August 17, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

August 17-23, 2018

YO U

C A N

U S E

Twenty Kittens rescued from Wildfire Areas Harbored at DP Shelter PAGE 5 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 33

Football Preview Get ready for another season of Dolphins Football SPECIAL SECTION

Dana Hills High School football embraces change throughout the program with a mantra of improvement and playoff goals.

Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Coastal Commission Upholds Headlands Development Permit EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

DP Man Arrested in San Clemente Stabbings of Marines EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

SONGS Contractor Claims Safety Training Needed after Incident EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week

Dana Point Man Named Suspect in Stabbing of Three Marines in San Clemente THE LATEST: At about 1 a.m. on Aug. 4, three members of the U.S. Marines were stabbed in an altercation in San Clemente.

None of the Marines received life-threatening injuries, but all three were taken to a local hospital and treated for their injuries.

The incident occurred on the 200 block of El Camino Real near a collection of late-night establishments. Lt. Mike Peters, the San Clemente Police Services chief, said there was an initial altercation that had been resolved, but a suspect and the Marines were in a second altercation when the stabbing occurred in a parking lot.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) public information officer Jaimee Blashaw said the altercation involved two men and a woman who were arguing with the three Marines. A 24-year-old man allegedly stabbed the three Marines, and all three of the alleged offenders were taken into custody and questioned by police.

Alexis Moreno Aguirre, 24, of Dana Point was arrested for the stabbing by OCSD under the suspicion of attempted murder.

At his arraignment on Aug. 7, he pleaded “not guilty” to three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with three sentence enhancements of causing “great bodily harm.”

Moreno Aguirre faces a maximum 14 years in state prison for the charges.

The names of the Marines were not released, but the Marines were reported by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to be between 21 and 23 years old. One marine received injuries to his abdomen and another had injuries to his throat in the incident.

WHAT’S NEXT: Moreno Aguirre is also accused of fleeing the scene, after which witnesses called 911. OCSD investigated and arrested Moreno Aguirre at a hospital in Laguna Beach where he was being treated for his own injuries that were not specified in the DA press release. —Eric Heinz

Coastal Commission Approves Coastal Development Permit for Headlands Resort THE LATEST: A 35,000-square-foot Dana Point Times August 17-23, 2018

A whistleblower recently reported an incident at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, stating that it could have caused safety issues at the offline nuclear power plant. Photo: File

commercial development consisting of a 57-room hotel, 52-bed hostel, a 4,000-square-foot restaurant, a visitor center and a 174-stall parking garage on a 1.6-acre vacant lot in Dana Point was approved by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) during their meeting on Friday, Aug. 10 in Redondo Beach.

WHAT’S NEXT: CCC staff responded by restating their initial interpretation of the Headlands Development Conservation Plan (HDCP) that hotels are allowed in Planning Area 4, one of the development plots of city-established zones.

The city of Dana Point has not yet formally provided permits for the 65-to-90room hotel portion planned for Planning Area 9. —Daniel Ritz

76 Service Station to Receive New Signage THE LATEST: On Aug. 13, the Dana Point Planning Commission approved a sign program permit for the 76 Service Station at 34131 Doheny Park Road.

The station, at the intersection of Doheny Park Road and Victoria Boulevard in Doheny Village, but is permitted to establish combination a sign for fuel pricing and brand marketing. Currently, the site has 190 square feet of landscaping land, the sign program permit states that the tenants will increase their landscaping square footage by more than 2,000 square feet as well as add additional parking spots.

WHAT’S NEXT: Planning Commissioners said that the landscaping increase was to include drought-tolerant plants that would not need irrigation and therefore not require an independent landscaping plan.

Stay tuned for more developments on this story. —DR

Whistleblower’s Comments at CEP Meeting to Factor into SONGS Nuclear Fuel Storage Procedures THE LATEST: During the public comment section of the Aug. 9 Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting in Oceanside, a contractor working with the company Holtec, which is loading the spent nuclear fuel at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), said an incident occurred that could have caused safety issues at the offline nuclear power plant.

David Fritch, who works on the “fuel loading campaign” managed by Holtec, said that on Aug. 3, one of the canisters being loaded into the cavity enclosure container (CEC) concrete structure caught the edge of the cylindrical structure that holds them and was hanging off the edge.

The “outer ring” of the CEC the cask was hanging from is about 18 feet high and because the crane lowering the canisters was losing its tension on the line, Fritch said it had the potential to drop.

“There is a very snug fit in the CECs, and it is not unusual for it to take the downloading team a few manipulations to get the canister aligned appropriately,” a statement from Southern California Edison (SCE), the majority owner of SONGS, stated.

SCE provides oversight to these procedures.

The canisters are built to withstand a 25-foot drop, according to SCE, but that didn’t ease many people’s fears after Fritch’s statements.

Edison wouldn’t comment on which company employs Fritch, but Tom Palmisano, SCE’s vice president of decommissioning and chief nuclear officer, said during the CEP meeting that Fritch would not face retaliation, after Fritch said “I’m not sure if I’ll have a job after saying this” Page 3

during public comment.

Fritch said he is a safety inspector tasked with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation oversight, and that he was deeply concerned with the lack of protocol that was administered during the loading process.

“Southern California Edison has directed its contractor, Holtec, to take corrective actions, including additional training, after evaluating performance errors discovered during the loading of a spent nuclear fuel canister on Aug. 3 into dry cask storage at the San Onofre nuclear plant,” according to a statement from SCE public relations officials. “At no point during this incident was there a risk to employee(s) or public safety, and immediate lessons learned have already been integrated in our processes.”

SCE also stated it would discuss performance concerns with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Through third-party communications, the Dana Point Times was unable to reach Fritch for comment as of Thursday, Aug. 16.

WHAT’S NEXT: Real-time data provided by radiation monitoring is something people have demanded since the spent nuclear fuel storage process began. Although SCE had safety monitors to gauge radiation levels, it’s not immediately available to the public.

There will also be a special CEP meeting, likely in October, to overview the extreme situations of danger that come with storing spent nuclear fuel.

FIND OUT MORE: To view the meeting in its entirety, find the link to the meeting video online at www.danapointtimes.com. —EH

8 Candidates to Run in 3 Districts in 2018 Dana Point City Council Election THE LATEST: Preliminary reports in the August 10-16, 2018 edition of the Dana Point Times have been confirmed as eight candidates in three districts have been certified by the Orange County Registrar of Voters for Dana Point City Council in the upcoming November elections.

In District 1, nominees are incumbent Mayor Pro Tem Joe Muller, Amy Foell and former Finance Review Committee (FRC) committee member Joe Jaeger.

In District 2, nominees include incumbent Mayor Richard A. Viczorek, Mark L. McGinn and former Dana Point City Council member Scott Schoeffel.

District 3 is the only district where no incumbent City members resided, and therefore, is guaranteed a new representative on City Council. Nominees for District 3 include Jamey Federico and Charles Payne.

WHAT’S NEXT: Stay tuned for ongoing election coverage on www.danapointtimes. com. —DR www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

California Fires Displace Kittens to SC/DP Animal Shelter Due to the ongoing fire disasters in California, animal shelters and rescues have been inundated with a large number of animals flowing through their doors on a daily basis. Central and Northern California have been hit with the fires, and the Los Angeles shelters have taken in animals confiscated from a hoarding cases.

Sheltering agencies have been reaching out for help with transferring animals to facilities that have room to house these rescued animals.

“The Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA) agreed to help out, as we transferred 20 kittens from a Central California facility,” said Kim Cholodenko, the CASA general manager in a press release. “CASA and the Pet Project Foundation (PPF) worked together in rescuing these kittens.

A PPF Volunteer oversaw the transfer of the kittens which required over a six-hour drive to pick-up and deliver to our shelter. Volunteers also worked extra shifts to assist in their cleaning, medical needs and feeding.”

Cholodenko said CASA staff organized the transfer of the cats, scheduling foster homes and addressed the kitten’s general daily care and maintenance before and after their foster homes stay. Foster families will need to house the kittens for approximately two to four weeks until they are healthy and ready for adoption.

“With the hard work and combined effort from everyone involved, these animals were transferred from a shelter that reached out to CASA and will soon find their forever homes,” Cholodenko said, adding CASA plans to continue to help with sheltering and animal control services and provide assistance and help to other shelters/animals in need.

Contact the animal shelter at 949.492.1617, if you have questions, looking to adopt kittens, (cats, dogs, or rabbits too), or if you are interested in becoming one of the shelter’s foster parents.

Healthy Kids Running Series Announces Fall 2018 Series Healthy Kids Running Series (HKRS) is a national community-based nonprofit five-week running programs for ages 2-14 that gets kids active, helping them feel accomplished and laying the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. HKRS is seeking participants for its program in South Orange County. The first of five consecutive Sunday afternoon races commences on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 3:30 p.m. at Chapparosa Park, Dana Point Times August 17-23, 2018

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Each Saturday, California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Craft vendors join in on the fun every first Saturday of the month as well. The Dana Point Farmers Market is located in La Plaza Park on Pacific Coast Highway near the Clock Tower.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 The first of five consecutive Healthy Kids Running Series afternoon races commences on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 3:30 p.m. at Chapparosa Park in Laguna Niguel. Photo: Courtesy

25191 Chapparosa Rd, Laguna Niguel.

Each HKRS race takes place once a week and offer age-appropriate race distances. Kids compete each week for a chance to earn points, and at the end of the series, the top boy and girl with the most points in their respective age division earns a trophy. All participants receive a finisher’s medal, race bag and a HKRS tech shirt for their achievements courtesy of Healthy Kids Running Series! “(HKRS) is designed to combat the increasing rates of child obesity in America,” said Jeff Long, HKRS Founder. “My goal is to motivate and inform kids to be healthy and active. We are providing a fun environment to improve their self-esteem and inspire them to adopt a ‘get-up-and-go’ attitude. The support and growth of our Series have confirmed our value and mission.” “(HKRS) is about having fun and encouraging our kids to remain active,” said Tamara Conan, HKRS director. “Our goal is to provide a fun and positive experience for every participant and see them improve over the five weeks.”

Over 50,000 kids participate in the more than 200 HKRS nationwide.

To register a child, to volunteer or become a sponsor, visit www.HealthyKidsRunningSeries.org.

If you’re interested in starting a HKRS program in your community, visit the “Start a Race” page at www.healthykidsrunningseries.org for more information.

Age Well Senior Services Seeks Electric Fan Donations for Meals on Wheels recipients The heat wave and abnormally hot weather experienced in Southern California this summer has prompted Age Well Senior Ser-

vices to seek donations of electric fans for senior citizens who are trying to stay cool.

If you cannot afford a fan, there is help.

Age Well is asking for good Samaritans to bring in new electric fans to one of its affiliated senior centers. Meals on Wheels drivers will distribute the fans to their seniors customers in need.

The Dana Point drop-off location is at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St, Dana Point. Call 949.248.3526 for more information.

Local Pediatrician Author’s New Children’s Book Dr. Steven Viele, a recently retired local Orange County pediatrician for 30 years, has now created, along with his illustrator, Ashley McKeown, a company named Lollypop Books. Ashley is also the mother of two of Viele’s former patients.

My Dog is the Tooth Fairy was published this summer and is the company’s first book. Told in the voice of an inquisitive child, the picture book dives into her imaginative awakening to the seeming impossibilities of the tooth fairy’s job.

The book creates the opportunity for an open dialogue with children as it breezes through the wonder of some of our favorite childhood mythical figures. My Dog is the Tooth Fairy is available through all major online retailers who sell books and at most Orange County Barnes & Noble stores as well as other assorted locations in San Clemente, Orange County and San Diego.

For more information, call 949.690.1420 or email ashley@lollypopbooks.com.

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

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

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING CANCELLED 6 p.m. Dana Point City Council’s regularly scheduled meeting has been cancelled. They are scheduled to return on Sept. 4. 33282 Golden Lantern.

DANA HARBOR TOASTMASTERS 7-8:30 p.m. Join the members of the Dana Harbor Toastmasters every Tuesday to improve speaking and leadership skills. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave., Capistrano Beach. www.1707.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22

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 in their weekly meeting. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

CHAMBER CAFFEINATED 8:30-9:30 a.m. Chamber, Coffee & Conversations make the perfect blend.

Join for a new networking event for Dana Point Chamber members only .

RSVP Required. 34700 PCH. Ste 202.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23

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

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

www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

San Clemente City Councilmember Kathy Ward, far right, who is a director on the TCA’s Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agencies board of directors, repeated the city’s claim that The Toll Road administration has not adequately produced public documents San Clemente has requested for months. TCA representatives disputed this claim at its joint board meeting on Aug. 9 in Irvine. Photo: Eric Heinz

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE

City of San Clemente Continues to Accuse The Toll Roads of Not Providing Public Documents; TCA Disputes Claims Minutes before the Thursday, Aug. 9, Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) meeting at its headquarters in Irvine, the city of San Clemente distributed a press release claiming that it has still not received the documents it requested from The Toll Road administrators, months after filing for them.

The city is trying to find out exactly how much the TCA has paid consultants and for studies related to the various proposed toll roads, some of which would go through San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

City Councilmember Kathy Ward challenged the TCA’s assertion that they’ve fulfilled the request.

San Clemente already has filed lawsuits against the TCA demanding the documents.

The documents the city of San Clemente is requesting include four years of contracts with invoices from various consulting and legal partners, contracts with TCA’s public relations firm Venture Strategic and other invoices.

“In closed session, the Boards of the San Joaquin Hills and Foothill Eastern Transportation Corridor Agencies voted unanimously to defend against the lawsuit entitled City of San Clemente v. Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency, et al.,” TCA spokesperson Sarah King said in an email statement. Another lawsuit the city filed challenges the protective agreement forged in 2016 between the TCA and the Save San Onofre Coalition. Directors Steve Schwartz and Kathy Ward abstained from the vote.

“TCA has responded to numerous Public Records Act requests over the past year, each time complying with its obligations under the Public Records Act,” said TCA legal counsel George JoDana Point Times August 17-23, 2018

seph in an email. “TCA’s response to the City of San Clemente’s request has been no different. Moreover, contrary to the assertions in the city’s press release…

TCA has provided all of the requested documents. Some of the documents took some time to provide because they included requests for expense reports which needed to be searched for in storage and then redacted to remove credit card or social security information, etc.; but all of the requested information and documents have been provided.”

Under the California Public Records Act, government agencies must respond within 10 days of a request and then have 10 days to fulfill that request unless they request an extension to provide the documents.

The city of San Clemente’s legal firm Best Best & Krieger has done work in the amount of at least $260,000 for legal services in regards to Toll Road-related litigation, but the city’s attorney, Scott Smith, said at recent City Council meetings that these costs are based on a contingency, meaning the city hasn’t yet been billed for such work.

Some residents in San Clemente have questioned whether the city will be billed that amount or not at the end of it all, and at the TCA’s meeting public speakers came with their own remarks about the resources San Clemente has put forth to confront the toll road process.

During the Aug. 9 meeting, the TCA joint board voted to conduct additional traffic studies on the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency and San Joaquin Transportation Corridor Agency for future traffic conditions; the cost of the studies was approved for $245,000 and $36,000 respectively.

The TCA is currently working on a draft scoping document—more than 1,200 pages in length—that it estimates it will present to Caltrans by the end of the year. The document, the PSR-PSD study, will assist in the completion of the draft environmental document the TCA expects to have completed by mid-2019 on the proposed toll roads. —Eric Heinz Page 6

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths

by Jim Kempton

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 EDITOR Daniel Ritz, 949.388.7700, x113 dritz@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

Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

EDITORIAL City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz Senior City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Alex Groves Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

ART/DESIGN

We Have More Power than the Pharaohs

W

hen we talk of living like kings, we underestimate ourselves.

Today we live better than kings.

Better than the richest man in the world ever did a century ago.

Every day when we get in our automobile, more 200 horses slip into their harness and race us to our destination at the tap of a pedal. Julius Caesar and all his legions never rode in a leather-cushioned chariot that could go zero-to-60 in less than 10 seconds. And there were no airbags when Roman rigs collided with armored cavalry.

In the course of history, we working stiffs of today are a lucky bunch. Consider the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt: all-powerful, near deities, they built the largest structures on Earth at the time. But King Tutankhamun never lived in an air-conditioned bedroom or slept on an orthopedic mattress. He would have built the sphinx in the shape of the supervillain Sub-Zero had

he ever been able to drink a glass of iced lemonade. Or take Alexander the Great— he may have conquered the world, but he is assumed to have died in agony of typhoid fever, which would have been treatable today, if he was not already vaccinated.

And is there any doubt that the King of Siam would have whistled a happy tune if he could have seen Anna and the King on the big screen or heard the soundtrack on his iPod at the wave of his royal finger?

There are just so many things we have that king-types never did. For WAVELENGTHS instance, convenience

By Jim Kempton stores: Genghis Khan may have had a thousand temples built in his name, but he would have mortgaged his birthright for a Slurpee machine from the local 7-11 store. Not to mention 31 flavors.

And you talk about eating like kings?

Before Columbus, no European sovereign had ever tasted a strawberry, an avocado, pineapple or a See’s chocolate bar. They all came from the new world. Would Henry the VIII have traded his six wives for half a dozen bushels of plums, pecans, or fresh heirloom tomatoes? It’s a good bet.

Queen Elizabeth was known to brag that she “bathed once a month whether she needed to or not.” Unfortunately, her subjects were not nearly so lucky to have that luxury. Princess Pocahontas bathed daily

but in the icy currents of Virginian rivers.

Neither she, nor any other royalty ever experienced a heated pool (or hot shower) so common to us all today. Plus, Queen Lizzie never surfed. (No wetsuit.)

Erasing pain seems so simple today, but it wasn’t always. Take toothaches: Queen Marie Antoinette demanded the finest sweets in Paris. But the resulting cavities made her suffer all her short life when dental fillings would have been a relief.

Speaking of relief, imagine running without Nike’s, sunning without Wayfarers, brushing without Crest, sneezing without Kleenex or skiing without Gore-Tex, small luxuries most world rulers never enjoyed.

So, you can still say it’s good to be king, as long as you reign in the 21st century.

I mean, let’s be truthful, would you trade your refrigerator, automobile, stereo, movies, or Penicillin to run an 18th century empire? Probably not. Would you give up aspirin, heated pools, indoor toilets and dental fillings to be “ruler of the world” without them? Pretty unlikely. But going without ice cream, hot showers, surfboards and guacamole? Forget about it.

Jim Kempton is a surfer and writer who is pretty sure he could not live without the last four items mentioned above. DP

that the ocean has, in times past, extended far, far inland. Yes, the ocean has risen and fallen through Earth’s history.

The author cannot point to one thing on Earth that doesn’t naturally change over time—not one. Some things change quickly: a change in ocean tides occur approximately every six hours; others change very slowly: boulders erode to rocks, rocks to gravel, gravel to sand.

Everything on Earth changes naturally over time, even the climate, and it’s folly to believe we can stop it.

just oppose the court’s Nixon decision, he condemned the court’s decision to hear the case in the first place. Kavanaugh has suggested that the President should be given temporary immunity from civil lawsuits and criminal prosecutions while in office. So, for example President Trump could stop Mueller’s investigation and stop political embarrassment from sexual assault lawsuits being brought by many women. We need a Supreme Court Justice who will make the court independent and stand up to a corrupt executive branch and truly make the court the third branch of our democracy. It is not “political” to insist on the vision of our founding fathers that we have three separate branches of government. Brett Kavanaugh does not believe in this.

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

Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed General Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Dana Point Times, Vol. 11, Issue 33. 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 August 17-23, 2018

Letters to the Editor MAN-MADE CLIMATE CHANGE IS A FARCE JEFFREY HERMAN, San Clemente

A letter in the July 27-Aug. 1 edition of the San Clemente Times was published about manmade climate change. The author should know that this is the greatest hoax of the century. None other than the National Geographic Society, in their study of polar ice core samples dating back 100,000 years, demonstrated that natural (not humancaused) climate change has occurred throughout the history of the Earth, with “drastic changes” (their words) occurring in just 10-year periods. Their research concluded that the Earth’s climate is overdue for change (natural, not man-made).

Anyone, including the author of the letter, who believes that the climate we grew up with is the climate that the Earth has always had, is a science denier. All one has to do is visit places like Shark Tooth Hill in the Kern County desert, with its fish fossils exposed in the sand, to prove to themselves

SCOTUS NOD MAY BE A GOOD FAMILY MAN, BUT… BILL PRESTRIDGE, San Clemente

Brett Kavanaugh might be a good family man, but he should not be appointed as an Associate Supreme Court Justice for the simple reason that the court is the third branch of our government, and Kavanaugh has written that he would not be independent of the executive branch. He said during the Nixon court fight of 1974 that the unanimous ruling by the court against Nixon was “wrongly decided.” He said the decision, “took away the power of the president to control information in the executive branch.” Kavanaugh didn’t

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week 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 | 17 DANA WHARF SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE MUSIC CRUISES 8-9:30 p.m. Dana Wharf’s Dana Pride rocks every Saturday night with classic rock, reggae artists, and a live rock band on board. The cruise takes passengers along the shores of Dana Point Harbor.

The cruise is priced at $25 per person, and each guest is greeted with a glass of the famous Pride Punch. A cash bar is also available. To book a cruise, go online at www.danawharf.com or call 949.496.5794 ext 7. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

Saturday | 18 ‘THE CODE—THE POWER OF I WILL’ 5:30 p.m. Shaun Tomson will speak about the influence of positive values on success in life based on his own experiences.

An attitude of commitment and positivity is the basis for his unique empowering philosophy based on his book The Code.

Children under 18 can attend for free; parents, family and supporters over 18 are $5. Doors open at 4 p.m. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. Attendance is limited to 200. Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, 110 Calle Iglesia. 949.388.0313. www.shacc.org/events.

A WALK THROUGH HISTORY 9-11 a.m. This walk focuses on local Dana Point History. It is designed to introduce participants to the several different main historical periods (ie, Acjachemen, Spanish Mission, Rancho, and Modern Era).

In more detail, participants will learn about the “Woodruff” Era of the 1920’s and 30’s, the surfing heritage, and the harbor construction. Stories of the past will link the participants to the history of some of the local buildings, structures, and areas as well! This history walk occurs on the third Saturday of each month and begins at the Nature Interpretive Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point Please RSVP to DPNaturalResources@ danapoint.org or 949.248.3527.

Dana Point Times August 17-23, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK

Residents can tour the USCG Vessel Narwhal at The Ocean Institute on Saturday, Aug. 18. Photo: Courtesy

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18: TOUR THE USCG VESSEL ‘NARWHAL’ AT THE OCEAN INSTITUTE 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tour the U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Narwhal and learn how this vessel and crew are prepared to respond to a variety of emergencies. This is a one day only opportunity. Included with admission to the Ocean Institute; $7.50 children and $10.00 adults.

Subject to availability. Tours will be limited to 20 people on an hourly basis. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr. 949.296.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

Sunday | 19 TIP-A-COP Noon-5 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics with help of California Highway Patrol officers. Officers serve as celebrity waiters at restaurants, and they donate all the tips they receive to the Special Olympics. Ruby’s Diner, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

562.502.1100. www.sosc.org/home.

BUBBLY AND BLOOMS 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Join Alice’s Table at Bella Collina Golf Club for a morning of flower arranging fun. Enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne while you relax in the Bella Gardens and create your own bouquet. Brunch will be served. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. 949.498.6604. www.bellacollinasanclemente.com.

Monday | 20 IHEARTYOGA IN THE PARK 10 a.m. Donation based outdoor yoga for

everyone. We offer a variety of classes and styles every day at 10 a.m. in front of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa 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. www.iheartyoga.org.

COUNTRY DANCING AND ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR 6-10:30 p.m. Stop by the Swallow’s Inn for country dancing with DJ Patrick and a happy hour that lasts all day. Enjoy a steak dinner for $13 when you are finished on the the dance floor. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

BINGO AT GOODY’S TAVERN 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the month.

Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

Page 8

Tuesday | 21 BEND AND BREW DANA POINT 6 p.m. Bend and Brew is coming to Dana Point!! iHeartYoga is linking up with Fair Dinkum Coffee and Beer to bring you yoga and beer every Tuesday for $15.

This is a one hour yoga class suitable for all levels followed by a cold beer to socialize with your fellow beer drinking yogis.

Tacos served afterwards. Fair Dinkum Coffee and Beer. 34150 Pacific Coast Hwy. www.iheartyoga.org.

Wednesday | 22 INDIANS IN UNEXPECTED PLACES: NATIVE AMERICANS AND SURF CULTURE 6 p.m. As part of the San Onofre Parks Foundation Summer Speaker Series, Dina Gilio-Whitaker, policy director and senior research associate for the Center (Cont. on page 17) www.danapointtimes.com

‘CHIP ON THE SHOULDER’ Dana Hills is on a mission to flip perceptions and continue run of improvement

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

A

football team is one of, if not the, most prominent representatives of a high school.

It’s where a community rallies on a Friday night. It’s where a student body kicks off their fall dances. It’s usually a symbol for what the school is and sets the tone for the upcoming year.

So what is it like when the football team feels looked down on or disrespected by the student body it represents?

The Dana Hills High School football program knows, doesn’t like it and is on a mission to turn that around this season.

“There’s a chip that I have on our shoulder with the whole attitude our school has toward the program,” junior quarterback Zackary Saavedra said. “I have to prove people wrong, and so does everyone else here. It’s how we’re going to work here.”

Dana Hills hasn’t had a .500 season or made the playoffs since 2013 and hasn’t won more than five games since 2009.

Since that 2013 playoff appearance, Dana Hills has won just five games.

Dolphins coach Phil Skinner took over as head coach in 2015, and there has been tangible improvement.

“The success has taken little steps,” Skinner said. “We went from no wins to one win to three wins. Obviously, the next step for us is to get above a .500 season and make it into the playoffs. That’s our goal.”

It’s a goal that finally feels reachable for these Dolphins. With that mantra of improvement, a competitive schedule, new offensive and defensive coordinators and strong leaders on each side of the ball, Dana Hills is fueled by a belief it can achieve its goal and prove those outside the program wrong.

“This is the time we can go to playoffs,” senior Matthew Lua Mu Poching said. “We can go where we want. It’s all on us. We just have to focus on each game one by one.

Everything else will come.”

2018 DOLPHINS FOOTBALL PREVIEW

DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

Face of Change While the wins had increased incrementally, Skinner saw there was still room for improvement, and new faces were added to the coaching staff.

Curtis Madden was brought in as offensive coordinator. Madden has ditched the wing-T offense the Dolphins tried last year and brought in the spread offense as well as experience with winning programs at JSerra and Mission Viejo. Madden knows what it takes to win from his playing days at Kansas State and seeing his son, Tre Madden, make it to the NFL. “He has a real idea about how to do exactly what we’re doing here,” Skinner said.

“He’s doing a hell of a job. (Madden has) taken a lot of his experiences and melded them together.”

Brad Carter comes in as defensive coordinator with junior college coaching experience. He’s a young coach, but the biggest thing he brings to the Dolphins is the passion and energy that a team like this needs.

“You have to contain him a little bit,” Skinner said, “but that’s what you want out of a defensive coordinator. His acumen is off the charts.”

Change can be hard to adjust to, but the right kind of change can be invigorating. It seems as though the right kind of change 2018 DOLPHINS FOOTBALL PREVIEW

has hit Dana Hills.

“Just the change of coaching, the change in attitude around this program,” senior center Shane Darr said. “It’s definitely changed.

Before it was kind of lackluster. Now, it’s going to be big.”

Opening Up the Offense Madden has come in with the spread offense, and he has a quarterback to take it on in Saavedra.

The Dolphins had mixed results with the wing-T offense last season, but Saavedra has come on strong to the new looks.

“I think it’s a better suit for me,” Saavedra said. “Last year we worked the wing-T, but I couldn’t really work out of it. It wasn’t enough for me to get enough time back there. I think the spread is going to work well this year.”

The wing-T is more run-focused, but with the arm, ability and IQ of Saavedra, the Dolphins will be able to distribute the football and utilize the speed of receivers like Max Burlison and Trevor Gartlan.

“We’re going to throw the football,” Skinner said. “There’s no doubt about that.

But I think our biggest thing is that we have options. There’s always two or three different choices for whatever defense lines up against us.”

Defense Playing to Strengths Carter’s energy filters down to his defense, a fast-playing group.

“We’re pretty solid,” Lua Mu Poching said. “We’ve got athletes out here, but we’re not big in size. We’re athletic. We have to do our thing.”

Dana Hills isn’t breaking the wheel with its set up, a 4-3 cover two look, but it allows its sturdy line with players like Adrian Sword and its secondary with Burlison to play to their strengths.

“We can be complex defensively, but at the same time, we’re going to be real simple too,” Skinner said. “We’re going to do what we can do with the players that we have. They’re going to be fast and active and we’re going to ask them to play tough.”

The toughest among them may be the middle linebacker, Lua Mu Poching, who will command the defensive side of the ball and go both ways as a running back.

Improved Outlook Skinner described this year’s group of Dolphins as resilient, first and foremost.

The Dolphins were going through their changes while also practicing at an elementary school all summer as new turf

was being put in at Dana Hills. Skinner has said they’ve all taken it in stride.

“Their resiliency is strong,” Skinner said.

“I think that’s a great thing in football.

Things happen on the field, it’s a chaotic game. When you can handle the ups, downs and everything in between and still get better and play better and play together, then they’re going to be pretty good.”

With the changes in coaching and attitude, the team seems primed to take on what Skinner called a more manageable schedule than in previous seasons.

“It was just kind of a gauntlet,” Skinner said. “We didn’t have the amount of kids to match up. It was tough. Our schedule, their kids are like our kids, their numbers are like our numbers. I feel like we’re in a much more competitive situation.”

All of this adds up to truly tangible change for Dana Hills.

For a program that moved things around and still struggled like the Dolphins have, it can sound like a lot of window dressing, but to a man, the Dolphins believe and are ready to change people’s minds and take on the representative mantle for Dana Hills.

“We’re trying to change how Dana sees us,” Burlison said. “We’re trying to be the face. It’s more effort and taking pride in that we’re on the football team and try hard every day.”

DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

TRAINING CAMP TALK

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

“TRUST THE PROCESS, BASICALLY. JUST HAVE TO STAY LOYAL AND DO YOUR THING. YOU DON’T WANT TO FOCUS ON OTHER THINGS, JUST FOCUS ON THE TEAM. IT’S A PROGRAM.” – Linebacker Matthew Lua mu Poching on the team’s improvement

“We’re smaller than others, obviously, but we play bigger than we are.”

– Center Shane Darr

“I FEEL LIKE (WITH) THE CHANGE IN COACHING STAFF AND A LOT OF CHANGE IN MENTALITY THAT IT’S COMING TOGETHER. I FEEL LIKE WE’LL HAVE A WAY BETTER SEASON.”

“IT’S PRETTY EXCITING. WE’VE BEEN PRACTICING ON THESE GRASS FIELDS THAT HAVE HOLES AND STUFF. ONCE WE GET BACK THERE, THINGS WILL GO A LOT SMOOTHER THAN THEY ARE NOW.” – Quarterback Zackary Saavedra on Dana Hills’ new turf field

– Lineman Adrian Sword 2018 DOLPHINS FOOTBALL PREVIEW

DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

PLAYERS TO WATCH

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

FIVE TO WATCH

Zackary Saavedra

OFFENSE

QB • JUNIOR • No. 2

C • SENIOR • No. 61

Shane Darr

Tanner Vallejo

Trevor Gartlan

Silas Bouvier

Saavedra takes over the reins of the new-look Dolphin offense.

Going from the wing-T last season to the spread this season, Saavedra will be making different and higher-level reads, but he is quickly grasping the new concepts. At 6-foot-1, Saavedra has all of the tools to make the Dolphins fly.

Darr is the leader of the lineman group. Also taking on the new responsibilities of a new offense, Darr will command all new line calls in stride. At 5-foot-10, 240 lbs., Darr anchors the middle of the line and will also double on the defensive side of the ball.

Vallejo is listed at tackle, but he will play up and down the offensive line. Coach Phil Skinner said Vallejo is versatile and interchangeable, taking on the responsibility of learning every position up front. At 6-foot-1, 235 lbs., Vallejo helps solidify a strong group of linemen.

Gartlan will be showcased as a versatile athlete in the Dolphins’ new spread offense.

Gartlan will play on the outside as a receiver and will also run the ball out of the backfield. At 5-foot-10, Gartlan will utilize his speed to gain the edge and move into the open field.

The name Bouvier will round out the offensive line with twin brothers Silas and Sebastian as bookends. Both standing 6-foot-1, 210 lbs., the Bouviers help bring chemistry to an offensive line that has come together as a unit over summer practices. Silas will also double on the defensive line.

Adrian Sword

Max Burlison

Liam Boersma

Mitchell Stock

Sword is another of the group of two-way lineman playing on defense and offense. Sword was a running back, but as a team player and one of the Dolphins’ physically strongest players, he filled a need on the line. Sword is 5-foot-8, 220 lbs. and picked up 16 tackles as junior.

Burlison was called a “blaster”

by Coach Phil Skinner. Burlison is a big hitter in the secondary and was the No. 2 junior tackler for Dana Hills last season with 41 tackles. He’s another twoway player and will factor in big on offense as Saavedra’s favorite offensive target at receiver.

Boersma has the make-up of a prototypical defensive end. He’s a tall body at 6-foot-4 and has the length to control the edge of the defensive front. A strong defensive end is critical in the 4-3 defense that Dana Hills runs, and a smart, good hitter like Boersma takes the role.

Stock will be used all over the field for Dana Hills in all three phases of the game. Stock will stand in on defense at cornerback. On offense, he’ll line up outside as a receiver option. His biggest contribution will be as the team’s place-kicker with a 45-50 yard range.

FIVE TO WATCH

Matthew Lua mu Poching LB • SENIOR • No. 8

Poching will be the most notable presence on the field for Dana Hills. At 6-foot-1, 205 lbs., Poching is the quarterback of the defense and also runs downhill as a running back. Poching is the go-to senior leader for the Dolphins and takes on all comers. Poching has nextlevel ability.

2018 DOLPHINS FOOTBALL PREVIEW

T • JUNIOR • No. 70

WR • JUNIOR • No. 13

T • SENIOR • No. 67

DEFENSE

DT • SENIOR • No. 52

CB • SENIOR • No. 3

DE • JUNIOR • No. 77

CB • SENIOR • No. 5

DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

VARSITY ROSTER No.

Name

Position

Grade

Height

Weight

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 15 17 19 20 22 23 24 25 35 39 42 47 50 51 52 53 54 56 57 58 59 61 62 64 65 67 69 70 72 73 75 76 77 78 80 81 83 84 85

Cristyan Lopez Zackary Saavedra Max Burlison Cole Rettberg Mitchell Stock Noah Simpson Brett Haynes Matthew Lua mu Poching Lukas Saavedra Tristan Van der linde Trevor Gartlan Seth Lyon Daniel Reyes Nic Briner Tyler Melton Sam Shultz Joanlee Ortiz Jake Bolken Will Craven Matt Willett Aiden Frangipane Owen Zajac Bradley Jacobo Michael Fregoso Jake Stich Micah Liebner Adrian Sword Javier Arroyo Landen Miller Jimross Abrena Gerardo Saldana Alexander Manzo Brady Hayden Shane Darr Nicolas Intha Emmanuel Vega Joshua Dominguez Silas Bouvier Bruno Gloria Tanner Vallejo Sebastian Bouvier Elliott Drake Scott Sarozek Christian Preijers Liam Boersma Troy Oswald Alexander Rivera Kellan Mcgrath Jeziel Galarza Aidan Malley Nathaniel Butterfield

WR, DB QB, FS FS, WR LB, RB WR, CB DB, WR WR, DB MLB, RB DB, WR RB, OLB WR, CB, FS QB DB, WR WR, DB MLB, OLB, WR MLB, G K FS RB, DB LB, RB DT, MLB, RB WR, SS, CB OL, DL DE, OL NG, OL G, NG MLB, G, DL G, NG RB, MLB, OL G, DE DT NG DE, OL C, DT OL, LB DT DT DE, OT NG T, DT OL, DL DE MLB, DT LS, C, DE DE, TE DT, NG DL, OL DB, WR DB, WR WR, CB LB, RB

So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. So. So. So. So. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. So. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. So. So.

6-0 6-1 5-8 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-10 6-1 6-0 5-5 5-10 5-10 5-6 5-6 5-8 5-9 5-2 5-7 5-4 5-10 5-6 5-3 5-7 5-4 6-1 6-2 5-8 5-8 5-9 5-10 5-10 5-8 6-2 5-10 5-7 5-6 5-6 6-2 5-4 6-1 6-1 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-4 6-0 5-7 6-1 5-7 5-8 5-9

152 155 160 160 150 145 145 205 155 150

2018 DOLPHINS FOOTBALL PREVIEW

150 145 150 165 155 105 140 120 165 190 110 160 120 270 290 220 265 180 205 210 230 170 240 170 190 156 200 225 235 200 190 215 200 185 212 160 140 145 145 150

DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

GAME PREVIEWS

ALL GAMES BEGIN AT 7 P.M.

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

GAME ONE AUGUST 17

GAME TWO AUGUST 24

GAME THREE AUGUST 31

GAME FOUR SEPTEMBER 7

SEPTEMBER 14

LOCATION: Dana Hills HS COACH: Erik Terry 2017 RECORD: 6-4 (3-2 Pacific Coast League) 2017 VS. DH: Did not play SEASON OUTLOOK: Irvine had a bounce-back campaign in 2017 after a pair of two-win seasons prior.

Despite a third-place league finish, the Vaqueros did not make the playoffs, which gives Irvine a chip on its shoulder going into 2018.

The shot in the arm for the Vaqueros was quarterback Marc Filia, who completed just under 60 percent of his passes for 2,365 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior. He also ran for four touchdowns.

Cory Bautista, also returns after a 418-yard, four-touchdown rushing season. Bryce Tanikawa, the Vaqueros’ No. 2 receiver, also returns after catching 53 passes for 726 yards and seven touchdowns last season.

Los Amigos

Lincoln (LA)

Saddleback

Laguna Beach

LOCATION: Dana Hills HS COACH: Carl Agnew 2017 RECORD: 2-8 (1-4 Garden Grove League) 2017 VS. DH: Loss, 34-7 SEASON OUTLOOK: Los Amigos is 11-21 over the last three seasons, but things could be looking up for the Lobos with key players returning at major positions.

Los Amigos is, first and foremost, a grind-it-out running team. Brian Pacheco carried the ball 141 times as a sophomore for 740 yards and 10 touchdowns. The No. 2 rusher, Joseph Garcia, carried the ball 76 times as a sophomore for 313 yards, including 128 yards and a touchdown against Dana Hills.

Brandon Tinoco returns as a senior quarterback who averaged 8.4 yards per completion as a junior with 811 total yards and just three touchdowns.

LOCATION: Lincoln HS COACH: Chris Rattay 2017 RECORD: 1-9 (0-5 Northern League) 2017 VS. DH: Did not play SEASON OUTLOOK: Lincoln of Los Angeles is coming off its worst season since 2004.

The Tigers allowed 30 points or more in each of their nine losses and scored a combined total of 32 points in those nine games with four shutouts. Lincoln’s lone win came over Los Angeles High School, who finished 1-10 overall.

The Tigers are a running team but lost their top two rushers.

Lincoln spread around quarterback reps last season, but Eric Alderete is the senior returner. Alderete completed 53 percent of his passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions over nine games.

LOCATION: Dana Hills HS COACH: Nick Diulio 2017 RECORD: 2-7 (1-4 Orange Coast League) 2017 VS. DH: Did not play SEASON OUTLOOK: Saddleback went through a bit of a coaching carousel last season, but the ride stopped on Nick Diulio, who takes over for his first season this fall.

The Roadrunners allowed 31 points or more in six of their nine games last season. Their 2-7 record was a steady trend down from 4-6 in 2016 and back-to-back 6-5 seasons in 2014 and 2015.

Saddleback split time between three quarterbacks last season, none of whom are listed on the current roster. The quarterbacks listed are senior David Ayala, junior Alex Soto and sophomore Juan Guerrero.

The Roadrunners top rushers, receivers and tacklers also graduated.

LOCATION: Laguna Beach HS COACH: John Shanahan 2017 RECORD: 5-6 (4-1 Orange Coast League) 2017 VS. DH: Did not play SEASON OUTLOOK: Laguna Beach took a step back last season, but the Breakers still finished second in a competitive Orange Coast League and lost a tight first-round playoff game.

Laguna Beach was involved in a large league shift in Orange County, and moves into the newly formed Golden West Conference and its football-only Pac 4 League subdivision.

Shane Lythgoe, the Breakers’ leading rusher, returns after a 500-yard, 5.2 yards-per-carry season. Leading receiver Sean Nolan also returns after a 56-catch, 823-yard season.

Junior Andrew Johnson figures to step in at quarterback to replace a 2,000-yard passer.

GAME SIX SEPTEMBER 21

GAME SEVEN SEPTEMBER 28

GAME EIGHT OCTOBER 5

GAME FIVE

GAME NINE OCTOBER 12

Irvine

GAME TEN OCTOBER 19

Ocean View

Laguna Hills

Trabuco Hills

Aliso Niguel

San Juan Hills

LOCATION: Dana Hills HS COACH: Luis Nunez 2017 RECORD: 5-5 (1-4 Golden West League) 2017 VS. DH: Did not play SEASON OUTLOOK: Ocean View started off 2017 strong with a 4-1 record and strong wins, but a tough campaign in a competitive Golden West League leveled things out for the Seahawks.

Ocean View played with a balanced offense with equal time to the run and pass. Quarterback Noah Hickman completed 59 percent of his passes for 1,489 yards and 15 touchdowns and ran for 373 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Seahawks did lose their 1,000-yard rusher to graduation as well as their top two receivers.

Ocean View’s top two tacklers return with seniors Alex Nieves and Jesus Ramirez.

LOCATION: Laguna Hills HS COACH: Mike Maceranka 2017 RECORD: 2-7 (0-4 Sea View League) 2017 VS. DH: Loss, 10-0 SEASON OUTLOOK: Laguna Hills took a tumble last season.

The Hawks were shut out twice in Sea View League play, including a 10-0 loss to Dana Hills and a 33-0 loss to rival Aliso Niguel.

Laguna Hills also had a run in with hand, foot and mouth disease in the middle of the season that forced a game cancellation.

Matt Der Torossian takes over at quarterback and will have plenty of protection behind the 6-foot-6, 275-lbs. frame of Nolan Hegeduis.

Mitch Leigber got some offensive looks as a freshman and is a player to watch on kick and punt returns.

LOCATION: Dana Hills HS COACH: John Abdelnour 2017 RECORD: 2-8 (0-4 South Coast League) 2017 VS. DH: Did not play SEASON OUTLOOK: Trabuco Hills lost its final seven games to end last season on a sour note. It was a season full of injuries to top players for the Mustangs, so they welcome a restart in 2018.

Trabuco Hills will be helped by a return to the Sea View League after a winless South Coast League campaign.

The Mustangs will also get back their leading rusher in JC Montgomery. As a junior, Montgomery rushed for 208 yards in four games before taking an injury.

Quarterback Aidan Armstrong got plenty of playing time as a sophomore and should step into the top role.

LOCATION: Aliso Niguel HS COACH: Kurt Westling 2017 RECORD: 6-5 (2-2 Sea View League) 2017 VS. DH: Win, 51-19 SEASON OUTLOOK: Aliso Niguel finished in the dead center of the Sea View League last season and could be a team to challenge for the league title this time around.

The Wolverines had an explosive passing attack, and they return their signal-caller in senior Kyle Robertson. Robertson completed nearly 63 percent of his passes for 2,330 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Aliso Niguel did lose their top receiver to graduation, Tyler Jones, and will need to find ways to recoup his 1,457 receiving yards.

The Wolvers will also look to fill the holes of their leading rusher and top-two tacklers from a season ago.

LOCATION: Dana Hills HS COACH: Rob Frith 2017 RECORD: 6-6 (1-3 South Coast League) 2017 VS. DH: Did not play SEASON OUTLOOK: San Juan Hills comes down from the South Coast League, and in coach Rob Frith’s first season, the Stallions are expected to compete for the league title.

San Juan Hills’ can’t miss player is four-star tackle Sean Rhyan. The 6-foot-5, 300-lbs. senior has 14 college offers and will command the line of scrimmage.

Rhyan will be protecting quarterback Jake Carreon. A transfer from Mira Costa, Carreon will helm the up-tempo spread offense.

Other players to watch are running back Chase Monarch, defensive end Cade Albright and receiver Joey Hobert.

2018 DOLPHINS FOOTBALL PREVIEW

DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8)

Thursday | 23

for World Indigenous Studies and lecturer of American Indian Studies at California State University, San Marcos, will give a presentation about what she said are misconceptions about the history of American Indians and surf culture. GilioWhitaker’s lecture will explore parts of a historical project that looks to confront longstanding stereotypes. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online. www.indiansunexpectedplaces.eventbrite.com.

OC PARKS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: TIJUANA DOGS AND FAMILY STYLE 6-8 p.m. The County of Orange and OC Parks welcome back the annual outdoor summer concert series with a free concert at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public of all ages. Concert goers 21 and over can purchase beer and wine at the beer tent. 33333 Pacific Coast Hwy. http://www.ocparks.com/events.

DOHENY STATE BEACH VISITOR CENTER 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join the volunteer team at the Doheny State Beach Visitor Center.

It’s fun and easy. Open every day. If interested in volunteering and welcoming Doheny’s many visitors, contact Kathy at volunteer@dohenystatebeach.org or Vicki at vicki.wiker@parks.ca.gov.

LIVE MUSIC: THE SPRINGSTEEN EXPERIENCE AT STILLWATER DANA POINT 9 p.m. The Springsteen Experience will performs at Stillwater Dana Point. Limited reservations available. 949.661.6003. 24701 Del Prado. www.danapointstillwater.com.

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

ON THE MENU

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

CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA FROM BASANTI

The Chicken Tikka Masala is a hearty and delicious option at Basanti in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Alex Groves

BY ALEX GROVES, DANA POINT TIMES

P

eople packed tables inside of San Juan Capistrano restaurant Basanti on a recent Saturday as the fragrant smell of spices wafted in from the kitchen.

It’s been more than a year since the restaurant opened at a strip mall along the Ortega Highway and started serving up Northern Indian cuisine and business has been excellent.

The Chicken Tikka Masala, one of the lunch entrees, is not only an extremely filling option, but it’s also rich and loaded with flavor.

The tender, tandoori-roasted chicken comes slathered in a creamy butter and Dana Point Times July 27-August 2, 2018

tomato sauce with sides of freshly cooked naan bread, rice and a salad.

For those looking for something less ubiquitous to Indian restaurants than Chicken Tikka Masala, Basanti has a varied menu of dishes from Himalayan Momos (a kind of stuffed dumpling) to Shrimp Vindaloo.

Basanti is open for lunch from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. daily. It’s open for dinner from 5-9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Basanti 27221 Ortega Highway, Suite G, San Juan Capistrano 949.276.2166 www.basantirestaurant.com

Page 17

At the Movies: ‘BlackKklansman’ for a Change

Photo: Courtesy of David Lee/Focus Features

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s summer winds down and everyone goes back to their usual weekly schedules, the movie season ends on a rather serious note. Not to say Spike Lee’s new movie BlackKklansman is a serious drama. On the contrary, it’s rather hilarious with its satire and wit.

But when you go to the movies right before school begins again, you’re probably not expecting a history lesson on mid-20th century bigotry in Middle America with a scarily relevant final sequence.

Right now, we have a feature based on the true story of police officer Ron Stallworth (played by John David Wash-

ington), who became the first black cop in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1972.

His desired position is in undercover assignments and he takes it upon himself to research the Black Panther Party and Ku Klux Klan sectors in the city. Ron’s partner in the KKK case is officer Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), and David Duke (Topher Grace) is the main man in charge of the group. He’s a big fan of “separate, but equal” philosophies and the slogan “America First.” At the same time, Ron also becomes acquainted with black student union president Patrice Dumas (Laura Harrier), whose mantra is “all power to all people.”

BlackKklansman is completely lacking in subtlety, subtext and metaphors. It’s just all-out blunt and transparent with its theme and tone, with every offensive slur imaginable. And if you’re familiar with Spike Lee’s career, this is exactly what you would expect. Sometimes, you just need to have things spelled out in front of you, and this is one of those times. Driver and Grace are stellar with their portrayals, and Washington gives a fine debut lead performance. DP

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

CoastLines

by Fred Swegles

Saturday Dana Point Cruise is a Fun Time to be Had

W

hat’s better than Saturday night on the town? Saturday night on the water, maybe?

For some time, I’ve wanted to check out Dana Wharf Sportfishing’s Saturday night music cruise, said to be in its 12th summer. It’s a party boat with a live band.

The house bands are mostly from San Clemente, so I figured a cruise would provide me a fun local angle for San Clemente and Dana Point readers.

The Aug. 11 cruise, featuring Flock of 80’s, did not disappoint.

Flock of 80’s frontman Alex Mackey had more than 100 partygoers under his spell from the moment the Dana Pride departed at 8 p.m. for a 90-minute series of slow laps around Dana Point Harbor. The dancing on board was not conducted in slow laps.

COASTLINES The cruise is $25. You

By Fred Swegles get gorgeous views of the harbor, nonstop live music that will rock your socks or sandals off, some of the best people-watching ever and a welcome drink to entice you to return to the Dana Pride’s full-service cash bar.

“This is the best $25 we’ve ever spent,” said Heidi Hitt, a Flock of 80’s fan who’d never been.

Many cruisers stepping on board may have just had dinner and drinks at a harbor restaurant, so they are ready to

People enjoy the music, libations and atmosphere of the Dana Wharf Sportfishing’s Saturday night music cruise on Saturday, Aug. 11. Photo: Fred Swegles

Dana Point Times August 17-23, 2018

2018 SEASON • Cruises began June 2. Nine remain, through Oct. 20.

• No cruise this Saturday, Aug. 18 (the boat is chartered).

• Weekly cruises resume Aug. 25 with bands Cali Conscious, Bunch of Guys, Flock of 80’s, Safety Orange, Captains Quarters, Cali Conscious, Bunch of Guys, Flock of 80’s and Cali Conscious.

Sources: www.danawharf.com

rock from the get-go. Some will continue to party, after the cruise, at a harbor night spot.

“It’s an hour and a half of fun,” said Brooke Dobos, a second-time attendee, in a group of seven.

Because the Dana Pride is 95 feet long, you can situate your group as close to or as far from the amplifiers as you like.

Some like it hot, others not.

Donna Kalez, Dana Wharf’s general manager, recalls that the cruise began in 2007 as a $45 excursion upcoast to Laguna Beach and back. Dana Wharf later decided the right mix was a shorter, lower-cost version.

“It’s really friendly,” said Flock of 80’s guitarist Robert Stevens. “Everybody is excited...groups of people that know each other. It’s not just a bunch of strangers thrown together. They’re ready to have a good time.”

Clusters of pals aboard may be there to celebrate someone’s birthday, anniversary or other occasion, or just because they follow a particular band.

The Aug. 11 cruise helped celebrate Summer Kerr’s birthday. The microphone was handed to her during a favorite song, her delivery drawing adulation from her entourage.

“It’s different than a bar atmosphere,” she said. “Just a good time.”

“This is my first time, and I’ve never had a better time in this harbor,” said Carlos Hermosillo. “I’m in this harbor every day, practically, paddleboarding. I had no idea what to expect...awesome music and happiness.”

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

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Archives

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo shows the San Juan Creek meeting they unpaved facilities at Doheny State Beach.

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 editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Pet of the Week: Gidget DANA POINT TIMES

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

ooking to add a new furry friend to the family? One-year-old Gidget would make a great addition to just about any home. Very sweet and affectionate, Gidget loves to cuddle and play. Once you meet her, you’re sure to fall for this happy little pup.

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

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 Last week’s solution:

Page 18

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Business Beat News from Dana Point’s business community DANA POINT TIMES

New Business OCtech 24681 La Plaza, Suite #110 Dana Point, CA 92629 949.329.8999 www.octech.com Recently opening OCtech in the La Plaza business park on PCH, Nick Schrunk is looking to “de-mystify technology” by bringing a personality to tech.

Schrunk, who has worked previously in the corporate tech sector for more than 25 years as the vice-president of the company Jetsuite, started his own small business, Infinity Net, in the early 2000s and believes his entrepreneurial spirit makes him and OCtech a good fit in Dana Point.

“To make it really simple, we want to improve network performance and problem-solve infrastructure issues for small businesses and residents,” Schrunk explained. “We perform security audits, tell you if there is anything you don’t know about on your network. I like to work with small businesses, and my community. We want to be the ‘I.T. guy,’ for those places and people that don’t necessarily need a full time I.T. staff person.”

Schrunk also pointed out he has recently been performing a large number of in-house server to cloud-based operations transitions.

“I want to be recognized as the one-stop shop for local businesses and residents,” Schrunk explained. “A lot of people just ask me to ‘make it work,’ and we saw that no one was servicing this area, and we want Dana Point to know we’re here to do just that.”

For a full listing of available services from OCtech by visiting their website, or by emailing Schrunk directly at nick@ictech.com.

New Business ACNE LAB 24672 San Juan Avenue Dana Point. Ste. 104 949.573.4949 www.danapointacnelab.com Sharon Loconsolo, a licensed esthetician and certified acne specialist, recently opened her own practice, The Acne Lab Dana Point.

“As much as I enjoy the graceful aging skincare aspect of my career, I have always been passionate about helping those that suffer from acne,” Loconsolo said.

In order to do so, Loconsolo pursued further training and education, becoming Dana Point Times August 17-23, 2018

certified by Face Reality Acne Clinic, a method based on a drug-free solution for those with acne-prone skin.

“Unfortunately, products alone will not cure acne,” Loconsolo admitted. “At an initial consultation, I conduct a skin evaluation and consultation to learn about the type of skin, and the condition and type of acne.”

Loconsolo will then create a custom home-care routine for the client, to which she says 95 percent of her clients report clearing up in three to four months after consultation.

“I want to educate the clients about foods, cosmetics, medication, stress and common ingredients in skincare products that might be clogging your pores,” Loconsolo said.

The Acne Lab is open now in Dana Point, accepting new clients on Wednesday through Saturday by appointment only. Loconsolo is currently offering a free consultation for interested first-time clients.

New Business FAIR DINKUM COFFEE AND BEER CO. 34150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point 855.433.8806 www.fairdinkumbrew.com Coffee Hours: Monday-Friday 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Beer Hours: Monday-Thursday 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Friday-Sunday 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Michael Lanzon, who recently opened Fair Dinkum Coffee and Beer Co. within a space shared with Bike Religion, aims to offer Dana Point the opportunity to relax and unwind in a high-quality atmosphere from morning to night.

A life-long coffee enthusiast, Lanzon said that since his childhood, he has been inspired to begin a business where the community can come together.

“To be honest, I always loved the show Cheers,” Lanzon laughed.

“I want Dana Point to be able to come to a place they can connect with,” Lanzon continued. “I want to offer something unique, and first and foremost, offer an environment where people are comfortable coming and spending their time.”

In order to ensure an experience that customers will want to stop and spend not just their money but their time, Lanzon personally trains each of his baristas to guarantee a perfect roast and hand picks local brews, careful to offer a finely tuned quiver of tastes.

Lanzon has also brought in a full-time chef consultant to guarantee a premier food experience.

“Some people do donuts, some people do pastries and they can do them well,” Lanzon explained. “But when you try something like our carnitas breakfast sandwhich burrito where we smoke the Page 19

Fair Dinkum Coffee & Beer Co., located on PCH, aims to offer Dana Point a sense of community with a near obsessive emphasis on quality, all day long. Photo: Daniel Ritz

meat ourselves, you will know a difference.”

Fair Dinkum Coffee & Brew Co. also offers a finely tuned selection of gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Lanzon’s community embracing efforts don’t stop at the menu as he offers an

open-invitation bicycle on a weekly base, as well as having begun partnerships with local institutions such as iHeartYoga to bring weekly events such as their famed Bend and Brew; an hour-long yoga session followed by a beer. DP

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente, 949.485.4979, info@bodymindspiritiop.com, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

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

Statefarm/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 BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com HELP WANTED PART-TIME COPY EDITOR WANTED Picket Fence Media is hiring a part-time copy editor to copy edit the group’s three community newspapers, special sections, magazines and websites. Candidates must have 5+ years professional newspaper/magazine copy editing experience, be fluent in AP Style, be fast, courteous and professional. Qualified candidates must be able to work onsite at the Capistrano Beach office location. Qualified candidates only should email agarrett@ picketfencemedia.com.

HELP WANTED Dana Point Marina Inn is looking for front office people for the AM shift (7am to 3pm) and PM shift (3pm to 11pm) $12 to 14 per hour DOE. Apply in person: Dana Point Marina Inn. 24800 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, Ca. 949-496-1203

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

OTHER STUFF STEP UP TO THE PLATE!!

San Clemente Girls Softball (SCGS) is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven, youth softball program for girls ages 4-14 of all skill levels. Our league is proud to be part of USA Softball, Junior Olympic Fastpitch Softball. SCGS offers Fall, Spring and All-Star seasons to girls in San Clemente, Camp Pendleton, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo, Ladera Ranch and surrounding south Orange County communities. Registration for Fall Ball is happening RIGHT NOW through August 20th! STEP UP TO THE PLATE-REGISTER YOUR DAUGHTER FOR SCGS TODAY!! Visit www.scgirlssoftball.com for more information and to register.

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 August 17–23, 2018

Page 20

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Wharf Fish Count Summer bass fishing frenzy continues on

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

I The Dana Outrigger Canoe Club Men’s Senior Masters’ team recently placed second in the 44th annual Whitey Harrison Classic. Pictured, (L-R) Stan Berney, John Skorstad, Todd van Dahlen, Cameron Fraser, Ray Owen, Gerald Montes, Tim Hamchuk, Roger Berney. (Not pictured: Garth Canning) . Photo: Courtesy

DP Outrigger Canoe Club Hosts Annual Whitey Harrison Classic

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

O

n Aug. 11, the Dana Outrigger Canoe Club hosted dozens of the best canoe clubs in the region in the 44th installment of the annual Whitey Harrison 9-Man Outrigger Classic. The race starts from the Dana Point Harbor, heads north towards Main Beach in Laguna Beach before turning around and racing to a finish.

The Dana-Women’s Unlimited team, competing in more favorable smooth morning conditions, turned in the top home-team performance, winning first place in their respective division with a blistering time of 2:52:06.

Throughout the season the Dana Outrigger teams have battled with Lanakila Outrigger Canoe Club out of Redondo Beach, and it was business as usual at the Whitey Harrison Classic. Both teams showed a number of top results across a number of divisions.

The Dana Men’s Masters Unlimited team turned in a second place performance while the Men’s-Limited team turned in a ninth place finish. The Dana Men’s 19 & under team also finished first in their division recording a time just of over 2:30:00.

John Skorstad is a coach for Dana Outrigger’s novice teams, as well as a member of the Men’s Senior Masters race team. He referred to the afternoon conditions as “challenging,” a steady crosswind capsizing boats and impeding progress.

Dana Point Times August 17-23, 2018

t’s hard to believe there are any bass left in the ocean, but the warm water continues to provide as the bass-catching is still strong at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

In his weekly report, Captain Brian Wooley said the 77-to-78-degree ocean surface temperatures actually kept the fish a little lower, but sinkers caught strong numbers of bass at mid-level. The sinkers also brought some sheephead and halibut, which are not typically seen at this point in the summer, Wooley said.

The longer trips had some huge blue fin tuna catches along with a few yellowtail from the kelp.

The south swell that hit the shores recently has also opened up some previously off color water off shore. Three to 10 miles out is where the fish have been found but still not in great numbers. Woolley said he hopes the swell opens that up.

Here is the latest fish count out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching: Aug. 15 • 8 boats, 302 anglers: 2 dorado, 2 yellowtail, 119 calico bass, 22 sand bass, 3 sculpin, 10 sheephead, 10 white fish, 1 barracuda, 21 bonito, 12 blue perch, 628 bass released

The Dana Outrigger Course. Photo: Courtesy

Next on tap for the Dana Outrigger Club is the Oceanside 9-man race on August 25.

2018 Dana Outrigger Canoe Club Whitey Harrison Classic 9-Man Finish Result: MEN • Masters Unlimited: 2:03:50 • Unlimited: 2:08:48 • Senior Masters Unlimited: 2:15:05 • Golden Masters: 2:20:52 • Unlimited: 2:23:48 • 19 & Under: 2:30:18 • Masters: 2:33:13 WOMEN’S • Unlimited: 2:52:06 • Unlimited: 3:04:51 Page 21

Yellowtail were caught on the Fury during an offshore trip last week. Photo: Courtesy

Aug. 12 • 11 boats, 253 anglers: 1 blue fin tuna (220lbs), 3 yellowtail, 123 calico, 14 sand bass, 6 sculpin, 19 sheephead, 9 whitefish, 53 rockfish, 12 vermilion rockfish, 7 bocaccio, 1 barracuda, 4 blue perch, 1 triggerfish, 505 bass released

Aug. 14 • 7 boats, 208 anglers: 2 yellowtail, 180 calico bass, 29 sand bass, 5 sculpin, 12 sheephead, 708 bass released

Aug. 11 • 12 boats, 292 anglers: 4 yellowtail, 301 calico bass, 45 sand bass, 3 sculpin, 31 sheephead, 34 whitefish, 5 rockfish, 1 barracuda, 1 bonito, 2 halibut, 40 blue perch, 1248 bass released

Aug. 13 • 6 boats, 203 anglers: 172 calico bass, 23 sand bass, 61 sheephead, 21 whitefish, 5 rockfish, 1 opaleye perch, 20 blue perch, 639 bass released

Aug. 10 • 10 blue fin tuna, 2 yellowtail, 223 calico bass, 38 sand bass, 2 sculpin, 9 sheephead, 13 whitefish, 8 blue perch, 558 bass released. DP

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Want to Get Away?

House of Trestles founder Josh Host turns his attention to El Salvador

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

E

ven before Bruce Brown dropped The Endless Summer on the world in 1964, surfers have been inspired to see what lies beyond the horizon. The allure of surf on a foreign shore has launched countless exploratory missions to the ends of the earth. And as things go, over the years San Clemente and Dana Point have become destinations for surfers from all over the world. From Doheny, to Lowers, Salt Creek to San O, they’re all easily identifiable on the international surf map.

In 2017, Josh Host opened up the House of Trestles, giving globetrotters a place to hang their hat should they land in San Clemente. A surf hostel offering an affordable place for travelers to stay, it’s strategically located at the south end of town. They rent boards, bikes with surf racks, there’s even an in-house pro if you want to take a lesson; overall, it’s a chill place to hang if you’re a wave-hunting wanderer.

With a solid year at House of Trestles under his belt, Host is now branching out.

He’s just gone all-in on a surf resort in El Salvador—and he is approaching the project

The Mizata Point Resort is seen in this aerial photo. Photo: Courtesy of International Surf Properties

with the same infectious stoke that’s made his San Clemente operation such a success.

Touchdown in San Salvador, bear west to the coast, and in less than two hours your rolling into the peacefulness of Mizata. Off the beaten path, the House of Surf Mizata Point Resort is Host’s next endeavor.

“We’ve got a lot going on down here,” said Host from El Salvador. “It’s absolutely magic down here, and we’re inspired to be able to share that with our friends and guests.”

Originally built in 2012, Host just acquired the Mizata Point Resort in a deal brokered by San Clemente’s Jim Habig, who owns and operates International Surf Properties, a real estate company that specializes in the sale of exotic surf-related properties around the world. Habig is also currently helping with the sale of WSL star Griffin Colapinto’s Costa Rica house.

“One of the big pushes we’ll be making

is to evolve the Mizata Point Resort into an eco-village,” Josh explained. “It was already designed with sustainability in mind, but we want to take things to the next level. We launched the Mizata Beach Conservation Program when we acquired the resort. Through that, we’ll be able to organize community initiatives, work closer with various government groups and mobilize things like beach cleanups and educational programs so we can protect and preserve Mizata.”

El Salvador has a reputation as being one of the more dangerous countries in Central America, but Host takes exception to the stereotype.

“There’s bad areas in every country, but I’ve only experienced good since I’ve been here. I think a lot of what Americans see on the news gets distorted. Most people just want to be able to be happy and support their families,” Host said. “We’ve already

GROM OF THE WEEK

SURF FORECAST

XAVIER MATH

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

S

ummer is made for surfing, and 17-year-old Xavier Math gets it.

“This summer, we took a trip to Scorpion Bay down in Baja with my friends and family,” Math said between surf sessions in more local waters. “We scored. The waves were so good. I’ve never seen waves that good. We were so stoked…best trip ever!”

With the water about as warm as it gets and an abundant run of south swells this summer, Math’s been taking full advantage of the idyllic conditions.

“It’s been a great summer,” Math said.

“There’ve been so many good days. I’ve been having fun down at Trestles and just been spending as much time in the water as I can.”

Unfortunately for Math, school starts in a couple of weeks. Heading into his junior year at San Clemente High School, he’s a member of the surf team and keen Dana Point Times August 17-23, 2018

done a couple of beach cleanups, removing a lot of old tires and trash and stuff, and the community really got behind it. It’s made a huge difference and it’s just the beginning.”

As far as surf goes, Mizata is holding.

“It’s amazing,” Host said. “You can literally walk to five different breaks from the resort and surf five completely different setups. It’s uncrowded and super consistent. There’s seriously something for everyone.”

With its warm water and exposure to swell from a myriad of angles, other nearby breaks are a quick boat ride away.

Just like the House of Trestles, the resort offers coaching services for those who are either jumping on a board for the first time or looking to improve their skills.

The resort has also partnered up with another San Clemente entity, …Lost Surfboards. For those who don’t want to lug a giant board bag down to Central America, there’s a complete quiver of …Lost boards waiting to be ridden.

“Surfing’s obviously at the top of the list when it comes to why someone might come visit us at the Mizata Point Resort, but it’s really important to us to develop a familyfriendly vibe so that there’s stuff for everyone to do,” Host said. “There are rainforest adventures, waterfalls, Mayan ruins to explore, we’re going to be building out a yoga area and hope to host retreats and events.”

There’s also a pool for soaking and floating. Umami & Cantina is the on-site restaurant, which operates on a farm to table concept, so the resort enjoys the best, freshest food and also puts money back into the local economy.

“It’s been a lot of work to get to this point, but we’re super inspired about the future and what’s to come down here at Mizata Point Resort,” Host said. DP

Water Temperature: 70-74 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Pretty solid South swell Friday and Saturday with head high+ to overhead+ surf (5-8’) at best breaks. Small NW swell mixes in for some peaks at times. Morning winds expected to remain light/variable to lightly onshore with light+ afternoon onshore flow. Wave heights are dropping gradually Sunday and early next week. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Xavier Math. Photo: Courtey of Blue Engelking

to continue his educational journey when he’s not out shredding.

“I like learning new things. I don’t know

exactly what I want to study, but I know I want to go to college,” Math said. “I’d like to go to UC Santa Barbara if I can get in.” DP Page 22

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