January 28, 2022

INSIDE:

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2022 | VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

U S E

Editor’s Pick: Whale of a Kid’s Art & Literature Contest GETTING OUT/PAGE 6

Planning Commission Chair Named President for Building Industry Association EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

Starved for Adventure

Army Vet to Complete Coast-to-Coast Hike in Dana Point E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3

U.S. Army veteran Alex Seling will soon arrive in Dana Point after completing a roughly 5,000-mile, cross-country hike to raise funds for veteran suicide prevention. Photo: Alex Seling

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Art Students Capture Inspiration for Festival of Whales Project

DHHS Boys Basketball Falters in Playoff Race

Grom of the Week: Logan Harris

EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

SPORTS/PAGE 11

SURF/PAGE 14

Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

Page 2

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EYE ON DP

What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Local Rotary Club Seeks Participant Submissions for Virtual Variety Show

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club is looking for participants to perform live or in pre-recorded acts during its upcoming virtual variety show and has begun accepting submissions.

Submissions can be up to five minutes and may consist of a variety of performances from singing, playing music, telling jokes, and more. The audience

will vote for their favorite acts, as participants will have a chance to compete for first-, second- and third-place prizes.

Admission to the online auditorium is $50. The Virtual Variety Hour will be held on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. The show will raise money for local children’s charities including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, California Youth Services,

The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club is now accepting submissions of live or pre-recorded acts for its virtual variety show. Photo: Courtesy of freestocks.org/Pexels

Bikers Against Child Abuse, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Just Like Me Foundation, and Interact Service Club at Dana Hills.

Anyone interested in participating should download the entry form on the

Army Vet to Complete Coast-to-Coast Hike in Dana Point

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

U.S. Army veteran Alex Seling, 33, will soon be returning to Dana Point after embarking on the American Discovery Trail, hiking more than 5,000 miles, coast-to-coast, to raise awareness and funds for veteran suicide prevention.

Seling, who is originally from Georgia, completed a yearlong deployment to Iraq, where he was an Army medic with the 25th Infantry Division, 2-27 Wolfhounds.

He served three years in the military. Seling was always drawn to adventure, but once he returned to civilian life, he found that was absent from his life.

“I’ve kind of been starved for adventure,” Seling said.

After struggling with severe depression, anxiety, insomnia and suicidal thoughts upon returning from the military, Seling decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada in the hopes of gaining inner peace.

Long-distance hiking “just appealed to me; it just seemed like something extremely exciting and adventurous,” Seling told Dana Point Times this week, while taking a brief rest in Banning, California.

Seling embarked on the Pacific Crest Trail hike in the hopes of growing spiritually on his journey. He added that these hikes give him time to process everything that he’s been through and helps him approach challenges that come up in a new way.

“Whether it’s financial, or family or relationship struggles, I tend to face them differently; I face them with more confidence,” Seling said.

Several years after returning from the Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

U.S. Army veteran Alex Seling will soon be returning to Dana Point from his roughly 5,000-mile hike across the U.S.—a journey he embarked on to raise awareness and funds for veteran suicide prevention. Photo: Courtesy of Kiki Macdonald

organization that offers long-distance adventure programs for veterans. The nonprofit gives veterans everything they need to embark on a long-distance hiking, cycling or kayaking trip.

“We support veterans with three- to six-month-long, long-distance, bike, hike, and canoeing expeditions,” Warrior Expedition Director of Administration Angela Miller said. “And the idea is that they get these long durations out in nature, to really decompress to enjoy some camaraderie with their fellow veterans, which a lot of them miss after they leave the service, they get to meet a lot of other veterans and community supporters along the way. It really just gives them an opportunity to transition from their wartime experiences back into the civilian world.”

Seling said that Warrior Expeditions makes it easy for veterans to get trained

Pacific Crest Trail, Seling felt that he was once again starved for adventure, so he began a new one.

From his experience on his first long-distance hike, Seling wanted to raise money for other veterans to go on similar long-distance hikes. He dedicated his latest hike through the Southern Route of the American Discovery Trail to raise funds for Warrior Expeditions and Mission 22. As of Wednesday morning, Jan. 26, Seling had raised $6,565 of his $10,000 goal.

“I want to inspire vets to live their lives and go out and do awesome stuff like this,” Seling said. “I’m raising funds for Warrior Expeditions specifically so that veterans can go on adventures like this through (the organization). I found it’s so therapeutic for myself, and I really want to get the word out to other vets.”

Eighty percent of donations will go toward Warrior Expeditions, a nonprofit Page 3

Dana Point Rotary Club website. The Rotary Club will be accepting submissions until Feb. 22. For any questions, contact Fundraising Chair Heather Gillon at heathergillon@gmail.com.

in backpacking and helps them along the way through their own long-distance adventures.

Miller later touched on the thousands of dollars Seling has raised for the group through his hike.

“He’s going to help a lot of his follow veterans and we are really appreciative of his efforts,” she said.

The remaining 20% will go to Mission 22, a nonprofit organization that offers treatment and support for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury or depression, among other mental health issues. The organization raises awareness for issues that active servicemembers, veterans and their families face.

Seling began his 13-month hike on Dec. 21, 2020, starting in Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware. He noted that veterans and Gold Star Families receive free access to national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.

He set out on the hike more than a year ago in the hopes of crossing the Rockies and Sierras before snowfall.

Though he hoped it would give him plenty of time to beat the snow, he said he just barely got through in time.

Seling chose to end the hike in Dana Point after he lived with Kiki Macdonald, a Dana Point resident and owner of San Juan Capistrano’s CrossFit to the Core.

He trained and prepared for his long-distance hike in Dana Point.

“I just really love the town,” Seling said.

“It’s really beautifu,l and I just had a really good vibe from the place. It seems really safe, and everyone’s been very friendly. So, it just seems like a perfect endpoint.”

Seling was in Banning on Jan 25 and is expecting to reach Dana Point in the next week. He updates his YouTube channel with videos from his journey, and is collecting donations on his website: alexanderseling.com/the-hike. danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Art Students Capture Inspiration for Festival of Whales Project

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

On Thursday morning, Jan. 20, the latest group of Dana Hills High art students boarded the Dana Pride and set sail from Dana Point Harbor, hoping to see some whales and gather inspiration.

The students, from art classes such as photography and drawing and painting, took the first major step before submitting their individual works for the upcoming Dana Hills High School Young Artists Show and Sale that the Festival of Whales will host this March.

Natalie Hribar-Kelly, digital photography teacher and chair for the Visual and Performing Arts Department, has been part of the annual event and field trip for more than 10 years, but she said this year’s activity has stood out from the rest.

In previous years, she enjoyed seeing the students get outside, as well as seeing the Dana Point community including them in the festival tradition.

“This year, I think it’s different, because the kids have been so stressedout over the last couple of years,” she said. “We’ve had such weird instruction with mask-wearing, online learning, and hyper-learning last year that I think it’s just exciting to have some normalcy.”

Dana Hills High senior Jack Martin zeroes in on a whale spotted portside during the school’s whale watching excursion on Jan. 20. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

tures of, so do it,’” she said. “I think they get better (with) the cameras, because they have this time to ask me questions.”

Mattea Chung, a senior in Kelly’s photography class, enjoyed being on the Dana Pride and the opportunity to take photos from numerous locations on the ship.

“I was excited for it, because I was like, ‘Ooh, there might be whales out,’” Chung said of learning about the tour. “I wasn’t sure, though, because I knew the water would be calm. But (the trip) inspired me, because it’s a fun experience, so I can expand my knowledge of photogra-

The tour provides a new experience for a majority of the teens who had never been on a boat, nor seen a whale.

Throughout her years leading students through the art show process, Kelly said that watching the students get excited and letting their guard down is always satisfying, particularly on field trips that allow them to be creative away from the school campus.

“I like that component to it, where it’s like, ‘Hey, you have an hour and a half to two hours to take pictures, and you’ve got a really fantastic subject to take pic-

Planning Commission Chair Named President for Building Industry Association

COMMUNITY MEETINGS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Dana Point Planning Commission Chair Eric Nelson earlier this month was named the 2022 president for the Building Industry Association of Southern California’s Orange County Chapter (BIAOC).

“Eric’s deep knowledge and experience in the homebuilding industry and our community make him a strong choice to lead our organization during this critical time,” BIAOC Vice President Adam Wood said in a press release.

The group is a nonprofit trade association that represents Southern California’s home building industry. The Orange County chapter is one of four chapters that make up the Building Industry Association.

Since 2013, Nelson has served as vice president of Community Development in Southern California for Trumark Homes, one of the 1,100 companies within the homebuilding industry that the trade association represents.

“I am honored to serve with BIAOC, Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

phy and the ocean.”

She was able to use her photo-taking strengths to her advantage, as she described being more comfortable focusing on one subject at a time.

Another student who was using all areas of the boat to try to photograph the sea life was Jake Bachrach, a freshman who was well-adjusted to being on the water.

Due to the long periods between when the whales would breach, he, like other students, found the task of capturing the whales to be difficult.

“Maybe I could get the prize that the teacher was promising to give us (for) whoever got the best picture,” Bachrach said of his goal to take lots of photos of the whales.

“It would be a good accomplishment.”

Donna Kalez, chief operating officer of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, which donates the annual boat trip to the school, said it’s always important to hold the tour and kick off the Festival of Whales proceedings.

“It’s just something we’ve always done, to take them out to get them excited about the Festival of Whales and try to get the community ready,” Kalez said.

The hope is that all the students were inspired in some way by the tour, as they officially begin their preparations for the show.

The Art Show and Sale is scheduled for March 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Harbor Walkway. Visit festivalofwhales.com for more information.

Dana Point City Council Meeting 6 p.m. The Dana Point Council Meeting will hold its regularly regular scheduled meeting. Dana Point Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

where we can facilitate positive change in the building and homebuying industry throughout this community,” Nelson said in a press release. “I look forward to working closely with BIA staff and our members to advocate for new home construction and job creation, and to eliminate obstacles and barriers that impact the access and availability of housing for all.”

Nelson also serves as a member of the League of California Cities’ governing board. He previously served as president of the Planning and Community Development Department of the League of California Cities.

Nelson’s background in land-use planning, entitlement processing and development has included current and past memberships with Urban Land Institute, American Planning Institute, United States Green Building Council, and International Council of Shopping Centers. “(Nelson’s) enthusiasm and commit-

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Eric Nelson, chair of Dana Point’s Planning Commission, was named president for the Building Industry Association of Southern California’s Orange County Chapter. Photo: Courtesy of Trumark Homes

ment will serve our members well as we navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead to ensure housing maintains its role as the foundation of vibrant and sustainable communities in Orange County,” Wood added in the release.

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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. Attendees should wear a face covering in order to comply with CALOSHA policies. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 15 Issue 4. 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 2022. All rights reserved.

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Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate Education by Judith Anderson

HOW MY ATTEMPT TO AVOID SINGLEUSE PLASTIC FOR 1 MONTH FAILED

M

y experiential learning began on Dec. 1, with the simple goal of not buying any single-use plastic until Jan. 1, 2022.

On day 2, Dec. 2, my plan was shot. I visited three stores to collect cleaning supplies for a depleted inventory at home. Heavy duty cleaners with low toxicity led me to consider one-quart or half-gallon jugs coded P.E.T. or PETE, the No. 1 recycling category, denoting the petrochemical industry favorite polyethylene terephthalate.

I validated my purchase by planning to refill and reuse existing squirt bottles.

I bought a gallon of reliable Simple Green, a one-liter plastic bottle of Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap, and some Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day products in the largest size offered.

Nixing window and glass cleaning solutions for the cheaper DIY method of diluted vinegar, I CITIZENS’ CLIMATE still felt I needed an EDUCATION abrasive booster for

BY JUDITH ANDERSON tough jobs. I bought the largest 12-pound sack of Arm & Hammer’s Baking Soda, the standard of purity.

But an unfamiliar symbol appeared on the upper left of the package: a horizontal figure eight-tipped with arrows and the name ‘Terracycle.’ On the backside was the printed tip to recycle this bag through terracycle.com, or alternatively put in the trash. So, I couldn’t just mindlessly toss it into the CR&R brown bin for curbside recycling?

I decided to call to find out more about such contradictory advice, and how Terra-

An attempt to cut down on single-use plastic by local climate-change activist Judith Anderson did not go as planned. Photo: Courtesy of Judith Anderson

cycle would collect and process this sack for successful reuse. My brief chat with an Arm & Hammer representative explained this particular bag was made of mixed-plastics; specifically, nylon and polyethylene.

But it was not coded with the decades-old recycling symbols I, a willing consumer, had become reliant on. As I had continued buying goods in plastic (single-use or not), discarding these ubiquitous plastics in curbside collectors had become a therapeutic act, calming my innate guilt of increased consumption.

Not quite defeated, I also started gathering single–use plastic containers, bags, and film wrapping (previously bought but now finished). After two weeks, my dedicated trash can was overflowing with these items. In spite of my earlier pledge, it still contained take-out food packaging or excess produce wrapping.

The family couldn’t seem to avoid it.

I’m admittedly discouraged. It appears we now live with planetary pollution so insidious it is increasingly choking us out of existence. Falling into the rabbit hole of this plastic pollution pandemic,

and with renewed urgency for innovative solutions for world-changing impact, 2022 is only eight years away from sustainability goals for 2030.

Tackling the source of the problem with plastic reduction policies, and bans of single-use products, is essential. But they take time. At least in California, the legislature passed SB 270, the plastic-bag ban in 2016, and at least eight other states have similar laws enacted.

By becoming “plastic clever,” I’ve made an oath to refuse and reject single-use products, primarily by ditching the big four single-use plastic polluters: straws, bags, cups, and utensils. Although each one of us is a mere droplet in the rising tide of an ocean filled with more microplastic than fish, I feel a minimal sense of accomplishment with daily action.

So, walk softly, my friends, and carry your own bag, cup and fork.

For further research, citizen action support and practical resources check out How to Give Up Plastic by Will McCallum, or Plastic Wars, a Frontline documentary released in March 2020, available on YouTube. You can also visit: esrag.org; terracycle.org; and how2recycle.com.

Judith Anderson has lived in San Juan Capistrano for 31 years, is a portrait and culture photographer, an architectural assistant and architectural tour guide for the SJC Historical Society and the Friends of the Library of SJC, as well as a member of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby/Education of South Orange County. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared.

The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR RESPONSE TO CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL SHORT-TERM RENTALS JERRY DELOSHON, Dana Point As a longtime critic of the Dana Point City Council’s ineffective response to managing short-term rentals in our community, I commend the city for its recent steps and heightened resolve to improve the situation.

Operators of short-term rentals who are doing so without city permits should be dealt with harshly.

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.

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danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

rano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

Editor’s Pick

LIVE MUSIC AT THE POINT 8-11 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. The ’70s and ’80s rock band Dinosaurs will perform.

The Point Restaurant and Bar, 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

The List What’s going on in and around town this week DANA POINT TIMES

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at danapointtimes.com/weekender

FRIDAY | 28 BUBBLE WRAP ART PROJECT 10:30 a.m. Kids will learn how to make their own “bubble wrap” art with stamp painting. Dana Point Harbor Yacht Club, 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point.

949.373.3785. southoc.fit4mom.com

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 9 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Funk, soul and R&B band Funk Station will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

SATURDAY | 29 SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee is a weekly car show, attracting a mix of 1,000-3,000 plus hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

CPR CLASS 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn CPR through handson training and live demonstration with Chet Khay, a licensed nurse practitioner and American Heart Association CPR educator. Free to the public. RSVP by calling 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria.

‘PLAY ON!’ 7:30-9:30 p.m. Through Feb. 6, Cabrillo Playhouse presents Play On!, directed

by Rick Abbot. Director Gerry Dunbar is at her wit’s end trying to stage a new murder mystery at the local community theater. A mere four days from opening night, the cast members barely know their lines and are at each other’s throats. Throw in a meddling writer who keeps adding new scenes, new characters, and changing who the killer is, and you have a recipe for disaster. As opening night draws closer, the cast and crew learn firsthand “what can go wrong, will go wrong” as they give their best efforts for the show to go on. All theatergoers must show proof of vaccination or a current (within 72 hours) negative COVID-19 test. Masks are required to enter the theater. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

PACIFIC TRIO: MUSIC OF CHINA Noon. Pacific Trio presents a lively performance of traditional music from China using the zither, pipa, dizi, erhu and several other authentic instruments.

The group, representing Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Northern China, will teach young learners about Chinese history and language and tell a moral story.

Free with general admission. Redmond Coastal Amphitheater, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Latin jazz artist Poncho Sanchez will perform. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capist-

SUNDAY | 30

Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

Photo: Courtesy of the City of Dana Point

FRIDAY | 28 WHALE OF A KID’S ART & LITERATURE CONTEST Submit a cute story, poem or artwork about the California Gray Whale and email it to the city’s Recreation Department at recreation@danapoint.org. Open to children of all ages. Submittals are due by March 28. Winning entry will receive a gift card to Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching for a whale watching excursion and a whale/ocean-themed gift basket. Dana Point Recreation Department, 34052 Del Obispo, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

(and cats) at Adorable Pet Grooming and Nutrition in San Juan Capistrano. A vet exam is included in the service. Cleanings are safe for older pets and take less than an hour. Appointments are required, and can be reserved by calling 949.661.0704. 32141 Alipaz St., Suite F, San Juan Capistrano.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. British blues artist John Mayall will perform.

Tickets are $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

MONDAY | 01 LIVE MUSIC AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Molly Tuttle and Golden Highway will perform. Tickets are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

DOG DENTAL CLEANING 9 a.m. Qualified Pet Dental will perform no-anesthesia teeth cleaning for dogs Page 6

WEDNESDAY | 03 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 to 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. danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

AAUW HAPPY HOUR 4-6 p.m. The San Clemente-Capistrano Bay Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will meet for happy hour on Wednesday, Feb. 2, via Zoom. Prospective members are welcome. Send an email to aauw.sccb@cox.net to RSVP. 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.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 7-10 p.m. Billy Joel tribute band Billy Nation will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

BACKYARD OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads’ backyard is open for food, drinks and live music. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

AT THE MOVIES

‘Parallel Mothers’ Shows Almodóvar, Cruz Still Have It

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

L

egendary Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar and his favorite muse and actress, Penélope Cruz, are back again for their seventh project, Parallel Mothers.

Almodóvar somehow has an equal knack for creating realistic, complicated women as much as complicated men. Part of it is his talent and craft, and another is his trust and chemistry with the actresses with whom he works, such as Cruz.

Their modern classic, Volver (2006), remains one of my favorite films, and Parallel Mothers proves that over two decades into their artistic partnership, they’ve still got it.

In modern-day Madrid, Spain, 40-yearold Janis (Cruz) and 17-year-old Ana (Milena Smit) give birth at the exact same time while sharing the same hospital room. Both women’s pregnancies were unplanned and outside of relationships, with Janis happy to suddenly become a mother, while Ana is more cautious.

When the father of Janis’ baby, Arturo

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Photo: Courtesy of Sony Pictures

(Israel Elejalde), starts to notice daughter Cecilia doesn’t share any resemblance to either himself or Janis, the latter secretly takes a paternity test and is shocked to discover a secret that involves Ana. Parallel Mothers is the second psychological melodrama to be released recently that is a quasi-cautionary tale on motherhood, following Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter, which doesn’t necessarily shun the concept.

At first, Mothers is a unique ode to single motherhood, as well as for women who choose to have a baby later in life. But then the film quickly moves into the usual crazy,

over-the-top, yet well-executed antics for which Almodóvar is famous.

Cruz truly is at her most comfortable and effortless while directed by the fellow Spaniard, and she doesn’t disappoint here, while Smit is also quite good.

Parallel Mothers features exceptional direction, acting, character and plot development, and Almodóvar’s usual message and lesson on obscure Spanish history that relates to the story. If you’re running out of award contenders for this season, and still in the mood for quality screen drama, Parallel Mothers might be for you. DP

danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

GUEST OPINION | On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Senior Woman in Long-Distance Relationship Gives Ultimatum I

received an email from Sharon, 66, who lives in Georgia. She wrote: “I have a boyfriend in California.

We’ve had a long-distance relationship for two years. He’s 68.

“We love each other, but he is dragging his feet when it comes to moving forward with the relationship. He thinks three circumstances are a big problem for us: 1) The 3,000 miles between us. 2) I have kids and grandkids I am close to; and 3) He doesn’t know what he’ll be doing after he sells his house.

“He doesn’t see how to ‘advance’ the relationship and has even put visits ‘on hold’ while he is working on his home, so he can sell it and move on and enjoy his retirement.

“We’ve been together four times. He still likes to travel and vacation with me—things are wonderful when we meet. He calls me twice a week, texts almost daily, and still sends gifts.

“I sent him a letter to let him know that this ‘in-limbo’ situation is not good for my mental or emotional health, so I am taking a month with no contact with him to pray and heal my emotions. I wonder what step to take next.

“I love this man and find it hard to concentrate on dating others, as he said he wouldn’t want to hold me back from a casual golf outing, etc., with a guy if I wanted to.”

I responded to Sharon: “What do you want him to do? Who would move? Him to GA? Or you to CA (away from your kids and grandkids)?”

Sharon answered: “I have given each of us one month ‘to process’ the relationship. Since last August, we haven’t had any concrete plans, and communication has trailed off. Am I even in a relationship? I understand his home-renovation project, and the stress he is under. I don’t feel that the project is a good enough reason to put our relationship on hold.

“I want to make sure he really feels the love and wants to continue our Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

relationship. Not being able to and not wanting to are two different things. I sense our connection is being lost, including our physical connection. (COVID has nothing to do with our being away from each other, although he did get it once).

“During the first ON LIFE AND LOVE year, even though

BY TOM BLAKE there were all kinds of hindrances to our seeing each other in person (flu, his sister’s death), I felt his steadfast love and care.

“I needed one month away to think and heal. After the month is up, I welcome him to contact me. Life will always have ‘big projects’ and stressors, and we can put things on hold, but not people and relationships.

“Which one of us should call after the no-contact period is up? What should he or I say? I didn’t give any ultimatums or ask any questions; just told him I was going to get some quiet time to heal myself and my emotions and pray about God’s direction for my life.”

Tom’s comment: Long-distance relationships are difficult. They’ve been together four times in two years. She’s way over-thinking the relationship. Her self-imposed “no-contact” period is an ultimatum that may be the nail in the coffin. She may have turned him off. I told Sharon that she should call, but he might not pick up the phone.

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. DP

Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries

FROM THE ARCHIVES Pictured is Dana Cove in

Dana Point, circa 1960.

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.

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Smokey

DANA POINT TIMES

This handsome boy is Smokey, an 8-monthold kitten looking to make your acquaintance. Though somewhat shy initially, Smokey has a sweet personality and loves to play with his toys. He enjoys the company of other cats and would make a good kitty companion.

If you are interested in adopting Smokey, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ 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.

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

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared.

The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

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Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Iron Unkind Tough shooting night hampers DHHS boys basketball playoff chase

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he Dana Hills boys basketball team has hit a rut in the most crucial portion of its Sea View League season.

While the Dolphins’ playoff fate might still be safe due to their No. 1 ranking in CIF-SS Division 3A, a potential playoff berth could be in the hands of a CIF committee deciding at-large selections, as an automatic spot out of league might have slipped away for Dana Hills.

With an uncharacteristic shooting night by Dana Hills, El Toro capitalized on late opportunities and knocked down free throws to upset the Dolphins, 45-38, on Wednesday, Jan. 26, on senior night at Dana Hills High School.

“It’s one of those things,” Dana Hills coach Tom Desiano said. “We’re such a perimeter-oriented team, and if our shots don’t fall, we’re going to have to de-

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.

Girls Water Polo Battles for Playoff Spot The Dana Hills girls water polo team had two paths to clinching the South Coast League’s third and final automatic playoff spot entering Thursday, Jan. 27.

The first and easiest way to securing the spot was to beat El Toro at home on Thursday. Result of this match was not available at press time, but check out danapointtimes.com or @SouthOCSports on Twitter for coverage of the match.

Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

A three-game losing streak in league play might force Dana Hills (ranked No. 1 in Division 3A) to sweat out playoff selection as an at-large entry. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

fend. It was a low-scoring game, and we just didn’t execute the way we needed to, and (El Toro) did. I give them credit.

They came out and played aggressive and smart, and they deserve the win.”

It was the third loss in a row—all at home—for Dana Hills (15-7, 1-3), and represented the Dolphins’ lowest offensive output of the season with only 38 points. The previous low was 39 points in a tournament win in December.

The second way would be for El Toro to lose either of its final two league games after Thursday, with a home match against San Juan Hills on Monday, Jan. 31, or a road match at Tesoro on Wednesday, Feb. 2.

Either path is just as likely as the other in this second round of league play, because Dana Hills beat El Toro on the road, 12-8, on Jan. 11, and El Toro lost at San Juan Hills, 17-8, in its next game on Jan. 13.

One way or another, Dana Hills (14-7, 3-3), ranked No. 3 in Division 3, is likely headed back to the CIF-SS playoffs. There were no playoffs after last year’s pandemic-disrupted season, but Dana Hills did qualify in Division 3 in 2020.

Dana Hills closes out the regular season on Monday, Jan. 31, at home against San Clemente. The Tritons summarily beat the Dolphins in the first meeting, 20-3.

CIF-SS playoff brackets will be released on Feb. 7.

El Toro made 15 of 20 free throws, including 10 in the fourth quarter. Dana Hills was 5 of 8 from the line. El Toro also hit four 3-pointers, while Dana Hills made just one late in the fourth quarter.

Senior Adam Pellini led the Dolphins with 10 points. Seniors Ryan Ralph and Griffin Haugh each scored eight points, and freshman Collin Haugh scored seven points, including Dana Hills’ only 3-pointer.

Girls Basketball Eyes End of League, Remains Ranked The Dana Hills girls basketball team still has yet to break through in the South Coast League, and barring a miraculous turn of events in the league’s final three games, the Dolphins will be leaning hard on their nonleague record and CIF-SS ranking.

Dana Hills (12-12, 0-5) suffered its latest loss on Jan. 20, at Aliso Niguel in a 62-44 defeat. The Dolphins’ first game against Aliso Niguel—an 11-point loss— is still their closest margin of defeat in league play.

Dana Hills played at league-leading Tesoro on Thursday, Jan. 27, but results were not available at press time. The Dolphins finish up with games against San Clemente at home on Saturday, Jan. 29, and at San Juan Hills on Wednesday, Feb. 2.

Dana Hills’ spot in CIF-SS Division 4A has also slipped with its league performance. The Dolphins were ranked No. 8

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Dana Hills opened league play with a 67-48 win at El Toro, but the Dolphins followed up with a pair of losses to second-place Aliso Niguel, 71-65, and league-leading San Juan Hills, 69-48. A win over last-place El Toro on Wednesday would have tied Dana Hills with Aliso Niguel for the league’s second and final playoff spot heading into the Dolphins’ trip to Aliso Niguel on Friday, Jan. 28.

Instead, Dana Hills has to hope to win its final two games—Friday and then next Thursday, Feb. 3, at San Juan Hills (ranked No. 1 in Division 2A)—for a chance at a second-place tie with Aliso Niguel, if El Toro can upset the Wolverines next Thursday. Otherwise, the Dolphins will have to lean on their overall record and ranking for an at-large playoff selection.

“It’s just next game up. That’s all we can do,” Desiano said. “At that point, it’s just up to the CIF. Right now, it’s going to be tough for us to get to second place, and at that point, we just have to hope our resume is good enough to get us in.

Only thing we can do is worry about Aliso on Friday and see what happens.”

Dana Hills had a similar pattern in league play last season. The Dolphins also opened up with a win over El Toro and followed with losses to Aliso Niguel, San Juan Hills and El Toro in that order.

Dana Hills finished 1-5 in league last season and did not make the playoffs with a 2-9 overall record.

The Dolphins last made the playoffs in 2020 and lost in the first round of Division 3AA. DP

in the division in the latest poll, down from No. 4 the previous week. Dana Hills was as high as No. 2 in mid-December.

The Dolphins will most likely have to appeal for a playoff spot as an at-large selection. Dana Hills will have to hope its 12-7 nonleague record holds up and that its division ranking doesn’t slide too much further.

CIF-SS playoff brackets will be released on Feb. 8.

Soccer Roundup Dana Hills girls soccer (1-12-1, 0-7) is on a 12-match winless streak (0-11-1), with its latest defeat in a 2-1 contest at home against Capistrano Valley. Dana Hills next plays at El Toro on Monday, Jan. 31.

Dana Hills boys soccer (2-9-2, 0-6) is on a nine-match winless streak (0-8-1), with its most recent game on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at home against Tesoro. Results were not available at press time. Dana Hills next plays at Aliso Niguel on Friday, Jan. 28. DP

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216623750 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JP HOLISTIC HEALTH 33751 ROBLES DR. APT B DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): JONAH POLKES 33751 ROBLES DR. APT B DANA POINT, CA 92629 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 JONAH POLKES/s/JONAH POLKES This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 12/29/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: DONALD MICHAEL DOYLE, aka DONALD M. DOYLE Case Number: 30-2022-01239328-PR-PW-CJC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of DONALD MICHAEL DOYLE, aka DONALD M. DOYLE A Petition for Probate has been filed by GREG TOMLINSON in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The Petition for Probate requests that GREG TOMLINSON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The Petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, in any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The Petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: A. Date: March 9th, 2022 Time: 10:30 a.m. in Dept: C8, Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive B. West, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

(1) If you plan to appear, you may attend the hearing by video remote using the court’s designated video platform; (2) Go to the courts website at: http://www.occourts.org/media-relations/probate-mental-health.html to appear for probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions; (3) If you have difficulty connecting to your remote hearing, call (657)622-8278 for assistance.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: NIKKI PRESLEY MILIBAND, ESQ, GOOD WILDMAN 19000 MACARTHUR BLVD., STE 575, IRVINE, CA 92612 Ph: (949)955-1100 Published in: Dana Point Times, Jan 14, 21, 28, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226623916 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ELECTRIC MEDICS INC 26522 ESTANCIERO DR MISSION VIEJO, CA 92691 Full Name of Registrant(s): ELECTRIC MEDICS INC 26522 ESTANCIERO DR MISSION VIEJO, CA 92691 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A ELECTRIC MEDICS INC/s/MICHAEL PARKS/ MICHAEL PARKS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 1/03/2022.

Published in: Dana Point Times January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 2022

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ACUPUNCTURE Axos Acupuncture Inc Jeff Hyung S. Choi 27462 Calle Arroyo Ste A San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.9899 axosacupuncture.com drjeffchoi@gmail.com AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto 34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

BODY MIND SPIRIT

ARE YOU HAPPY? Let us assist you in creating a life plan for the life & relationships you want & deserve. Body Mind Spirit, 949.248.7377, bodymindspirit.com

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Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

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Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

State Farm/Elaine LaVine 34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, elainelavine.net

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DP SURF

New Tour, New Season, Same Epic Action The WSL’s 2022 Championship Tour Kicks Off This Week with the Billabong Pro Pipeline

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

Hawaii’s Carissa Moore, en route to her fifth world title at the Rip Curl WSL Finals last September at Lower Trestles. Photo: Courtesy of Tony Heff/WSL

he start of the WSL’s 2022 Championship Tour is at hand. After crowning Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina as world champs last September at firing Lower Trestles, the new season is here and chock-full of intrigue.

The action will kick off with the Billabong Pro Pipeline. The waiting period gets underway on Jan. 29.

Leading with the local news first, it was announced last week that the Rip Curl WSL Finals have been confirmed for Lower Trestles for 2022 and 2023— meaning the world titles will be won right here in our own backyard, again, for the next two years.

“We’re incredibly supportive of the return to Lower Trestles for the 2022 Rip Curl WSL Finals,” Rip Curl CEO Brooke Farris said in a prepared statement. “As a

world-class, high-performance wave, it’s the perfect canvas for the world’s best surfers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the water. While our brand was born at Bells Beach, Australia, Rip Curl has an incredible heritage at Trestles, the surfing heart of California.”

Meanwhile, San Clemente’s Kolohe Andino will be back in a jersey this year after spending much of 2021 on the disabled list. Recovered from foot surgery, and raring to go, the new dad will also kick off the season with a new sponsor.

A win on the Championship Tour has eluded him thus far, but getting a fresh start this year could mean a world of difference.

He’ll be joined on the Championship Tour by friend and fellow Lowers regular Griffin Colapinto, who finished last season

T

GROM OF THE WEEK

LOGAN HARRIS

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

D Logan Harris. Photo: Courtesy of @usasurfing

Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

ana Point’s Logan Harris was in fine form last weekend at the NSSA’s event at Ninth Street in Huntington Beach. He took second in the Explorer Men’s division and third in the Juniors, and the event certainly was no walk in the park.

Conditions were described as “4- to 6-foot, glassy beach break bombs with lots of closeouts, heavy paddling, cleanup sets and some good, ‘rippable’ corners!”

A talented, stylish surfer in any and all conditions, Harris is the rare breed

ranked sixth in the world. Both Colapinto and Andino have great opportunities to finish in the top five at season’s end and graduate to the Finals at Lowers.

Just the thought of having two locals vying for the world title here in front of the hometown crowd is exciting. (And you thought the beach was packed last year!)

On the women’s side, Carissa Moore has captured the past two world titles and shows no sign of slowing down.

She’s a favorite at Pipeline, where the tour will get started this year for the first time, and she’s got Lowers on lock.

She’s only two titles away from tying the record of seven held by Layne Beachley and Stephanie Gilmore. After a historic run last year in which she captured the title and an Olympic gold medal, she’s undoubtedly the best right

who rips in anything. As evidenced by his recent NSSA results, that bent-backleg carve he has on his forehand can be lethal even when it’s pumping out. And putting in time at Salt Creek, his smallwave game is tack-sharp as well.

But there’s more—he’s also ridiculously smooth on his longboard. As a dedicated Dana Point surfer, he’s got a little of that Doheny DNA, and it shows.

A critical member of the Dana Hills High School team, Harris’ versatility is a huge asset, as he’s able to fill a variety of roles for the squad depending on what the day calls for.

Longboard or shortboard, with a jersey on or free surfing, Harris is a surfer’s surfer.

If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com. DP Page 14

now. But what’s scary is she seems to only be getting better.

On the subject of world champions, in just a couple of weeks, 11-time champ Kelly Slater will celebrate his 50th birthday.

Still on tour, still one of the best at Pipeline, the GOAT hasn’t made his intentions for the season clear, but just the fact that we’re having this conversation as he crosses the half-century mark is incredible. As my dad likes to say, good never ends.

Meanwhile, defending World Champ Medina announced this week that he will be sitting out the start of the 2022 season due to personal reasons.

Finally, the tour is heading to a few different locations this year. After the Pipeline event, the action will move up the North Shore’s Kam Highway to Sunset Beach. Sunset hasn’t been a Championship Tour stop in more than a decade, and its expansive, open-ocean lineup will present some exciting challenges to the world’s best surfers.

The tour will also return to G-Land in Indonesia, a location it hasn’t visited since the mid-’90s. And new to the lineup is a stop in El Salvador.

It’s going to be a great year for the Championship Tour, I can already tell.

With all the fresh talent and fresh venues, certainly anything can happen, and if the ocean cooperates, we should be in store for one heck of a year.

The fact that we get to see it all culminate on our shore with the Rip Curl WSL Finals this September—what a dream.

Jake Howard is 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. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 57-59 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-8 Outlook: Slow fading swell mix on Friday for thigh-waist-chest high surf, (2-3-4’). Saturday and Sunday’s waves are thigh to waist high, (2-3’). A light offshore morning breeze is followed by light+ to periodically moderate onshore winds in the afternoons on Friday through Sunday.

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Dana Point Times January 28-February 3, 2022

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