February 8, 2019

LO C A L

N EWS

February 8-14, 2019

YO U

C A N

U S E

Editor’s Pick: Fourth Annual Pet Adoption PAGE 8 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 06

The Cost of Campaigning A review of the last round of finance reports for 2018 Dana Point City Council candidates E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

www.danapointtimes.com

Documents reporting contributions and expenditures made during the final statement period connected to the 2018 Dana Point City Council Election are now available to the public. Illustration: Chelsie Rex

Girls Water Polo Earns No. 2 Seed, Advances SPORTS/PAGE 17

Chamber Names Citizen of the Year and More EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

First to File for City Council 2020 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

Former Councilmember Files for 2020 Candidacy THE LATEST: Former Dana Point City Councilmember John Tomlinson has submitted paperwork indicating his intention to run again for city council in 2020.

The city clerk’s office received a Candidate Intention Statement—also known as a California Fair Political Practices Form 501—on Wednesday, Jan. 30.. A candidate for state or local office must file this form for each election, including reelection to the same office. The form must be filed before the candidate can solicit or receive any contributions or before any expenditures are made from personal funds or on behalf of a candidacy.

Tomlinson told the Dana Point Times in November that he embarked on his city council career with the goal of representing the residents of Capistrano Beach. If he maintains his residency, Tomlinson will be vying for the District 5 seat on city council.

When asked in November if Tomlinson would remain involved in politics, he said that if he’s called upon, he will be ready to serve in “any necessary capacity.”

WHAT’S NEXT: In the 2020 Dana Point City Council Elections, Districts 4 and 5 will be up for election.—Lillian Boyd

Demonstrators Hold Sign for Dispute with Raintree Partners THE LATEST: Three demonstrators were seen on Wednesday, Feb. 6 holding up a sign that read “Shame on Jeffrey B. Allen, CEO Raintree Partners,” near La Plaza Park in Dana Point.

Lupe Mercado, one of the demonstrators, says she’s been employed by Raintree for 10 years. She says the dispute and the sign demonstration has been ongoing for about three weeks.

According to a flier provided by Mercado, contracted workers accuse Raintree Partners of “contributing to erosion of area standards for carpenter craft workers. Fullerton Pacific is performing work on the Prado West mixeduse project located at 34135 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, Ca. Fullerton Pacific does not meet area labor standards for all their carpenter craft workers, including fully paying health benefits and pension.”

Dana Point Times February 8-14, 2019

Demonstrators assembled at La Plaza Park in Dana Point for a labor dispute between employees and Raintree Partners. Photo: Lillian Boyd

The flier goes on to say that a carpenters’ union involved in the dispute believes that Jeffrey B. Allen has an obligation to the community to see that area labor standards are met for construction work.

“They should not be allowed to insulate themselves behind ‘independent’ contractors. For this reason, The union has a labor dispute . . .” the flier says.

Mercado provided contact information for a union representative, but the contact did not respond to Dana Point Times’ inquiries before press time.

Jason Check is the Managing Director for Raintree Partners and has an office near La Plaza Park, where the demonstrators held their sign. He says the dispute does not involve his firm directly—rather, it is between a subcontractor employed by the project’s general contractor and Carpenters Local 714.

“Our firm supports and upholds all labor laws,” said Check. “With regard to its impact on our development, the timing of delivering Prado West to the Dana Point community is still very much on track. We are excited to bring a new walkable destination for local shops and dining, as well as new residences to downtown Dana Point.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Check says he remains committed to seeking projects that will benefit everyone who lives in Dana Point.

For updates on the union dispute, check www.danapointtimes.com. —LB

Councilmember Lewis Visits Congressman Levin in DC THE LATEST: Councilmember Debra Lewis visited Congressman Mike Levin at his Washington, D.C. office last month after the government shutdown ended, representing the city of Dana Point. Levin recently initiated a task force that would closely examine moving and storing San Onofre’s nuclear waste.

“Radioactive waste needs to be looked at very seriously,” Lewis said. “We’re fortunate to be able to have an ongoing relationship with a congressman representing the residents of Dana Point, so that he can hear our voice for these important issues.”

Lewis endorsed Levin during his campaign to take the 49th congressional district in California last year. She says another issue she brought to Levin was residential recovery facilities.

“Levin is working on the issue of residential recovery facilities on a federal level,” Lewis said. “These people seeking help who fall victim to bad operators are Dana Point residents, too. We need to be doing what we can to protect them.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Congressman Levin is currently working on staffing his new office, which will be located at Dana Point City Hall.

The office will be staffed with both permanent and part-time staff in the near future.

Levin will also host a public town hall meeting on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano.

Admission is free, but tickets are required.

Reserve your admission online at Eventbrite.com. Doors will open at 3 p.m.—LB

Citizen of the Year Named at Annual Chamber Award Dinner THE LATEST: Barbara Johannes, president of the Dana Point Historical Society, was recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, along with other leaders and businesses in the community.

The chamber held its Annual Business Awards & Installation Dinner on Friday, Feb. 1 at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, where eight awards were given to leaders in the community. Awards highlighted the ambassador of the year, citizen

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of the year, dining excellence, hospitality and tourism, nonprofit excellence, professional service excellence, retail excellence and overall business of the year.

The Dana Point Historical Society received the Nonprofit Excellence Award.

Johannes says she hopes that through this recognition, people will have more interest to come and learn about Dana Point history.

“The society is made up purely of volunteers; there is no hired staff, “Johannes said.

“It’s thanks to the dedicated and passionate volunteers, as well as the supportive community, that we’re able to compile historical research and honor the rich past that this community has to offer.”

Cyndi Elders of Keller Williams OC Realty was honored as Ambassador of the Year; Catalina Express, for hospitality and tourism; Brio Tuscany Grille, for dining excellence; Nexus Chiropractor, for professional services; Killer Dana, for retail excellence; and iHeartYoga, as Business of the Year.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Dana Point Historical Society will be hosting an event with a special guest speaker on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Check www.danapointtimes.com for upcoming details. —LB

San Diego County Amtrak Weekend Closure THE LATEST: In order to facilitate infrastructure improvements along the coastal rail corridor, there will be no COASTER or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service in San Diego County on the weekend of Feb. 9-10.

On the Friday preceding the closure, Feb. 8, southbound Amtrak R2R trains A792 and A796 will complete their trips to Santa Fe Depot, but Amtrak train A590 will be canceled.

During the closure weekends, Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink will not service the Oceanside Transit Center. Trips on connecting buses will require Amtrak reservations.

Replacement bus service connecting COASTER stations will not be available. Alternatives for some COASTER passengers may include BREEZE Route 101 or MTS connections.

WHAT’S NEXT: After the closure, coastal rail service will re-open for regularly scheduled trips in time for the Monday morning commute. Passengers should note that trains may be delayed up to 15 minutes on Monday, Feb. 11.

While no passenger rail service will be available during this closure, other vehicles and equipment will operate along the railroad right-of-way and on the rail at nonspecified times. Residents along the corridor should remain alert at legal crossings and not trespass on the railroad right-of-way.

For trip planning assistance, customers can contact NCTD Customer Service at 760-966-6500, or visit GoNCTD.com. —LB www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

City Council Presented with Special Flag and Grant Check

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9

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

During Dana Point City Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 5, city leaders were presented with two gifts.

Lieutenant Colonel Rusty Tuten, USMC, Commander Task Force Lion, presented councilmembers with the flag he flew on the based he commanded while stationed in Iraq. “(This flag) honors the city of Dana Point and its citizens,” Tuten said.

Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett presented Mayor Joe Muller with a grant check in the amount of $5,107,544 for Project V, Community Circulator Programs funding. About 90 percent of the program is funded by the Orange County Transit Authority through Measure M, with the city picking up the remaining 10 percent of the cost.

“Dana Point has been very active in developing local transit services within its community that complement regional transit services,” the city said in a Facebook post on its official social media page.

Border Patrol Arrests Mexican Citizen in Narcotics Seizure at San Clemente Station U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested a 23-year-old Mexican citizen on Jan. 24 at the San Clemente Station after finding 140 pounds of narcotics in her car.

The driver consented to a search of the vehicle by a Border Patrol K-9 team, where agents found dozens of packages containing narcotics hidden inside.

“Agents removed a total of 57 packages of suspected narcotics. The substances in the packages tested positive for cocaine, fentanyl and heroin,” a U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release stated.

“There were 34 packages of cocaine weighing approximately 87 pounds, 19 packages of fentanyl weighing approximately 44 pounds, and four packages of heroin weighing approximately nine pounds.”

The narcotics had a street value of more than $2.25 million, the release stated.

“The fentanyl seizure in itself was the largest in San Diego to date,” said Customs and Border Protection Chief Patrol Agent Rodney Scott. “This preceded the Nogales Port of Entry’s 254-pound fentanyl seizure (on Jan. 31), the largest in CBP history. These two seizures alone had the potential to kill millions of Americans.”

The narcotics and the suspect were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Dana Point Times February 8-14, 2019

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 6 p.m. The Dana Point Planning Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting in City Hall’s Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14

COASTMASTERS (TOASTMASTERS) 7-8:30 a.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.

Local producer and director Robert Kline will host “A Night at the Oscars” at the Regency Theatre in San Juan Capistrano on Feb. 21. Photo: File

Administration. The vehicle was seized by the Border Patrol.

Since Oct. 1, San Diego Sector agents have seized more than 300 pounds of cocaine, 79 pounds of fentanyl and 975 ounces of heroin.

The Oscars Head to San Juan Capistrano To celebrate the upcoming 91st Annual Academy Awards show, local producer and director Robert Kline will host “A Night at the Oscars” event Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Regency Theatre in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

During the annual cinema affair, Kline, along with his co-host and producer Stephanie Heredia, will showcase excerpts from each of the eight films nominated for Best Picture this year: Black Panther, BlacKkKlansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Favourite, Green Book, Roma, A Star Is Born and Vice.

Eventgoers will also get to fill out Oscar ballots, predicting which nominees will win in their respective categories. The person who has the most accurate predictions will receive a DVD collector’s set of Warner Bros. classics following the Oscars ceremony, which will air on Sunday,

Feb. 24.

As the former head of 20th Century Fox and co-founder of Lifetime Television, Kline will conduct a Q&A session, during which he’ll provide plenty of behind-thescenes insight into the film industry and the Oscars. Kline also said the night will be an interactive event in which the audience will get to participate in discussions about cinema.

Each year, Kline pays tribute to certain actors or films, and this year he’s chosen to spotlight Bradley Cooper and Amy Adams, who are both nominated for Oscars.

Adams is nominated for Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Lynne Cheney in Vice, while Cooper is up for Actor in a Leading Role for A Star is Born, which he also directed.

Kline will also pay tribute to Judy Garland, who starred in the original A Star is Born in 1954. Just like her 2019 counterpart, Lady Gaga, Garland was also nominated for Actress in a Leading Role.

One area of discussion Kline intends to touch on is the Oscars’ lack of a host this year, following Kevin Hart’s departure.

The comedian withdrew from his hosting duties after years-old anti-gay tweets of his had resurfaced.

“In this new world of online and digital, the past is today,” Kline said.

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On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences officially announced that the Oscars will remain without a host.

“As of today, they haven’t announced who the host is, so I’m going to do it from here and satellite it,” Kline said jokingly.

The event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Regency Theatre on Verdugo Street. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.regencymovies.com.

People’s March Against Bullying to be Rescheduled Due to the heavy rain over the weekend, the People’s March Against Bullying, as reported in the Feb. 1-7 edition of the Dana Point Times, will be rescheduled to a later date this month, according to Cool 2 Be Kind organizers. More information will be provided at is it becomes available.

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

EYE ON DP

The Cost of Campaigning A review of the last round of finance reports for 2018 Dana Point City Council candidates

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

H

ow much does it cost to win a city council election?

You can try to find the answer by looking at Dana Point’s 2018 campaign finances. But more money does not always yield victory. All combined efforts to elect the slate of three winning candidates cost a total of more than $110,000.

Split three ways, the cost to elect each candidate still falls short of the $50,000 that one losing candidate’s campaign borrowed.

To recap, Dana Point saw seven candidates run for city council last year, implementing districts for the first time. Mayor Joe Muller beat candidates Joe Jaeger and Amy Foell in District 1; Councilmember Richard Viczorek beat candidates Mark McGinn and Scott Schoeffel in District 2; and in District 3, Jamey Federico beat Charles Payne.

In the state of California, city council candidates are required to submit reports of their contributions received and expenditures made during various statement periods, if the dollar amount meets a certain threshold. For the 2018 election, the first statement period covers Jan. 1-June 30, 2018; the second statement period covers July 1-September 22, 2018; the third covers September 28-October 20, 2018; and the last covers October 21 through the remainder of the year.

The Form 460 is for all candidates and their committees who have raised or spent (or intend on raising and spending) $2,000 or more during a calendar year in connection with election to office or holding office. It’s also for entities or organizations that receive funding of more than $2,000 that intend on supporting or opposing a single candidate.

The Form 496 is used for independent expenditures that total in the aggregate $1,000 or more to support or oppose a single candidate for elective office or a single state ballot measure. These expenditures may already be accounted for in a Form 460 filed by the same committee.

The reports of expenditures and contributions for the last remaining 16 days

Dana Point Times February 8-14, 2019

Dana Point City Council candidates meet at a forum held by the Dana Point Civic Association on Sept.

28. Photo: Lillian Boyd

before the Nov. 6 election were not due to the city until Thursday, Jan. 31. Redacted versions of all forms submitted from candidates and committees are available on www.danapoint.org, according to city staff.

In looking at the individual candidates’ reports, Mayor Joe Muller’s campaign received $33,611.66 in contributions and made the most expenditures with $23,794.18. His losing opponents in District 1: Joseph “Joe” Jaeger, received $18,759.87 in contributions and made expenditures of $16,135.43; Amy Foell did not submit reports of contributions or expenditures as they did not exceed $2,000.

“The amount of money that went into this election could have been better spent elsewhere,” Foell said. “I wanted to focus my campaign on the actual issues.”

Foell received the least amount of votes in her district, with 17.7 percent.

In District 2, Councilmember Richard Viczorek’s 2018 campaign took in $17,939.66 in contributions and had $11,342.93 in expenditures. Losing candidates: Mark McGinn took $11,806.42 in contributions and spent the exact same amount; and Scott Schoeffel took in the highest dollar amount in contributions with $57,483, and $23,632.36 in expenditures ($52,500 of contributions were loaned to himself).

In District 3, Councilmember Jamey Federico’s campaign took in $24,728.31 in contributions with $17,963.52 in expenditures. His losing opponent, Charles Payne, took in $22,147.43 in contributions with $17,776.52 in expenditures. That’s less than $200 of a difference in expendi-

tures.

Federico says that although he did spend a significant amount on graphics and mailers, he doesn’t think they’re very effective.

“I believe I got elected because I knocked on every voter’s door and talked to as many residents as possible,”

The amount of “money that went into

this election could have been better spent elsewhere. I wanted to focus my campaign on the actual issues.

—Amy Foell, former candidate

”

Federico said. “They shared their ideas and concerns and believed in my positive outlook for the city.”

Political Action Committees spent nearly $60,000 in Dana Point’s 2018 city council election, in efforts to support Muller, Viczorek and Federico or oppose their respective opponents. This amount does not factor in money spent by the committee Keep Dana Point Friendly, a group that supported both Federico and Schoeffel.

Thousands of dollars specifically went in to oppose District 3 candidate Payne through mailers or online propaganda.

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Dana Point Times reported on the propaganda website www.StopSlickSanford. com in the Nov. 2, 2018 issue (the URL is no longer valid), a webpage that was paid for by the Taxpayers Protection PAC. As of Feb.7, the Taxpayers Protection PAC had filed only one Form 460 on Oct. 20, reporting $5,100 in contributions and $5,238.44 in expenditures. The Dana Point Taxpayers Association contributed $5,000 to the Taxpayers Protection PAC in September 2018.

Reports of contributions and expenditures within the 16 days leading up to the election are not made public until Jan. 31, per Fair Political Practices Commission regulations. During this final period, the Dana Point Taxpayers Association made 68 percent of its expenditures. In other words, of the $28,074.76 spent throughout the calendar year on the Dana Point City Council election, $19,073.13 was spent during the period that went unreported to the public until more than two months after the election.

In reviewing the Dana Point Taxpayers Association’s expenditures, about one-third went toward printing and mailing costs of efforts to oppose Payne ($10,324.93). This candidate was the most expensive for the association, as District 3 was guaranteed to produce a political newcomer to the council who could become a potential swing vote on a divided city council. Since Federico’s victory (and Payne’s loss), Mayor Muller has admitted that he, Viczorek and Federico hold the majority on council, while in session.

When asked to comment on the role that PAC money played in this election, Mayor Muller says it demonstrated the support he had countywide.

“Some people want to make PACs out like they’re a bad thing, but they’re made up of people who live in this community, in Dana Point or in Orange County,” Muller said. “They share my values and hopes to build Dana Point’s economy and support business.”

There’s no substitute for meeting voters and letting them ask you questions in person, said Federico.

Dana Point will hold its next election in November 2020 for Districts 4 and 5.

There is already at least one contender, as former Councilmember John Tomlinson filed paperwork with the city clerk indicating his intention to run for a council seat.

The next 21 months will tell what costs candidates are willing to pay for a chance at a seat on council in the 2020 election.

For hyperlinks to specific forms used to calculate referenced dollar amounts, read the online version of this story at www.danapointtimes.com. DP

www.danapointtimes.com

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MOTIVES OF THE TCA ARE ‘DAMAGING’

CITY REPORTER Lillian Boyd, 949.388.7700, x113 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com

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WHY DANA POINT’S BUDGETS ARE IMPORTANT

OPERATIONS

BUCK HILL, Former Vice Chair of the Financial Review Committee, Dana Point

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

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SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (SC)

Dear Editor, I’d like to thank you for your thorough article in the Dana Point Times on the proposed toll road in the Top 5 section on Thursday, Jan. 31.

It revealed how damaging Alternatives 13, 14 and 17 would be to the school district, its parents and students and, indeed, to the entire cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, if adopted by the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA).

One thing it did not mention is why the TCA would propose these outrageous options to begin with. One reason is that the TCA’s chief executive officer is paid more per year than the director of Caltrans, the governor of California and, indeed, the president of the United States. His overpaid executives want to hold on to their very lucrative jobs. They feel that if they reject these completely ludicrous alternatives and support one that is only slightly less onerous that the people will go along with them. How wrong they are.

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 12, Issue 06. 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 2019. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Dana Point Times February 8-14, 2019

Whether it’s a household, a business or a city, budgets are important in planning income and expenses and prioritizing future spending.

Dana Point’s FY 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the period ending June 30, 2018 was released at the January 15, 2019, city council meeting. The auditors verified the City’s financial statements, but they did not address the budgeting process or its accuracy.

The city’s budget for FY 2018 was finalized and approved in April 2018. The budget for all funds in the FY 2018 CAFR (shown on pages 25, 60, 67-77) projected a deficit where spending exceeded revenue by $5.6 million. The FY 2018 CAFR shows that actual income exceeded expenditures to produce a surplus of $2.6 million (page 86). Therefore, the budget was inaccurate by over $8 Million in a three month period.

Year after year, Dana Point’s budgeting process seems to significantly overestimate expenditures and capital spending, and understate revenue, leading to huge differences in actual results. Those inac-

curate budgets do not provide a sound basis to make spending decisions and effectively measure performance.

A best-practices budgeting process would include regular progress reports for every city department and fund. Timely reporting would track expenditures and revenues against what is budgeted. Then adjustments could be made when needed to mitigate potential problems, change spending priorities or take action to improve results.

Overseeing and approving the budget is one of the city council’s most important responsibilities. Clear and timely reporting comparing actuals to budget would enable the City Council to provide responsible oversight of the city’s finances.

Editor’s Note: In an effort to verify claims made in Buck Hill’s letter to the editor, statements made in his third paragraph were cross-referenced with city staff. Assistant City Manager Mike Killebrew’s letter to the editor is a direct response to the statements made in the third paragraph by Mr. Hill.

CONSERVATIVE BUDGETING MIKE KILLEBREW, Assistant City Manager/Administrative Services Director for Dana Point

Mr. Hill simply does not understand municipal budgeting, and if his budget logic were applied, we could spend the same dollar twice. He states that the city missed its budget by “over $8 million” last year.

Yes, revenues finished $1.7 million, or 2.7 percent, better than budget. We believe most people would support their government being conservative when making revenue projections. It is important to know that Dana Point’s revenues are highly dependent on tourism, with nearly half its revenue subject to the success of our hotels. A revenue projection that is too aggressive can have disastrous results, and would be irresponsible.

Expenditures finished $6.8 million less than budget; however, $4.5 million of that “miss” is for capital projects that the council committed to last fiscal year but will not be completed until this year. This is not a miss; this is simply a matter of timing that is easily understood. Mr. Hill apparently wants to only budget expenses that occur each year, and neglect to take into account commitments to finish projects. Mr. Hill’s budget approach would result in the appearance of having more funds to spend than actually exist. The city’s budget also deliberately includes contingency amounts to enable quick response to emergencies and emerging issues; not having budgeted funds available for quick action would also be irresponsible. We believe most people appreciate their government being conservative when making expenditure projections, and to know they are planning

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for emergencies.

The city council and staff take their fiduciary responsibility very seriously. One result is that both revenue and expense budgets are conservative. Finishing a fiscal year with a surplus is always better than the alternative.

NO, CHERNOBYL DISASTER CANNOT BE REPEATED AT SONGS JOHN DOBKEN, Media Relations Manager, Southern California Edison

At a coffee klatch in San Clemente, the first question I got was a bit surprising.

“Is it really Chernobyl in a Can?” The person was asking about the spent nuclear fuel canisters located at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Actually, the canisters couldn’t be any more different than Chernobyl.

The Chernobyl reactors are Soviet RBMKs, modeled on military weapons reactors, which were designed to make a lot of plutonium. Operators were using the Chernobyl Unit 4 reactor for a test and placed it in a configuration it shouldn’t have been, and things went very wrong.

The reactor, with no containment structure, saw a power spike, steam explosion, melted down and spewed radioactive contamination across the land.

Some people in Chernobyl ingested radioactive material, such as iodine-131 (I131), and did real damage to their health.

But the source of that contamination was hot fuel from a working reactor, not spent fuel seven-plus years removed from the reactor core.

The spent fuel at SONGS no longer even contains I-131. With a half-life of eight days, all the I-131 disappeared approximately two months after the spent fuel was removed from the reactor. And unlike an operating reactor, a spent fuel canister (by design) has no way of sustaining the criticality needed to generate enough heat to recreate a Chernobyl or Fukushima-like event.

With no motive force (energy) to drive radioactive contamination into the environment, it’s not really relevant. Unless you simply want to scare people.

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

EDITOR’S PICK

At the Movies: Awards Season 2019 Roundup

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 | 08 LIVE MUSIC AT OVERVUE 8-11 p.m. There is a rotating lineup of musicians performing at OverVue Lounge at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott every Friday and Saturday night. Visit www.lagunacliffs. com for more information. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. 949.661.5000.

Saturday | 09 SOUTH COVE OPEN HOUSE 11 a.m.-4 p.m. See what barefoot living is all about at South Cove. You’re invited to enjoy light refreshments and a tour of the newest model, the Aliso 1930 floor plan, hosted by Zephyr. RSVP by emailing sales@livesouthcove.com. South Cove, 34202 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

1.858.324.3560.

DESIGN & WINE 4-6 p.m. Join painter Debra Slonim in a funfilled evening of painting and wine. Debra holds a Bachelor of Arts in studio arts with an emphasis in painting and sculpture. Her vivacious personality and love for fine arts make her the perfect host for an evening of fun. Join the Design & Wine every Saturday through May. Admission is $50 per person and includes canvas, paints and one glass of house wine. Reserve your ticket at www.monarchbeachresort.com. One Monarch Beach, Dana Point. 949.234.3900.

OCEAN ZONES IN A JAR 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. There are five different zones in the ocean that support a diverse variety of life. In this WILD Weekend session at Ocean Institute, participants will learn about these zones and the animals that are adapted to live in them, as well as how to make their own ocean zones in a jar to take home. Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Tickets include Ocean Institute admission for the day. This event is also held from 2-3 p.m. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

Dana Point Times February 8-14, 2019

Rami Malek, Jim Beach and Roger Taylor at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 6. Photo: Courtesy of the Golden Globes/HFPA Photographer

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

Photo: File

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10: FOURTH ANNUAL PET ADOPTION 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Luxre Realty is hosting its fourth annual pet adoption. At least 20 animals have been given new homes in years past. The event will have rescue organizations bring cats and dogs for people to meet and to see if they are a right fit for their home. 222 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.498.3702. www.luxrerealty.com.

Sunday | 10 SUNDAY FUNDAY AT SWALLOW’S The Creepers will be performing at Swallow’s Inn for “Sunday Funday.” Come out and enjoy a beer or two and dance to live music. The Creepers are a power trio covering six decades of music, specializing in the 1980s. No costumes, no karaoke-backing tracks—just three real musicians playing real music with an Orange County California attitude. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188.

Monday | 11 BINGO AT GOODY’S 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.

except Feb. 18. Dana Point Community Center, Room A. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. lavivaflamenco.com

Tuesday | 12 TINY TOTS: MIGHTY MARINERS 9:30-10:30 a.m. Stretch your child’s imagination through this six-week, maritimethemed series of exploration and creative play that supports language development, social interaction and problem-solving.

The program is every Tuesday, Jan. 15 through Feb. 19. This event is suitable for children ages 2-3 years; must be accompanied by an adult. The six-week series costs $150; the cost for a drop-in class is $30.

Reserve tickets at www.ocean-institute. org. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point. 949.496.2274.

Thursday | 14

ADULT FLAMENCO DANCE CLASS 6:30-7:30 p.m. Spanish Flamenco Dance is known, practiced and admired worldwide for its emotion, temperament and powerful expressions. Learn footwork, body movement, choreography and rhythms from melancholic to strong and exotic. Hosted

by Laviva Flamenco, these classes will be held every Monday through March 25,

ANESHA ROSE AT HENNESSEY’S 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Anesha Rose will be performing at Hennessey’s Tavern in Dana Point.

Rose works as a solo artist throughout Orange County, performing original songs as well as covers of Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks and Adele. For more information on the artist, visit www.anesharose.com.

Hennessey’s Tavern, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. 949.488.0121.

Page 8

W

e’re now a little bit more than halfway into awards season for 2018 filmmaking, so let’s recap how the past month has gone. Glenn Close and Olivia Colman won Best Actress in a Drama and a Comedy, respectively, at the Golden Globes for The Wife and The Favourite, and Close won again at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Best Actor started out with hype for Ethan Hawke (First Reformed) and Bradley Cooper (A Star is Born), but both were surprisingly overshadowed

by Christian Bale (Vice) and Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) at the Globes and the SAGs. Mahershala Ali is looking like the biggest contender at the Oscars for Best Supporting Actor for Green Book, with the most wins in the category thus far. Regina King won Best Supporting Actress at the Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards for If Beale Street Could Talk, and is the consensus favorite to take the trophy again at the Oscars.

Both Best Director and Best Foreign Film have been unanimously trumpeted by critics and the televised awards shows to go to Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma. Cuaron particularly feels like a lock at the Oscars after his most recent win at the Directors Guild of America. The BAFTAs are next Sunday, Feb. 10, the Independent Spirit Awards are on Feb. 23, and the Academy Awards are on Feb. 24. Since the BAFTAs are a British show, there’s a high probability that The Favourite will sweep as it was the best-received UK film from 2018. Whatever the outcome, let’s hope someone gives A Star is Born and Bradley Cooper some appreciation after a month of serious neglect. DP

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GETTING OUT

On Stage at The Coach House: Larry Carlton

Larry Carlton will perform live at The Coach House on Thursday, Feb. 21. Photo: Courtesy of Larry Carlton

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, DANA POINT TIMES

M

r. 335 himself is coming to San Juan Capistrano to play at The Coach House on Thursday, Feb. 21.

To those who don’t know, Larry Carlton, otherwise known as Mr. 335 – a reference to his guitar, a Gibson ES-335 – is a legend in the music industry. The Grammy Award-winning rock and jazz guitarist has recorded with several artists such as Steely Dan, Michael Jackson and Joni Mitchell over his more than 50-year career.

“I just love playing the guitar, so any chance I have to perform, it’s just a good deal,” Carlton told Dana Point Times.

When Carlton comes to town, he’ll be accompanied by drummer Gene Coy, Travis Carlton on bass and Ruslan Sirota on keys.

With such a storied career, Carlton is known for reaching back from his past to play songs that include renditions he worked on with Steely Dan and with The Crusaders, in addition to performing music from his own solo work.

“After all these years, people still want to hear me play, and so I’m very humbled by that,” Carlton said.

For his show at The Coach House, Carlton said he’ll be performing songs he knows fans in San Juan Capistrano haven’t heard him play live yet. One song in particular that he’s excited to play this year is “Ten:00 P.M.” from his 1982 solo studio album, Sleepwalk.

During the show, fans will also get to hear music Carlton worked on for Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall album as well as the instrumental theme from the “Hill Street Blues” soundtrack, which earned him his first Grammy Award in 1981.

Dana Point Times February 8-14, 2019

“There will be material that the audience has never heard me play before,” Carlton said, later adding that “the audience gets a kick out of reliving those (songs).”

As for releasing any new albums in the near future, Carlton said there are no definitive plans yet.

“I don’t record until I’m inspired,” he said.

Though known for being a jazz guitarist, Carlton said he isn’t interested in recording a smooth jazz album.

“I just wait for projects to come along that are fun and interesting for me that really don’t have anything to do with the smooth jazz market,” he said.

Last year, Carlton did get to work on a special project in Japan that he found “really fun and interesting.” For several nights, he performed and recorded some songs he worked on with The Crusaders and with Steely Dan. Carlton added that many of those songs he recorded he had never played at shows.

“I did a special project in Japan, and we did record every night,” he said. “I just haven’t listened to the masters to make sure we have the right recording of it.

That’s for the future.”

Tickets to see Larry Carlton at The Coach House are $39.50 for general admission. VIP tickets are also available for an additional $90, which includes a meet-andgreet after the show and photo op. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. For tickets or more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. DP Page 10

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Wellness & Prevention by Susan Parmelee

Helping Families for Over Five Years

T

he mission of the Wellness & Prevention Center is to help youth and families lead healthy lives. When we founded the nonprofit in 2014, the number of youth with substance-use problems and mental health symptoms were on the rise, and connecting to resources was complicated and costly. The founders of the Wellness & Prevention Center created a three-tiered program for public schools that included universal education, targeted classroom and group interventions, and individual and family counseling.

We started with one therapist on the campus of San Clemente High School three days a week and have grown to begin serving San Clemente and San Juan Hills High School, as well as the three San Clemente middle schools. Additionally, we saw the need to open two evenings a week to serve the entire community with accessible mental health services, so we now have therapists working with individuals, families and small groups in a borrowed retired school building and will soon offer services at a local church.

The diseases of mental health and substance abuse are highly stigmatized in the United States and other countries around the world. Because of this, many individuals and their loved ones find it difficult to reach

out for help. One of our primary strategies is to provide community education that normalizes asking for help, so that seeking mental health care is perceived the same as any medical condition.

Our staff also provides youth and adults with education about legal and illegal use of addictive substances, social emotional resilience, and wellness. This work is funded by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Drug Free Communities program. It is a five-year grant that allows us to help youth learn more about the risks of alcohol, marijuana and other drug use before the age of 21. Research shows that when youth are given clear, accurate information about what is in illicit substances and their health effects on the body and the brain, they are more likely to make healthy choices.

The well-being of our youth and families has a huge impact on our community. Our programming is guided by the input of our Wellness & Prevention Coalition. We WELLNESS AND meet once per month, PREVENTION

By Susan and these meetings are Parmelee open to the public. We believe strongly that members of a community are the experts on how to support health and wellness. Please consider joining our meetings. If you would like more information, email info@www.wpc-oc.org.

As a nonprofit, our organization relies on grants and donations from individuals to keep our doors open. Please consider making a donation at www.wpc-oc.org— click on the donate button. While you are there, please sign up for our emails—they contain valuable prevention and social emotional support information twice a month.

Finally, attend our first Health & Wellness Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9,

Pet of the Week: Lollypop DANA POINT TIMES

T Lollypop. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/ Dana Point Animal Shelter Dana Point Times February 8-14, 2019

wo-year-old Lollypop still has the personality of a playful puppy. A Siberian Husky mix, she is very active and loves water. Lollypop would thrive in an energetic household with someone who has lots of time to spend with her.

If you’d like to know more about Lollypop, call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

Photo: Courtesy of Los Angeles Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo was taken in 1967 of the jetty construction at Dana Point Harbor.

Every week, the Dana Point Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to lboyd@picketfencemedia.com.

at the Outlets at San Clemente. The fair will feature local providers, nonprofit organizations and free health screenings. Additionally, the event will feature a “Take Back the Vape” booth for e-cigarette and vape safe disposal in exchange for gift cards. Raffles, giveaways and live entertainment will also be featured at this event. Come to find out what resources are available in your community to live well and be healthy!

Susan Parmelee is a mental health social worker and one of the founders of the Wellness & Prevention Center, San Clemente.

She can be reached at susan@wellnessandpreventionsanclemente.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

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 Page 12

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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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

UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

Jeddy’s Interiors

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

Want to be featured here?

Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

PUBLIC NOTICES TO A DV E RT I SE : 9 4 9 . 3 8 8 . 7 7 0 0 , E X T. 1 0 0 • FAX : 9 4 9 . 3 8 8 . 9 9 7 7 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20196532486 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: DESIGNERBUILD 13 WATER RIDGE CT DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant (s) JEFFREY PEASE 13 WATER RIDGE CT DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by an individual The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: N/A /s/Jeffrey Pease This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/18/2019 Publish: Dana Point Times January 25; February 1, 8, 15, 2019

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

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Notice to Creditors • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale • Summons – Divorce – Civil • Annual Report • Non-Responsibility • Dissolution of Partnership EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 100

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE PIANO FOR SALE Wurlitzer Melville Clark Spinet piano model 1660. Great condition, needs tuning. Piano bench and sheet music included. $300 or best offer. Similar models selling online for $500+.

Must be able to pick up.

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Page 15

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

seven games to finish second in the Sea View League.

Making their second straight playoff appearance, Dana Hills opened the playoffs on the road at Redlands East Valley on Thursday, Feb. 7. Results were not available at press time.

If Dana Hills advanced, they would play the Newbury Park-St. Francis winner on Saturday, Feb. 9. The Dolphins would host Newbury Park or travel to St. Francis.

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Girls Water Polo Earns No. 2 Seed, Advances

Basketball Teams Travel for First-Round Tip-Offs

The biting wind and post-rain air temperature drop made for some frigid conditions at the Dana Hills pool deck, but in the 82-degree pool, the Dolphins girls water polo team stayed hot on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Dana Hills, the No. 2 seed, scored seven goals in the second quarter and got seven goals in the game from senior Lauren Bellavia to cruise by Warren of Downey, 18-4, in a CIF-SS Division 4 first-round game at Dana Hills High School.

“I thought they did well,” said Dolphins coach Carrie Pierce. “We can continue to fine-tune a couple things, but we’re playing well at the right time.”

Dana Hills hit the road for the second round at Woodbridge in Irvine on Thursday, Feb. 7. Results were not available at press time. If the Dolphins advanced, they would host the winner of Edison-Greak Oak in the quarterfinals on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Dana Hills battled through the South Coast League and upset El Toro in the

The Dana Hills boys and girls basketball teams begin the playoffs away from home this week.

The Dana Hills girls basketball team (15-11) finished third in the South Coast League and didn’t start too far away. The Dolphins played at Orangewood Academy in Garden Grove on Thursday, Feb. 7, but results were not available at press time.

If Dana Hills advanced, it would face the Great Oak-Orange Lutheran winner on Saturday, Feb. 9. The Dolphins would host Great Oak or travel to Orange Lutheran.

The Dana Hills boys basketball team (15-10) won its final two games of the season to secure third place in the South Coast League and will take a longer trip in the first round. The Dolphins travel to Indio for their opener on Friday, Feb. 8.

If Dana Hills advances, it would play the winner of Rialto-Ontario in the second round on Tuesday, Feb. 12. The Dolphins would host Rialto or travel to Ontario. DP

Dana Wharf Fish Report Catches still coming despite bouts with weather

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he fleet is battling through the winter weather, but there are still catches to be had at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

In his weekly report, Captain Brian Woolley said that things have stayed the course over the past month. The shorter trips have stayed along the coast and fished the hardbottom areas for sculpin. Anglers are getting their catches with the five-fish limit.

The trips have stayed in hard-bottom areas for some bass, as well. Usually, the bass can be found in kelp spots, but there

Dana Point Times February 8-14, 2019

The Dana Hills girls water polo team is the No. 2 seed in CIF-SS Division 4 and won its opener on Tuesday, Feb. 5. The Dolphins played in the second round on Thursday, Feb.7 and would play in the quarterfinals on Saturday, Feb. 9. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

league tournament semifinals last week to claim second place. The Dolphins competed against Division 1 and 2 teams all season to earn the No. 2 seed in Division 4.

“It’s different,” Pierce said of the level of play in the South Coast League, compared to Division 4, “especially to have the game of our season against El Toro and have to match that level of intensity and shift gears into Division 4. Getting a two-seed definitely helped to get an easier firstround matchup, but it’s still a Division 4 CIF game. We had to prepare.”

Against Warren, Bellavia scored the game’s first and last goals and added three

in the third quarter for a game-high seven goals. Senior Elisa Lopez-Sanchez and sophomore Kat Besanceney each scored three goals, senior Julia Reznicek added two goals, and sophomores Paige Riester, Lucy Kao and Jill Duarte each scored a goal.

Boys Soccer Opens on the Road in Division 2 The Dana Hills boys soccer team entered the playoffs on a hot streak.

The Dolphins (11-8-2) won four in a row and were unbeaten in six of their last

has been no kelp out there.

The Halibut Derby continues, but there hasn’t been any change at the top of the board. Woolley said that January and February are the traditional slow months, but things will pick up as February progresses.

The derby runs through the end of March.

Here are the latest fish counts out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching: Feb. 6 • 1 boat, 17 anglers: 50 sculpin.

Feb. 5 • 1 boat, 20 anglers: 2 calico bass, 15 bass released.

Feb. 4 • No trips due to weather.

Feb. 3 • 2 boats, 17 anglers: 1 sand bass, 20 sculpin, 8 sanddabs.

Feb. 2 • No trips due to weather.

Feb. 1 • 1 boat, 10 anglers: 1 sand bass, 20 sculpin, 8 sanddabs. DP

Fishing has been slowed by the weather, but anglers are still getting their limits. Photos: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

Page 17

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

The Evolution of Team USA Former WT stars Brett Simpson, Chris Gallagher Stone tapped as coaches

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

ime flies when you’re having fun, and while surfing’s debut in the Olympics is still 18 months away, things are heating up at USA Surfing. Over the past month, the governing body for America’s national surf program has undergone a few big changes.

During the holiday season, U.S. head coach Joey Buran announced that he was going to be stepping away from his coaching responsibilities. Buran has been instrumental in putting a lot of the pieces in place to help America establish a winning program and leaves behind strong foundational roots from which to build. Most recently, he led the Americans’ junior team to a silver medal at the 2018 VISSLA ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Huntington Beach and a bronze medal at the 2018 ISA World Surfing Games in Japan.

“On Dec. 17, 1984, I won the Pipeline Masters and announced my resignation from my pro surfing career. Now, 34 years later on the same date, and a day after the USA Surf Team won its first-ever Team Adaptive World Title, I am announcing my retirement from my surf coaching career and resigning my current position as coach of the USA Olympic Surf Team,” Buran said.

GROM OF THE WEEK

KING NICOL

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

H

e’s only 6 years old, but we’re long overdue in giving King Nicol his moment in the Grom of the Week spotlight.

The little frother has become somewhat of an internet sensation lately, starring in short GoPro clips that his dad, former WSL Championship Tour surfer Yadin Nicol, shoots and edits. The footage has made its way to all of the major surf websites, including being featured on WorldSurfLeague.com. King even shows up in a commercial spot Nike did with his dad.

Growing up around San Clemente, he’s a regular at Uppers, Middles and all the

Dana Point Times February 8-14, 2019

Named as the head coach of USA Surfing’s elite junior program, Huntington Beach’s Brett Simpson brings two U.S. Open titles and years of experience on the WSL Championship Tour to the program.

Photo: USA Surfing/Nate Perry

The coaching vacancy didn’t stay open very long. Chris Gallagher Stone—former World Tour competitor, talented surfboard shaper and surf coach to the stars—has been hired as the U.S. head coach.

“Gally,” as most in the world know him, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. Raised in Santa Cruz, currently living on the North Shore of Oahu, he’s competed on the world stage as well as having worked with top-level surfers such as Jordy Smith and CJ Hobgood. He had planned to take most of 2019 off to spend more time with his family and shaping surfboards, but instead he chose to answer the calling.

“Opportunities like this don’t come around that often. I had to go for it,” said

beach-breaks, where his old man pushes him into waves and rides behind him.

If you’ve ever seen them in the water, you know the two have an absolute ball together. King has also had the good fortune of ripping a few waves up at the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch in the Central Valley—an opportunity most surfers haven’t had.

But even with all the perks that come with having an all-star dad like Yadin, King’s still a grom at heart.

“I like drawing, skating, school and annoying my sister,” he said in an interview when the Gudauskas brothers named him their Positive Vibe Warrior Grom of the Week.

The future is bright for King, but for now he’s loving every second of grom life. DP

Gallagher Stone after the news was announced.

His biggest responsibility will be to prepare American surfers for the 2020 Games. The top two American men and women on the WSL’s Championship Tour at the end of the 2019 season will qualify for the Olympics, which means local pro surfers such as Kolohe Andino and Griffin Colapinto could very well represent the Stars and Stripes. The U.S. Olympic team will be announced in December 2019.

The date of the opening ceremony for the Japan Games is July 24, 2020.

“I think there are surfers that realize, if they train like a gymnast, have all that strength and flexibility and explosiveness, they could really take their surfing to

some exciting places,” Gallagher Stone said. “It’s going to be really interesting who takes that and runs with it. What could be? That’s what gets me excited.”

Meanwhile, Huntington Beach’s Brett Simpson has been named as the coach of the U.S. Junior National program. A two-time winner of the U.S. Open and six-year veteran of the WSL Championship Tour, Simpson is renowned for his highperformance, progressive approach to the sport. It’s been three years since Simpson competed full-time, and he’s eagerly looking forward to this next chapter.

“San Clemente’s a hotbed of talent.

There are so many good kids coming out of there right now. It’s the place to be at the moment,” Simpson said last week before heading to the U.S. Olympic training facility in Colorado Springs.

At the moment, there are nine surfers from the San Clemente and Dana Point area on the U.S. Junior National team, including 2018 WSL World Junior Champion Kirra Pinkerton and current USA Surfing Prime ratings leader Jett Schilling.

It’s by far the most-represented area in the country.

“These are our best juniors coming up, so I want it to be fun. I want them to learn, and I want them to develop some knowledge,” Simpson said. “My goal is to build a strong team while keeping it fun and interesting for the kids. I’m excited about the opportunity.”

Both Simpson and Gallagher Stone are still wrapping their heads around their new positions and what the immediate future looks like, but with every passing week we’re inching closer to the 2020 Olympics.

“It’s going to be here before we know it. There’s a lot of work to do,” an excited Gallagher Stone said, smiling. “I can’t wait to get going.” DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 57-60 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 10-15’ Outlook: Modest to fun size blend of westnorthwest and southwest swells through the weekend and early next week. Waist high (3’) surf is common with chest-shoulder high (4’) sets at top breaks. Combo exposed beachbreaks should see some fun peaks cross up at times. Winds/conditions most favorable in the mornings, before light locally moderate onshore flow picks up each afternoon. Be sure to check Surfline.com for all the details and the longer range outlook.

King Nicol. Photo: Instagram @coronakingsley

Page 18

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