November 2, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

November 2-8, 2018

YO U

C A N

U S E

Vintage Surfboard Club Holds Board Swap PAGE 15 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 44

Clash of the Candidates

Foes Go to Extremes in City Council Elections with Mailers and Mysterious Website E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

A website with the URL www.StopSlickSanford.com has made its rounds within social media dialogue on this year’s Dana Point City Council race.

DPYC Announces Amount Raised for Military Support Group EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

A Look at Dollars Donated to Campaigns EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Guest Opinion: James Lenthall on Harbor Lease Signing SOAPBOX/PAGE 8

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

and questions via the webinar user interface.

The NRC staff will provide participation guidance during the webinar. The public can participate by providing written questions and comments throughout the meeting.

WHAT’S NEXT: People can register for the webinar at www.nrc.gov. A specific link to the webinar will be provided in this article at www.danapointtimes.com.—Staff

should know this week

Election Day 2018 to Determine Members on Dana Point City Council THE LATEST: Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6, but only about 60 percent of Dana Point voters will have the option to participate in the city council election.

That’s because this is the first election in Dana Point that incorporates districting for a seat on City Council. Districts 1, 2 and 3 are up for election while 4 and 5 are not. Vying to represent District 1 are incumbent Mayor Pro Tem Joe Muller, former Financial Review Committee member Joseph Jaeger and Amy Foell. Constituents in District 2 will choose between incumbent Mayor Richard Viczorek, former councilmember Scott Schoeffel and Mark McGinn. Charles Payne and Jamey Federico, both political newcomers, are vying for the District 3 seat. Members of a district are only able to vote for a candidate running in their own district. Districts 4 and 5 will hold an election in 2020.

Leading up to the election, the Dana Point Times published six questions, one each week, posed to each individual who qualified for the ballot. Be sure to visit www.danapointtimes.com to see how each of the candidates answered questions on short-term rentals, homelessness, finance, personal experience, political priorities and more. Look for the 2018 Election Guide as well, for information on other candidates running to represent the residents of Dana Point on a state and federal level.

WHAT’S NEXT: If you’re unsure of which polling location to visit or which candidates will appear on your ballot, visit www.ocvote.com. —Lillian Boyd

DPYC Announces Dollar Amount Raised for Military Support Group THE LATEST: The Dana Point Yacht Club raised more than $50,000 for the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group after the Richard Henry Dana Regatta was held in September, making it the largest donation the support organization has ever received in its 10 years of service.

About 70 volunteers provided their service to seeing the event through.

Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

Local Artist’s Hidden Painting Found after 10 Years, More to be Found

Organizers with the Dana Point Yacht Club present a check for more than $50,000 to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. Photo: Lillian Boyd

The DPYC chooses a beneficiary each year for its annual fundraiser. The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group was selected for its work in offering strong support to members of the military and their dependents.

“The organization works in a variety of ways to be a source of support for the military community. We mail comfort packages to members of the military deployed in the Middle East. We hold baby showers for military wives, offer camp scholarships for dependent children. We offer morale boosting events, organize holiday festivities,” said Terri Rifkin, President of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. “It’s important for us as a nation to work to provide community support to our members of service.”

The fundraising event included a silent and live auction, a two-day sailing regatta, standup paddleboard and outrigger races, and raffles.

WHAT’S NEXT: After the success of this year’s fundraiser, the DPYC Board of Directors voted to extend the program for another two years. Anyone interested in making additional donations can contact DPYC at www.dpyc.org and specify that the donation is for the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. —LB

CREPAC reported expenditures for mailers in the month of October that either supported candidates Richard Viczorek, Joseph Muller or Jamey Federico.

The total money spent, according to the 496 Independent Expenditure Reports available on www.danapoint.org at press time, totaled more than $15,000.

The Dana Point Taxpayers Association reported spending more than $10,000 on mailers that opposed the candidacies of Charles Payne, Mark McGinn and Joe Jaeger. More than half of that money was dedicated to the mailers opposing Payne, a candidate for District 3. He faces Federico on the ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Both are political newcomers in the only district race that does not have a candidate that formerly or currently sits on council.

The Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs Independent Expenditure Committee reported spending nearly $10,000 on mailers that supported Federico last month.

At press time, there were no organizations listed on the City of Dana Point website reporting 496 Independent Expenditure Reports in support of candidates Charles Payne, Mark McGinn, Joe Jaeger, Scott Schoeffel or Amy Foell. —LB

NRC to Host Webinar on SONGS Canister Inspection

Organizations Make Large Donations to Select City Council Candidates THE LATEST: The California Real Estate Political Action Committee (CREPAC) and the Dana Point Taxpayers Association reported last month about a combined total of $25,000 that went toward mailers to support a slate of candidates while opposing another in the 2018 Dana Point City Council election.

THE LATEST: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is planning to host a webinar from noon-3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, to discuss the special inspection it conducted at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) to evaluate an Aug. 3 fuel-loading incident.

The webinar will begin with a presentation by NRC staff. During and following thepresentation, the public will have an opportunity to submit written comments

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THE LATEST: Subtleties like “SONGS” (San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station) engraved in an anchor or sea life pointing to a seemingly innocuous barnacle are part of the shrouded mysteries within Trevor Mezak’s paintings.

Recently, one of Mezak’s paintings that he hid 10 years ago was discovered by a family that had attended preceding art shows in which Mezak had left clues in his work at the RockStars of Art Gallery in Corona Del Mar. The painting was hidden at Trail 5 at San Onofre State Beach in a crevice of a bluff.

“At the time I hid the painting, I was kind of trying to get people off the internet and off their phones,” Mezak said.

The last set of clues was displayed about two weeks ago, which led the Noll family of San Clemente to its destination. Other people searching for the painting, Mezak said, were way off.

Jed Noll, his daughter, Trinity, and her friend, Taryn Medina, led the search along with his son, Coda, and wife Candice. The family spent about a year piecing the clues together before the last painting came out.

Clues such as Las Pulgas and other hints were enough for them to find it.

Other subtleties that would be known to locals, such as locations of restrooms with regard to other small landmarks, made it easier for the family that’s lived in the area for generations.

The name of the hidden painting that was found was “Hidden Journey.” His paintings are acrylic and applied with palette knife.

As far as this modern hunt goes, Mezak said it’s just the way he wanted it.

“The kids are actually getting the parents involved in this, which is exactly what I wanted to have happen,” Mezak said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Mezak said he plans to do two more hidden paintings. One will be fairly easy for people with a keen eye to find, but the last one will be so difficult that Mezak said he hopes it’s never found, or at least stays hidden for a long time. The paintings with the clues will be debuted in the next month and will be announced on www.rockstarsofart.com.

—Eric Heinz www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Community Meetings SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3

Orange County leaders and Dana Point Harbor Partners have come to an agreement on a 66-year lease for the harbor. Photo: File

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Master Lease Signing for Dana Point Harbor A ceremony and press conference will be held at the Dana Point Harbor for its master lease signing on Friday, Nov. 2. According to a press release sent out on behalf of Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, county officials and Dana Point Harbor Partners wish to celebrate this milestone of the 66-year agreement to invest $300 million.

Community meetings planned around a harbor revitalization plan first began about 21 years ago. In 2016, Bartlett and other county leaders proposed a plan to partner with private developers to see to a new and improved harbor. On July 17, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a recommended action to name the Dana Point Harbor Partners LLC (DPHP) the 66-year master lease holder and operator of the Dana Point Harbor. With the approval, the DPHP begin an option period of 90-120 days in which more structural details will be ironed out.

The ceremony and press conference will be held at 10 a.m. at Coffee Importers at 34531 Golden Lantern.

OCTA Says Pico Interchange Project is Finished The new HOV lanes have opened, the Avenida Pico interchange has been reconstructed and as of September the contractors on the I-5 South County Improvements Project have wrapped up their punch-list items, according to Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).

The project is done.

Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

“The project team would like to sincerely thank residents, business owners and the traveling public for their support, understanding and patience during construction,” a press release from OCTA stated.

Ongoing nighttime ramp and lane closures will continue to take place as part of a Caltrans project that began over the summer to repair and repave freeway lanes from El Camino Real in San Clemente to Junipero Serra in San Juan Capistrano. The $10.5 million Caltrans Maintenance project will resurface nearly nine miles of the freeway with rubberized asphalt.

For more information on that project, call or email Justin Lesniewski at Caltrans at 657.328.6594 or justin.lesniewski@dot.ca.gov.

Dana Point Historical Society Announces Field Trip Destination The Dana Point Historical Society will take its annual field trip on Thursday, Nov. 8 to visit cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg’s West Coast retreat. The structure is an 8,777-square-foot house built in 1926 on the northern edge of Cal Poly Pomona.

The home was a venue for hosting and entertaining Hollywood celebrities and to open the ranch to the public. Myron Hunt, a successful Southland architect whose projects included the Pasadena Rose Bowl and the Huntington Library, was commissioned to design Kellogg’s West Coast estate. Hunt designed the main house and guest cottage that visitors pass as they enter the main gate. Today, the Cal Poly Pomona university president and his family occupy the Manor House. Kellogg deeded the 813 acres of surrounding land to the state of California in 1949 before his death in 1951. In 1956, about 500 male students moved to the new Kellogg campus, with about 300 female students joining in 1961. The Pomona campus separated from the San Luis Obispo campus in 1966 to

become California State Polytechnic College, Kellogg Campus.

Participants on the field trip will leave the Strands parking lot at 9 a.m. and return at approximately 4 p.m. The cost is $60 for members and $70 for nonmembers. It includes bus transportation, admission to the house, grounds, stables and ranch farm market, as well as a buffet lunch.

For more information call 949-248-8121 or email events@DanaPointHistorical.org.

Dana Point Announces Director of Community Development The City of Dana Point has announced Matt Schneider will be heading up its Community Development Department as Director, effective immediately. Schneider has served as the planning manager for the city since May 2016.

According to a press release, Schneider came to Dana Point after eight years of service with the County of San Diego and County of Santa Barbara, where he served in various capacities in the Land Use Services Department, including fulfilling the role of Deputy Director of Planning and Development Services.

“Matt is a vital part of the Dana Point team and has provided meaningful contributions to the betterment of the department and the community,” said Dana Point City Manager Mark Denny in the release. “I look forward to working closely with Matt and his team as we focus on quality of life issues in the community, and advanced planning efforts.”

As Director of Community Development, Schneider will oversee the activities and operations of the department, which include, planning, code enforcement, building plan check and inspection administration. Schneider will oversee approximately 20 staff members.

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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, NOVEMBER 6

ELECTION DAY Registered voters living in Dana Point’s Districts 1, 2 and 3 will be selecting their next city council-members to represent them. There are also elections for county, state and federal representatives.

For more information on candidates, visit www.danapointtimes.com to see our 2018 Election Guide or visit www. ocvote.com to look up your polling place and voter registration information.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

MONARCH BEACH SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes anyone 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, NOVEMBER 8

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.

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

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

EYE ON DP

Clash of the Candidates Foes Go to Extremes in This Year’s City Council Elections with Mailers and Mysterious Website

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

D

ana Point’s District 3 race for a seat on city council is seeing an increasing amount of contention, as Election Day comes closer. This is the city’s first race implementing the newly drawn district lines, and District 3 is the only portion in the city election that is guaranteed to produce a political newcomer as a winner.

District 3 candidate Jamey Federico, a retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and business owner, has run a campaign that has often been associated with the campaigns of fellow candidates and incumbent councilmembers Richard Viczorek and Joseph Muller, running in Districts 1 and 2 respectively, based off campaign signage and support from common political action committees (PACs). Federico faces Charles Payne, a police lieutenant for the Riverside Police Department and a business owner. His campaign has been associated with fellow candidates Joe Jaeger and Mark McGinn, running in Districts 1 and 2 respectively, due to similar platforms, common donors and reports of joint fundraising.

A website with the URL www.StopSlickSanford.com has circulated around social media’s political dialogue. The webpage includes a photo of Sanford Edward, the developer for the Strand at Headlands community, meeting with city council candidate Payne and Dana Point resident Buck Hill at a restaurant table overlooking the beach. If you scroll down, you see the following text: “Why is Slick Sanford funding liberal activist Buck Hill and Councilwoman Debra Lewis’ slate of candidates that represent developers—not residents? Two years ago the city sued Edward for fraud, breach of contract, and not paying $553,000 in legal fees to the city. Three months later—after the 2016 elections—Edward donated nearly $20,000 to a PAC controlled by Buck Hill. One-third of Buck Hill’s donations came from Sanford Edward. Now they’re at it again.”

At the bottom of the web page, it states the domain is paid for by the Taxpayers Protection PAC (FPPC# 1407419) and that the page was not authorized by a candidate or committee controlled by a candidate. According to WhoIs, a web program that generates registry information for a given URL, StopSlickSanford was created on Oct. 5, 2018. The only contact information listed is associated with GoDaddy, Inc., a web-hosting company.

The listed treasurer for the Taxpayers Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

Protection PAC is Lysa Ray, also the listed treasurer for Jamey Federico, Joe Muller and Richard Viczorek, according to 496 Independent Expenditure Reports available on www.DanaPoint.org and registered information on www.sos.ca.gov.

“I’m handling finances for more than 100 candidates set to appear on this year’s ballots. I’m not involved in campaign strategies; I just handle the receipts,” Ray said.

“I’m not aware of any website (associated with Taxpayers Protection PAC).”

Federico said he had no knowledge of the website prior to its creation.

“I found out about the site the same way everyone else did, when it was up,” he said. “I wish for any group that supports me to highlight my qualifications and put energy into something positive.”

He also said Ray’s role in his campaign is to account for expenditures and that he has no contact with her other than to send receipts. According to a notice from the Fair Political Practices Committee (FPPC), the commission will investigate a complaint against Federico’s campaign, which alleges prohibited coordination between campaign staff and the Taxpayers Protection PAC regarding the website and mailers sent out to oppose Payne.

As far as what the web page might insinuate, Payne acknowledges he met with Edward, admitting he ate a sandwich in Edward’s presence.

“Yes, I met (Edward) on July 27 for lunch. I hadn’t even submitted all my paperwork for my candidacy at the time,” Payne said. “I was meeting with members of the community to network.”

Payne denies he asked Edward for anything or was promised anything, and he says the meeting took less than an hour.

At press time, it was unclear who specifically created the website, other than that it was paid for by the Taxpayers Protection PAC. In the Oct. 26-Nov. 1 issue of the Dana Point Times, Rick Erkeneff submitted a Letter to the Editor stating he had nothing to do with the website.

Erkeneff and his wife, Denise Erkeneff, are employed by Federico’s campaign.

According to expenditure reports, the Taxpayers Association PAC received a $5,000 contribution from the Dana Point Taxpayers Association, the organization that sent out mailers using the same image of Payne meeting with Edward and Hill. Now, the Dana Point Taxpayers Association faces legal opposition from an attorney representing Edward.

In a cease-and-desist letter dated Oct. 26 sent to the Dana Point Taxpayers Associa-

Pictured from left to right, Charles Payne and Jamey Federico, the two candidates running for the District 3 seat on Dana Point City Council. Photo: File

tion from Peter Bagatelos, the attorney representing Edward, Bagatelos contends that the campaign fliers containing the same image featured on the website to be defamatory. The letter further states that Edward did not throw a private fundraiser for a slate of candidates and that he has not publicly or financially supported any of the eight candidates running for city council.

Both the website and mailers sent out to oppose Payne allege that Dana Point sued Edward for not paying $553,000 in legal fees to the city. One mailer reads: “Edward wants his money back” and “Electing city council candidate Charles Payne is his payday.” Bagatelos argues these statements are false and taken out of context.

In a responding letter to Bagatelos dated Oct. 29, James Lacy, an attorney representing the Dana Point Taxpayers Association, describes Bagatelos’ letter as an attempt to suppress the association’s right to freedom of expression. The letter also alleges Edward attended an event on Oct. 3 at the Headlands Club, a location managed and controlled by Edward. City Councilmember Lewis and candidates Payne, Joe Jaeger and Mark McGinn reportedly attended the event as well. The letter lists various attendees and witnesses at the event that day, connecting their names to a list of contributors to campaigns for Payne, Jaeger and McGinn.

According to documents obtained by the Dana Point Times, a complaint was filed with the FPPC and the City of Dana Point against the committees for candidates Payne, McGinn and Jaeger, calling for an investigation to be opened. The complaint alleges the three candidates failed to disclose financial support from “Sanford Edward, of Headlands Reserve LLC or a related entity,” specifically from a “meet-and-greet” event held on Oct. 3 at

Page 6

the Headlands Clubhouse. It also alleges Edward did attend the event. The financial support in question refers to the catered food provided at the clubhouse.

McGinn confirmed he was in attendance, saying he was invited by Eric Perkowski, a future resident of the Strands, but said Edward was not at the event. McGinn said he needed to look into the matter, that he was unsure of who provided catering and if the catering did exceed $500, he would submit an addendum to his 460 to report the costs.

In a phone interview, Edward denied sponsoring or attending the event. He alluded to bad blood with Dana Point Taxpayers Association attorney James Lacy stemming from a decade ago.

“James Lacy is a big, fat liar,” Edward said. “I’m not running for city council.

This election should be focused on the actual candidates running for city council and their issues.”

Shortly after the phone interview with Edward, the Dana Point Times obtained an amended version of the complaint against Jaeger, Payne and McGinn, which included a photocopied receipt for Pacific Thyme Catering & Events. The tab for services totaled $1,069.27, and the customer contact is listed as “Edith Estay The Strand Realty x Sanford E.” In following up with Edward, he said there had been a clerical error that would be cleared up, and it was a non-issue.

While the complaint calls for the City of Dana Point to open an investigation, the matter is not in its jurisdiction, instead falling under the FPPC’s authority.

The Dana Point City Council 2018 Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Go to www.danapointtimes.com to read our 2018 Election Guide for more information on the candidates. DP www.danapointtimes.com

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

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

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

Patricia Powers

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

Want to be featured here?

Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Our Home Port By James Lenthall

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

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

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (SJC)

EDITORIAL

Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

City Reporter, DP Times > Lillian Boyd

ART/DESIGN

Senior City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Alex Groves

Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

General Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Copy Editor > Randall Youngman

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (SC)

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 11, Issue 44. 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.

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Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

Done Deal

I

am starting this column on Sunday evening as I watch the sun set on our harbor for the last time before we hand the keys over to a private firm to rebuild and operate this place for the rest of most of our lives. I will finish this column after the deal is done. And by the time you read this, the ink will have dried on the 66-year master lease with Dana Point Harbor Partners; with it, a promise to invest more than $300 million to revitalize Dana Point Harbor.

In 1997, then-5th District Supervisor Tom Wilson hosted a series of community meetings to kick off the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan. Those in the room at the time believed that within 10 years we’d have a new harbor, with all new shops, restaurants and marina. That was 21 years ago. Those of you born then can raise a toast now to the future of our harbor.

Let’s go back even further, to 1961, when the state of California granted this stretch of coast in trust to the County of Orange to develop and operate as a recreational boat harbor, with strict rules governOUR HOME PORT

By James Lenthall ing its future – rules that still apply today and put us on the path to the transformative events happening this week. Dana Point Harbor is and always will be a publicly owned amenity, with obligations to promote affordable coastal access and provide continuing benefit to our community. Nothing in this 66-year lease changes that.

For the first 18 years after Supervisor Wilson inaugurated the goal to rebuild our harbor, the county aimed to keep this entirely under its own roof – a massive public works project using county funds.

The thing is, Dana Point Harbor operates financially independent of the rest of the county, supporting itself with revenue raised primarily from boat slip fees and tenant rents, without subsidy from the County of Orange general fund. After nearly two decades of planning and saving, our harbor was accumulating funds slower than the project costs were escalating, and by 2015 the harbor’s savings account was still nearly $200 million short. We were going backward.

Enter Lisa Bartlett. Elected in 2014, new 5th District Supervisor Bartlett brought to the Harbor Revitalization Plan a conviction that private industry could accomplish what government could not. In the spring of 2016, the county introduced a plan to

James Lenthall is the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board Chair and a President of the Dana Point Harbor Boaters Association. Photo: File

partner with a private developer to renovate our harbor. In return for an investment now exceeding $300 million, Dana Point Harbor Partners would be rewarded with a 66-year master lease to recover their investment. And here we are.

It’s now Monday morning, Oct. 29 and I continue to claw away at this column amid a flurry of texts, emails and calls settling last-minute details before the harbor lease and redevelopment agreement is finalized later today. The dealing is never done until the deal is done. And this deal is challenged by the truth that there are effectively three parties to this negotiation: the County of Orange, Dana Point Harbor Partners and the community this project serves. Gratefully. Though no doubt a complicating factor to the efficiency of closing this deal, community participation has enhanced the evolution of the project and benefited the ultimate plan enshrined in the final lease documents. A plan constrained in scope and with faith to the historic charm and character of Dana Point Harbor.

It’s now Monday evening, and I’m sitting at Coffee Importers watching the sun set on our harbor for the first time with Dana Point Harbor Partners as our new landlord. The text came in moments ago – the lease is signed, the deal is done. Sixtysix years and $330 million dollars. Hmm. It’s anti-climactic. This place looks and feels the same. No fireworks. No cheers.

No champagne. At least not here. Today passed quietly by in the harbor. Exhale.

It’s now Tuesday morning, Oct. 30, and yesterday’s developments are settling

Page 8

in and gaining clarity. It will take some months before we see the evidence around us, but yesterday’s milestone event is the most transformative moment in our harbor’s history since the day in 1966 when the first stones were set for the breakwater surrounding our harbor. This week is a pivot point where we transition from making a deal to revitalize Dana Point Harbor, to actually revitalizing Dana Point Harbor.

“Now the work begins,” I’ve heard a dozen times over the past 24 hours. What have we been doing these past 21 years!? It sure felt like work. The point is, now we move on to implementing the plans we’ve so arduously developed over the past years.

Turning concepts into final plans. Turning final plans into permit applications. Obtaining permits and breaking ground. And all along the way, our Dana Point Harbor community engaged in the process.

It’s now late Tuesday, and I ponder this week’s events as I conclude this column.

I’ll hit “send” in a moment, then move on to tomorrow with excitement, a little trepidation and a deep breath to prepare for all the work ahead.

James Lenthall is a lifelong Dana Point resident and boater, and presently serves as president of the Dana Point Boaters Association, chair of the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board, and as a director on the board of Dana Point Yacht Club. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX

Letters to the Editor CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE SLATES COMPARISON JAY SOWELL, Dana Point

It can be hard to differentiate between city council candidates. Having become more active as an observer of the Dana Point council the last two years, I offer this summary comparison hoping it may help some voters. Full disclosure: I support Joe Jaeger. But I believe the following is an objective account. I am not active in party politics, do not own a business or have any other special interest in Dana Point. No one has viewed or edited this.

There are two slates of candidates: Muller/Viczorek/Federico vs. Jaeger/ McGinn/Payne. I don’t know much about Foell and Schoeffel.

Comparing the two slates is pretty straightforward, because past city council deliberations and actions can be used to predict future actions. Muller/Viczorek/ Federico includes two current councilmembers, and Jaeger/McGinn/Payne is aligned with current councilmembers Debra Lewis and Paul Wyatt. Smear campaigns and generic campaign statements can be ignored in lieu of evidence from the recent past.

Development projects: Evidence shows that the M/V/F slate will place fewer restrictions on developers, while J/M/P will place more. Muller and Viczorek opposed Measure H in 2016, while Lewis and Wyatt supported it.

Short term rentals: M/V/F will allow more STRs, while J/M/P will allow fewer.

Homelessness: The city’s task force was dormant until Wyatt revived it shortly after being elected in 2016, so it seems likely more attention would be paid by the J/M/P slate.

Finances: M/V/F says the city’s finances are in good shape. J/M/P says the city has been spending more than it should, and advocates for potential savings, including open bidding for attorney services, and considering changing from buying new cars for city employees to leasing and/or paying mileage.

Sober Living Homes: State and federal laws make it difficult for a city to do much.

J/M/P campaigns say more than M/V/F about this issue, proposing a new city ordinance, for what that’s worth.

Because Muller and Viczorek are part of the current majority on the city council (with Tomlinson), generally speaking it’s reasonable to assume electing Muller, Viczorek, or Federico will lead to continuity, while electing Jaeger, McGinn or Payne will lead to change.

I hope this helps some voters make more informed choices.

Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

WHY I’M A CANDIDATE FOR SCWD DENNIS ERDMAN, Dana Point

For the past four decades, I’ve been a “water guy.” I’ve served as a general manager and as an elected official for water and wastewater agencies locally and around the state. I’m a civil engineer and a public utility manager.

We need to be sure rate payers are being well served, costs are controlled as closely as possible, and there is a positive benefit to the customers from what is spent.

In recent years, SCWD has undertaken a major sewer tunnel rehabilitation projected to cost approximately $100 million. The district is also contemplating development of an ocean water desalination plant costing over $110 million. Over the next ten years, SCWD has needs for infrastructure repairs, upgrades and replacements costing about $100 million. This project list totals about $300 million in future work.

That’s not a sustainable situation, and I’ll seek to redirect the district’s efforts to reduce costs, defer projects that can be set back and eliminate unnecessary ones.

Timing for the desalination project may need to be changed or delayed until a suitable financial plan and perhaps the addition of other project partners can be found.

The district must be very thorough in going through the details and not rush into this just because it sounds good. I support SCWD having a portfolio of water sources to draw upon. This portfolio should consist of imported supplies, recycled water for irrigation, local groundwater from the San Juan Watershed, captured storm water, and water efficiency/water conservation efforts by the community, and perhaps desalination if all the critical questions get answered.

I ask for your vote so that I can continue to work to see that water and wastewater services will remain safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible.

WHERE ARE THE RESULTS? CHARLES CHRISTENSEN, Dana Point

One of the hardest things to determine is when one’s skill set is overmatched. A couple of telltale signs are frustration on one’s part and stagnation as evidenced by no measurable completed results. This is where incumbent Mayor Richard Viczorek finds himself. Rick is by all accounts a great guy, great family man, good Marine and fantastic father. A mayor with the skillset to move Dana Point forward, he is not.

It’s like the high school baseball player who excelled in high school and college but floundered in the minor leagues for years before realizing he had to do something different. I believe Mayor Viczorek has floundered for two years ever since he championed Measure I. Measure I was, in military vernacular, his Waterloo. He had no idea how

to structure a winning strategy for the people. He could not see a pathway to progress for the city if Measure I passed.

At the candidate forum and “Coffee Chat” held by the Dana Point Civic Association, he lamented the city’s lack of progress by blaming Measure H. He’s been doing that for two years now along with the other councilmembers. The difficult thing is to accept and acknowledge that and move on. With Mayor Viczorek and this council, it’s extremely apparent that nothing has happened. No new projects, vacant lots still abound, no rejuvenation of planning process for Doheny Village. He ran on a platform to create conditions for economic growth. Where’s that? I don’t think there are any substantial, tangible, measurable results that he can point to and say “we completed that.”

We need someone who has experience overseeing an actual project and hands-on experience. That person is Scott Schoeffel. I will be voting for Mr. Schoeffel on November 6.

DARK MONEY POISONING CITY COUNCIL RACE BARBARA WILSON, Dana Point

Dark money is poisoning our city council race. With $25,000 so far from various PACs, a Texas millionaire and a Los Angeles billionaire, Dana Point Taxpayers Association is dumping it into the District 3 race. Why? Solely to oppose Charles Payne. That’s the purpose stated on its FPPC form 496, Independent Expenditure Report, available at www.danapoint.org.

What’s really behind these special interests swooping into this tiny slice of Dana Point, trying to buy a council seat? Short Term (vacation) Rentals. Charles Payne opposes STRs in our neighborhoods. His opponent, Jamey Federico promotes them, saying they are beneficial for the city and our neighborhoods. In fact, at a candidate forum he called the two-night minimum stay the “gold standard.”

Mr. Federico is also quick to assure voters in neighborhoods with HOAs that their CC&Rs will “protect” them. Interesting choice of words. We do not need “protection” from something good! Mr. Federico, why limit STRS to only certain neighborhoods, if they are so good?

STR means big profits to outsiders who have no desire to live here. They just want to loot our neighborhoods and turn the house next door into a revolving door of strangers, partying all year round.

Federico, Muller, Schoeffel and Viczorek (the only pro-STR candidates) assure us that won’t happen. Enforcement measures will take care of that. Please publish your phone numbers so we can call you at 1 a.m. to stop the music, extinguish the smoke or quiet the disturbances.

How does Dana Point see itself in the future? Do we want to keep our neighborhoods where people actually live, raise

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families, and retire? Or is DP to become the next resort town with residents replaced by tourists, partying for a few days at a time and then watching DP in their rear-view mirror?

FIVE GOOD PARTNERS NEEDED RICHARD GARDNER, Capistrano Beach

A couple of weeks ago, a letter to the editor entitled, "Five Residents in favor of one SCWD Candidate" was strongly supportive of Bill Green as the candidate that supports ocean desalination. They should have been supportive of Markus Lenger and Dennis Erdman since these men are cautious about spending more than $100 million dollars for ocean desalinization that isn't cost-effective.

The ocean desalination option was never meant to be a single source for SCWD. It was always considered a small part of a regional water supply for all of the south Orange County. I think it is unfortunate that the district staff is pushing this project while the environmental impact has not been approved or certified.

The public information officer wrote, "South Coast Water District's Doheny Desalination Project ranked as the best, most cost-effective proposal for Water Reliability in Orange County" on the NextDoor blog.

The full truth is that the Doheny Desalinization local plant was the second-to-worst project after the Poseidon Ocean Desalinization Project, but the regional plant was considered the most cost-effective of the projects reviewed. Everyone who has followed this project knew we need partners to make the plant cost-effective. When the pilot plant work was conducted with partners San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Moulton Niguel, and Laguna Beach, the five water purveyors found that the plant was still too costly and risky. Perhaps when Santa Margarita Water District realizes that the rubber dams in the San Juan Creek are a waste of money (SCWD is also supporting this effort), and the real homes being built at Rancho Mission Viejo will need real water and not paper projects, we will have another willing project participant that will make ocean desalination a viable project. At that point, they can reimburse SCWD for the millions of dollars that have already been spent.

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 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 | 02 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.

POUR & PAINT “CHRISTMAS TREE” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit and show off your artistic creativity while painting a Christmas tree and enjoying food and beverages. Easy step-by-step instructions are provided and once you’re done with your painting, you can take it home. Pour & Paint will be held at StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue. Register online at www.eventbrite.com.

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. As influenza activity picks up, the American Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need. A blood drive will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 33501 Stonehill Drive. You can make a reservation by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor app on your smart device.

Saturday | 03 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. The car show attracts hundreds of car enthusiasts each week. No registration is required and spectators are welcome. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. www.southoccarsandcoffee.com

Sunday | 04 OC WINE CRUISE 6:30-8 p.m. Enjoy your Sunday evening with a 90-minute cruise aboard a luxury Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy of Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS CELEBRATION 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Take part in an annual tradition and celebration of Day of the Dead at Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant & Organic Tequila. Enjoy live music, great margaritas and food to die for. Free Pan de Muerto for everyone. Take a picture in the photo corner for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate. Be sure to come dressed in your best Dia de los Muertos attire. 34664 Pacific Coast Highway.

949.661.1005. www.originalolamendis.com

El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

catamaran. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of beautiful and charming Dana Point Harbor. You can reserve your tickets online at www.ocwinecruise.com.

35675 Golden Lantern Street.

29TH ANNUAL SENIORS’ PROM 5-9 p.m. This fundraiser event will benefit the Meals on Wheels program. The Age Well Senior Services in Orange County asks for your help by purchasing a ticket for a Dana Point senior to attend the Annual Age Well Seniors’ Prom. The night of dancing will be held at the Irvine Marriott at 18000 Von Karman Avenue, Irvine. Call 949.855.8033 to purchase a ticket for a senior.

Monday | 05 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.

Wednesday | 07

CAMINO HEALTH CENTER AUXILIARY FASHION SHOW 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Camino Health Center Auxiliary presents The Fashion Show benefiting Camino Health Center at Monarch Beach Resort. The day will include a silent auction, raffle drawings, fund-a-day opportunity, a luncheon and fashion show presented by South Coast Plaza. To reserve your tickets, visit www. mission4health.com.

IHEARTYOGA IN THE PARK 10 a.m. Donation-based outdoor yoga for everyone. A variety of classes and styles are offered every day at 10 a.m. in front of the Marriott Dana Point in Lantern Bay Park. Come join hundreds of yogis weekly at this beautiful ocean-front class.

Bring your dog, kids and friends to Dana Point’s most popular yoga class. Suggested donation $8. No reservations needed.

Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

Tuesday | 06

Thursday | 08

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

AAUW HAPPY HOUR 4-6 p.m. The San Clemente-Capistrano Bay Branch of the American Association of University Women will meet for happy hour. Prospective members are welcome.

To RSVP, send an email to aauw.sccb@ cox.net. Hennessey’s Restaurant, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. www.sccb-ca.aauw.net.

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GETTING OUT

On Stage at The Coach House: David Brighton’s Space Oddity

At the Movies: ‘Wildlife’ Has Some Great Acting

Photo: Courtesy of IFC Films

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

N

Musician David Brighton, who does a David Bowie tribute show, will be performing at The Coach House on Friday, Nov. 2. Photo: Courtesy of David Brighton

BY ALEX GROVES, DANA POINT TIMES

V

isitors to The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, Nov. 2, will be able to experience what it’s like to go to a David Bowie concert when musician David Brighton – a longtime Bowie tribute artist – takes to the stage and performs a litany of songs.

David Brighton’s Space Oddity will take visitors through Bowie’s expansive and constantly transforming music career from the music he made before Ziggy Stardust to his more recent musical releases. He’ll dress and act as Bowie’s various personas.

In his early years as a musician, Brighton worked as a sideman, but it wasn’t long before he fell into his very first role as a tribute artist: playing George Harrison as part of a Beatles tribute show called “Twist and Shout.”

Brighton would go on to play Harrison in a number of bands for about five years before deciding to do David Bowie.

After all, he said, it didn’t appear that anyone else was doing Bowie tributes, and he and Bowie shared some similarities.

“One of the complaints I got from the labels is I sang too much like David Bowie,” Brighton said with a laugh.

Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

Brighton joked that when he tried to sound different, people at the record labels said he sounded just like Bowie, if Bowie were trying to sound like someone else.

So Brighton embraced his similar sound and began to craft his act.

“I started getting costumes made and studying the videos, studying the records, studying everything on Bowie for actually a number of years before I even did a gig,” Brighton said.

In 2001, he began touring. It wasn’t long before he began amassing audiences across the country and around the world.

He’s performed all over the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, Australia and Europe.

He’s performed with a number of notable artists, including Morrissey, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Chicago.

Brighton is a fan of Bowie’s music, of course, and particularly enjoys the albums he put out through the ’70s.

“Initially it was the songwriting,” he said. “When I first started hearing his songs on the radio, particular songs, it stood out to me as being vastly different than anything I ever heard,” he said.

Brighton said it wasn’t just Bowie’s lyrics that made him unique, but also his melodies and chord structures.

“In a world of imitators, here was this absolute individual,” he said.

As Brighton’s act grew, he got to meet the famed artist. The two starred together in a commercial for Vittel mineral water.

He said he remembers Bowie being the “Perfect English Gentleman.”

“He was very gracious and humble and also the consummate performer in that experience,” he said.

Brighton said he has enjoyed the experience of being able to capture Bowie’s theatricality and play some of his greatest songs before audiences.

“It’s been remarkable because, obviously, it’s great music,” he said. “It’s lasted all these decades and it’s got artistic integrity. Bowie was such a game-changer.”

Tickets to go see David Brighton’s Space Oddity at The Coach House are $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2.

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

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ine years after co-starring in the 2009 drama Brothers, Jake Gyllenhaal and Carey Mulligan reunite in another dysfunctional family drama right before Halloween. Fellow film actor Paul Dano’s directorial debut of Richard Ford’s 1990 novel Wildlife doesn’t take place in the jungle or woods, but in a small Montana town. Actors experimenting with directing can be hit or miss, and fortunately, this is mostly a case of the former.

In the late 1950s, Jerry Bison (Gyllenhaal) grows depressed after losing his job, and his straight-laced, pretty wife, Jeanette (Mulligan), doesn’t know how to cope. As she decides to get a part-time job, their teenage son Joe (Ed Oxenbould) gets his first job and first girlfriend (Zoe Margaret Colletti) at school. But things fall even further apart when Jerry suddenly takes on fulltime work away from home and Jeanette reacts by seeing an older, richer man (Bill Camp) from the city.

The script for Wildlife was coadapted by Dano’s real-life girlfriend, actress Zoe Kazan. The period piece really doesn’t bring anything new to the tale we’ve seen before on a family breaking up in mid-20th century society. And with the two indie actors helming the feature, one might assume that it would border on pretentious. Dano plays it straight as a filmmaker, though, and works with three very talented stars. Glenn Close and Lady Gaga might have some new competition for Best Actress with Mulligan, and Oxenbould does a lot with what’s essentially a reactionary performance. What Wildlife lacks in uniqueness, it makes up for with the acting. DP

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DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Time Will Tell The Vintage Surfboard Collector Club Holds 26th Annual Board Swap

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he Big One” – as it’s been dubbed by the Vintage Surfboard Collector Club – is coming to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point for its 26th year. An event that’s been described as the largest vintage surfboard swap will feature dozens of surfboards on display – each with a story to tell.

The Vintage Surfboard Collector Club is a group that consists of a large range of collectors across Southern California, with a mission to provide a platform for displaying, appreciating, sharing, trading, and celebrating vintage surfboards. As stated on the club’s official site, group members work to honor the surfboard shaping and surfing pioneers who’ve helped create vintage surfing cultures across the world.

The surf swap will offer barbecue on site, as well as a raffling of three boards to anyone who joins or renews a membership to the collector club. The boards were specifically selected by the club’s board of directors.

“This is our biggest event of the year.

We really encourage our members to come out and for the community to check out our club. This is typically when we receive our membership signups for the following year,” said Jeff Robertson, VSCC President.

Erwin Spitz, a VSCC member and Surfing Heritage and Culture Center docent, says he began surfing in 1962 and started

Erwin Spitz and Jeff Eilers pose in front of a portion of Eilers’ vintage surfboard collection. “The Big One” Vintage Surfboard Swap event will be held from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Doheny State Beach. Photos: Lillian Boyd

collecting boards in the ’70s.

“It all started when I was using a surfboard as a coffee table. Friends would see that and ask me if I collected boards. I’d tell them, ‘Sure!’ ” Spitz said. “Opportunities to collect boards started to present themselves.”

Spitz’s collection includes at least 17 boards, some with colorful ‘70s-style designs, one solid redwood board believed to have been made in the 1920s, and his favorite: a board with an American flag design.

“I’m a (United States) Army veteran and I was drafted in the Vietnam War,” Spitz said. “This board is special to me because I’m a patriot; I fought for this country.”

Spitz was deployed during the Tet Of-

fensive – a series of uprisings led by the Vietcong and Northern Vietnamese forces and one of the largest military campaigns in the Vietnam War. His patriotic-themed surfboard came into his possession through Jeff Eilers, a friend, Laguna Hills neighbor and fellow club member.

Eilers takes his collecting hobby to a new level: finding old boards, taking them apart and reconstructing them. His latest project is reshaping a 12-foot, single-fin board that formerly belonged to King Curtis Iaukea, a 300-pound Hawaiian WWF wrestler; it was a task that required grinding down the rail and peeling off the fiberglass.

Robertson says boards like that that can offer insight into the history of surf culture.

Pet of the Week: Gershwin

Sudoku

DANA POINT TIMES

G

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

Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

ershwin is a handsome Californian dwarf mix neutered male rabbit. At 3 and a half years old, Gershwin has a particularly easygoing demeanor and doesn’t mind being held or petted. His curiosity often leads him to investigate things and people in hope of treats. Gershwin has good litter box habits and would make an awesome house bunny for a loving family.

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

“There wasn’t internet back then, so in order to learn about the history of surf, you have to talk to these prominent figures in surf culture. The VSCC, in a way, is a gateway to learning that history,” Robertson said. “I think a vintage surfboard can take you to a different time and place.

It’s an artifact that takes you to another place in history. That’s one of the most special things about being involved in this club and the surf community; you’re paying respect and acknowledging moments in our history that have led up to today.”

“The Big One” Vintage Surfboard Swap event will be held from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Doheny State Beach.

For more information on the event, visit www.vintagesurfboardcollectorclub.net. DP

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

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

Page 15

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Wharf Fish Count The Halibut Derby officially opens, goes through March

32-pound bluefin. On a Saturday trip outside the harbor, marlin were also spotted slashing around.

As of Nov. 1, the Halibut Derby is off and running. The first two weekend drift trips are already sold out. Woolley suggested reserving a Friday or Sunday drift trip in advance for those interested in getting in on the over $6,000 in cash and prizes that will be awarded for the November to March competition.

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T Dana Hills senior Grayson Wallett attempts a shot on Tuesday, Oct. 30. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Dolphin Report

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.

No. 2 Seed Water Polo Advances in Division 2 Deuces are wild for Dana Hills boys water polo as a second-place finish in the South Coast League has slotted the Dolphins as the No. 2 seed in Division 2, with a shot at a CIF-SS championship.

Dana Hills finished 6-2 in league play with both losses coming by only one goal against San Clemente. The Tritons finished No. 8 in the combined Division 1 and 2 poll, so they were slotted as the last team in the elite eight-team Division 1 playoff bracket.

Though San Clemente finished in the top eight of Division 1, the Tritons are unlikely to win a championship. In contrast, Dana Hills’ Division 2 slot gives the Dolphins a legitimate chance at taking home some hardware.

“I want to play for a championship,” Dana Hills coach Matt Rosa said. “I want to step up, I want these guys to be able to step up in big moments and make plays, and we’re going to have some big moments starting on Thursday.”

On Thursday, Nov. 1, Dana Hills played at Los Alamitos in the first round of the playoffs.

Results were not available at press time.

As a non-league champion, Dana Hills had to play a wild card game on Tuesday, Oct. 30, but the Dolphins cruised in a 13-6 win over Villa Park at San Juan Hills High School. Dana Hills led by five after the first quarter, 6-1, and senior Kaden Likins scored four goals in the game.

Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

Rosa expected a much scrappier game from Los Alamitos. If Dana Hills advanced, the Dolphins will host Damien in the quarterfinals on Saturday. Nov. 3 at San Juan Hills High School. The semifinals are Wednesday, Nov. 7 and the final are on Saturday, Nov. 10, with both at the Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine.

Boys Cross Country Wins League Title Dana Hills’ running program added another league title to its long list with a dominant boys performance in the South Coast League Finals on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at Irvine Regional Park.

All seven Dolphins runners finished in the top eight, including the scoring five finishing in the top six at a 40-second gap. Senior Simon Fuller (14:23) won the individual league title by 22 seconds over senior teammate Cole Stark (14:45) as the Dolphins cruised to the team title over El Toro, 18-51.

The Dana Hills girls finished third overall and were paced by senior Leila Keyvan’s 18:02 in 10th place. The Dolphins posted a Finals-best, five-runner gap of 46 seconds.

Next up is the postseason with the CIF-SS preliminaries on Saturday, Nov. 10 and finals on Nov. 17. The Dolphins will also be gunning for the state meet in Fresno on Nov. 24.

Girls Tennis Advances in Division 1 The Dana Hills girls tennis team opened the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs with a victory on the road on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

The South Coast League co-champion Dolphins were the No. 2 league representative after a coin flip with San Clemente, and they were able to advance at San Marcos, 10-8.

Dana Hills hosts Beckman in the second round on Friday, Nov. 2. If the Dolphins advance, they will play the Yorba LindaMurrieta Valley winner in the quarterfinals on Monday, Nov. 5. DP Page 16

he 11th annual Halibut Derby has opened, and rockfish and bass are still going strong at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

In his weekly report, Captain Brian Woolley said that the bonito fishing began strong the previous week but tailed off as the week progressed. Woolley said it was a day-by-day prospect.

While the three-quarter and half-day trips couldn’t find bonito, they still hit big on rockfish and bass. The trips set up on the deep hard bottom to pull in rockfish.

Woolley said the bass fishing on those trips was also fun.

Woolley also praised the clean water over the weekend that ran about 67-68 degrees. On the weekend trips, anglers pulled in a good haul of skipjack and a

Here are the latest fish counts out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching: Oct. 31 • 3 boats, 56 anglers: 56 skipjack tuna, 3 calico bass, 2 sand bass, 22 sheephead, 4 whitefish, 35 rockfish, 70 vermilion rockfish, 24 bocaccio, 1 trigger fish, 1 sargo, 43 bass released.

Oct. 30 • 3 boats, 67 anglers: 41 skipjack tuna, 4 bonito, 15 calico bass, 14 sand bass, 2 sheephead, 7 whitefish, 24 rockfish, 54 vermilion rockfish, 16 bocaccio, 161 bass released.

Oct. 29 • 2 boats, 45 anglers: 1 bonito, 1 halibut, 22 calico bass, 19 sand bass, 14 sheephead, 14 whitefish, 45 rockfish, 102 vermilion rockfish, 9 bocaccio, 130 bass released. DP

Anglers of all sizes are getting in on the action in local waters, including these two young fishermen with their catch of skipjack tuna. Photo: Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

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

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

LEGAL NOTICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20186524500 The following person(s) is(are) doing business as: MOMENTOUS MORTGAGE 31801 E NINE DR LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name above on: n/a /s/ PETER MCCORMICK, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/18/2018.

Publish: Dana Point Times October 19, 26 November 2, 9

GARAGE SALES FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2018 8am-12pm. Cross streets Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares

GARAGE SALE Saturday, November 3rd 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

24481 Alta Vista (rear) Dana Point Furniture, fitness equipment (Nordic Trac and others) Household items, commercial filing cabinet, pet carriers and more.

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

HELP WANTED 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.

HELP WANTED-DANA 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 Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Defining ‘Perfect Surfing’ How Dana Point photographer Tom Servais’s Iconic image of Tom Curren at Pipeline in 1991 came to be

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

M

ost days you can find surf photographer Tom Servais either in his home office in Dana Point fiddling with photo files, dropping into a yoga class, or paddling out at Lowers or San Onofre.

After 40-plus years behind the lens, Servais has amassed one of the most comprehensive archives of surf images the world over. He’s humble and understated about it, but he’s shot all of the A-plus surf stars over the years at all of the A-plus surf destinations.

Servais’s most iconic image would have to be Tom Curren at Backdoor Pipeline in 1991. It has influenced the approach of everybody from Kelly Slater on down.

Taylor Knox called it “perfect surfing,” noting he’s studied it for hours and hours.

Curren just smirked. “I wish I’d made a little bit better face; I didn’t know the shot was going to be that famous,” he said.

Like any photograph, Servais’s image was a confluence of timing, patience and luck. As he described the conditions, it was an average day by Pipeline standards.

The wind had come up through the morning, blowing the surf out, so he headed down the North Shore of Oahu to see what was happening at Haleiwa.

“It was a west swell and it wasn’t that good,” Servais recalled, more than 25

Tom Servais’s photo of Tom Curren at Backdoor Pipeline, taken in 1991. Photo: Courtesy of Tom Servais

years later. “I probably stopped and got a sandwich before I headed home.”

Ever diligent, late in the afternoon Servais pulled back up to Pipeline to check it.

He found the wind had died and the beach was empty.

“I don’t have any photos of Tom walking down the beach or anything, so he might have already been in the water when I got there. Or he snuck out. He was pretty good about not having his picture taken,” Servais said.

At the time, Santa Barbara’s Curren was the two-time world champion but preferred to remain out of the spotlight as much as possible. The enigmatic surfer showed up in Hawaii that winter with a quiver of Maurice Cole-shaped, “reverse vee” designs. At the first contest of the year, Cole convinced Curren to step up from a 7-foot, 3-inch board to a 7-foot, 8-inch model in the quarterfinals. The only problem was that the bigger board was back at their condo on the other side of the North Shore—and it had yet to be stickered up with his sponsor’s logos.

“I was roaring up the wrong side of the Kam Highway in my van, laying on the horn, yelling out the window, carrying on like it was the bloody zombie apocalypse,” Cole said during an interview at Timmy Patterson’s shaping facility in San Clemente a couple years ago. “I came screaming back into the car park, hopped the curb, pulled right up to the scaffolding, and there’s Tom, just waiting. His heat’s already out in the water, and he’s just standing there, patiently waiting like a kid whose mom told him not to move.”

It wasn’t long after Curren won the Haleiwa contest on that famous logo-less board that Servais walked onto the beach at Backdoor. He loaded a roll of Kodachrome 200 into his Canon, sat and waited. He shot sparingly. Conserving his film, he pressed the trigger only when absolutely necessary.

“Art Brewer and Jeff Divine and I were all staying at the SURFER Magazine house up at Backyards when the film got delivered a few days later,” Servais said. “When we looked at the shot, I think we all kind of went, ‘Wow,

yeah, that’s a good one,’ but with photos, you never really know. Some photos are sleepers and you have to wait for time to go by to really see what kind of life they’ll have. Today it’s one of the most iconic surf images.”

Servais captured a complete sequence of the turn. He also has shots of Curren on other waves during that session, but it’s that singular moment of “perfect” surfing that has stood the test of time.

“I remember being on the beach that day, and I remember shooting that photo, and I remember that Divine had spent the day climbing around in the hills trying to get an overview angle of Pipe,” Servais said, laughing. “That was when there weren’t really any trails up there and he’d been bushwhacking his way up to the top.

Back on the beach, when I was done and getting ready to leave, he showed up looking like he’d been rolling around in a mud puddle. He was all cut up and stuff. It was hard to tell him what he just missed.”

Servais has more images and sells prints on his website at www.tomservais.com. DP

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK SAWYER LEE DIMICK

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hat gets you stoked?

It’s not an overly complicated question. Nine-year-old Sawyer Lee Dimick had the best answer ever: “Good waves, good weather, good music, bacon and putting on a dry wetsuit.”

Who doesn’t get fired up by epic conditions and sweet, sweet bacon?

This recent Positive Vibe Warrior Grom of the Week and Stokeorama champion first started surfing at Doheny when she was a wee 5-year-old. Today, she is a student at Vista

Dana Point Times November 2-8, 2018

Sawyer Lee Dimick. Photo: Courtesy of the Dimick family

Del Mar Elementary in San Clemente. When she’s not out smashing sections at T-Street, you may find Dimick at the San Clemente skatepark, grinding through homework, vegging out on Who Is JOB or “cruising” with her friends and family.

As far as her Stokeorama victory goes, Dimick says her favorite part of the experience was “surfing and sharing the stoke with all my friends. It was so rad watching everyone charge so hard in the big surf. Dane (Gudauskas) said it was 10 to 15 feet.”

As far as how she’s staying stoked and “keeping the vibe alive,” Dimick’s keeping things simple. She’s happily “helping my siblings learn how to surf at Doheny and living by the Golden Rule.”

And did we mention she likes bacon? DP

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Water Temperature: 64-66 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Modest blend of northwest and southwest combo swell through the weekend for continued waist-shoulder high (34’) surf at best spots. More small to modest combo swell for next week. Winds are lightest in the mornings with mainly favorable conditions, before afternoon onshore winds kick in. Be sure to check Surfline.com for all the details and longer range outlook.

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