April 13, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

April 13-19, 2018

YO U

C A N

U S E

INSIDE: Earth Day Happenings and more in The Green Issue SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 11, ISSUE 15

The Humane Condition

Issues on homelessness reach fever pitch in Orange County E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Early one morning under threatening skies, Maria Sandavol looks for a place to take cover from the rain on Del Prado Avenue.

Photo: Daniel Ritz

City Hosts Public Workshop on District Voting EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Dana Hills Relay Teams Look Toward OC Championships SPORTS/PAGE 26

www.danapointtimes.com

DPSC Places Third in Home Event at Salt Creek SURF/PAGE 28

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point Point Dana

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Dana Point Holds First of Two By-District Voting Public Workshops THE LATEST: On April 9, the City of Dana Point hosted the first of two by-district voting public workshops at the Dana Point Community Center.

Doug Johnson of National Demographics Corporation joined City staff, Dana Point City Council and John Ramirez of Rutan & Tucker, LLP, the law firm of City Attorney Patrick Munoz, in presenting the original draft districting maps and five additional draft maps.

After an introduction from City Manager Mark Denny, Ramirez and Johnson spoke to the crowd of nearly 75 Dana Point residents concerning their respective expertise. From there, City staff and City Council members took stations along the draft maps, operating in a cycle, speaking to community members in an attempt to better understand the public’s feeling regarding the draft maps. Also, Ramirez and Johnson would man “legal” and “demographic” tables where citizens could sit down and ask questions concerning the by-district procedure.

One prevalent topic of discussion for Ramirez at his table surrounded the options available in draft maps for four districts with a mayor elected at-large versus a complete five-district draft map. Ramirez expressed, supported by a statement in a hand-out they supplied, that the only option that completely insulates the city from liability under the California Voter Rights Act is adopting a “by-district,” election system, where all Council members are required to reside in a single-member district and are elected only by the residents of that district, according to election code 14026 and 14027(A).

Across California, more than 147 cities have moved forward with district voting by electing pre-emptively on their own accord or settled their CVRA lawsuits by moving to district voting with an at-large mayor. To date, none of those cities have been have sued for continued violation of the CVRA. Jenene Rudder, Dana Point resident, thought the meeting was a good start, but supported moving forward with the four districts with an at-large mayor.

“I want to have an impact,” Rudder said.

Dana Point Times April 13-19, 2018

“You have to realize, as an elected official, from the get-go, you have to work together,” said Council member John Tomlinson. “At the end of the day, we’re one city.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The second public hearing of draft by-district voting maps will be at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 17 at City Hall, located at 33282 Golden Lantern. A second public workshop will occur on Tuesday, April 25 at Dana Hills High School at 6:30 p.m. A link to interactive district maps to be discussed can be found on www.danapointtimes.com.

—Daniel Ritz

Wheeler North Reef Fails Again to Meet Mitigation Standards THE LATEST: During a 2017 performance review meeting held at the Ocean Institute on April 9, it was revealed that Wheeler North Reef—the artificial low-relief reef constructed in 2009 close to a mile off of the shores of San Clemente in order to mitigate damages to the San Onofre kelp forest from discharge from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS)— failed to meet requirements for mitigation credit for the ninth consecutive year.

Dan Reed, a research biologist from the University of California-Santa Barbara (UCSB) Marine Science Institute (MSI), the group contracted by Southern California Edison to monitor the reef’s mitigation performance, explained that performance standards are split into two categories: absolute and relative standards. The 174-acre reef, monitored by 92 transect points along the reef, must meet all absolute standards and as many relative standards as the lowest performing reference reef in a given year. The most accurate reefs used for comparison are San Mateo and Barn reefs.

Concerning giant kelp growth standards, Reed explained that Wheeler North did not meet absolute standards of 150 acres of adequate kelp density coverage. Kate Huckelbridge, a senior environmental scientist for the California Coastal Commission (CCC), explained that fish standing stock failed to reach its absolute standard of 25 tons, only achieving 18 tons.

WHAT’S NEXT: Reed explained that due to the number of juvenile giant kelp in areas failing to meet requirements, he is forecasting that kelp standards are not expected to meet standards for mitigation either.

Plans to expand the reef to as much as double its current size to encourage successful remediation by extending north toward Dana Point could begin as early as summer 2019. To learn more about the Wheeler North Reef project, visit www. marinemitigation.msi.ucsb.edu. —DR

Dana Point Mayor Richard Viczorek discusses by-district voting with two Dana Point residents at the public workshop on April 7. Phot: Daniel Ritz

Special Olympics Return to CUSD on April 16 THE LATEST: More than 200 student-athletes will compete in track and field events for the annual Capistrano Unified School District Special Olympics on Monday, April 16.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Special Olympics will take place from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dana Hills High School. All spectators have to register with the main office. www.sosc. org. —DR

Senate Public Safety Committee Blocks Bill to Address Fentanyl Drug Trafficking THE LATEST: The Senate Public Safety Committee refused to pass Senate Bill 1103 on April 11, led by Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel), which would enhance criminal penalties for illegal distributors of fentanyl, which has been linked to numerous deaths in California in recent years.

“Today’s decision is a disappointing setback for law enforcement efforts to tackle the fentanyl epidemic,” said Senator Bates.

“Given its deadly potency, state law should treat fentanyl trafficking the same as heroin and cocaine trafficking. My bill would have given law enforcement an important tool to break up the upper chain-of-command of illegal fentanyl networks.

Senator Bates partnered with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to introduce

Page 3

SB 1103, which would have added fentanyl to a category of dangerous drugs, such as heroin, that are subject to penalty enhancements based on the weight an individual possesses for sale or distribution.

Fentanyl is reported to be up to 50 times more potent than pharmaceutical-grade heroin and is often mixed into heroin and other drugs without the knowledge of users. Fentanyl can also be deadly if it becomes airborne or makes contact with human skin, putting first responders and other innocent bystanders at risk.

WHAT’S NEXT: Senator Bates is also authoring SB 1109 this year in partnership with San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. SB 1109 emphasizes education to reduce opioid overdoses and addiction. —DR

Coffee Chat to Feature City Manager Mark Denny on April 20 THE LATEST: Next Friday, April 20, the Dana Point Civic Association will hold its third Friday coffee chat. The special guest speaker will be Dana Point’s City Manager Mark Denny.

Denny said he anticipates shedding light on the variety of large-scale issues going on in Dana Point, including homelessness, the by-district voting process as well as recent policy changes and actions.

WHAT’S NEXT: Coffee chat will be held at The Coffee Importers in the harbor from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Complimentary coffee will provided by The Coffee Importers for attendees. All are welcome. —DR www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

The Humane Condition Homelessness issues across Orange County reach boiling point

BY DANIEL RITZ, ERIC HEINZ AND EMILY RASMUSSEN, DANA POINT TIMES

O

n a recent sunny afternoon in San Juan Capistrano, an Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) deputy slowly drove along San Juan Creek in search of homeless camps.

Less than two minutes into the first stretch of daily rounds along San Juan Creek for Deputy Chandler Pierce’s day, a middle-aged woman flagged him down along the trail. The woman, a San Juan Capistrano resident who lives nearby, approached the squad car and expressed concerns of a few tents at the base of the creek, which is near an elementary school.

Pierce told her he was already on his way to check it out.

Pierce drove a few more feet along the creek, surveying the creek and quickly spotting a small cluster of tents. Three people identified themselves, two were homeless: a woman from Laguna Niguel in her early 20s, a middle-aged man who said he’s “from around town,” and a San Juan Capistrano resident who said he’s a friend of the pair and brings them food and supplies, but he won’t house them.

Pierce asked the group why they were there, if they have a record, if they needed help and what they need. After the group denied assistance, Pierce let out a sigh, got back into his squad car and conveyed his frustrations of day-to-day irritations that come with being the city’s dedicated homeless liaison officer.

“A lot of people think cops are the ones criminalizing the homeless. As a homeless liaison officer, and every city pretty much has one or multiple, we’re always trying to just help people get off the street,” Pierce said.

After checking the river bed, Pierce drove through San Juan Capistrano to the usual spots looking for other homeless people, in alleyways, parks and shopping centers. When he approached another group of local homeless people, many of whom Pierce sees and talks to daily, there was a fine line of firmness and gentleness he had to walk.

Pierce estimates that of the 15-or-so homeless people in San Juan Capistrano, about 10 are homegrown. One person who Piece sees regularly is a sixth-generation San Juan Capistrano man, who typically stays at a local park.

The soft-spoken, middle-aged homeless man, who asked to not be named, admitted that if he wanted services, he could get them, but he has no desire to because it’s Dana Point Times April 13-19, 2018

Nick, a homeless man who lives in San Clemente, sits atop his bicycle on April 9 near the Ole Hanson Beach Club. Nick, who didn’t give his last name, said he’s been in San Clemente for six months. He said he’s had to deal with prejudice and harassment from people who “blame everything on us.” Photo: Eric Heinz

easy to buy and use drugs living on the streets. He said he’s fairly comfortable in the park. Family members will come by to visit; his belongings include small furniture items and even a pair of wine glasses.

Pierce said the irony from the general public when it comes to the homeless issue is that they don’t want people to be homeless, especially here, but they’re willing to give out free food and clothing.

There’s a lot of theories floating around California’s growing homeless population of more than 134,000 people, with a nearly 14 percent increase from 2016 to 2017, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report found. Some theories to the growing homeless population range from affordable housing and renters rights, to low wages and drugs.

Pierce said he blames California Proposition 47, the Reduced Penalties for Some Crimes Initiative, which passed in 2014 and changed many drug-related crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.

“We took addicts, without getting them help, and pushed them to the street,” Pierce said. “They’re just going to resort back to becoming an addict again. Now all we do is ticket away (for drug misdemeanors) and they just go get (more drugs) again. It’s a revolving cycle. They just continually do drugs over and over.”

Harry Bradford, 63, spends his days near the train station in downtown San Juan Capistrano. Bradford is homeless

and came to Southern California for a job opportunity eight years ago, moving from a small town in Kansas after work “dried up” in the oil industry.

“There’s nowhere else to go. It’s just a sunny place to read,” Bradford said, holding a copy of The Chamber, a legal thriller novel by author John Grisham. “I try to keep away from people who do drugs.

Around here (by the train tracks) it’s kind of quiet.”

Bradford said he’s not one to use drugs, but he feels discouraged in finding work and housing because he’s applied to jobs across town and the surrounding area, but he hasn’t had any luck.

“I don’t know what to do. I’m overeducated or just too old.”

How we got here, where we’re going Discussions related to homeless people in Orange County have been at a fever pitch.

A lawsuit filed by Orange County Catholic Worker earlier this year alleges the county had not performed due diligence in providing shelter for homeless people after trying to expel them from the Santa Ana riverbed.

The climax of the issues came on Feb. 14, after the county pursued to have all homeless people vacated from the Santa Ana riverbed and, in response, federal judge David O. Carter issued a restraining order on local officials and mandated that

Page 4

the homeless be placed into temporary housing situations. That came in the form of hotel and motel vouchers that were valid for a minimum 30-day stay. Since the vouchers expired, the county and cities within its borders have been trying to develop a strategy to place them.

Many of the some-700 people who were living in the riverbed were sent to behavioral health treatment programs and other services, while about 400 of them were not scheduled for services.

Carter hosted several hearings following the expiration of the vouchers, including one where he ordered all the mayors of the county’s cities to come together at a meeting in April to figure out what can be done.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to place shelters in Laguna Niguel, Irvine and Huntington Beach, but backtracked on that idea in late March after they received backlash from the public.

The county’s shelters include armories in Santa Ana and Fullerton that hold about 400 people, a shelter in the Santa Ana Courtyard that holds another 400 and the final shelter, the Bridges at Kraemer Place, will hold 100 when it is finished.

Officials with Orange County Health Care Agency and Office of Care Coordination have continued to provide assessments to the homeless people with whom they’ve kept contact. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP In San Clemente, Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) has several shelters for victims of domestic violence and families who were either homeless or on the brink of becoming so, but they don’t operate an emergency shelter that accepts anyone.

FAM also conducts assessments within San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano in order to send people either to the appropriate services or into adequate housing. Friendship Shelter in Laguna Beach holds 160 each night.

An adage that has become more frequent in recent weeks, “It’s not illegal to be homeless,” may be true, but San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano have laws that make staying in one place difficult.

All three cities have laws that prohibit camping or setting up tents on public land, sleeping in a car overnight, and public parks typically are closed from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. or midnight-4 a.m. or some other variation.

San Clemente went even further in recent months to adopt laws that give private property owners the leverage to have people removed without reason at local businesses and in the canyons, which people fear could be in danger of catching fire during dry months due to people using propane tanks to cook food.

In San Juan Capistrano, a fire did break out in San Juan Creek a few months ago from a homeless person cooking food, Pierce said.

The San Clemente laws also allow for property owners to have people removed if they panhandle.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors recently voted to spend $70.5 million of Mental Health Services Act funds to provide assistance in placing homeless people in permanent housing. What that will look like remains to be seen.

Susan Price, the director of the Orange County Care Coordination, referred to a lawsuit in Los Angeles in 2006 in which the judge decided as long as laws are made to address homelessness, adequate housing for them must be provided.

“We need regional participation among cities, cities that aren’t always full-service, to create a system outflow to some kind of emergency sheltering and prioritization of permanent housing, like what we did with the flood control (Santa Ana riverbed),” Price said.

Of the estimated 2,500 people who were unsheltered homeless, Price said the county has put at least half that many people into temporary sheltering and programs to help them in 2018.

Homelessness in Dana Point In Dana Point, the city has drafted a community work plan to explicitly address homelessness through its Homeless Task Force (HTF), made up of more than a dozen local stakeholder representatives.

Recognizing that homelessness had become a critical focus for Dana Point community members as well as many communities across the nation, the work Dana Point Times April 13–19, 2018

10 Weeks of Giveaways!

In honor of our 10th Anniversary, the Dana Point Times is proud to present...

Homelessness Information According to the 2017 Point in Time count that tracks the population of homeless people, San Clemente had a consistent population of about 70 homeless people. San Clemente was designated as one of the deployment centers, but city officials said that number can fluctuate.

Countywide, the Point in Time count found a 7.6 percent increase of homeless people between 2013 and 2017, of which 2,584 were sheltered and 2,208 were unsheltered.

Here’s the scoop…

Just send us an email describing why you LOVE the DP Times.

We will select a winner each week for 10 weeks!

Send your love-filled email to: contest@danapointtimes.com and tell us why you LOVE the DP Times. Include your name and phone number. Winners will be featured each week in the paper and on our social media accounts from 03/16 – 05/18.

If you know of someone who is homeless or is in danger of becoming homeless and is seeking assistance, contact Orange County 2-1-1 and visit www.211oc.org, or Family Assistance Ministries at 949.492.8477 and visit www.family-assistance.org.

Our next prize package includes: •T hree Private Personal Training Sessions at Fitness Together. ($255 Value) • Custom DP Times tumbler with 10 free

More information related to the homeless populations in Orange County can be found at www.ocgov. com/gov/ceo/care.

coffee fills from The Coffee Importers • Plush DP Times beach towel

plan is intended to officially describe the city of Dana Point’s activities and partners who will work together to eliminate, as the community work plan reads, “the necessity of homelessness in the Dana Point regional area.”

The four groups of stakeholders are defined as government, faith-based communities, nonprofit organizations and businesses.

For example, the plan works through Dana Point Police Services’ abilities and policies for public awareness and path toward removal of the daily “feed,” at Doheny State Beach by nonprofit Welcome Inn after the establishment of a new Saturday Engagement Program.

The community work plan defines four desired outcomes concerning homelessness in Dana Point: that homelessness in Dana Point is reduced, Dana Point’s public spaces are welcoming and safe for residents and visitors, Dana Point’s residents and businesses are well-informed of homeless issues and participate in a solution, and homeless residents stay safe, healthy and law-abiding while awaiting housing or readiness to accept services.

These measures are intended to provide insight on the progress made on homelessness. The data and information gathered from the measures will be used to reassess and improve the city’s response to homelessness. The city’s goal is to track how its homeless population is changing and adjust a response accordingly.

Currently, the plan is in a mandatory 30-day, public-comment period, and awaiting final approval from City Council. The community work plan draft document can be read in this article at www.danapointtimes.com. DP Page 5

“

Kim took home a gift certificate to The Harbor Grill, a DP Times tumbler and beach towel, and 10 free coffee refills from The Coffee Importers.

Congratulations to this week’s winner Kim Hooper!

Before my husband and I moved here a few years ago, I knew nothing about Dana Point. My husband grew up here and went to Dana Point High, so I trusted him when he said I would love it. And I do. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. The best part of Dana Point is the small-town feel, which is rare in southern California. There aren’t many places where you can get the local newspaper in your driveway and read about upcoming events and people in the community.

When my first novel was published in 2016, the Dana Point Times did a great write-up about me and the book. You can’t get that kind of support everywhere! Love you guys! Thanks!

More prize packages to come, including gifts from some of our favorite local businesses:

”

and more! www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five children has or will have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Since the beginning of 2018, there have been five teenage suicides in Orange County. The recent shootings further amplify the need to address mental health issues at an early age and encourage families as well as teenagers to talk openly and reach out for help, without the fear of stigma. Dana Hills High School. 33333 Golden Lantern. www.el.foundation.

Turquoise Miner, Jeweler to Speak at SOCGEMS Meeting

The Dana Hills High School PTSA will host its educational community program concerning the prevalence of the use of vaporizers and marijuana among youth communities on Monday, April 16. Photo: Daniel Ritz

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Discovering Deep-Sea Sharks Science Night on April 19 Kristin Walovich studied deep-sea sharks from Southern Africa for five years and named a new species of ghost shark in 2017. Now, she works at the Dana Point Headlands Interpretive Center and will present on deep-sea sharks at an upcoming ‘Science Night’ event on Thursday, April 19.

Walavich’s presentation will cover deepsea sharks, local deep-sea sharks and the procedure to name a new species. 34052 Del Obispo Street. www.danapoint.org.

Dana Hills PTSA Health and Safety Committee Move Against Vaping, Marijuana The Health and Safety Committee of the Dana Hills Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) announced it will host a series of educational community programs concerned with the prevalence of the use of vaporizers and marijuana in the youth community.

“Vaping and marijuana are big business and our kids are the target,” a statement from the PTSA announced, citing easy online access a major source of what they say is a growing trend.

Mike Darnold is the interventionist for Dana Hills High School (DHHS), a contracted position with the City of Dana Point, and a former member of the school board.

“Kids come to me and say, ‘Mike, I can’t stop. I can’t make it through a class without Dana Point Times April 13-19, 2018

vaping,’ and I think the solution starts at home,” Darnold said. “We want to educate, and encourage those parental connections.

Fix what’s really going on.”

The first event, “Parenting in a Digital World” will feature Sgt. Clay Sanford. The second event, “Preparing Your Child for College and Beyond” will feature a panel of professionals including DHHS school resource officer Deputy Matt Timmins and psychotherapist Dr. Jorge Galindo.

Dana Hills Principal Dr. Joshua Porter emphasized that smoking of any kind is against school policy, and is and will continue to be enforced.

At school, DHHS students have enacted their own campaign through art and video classes, comparing the lack of long-term information on the impacts of vaporizing to the advertising campaigns for cigarettes in mid-century America.

Visual/Performing Arts Department Chair Natalie Hribar-Kelly said that worked in groups of three to four students to submit close to 30 “vape” awareness campaign advertisements.

“They really took it upon themselves and it shows,” said Hribar-Kelly. “These ads relate to their experiences, and they reflect how they feel in visuals they relate to.”

The first event will be on Monday, April 16 from 6:30-8 p.m. at DHHS Porthole Theater. 33333 Golden Lantern. www.dhhsptsa. com.

High Five Carnival Supporting Mental Health on April 21 As part of National Mental Health Awareness Month, The Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF) is hosting a High Five Carnival on Saturday, April 21. ELF, created

by Laguna Niguel resident Mara James, is organizing a local carnival event to shine a light on children’s mental health and bring families together from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, April 18, Eric Brooking will lead a discussion called, “Turquoise, A Vanishing American Treasure,” at 7:15 p.m. at the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville, as part of the monthly speaker series presented by South Orange County Gem and Mineral Society (SOCGEMS).

Brooking began mining at an early age when his father leased a tourmaline mine in the early 1970s. They discovered fire agate, and today, he and a partner have a turquoise mine in Nevada from which he sells stones and makes jewelry from American turquoise.

Brooking explained in a recent interview that American-mined turquoise is highly desirable and is a uniquely American stone.

SOCGEMS members are invited to field trips, special auctions, classes in lapidary, Junior Rock hound activities and more.

For more information, visit www.socgems.com or www.facebook.com/socgems to receive information on upcoming programs.

San Juan Capistrano’s Brian Maryott Leads in Ocean Hills Republican Club Straw Poll After a forum held by the Ocean Hills Republican Club of Republican candidates for the 49th Congressional District on March 23, a straw poll revealed San Juan Capistrano Mayor Pro Tem Brian Maryott held a majority of the votes.

The forum included candidates Maryott, Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, Diane Harkey, Joshua Schoonover, Mike Schmitt; Kristin Gaspar did not attend. Of the 94 votes received in the straw poll, 12 were undecided, and out of those 82 ballots who chose a candidate—Maryott received 34 votes, or 41 percent. Chavez came in second with 15 votes at 18 percent.

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

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

Page 7

Community Meetings SATURDAY, APRIL 14

FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m. There will be fresh produce and treats for sale at the farmers’ market. La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza.

949.279.3122.

MONDAY, APRIL 16

DANA POINT LIBRARY ENGLISH CLASS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the South Coast Literacy Council (SCLC) for adult ESL classes. Improve your reading, writing and speaking skills. Classes are free.

949.496.5517. 33841 Niguel Road. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

TUESDAY, APRIL 17

DANA POINT CITY COUNCIL 6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council will hold a meeting at City Hall in Council’s Chambers. 33282 Golden Lantern. www.danapoint.org.

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18

SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes anyone interested in making a difference in the local community and changing the world to join them in their weekly meeting. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19

SCIENCE NIGHT 6:30 p.m. Discover Deep-Sea Sharks with Kristin Walovich of the Pacific Shark Research Center. 34052 Del Obispo Street. www.danapoint.org.

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

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

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Straight Talk by Al Jacobs

Three Tips for the Aspiring Homeowner

H

ome ownership, a vital element in the American dream, is a blessing. It also contains the seeds of financial misfortune. To help aspiring homeowners avoid a few common errors, I want to pass on three tips.

1. Pick the right area. The most overused phrase in real estate is: “The three most important factors in real estate are location, location and location,” but rarely does advice follow its utterance. This means, in practical terms, you select your home in an area exhibiting pride of ownership, few if any slum properties, an absence of

Letters to the Editor RUSH TO DISTRICTING BREEDS MISTRUST ALAN BELL, Capistrano Beach

Last week, a standing room-only crowd lambasted Dana Point’s Council majority and the city attorney for their handling of the districting issue that could leave all of us disenfranchised by 80 percent.

Despite the fact that most citizens are barely aware of this issue, they were all set to vote on whether to go with five districts or four districts plus an at-large mayor (which would double our paltry voting power). Every one of the five-district maps divided Capo Beach, Monarch Beach and smaller communities and HOAs throughout Dana Point. Thankfully, a roomful of pesky residents got in the way and slowed down the runaway train. The city attorney waved his tired warning, “you’ll be sued for millions!” to discourage Council from looking at the four-district scenario, but well-informed residents questioned why 147 California cities use that model.

With the rush to districting and the resistance to open forums (until Councilwoman Lewis and voters demanded them last night), citizens are suspecting that these maps were contrived to isolate politically active communities or people. Many speakers were suspicious that the city Dana Point Times April 13-19, 2018

nearby vacant commercial spaces, neighborhood schools with high performance ratings, and a community with a low crime rate. What you cannot note by inspection is available from many sources. As to the house itself, though it’s nice to get a pretty one, location is the main concern. I’ve always operated on the premise the worst house in the best neighborhood beats the best house in the worst neighborhood.

2. Don’t stretch beyond your means. Normally tenants tend to rent less expensive residences STRAIGHT TALK than they can afford,

By Al Jacobs whereas homebuyers reach for the moon – and beyond. Perhaps it’s a psychological acknowledgement of intentions: temporary vs. permanent. I advocate you not commit to obligations which may strain your limits. It’s more sensible you obligate yourself to less than you think you can handle. Simply put: Choose a cheaper home than you can afford.

3. Be slow to remodel. Now that you’re in your home, you see the things you want

attorney sent a capitulation letter out after 15 days when 45 days were allowed.

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Three Council members are up for election. Previously, the Financial Review Committee (FRC) recommended that our city attorney’s 16-year-old contract be opened to bidding. Councilmen Viczorek, Tomlinson and Muller opposed doing so or even looking at our annual $1.2 million legal fees. Then, these same three Councilmen disbanded the Financial Review Committee. As a trial attorney, and prosecutor for 38 years, I find this an appalling abuse of power.

And then, last week, that same city attorney recommended a vote on five districts vs. four when we have two more months to decide this within our “safe harbor” period.

What’s the rush? Why no voter surveys?

Why is this being railroaded?

Get informed; attend the information forums; stay awake, Dana Point, or your voting rights will be gone!

to change. To this I say, do what you must for simple habitability, but otherwise, go slowly. It’s preferable you live in a structure awhile to get a feel of what you really want. A home will grow on you with time, and ideas concocted during your first week of occupancy often seem outlandish by the third month. Its best you spend the first six months in planning, measuring, sketching, collecting prices, inspecting other homes and models, and enthusiastically fantasizing. At the end of that time you may be ready to proceed.

A final thought: If you purchase your home in a favorable location, you may expect it to appreciate nicely over the years.

For many persons this can be the basis of a prosperity which makes your senior years far more livable than otherwise.

Al Jacobs, a professional investor for nearly a half-century, issues weekly financial articles in which he shares his financial knowledge and experience. You may view it on www.roadwaytoprosperity.com. 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

this really means how much plastic we’ll be eating. Plastic, a fossil fuel product, does not biodegrade, instead breaking down into tiny pieces that the fish eat, and then we eat the fish. Another common destination for plastic is the landfill.

Since it contains toxic chemicals, landfills then contaminate groundwater. So, it's a catch-22. There is no away.

I suggest we really try to work on ending plastic pollution every day. It's not hard and it saves everyone money. A few easy ways you can help are: Bring your own cup to Starbucks or Jamba Juice, and get 10 cents off, leave the little packets of ketchup and utensils to-go at the restaurant, say no straw by bringing your own water bottle and bag, and support ecofriendly businesses.

Most of these things are single-use plastics that fill up our trash cans, drawers and cabinets quickly. Just like our trash cans, our garages and our homes, Earth has limited space to store junk. Let's get neat from this month on.

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY FOREVER HOIYIN IP, Dana Point

When did Earth Day grow into Earth Month? Does it mean we can choose any one of the 30 days to do "it" or we should do "it" for all 30 days? Well, let's first see what they want us to do this year. Is it an easy “do?” Does it save "me" money?

This year's theme is “End Plastic Pollution.” According to World Economic Forum, by 2050, our oceans are expected to contain more plastic than fish. Essentially, Page 8

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

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Daniel Ritz, 949.388.7700, x113 dritz@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Group Managing Editor > Rachael Mattice City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Emily Rasmussen

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

General Manager > Alyssa Garrett

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point) > Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 11, Issue 15. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

FACEBOOK.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • INSTAGRAM@DANAPOINTTIMES TWITTER.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

EDITOR’S PICK The CUSD Special Olympics will be held at Dana Hills High School on Monday, April 16 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Photo: Eric Heinz

MONDAY, APRIL 16: 2018 CUSD SPECIAL OLYMPICS 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Nearly 200 school-based athletes from throughout the Capistrano Unified School District will compete in track and field events at Dana Hills High School. 33333 Golden Lantern. www.sosc.org.

The List What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO

Friday | 13 GOT TALENT BY SAN CLEMENTE SUNRISE ROTARY 6-10 p.m. The San Clemente Sunrise Rotary is presenting their fun talent competition for all ages with food from local restaurants and a silent auction. Solo and group acts are both welcome to perform anything from singing, dancing, comedy or magic.

General admission is $55 or $75 for prime seating. Money raised will support local childrens programs and youth groups.

Tickets are available on www.eventbrite. com. 140 Avenida Pico, San Clemente.

949.369.6226. www.scsunriserotary.org.

Saturday | 14 GARDENFEST 8 a.m.-2 p.m. The San Clemente Garden Club and The City of San Clemente Parks and Recreation are hosting GardenFest 2018 at the San Clemente Community Center. The festival will include a plant sale, a garden flea market, and activities for both children and master gardeners. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8263. www.san-clemente.org.

Page 9

WHALE WALK AND TALK 9-11 a.m. The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center is putting on an educational walk along the Dana Point Headlands to talk about (and hopefully see) whales off our Southern California coastline.

Participation is free. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. 949.248.3527. www.danapoint.org.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Live music from rotating bands at the Swallow’s Inn. Burgers and wings from Lisa’s Kitchen also are available. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT BRIO TUSCANY GRILL 8 p.m.-Midnight Great menu, great food, wonderful friendly staff and Millertime Boogie will make your evening special.

Listening and dancing to great music is always a great addition to your evening.

24050 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point.

949.443.1476. www.briorestaurant.com.

Sunday | 15 GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park.

Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

(Cont. on page 10) www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 9)

Tuesday | 17

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, plants and artisanal goods from organic growers along the north side of Avenida Del Mar. Parking is a premium, attendance is free. 243 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

TODDLER STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Join the Library for stories, activities and songs for children under 3 years old. “Stay and play” with puzzles and toys after story-time. Registration is not required. Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org.

SOUL FOOD BY THE SAN CLEMENTE BAHA’I CENTER 11 a.m. Soul Food seeks to create an atmosphere of self-reflection and spiritual growth through discussion and musical performances and this month’s theme is “Restoring the Balance.” Join 20-year-old singer/songwriter Bella Marshall as she performs live music. The program begins at 11:30 a.m., but tea and coffee are available at 11. San Clemente Baha’i Center.

3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.791.9192. www.bahaicenter.com.

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

YOGA ON TAP 11 a.m. Yoga on Tap is held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. The cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

Monday | 16 KOI FISH FEEDING 12:45 p.m. Everyday visitors are welcome to help Mission San Juan Capistrano feed their koi fish in both courtyards. Fish food is free for Mission Preservation Society members and $1 for non-members. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

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

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

COUNTRY DANCING AND ALL-DAY HAPPY HOUR 7 p.m.-Midnight. Stop by the Swallow’s Inn for country dancing with DJ Patrick and a happy hour that lasts all day. Enjoy a steak dinner for $13 when you are finished with the dance floor. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Dana Point Times April 13-19, 2018

At the Movies: Two Actresses Show ‘Gemini’ Qualities in Latest LA Crime-Thriller

Wednesday | 18 PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Join the library for stories and activities for children 3-5 years old. “Stay and Play” with puzzles and toys after story time. Registration is not required. Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso. 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

Photo: Courtesy

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he best movie you’ve never heard of is out this month, and it’s called Gemini. Directed by independent filmmaker Aaron Katz and starring Zoe Kravitz and Lola Kirke, the film could very much qualify as an indie darling.

Kravitz and Kirke have had to dodge criticism of favoritism in the past, but when they’re not in the tabloid headlines, the two actresses remain low-key and make some of the most interesting career decisions of their peer group.

In downtown Los Angeles, Jill LeBeau (Kirke) is the best friend and personal assistant of contemporary Hollywood starlet Heather Anderson (Kravitz).

Heather is going through a quarterlife crisis with dropping out of a new movie and dumping her boyfriend, Devin (Reeve Carney). When a tragic accident

OLD CAPISTRANO CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET 3-6 p.m. Stop by and check out some locally grown, organic produce and artisan goodies at a farmers market that has been going strong for over 15 years. Free admission. Historic Town Center Park. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.4700. www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to make and taste three cocktails.

Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY GEM AND MINERAL SOCIETY: TURQUOISE MINING 7:15 p.m. Eric Brooking will be discussing the rarity and the disappearance of turquoise in his speech at the monthly SOCGEMS meeting at the San Clemente Community Center. Learn how the rise of turquoise popularity has caused turquoise mines being wiped clean. Refreshments and a raffle will will take place throughout the meeting. San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

Thursday | 19 GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join volunteers, students and teachers at Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens to care for and maintain native plants and butterflies. No experience is necessary (they’ll teach you), but you should bring gloves and clippers. No

Page 10

hits Heather’s house, Jill becomes the first suspect and has to evade interrogations from Detective Ahn (John Cho).

Michelle Forbes co-stars.

Gemini could have been another typical satire on the film industry that we’ve seen in the past, but instead it has more going on under the surface, with themes like trust in friendships and public images. Katz is subtle with his subtext in revealing the true relationship between Jill and Heather, and the two actresses feed off each other well. Kirke particularly shows that she could become a regular face in the indie film community, adding Katz’s film to her previous hits like Mistress America (2015) and Mozart in the Jungle (2014-2018). With neon color schemes similar to Drive (2011) and The Guest (2014), Gemini now joins the modern trend of LA centric crime-thrillers. DP

class if it rains. Admission is free. Los Rios Park. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to Dana Point Times by going to www.danapointtimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

www.danapointtimes.com

T

WELCOME

|

H

E

G

R

E

E

N

I

S

S

U

E

THE GREEN ISSUE

The Green Path A

s global warming and sea levels continue to rise, the focus on individual environmental impacts is more important than ever. Low-cost steps and new habits can be formed to make a positive change in the long-term, including extreme water conservation efforts even though the state drought has been lifted. In this year’s Green Issue, we’ve included articles that will educate and empower you and your family to make lifestyle changes and improve our local communities in South Orange County. If you need motivation, look no further than the youth initiatives of Team Zissou and more as this generation reinvigorates what it means to create an advocacy movement. Learn how to reduce your carbon footprint with

Earth Day is April 22!

Check out our Earth Day events page for a list of local beach cleanups.

easy-to-implement changes in your own home such as installing energy efficient light bulbs, planting trees for shade or drought-resistant plants, creating your own cleaning supplies and ridding your home of plastic. Extend this education to water conservation too with installing aerators on faucets, replacing outdated showerheads or toilets and purchasing a reusable water bottle. Our local city governments have joined the eco-friendly race too with ongoing initiatives that will be completed throughout the year. If this year’s super bloom of wildflowers throughout Orange County hasn’t made you wonder at the natural world, we hope the stories in this Green Issue inspire you to take every step you can to keep our tiny spot in the universe beautiful.

RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING

Reduce waste, dispose of large items in an eco-friendly way

BY RACHAEL MATTICE

E

veryday lifestyle choices may not seem to have much of an impact on others or the environment, but even personal decisions such as where to dispose of large furniture items, electronics or biodegradable compost can have long-term consequences on our natural surroundings.

Putting in the extra effort to rid your home and life of these items responsibly can hold a lot of weight.

Here are a few call-to-eco-actions.

Dispose: South Orange County customers of CR&R Environmental Services are entitled to four bulky item pick-ups—such as a chair, couch or old refrigerator—free of charge per calendar year. Contact the local office to make arrangements for pick-ups at www.crrwasteservices.com/ contact-us. The city of Dana Point also has tri-annual bulky drop-off days at Dana Hills High School. Visit www.danapoint. org for the 2018 dates.

Take any hazardous waste to a site such as Prima Descheca Landfill, located at 32250 La Pata Ave., San Juan Capistrano.

Reuse: Bring your own bag to the grocery store and repurpose any plastic bags. Don’t forget that plastic bags now cost 10 cents at local stores.

Compost: Green/organics carts are available from CR&R to discard of any organic materials such as yard clippings or old food items like fruits, bread, meats and dairy. Visit www.san-clemente.org for more information.

Read the Labels: Purchase products made, or packaged, with recycled materials such as paper plates, beverage cartons, office supplies and even clothing.

Check out www.calrecycle.ca.gov for more responsible recycling tips.

Photo: Kari Hoglund/iStockphoto.com

T

H

E

G

R

E

E

N

I

S

S

U

E

10 IDEAS FOR

Green Savings At-home tips to save the environment and your finances

BY STAFF

I

f you’re an environmental advocate taking steps to reduce your greenhouse gas footprint, one common complaint you might hear is that it’s too expensive to go green. Solar panels, local produce, electric cars, organic pesticides—they may help the environment, but they can also hurt finances. Though it’s true some of those endeavors may incur an upfront cost, they can also save you money in the long run by cutting down on energy and gas bills, trips to the doctor and yet another tub of RoundUp. In short, there’s a common theme when it comes to being green that an upfront investment yields long-term returns. Here are tips you can take to lower your bills and your eco-footprint.

1 / Natural cooling

Set the thermostat to 78 degrees or turn off the air conditioning during hot summer days. Using fans and pulling down the shades during the day can also keep homes and office buildings cool during the height of extreme heat. Southern California Edison customers are no strangers to flex alerts, or when power use outstrips electricity supply and other challenging grid conditions during heat waves.

Shut off appliances during the day: In addition to increasing the temperature on the thermostat, running other major home appliances before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m. is a commonplace practice to avoid flex alerts and high-cost energy bills. Insulating your home properly will also keep rooms cool during summer and warm during the winter. Unplug chargers and power strips as well. This may be a penny-pincher habit, but you’ll be surprised at the long-term savings.

Switching to energy efficient light bulbs and turning off lamps when not in use equals savings.

an incandescent bulb on for 24 hours a day, it would cost you about $137 in energy bills, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. Those eco-friendly high efficiency bulbs cost about $40 annually.

The average house has 45 light bulbs.

Just switching from incandescent to efficiency bulbs would cut your lighting bill by two-thirds.

4 / Appliances

Invest in energy-efficient appliances such as dishwashers, washers and dryers, aerators and more. Washing clothes in cool water as well as washing full loads of clothing will also cut costs. Powering down computers, televisions and game consoles are also recommended. Save the energy from microwaving or using the oven and heat up dinners on the grill.

Visit www.sdge.com to view available rebates.

5 / Reusable Water Bottle

According to the EPA, bottled water is 600 times more expensive than tap water. If you bought a $1.50 bottle of water every day for a year ($547.50), that same amount out of the tap would cost less than a dime. Never mind the fact that making bottles uses 17 million barrels of oil annually, and Americans only end up recycling about 25 percent of water bottles. Ditch them and buy yourself a reusable bottle.

6 / Buy Second-Hand, Borrow or Just Don’t Buy

One of the easiest ways it pays to go green is by limiting your spending on new stuff. Buying consignment furniture or clothes repurposes items destined for the landfill. Borrowing everything from books to bikes reduces production of those items. And cutting out non-essen-

2 / Plant Shade Trees

It’s one of the first (and only) environmental lessons we learn in school: Planting trees is healthy for the world. Trees also help consumers by reducing energy bills in hot months. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, planting large trees on the east, west and northwest sides of your property can reduce summer air conditioning costs by 35 percent.

7 / Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies

Not only can making cleaning supplies out of natural ingredients prevent toxins from entering your home and the environment, but you can save a buck too. Vinegar and baking soda, mixed into spray bottles, can clean just about anything in your home and reduce the need to buy toxic cleaners that literally just go down the drain.

8 / Prescription Disposals

Prevent chemicals found in unwanted medicines—both prescription and overthe-counter—from entering the waste stream. Instead of flushing unused or expired medications or throwing them in the garbage, dispose of them safely, anonymously and free of charge at the medication drop box at Dana Point Police Services, City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern. No appointment necessary. San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano also periodically hold drug take-back days.

9 / Farm to Table

Grow at least a portion of your own food. A big yard is not necessary. Many vegetables and fruits thrive in small containers.

10 / Cloth Napkins

3 / Lighting

Switch out old light bulbs with energy efficient ones and always turn off lamps when able. Opting for natural light versus fluorescent or artificial light is a healthy and cost-saving alternative. If you left

tial items reduces your contribution to the landfill and saves you some money.

Homegrown produce will help cut the grocery bill.

Replacing paper napkins with reusable and washable cloth napkins will save money and reduce trash output. Besides, they can be decorative and part of your place settings. Rid your kitchen drawers of other unnecessary plastics such as straws too.

T

H

E

G

R

E

E

N

I

S

S

U

E

W AT E R - S AV I N G T I P S IN THE KITCHEN DRINKING WATER: Keep a container with drinking water in the refrigerator so the faucet doesn’t have to be left on until the water is cold enough to drink.

DISHWASHERS: Invest in energy efficient dishwashers. According to Home Water Works, dishwashers such as EnergySTAR use less than 5.5 gallons of water per load and are more economical than washing dishes by hand.

FAUCET AERATORS: Installing a new aerator that reduces the water flow rate in the kitchen below 2.2 gallons per minute is a lot easier than you would imagine. This is especially helpful for those who don’t have a dishwasher.

•G eneral Faucet Usage: Whether it’s brushing your teeth, washing your face, dishes or clothing, turn the faucet off and run the water only when it’s necessary.

CONSERVATION STATE The drought may be lifted, but these watersaving tips can ensure long-term solutions

BY RACHAEL MATTICE

A

lthough emergency water usage regulations issued by Gov. Jerry Brown in recent years have been lifted, the California State Water Resources Control Board is still seeking to enact modified regulations to prohibit certain wasteful water use practices across the state. The drought scare is still prominent in many Californians’ minds and coming up with more long-term solutions has become a priority to make water conservation a regular habit and way of life.

According to Save Our Water, a statewide conservation program, the average Californian uses 196 gallons of water each day. Get in the conservation state of mind with these at-home water saving ideas.

I N T H E B AT H R O O M SHOWERS: Californians are fortunate that they won’t have to freeze too long while waiting for the water to heat up, but regardless of the length of time it takes, collecting the cold water in a bucket and repurposing it for plants or garden usage is an easy fix. In addition, reducing shower time overall to five minutes saves at least 12.5 gallons of water, according to Save Our Water.

•S howerheads: Taking it a step further, look into replacing your showerhead with a WaterSense-labeled product, which reduces the amount of gallons of water used per minute to two.

BATHTUBS: If you work a laborheavy job where taking warm baths is a God-send to your weekly health routine, eliminating baths may not be a realistic option. Try filling the bathtub halfway or less to save 12 gallons per bath.

TOILETS: Repairing old, leaking or running toilets in average single-family homes is a must. Newer WaterSenselabeled toilets use 1.3 gallons or less per flush and are designed to remove waste

OF MIND more efficiently. Consider an upgrade if your toilet was manufactured before 1995.

I N T H E L AU N D R Y R O O M LAUNDRY: Much like other appliances in the household, newer economical versions of washers and dryers are available to maximize energy efficiency. If purchasing new models isn’t in your budget anytime soon, running full loads of laundry and using the recommended amount of detergent to not over-suds your clothes are simple best practices that will save on water.

I N T H E YA R D PLANTS: Replace your yard with drought-resistant plants and trees such as succulents. This step will save between 30-60 gallons of water per 1,000-square feet, according to Save Our Water.

DRIP IRRIGATION: Although installation costs may seem pricy upfront, this solution will yield long-term savings. Add-

ing a smart controller to the drip irrigation system will save some 24 gallons of water per day.

LAWN MOWER: Setting the mower blades to 3 inches encourages deeper roots and saves between 16-50 gallons of water per day.

MULCH: Use it frequently. Mulch preserves between 20-30 gallons per 1,000-square feet each time you water.

NO-MOW GRASS: No-mow grasses like Korean velvet grass, dwarf mondo grass, sedge and clover can be expensive, but the substantial reduction in watering needed is next to none.

OTHER OUTDOOR TIPS: Check your sprinkler heads for misalignments, check for broken pipes or leaks and other irrigation system issues monthly. Resetting timers four times per year for seasonal changes, as well as turning off systems during heavy rains, is also recommended.

Not sure where your home lies in energy efficiency? See how yours compares and look into other water preservation tips for your home at www.home-water-works. org/calculator.

T

T

he cities of San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Dana Point have quite a few things in store for 2018 in regards to going green.

With initiatives and programs ranging from a wetlands project to food waste recycling, there are many ways that South Orange County cities are tackling environmentalism.

San Juan Capistrano There is a variety of environmental initiatives in the works for San Juan Capistrano, including the partnership with the Ecology Center to bring gardens and an agricultural center to the community; a project to bring recycled water and sanitary sewer facilities to the Riding Park at the southwest corner of La Pata and Ortega Highway; a citywide conversion to LED street lights; and construction of a modular wetlands systems.

Expected to be completed this spring, the citywide LED street light conversion will replace 1,200 street lights and save the city some $100,000 per year, San Juan Capistrano Assistant City Manager Jacob Green said. The new lights will also use 60 percent less electricity than the current fixtures, which will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, he said.

“Moreover, LED lights create a better lit environment for the roadway, creating a more even distribution of light, reducing contrast and increasing overall visibility while improving color rendering,” Green said.

The modular wetlands systems construction will be at two locations near Interstate 5 on and off ramps at Camino Capistrano and Del Obispo Street, north of Forster Lane. These construction improvements are to meet requirements of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System for storm water runoff require-

H

E

G

A Better

South Orange County cities push toward green growth

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN

San Clemente Two environmental campaigns are taking priority in San Clemente, said Cynthia Mallet, environmental programs supervisor for the city.

The recently introduced food waste recycling program is to help reduce food waste and to reuse food that would typically go to the garbage disposal or trash and landfills.

“Residents can now place their food waste—vegetable trimmings, leftover foods, coffee grounds, filters—into their green waste cart, the same cart for their

E

E

N

I

S

S

U

If someone sees excess water running down the street they can call the pollution hotline number at 949.366.1553.

TWENTY-EIGHTEEN

ments for freeway construction. The wetlands systems are made of bio-filtration units that treat storm water runoff by passing the storm water through a two-stage treatment process. The first stage, or pretreatment, removes larger material and debris from the storm water by passing through a screen. The second stage passes the pretreated runoff into a media filtration chamber which separates tiny impurities contained in storm water, which could contain total suspended solids and hydrocarbons. The project is slated to start in early May. To learn more about San Juan Capistrano’s environmental programs, visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org/Departments/Utilities.

R

landscape trimmings,” Mallet said.

From the green waste cart, an anaerobic digester processes the food and landscape trimmings to make them reusable.

“It takes all of that organic material and breaks it down, turns it into compost in a short period of time,” Mallet said.

Any customer of CR&R Environmental Services is able to get two free bags of compost per year at the city’s compost giveaway in November. People can drive up, hand them the coupon from the trash fill and load two bags into their vehicle.

The second campaign related to ocean water pollution prevention is about avoiding irrigation runoff, in which the city of San Clemente is encouraging its residents to have in-ground irrigation systems.

“Many times the (above ground) irrigation systems come on in the middle of the night when people are asleep and don’t necessarily see if it’s spraying on their sidewalks, or if the timing is too long,” Mallet said.

Too much runoff can lead the water from going straight into the curb and gutter, in addition to putting fertilizers and trash into the ocean.

“Our campaign is to let them run the irrigation system during the day, make sure your water isn’t just running into the gutter.”

Dana Point In addition to ongoing oversight of managing water quality programs, which includes low-flow diversion of urban runoff to sewers, regular storm drain cleaning, plastic bag and Styrofoam prohibitions, the city of Dana Point also has a few other environmental and conservation programs ahead for 2018, said Matthew Sinacori, city engineer and director of public works.

One of the projects includes the Crown Valley Median Replacement Project, which will replace existing landscaping and irrigation on median curbs with drought tolerant and native plants, with drip irrigation, Sinacori said.

Another project is the Salt Creek/ Monarch Beach Falconry Project, which is a partnership between the city of Dana Point, County of Orange and Monarch Beach Resort “to discourage contamination of recently treated runoff from (the city’s) Salt Creek Treatment Plant by seagulls, by placing falcons and other raptor birds at the beach,” Sinacori said. The project is also in conjunction with the Ozone Treatment Plant, which treats the low flow from Salt Creek before discharging to the ocean, he said.

There’s also the no-smoking ordinance approved by City Council that went into effect on Feb. 15, which is being implemented. Methods include placing informational signage in public right-of-way, distributing information to businesses and on websites and seeking progressive enforcement through voluntary compliance via police services, Sinacori said.

To learn more about Dana Point’s environmental programs, visit www.danapoint.org/department/public-worksengineering/environmental.

The Dana Point smoking ban went into effect on Feb. 15.

E

T

H

E

G

Youth

INITIATIVE

Local students grow environmental change in their backyards

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN

S

tudents from South Orange County are fully encompassing the term ‘grassroots,’ from converting the school district to more environmentally friendly services to simply collecting recyclables.

From small initiatives to large, longterm impacts, check out what South Orange County youth have been working toward to make their future greener.

Team Zissou of San Clemente High.

Photo: Courtesy

Ryan’s Recycling and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Team Zissou and JUST Water

Team Zissou, an environmental club at San Clemente High School, were the leading advocates to switch Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) schools from plastic water bottles to paper-based bottles.

The campaign ‘Plastic Free CUSD’ started with Team Zissou, which after reaching out to multiple alternative water-bottle companies, came upon JUST water, which uses paper-based water bottles, Team Zissou member Jackson Hinkle said. Partnering with JUST water, a handful of CUSD schools tested the response to the new product for a week and the response was overwhelmingly positive, Hinkle, 18, said.

“The biggest things for me started out from learning the effects of plastic bottles on the environment and human health,” Hinkle, a senior, said. “A lot of what has inspired me is the effects of the plastic bottles on environmental degradation and how it’s going to affect us in the future.”

After the testing periods, CUSD made the switch to being completely free of plastic water bottles. JUST water CEO Ira Laufer said CUSD is the first school district to entirely make the switch.

“It’s absolutely fascinating and amaz-

Jackson Hinkle, member of Team Zissou.

Photo: Emily Rasmussen

ing,” Laufer said. “We’re encouraging more and more of that; I wish every school district had such initiative. Since then, we’ve taken a major step reaching out to more school districts.”

Now that CUSD is converted to paperbased water bottles, it saves about 8,541 pounds of plastic each year, according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Carbon calculator.

Going forward, Hinkle said that he will continue to educate students on the effects of plastic water bottles, in addition to encouraging youth to enable change.

Hinkle and Jaden Smith, co-founder of JUST water, have visited Shorecliffs Middle School to talk to students and they plan to visit more local schools.

“Youth should get involved as much as they can with making change on any level because I feel like a lot of times youth feel like they can’t make a lot of change because of their age,” Hinkle said. “But sometimes youth can change even more.”

Ryan’s Recycling Company, the San Juan Capistrano recycling center created by 8-year-old Ryan Hickman and his family, is still on the road to recycling as many cans and bottles as possible.

Ryan, a third-grader at Ambuehl Elementary School, started the recycling center in 2012 because of his passion for collecting cans and bottles. In recent years, Ryan’s Recycling has been thrusted into the spotlight, having been on the

R

E

E

N

I

S

S

U

E

Ellen Show and other national media outlets after The Capistrano Dispatch wrote the story in the 2016 Green Issue.

Now, after recycling 320,000 cans and bottles with nearly $6,000 donated to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Ryan has started a campaign to challenge the community to recycle 300,000 cans and bottles with him. His goal is to nearly double the total number of the center’s 300,000-plus collection over the past five years. All proceeds will go toward the Pacific Marine Mammal Center with the goal of $28,000.

“It’s really important to recycle and keep wildlife from being affected by pollution,” Hickman’s campaign website states. “I’m doing my best to clean up our beaches and protect the planet and I hope you will join me.”

Damion Hickman, Ryan’s father, said that students at Ryan’s school have joined in on helping recycle, but the efforts have gone nationwide.

“Since his story went viral over a year ago, he’s received thousands of emails each day. One of the things we found was that people in other states don’t know how to get started (with recycling) and the more we looked into it, we found out that some states don’t take plastic bottles.”

To join the challenge, locals can donate directly online at www.beadoer.io/ ryan and log how many recyclables are collected. The challenge ends on May 1.

Ryan Hickman with his collection of recyclables at Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Photo: Courtesy

Dana Hills and CUSD Solar Power Installation Dana Hills High School senior Millad Shokraee, 17, was one of some 15 to 20 students who were involved in a project to implement solar panels at each CUSD high school.

The project was approved unanimously by the CUSD board of trustees on Dec. 6, 2017 to award an $18 million contract to REC Solar Commercial Corporation, a solar energy firm based in San Luis Obispo, for the conversion of six high school campuses and the district headquarters to solar power. Shokraee said he

got involved with the project about five months before it was approved, and that with collaboration with students from other CUSD high schools, it took nearly three years for the project to get pushed through.

Shokraee credits the group’s persistence and professionalism at CUSD board meetings and other outreach to the success.

“The fact that we’re students being able to enact so much change from the grassroots level, starting out on

our own gave us so much credibility,” Shokraee said. “It’s always a good idea to get involved with things at your school because you’ll be able to socialize with more people and be able to incite change within your community at your own level.

Whether it’s solar panels, or anything else.”

At a CUSD board meeting on March 14, 15 students were recognized for their participation in the solar project, including Shokraee. At the meeting, CUSD Chief Communications Officer Ryan Bur-

ris said that once completed, the solar project is estimated to save $849,000 per year, which will be invested in campuses and classes.

Shokraee said that going forward, he can see himself getting involved with environmentalism in his career field.

Already, Shokraee is involved with a political campaign that is environmentally driven, pushing for solar and other environmentally friendly initiatives, and in college he will consider studying political science.

T

H

E

G

R

E

E

N

I

S

S

U

E beach clean-up at 8:30 a.m.

Email info@scwatersheds.com or visit www.scwatersheds.com for more information. 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.

SATURDAY

14

APRIL

Earth Day Open House & Environmental Fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Join Orange County Waste & Recycling for a free open house and environmental fair. Landfill equipment, tours and entertainment will be offered along with giveaways, prizes and drawings.

Prima Deshecha Landfill, 32250 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano. Register at www. eventbrite.com/e/earth-dayopen-house-environmental-fairtickets-43453304002.

Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center Whale Walk and Talk

Photo: Debra Kettler

9-11 a.m. From the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center many different species of whales and dolphins can be seen passing through the Pacific waters below. Learn about our largest animal visitors on an approximately 1.5-mile walk through the Dana Point Headlands conservation area. Bring your binoculars, and learn migration patterns of different whale species that frequent the area, as well as how to best spot, watch and identify whales. 34558 Scenic Dr., Dana Point, 949.248.3527, www.danapoint.org.

Community Recycling Event at Dana Hills High School 9-11 a.m. Drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans (no glass) in the back parking lot of Dana Hills High School near the tennis courts and pool area.

Students from the school’s chapter of the California Scholastic Federation and Dolphin Pride will collect and sort the recyclables. Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs. Rain or shine. 33333 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point.

THURSDAY

19

APRIL Garden Angels 8:30–10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet each Thursday at the Montanez Adobe at Los Rios Park to maintain the gardens.

Bring gloves and wear closetoed shoes. 31745 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative. net.

The Green Scene:

EARTH DAY AND OTHER ECO-FRIENDLY EVENTS SATURDAY

21

APRIL California State Parks Foundation Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup: Doheny State Beach 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Make improvements to the campground on Doheny by removing diseased plants, shrubs and weeds. Plant native trees, install planter chips, irrigate new plantings and participate in general cleanups around the beach, creeks and jetty area.

Children of all ages are welcome if supervised by parents. Checkin time is at 8:30 a.m. Bring a signed volunteer waiver, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, heavyduty gloves and closed-toe shoes. Sign-up at www.calparks. org/help/earth-day/earth-dayregistration. 25300 Harbor Dr., Dana Point.

California State Parks Foundation Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup: San Clemente State Beach 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sand and paint bench seating at Campfire

Center. Spread crushed fines on ground around Campfire Center seating, pull weeds and clean up grounds and planter boxes and plant native plants in boxes.

Check-in time is at 8:30 a.m.

Bring a signed volunteer waiver, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, heavy-duty gloves and closedtoe shoes. Sign-up at www. calparks.org/help/earth-day/ earth-day-registration. 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente.

Ocean Institute Beach/ Harbor Cleanup 10 a.m.-noon. Volunteer to help clean up the beach and Harbor areas. To RSVP or for more information, email Andrea Smith, volunteer manager, at asmith@ oceaninstitute.org. Paperwork is required to attend. Visit the Ocean Institute’s website to fill out the paperwork. Pickers and trash bags will be provided. Volunteers must bring closed toed shoes, sunscreen and a hat.

24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. 949.496.2274 ext.

367. www.ocean-institute.org.

Free Community Shred Day 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monarch Bay Plaza hosts a free shred day with services provided by Paper

Recycling and Shredding Specialists. The company is a licensed, bonded/insured cross-cut shredder. Watch your documents being shredded. Certificates of destruction will be available on request. Limited to five bankers boxes per person. For more information, visit their website at www.mobileshred.net. 28 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, www.monarchbayplaza.com.

Earth Day San Clemente 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Join the city of San Clemente Environmental Division and the Watershed Task Force to reduce litter and pollutants. The free community event will feature live music, kid’s arts and crafts, educational displays, demonstrations and more. The day begins with a

Earth Day Celebration at Niguel Botanical Preserve 8:30-11:30 a.m. Stop by the Niguel Botanical Preserve to volunteer to plant, weed and clean up. Children ages 6-12 must be accompanied by an adult. Plants and herbs will be available for purchase. Volunteers should wear closed toed shoes. Water and snacks will be provided. 29751 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel. RSVP to 949.425.5199 or at registration@cityoflagunaniguel.org.

SUNDAY

22

APRIL Earth Day at The Ecology Center Noon-5 p.m. The 9th annual Earth Day Celebration at The Ecology Center will showcase skill sharing, garden activities, local food, music and more.

Guests will be able to take a tour of the new mobile ecological experience called Road Trip. Gardening demos, a worm composting demo, pickling and preserving workshops as well as a summer vegetable plant sale will all take place. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano. www.theecologycenter.org.

Earth Day at The Ecology Center

Photo: Scott Sporleder

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

In full costume at the Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco and Music Festival on April 7. Photo: Daniel Ritz

Sabroso Returns to Doheny State Beach Thousands gather for taco, craft beer and musical festival

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

T

housands gathered under threatening skies at Doheny Beach State Park for the Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco and Music Festival on April 7.

With 80 craft breweries offering more than 200 varieties of beer, hearty lines formed for the unlimited samples.

Fans gathered for bands such as The Offspring, Pennywise, The Vandals, Me First

Photo: Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES A group of men gather around a speaker on the street near a car with a sign on it for “Dana Point Hollywoodland.”

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

Musical guests included The Naked Walrus (pictured), The Vandals, Pennywise, The Offspring and more. Photo: Daniel Ritz

and the Gimme Gimmes and many more.

Throughout the day, crowds gathered around a wrestling ring, playing host to flying Lucha Libre wrestlers entertaining hundreds of rabid fans.

As night came, one of the day’s largest events kicked off, the street taco eating contest. Japan’s Takeru Kobayashi fell short of the world record of 159 tacos he ate during last year’s event, but still managed to win the contest by downing 154 tacos.

To see a full photo gallery of the music festival, see this story online at www. danapointtimes.com. DP

Pets of the Week: Serena and Venus DANA POINT TIMES

E

ight-month-old sisters Serena and Venus are a closely bonded pair.

Although the two girls are practically impossible to tell apart, they are both easy to handle and don’t mind being snuggled.

Serena and Venus have good litter box habits and would be a fun couple of bunnies to have around the house.

If you would like to know more about Venus and Serena, call the San Clemente/

Serena and Venus. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with them at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

Lucha Libre wrestlers were on hand at Sabroso, sending festival-goers into a frenzy with their high-flying antics.

Photo: Daniel Ritz

Dana Point Times April 13-19, 2018

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

Page 23

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

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

How Seniors Combat the Feeling of Loneliness

O

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS Want to be featured here?

Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

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

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

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

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

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

ASSISTED LIVING HOME FOR ELDERLY

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Assisted Senior Home

949.248.9415, www.assistedseniorhome.com

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

AUTO REPAIR

PET BOUTIQUE

Dana Point Auto

Naked Dog Bistro

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Represent.xyz

949.274.0590, www.represent.xyz

424 Forest Ave., LB, 949.715.9900, www.NakedDogBistro.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

SPECIALTY BEAUTY

Skin Kiss Studio

Monarch Bay Plaza, 949.520.1771, www.sunkissstudio.com

n Oct. 19, CBS News featured an article titled, “Former surgeon general sounds the alarm on the loneliness epidemic.”

In the article, former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy stated loneliness can increase the possibility of heart disease, stroke and even accelerate Alzheimer’s disease. He added that loneliness might be as bad on health as smoking.

The article mentioned that about 30 percent of people older than 65 live alone and by 85 that percentage exceeds 50 percent.

The former surgeon general declared loneliness a public-health epidemic.

When single seniors tell me the most difficult challenge they face is loneliness, I often ask them how they overcome it. Here are a few recent responses: Thyrza said, “Loneliness happens to any age or gender. I was very lonely when my parents moved me with them away from my friends. I ON LIFE AND also felt a touch of loneliLOVE AFTER 50 ness when I was a fullBy Tom Blake time, stay-at-home mom.

Now at my age, as a widow living alone, loneliness still creeps in.

I’ve learned that freedom to do what I want with my life released me from feeling lonely. Embrace loneliness and know when to release the feeling; it’s just a feeling, anyway.”

Esther emailed, “As a single retired teacher with no children and little family, I understand how loneliness can be a destructive force if not addressed. To avoid loneliness, there are seven things I do: 1. Maintain contact with a small group of close friends with whom I share birthdays, holidays and life events.

2. Volunteer at the local library, museum and botanical garden.

3. Work as an English tutor three days a week.

4. Interact with people of all ages. My local college offers a broad lifelong learning program with varied courses, travel opportunities and cultural events. I am an active participant.

5. Ensure I never miss a regularly scheduled appointment whether it be a dental, medical or beauty appointment.

6. Attend many, diverse cultural and social events and I exercise regularly at a gym, which has a fabulous ‘silver sneakers’ program.

7. Keep in contact through the internet with old friends and relatives who live far away.”

Jon said, “Doing things in which a per-

Page 24

son finds fulfillment—not solely to be busy and taking up time—can reduce loneliness. A few close friends can help make up the difference.”

JoAnn has a simple solution: “Get a dog.

Best friend, a laugh and cuddle a day!”

Bonnie wrote, “I have been able to mostly escape loneliness because I am an only child. Without playmates under my roof during my growing-up years, I had to invent my own fun. Creativity, reading and writing were my friends.

Now, at 64, and a single, empty-nester mom, those are also my adult enjoyments.

I work full-time as a designer and read and write at every opportunity. I also love to travel solo.

If I was lonely, I’d volunteer as a docent or at an animal shelter. I’d have a once-amonth potluck dinner, drive for Meals on Wheels (My 96-year-old uncle still drives and serves others), give time to my house of worship or take a free class at a local college.”

RuthAnn stated, “Some of us have physical conditions that limit our access to being with others. Mine is having to avoid any place that has Wi-Fi running all the time, which eliminates lots of places nowadays.

So, I interact via computer, especially through the internet. Not a perfect solution, but that’s all there is for now.

Socializing seems to be for those who are physically able to do so.”

Art emailed, “I have been a widower for 10 years, but seldom feel lonely. I have been involved with several Meetup.com groups, and I can usually find group activities several days or evenings a week.

I have also been dating a very nice woman for five years and we share many of the same Meetup friends. I met her on Plenty of Fish. The internet offers many opportunities to expand one’s search area.”

Those are great suggestions. The common thread: For seniors to ward off loneliness, they need to include social interaction in their lives as often as they can.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@gmail. com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, 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

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyesters, or designer carpet. Showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point: 24662 Del Prado, Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available. Call Mike at Lantern Bay Carpets, Interiors & Flooring. 949.240.1545 WOMEN’S BICYCLE Beautiful, almost new women’s bike. Looks like a commuter/cruiser with multiple gears.

Light mint green frame, white seat, wire basket on the back. $250. Text for photos.

949-533-9761.

GARAGE SALES BIG MOVING SALE SATURDAY APRIL 14 9 AM TO 2 PM. We’re downsizing and we have over 30 years of accumulated stuff that must go! Antiques: armoir, dresser and coffee table. Other furniture: couch, bar stools and bookcase. 2 wrought iron candelabras.

Lots of household and yard decorations, tools, lamps and various other treasures.

24 CALLE LA ESPALDA, SAN CLEMENTE. FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2018 8am-12pm. X st’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE At Stratford at the Pacific on Saturday, April 14 from 7AM - 4PM. Cross streets Del Obispo and BlueSail

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

LOST/FOUND LOST DIAMOND TENNIS BRACELET IN DANA POINT ON SUNDAY, APRIL 8.

Call Jane 858-352-8121. REWARD

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

OTHER STUFF THE SCHENKENBERGER’S NEED SOME HELP Steve Shenkenberger, husband and father of five young boys, was riding his mountain bike on Super Bowl Sunday when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Laguna Niguel.

The family is need of donations for ongoing medical expenses and childcare. Please consider donating at www.gofundme.com/ the-schenkenbergers-medical-bills.

Dana Point Times April 13–26, 2018

Page 25

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point Point Dana

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Energy Relay Dana Hills’ 4x400meter relay teams will headline at Orange County Championships

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T

o many, track and field can look like a sport of individuals with one person running, jumping or throwing at a time.

But for the Dana Hills track team, the highlight has been team efforts from the 4x400-meter relay squads, and the boys 4x400-meter team could potentially close out a team championship at the Orange County Championships on Saturday, April 14 at Mission Viejo High School.

The boys and girls 4x400 teams each have the top times in the county this season with the boys posting the fourth-best time in the state (3:19.35) and the girls with the state’s second-best time (3:50.76).

“I would say they’re a little bit above expectations,” Dana Hills coach Keith Chambers said. “To take the boys and to take the girls and to sit where they are, they’re pretty much where we want them to be at this point. Now it’s focusing on their open events too and making sure they can put both things together, open events and relays. There’s a lot of energy and excitement around the relays, and they want to have the same energy for the open events also.”

The two relay teams have stood out at two of the nation’s most prominent track and field meets.

Dolphin Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Boys Volleyball Wins Crucial Battle with Aliso Niguel Dana Hills came back from spring break and right into a tough South Coast League match at home against Aliso Niguel on Tuesday, April 10.

After losing their league opener at

Dana Point Times April 13–19, 2018

Dana Hills sprinters (L to R) Nathan Fatigate, Max Halvax and Dominick D’Agosta warm up at a recent practice. Fatigate and Halvax are part of a headlining 4x400meter relay team for Dana Hills that will contend at the Orange County Championships on Saturday, April 14. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Dana Hills was one of only two schools to have both 4x400 teams reach the finals at the Texas Relays. At the Arcadia Invitational on April 7, the boys earned silver with a second-place finish, and the girls posted their fastest time of the season for that state No. 2 time.

The boys team is seniors Max Halvax and Josh Dowdy and junior Nathan Fatigate with senior Brandon Oswald and sophomore Jordan Vuong factoring in.

The girls team is juniors Hailey Ray and Ximena Bustos and sophomore Anissa Rind with junior Jaden Haskins and sophomore Mia Lawrence taking shifts.

“All those kids on the 4x4’s,” Chambers said, “they’ve really grasped the concept of the competition and the team and the

San Clemente before the break, the Dolphins looked to even their league record, but as it is with every league match, it wasn’t easy.

Aliso Niguel took the first set, 25-22, but Dana Hills evened it up with a second-set win, 25-19.

The third set was a battle as the teams pushed past 25 points. The Dolphins took the set, 30-28, and were in position to take the match.

However, Aliso Niguel took the fourth set, 25-19, and forced a deciding fi fth set.

The fi fth set was as tight as the rest of the match, but Dana Hills found the extra effort to pull out the win, 16-14, to take the match.

Dana Hills continued league play at Tesoro on April 12, but results were not available at press time. The Dolphins travel to Capistrano Valley on Tuesday, April 17 and host San Clemente on Thursday, April 19.

tradition and everything.”

For each runner, it’d be hard not to latch onto the relays spirit.

“It’s intense, but it’s definitely different from the open event,” Dana Hills senior Max Halvax said. “You’re running for your team, rather than yourself. You don’t want to let your team down.”

The 4x400-meter relay is usually the last event of a track meet. It gives the event its own spotlight as all the fans and the rest of the track team that might be scattered around a venue during the meet can focus on one race, which gives the event a bit of a jolt.

“It’s invigorating,” Dana Hills sophomore Anissa Rind said. “There’s definitely a lot more energy because your team-

mates are there for you. When someone hands the stick off to you, it’s an interaction and communication. You see they’re behind and you need to catch up for them, or you’re behind and someone will help you out.”

The boys relay team heads a strong group that will be in contention for the county title.

With each member of the relay running their own strong individual races, the Dolphins getting big distance points from senior Jack Landgraf and sophomore Caleb Niednagel among others and senior Max McKhann being a factor in the throws, Dana Hills has one of the better county contingents to take on Los Alamitos and Woodbridge. DP

Scoreboard

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

Our City Scoreboard keeps you updated on all of the local Dana Point youth and community team accomplishments and special individual performances of the week. We want to run your scores, results and announcements.

Email zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com for submission.

Dana Wharf Halibut Derby, Fish-Off Winners Crowned

The Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching halibut derby came to an end last week, and the winner put his name on the leaderboard early.

David Sluder and his 36.9-pound catch from January stood the test of the competition to take first place and the $1,500 prize. Only two other anglers caught a halibut of over 30 pounds with Chuck Cardona’s 32.5-pound fish in second place and Cher Owens’ 32.5-pounder in third place.

Other prize placers were Greg Harrington with a 25.1-pound halibut in fourth Page 26

Lennie Green won the fish-off of the Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching halibut derby with a 10.4-pound catch on Sunday, April 8. The top 25 anglers from the halibut derby were entered into the fish-off. Photo: Courtesy

place and Carlos De Los Santos in fi fth place with a 19.3-pound halibut.

The top 25 anglers in the derby were entered into a free fish-off halibut drift trip on Sunday, April 8. Lennie Green was named the fish-off winner with a 10.4-pound catch for the $500 prize. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Team member and coach Pat O’Connell (center), helped lead the Dana Point Surf Club to a third place finish at the West Coast Board Riders event at Salt Creek on April 7. Photo: Ron Lyon/WCBR

Wild, West Coast Board Riders Dana Point Surf Club places third during West Coast Board Riders event at Salt Creek Beach

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen the Dana Point Times spoke with Eric Diamond, the Executive Committee Chairman of the Dana Point Surf Club (DPSC) the Thursday after their home West Coast Board Riders (WCBR) event at Salt Creek Beach the past Sunday, his voice had yet to recover.

Diamond was hoarse from cheering his DPSC to a third-place finish, just narrowly missing second place behind Encinitas Surf Club. After the event, Diamond reported that he and team member/coach Pat O’Connell examined the scores and reasoned that DPSC missed second place by one wave score.

WCBR President Chris Moreno described the surfing during the event as “second to none,” and acknowledged that the competitive level was ratcheted up more than ever before.

San Clemente took first place in the event thanks to stand out performances by their under-14 team and ex-World Tour competitors like Nate Yeomans and Dane Gudauskas.

After the event, Diamond said that having O’Connell back on the beach for DPSC was a game-changer.

“Last year, Pat was traveling for Hurley with John John Florence during his world title campaign,” Diamond explained. “It was Page 28

West Coast Board Riders South Division Presented by Hurley/Killer Dana at Salt Creek Beach: 1. San Clemente Surf Club 2. Encinitas Surf Club 3. Dana Point Surf Club 4. Newport Beach Surf Club 5. Carlsbad Surf Club 6. Laguna Beach Surf Club so good to have him back this year. For me, his experience and ability to coach the team definitely enhances the experience. In the water, as an athlete, Pat’s next level, but most importantly, his attitude and presence on the beach raises everyone up. He’s got an incredible energy and I’m stoked to call him my right hand man.”

This was the first event O’Connell was able to attend, let alone participate in, and Moreno said after the event, O’Connell told him that WCBR has tapped into the most exciting format in surfing.

After the event, DPSC hosted an afterparty at StillWater Spirits & Sounds where Bethany Zelasko was awarded with the team’s MVP award. Zelasko was also selected as the team’s “whammy” surfer, a surfer that has their highest wave score doubled, and capitalized by doubling an excellent-range score.

Before gathering again for the WCBR event at Churches in San Onofre State Park in San Clemente on October 6, Diamond said that in addition to surfing, the DPSC will get active with some out-of-thewater activities he believes are essential to a healthy club atmosphere.

“We’re going to be taking some time for some community involvement, and of course, our club fishing trip,” said Diamond.

In a few weeks, DPSC will take part in presenting select members of the Dana Hills Surf Team, coached by Tim Sampson, college scholarships thanks to support from Killer Dana Surf Shop.

For more information on the West Coast Board Riders, photo galleries from the event and to see a full schedule of competitions, visit www.westcoastboardriders. com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

Boogie On the Bells Bowl

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59-60 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: Local: 5-8’ Fair Catalina: 15-20’ Fair-Good

Pat Gudauskas gets personal best result at historic Bells Beach

Outlook: Mixed northwest and small south swell prevails Friday and through the weekend.

Surf hangs in the waist-shoulder high (3-4’+) zone, while best northwest exposed areas see some larger sets. Morning winds are light/ variable to light offshore for clean conditions, then light+ onshore each afternoon. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s going to be a heck of a year on the WSL Championship World Tour (CT).

It wasn’t but a couple of weeks back that we were applauding young Griffin Colapinto for his epic 10-point ride at the Quiksilver Pro, the season-opener held at Snapper Rocks and Kirra Beach in Australia. The performance carried the 19-yearold rookie all the way to a third-place finish. This time it was Pat Gudauskas’ turn to get in on the action.

At the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, the second stop on tour and the longest running contest in professional surfing, Gudauskas got going early and didn’t let down until he’d battled his way into a semifinal duel against world champ Mick Fanning.

One of the winningest surfers in the history of the sport with three world titles to his credit, the bowl at Bells is perhaps Fanning’s favorite spot on tour. Add to the equation that earlier in the year he announced this year’s contest at Bells would be the last of his storied career and that after 19 years on tour, he was ready to hang it up. Needless to say, all eyes were on Fanning at Bells.

After falling off the world tour in 2013, Pat Gudauskas is back swinging away in the big leagues and just notched his best-ever result on the WSL’s Championship World Tour. Photo: WSL

En route to a respectable third-place finish, Gudauskas had the honor and privilege of surfing against him in one of his last heats.

“What an incredible week to celebrate the hero, the friend, and the inspiration that is Mick Fanning,” reflected Gudauskas on social media last weekend. “Over the past week or two it’s been incredible to see what you mean to so many different people and for so many different reasons.

For my brothers and me, the biggest thing I’ve learned from you is how you interact with everyone around you. Despite being the super hero competitor that you are, you are humble, gracious, and a true testa-

ment to the ability to overcome the many different challenges that life throws at you. For that you are the biggest inspiration to us.”

Fanning ended up beating Gudauskas, but in the end it mattered little. Gudauskas had scored his personal best result on tour, solidifying his spot on the WSL rankings. But more than that, he got to be a part of history.

“This event marks a career highlight for me,” Gudauskas continued. “In terms of results, it was my best result on the CT, but more than a result or a finish was the feeling that came with this week. To feel that energy and confirm what I had been

GROM OF THE WEEK

CALLAN EMERY

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s far as rising stars to watch, Dana Point’s Callan Emery is definitely worthy of some atten-

tion.

“It seems like every week he’s just getting better and better,” said Eric Diamond, Executive Committee Chairman for the Dana Point Surf Club. “Not only does he continue to improve, but he’s got a great attitude and is an amazing ambassador for our community.”

Emery, a 12-year-old seventh-grader at Marco Forster Middle School, is one of Salt Creek’s emerging talents. Over the last couple of seasons, he’s chalked up his fair share of contest wins, but more than that, as Diamond noted, the kid’s stoked to be living the surf life.

When asked what his favorite thing about surfing is, he succinctly replies, Dana Point Times April 13-19, 2018

Callen Emery. Photo: Courtesy of the Emery family

“Finding good waves and scoring with my friends.”

When asked where he sees surfing taking him in the next 10 years, his answer is the same.

“I hope to have a bunch of great surf trips with my friends and family in the next 10 years,” Callan said.

Every 12-year-old surfer looks up to

somebody, and in the case of Callan it’s Hawaiian stylist and entertainer Mason Ho. “He has a great attitude and always looks like he’s having fun no matter what the conditions are,” Diamond added.

The same could be said about Callan.

DP

Page 30

working towards—a place of performing freely and with fire—it’s why I love surfing on the big stage and why we all work hard towards our goals in life so that we can be in the moment and enjoy the opportunities that present themselves. To surf that heat against my hero and friend Mick was probably the sickest experience. I will never forget it. I’ve pretty much been floating with stoke since that heat ended.”

Fanning also reflected on his career at the famed surf break.

“I always said I wanted to finish the year up here at Bells,” said Fanning, who counts a Lower Trestles title among his career accomplishments. “It has been incredible to see all the support in Torquay and the support of the fans. This is my 20th year of coming down to Bells Beach, and to all the people surfing in this event, it was so much fun. Seabass (Sebastian Zietz), Paddy Gudang (Patrick Gudauskas), Wilko (Matt Wilkinson), Owen (Wright)—every time I paddled out, I felt like I was going surfing with a mate, and that was really special.”

Next on tap for San Clemente’s Gudauskas, Colapinto, Kolohe Andino and the rest of the WSL’s cast of characters is the third and final stop of the tour’s Australian leg at Margaret River. At the moment, Surfline is forecasting a solid southwest swell to hit the area over the weekend, which could get the contest off in some legit surf.

The setup at Margaret River’s Main Break is a reputed big-wave zone in Western Australia, and after surfing a handful of Big Wave Tour contests, Gudauskas is fired up to keep the vibe alive. Other venue options include The Box, which is a dangerous “slab” wave that breaks in exceptionally shallow water; and North Point, which is a perfect, running, right-hand barrel. Surfline noted that the contest getting underway at North Point is “possible.”

The Margaret River Pro runs from April 11-22. Tune into www.worldsurfleague. com for more information, updates and to watch all the action unfold live. DP www.danapointtimes.com