January 10, 2020

LO C A L

N EWS

January 10-16, 2020

YO U

C A N

U S E

Editor’s Pick: Six String Society at Fish Tank PAGE 11 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 2

Talking Desalination Dollars Local Water District Officials Discuss Financing a Major Water Project E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 7

Local officials are exploring how to finance a proposed desalination project in Dana Point that could alleviate South Coast Water District’s dependency on imported water. Photo: File

New California Laws Go into Effect for 2020 EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

Dana Point Boater Pleads Not Guilty in Murder Investigation EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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Wiese Leads as DH Basketball Looks For Balance SPORTS/PAGE 16

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

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Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week First Coffee Chat Guest Announced for New Year THE LATEST: The first guest of 2020 to speak at Dana Point Civic Association’s coffee chat will be Kirsten Vital, Superintendent of Capistrano Unified School District.

The first coffee chat of the New Year will be held on Friday, Jan. 17 at 8:30 a.m. at Coffee Importers in Dana Point Harbor.

According to an announcement from Dana Point Civic Association, Vital will provide an update on future projects planned for CUSD, ahead of the bond measures that will be placed on the March 2020 primary election ballot.

The CUSD Board of Trustees voted unanimously in October in favor of placing a pair of regional bond measures to upgrade schools on the March 2020 Primary Election ballot. The vote was a major step in the district’s efforts to secure funds to help upgrade educational facilities and renovate schools in Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel and San Clemente.

The two bond measures—with one to go before voters in San Clemente and Capistrano Beach, while the other will be decided on by voters in Aliso Viejo, Dana Point and Laguna Niguel—propose a levy of $34 for every $100,000 of assessed taxable property value.

Collectively, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point and Laguna Niguel make up the Western Schools Facilities Improvement District, or SFID 3. If voters in those cities pass the bond, it’s expected to provide CUSD with $293 million in proceeds.

A large percentage of the funds raised from the Western SFID bond would pay to construct new buildings and renovate facilities at Dana Hills High School, Aliso Niguel High School and Niguel Hills Middle School.

At Dana Hills High, the funding will help pay for the installation of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in the gym, construct classroom buildings to replace the old portable classrooms, as well as build a theater for performing arts and athletic facilities for fitness and aquatic programs.

Coffee will be complimentary, proDana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

Sheila Marie Ritze, of San Juan Capistrano, pleaded not guilty after being charged with being an accessory after the fact in relation to federal criminal complaints stemming from a first-degree murder charge. Photo: File

vided by Coffee Importers. Coffee chats are held at 34531 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.—Lillian Boyd

Pedestrian Vs. Train Death in Capistrano Beach THE LATEST: An individual was killed by a train in what investigators believe to have been an apparent suicide in Capistrano Beach on Thursday, Jan. 2, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Jaimee Blashaw, OCSD spokesperson, said authorities responded to a call of a train versus pedestrian accident at Pacific Coast Highway and Palisades Drive at around 5 p.m. on Jan. 2. The incident, she said, is still being investigated, but authorities believe it was a possible suicide.

WHAT’S NEXT: The identity of the victim has not been made public, but authorities have confirmed it was a male.—Shawn Raymundo

Dana Point Boater Pleads Not Guilty to Charges Connected to Murder THE LATEST: Sheila Marie Ritze, 40, of San Juan Capistrano, pleaded not guilty after being charged with being an accessory after the fact in relation to federal criminal complaints stemming from a first-degree

murder charge.

Ritze is one of two defendants, the other being Hoang Xuan Le of Fountain Valley, charged in a case alleging a victim was lured onto a boat in the Dana Point Harbor on Oct. 14 with promises of an overnight fishing trip, according to a Dec. 19 news release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

The victim’s body was recovered from the Pacific Ocean several miles northwest of Oceanside on Oct. 16, the news release said. Le, 38, is charged with first-degree murder.

“Le has confessed to a confidential human source that he took the victim out on the boat, confronted the victim about a debt owed, shot the victim, tied weights to the victim’s ankles, and sank the victim’s body in the ocean,” an affidavit said.

A confidential source is said to have worked with law enforcement and recorded Le allegedly selling narcotics and expressing interest in being hired as a hitman.

Ritze is linked by information showing her phone was allegedly in the location of the harbor at the times the boat left and returned, and by surveillance tapes made at Dana Point Harbor showing three individuals—believed to be Ritze, Le and the victim—when the boat was launched, but showing only Ritze and Le when the boat returned hours later, according to the news release.

Ritze and Le pleaded not guilty dur-

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ing an arraignment on Jan. 6. The trial is scheduled to begin on Feb. 25, with U.S. District Judge David O. Carter presiding.

If convicted, Le could face a sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, prosecutors said.

Ritze could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison.—Collin Breaux

City Names New Hire for Community Development Director THE LATEST: The City of Dana Point announced that Brenda Wisneski will take over the role of community development director.

In an earlier segment of her career, Wisneski worked as a senior planner in Dana Point in 2000. She now holds 30 years of professional planning practice and experience in multiple phases of municipal planning.

“We are excited about Brenda’s return to the City of Dana Point,” said City Manager Mark Denny. “She has really distinguished herself as a leader in coastal land use planning, and the City is fortunate to have a professional like her lead our Community Development team.”

Prior to joining Dana Point, Wisneski served as Development Services Director for the City of Encinitas. She has also worked with coastal cities San Clemente (Cont. on page 5) danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) and Newport Beach. She holds experience in the management of three General Plan updates, the revitalization efforts in the City of Newport Beach and development of Dana Point’s Town Center Plan.

“She has extensive experience in coastal issues and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),” a city press release states.

“In this role, I want to further dispel the ‘mystery’ of local government by making local government more accessible and transparent through the use of technology and quality customer service,” Wisneski said.

Wisneski replaces Matt Schneider, who accepted a position as Community Development Director for the City of Rialto.—LB

Spate of New Laws Goes into Effect THE LATEST: A litany of new laws in California went into effect at the start of this month. Many of those laws address an array of issues related to employment, housing and public safety, among several others.

When it comes to employment and the state’s workforce, many will be seeing a bump in pay as California’s minimum wage increased by another dollar this

year. According to the state’s Department of Industrial Relations, employers with a staff of 25 or fewer must pay $12 an hour, while large employers are required to pay $13 an hour.

The state’s minimum wage will continue to gradually increase to $15 an hour for all employers by January 2023. In January 2017, the hourly minimum wage for those working at businesses with 25 or fewer employees was $10; for those at large companies, it was $10.50.

A new law that Gov. Gavin Newsom enacted in mid-September places new restrictions on businesses that hire independent contractors. According to Assembly Bill 5, those who provide “labor or services for remuneration shall be considered an employee rather than an independent contractor.”

However, individuals can be exempt from the rule if they can prove that they are free from the control of a supervisor and that the scope of their work is outside of the company’s usual course of business.

They’re also exempt if they have an established independent trade or business.

Renters in the state will also see more protections beginning this year, as a new law, AB 1482, places a cap on annual rent hikes at 5% for the next 10 years. The Los Angeles Times reports that roughly 2.4 million households in California will be impacted, as well as those living in certain

single-family home rentals.

As the rest of the nation grapples with issues of gun violence and coming up with legislative solutions, the state of California took additional steps to clamp down on the matter with two new laws this past year.

In October, Newsom signed into law a pair of bills further limiting the types of firearms sold and to whom they’re sold.

In Senate Bill 61, the law expands the current prohibition of selling firearms to anyone under the age of 21 by also restricting the sale of semiautomatic centerfire rifles to only those who are 21 and older.

The same measure also includes language limiting Californians from purchasing more than one of those weapons per month. That section of the law will go into effect on July 1, 2021.

And under AB 164, those who have already been barred from owning a gun in another state may not be legally allowed to possess one here in California.

Other laws going into effect this year are meant to make elections more transparent and also protect the environment, particularly beach cities.

One new law Newsom recently enacted prohibits smoking and vaping in California’s state parks and on its beaches. Those caught smoking cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars or pipes in such areas will be fined $25.

Another environmental law aims to

impede President Donald Trump’s plans to allow for new oil and gas wells in the state’s national parks and wilderness areas, the LA Times reported this past fall.

AB 342 prohibits any new leases from “authorizing new construction of oil- and gas-related infrastructure upon public lands, including tidelands and submerged lands, to support production of oil and natural gas.”

And with the 2020 elections about to heat up in the coming months, constituents who receive political text messages should be able to see which candidate or group paid for that text.

The Text Message DISCLOSE Act, or AB 201, requires candidate-controlled committees to disclose the name of the candidate and the office being sought in such messages. The act also includes language requiring the committees to disclose the names of top funders who contributed $50,000 or more toward the advertising effort.

New voters will also be allowed to register to vote or change their party affiliation on election days at polling places. California joined 16 other states and Washington, D.C., where Election Day voter registration is allowed, according to an LA Times article from early October.

WHAT’S NEXT: California’s Primary Election is on March 3.—SR

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Announces New Leadership Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary (MBSR) will see new leadership beginning on July 1, 2020.

Assistant City Manager Mike Killebrew has held the role of president. Brandon Wise will assume that role in July, and Michael Upp will take over in 2021. New leadership also includes Ludwig Cibelli (vice president), Linda Hess (treasurer) and Ryan Krause (secretary).

Rotary International (RI) is an international service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian service and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.

RI is the largest service organization in the world, with more than 1.22 million Rotarians in more than 37,000 Rotary Clubs.

MBSR was chartered in 1988, and members have met weekly ever since.

In the new year, MSBR will once again host the “Diamond Dig at Baby Beach” for the Festival of Whales’ first Sunday, March 8. Starting at noon, children can dig for treasure, toys and prizes. One lucky winner will dig for a piece of diamond jewelry, donated by Marinelli Fine Jewelry.

According to a news release, MBSR is reorganizing its large fundraising efforts.

The club has organized Lobsterfest for the past decade and will be unveiling a new project shortly.

The MBSR meets every Wednesday at The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. Some of the nonprofit organizations that the club has supported are the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, Just Like Me Foundation, The Dana Point Senior Center, Shea Therapeutic Riding Center and more.

For more information, visit monarchbeachsunriserotary.com.

New Chairperson for Arts and Culture Commission The Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission appointed Janie Raub to be its new chairperson. She served as vice-chair previously and takes over for Anthony Small, who has served as chairperson for the past year. Nancy Jenkins will assume the role of vice-chair.

The commission meets bi-monthly, on the third Wednesday of the month, at 6 p.m. in City Hall. It acts in an advisory capacity to city council in matters pertaining to artistic, aesthetic and cultural aspects of the city. It functions to encourage programs for the culDana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11

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

Pictured left to right: Ludwig Cibelli (vice president); Brandon Wise (president-elect); Michael Upp (president-elect 2021-2022); Linda Hess (treasurer); and Ryan Krause (secretary). Photo: Courtesy of Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary

tural enrichment of the community and will serve as the reviewing and advisory body to the planning commission for public art components of development projects.

The commission consists of five members and all are appointed and serve at the pleasure of the city council. To see when the next Arts and Culture Commission meeting will be held, visit danapoint.org.

FAM Announces New Leadership Team The nonprofit organization Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) announced this week that it will undergo some leadership changes in late February, when a new CEO will be coming in, as current Executive Director Mary Perdue slides into the position of Chief Development Officer.

Elizabeth Andrade, the current Chief Operations Director for the homeless services organization Mercy House, will assume the role of CEO for FAM beginning on Feb. 10. Prior to her time at Mercy House, she worked with other organizations, including The United Way, Family Solutions Collaborative, Families Forward, and Crystal Cathedral Ministry, according to FAM. Andrade, who lives in Orange County with her husband and two sons, graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a B.A. degree in Sociology, in 2009.

Purdue, FAM’s current chief executive, will soon be taking on her new role, putting her in charge of leading FAM’s work on business development, fundraising, and community relations, while also working closely with Andrade.

“The FAM Board would like to recognize Mary for her impact during her time as Executive Director,” the organization said in a press release. “Under Mary’s leadership, FAM has grown and strengthened significantly and has seen client services grow exponentially.”

“We are excited about the future for

FAM with our new leadership team,” the release continued. “Our ability to fulfill our mission of ‘bridging the gap between dependency and self-sufficiency’ and providing counseling, food, shelter, and career planning support for those in need, has never been greater.”

Volunteer Shoppers Help Kids Choose Presents Volunteer shoppers helped kids with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley shop for holiday gifts on Dec. 14 as a way to celebrate their focus on academic achievement.

“At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley we prioritize academic success by facilitating an entire hour of homework time known as ‘Power Hour’ for all members Monday-Thursday. During this hour, members who are dedicated and productive earn points on a daily basis,” said Karen Banse, a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley. “We acknowledge our members’ dedication with our biggest event of the year, Operation Holiday Homework. On this day, we fill every room of the club with gifts for all ages and genders and our members get to use their homework points to ‘shop’ for their entire family.”

There were 50 volunteer shoppers helping kids choose presents for their loved ones and 55 wrapper volunteers to assist with wrapping presents.

WHALE TALK & WALK 9-11 a.m. This walk focuses on the offshore visitors that can frequently be seen from the Dana Point Headlands. It is designed to introduce participants to our whale seasons, which are November to May. Participants will learn about Gray Whales, which migrate past Dana Point in the winter and spring months, and Blue and Humpback Whales (in the summer months). Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive. RSVP to DPNaturalResources@danapoint.org MONDAY, JANUARY 13

PLANNING COMMISSION 6 p.m. The Dana Point Planning Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 212, Dana Point.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15

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 in changing the world at their weekly meeting.

Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

Local Musicians Performing in Capo Beach

“Now, six years later, the two Dana Point natives have put a band together to play their original songs and a few covers,” the news release said.

The inaugural performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. The Fish Tank is located at 34233 Via Santa Rosa in Capistrano Beach.

Local singers and songwriters Molly Bergman and Sidney Bowen will perform at the local venue The Fish Tank on Saturday, Feb. 8.

The two met through a shared voice teacher when Molly was 11 and Sidney was 15, according to a news release.

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.

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Talking Desalination Dollars Local Water District Officials Discuss Financing a Major Water Project

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

S

outh Coast Water District will gear up to undertake its next milestone for desalination: financing the project.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, after press time, General Manager Rick Shintaku requested authorization from SCWD’s Board of Directors to enter into an agreement with Clean Energy Capital to conduct a cost analysis for the proposed desalination project.

SCWD’s service area is approximately 8.3 miles and includes the communities of Dana Point, South Laguna, and areas of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Currently, SCWD imports 85-100% of its drinking water. The agency says this amount of reliability on imported drinking water creates vulnerability during droughts, supply shortages and potential natural disasters. According to SCWD, the proposed project would create a new, reliable, drought-proof source of water, and it is one of the first projects to meet all requirements of the California Ocean Plan.

“South Orange County is short of emergency supplies today by 20 to 27.5 million gallons per day. Keep in mind this project produces five million gallons per day,” Shintaku had previously said. “The single largest risk exposure to South Orange County is an earthquake that could disrupt the State Water Project flows for more than a year.”

According to the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s 2018 OC Reliability Study, that could mean at least a $1.7 billion economic loss in South Orange County if there was an 80% outage for 60 days. MWDOC states that both the San Juan Watershed Project and the Doheny Desalination project provide costeffective annual supplies and emergency supplies.

take these numbers out of context. . . . We want to be transparent and be conservative in our planning and discussion, but we will have better information to work with after the study is com-

Talking Dollars for Desalination

— Rick Shintaku, SCWD General Manager

While the necessity of another source of water in South Orange County’s portfolio is often emphasized and agreed upon, discussion over methods of financing the project have yielded confusion and

Dana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

The proposed desalination project would be located in Capistrano Beach and would use slant wells to gather water off the coast of Doheny State Beach. Photo: File

concern.

At a special SCWD board meeting on Oct. 30, a third-party unit cost estimate was presented, the result of which was a projected unit cost increase of 23% as compared to the year 2017 project cost estimate.

At this point, it’s too early “to talk costs. It’s easy to

plete.

”

In an Orange County Register article, it was reported that the plant could increase the average residential water bill by as much as $15 a month, which is three

times the 2017 estimate.

The $15 per residence figure is a conservative number, says Shintaku. The number was presented following the Oct. 30 meeting, where there had been inconsistencies and confusion over cost increases. A 2017 study by South Coast consultant GHD set the average residential customer’s cost hike at $5-$7 per month. A GHD representative provided a $10 increase at the Oct. 30 meeting.

GHD is a consultant group that has worked on significant desalination projects in Australia, Mexico, Africa, the Middle East and the United States.

The reference of rate impact per customer versus rate impact per meter was used interchangeably. A meter could serve one household or hundreds of units, and the comparison was like comparing apples to oranges, Shintaku said. Having a set average increase could be misleading with so many variables and circumstances for a meter.

“At this point, it’s too early to talk costs,” Shintaku said. “It’s easy to take these numbers out of context. We presented the $15 figure, because want to be transparent and be conservative in our planning and discussion, but we will have better information to work with after the study is complete.”

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According to Shintaku, there were several factors that contributed to that cost increase, including inflation, increased land acquisition costs for the raw water conveyance facilities, added operational labor costs to provide 24/7 manned control room operation, as well as SCWD’s decision to deliver an enhanced, environmentally responsible project that would be 100% carbon neutral.

California American Water—an agency involved in the Monterey Desalination Project—was the third-party agency to present the cost estimates at the Oct. 30 meeting.

At a subsequent Special Board meeting on Nov. 14, Shintaku explained that new water supply projects are typically analyzed using a dollar per average residence metric. He went on to present conservative cursory estimates of the potential cost impacts of the Doheny Ocean Desalination project, while stressing that talking cost impact numbers at this point is premature, since a financial study has not yet been completed.

“We have to wait until we are further along in the process, and this financial study is a big part of that,” Shintaku said.

If the board of directors approves the contract with Clean Energy Capital, the (Cont. on page 8)

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EYE ON DP

Early renderings show conceptualizations of the proposed Doheny Desalination Project, which would be located in Capistrano Beach. Image: Courtesy of South Coast Water District

(Cont. from page 7)

results of the study will be made available in April.

“We have to take our customers into consideration and really ask if this is something they want or should take on,” said Dennis Erdman, the board’s vice president, at the Oct. 30 meeting.

The Logistics of Desalination As far as operation, the most costeffective way for desalination at a large plant is reverse osmosis, says Shintaku.

Fresh water comes out while brine gets screened out. The brine in this case will be comingled with the wastewater outfall that extends two miles out into the ocean.

Ocean water is being pulled in and run through these reverse osmosis membranes at high pressure.

“We are using slant wells. The wells are 1,000 feet long, totally submerged and never reaches the surface except for where it starts (in a vault),” Shintaku said.

In the July 5, 2019 edition of Dana Point Times, it was reported that the Doheny Desalination Project would cost $107 million to complete. The Register recently reported the cost to be $120 million.

SCWD had rigorously applied for grants to help offset those costs, Including $10 million from the state’s Department of Water Resources and $8.3 million from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Desalination Program—a program that SCWD can continue to reapply for each year up to $20 million.

Additionally, Metropolitan Water District runs a program that pays $475 an acre-foot for 15 years to offset operating costs; this could potentially reduce operating costs by $2.5 million per year.

SCWD has overseen a smaller-scale desalination facility in Dana Point since Dana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

2008. The 126 reverse osmosis membranes on site treat water from San Juan Creek. While the water from San Juan Creek only has salinity of about 2,100 parts per million (sea water has roughly 35,000 ppm), Shintaku says the current facility offers a solid foundation for SCWD to expand its desalination technology.

SCWD owns the property of lots from its current desalination facility off Stonehill Drive.

Securing Partnerships in the Future “The bottom line is SCWD needs partnerships. Partnerships will significantly reduce the cost impact to SCWD customers,” Shintaku told Dana Point Times. “This decision needs to be balanced with the water reliability needs that South Coast Water District customers want and need to be best prepared for drought and emergencies, such as a significant seismic event, which could result in SCWD cutting back approximately 80% of drinking water supplies for 60 days or more during these emergency interruptions.”

SCWD has been asked to present to several water districts, including El Toro Water District and Santa Margarita Water District. Presentations and meetings are currently in the works for agencies in the Inland Empire and Temecula.

Shintaku says that financial studies completed prior to other water projects have been vital to stakeholder agencies’ decisions to create partnerships. A number of agencies are awaiting the results of the financial study before fully exploring partnerships.

The SCWD Board of Directors voted on whether to approve the contract for a financial analysis after press time. For updates, visit danapointtimes.com. DP Page 8

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

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FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

CUSD’s Newest Bond Tax Attempts: An Expensive Bad Idea!

F

or the March 3, 2020 ballot, Capistrano Unified School District is pushing two bond tax measures on the voters: Measure H for San Clemente (except Talega) and Capistrano Beach property owners and Measure I on the rest of Dana Point, all of Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo owners. If passed, both measures would obligate voters to pay (with interest) an additional $724 million ($519 million for Measure I plus $205 million for Measure H)—on top of all of the other taxes and bond taxes we already pay.

My knowledge of this subject comes from when I ran for the CUSD Board of Trustees in 2014 against incumbent Trustee Martha McNicholas, being part of a group that opposed CUSD’s Measure M in 2016 and the research I and others have done regarding past and present bond tax attempts. I wish to make three points.

The first is taxes. Or I should say taxes, taxes and more taxes. California residents are already among the highest-taxed in the nation.

In 2012, voters passed new “temporary taxes” (Proposition 30) promoted by the teacher unions with a promise these taxes would provide billions of dollars for the school system.

Then in 2016, the same unions were successful in passing Proposition 55, resulting in most of the Prop. 30 “temporary taxes” being extended for 12 years.

Again, voters were promised this was for public education. These higher income taxes have given California the dubious distinction of having the highest state income tax rates in the nation. This is in addition to gasoline taxes (second-highest in the nation then; as of July 1, 2020, the highest), higher sales and utility taxes, higher DMV fees, etc., with most of these taxes’ deductibility being limited by Federal tax law. It is reported that the state expects a $22 billion operating surplus and to have $20.59 billion in reserves this year.

Voters have every right to ask: Where are

Letters to the Editor OUR DOUBLE STANDARD MAYOR CAROL WILSON, CAPISTRANO BEACH

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Dana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

I find it ironic that in last week’s article in Dana Point Times, Mayor Richard

those tax dollars we have already paid?

CUSD Mismanages its Funds There is one bond tax voters shouldn’t forget about. CUSD’s Measure A bond tax passed in 1999. It’s on your current property tax bill, and we are still paying for this bond tax (millions are still owed). Importantly, as part of the 1999 Measure A pitch to the voters, the District listed as reasons for that bond tax the need for asbestos removal/roof repairs/renovating science laboratories. Yet for Measures H and I, CUSD is still listing these same items as needing repair. So what did CUSD do with the bond tax money from Measure A? Why are we being asked to pay twice for the same repairs?

CUSD constantly states it has no money of its own and it is slated via this bond tax to put zero of its own funds into these projects. Where are our tax dollars going that CUSD currently receives? Over 86% of the District’s funds are spent on salaries and benefits

By Craig of adult employees of the Alexander District. Thus, over the years, it does not manage our tax money wisely to plan for building upkeep and maintenance.

In 2018, Superintendent Kristen Vital received more than $425,000 in salary and other pay and benefits. Deputy Superintendent Clark Hampton was paid more than $300,000. For context, Governor Jerry Brown Jr. received a total of slightly more than $285,000 in salary and benefits.

Thus, the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent each is paid more than the Governor of the State of California.

these new bond taxes to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into school building projects. The district, at pages B-3 (Measure H) and B-3 & B-4 (Measure I) list all of the existing schools, implying all are slated for new construction from bond taxes.

So this raises the question: Why is the district asking the taxpayers to pay for improvements to school sites it will likely need to close over the next few years? Or is the district not planning to spend the bond tax funds on some of these schools it will be forced to close due to declining enrollment?

If this is the case, what is it really planning to do with these taxpayer funds?

Voters deserve straightforward answers on what CUSD intends to do with their bond taxes before they vote to place additional 30-year tax liens on their properties. Either the district is not planning properly or it is not being forthright with its constituents.

Residents and taxpayers deserve better stewardship of their tax dollars. They deserve transparency from their local government school trustees and education bureaucrats. I urge you to vote No on Measures H and I. For more information, go to nocusdbonds.com, capokidsfirst.com and on Facebook at Capo Kids First.

Learn more by attending the combined Chamber of Commerce Forum on this subject on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. at the City of Laguna Niguel’s Community Room, 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677.

Craig Alexander is a Dana Point resident, property owner and an attorney. He thanks the Dana Point Times and the San Clemente Times for allowing him to publish this guest column. DP

CUSD Is a Declining Enrollment District CUSD’s own documents confirm the district itself knows this. Yet it wants to use

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

Viczorek says he finds it disruptive when residents come to a city council meeting bringing a letter-sized piece of paper holding it up and says “Let Us Vote” (on short-term rentals), from a large group of local senior citizens.

This is the same mayor that presided over the most threatening, out of control and intimidating group of hooligans from

out of state that came to Dana Point in April 17, 2018 regarding the SB 54 on sanctuary.

During that meeting local residents were locked out due to occupancy restrictions, these hooligans waved, held up large signs, stood up and videotaped their group objecting, saying threaten(Cont. on page 10)

Page 9

danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 9) ing things, intimidating locals sitting in the audience of which I was one. Only one person was removed by Dana Point police, who got very belligerent and tried to start a fight. There were many others that should have been removed that were not.

So if you agree with Mayor Viczorek, you can be as disruptive as you wish and nothing much will be done, but should you exercise your First Amendment rights to voice your opinion, or hold a letter size sign and voice a different opinion, you are disruptive. Mayor Viczorek, this is not the military, you are here to represent the citizens of Dana Point please just do your job and give equal voice to all residents.

SMALL GROUP OF NEWER RESIDENTS TRYING TO CHANGE DANA POINT SHEVY AKASON, DANA POINT

Imagine you purchased a vacation home in Dana Point in 1959, it's been in your family for 60 years, your family uses it, your kids use it, your grandkids use it, and you've rented it when not using it for well over 50 years. You've made friends with many of the guests, some have been returning for decades. In 2010 your neighbor sells. The new owner decides they don't like vacation rentals and pleads with the city to shut them down.

That's exactly what some STR opponents are doing. At the same time, rather than using facts, communicating concerns, so that we can identify, address, and solve real issues, they are pushing to take away property rights from every property owner in the city. Moreover, they have engaged in a campaign built in deceit and fear mongering.

What is well-documented is that vacation rentals have been a part of Dana Point since before it was a city. In A Pocket of Paradise; The Story of Beach Road by Joe Dunn, he chronicles how he and his wife Ellie discovered Dana Point in Easter of 1959 by renting a vacation home on Beach Road.

An ill-gotten successful petition got rid of an ordinance that regulated short-term rentals, created a permit that could be taken away by bad actors, instituted a 10% TOT tax, allowed homeowners associations to ban them with the support of the California Coastal Commission (which is unlikely to happen again), many shortterm rental owners at the time it started thought it went too far. Many other residents and I believe that everyone has the right to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their properties and that it's important to have regulation and enforcement.

At the same time, many people choose not to live in HOA's, value property rights and freedom and do not think that the city council should act as a pseudo HOA.

Dana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

LET THE TOWN VOTE ON THE STATUS OF STR’S IN DANA POINT JOANIE MCKNIGHT, DANA POINT

I don’t often go to speak at Dana Point City Council meetings. When I do, it’s only if I think something is going to change the future of the entire town in a significant way.

I was a major force in the Save the Headlands movement when the town was new, and it resulted in a referendum that put the General Plan for the city and the Specific Plan for the Headlands to a vote that we won, forcing the city council back to the drawing board on both. I think about that when I walk the pathways with protected, endangered species at the Headlands today.

The only two recent events that got me to meetings this past year were the drawing of “voting districts,” which has turned into “micro-gerrymandering,” and allowing the town to vote on any change to the status of short-term rentals (STRs) or vacation rentals—which has turned into re-zoning the entire city from areas that are residential only, to mixed use/ business zoning.

I spoke at the city council meeting where the option of voting on the issue of changing our status of 30 days or more to allow STRs. People spoke for and against STRs, but everyone I recall speaking wanted to let the town vote on this issue.

All we want is to put this on the November ballot, and avoid the expense and divisive fight for a referendum for a special election.

Do what the people want and avoid the nasty campaign in an election year.

Whatever way the town votes, somebody won’t like it, but at least it will be the fair and democratic thing to do. Three people should never be allowed to change the zoning for an entire city without a vote.

Anything less could force a referendum, again, and it could get nasty enough for a recall or in an election year, or a campaign demanding an overhaul of the city council members who vote, to stop a vote. Don’t let it get to that point.

Put this back on the agenda in the next city council meeting and let the people vote in November with the general election.

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.

Page 10

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

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

Friday | 10 LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 9 p.m.-midnight. The Flock of 80s will perform your favorite ’80s classics at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. Admission is free. Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

Saturday | 11 2020 BASEBALL ALUMNI GAME 11 a.m.-2 p.m. It’s time for the 2020 Dana Hills High School alumni game. Batting practice will begin at 11 a.m., and the game will start at noon. Follow @danabaseball on Twitter or Instagram for more information. Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. dhhs.com.

WOMEN’S SURF FILM FESTIVAL 4-8 p.m. Support the Sandy Feet Initiative and enjoy two women’s surf films. Come see Women and the Waves 2, by Heather Hudson, and It Ain’t Pretty, by Dayla Soul.

After watching the films, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers. Light snacks and beverages will be provided; there also will be an opportunity drawing. Tickets are available at sandyfeetoc.org. San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. 714.206.3810.

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee is the U.S.’s largest weekly car meet, attracting a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. No registration is required; spectators are welcome. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

Sunday | 12 BRUNCH AT RAYA 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A tempting brunch with Dana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

EDITOR’S PICK The Fish Tank is a new venue in Capistrano Beach that will feature the Six String Society on Saturday, Jan. 11. Photo: Lillian Boyd

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11: SIX STRING SOCIETY AT THE FISH TANK 6-10 p.m. Presented by the Six String Society, this new show will feature Irish folk music group Skelpin, with a mixture of light, music and energy in this new multi-sensory venue. There will also be music of Reiko Obata on the Japanese koto. Food will be available starting at 6 p.m., with fresh Italian favorites from the Mangia Mangia food truck. General admission costs $25 per person and $15 for kids under age 15. Purchase tickets at eventbrite.com. Fish Tank Capo, 34233 Via Santa Rosa, Capistrano Beach. larry@barrettrobinson.com.

flowing champagne awaits guests every Sunday morning in RAYA at The RitzCarlton, Laguna Niguel. Start with a fresh fruit martini and a selection of pastries, then enjoy a three-course a la carte menu. Cost is $72. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com/lagunadining.

Monday | 13 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, San Clemente.

949.492.3400. goodystavern.com.

PTSD WARRIOR GROUP 7 p.m. Warrior Groups are fellowships for combat veterans and their families to share their experiences, testimonies of healing, compassion and hope in overcoming the invisible wounds of war.

PTSD Foundation of America-Southern California, 216 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. 619.362.0642. ptsdusa.org.

Tuesday | 14 BEGINNING HULA CLASS 6:30-7:15 p.m. Have fun and learn basic language, songs, dance steps, motions and meanings. Includes work with poi balls (Maori culture from New Zealand), Hawaiian hula, Tahitian, Samoan music/dance forms. All are welcome. Hula Connection, 3551 Camino Mira Costa, Suite J, San Clemente. 949.842.0662. hulaconnection.net.

Wednesday | 15 COMMUNITY FORUM: LEGALIZING PROSTITUTION 6-8 p.m. The I-5 Freedom Network will host a community forum on the legalization and decriminalization of prostitution while discussing the trends in the Page 11

effort to fight domestic sex trafficking.

San Clemente Presbyterian Church, 119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente.

949.373.3638. eventbrite.com.

Thursday | 16 LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 7-10 p.m. The Ultimate Bob Marley Tribute will perform Bob Marley classics at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. Admission is free. Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

ACOUSTIC THURSDAYS AT BARNOA 7-9 p.m. Live music every Thursday. A rotating cast of Orange County’s most talented musicians play acoustic covers and original music. Enjoy a great wine selection, craft beers, tasty appetizers and Barnoa’s full dinner menu. Must be 21 and older. Barnoa Wine and Craft Beer Bistro. 831 Via Suerte, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. barnoawinebar.com. danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

At the Movies: Recapping the 2020 Golden Globes

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

S

ome have been wondering if cutting back awards season a few weeks this year was a good or bad move. For me, the sooner it’s over, the better. At the end of the day, the arts should be appreciated on their own, rather than turned into a competition between contenders and gossip blogs.

Posting about my faves’ red carpet looks was fun in school, but now it just feels old and tired.

But since movies, pop culture and film trivia are my forte, I will give a brief summary of how things went down, with what I dug and what I didn’t. Film fans are theorizing that The Irishman and Marriage Story getting largely snubbed for most of the night might have been because of a bias against Netflix and streaming, in general.

Need I remind fans that last year’s Roma was also a Netflix-produced film and did quite well during awards season—and that all three films received theatrical releases on top of going straight to the Netflix website?

Sam Mendes winning Best Director for 1917 was indeed a surprise, especially over Bong Joon-ho for Parasite, Quentin Tarantino for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

The 1917 team wins Best Drama at the Golden Globes on Sunday, Jan. 5. Photo: Courtesy of Paul Drinkwater/NBC

and Martin Scorsese for The Irishman. Taron Egerton and Awkwafina winning Best Actor and Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for Rocketman and The Farewell, respectively, were deserving and refreshing choices, while it was a bit underwhelming that Renee Zellweger and Joaquin Phoenix won Best Actress and Best Actor in a Drama for Judy and Joker, respectively. And the big wins of the night, Best Drama and Best Musical or Comedy, went to 1917 and Once Upon a Time again. Eh. In general, I always preferred the SAGs and BAFTAs among the pre-Oscars shows. So maybe the next couple of weeks will bring something unexpected and fresh to the so-far-bland season. DP

Coco Montoya is bringing the blues to The Coach House on Jan. 16. Photo: Ken Weingart

On Stage at The Coach House: Coco Montoya

BY COLLIN BREAUX, DANA POINT TIMES

T

hough the blues can bring up images of sadness, blues musician Coco Montoya was a happy man when asked how he felt before his upcoming gig at The Coach House on Jan. 16. He felt great and was ready for the new year days before his stop in San Juan Capistrano.

“I happen to love playing at The Coach House,” Montoya said. “I’ve been playing there for many years.”

Montoya first played The Coach House with Albert Collins. The venue— a home away from home for Montoya, who was born in Santa Monica—has a great sound system and always makes things easy for him, Montoya said.

Montoya released the album Coming in Hot in 2019, and true to the album name, said the title track is doing well on the roots music charts.

“It’s wonderful to have something people appreciate,” Montoya said.

For his concert at The Coach House, Montoya is bringing fellow musicians Jeff Paris, Rena Beavers and Nathan Brown with him, all of whom he has known for a while and calls good friends and incredible musicians.

The San Juan Capistrano performance is part of a tour through California. After The Coach House, Montoya will head to Arizona and other spots west before playing some dates up north.

“In March is when we’ll really be busy,” he said.

Page 12

Montoya is driven to listen to, record and play music that affects him emotionally, one reason he’s drawn to the blues.

“The blues is the basis for everything,” Montoya, a self-taught player, said. “It’s not something you think. It’s something you feel.”

He always tries to go by his ear when it comes to music and knows it’s working based on his gut feeling.

Reflecting on the live experience during a concert, Montoya said anything can happen.

“That’s the challenge of playing live,” Montoya said. “You have to develop the attitude of it’s going to be what it’s going to be.”

His musicians take chances here and there, and everyone laughs if there’s a screw-up. Montoya also spoke about the synergy musicians have with audiences during concerts, saying each feeds off the other. He aims to entertain crowds while on stage.

San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful area from Montoya’s perspective, a high compliment given he’s traveled all over the world and has seen some lovely places. As a Southern California native, Montoya appreciates getting to come back to the area after touring.

“When I come home, this is home.

I’m not a snow guy,” he said. “I love the weather. I love the people.”

Montoya will play The Coach House on Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are $15. DP danapointtimes.com

DP

Dana Point Point Dana

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Get Fit Dana Point by Gina Cousineau and Samantha Blankenburg

No More Pain, No More Gain I

t’s that time of year again, when lots of people are not only reinventing themselves but taking on lofty fitness and weight-loss goals, believing it’s their only option to finding true health and happiness.

It’s all with the best of intentions to conquer their inconsistent, unplanned fitness and nutrition strategies, of course. People share all kinds of New Year’s resolutions to find health, self-love and prosperity by setting goals such as losing 25 pounds, no longer eating meat or becoming a vegan, going to the gym every single day, or eating only between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., to name a few.

This approach is what we like to call “No Pain, No Gain” and is marketed, supported and applauded by the masses in the multibillion-dollar fitness and nutrition industries. Its quick, yet temporary, effects are usually what draw clients in and reinforce the idea that it’s the only way to get results.

What if I told you it didn’t have to be that way, and that, honestly, it shouldn’t?

What I have learned over the past decade in fitness is that more is not better, and pain does not equal a gain—unless your gain is an injury or a temporary outcome with an unsustainable approach.

I fell victim to the New Year’s resolution time and time again. I wanted to be thinner or fitter or do something grander than the year before, which still stands true in 2020, to some extent. But what I ask myself now is, “How will I get there, and what am I willing to sacrifice?”

For starters, I accept my body as it is, look to be stronger (not thinner) and live with no chronic pain. I also maintain a healthy relationship with nutritious and delicious food for myself, my kids, family,

friends and clients. If I live honestly by these values through fitness and nutrition, there is no place for the “No Pain, No Gain” lifestyle.

Now don’t get me wrong; if you have not been exercising regularly, adding fitness back into your life is going to come with some discomfort. Most of you are thinking, “Yeah, my body is going to be wrecked.” This is not what I am thinking.

The discomfort I’m referring to is learning from what you have done in the past. With this new thought process, you should choose to include and how to create a “lifestyle” that will provide you with the outcomes that you are looking for, though this time for the long haul.

It was with that mentality that I created the concept of “Fitness Macros” a few years GET FIT ago—a pie-chart distriDANA POINT

By Gina Cousineau bution including three & Samantha categories of fitness: a Blankenburg cardiovascular component, strength training, and mobility/ core training. The pie-chart percentages are completely dependent on what your current fitness goals are, but all three macros need to be present and accounted for, no matter what the goal.

All major health care groups advocate for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week (150 minutes total).

Keep this in mind while taking on the New Year and the new you: • Create a fitness goal. Keep in mind where your current fitness abilities lie and start

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.

with something that you could complete in three months’ time.

• Create a specific schedule that includes all three “Fitness Macros” (cardiovascular exercise, strength training, mobility/core).

• Take your progress pictures.

• Ask for help. Work with fitness professionals who understand your current fitness level and limitations, your boundaries to create a sustainable approach and allow them to help create a program for improved

health through 2020 and beyond.

Samantha Blankenburg owns and operates Everyday Athlete in San Clemente.

She also co-owns and operates an online lifestyle company with Gina Cousineau, aimed to offer in-person and virtual nutrition, fitness and lifestyle consulting. You can reach out to Samantha B at Samantha.Blankenburg@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 Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

F

Dana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo portrays the construction of the jetty in Dana Point Harbor in January 1967.

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Fiona iona is an 8-month-old cutie that is a bit on the shy side. Though she can be a bit timid at first meeting, she loves other cats and would do well in a quiet home where she can get comfortable.

If you would like to know more about Fiona, please 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 OC Public Libraries

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

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 13

See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 100 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS FOR SLURRY SEAL PROJECT FY 2019/2020 1. ANNOUNCEMENT: PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Dana Point, as AGENCY, invites sealed bids for the above-stated project and will receive such bids in the offices of the City Clerk, 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629, up to the hour of 2:00 PM on JANUARY 28, 2020, at which time they will be publicly opened. Bidders who submit after 2:00 PM on JANUARY 28, 2020 will be automatically disqualified, and the bid will be returned unopened. In addition, bidders who are not on the official plan holder’s list will be deemed non-responsive and the bid will be returned unopened 2. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The general category/type of work includes, but is not limited to, the following: a. Slurry seal application on various streets citywide as outlined on the Contract Documents; and, b. Crack seal application, deep lift repairs, and asphalt pavement repairs on various streets citywide, as outlined on the Contract Documents.

More specific work items included within the general category/type of work listed above include, but are not limited to: mobilization/demobilization; traffic control; community outreach; removal of all pavement markings and raised pavement markers; crack seal; subgrade and asphalt pavement repairs; adjustment of existing utility appurtenances to new grade; application of Type I and Type II emulsion aggregate slurry; signing and striping; installation of raised pavement markers; implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP) for storm water pollution prevention during all construction activities; and other general improvements as outlined in the Contract Plans and Specifications for the above-stated project.

3. BID DOCUMENTS: Copies of the Contract Plans and Specifications are available from the City of Dana Point Public Works Department, 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Suite 212, Dana Point, California 92629, upon payment of a $120 nonrefundable fee and must be picked up from the City. Bidders must purchase a set of Contract Documents to be placed on the City’s official plan holders list to bid this Project.

Per State Law, the AGENCY has made electronic copies of the Contract Documents available to CONTRACTORS. In order to bid the Project, however, the AGENCY requires every BIDDER to purchase a hard copy set of Contract Documents and to be added to the official plan holder’s list.

Bidders who have not purchased a hard copy set of the Contract Documents may not bid this project.

Bidders who are not on the official plan holder’s list will be deemed non-responsive and the bid will be returned unopened.

4. COMPLETION OF WORK: The CONTRACTOR shall complete the work within Sixty (60) working days from the Notice to Proceed. Work performed beyond the allowable working days will be subject to service fees and liquidated damages per Sections 6-7.2 and 6-9 of the Project Specifications, respectively. CONTRACTORS are required to provide written documentation, as part of their bid, if this schedule cannot be met. The AGENCY reserves the right to reject any and all bids on this basis.

Dana Point Times January 10–16, 2020

5. BIDDING PROCEDURES: Bids must be prepared on the approved Proposal forms in conformance with Section B: “INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS” of the Project Specifications and submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked on the outside.

6. PROPOSAL GUARANTEE: The bid must be accompanied by certified or cashier’s check, or bidder’s bond, made payable to the AGENCY, or cash deposit, for an amount no less than 10 percent of the total amount bid.

7. STATE OF CALIFORNIA LABOR CODES: Any contract entered into pursuant to this notice will incorporate the provisions of the State of California Labor Code. Pursuant to Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1(a) of the Labor Code, a Contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, or be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Failure to register as required by the Labor Code may be grounds for disqualification.

Attention is directed to the provisions of Sections 1777.5 (Chapter 1411, Statutes of 1968) and 1777.5 of the Labor Code concerning the employment of apprentices by the CONTRACTOR or any such subcontractor under him. Affirmative action to ensure against discrimination in employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, or handicap will also be required.

8. WAGE RATES: This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1771.4 of the Labor Code.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1773.2 of the Labor Code, the minimum prevailing rate of per diem wages for each craft, classification, or type of workman needed to execute the contract shall be those determined by the Director of Industrial Relations, for the county or counties in which the work is to be done, which are available from the following website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD/ These State general prevailing wage rates are not included in the Proposal and Contract Documents for this Project. Updates, if any, to the State general prevailing wage rates are available from the website noted above. vContractors are required to meet provisions of California Senate Bill 854 for the payment of Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) established prevailing wages. This applies to all public projects as defined in California Code 22002 for contracts exceeding $1,000.00. Contractor’s shall register with the DIR in accordance with California Labor Code section 1771.1(a) and 1725.5, and will be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR, subject to section 1771.4. Contractors must submit certified payrolls electronically to DIR. By bidding this Project, Contractor is indicating that they have registered with DIR and have submitted the required PWC-100 Information Form online at www.dir.ca.gov. The City may deem bidders non-responsive if this requirement has not been met.

9. CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE: All bidders shall be licensed in accordance with the provisions of the Business and Professions Code for the type of work to be completed and shall possess the appropriate State Contractor’s License Class A (General Engineering Contractor) at the time of the bid submittal through Contract acceptance (Public Contract Code § 10164). Failure to possess the specified license shall render the bid as

non-responsive.

10. CONTRACTOR’S REFERENCES: The CONTRACTOR shall produce references and experience that show, to the satisfaction of the AGENCY, that the CONTRACTOR bidding the project has adequate working knowledge of slurry seal and asphalt resurfacing as the PRIME CONTRACTOR. Furthermore, the CONTRACTOR must have completed, and shall produce as part of its bid, references of five similar Projects as the PRIME CONTRACTOR to the satisfaction of the AGENCY. All noted information shall be provided in the locations designated in the bid documents.

If these requirements are not met, the AGENCY reserves the right to determine any and all bidders non-responsive, and reject any and all bids on this basis. These requirements are due to the critical nature of the work and the need for the AGENCY to insure adequate experience is provided to complete the project.

11. SELF PERFORMANCE: In accordance with Section 2-3.2 of the Project Specifications, CONTRACTOR shall perform or provide, with its own organization, contract labor, materials, and equipment amounting to at least 50-percent of the Contract Price. CONTRACTOR’S attention is directed to Section 2-3.2 of the Project Specifications for additional requirements pertaining to “Specialty Items”. The City may deem bidders non-responsive if this requirement has not been met.

12. RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS: The AGENCY reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularity and to take all bids under advisement for a period of 90 days.

13. PROGRESS PAYMENTS: The AGENCY will deduct a 5-percent retention from all progress payments as specified in Section 9-3.2 of the Project Specifications. The CONTRACTOR may substitute an escrow holder surety of equal value to the retention. The CONTRACTOR shall be beneficial owner of the surety and shall receive any interest thereon.

14. QUESTIONS/REQUESTS FOR INTERPRETATION: All questions shall be directed to Mr. Matthew Sinacori, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, in writing via email at msinacori@danapoint.org no later than January 20, 2020 at 5:30 PM. The AGENCY hereby affirmatively ensures that minority business enter¬prises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this notice and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, or religion in any consideration leading to the award of Contract.

In entering into a Public Works Contract, or a subcontract, to supply goods, services, or materials pursuant to a Public Works Contract, the CONTRACTOR, or subcontractor, offers and agrees to assign to the awarding body all rights, title and interest in, and to, all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. Section 15) or under the Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 [commencing with Section 16700] of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), arising from purchases of goods, services, or materials pursuant to the Public Works Contract or the subcontract. This assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the awarding body tenders final payment to the CONTRACTOR, without further acknowledgement by the parties.

AWARD OF THE CONTRACT SHALL BE BASED ON THE TOTAL OF ALL BID SCHEDULES. IF THE AGENCY DELETES ANY BID

Page 14

ITEM OR BID SCHEDULE AT THE TIME OF AWARD, IT SHALL NOT IMPACT THE BID REVIEW OR RESULTS.

BY ORDER OF the City of Dana Point, California.

Shayna Sharke, Deputy City Clerk Matthew Sinacori, Director of Public Works/ City Engineer PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the City Council of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Description of Proposed Project: Appeal of the Planning Commission approval for Coastal Development Permit CDP18-0015 at 34312 Shore Lantern: An appeal of the Planning Commission approval for a request to construct a 4,881 square foot, two story single-family dwelling and an attached 711 square foot garage, located within the Coastal High Density Residential (C-RHD) zone of the Dana Point Specific Plan at 34312 Shore Lantern.

Project Number: Project Location: Project Applicant: Property Owner: Environmental:

Hearing Date: Hearing Time: Hearing Location:

Coastal Development Permit CDP18-0015 34312 Shore Lantern (APNs: 682-331-16) Jason Florence Gene Bauman Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is found to be Categorically Exempt per Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construction of Small Structures) January 21, 2020 6:00 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as possible) 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629 (Council Chambers)

Those desiring to be heard in favor of or in opposition to this item will be given an opportunity to do so during such hearing to be conducted at the above address or by writing to the City Council at 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Suite 203, Dana Point, California 92629, Attention: City Clerk. Please reference hearing title and date of hearing in any correspondence. For further information, you may contact the City Clerk at (949) 248-3505.

Any petition for judicial review of a decision of the Dana Point City Council is controlled by the statute of limitations provisions set forth in Sections 2.50.010 and 2.50.020 of the Dana Point Municipal Code and Sections 1094.5 and 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure. Any action or proceeding to attack, review, set aside, or void any decision of the Dana Point City Council is controlled by Section 2.50.010 and Section 2.50.020 of the Dana Point Municipal Code. In any such action or proceeding seeking judicial review of, which attacks or seeks to set aside, or void any decision of the Dana Point City Council, shall be limited to those issues raised at the hearing as provided in Chapter 2.50 of the Dana Point Municipal Code. Copies of the procedures for the conduct of City Council public hearings are available from the City Clerk.

KATHY WARD, CITY CLERK

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206563654 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: A. COUNSELING FOR COUPLES, FAMILIES AND CHILDREN B. GUIDED IMAGERY FOR HEALING C. TEENCENTERED 5020 CAMPUS DRIVE NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660-122 Full Name of Registrant(s): HELENEMICKEY WILSON 5020 CAMPUS DRIVE NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660-2120 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/HELENEMICKEY WILSON This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 01/02/2020 Publish: Dana Point Times January 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2019-01104616-CU-PT-CJC To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Miriam Wood Brown Halo, has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Miriam Wood Brown Halo PROPOSED NAME A. Mimi Wood Halo The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described

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above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 01/29/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Date: 10/15/2019 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times, December 20, 27, 2019, January 3, 10, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20196560783 The following person(s) is doing business as: OC PARENTING SUPPORT 13217 JAMBOREE ROAD #317 TUSTIN, CA 92782-9278 Full Name of Registrant(s): MITCHELL POPP 12706 DORAL TUSTIN, CA 92782 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/MITCHELL POPP This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 11/25/2019 Publish: Dana Point Times DECEMBER 20, 27, 2019, JANUARY 3, 10, 2020

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Page 15

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

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PLUMBING

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

UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

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

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Striking a Balance

Senior Wiese leads as Dolphins search for scoring balance

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he four-year progress for the senior class on the Dana Hills boys basketball team is evident in the results.

In their freshman season of 2016-17, the Dolphins posted a 9-17 overall record and a 1-6 league record. As sophomores, Dana Hills saw nonleague improvement with a 12-9 record, and despite league struggles at 2-6, the Dolphins made the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. In their junior season last year, the Dolphins were again strong in nonleague at 13-7, improved in league with a 4-4 record and won a playoff game.

This season, the Dolphins have been led by that senior class, including leading scorer Harrison Wiese and point guard Chris Na, and had posted a 13-4 nonleague record going into their league opener on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at Tesoro.

“I have a group of seniors that are just exemplary,” Dana Hills coach Tom Desiano said. “They’re one of the best group of seniors I’ve ever had. Their leadership, the way they approach the game is very professional. They’ve given me everything they can. They know what it takes.”

Dana Wharf Fish Report Bass, sculpin the focus during season closures

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

W

ith the season closures in effect, bass and sculpin are the main focuses at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

In his weekly report, Captain Brian Woolley said that sculpin has been the goto on the three-quarter-day trips. Anglers are on five-fish limits, but there’s still steady fishing. Live baits have allowed the targeting of sculpin specifically, as Woolley said the season-closed rockfish “don’t seem to want to bite the bigger swimbaits.”

Dana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

Senior forward Harrison Wiese (25) is the leading scorer for the Dana Hills boys basketball team as the Dolphins enter Sea View League play. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

However, that Sea View League opener at defending league champion Tesoro showed some of the struggles the Dolphins have

had this season, as Dana Hills fell, 46-32.

“We had a lot of shots around the bucket, some open threes, and we’re just not

Bass fishing has been more difficult in the cooler winter waters. Squid bait has brought in some nice bass, but the bait also brings in whitefish and sheephead, which have to be released as part of the season closures. Woolley said some anglers have been slowly rolling the heavy bait along the bottom for bass and some sculpin.

There are no changes to the Halibut Derby leaderboard. Woolley said there’s plenty of bait out there for the halibut, and most catches have come in the deep water at about 200-240 feet. The halibut drift trips will target those zones.

The Halibut Derby continues through March.

For more information on the derby and all trips, check out danawharf.com.

perch, 4 sheephead released, 20 bass released.

Here are the latest fish counts out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching: Jan. 8 • 1 boat, 9 anglers: 2 sculpin, 2 blue

hitting it,” Desiano said. “Against a good team like that, you can’t string four or five possessions together without scoring. We played well, we executed our offense, we got the shots we wanted, but we just didn’t convert. It’s one of those games.”

Wiese, the only four-year varsity player for the Dolphins, has been relied on as the leading scorer a lot this season, and the 6-foot-7, 195-pound forward has come through for Dana Hills down low and running the offense.

“He’s matured,” Desiano said. “He’s taken his game to where he’s not so emotional, he plays under control, he takes what the defense gives him, and he’s just playing mature basketball. He’s been our best player all year long.”

Wiese led Dana Hills with 11 points against Tesoro, but those were 11 of Dana Hills’ 16 points through three quarters.

Wiese scored the only Dana Hills basket in an 8-2 first quarter and all five Dana Hills points in the third quarter.

“Everybody knows it in the gym,” Desiano said of Wiese being the focus. “That’s a lot of pressure for a kid to carry a team on his shoulders, and his shoulders are big enough at times to do it, but against really good teams, it’s tough for any one player to do. He gives it everything he has.”

The Dolphins’ ability to run their offense and play solid defense are still encouraging for Desiano going into the rest of league play.

Dana Hills continues in league against San Juan Hills at home on Friday, Jan. 10.

It’s the Dolphins’ first home game since a Nov. 27 win over Laguna Beach.

Dana Hills hosts Laguna Hills on Jan. 15 and plays at El Toro on Jan. 17. DP

Jan. 7 • 2 boats, 30 anglers: 115 sculpin, 14 sand bass, 1 calico bass, 25 bass released.

Jan. 6 • 4 boats, 43 anglers: 114 sculpin, 6 calico bass, 5 rockfish released, 2 sheephead released, 20 bass released.

Jan. 5 • 3 boats, 52 anglers: 4 sand bass, 2 calico bass, 1 sculpin, 30 bass released.

Jan. 4 • 4 boats, 53 anglers: 66 sculpin, 7 sand bass, 4 triggerfish, 3 blue perch, 1 halibut, 49 whitefish released, 6 sheephead released, 47 bass released.

Jan. 3 • 3 boats, 85 anglers: 64 sculpin, 2 calico bass, 1 sand bass, 1 blue perch, 16 sheephead released, 28 bass released. DP

Page 16

Bass is one of a few fish still legal to catch during the winter season closures. Photo: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

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HELP WANTED HELP WANTED: MARKETING REP We are seeking an immediate hire for a parttime street team marketing representative.

Our street team is responsible for opening dialogue with local businesses and maintaining a relationship in order to develop a route list of places that we can display our concert schedules at. Please email in a basic resume to Luna luna@thecoachhouse.com

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Text or call for details 949.510.9724

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Call us today!

Contact Lauralyn at 949.388.7700 ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com Dana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

Page 17

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Tragedy Averted at Pipeline After two close calls on North Shore, importance of water safety training couldn’t be more apparent

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s champagne corks were flying and trophies were being hoisted at the end of a successful season of the WSL Championship Tour, the jubilant atmosphere on the beach at Pipeline quickly morphed into concern, as an emergency rescue was taking place in the water.

Eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater was on stage receiving his Triple Crown trophy when he halted the proceedings.

“We have a rescue going on,” Slater announced into the microphone.

With the Billabong Pipe Masters having just concluded, the ensuing free surf session nearly ended in tragedy as 13-year-old San Clemente surfer Hayden Rodgers suffered a serious wipeout. Reportedly going over the falls and hitting his head on the reef, he was held underwater for two waves.

Hawaiian Water Patrol legends Terry Ahue, Brian Keaulana and his son, Chad, were on the scene, as were city and county lifeguards and a number of young surfers who have recently undergone training by the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group (BWRAG)—a program co-founded by Keaulana that teaches

GROM OF THE WEEK:

WAYLON KENWORTHY

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

dmittedly, I’ve been listening to a lot of Waylon Jennings lately, but full disclosure, that in no way, shape or form influenced the decision this week to give Waylon Kenworthy the nod as Grom of the Week.

A member of Dana Point’s infamous Kenworthy quintet, Waylon’s no slouch on a surfboard or a skateboard—just like his four other siblings. The lanky regularfooter has impeccable style, hearkening back to old school Dogtown days.

With older sister Bella leading the competitive charge for the family, Waylon’s grooving to his own beat. Waylon, a regular at Western Surfing Association Dana Point Times January 10-16, 2020

San Clemente’s Kolohe Andino negotiates the drop at Pipeline during the recent Billabong Pipe Masters. But don’t let the beauty fool you, the break is considered the most deadly in the world. Photo: Cestari/WSL

water safety, lifeguard and rescue techniques for situations just like this.

Using hand signals taught in the course, these young surfers were able to help Ahue and Keaulana locate and retrieve Rodgers’ body underwater.

“We had just started heading back and saw that the contest was over, the competition buoys were in. Terry and I are always scanning the shoreline,” Keaulana told the WSL. “I don’t know how many times after Pipe we’ve had the same scenario happen, and it was just that same feeling yesterday . . . driving along, scanning the shoreline and the lineup.”

After Rodgers was brought to the beach, lifeguards immediately assessed his condition. He was reportedly breathing but had suffered lacerations and abrasions to his face.

He was then taken to Queen’s Medical Center for treatment. Rodgers is now back home

and is expected to make a full recovery.

“There were two kids who probably went to a BWRAG course because we teach this technique: they had one hand straight up and one pointing in the direction of where to go, and that’s what sent me straight to where the kid was,” Keaulana explained. “Everybody played a part. The parts made up the whole.”

Then, less than two weeks later, on New Year’s Eve, tragedy almost struck at Pipeline again when big-wave icon Kohl Christensen went down on a big, second reef wave and suffered a near-fatal head injury.

Just as they had a couple of weeks ago when they saved Rodgers, the North Shore lifeguards responded heroically.

Suffering a fractured skull and serious lacerations to his head, Christensen was rushed to Queen’s, where he underwent emergency surgery. After five days in the

hospital, he has been discharged and is expected to make a full recovery.

“Dec. 31, 2019 would have been my departure from the physical world. My last cognitive interaction with my wife, daughters, family, friends and world. If not for the immediate response by my rescuers,” Christensen wrote on Instagram last weekend.

“The prayers and love that flooded in the day of the accident and continue to come are the reason I am still here. Thank you. My reflection on all of this begins. An abyss I can barely begin to fathom. I am aware and present. Motor skills intact. Feeling fortunate, blessed and so very grateful. Let the healing process begin.”

When his friend Sion Milosky drowned surfing Maverick’s in 2011, Christensen held a small gathering at his North Shore farm. Recognizing the need for more safety training and precautions as the limits of bigwave surfing were expanding by leaps and bounds, this meeting was the beginning of the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group.

Today, BWRAG is led by Christensen, Keaulana and a handful of others, including San Clemente’s Greg Long. Through their training sessions and summits, BWRAG’s influence is responsible for saving numerous lives.

Over the past couple of years, the Gudauskas brothers’ Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation has been providing scholarship opportunities for BWRAG training to upand-coming big-wave surfers.

One of the scholarship recipients, who’d been trained in CPR, was able to save his grandfather’s life last year when he suffered a medical emergency.

Both incidents highlight the dangers of surfing Pipeline, as well as the importance of water safety training. When we enter the ocean as surfers, the importance of having the knowledge and ability to save a life should the situation arise cannot be overstated. DP

SURF FORECAST contests, is quick with a smile and even quicker with a prank.

And like his namesake, the young Waylon has recently taken to pulling chords on his guitar. His old man is an ardent fan of the Highwaymen—an all-star country ensemble featuring Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson—and obviously that’s what’s on the stereo at home.

Music’s always played prominently in board sports culture, and who knows, if Waylon sticks with the six-string, he could be the next great salty crooner.

It can be hard to stand out in a family as big as the Kenworthys—especially when everyone’s ripping—but Waylon’s a born entertainer, and who knows what stage that’s going to lead him to in the future?

Our bet is that it’ll be a big one! DP

Water Temperature: 59-61 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’ Outlook: Northwest swell holds steady on Friday for waist-chest high waves (3-4’) at good exposures. Winds remain favorable, condition overall best for the morning hours.

Surf weakens through the weekend and is down in the 1-2-3’ zone by Sunday. Favorable conditions persist for the weekend, with light offshore winds in the mornings, followed by a light+ sea-breeze for the afternoons. Large tide swings also continue through the weekend. For the latest details be sure to visit Surfline.com.

Waylon Kenworthy. Photo: Courtesy of Richard Cortez

Page 18

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