March 1-7, 2019

LO C A L

N EWS

March 1-7, 2019

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Editor’s Pick: 48th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales PAGE 6 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 09

Each Journey Begins With One Step Dana Point Resident Uses Local Landscape to Train for PCT Hike E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3

Kiki MacDonald utilizes local trails and walkways in Dana Point to prepare for her upcoming trek to take on the entire Pacific Crest Trail in April. Photo: Jenna Ross

Youth Baseball Leagues Celebrate Opening Day SPORTS/PAGE 11

Developer Sues Dana Point PAC EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

danapointtimes.com

New Column: In Good Business

by Bev Jorgensen SOAPBOX/PAGE 5

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

DP EYE ON DP

Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Dana Point Resident Uses Local Landscape to Train for PCT Hike THE LATEST: Kiki MacDonald, a Dana Point resident and San Juan Capistrano business owner, is gearing up to hike about 2,650 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The PCT stretches from the California-Mexico border to Canada, through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. She’s scheduled her departure for April 17, and in the meantime, you may run into MacDonald trekking the Lantern District, the Headlands or other popular walkable areas in South Orange County.

MacDonald owns and manages Crossfit to the Core in San Juan Capistrano with her husband. When she first decided to hike the PCT, she told her husband she would work odd jobs and sell her homemade tea in order to fund the trip and not reduce their income.

“I love how I’ve been able to connect with so many people throughout this preparation,” MacDonald said. “People I probably wouldn’t have had conversations with otherwise are offering me side gigs, offering to let me stay at their place along the way, supporting me by buying my tea.”

MacDonald has documented her preparation and training on social media pages such as Dana Point Unplugged and on her YouTube channel. She says the support she’s received will help motivate her when she’s on the trail.

“To be doing this at 50 years old, people are telling me I’ve inspired them to take on challenges they’ve been presented with. That means everything to me,” MacDonald said.

“A lot of the preparation is mental. You have to be able to tell yourself to keep going.”

mailers sent out prior to the 2018 Dana Point City Council election.

In weeks leading up to Nov. 6, 2018, DPTA published and distributed campaign mailers that opposed city council candidates Charles Payne, Mark McGinn and Joe Jaeger. One mailer depicts all three candidates as puppets, with captions claiming Councilmember Debra Lewis teamed up with Edward to elect the three. Snippets of a lawsuit complaint the City of Dana Point filed against Headlands Reserve, LLC are highlighted to show the city accused Edward of fraud after failing to pay more than $500,000 in an alleged contract breach.

Another mailer shows a photograph of Edward meeting with Payne and former Financial Review Committee Vice Chairman Buck Hill for lunch, with the caption, “Meet the kingmakers and the candidate.”

In Edward’s complaint, it states that the city dismissed its case against Edward, rescinded the fraud claim and publicly conceded that it was a mistake in a formal settlement agreement 18 months prior to the mailers being published.

The complaint alleges that James Lacy served as counsel for DPTA and Michael Powers served as an officer of DPTA. Dana Point Times reached out to Powers for comment, but calls were not returned by press time.

“I can confirm that several days before the November 2018 election, and after DPTA received a letter from a lawyer for Sanford Edward threatening to sue them, I was engaged to prepare a legal response to that letter,” Lacy said in an email.

Lacy denies serving as counsel to DPTA other than for the specific purpose of helping DPTA respond to the two letters from Edward that threatened legal action. He stated he had no further comment at this time.

“DPTA PAC will not be bullied by Edward for exercising our First Amendment right to communicate in the political process. Edward’s decade-long history of political activism and donations in the pursuit of his development are well documented,” said a press release issued by DPTA.

WHAT’S NEXT: MacDonald will be documenting her PCT journey through vlogs on her YouTube channel, Kiki MacDonald, and on her Instagram @hikerkiki. The hike is expected to take five and a half months to complete.—Lillian Boyd

WHAT’S NEXT: The complaint states that the plaintiff has no knowledge of the true names and capacities of defendants sued, and will amend the complaint when the names of defendants are ascertained.

“We have every intention of prosecuting the individuals who deliberately defamed me and used illegal tactics to support their candidates,” Edward said.—LB

Developer Files Lawsuit Against Dana Point Taxpayers Association

Pedestrian Killed Near Sunsets Bar in Capistrano Beach

THE LATEST: Headlands Reserve, LLC Developer Edward Sanford has filed a lawsuit for libel against Dana Point Taxpayers Association (DPTA) regarding political

THE LATEST: A pedestrian was killed after being hit by three vehicles near Sunsets Bar in Capistrano Beach on Saturday, Feb. 23 at approximately 6 p.m.

Dana Point Times March 1-7, 2019

Kiki MacDonald of Dana Point plans to hike 2,650 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail in April. Photo: Jenna Ross

The initial call to law enforcement was made at 6: 12 p.m., reporting that a man had been struck at 34700 Pacific Coast Highway, Capistrano Beach. Emergency crews found the victim, 78-year-old Vito DiGiorgio of San Juan Capistrano, unresponsive in the traffic lanes and pronounced him dead at the scene.

“It appears the victim had parked along PCH, exited the vehicle and attempted to cross the street before he was hit,” said Carrie Braun, a spokesperson for Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

DiGiorgio was reportedly first hit by a white Range Rover heading south. The impact threw him into a northbound lane where he was hit by a silver Dodge Ram and a black Toyota Solara, Braun said.

According to Braun, it appeared the victim had arrived at the location with his wife. Everyone involved in the incident stopped and cooperated with law enforcement. Drugs and alcohol were determined not to be a factor, and no arrests have been made.—LB

CUSD Nixes Straws for Next School Year THE LATEST: Elementary schools in Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) will no longer offer plastic straws to students beginning next school year.

The decision to remove straws from the cafeterias at all 36 CUSD elementary schools comes as the district moves away from plastics and instead toward compostable utensils and napkins, according to Kristin Hilleman, director of Food and Nutrition Services.

Currently, the elementary schools provide students with fork and napkin packages that include plastic straws. Those packages are being phased out to make way for the new compostable packages without straws.

High schools and middle schools across the district haven’t had straws for several years, because there hasn’t been a need for such an item, Hilleman said.

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“There’s too much waste, and we don’t need waste. The kids weren’t using the straws, so why purchase something that’s not going to be used, anyway?” Hilleman said.—Shawn Raymundo

Congressman Levin Holds First OC Town Hall Meeting Since Election THE LATEST: While holding his first town hall meeting in Orange County on Saturday, Feb. 23, Congressman Mike Levin, D-CA, discussed some of his goals on Capitol Hill while touching on a host of issues, including healthcare reform, social security protections, reining in the rise of student loan debt, getting homeless veterans off the street and working with Republicans across the aisle.

The town hall was the second in a series of monthly engagements Levin plans to hold throughout California’s 49th District, which he represents. Levin hosted the first town hall late last month at Oceanside High School in San Diego County.

Levin outlined his support for several pieces of legislation, such as bans on offshore oil and gas drilling and the much-talked-about “Green New Deal,” the resolution from fellow House Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., that intends to address climate change.

Southern California, particularly Capistrano Beach, Levin emphasized, is largely susceptible to the effects of climate change. He said he supports the Green New Deal, because the U.S. needs to alter its carbon footprint while investing in new, innovative technologies for cleaner energy.

“Never let anyone tell you that if you protect the environment and try to reduce the emissions and build the clean energy economy that it’s somehow going to be bad for our country,” he said.

For the full version of this article, visit danapointtimes.com. —SR danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Community Meetings TUESDAY, MARCH 5

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. Dana Point City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting in City Hall’s Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 held a flag retirement ceremony on Friday, Feb. 22 at Doheny State Beach. Photos: Lillian Boyd

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

VFW Post 9934 Hosts Flag Retirement Ceremony The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 hosted a formal flag retirement ceremony at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point on Friday, Feb. 22. Members of the public were invited to bring old, worn or tattered U.S. flags for proper disposal. Park fees were waived for those in attendance. Members of VFW led the Pledge of Allegiance in a series of customary traditions before setting an American Flag on open flames.

The public was then invited to participate in placing their own flags in the flames, with VFW assistance.

San Clemente Chamber Recognizes Dana Point Business The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting of Members and Awards Ceremony on Feb. 22 at Bella Collina San Clemente.

Assemblyman Bill Brough swore in Susan Jennrich, general manager of the Outlets at San Clemente, as the 2019 Chairman of the Board.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching was awarded “Business of the Year.”

The business was established in 1971 by Don Hansen at the San Clemente Pier. The business is now located at the Dana Point Harbor and run by his son and daughter, Michael Hansen and Donna Kalez, and now includes OCean Adventures, Inc. Dana Point Times March 1-7, 2019

Surfrider Meeting to Cover Community Choice Energy The Surfrider Foundation’s South OC Chapter meeting will feature community choice energy programs with updates from California cities and residents who have launched successful local consumer choice programs. Community choice energy is the process in which cities can choose which energy sources they purchase and can be transferred along existing infrastructure. The meeting will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, at the Dana Hills Tennis Center, 24911 Calle de Tenis. Light food and beverages will be provided.

RSVP to derkeneff@southoc.surfrider. org, as there is limited space available.

DPHAB Holds Regular Monthly Meeting The Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board did not have any major changes to report during their Monday, Feb. 25 meeting.

But harbor partners say they aim to set accountability and consistency for slip license agreements and storage. Ralph Grippo was at the meeting representing Bellwether Financial Group. Bellwether is partnering with Burnham Ward Properties and R.D. Olson Development to oversee the $388 million development of Dana Point Harbor. Bellwether will focus on the marina and boat storage, which includes about 2,300 slips and nearly 400 dry-storage spots.

In addressing concerns raised from the crowd regarding dry storage and the slip waiting list, Grippo said the waiting list generates the greatest angst for anyone

seeking to be in the harbor.

“There’s no way to sugarcoat that it’s going to be a very long process for those on the waiting list. There are names that have been on for 15 years,” Grippo said. “We’re working on revising it, ensuring people on the list still want to wait or are still alive.”

Grippo also mentioned working on setting an exact definition for what qualifies as a derelict boat, a vessel that does not have an identifiable owner or is in dismantled condition.

“There’s been very little accountability regarding the wait list,” Grippo said.

“Transparency and integrity is what we do, but it will not be easy for some because of how long things have been allowed to take place.”

DPHAB Chair James Lenthall asked the partners how soon construction could begin—a question he believed was on most people’s minds.

“We would love to be able to start next year. It could be that soon,” said Bryon Ward, manager of the Dana Point Harbor Partnership. “Construction for us is a phased process, and it kicks off with the new parking structure. I wish I had an exact time frame for you. If we can get ourselves into a position to where we could begin mid-to-late next year, we would be hitting our mark in terms of our schedule.”

Senator Bates Proposes Campaign Finance Bill Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) has introduced Senate Bill 401, which aims to close a major loophole that allows elected officials and candidates to avoid contribution limits.

SB 401 would subject candidatecontrolled ballot measure committees to the same contribution limits currently imposed on candidates for state office. It

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PARKING & CIRCULATION TASK FORCE MEETING 4 p.m. The Dana Point Parking & Circulation Task Force will hold its regularly scheduled meeting in the Dana Point Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point.

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, Dana Point. monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

would close a campaign finance loophole that garnered attention in the case of former State Senator Leland Yee, who mentioned the loophole when soliciting bribe money from an undercover FBI agent.

“It’s important to apply the same limits on candidate-controlled ballot measure committees as we do to personal campaign accounts to reduce the influence of special interests,” Sen. Bates said in a press release. “If the Legislature is truly serious about campaign finance reform, it would close the ballot measure committee loophole this year.”

SB 401 is a revised version of SB 1467, which was proposed in 2016. The majority party on the Senate Appropriations Committee ultimately killed a watered-down version of SB 1467.

Currently, candidates are not required to state which ballot measures their committees are formed to support.

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

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DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: In Good Business by Bev Jorgensen

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 12, Issue 09. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

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Dana Point Times March 1-7, 2019

Chamber Representing Business before Government

O

n Friday, Feb. 22, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce leaders had the opportunity to sit down with Congressman Mike Levin, D-CA, who represents the 49th Congressional District.

While there are so many issues to discuss, the Chamber followed its own teaching, which is about relationship building, as people do business with those they know, like and trust.

Instead of drilling hard on the freshman Congressman, we got to know him on a different level. He and his family live in San Juan Capistrano and are frequent visitors to Dana Point, where they love to eat ice cream in the Harbor. Our past chairman of the board, Jay Styles was able to share about the recently initiated reinvigoration of the Harbor. Congressman Levin wished us a successful transition and is excited to see the changes. He has been coming to the harbor his entire life and said it has always looked the same. Levin offered his help with any issues that may arise with the revitalization.

We were curious how he liked Washington D.C. and learned that to help keep his expenses down, he shares an apartment with three other members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Stating his wife and young children don’t like the cold and

love the warm Southern California weather, this arrangement works well for them.

It was fun to listen to Levin as he bragged about his new staff team, giving them credit for their talent and expertise and mostly their passion for serving the 49th Congressional District.

We did briefly chat about Levin’s new position on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs subcommittee, where he is now the Chairman and how it relates to our local base nearby at Camp Pendleton. He also wants to work toward a more sustainable future on clean energy and thinks IN GOOD BUSINESS

By Bev Jorgensen term limits would be a good idea. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee will monitor to see how these topics progress.

One of the five core competencies of a Chamber of Commerce is to represent the interests of business before government.

Now that we have established a relationship with our new Congressman, we will be able to meet with him and his staff to discuss issues that affect our business community and our quality of life. What’s

Letters to The Editor

of women, violence against women, and sexual objectification." That's a bold claim against someone that you see and interact with a few times a month.

To understand someone's character is to know them on a day-to-day basis. As a mother, senior executive in multiple highprofile careers, friend and wife, I can tell you that misogyny is the farthest away from the truth to characterize Mayor Muller. In my 30-year career, Mayor Muller has not only been supportive of me but supportive of the many women we both interact with on a daily basis. Character is the moral and mental qualities distinctive to an individual and doesn't change between personal and business settings.

Mayor Muller is a caring father, stay-athome dad, godfather to our dear goddaughter and loving friend to our dearest neighbor going through stage 4 brain cancer.

Councilwoman Lewis has chosen to label Mayor Muller as a misogynist purely for her own political gain. I, many of the

MAYOR’S WIFE SPEAKS OUT ON MISOGYNY CLAIM LAURA DOCLAR MULLER, Dana Point

To the Residents of Dana Point: I'd like to share a response to Councilwoman Lewis's claim about Mayor Joe Muller and misogyny. To begin with, I ask if Councilwoman Lewis is even aware of the definition of the word. Here it is: "Misogyny is the hatred of, contempt for, or prejudice against women or girls.

Misogyny manifests in numerous ways, including social exclusion, sex discrimination, hostility, patriarchy, male privilege, belittling of women, disenfranchisement

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even better, he felt very strongly about having a local presence in the community, and we are thrilled their Orange County office is in our very own Dana Point and will be staffed five days a week. The Chamber has already begun building a relationship with the local office and has representation at our monthly Government Affairs Committee meetings.

While our business owners are busy running the day-to-day operations, the Chamber acts as the watchdog for business on the federal, state and local levels.

We will be working with our legislators and communicating our concerns on behalf of the business community, which in turn impacts our quality of life.

It’s a good day when you can walk out of a meeting with one of your elected officials and feel like you have begun to build a relationship, even though we know there will be times where we disagree on some issues. At least we know we can come to the table, be the voice of the businesses and be a champion for our community.

Bev Jorgensen is the Executive Director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, which is a business membership-based organization with 350 business members representing more than 20,000 employees.

The DPCC mission is to champion business prosperity, economic vitality and community engagement, promoting a high quality of life in Dana Point. 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

residents of Dana Point and friends find this to be a vulgar display of defamation.

If anyone should apologize for this gross misrepresentation, it should be Councilwoman Lewis.

As an elected official whose job it is to represent and work to better Dana Point, Councilwoman Lewis should spend more time working for the city and less time belittling others on social media.

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.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

At the Movies: ‘Everybody Knows’ Has Quality Talent

EDITOR’S PICK

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 | 01 DANA HILLS AIR GUITAR 7 p.m. Hosted by the Coming Together for Children in Need Foundation (CTCN), this Dana Hills tradition returns for one night only in the Porthole Theater. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase at the door. All proceeds will be donated to charity. 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. For more information on CTCN, visit thectcnfoundation.org or call 562.444.8223.

Saturday | 02 THE ZEN DEN SESSIONS WITH KITCHEN M’AIDES 2-6 p.m. Join the Zen Den community as they gain insight from spiritual psychologist Donna Bond and her husband, Paul, while they discuss all aspects of relationships and love. Learn about empathy, open communication and tips for a healthy relationship.

Food and drinks will be provided by Kitchen M’aides, a local catering company. La Cresta Drive, Dana Point. 949.373.5584. For more information and to register for this event, go to kitchenmaides.com.

2019 GIRLS IN STEAM SYMPOSIUM 8:30 a.m. St. Margaret’s Episcopal School welcomes girls in grades 4 through 12 to join the STEAM symposium, a day of panel discussions and hands-on activities related to science, technology, engineering, arts and math. This seminar is meant to help young girls explore potential careers in STEAM-related fields and give them an opportunity to network with professionals. Panel speakers will include experts from SpaceX, Google and Blizzard Entertainment. For more information and registration, visit smes.org. 31641 La Novia Avenue, San Juan Capistrano.

Sunday | 03 NEW MOON IN PISCES REIKI SOUND JOURNEY 7 p.m. Ring in the upcoming new moon Dana Point Times March 1-7, 2019

The first weekend for the Festival of Whales is Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3. Don’t miss out on the sand sculpting contest, as well as dozens of other events planned for this annual celebration. Photo: File

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MARCH 2 AND 3: FESTIVAL OF WHALES , FIRST WEEKEND 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The Festival of Whales is kicking off its annual two-weekend celebration of the gray whale migration. There’s an event for everyone this weekend, whether it’s a sand sculpting contest, the Kids’ Carnival Fun Zone featuring the Extreme Game Truck, Art in the Park artisans’ market, or a visit to the Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Center, a 1,000-square-foot exhibition on wheels with 4-D multisensory theater and interactive learning stations. Events will be held throughout Dana Point and the Dana Point Harbor from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Refer to the Festival of Whales Event Guide at danapointtimes.com or visit festivalofwhales.com for more information.

with a night of yoga and Reiki healing. After beginning with a Kundalini-style yoga warmup and meditation, participants will receive Reiki, an ancient Japanese healing art, and listen to the sound of gongs and crystal singing bowls. Each participant will be given a Chrysocolla crystal, which represents water, femininity and communication. $25 pre-pay or $30 at the door. For more information visit dharmayogahouse. org. Held at Dharma Yoga House, 34207 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point.

Monday | 04 ADULT BEGINNERS FLAMENCO DANCE CLASS 6:30 p.m. This beginner dance class will cover footwork, choreography and rhythm of traditional flamenco dancing. Tickets can be purchased at lavivaflamenco.com. Held every Monday at the Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point.

available for purchase from the Aventura Ocean Club and a raffle. This event is open to all WSA-OC members, their guests and anyone interested in learning more about the association. Aventura Ocean Club. 24707 Dana Drive, Dana Point. 949.614.5790. wsaoc.org.

Wednesday | 06 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.

Thursday | 07

Tuesday | 05 MARCH MEETING OF WOMEN’S SAILING ASSOCIATION (OC) 6:30 p.m. This monthly meeting of Orange County’s chapter of the Women’s Sailing Association will be “An Irreverent Look at Maritime History,” presented by David Veeneman. The night will include drinks

COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY WORKSHOP 6-8 p.m. This Surfrider Foundation’s South OC Chapter meeting will feature community choice energy programs with updates from California cities and residents who have launched successful local consumer choice programs. Light food and beverages will be provided.

This event is free and open to the public.

RSVP by emailing derkeneff@southoc. surfrider.org. Dana Hills Tennis Center, 24911 Calle de Tenis, Dana Point.

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Photo: Courtesy of Focus Features

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

C

elebrity couple Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, the A-list stars in Asghar Farhadi’s Everybody Knows, have become Spain’s answer to “Brangelina.” Like Brad and Angelina, Penelope and Javier are good-looking and glamorous, but, more to the point, they are the biggest names in their home country with the good movie projects to back up the hype. They are also very much still together, unlike “Brangelina.”

Everybody Knows shows that Cruz and Bardem haven’t lost any of their talented chops. In the small town of Torrelaguna, north of Madrid, Spain, Laura (Cruz) and her two children visit her hometown for her sister Ana’s (Inma Cuesta) wedding. Also in attendance for the marital event are Laura’s and Ana’s childhood friend, Paco (Bardem), who was also Laura’s first love. Throughout the day, we see Laura’s teenage daughter, Irene (Carla Campra), act rebellious to the point where she disappears at the end of the wedding. The next day, the family gets anonymous texts that Irene has been kidnapped and is being held for a ransom.

Everybody Knows has a lot of quality talent behind the filmmaking: writer-director Farhadi of A Separation (2011) marks his second European production after The Past (2013). Cruz and Bardem are always a treat together and are no different here—especially Cruz in her scenes alone. But the actual script is a little basic and unoriginal, with the usual twists and turns the characters have to go through to get the kidnapped child back. If you’re a fan of Cruz and Bardem, check it out; but if you’re a fan of Farhadi, you might be a bit underwhelmed. DP

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DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

A Senior Seeks Dating Advice at Dana Point Deli

W

hen I owned Tutor and Spunky’s Deli for 25 years on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, it became a gathering place for older singles.

One reason that happened was the deli sponsored a meet-and-greet for singles age 50-plus one night each month.

I know of at least 20 couples who met at those events, and it pleases me to know many of them remain together years later.

I sold the deli four years ago to Jim and Shelley Mouzakis, who have continued operating it as a popular locals’ place to eat.

Tutor and Spunky’s has won the “People’s Choice Golden Lantern Award” for “Best Sandwich” in the Dana Point Times’ Best of Dana Point Magazine 10 years in a row, including 2019.

I believe one of the key reasons for winning the Golden Lantern Award is that employees Teresa (30 years), Debbie (20 years) and Sandy (17 years) are still working there. They were among my favorite and most loyal employees.

Last week, I received a text from Debbie. She wrote: “A man by the name of Ray asked about the age 50-plus singles group that you and Greta hosted here at the deli before you retired. He asked if any of the singles from that group still come here.”

I texted Debbie, “Thanks, Deb, you have always been so thoughtful and considerate

of customers, always helping them. How old do you think Ray is?”

Always being the diplomat, Debbie responded, “He is older—guessing late 70s, maybe 80. He seemed very eager to find a new lady friend. He took his girlfriend of 13 years to a community center Valentine’s Day party, but something happened; she is no longer his girlfriend.”

Thinking that Ray must be very sad or might not be able to cope with being alone—after all, it was just five days since the alleged breakup—I phoned him and left a message.

I was prepared to tell Ray to take a deep breath, think about what happened and not be so eager to rush out and replace his girlfriend; ON LIFE AND also, there is no place of LOVE AFTER 50 which I’m aware in south

By Tom Blake Orange County where older men go to hang out to meet older women close to their age. Places like that don’t exist.

Ray called me back on Feb. 22, leaving this message: “The reason I called you: I was a single.

My woman-friend and I broke up after Valentine’s Day. I was looking for a place where older singles hang out and knew you could help me.

“But, she and I are attached again.

That’s just how it is with women: one day it’s one way; the next day, it’s another. We are happy now, but if it happens again, I will call you. Thank you.”

Some older men can’t handle being alone, not even for a few days. They rush into a new romance, and after a while realize they weren’t prepared mentally for a new relationship. The result: they often end up breaking the new woman’s heart.

Not good.

Photo: Courtesy of Los Angeles Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES This is a photo of children with their maid

in Dana Point. It was taken in 1927 and is part of the Lorna Mills/ Laguna Federal Collection.

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.

I didn’t find out what transpired in Ray’s case—why they broke up or why they got back together; he didn’t say.

I notified Debbie that Ray was already back with his girlfriend.

Debbie’s reply: “How funny. Oh, well, we gave him the best customer service we could provide. I wish him success.”

Perhaps, in 2020, the Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times, and The Capistrano Dispatch “Best Of” magazines will add a new awards category: Best restaurant to dispense senior dating advice.

DANA POINT TIMES

BY MYLES MELLOR

T

Last week’s solution:

Dana Point Times March 1-7, 2019

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

Pet of the Week: Taffy

Sudoku 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

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 findingloveafter50. com, vicsta.com and travelafter55.com.

To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@gmail.com. DP

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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

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his little cutie is Taffy, a 1-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix who just loves to snuggle. Though sometimes a tad shy when meeting new people, Taffy warms up quickly and just loves playing with other small dogs. Taffy is an avid believer that when it comes to belly rubs and scratches behind the ears—the more, the better. Give her a chance and she’s sure to win you over.

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

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Local Baseball Leagues Celebrate Opening Day Dana Point Youth Baseball and San Juan Capistrano Little League hold seasonopening festivities

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he smell of fresh-cut grass, the feel of finely raked dirt and the sound of bat-on-ball means spring has nearly arrived, and it’s time for baseball in South Orange County.

Dana Point Youth Baseball and the San Juan Capistrano Little League held Opening Day ceremonies on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Both leagues service the communities of Dana Point, Capistrano Beach and San Juan Capistrano.

Dana Point Youth Baseball kicked off its 51st year of operation with festivities at the DPYB Fields on Del Obispo St. The DPYB celebration included a traditional parade of teams, a coaches home run derby and a special appearance by YouTube baseball comedy star Domingo Ayala. More information about Dana Point Youth Baseball can be found at dpyb.org.

Entering its 68th season, San Juan Capistrano Little League opened with events at Hausdorfer Field at the San Juan Sports Park.

SJCLL Opening Day included its traditional parade of teams and a special presentation to the family of the late Long Beach Fire Captain David Rosa. Rosa, who was fatally shot responding to an emergency incident last June, was a member of SJCLL for nearly nine years, serving as president, umpire-in-chief, board member, manager and coach.

Rosa was represented by his wife, Lynley, and son, Sam, who played for SJCLL. The family was presented with a plaque, and Sam threw out the first pitch.

More information about San Juan Capistrano Little League can be found at sjcll. com. DP

Dana Point Times March 1-7, 2019

Dana Point Youth Baseball opened up its 61st season with an Opening Day Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 23. Teams participated in a parade to enter the field before the national anthem was sung, and the rest of the festivities continued at the DPYB Fields. Photos: Lillian Boyd

Players and managers from the San Juan Capistrano Little League teams march around the field during the Opening Day ceremony Saturday, Feb. 23 at Hausdorfer Field.

Photos: Shawn Raymundo

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO A DV E RT I SE : 9 4 9 . 3 8 8 . 7 7 0 0 , E X T. 1 0 0 • FAX : 9 4 9 . 3 8 8 . 9 9 7 7 PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following:

Description of Proposed Project: Coastal Development Permit CDP18-0001/Site Development Permit SDP18-0001/Conditional Use Permit CUP18-0001/Vesting Tentative Parcel Map TPM19-0001: A request to demolish the existing structures, and develop a new mixed-use development with 10,822 square feet of commercial space and 68 residential units, including 12 age restricted senior housing units, and subterranean garage at 24442, 24452, and 24470 Del Prado Avenue in the Coastal Overlay District.

Coastal Development Permit 18-0013: The applicant requests approval to construct a 146 square-foot elevator addition and installation of new windows on an existing 4,129 square-foot single-family dwelling located within the Residential Single Family 4 (RSF 4) Zoning District at 87 Monarch Bay Drive. A Coastal Development Permit is required for new construction within 50 feet of a coastal bluff edge and foundation repair to an existing, nonconforming corner of the house that encroaches into the coastal bluff setback.

Project Number:

Project Numbers: Project Location: Project Representative: Applicant: Environmental:

Project Location: Applicant/Owner: Environmental: Hearing Date: Hearing Time: Hearing Location:

Coastal Development Permit CDP18-0001/Site Development Permit SDP18-0001/ Conditional Use Permit CUP18-0001/Vesting Tentative Parcel Map TPM19-0001 24442, 24452, and 24470 Del Prado Avenue (APNs: 682-234-05, 682-234-06, and 682-234-07) Karen Martin, Pacific Planning Group (Applicant)/ American Commercial Equities (Owner) This project is exempt from further California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review consistent with State Code Section 15162 and Categorical Exemption Class 32 - Section 15332 – Infill Development.

March 11, 2019 6:00 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as possible) 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629 (Dana Point Council Chambers)

Hearing Date: Hearing Time: Hearing Location:

CDP18-0013 87 Monarch Bay Drive (APN 670-121-58, 670-121-59) Morris Skenderian, Architect Tom and Barbara Stiles, Property Owner Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is found to be Categorically Exempt per Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities).

Monday, March 11, 2019 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible) 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Dana Point City Hall)

All persons either favoring or opposing the subject project are invited to present their views to the Commission at this hearing.

Note: If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Dana Point prior to the public hearing.

Note: This project may be appealed to the City Council. If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Dana Point prior to the public hearing. This project may also be appealed to the California Coastal Commission in accordance with Dana Point Municipal Code Section 9.69.090. The process includes, but is not limited to contacting the Coastal Commission for the appropriate forms and instructions to file an appeal.

For further information, please call Sean Nicholas, Senior Planner at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248 3588.

For further information, please contact Belinda Deines at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248-3570.

All persons either favoring or opposing this proposal are invited to present their views on the above referenced project to the Commission at this hearing.

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

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

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

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

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

PUBLIC NOTICES TO A DV E RT I SE : 9 4 9 . 3 8 8 . 7 7 0 0 , E X T. 1 0 0 • FAX : 9 4 9 . 3 8 8 . 9 9 7 7

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

State Farm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MASSAGE THERAPY

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

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

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

Bill Metzger Plumbing

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

UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

Jeddy’s Interiors

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

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Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

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

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CLASSIFIEDS

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

Submit your classified ad online at danapointtimes.com FOR SALE PIANO FOR SALE - $200 Wurlitzer Melville Clark Spinet piano model 1660. Great condition, needs tuning. Piano bench and sheet music included. $200 or best offer. Similar models selling online for $500+.

Must be able to pick up.

Please Call: 949.370.6325.

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

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 March 1-7, 2019

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Surf Photographers Embraced ‘Follow the Light’ grant shines on next generation of surf photographers

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s a tough slog these days for aspiring surf photographers. For decades, surf magazines provided photogs with an outlet for their work to be seen. There were a handful of photogs who made a career out of traveling the world and shooting the most iconic surfers and lineups.

But as print mags have slowly gone the way of the dodo, there’s less opportunity than ever for ambitious would-be photographers to ply their trade.

To help give emerging talent a nudge forward, the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) has announced the return of the Follow the Light (FTL) grant program in the name of the late Larry “Flame” Moore.

In 2005, Flame, a legendary surf photographer who made a name for himself capturing the burgeoning talent at Salt Creek in the ’80s and ’90s, succumbed to a battle with cancer. A 30-year photo editor for SURFING Magazine, Flame helped launch the surf careers of everyone from Pat O’Connell to Christian Fletcher. He was also among the first explorers to figure out and document the potential of big-wave break Cortes Bank, 100 miles off the Dana Point coast. But more than that, Flame also took the time to foster

GROM OF THE WEEK

CARSON CARR

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

G

etting fired up in the local waters, the NSSA Southwest Division landed at Salt Creek last weekend, where 8-year-old Carson Carr made his competitive debut for 2019. With playful 2- to 3-foot lefts running up the beach, Carr was ripping.

In addition to his very respectable contest appearance, it’s been a big month for Carr. He also recently added surf wax company Sticky Bumps to his growing list of sponsors.

“Absolutely amped!” Carson said from Sticky Bump’s office in Carlsbad.

Carr also enjoys the support of BillaDana Point Times March 1-7, 2019

From left, caught in the act in Flame’s personal photo studio, Chris Billy is captured riding at Salt Creek. Photo: Larry “Flame” Moore. Larry Moore readies himself for another photo shoot. Photo: Moore Family Archive

talented young photographers.

After Flame’s passing, a group of friends and family formed the Follow the Light Foundation to ensure that Flame’s legacy of passionately supporting the next generation of surf photographers continued. FTL dedicated itself to honoring this legacy through an annual grant program that also included an awards ceremony highlighting the work of each of the five finalists.

Running from 2006 to 2015, FTL brought together the community of surf media and industry professionals, athletes and friends to recognize each year’s winner. Past honorees include some of today’s most important and talented photographers. Follow the Light has been a catalyst for the careers of modern masters such as Chris Burkard, Todd Glaser, Ray Collins and Morgan Maassen.

“It’s not easy to be a surf photographer today, but it’s vitally important to the sport and culture that it continues to be documented and celebrated through pho-

tography,” said Shawn Parkin, photo editor of The Surfer’s Journal and former Follow the Light grant winner. “It’s exciting to see Follow the Light come back as a platform for young photographers to showcase their work and be recognized for it.”

Recognizing that the arena in which surf photographers work today has changed dramatically since Flame was at the helm of SURFING Magazine, the FTL committee rededicated itself to helping aspiring lens-men and lens-women get their start in the business and develop the tools and relationships necessary to take their careers to the next level.

“It’s so special to see FTL come back this way” said Celeste Moureaux, Flame’s sister and one of the founders of FTL. “The amount of love and positive energy we’re feeling is incredible, and I know it really would have touched Larry to see all of the passion for keeping his vision going.

He loved fostering talent, and it’s so great

to see his legacy alive and well.”

In keeping with the tradition of FTL, the grant winner will receive a minimum $5,000 award and a working opportunity with supporting brand sponsors. The global competition is open to anyone under the age of 25, with the winner selected from a pool of five finalists.

“It’s an incredible honor for SHACC to be bringing back Follow the Light” said FTL committee chair Don Meek. “Flame was responsible for launching so many careers and supporting so many talented young photographers. We’re beyond stoked to continue his legacy.”

The entry window will open on March 19, and the submission deadline is April 26. The FTL event and awards ceremony will be held Sept. 12 at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point.

Program details, including selection criteria and the submission process, will be available on Friday, March 1. DP

SURF FORECAST bong, Lost Surfboards, Sun Bum, Jack’s Surf Shop, as well as Syck Trix, a skateboard simulator that provides skaters, surfers and snowboarders with a platform to work on their air game.

Inspired by his older brother, Cannon, while training under the tutelage of surf coach Dave Post, Carr’s natural ability continues to blossom as trips south of the border have gotten him into some feathering tubes and a strike mission to the North Shore of Oahu got him some valuable experience in more powerful surf. He even scored a few sessions with San Clemente all-star Griffin Colapinto while he was in the islands.

We love Carr’s stoke and passion for surfing and can’t wait to see what he gets up to this spring and summer. DP

Water Temperature: 55-58 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 10-15’ Outlook: Mix of swells through this weekend with northwest swell and southwest swell.

Most breaks hang around waist high (3’) into early next week. Best spots see chest high+ (4’) waves at times. Light morning winds for the weekend, then onshore winds are more of an issue early next week. Be sure to check Surfline.com for all the details and the longer range outlook.

Carson Carr (right) with Griffin Colapinto on the beach at Pipeline this winter. Photo: Courtesy of Jacob Vanderwork

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