November 30, 2018

November 30-December 6, 2018

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Inside: 2018 Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 11, ISSUE 48

Polishing the Details Monument honoring the legacy of Hobie Alter nears finishing touches E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

The Hobie Alter figure stands in a welding yard for detail work ahead of the Hobie Memorial installation. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Ocean Institute Pays Tribute to Late SpongeBob Creator EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Councilmember John Tomlinson Bows Out EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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Free Boat Rides with Santa

GETTING OUT/PAGE 8

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

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say, ‘All we see is the top of your head on TV,’ as I was always looking at the materials in front of me, instead of speaking from my heart,” Tomlinson said. “It has certainly been a pleasure to be of service to my community. I am truly thankful for this opportunity. …I will miss my daily interactions with the community. Most importantly, I would like to thank City Staff for helping me with their extraordinary institutional knowledge and genuine kindness and understanding. They are truly an amazing group of individuals, who for the last four years have been like a family to me. I would like to thank my family, especially my wife, Lori, for her understanding and support during my time on the Council.”

should know this week Teen Charged with Murder of Father on Laguna Niguel Trail

THE LATEST: An 18-year-old Laguna Niguel man has been charged with murder after allegedly killing his father as they walked on a trail near their home on the day after Thanksgiving. In addition to the felony murder charge, Maximillian Gregory Ludwig also faces a special circumstances enhancement of lying in wait, according to a news release from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

The release states that Maximilian Ludwig had been walking with his father, 59-year-old Christopher Ludwig, on the trail near Highlands Avenue in Laguna Niguel on Friday, Nov. 23. The defendant is accused of attacking his father with rocks and stomping on his head until the victim died as a result of blunt force trauma.

After Maximilian Ludwig called 911, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department arrested him at the scene. Law enforcement responded to the 29000 block of Highlands Avenue after the body had been discovered near the intersection with Braxton Street.

WHAT’S NEXT: Ludwig is being held without bail. Senior Deputy District Attorney Troy Pino will be prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Ludwig faces a minimum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole.—Lillian Boyd

SpongeBob Creator and Former Ocean Institute Instructor Dies THE LATEST: Stephen Hillenburg, creator of the Nickelodeon cartoon “SpongeBob SquarePants,” died on Monday, Nov. 26 at the age of 57. Hillenburg worked at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point prior to 1999 as a science instructor. In March of 2017, it had been reported that Hillenburg was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition that weakens muscles and can be terminal.

According to the Ocean Institute, Hillenburg often worked on The Pilgrim, the institute’s iconic Tallship, and led instructional learning on floating labs and during educational camps. He also co-authored an underground Ocean Institute magazine called Dana Point Times November 30-December 6, 2018

Dana Point Councilmember John Tomlinson’s last city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 4. Photo: File

The Chortler, which became known among Ocean Institute’s employees for its humor.

Nickelodeon issued the following statement on Monday, Nov. 26: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Steve Hillenburg has passed away following a battle with ALS. He was a beloved friend and longtime creative partner to everyone at Nickelodeon, and our hearts go out to his entire family. Steve imbued ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ with a unique sense of humor and innocence that has brought joy to generations of kids and families everywhere.”

Within the tribute that the Ocean Institute published, Hillenburg was described as a hero to the institute and the youth it serves.

“Everywhere we look, we are reminded of Stephen Hillenburg and the laughter he brought to millions. We are overwhelmed by this loss as well as the innovation he brought to educating children. Stephen Hillenburg will be missed by many,” the tribute read.

“SpongeBob SquarePants” first aired in 1999, leading to a 2004 film, a 2015 sequel and a Broadway musical. The series received 15 Kids’ Choice Awards, four Emmy Awards and two BAFTA Children’s Awards.

WHAT’S NEXT: To read the full tribute for Stephen Hillenburg issued by the Ocean Institute, visit www.Ocean-Institute.org. —LB

Councilmember John Tomlinson Bows Out THE LATEST: After four years on Dana Point City Council, Councilmember and former Mayor John Tomlinson will make his exit. His last council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 4.

Tomlinson has been a Dana Point resi-

dent since 2005, making frequent visits to Beach Road since 1967. He says his initial interest in politics began with chickens.

“My neighbor had been cited for keeping hens in her backyard, and I decided to help her in finding a way to keep her beloved pets, which incidentally were legal in Capistrano Beach prior to the city’s incorporation,” Tomlinson said.

Along the way, Tomlinson met with councilmembers, city staff and the city manager at the time, Doug Chotkevys.

“Like many residents, I had no idea what went on in City Hall and the role it played in our day-to-day lives. I filed my paperwork a few weeks before the deadline, engaged a treasurer, hired a campaign manager, and the rest is history,” Tomlinson said.

Tomlinson says he started out his career on city council with the goal to represent the residents of Capistrano Beach, but he soon realized that being on city council was a larger responsibility.

Voting on issues such as infrastructure, police services and litigation impacted the roughly 34,000 residents of Dana Point, not just those living in Capistrano Beach.

While serving as the city’s mayor, Tomlinson grappled with the years-long litigation with the California Coastal Commission regarding the Headlands development.

“I recognized that it was extremely important to the future success of our city to put this behind us and focus on the future of Dana Point,” he said.

In looking back on his time on council, Tomlinson says he believes he represented the best interests of the community, but he wishes he did one thing differently.

“Serving in this capacity I have experienced tremendous personal growth during the last four years. My neighbors used to

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WHAT’S NEXT: Tomlinson says he looks forward to volunteering in community organizations, such as Boy Scouts of America, Free and Accepted Masons of California and the American Youth Soccer Organization.

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

Planning Commission Approves Several Permits THE LATEST: The Dana Point Planning Commission approved a set of permits during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Nov. 26.

A public hearing was held for a minor conditional use permit and a minor site development permit. The approval would allow the construction of a duplex with tandem parking and for walls greater than 30 inches visible from the public right of way in the Residential Duplex Zoning District at 34411 Via Gomez.

City staff recommended that the planning commission adopt a resolution approving both permits. No one spoke in opposition during the public hearing, and the commission approved the permits.

Residents Dick and Andrea Burridge applied for a coastal development permit for a 320-square-foot addition and remodel to a house in Monarch Bay. Staff delivered a presentation on the applicants’ plans and its compliance to code before the planning commission approved a permit.

Allen Chuang was present at the meeting on behalf of Raintree Partners for an application to permit the establishment of an administrative office/retail use bank on the ground floor of a building within boundaries of the Dana Point Town Center Plan, located at 34155 Pacific Coast Highway.

Ground-floor spaces are typically unavailable for office use within the Town Center Plan, but discussion was invoked on whether a banking branch was considered (Cont. on page 4) www.danapointtimes.com

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(Cont. from page 3) retail or administrative.

“At one point in time, banks functioned within an administrative office,” Commissioner Scott McKhann said. “Today, so much of administrative work has moved online. Branches are more of a retail space.”

The Commission unanimously voted to approve a conditional use permit allowing Union Bank to be located on the ground floor. Raintree Partners also received approval for a sign program permit.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Planning Commission commended city staff for its detailed presentations and collaboration with developers and the community.

A special meeting will be held by the Planning Commission on Monday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. in the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo. There will be a public hearing in consideration of a conditional use permit for the demolition of the existing parish hall and multiple office buildings. The project proposal includes a new narthex entrance for the existing sanctuary and retaining walls greater than 30 inches facing the public right of way for St. Edwards Catholic Church at 33926

Calle La Primavera. The demolition will include a total of more than 15,000 square feet. It will be replaced with the development of a new pastoral center totaling more than 25,000 square feet.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held Monday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Dana Point City Hall.

—LB

New Traffic Alleviation Alignment Coming from Board of Supervisors THE LATEST: As the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) continues its study of eight different ideas for traffic alleviation in South County, the Orange County Board of Supervisors is poised to consider a new road alignment.

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, who is the sponsor of the decision, has put together an alignment that would not require the taking of private property by the government and is mapped to run along the east side of the Prima Deshecha Landfill. It would start at Cow Camp Road and finish at Avenida La Pata on the San Clemente

side of the road.

The new road is being billed as the Los Patrones Parkway Extension (LPPE), which would be a northern and southern road with two lanes in each direction.

Bartlett’s office has estimated the new road would cost about $130 million, but there are some contingencies.

“This can change with scope (interchanges vs. intersections). Until a project is further studied, we won’t have a better (engineer’s) estimate,” Bartlett stated in an email. “There are a few projects we can compare LPPE to: Avenida La Pata was originally estimated at $72 million. Final cost was $129 million. It had significant funding challenges along the way. Los Patrones Pkwy was estimated at $103 million. Final cost is projected at $95 million.

Los Patrones was privately led.”

Bartlett said price fluctuations in construction materials could alter the final cost.

“We won’t get a better estimate until we keep moving forward,” Bartlett said. “To be conservative, we anticipate additional costs. A multi-agency effort would bring more resources to the table, avoid bond financing, and drive us towards a consensus-based regional capital program.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The alignment is expected to be on the Dec. 4 Orange County Board of Supervisors agenda. The decision will be whether to suggest the alignment to the TCA. A Nov. 7 letter from Darrell E. Johnson, the CEO of Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), said he had concerns about some of the proposals from TCA, as some of the projects are in conflict with the county’s long-term Measure M2 plans, which include extending the HOV lane from San Clemente to San Diego County.

TCA’s Idea 21 proposes expanding those lanes even further, something that’s also not popular with San Clemente residents.

Joel Zlotnik, a media affairs official with OCTA, said the transportation authority has already begun preliminary studies on the HOV lane.

“We have completed the first step in the development process and submitted a project study report to Caltrans,” Zlotnik said.

“We are waiting for Caltrans to approve that report, and then we can move into the environmental phase, which we expect to take approximately three years.”

A few other projects north of San Clemente could also be affected if some of the ideas come to fruition, Zlotnik said. —Eric Heinz

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NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Lord of the Strings to Perform in Dana Point The Black Market Trust will perform its Lord of the Strings concert series, with one performance scheduled for Dana Point on Friday, Nov. 30.

The Black Market Trust is a Los Angeles-based pop/vocal jazz band. It consists of five musicians who have traveled the globe recording and performing on the world’s biggest stages. Merging their love of everything from The Mills Brothers to The Beach Boys, Sinatra to Lennon/McCartney, the band has arranged lead and three-part vocal harmony lines.

“Be transported as they meld two distinctly different vibes—one of a gypsy campfire, the other a slick metropolitan nightclub— into a cohesive, stylish sound,” their band description reads online.

The Lord of the Strings concert performance will be held at Dana Point Recreation, 34052 Del Obispo Street. Tickets are available at www.lordofthestrings.com.

The show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Register Your Home for Holiday Home Decorating Contest The Dana Point Youth Board invites residents to participate in the annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Participants can register their decorated homes to be judged by the board. Awards will be given for the People’s Choice, Most Original, Best Use of a Theme and Best Overall.

Homes will be judged on creativity, originality and overall enthusiasm for the winter holidays.

All entries must be received by Tuesday, Dec. 11. The Youth Board will be judging entries on Thursday, Dec. 13 from 5:15-8:30 p.m. You can enter by filling out an online form at www.bit.ly /dphomedecorating. You can also email rjohnson@ danapoint.org or 949.248.3553.

Select entries will be published in the Dana Point Times after the Youth Board has announced the winners.

Child Guidance Center to Host 50th-Year Celebration Orange County business leaders and philanthropists will host the Child Guidance Center’s annual Holiday Tree Fantasy

Dana Point Times November 30-December 6, 2018

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1

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

The Black Market Trust will perform in Dana Point as part of its Lord of the Strings concert series. Photo: Courtesy of The Black Market Trust

event at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2, at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. This annual fundraiser benefits Child Guidance Center’s mental health services for vulnerable children, youth and teens in Orange County. The event includes a champagne reception, silent and live auctions, winepull, gourmet lunch and the opportunity to win one of the signature designer-decorated Christmas tree packages.

Event proceeds support Child Guidance Center’s mental health programs and services for more than 4,500 children, youth and family members annually at service locations across Orange County.

Tax-deductible sponsorship packages for the event range from $1,500 to $10,000.

Individual tickets are available for $175 each. To RSVP for the event, or to make a donation, go to www.cgc50.givesmart. com. To learn more about Child Guidance Center’s services, please visit www.childguidancecenter.com.

Volunteers Sought for Letters to Santa Program The City of San Juan Capistrano’s Community Services Department is asking for adults to help with its annual “Letters to Santa” program and is asking for volunteers.

The program has volunteers read letters and holiday wish lists from children in the community, then respond with a hand-written letter “from Santa.”

A report from the City Manager’s office encourages people to participate if they’re a child at heart and have good penmanship.

Materials are provided and letters can be written from the comfort of home.

More information can be found by calling the San Juan Capistrano Community Center at 949.493.5911.

Special Founder’s Day Program The San Clemente Historical Society will host a special Founder’s Day program this year. Legendary entertainer and San Clemente resident Jerry Velasco will talk about his longtime career as a musician and actor. He has worked with the biggest names in show business over the past seven decades. In pictures and words, Velasco will talk about appearing with everyone from Bing Crosby and Duke Ellington to Sammy Davis Jr. and Elvis Presley to Betty White and Chevy Chase. Many of the show business royalty even visited San Clemente. The versatile performer has also played for former President Richard Nixon. Velasco will also sing the Christmas song he wrote that has been recorded by performers all over the world.

In addition, San Clemente founder “Ole Hanson” and Historical Society members will unveil the long-awaited recreated weathervane, which will be restored to the top of the Ole Hanson Beach Club in a January ceremony. The original weathervane was destroyed in a storm decades ago. The project has been a longtime goal of the historical society. It was made possible in large part by funding from the San Clemente Garden Club.

The Founder’s Day program will be held 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, at the San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville (Calle Seville at Avenida Del Mar). Admission is free. Bring your friends and join the society for some holiday cheer.

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

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

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HEADLANDS NATURE WALK 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This walk focuses on the plants and the animals that can be found on the Dana Point Headlands. It is designed to introduce participants to our local plant communities, notably Coastal Sage Scrub, and to teach them about the wildlife that relies on it. Participants will learn specifically about our endemic (found only in Southern California), rare and endangered plants and animals. RSVP to DPNaturalResources@ danapoint.org or 949.248.3527.

34558 Scenic Drive.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council holds its regularly scheduled meeting. It will be held in the Council Chambers at Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

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 to join them at their weekly meeting. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

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.

www.danapointtimes.com

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Polishing the Details Monument Honoring the Legacy of Hobie Alter Nears Finishing Touches

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he awaited completion of the Hobie Memorial is nearing, as city officials expect it to be placed at its location near Doheny State Beach for the public to enjoy in early December.

The monument honors Dana Point legend Hobart “Hobie” Alter, the founder of the Hobie brand and the original Hobie Cat. His concept of the Hobie Cat—which was created to emulate Hawaiian canoes— developed from collaboration with his fellow surfers to develop a simple, easy design. The Hobie Cat 14 was then created in 1968.

“I distinctly remember seeing Hobie coming over (to my house) on a weekday—which was unusual for him—with shorts on, flip flops, a pencil behind his ear and a clipboard,” said Wayne Schafer, a longtime friend and owner of the beachfront property where the concept of the Hobie Cat was first developed. “He told me he was going invent a new kind of catamaran.”

Hobie demonstrated “initiative and leadership at

a time where surfing was frowned upon. If you were a surfer, you were looked down at. Today, surfing is much more acceptable. We need to acknowledge Hobie’s achievements for what they were in his lifetime.

”

—Henry Ford, longtime friend The design took sailing, a sport that had been too difficult or expensive in the past, and made it more welcoming for people to try. As the popularity for the Hobie 14 expanded beyond Dana Point, the need for production increased, ultimately leading to the creation of the Hobie Cat Company.

Schafer went on to travel all over the world Dana Point Times November 30-December 6, 2018

The Hobie Memorial statue is modeled after this photo of Hobie Alter operating a Hobie Catamaran. Photo: File

on behalf of Hobie to lead workshops and tutorials on operating the catamaran.

In his lifetime, Alter became a charter member of the Sailing Hall of Fame and was inducted in the Catamaran Sailor Magazine’s National Hall of Fame and the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame; he also received the Waterman Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away in Palm Desert on March 29, 2014 at the age of 80.

Upon his passing, friends close to Alter had the idea to erect a monument in his honor, recognizing his contribution to the area and to the surf industry. Robbie Roberson, president of the memorial’s board of directors, had worked for Hobie and partnered with Bruce Beal, an attorney and member of the Dana Point Historical Society. The idea gained momentum after being pitched to city officials and local civic groups.

The Hobie Memorial Foundation formed with a goal to create a landmark featuring Alter. Its mission statement claimed Alter’s legacy is a large part of the cultural and industrial history of Dana Point through his innovations in surfing, boating and skateboarding.

“Hobie demonstrated initiative and leadership at a time where surfing was frowned upon. If you were a surfer, you were looked down upon,” said Henry Ford, a friend of Alter’s and an organizer with the foundation. “Today, surfing is much more acceptable. We need to acknowledge Hobie’s achievements for what

they were in his lifetime.”

After scouting different locations, the foundation agreed to have it located near Doheny State Beach, at the new linear park adjacent to the South Cove development at 34202 Del Obispo Street. The statue, a bronze creation designed by local artist Lance Jost, will be the anchor piece of a series of statues of local legendary watermen, sculpted by local artist Bill Limebrook.

The statue is part of a collaboration between the City of Dana Point and Zephyr, the developer of South Cove.

“Zephyr is proud to partner with the City of Dana Point to bring this park to life,” said Chris Beucler, Zephyr’s Chief Operating Officer. “We value our relationship with the community and are excited to be a part of the unveiling of the Hobie Memorial, the first of many surfing monuments in the park, creating a space to honor the deep surf culture in Dana Point to be enjoyed by all for years to come.”

Zephyr is developing the land as part of the South Cove beach community development adjacent to the park; eventually, the park will be fully owned and managed by the city, a spokesperson for Zephyr said.

“Dana Point is home to many legendary watermen, but Hobie Alter is certainly one of the most noteworthy and has a tight bond to Dana Point,” said Dana Point City Manager Mark Denny. “The City Council recognized this and the importance of partnering with the Hobie Memorial Foundation to celebrate his legacy.”

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Upon completion of the memorial in Dana Point, the foundation will continue to work to keep Hobie’s legacy and influence alive through scholarships and active community engagement.

“Hobie had a tremendous influence on the culture of this city and ocean sports,” Denny said. “Hobie was regarded as a man with exceptional character who embodied ingenuity and hard work. It’s those qualities we celebrate with his family, friends, employees and those who knew him, and it’s those values we want to share with future generations and the community.”

The Hobie statue comes soon after the return of the Larry “Flame” Moore monument rock was returned to Salt Creek with official recognition from county officials, after its initial placement was deemed illegal. Moore was a renowned surf photographer credited with enhancing the careers of professional surfers.

A new exhibit showcasing the life and work of Alter is now on display at the John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana. A collection of historic photos of Alter can be viewed in the Vi Smith Concourse Gallery, located on the departure level, across from gates 2 through 5 in terminal A; gates 18 through 21 in terminal C and in the free-standing display cases across from Gate 14.

The Hobie Memorial is expected to be available for public viewing in early December. For up to date information on its installation, visit www.danapointtimes.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 11, Issue 48. 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

Letters to the Editor A RESPONSE TO GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT MURRAY MARGOLIS, Dana Point

In your early October edition, there was a letter supportive of Judge Kavanaugh and critical of those who opposed him. I thought that was a strange letter for our small city paper, but thought it required a respectful response.

Kavanaugh was never exonerated for (allegedly) assaulting two young women.

He was confirmed to the Supreme Court by the slimmest of margins on a near 100 percent partisan vote. The most recent poll shows 50 percent of Americans don't believe Kavanaugh; it is a higher percentage if you only include women. I discussed this with very conservative women. They thought that it is possible that he assaulted those women, but it did not matter. It was a long time ago, he was very young, he was heavily intoxicated, and boys will be boys. I can live with that. I was unhappy that Kavanaugh would never man-up. On Fox News, he described his younger days as a choirboy and a virgin. In the Senate interview, he blamed all his boorish behavior on the Democratic Party, and came off as a political hack, not a highly respected judge.

I feel sorry for Kavanaugh's family, but I feel worse for the families of those women he was accused of assaulting. I feel especially bad for the girl from the Catholic high school. Kavanaugh bragged in his high school yearbook that he had had his way with her. That unfortunate woman had been a supporter of Kavanaugh's appointment and was devastated when she found out about his yearbook.

The Republicans won the (presidential) election and have every right to choose the most conservative judges. I have been told that there are many highly respected judges that fit the bill. I think Kavanaugh was a very poor choice.

DARK MONEY PACS BUYING OUR ELECTION

didates Muller, Viczorek and Federico, or opposed their three most popular competitors, Jaeger, McGinn and Payne.

One key player was the Dana Point “Taxpayers” Association (DPTA), which also contributed over $40,000 to the effort to unsuccessfully oppose citizens’ Measure H in 2016. For the 2018 election, only Texas millionaire David Neal and Los Angeles billionaire Howard Ahmanson are named as DPTA contributors. All remaining donors are other PACs -- South Orange County Economic Coalition, Lincoln Club, and The California Real Estate PAC (CREPAC).

DPTA, in turn, made a $5,000 contribution to the so-called “Taxpayers Protection PAC,” which was responsible for a smear campaign of salacious mailers claiming pro-resident candidates were “puppets” of a developer who in reality gave $0 to their campaigns. I wonder which “taxpayers” these PACs purport to represent? Clearly not ordinary Dana Point residents.

Darkest of all is the “Orange County PAC,” which made direct contributions to the campaigns of all three Council winners.

This one is so dark that it only has a New York phone number, and a phone message that says “the google subscriber you are trying to reach is unavailable.”

CREPAC spent a total of $32,000 on this effort. Why were real estate interests so invested in the winning candidates? Does this relate to future development, or to the three winners’ expressed support for shortterm rentals?

The 2016 two-day rental ordinance that was overturned by resident referendum was very unpopular throughout Dana Point but especially in the two areas conveniently left without a vote this year—Lantern District and Capo Beach. If the new Council majority puts a short-term rental ordinance back on the agenda, perhaps they’ll impose it on all Dana Point residents, including those in HOAs. After all, if short-term rentals are a good thing, why would anyone need protection from them? An ordinance that does not apply to all residents would, of course, discriminate.

According to FPPC filings to date, PACs contributed $1.86 for every $1 individuals donated to campaigns for our three new Council members. Only time will tell what this dark money actually bought.

TIME FOR ACTION LARRY KRAMER, San Juan Capistrano

ALAN BELL, Dana Point

For the first time ever, Political Action Committees (PACs) poured over $60,000 into our recent City Council elections. All but $1,000 directly favored victorious can-

Climate change is real, with both worldwide and local effects. The federal government just issued a report discussing its real-world effects. The report concludes “that the evidence of human-caused climate

change is overwhelming...” While the cause is worldwide, we are seeing the effects in our local area, including extreme heat in the summer, more drought, a gradual change from a Mediterranean climate to a desert climate, more danger of fires, tropical diseases moving north, sea-level rises and the ocean becoming more acidic.

We are past the point of discussion. It is time for action. You can either sit on your hands or begin to take action. Do you want to tell your children and grandchildren that you knew about climate change but did nothing? Most positive changes in our society have begun by a few people at the local level.

There is much that the city can do and has already done and much that you can do. Feel empowered. Tell the City Council, your state and federal officials that you are concerned. Look for ways that you can reduce your use of carbon fuels.

Do you want examples? When buying a car or truck, look for the most fuelefficient models. The Ecology Center is a great place to buy locally-grown food, reducing fuel usage for transportation.

Buy a bike and ride it for local errands.

Consider installing solar power. Plant drought-tolerant plants. Give up meat one day a week. Wash clothes in cold water.

Change to LED lighting.

Join the Citizens’ Climate Lobby for our monthly meetings as we discuss ways to move forward. We are a nonpartisan group meeting at 9:30 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month at St. Andrews bythe-Sea United Methodist Church at 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente.

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.

CORRECTION: In the Nov. 23-29 edition of the Dana Point Times, a photo of sanderlings was incorrectly used in association with the article Peace for the Plovers. An updated version is available online, with photos of Western Snowy Plovers.

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Dana Point Times November 30-December 6, 2018

Page 7

www.danapointtimes.com

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: ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’ is Family-Friendly

EDITOR’S PICK

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 | 30 DHARMA YOGA HOUSE DONATION-BASED YOGA 6-7 a.m. Join for a donation-based morning Vinyasa yoga class every Friday at Dharma Yoga House. All levels welcome.

Recommended donation of $5-$10.

Dharma Yoga House. 34207 PCH. www.dharmayogahouse.com.

Photo: DISNEY

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

On Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2, families can enjoy a free 20-minute cruise with Santa. Photo: Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

Saturday | 01

SATURDAY, DEC. 1 AND SUNDAY, DEC. 2: FREE BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA 10 a.m.-2.pm. Santa and his helpers listen to Christmas wishes during this free 20-minute harbor cruise on Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3. Bring your camera and enjoy the tradition Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching has offered families for generations. A $5 donation to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club is suggested. No reservations required. 888.224.5794. 34675 Golden Lantern. www.danawharf.com

5TH ANNUAL POTTERY SALE 9 a.m. The Surfing Potter will put on its annual sale for bowls, coffee cups, plates, sake cups, vases and porcelain products.

All pieces are handmade. For more information, visit The Surfing Potter Facebook page or email phil_delgado@att.net. The sale will be held at 24941 Danafir.

its Spearfishing Series. Reserve tickets and learn what equipment you need online at www.beachcitiesscuba.com. 949.443.3858.

34283 Pacific Coast Highway.

UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATER CLEAN-UP 9-11 a.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari invites the public to put on a favorite ugly holiday sweater and come out for a beach clean-up at Salt Creek. Go to www. goo.gl/nuddkG to register. Bring resuable gloves, close-toed shoes, buckets, weatherappropriate clothing, water and sunscreen.

All ages. 949.488.2828. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway. www.dolphinsafari.com.

UNIQUE DIAMOND NONPROFIT GALA 6-11 p.m. Enjoy an oceanfront venue, live music, gourmet dinner, cocktails, auction and holiday festivities, all in the spirit of giving. A portion of proceeds from the gala will help serve underprivileged children in the area. Attire is semi-formal and admission is $250 per guest. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25136 Park Lantern.

For RSVP or inquiries, contact lauren@ diamondpeo.com or call 714.796.9110.

Monday | 03 HOLIDAY TEA 2:30-3:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea at Raya, featuring an array of tea, savory canapés, and sweet bites in an elegant ocean-view setting at The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

Holiday Tea is served Monday through Thursday, Nov. 26 through Dec. 13, with seating from 2:30-3:30 p.m. and $75 per person. Reservations can be booked in advance by calling 949.240.2000. One Ritz Carlton Drive. www.ritzcarlton.com.

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

Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real.

949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

Sunday | 02

Tuesday | 04

SPEARFISHING SERIES 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn the intricacies of spearfishing as Beach Cities Scuba hosts

TWO TIMIN’ TUESDAYS 6-9 p.m. Hennessey’s presents Two Timin’ Tuesdays, where all day every Tuesday, all

Dana Point Times November 30-December 6, 2018

year long, customers can choose from any burger on the menu including the featured Burger of the Month and get the second burger free. Dine-in only. Hennessey’s Tavern, 34111 La Plaza. 949.488.0121.

Wednesday | 05 IHEARTYOGA IN THE PARK 10 a.m. Donation-based outdoor yoga for everyone, in front of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Dana Point in Lantern Bay Park. Suggested donation $8. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

Thursday | 06 TIDEPOOL HIKE 2-4 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a tide pool hike led by expert naturalists. The hike goes through the rocky Marine Conservation Area located directly behind the Ocean Institute. Families can explore the area and search for snails, crabs, sea stars, and other animals that make the tide pools their home.

The winter months are the best time to explore these magical marine ecosystems.

Tickets are $15 per person. Reserve tickets online at www.ocean-institute.org. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.496.2274.

Page 8

M

uch like Pixar’s The Incredibles (2004) turned out to be one of the best superhero movies out there even without a primary source, Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph (2012) has been arguably the best video game movie to date—despite the characters and games being completely fictional.

Now the much anticipated follow-up for Ralph comes with the very meta, pop culture-centered Ralph Breaks the Internet.

Six years have gone by since Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) and Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) became friends despite their arcade-game differences.

Vanellope is beginning to find her “Sugar Rush” design boring and predictable, just as the main handle of the game breaks off. Arcade owner Mr. Litwick (Ed O’Neill) thinks it’ll just be easier to replace Sugar Rush with a newer game, right as a WiFi router is installed in the main office. With the internet, Ralph and Vanellope discover many solutions to their problem.

Jack McBrayer and Alan Tudyk return, and Gal Gadot, Taraji P. Henson and Alfred Molina appear as new characters. The new Ralph movie has been getting a lot of buzz because its use of the internet as a setting makes it possible for a bunch of cameos from other Disney icons, particularly a sequence with all the Disney princesses together.

Because of all the characters and references, the story does get a little lost along the way. But for a Thanksgiving release, it is fun to see how G-rated Ralph attempts to make the entire internet look familyappropriate. DP

www.danapointtimes.com

Claus. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

Holiday Happenings SATURDAY, DEC. 1

‘Santa Paws’ Photos 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bring your four-legged companion with you to get some pictures with Santa Claus. Pictures will be taken in the El Torito Courtyard. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point.

949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com.

Boat Rides with Santa

Puttin’ on the Glitz 5-8 p.m. Head to downtown San Clemente for an evening of shopping, dining and visit with Santa Claus and holiday carolers. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.218.5378. www.villagesanclemente.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 2

Merry Monarch – A Festive Tree Lighting 3-5:45 p.m. Enjoy musical performances put on by students, cocoa and cookies and visits with Santa Claus at this Monarch Beach Resort event. The evening will conclude with the official lighting of a holiday tree presented by Ellen K of radio station KOST. Proceeds from the event go to support The Care Foundation, which raises funds for local schools. Ticket options begin at $10.

One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point. www.monarchbeachresort.com.

Yappy Howl-iday Celebration

10 a.m.–2 p.m. Head down to the Dana Wharf Docks for a free boat ride with Santa. No reservation is necessary. Boat rides will happen at the same time on Dec. 2 as well. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point.

949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Canines will have a great time at this holiday-themed “yappy hour” at The Ritz Carlton, which will have them lapping up meat or vegan-flavored libations while their human companions enjoy wine, beer or a cocktail. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

City of San Juan Capistrano Christmas Celebration

Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano

4-5:45 p.m. Head to the Historic Town Center Park for an evening of entertainment and a Christmas tree lighting. Free parking and event shuttle service is available.

31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.5911. www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

A Christmas Concert 4 p.m. Enjoy music of the Christmas season at San Clemente Presbyterian Church with a concert featuring a chamber orchestra, Christmas choir, children’s choir, hand bells and a worship band. Shop a gift fair afterward. 119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente. 949.492.6158. www.scpres.org.

Christmas at The Mission 5:30-8 p.m. Join Mission San Juan Capistrano for its first-ever Christmas tree lighting.

Las Golondrinas restaurant will be serving savory tamales and 3:16 Bakery will be serving hot cocoa and sweet treats. Tickets are $7. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

Winter Festival and Tree Lighting 12-5:30 p.m. Head to La Plaza Park in Dana Point for holiday activities including carnival games, a craft fair, face painting, a petting zoo, a Lego Santa’s Village Workshop and more. The annual tree lighting will take place at 5:15 p.m. Free cookies and hot chocolate will be served. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point.

949.248.3536. www.danapoint.org.

Christmas at The Casa 5-7:30 p.m. See Casa Romantica decorated for the holidays during this free open house event, which will feature live music, choral groups, kids’ crafts, refreshments, a talking tree and the jolly man himself – Santa

5 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano will be having a nightly tree lighting each night from Dec. 2 through Jan. 6, 2019. Visitors must be on the grounds before 5 p.m. to enjoy the lighting experience. Tree lighting will not take place Dec. 24, 25 and 31. $7 for children and $10 for adults. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300.

MONDAY, DEC. 3

Tree Lighting at Pines Park 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Head to Pines Park in Capistrano Beach for Santa visits, games, carolers, a dog costume parade from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. and the tree lighting, hot chocolate and cookies at 5 p.m. 34941 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point.

949.248.3502. www.danapoint.org.

THURSDAY, DEC. 6

SKATING UNDER THE STARS 6-8:30 p.m. Come to the ice rink at Irvine Spectrum every Thursday through Jan. 6 for Themed Thursdays. Come dressed for a different theme each week and receive $5 off. The first theme for December is Reindeers & Red Noses. 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine. 949.790.4871. www.irvinespectrumcenter.com.

FRIDAY, DEC. 7

The Nutcracker at Casa Romantica 7-8 p.m. See the holiday classic The Nutcracker performed by the Orange County Ballet Theater in the cozy Main Salon of the Casa. Tickets are $40. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS PET ADOPTION FAIR

Holiday Happenings continued

10 a.m.-2 p.m. The City of Irvine Animal Care Center will host its 12th annual Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Fair. More than 30 pet rescue groups and animal shelters will bring about 600 homeless dogs, cats, rabbits and small animals for adoption. For more information email dharris@cityofirvine.org or call 949.724.7740. Irvine Animal Care Center, 6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine.

FRIDAY, DEC. 14

2nd Annual Holiday Concert FRIDAY, DEC. 7

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights 7:30 p.m. Boaters will decorate their boats to vie for awards and light up the harbor with a parade. Event also happens at the same time on Dec. 8, 14 and 15. People can watch the parade for free anywhere in the harbor or make reservations to view it from one of the nearby restaurants. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point. 949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com.

Take a Santa Selfie 4:30-7:30 p.m. Bring your your cameras to the Dana Point Harbor to get a selfie with Santa. The event will also take place on Dec. 8, 14 and 15. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point.

949.923.2255. www.danapointharbor.com.

Holiday Lights Viewing Party 6:30-9 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for hot cocoa (bring your own mug), gold panning, country line dancing and other activities as part of their annual viewing party for the Dana Point Harbor Drive Boat Parade of Lights. Tickets for the party are $15. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

SHARING THE SPIRIT HOLIDAY PARTY 9 p.m. For the 12th year, The Happiness Project and Festival of Children Foundation present the largest initiative to help homeless children in Orange County. The two organizations will take over South Coast Plaza after it closes on Friday, Dec. 7 at 9 p.m. to give these children the best night ever. The celebration includes taking pictures with Santa, a warm meal with dessert, more than 30 activity stations, and gift bags customized to age and gender. You can make a donation at www.helpockids.org or get more information on how to volunteer. The Happiness Project is located at 16692 Burke Lane, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

SUNDAY, DEC. 9

1st EVER PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTING 4 p.m. For the first time, Dana Point will host the first public lighting of a 9-foot Hanukkah Menorah. Festivities after the lighting, which will be held on the last night of Hanukkah, will include music, dancing, latkes, doughnuts, photo booth, crafts for the kids and more. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. 949.290.0628. www.jewishdanapoint.com.

7:30 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony will be having its second annual Holiday Concert.

Guests will be able to hear a number of classic holiday hits during the concert, not only from the symphony itself, but also from the Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Church Choir.

Tickets are $25 general admission and $20 for seniors, students younger than 18 and active military. www. danapointsymphony. com. 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point.

SATURDAY, DEC. 15

Gingerbread House Making 10-11 a.m. Have your kiddos experience some old-timey holiday magic at Casa Romantica by having them make ginger bread houses using gingerbread, frosting and candy. Event is free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 16

Gingerbread House and Holiday Cookie Decorating 2-4 p.m. Get your family together at The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel to make gingerbread houses and holiday cookies.

Children can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate. The cost is $175 per Gingerbread House. Call to reserve your space. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

THURSDAY, DEC. 20

Christmas Bird Counting at The Reserve 8 -11 a.m. Head to The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and participate in the annual Audubon Christmas bird count. More than 80 species of birds have been seen at The Reserve in previous years. Participants are encouraged to visit Audubon’s website to learn more about the event, one of the oldest “citizen science” events in the country.

28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

MONDAY, DEC. 31. – JAN. 1

New Year’s at San Juan Hills Golf Club 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. Ring in the New Year at San Juan Hills Golf Club with a DJ and a special guest band. The event will feature tapas, appetizer stations and a Champagne toast.

Guests will be able to take home a souvenir photo from a New Year’s-themed photo experience. Tickets are $100. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1167. www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

Cool PIcks: gift ideas for everyone on your list

Holiday Offer $9 a unit for Xeomin ® or $10 a unit for Botox ® Riviera Laser Studios 34189 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 201 Dana Point • 949.370.3177 rivieralaser.com

Stone Skulls – Sold Separately

Malachite – 1 ¾” x 1 1/8” • Pyrite – 2” x 7/8” Chevron Amethyst – 2” x 1 ¼” • Sodalite – 3” x 5 ¾”

$40.00-$1250.00

Designs By Nature 400 South El Camino Real, A San Clemente • 949.498.8358 designsbynature.com

$99.99

Fit 3-D scan: Body Composition, Measurements, and Postural Assessment. Holiday Special $20 (Reg. $40). Valid until 1/31/19

Moldy Toes Records 217 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.444.8275 facebook.com/moldytoesrecords

Piazza Wellness Center 24941 Dana Point Harbor Drive, C120, Dana Point • 949.388.8890 piazzawellness.com

Audio-Technica Turntable AT-LP60 turntable

DP

Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Thousands Trot on Thanksgiving The 41st Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot Draws Crowd for Thanksgiving Tradition

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he Dana Point Turkey Trot attracted at least 9,000 runners across all four of its racing events this year. The 41st annual Thanksgiving event included a 10K, two 5K races, a kids’ Gobble Wobble race and a two-day health expo.

The first-place winners for the men’s and women’s 10k race were Harry Mulenga and Brenda Flores. Mulenga finished at 29:45 and Flores finished at 33:47.

The races benefited local charities, including the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and the Pet Project Foundation. The 5th Marine Regiment Support Group works to raise funds and provide materials needed by deployed 5th Marines and their families in Camp Pendleton and nearby housing areas. The Pet Project Foundation works to provide pro-humane care to lost and abandoned animals. The shelter ensures that every animal in its care will have a safe refuge until a permanent, loving home can be found.

To see race times, runners’ rankings and more photos, visit www.turkeytrot.com. More photos are also available at www.danapointtimes.com. Pre-registration for the 2019 Dana Point Turkey Trot is now available online. DP

Thousands gathered at the Dana Point Harbor on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 22 to participate in the Dana Point Turkey Trot. Photos: Lillian Boyd

Pet of the Week: Astro

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

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

Dana Point Times November 30-December 6, 2018

ne-and-half-year-old Astro is a handsome guy with a big, silly personality. He has lots of energy and loves getting his exercise outdoors. Astro would likely make a great jogging buddy and would do best in an active household.

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

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

Page 17

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Made in Heaven Mermade Market Offers Handmade and Local Goods for Holiday Shoppers

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he Mermade Market returns to Dana Point for the 11th time, bringing more than 100 small businesses and DIY crafters for a three-day shopping event.

The biannual market began as a festival for DIY creators, but soon developed to include local, small businesses, too. After five years since its inception, founders Elise and Andrew Capener are particularly proud of this year’s roundup of artists and vendors.

“We had such an overwhelming amount of vendors apply for the (Winter 2018) market that we were fortunate enough to choose the best of the best,” Andrew Capener said. “We’ve brought on a very diverse set of creators so that people will be able to find products that are truly unique.”

The Mermade Market will be held Dec.

Shoppers peruse handmade and locally sourced products on display at Mermade Market in Dana Point. Photos: Courtesy of Elise and Andrew Capener

6-8 at the Dana Point Community House.

While the vendors stationed indoors will be consistent throughout the event, the outdoor vendors will be different each day.

“This is the perfect alternative to holiday shopping at a mall or department

store, because you’re supporting small business and creativity. With our variety of vendors, you’ll find something for everyone: dudes, moms, grandmas, friends…”

Andrew Capener said.

The Mermade Market is free and offers

activities to kids, such as drawing and a live book reading, courtesy of the Dana Point Library. There will be live music featured on Saturday, Dec. 8. For more information, visit www.mermademarket.com or call 949.672.8019. DP

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

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

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

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

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

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

State Farm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MASSAGE THERAPY

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

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

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

Bill Metzger Plumbing

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

SCHOOLS

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

SPECIALTY BEAUTY

Belant Studio

Monarch Bay Plaza, 949.520.1771, www.belantstudio.com

Want to be featured here?

Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

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

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE December 1st, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Frig. lower drawer 25.9 CU feet $225, deluxe gas dryer, like new $195, large newer barbeque $95.

Lots of everything! 32932 Paseo Del Lucero, San Juan Capistrano.

GARAGE SALE Cleaning out garage just in time for Christmas. Many items including steamer trunk, rocking chair, western items, collectibles, women’s clothes, housewares, bird cage, craft items, jewelry, etc. Saturday Dec. 1 from 8 2. 3120 Calle Grande Vista, S.C.

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

HELP WANTED HELP WANTEDDANA POINT MARINA INN Dana Point Marina Inn is looking to fill the following opening: Front office/reservations/ desk clerks (AM and PM shifts) Housekeeping Supervisors (Full Time - Days) Dana Point Marina Inn Apply in Person at 24800 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629 949-496-1203

HELP WANTED-RDA/RDAEF We have a beautiful, modern office, a wonderful patient population, an enthusiastic team and a sincere periodontist dedication to quality care. Three to four days a week, possible leading to full-time. Previous dental experience, a great attitude and strong work ethic are our first priority. Bilingual is a plus!

Please send resume and a paragraph about yourself to: southcountyperio@aol.com. We look forward to meeting you.

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

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

949.388.7700 ext. 102

Dana Point Times November 30-December 6, 2018

Page 19

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

up nicely with the rest of the Dolphins’ top accomplishments this season. Dana Hills earned a silver runner-up plaque at the CIF-SS Division 1 finals on Nov. 17, took seven of the top eight positions to dominate the South Coast League Finals once again and became the first team to win four consecutive Orange County Championships.

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Cross Country Takes Third at State The Dana Hills cross country group completed yet another strong season in its long legacy with another podium finish at the State Championships.

The Dolphins put three runners in the top 31 and their scoring five in the top 51 to earn third place in Division 1 at the CIF State Championships at Woodward Park in Fresno on Saturday, Nov. 24.

Dana Hills was in the team lead after the first mile with three runners in the top six and five in the top 22, but by the second mile, fellow Southern Section powers

Swift, Fresenius Advance to Final 16 in Tennis Dana Hills’ cross country team accepts third-place award at the CIF State Championships on Saturday, Nov. 24. Photo: Courtesy of Dana Hills Cross Country

Great Oak and West Ranch pulled ahead of the Dolphins, and that’s how the final standings read, with Great Oak emerging as state champion.

Great Oak won with 61 points, West Ranch at 72 and Dana Hills posted 134 points to finish ahead of Dublin with 166.

The Dolphins posted one of the stronger five-man spreads with only a 38-second gap between their runners, which was the seventh-best in Division 1.

Senior Simon Fuller closed out his Dana

Hills cross country career with a time of 15:18 to pace the Dolphins by finishing 11th overall. Junior Carrick Denker came in at 21st with a personal-record 5,000-meter time of 15:32. Sophomore Brandon Pizano was the third Dolphin across the line with a time of 15:43 in 31st place.

Seniors Cole Stark and Garrett Hough finished side-by-side with times of 15:56.6 and 15:56.7 to finish 50th and 51st, respectively.

The third-place State bronze stacks

Dana Wharf Fish Count

Here are the latest fish counts from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching: Nov. 28 • 1 boat, 15 anglers: 4 calico bass, 3 sand bass, 1 sheephead, 6 rockfish, 1 trigger fish, 46 bass released.

Another quality week of fall action as Halibut Derby leaderboard fills up

Nov. 27 • 2 boats, 46 anglers: 9 calico bass, 5 sand bass, 5 sheephead, 100 rockfish, 60 vermillion rockfish, 40 bocaccio, 8 whitefish, 8 bonito, 45 bass released.

Nov. 26 • 3 boats, 46 anglers: 5 calico bass, 2 sand bass, 5 sheephead, 45 rockfish, 50 vermillion rockfish, 45 bocaccio, 85 whitefish, 1 bonito, 1 triggerfish, 65 bass released.

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

S

olid shallow-water action and growth in the Halibut Derby made for a decent week of fall fishing over Thanksgiving at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

In his weekly report, Captain Brian Woolley said that the half-day trips saw more clean water close to shore at about 65 degrees that made for good bass and sheephead catches. The sheephead responded to exotic baits such as shrimp, clams and mussels, and the bass were a nice size coming off flyline catches.

The three-quarter day trips did well with the fish along the bottom. There was a haul of whitefish and rockfish on Black Dana Point Times November 30-December 6, 2018

The Dana Hills doubles team of Courtney Swift and Drae Fresenius won their round of 32 match on Tuesday, Nov. 27 to advance to the round of 16 at the CIF-SS Individual Championships at Whittier Narrows Tennis Center.

The round of 16 and quarterfinals took place on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at Seal Beach Tennis Center, but the pair were unable to advance.

The South Coast League champions had only been paired up at league finals, but they won that title and advanced through individual sectionals on Nov. 19.

Swift is headed to the Air Force Academy, and Fresenius is off to San Jose State for volleyball. DP

The Halibut Derby leaderboard continues to fill up, with 24 of the 25 spots taken as the first month of the competition nears a close. Photo: Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

Friday, as the whitefish were drawn to squid strip bait and the rockfish taking to the sardines. Woolley said that coltsniper jigs were a solid option for those not fishing with bait.

The trips also pulled in a few bonito in deep water, but less than previous weeks.

In the Halibut Derby, the leaderboard continues to fill up, with 24 of the 25

spots now filled. The leader continues to be the 25-pounder caught on the opening weekend, but there are now eight catches of 10 pounds or more. There is plenty of time remaining to challenge for the top spots as the Derby runs until the end of March.

For more information on the Halibut Derby, check out danawharf.com.

Page 20

Nov. 25 • 3 boats, 93 anglers: 2 calico bass, 8 sand bass, 13 sheephead, 2 whitefish, 2 bonito, 6 halibut, 1 thresher shark, 59 bass released.

Nov. 24 • 5 boats, 129 anglers: 54 bonito, 7 calico bass, 12 sand bass, 5 sheephead, 57 whitefish, 66 rockfish, 55 vermillion rockfish, 30 bocaccio, 146 bass released.

Nov. 23 • 5 boats, 149 anglers: 22 calico bass, 34 sand bass, 5 sheephead, 113 whitefish, 115 rockfish, 75 vermillion rockfish, 26 bocaccio, 43 bonito, 169 bass released. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Talking ‘Momentum’ New HBO film documents the story of Kelly Slater and the Momentum Generation

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s been nearly 30 years since Kelly Slater groggily mumbled, “It’s the morning of the final.”

The year was 1990, and a young Slater was exploding onto the surf scene with a statement-making victory at the Body Glove Surf Bout at Lower Trestles.

Signing a record-breaking contract with surf-wear company Quiksilver on the beach, Slater and his crew—dubbed the “Momentum Generation”—were on the cusp of changing the sport of surfing forever.

But predating that famous Lowers performance, during the winter of ’89, Slater, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Kalani Robb, Ross Williams and a handful of other characters all lived under one roof on the North Shore of Oahu. San Diego surfer Benji Weatherly’s mom had rented a house right on the beach at Pipeline and opened the doors to her son’s friends.

“Sure, we all already knew each other for a few years prior, but this house was the place that allowed us to hang out together for hours upon hours, days upon days, and weeks upon weeks,” Williams said. “The friendships that were fostered

The Momentum Generation at Benji Weatherly’s mom’s house at Pipeline, Hawaii, during the winter of 1989. Photo: Art Brewer/SURFER Magazine

would catapult us as a group into stardom.”

A huge cog in the wheel of this success was the timing of a young filmmaker from San Diego named Taylor Steele.

“He came to Hawaii for the winter of ’89 to surf and video his friends. He stayed in a rusty old van that he just so happened to park in front of Benji’s house,” Williams said. “All the pieces came together for his eventual project that helped change the surf world.”

In ’92, Steele cobbled the footage together, got the OK from a few of his favorite punk bands to use their driving, up-tempo music as a soundtrack, and released Momentum on VHS. His parents practically laughed him out of the house— until he sold out of copies. The film was an instant success.

The story of how it all went down is now being told in a full-length documentary produced by HBO and Universal Pictures,

GROM OF THE WEEK

WESTLEY YOUNG

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

L

as Palmas Elementary School doesn’t have a long, storied surf program like other schools in the San Clemente and Dana Point area; in fact, it’s only a couple of years into the process. But what it lacks in experience, it more than makes up for in stoke.

Earlier this month at the Soul Surf team competition in Oceanside over Veterans Day weekend, the Las Palmas Surf Team pulled a huge upset win.

Taking out highly respected programs,

Dana Point Times November30-December 6, 2018

The Las Palmas Elementary School Surf Team picked up a milestone victory over Veterans Day weekend in Oceanside. Photo: Courtesy of Noreen Bemus

including San Clemente’s Concordia Elementary School as well as schools from Laguna Beach and Encinitas, it was the

with executive producer credits going to the one and only Robert Redford.

“There is a lot to cover in 30 years, but as a director I was trying to figure out where they were leading the story as they conducted the interviews and put the pieces together,” Steele said when it was time to sit down for his interview. “I was nervous, because we talked about being honest and saying what really happened, and you never know what’s going to happen when you come out on the other side of something like that.”

The movie premiered in Santa Monica on Nov. 8 and will debut on HBO at 7 p.m.

PST on Dec. 11.

Momentum Generation is an intriguing dive behind the scenes of how a few kids from Florida, Hawaii and California were able to turn the sport of surfing on its collective head. Somehow, they were all on hand to share in the moment.

first big victory for the school.

Anchored by Westley Young, who won the boys under-10 and boys under-12 divisions, it was a proud moment for Young and his dad, Jason Young, who moonlights as the Las Palmas surf coach.

“These guys love surfing together and don’t miss a session,” coach Young said.

“The crew is a fixture in the dawn patrol sessions around town, and it’s clearly paid off. It’s great to see Las Palmas in the mix, and we’re looking forward to more great things from this crew.”

Joining Young in Oceanside were Piper team members Connor Bemus, Chase Mathieson and Nate Stacy. DP

Page 22

“Benji suggested we all dress as Reservoir Dogs, but it is kind of a miracle we’re all in suits,” laughed Steele.

“It was this time in our lives where things were moving and naturally changing. It was really exciting. We were all at Benji’s house and it was the focal point where we all came together and grew up together,” added Slater.

In their heyday, the Momentum crew was notoriously squeaky clean. It was seemingly all good vibes and high fives, but as the surfers came of age and there was more at stake in their professional careers—money and world titles on the line—covert rivalries brewed and tensions sometimes flared.

“I’ll speak for all of us, we probably went to sleep after sitting for an eight-hour interview wondering if we said something that would later be used against us,” said Machado, who famously missed out on the ’95 world title in the seminal “highfive” moment during the Pipeline Masters.

“They weren’t asking us about where we learned to surf or any of that stuff. They went straight for the jugular.”

The idea for the project began six years ago, after Steele put together a reunion trip to the Mentawai Islands for the original Momentum crew. When they got back home, Machado and his long-time manager, Justine Chiara, came up with the concept for the documentary.

“For us, coming from outside the surf world, it was really important that we were going to do this, that they were willing to go beyond just making a surfing film.

That was really encouraging to us,” said director Jeff Zimbalist. “The focus from the onset were the bonds of friendship and family, but then also this insider’s look at the cultural zeitgeist of the ’90s that this Momentum crew is at the center of.” DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-65 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: WNW swell mix continues Friday down just slightly but still easily overhead on sets at most open exposures. Secondary S swell is building. Winds looking onshore for the day. Surf heights gradually come down into early next week with easing WNW swell mix and holding to fading S swell. Be sure to check Surfline.com for all the details and that longer range outlook.

www.danapointtimes.com