December 14, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

December 14-20, 2018 YO U

C A N

U S E

#Instafamous Dogs Spread Holiday Cheer PAGE 10

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 50

Clergy Sexual Abuse in Dana Point

Group of Lawyers and Activists Aim Spotlight at Sexual Misconduct in OC E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Six priests affiliated with St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church were accused of sexual abuse. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Divers Warn Against Wheeler North Reef Expansion EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

DHHS Surfer Takes Two Championship Wins SURF/PAGE 14

www.danapointtimes.com

Lady Washington Making Stop in Dana Point EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

GO TO DANAPOINTTIMES.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

DP EYE ON DP

Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week

Who’s That Lady?

Lady Washington Making Stop in Dana Point THE LATEST: Lady Washington will dock at Ocean Institute in Dana Point, offering tours and sailing to the public Dec. 28, 2018-Jan. 15, 2019.

Lady Washington is an exact replica of the original Lady Washington that made unprecedented trading voyages around the Sea of Good Hope and was the first American vessel to make landfall on the West Coast of North America in 1788. Over the years, the new Lady Washington has made several appearances in major motion pictures such as the Pirates of the Caribbean, The Curse of the Black Pearl (as the role of The Interceptor), Star Trek: Generations, Once Upon A Time, and Revolution.

“Adventure Sailing will offer a relaxing cruise on the water, you’ll have the chance to help hail the line and jump in with the crew and learn the actual mechanics of a tall ship,” Zachary Stocks, program development officer for Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Washington state said. “They’ll teach you a few sea shanties, too.”

Sea shanties are a style of song that is sung during labor on a sailing vessel.

WHAT’S NEXT: Dockside vessel tours cost $15 per person and includes admission to the Ocean Institute the day of the tour.

Purchase admission for tours in the Ocean Institute’s Chambers Gallery Book & Gift Store. Visit www.ocean-institute.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

You can also visit www.historicalseaport. org for a full schedule of Lady Washington’s stay and when tours and adventure and evening sails are available. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. —Lillian Boyd

Dana Point Internet Speeds Exceed National Average THE LATEST: According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 24 million Americans still don’t have access to broadband service, but a recent report indicates Dana Point is exceeding national averages regarding access and speed in recent months.

“Broadband Now” released its 2018 Dana Point Times December 14-20, 2018

The public will have the chance to explore Lady Washington with docked ship tours at Ocean Institute and through Adventure Sailing. Photo: Courtesy of Grays Harbor Historical Seaport

Internet Access for Dana Point report this month, offering detailed statistics on broadband over the past year.

When it comes to download speeds, the fastest provider in Dana Point is Cox Communications with an average download speed of 103.17 mbps. The runner-up for fastest speed is AT&T Internet with speeds of 19.87 mbps.

While the average download speed for the U.S. was just above 40 mbps from August to December, Dana Point’s average speed is at least 60 mbps. The average download speed for California sits just above 20 mbps.

This data is based on 314,082,195 IP verified speed tests nationwide, 60,856,774 IP verified tests in California, and 24,257 IP verified tests in Dana Point WHAT’S NEXT: You can access the full report at www.broadbandnow.com/california/dana-point. —LB

CUSD Approves Opinion Research Plan for Facilities Maintenance THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Dec. 12, approved plans to gather the community’s thoughts on whether a bond measure to update educational facilities should be placed on the March 2020 Primary Election ballot.

Over the coming weeks, the board will work with the firm True North Research to conduct surveys and polls of voters in the cities of San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo and Dana Point.

Depending on how the voters in those areas respond to the questions, the board will determine whether to move forward with drafting the March 2020 bond measure that, if passed, would authorize fund-

ing for capital improvement projects. The priority, said CUSD Chief Communications Officer Ryan Burris, are the schools in San Clemente because they are some of the oldest schools in the district.

Essentially the poll is intended to answer whether the residents are ready to support a bond measure and, if so, what areas of the classrooms and school sites they are willing to invest in.

WHAT’S NEXT: Included in the board agenda from the Wednesday night meeting was a proposal to transition RH Dana Elementary School in to a Spanish-language immersion school beginning next school year. However, the board had time restrictions, so many items on the agenda, including the Spanish immersion proposal, are to be discussed at a later time.

The next CUSD board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24 at the district’s office, at 33122 Valle Rd., San Juan Capistrano.—Shawn Raymundo

Sea Urchin Divers Claim Wheeler North Reef Expansion Could Hamper Industry THE LATEST: Varieties of sea urchins native to the area and other lucrative delicacies could be threatened by the planned expansion of the Wheeler North Reef, according to local sea urchin divers.

The artificial reef is about 175 acres currently, about a half mile offshore of San Clemente, stretching from San Onofre State Beach. It’s intended for mitigating the effects of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station’s (SONGS) discharge of seawater that makes habitats near it murky and not conducive to marine life.

Because the reef isn’t meeting the

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minimum requirements for fish retention, Southern California Edison, the majority owner of SONGS, is proposing to expand the reef to more than double its current size.

Most of the expansion will take place north of the current reef toward Dana Point.

Jeff Crumley, a commercial sea urchin diver who freelances harvesting the morsels, is based in Capistrano Beach and claimed at a meeting on Dec. 5 that the artificial reef is causing more harm than habitat.

Crumley contends the environmental reports from the State Lands Commission are “flawed,” because they don’t include certain species he’s certain inhabit the reefs in South County ocean waters. He’s put his own materials together in a report he’s still completing and will submit to the Coastal Commission for its draft environmental impact report, a supplement to the original report.

“Every white abalone shell I find down there, I collect,” Crumley said. “The EIR says they don’t exist at San Onofre, but they do.”

Crumley argues that the disruption to the reefs compromised about $10,000 worth of sea urchin on a reef he used to frequent. As far as total area to collect sea urchin, he said in his report that 40 percent of his harvesting grounds have been lost to the artificial construct.

The reef’s data collection costs $2 million, which is paid from ratepayer mitigation fees. The owners of SONGS pay for the project and are reimbursed for the work.

An annual report is prepared by the universities and provided with the specific fish stock and other means of mitigation.

WHAT’S NEXT: The supplemental DEIR is available for public comment until Dec. 28 on the CSLC website at www.slc.ca.gov.

—Eric Heinz

Age Well Senior Services Starts Holiday Donation Campaign THE LATEST: Age Well Senior Services, Inc., a nonprofit that provides life-sustaining help for challenged older adults in south Orange County communities, is asking for people to donate to their cause during the holiday season. Its annual holiday campaign is currently underway.

“This is a time when we ask our residents in Orange County to make a financial donation to help the less fortunate seniors in our communities who face challenges of hunger, isolation, and transportation needs, to just name a few,” said Age Well’s CEO Steven Moyer in a press release.

WHAT’S NEXT: Age Well provides activities and services at the Dorothy Visser Seniors Center, located at 117 Avenida Victoria in San Clemente. To make a donation to Age Well, call 949.855.8033 or visit www.myagewell.org/annualfundcampaign.—EH www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Clergy Abuse in Dana Point Group of Lawyers and Activists Aim Spotlight at Sex Abuse in OC

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

S

candal and allegations of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church have spread across the globe—and Dana Point is no exception.

On Wednesday, Dec. 5, the Minnesotabased law firm of Jeff Anderson & Associates released a report on clergy sexual abuse in the Diocese of Orange, which contained information, photographs and assignment histories on 72 clergy accused of sexual misconduct. A spokesperson for the Diocese of Orange says that list is erroneous and overinflated. Of those 72, eight men were found to be, at least at one point, affiliated with Dana Point or St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.

Mike Reck, an attorney with Jeff Anderson & Associates, led a press conference the day the report was released at Doubletree

by Hilton in Orange, alongside Patrick Wall, a former Roman Catholic priest and Dana Point resident, and three survivors of abuse.

“We’re doing this because the Diocese of Orange is not,” Reck said. “It’s important because the release of these identities sends a message to survivors of abuse that they are not alone, that this matters and that healing can begin. Because we know only with the acknowledgment that this happened, that this was wrong and that this was not the survivor’s fault can the healing begin.”

The list of 72 names was compiled from public records, documents, letters and archives from churches and witness testimony, according to the firm. But the firm’s associates say the list is incomplete, just as it believes lists released by the church in 2004 and 2016 were incomplete.

“The public and the survivors deserve two things. They deserve a complete list, which is full and honest and transparent.

And they deserve a full disclosure of what is known and when it was known. This is what allows the healing to start and allows for accountability,” Reck said.

While an infographic map provided by Jeff Anderson & Associates indicates that there were seven clergy affiliated with Dana Point, Dana Point Times found eight.

Wall, who helped assemble the list, says this was because only the seven referenced in the infographic have documentation of their assignments in Dana Point.

EIGHT ACCUSED CLERGY CONNECTED TO DANA POINT

Monsignors John Coffield and John Doherty were believed to have resided in Dana Point Times December 14-20, 2018

EIGHT ACCUSED CLERGY CONNECTED TO DANA POINT

From left to right: Fr. John Coffield, Msgr. Denis Lyons, Fr. Michael Pecharich and Fr. Siegfried Widera. Photos of Msgr. John Doherty, Fr. John Lenihan, Fr. Henry Perez and Fr. Gerald Plesetz were unavailable within Jeff Anderson & Associate’s report. Photos: Courtesy of Jeff Anderson & Associates

Dana Point. Coffield was first accused of sexually abusing a boy at Dolores Mission in Los Angeles from 1960-62. The accusation was made in a lawsuit filed against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2003.

One plaintiff accused Coffield of sexually abusing him from 1959 to 1960. Following the suit, another man accused Coffield of sexual abuse in the early 1960s. After his retirement, Coffield also was affiliated with San Felipe de Jesus Church in Capistrano Beach from 1990 to 2005. He died in 2005.

Doherty is accused of sexually abusing a minor from approximately 1967 to 1969 and was named in a lawsuit in 2003. In the lawsuit, his name was spelled Dougherty. Doherty is the eighth person with ties to Dana Point, but was not referenced in the infographic because he was not assigned to the area. He lived in Dana Point after he retired.

There were six clergy whose names were on the law firm’s sexual abuse list who had been assigned to St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point for a period of their service: Father John Lenihan, Father Michael Pecharich, Father Henry Perez, Father Gerald Plesetz, Father Siegfried Widera and Father Denis Lyons.

According to the firm, Father John Lenihan admitted to having sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl on multiple occasions in 1978. According to the report, Lenihan says that church officials knew of his conduct but still assigned him to St. Boniface in Anaheim. He was also accused of impregnating a 16-year-old girl and paying for an abortion in approximately 1982. Lenihan agreed to request laicization (removal from the status of being a member of the clergy) after an investigation of the Diocese of Orange’s priests in 2002.

The same year, Lenihan was named in a civil lawsuit alleging child sexual abuse that occurred in the late 1970s. Lenihan was publicly named on the Diocese of Orange’s accounting of clergymen accused of sexually molesting children. He was assigned to St. Edward from 1996 to 2001.

Father Michael Pecharich is accused of inappropriate conduct with four boys, some of whom accused him of sexual misconduct from approximately 1974 to 1984. He has been named in at least one civil lawsuit and is on the list of priests accused of sexual misconduct released by the Diocese of Orange. In 1996, Pecharich admitted to then-Bishop Norman McFarland that he

had sexually abused a teenage boy 19 years earlier. Pecharich remained in the ministry until being forced to resign in 2002. It is believed Fr. Pecharich was laicized. He was included in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ list of priests accused of sexual misconduct involving minors and was included in a press release issued by the Diocese of Orange in 2004 as a priest accused and removed from ministry. He was assigned to St. Edward from 1977 to 1979.

According to records produced by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Father Henry Perez was incardinated into the Diocese of Orange in 1989 and left active ministry in 1991. He was assigned to St. Edward from 1987 to 1989. Records further reflect that Perez was placed on administrative leave without faculties of the Diocese of Orange by the spring of 1991. He was accused of sexual abuse in 2003 by two men.

The sexual abuse is alleged to have taken place in Chandler and Glendale, Arizona, in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Perez was indicted on six felony charges of sexual conduct with a minor and one charge of misdemeanor public sexual indecency.

Shortly following the indictment, Perez died. Both reports by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Diocese of Orange included Perez among the list of priests accused of sexual abuse.

At least two survivors have reportedly come forward alleging sexual abuse by Father Gerald Plesetz between approximately 1973 and 1977. He was assigned to St. Edward from 1973 to 1976 and was laicized in 1978. In 2002, he was arrested on charges of child sexual abuse dating back to the 1970s while he worked at St. Edward. The charges were later dropped.

At least one civil suit has been filed against him. Plesetz was included in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ list of priests accused of sexual misconduct involving minors.

Records produced by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles reflect that in 2002 an adult woman reported to the Archdiocese that when she was a 16-year-old student at Mater Dei High School and a parishioner at St. Edward’s Parish, she became pregnant and subsequently gave birth to a daughter in 1975; she named Plesetz as the father.

Father Siegfried Widera was convicted in 1973 of sexual abuse at St. Mary Parish in Port Washington, Wisconsin and sentenced to three years’ probation. He

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MSGR. JOHN COFFIELD | Accused of sexual abuse by multiple plaintiffs in suit filed against Diocese of Los Angeles in 2003 (San Felipe de Jesus Church, Capistrano Beach 1990-2005).

MSGR. JOHN DOHERTY | Accused of sexu-

ally abusing a minor from 1967-1969, named in a civil lawsuit in 2003 (was a Dana Point resident in 1989 during his retirement).

FR. JOHN LENIHAN | Admitted to having sexual contact with a teen girl, accused of impregnating other teen girl (St. Edward 1996-2001).

FR. MICHAEL PECHARICH | Accused of

inappropriate conduct with boys, (St. Edward 1977-1979).

FR. HENRY PEREZ | Accused of sexual

abuse by two men (St. Edward 19871989).

FR. GERALD PLESETZ | Accused by two people of sexual abuse, accused of getting Mater Dei High School student pregnant (St. Edward 1973-1976) FR. SIEGFRIED WIDERA | Convicted of sexual abuse in 1973, charged with 33 felony counts of sexual abuse in 2002, was indicted but died in 2003 (St. Edward 1982-1984).

FR. DENIS LYONS | Accused of inappropriate behavior with two adults in 1993, arrested in 2003 for allegedly sexually abusing a teenage boy in 1979, charges dropped due to statute of limitations, named in lawsuit in 2008 for sexual abuse from 1994-1995. In 2012, pleaded guilty to child sex abuse charges (St. Edward 1997-2001).

EDITOR’S NOTE: This information is based

off the Clerical Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Orange report provided by Jeff Anderson & Associates.

had admitted to sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy and several other boys.

Widera was allowed to continue working and was reassigned to another church in Wisconsin. In June 1976, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee was informed by a therapist that a boy under his treatment disclosed that he had been sexually abused by Widera. Shortly thereafter, he moved to the Diocese of Orange, and he later was accused of sexually abusing multiple boys www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP in Orange County—at St. Pius V in Buena Park, St. Justin Martyr in Anaheim and St. Martin de Porres in Yorba Linda. According to Anderson & Associates, Widera was assigned to St. Edward from 1982 to 1984.

In 1985, after he was accused of sexual abuse in Orange County, Widera was barred from priestly duties and sent to Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Springs, N.M. for treatment. He never finished the treatment and went on to become a businessman in Tucson, Ariz. It wasn’t until 2002, when the church’s national sex abuse scandal was brought to light, that more victims came forward and Widera was charged with 33 felony counts of sexual abuse in California and nine counts in Wisconsin. After being indicted, Widera fled to Mexico, where a manhunt ensued, and upon having his hotel surrounded by law enforcement, he jumped off a balcony to his death.

Widera was included in a press release issued by the Diocese of Orange in 2004 as a priest accused and removed from ministry.

In 2006, three more men came forward alleging Widera had sexually abused them while at St. Andrew’s in Delavan, Wisconsin. A total of at least 10 victims have settled civil suits with either the Archdiocese of Milwaukee or Diocese of Orange. According to the law firm, after Widera’s personal file was released, it was discovered that the

Diocese of Orange was aware of his history of sexual abuse but chose to accept him into the Diocese nonetheless.

In 1993, Father Denis Lyons admitted to inappropriate behavior with two adults when he worked as pastor at St. John the Baptist in Costa Mesa. Lyons was placed on administrative leave in 2002, when he was believed to have been residing in Seal Beach. He was arrested in 2003 on charges that he sexually abused a teenage boy in 1979 during counseling sessions at St. John the Baptist and during visits to the boy’s home. The charges were later dropped due to the statute of limitations.

In 2008, a man filed a lawsuit alleging Lyons sexually abused him when he was a third-grader at St. John the Baptist School from approximately 1994 to 1995. In 2009, Fr. Lyons was arrested on new charges of child sexual abuse. On March 23, 2012, Lyons pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to one year in jail, five years’ probation, and had to register as a sex offender. Lyons was included in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ list of priests accused of sexual misconduct involving minors. He was also included in the Diocese of Orange’s list of clergy removed from the ministry as a result of credible allegations of sexual abuse. According to the California Megan’s Law website, Lyons is believed to be residing in Los

Angeles. He was assigned to St. Edward from 1997 to 2001.

THE CHURCH’S RESPONSE TO REPORTS OF ABUSE

Dana Point Times reached out to every priest listed on the St. Edward website staff page, but the newspaper was redirected to the Diocese of Orange for comment.

“The list naming 72 priests is seriously overinflated and erroneous,” said Tracey Kincaid, Director of Communications for the Diocese of Orange.

A list released by the Catholic Church in 2016 of accused clergy who had been removed from the diocese includes three names in Anderson & Associates’ most recent report: John Lenihan, Michael Pecharich and Denis Lyons.

“Priests not on the above (2016) list are either deceased, associated with another diocese or religious order or the accusation against them was unsubstantiated and not credible. In keeping with national practice, they are adjudicated through their order or diocese,” Kincaid said in an email. “Files are being examined and as appropriate the diocese will update the list as warranted.”

A lawsuit was filed by Jeff Anderson & Associates in October in Los Angeles Superior Court against the California Catholic Conference on behalf of Thomas Emens alleging

that he was between 10 and 12 years old when Msgr. Thomas Joseph Mohan “engaged in unpermitted sexual contact” with him in Anaheim. Mohan died in 2003. The lawsuit asks for the conference to disband its current policies of handling accusations of sexual abuse or misconduct and to release the names of all clergy who have been investigated in cases of such acts.

In response, Kincaid said Mohan was a Chicago priest, retired in 1973 from the Archdiocese of Chicago and died in 2003 at age 92.

After retirement, he moved to live with his sister in Orange County and Mohan was never incardinated in the Diocese of Orange.

The Diocese of Orange assembled an independent oversight review board in 2002 to investigate any and all claims of childhood and adult sexual abuse. According to a spokesperson for the diocese, this board is made up primarily of professional lay people, including a physician, lawyers, a retired judge, former FBI personnel, a psychologist, law enforcement personnel and a school principal. More information on the review board can be accessed at www.SAFERCBO.org.

If you are a victim of sexual abuse in need of confidential support, call 1.800.656.4673(HOPE) or visit www.rainn. org. To report abuse in Orange County, call 949.770.6011 or 714.647.7000. If you witness abuse in the act, immediately call 911. DP

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Cannons Seafood Grill Still Welcoming Customers to Dine While Cannons Seafood Grill did obtain approval from the Dana Point Planning Commission to demolish and reconstruct its restaurant and add a 100-room hotel in June, customers can still dine at the restaurant.

On June 15, Dana Point Times reported on the commission’s approval for a coastal development permit to demolish the existing seafood grill and construct a new resort hotel with a restaurant, café, spa and associated parking. The new fivelevel structure (including subterranean levels) will be host to 100 hotel rooms, a more than 1,600-square-foot restaurant, a 1,300-square-foot café and an almost 900-square-foot spa.

For now, there is no set demolishing and construction date, because the construction project’s review and approval under the California Coastal Commission is pending.

“Keep coming to Cannons until you can’t come anymore!” said Lisa Mortimer, event coordinator and operating partner at Cannons.

Cannons Seafood Grill has been in business for 47 years. For more information on the restaurant, visit www.cannonsrestaurant.com. 34344 Green Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.6146.

Medical Episode Causes Driver to Crash Minivan into Tree on Camino de los Mares The driver of a maroon minivan was having “medical problems” when he crashed into a tree about 1:15 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10 on the 600 block of Camino de los Mares, according to San Clemente Chief of Police Services Lt. Mike Peters.

The minivan was found by Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) officials with heavy damage to the front of the car, a damaged windshield and other marks of contact. It had come to a stop in the bushes on the side of the road and appeared to have caused a tree to fall over.

Two people, an elderly man and woman, were in the vehicle at the time of the collision. The man was experiencing medical problems while driving eastbound on Camino de los Mares, where he drove across lanes of traffic and collided with the

Dana Point Times December 14-20, 2018

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15

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

The Dana Point Symphony will perform its second annual holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 14 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church. Photo: File

tree, Peters said. The couple was taken to a local hospital and are expected to survive their injuries.

As of 2 p.m., officials were still working to clear the damage on Camino de los Mares between Marbella and Avenida Vaquero.

This was at least the second significant traffic accident in the area on Camino de los Mares in the last trimester of the year.

A driver in August struck four people along the road, a little farther east of the Dec. 10 accident, sending at least two to the hospital with serious injuries. OCSD has not yet released the details of the August incident.

Local Bass Fisherman Readies for Second Season on Fishing World League It’s pretty uncommon to find avid bass fishers in South Orange County, let alone someone on a professional tour, but Miles Howe of San Juan Capistrano made a splash in his rookie professional year and now looks forward to his second season.

Howe placed 70th out of about 185 pros last season on the Fishing World League (FWL), the top-tier league for competitive bass fishing in the United States.

Howe said he qualified for the tour in 2011 but couldn’t participate because he and his wife had a new baby to look after.

Now that he’s had some more time, he’s been able to compete with the best bass fishers around.

The FLW tournaments have a five-fish count, meaning they weigh your heaviest five but can’t keep more than that on the boat at any time. The fish are released back into the lake at the end.

Howe has been able to garner a couple local sponsors along the way, including Lost Winds Brewing Co. and Electric Sunglasses.

“It’s always been kind of a dream. I started my own company in 2009 just to give me a foundation and at some point be able to do this and do what I love to do, which is fish,” Howe said. “My mom kind of got me into it. She tells me, and I don’t even remember, I’d sit down by the lake and fish all day, and she could not pull me away.”

Howe is already heading out to some of the lakes on the 2019 tour schedule to prepare for them as best he can. He said he enjoys the sporting qualities of bass fishing most of all.

“I think it’s just the challenge and wanting to be the best and having to compete against the best,” Howe said. “And some of the guys who you’re up against, they’ve learned from their great-great-grandfathers. They’re really skilled anglers, and it’s a challenge.”

Unlike some individual sports, the FLW requires each competitor to participate in all of its seven tournaments, with the FLW Cup at the end of the season. The first one kicks off Jan. 10-13 at Sam Rayburn Reservoir in Brookeland, Texas. For more information about the league, visit www. flwfishing.com.

Second Holiday Concert for Dana Point Symphony The Dana Point Symphony will hold its second annual holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 14 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church. The symphony will be performing seasonal favorites with Dean Anderson conducting.

The symphony will perform alongside the Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church Choir, with Binh Vu directing.

Concert tickets are $25 for general admission and $20 for students, seniors and members of the military. For more information or to purchase your ticket, visit www.danapointsymphony.com. The concert will be held at

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A WALK THROUGH HISTORY 9-11 a.m. This walk focuses on local Dana Point history. It is designed to introduce participants to the several different main historical periods (Acjachemen, Spanish Mission, Rancho and Modern Era). The walk is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long, covering about 1.5 miles. The walk occurs on the third Saturday of each month and begins at the Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19

MONARCH BEACH SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes people interested in making a difference in the local community and changing the world at their weekly meeting. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

COASTMASTERS (TOASTMASTERS) 7-8:30 p.m. Join the members of the Coastmasters every Thursday to improve speaking and leadership skills. 34451 Ensenada Place. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing & Events center. www.coastmasters.org.

33866 Calle Primavera, Dana Point.

The Dana Point Symphony’s next event will be Beethoven’s Firsts on Feb. 8, 2019, featuring Wan-Chin Chang on the piano.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Dana Point ROCKS by Anthony Small

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 11, Issue 50. 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 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Dana Point Times December 14-20, 2018

Super Sweet Symphony

I

want to share one of Dana Point’s bestkept secrets and invite everyone to join me in attendance as the Dana Point Symphony kicks off its season with its annual Holiday Concert this Friday, Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church. Music and Artistic Director Dean Anderson—fresh off his gig earlier this month working with American Idol alumnus David Archuleta and the San Bernardino Symphony—will conduct holiday favorites featuring the Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church Choir. Anderson, known for his charismatic performances, has been with the Symphony since its inception.

The Dana Point Symphony, which debuted in 2012, grew out of its president and cofounder Scott Schoeffel’s vision of integrating and elevating music, art and culture in Dana Point when he was mayor in 2011. Former Dana Point Arts and Culture Commissioner Berenika Palys (formerly Schmitz), a world-

Letters to the Editor RETURNING CIVILITY TO DANA POINT POLITICS JAMEY FEDERICO, Dana Point

While divisive politics might seem like a foregone conclusion on the national stage, I believe we can foster civility on the Dana Point City Council.

At last Tuesday’s City Council meeting, I voted against myself for the position of Mayor Pro Tem because I saw an opportunity to draw attention to our need for civility. I applaud my fellow council members for voting 5-0 to elect Councilmember Joe Muller as our new Mayor. Mayor Muller will do a fantastic job.

Two of us (me and Councilmember Paul Wyatt) were subsequently nominated to be mayor pro tem. In the moment, I chose to vote against myself and vote for Mr. Wyatt, who was nominated by Councilmember Debra Lewis. I’m honored to have been nominated, and I thank Mayor Muller and Councilmember Richard Viczorek for their support.

If you followed the recent city council

class concert pianist and currently Executive Director of Casa Romantica, served as executive director and art director for the Symphony’s first five years, making invaluable contributions to the organization’s initial launch and enduring success. Julie Simer now holds the executive director post and is assisted by a veteran corps of volunteers, many of whom have been serving the symphony since its founding.

“One of the reasons we’ve been able to deliver so much to our residents over the years is because all Dana Point Symphony stakeholders—from the board of directors, to the musicians, to our devoted legion of followers—appreciate the symphony’s value as our community’s premier arts institution,” DANA POINT Schoeffel said. “We are ROCKS

By Anthony Small unique because there are very few examples in this country of small towns that can offer such a high level of music and arts entertainment at a truly affordable price.”

The Dana Point Symphony’s mission is to provide world-class symphonic music to Dana Point and surrounding communities and make it accessible to everyone. It also combines its riveting classical music per-

election closely, you’ll know that Councilmember Lewis and Mayor Pro Tem Wyatt endorsed my opponent and actively campaigned against me. My vote for Mayor Pro Tem Wyatt was out of respect for the support they showed in selecting Mayor Muller, out of respect for Mr. Wyatt’s two years of previous service, and to demonstrate my desire to work with the entire council as one team.

Not all of our city council votes will be 5-0. But when there are split votes, I hope we can all respect the outcome and each other’s stated positions. In a city like Dana Point, it shouldn’t be hard to remember that there is much more that unites us than divides us. I hope all of us on the council can set the example for our city by showing civility and dignity, especially when we disagree.

CLIMATE CHANGES CAPO BEACH KAREN SMITH, Dana Point

The recent devastation at Capistrano Beach is a sign of climate change in our own front yard. As the sea warms and rises, many more coastal areas will be affected. It is imperative that cities such as ours take action, not just to mitigate the damage after a storm, but also to address the root cause—climate change.

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formances with wonderful visual art exhibits at its post-concert reception, which will feature artists from the California Art Club, Orange County Chapter.

“The Symphony’s principal goal this season is to continue finding different ways to reach a wider and more diverse audience to make the symphony experience accessible to as many people as possible,” Schoeffel said. “Orchestral music is presented in many styles and media formats these days, including movies and video games, so we will mix some of those compositions in with our more traditional classical music programming this season. We are delighted to see growing numbers of families and young children at our concerts and art exhibits, and to keep that audience engaged we have to make our performances as relevant and entertaining as possible.”

Anthony Small is Chairman of the City of Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission, front man for the local rock band Small World and a solo singer-songwriter. Small and his family have lived in Dana Point for 21 years. Facebook: Small World Band YouTube: Anthony Small Music. DP 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

Or local cities should pass resolutions committing to do all they can to adopt policies that will promote a cleaner, greener, healthier environment.

Another approach is to support the work of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, which has a chapter that meets monthly in San Clemente. This bi-partisan group supports a carbon fee and dividend program as a way to cut back on carbon emissions from the use of fossil fuels.

Congress has introduced a bill addressing climate change, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R. 7173). We should encourage our representatives to support it. Let’s make 2019 the year of action on climate change for the sake of our environment and for our children and all future generations.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

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

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

www.ritzcarlton.com.

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. The car show attracts hundreds of car enthusiasts each week. No registration is required and spectators are welcome. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. www.southoccarsandcoffee.com

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

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

Friday | 14 DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 4:30-10 p.m. OC Parks and Dana Point Harbor invite families to celebrate the season with “A Western Wonderland” at the 44th Annual Boat Parade of Lights.

Enjoy festive family activities with a western twist on December 7, 8, 14 and 15 by the water’s edge. Dana Point Times will help judge entries and present awards.

34624 Golden Lantern Street. 949.

923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com.

HOLIDAY CARD CRAFTING WORKSHOP 10 a.m. Come and make holiday cards for friends and family, as well as cards for senior friends. MOMs Club of Dana Point & San Juan Capistrano will bring extra cards to Del Obispo Terrace

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy of Stephen Hill

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14: EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME) Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told, plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, as well as every carol ever sung. Family-friendly for all ages. Tickets are $20. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Senior Living the following week. Dana Point Public Library, 33841 Niguel Road.

949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org.

Saturday | 15 HOLIDAY STORYTELLING 5-6 p.m. Families and kids are invited

to celebrate with tales of the holidays and stories of the season at The RitzCarlton, Laguna Niguel. Storytelling is on Friday and Saturday, December 14-15 and is complimentary. Guests are asked to bring a new children’s book to be donated to Miracles for Kids. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, One Ritz Carlton Drive. 949.240.2000.

GINGERBREAD ACADEMY 10 a.m. Give your family a sweet treat with our Gingerbread Academy at Monarch Beach Resort, taking place December 15-16 and 22-23. Don’t miss this chance to decorate a gingerbread house, visit with Santa, and indulge in our dessert bar and two complimentary drinks. Reserve your spot for $125 per house by calling 949.234.3900. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point. www.monarchbeachresort.com.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE-MAKING 10-11 a.m. Bring the kids to Casa Romantica as they build a gingerbread house to create the holiday spirit. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.www. casaromantica.org.

TOYS FOR TOTS 9-11 a.m. Z Team OC Real Estate and Capo Beach Community are teaming up to collect toys for children in need on behalf of Toys for Tots and the U.S. Marines. Bring your donations to Pines Park, 34931 Camino Capistrano.

DESIGN & WIN 4-6 p.m. When you need to unwind this

At the Movies: ‘Roma’ Soon to be a Foreign Film Favorite

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s hard to believe that after making history as the first Mexican to win an Oscar for Best Director with Gravity (2013), Alfonso Cuarón returned to Mexico to produce a film for the first time since Y Tu Mamá También (2001). After the mega success of Gravity, Cuarón was torn between making another effectsheavy, sci-fi epic or a smaller-scale, family drama. Fortunately for us, Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Fremaux convinced him to go with the drama. As one of the rare films distributed by Netflix to hit theaters, Roma is a top contender as the best foreign film of 2018.

In the middle of Mexico City in the district of Colonia Roma, Cleo (Yalitza

Dana Point Times December 14-20, 2018

Aparicio) and Adela (Nancy García) are two lower-class, young women working as fulltime maids and nannies for the family of Sofia (Marina de Tavira) and Antonio (Fernando Grediaga) in 1970-71. Antonio takes business trips regularly as a biochemist, and Cleo is almost like a second mother to the couple’s four kids. Throughout the film, Cleo and Sofia also have similar issues with the men in their lives.

Cuarón’s Roma is largely based on the filmmaker’s own childhood and memories of his own family’s housekeeper. Because he wanted it to be so personal and intimate, the whole film is shot in black and white, has no musical score and features only first-

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

time actors (except for de Tavira). The latter is a huge surprise because all the performances come off so natural and genuine. Cuarón also used very

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few close-ups while emphasizing the primary uses of panning, wide shots and establishing shots that make the feature more authentic. DP

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

holiday season, Design & Wine painting classes are the answer. Craft the perfect evening when you join in each Saturday in December in the Spa Cafe of Monarch Beach Resort. Reservations are $50 per person. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point. 949.234.3900. www.monarchbeachresort.com.

Sunday | 16 SUNDAY FOOTBALL 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Get your football fix while enjoying bar and food specials all day at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. For more information on football-themed cocktails and food specials, visit www.danapointstillwater.com. 24701 Del Prado.

949.661.6003.

Monday | 17 DRIVE FOR A CURE & HOPE GOLF TOURNAMENT 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Trace3, in partnership with the Project Hope Alliance, would like to invite you to participate in its 2nd Annual Drive for a Cure & Hope golf tournament at Monarch Beach Golf Links. Organizers hope to raise $40,000 in the fight against pancreatic cancer and to end the cycle of homelessness in Orange County, one child at a time.

To enter and for more information, visit www.projecthopealliance.org. 50 Monarch Beach Resort North. 949.248.3002.

BINGO AT GOODY’S TAVERN 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern.

206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

Tuesday | 18 DANA POINT WRITE ON! 5 p.m. Dana Point Write On! meets the first and third Tuesdays from 5-7 p.m. at the Dana Point Library. DPWO is a critique group that shares work for review by members. Writers of all levels are invited to visit a meeting. For more information email writeongroup@ outlook.com. Dana Point Public Library, 33841 Niguel Road.

NEEDLEWORK CIRCLE 12:30-2:30 p.m. Join the Needlework Circle on Tuesdays as they knit and crochet for a community service project.

San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del

Dana Point Times December 14-20, 2018

Mar. 949.492.3493. For more information, visit www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc.

TWO TIMIN’ TUESDAYS 6-9 p.m. Hennessey’s presents Two Timin’ Tuesdays, where all day every Tuesday, all year long, customers can choose from any burger on the menu including the featured Burger of the Month and get the second burger free.

Dine-in only; bring your friends and enjoy. Hennessey’s Tavern, 34111 La Plaza.

949.488.0121.

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

Wednesday | 19 IHEARTYOGA IN THE PARK 10 a.m. Donation-based outdoor yoga for everyone. A variety of classes and styles are offered every day at 10 a.m. in front of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Dana Point in Lantern Bay Park.

Join hundreds of yogis weekly at this beautiful oceanfront class. Bring your dog, kids and friends to Dana Point’s most popular yoga class. Suggested donation $8. No reservations needed.

Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

TIDE POOL HIKE 12:30 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a tide pool hike led by expert naturalists.

The hike goes through the rocky Marine Conservation Area located directly behind the Ocean Institute. Families can explore the area and search for snails, crabs, sea stars, and other animals that make the tide pools their home. The winter months are the best time to explore these magical marine ecosystems.

Tickets are $15 per person. Reserve tickets online at www.ocean-institute. org. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive.

949.496.2274.

Thursday | 20 SPRINGSTEEN EXPERIENCE 7-10 p.m. Experience the Springsteen Experience! The Springsteen Experience, a tribute band for Bruce Springsteen, will perform at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.com.

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DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

#InstaFamous Dogs Spread Holiday Cheer Dana Point Golden Retrievers Garner Thousands of Followers on Instagram

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hether it’s a play fight at home, at the dog park, or posing for a picture with Santa, the 3-year-old golden retrievers Jack and Shelton like to stick together. The Instagram page @jack_n_shelton has now accumulated more than 14,000 followers, with pictures of the brothers in matching outfits garnering the most hits.

Dana Point resident C.J. Williamson can be seen at community events with her boys, usually in complementary, seasonal outfits.

“Any events that are dog-friendly, we try to be there,” Williamson said. “We’ve always loved going out to local events, but Jack and Shelton have definitely helped increase our involvement.”

Williamson and her mom, Nancy, initially

went to a golden retriever breeder for one puppy, but ended up leaving with two.

“There were only two left, and I couldn’t leave one by himself,” Williamson said.

Now Jack and Shelton are inseparable, a trait that Williamson attributes to their popularity on social media and a knack for getting recognized in public.

“The page is really about both of them and their brotherly relationship,” Williamson said. “I hope our Instagram posts bring happiness and put a smile on people’s faces. They really are the biggest dorks on the planet, but they’re so cute.”

You can follow @jack_n_shelton on Instagram or try to spot them at their favorite hangouts, such as RJ’s Café, The Pointe Restaurant and Yappy Hour at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. DP

Jack and Shelton often appear at community events in Dana Point and San Clemente donning accessories for the holidays. Photo: Lillian Boyd

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

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

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

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

State Farm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MASSAGE THERAPY

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

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

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

Bill Metzger Plumbing

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 949.493.5683, 32032 Del Obispo Street, www.cvcs.org

SPECIALTY BEAUTY

Belant Studio

Monarch Bay Plaza, 949.520.1771, www.belantstudio.com

Want to be featured here?

Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

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

10 Days of Wonderment

O

ver the past few issues, I’ve shared with you details of an 82-day cruise through Asia that my partner, Greta, and I are on.

One of the trip’s highlights was visiting four cities in Australia. Over a 10-day period, the ship traveled from Darwin, on the northern coast, to Cairns, Mooloolaba and Sydney on the eastern coast.

Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is in the tropical part of Australia, often referred to by locals as the “top end” of the country.

This city of 120,000 people has been rebuilt four times. During World War II, it was bombed 65 times. Plus, Darwin endured cyclones in 1897, 1937 and 1974.

The latter, Cyclone Tracy, inflicted massive damage to the city.

Our ship was in port for only nine hours, so Greta and I—as we’ve often done on this cruise—boarded a double-decker, “hop on, hop off” bus for a city tour. There was no guide on the bus, but a recorded commentary explained the sites.

We heard, “As you can see, our beaches are beautiful. But do not swim in the ocean or the harbor during the rainy season.

We have the most dangerous reptiles in Northern Australia here: jumping salt-water crocodiles up to 13 feet long live in our waters, and the deadly box jellyfish is also here.

Stings last between six and 12 hours and can be fatal. So, stay out of the water, mate.”

Darwin is growing. High-rise apartment buildings are popping up around the city because of dwindling available land. City officials want to keep the gardens and beautiful green-belt areas in place.

It’s a great city that has bounced back from unimaginable adversity.

Cairns (pronounced “Cans”), our second port in Australia, is the closest major city to the Great Barrier Reef. Some passengers took the 90-minute boat ride

there to snorkel. Greta and I opted to walk to a wildlife rainforest enclosure that is perched on top of the nearby casino.

There, we were photographed holding a 6-year-old Koala named “Nellie.”

For lunch, we enjoyed an Australian meat pie. Capping off our visit was a twohour stop at the Cairns Museum and an adult beverage at Hemingway’s Brewery, which was adjacent to where the ship was docked.

Mooloolaba was the first “tender” port of the cruise. Passengers go ON LIFE AND ashore and back on the LOVE AFTER 50 ship’s covered lifeboats,

By Tom Blake which hold 60 people each.

Within yards of the pier, there is an underground aquarium that features sharks, sting rays, groupers and a plethora of small tropical fish, co-existing together.

The air in Mooloolaba was the cleanest we’ve ever seen. Immaculate city, beaches and waterfront.

Of course, being in a city on the ocean, we had to taste the local fish and chips.

Plenty of places to do that in Mooloolaba, next to the white, sandy beach.

Our fourth Australian port was Sydney, with a population of 4.5 million. During the sail in, the ship passed the Opera House and under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, with about 25 feet of clearance.

A shuttle bus from White Bay, where the ship docked, dropped us at Darling Harbour on Cockle Bay, where the Aquarium is located and convenient to most Sydney tourist attractions.

Greta and I rode a ferry boat to Circular Quay, where boats, trains and buses enter and leave. Ferry boats are an important mode of transportation in Sydney, as many people live on islands around the city. We

Tom Blake, left, and his partner, Greta, hold “Nellie,” a 6-year-old koala, in this photo taken on Nov. 22 in Cairns, Australia. Photo: Courtesy of Tom Blake

Pet of the Week: Kyle

Sudoku

were impressed at how efficient, fast, reasonable, on time, and clean those boats are.

From Dawes Point Park, we walked three miles to the famous Queen Victoria Building (QVB), which is now a high-end shopping mall.

Sydney is filled with small sidewalk restaurants from every country imaginable.

The choices are endless.

We were surprised at the number of people who fill their lunch break by jogging or running, especially along the waterfront walkways. We had to be careful not to get run over.

Many businesses encourage employee physical fitness by providing showers so employees can return to their desks, refreshed and clean.

We gave Sydney our best shot by walking 15,000 steps in six hours, seeing

Sydney at its finest.

My favorite of these four cities? All of them.

Our weather was perfect at every stop.

Australia is a wonderful country.

Everyone is friendly. “Thanks, mate,” and “G’day” are phrases you hear often.

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

See his websites www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www.travelafter55.com.

To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com.

Email: tompblake@gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

BY MYLES MELLOR

DANA POINT TIMES

E

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

Dana Point Times December 14-20, 2018

Last week’s solution:

ight-month-old Kyle is quite the cutie. Sometimes shy around new people, Kyle doesn’t mind bonding with people on a one-on-one basis and just loves the company of other cats. He would thrive in a quiet home with someone willing to give him all the extra attention he desires.

If you would like to know more about Kyle, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

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

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Soccer Teams Showcase Defense in Early Season The Dana Hills boys and girls soccer teams have both been impressively stingy around their own nets so far this season.

The Dolphin boys (2-2-1) have only allowed five goals in their five games this season. Dana Hills has alternated wins and losses or draws, but the Dolphins have allowed only one goal three times and posted a shutout in a draw against El Toro.

Goalkeepers Nikolas Tanski, a junior, and Casey Burns, a senior, have split time in net with each making six saves. Burns has yet to allow a goal this season.

The Dana Hills girls (2-0-1) are unbeaten in three games and have allowed only two goals on the season.

The Dolphins opened with a scoreless draw against Capistrano Valley and have allowed only one goal in each of the past two games, including a 2-1 win over Northwood on Tuesday, Dec. 11.

The Dana Hills boys continue their busy preseason schedule against Capistrano Valley at home on Friday, Dec. 14 and continue with two home games next week on Monday, Dec. 17 against Marina and Wednesday, Dec. 19 against Paramount.

The Dolphins play in the Marina Tourna-

Dana Wharf Fish Count DANA POINT TIMES

T

he best fishing is headed toward the bottom as the Halibut Derby heated up this week at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

In his weekly report, Captain Brian Woolley said that the only game right now is well below the surface, with rockfish being a main catch. The weather last week mixed up the water, but it still made for decent catches of whitefish.

The big news was in the Halibut Derby as the leaderboard got crowded at the top.

The 25-pounder from the Derby’s first Dana Point Times December 14-20, 2018

Dana Hills’ Bryce Allen dribbles the ball against San Juan Hills on Wednesday, Dec. 12. The Dolphins’ defense has been an early-season highlight. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

ment over the holiday break.

The Dana Hills girls took on Trabuco Hills at home on Thursday, Dec. 13, but results were not available at press time.

The Dolphins play once more before the holiday break against Huntington Beach at home on Friday, Dec. 21.

Girls Water Polo Heats Up After a 2-3 start, the girls water polo team has won six of its past seven games,

week is still on top, but there are now four fish of 22 lbs. or more on the board. Woolley said they are starting to see more halibut come toward the beach and out of the deeper water. The Clemente saw nine legal halibut caught on its Sunday, Dec. 9 trip.

Here is the latest fish count out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching:

with the lone loss coming by a single goal.

Dana Hills went 3-1 at the Villa Park Classic on Dec. 7-8 to take third place in the Gray Division.

The Dolphins opened with a big win over Royal of Simi Valley, 11-3, and edged out Beckman, 5-4. On day two, Dana Hills suffered its first loss against Santa Monica, 8-7, but rebounded in the thirdplace game by defeating La Serna, 9-6.

Seven different players scored goals for the Dolphins in the tournament, with

Lauren Bellavia and Paige Riester each leading the way with nine goals. Kat Besanceney scored six goals, and Julia Reznicek scored five goals.

Dana Hills added a win this week over Laguna Hills, 11-3, on Monday, Dec. 11.

The Dolphins traveled to Capistrano Valley on Thursday, Dec. 13, but results were not available at press time.

Dana Hills plays one more game before the holiday break against Schurr in the Santa Margarita Showcase on Saturday, Dec. 15. DP

Dec. 10 • 2 boats, 34 anglers: 3 calico bass, 6 sand bass, 7 sheephead, 15 whitefish, 80 rockfish, 32 vermilion rockfish, 70 bocaccio, 1 bonito (13 lbs.), 65 bass released.

Dec. 9 • 5 boats, 95 anglers: 10 calico bass, 3 sand bass, 4 sheephead, 7 whitefish, 34 rockfish, 28 vermilion rockfish, 16 bonito, 9 halibut, 100 bass released.

Dec. 12 • 2 boats, 38 anglers: 1 sand bass, 5 sheephead, 70 whitefish, 75 rockfish, 120 vermilion rockfish, 20 bocaccio, 2 triggerfish, 25 bass released.

Dec. 8 • 2 boats, 36 anglers: 3 calico bass, 7 sand bass, 4 sheephead, 82 whitefish, 152 rockfish, 175 vermilion rockfish, 63 bocaccio, 3 bonito, 1 halibut, 2 blue perch, 2 triggerfish, 21 bass released.

Dec. 11 • 3 boats, 63 anglers: 3 sheephead, 24 whitefish, 40 rockfish, 20 vermilion rockfish, 52 bocaccio, 1 lingcod, 46 bass released.

Dec. 7 • 2 boats, 36 anglers: 18 calico bass, 3 sand bass, 5 sheephead, 3 halibut, 50 bass released. DP

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Photo: Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

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CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE! MOVING AFTER 20 YEARS! Saturday, Dec. 15. Holiday Decor, Household items, wine refrigerators, silk potted trees, furniture, toys/games and more! 12 Avenida Reflexion, San Clemente 92673. 9am - 2pm.

GARAGE SALE A proper plethora of paraphernalia for your whole pack! And even some stuff free for the hauling.

Just in time to fill those stockings! Saturday, December 15, 8 a.m.323 Calle Empalme – above the high school ESTATE SALE - DEC 14 AND 15 THIS Fri and Sat, Dec 14 and 15, 8am-3pm. Jewelry, Minks, Native American Art, Housewares, Kitchenware and So Much More!

307 Calle Dorado, SC, 92672

HELP WANTED LOOKING FOR-RDA/RDA-EF (SC) We have a beautiful, modern office, a wonderful patient population, an enthusiastic team and a sincere periodontist dedication to quality care.

Three to four days a week, possibly leading to full-time. Previous dental experience, a great attitude and strong work ethic are our first priority. Bilingual is a plus! Please send resume and a paragraph about yourself to: ginnyperio@att.net.

We look forward to meeting you.

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 December 14-20, 2018

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

America’s First World Junior Champion San Clemente’s Kirra Pinkerton makes statement at WSL World Junior Championships

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s been a breakout year for 16-year-old San Clemente surfer Kirra Pinkerton, who just capped off her dream run by winning the WSL Junior World Championship. It’s the first time a surfer representing the United States has won the title.

“This hasn’t really sunk in yet, so I don’t even know if this is real,” said an elated Pinkerton after her big win.

Contested at Jinzun Harbor in Taiwan, the Taiwan Open World Junior Championships was an international affair. Featuring the best surfers under the age of 18 from around the world, it’s an all-out battle to determine the future stars of the sport.

In the final, Pinkerton faced off against Hawaii’s Keala Tomoda-Bannert (in surfing, Hawaii is recognized as its own nation out of respect for the origins of the sport). Held in fun 2- to 4-foot surf, the 35-minute final was hardly a cakewalk for Pinkerton. With less than two minutes left on the clock, she found herself trailing in second place needing a big score to take the lead. She dug deep and made some magic.

“My goal when I came to this event was to win it, so I’m pretty proud that I got here.

It’s been a really intense day today as there

were so many close heats. I didn’t think I’d make it,” Pinkerton said. “I’ve had such an amazing time here in Taiwan; it’s a beautiful coastline, and the waves have been so fun, really similar to my home around San Clemente, so it really suited me.”

It’s been an incredible year for Pinkerton. She won two WSL North America Junior Qualifying Series contests over the course of the season, which propelled her to the North American title and secured her spot in the world championship. Her win at Jinzun Harbor is by far the biggest moment of her rapidly accelerating career.

“This has been an amazing year with some good results and plenty of experiences on the JQS and QS around the world. This is definitely the highlight of my career. To be a WSL World Champion feels amazing,” Pinkerton said.

In the semifinals, Pinkerton faced off against good friend and fellow San Clemente ripper Samantha Sibley. Between the two of them, the future of women’s surfing is shining very brightly at the southern end of Orange County. Sibley also finished second to Pinkerton in the year-end North America Junior Qualifying Series ratings and had a win of her own at the RVCA Pro Junior earlier in the season.

On the men’s side of the Taiwan Open World Junior Championships, both Crosby Colapinto and Cole Houshmand looked solid in the early rounds of the contest but found themselves edged out in Round 3.

American Eithan Osborne from Ventura finished second in the contest behind eventual champ Mateus Herdy from Brazil.

The only thing left on the WSL’s competitive calendar for 2018 is the Pipeline Masters on the North Shore of Oahu. San Clemente locals Griffin Colapinto, Kolohe Andino and Patrick Gudauskas will all be surfing in the contest, which stands as one of the most venerated and distinguished events in the history of the sport. DP

Ian Grotton soaring in local waters. Photo: Courtesy of the Grotton Family

Salt Creek Soul A quick dive into the Dana Point surf scene

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he next crew of Dana Point standouts are rapidly on the rise. From the high school ranks to the surf club scene, there’s a new crew coming up that is making some noise and, in the classic tradition of Salt Creek, keeping surfing interesting.

“These new young guns coming up are low-key, but have some amazing talent,” said Dana Point Boardriders Club president Eric Diamond.

One such surfer is Dana Hills High School’s Ian Gottron, who recently bagged two big wins in the shortboard and

longboard divisions at the South Coast Individual Surfing Championship.

“They are picking up on the influence of older guys like Tyler Warren,” Diamond said. “They’re the guys shaping their own sticks, making fins and stuff… just like Ian is starting to do. It’s a lot broader than just going on tour. There are some of the most incredible log riding going down from the under 20s at Doho right now, and it’s wonderful to see, very soulful.”

As for who is keeping Grotton inspired, he’s got his eyes trained on the local crew.

“I look up to our really good family friend John O'Connor, my shaper Donny Brink, Kolton Sullivan, Patrick O’Connor, Noah Albrect and Tyler Warren,” Grotton said. “They are all super cool people who rip.”

“When I see their whole crew riding modern shortboards at Creek, or fishes at San Onofre, or logs at Doheny, it’s a reminder that there’s a whole renaissance of stoke for all craft coming out of Dana Point right now,” Diamond said. DP

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

TAJ LINDBLAD

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

M

aking things happen on the front lines of the junior surf scene, Taj Lindblad has been doing some serious work over the last few weeks. Roaring into the holidays, Lindblad just won USA Surfing’s Got Milk? West Coast Prime Series contest. Held at Salt Creek last weekend, it was the fourth of nine stops in the event series.

Taking out the highly competitive under 16 division in challenging winter conditions at Salt Creek, Lindblad’s performance is especially notable, as the contest was one

Dana Point Times December 14-20, 2018

of the bigger ones on the local calendar this time of year. Featuring more than 100 surfers from up and down the West Coast, the Lowers regular was able to hold on for the win in a hard-fought final, eventually edging out Encinitas’s Levi Slawson.

At the end of November, the roles were reversed at the Rip Curl GromSearch National finals in Ventura, where Slawson got the edge on Lindblad. The San Clemente local still managed to put a very respectable third-place finish on the board in an event that saw surfers from all over the East and West Coasts, Costa Rica, Panama, California and Hawaii.

The next USA Surfing Prime Junior contest will be at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz on Jan. 13-14, 2019. DP

Water Temperature: 60-65 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 10-15’ Outlook: Modest to fun size blend of northwest and southwest swells running this weekend for waist to chest high (3-4’) surf along with some larger sets around shoulder high at standouts on the right tides. Favorable morning winds. Larger shot of northwest swell expected early next week but winds could be problematic. Be sure to check Surfline.com for all the details and that longer range outlook.

Taj Lindblad. Photo: Courtesy of Sean Evans/ISA

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