move will likely be wrapped up within the next six months.

Bartlett also expressed concern with a large amount of misinformation going around and said that the county has a commitment to continue offering community serving programs at the Center.

“What many don’t realize is that the county has been subsidizing it in the amount of about $300,000 per year to keep it open,” Bartlett said. “When you take a look at the facility itself, it can definitely use some enhancements and I think the possible addition of a concessionaire or other services will enhance the business model so that it can operate with longterm stability … The county is receptive to listening to all the stakeholders as part

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of the process. The RFP will be a very fair process and we will keep our commitment to have community serving programs at the Center.” —AS

Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Armed Robbery Suspects THE LATEST: The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying four suspects in a Mission Viejo armed robbery.

On Oct. 21 around 12:45 p.m., four suspects described as “male, African-Americans, wearing black masks and clothing” entered the Fredric H. Rubel jewelry store inside The Shops at Mission Viejo and began smashing glass display cases with hammers and grabbing jewelry.

“At least one of the suspects was armed with a handgun; however, no shots were fired and there were no injuries to any of the employees,” Lt. Jeff Hallock said in a press release.

Witnesses later reported bags of jewelry being thrown from a vehicle off the 405 freeway near Beach Boulevard. Investigators found the items to be consistent with the stolen jewelry.

WHAT’S NEXT: Anyone with information about the robbery or additional victims is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714.647.7000. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855.TIP.OCCS (855.847.6227) or at occrimestoppers. org.—Allison Jarrell

Inaugural Art Walk a Success THE LATEST: The inaugural Del Prado Art Walk, Oct. 17, along Del Prado Avenue in the Lantern District brought hundreds of people out to the street to view and purchase work of local artists on display.

Heather Johnston, executive director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, praised the effort as a great way to showcase the new look and feel of Del Prado following infrastructure construction and the street’s return to two-way traffic.

“Event organizers, Nancy Jenkins and Jack Loconsolo, should be commended,” Johnston said. “They brought the businesses together and created a wonderful first event for the new Del Prado.”

WHAT’S NEXT: With such positive feedback from businesses, residents and visitors, event, city and chamber officials are in discussion regarding possible future events and the frequency at which they would occur. —AS www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Wednesday, October 21 HIT AND RUN FELONY Calle Real/Avenida Las Palmas (9:52 p.m.) A dark blue pick-up truck hit another vehicle and fled the scene. The car was last seen turning onto Calle Real.

DISTURBANCE-GANG La Paz Avenue/Malaga Drive (8:45 p.m.)

A group of eight to 12 male gang members, believed to be in their late teens, were hanging out in the street. The caller said the group was “moving with a purpose.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Doheny Park Plaza (8:40 p.m.) A man, believed to be in his early twenties, was walking on the west side of the road jumping out and into traffic.

DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 25300 Block (2:01 a.m.) A woman caller said her boyfriend was holding her hostage at Doheny State Beach and would not let her leave.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE San Juan Avenue/Street of the Golden Lantern (12:19 a.m.) A taxi driver reported a man, wearing a striped shirt, was crawling on the ground next to his car. The caller said the man was lying in the road and shouting.

Tuesday, October 20 DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (11:38 a.m.) Five transients were out in front of a store, bothering the caller’s customers.

The store owner was refusing to sell the transients alcohol.

CITIZEN ASSIST Street of the Golden Lantern, 33200 Block (2:01 a.m.) A man was stranded without money or a ride home. The man said he lives in Laguna Niguel.

Monday, October 19 RECKLESS DRIVING Dana Strand Road, 34300 Block (11:15 p.m.) Vehicles were racing from the Strand Beach parking lot up Selva Road.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Amber Lantern/Del Prado AvPage 4

enue (8:30 p.m.) Teenagers were driving in a silver Toyota Prius and throwing eggs at people.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Dana Point Harbor Drive (7:06 p.m.) A caller said a man with a pit bull took his dog off of its leash and threatened to have the pit bull attack her and her dogs.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Las Palmas, 26700 Block (3:48 p.m.) Multiple men were playing with a Nerf ball and hitting cars.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Doheny Park Road, 34100 Block (11:13 a.m.) A man urinated on the caller’s property and was standing near the building.

The caller said he had a video recording of the incident.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE El Encanto Avenue, 34100 Block (10:43 a.m.) A caller said a silver Saab has been parked in an alley nearby for months and had several cats living inside of it.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Golden Lantern, 33300 Block (7:52 a.m.) A caller reported a man holding a sign that was against abortion on the corner across from City Hall. The caller said there were children walking to school in the area who could see the “graphic images” on the man’s sign.

Sunday, October 18 DISTURBANCE El Camino Capistrano, 24700 Block (10:45 p.m.) A woman climbed over a caller’s gate and passed out in the front yard. The caller said the man was not responding but was breathing. The caller requested deputies help escort the woman off the property.

WELFARE CHECK Dana Drive, 24300 Block (9:51 p.m.) A woman entered a restaurant claiming she was lost, did not know how she got there and did not have a way to get home.

DISTURBANCE Camino El Molino, 34300 Block (4:02 p.m.) A man caught another man taking things out of his truck. The caller said he would attempt to detain the man until deputies arrived.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Street of the Green Lantern/Cove Road (9:16 a.m.) Two men were lying in the bed of a truck with the tailgate down. The caller thought they were smoking drugs.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Camino El Molino, 34400 Block (12:20 a.m.) A man was pounding on the back door of a home, swearing and yelling.

The woman said she was not expecting anyone. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Saddleback College students pass by the fenced-off construction zone for the new science building on their way to and from classes. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Saddleback College Nears 50 Dana Point’s nearest community college after nearly five decades of change continues forward momentum

BY ERIC HEINZ, ALLISON JARRELL AND ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s Saddleback College approaches its 50th anniversary in 2018, the school is looking toward the future with a number of projects in academia and facilities.

In its nearly five decades of service to the community, Saddleback has been a staple for local students, both traditional and non-traditional, and has continually strived to meet the needs of the changes in local population and culture.

Well-known in the tri-city area, as well as across south Orange County, as the local college, Saddleback draws a large number of area high school graduates from San Clemente, Dana Hills and San Juan Hills high schools—many before they’ve finished their senior year.

As the college finishes out its fifth decade of service, we are taking a look at current challenges and new developments on the horizon.

ACADEMICS Kathy Werle, Ph.D, Saddleback College vice president for instruction, said although the college has no plans in the immediate future to offer four-year programs, it is possible specialized curricula could develop.

In January, 12 community colleges were selected to offer pilot four-year programs, but Saddleback was not among that group, as California community college officials deemed the school was better suited as a two-year college.

“The (California Community College) Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2015

Chancellor’s Office was really looking at offering high-unit programs that exceed the number we can allow students to transfer with and competed with programs four-year California universities offer,” Werle said. “Our project was … seen as too close to what the four-year universities were doing.”

The community colleges selected to receive four-year programs were given bachelor’s degree offerings such as dental hygiene and mortuary science—programs that Saddleback wanted but did not get. Had Saddleback been given these four-year programs, Werle said, it would have put them in direct competition with current four-year schools to which the community college currently sends its two-year transfer students.

Although not selected for four-year programs, at least this time around, Saddleback’s overall mission as an institution has continually changed over time in many other ways, Werle added.

“Historically, Saddleback had a heavy concentration of career technical education programs,” she said. “I think people in the community see us more as a transfer institution now. And Capistrano Unified School District, as well as Saddleback Valley (district), are working to strengthen adult education and we got funding to increase the number of classes offered.”

From adult education programs for non-traditional students furthering their education, to concurrent and dual enrollment for students wishing to take college courses before they graduate high school, Saddleback officials work to keep pace

with community needs and demands.

Werle said some of the classes offered are especially beneficial because high school Advanced Placement class credit can be fickle—some universities require a top score on the test in order to receive credit, and if that doesn’t happen, the class doesn’t fulfill its intended purpose.

Advancement Via Individual Determination is also offered at Saddleback, which helps students acclimate to the college environment. Werle said Saddleback is the only community college that offers AVID—a national high school program— in California.

A big part of the college’s role is to ensure credit transfers are guaranteed in order to facilitate students to larger universities to complete their bachelor’s degrees and beyond, Werle said.

The number of students transferring to specific colleges changes every year, Saddleback public information officer Jennie McCue said, but UC Berkley, UC San Diego and San Diego State are historically among the top universities.

“We have a number of programs specifically aligned with the university programs,” Werle said.

The Freshman Advantage program offered by the college engages new students with help in planning their academic schedule throughout their studies. Next fall, Werle said, the college will work on a cohort-based schedule that would give students more time to take general education courses while they decide on a major.

The college is also looking to implement a June 20 start date for summer classes, after the high schools are out for the year.

And early registration will now take place March 15.

Saddleback currently enrolls about 25,000 students.

HIGH SCHOOL PERSPECTIVES Local high school officials have taken note of the statewide push for community colleges to offer more four-year degrees, and they’re eagerly waiting for those opportunities to come to South Orange County. Of the 60 percent of CUSD’s college-bound seniors who attend Saddleback College, a significant number of students come from Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Maureen Scherf, head academic advisor at San Juan Hills High School, said although Saddleback College is not yet part of the statewide pilot program, she’s looking forward to future opportunities at the school for students to get their bachelor’s degree in career technical education fields.

Scherf said the technical training that community colleges are beginning to offer students is invaluable in today’s job market and makes students much more employable. She added that this is particularly true in Orange County, which she said is “saturated” in bachelor’s degrees.

“The most important thing is just focusing on career technical education—industry sectors that traditionally in the past 10

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years haven’t hired a lot of kids because they aren’t trained” Scherf said. “Community colleges are looking to train those kids.”

Jason Allemann, principal at Dana Hills High School, also applauded Saddleback’s efforts, adding that the need for more educational options extends far beyond Orange County. Allemann said additional college and career pathways will better prepare students for the local and global work force.

“We’re always appreciative of [Saddleback’s] willingness to work with us as a district,” Alleman said. “They have an innovative and cutting edge perspective on how we educate students at the high school level.”

FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS The college is currently constructing a new sciences building, an 81,381-squarefoot building with 26 science laboratories, four classrooms and staff offices, according to the annual state of the college report given by Saddleback President Tod Burnett, Ph.D, in August.

The building, expected to be complete in fall 2016, is the most visual sign of progress on campus currently—one that will not only be an improvement for the school’s science programs, but is also leading to a need for the addition of other new facilities.

Tony Lipold, athletic director and dean of kinesiology and athletics, said the new science building has created a parking issue, which in turn will result in the 2018 addition of a new stadium and practice fields.

“In order to provide more parking closer to the new science building, our east practice fields for football and soccer— that now surround the baseball field—will have to be relocated,” Lipold said. “A new stadium has been on the radar, since the school opened. The current stadium has always been regarded as temporary, the only permanent features in it being the lights and the home bleachers. It has worked but it hasn’t been ideal.”

With funding finally in place, a new 8,000-seat, state-of-the-art facility is slated for construction in 2018 at the site of the current stadium, he said. The project will also include nine track lanes and a field also suited for soccer, football, lacrosse and concert events inside and outside, new fields for soccer, football and area for track and field throwing events.

“The new stadium is long overdue,” Lipold said. “Probably the thing its construction will have the most impact on is the fact that it’s going to be a stadium for use by all south county high school teams that have historically had to play CIF championship games at places like Orange Coast College and Cal State Fullerton, the closest suitable stadium being about 30 miles away.”

Lipold also said he sees the new stadium as creating a new gateway to Saddleback, both physically—due to its location as people enter campus off of Avery Parkway—and with regard to recruiting, by hosting both high profile high school and college events. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Business Beat

Community Meetings

News from Dana Point’s business community

COMPILED BY RACHEL JOHNSON, ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST, DANA POINT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

HONORS BIG 5 SPORTING GOODS 34101 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach, 949.489.5648, www.big5sportinggoods.com The city of Dana Point has chosen Big 5 Sporting Goods as the Business of the Month for October 2015.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary this month, Big 5 Sporting Goods was founded in October 1955 by Maurie I. Liff and Robert W. Miller. Originally they operated five Army-Navy surplus stores throughout California. As their business started to grow, the demand for sporting goods grew with it, leading them to start specializing in sporting goods and change their business name to Big 5 Sporting Goods in 1963. In 1971 Big 5 was acquired by Thrifty Drug Stores and in 1992 the Capistrano Beach Thrifty, on Doheny Park Road in Doheny Village, was turned into a Big 5 store.

While continually updating the store, last month, Big 5 finished renovation to their building, including new frontage, carpeting and repaving the parking lot.

Big 5 Sporting Goods carries various sporting needs from fishing and camping to lacrosse and everything in between.

The Capistrano Beach location employs 24 staff members, three assistant managers and one store manager. Management is focused on the success of their employees as they encourage their associates to seek ongoing education, whether it is through trade, college or even their own manager training program.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26

Canned Food Drive

6 a.m.-7 p.m. from Oct. 26 through Nov. 9, Dana Hills High School student government hosts their annual collection of canned foods. This year’s collection will be donated to Family Assistance Ministries. For more information, call 949.295.1481. Donations should be dropped off at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern.

Planning Commission Meeting

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

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 At the Oct. 6 Dana Point City Council meeting Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Johnston (center) and Mayor Carlos Olvera (right) present Big 5 Sporting Goods manager Nick Hrdlicka with recognition as Dana Point Business of the Month. Photo: Andrea Swayne

One of the things that the Capistrano Beach Big 5 is most proud of is that they are one of the top 10 performing stores, out of 439 in 13 states. This has allowed them to carry more items and more highend items than most of the other stores.

They are also well-known for their large selection of reasonably priced footwear.

Being close to the ocean, the Capistrano beach location is one of the few locations to carry a wide selection of water sports gear, including paddleboards, kayaks, bodyboards, snorkeling equipment and more. Over the Fourth of July holiday they typically sell out of all these items.

Along with a selection of sporting merchandise, the Capistrano Beach Big 5 strives to provide the best customer service to their patrons. With their knowledgeable staff they are able to provide the best information possible to insure the customer’s needs are met.

Giving back to the community is a big part of Big 5 Sporting Goods, as they will match any dollar that is donated through them to the March of Dimes in April and Toys for Tots in December. Locally, the Capistrano Beach Big 5 helps the organization “I’m a Shoe Angel” which every month donates shoes to 10 kids in need.

Stop and Talk

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

BY ALISON JACQUES

WHITE PELICAN GALLERY 34475 Golden Lantern St., 949.240.1991, www.whitepelicangallery.com Chad Poulos, 44, is a co-owner of the family owned White Pelican Gallery at the Dana Point Harbor.

We found Poulos, jewelry tools in hand, in a back corner of the Native American artisan’s store and had a quick confab to get to know a little bit about him.

Dana Point Times: What are two things on your bucket list?

Chad Poulos: Visiting Greece … learning to fly a chopper.

What is your biggest regret?

Not playing college basketball.

Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2015

What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had?

Every year, my mom’s Thanksgiving dinner.

Cyber Safety and Social Networks

6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Cyber Safety for Parents class is a 90-minute seminar providing parents with information on how to effectively supervise their children on social media sites and protect them from cyber-bullying. The class explains current technology and apps teens are using across the Internet.

Instructor, Clay Cranford is a 13-year law enforcement professional currently serving as a school resource officer in Orange County. Free admission. Dana Hills High School, Porthole Theater, 33333 Golden Lantern, 657.206.6070, clay@cybersafetycop.com.

South Orange County Toastmasters Meeting 7 p.m.-8:40 p.m. Practice be-

coming a more confident communicator on Tuesdays at Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, 949.280.9777, 3944816. toastmastersclubs.org,

Dana Harbor Toastmasters

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

What was your most frightening moment?

The birth of my son.

What is the worst thing you did in grade school?

(Chuckles) I took an incredibly large permanent marker and saw how far it would bleed out on the brand new carpet of the school.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club

How do you feel about the new Dana Point and the construction?

Hopefully all goes as smoothly as possible … the harbor’s going to be wonderful.

Chad Poulos is a co-owner of his family’s business, White Pelican Gallery at the Dana Point Harbor.

Photo: Alison Jacques

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

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor LET’S CREATE ‘WALK AND PICK UP YOUR BUTTS DAY’ THERESA NOWAK, CAPISTRANO BEACH

Living at the beach brings certain responsibilities. Every day on my walk I think to myself how lucky I am to live where I do. Many of you must feel the same way. So with this blessing we must share the responsibility of keeping our oceans clean.

In recent years, on my walks I have noticed the increased volume of cigarette butts on sidewalks, gutters, park vegetation, driveways, streets etc. Many believe it is the increased volume of sober living rehab facilities in our beach cities that is contributing to this but surely they are not the only cause. I am always hearing young adults talk the talk about caring about our planet but I never see those who smoke carrying something to put their butt in when they are finished with their cigarette. They just drop them. Of course it is not just young adults; it’s the old folk too! No judgement--that’s your choice to smoke, but what you do with that butt goes far beyond your choice.

I remember growing up in the ’60s and watching a commercial about littering.

At the end of the commercial there was a Native American Indian with a tear coming from his eye after seeing all the trash being discarded over our majestic land.

Now there is a commercial airing that is

addressing all the cigarette butts in our cities with a very powerful message.

I would like to inspire our beach city leaders to organize a “Walk and Pick Up Your Butts Day.” All of the residents who care enough to participate could meet at a designated place to be given gloves to wear and bags to put the butts in. We could walk our neighborhoods and then meet back and dump all that is collected into a dumpster to be photographed for the local papers. Maybe a picture is worth a thousand words and it just might change the habits of some to make a difference for all.

NO PRIVATIZATION AT HARBOR PARK HENRY SCIMIA, Dana Point

It has come to my attention that Harbor Park—located at the west end of Dana Point Harbor—is being looked at to be privatized. Please don’t let this happen!

I am a resident of Dana Point for the past 35 years and have come to think of the harbor as my “second home.” My family has used the Westwind Sailing facilities throughout the ’90s for the sailing camps and many other summer day programs for my son.

I have personally used the OC Sailing & Events Center for the past 10 years for the Jazzercise program held in this facility.

Privatizing this facility would be a travesty.

In reading all the accolades that the Harbor Park has offered to the public— whether it be free or at minimal cost—how can you entertain the notion that it should be restricted in any way?

There is a stated mission for the Harbor Park: “to provide sailing and water based experiences to our community while also

hosting social and business events at our harbor location.”

Have you, personally, ever experienced what it is all about down at the Harbor Park? The camaraderie of everyone getting together to enjoy the facilities and what it has to offer? I invite you to go down there—on any given day—and you will see why we are all passionate about saving this wonderful entity.

Mayor of Dana Point, City Council members of Dana Point and Orange County Supervisors of the 5th District, please listen to the people, to the public, to tax payers, to the Dana Point community, to the people who elect you on this most passionate issue.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The County of Orange is currently in the process of drafting an RFP (Request for Proposal) for a private company/independent contractor to manage the OC Sailing & Events Center facility.

The RFP, which is expected to go out within 60 to 90 days, includes only the building, grounds and west side docks (the docks on the Baby Beach side). It does not include Baby Beach, the grass park area and picnic sites or any parking lots.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

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

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

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Picket Fence Media Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

GUEST OPINION: Straight Talk by Al Jacobs

The Best of Intentions

O

n Sept. 25, with the banging of General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft’s gavel, the United Nations embarked on a momentous project.

The representatives of that international body dedicated themselves to a 15-year program titled “Transforming our World.” The very first of its 17 goals is to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere.” To implement that, along with the 16 other equally ambitious proposals, is a call to raise $3.5 to $5.0 trillion each year until 2030.

The items on the to-do list, which include reducing inequality within and among countries, end hunger, and ensure healthy lives for all, are certainly wellintended. To accomplish any of these Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2015

feats could be described as miraculous. And the fact the United Nations possesses not even a small fraction of the funds called for makes it all the more challenging.

How will they raise the STRAIGHT TALK money? Can programs be

By Al Jacobs coordinated within each country? Will the dollars flow so not to be confiscated by the bureaucracies?

Merely “ending poverty everywhere” raises questions which are answered with a few statistics. In this world some 3 billion persons are living on no more than $912 annually. The U.S. upper limit of poverty is $24,230 per year for a family of four—or $6,058 per person. Thus, to bring each of those 3 billion out of poverty—U.S. style—requires $5,146 additional. Three billion dollars times $5,146: That amount totals $15.4 trillion. From day one, ending poverty is over budget by more than $10 trillion per year.

Where, then, does the United States fit

into this scenario? On Sept. 28, President Obama appeared before the UN to offer a powerful endorsement of the 15-year program to eradicate poverty. How many dollars will eventually be extracted from the American taxpayer is conjectural, but as with every such noble crusade, money will flow. Whether the recipients will be the poverty-stricken of the globe is uncertain, but if history repeats itself, most of the loot will end up in the pockets of the world’s demagogues and tyrants. It’s a sad reality that charitable endeavors are normally badly planned and grotesquely executed. Rarely do deserving parties share in the largesse.

Al Jacobs, of Dana Point, is a professional investor for nearly a half-century, issues a monthly newsletter in which he shares his financial knowledge and experience. You may view it at www.onthemoneytrail.net. DP

Special Projects Editor, > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING PICKET FENCE MEDIA

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point) Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 43. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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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

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CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

School is in full swing once again—to some that means embarking, for the first time, on a full day of classroom instruction, to others it is the beginning of the end of their young academic careers with SAT tests and college applications on the horizon.

The staff here at Picket Fence Media has scoured the region for experts in health, education, arts, finance and more to give you, the reader, supportive stories, tips and advice to help your students succeed. You’ll hear from Pamela Kahn on the correlation between a student’s health and their academic success and from Christina Altmayer on the kindergarten readiness of Orange County’s youngest pupils. Tom Bottorf and Robert Chavez explore college funding options and Elizabeth Bottiaux, a mother of four, writes on her belief that we should let kids be kids. These local experts have poured their knowledge onto the following pages to help fulfill your child’s unique needs and academic goals throughout the journey from Crib to College.

It’s Story Time!

M

ark your desk, wall and smart phone calendars for free reading events throughout the tri-cities. Be sure to visit the libraries in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano for these weekly and monthly activities for the entire family. Be sure to call the local branches for updated activity times.

Monday iStock.com/ipekata

Talk! Read! Sing!

Use everyday moments to build lifelong skills

E

arly involvement is key—key to brain development and school success.

Research has show that exposing children at the earliest ages—from birth on—to consistent, language rich experiences like talking, reading and singing helps set children on a learning path of achievement.

Not all children are exposed to the same levels of back-and-forth communication, be it at home, in early learning programs, at school or in being around other children.

Studies have shown that by age 3, children from lower-income families hear about 30 million fewer words than children from more affluent families.

A lack of resources can create a gap—a word gap that is—in the quantity and quality of words children learn. To increase the number and caliber of words children across the nation are exposed to, the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services partnered with Too Small to Fail in order to create free tip sheets for parents and caregivers to help enrich their child’s experiences.

These tip sheets and other resources can be found online talkingisteaching.org.

Build brain activity by talkTALK! ing to your baby or toddler.

Back-and-forth conversations will help babies make new connections, build understanding and put them on a journey to learn new words and concepts.

• Get on your child’s level and make eye contact.

• Engage in conversations. Reply to baby language. Give your child time to respond.

• Follow your baby’s lead. Identify what they are interested in and jump into nar-

ration.

• Emulate your baby’s tone. If they are happy, smile and use and upbeat tone.

• Comment about and label everything in your child’s environment.

• Introduce new words, also repeat and expand on what your child says.

You don’t have to finish a book with young children.

Instead, take the time to engage your child. Talk through the book.

Explore the pictures, ask questions and connect the story to everyday life.

• Introduce books: How to hold them and turn the page.

• Make reading an interactive experience by asking lots of questions.

• Label objects in the books and relate them to real life.

• Be expressive, use different tones for characters and have fun when reading stories.

• Repetition, repetition, repetition. Babies learn more when the same story is repeated.

READ!

Who doesn’t love music?

There is something about a good beat and catchy lyrics that puts you in a better mood. Did you know, music can nourish a child’s brain? It can also help teach new words and concepts.

• Make up songs to go along with daily routines.

• Act out the meaning of songs and encourage your child to do the same.

• Sing songs and alter lyrics to known tunes to apply to different situations.

Toddler Storytime 10:30 a.m. Children ages 2 to 3 can enjoy stories and activities to help with coordination and color, shape and number recognition at the San Clemente Library.

Parents and siblings are welcome.

Family Storytime 6:30 p.m. Join in the fun each third Monday of the month as the National Charity League Sunshine Readers host an energetic family storytime at the San Juan Capistrano Library.

Pajama Storytime 7 p.m. Wear your pajamas and head down to the Dana Point Library for a night of stories, songs and fun.

All ages are invited to this PJ storytime on the fourth Monday of each month.

Tuesday Toddler and Preschool Storytimes 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Meet your friends at the Dana Point Library for a fun, and story, filled event.

Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more. Toddlers at 10 a.m., Preschool at 11 a.m.

Preschool Storytime 10:30 a.m. Help your child prepare for and succeed in school by attending a Preschool Storytime at the San Clemente Library. Storytime aimed at kids ages 3 to 5.

SING!

iStock.com/ipekata

Preschool Storytime 11:15 a.m. Stop by the San Juan Capistrano Library for a morning of fun stories, songs, crafts and other activities for children ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers.

Wednesday Family Storytime 11:30 a.m. The entire family is invited to the San Juan Capistrano Library for stories and rhymes in both English and Spanish. All ages are welcome.

Read to a Dog 3 p.m. Practice reading skills and build confidence by sharing your favorite tales with certified therapy dogs the first Monday of the month at the Dana Point Library.

Thursday Pajama Storytime 7:45 p.m. Come to the San Clemente Library wearing your favorite slippers and jammies as the Sunshine Readers whisk the whole family off to their dreamlands.

LOCAL LIBRARIES DANA POINT LIBRARY 33481 Niguel Road 949.496.5517, ocpl.org/libloc/dana SAN CLEMENTE LIBRARY 242 Avenida Del Mar 949.492.3493, ocpl.org/liblo/sc SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO LIBRARY 31495 El Camino Real 949.493.1752, ocpl.org/libloc/sjc

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Are OC Kids Ready for Kindergarten?

OC Children & Families examines school readiness in terms of social, emotional and physical knowledge

By Christina Altmayer, Executive Director of the Children and Families Commission of Orange County

T

he September back to school rush has begun to fade and students throughout Orange County are beginning to settle into another year. What teachers understand, however, is that getting ready for school means more than having a backpack, new lunch box and a ready supply of pencils.

Increasingly, research has demonstrated that “school readiness” means having the social, emotional and physical knowledge that helps a child be best positioned to learn. Kids who enter kindergarten ready to learn are more likely to display above-average social and academic skills that are sustained well into their Christina Altmayer educational careers.

This doesn’t mean every kindergartner needs to know all their numbers and letters on day one, but if we can help equip children with the skills to learn when they begin, they will be better positioned for school success and start on a path of lifelong learning.

About eight years ago, the Children and Families Commission of Orange County launched an initiative to answer the basic

question: How ready are Orange County’s children for school?

Understanding that the readiness of OC’s children is key to achieving its mission, the commission—in partnership with school districts throughout Orange County—began collecting data on children in kindergarten using a tool previously deployed in Australia and Canada. The Early Developmental Index (EDI) measures children’s readiness in five domains: physical health and well-being; social competence; emotional maturity; language and cognitive development; and general knowledge and communication.

We now have comprehensive, valid data on every public school with a kindergarten population in Orange County. So, how ready are Orange County’s children?

Overall, almost half of Orange County’s children are on track in all five areas of readiness. As we dig into the data, there are opportunities to improve how children are doing in terms of communication and knowledge skills. The commission is using the EDI data to educate parents about the importance of reading to their children every day and working with communities to see how they can provide services and environments in which children and parents can learn and play together to foster healthy development.

Additionally, the commission is digging deeper into the data to understand specific

Read Aloud, Read Often

By Tracey Frank Pringle, Owner of Club Literacy

T

here is one key ingredient essential for any good-reader recipe: Motivation. For young readers to progress in the area of reading, they have to develop a love of reading and an appreciation of authors and illustrators. This will give them the natural motivation to want to read.

Becoming an independent, strong and capable reader is like building a house. The most enduring houses we admire are the houses built with the strongest foundation. Research has proven the more you do something the better you become at it–thus, children who read more develop the strongest foundations.

How do we connect and motivate children when it comes to loving books and learning to read?

One of my fondest memories growing up was visiting the public library with my mother. I recall her telling me how she

SUMMARY OF EDI RESULTS – ORANGE COUNTY (2015) Physical Health & Well-being

7%

Social Competence

9%

Emotional Maturity

8%

80%

13%

12%

General Knowledge & Communication

12% 0%

At Risk

67%

21%

72%

17% 20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

On Track

skills that need to be improved. For instance, more than one-third of kindergarteners in the county lack necessary gross and fine motor skills–a possible result of too much iPad swiping and too little crayon-grasping. A full 32 percent of children are behind in their prosocial, or “helping” behavior, and 41 percent were not ready for school based on their communication skills and general knowledge.

It is important to understand this is not a reflection of how the schools are doing. This is a point in time measurement reflecting how ready children are when they enter school. School readiness starts with a child’s first teachers—their parents. Beginning at birth, parents can help provide children with strong early care and learning opportunities. This means reading to them, talking

with them, singing to and cuddling them.

Preschool and transitional kindergarten enrollment can also play a critical role.

By working together, parents, schools and community organizations can determine how to collectively boost children’s school readiness. Already the EDI data is being used creatively throughout the county by educators in preschools, school districts, and community agencies working together to ensure that every Orange County child is ready for school.

“Few children learn to love books by themselves—someone has to lure them into the wonderful world of the written word. Someone has to show them the way.”

your children so important?

It may be hard to believe, but even the manner in which you read a book to your child will begin to model a key component in comprehension. Reading with expression is the strongest indicator of comprehension when we listen to young readers.

Help increase vocabulary, build background knowledge and model the reading process with your child by reading aloud.

If you give a kid a book, he’s gonna want another book. Remember you are inspiring your child to have an interest in books, which means they are going to read more and reading more is going to make him or her a better reader. And remember, books provide the absolute best writing models.

As the wonderful author and professor Lester Laminack says, “Reading aloud to your children is one way of making numerous deposits into an account they will draw from across their lives.”

—Jim Trelease, educator and author loved “Trixie Blenden” and “The Hardy Boys” when she was little. Of course I began checking out and voraciously reading the famous mystery series adding “Nancy Drew” to the mix.

Tracey Frank Pringle Children’s books are a great platform that allows you to share a commonality with your child. Your child can make connections within literature which spark their interest and make them want to read more.

Visit libraries regularly and buy a new book as a special treat. You can also place cloth and board books in your baby’s

77%

14%

Language & Cognitive Development

Vulnerable

80%

13%

playpen and keep books in the car for older children. And don’t forget to utilize wildly available environmental print as a fun game by reading cereal boxes and billboards.

What is the single most important act you can do to spark interest and curiosity in children?

Reading aloud is at the core of motivating your child.

Creating a bond with reading will produce a lifetime of success. Here is one statistic to keep in mind: Kindergarten teachers report that 100 percent of students want to learn to read, research however shows only 54 percent of fourth-graders and 30 percent of eighth-graders read for pleasure.

In a nutshell, why is reading to and with

Christina Altmayer was appointed Executive Director of the Children and Families Commission of Orange County in August 2013. She has worked extensively with government agencies at the state, county and municipal level on strategic planning, performance management and innovating program design.

A reading teacher for more than 20 years, Tracey Frank Pringle has dedicated her life to helping children develop a love for reading and writing. As a mother of a first- and a fourth-grader, she is also in the thick of it, trying to make sure her own children love to read. Learn more about read-alouds, tips on fostering a love of reading and Club Literacy, located in Dana Point, courses at clubliteracy.com or call 949.717.6624.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Get Active Local nonprofit helps kids make positive changes in physical, mental and emotional health

By Shae Gawlak, Founder of Fit to be Kids

I

t’s a fact: Childhood and adolescent obesity has more than tripled and quadrupled, respectively, in the last 30 years, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of 2012, nearly one third of the population, ages 6 to 19, was considered overweight or obese.

The thing is this health epidemic is entirely preventable. With improved diet choices and increased activity, our children can combat and prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes and poor self esteem. Our students aren’t always presented with the better options. School lunches can fall short of nutritious and school fitness programs might not fulfill the World Health Organization’s 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

Enter Fit to be Kids and Fit ‘n Fun Clubs— free year-round community outreach programs, available throughout Orange County, impacting low-income/at-risk and special needs families. It’s more than just exercise.

These programs incorporate mind-bodyspirit practices that provide children and their parents with life-long coping skills that assist

in their ability to identify health risk factors.

Being a native of Colorado, I have always enjoyed outdoor physical activities. I was fortunate enough to have parents that understood and appreciated health and wellness and exposed our family to various exciting sports even embraced a day at the park playing football or Frisbee.

As a mother, it was important for me to provide the same lifestyle for my own children and educate them in living healthy, active lives. This is where it begins, as a parent. It is our responsibility to set a good example for our children so they follow in our footsteps.

Each week, Fit to be Kids participants take part in varying physical activities from Olympicsstyle field games and arts fitness, to Shae Gawlak martial gymnastics, swimming and even yoga. Classes then provide insight into the fundamental attributes of physical fitness and nutrition—giving students an understanding of how these things affect the structure and function of the human body.

This program, along with individual weekly fitness challenges, offers communities the ability to begin making positive behavioral changes regarding physical, mental and emotional health.

Fit to be Kids founder Shae Gawlak is a certified personal trainer with more than 20 years experience.

She is an active member of the Childhood Obesity Task Force at Mission Hospital. Find our more at fit2bekids.com.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS concept immediately. So not true. I always preface a new concept by saying, “This is hard and some of you will not understand it right away. You must listen and practice and repeat until you do. Once you understand it, then it will be easy!”

“Practice, practice, practice!” Success comes from hard work and hard work includes practice. If you want to be fast at your multiplication facts then you need to practice.

If you want an ‘A’ on your test, then you need to practice. This means practicing over a period of time, not the night before the test.

“Read with the sunrise.” Instead of trying to read at the end of the day when everyone is exhausted, read before your feet hit the floor. Every teacher wants your child to read for 20 minutes a day. Why not do it first thing each morning and start the day off on the right foot?

1 Teacher + 1 Student = Educational Success One-on-one tutoring supports unique learning needs

By Ginny Horner Villa, Owner of Under Pressure Homework Help

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arents send children to tutors for different reasons.

Some may be struggling in a subject.

Others may have a learning disability, experience test taking issues or comprehension struggles. Children often go to tutors because parents need the help. Both parents may work; they may fight with their child on a daily basis to get homework and reading done or they are simply exhausted by the work load.

The situation is different for each family.

As a tutor, I have been defined as someone

By Elizabeth Bottiaux, Four Kids and a Dog

N

obody can dictate the appropriate amount of extra-curricular activities for your child.

But, I can tell you this: If your child has zero free time to be a kid because of their hectic over-scheduled life, it’s highly likely they’ll regret it later.

We live in a demographic that pushes young people to succeed. We drain our bank accounts chasing success, endlessly shuttle kids to and from activities and schedule a multitude of activities hoping it’s the ideal recipe for their success. We want the very best for them. Our kids do well. They’re high achievers. They earn college scholarships, fine tune their chosen sports, excel in academics and set high goals.

Our daughter is a dancer. Dance can be all encompassing for kids at a very early age.

It’s not unusual for kids to start dancing 20 hours a week by the age of six. That’s a part time job. We’ve chosen not to let it seep into

who sits with a child for a period of time to help them with a concept they are struggling with. This is how many people see tutors and many do not consider having a tutor because their child doesn’t struggle in school.

Tutoring is so much more: It focuses on individuals and builds their confidence in both themselves and their schooling.

I truly believe most children can be taught.

What holds many students back from meeting their potential are the external distractions of family life, pressures to succeed, safe classroom environment, confidence, social issues and even learning disabilities.

iStock.com/Esperanza33

Children have too many pressures: pressure to get A’s or to be perfect at sports, music, art and a second language, to name a few. Here are a few of my sayings to help children stay calm and Ginny Horner Villa study on.

“How fast you work has nothing to do with how smart you are.”

Children sense if they do not understand something right away, complete a task in no time at all, are not the first to finish a test or fail to write a paper in one sitting that the class is staring at them. This is not true. Let’s retrain our thinking to understand this little fact: Smart people are usually the last to finish because they are checking their work.

“Everything is hard before it is easy and everything is easy once you know how.”

Children believe they need to understand a

Let Kids be Kids Build forts, watch for shooting stars and just be . . a kid every aspect of our daughter’s life. That’s what is right for our kid. The little dancers love to dance, say the parents. I don’t doubt that. But, will they look back on childhood and wish she had had more time to just be free?

As parents, we pride ourselves on being our children’s biggest motivators. It’s important to show up and show Elizabeth Bottiaux enthusiasm. Be there for that game. Watch practices if you can. Go easy on criticizing their performance. Instead, focus on letting them know you enjoyed watching them play.

Let the coach be a coach.

Of course, we have to push our kids to an extent.

When my 6-year-old son whines about going to practice I push. He’s not allowed to quit. There have been some pretty intense battles between mother and son about heading to practice. He can be insanely stubborn and ornery. There was one particularly tough day when he was pouting and mad about water polo. With my permission, coach picked him up and threw him in the frigid water.

He pouted the entire hour and wouldn’t participate. We have not encountered that much of a power struggle over practice since. He occasionally puts up the fight about going, but fully participates and en-

Ginny Horner Villa is an educator with more than 35 years of experience. The San Juan Capistrano resident has been serving the individual needs of local students out of her home the past two years.

She is a firm believer in listening to, cheering on and supporting her students’ unique educational needs.

Under Pressure Homework Help, 949.283.4646, underpressurehomeworkhelp@gmail.com.

Mrs Villa’s Rules for Test Taking Be the last to turn it in.

When reading the instructions, circle how you are to answer the question.

When reading the question, underline what the teacher wants you to answer.

Do math problems twice. If you get the same answer, move on. If it’s different, do it again.

If you come to a question you do not know, star it and come back to it.

joys it once he’s there. We’re trying to instill strong ethics in our kids. Once we commit it, we stick with it through the season.

As I’m constantly telling my younger daughter who is obsessed with being older than eight, “You only get to be a kid once in your whole life. Don’t rush into being a teenager. You’ll be a grown up for most of your life.”

Let kids be kids. Try to strike a balance.

There’s so much to learn and memories to be made by just being a kid with unstructured time. Let them play dress up, do cartwheels on the grass, climb a tree, ride bikes to the store with friends, wrestle with their buddies, work a lemonade stand or read a good book. It’s important for them to experience normal kid stuff.

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years.

She publishes a blog, Four Kids and a Dog, about her family, girls nights out and life in the tri-city area.

Visit fourkidsandadog.com to subscribe.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Artistic Education Builds Confidence, Community

By Michelle Hanson-Carpenter, Owner of The Arts Project Orange County

A

s parents, my husband and I are constantly trying to find ways to raise a successful thriving young adult.

We have found that one of the greatest influences on our daughter’s development has been her involvement with the arts. In 2014, we established The Arts Project of Orange County to bring arts education to our community and create a “third place” for our students to belong. We believe that arts education goes beyond the creative and provides a lifetime of positive benefits.

Art has the potential for enabling students to develop important life skills and foster their future success.

Self-Worth: Arts education can build a child’s self-esteem and confidence through group and Michelle Hanson- individual art activities.

When a child engages Carpenter in art classes with their peers, they learn to accept criticism and applause from others—building confidence and self-awareness.

“Since starting to study theatre, I have really noticed that my daughter has a deeper connection with people. Because she is looking them in the eyes, projecting her voice enough for them to hear her and she has a huge glow of happiness that is so much brighter because of being involved with the arts,” said Lauren Marcisz, San Clemente resident and parent.

Acceptance: Arts education allows for empathy and acceptance of others when we train the young artists to look at all things with an open mind and from a different perspective. When we look at a situation or person in this way it is much like viewing a piece of art. It adds a new level of understanding and compassion for others.

“Art has given my daughter such a boost in confidence in herself,” said San Clemente resident Randlyn Clemons. “This has carried over into participating more in school, developing new friendships and just being a

happier girl overall.”

Accomplishment: There is a true sense of accomplishment when a student spends hour after hour learning, rehearsing, creating and cultivating their art.

“When I see a dance student work for weeks on end to learn a specific skill and finally see it through to fruition, it brings them pride from their hard work and dedication,” said Thad Hagwood, an independent dance choreographer.

Self-Expression: Arts education brings us confidence and an ability to express ourselves through feelings, thoughts or ideas without boundaries.

Dance legend Martha Graham once said “… Because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”

Community: We all need a “third place,” somewhere between home and work or school to go and feel accepted, encouraged and free from judgment.

“Working together to create something bigger than themselves, creates an immediate bond between the kids. Theatre is a collaborative entity. When we put ourselves out there in front of an audience and trust your fellow actor to go on this journey with you, you create something very special. It bonds you,” said Emily Patterson, theatre director at The Arts Project of Orange County.

Michelle Hanson-Carpenter is wife to her husband, Jeff and mom to the talented Acacia. She is a San Clemente resident and owner of The Arts Project Orange County—an arts educational facility in the Talega Business Park. Michelle has taught dance for 30 years and offers art, voice, music and acting guidance. Visit theartsprojectoc.com for more information.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Safe Paths Drug, alcohol-free clubs provide safe, pressure-free environments for students

By Alex Paris

T

wo south Orange County schools have turned peer pressure into a positive by using it to encourage drug- and alcohol-free activities, whether they’re just for fun or for the benefit of the community.

The Save Our Students Club at San Clemente High School and its counterpart at Dana Hills High School, Dana Point Paths, were started by students, for students, to provide a safe place to have fun.

These student-run organizations are dedicated to promoting community welfare, fostering healthy and beneficial relationships between members and maintaining a pressure-free environment where local youth can socialize without illicit substances.

The clubs achieve this goal, of providing a safe path through high school, by keeping members busy with a balance of work and play. While members regularly attend beach bonfires, bowling and movie nights, they have also contributed more than 2000

hours of community service.

Dana Point Paths is now an integral part of most of the city’s events, said Mike Darnold, intervention support specialist at Dana Hills. From the city’s largest celebration, the Dana Point Festival of Whales, to the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Summer Concerts in the Park, July 4th Extravaganza and Veteran’s Day commemoration, club members are there from beginning to end setting up, taking down and cleaning up.

“I prepare them for college and life by having them apply for jobs, fill out resumes,

teach them communication, responsibility, accountability and also encourage them to apply for all scholarships and grants for senior awards annually,” said Darnold, who has collaborated with the city, sheriff’s department and school faculty since 2009 supporting at-risk students facing drug- and alcohol-related issues.

With the help of Dana Point Paths, young students get to be young for a while longer.

Pressure from the outside to use drugs or alcohol is absent at their events where it’s simply about fun and embracing the teenage

years. Aside from a clean, and pressure-free, environment the program helps provide students with skills that they might otherwise not learn.

“I always said that I would like to do different things, but I never knew how to put them into action until I joined the Dana Point Paths,” said Gissel Salgado, current president of Paths. “I would recommend this club to anyone who just wants to have fun or help others because that is truthfully what we do.”

San Clemente’s S.O.S. Club entered the scene in 2013. Modeled after the Dana Point club, S.O.S has grown steadily in membership ever since. Club members often host dodge ball, ultimate Frisbee, broom ball and pizza parties—where, aside from the pizza, it’s all about health and wellness.

This program helps kids prepare to succeed in school by giving them peer support and opportunities to be a leader, said Susan Parmalee, club advisor and Wellness & Prevention Center director.

“It gives kids an opportunity to reduce stress by participating in fun, healthy activities,” Parmelee said.

Discover more about these studentrun organizations by visiting sosschs.com and danapointpaths.org where you’ll find resources for parents and students on drug and alcohol abuse including links for early intervention and counseling services.

For more information about S.O.S. San Clemente, visit sosschs.com. For further information on Dana Point’s Paths, visit danapointpaths.org.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Healthy Students Learn Better

W

ith school back in session—and cold and flu season on the horizon—we reached out to Pamela Kahn, Coordinator of Health and Wellness for the Orange County Department of Education on the affect a student’s overall health can have on their studies. Kahn, also touches on work being done at the county, district and school level to ensure the wellbeing of students and gives a quick overview of Senate Bill 277—signed by Gov. Jerry Brown this summer—that alters the state’s vaccination exemptions.

Picket Fence Media: How can health and wellness impact a student’s academic success?

Pamela Kahn: There is no question that good Pamela Kahn health and the ability to learn are linked. When your child is emotionally and physically healthy they are more likely to attend school regularly and be ready to learn. The opposite is true too. Students with poor health have a higher probability of school failure, grade retention and dropout. Yale University researchers found students with the healthiest habits were 2.2 times more likely to reach target scores. Simply put, healthy students are better students.

What are schools doing to address the health needs of students?

School health programs can reduce the prevalence of health risk behaviors among young people and have a positive effect on academic performance. The Orange County Department of Education, along with local school districts, provides services and programs that help keep kids healthy and in school. OCDE provides resources and education around such issues as risky behaviors like alcohol and tobacco use as well as bullying. We offer programs to encourage more daily physical activity and how to eat healthy. Also, OCDE and school nurses work with families to ensure all students with health conditions receive needed medications and services that allow students to maximize their academic potential.

Any at home recommendations for parents to keep kids in tip-top shape?

Schools work in partnership with parents to ensure children are healthy, happy and emotionally ready for the school day. Parents can ensure a regular bedtime, a healthy breakfast, a calm morning routine, teach the importance of good hand hygiene, provide current emergency contact numbers to the school and make sure they communicate

iStock.com/Antonio_Diaz

any health conditions their child may have (allergies, asthma, diabetes, etc.) to the school nurse so proper accommodations are put into place.

With flu season approaching, is it required that children receive a flu shot?

While schools do not require children to receive the flu vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. School aged-children are the group with the highest rates of flu. They also tend to be the ones who spread flu to others. Remember, students aren’t the only ones at school affected by the flu: Teacher absenteeism costs time and money, as well as possibly having a negative effect on your student’s learning. Visit cdc.gov for more information.

What about other vaccinations? Do children have to be vaccinated in order to attend school?

Children in California are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools. In the past, parents have been able to file a Personal Belief Exemption stating they did not want their children to have any or all of the required immunizations. This will no longer be possible after Jan. 1, 2016. Senate Bill 277 eliminates new personal belief exemptions and mandates that children receive the required vaccines before school entry. The law allows for a child to have a medical exemption when a physician believes the circumstances warrant. Students who had a personal belief exemption prior to Jan. 1, 2016 will be required to be immunized when they enroll in the next grade span. Grade spans are defined as birth to preschool; grades kindergarten to 6; and grades 7 to 12. Visit shotsforschool.org for detailed information.

Pamela Kahn is the Orange County Department of Health’s Coordinator of Health and Wellness. She is a registered nurse and holds a Master of Public Health. For answers to more student and family health related questions, visit ocde.us/health.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Crowdfunding College Millennials look to strangers for financial help

By Robert A. Chavez

I

t’s growing. $1.2 trillion that is—the amount of student loan debt America’s students and graduates currently owe.

Many graduates are living with the financial and emotional burden of being stuck in a debt situation for decades to come. Due to student loan exclusions, even bankruptcy will not relieve these.

What’s a student or parent to do when college tuition rates continue to rise?

A growing number of students and families are turning to crowdfunding websites such as GoFundMe, Kickstarter and Indiegogo to pay for undergraduate and graduate educations. College counselors are even advising college-bound students to explore such financavenues to offset of Robert A. Chavez ing minimize their borrowing needs. In 2014, on GoFundMe.com alone, more than 140,000 educational accounts raised some $17.5 million. Projections for this year see this number rising as educational funds increase in popularity.

What is crowdfunding? A method of raising capital through the collective efforts of friends, family, customers, business associates and people worldwide. This approach

By Jan Kerchner, Certified Educational Planner

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taps into the collective efforts of a large pool of individuals—primarily via social media.

There are several crowdfunding platforms— including ones featuring donation-based projects that ask for contributions to charitable causes, nonprofit organizations, educational cost assistance, disaster relief and medical bills. When donors give to a donation-based project they have no expectations of a return of any kind.

Don’t go at it alone. Crowdfunding campaign funds should be used along with other cost-reducing means like scholarships

or need and merit-based financial aid. If all cost-cutting means are used appropriately and started as early as possible the need for student loans can be eliminated. The greatest graduation gift a student can have is to be able to pursue and engage in their educational, artistic or business endeavors without the weight of debt becoming a factor in their choices.

A Cautionary Note: Not all crowdfunding platforms are created equal and the success rate for your project can go from very, very low to fairly decent.

Finding the Right Fit Preparation is Key for students with learning differences

rom entrepreneurs to celebrities, airline founders to financiers and investors to authors, people with learning differences are often the game changers in our society.

College is a logical next step after high school. With appropriate advanced planning, students with learning differences can have a successful college experience.

Below are three critical items for parents to consider when preparing for the college admission process.

homework and reminding of upcoming tests or soccer games, there is work to be done.

Be honest with yourself and your student. If there are weak areas, work on those now.

Evaluate your student’s readiness for college and help them develop skills to balance their academic and personal lives.

Be realistic about your student’s readiness to manage independent living while maintaining good grades.

If your student is in middle school, there is time to develop the skills necessary to successfully manage academic and personal life. However, if your student is a junior in high school and you are still checking on

Identify the parameters necessary to maximize your student’s success in college.

Prepare a list of factors with your student that are key to his or her acaJan Kerchner demic success. Consider college type, location, ambience and size. Most importantly, consider the academic rigor and the level of

LD friendliness of the college. Finally, define the accommodations needed to achieve academic success.

Colleges offer a breadth of support services for students with learning differences.

However, keep in mind that they vary from college to college. Research is tantamount to finding the right fit.

The accommodations being utilized by your student in his or her education are documented in your student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and in the Psychological Educational Evaluation completed by the licensed psychologist who diagnosed your student. If your student is finding them useful in his or her current setting, look for colleges offering similar accommodations.

Complimentary “Crowdfunding for College” workshops are being offered locally where you can receive instruction on avoiding most fees, developing funding projects and more. For dates, times and locations send an email to crowdfundingnofees@ gmail.com or call 949.370.2412.

Robert Chavez is a third-generation local resident, Army veteran and Chico State graduate. The former elementary school teacher was the first in his family to graduate from college. For 10 years, he served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley.

Obtain accommodations for standardized testing early in high school.

The paperwork for requesting accommodations for high stakes tests must be generated and submitted to the College Board or ACT by your school’s counseling office.

Accommodations can range from extended time and multiple days of testing to having a reader.

It can take the College Board or ACT a month or longer to approve the request for the accommodations so start early.

With more than 2,000 universities across the country, there are programs and colleges for every type of student. Staying informed, building your student’s skills early, identifying your student’s needs and doing the research will contribute to a good fit. In turn, your student may be a game changer too.

Jan Kerchner, CEO of The College Blueprint, LLC, founded The College Blueprint ADDvantage to provide a comprehensive resource for college bound students and families challenged with LD, ADHD, and High Functioning Autism. Find out more at collegeblueprint.com.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

College Admissions: 5 Things to Know “When applying to college, employ the academic and personal skills you’ve learned to this point, including self-advocacy, research, personal ref lection and self-expression. You are ultimately in control of your future.”

—Amy Warren, Associate Director of College Counseling, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

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he college research and application process can be daunting. To help you navigate the lengthy route to your post-high school education, we reached out to St. Margaret’s Episcopal School college counselors, Roland Allen and Amy Warren—creators of the online course, The Road to Selective College Admissions, through edX, a global online learning community founded by Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Here are their top five tips for college-interested students:

BE YOURSELF.

The best story you can tell is your own. Many students tell us they want to stand out in the college process. These same students often seek to imitate what Roland Allen they think has worked for others. The best college applicants are those who do the hard work of getting to know themselves by setting goals and assessing their strengths and weaknesses. They also approach their applications by thinking Amy Warren about what they want colleges to know about them, rather than trying to guess what they think colleges want to hear.

BE OPEN.

Your perfect college could be one you hadn’t heard of before. Spread a wide net when it comes to assembling college lists. With so many to choose from, it is important to keep an open mind as you explore college

options. If you find a school that piques your interest, stay focused on that interest.

BE REALISTIC.

While it is OK to reach, make sure your college list does not include only highly selective schools. You want choices. Likewise, be realistic about your finances. Talk to your parents early in the process to access your family’s financial resources. Use the Net Price Calculator on each college’s website to gauge what you and your parents will be expected to contribute to your education if admitted. Also, think in advance about how much loan debt you are willing to take on, if finances are a concern.

BE THOUGHTFUL.

A successful college process does not happen by accident. You need to understand deadlines and application requirements. Also, create time in your senior-year schedule to research colleges and draft applications. As with other parts of this process, we recommend sketching out a game-plan with your school counselor, teacher or other trusted adult.

BE BOLD.

Put yourself out there. If you do not know the answer to something college related, ask people who know the answer. Utilize your school counselor, or if the answer is college-specific, call the college admissions or financial aid office. If you need more information on specific academic programs, go to college websites and look for contacts in academic departments of interest.

They’re happy to help you.

Learn more insights from these experts by enrolling in their free edX course, The Road to Selective College Admissions, by visiting edx.org.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Three Biggest Obstacles to Debt-Free College

By Tom Bottorf, Co-Founder of GetCollegeFunding

W

ith the majority of students taking six years to finish college and student loan debt sitting at $1.4 trillion, many new graduates are moving back home where they are unable to pay their student loans, move out or get married.

The good news is most problems associated with attending and paying for college can be avoided.

Allowing a 17-year-old to make a 1 $100,000 to $250,000 decision.

It continues to amaze me how many families I meet say that, “Wherever our child wants to attend college, we’ll make it happen. They deserve it ... they’ve earned it.” When a family can comfortably “write the check,” that’s one thing—but many parents put at risk their financial future. Your “college list” should feature 10 or so schools that are fits for mom, dad and student—both financially and academically.

Believing a 4-year college is for everyone.

Not long ago a college diploma was 2 highly regarded as a “ticket to success.” This is no longer the case. Popular alternatives many young adults have chosen with success are 1- and 2-year certificates, vocational schools, military service,

Tom Bottorf

apprenticeships leading to business ownership, even taking a “gap year” to think it through a bit more. Don’t force a 4-year college degree.

Skills and experience are highly regarded on a college graduate’s resume.

Assuming there is financial aid for each student. Unless a family can write the check, it’s imperative to know if a student qualifies for need-based aid, merit-based aid, a combination of both, or neither. It’s also crucial to understand each college’s financial aid policies. The bottom line is this: the academic profile and personal accomplishments of the student, the financial profile of the parents and the policies of the individual colleges directly affect the financial aid offered—or not—to your student by the colleges.

3

Tom Bottorf is the co-Founder of GetCollegeFunding and a new venture called CollegeSuccessFormula. He has taken all the information and experience his organization has imparted to families in private counseling over the last 10 years, and created an interactive online college planning platform—collegesuccessformula.com.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Bella Collina San Clemente Bella Collina San Clemente is a private, family-friendly golf club where members of all ages come together to socialize and enjoy the game of golf. In addition to the scenic 27-hole golf course, designed by legendary tournament champion Gary Player, Bella Collina also offers an active social calendar.

Members enjoy wine dinners, concerts, festive holiday celebrations and much more all year round. In addition to Single and Family Golf Memberships, Bella Collina San Clemente offers Junior Golf for children and Social Membership for non-golfers. Whether you are looking to create lasting memories with your family or a place to escape your busy schedule, Bella Collina San Clemente is the perfect place to get away. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.498.6604, bellacollinasanclemente.com.

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

Kristen Ritzau D.D.S., Shoreline Dental Studio

When you step foot on the Capistrano Valley Christian Schools campus you are not in the typical school setting. The campus’ facilities provide a sense of security and calmness with a dynamic spirit. Parents who consider Capistrano Valley Christian Schools say their values, both academically and spiritually, are consistent with an environment emphasizing Christian values, strong academics and individual student responsibility and leadership. The opportunity for their children to participate in this rigorous and rewarding experience from junior kindergarten through high school is viewed as a wonderfully unique opportunity. Positive peer pressure and close teacher/student relationships produce high achievement, a disciplined environment and a setting where the school becomes an extension of the home. Students have the opportunity to participate in quality athletic programs, dynamic drama productions and real life leadership situations—all undergirded by the Word of God. 32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, cvcs.org.

Early and regular dental care is vital to children for both their health care and social confidence. At Shoreline Dental, we help kids keep their bright and healthy smiles by working hard to prevent tooth decay and support overall oral health. We encourage regular cleanings, promote healthy habits at home and offer helpful conservative solutions for patients that may need a bit of work. Whether it is taking a look at that first baby tooth or helping teenagers whiten their teeth for the Senior Prom, Dr. Kristen Ritzau and staff provide nothing but the best care for the entire family. We offer a number of sedation options for kids and adults alike. As someone who grew up here in San Clemente and is a mom of a 1-year-old, Dr. Ritzau loves to give back to the community that helped raise her. 122 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.245.6046, info@shorelinedentalstudio.com.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School

Our Savior’s Lutheran School

Our Lady of Fatima Parish School is fully accredited and staffed by an outstanding team of credentialed, nurturing and dedicated professionals. The campus offers a welcoming learning environment for all students that is centered on the value of family. OLF is a dynamic, technology-driven institution of learning that prides itself on academic rigor and high student expectations.

OLF’s Early Education Center offers a Transitional Kindergarten; the first year of a two-year academic Kindergarten program that is specifically designed to give 4-yearolds and young fives the “gift of time” to develop socially, emotionally and cognitively.

OLF’s students are committed learners who demonstrate excellence in academic expectations, technology acquisition and service to their community. With a crosscurricular and cross-cultural approach to instruction, OLF offers each student differentiated opportunities to explore, investigate and integrate academic concepts. 105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, 949.492.7320, olfschool.net

There’s something special going on at Our Savior’s Lutheran School. Dedicated teachers educate and inspire, creating a learn¬ing environment in which students excel academically. With small class sizes, a fully accredited school and a highly educated, credentialed teaching staff, students are able to develop their individual gifts and learn who they are—beloved children of God. Parents express their appreciation for the strong academics and appreciate even more, the emphasis on Christian value of love for one another.

Our Savior’s Lutheran offers preschool through fifth-grade with a full day kindergarten and many enrichment opportunities for children both during and after the school day. Newborn to 3-year-old Parent and Me sessions are offered.

We celebrate and honor the diversity of gifts, abilities and backgrounds each child contributes to the school community.

All faiths are welcome. 200 Avenida San Pablo, San Clemente, 949.492.6165, oursaviorsschool.net

Opportunities For Learning Proudly serving Orange County’s student community since 2002, Opportunities For Learning Public Charter Schools offer a hybrid-educational program consisting of independent study, small group instruction and online classes as an alternative to the traditional classroom environment. OFL creates an individualized learning path for each student to ensure a rigorous collegepreparatory curriculum regardless of their past school experiences. OFL is a Western Association Schools and Colleges accredited public school dedicated to providing quality educational services to all students. Students with the desire and ability can accelerate their learning and work at a pace faster than the traditional school model while maintaining their ability to attend a 2-year community college, 4-year university, vocational training or to enter directly into the workforce. OFL unique features include: open entry, continuous learning in a year-round school, individualized programs, highlyqualified teachers, and experiential learning trips. 33261 Del Obispo Street, Suite E, Dana Point, 949.248.1282, emsofl.com.

CRIB TO COLLEGE | AN EDUCATIONAL GUIDE TO YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS

Santa Margarita Catholic High School Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a well-rounded, college-preparatory education—one that saw more than $30.8 million in scholarships awarded to the class of 2015. The school offers 19 AP courses, an interdisciplinary and auxiliary studies program as well as the international baccalaureate program. The school’s One-toOne Tablet PC program puts a tablet in the hands of every student and teacher. Campus Ministry provides students the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God. The school’s athletic program emphasizes character building and has seen 56 CIF championships and 187 league championships.

The award-winning arts program includes more than 60 courses. With more than 70 campus clubs and activities, students are encouraged to explore their passions. The school’s recently modernized library media center provides a collaborative learning environment. Santa Margarita also recently opened the Eagle Athletic Center which features a first-class weight room. 22062 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.766.6000, smhs.org.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Core values of character, community, balance and breadth, and high expectations guide how the independent St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, founded in 1979, educates its 1,250 students from preschool through grade 12. Its class of 2015 graduates matriculated to diverse institutions across the nation including Brown University, Carnegie Mellon University, Colgate University, Emory University, Harvard University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Villanova University, Meredith College and Trinity College.

The Upper School offers 26 Advanced Placement courses and innovative, challenging academic electives such as mobile application programming, multivariable calculus and engineering. Every graduate is prepared and qualified to enroll in a four-year college or university, and because of the school’s reputation for the depth and quality of its education, more than 130 leading colleges and universities across the country visit St. Margaret’s annually to recruit its graduates.

St. Margaret’s begins with an early childhood program that meets each child at his

South Coast Conservatory South Coast Conservatory has been teaching dance and performing arts in southern Orange County for more 24 years.

Started in Laguna Niguel in 1992, the conservatory now has a second location in San Clemente. At South Coast Conservatory, we offer professional dance instruction to students ages 3 to adult, and from beginning to professional levels. Our conservatory has two convenient locations featuring 11 studios staffed by highly-trained faculty members—experts in hip hop, musical theatre, creative dance, ballet, tumbling, jazz and more. Our students and staff put on two annual productions. South Coast Conservatory is home to a nationally ranked competitive program, a ballet company, a modern company and master classes that feature guest teachers from around the world.

27652 Camino Capistrano, Laguna Niguel; 400-C Camino De Estrella, San Clemente, 949.367.0099, ssconservatory.com.

or her unique stage of development, fostering cognitive, physical, social, emotional and creative growth. The Preschool curriculum develops exploration and foundation skills, receiving the highest marks from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This proven approach to educating young children best prepares them for future social and academic success throughout Lower and Middle School years.

The school invests in STEM curriculum, with computer science and engineering programs beginning in kindergarten. Students in all divisions innovate and create in stateof-the-art maker design and fabrication labs.

A hallmark of St. Margaret’s educational approach is how its renowned and expert faculty, more than 65 percent hold advanced degrees, are engaged in the life of each student. Teachers, advisors, three college counselors, chaplains and coaches provide a solid framework of guidance and support.

Through small classes, every student is known and nurtured.

St. Margaret’s students and alumni are easily recognized for their integrity, leadership, character and values. The school’s Episcopal identity guides its inclusive community that values faith and reason, embraces debate and differences, and emphasizes the spiritual and intellectual development of each child. Alongside rigorous academics and a breadth of student programs, St. Margaret’s fosters lives of understanding, respect, compassion, responsibility and the courage to lead and serve others. 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.0108, www.smes.org

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

Friday | 23 BOO CRUISE 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Wear your Halloween costume on this 20-minute haunted harbor cruise. Trips depart every 20 minutes. $5 per person, kids 1 and under are free. A costume contest on every cruise. Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT: THE GONZALO BERGARA QUARTET 7:30 p.m. A modern variant of 1930s Django Reinhardt-inspired gypsy jazz, mixing of the sounds of Paris and Argentina. Tickets $30. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

Photo: Courtesy

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR & MOONLIGHT MOVIE 3 p.m.-9 p.m. The city of Dana Point hosts its annual family-friendly Halloween event with carnival games, crafts, cookie decorating, marionette show, storytime, a costume parade and a screening of the animated film, ParaNorman. Admission is free and complimentary popcorn, treats and hot chocolate will be served.

Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

Saturday | 24 DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

DP FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION ARTS FESTIVAL 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Two dimensional art, in a variety of mediums, will be for sale at the harbor boardwalk. Dana Point Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2015

Harbor, Dana Point Harbor Drive, www.danapointfinearts.org.

On Stage at the Coach House: Duncan Sheik & Suzanne Vega

SPOOKY SEAS 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Spooky Seas Animal Presentations with live animals.

Special guests include spooky spiders and slithering snakes. Visit the Ecology Center Lab to build a vampire squid rocket. Cost is included in regular admission price.

Weekend hours 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and children ages 3-12. Members and children under 2 are free. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

BY ALLISON JARRELL, DANA POINT TIMES

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uncan Sheik and Suzanne Vega are coming to the Coach House on Sunday, Nov. 8, treating audiences to newly-released music as well as a fresh take on beloved hits from the ’80s and ’90s.

While Sheik is largely known for his 1996 debut single “Barely Breathing,” the singer/songwriter/composer has since been focusing on albums that break away from the conventional pop scene. Released in 2011, Duncan Sheik Covers 80s features his take on the synth-pop era with covers of bands like The Cure, New Order, Tears for Fears and The Smiths. Sheik’s newest album, Legerdemain, was released this month, marking his first production of original non-theatrical music since 2006.

In the world of musical theatre, Sheik has been active as a songwriter and composer in shows such as Broadway’s Spring Awakening, for which he won two Tony Awards and a Grammy. Sheik’s musical adaption of American Psycho is set to premiere on Broadway in 2016.

Singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega is known for her eclectic, folk-inspired hits from the 1980s such as “Luka” and “Tom’s

DOHENY HALLOWEEN HAUNT 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The annual Halloween time event includes carnival games, a spooky walk, face painting, crafts and educational booths. Free admission with one can of food per person. The Doheny Boneyard Café will have food for purchase. Doheny State Beach, picnic areas A and B, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

VARIETY SHOW 7 p.m. The annual variety show, to raise money to support San Clemente Military Family Outreach, will include performances by impressionist Danny Jacobson, comedian Don McMillan, acoustic guitarist Daniel Vera and Dana Hills High School/SOCSA vocalists Kyla Stone, Jason Rothman and Ashley Patrick. An opportunity drawing and a dessert bar will also be offered. Tickets are $25 and available online; at St. Andrew’s UMC ticket office, 2001 Frontera in San Clemente, or at the door. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.388.2812, www.militaryfamilyoutreach.com.

Sunday | 25 WOOFSTOCK: PEOPLE AND PAWS FOR OUR STATE PARKS Noon-4 p.m. The San Onofre Parks Foundation, Pet Project Foundation, in partnership with California State Parks, present a family-friendly Halloweenthemed fundraising event for the state parks. Woofstock will include a dog and owner costume contest and parade, photo spot, raffles, animal rescue groups, free face painting, “Ask the Trainer,” demonstrations, pet product vendors, goodie bags, food and live entertainment. Tickets are $20 per family online, $25 at the door.

San Clemente State Beach Campground, 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, www.2015woofstock.eventbrite.com.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point

Photo: Courtesy

Diner.” Vega has gone on to produce numerous albums as well as collections of writing and poetry. In 2011, she wrote and performed an original play, Carson McCullers Talks About Love, which features songs she wrote with Sheik.

Sheik and Vega are co-headlining the Nov. 8 show. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35, and dinner reservations with priority seating are also available.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets and more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. DP

Harbor. Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. See more events online. Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

at 8 p.m. First 10 contestants get a pumpkin and tools to carve with. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Monday | 26

Thursday | 29

HANS & JANINE 4 p.m. Live music at Waterman’s Harbor, 34661 Golden Lantern Street, in the Dana Point Harbor, 949.764.3474, www.watermandp.com.

YAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Canines and their companions are invited for tricks and treats in celebration of Howl-O-Ween. This seasonal Yappy Hour is a chance for pups to strut their stuff in a costume contest with prizes for: scariest, funniest, most glamorous and best in show. Costume contest entry is $10. Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, www.ritz-carlton.com.

Tuesday | 27 OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at the Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Wednesday | 28 PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST 6 p.m. Carving begins at 6 p.m., Working Cowboys play at 7 p.m. and judging begins

Page 27

BRANDON WILDFISH 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

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

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

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

The Reasons Behind Why I Keep Writing This Column

Activities are beneficial for seniors in retirement

S

People wait in line for a ride, as it speeds by in this long-exposure photo{ IN DA NA P O INT } graph, during the Dana Point Carnival on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Dana Hills High School. Photo: Eric Heinz

SCENE

Pet of the Week: Dahlia

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weet little Dahlia is searching for her new family. Barely over a year old, she still has the playful enthusiasm of a puppy and just loves meeting new people. If you’re looking for a fun and lively furry pal, Dahlia may be the one for you.

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

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Dana Point Times October 23–29, 2015

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

ometimes, when you’ve done something for years and years, you ponder, “Is it time for a change?”

The older one gets, the more one asks the question. I made a decision like that eight months ago when I sold Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli after 26 years. It was tough to walk away, but I knew it was time. Your body and your mind let you know.

I’ve written newspaper articles and newsletters for nearly as long; my first column was published on July 4, 1994. Since then, I’ve inked more than 3,000 articles.

This Sunday, a man in Costco asked, “Now that you are retired, are you going to stop writing?” I didn’t have to think about that question for long. “Absolutely not!” I responded.

When people retire, it is essential they have hobbies and activities that keep not only their bodies moving, but of equal importance, activities that keep their brains working. And I can’t think of anything better for me than writing to accomplish the latter.

I recommend to people that before retiring, they already have those hobbies and activities in place. I started stand up paddleboarding last October, four months before I stopped working at the deli so that I would have a physical activity to pursue on Day 1 of retirement. Now, my buddy Russell Kerr, who is also recently retired, and I paddle four or five times a week from Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor.

For me, the mentally-stimulating activity was also in place upon retirement with my newspaper writing. One particular thing about my column topic—On Life and Love after 50—is that the number of people who find themselves single later in life keeps growing. People get divorced and become widows and widowers, and they are the people who I hear from the most and can help the most.

Column writing keeps me in touch with them. They email me with their experiences, questions and dilemmas. Their information helps keep the column fresh.

The subject never gets old; there is always something new that pops up.

This past Monday, I was in the CVS Pharmacy in Dana Point at Golden Lantern and Niguel Road getting a flu shot. Karen, one of the lovely employees who works there said, “I’ve been following your articles for years and used to see you at the deli.” I told

Page 28

her I sold it and Karen said, “Oh, I know, I read about it in the newspaper.”

It’s simple, rewarding moments like Karen’s comment that encourage me to keep writing the column.

Last week, on the Finding Love After 50 Facebook page I oversee, one of the 470 members, Gina Woodruff of Long Beach, described how at age 50 she is starting to travel on her own to distant places, which I think is pretty brave for a single woman.

In the last couple months, she has been to New York City and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Her experiences are so interesting I recommended she create a blog and even publish an e-book on the unique topic of a single woman traveling alone. She says she will do that. Her writing and travel will help keep her young.

When seniors tell me they’d like to write a book, I encourage them to pursue e-book publishing, as it doesn’t cost much and it is relatively ON LIFE AND easy to do. In that way, LOVE AFTER 50 they can hand down their

By Tom Blake legacies to their families.

And while they are doing it, they will be exercising their brains.

The most heart-warming and rewarding aspect of my writing is when a senior couple says they met because of something they read in an article, or a book, or a column that I wrote.

To those who ask, “Are you going to continue writing?” my answer is simple: “Do you have a story to share?”

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating.

His latest book can be found online at, www. smashwords.com/books/view/574810. See his website at www.findingloveafter60.com (Yes, after 60, time rolls on.) To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. DP The age 50+ singles Meet and Greet is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point. No admission charge. Happy hour prices. Call 949.248.9008 for information.

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

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DP LIVING

Local band Sapphire Road includes (L to R) Michael Kenney, of Dana Point, on lead guitar, Chris Dailey, of San Clemente, on drums and Olivia Rhode, of San Juan Capistrano, on vocals and guitar. Not pictured is the band’s newest member, bassist Cameron Dalsimer, of San Clemente. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Sapphire Road

Local band creates dreamy, surf rock in South Orange County

BY ALLISON JARRELL, DANA POINT TIMES

I

f you’re a longtime resident of the tri-city area, you’ve likely seen singer/ songwriter Olivia Rohde around town, patrolling the beaches of Dana Point as an Orange County lifeguard or performing live music, solo or as front woman for her band Sapphire Road.

As a 16-year-old, Rohde’s first performance was in San Juan Capistrano, in the back of a flatbed truck at the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort’s annual car show, and she’s been writing songs and performing live ever since.

The first iteration of Sapphire Road was formed in 2009 by Rohde and former lead guitarist Ryan Brennan—they combined his birthstone and a pun on her last name to label the band.

Following a five-year hiatus, the band regrouped last August with the addition of guitarist Michael Kenney of Dana Point and drummer Chris Dailey of San Clemente. Today, the tri-city band’s newest member is bassist Cameron Dalsimer of San Clemente.

Comprised entirely of surfers, Sapphire Road describes their sound as surf rock with a dreamy, alternative twist. Rohde said she’s inspired by some of the great artists of the 50s and 60s like Janice Joplin, as well as the vocals of modern artists like LeAnn Rimes. She likens her sound to alternative rock band Mazzy Star.

In October 2014, Sapphire Road released their first record, Time Stood Still, and earlier this year they came out with their first music video for the title track, produced by R&R based in San Clemente.

It was a busy summer season in 2015 for the band, with shows locally as well as

Page 29

across Orange County and Los Angeles, including all three House of Blues—Los Angeles, San Diego and Anaheim—and they don’t intend to slow down, at least not in the studio. In a few weeks’ time, they’ll have recorded and released a second album, followed by a new music video produced by Jaime Martinez of San Juan Capistrano.

Rohde said the new songs are true to their style, while featuring an energetic vibe from Dailey on the drums. The new EP, Rohde said, is best enjoyed while cruising Pacific Coast Highway with the top down.

Each band member works one or more jobs outside of creating music, which Rohde said can make it tricky to find time to get together and practice. However, they’ve set their sights on moving forward—finding a manager, a label and eventually opening for bigger bands before achieving their own national and international fame.

But each member made it clear—no matter how high the band’s aspirations soar, they’re serious about staying grounded and true to themselves and their music.

They don’t fancy the idea of following the crowd to reach success.

“We do it because we love it,” Dailey said. DP You can find Sapphire Road on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sapphireroadmusic, on Twitter at twitter.com/_sapphireroad, on Instagram at instagram.com/sapphireroadmusic/ and on YouTube under ‘Sapphire Road.’ The band’s website is www.sapphireroadmusic. com.

The band recently launched a line of merchandise, including $5 CDs, $15 American Apparel T-shirts, $20 hoodies and free stickers with any purchase.

To place an order, private message Sapphire Road on Facebook or email sapphireroadmusic@gmail.com with your size and color preference. Sapphire Road’s dreamcatcher logo was designed and screen printed by Artwistic Creations in San Clemente. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report:

By The Numbers COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

Through the use of statistics and numbers, we break down the special performances, trends and seasons being put together by Dana Hills High School fall sports athletes and teams.

7 | Total number of match medals won by Dana Hills junior golfer Joan Soewondo this season. Soewondo’s mark of seven match medals, awarded to the lowest score in a nine-hole competition, is the sixth-best mark in Orange County.

14.11 | Average saves per game for Dana Hills boys’ water polo goalie Riley Zachary.

Zachary, a senior, is second in the county with 268 saves.

The Dana Hills boys cross-country team won their meet-record seventh Orange County Championship title on Oct. 17. Photo: Courtesy Dana Hills Athletics

Dolphin Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the Dana Hills High School fall sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

Dolphin Runners Shine at OC Championships Continuing their upward trend that has been building this season, the Dana Hills boys’ cross-country team captured its meet-record seventh Orange County Championship title at Irvine Regional Park on Oct. 17. No program in Orange County history has more meet titles at the event than the Dolphins.

The Dolphins piled in four runners inside the top-10 of the prestigious race, led by senior Mason Coppi’s second-place finish. Coppi clocked in at 14:40 and was quickly joined at the finish line by his teammates. Sophomore Jack Landgraf (14:47.8) placed fourth, senior Jake Ogden (14:48.2) placed sixth, junior Brandon Hough (15:08.9) took 10th and John Turner (15:16.2) placed 16th to finish out the Dolphins scoring rotation. The Dolphins had an overall scoring time gap of 36 seconds.

Colin Stein and Thomas Wilfert finished 18th and 23rd, respectively.

The Dolphins’ overall team time at the meet was 74:51.1, the second-fastest time in meet history.

Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2015

The Dana Hills girls cross-country team also put on an impressive display of pack running to earn a second-place finish.

The Dolphins top three finishers, Sienna Serrao, Lauren Soto and Kathryn Kaloroumakis, all clocked in within three seconds of each other. Serrao, Soto and Kaloroumakis placed 18th, 19th and 20th, respectively.

The Dolphins were edged 100-122 by Trabuco Hills, which placed first.

Alyssa White and Jennifer Daly placed 34th and 38th, respectively, to round out the scoring for Dana Hills.

Both the boys and girls cross country teams will compete in the Mt. SAC Invitational on Oct. 24.

Dolphins Water Polo Goes Undefeated in First Round of League The Dana Hills boys water polo team currently has the inside track to reclaim their South Coast League title. The Dolphins (16-3, 4-0 league) went through the first round of league competition with relative ease, outscoring their four opponents by a combined 62-24 margin. The closest the Dolphins came to a tough match was in a 12-10 victory over El Toro on Sept. 29.

Following that close contest, Dana Hills has won six straight matches.

Dana Hills, the No. 2 ranked team in CIF-SS Division 2, has also made their presence felt outside of league play. The Dolphins toppled No. 7 Mira Costa 12-5 on Oct. 10 and edged out a 10-9 win over No. 6 Los Osos on Oct. 17.

The Dolphins will travel to the Bay Area to play Acalanes on Oct. 23.

A pivotal match against El Toro is set for Oct. 27.

Dolphins Volleyball Takes Down Titans The Dana Hills girls’ volleyball team stayed in the hunt for a South Coast League title with a three-set sweep of Tesoro on Oct. 20.

The Dolphins (5-14, 3-2) now sit in a tie for second place in league with San Clemente (10-13, 3-2). San Juan Hills (17-5, 4-2) is in first place but has played one more league contest than both the Dolphins and the Tritons.

Dana Hills was led by senior outside hitter Ayla Fresenius in the victory over Tesoro. Fresenius led the team with 22 kills and recorded six blocks.

Dana Hills was set to play against Capistrano Valley on Oct. 22. Results were not available at press time. The Dolphins have two crucial league matches left on their schedule against San Clemente and San Juan Hills on Oct. 28 and Nov. 2, respectively.

Dolphins Football to Host Titans The Dana Hills football team will host Tesoro, the third-ranked team in the CIFSS West Valley Division, on Oct. 23. Tesoro (6-2, 1-1) is coming off a tough loss to Mission Viejo. The Titans held a 13-point lead over the Diablos last week but were brushed aside by a big second-half effort from the reigning league champions.

The Dolphins (0-7, 0-1) are still searching for the first win of the season.

Page 30

22 | Kills tallied by senior outside hitter Ayla Fresenius in a girls volleyball three-set sweep over Tesoro on Oct. 20. Fresenius led the team with 22 kills and also had six blocks.

70 | Number of goals scored by the boys’ water polo team’s senior Bennett Williams so far this season. Williams’ 70 goals are currently 11th-best in Orange County. The senior Stanford commit also has 30 assists and 43 steals.

15.5 | The boys’ water polo team’s average goals per game in South Coast League play.

The Dolphins outscored their four league opponents by a combined 62-24 margin through the first round of competition.

7 | Number of Orange County Championships won by the Dana Hills boys’ cross-country team in program history. The Dolphins won their meet-record seventh Orange County Championship title on Oct. 17 behind a strong overall team performance that featured four runners placing in the top-10.

2.9 | Time gap between the Dana Hills girls cross country team’s top three finishers at the Orange County Championships on Oct. 17. Senior Sienna Serrao placed 18th (18:18.5), freshman Lauren Soto took 19th (18:20.7) and junior Kathryn Kaloroumakis placed 20th (18:21.4) as the Dolphins finished second as a team.

28 | Total catches reeled in by senior wide receiver Nathan Hernandez this season.

Hernandez leads the football team in the statistic and has compiled 314 yards receiving in four games.

2 | Margin of victory in the Dana Hills girls tennis team’s 10-8 win over San Clemente on Oct. 20. The Dolphins evened the season series with the Tritons following the win and sit at 6-1 in the league standings. www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Hundreds of racers of all ages gather on the sand at Doheny State Beach, the starting line at the first ever Pacific Paddle Games, Oct. 10 and 11. Photo: Alex Paris

SC’s Candice Appleby a Big Winner at Pacific Paddle Games

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he inaugural Pacific Paddle Games, Oct. 10 and 11, at Doheny State Beach hosted hundreds of the world’s best paddle sports athletes and San Clemente’s own Candice Appleby came out on top, the overall winner among the pro division women.

Connor Baxter of Hawaii took top honors in men’s pro competition.

The two shared the majority of the largest paddle sports prize purse ever—$55,000.

The Manufacturers Team Challenge saw the Riviera Paddlesurf team in first, followed by the Infinity team in second, and in third, the FCS team. The teams competed for advertising in SUP the Mag magazine, online and in print.

A large field of local athletes earned great times, finishing high in the rankings at all levels, from juniors to adults.

For a link to full results and a photo slideshow from the event, visit www.danapointtimes.com. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 70-72 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’+ Fair

Candice Appleby (left) of San Clemente, the overall winner among the professional level women at the first ever Pacific Paddle Games, Oct. 10-11 at Doheny State Beach, looks fast and fierce, making a dash for the finish line. Photo: Alex Paris

Page 31

Outllook: Fun size southwest swell continues for the end of the week as short to mid period WNW swell fades with mainly waist-chest high (3-4’) surf. Standout combo exposures occasionally see some larger sets. Light/variable winds in the morning for mostly clean conditions, followed by moderate onshore flow in the afternoon. Expect similar conditions on Wednesday, with larger southwest swell lining up in the longer term. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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

Locals Only Business Listings

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

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

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!

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Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

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34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

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34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

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949.274.0590, www.represent.xyz

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

34202 Camino Capistrano Capistrano Beach, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2015

GRAPHIC DESIGN

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117 Del Gado Road, 949.366.2488, www.imgs.com

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MASSAGE

Crystal Clyde Intuitive Bodywork

HAULING

Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

ICE CREAM

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

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, pat.powers@cox.net

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com Page 32

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PET GROOMING

Dawgy Style Groom Shop

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 112, 949.496.3315, www.dawgystylegroomshop.net

PLUMBING

Chick’s Plumbing

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

Dream Team Properties, Mike Rosenberg, Broker 949.481.1788, www.FindMyOCHome.com

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

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

UPHOLSTERY

Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 34212 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit C, 949.240.9569 www.jeddys.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

949.444.6323, www.offshoreconstruction.org

949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com www.danapointtimes.com

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CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE Saturday, October 24th, 7 AM-12 PM. Rancho Del Avion. 32742 Alipaz St. #139. Tools, clothing, housewares, leather sofa FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2015 8am to 12pm. Xst’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares YARD SALE 10/24, 8AM. 34455 Via Verde, Capo Bch. Books, clothes, chair/ottoman.

GARAGE/MOVING SALE, 8 AM TO 1 PM, 10/24/15, 34656 Via Catalina, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Yard tools, pictures & prints, clothes and household goods.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com Deadline 5 p.m. Monday. No phone calls please.

SERVICES HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More.

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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!

949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times October 23–29, 2015

Page 33

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DP SURF

Striking Gold Team USA crowned world champion goldmedalists at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

A

new class of prospectors—armed with surfboards and athleticism instead of pick axes and shovels— staked their claim and then struck gold on Sunday, Oct. 18, winning the International Surfing Association World Junior Surfing Championship for the first time in history.

The team fought through seven days of competition—Oct. 12 through 18 at Oceanside Pier—and more than 300 of the best surfers from 35 other countries, to become ISA world champion gold medalists, a title that has historically eluded the United States team.

With five surfers still in the competition—along with the strong finishes in repechage rounds by their teammates— team USA was in a great position going into the finals. The deal was sealed in the second finals heat of the day, Boys U16, with an individual gold medal performance

by Stevie Pittman (North Carolina), whose points contribution put them out of reach by their closest contenders, France, Hawaii, Australia and Japan. Pittman’s individual gold was also the first in ISA World Junior Championship history for the U.S. Team USA’s final point total was 7,536 out of a possible 10,240. Runner-up France had 6,565, followed by Hawaii in third place (6,385), Australia in fourth (5,516) and in fifth, Japan, with 5,140 points.

The team included two surfers from San Clemente—Colt Ward and Kei Kobayashi in Boys U18—as well as Jake Marshall (Encinitas) and Nolan Rapoza (Long Beach) also Boys U18; Luke Gordon (South Carolina), John Mel (Santa Cruz), Ryland Rubens (Pacific Beach) and Pittman in Boys U16; Tia Blanco (Oceanside) and Frankie Harrer (Malibu) in Girls U18;

GROM OF THE WEEK

RILEY BRANOM

R

iley Branom, 13, of Dana Point, learned to surf five years ago from his dad and has continued to practice and progress. This year he is competing in his second Western Surfing Association Championship Tour season and has just begun his first year of Scholastic Surf Series events as part of the Marco Forster Middle School surf team. We caught up with this talented eighth-grade longboarder after his first SSS event of the season to get to know him a bit better. Here is what he had to say Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2015

Team USA earned the first ever team gold medal for the United States at the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship, Oct. 12-18 at the Oceanside Pier. Photo: Andrea Swayne

and in Girls U16, Alyssa Spencer (Encinitas) and Tiare Thompson (La Jolla). Team USA is led by head coach Ryan Simmons and assistant coach Micah Byrne.

The five athletes in the final—Blanco (silver), Harrer (bronze), Marshall (bronze), Mel (copper) and Pittman (gold)—earned the most individual ISAWJC medals ever for team USA. The most a U.S. team had ever earned was four in 2004 in Tahiti and four in Ecuador in 2014. In the years in between, team USA struggled at ISA Worlds.

The previous best result for the country came in 2004 when the team brought home silver, competing in a field of 175 surfers from 23 countries. That year’s individual medalists were Karina Petroni, Erica Hosseini, Jeremy Johnston and San Clemente’s Tanner Gudauskas.

Kobayashi, who despite a string of quality performances in the first four days of competition went down in a tough repechage round, counted the team’s first-ever gold medal as the biggest honor in his surfing career so far. And although he said he was a bit disappointed with his performance, he believes the coaching, camaraderie and support of Surfing America— the San Clemente-based ISA-recognized national governing body for surfing in the U.S.—made all the difference.

“I’m really stoked and it is such an honor to be a part of this team and competing in my first ISA,” Kobayashi said. “It meant a lot to all of us, not just to win, but to win it for Coach Simmons. We are all so stoked! This meant a lot to him and for all of his hard work, picking the team and believing in us, we can’t thank him enough.”

Colt Ward, who ages out of junior-level competition next year, agreed.

“To bring home the team gold is amazing,” Ward said. “It’s what all of us wanted to do, going into this contest, and we did it!

We all worked super hard to get here, had a bunch of training camps through the year, and it paid off. Our team was so strong and even though I’m not going to be here next year, I think they can keep it going.”

“Hopefully we can back it up next year in the Azores,” Kobayashi added. “We are sure going to try.”

Team alternates, Malia Osterkamp (San Clemente), Nick Marshall (Encinitas) and Luke Marks (Florida) joined Jake Marshall and Kobayashi to win a copper medal in the Aloha Cup—a special 50-minute event where four boys and one girl from each country surf three waves apiece.

All three waves count and all five surfers’ scores contribute to a team score.

Coach Simmons referred to the goldmedal victory as “one of the best feelings

on a variety of subjects: Practice: At least three times a week.

Current focus: Noseriding.

Favorite break: Doheny.

Competition: Winning feels good and it’s really fun to go to good spots that are usually crowded and surf with only a few other people. It’s also great practice. Because of the time limit you sometimes do stuff on waves that you normally wouldn’t and then find out that you can do it.

Farthest travel in search of waves: Oregon and Pismo Beach, but I really want to go to Hawaii and Fiji.

School: I’m bored with middle school. I’m ready to go to high school. You get a block

schedule and more classes to choose from.

Other sports: Skateboarding and bodyboarding at Salt Creek.

Fave grinds: Tacos—my dad’s tacos. I don’t like my mom’s tacos but I really like that she drives me to the beach all the time.

Sponsors: Hobie. I’ve been on the Hobie Warehouse Team for about a year.

Board: I ride a 9’ 6” Hobie custom, shaped by Gary Larson. It’s super-fast and the rails are sharp so it turns really well.

Going pro: I just want to have fun surfing for as long as I can.

Surfing: I love surfing because I like having fun out in the water and it makes me feel great. It’s not like anything else; I can’t

Page 34

of (his) life,” when asked how he felt to stand on the podium with his team as ISA President Fernando Aguerre presented them with the championship trophy and then went down the line, placing a gold medal around each of their necks.

“This was a really good team with everyone coming together and supporting each other. It was truly a team effort to get it done, and that’s why we won,” Simmons said. “We had some kids who had experience and the new kids were kind of taken under the wings of the veterans. The rookies learned from them all week long. We started strong and we never let up, never thought we had it won, so I think that was kind of the key. We kept our noses down and kept pushing forward to make sure that we got the gold.”

Surfing America Executive Director Greg Cruse said that although garnering funding for the team has historically been a challenge, the coaching, training and strong camaraderie among team members, built over the last three years, figured heavily into the win. Also figuring in was the team’s determination to compensate for the loss of three top performers—Griffin Colapinto (San Clemente) and Caroline Marks (Florida, recently moved to SC) to injuries right before the event, along with Kanoa Igarashi (Huntington Beach), who didn’t qualify because he didn’t surf the USA Champs.

“The alternates chosen to fill those spots were scrappy and they really wanted it.

They gutted it out, did what they needed to do and we made it to the top of the podium,” Cruse said. “This victory is awesome.

It’s been a long hard road and we kind of ‘MacGyvered it’ with bubblegum and bailing wire, to have the resources to do it. But we all pitched in together and with amazing surfers, amazing coaches and amazing parents, we pulled through in the end.”

This first-time team gold for the U.S. could prove to be a historic triumph for another reason—team members could very well be among the first surfers ever to compete for the U.S. in the 2020 Olympics.

Last month the 2020 Tokyo Olympics organizing committee officially requested the addition of surfing, a move the International Olympic Committee is expected to approve in August 2016. DP

Riley Branom. Photo: WSA/Jack McDaniel

describe it. It’s just super fun and getting barreled is the best feeling ever.—Andrea Swayne www.danapointtimes.com