January 25, 2019

LO C A L

N EWS

January 25-31, 2019

YO U

C A N

U S E

Artist Spotlight: Jacob Cortez of Dana Point Tattoo PAGE 12 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 04

Droning with Whales

With the latest technology, photographers get more intimate perspectives on marine life E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

Emily Kaszton uses her expertise in photographing whales with drones to teach fellow photographers here in Dana Point.

Photo: Courtesy of Emily Kaszton

Boys Soccer Pushes Up to Second in League Race SPORTS/PAGE 13

First Arts and Culture Commission Meeting of the Year EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Congressman Levin Talks Partial Federal Government Shutdown EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

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

limited to 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. During the week of spring break, construction hours will be extended until 3:30 p.m. Traffic may be restricted to one lane in each direction and street parking along Golden Lantern will be prohibited.

A weekly map of expected lane closures will be posted on Friday evenings at www. scwd.org/laneclosures. Updates are also available at www.scwd.org and on the district’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. —LB

should know this week FAM Asks Assistance with Certain Food Pantry Items

THE LATEST: Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) is looking to add specific items to its food pantry in the near future, as it says it’s running low on numerous items.

The organization is asking people to donate peanut butter, rice, canned tuna, canned fruits, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, soup, mac n cheese, cereal (small and large boxes), diapers (size 5, 6) and baby wipes. Items can be dropped off 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1030 Calle Negocio. —Staff

San Clemente City Council Approves New Trolley Route Connecting to Dana Point THE LATEST: The latest iteration of the San Clemente Trolley program will include an entirely new route that will connect to Dana Point.

On Jan. 15, the San Clemente City Council approved the new route without discussion, as the application had already been submitted and the funding agreement was recently processed by Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), which oversees the grant program for municipal trolley programs.

The new route starts at the Outlets at San Clemente, where the downtown route begins, and will travel north along El Camino Real to Camino Capistrano.

From there it will go up to Camino Mira Costa and loop around Camino de Estrella and head back southbound from Camino Capistrano south on El Camino Real. The stops on the route will have an estimated wait time of about 15 minutes.

San Clemente increased its 10 percent contribution to the program to about $170,000, most of which comes from Air Quality Management District funds and about 40 percent comes from the city’s general fund.

Tom Bonigut, the city’s public work director and engineer, who has been overseeing the project, said the goal is to get the trolleys for the new route up and Dana Point Times January 25-31, 2019

This map shows the recently approved route of the San Clemente Summer Trolley Program, which starts Memorial Day Weekend. Photo: Courtesy of the city of San Clemente

running by Memorial Day Weekend, when the downtown route begins, but it will depend on how long it takes the trolleys to get certified. The trolleys don’t have a delivery date yet, he said.

This will be the first summer the San Clemente Summer Trolley Program has started with daily service.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Summer Trolley Program is scheduled to end the last weekend in September. Trolley run times will be Noon-10 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays. —Eric Heinz

First Arts and Culture Commission of the Year THE LATEST: The Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission gathered Wednesday, Jan. 23 for a special meeting to discuss several potential artistic enhancements to Dana Point. The meeting covered a review of all parks under consideration for the Park Master Plan, the Festival of Whales student art contest and holiday walk.

The commissioners unanimously approved to recommend a proposed stairway art design at Lantern Bay Park and a musical-themed enhancement to Sea Terrace Park to city council.

Commissioners Nancy Jenkins and Karin Schnell presented details about an upcoming boat trip for students in collaboration with the Festival of Whales.

Two artists will mentor students from Dana Hills High School and South Orange County School of the Arts on each of the two boats.

Commissioner Maria Elena Banks presented details on a potential holiday walk.

“It would be similar to the event held in Corona Del Mar, where the city’s chamber of commerce works with local businesses, restaurants and merchants to provide live entertainment, food, prices and games during the holidays,” Banks said, adding

that she had been meeting with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce to discuss its potential.

The commission also voted to create a subcommittee for a concert at Heritage Park and a subcommittee for a vignettes of music and art in 2020 project.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next regular meeting scheduled for the Arts and Culture Commission will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. in the Public Works Conference Room, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 212, Dana Point. —Lillian Boyd

Expect Possible Traffic Delays and Limited Parking near DHHS THE LATEST: The South Coast Water District (SCWD) will be installing a new recycled water distribution main in Golden Lantern, between Jeremiah and on Stonehill drives, to correct severe low-pressure problems within the near vicinity. The project could complicate parking for Dana Hills High School students who use street parking, according to district officials.

Project construction is expected to begin Monday, Jan. 28 and is estimated to be completed by July.

“There is an immediate need to complete this project, to maintain an adequate level of service and sufficient operating pressures in the recycled water distribution system,” a news release stated on the SCWD website.

Sonja Morgan, a SCWD public information officer, said the projects have to take place to “maintain adequate levels of service,” referencing the need to provide safe water in case of emergencies.

Morgan said SCWD has been working with the high school and city officials to ensure safety to students who park and walk along the side of the street.

WHAT’S NEXT: Construction has been

Page 3

New CUSD Board President Discusses Priorities for 2019 THE LATEST: As the newly appointed president to the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees, Gila Jones believes the board will continue to work well together, sharing the same goals over the coming year.

“I think that some of my goals are mostly the same goals as the board’s goals,” Jones said, adding that she and several of the trustees have known each other for several years and have built a great working relationship.

When the CUSD Board of Trustees met Dec. 12 to hold the annual organizational meeting and elect the board president, vice president and clerk, trustees selected Jones to serve as president.

Jones said she’s looking forward to having the board working more closely with federal officials in addition to city councils.

“We are very excited about better partnerships with our communities and better partnerships with our federal government,” Jones said.

CUSD has experienced “significant” funding challenges, Jones said, noting that there are federal mandates the district is required to comply with but doesn’t receive any funding in order to do so.

Locally, one goal for 2019 that Jones touched on, will be deciding whether to officially get a bond measure to update educational facilities placed on the March 2020 Primary Election ballot. During the board’s December meeting, the trustees approved plans to gather the community’s thoughts on the potential bond measure.

WHAT’S NEXT: Over the coming weeks, the board will work with the firm True North Research to conduct surveys and polls of voters in the cities of San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo and Dana Point. Depending on how the voters in those areas respond to the questions, the board will make a determination on the measure, which, if passed, would authorize funding for capital facility projects. —Shawn Raymundo www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

DWYC Celebrates 40 Years and New Commodore Dana West Yacht Club held its Commodore’s Ball on Saturday, Jan. 19 at which Commodore Alex Gelman was inducted into the position.

The event was held at Bella Collina in San Clemente. Following the Commodore’s theme for the year, “Spirit of Aloha,” the decorations, food and entertainment were Hawaiian. Even the attire was specified as “Evening Hawaiian Attire” for the sold-out crowd.

Past Commodores (Silver Stars) were recognized for their service. This is the 40th Anniversary for Dana West. Gelman said, “The Spirit of Aloha personifies the culture of our club and is very appropriate for this 40th anniversary year.”

Located at 24601 Dana Drive in Dana Point Harbor, Dana West Yacht Club was established in 1979 with the purpose of providing a social organization for those interested in “all things water.”

To learn more about Dana West Yacht Club, its many activities, please click onto www.dwyc.org or email Julie D’Urso at publicity@dwyc.org.

DPWC Hosting Auction Fundraiser The Dana Point Women’s Club will hot the Heart & Soul Fashion Show Luncheon as a fundraiser for charities. The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Talega Golf Club in San Clemente. The luncheon includes a meal, vendors, a silent auction and a raffle. Auctioned items include a baseball and framed photo both autographed by Joe DiMaggio, a basketball autographed by Bill Walton, a framed photo autographed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, a baseball bat and baseball autographed by Todd Helton and a baseball autographed

by Barry Zito. Tickets are $60. You can RSVP by calling 949.426.0605 or by emailing dpwc.oc@gmail.com.

Congressman Mike Levin Talks Partial Federal Government Shutdown in First Term Congressman Mike Levin, D-California, made his first strides on Capitol Hill with the lights turned on but the bills not paid.

The 116th U.S. Congress started in the midst of a politically charged shutdown

Dana Point Times January 25-31, 2019

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 28 Alex Gelman, left, was inducted as Dana West Yacht Club’s new commodore on Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Commodore’s Ball. Photo: Courtesy of DWYC

that has become record-length as it entered its 31st day and tensions continue to rise within the federal government.

President Donald Trump has held his ground up to the point of making some concessions that he’s tried to make look attractive to his Democrat counterparts, but the immediate effect on local employees of the federal government is starting to emerge on social media through stories people have shared and by local efforts.

In Levin’s district, the California 49th that stretches from San Juan Capistrano to Vista, he said there are thousands of federal employees. Levin says he’s been in contact with federal workers who are either working without pay or staying home while the shutdown continues to trudge on.

“I’ve actually spoken to quite a few, and the stories are heartbreaking, one gentleman who’s a veteran, another was unable to process food stamps for people because the USDA is not fully operational,” Levin said.

Federal food assistance programs are expected to run out of funding by February, but there are reports that some local grocers and businesses may not accept them if they can’t be redeemed in a timely fashion.

IRS returns, the conditions of National Forest Service land and other areas of the federal government deemed “nonessential” have been either shut down or operated unfunded.

“There’s a big local impact, and people need to be mindful, one-third of the federal workforce impacted by this are veterans,” Levin said. “That’s one of the untold stories.”

It’s one thing to work across the aisle and compromise, but Trump’s unwilling-

ness to budge on the budget has kept things gridlocked in the House. On Saturday, Jan. 19, Trump announced he would offer three-year extensions to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in exchange for $5.7 billion for the southern border wall, but it doesn’t appear that will be enough.

“One of the things I’ve said to Republicans willing to listen is that I support smarter border security, like new drug (detection) and weapons-scanning technology at the ports of entry because people need to realize that 80 to 90 percent of (illegal materials) are seized at ports of entry and not between the ports where (Trump) wants to build the wall,” he said.

Levin said he if he were to introduce a bill for funding such technology in a “normal political environment” that such bills would pass “overwhelmingly.”

Levin said right out of the gate he’s introduced bills that would reopen the government in part, a piecemeal plan that other congress members have tried.

Levin recently introduced a bill that would reinstate funding for disaster response to California’s massive wildfires.

He mentioned that the Republican caucus introduced a bill to keep the government at least running while negotiations continued, but 800,000 federal employees are still not receiving pay.

“The president hopefully will begin to understand the human toll that this is taking on hundreds of thousands of Americans and an even greater number indirectly affected, including the hundreds of thousands of veterans and government contractors,” he said.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is offering support to federal workers during the federal government shutdown, and the Outlets at San Cle-

Page 4

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30

MONARCH BEACH SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes people interested in making a difference in the local community and changing the world at their weekly meeting. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31

COASTMASTERS (TOASTMASTERS) 7-8:30 p.m. Join the members of the Coastmasters every Thursday to improve speaking and leadership skills.

34451 Ensenada Place. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing & Events center. www.coastmasters.org.

mente announced it will host a drop-off point for people to donate food. Call 855.233.3362 for more information. —Eric Heinz 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

Droning with Whales With the latest technology, photographers get more intimate perspectives on marine life

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

n Orange County-based drone photographer is shaping how the public sees whales—literally.

Emily Kaszton (also known as Emily Kasz) uses drones to photograph the large marine mammals as they surface near Dana Point from a bird’s-eye view.

Through her collaborative workshops with Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, photographers have been able to learn her techniques as well.

“Droning with Whales & Dolphins” allows for a group of people to venture out on the Dana Point coastline under Kaszton’s expertise to photograph marine life using drones, whether the participants own one or use a drone provided by Kaszton.

With nearly a decade of photography

Emily Kaszton photographs whales and other marine life using drones. She leads workshops teaching photographers her technique, in collaboration with Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. Photo: Courtesy of Emily Kaszton

experience and having added drone photography to her resume about three years ago, Kaszton says she was approached by Captain Dave’s over the summer of 2018 to start workshops for other photographers.

“There’s definitely a technique to it.

Operating a drone is already tricky, but standing from a boat and ensuring the drone is a safe distance from the whale is an important skill to hone,” Kaszton said.

“I feel honored that I’m given the opportunity to share my knowledge.”

Kazton meets with the participants a half hour prior to departure to make sure

everyone’s equipment is ready to go.

While people are able to reserve tickets to the workshops, Kaszton takes precautions to make sure clients are responsible before going forward with the workshop.

She says she and Captain Dave’s operates and adheres to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s strict guidelines in order to appreciate, not disturb, the wildlife.

“To photograph these beautiful creatures in ways that haven’t been done before is a mind-altering, life changing experience,” Kaszton. “I have the upmost

respect for them and it’s humbling to be able to share their beauty. It’s important that I’m able to teach whale droning in a constructive and intimate setting.”

Kaszton’s next “Droning with Whales & Dolphins” workshop is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 24.

Kaszton’s workshops also offer add-ins like one-on-one photo editing and social media tutorials. To learn more about the workshops, visit www.dolphinsafari.com or www.kaszphotocreative.com. You can follow Kaszton on Intagram: @EmilyKaszton. DP

SOAPBOX

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS CoastLines by Fred Swegles

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY REPORTER Lillian Boyd, 949.388.7700, x113 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (SJC)

EDITORIAL

Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

City Reporter, DP Times > Lillian Boyd

ART/DESIGN

Senior City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Reporter, The Capistrano Dispatch > Shawn Raymundo

Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

General Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Copy Editor > Randall Youngman

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (SC)

Rachael Tilly’s Life in Australia

DPT: What do you study?

RT: I’d like to go into sporting event man-

S

even thousand miles from home, the world’s second-ranked professional women’s longboarder is winning over the locals at one of surfing’s premier breaks, Burleigh Head, Australia.

Rachael Tilly, who grew up in Capistrano Beach and won the world pro longboard title while attending San Clemente High, is out to capture a second world title in 2019.

She was SCHS’ female athlete of the year in 2016, the year she graduated.

Tilly moved to AustraCOASTLINES

By Fred Swegles lia last May to pursue a business degree at Bond University. During a December visit at her parents’ home, we asked her about it.

Dana Point Times (DPT): What’s different, living in Australia?

Rachael Tilly (RT): Driving on the other

side of the road. Grocery stores close super early. And I’m creating a totally new community, friends and surfing. I’ve joined the Burleigh Longboard Club.

DPT: The surf?

RT: Amazing. We have beaches (in Cali-

fornia) that we say are right points, like the point at San-O. I never really thought about this until I had an Aussie friend here. He goes, “Why do you call this The Point?” Obviously because it breaks

predominantly as a right. But in Australia, we have right points everywhere. They’re geographically big points, which make for great waves. It’s been fun learning the breaks.

agement. I love being the surfers’ rep on the tour. It’d be great to try and use this degree to somehow further the sport of longboarding. It’s something I’m knowledgeable and passionate about. But I think there’s so much in the world, I don’t just have my sights set on surfing.

DPT: What’s your resume?

RT: In 2015, I won the world title for long-

boarding, WSL Women’s, in China. I’ve won two WSL North American professional titles, 2013 and 2015. In 2017, I finished fifth on the tour. We had two events. I finished fifth in Papua New Guinea and third in Taiwan. This year (2018), we were down to just one major event, (in) Taiwan.

I finished second to Soleil Errico from Malibu.

DPT: You’ve also done ISA world events.

RT: In 2013, I won the silver medal in Peru,

second in the world for ISA. This year, I went with Tory Gilkerson (San Clemente), Kevin Skvarna (San Juan Capistrano) and Tony Silvagni (North Carolina) to China, Hainan, in January, as a US team. We won two team gold medals. Tory won the ISA gold medal. We’re all great friends on the tour, so it was great fun to work together as a team.

DPT: So you’re the 2015 WSL longboard champion, as was Tory in 2016, and now Kirra Pinkerton from San Clemente won 2018’s WSL world junior title in Taiwan.

RT: It’s so fun to come from this commu-

nity . . . all the girls and boys you surfed

with in high school and middle school . . . trying to work toward this dream of reaching a title or surfing on tour. We’re traveling the world together. Lindsay Steinriede (from Dana Point) lives in San Clemente.

She won the title in 2011.

DPT: Hailing from Capo Beach, what’s your shout-out to Dana Point?

RT: My very first session was at Doheny, 4

years old. I love being in Capo Beach. I’m equally as far away as to the harbor as I am to T-Street. San Clemente is like my favorite surfing, and then Dana Point; I worked for seven years at Westwind Sailing, as a sailing instructor. We just have such a fabulous community. Living in Australia has just strengthened that love for home.

DPT: Sponsors?

RT: Martin Shapes, Hurley, Rainbow Fins

and U.S. Blanks.

DPT: We also hear you’ve surfed against guys.

RT: I competed in one NSSA Nationals

against guys. NSSA Nationals (doesn’t have) women’s longboarding. I was in the finals. I did compete against some pro guys in Japan one year. Made it into the finals.

DPT: Goals for 2019?

RT: I’d love to win a world title. With the

second-place finish, I was so close. The first (event) will be in Noosa (Australia). There’s talk for a second one being in France, and we’ll finish off the year again in Taiwan.

Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with more than 46 years of reporting experience in the city. DP

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

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 12, Issue 04. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

FACEBOOK.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • INSTAGRAM@DANAPOINTTIMES TWITTER.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA

Dana Point Times January 25-31, 2019

SCHS grad Rachael Tilly at home in Capistrano Beach. Photo: Fred Swegles Page 6

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Stan & Ollie’ Still Bring Smiles

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 | 25 LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7 p.m. Visit Iva Lee’s for live music every Wednesday through Sunday. For the ultimate live music experience, be sure to reserve a lounge table on Fridays and Saturdays. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. Check their website for the latest scheduled performances. www.ivalees.com.

Saturday | 26 NEW YEAR GOALS AND VISIONS WORKSHOP 2-4:30 p.m. Join Laura Love and Shannon Bobo for a special workshop on clarifying what you would like to manifest in 2019, setting intentions and creating art.

Reserve your space for $50 through Eventbrite and the Facebook event page hosted

by Dharma Yoga House. 34207 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. www.dharmayogahouse.com.

OCASA BEACH CLEAN-UP DAY 9:45 a.m.-12 p.m. Please join OCASA families and friends for a Beach Clean-Up. OCASA will be partnering with the Ocean Institute for the event. Volunteers will be meeting at the Ocean Institute at 9:45 a.m.

If you would like to participate, fill out the consent form available on the OCASA Beach Clean-up Day Facebook event page.

The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274.

Sunday | 27 DANA WHARF ULTIMATE 8-HOUR WHALE WATCH 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Join Dana Wharf Whale Watching, with world-renowned celebrity Captain Todd Mansur and special guest Alisa Schulman-Janiger aboard the 6-foot OCean Adventures catamaran for a special 8-hour whale watching trip, limited to 30 passengers. Tickets for adults are $109 per person, tickets for children are $79.

Dana Point Times January 25-31, 2019

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy of SHACC/Ron Croci

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26: OPENING DAY OF ‘ORIGINS OF SURF’ 6-9 p.m. No one knows who first rode a wave simply for the pleasure of it. It could have been a Stone Age fisherman on a log raft or in a dugout canoe, and it could have happened anywhere in the world where humans engaged the ocean. Inspired by the book The Illustrated Atlas of Surfing History (published by Island Heritage), written by Joel T. Smith and illustrated by Ron Croci, Surfing Heritage and Culture Center’s latest exhibit depicts the history of surfing from antiquity to 1959. The exhibit will contain artwork, text, models and other artifacts derived from a host of historic sources. All ages welcome. Free for SHACC members, $5 for non-members. Beverages will be provided by Left Coast Brewing Co., Longboard Vineyards and Hawaiian Springs Water. Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente. 949.388.0313. www.shacc.org.

This annual excursion is very popular and usually sells out, so book early. This trip includes breakfast and free bottled water.

Lunches are available for $8 (cash only) in the galley, which will include a sandwich, chips and drink. Tickets must be paid for in advance. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 1.800.590.9994. www.danawharf.com.

Monday | 28 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.

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

Wednesday | 30 FREE COMEDY AT BLOOMS IRISH SPORTS BAR 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Blooms Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are invited to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.com

Tuesday | 29 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.

Thursday | 31 SKELETON CREW LIVE 7-10 p.m. Skeleton Crew will be performing at StillWater Spirits & Sounds and covering your favorite Grateful Dead songs.

Enjoy live music with a wide selection of beers on tap, food and wine. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.com.

Page 8

Photo: Sony Pictures Classics

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n a perplexing awards season in which the movies with the most hype and praise seem to not be winning the most awards, Jon S. Baird’s Hollywood biopic Stan & Ollie is also becoming overlooked. The title refers to iconic comedy duo Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy and stars Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as the leads. While a lot of biopics on legends tend to be stereotypically tragic, Stan & Ollie has to be one of the most wholesome ones made.

The film flips back and forth between 1937—the year Laurel and Hardy first split up—and 1953, their final year together as a duo. We see how divided the partners were on working with longtime producer Hal Roach (Danny Huston), and how even their wives, Lucille (Shirley Henderson) and Ida (Nina Arianda), clash with personal opinions as well. But while working on a U.K. stage tour to revamp their film careers, Stan and Ollie discover that they can still make people laugh.

No drug addictions, romantic woes or tragic deaths are to be found in Stan & Ollie’s 90-minute runtime. There isn’t even a love scene or foul language, making it surprisingly appropriate for most age groups. Baird paints an homage to not only a long-term partnership but to one of the closest friendships in show business history. Coogan and Reilly really make it clear on screen how much they respect the comedy icons, and the prosthetics used to subtly alter their features to look more like the real men is impressive. Henderson and Arianda also give entertaining performances as the female support. For a sweet, charming time at the theater, Stan & Ollie wins. DP

www.danapointtimes.com

DP

Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

The McStay Family Deserves Closure

I

n 1986, I met Susan McStay in Texas while on a business trip. A long-distance relationship began between Dallas and San Rafael, California, where I lived.

She had two teenage boys: Mikey, who lived with her, and Joey, who lived with his dad, Patrick, in Houston. I nicknamed her “Spunky,” because that reflected her personality.

About a year later, Susan and Mikey moved to San Rafael to live with me. I had not met Joey. A few months later, Joey and Susan were talking on the phone. I got on the line, and said to Joey, “Someday, I hope to meet you,” having no idea when that would be.

Less than 24 hours later, Joey called his mom. “I’m at San Francisco Airport. Can you pick me up?” He had come to California without notice, entirely on his own. We now had a family of four.

Susan felt the people in Marin County weren’t as friendly as the people in Texas.

Her boys kept telling me they wanted to live in “SoCal,” where they could surf. I was ready for a location change as well.

In my business travels, I often flew to Orange County. I recall in February 1987 getting off a plane. The temperature was 76 degrees at John Wayne Airport. I thought, wow, mighty nice. I stopped to see the Mission in San Juan Capistrano.

I found a new home in Laguna Niguel and decided to buy it. I called Spunky and said: “Pack your bags. I bought a home a mile from the ocean. I’m putting the San Rafael home on the market.”

We moved our belongings in a U-Haul truck with me driving, and Mikey and dog Kira in the cab. Following behind, in a Mercury Cougar, were Joey, Susan and dog Amy Lou. A few weeks later, Spunky and I married at the courthouse in Santa Ana. Our celebratory lunch that day was at Polly’s Pies in Laguna Hills.

Joey and Mikey graduated from Dana Hills High School. In 1988, I opened Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point. Mikey worked there briefly.

Joey part-timed at Costco in Capistrano Beach.

We moved again, this time to Monarch Beach, even closer to the ocean so the boys could walk to Salt Creek Beach to surf.

In 1994, Susan and I diON LIFE AND vorced. She was close to LOVE AFTER 50 her boys. She once said

By Tom Blake to me, “Blood is thicker than water.” She and the boys moved to San Clemente.

In 1998, I met Greta. In 2001, I leased my Dana Point home and moved to San Clemente to live with Greta. From time to time, we’d see one or more of the McStays around town. I recall Greta and me seeing Joey and his family at Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta.

On Feb. 4, 2010, Joey, his new wife, Summer, and their sons, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, went missing from their Fallbrook home. Five days later, their car was found abandoned in a parking lot near the Mexican border, giving an impression that their disappearance may have been voluntary.

People and authorities were baffled; I sure was. That wasn’t the Joey that I had helped raise, albeit for just five years.

Things didn’t add up. Food had been left on the table, their beloved dogs were left without food or water and there was $80,000 in a bank account.

I recall naively thinking perhaps Joey would call me one day and say, “Hey, Tom,

McStay Memorial Bench in North Beach. Photo: Tom Blake

can you come down to the border to pick us up? We want to come home.”

The mystery of the family’s whereabouts lasted nearly four years. On Nov. 11 (my birthday) 2013, an off-road motorcyclist noticed human bones in the desert near Victorville, CA, and notified authorities. The four McStay bodies were found buried in two graves.

Mikey called me: “They’re all gone,” he said. It was surreal. I couldn’t grasp it.

A year later on Nov. 5, 2014, Chase Merritt, a business partner of Joey’s, was arrested on suspicion of murdering the family.

On Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, I received a phone call from Mikey. We hadn’t talked in a year. We chatted for 40 minutes. He told me the trial was finally beginning on Monday, Jan. 7 and early on, he and Susan would both be called to testify.

Mikey said he and his new wife, Gaylan, live in the North Beach area of San Clemente, near the McStay Memorial Bench, which is on a bluff overlooking the ocean, at

1407 Buena Vista. I was pleased he called.

And now that the trial has started, the McStay family case is back in the news. I’ve heard it mentioned on KNX radio and KFI (San Diego). I’ve read about it in the Los Angeles Times, and it’s even on YouTube.

I’ve seen it on the evening news.

Now, we can only wait to see how the trial turns out. There are so many unanswered questions. Mikey, Susan and Summer’s family deserve closure. They’ve waited nine years.

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

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

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

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

Sudoku

Pet of the Week: Becca

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

O

Becca. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter Dana Point Times January 25-31, 2019

ne-year-old Becca is a friendly kitty who just loves people. Always ready for a snuggle, she will often run to greet you with a happy meow. Becca is good with other cats and would do well in just about any household.

If you are looking for an adorable lodger like Becca, call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at .949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente.

DP

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

Page 9

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

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 CALL

legals@picketfencemedia.com 949.388.7700, ext. 100

OBITUARY

Dennis Edward Olsen Dennis Edward Olsen: aka Captain Dennis, Capn’ and Denny was born March 2, 1941 in North Dakota to Edward Oliver Olsen and Bernice Evangeline Hanson Olsen. Dennis, the third of five children, moved with family to Dana Point, CA in 1954 He was married to the love of his life, Luana Olsen for over 43 years until her passing in June 2006. He immediately found kinship with the sand and sea and became one with the ocean soon after. At the young age of 21, Dennis volunteered as crew, one of three, on the Sailboat PATAPSCO II and set sail from Newport Beach, California to Port Jefferson, New York, via the Panama Canal and then back home to California. The salt water became his blood, and surfing, fishing, and sailing became his lifestyle. His first job was under the tutelage of the iconic surfing and surf Industry pioneer and legend Hobie Alter and the brand of his namesake, Hobie Surfboard Shop.

At the Capistrano Beach shop, Dennis started out sweeping floors and moved up to glassing and shaping.

His craftsmanship was sought after.

Dennis’s classmate, James (Jimmy) Lomas, was Hobie’s 1st employee who preceded Dennis in passing just this last year. Dennis later went on to work for Dale Velzy, another iconic master surfboard maker. Dennis met the love of his life Luana Herrington shortly after their arrival from North Dakota, as his sister Karen Olsen Knapp, became best friends. They were in the same grade. Dennis and Luana would not become an item until later when they were in their early 20’s. Luana was the daughter of two early Southern California pioneering surfers Voss and Margret Herrington, who were also two founders of the San Onofre Surf Club and Dana Point Yacht Club. Their best

City of Dana Point NOTICE OF EXPIRING TERMS Planning Commission Traffic Improvement Subcommittee NOTICE OF VACANCY Financial Review Committee Notice is hereby given that three (3) positions with four year terms on the City of Dana Point Planning Commission, and three (3) positions with four year terms on the Traffic Improvement Subcommittee will expire March 31, 2019. Additionally, there is one (1) vacancy on the Financial Review Committee. In order to be eligible for appointment by the City Council, applicants must be registered voters and residents of the City of Dana Point. Applications can be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk beginning Thursday, January 24, 2019 at 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 203, Dana Point, California 92629 or by calling (949) 248-3501.

Applications can also be downloaded from the City’s website www.danapoint.org.

In order to be considered for appointment by the City Council, applications must be filed no later than Friday, February 22, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in the City Clerk’s Office at the address noted above.

Kathy M. Ward Dated: January 25, 2019 City Clerk

friends were surfing legends Lorrin & Cecelia Harrison. Luana being an excellent surfer herself, she and Dennis had that mutual interest, as well as her being a child of parents who had vast ocean interests, in 1961 became the first woman surfer to appear in Surfer Magazine and Dennis’s high school ceramics teacher was John Severson, who started the famed Surfer Magazine. Dennis & Luana would go on to marry in 1964 and have their first and only child. Lena Olsen Patton, a graduate of the class of 1982 from Hemet High School. Lena, naturally with a rich surfing legacy, history and heritage that her parents and grandparents started, founded a vintage swimwear company in honor of her mother Luana and named after her called “Love Luana New Vintage Swimwear”. After years of making surfboards, Dennis became a master carpenter who also worked for Lyman’s Redimix in Capo Beach, in the 60’s and drove a truck cross country for a bit, a jack-of-all-trades and a master of most all of them, enjoyed his life and friends near the ocean. Later, Dennis moved his girls and himself to Hemet, Ca. in 1976. Dennis & Luana would instantly make new friends, never forgetting the ones they left and spent the rest of their days with. Construction has been Dennis’s chosen trade and he loved every bit of it. He loved working hard. Lena says “my dad

is the hardest working man I’ve ever known” and she gets her work ethic from her father. He gained the love of many in the Hemet Valley by his honest, straightforward style. “Hey Mate” is what you’d hear him say when he greeted you. Eight years ago, Dennis was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a manageable disease if caught early, like his was. He underwent a stem cell transplant at UCLA 4 years ago and “sailed” right through. The same disease took the beautiful life of “Hobie” Alter. They linked my dad’s back to making surfboards. Dennis had done well in and out of the hospital these past four years and would always pick up where ever he left off on a job. While in the hospital for a couple of weeks in December and gaining ground again as usual, with a twist of fate, Dennis met his maker in the early hours of Christmas Eve. He will be missed greatly and cherished in the hearts of many. Dennis is preceded in death by his wife Luana, and leaves his daughter Lena Olsen Patton, brothers Myron Olsen, Roger Olsen, Gary Olsen and sister Karen Olsen Knapp. A celebration of his beautiful life will be held at his home on February 2 at 12 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either SHACC (Surfing Heritage and Culture Center) shacc.org 949-388-0313 or to the hobiememorial.com.

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com GARAGE SALES DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE SCHEDULED Please come and shop for our annual fundraiser for DHHS Girls Soccer! All proceeds benefit the girls teams.

Saturday, January 26. 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dana Hills H.S. parking lot 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

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

WANTED WANTED: STAMPS! BUYING LARGE Postage Stamp Collections.

Call Nicholas (619) 672-0434

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week?

Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times January 25-31, 2019

Page 11

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Artist Spotlight: Jacob Cortez

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS State Farm/Ted Bowersox 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

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

Jacob Cortez, 25, is a tattoo artist at Dana Point Tattoo who specializes in American Traditional styles. He has been tattooing since age 20 and is the first artist to be profiled for Dana Point Times’ Artist Spotlight.

Q: How did you get into tattooing?

A: I started getting tattooed at age 19 and fell in love with the culture and lifestyle of tattoo artistry. I started doing research on the history of tattooing and began an apprenticeship at Costa Mesa Tattoo under Steve Schultz. I love the freedom of being able to express yourself through tattoos and developing myself as my own artist.

Q: How is tattooing different compared to other creative outlets of making a living as an artist?

A: One thing I love about this line of work, and what makes it unique to other career

artistry, is that you can cater to your clients on a completely different level. As an artist, you broaden and expand your creative abilities to what the customer wants to collaborate on a piece of art that they take with them everywhere for life. It serves a different kind of purpose than fine art that can be hung on your walls.

Q: What makes a good tattoo artist?

A: An artist that stays humble. An artist that, given a good foundation to learn and build upon, has the ability to create clean, solid lines. An artist that can be openminded, take criticism and can work with both customers and peers well.

Q: What do most people not know about tattooing that you wish they did?

A: It’s not just a career for tattoo artists, it’s our lives. Most of us are perfectionists, so even with walk-ins who have “simple” designs, it’s a lot of pressure to do perfect straight lines. For me, each tattoo, no matter the design, I feel responsible for doing a better job than the last one.

You can follow Cortez’s work on his Instagram, @jakecortez_tattoos. For questions, call 949.303.3410. DP Dana Point Tattoo 949.303.3410 www.danapointtattoo.com 34144 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dana Point Times will be spotlighting artists based in Dana Point or whose work is featured in the community. If you are an artist (musician, painter, sculptor, etc.) whose creativity contributes to the Dana Point community, or if you know of a candidate, contact Lillian Boyd at lboyd@picketfencemedia.com.

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

Photos: Courtesy of Jacob Cortez

Want to be featured here?

Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

Page 12

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Boys Soccer Pushes Up to Second in League Race The Dana Hills boys soccer team earned back-to-back wins over the top competition in league and are set up for a strong fight to the finish.

The Dolphins (9-8-2, 3-2-1) have already posted their second highest win total in the last 11 seasons with the most in that time being the 11 wins from last season. Dana Hills now looks in line for its first back-to-back playoff appearances since the 2012 and 2013 postseasons.

Wins over then-second-place Laguna Hills, 3-1, and then-third-place Tesoro, 2-0, have vaulted Dana Hills into the No. 2 spot in the league. The Dolphins now sit a game and a half behind leagueleading Aliso Niguel, who hosts Dana Hills on Friday, Jan. 25.

Dana Hills could still find its way to the league title if the Dolphins score at win at Aliso Niguel and beat Trabuco Hills on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Dana Hills would need outside help in either two losses or a loss and a draw in Aliso Niguel’s final two games, at Tesoro and at Laguna Hills, would force a co-championship.

Girls Water Polo No. 3 Seed for League Tournament The Dana Hills girls water polo team is through the regular part of the schedule, but now comes something new.

The Dolphins (16-8, 2-2) finished third in the league standings through the single round of league play. Due to the movement of the CIF calendar, the league water polo teams chose to play one round of league games.

In place of the second round of league games, the teams will play in a league carousel tournament on Tuesday, Jan. 29 and Thursday, Jan. 31.

Dana Hills won their first two games of league in strong fashion, 10-5 over Aliso Niguel and 11-4 over Tesoro, but the Dolphins found it tougher against the league’s top two with losses to El

Dana Point Times January 25-31, 2019

The Dana Hills boys soccer team has won back-to-back games and is pushing toward the top of the league and playoff qualification. The Dolphins haven’t qualified for back-to-back playoff seasons since the 2012 and 2013 postseasons. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Toro, 14-8, and San Clemente, 13-7.

Dana Hills is ranked No. 3 in Division 4. The CIF-SS playoff brackets will be released on Sunday, Feb. 2.

Basketball Teams Set Up For Stretch Battles The Dana Hills boys and girls basketball teams have followed similar paths to this point.

Both teams are coming off back-toback league losses, sit at 2-3 and third place in league and possess similar overall records, the boys at 13-9 and girls at 13-10.

The boys dominated San Juan Hills in their first match-up, but the Stallions got their revenge at home, 65-61, on Wednesday, Jan. 23 to tighten up the Sea View League standings. San Juan Hills sits at 2-4 in fourth place.

The boys team has three games remaining, all at home. Dana Hills hosts league leader Tesoro, unbeaten in league,

on Friday, Jan. 25, Laguna Hills on Monday, Jan. 28 and El Toro on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Dana Hills lost to El Toro by only one point on Jan. 18 and beat Laguna Hills by 21 points on Jan. 14.

The Dana Hills boys are ranked No. 6 in CIF-SS Division 4AA. The girls team has a full game lead over fourth-place Trabuco Hills despite losses to the South Coast League’s top two in second-place San Clemente, 45-39, and first-place Aliso Niguel, 69-28.

As of press time, the girls have three games remaining. Dana Hills hosted Tesoro on Thursday, Jan. 24, but results were not available at press time. The Dolphins play at Trabuco Hills on Jan. 29 and host Aliso Niguel to close the season on Jan. 31.

CIF-SS basketball playoff brackets will be released on Monday, Feb. 3.

Girls Soccer Hits Rough Patch in League The Dana Hills girls soccer team has

Page 13

had a tough fight this season.

After a successful year for then-firstyear head coach Zaid Malkosh in a run to the playoffs last season, the Dolphins have struggled in year two.

The Dolphins are winless in league, 0-4-2, and 2-6-3 overall. Dana Hills has not won three or fewer games in a season since the 2013-14 season. The Dolphins were winless in league that season, which was also the last year that Dana Hills missed the playoffs.

The Dolphins have played well defensively in their league campaign but have struggled to generate offense.

Dana Hills’ two league ties are scoreless draws, and its last three losses are by 1-0 scores.

Tesoro (0-3-2) is also winless in league and hosted the Dolphins on Thursday, Jan. 24. Results were not available at press time. The teams played to a scoreless draw at Dana Hills on Jan. 12.

Dana Hills finishes the season on Thursday, Jan. 31 at San Clemente. DP

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

A Happy Back Equals Happy Surfing How keeping your back loose can make your surf session that much better

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

S

urfing often leads to lower-back pain.

The older you get, the harder it is to escape.

With all the paddling, it’s easy to overarch your back and put a lot of stress on all of the nerves and muscles at the base of the spine. This causes tightness and flareups that can keep you out of the water when the next swell rolls in. Some of this can be alleviated by proper paddling technique, but in reality, stretching before you jump on your board is the best defense against inflammation and injury.

Before we look at the solutions for back issues, it’s important to understand how, as surfers, we end up in pain in the first place. First, we put a lot of pressure on our lumbar vertebrae through over-arching when we lie on our board and paddle.

As the spine gets compressed, muscles tighten and become sore and inflamed.

Unfortunately, your daily surf sessions may just be part of the problem. Sitting too much affects your hip flexors, which in turn affects your pelvis, which in turn jacks up your back and leads to increased discomfort. Your back pain may, in fact, just be where the problem is

GROM OF THE WEEK

NOLAN RODGERS

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

B

arreling through his junior year at California Connections Academy, Nolan Rodgers is making his school and surf life work for him. An aspiring 16-year-old goofy-footer from San Clemente, Nolan last year received the NSSA 2018 Surfer Scholar award for receiving a 4.5 GPA, being accepted into the National Honor Society, and winning the Explorer Season and Regional titles. When he’s not studying, most days you can find him finetuning his aquatic act at T Street.

But more than just a smart, rising star, Rodgers is also the kind of kid who puts ideas into action. Awhile back, he and his brother did a surf contest down at San Miguel in Baja,

Dana Point Times January 25-31, 2019

A surfer stretches on a beach in Brazil. Photo: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

manifesting. A lot of times, lower-back pain is a result of tight hips, groin, quads, hamstrings and calves. And a weak core is going to make other muscles overcompensate and pull your back out of alignment. That is where regular yoga or Pilates classes can make a huge difference.

Once you’re aware of the causes of lowerback pain, you can start to treat it. Keep in mind, before you do anything, you should start with a light stretching routine to loosen up the muscles in the area and get some blood flowing to them. This will wake them up and get them warmed and prepped for deeper stretching. Exercises such as simple roll-downs to touch your toes, rolling your shoulders and neck, and basic quad and

Mexico. It would prove to be a life-changer.

“We had such a great time surfing with the kids down there and meeting the surf families, and we saw that there was a need for kids surf boards and equipment,” Rodgers said. “So, my brother and I asked our friends to donate any gently used kids surf gear that was sitting around in their garages. We were able to collect over 20 kids surf boards, 50 wetsuits, fins, leashes, traction pads, plus clothes and other stuff. Then, we held a ‘surf clinic’ down at La Fonda.”

Their charitable efforts continued in recent months.

“This fall, we were able to distribute about 15 wetsuits to the Mexican National Team when they came to Huntington Beach to compete in the ISA World Surfing Games,” Rodgers said. “We also sent down another batch of wetsuits to the kids in Baja in December. Many of the young surfers in

lunge stretches are all great.

Once you are feeling a little looser, you can start to focus more specifically on the back. Used extensively in yoga classes, the child’s pose is an easy place to start.

Beginning on all fours, rest your rear end on your heels and sit back onto them. Focus your weight back, slowly curve your spine until your forehead is resting on the mat. Start with your arms resting by your side with your palms facing up to the sky.

This will help release tightness in your upper back and shoulders. Extending your arms above your head, stretch forward and feel the stretch through your lats and ribs. This will help lengthen and stretch the spine. While you’re doing all of this,

take deep breaths from your diaphragm, making sure to expand your ribs every time you inhale.

Bridging is a sure-fire way to get the quads and glutes firing, which will in turn provide your back with stability. Lying flat on your back, place your legs hip-width apart. Bend your knees so that your feet are firmly planted on the mat with toes facing straight forward (make sure your feet, knees and hips are all in alignment).

Place your arms straight by your sides with palms facing down and scoot your feet back until your fingertips touch your heels.

From this position, lift your hips toward the sky until they’re in alignment with a straightened spine. Your weight should be focused on your feet and your neck at the base of your spine. As you roll down out of this position, sink each vertebra down one at a time. This will help articulate each joint and loosen up the entire spine. Repeat several times until you feel your hips, quads and glutes are all warmed up.

The Figure Four stretch is another one that’s great for surfing. Lying on your back, place your legs hip-width apart. Bend your knees until your feet are flat on the ground.

From there, rest your right ankle on your left knee. With your arms, reach between your legs, interlacing your fingers behind your left thigh and cautiously pull your knee into your chest, exhaling as you do so. Hold the stretch, then switch legs and repeat. You should feel this stretch in your glutes, hips and piriformis.

There are obviously a lot more stretches, yoga poses and strength routines that can benefit surfers, but these are few stretches that are easy enough to do on the beach before you paddle out and could make a difference when you’re trying to squeeze yourself in that next barrel section. DP

Nolan Rodgers. Photo: Courtesy of the Rodgers family

Baja can’t surf during the winter, because the water gets so cold and they don’t have wetsuits. With the donations from the kids here in San Clemente, they can continue

Page 14

surfing and training year-round.”

Because one good turn deserves another, be sure to give Rodgers a wave if you see him in the water. DP www.danapointtimes.com