November 23, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

November 23-29, 2018 YO U

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Inside: 2018 Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 11, ISSUE 47

Peace for the Plovers

Protection Enforcement for Threatened Species Remains Crucial for Survival E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

The coastal population of the Western Snowy Plovers requires the least amount of disturbance in order to store energy for breeding season. Photo: Fred Swegles

Surfing Santa Celebrates the Season DP LIVING/PAGE 19

Homeless No Longer

EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

www.danapointtimes.com

Bankruptcy Trots Along

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point Point Dana

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point

Bankruptcy Trots Along for Company Indebted to Chamber

should know this week Visit Dana Point Receives Approval for Funding

THE LATEST: The Dana Point City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Nov. 20, with councilmembers Debra Lewis and Joe Muller absent.

A public hearing was held on whether to adopt a resolution to continue the program for Visit Dana Point, confirm its 2018 annual report and to authorize a $750,000 increase to the expenditure budget. That increase would allow for the transfer of some of the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) assessments collected in prior years to Visit Dana Point.

Visit Dana Point’s executive director, Jonny Westom, spoke at the podium before Mayor Richard Viczorek and councilmembers Paul Wyatt and John Tomlinson.

“The additional funding would allow us to be more fluid in our business operations,” Westom said. “There are unique opportunities that present themselves throughout the year that we’ll be able to take advantage of without having to request additional funding from the city.”

There were no public comments or questions following Westom’s statement.

But Councilmember Wyatt remarked that when reserves get used, there should be documentation regarding their replenishment. The resolution passed unanimously.

Visit Dana Point was created by the TBID in 2016 to help boost tourism in the city. Go to www.visitdanapoint.org for more information.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next regularly scheduled meeting for Dana Point City Council is Tuesday, Dec. 4. It will be Tomlinson’s last meeting as a councilmember before Councilmember-elect Jamey Federico takes his seat.—Lillian Boyd

RH Dana Elementary Working to Become Spanish Immersion School THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Wednesday, Nov. 14, heard a presentation about plans to transition RH Dana Elementary School into a Spanish language immersion school where 50 percent of instruction would be in English and 50 Dana Point Times November 23-29, 2018

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce has yet to receive payments toward the $239,000 that RacePartner owes since January. Photo: Daniel Ritz

to police that damages are estimated to be about $700.

percent would be in Spanish for students in kindergarten and first grade.

The presentation was conducted by RH Dana Principal Kristen Nelson, who described the intricacies of the 50-50 program and how it would work.

According to a Board Report, RH Dana Elementary has seen enrollment plummet over much of the last decade, so the school has been trying to reinvent itself as a way to attract more students. Most recently, the school was reimagined as a science and technology academy.

The estimated cost of staffing the school with one more person for Spanish enrichment and additional instructional materials is $288,000.

First Economic Impact Assessment Results Released

WHAT’S NEXT: The presentation was informational in nature and nothing was required of the Board of Trustees, but they will be looking at the program as a formal item for approval during their meeting in December.—Alex Groves

Broken Window at US Postal Office THE LATEST: Dana Point law enforcement responded at 10:21 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7 to a report of a broken window at the United States Postal Service at 34281 Doheny Park Road.

According to police, the report came from someone who had driven by the post office and called it in. Authorities spoke with a man identified to be transient near the scene and determined he was not a suspect. Management at the post office did not report anything was stolen and noted nothing was missing.

A spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said that surveillance cameras did not capture any activity in connection to the broken window because the blinds had been down.

Management at the post office reported

THE LATEST: Visit Dana Point, the destination marketing organization working with the city of Dana Point, has released the results of an inaugural economic impact study. The study was conducted in partnership with the Orange County Visitors Association (OCVA) to highlight tourism in 2017 and its impact on the local economy.

Conducted by the Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, the results indicate that visitors to Dana Point (defined as someone who spent at least one night and traveled more than 75 miles) spent $487.1 million in 2017. The volume of visitors and their spending in Dana Point increased 3.7 percent and 5.3 percent, respectively, exceeding growth in these two categories in Orange County.

Visitor spending last year was 23.9 percent higher than it was in 2012 in Dana Point.

According to a press release, tourism generated $72.2 million in tax revenues, including $35.3 million in state and local revenues. With 5,251 tourism-related jobs in the city, tourism is the largest employer in Dana Point.

“This study not only showcases tourism’s importance to Dana Point but also highlights how desirable destination is as tourism continues to boom,” said Jonny Westom, executive director of Visit Dana Point.

WHAT’S NEXT: Dana Point City Council approved a resolution for a $75,000 increase in funding and a continuation of the program on Tuesday, Nov. 20.

“These results will be the benchmark for our successes. This is a great tool for our community and local stakeholders, and it puts us in an advantageous marketing position,” Westom said.—LB

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THE LATEST: The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is at a standstill as far as pursuing litigation against the company that formerly handled race registrations for the Turkey Trot and currently owes the chamber $239,000.

When RacePartner, a national race registration company based in West Palm Beach, Fla., did not send its allotted payment from entry and registration fees to the Chamber in the days following the contractual payday of Nov. 17, 2017, Chamber executive director Bev Jorgensen reached out to Kirk St. Johns, the “captain” of RacePartner, to find out why.

Breach of contract charges ensued.

In March, the Dana Point Times reported that RacePartner neglected to reimburse the Chamber in full for registrations processed since October 2017, breaching the contractual agreement between the two organizations. The original total payment due to the Chamber equated to $259,000, of which $20,000 was offered as a good-faith payment in January.

Jorgensen said in a March interview that St. Johns admitted RacePartner had been robbing from Peter to pay Paul.

“Thankfully, we have had an incredibly forward-thinking Board (of Directors), for the past two years specifically,” Jorgensen said.

“We have put away money and have contingency plans for emergencies like these.”

RacePartner was forced to file bankruptcy by its creditors over the summer, said Steven Rosen, the Chamber attorney and a current board member. That move protects the company from litigation while a trustee determines how to split assets among parties who have submitted claims against RacePartner. The Chamber submitted its claim for the owed amount to the trustee in September.

“If pursuing the remaining amount owed through litigation is what’s best for our members, that’s what we’ll consider. … For now, we’re waiting on what the designated trustee will determine,” Rosen said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Registrations for the Dana Point Turkey Trot are being handled by the organization ACTIVE this year.

Meanwhile, the Chamber’s options to pursue litigation against RacePartner will be determined by how the company’s bankruptcy pans out. Jorgensen says the Chamber is thriving either way.

EDITOR’S NOTE AND DISCLAIMER: Picket Fence Media Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes is an active member of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. —LB www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Peace for the Plovers Protection Enforcement for Threatened Species Remains Crucial for Survival

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

brisk morning stroll along the California coast with your canine companion: What sounds like a heavenly beach excursion to some folks translates into chaos and distress for the coastal population of the Western Snowy Plovers.

As temporary signage in Salt Creek and Crystal Cove reiterates, dogs are prohibited on the beach, and in authorized areas, dogs must be leashed, according to Orange County Code 2-5-39 (a), (d) 2-5-38. The balance of Western Snowy Plover population not only benefits from such protections, it depends on them. They have been classified as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act since 1993, which means they are vulnerable to endangerment in the near future.

“Snowy plovers are not like most birds. If

Signs posted on Salt Creek Beach warn visitors to keep dogs off the beach in order to enforce protection for the Western Snowy Plovers. Photo: Fred Swegles

a dog runs through a roost of gulls, they’ll fly off and carry about their habits. But plovers will expend a lot of their precious energy to scurry off and fly away,” said Scott Thomas, Vice Chair of the Conservation Committee at Sea and Sage Audobon Society. “An incident like that disturbs their entire day.”

Sea and Sage is the local Audobon

Society chapter for Orange County. The organization states that its mission is to protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, citizen science, research, and public policy advocacy. Thomas describes plovers to be a specialist species as opposed to generalist species, like gulls.

“Gulls will eat anything and go anywhere.

Plovers are highly specific in what they

Home for the Holidays One Man Finds Housing Thanks to CityCoordinated Resources

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

L

eslie “Joey” Payan, 53, knows Dana Point in ways that most of its residents don’t. He knows where it’s safe to sleep on the streets, where to ask for dog food, or where his belongings might be at risk to be stolen by someone in a similar situation or be confiscated by the city. Since age 19, Payan had been homeless in Dana Point.

After a series of good deeds, outreach, regional coordination and what Payan says is his will to seek stability for himself, Payan now has a roof over his head and a vehicle to get to and from his job.

Payan is the first person to be housed after experiencing homelessness in Dana Point and utilizing the city’s resources.

“I want homeless people to have even the slightest idea of how cool the other side is,” Payan said. “Patience pays off. I used to be the man on the corner holding a sign, but now I can say I walk proud with my head Dana Point Times November 23-29, 2018

Pictured left to right, Stephanie Ogles of Mercy House stands with Leslie Payan and Roxy. Photo: Lillian Boyd

held high. It feels greater than I’d ever imagined.”

With an abusive upbringing and the tragic loss of his mother, Payan says he turned to the streets and to substance use. Decades of being homeless have yielded trauma for Payan, including being assaulted in a group attack and sustaining head injuries, as well as years of witnessing violence.

“I was always looking behind my back.

I’ve been called every name in the book.

I’ve had strangers throw water in my face just to ask if I was thirsty. I’ve been kicked

while I was down,” Payan said.

His luck began to change when he found Roxy, a pit bull mix, tethered to a sign near Doheny State Beach.

“We ended up taking care of each other.

She’s my best friend,” Payan said. “Having her to take care of gave me a sense of purpose.”

After asking for dog food at the Feed Barn, Payan was offered part-time work at the shop before accepting another job at a local welding yard. A man identified as Mikey, who knew Payan as a local to the

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eat and the environment in which they’re eating. We tend to assign an intrinsic value to most living things. But for some species, that importance isn’t as obvious. We might not see the magnitude of the role they play in the ecosystem, but they still fit into a special niche,” said Thomas.

What makes this species of plover unique is its selective breeding habits, according to the society. The coastal population of Western Snowy Plovers remains on the coast year-round and will not breed with the interior population. The birds are also picky with their diet, which consists of insects and worms found in wracks of seaweed, or piles of washed up seaweed along the shore.

Cheryl Egger says she’s been involved in protecting and observing the Western Snowy Plovers for about 12 years and is also involved with the society’s conservation committee.

“What people need to understand is when plovers recognize a predator, even if it’s a leashed dog, they are absolutely terrified. A dog running through a roost is catastrophic to their roosting season,” Egger said. “These plovers were here before us. We need to respect that.”

The Western Snowy Plovers typically breed between May and September. During their nonbreeding season up until May, plovers roost, rest up and build fat stores to prepare for the next season of breeding.

It is the only shore bird that breeds on the beach locally, without migrating. DP

Doheny State Beach area, offered Payan his Ford F150, motivating Payan to get his license and registration. After a series of interactions with Stephanie Ogles of Mercy House, Payan agreed to an assessment in order to qualify for housing through Friendship Shelter. He and Roxy are now residents at an apartment in Rancho Santa Margarita.

“Outreach is not a simple thing. (Mercy House) has their work cut out for them.

But their hard work and their services changed my life. I want to thank the good people of Dana Point (Michelle, Matt, Mikey and more),” Payan said.

Payan told the Dana Point Times he was grateful for the compassion of the city’s public works director, Matt Sinacori. Public works crews are often the first official contact made with people experiencing homelessness in Dana Point, before outreach is initiated.

“It really takes someone special, such as Joey, who is ready to move forward. He is unique. And we are thrilled that a local business owner was willing to give him a chance with a job. For me, I am proud to be part of this team and hope Joey embraces his new life. I know how happy he and his dog Roxy are now,” Sinacori said.

To get in contact with an outreach coordinator with Mercy House, call 949.441.6269. To learn more about city-led efforts to reduce homelessness, visit www.danapoint.org. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

A Thousand Turkeys Donated to Marines For more than a decade, San Clemente Military Family Outreach (SCMFO) has provided thousands of Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton and their families with Thanksgiving dinner.

This year, more than 1,000 turkeys were donated through the foundation, and people were able to pick them up at a giveaway on Monday, Nov. 19, at the base commissary.

The Thanksgiving dinner giveaway at the base was started about 2002, said SCMFO president Clark Lashmett. It was started by Marine Lt. Col. William McReynolds and his wife, Sidonia.

“We have about 80 volunteers helping us out with the bagging and helping people go through (the line), and most of those people are those we have assisted in previous years who want to give back.”

SCMFO helps with various tasks that Marines may need help with, such as car repair and other needs. About 15 Marines helped out during the giveaway. Just last year, about 800 turkeys were donated, so the event has been growing.

SCMFO will also hold its newly designed “Thank-a-Family,” a deviation from the usual “Adopt-a-Family” it has hosted.

The foundation has already organized names of families who qualify, and they will match families with donors. Find out more information about the SCMFO organization at www.militaryfamilyoutreach. com.

Goodwill Celebrates #GivingTuesday Goodwill of Orange County is raising money to cover monthly membership costs for individuals living with physical disabilities or chronic illness at the Rogers A. Severson Fitness & Technology Center.

“Giving Tuesday” encourages consumers to be philanthropic, following Thanksgiving and Black Friday. This year’s Giving Tuesday will be Nov. 27.

The Rogers A. Severson Fitness & Technology Center provides services for those specifically living with a physical disability or chronic illness. It offers a fully accessible gym with specialized equipment as well as inclusive fitness classes and knowledgeable physical therapists and training staff. A monthly membership costs just $35. Goodwill aims to raise funds to cover 200 membership fees.

“Our (Center) provides a state-of-the-art and comfortable facility for people with

Dana Point Times November 23-29, 2018

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26

DANA POINT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 6 p.m. The Dana Point Planning Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall in Council’s chambers. 33282 Golden Lantern. www.danapoint.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28

Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton helped with the distribution of turkeys and Thanksgiving side dishes on Monday, Nov. 19, during an annual event hosted by San Clemente Military Family Outreach. Photo: Eric Heinz

physical disabilities and chronic illnesses to build strength and confidence. There’s nothing else like it in Orange County and for many, the Fitness Center is a true lifeline,” said Nicole Suydam, president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County in a press release. “Goodwill of Orange County is proud to participate in this worldwide giving event, and we are grateful and appreciative for the support of the local community.”

Anyone interested in joining Goodwill of Orange County’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit www.ocgoodwill.org for more information.

Historical Society Celebrates Holiday Season The Dana Point Historical Society is welcoming donations in observance of “Giving Tuesday.” Designated as the day to help others as a counterbalance to Thanksgiving and Black Friday, Giving Tuesday will be held Nov. 27.

In a news release, the society said that while it’s not planning a media campaign for donations, volunteer work to preserve and share Dana Point’s history is appreciated. The dues for 2019 are $25 for an individual, $30 for a family, $50 for a business and $100 for patrons. It costs $500 to be considered a “life member.”

There will be a holiday reception at the society’s museum at Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern on Sunday, Dec. 9 from 2-5 p.m. There will be an annual slideshow featuring pictures from events

throughout the year. There will also be an annual membership meeting and potluck dinner on Jan. 23, 2019 at 6 p.m. at Gloria Dei Church.

CEP Meeting to Discuss Canister Incident at SONGS The San Onofre Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting is scheduled for 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, at the QLN Conference Center, located at 1938 Avenida Del Oro in Oceanside.

The focus of the meeting will be on the changes Southern California Edison (SCE) is making following an Aug. 3 canister loading incident at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), which Southern California Edison manages, as well as the path forward for re-starting fuel transfer operations.

If you have questions related to canister handling that you would like addressed during the meeting, they can be submitted online at the website www.songscommunity.com. CEP officials said they will prioritize questions provided in advance.

The meeting will include two publiccomment periods to allow the panel to hear from people in nearby local communities. Immediately following the presentation on canister handling, the panel will have a special public-comment period dedicated to follow-up questions regarding canister handling. In addition, the CEP will have a general public-comment period near the end of the meeting.

More information can be found on the

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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, NOVEMBER 29

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.

DANA WHARF LADY ANGLERS 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Dana Wharf Lady Anglers will hold their election night for club officers. For more information, visit www.danawharfladyanglers.com or email dwlanews@icloud.com.

310.751.8339.

incident at www.nrc.gov under Spotlight on the homepage.

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

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS CoastLines by Fred Swegles

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

Forced into Hiatus, Mycle Brandy Knows ‘It’s Hard Giving Up’

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 47. 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 23-29, 2018

Mycle Brandy takes a walk on the San Clemente Beach Trail. Photo: Fred Swegles

I

f you spot 280-pound Mycle Brandy walking the beach trail with his cane in coming weeks, you may wonder, “Isn’t he supposed to be walking across America?”

Well, yes he is.

It turns out that a succession of wildfires in Wyoming aborted the 67-year-old San Clemente resident’s trek, after he had walked more than 300 miles hampered by one encounter with smoke after another.

At first, medication prescribed by a doctor helped him continue. Then a third wildfire, a third doctor visit, delays related to his support vehicle and the onset of snow sent Brandy home with permanent damage to his right lung, compounded by pneumonia.

Home now, the four-time stroke survivor isn’t giving up, having walked three different routes across the American landscape since 2010, visiting hospitals, intent on inspiring stroke victims to get off the couch.

Brandy is already mapping out an alternate route he hopes to launch in late March.

Advised not to put his lungs through a trek into brutally cold weather this winter, he plans to recuperate in San Clemente, train in mild weather here and pursue a relatively flat route from home in the spring, walking southwestern deserts into Texas and points east as the weather heats up.

“The doctor said if I can avoid cold air, I should be OK,” he said.

Brandy made news in 2010 by walking

2,940 miles across the country, dipping his toes into Upper Newport Bay for starters, then ending in Washington, D.C. eight months later with a toe dip into the Potomac River.

He later walked up the West Coast from San Diego to Seattle, 1,450 miles, then the East Coast from Maine to Miami, 2,100 miles. On each walk, he visited hospitals, did news interviews, spread messages of hope and was joined along the way, for short distances, by inspired stroke patients.

Efforts to complete a fourth cross-country trek COASTLINES have fizzled three times

By Fred Swegles because of circumstances beyond his control. In 2014 and 2016, volunteer drivers of Brandy’s support RV had to return home due to emergencies, effectively canceling the walk he tried to restart in Wyoming this year.

This time, Brandy and volunteer driver Sharon Tapp set out in September, well ahead of cold weather, only to be deluged and delayed repeatedly by smoke. Then, Brandy said, Tapp learned that her husband had a serious accident. They drove the RV to Denver, put her on a plane home to Arkansas, and Brandy asked if NolaKay Erman, a 2010 support driver from Ohio, could step in.

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She offered to, so Brandy and his wife, Louise, flew Erman to Denver, still hopeful of completing the planned 2018 trek even with Brandy’s impaired lung. He and Erman drove to Wyoming. But when snow set in, Brandy’s health wasn’t up to it. Erman drove him and the RV home to San Clemente.

Brandy said he is confident he can complete a fourth walk across America. He rejected the notion of just driving the RV cross country visiting hospitals. Walking the walk is what inspires, he said, and he can surely do it, three miles at a time, take a break, another three miles, take a break, and so on.

“It’s in my bones,” he said. “I have to walk.”

And it’s not just about inspiring stroke patients, encouraging them to walk out to the mailbox tomorrow, then walk past the mailbox the next day.

“It’s seeing the country a different way than when you drive,” Brandy said. “It’s having camaraderie with the truckers.

Once I get on the news, people start waving at me, cars honking. I’ve seen a lot of beauty. It’s hard giving up.”

Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with more than 46 years of reporting experience in the city. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

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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 | 23 OPEN SAIL NIGHT 4-7 p.m. Join the Dana Point Yacht Club Youth Sailing for Open Sail Night every other Friday for a free opportunity to get out on the water. Reserve tickets at www.campscui.active.com. 24399 Dana Drive. 949.496.2900.

TIDEPOOL HIKE Noon-2 p.m. and 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.

Saturday | 24 GOLD COAST DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCH CRUISE 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Go on an ocean adventure with Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari on the “California Riviera” aboard the luxury catamaran Lily. The cruise goes from Dana Point to Newport Beach with a tour of Newport Beach’s harbor. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.488.2828. www.fareharbor.com.

TUNNEL VISION & THE CABBY’S 9 p.m.-1 a.m. If surf rock, ska and reggae are your jam, come out to The Point Restaurant & Bar to hear Tunnel Vision & The Cabby’s perform live. Happy hour is 10 p.m.-midnight. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

ARCHITECTURAL WALKING TOUR 10 a.m. Take a walk through 200 years of San Juan Capistrano architecture as part of a 90-minute Architectural Walking Tour Dana Point Times November 23-29, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK Visitors to The Coach House will be able to hear Lynyrd Skynyrd hits when band Simple Man takes the stage. Photo: Courtesy of The Coach House

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24: SIMPLE MAN LIVE AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Head to The Coach House to hear some soulful Southern-style rock performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd cover band Simple Man. The band is known for emulating Ronnie Van Zant’s profound and powerful vocals. It will be performing some of the hits that put Lynyrd Skynyrd on the map, including Simple Man, Sweet Home Alabama and Tuesday’s Gone. Tickets are $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. www.thecoachhouse.com.

put on by nonprofit group The Friends of the Library. Participants will see adobes, Spanish-era homes and modern architecture. Tour must be scheduled in advance by calling 949.489.0736. Tour group meets at the train depot on Verdugo Street in San Juan Capistrano.

DANA POINT HARBOR TOUR 2:30 p.m. Learn more about the Dana Point Harbor, its ecology and its history on this family-friendly cruise. Cruise will go over such historical developments as Richard Henry Dana’s visit in the 1830s and the harbor’s rise as a well-known surf spot. Tickets for the cruise are $25 for adults and $10 for children. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. 949.496.2274. www. ocean-institute.org SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. The car show attracts hundreds of car enthusiasts each week. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. www.southoccarsandcoffee.com

Sunday | 25 FUNKY SUNDAY FUNDAY 5-8 p.m. Project-M makes its debut on-

stage at Stillwater Spirits & Sounds with old school funk, R&B and soul classics.

Burn off all those calories from Thanksgiving dinner on the dance floor. 24701 Del Prado. 949.661.5899. www.danapointstillwater.com.

Monday | 26 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. 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.

Tuesday | 27 TWO TIMIN’ TUESDAYS 6-9 p.m. Hennessey’s presents Two Timin’ Tuesdays, where all day every Tuesday, all year long, customers can choose from any burger on the menu including the featured Burger of the Month and get the second Page 8

burger free. Dine-in only; bring your friends and enjoy. Hennessey’s Tavern, 34111 La Plaza. 949.488.0121.

Wednesday | 28 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 Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Dana Point in Lantern Bay Park. Come join hundreds of yogis weekly at this beautiful oceanfront class. Bring your dog, kids and friends. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

Thursday | 29 PLANET BEAUTY CHARITY MIXER 5-8 p.m. Shop at Planet Beauty in Dana Point and give back to the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). There will be a raffle, food and drinks; 25% of the night’s proceeds will be donated to CHOC. RSVP to events@planetbeauty.com by Nov. 23 to receive a Rodial Beauty At Home Facial Mask set. 32525 Golden Lantern Street. 949.493.7111. www.danapointtimes.com

Boat Rides with Santa

Holiday Happenings FRIDAY, NOV. 23

A Charlie Brown ChristmaS AT CAMINO REAL PLAYHOUSE 8 p.m. Catch opening night of this classic at Camino Real Playhouse that has Charlie Brown and his pals Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and other members of the Peanuts gang do a play, save a tree and find out what the true meaning of Christmas is. Charles M. Schulz’s Emmy and Peabody awardwinning story has warmed the hearts of audiences for more than 50 years.

The play will run through Dec. 22 and regular tickets are $27. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org SATURDAY, NOV. 24

Small Business Saturday IN SAN CLEMENTE 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Take a stroll along Avenida Del Mar and get some holiday shopping done while supporting Downtown San Clemente’s bevy of local businesses for Small Business Saturday. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.218.5378. www.villagesanclemente.org.

TUESDAY, NOV. 27

2018 Marbella Country Club Annual Holiday Boutique 12-8 p.m. Spend a day shopping for unique, one-of-a-kind items from small business owners, then sit down for a lunch buffet that includes such offerings as a holiday pear salad, rosemary chicken breast and marinated tri tip. A fashion show will commence at 1 p.m. Prizes will be given out throughout the day. Tickets for the lunch buffet are $35 and go to support Saddleback Valley Christian School. 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano. 949.248.3700. www.marbellacc.net SATURDAY, DEC. 1

‘Santa Paws’ Photos 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bring your furry, fourlegged 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

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

City of San Juan Capistrano Christmas Celebration 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 Claus. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org

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

Holiday Lights Viewing Party

Holiday Happenings continued

SUNDAY, DEC. 2

Yappy Howl-iday Celebration 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.

Capistrano Lights at Mission San Juan Capistrano 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.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 5

Tree Lighting at Pines Park 4-6 p.m. Head to Pines Park at Capistrano Beach for free family activities, hot chocolate, cookies and tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.

34941 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point.

949.248.3502. www.danapoint.org.

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

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 the 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

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 FRIDAY, DEC. 14

2nd Annual Holiday Concert 7:30 p.m. The Dana Pointy 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. Other drinks are available for purchase. 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

GETTING OUT

At the Movies: ‘Widows’ Steals the Show

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

F

or the past 10 years, filmmaker Steve McQueen (not to be confused with the old Hollywood star) has proven himself to be versatile. Beginning with the dark character studies of Hunger (2008) and Shame (2011) with Michael Fassbender, to Chiwetel Ejiofor’s traumatic journey in 12 Years a Slave (2013), to now Widows, currently in theaters, McQueen is 4-for-4.

In modern-day Chicago, four women are in over their heads, faced with the fact that all of their husbands led lives of crime and acquired debt. Veronica Rawlings (Viola Davis), Linda Perelli (Michelle Rodriguez), Alice Gunner (Elizabeth Debicki) and Amanda Nunn (Carrie Coon) are all now widowed and on the verge of being blackmailed by their murdered spouses’ enemies. Veronica has

ON THE MENU

CATFISH PO’ BOY

a plan to get revenge and conspire to start life all over. Amanda chooses to sit it out, while single mom Belle (Cynthia Erivo) is up for the challenge.

The actresses of Widows are backed by some seriously stellar casting: Liam Neeson, Robert Duvall, Colin Farrell and Daniel Kaluuya all have roles. Considering the weight of a movie with this many characters, this could have easily been bloated, cliché and confusing. But McQueen was smart and got Gillian Flynn of Gone Girl (2014) and Sharp Objects (2018) to co-write the script. Flynn has a knack for giving her stories enough twists and turns to success. The characters just keep getting better and better by the end. Of all the fine performances, Debicki and Erivo are the big standouts here. This Thanksgiving weekend, Widows is a watch for the grown-up viewers. DP Catfish Po’ Boy from Bad to the Bone BBQ. Photo: Alex Groves

BY ALEX GROVES, DANA POINT TIMES

B

ad to the Bone BBQ, located in a strip mall off Rancho Viejo Road, is known for its selection of ribs, brisket, chicken and other cuts of meat that are delicious when slathered with just the right amount of barbecue sauce.

At a restaurant that locals pack for barbecue, it may seem a little counterintuitive to order fried fish, but Bad to the Bone’s catfish po’ boy makes for a hearty and ultimately enjoyable meal.

The fresh, flaky and buttery catfish is breaded and topped with such ingredients as iceberg lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce on a crispy French roll.

Sandwiches at the restaurant come with

Photo: Courtesy of Suzanne Tenner/20th Century Fox Film Corp.

the choice of one classic side or a premium side for just $1 more. Some of the classics sides are ranch beans, French fries, potato salad and cornbread; premium sides include sweet potato fries, beer battered onion rings and cheddar and corn hush puppies.

The accompanying French fries were crisp and hot and were the perfect pairing to the deliciously simple sandwich.

Bad to the Bone BBQ is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. DP Bad to the Bone BBQ 31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano 949.218.0227 www.badtothebone-bbq.com

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Having a Sling in Singapore before Noon

I

never drink alcohol before noon, and the thought of drinking something stronger than beer or wine before that time is even more unfathomable.

And the thought of my partner, Greta, sitting on a barstool next to me also having an adult beverage before noon just doesn’t fly. She barely drinks at all.

Maybe I had illusions of being Ernest Hemingway, writing a scene for a novel, just as he did when he frequented the very bar where Greta and I were seated.

A little background is in order. When Greta and I booked the 82-day cruise we are on, she circled Nov. 11, my birthday, on her calendar, noting that the ship would be docked in Singapore on that day.

Greta had been in Singapore twice in the early 1980s and had become familiar with the famous Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel.

Writers such as Hemingway, Rudyard Kipling, and W. Somerset Maugham used to drink and write there.

In 1915, a bartender at the Long Bar named Ngiam Tong Boon, invented the Singapore Sling, a gin-based cocktail that has become famous the world over.

Greta circled the calendar because she thought it would be special to take me, a writer and columnist, to the Raffles Hotel Long Bar for a drink on my special day.

But, not long after setting sail, we heard that the famed Raffles Hotel was closed, undergoing a major renovation. Her plan

to treat me to a Singapore Sling in the very bar where it was invented was dashed.

But then we heard in a presentation by the ship’s Cruise Guide, Ian Page, that, while the Raffles Hotel was indeed closed, the Long Bar was open.

So, on that Sunday morning, Nov. 11, after attending a moving Armistice Day Memorial Wreath Service aboard ship, Greta and I ventured into Singapore. I had mastered the Singapore MTR subway system the day before so getting there in this city of eight million people was a snap.

We both had subway Tourist Guest Passes, which meant we could get on and off the trains as often as we wanted. The cost was about $7 each for the day.

Our first stop was to visit the famous Merlion statue, a 27-foot-tall, 70-ton historic landmark featuring a lion’s head and fish-like body with water spewing from its mouth into the SinON LIFE AND gapore River. It is the LOVE AFTER 50 symbol of Singapore.

By Tom Blake And then we relaxed in the Courtyard of the Fullerton Hotel, a gorgeous building located close to the Merlion. There were six McLaren sports cars parked at the hotel, including a yellowcolored one. The owner was standing next to it; he said the car had a mere 750-horsepower engine and retailed at $750,000.

Next, we made our way to the shuttered Raffles Hotel and followed the signs to the Long Bar. And as if on cue, whom do we run into there? Tour Guide Ian, who was taking pictures for the travel presentations he does on board.

Because it was early, we were able to score two seats at the bar itself—something that’s hard to do because that is the

Dana Point Times November 23-29, 2018

Harbor, the marina, bay and hills in distance. According to the Los Angeles Public Library, this photo was taken in 1987 and is part of the William Reagh Collection.

Every week, the Dana Point Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to lboyd@picketfencemedia.com.

“in” place to sit. There is a burlap bag of peanuts on the bar top in front of each bar stool; it’s a tradition at the Long Bar to toss your peanut shells on the floor.

Bartender Jonathan whipped up a couple of Singapore Slings for us. The time on the clock behind the bar was 11:55 a.m.

Was it worth the tourist-driven, $26 price tag for each Sling?

For a once-in-a-lifetime stop at the Long Bar in Singapore, for its famed namesake cocktail—yes, it was.

There we were, each having a Singapore Sling before noon on my birthday—you only

live once. Greta was thrilled. Her plan to treat me in Singapore had materialized, after all.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com.

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

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

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

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo shows the view overlooking the Dana Point

Sudoku

Pet of the Week: Molly

S

Photo: Courtesy of Los Angeles Public Libraries

even-year-old Molly is a happy German Shepherd mix that is looking for her forever home. She has a sweet personality and loves being active outdoors. Molly is potty-trained and would make a great companion for family members of any age.

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

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

Page 18

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Surfing Santa Celebrates the Season Surf Competition Raises Money for Children with Autism

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel embraced the holiday season with its 8th Annual Surfing Santa and Stand Up Paddle Board Competition at Salt Creek Beach. The event was held on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17-18, ahead of the 11th Annual Holiday Surfboard Auction that is now live until Dec. 31.

“Our inspiration (for the event) began with the locally based charity Surfers Healing and finding a way to make an impactful difference in the lives of children with autism and our community,” says Bruce Brainerd, General Manager of The RitzCarlton, Laguna Niguel.

Both seasonal events fully benefit Surfers Healing, a non-profit whose mission is

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel hosted its 8th Annual Surfing Santa and Stand Up Paddle Board Competition on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17-18. Photo: Lillian Boyd

to provide children with autism the gift of surfing. The contest featured 11 divisions, inclusive of surf and stand up paddle board and available for both children and adult contestants. Each heat offered prizes for first- through sixth-place winners, and all participants were eligible for a $1,500 Big Air prize, as well as prizes for best costume and fastest stand up paddle board.

This year, there were more than 90

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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.

contestants for longboard, short board and SUP events. First-prize winners were Callen Emery for guys 17-and-under, short board; Kolton Sullivan for guys 17-and-over, short board; Ben Kappes for longboard; Kayla Coscino for girls, short board; Conrad Rojas for SUP, 17–andunder; Daniel Hughes for Men’s SUP, 17-and-older; and Mel Wygal for women’s SUP. For a full list of contestant rankings,

visit www.danapointtimes.com.

The 11th Annual Holiday Surfboard Auction is live until Dec. 31, and selection of hand-painted surfboards from various artists are displayed at the resort and auctioned off. Surfboards are on display in the lobby at the oceanfront property throughout the holiday season, and bids can be placed online at www.biddingforgood.com. DP

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

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

GARAGE SALES

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

FOR SALE FISHING KAYAK FOR SALE $2,200 Hobie 14’ Mirage Kayak with all the accessories to fish in the ocean. Includes; live bait well (never used), Lowrance Elite Fish Finder, Removable seat, oars, foot pedals, rod holders, life jacket, wheel set and 6 months storage at Jet Ski in the Dana Point Harbor worth $350.

Contact Chuck at 949-201-0262.

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 23-29, 2018

Page 20

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

Boys Cross Country Earns CIFSS Runner-Up, Trip to State

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.

Swift, Fresenius Advance in CIF-SS Tennis Doubles The Dana Hills girls tennis doubles team of Courtney Swift and Drae Fresenius earned a first-round bye and won their next two matches with ease to advance to the final 32 at the CIF-SS Individual Sectionals on Monday, Nov. 19 at Andulka Park Tennis Center in Riverside.

The pair will compete in the Round of 32 on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Whittier Narrows Tennis Center. The round of 16 is on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at Seal Beach Tennis Center.

This is only the second competition as a doubles team this season for Swift and Fresenius. The two teamed up at the South Coast League Finals when Swift, Dana Hills’ No. 1 singles player, was dealing with an injury and went on to win the league title.

On Monday, Swift and Fresenius dropped

Dana Wharf Fish Count Clean waters make for strong bass action

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

W

ater conditions continued to be strong, and the Halibut Derby charged on at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

In his weekly report, Captain Brian Wooley said the waters were super clean once again with temperatures hovering between 65-67 degrees.

Woolley said the half-day trips saw good action nearly every day of the week, with both sand bass and calico bass coming in.

The bass were being caught on the surface with flylined baits and rubber lures.

The trips also used some “exotic” bait such as shrimp and clams to pull in some

Dana Point Times November 23-29, 2018

Dana Hills’ Courtney Swift (pictured) and doubles partner Drae Fresenius continued their league championship form and advanced to the final 32 of the CIF-SS Individual Tennis Championships.

Photo: Zach Cavanagh

only two points as they moved on with a pair of 6-1, 6-0 victories over teams from Riverside Poly and Great Oak of Temecula.

Dana Hills’ second doubles entry also won two matches, but the team of Stila Fresenius and Malia Rivera didn’t have the luxury of a bye.

Fresenius and Rivera took the first and second rounds in strong fashion, 6-1, 6-2 and 6-2, 6-1, but they were eliminated in the third round. Murrieta Valley’s top doubles team fought off the Dolphins’ comeback attempt in a second-set tiebreaker to advance, 6-2, 7-6 (5).

sheephead.

Out in deeper water, the rockfish varieties remained in large supply for the three-quarter day trips. The rockfish took a liking to the sardine bait as well as the coltsniper jigs. The action on skipjack slowed a little as Woolley said it’s been “mostly show and no bite.”

In the Halibut Derby, the leaderboard continued to grow. There are now 17 entries on the board, with some recent catches sliding up near the top. Six entries are 10 pounds and over, including a 19-pounder from last weekend’s drift trips.

However, the leader is still a 25-pounder caught on the first drift trip of the season.

Halibut Derby runs through the end of March, and more information can be found at www.danawharf.com/halibutderby.

bass, 6 sand bass, 12 sheephead, 18 whitefish, 73 rockfish, 142 vermillion rockfish,45 bocaccio, 9 bonito, 143 bass released.

Here are the latest fish counts out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching:

Nov. 16 • 2 boats, 34 anglers: 20 rockfish, 40 vermillion rockfish, 65 bocaccio, 24 whitefish, 4 calico bass, 7 sand bass, 6 sheephead, 60 bass released. DP

Nov. 20 • 4 boats, 142 anglers: 21 calico

The Dana Hills distance running legacy continues with another piece of hardware added to the collection.

The Dolphins got a third-place finish by Simon Fuller and three runners in the top 30 to easily take the Division 1 runner-up silver plaque at the CIF-SS Finals on Nov. 17 at the Riverside Cross Country Course.

In what has almost become a yearly ritual for Dana Hills, the Dolphins boys will compete at the State Championships on Nov. 24 at Woodward Park in Fresno.

Fuller overcame an early tumble in the first 50 meters to post his third-best, three-mile time this season at 14:44. The senior earned a bronze and was named First Team All-CIF. Senior Cole Stark ran a strong 14:52 to finish 13th and was named Second Team All-CIF. Junior Carrick Denker put up a time of 15:06 to finish in 21st and earned Third Team All-CIF honors.

Seniors Garrett Hough and Hayden Stein rounded out Dana Hills’ scoring five with times of 15:16 and 15:17 for 33rd and 35th place, respectively. The Dolphins ran a five-man gap of 33 seconds.

The Dana Hills girls finished 15th in their Division 1 race. Junior Marisa Gaitan and senior Leila Keyvan paced the Dolphins at 18:03 and 18:06 for 33rd and 38th, respectively. DP

Nov. 19 • 3 boats, 81 anglers: 36 bonito, 1 white sea bass, 9 calico bass, 11 sand bass, 8 sheephead, 19 whitefish, 86 rockfish, 118 vermillion rockfish, 49 bocaccio, 121 bass released.

Nov. 18 • 4 boats, 127 anglers: 14 calico bass, 4 sand bass, 6 sheephead, 3 bonito, 2 halibut, 143 bass released.

Nov. 17 • 5 boats, 142 anglers: 1 skipjack tuna, 8 calico bass, 6 sand bass, 12 sheephead, 50 whitefish, 115 rockfish, 151 vermillion rockfish, 32 bocaccio, 2 bonito, 12 sand dabs, 78 bass released.

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Vermillion rockfish have continued to be a strong catch in deeper water. Photo Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Dane Gudauskas, a San Clemente resident and part of the Positive Vibe Warrior organization, pushes a child into the surf at a break in Trinidad and Tobago. Photo: Courtesy of Jimmy Wilson/Vans

Reason to Be Thankful—— Caribbean Style Positive Vibe Warriors raise over 200 surfboards for Trinidad and Tobago

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

K

eeping the vibes alive as we roll into the holiday season, Dane and Tanner Gudauskas recently returned from their latest mission to deliver surf-

boards to people who can’t afford quality boards.

Over the summer, the brothers were able to raise more than 200 surfboards through their Positive Vibe Warrior Foundation (PVW). In the past, they’ve done board drives for Jamaica and South Africa. This time around, their eyes were set on the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

Teaming up with Trinidad surfer Chris Dennis, their efforts resulted in what’s being heralded as the biggest donation of sporting equipment in the country’s history.

Dennis grew up in a rural, relatively forgotten corner of Trinidad. Living a subsistence life of farming and fishing, his family lacked the means to acquire a board for Dennis—or even an old surf mag. He spent years reading about Duke

Kahanamoku and other surfers in a few old encyclopedias.

“I was attacked by a shark before I became a surfer,” Dennis said during a recent interview about the PVW surfboard drive. “For my family, the ocean was a place to get food; that’s it. When I was very young, I was already spearfishing and rock-fishing.”

His first board came when a storm hit the island.

“It blew down a tree, and there was this big splinter that sort of looked like a surfboard,” Dennis said.

Armed with only a machete, he hacked the “blank” out of the tree and crafted a crude board.

“I don’t even know how big it was,” he said. “It didn’t have fins. But I finally had a surfboard.”

Dennis embraced the journey to become a surfer wholeheartedly. Overcoming the odds, he was able to pick up sponsorships and at one point climbed to 144th on the WSL’s Qualifying Series.

Today, Dennis dedicates his time and resources to helping Trinidad and Tobago’s next generation get into the ocean.

“He is the man. He’s an absolutely incredible person, and we are so lucky to have linked up with him,” Dane Gudauskas said after returning from Trinidad.

“I hope they don’t think I was crazy, but I had a notebook with every kid’s name, age, height and weight and what surfboard they were going to get,” Dennis said, laughing. “I knew exactly who was getting what board and why they deserved to get their very own board.”

Like previous PVW board drives, Dennis will use this windfall to help kids learn to surf as well as how to deal with social issues, including poverty, drugs, crime and domestic abuse. He’s been reading

and learning more about how to counsel children lately.

“This is our third board drive, and each one is special, but this was really unique because this area gets so little attention. It’s forgotten about,” Dane said. “We were told that this was the biggest donation of sporting equipment in the country’s history.”

As a result of the board drive, Dennis has been connected with a South African organization called “Waves For Change.”

Helping disenfranchised youth in some of the poorest communities in the country, it was one of the beneficiaries of the PVW’s “Can’t Steal Our Vibe” board drive last year. In February, the group will fly Dennis from Trinidad to South Africa to work and train with them, so he can experience how their organization works and how they’re using surfing to heal their nation.

“It’s so powerful. It’s more than surfboards. It’s a lot more,” Dane said, marveling at the mission. “It’s building these surf communities in ways that are so profound.”

Vans has produced a film about the PVW’s South Africa board drive that was just released worldwide on iTunes. All proceeds will go to Waves For Change.

And true to Gudauskas form, they have more positivity and inspiration on tap. Vans is also going to be working on a video project that will document the journey of a few of the surfboards from the Trinidad board drive. They will tell the story of the people who previously owned the boards and how they’ve affected the lives of the kids who received them.

For the next month, Dane, Patrick and Tanner Gudauskas will be hunkered down on the Hawaiian island of Oahu for the annual Triple Crown of Surfing. No doubt they’ll also be passing along the positivity while they’re there, too. DP

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK BELLA KENWORTHY

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

O

ne weekend, three wins.

Dana Point’s Bella Kenworthy is a force to be reckoned with, whether she’s on a surfboard or a skateboard.

During the first weekend of November, Bella entered the 2018 Exposure skate contest at the Encinitas Skatepark and dug deep to win the Exposure Bowl 14-andunder division. At only 11 years old, it was a huge win for her and illustrates just how talented she is.

The purpose behind the Exposure event

Dana Point Times November 23-29, 2018

Bella Kenworthy. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

was to help raise awareness and visibility for women who skate. This year, more than 150 competitors entered the two-day

contest.

“That was a pretty massive one for her,” said Bella’s father, Jason. “She was skating really good, and the platform the girls have to perform on is unreal. It’s making a difference for these up-andcoming girls.”

With the skate competition done and dusted on Saturday, Bella on Sunday went to work at the NSSA Church Open.

Held in high-quality, 3- to 4-foot surf, she didn’t skip a beat when it was time to hit the water.

Earning first-place finishes in the girls and super girls divisions, Bella clearly has no problem jumping between wheels and water. DP

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Water Temperature: 62-65 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Modest south-southwest swell and west-northwest swell mix continues through the upcoming weekend. Fun size surf possible to close out November with more combo swell likely. Winds are lightest in the mornings with mainly favorable conditions, before light to locally moderate onshore winds kick in each afternoon. Early December looks promising for swell as well, so be sure to check Surfline.com for all the details and that longer range outlook.

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