January 13, 2023

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our generation—I’m going to be 70 in June—there’s really not a lot of voices.”

“So, I wanted to be that person that could be there and share and listen to people and let them know that it’s going to be OK,” Domis continued. “Let them know that it’s OK if it gets really bad before it gets really good.”

In her book, Table for One: Recreating a Life After Loss, published on Oct. 3, Domis delves into the stories of others who have lost loved ones.

The book outlines her friends’ experiences with grief groups, how people grieve differently, dating after loss and warns about being targeted by scammers on social media.

She calls the friends who have also lost their husbands around the same time as her “Grief Mentors.”

“Two of my really close friends that I’ve known for decades, one lost her husband four months before mine, one lost her husband six months before,” Domis said. “I called them the night my husband died, and I asked them, ‘Will I be OK?’ ”

Her two friends told her that, yes, she’d be OK, but that it would be hard.

Dana Point Author Shares Experience with Grief

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

After 43 years of marriage, Linda Domis’ idyllic life drastically changed. She came home from getting sandwiches to find that her husband had unexpectedly died of complications from surgery to treat his lung cancer.

“My life was pretty close to being perfect—I’m not bragging or anything, but we were very much in love,” Domis said. “He was the love of my life. We used to sing in a band together; that’s how we met.”

Domis and her husband, Tim, had two sons, four grandchildren and ran two real estate businesses together. The two lived in La Habra, but owned a home in Capistrano Beach that they rented out, dreaming of moving there after retirement.

“We bought a townhouse in 2005 and rented it out for years, knowing that our dream was to retire down here; that’s what we were actually planning,” Domis said. “And then the unthinkable happened, and I was blindsided. Absolutely blindsided.”

Life was going perfectly, Domis said, until Tim woke up on New Year’s Day 2018 with a bad cough. Six weeks later, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer.

Just four months after his diagnosis, Tim died of complications from the surgery. Suddenly, his widow was living on

her own for the first time in her life.

“I was literally living by myself, running this big business by myself,” Domis said. “I lost my best friend, my husband, my business partner.”

In an effort to begin processing the grief she was experiencing, she began looking for books that discuss grief. Many of the books made her feel overwhelmed rather than helping, she said.

“I was just trying to figure out how I could get from day to day and just survive, because people are showing up, and I can’t just fall apart,” Domis said. “I’ve got a business and I’ve got an office with 200 people; I can’t just stay in bed.”

The only book that Domis read that she found helpful was Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, by Sheryl Sandberg.

“I was looking for something to make me feel better,” Domis said. “I liked it, because I didn’t want to feel like a victim, and I was really starting to feel like a victim.”

Just five days after Domis’ husband died, a friend and fellow realtor’s husband also died.

“Immediately, I started thinking, I have to help her,” Domis said. “It’s almost like this force within me was born that was like, ‘OK, this happened to you, you are not going to be a victim, you’ve got to help other people through this.’ ”

Domis had dreamed of writing a book since she was 10 years old, so she gathered a group of five widows and began working on the book.

“I wanted to be a voice; I wanted to be a source for other people that are going through things,” Domis said. “I think in

In the months after her husband’s death, Domis realized she had to start her life over again.

“You mourn, not only the person that you lose, but mourn the life that you had,” Domis said. “So, I knew that I had to make some changes.”

In researching for her book, she came across the concept of “the year of mourning,” Domis said, but “that’s just the beginning.”

“All the firsts are awful—the first Christmas, the first birthday, or the first anniversary is the worst,” Domis said.

Since writing the book, Domis feels as if she’s found her purpose in reaching out to people who have had similar experiences of losing a loved one.

“One of the greatest blessings for me with this book is that when it did so well, people contacted me that had read it and said, ‘I’d never read anybody where somebody gets how I feel,’ ” Domis said.

That’s why she wrote Table for One, Domis said, because she struggled to find a book that made her feel like somebody else understood how she felt.

What Domis said she hopes her readers take away is that everybody grieves differently, emphasizing not to judge yourself for how you are feeling.

“I want people to know that it’s OK, I want them to know they’re not alone,” Domis said. “People say that death is a part of life; well, it is, but it’s the hardest part of life.”

“We all have to go through it,” Domis continued. “What I want everybody to know is when this happens, it’s horrible. Feel every feeling. Your life will change totally, but don’t let that stop you from finding a way to live your best life.”

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

SATURDAY, JAN. 14

Citizens’ Climate Education 10:45 a.m.-noon. This nonpartisan climate action group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month through Zoom video conferences. To receive a link to join, email larrykramerccl@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17

Dana Point City Council

6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall. This meeting will also be livestreamed through the city’s YouTube channel. A link for livestreams and replays is available on the city’s website. Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Suite 210, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

Because I Love You (BILY)

6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY) will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference and in person/Zoom the first Tuesday of each month. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

Noble Path, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18

RH

Dana Elementary School

Dual Immersion

Program

8:30 a.m. RH Dana Elementary School is hosting a general information session about the bilingual model of education. Attendees can hear from parents currently in the program. Meetings will be held in the multipurpose room. Sign up to attend a general information session at rhdana.capousd.org. Venga a aprender sobre el modelo de doble inmersión y escuchar de los padres que actualmente están en el programa. Todas la reuniones serán en el salón multiusos. Inscribas para asistir a una de etas reuniones al rhdana.capousd. org. RH Dana Elementary School, 24242 La Cresta Drive, Dana Point.

VA Disabled Claims Clinic

2-4 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 9934 will sponsor a Veterans Affairs Disability Claims Clinic at the Dana Point Community Center the first and third Wednesday of each month. Veterans can walk in and meet with a VFW Service Officer and receive information on how to file a claim for service-related medical issues. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

In her new book, Table for One: Recreating a Life After Loss, published this past October, Dana Point resident Linda Domis shares her experience with grief following her husband’s unexpected death. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Handbags for Hearts, Woman’s Club Partner to Donate Necessities to Families in Need

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Handbags for Hearts, a local nonprofit that donates gently used handbags filled with necessities to women in need, will partner with the Dana Point Woman’s Club to gather donations.

This year, the donation efforts have been expanded to include up to 100 women who have enrolled in SparkPoint OC, United Way OC’s financial literacy program at RH Dana Elementary School.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when many service industry workers were impacted the most, OC United Way launched the program through a partnership with the City of Dana Point and the Capistrano Unified School District in 2021 to help South Orange County families.

By teaching families about budgeting, banking, revenue enhancement and expense reduction, SparkPoint aims to prevent homelessness.

Dana Point Woman’s Club member

Lucinda Lambros launched Handbags for Hearts in 2018, in memory of family members who had worked with LivingHelp Center in Downey, California. In 2022, the nonprofit donated 140 handbags filled with personal care items.

During the Dana Point Woman’s Club’s Jan. 5 general meeting, Club President Betty Hill presented Lambros with a check for $500 to help fund the Handbags for Hearts campaign.

“I’m so grateful for the support of Dana Point Woman’s Club and its members, as well as the general public,” Lambros said in a media release. “This

Proposed South OC Charter School Seeks Approval from OC Board of Education

BY COLLIN BREAUX

After not getting approved by the Capistrano Unified School District, a proposed new charter school in South Orange County named California Republic Leadership Academy is instead looking to get the green light from the Orange County Board of Education.

The OCBE, which hears appeals for charter school petitions, is expected to give a final vote on whether to approve CRLA in February.

Leadership Academy had an appeal hearing before OCBE on Jan. 4.

Proponents behind the charter school—which would have a classical-focused education and require students to wear uniforms—turned to OCBE after the CUSD Board of Trustees rendered split votes on both approving and denying the charter, which essentially resulted in no definitive action.

Several OCBE trustees announced their support for CRLA during the Jan. 4 hearing.

“How many charter schools have we approved that are doing extremely well? All of them,” Trustee Ken Williams said. “This is the type of public school that parents want. They want to have leadership. They want to get back to the basics

and teach our kids critical thinking skills. That’s what this classical education is going to do.”

Williams also said he disagreed with CUSD staff’s earlier assessment of the charter that said the curriculum was unclear and would not be successfully implemented by the school’s operators.

Gary Davis, California Charter Schools Association Vice President of Civic and Political Affairs, and San Clemente parent Kevin Pratt, instrumental figures behind the charter petition, spoke about the school’s aim during the hearing.

CRLA plans to instill an appreciation for America’s national heritage, and foster creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit in students.

“Our goals are to develop thinkers, entrepreneurs, statesmen and stateswomen to lead our community, our state, our nation,” Davis said. “We’re putting our faith in our ability to impact the next generation and get it right. We will teach our scholars how to think, not what to think, in a nonpartisan, nonpolitical way.”

Cellphones will not be allowed in classes. CRLA will also make use of mentors and community service projects to

is a great way to give a welcome gift to women who may not be able to treat themselves with a new handbag.”

Those interested in participating can drop off a gently used handbag of any size and new full-size shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, deodorant, cosmetics, nail care items, notepads and pens, hand creams, tissues, hand mirrors, small brushes and combs and other toiletries at the Dana Point Woman’s Club Community House on Feb. 2, from 10-11:30 a.m. Dana Point Woman’s Club Community House is located at 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point. For more information, contact lucinda@willamryancompany.com.

Coffee Chat to Host Mayor Frost

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The Dana Point Civic Association will host Dana Point Mayor Mike Frost at its first coffee chat of the year next Friday morning, Jan. 20, at Coffee Importers.

Frost was elected to the City Council in 2020 and served one year as mayor pro tem. As mayor this year, Frost is looking to update the city’s General Plan, review the municipal code, improve connectivity in Doheny Village and facilitate nonprofit collaboration with the city’s Arts and Culture Commission.

Prior to City Council, Frost was appointed to the Traffic Improvement Sub-Committee analyzing high-impact traffic issues in 2013 and has served on the city’s Financial Review Committee since 2019.

Friday’s chat will get started at 8:30 a.m., when complimentary coffee will be available, courtesy of Coffee Importers. All are welcome to attend. The event is weather permitting. Coffee Importers is located at 34531 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

emphasize servant leadership.

Pratt said their model is based on the John Adams Academy in Northern California and FranklinCovey Leader in Me program. Pratt’s children were previously enrolled in a Texas charter school, which he’s using to pattern CRLA’s rules.

He found no similar options after moving to South Orange County.

“We did a little survey, just through our grassroots efforts, to say if there was a K-12 classical academy, would you be interested in it?” Pratt said. “Ninety-eight percent of the people said definitely or maybe so. Now, of course, that’s biased. That’s just our own network. That’s not totally representative of the whole area, but it was encouraging.”

Cary Johnson, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for CUSD, said district staff identified several categories of concern when recommending CUSD trustees not approve the petition.

“One, the petition presents an unsound educational program. Two, the petitioners are demonstrably unlikely to implement the program set forth in the petition,” Johnson said. “Three, the petition does not contain reasonably comprehensive descriptions with the 15 required charter elements. Four, the charter school is demonstrably unlikely to serve the interests of the entire community in which the school is proposing to locate.”

Johnson said the educational philos-

ophy is “copied” from multiple sources, but the program itself has not been developed into a “coherent” plan specific to CRLA.

“While the petition does include standards and multiple resources, specific curriculum and instructional designs are missing,” Johnson said. “This is evident in the fact that the curriculum map, by grade level, does not integrate the FranklinCovey curriculum, nor do they include the specific classical literature being taught with the standards and activities.”

An exact location has not been selected for CRLA. Pratt has mentioned looking into using existing campus space at underutilized schools under existing legislation known as Proposition 39. A list of campuses viewed as having low enrollment provided by Pratt included Marblehead Elementary School in San Clemente.

District officials and staff have said that if Proposition 39 were enacted, the district would need to first do an analysis of available school sites before making any such decision—and that decision would be up to the district.

CRLA’s proposal has drawn backlash from some parents and community members, including in the Marblehead community, because of concerns the new school could take over an existing school’s campus.

In 2022, Handbags for Hearts, in partnership with the Dana Point Woman’s Club, donated 140 handbags filled with necessities to women in need. Photo: Courtesy of Lucinda Lambros

Native Plant Society to Give Away White Sage Plants

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

White sage, a water-wise, California native pollinator magnet, is being unlawfully poached from the state’s wildlands, warns the Orange County chapter of the California Native Plant Society (OCCNPS).

According to the group, the white sage is dried and then sold for burning practices.

To raise awareness of the illegal harvesting of wild white sage from protected lands and encourage locals to grow the native plant, the Plant Society has launched the “Sage in Every Garden” campaign, giving away four-inch white sage plants to Orange County residents.

For the campaign, OCCNPS partnered with the Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano. The nursery cultivated white sage plants for the Plant Society to distribute at various community events, encouraging residents to grow the plant in their own gardens.

The Plant Society will host an event at the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center on Saturday, Jan. 21, giving away one free white sage plant per Orange County resident, while supplies last.

The California native plant is also easy to care for, said Elizabeth Wallace, OCCNPS board member and author of the blog “Buckwheat Brings Butterflies.”

At each event, the Plant Society will hand out care sheets with each white sage it gives away.

“When you first plant a white sage, you need to water it really deeply. And then, after the plain is established after it doubles in size, you can reduce the watering,” Wallace said, adding: “Then, once that white sage is growing in your garden, you really never have to water it again. You just rely on winter rains to water it.”

White sage, also known as Salvia Apiana, needs very little water and supports birds and pollinators.

“Salvia Apiana—Apiana means it’s good for bees—it’s an important plant for pollinators and birds,” Wallace said. “It’s beautiful, too.”

“I consider white sage to be an accent plant, because it can grow to about 3 feet wide and tall,” Wallace continued. “I like to install it in landscapes, as it’s really a showy kind of plant.”

The OCCNPS warns against buying “wild-sourced” white sage products such as smudge bundles, incense or oils, as these are often made from poached plants.

“The problem is that white sage only grows in Southern California and Northern Baja, Mexico, and people are stealing

it out of the wild,” Wallace said. “They’re removing it, pulling it up by the roots from our wild lands, so this is harming our natural environment.”

California State Parks prohibits the removal of any portion of plants, including leaves and shrubs, from parklands except when specifically authorized.

Wallace added that television and social media have popularized the burning of white sage. Not only is the illegal poaching of wild white sage a concern, Wallace added that the use of white sage could also be considered cultural appropriation.

Jerry Nieblas, a descendent of the Acjachemen Indigenous people in San Juan Capistrano, emphasized white sage’s importance in his culture.

“It’s been important to us for all times. It’s used in our ceremonies, it’s used for blessings, on special occasions; it’s used for sacred ceremonies. We use it when we bury our dead, we use it when we unite people, we use it to cleanse before meetings,” Nieblas said, adding: “It’s very much a part of our life, but it’s a symbol that’s very sacred, very important.”

The process of gathering, drying and wrapping the sage is vitally important in the cultivation of sage, Nieblas said, with the dried leaves ceremoniously wrapped in colorful yarns.

With the increase in commercial cultivation and poaching of white sage, with many poachers cutting the plants down so far that they don’t grow back, Nieblas commented that he and his family have cut back on their own use of sage.

“What I find myself doing is thinking twice before I gather, being very cautious, what I’m gathering and the amounts I’m gathering, when before it was so plentiful,” Nieblas said. “It was

City to Host Monarch Butterfly Habitat Planting Events

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

To support monarch butterfly populations, the City of Dana Point will host a series of planting days for residents to help build butterfly habitats at Sea Canyon, Sea Terrace, Lantern Bay and Creekside Parks.

The first planting day will occur on Feb. 5 at Sea Terrace Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Water, tools and snacks will be provided.

The city will also host an educational talk on monarch butterflies, sharing how residents can help bring the butterflies back to Dana Point, from 10-11:30 a.m., at the Dana Point Community Center on Jan. 28.

Email jriyhani@danapoint.org or visit the City of Dana Point website for more information.

just thought that our people were using it and other Native American communities were using it.”

Nieblas urges those who are interested in the practice of burning sage, but who are not Native American, to stop and take time to meet with tribal members in their area to learn more about the practice.

“I’d be honored, and I’d be willing to talk to people, non-native, who think it’s OK to use sage just as anything,” he said, further encouraging people to “talk to us, learn about the sage and what it means to us in our ceremonies, in our people, in our cleansing, in our spiritual life. Learn from us. Learn what it means, the importance to our tribal community and how vital it has been to us since forever.”

The California Native Plant Society launched the “Sage in Every Garden” campaign to raise awareness to the impact commercial cultivation and poaching of white sage has had on the state’s population of wild sage.

“The main reason we’re doing this campaign is to try to raise awareness about

how white sage is being poached and how we shouldn’t buy smudge bundles at stores, because they probably aren’t legally collected,” Wallace continued.

The Gabrieleno (Tongva) Band of Mission Indians website also warns that retailers such as Amazon, Five Below, Juniper Ridge, Spencers and Whole Foods “all sell ‘wild gathered’ sage, without specifying how their sage is gathered.”

White sage bundles advertised as “foraged” are often unlawfully cultivated, OCCNPS warns.

The group will give away 192 white sage plants at two concurrent events in North and South Orange County next weekend. The Plant Society will give away 96 plants at the Home Grown Farmers Market in Orange and another 96 at the Dana Point Headlands event.

More information can be found at the Plant Society’s website or at buckwheatbringsbutterflies.com.

The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center is located at 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point Headlands.

The Orange County chapter of the California Native Plant Society will give away one free white sage plant per Orange County resident at the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center on Jan. 21. Photo: Courtesy of Elizabeth Wallace

Rainstorm Delays Completion of South OC Train Track Stabilization

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Recent rainfall in California has impacted daily life in the Golden State, as numerous communities have been threatened with flooding and mudslides.

In South Orange County, it’s also slowing down the overall construction schedule of railroad track stabilization in south San Clemente.

A project update given to the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors on Monday, Jan. 9 said construction is now expected to be complete later than initially expected because of the torrential rain.

“We are losing some time right now due to equipment getting stuck in muddy conditions after the heavy rains last week,” said Jim Beil, executive director for capital programs with OCTA. “We have more significant rain predicted this week, and that may require some dry-out periods, so it’s looking like this will push our critical installation work out into March.”

The OCTA Board of Directors autho-

rized emergency work last fall because of movement on the track, which is near a slope that frequently gets hit by ocean waves. Construction began in November, and it initially was expected to be completed in February.

“The slope in San Clemente has continued to hold up well against the rain and high surf, and work continues as much as possible through the heavy rains,” OCTA spokesperson Eric Carpen-

ter said in an email. “Monitoring for any track movement is ongoing and around the clock. Substantial work has already been completed on the project, including the installation of the first row of soil nails and tie backs.”

Communication between OCTA and its partners, including the contractor and Metrolink and Amtrak, is ongoing and a decision about when to safely resume passenger service is expected in

February, Carpenter said.

“The schedule remains subject to change, depending upon weather conditions,” Carpenter said.

The recent rain has drawn national attention, including from CBS News, which reported that the storms were responsible for at least 14 deaths as of early Tuesday morning, Jan. 10.

“The National Weather Service said rain was expected to continue through Tuesday after dumping up to 14 inches at higher elevations in central and Southern California,” CBS News reported.

“After a brief respite, another storm was expected to barrel into the state in a few days, adding to the misery and further saturating areas already at risk of flooding and debris flows.”

Storms have flooded roads, caused power outages for some people and further contributed to concerns about ongoing coastal erosion and mudslides.

Amid Tuesday’s storm, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple advisories for hazardous weather conditions in San Clemente.

According to OC Public Works, the county was expecting to receive 2-3 inches of rainfall through Tuesday evening.

The NWS said the downpour is the result of an atmospheric river that’s moving slowly southeastward.

Final touches on emergency train track stabilization in south San Clemente have been pushed back because of recent rainstorms. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

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GUEST OPINION | Health and Nutrition 101 by Gina Cousineau

Reality Check for the New Year

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On a flight home from the East Coast last week, I counted more than a dozen TV commercials promoting their new and improved diet programs.

In opposition to the January weight loss obsession, one popular gym went so far as to state it is not accepting new members in the month of January, as it knows these individuals are not serious about their health for the long haul.

Bold move, I say. And yet for me, the excuses from prospective clients continue.

In order to “lose weight,” one has to be in a calorie deficit, period. How one gets there can come in a million and one ways; hence, why so many diet approaches limit food groups, meal portions, timing of eating, encouragement of exercise, and more.

Losing weight is really the easy part, but as most of you know, keeping the weight off is the difficult, if not impossible, part.

While most prospective clients seek my guidance to lose weight, in good conscience, I cannot cajole an individual to work with me by giving them false hope.

to lose the weight and keep it off.

What always surprises me is when I ask people what their goals are and if they have a weight objective. Almost all dream of weighing what they did in high school, when they were first married, or when their first baby was born.

1. You don’t need to be plant-exclusive to be healthy, but simply including more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, in your life will drive your health.

2. Remember, you didn’t gain the weight overnight. A one-pound-a-week weight loss totals 52 pounds in one year. Slow and steady wins the race.

Capo Dispatch

Breaux

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

Dana Point Times Vol. 16 Issue 2. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW DANA POINT TIMES

Instead, as I do with you loyal readers each month, I continue to try to stick to the facts regarding the value of a healthy eating pattern based on solid science of evidence-based nutrition, and an approach that will “teach them” how

Letter to The Editor

THE BEST POOL IS IN OUR OWN BACKYARD

MATT WROCK, Capistrano

Beach

I was reading Jake Howard’s article “Surf Your Best This Year,” and while I fully agree with all of his cross-training suggestions in the pool and yoga studio, I couldn’t help but reflect on the fact that here we are in Dana Point, and we live alongside one of the most beautiful pools one could dream of swimming in.

For almost three years, I have been swimming about 1.75 miles a few times a week at Strands. In late May of 2020, the gyms had been closed for a few months for COVID-19, and I was reading—in the Dana Point Times, of course—that the local water tempera-

HEALTH AND NUTRITION 101

BY GINA COUSINEAU

I am always taken aback when individuals hold onto these times in their lives, which, for many, were momentary, long ago, and have a difficult time of seeing who they are today.

We all need to have a reality check. There is no going back to years gone by, but there is moving forward in this new year with a clear vision of improving upon who we were last year, and imagining who we could be this year.

Rather than focusing on the almighty scale, perhaps we can draw our attention to the hope of “gaining health” by spending a little time learning the value of including a healthy eating pattern and consistent movement in our daily lives. But how do we do this?

My advice is to think first and to focus on preventative health care, more wholesome food choices, and a little movement each day:

3. Adding an exercise routine to your life will improve your health, but it will not be the driving force to weight loss. All major health organizations recommend 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.

I am running a complimentary four-week webinar series via Zoom this month called “How to Lose Weight Without Counting Calories.” Feel free to register at mamagslifestyle.com. DP

Gina Cousineau is a local nutrition and fitness expert who specializes in weight loss and prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and more. Mama G is a trained chef with her master’s degree in integrative and function nutrition.

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.

ture was about 68 degrees.

It dawned on me that my full-body workout is about 15 minutes away! I literally grew up at Strands and feel comfortable in those waters. So, I drove down, got in the water and swam about half a mile. I have been hooked ever since.

I have seen tons of fish. I have seen dolphins and seals literally right in front of me. The beach may get crowded, but there is never a crowd past the surf line.

Years ago, I swam in a pool a couple days a week, and that was a great workout, but this is totally different. In the ocean, every day is different. It is a dynamic and living body of water.

When winter came, I just kept swimming. I personally “trunk it” without a wetsuit, but most will likely want to wear one when the water gets into the low 60s. There are swimmers here at all times of the year. It is such a lovely way to both get in a workout and be refreshed by nature.

It is honestly difficult to articulate the

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@picketfencemedia. com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

value I have found in this activity. This year, I started bringing a small camera into the water with me and started a photo blog covering every swim at danastrandswimreport.com/.

When I used to swim in a pool, it was always frustrating having to wait for a lane when they were all full. Well, the lanes are always open here at the beach!

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

DANA POINT TIMES

FRIDAY | 13

Editor’s Pick

Sign up for The Weekender at danapointtimes.com/weekender

WINE EDUCATION CLASS AT BARNOA 6-8 p.m. Join sommelier Marcelino to experience his expertise and passion for wine, and learn to drink like a sommelier. Each class is $35 per person and includes five wines and a small plate of cheese and crackers. Call ahead to make a reservation. 949.388.4378. Barnoa Wine Company, 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. barnoa.com.

WEDNESDAY | 18

FRIDAY | 13 ‘UNDER THE RADAR’ EXHIBIT

LIVE

MUSIC AT BARNOA WINE COMPANY

6:30-9:30 p.m. Mike Sylvestri will perform. Barnoa Wine Company, 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. barnoa.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CELLAR

7 p.m. Listen to local musicians while enjoying cheese and wine at this downtown bistro. Travis Thomas will perform. The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.492.3663. thecellarsite.com.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

GHOST

WALK

7 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth near the train tracks. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

SHOWOFF! PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL

7:30 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse’s annual showcase for playwrights returns. There will be various 10-minute plays from different playwrights covering numerous genres—and the audience gets to vote for the winner. The festival runs through Jan. 15. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.com.

SATURDAY | 14

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE

9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods,

All day. A new exhibit, titled Under the Radar at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) in San Clemente, looks to shine some much-deserved and long-overdue light on the women surfers who paddled out and broke barriers. Gail Couper, Joey Hamasaki and Mary Lou Drummy are a few of the women being celebrated in this new exhibit. SHACC, 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente. 949.388.0313. shacc.org.

rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m.-1 p.m. California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market, and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags. La Plaza Park, 3411 La Plaza, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

CAMPESINO BRUNCH

10 a.m.-noon. The Ecology Center is providing a preview of its upcoming café menu. The sneak peek will include a four-course, family-style meal. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

SUNDAY | 15

MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS— BEYOND TOLERANCE

3-4:30 p.m. Join a conversation diving into whether tolerance in society is enough or a mechanism that causes further division. Bahá’í Teachings offers

a spiritual perspective on the role of love for all humanity in moving beyond tolerance. Reserve a spot for free at eventbrite. com. Bahá’ís of San Clemente, 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente.

MONDAY | 16

BRIDGE GAME

12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

OPEN JAM

7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

TUESDAY | 17

STILL LIFE PAINTING CLASS SERIES

4-5 p.m. Learn still life painting techniques with Kelly Galaher. All materials are included. For participants aged between 12 and 16 years old, parents must remain on-site for the duration of the class. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. casaromantica.org.

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET-WEAVING DEMONSTRATION 10 a.m.-noon. Want to learn how local Indigenous people craft a basket? On the third Wednesday of the month, local Native American representatives Teeter Marie Olivares Romero, Ellen Sue Olivares, Susie Fimbres, and Wanda Jo Gennaro will demonstrate the craft. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION POP-UP SHOP

10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Cottage and Visitor Center showcases local history, flora and fauna at this original 1934 ranger’s cottage. A rotating exhibit features the history of San Onofre. Stop in at the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop to say hello, do a little shopping and learn more about the history of the local state parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches. Historic Cottage and Visitor Center is located within the San Clemente State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE

6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

THURSDAY | 19

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER

7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Eric Clapton tribute artist Slowhand will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Bob Oh/Unsplash

‘You Look Like My Neighbor’

Just before Christmas—50 days after my partner, Greta, passed away—I knew I needed to start getting out of the house and exercising. It was a beautiful, sunny day, so I decided to take a walk in my Monarch Beach neighborhood.

I came upon a woman who was walking her dog. I had seen her walk past my house several times, and we had chatted briefly, but never formally introduced ourselves. The last time I had seen her, I mentioned that Greta was ill.

She was always friendly. I was aware that she was married to Jim, whose home-improvement company had installed two windows in Greta’s San Clemente home several years before.

She said, “Hi, I’m Lilly. How is your wife?”

I mustered the courage to tell her that Greta had passed away on Oct. 29. Lilly was shocked, and gracious, and expressed her condolences. We talked for six minutes. She touched my hand and told me how sorry she was, which lifted my spirits.

I didn’t mention to Lilly that while Greta and I had been together for 25 years, we weren’t married. It wasn’t important information.

The next day, I decided to venture out again. I was in the bread aisle of the Capistrano Beach Costco. I noticed a woman walking in the same aisle. She looked like Lilly.

I said, “You look like my neighbor.” She said, “You look like my neighbor. Where do you live?”

“In Monarch Beach,” I replied. “Me, also,” she said. And then she smiled and quickly added, “Oh, my gosh, I’m Lilly, you’re Tom; we talked yesterday. You probably didn’t recognize me without my dog.” We had a big laugh over her comment.

Then, Lilly said, “Do you like chili?”

“Yes,” I answered, “I love chili.”

She said, “I made chili last night. We have leftovers. We’ll drop some off later.”

In the checkout lines, we waved and held up identical sourdough bread packages that each of us had selected in the bread aisle. Friendly neighbors think alike, I thought.

A short while after unloading the groceries from my car, I heard a knock

on the front door. I opened it. Standing there, with a bowl of chili in his hands, was Jim, Lilly’s husband. I invited him in.

I said, “How long have you and Lilly been together?”

“Seventeen years.”

“How did you two meet?”

“Online,” Jim replied. She’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Having noticed that Lilly has a warm and friendly accent, I said, “Where is she from?”

“Costa Rica,” Jim said.

I showed Jim a copy of the How 50 Couples Found Love After 50 book that I published in 2009 and said, “Darn, had I known you two then, I would have included your story in the book.”

Jim smiled and said, “We wouldn’t have qualified. I was 43 when I met her. She was younger.”

I added, “You are right. You two were too young for the book. But it still goes to show that internet dating can bring people together, regardless of age, and even when they grew up thousands of miles apart.”

I signed a book with these words: “To Jim, Lilly and the Puppy Dog.” And handed it to Jim.

Moral of today’s story: When you’re out and about, be friendly, and talk to people. Jim and Lilly live 60 yards away from me. And now, I have two new friends.

Plus, Lilly’s chili was unbelievably delicious. And best of all, Jim said, “Lilly makes chili often. We’ll bring you more.”

I said, “Promise?”

“Each time,” he said. DP

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com.

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.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Florence

This pretty girl is Florence, a mild-mannered kitten with so much love to give. A tad shy with strangers, Florence quickly warms up once she gets to know you and really enjoys the company of other cats. Only 7 months old, she would make a great companion kitty in a quiet home. Could she be the one for you?

If you are interested in adopting Florence, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo

captures Salt Creek locals driving a pickup truck onto the point to check the surf.

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 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

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

by Art Brewer

Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries

ON LIFE AND LOVE BY TOM BLAKE

DOLPHIN REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Girls Basketball Wins First League Game in Four Years

For the first time in 1,442 days, the Dana Hills girls basketball team tasted victory in league play.

The Dolphins snapped a 25-game league losing streak by defeating El Toro, 46-35, in their Sea View League opener at home on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Dana Hills (9-6, 1-0) also broke a current four-game losing skid with the win.

The Dolphins were last in the Sea View League in 2018, when Dana Hills posted a perfect 8-0 league record to win its most recent league championship.

Over the previous four seasons, Dana Hills had moved up to the South Coast League, and the last time the Dolphins were over .500 in league play was a win 25 league games ago over Trabuco Hills on Jan. 29, 2019. Dana Hills finished 4-4 in the South Coast League in 2019 and 0-8 in the league play over the next three seasons.

Now back in the Sea View League, the Dolphins’ prospects are back on the rise.

While Dana Hills dropped down to No. 11 in the latest CIF-SS Division 4A rankings, the Dolphins’ win over El Toro projects a strong league finish. El Toro (12-8, 0-1) was ranked No. 9 in the next division up, Division 4AA.

Dana Hills next hosted Mission Viejo (11-9, 1-0) for the early edge in the Sea View League title race on Thursday, Jan. 12. Results were not available at press time.

The Dolphins continue in league play at Capistrano Valley (0-8, 0-1) on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Sea View League teams will play each other three times through league play, and Dana Hills starts its second run through at El Toro next Thursday, Jan. 19.

Boys Basketball Drops League Opener, Loses 10th Straight to Aliso Niguel

The struggles in the Sea View League and against their neighborhood rivals continued for the Dana Hills boys basketball team on Wednesday, Jan. 11.

Dana Hills lost another battle at Aliso Niguel, 71-65, to lose its Sea View League opener and its 10th straight game against the Wolverines. The Dolphins

(12-6, 0-1) have not beaten Aliso Niguel since 2014, and Dana Hills has not won at the Wolverine Den since 2013.

The Dolphins’ past three losses against Aliso Niguel have come by six, seven and six points, including the exact same scoreline as Wednesday in last season’s first matchup.

Dana Hills is 1-11 over its past three Sea View League seasons, despite another strong start this year and momentum coming off the program’s first-ever CIF-SS championship game appearance last year.

The Dolphins have also now lost three games in a row, with Wednesday’s game being the first in nearly two weeks for Dana Hills.

Dana Hills will look to get back on track at home on Friday, Jan. 13, against Mission Viejo. The Dolphins don’t play again until the following Friday, Jan. 20, at El Toro. Dana Hills hosts Aliso Niguel on Jan. 23.

Girls Water Polo Opens League

South Coast League play opened with the first of two “home” games for the Dana Hills girls water polo team.

Trabuco Hills used Dana Hills as a home pool for both teams’ South Coast League opener on Thursday, Jan. 12.

Results were not available at press time. Dana Hills will host Trabuco Hills back in the Dolphin pool on Jan. 26.

Dana Hills (10-5) will continue in league play on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at San Juan Hills and then host El Toro on Thursday, Jan. 19.

Dana Hills, ranked No. 5 in CIF-SS Division 2, dropped its most recent regular nonleague contest, 14-6, at JSerra on Tuesday, Jan. 10. JSerra is ranked No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 3.

On the scoresheet, Dana Hills has continued to be led by Loyola Marymount-bound senior Sadie Riester. Riester has 56 goals in 13 games, with 16 assists. Kate McCulloch, also a senior, leads in assists with 24 and steals with 45 and is second in goals with 38. Claire Berger, another senior, is second in assists with 22 while also recording 15 goals and 11 steals.

Girls Soccer Wins First League Opener Since 2016

League play has been a struggle for the Dana Hills girls soccer program over the past several seasons, but the Dolphins got off to a promising start.

Dana Hills defended its home turf from El Toro, 1-0, on Tuesday, Jan. 10, to win its Sea View League opener. It’s the first time the Dolphins haven’t lost their

league opener since a 2018 draw with San Clemente, and it’s Dana Hills’ first win in a league opener since 2016 over Capistrano Valley.

Dana Hills has now won two straight against El Toro, and the Dolphins have wins in two of their past three games overall.

Dana Hills won only two league games last season, and they were the Dolphins’ final two of the season over El Toro and Mission Viejo.

With a win over El Toro in hand, Dana Hills hosts Mission Viejo on Tuesday, Jan. 17, and is at El Toro next Thursday, Jan. 19.

Boys Soccer Begins League Play

Dana Hills boys soccer kicked off its Sea View League schedule on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Trabuco Hills, but results were not available at press time.

League play has been a struggle for the boys soccer program over the past few seasons, with no more than three league wins in any of the previous three seasons. The Dolphins also earned two league draws over the past two seasons, as well.

Dana Hills (1-5-2) continues Sea View League play at Tesoro on Friday, Jan. 13, and hosts El Toro on Monday, Jan. 16. Trabuco Hills comes to Dana Hills on Wednesday, Jan. 18. DP

Dana Hills girls basketball won its first league game in four years, snapping a 25-game league losing streak with a win over El Toro, 46-35, on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by THH LLC, that this California Limited Liability Company, state file # 201911310074 is winding down and will be dissolved by the directors and shareholders of the legal entity.

1) All claims against the assets of THH LLC, must be made in writing and include the claim amount, basis for the claim, and the origination date of the claim. 2) The deadline for submitting any claim is 02/28/2023. 3) Any claims that are not received by THH LLC on or before 02/28/2023 will not be recognized by the THH Limited Liability Company. 4) All claims must be sent to: THH LLC, 34145 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 51, Dana Point, CA 92629.

DATED: December 29, 2022, THH LLC, a California Limited Liability Company.

BY: Rick Zielomski, Manager/Member

Dana Point Times Jan 6, 13, 20, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 30-2022-01291054

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner ALYSSA BELKOFER filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

ALYSSA JO BELKOFER

Proposed Name

ALYSSA BELL

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing

Date: 01/18/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept: D100.

Room: Remote Appearance. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Your hearing will be held REMOTELY via video at the date and time indicated on the notice or order to which this message is attached. You are NOT to physically appear at the courthouse on the date of your hearing. To obtain instructions on how to appear remotely for your hearing, you MUST do the following no later than the day before the hearing (or no later than Friday, if the hearing is on Monday): 1. Go to the Court’s website at www.occourts.org; 2. Click on the “COVID-19” button; 3. Click on the “Civil” button; 4. Click on the “Remote Hearing Instructions” button; 5. Follow the instructions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you or your witnesses, do not have the ability to access the court’s website above, or are unable to follow the instructions on the Court’s website, or are otherwise unable to appear remotely, you MUST call the courtroom or call (657) 622-8513, prior to your hearing, to request an alternate means to appear. Failure to do so may result in your case being dismissed, or a ruling issued against you.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circula-

tion, printed in this county: Dana Point Times Date: 11/10/2022

JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court

Published: Dana Point Times, Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226651930

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: NATIONAL BOARD FOR CERTIFIED CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPISTS

30251 GOLDEN LANTERN, SUITE E515 LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677

Full Name of Registrant(s): LORRIE RUTH FISHER

30251 GOLDEN LANTERN, SUITE E515 LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677

This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A

/s/Lorrie Fisher

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 12/28/2022

Published in: Dana Point Times, Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 30-2022-01298618

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Karine Dounamalian files a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name Karine Dounamalian

Proposed Name Karina Cherevach

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

a. Date: 02/21/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept.: D100

b. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Other: Remote Hearing. The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point Times, January 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023

Date: December 27, 2022, Peter J. Wilson, Judge of the Superior Court

AUTO REPAIR

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

Long-Overdue Time in the Sun

A new SHACC exhibit and San Clemente Women’s Surf Film Festival look to shine light

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 59-60 Degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-10’

Outlook: Another large WNW swell is heading for Southern California Friday into the weekend, though the long period and slightly more northerly direction will limit size for much of Orange County. The swell peaks Friday, with average winter breaks starting the day in the chest-head high range before lifting into the afternoon. Best breaks are overhead+ at times. Wind is favorable through the morning before a WNW breeze develops into the afternoon. Good size surf continues from the WNW this weekend, gradually easing Saturday into Sunday.

on

female surfers’ contributions

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

History is seldom fair, and surfing is no exception. Over the past half-century, the sport, the industry, and the media have largely been dominated by men.

They sat as presidents of companies, organizers of contests and editors of magazines—making decisions about who gets the spotlight and who gets paid.

Of course, there are female exceptions, but in large part, women’s modern contributions to the sport, culture and lifestyle have flown “under the radar.”

A new exhibit at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) in San Clemente, aptly titled Under the Radar, looks to shine some much-deserved and long-overdue light on the women who paddled out and broke barriers.

For every recognizable name such as Rell Sunn, Joyce Hoffman, Jericho Poppler or Lisa Andersen, all of whom dared to put a crack in the glass ceiling, there have been countless other women right there behind them—they just didn’t get the credit that they deserved.

Gail Couper, Joey Hamasaki and Mary Lou Drummy are but a few of the women celebrated in the new exhibit at SHACC.

“We’re really excited to be able to share this history and bring it to light. It’s definitely long-overdue. It wasn’t easy to decide who to feature, since there are so many incredible unsung women that deserve their time in the sun,” says SHACC’s Barry Haun, who curated the exhibit.

“Hopefully, this is a step in the right direction and gives folks a deeper and more comprehensive appreciation for all the women that got us to where we are today,” Haun continued.

Running in conjunction with the Under the Radar exhibit, the fourth annual San Clemente Women’s Surf Film Festival will take place at SHACC on Jan. 21, from noon to 9 p.m. Presented by the Sandy Feet Initiative, it will also host the Sandy Sip & Shop Arts & Crafts Fair.

An annual celebration of female filmmakers, artists and creators in Southern California, the Women’s Surf Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing films about women surfers that are directed, produced, and written by women.

This year’s offering will focus on three amazing films, including Stoke Chasers, by Jo Anna Edmison; The Physics of Noseriding, by Lauren Hill; and Girls Can’t Surf,”written by Julie-Anne De Ruvo. There will also be a question-and-answer session with various surfers and creators to accompany the screenings.

The Sip & Shop will feature 15 to 20 local women artists. All proceeds support

the Sandy Feet Initiative, which is dedicated to supporting and creating a community for the brothers and sisters of children with special needs, disabilities, and chronic illness. It offers research-based programs at the beach, where children learn coping skills and communication techniques through environmental stewardship and ocean therapy.

“Much work remains to be done in simply taking full measure of the injustices, large and small, heaped upon female surfers over the years,” wrote surf historian Matt Warshaw in a recent newsletter.

“The history they made was barely broadcast at the time, or not broadcast

VALLEY TOYOTA

GROM OF THE WEEK

Unfortunately, conditions look to struggle as another storm impacts the Southland.

at all,” Warshaw continued.“The skill and flair they brought to the game went mostly undocumented. The sport is paying for this still and will be for a long while. The mark left on surfing by women in the 1960s and ’70s in many ways consists of the mark left upon them—or, rather, the erasure.”

The new Under the Radar exhibit is now open at SHACC and is definitely worth stopping by to check it out. There are some classic boards, memorabilia, photos and more on display, all helping to share the obscure and untold history and contributions of women in the waves. DP

Jake Howard is a local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation.

WSL WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

This week, the WSL World Junior Championships are being contested at Seaside Reef, and to kick off the event, there was a ton of local talent in the heat draw. Deciding who will be this year’s junior world champions, the event features the top under-20 surfers from around the world.

“You’re still a grom until you’re 20,” laughed WSL commentator and big-wave charger Peter Mel during the opening day broadcast.

For the girls, San Clemente’s Kirra Pinkerton and Sawyer Lindblad are leading the charge. On the first day of competition, Lindblad won her heat, advancing directly into the Round of 16, while Pinkerton finished runner-up in her heat and will surf in the Elimination Round.

And for the dudes, the hopes of South Orange County are in the hands of Jett Schilling and Kade Matson. Both surfers were relegated to the Elimination Round after the opening

day of competition. This is Matson’s first time back in a jersey after coming off back surgery at the end of 2022.

The WSL World Junior Championships are scheduled to wrap up on Sunday, Jan. 15. Stay tuned to worldsurfleague. com for live heats and updates. DP

If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

Joey Hamasaki was one of the top surfers to come out of Hawaii in the 1960s, but like a lot of women, she was never given the credit or received the attention she deserved. A new exhibit at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center looks to rectify this. Photo: Courtesy of Ron Stoner/SHACC

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