April 20, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

April 20-26, 2018

YO U

C A N

U S E

Raucous Crowd Celebrates City Council Rejection of SB 54 PAGE 3 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 16

Dana Point: Plugged In The line between fact and fiction blurs as local social media pages’ influence grows E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

www.danapointtimes.com

As social media continues to grow in popularity in Dana Point, local authorities reveal that increasingly ,”telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” is just optional. Photo: Daniel Ritz

California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point GETTING OUT/PAGE 8

City Holds Fourth of Five Public Hearings on By-District Voting EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

DHHS Boys Win County Track Title SPORTS/PAGE 12

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...

at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25.

At the next City Council meeting on May 1, Council could hold a public hearing followed by introduction and first reading of an ordinance implementing a selected map and election sequence. A link to all current draft district maps can be seen on www.danapointtimes.com.

Five things Dana Point should know this week

Locations in Dana Point ID’d by iHope as Potential New Homeless Shelters

71-Year-Old Man Struck, Killed by Metrolink Near Camino Capistrano, PCH THE LATEST: On April 16 at approximately 4 p.m., a man was struck and killed by the Metrolink 609 train near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Camino Capistrano in Dana Point. An Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) representative identified the man as Ernest Gibson, 71, of Lake Elsinore.

The location where the accident occurred was not a train station and in an area where pedestrians are not allowed.

WHAT’S NEXT: OCSD stated that Gibson was walking with a woman across the tracks when the accident occurred. No more information was available as to the woman’s condition at this time. As is standard procedure following an incident concerning trains, an investigation will follow.

This story will be updated as pertinent details become available.—Daniel Ritz

Dana Point Rejects California Values Act, Supports County with Resolution to Condemn State Law THE LATEST: Arriving in multiple buses, crowds waving “Trump” flags and adorning “Make America Great Again” hats clashed with a number of Dana Point residents at City Council Chambers during their meeting on April 17. More than one hundred people appeared at the at-capacity room to hear the City Council’s decision concerning Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), also known as the “California Values Act.” The resolution to support the County of Orange’s decision to reject state law and instead comply with the federal laws in Dana Point was proposed by Council member John Tomlinson, and passed by a vote of 3-2. Council members Debra and Paul Wyatt opposed the resolution.

SB 54 concerns local law enforcement’s agencies requirement to notify federal immigration authorities when someone who might be the subject of an immigration enforcement action is housed in a jail, or may be released.

A large number of non-Dana Point Dana Point Times April 20-26, 2018

Orange County Sherriff’s Department Sgt. Rich Himmel maintains order as expletives were exchanged outside Council Chambers between Dana Point residents questioning if city residents would have priority in the limited space inside the chambers, and out-of-state residents including the Patriot Movement, from Arizona, attending to support the rejection of SB 54. Photo: Daniel Ritz

residents attended the meeting, including members of the Patriot Movement from Arizona.

During public comment, inappropriate behavior from the crowd led Mayor Richard Viczorek to call for a Council recess. OCSD deputies escorted a man in a “Border Wall Construction Co.” T-shirt after he disrupted several speakers from the back row.

Council member Joe Mueller and Mayor Richard Viczorek supported the resolution opposing SB 54, stating that they didn’t believe Dana Point’s resolution was an immigration issue at all, but instead a legal issue conflicting with their sworn oath to uphold the United States Constitution.

Council member Debra Lewis, who with Paul Wyatt opposed the resolution, shared statistics she claimed she received from Orange County Undersheriff Don Barnes stating that OCSD is actually on pace in 2018 to surpass 600 referrals of illegal immigrant criminals to Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE). This would be an increase from the 391 inmates turned over to ICE in 2016, the year before SB 54 went into effect.

WHAT’S NEXT: Dana Point resident Wayne Yost expressed that if the public truly wants to change policies such as SB 54, Proposition 47 and Proposition 57, local residents have the ability through voting in upcoming city elections. For more photos and video of this meeting, visit www. danapointtimes.com. —DR

Summer Concerts Return with a New Sponsor THE LATEST: As of April 17, Dana Point’s 2018 Summer Concert Series will be spon-

sored by Omega Events Inc. to the tune of $50,000.

The agenda item from the City Council meeting on April 17 approving the agreement also notes that as a part of the sponsorship agreement, Omega Events would make the Doheny Blues Festival a presenting sponsor of Dana Point’s 2018 Summer Concert Series.

WHAT’S NEXT: The first of five planned Dana Point Summer Concert Series is on July 15. A full listing of the Summer Concert Series can be seen at www.danapointtimes.org.

City Council Conducts Fourth By-District Voting Hearing; First Ordinance Reading Possibly May 1 THE LATEST: During the City Council meeting on April 17, City Council held the fourth of five necessary public discussions concerning the possible conversion to bydistrict City Council election voting.

Mayor Richard Viczorek commended Doug Johnson of National Demographics Corporation (NDC) for hearing his cries to attempt to “keep the neighborhood’s together.”

Douglas explained that through concise and direct local input for draft districting maps, NDC is able to more accurately divide census-data blocks, a common device for cleanly managing district formation.

WHAT’S NEXT: The second of two public workshops conducted by the City of Dana Point will be held at RH Dana Elementary School, located at 24242 La Cresta Drive,

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THE LATEST: Dana Point could see a homeless shelter or two of 20 beds each come to fruition under state laws that require cities to set aside land for emergency or homeless shelters, and one nonprofit organization claims to be soliciting shelter providers to examine those lands as future housing for the homeless. iHope, a nonprofit organization that provides services to help homeless people off the streets in South Orange County, invited members of the press to follow them on a short tour of locations that have been zoned to comply with Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), the California law requiring such city planning.

Vice president of the nonprofit’s board, Dennis Ettlin, said he wasn’t sure who owned some of these parcels or if there was any planned development in the works, but he said they would be ideal locations for such facilities.

Locations identified in Dana Point include two 20-person shelter locations at San Felipe and Capo Beach Church, both of which are located a stone’s throw from San Clemente Christian School. iHope also identified an area inside the Dana Point Flood Control zone, south of Stonehill Avenue, the proposed site of a de-salinization project by South Coast Water District, as a possible location for “dysfunctional or non-shelter compliant” homeless.

Ettlin could not confirm that facility operators had been contacted, and acknowledged that he had reached out to local mayors, but admittedly, on what he described as “short notice.”

WHAT’S NEXT: A meeting among the mayors of Orange County’s 34 cities was scheduled to take place Thursday, April 19, at the Ole Hanson Beach Club in San Clemente, but it was not be a public meeting. The gathering was instructed

by Federal Judge David O. Carter during the court proceedings related to a lawsuit filed by Orange County Catholic Worker in February when the county wanted to expel more than 700 homeless people living in the Santa Ana riverbed. An update to that meeting can be seen on www. danapointtimes.com. —Eric Heinz and Daniel Ritz www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Community Meetings SATURDAY, APRIL 21

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 23

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 6 p.m. The Dana Point Planning Commission will have a meeting at City Hall in City Council Chambers. 33282 Golden Lantern. www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24

OCEAN WATER QUALITY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING 3 p.m. The Ocean Water Quality Subcommittee will have a meeting at City Hall in the Public Works Conference Room. 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 25

BY-DISTRICT CITY COUNCIL ELECTION VOTING PUBLIC WORKSHOP 6:30 p.m. The City of Dana Point will host a public workshop at RH Dana Elementary School for citizens who desire to learn more about the potential conversion to by-district City Council elections. 24242 La Cresta Drive. www.danapoint.org.

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 26

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

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

Dana Point Times April 20-26, 2018

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Historical Society Program Will Feature Relatives of Dana Point Pioneer Anna G. Walters On Wednesday, April 25, at 7 p.m., the Dana Point Historical Society will present a program to highlight a new museum exhibit featuring the early 20th century contributions of Anna G. Walters to the Dana Point area. Walters was one of the earliest investors and real estate purveyors of Dana Point.

Walters is known as the owner of the first Dana Point business building, the Blue Lantern Fountain Lunch, which is now Coastal Kitchens restaurant. Walters had many business interests in the area and was involved in a protracted lawsuit against a would-be suitor who stole money from her.

The program will feature several of her relatives who will tell stories of her early days in Dana Point and recount family memories passed down through the years.

The program is open to the public and will be held in City Council chambers at Dana Point City Hall. A reception will be held in the Dana Point Historical Society museum, also within City Hall, immediately following the program. 33282 Golden Lantern. www.danapointhistorical.org.

South County Community Handbell Choir on April 29 The South County Community Handbell choir will be putting on their annual benefit concert at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Dana Point on Sunday, April 29 at 3 p.m.

The concert title is “Bells in Search of a Movie” and will feature both sacred and secular songs. In addition to the two South County Choirs, the handbell choir of Gloria Dei Lutheran and the St. Capistrano Home School Group Chime choir will be playing.

An offering will be taken at the concert, with all proceeds going toward Family Assistance Ministries (FAM). The youth portion of the South County Community Handbell Choirs—Heavy Metal Youth—have also put together over 40 hygiene kits that will be presented to FAM at the concert.

33501 Stonehill Drive. www.schandbell.org.

Local Author Kim Hooper Announces Second Novel, ‘Cherry Blossoms’ Dana Point resident Kim Hooper recently announced that she will be releasing her second novel, Cherry Blossoms in the fall of 2018. Hooper released her first book, People Who Knew Me, in May of 2016.

She said that the process for writing this book was very different than her first.

Capo Cares will be holding a “Meet the Chief” event with Dana Point Chief of Police Services Lt. Margie Sheehan (pictured) at Capo Beach Church on Tuesday, April 24. Photo: Daniel Ritz

“I didn’t even realize what this book was about until I had finished it,” Hooper said.

She explained that her research took her to Japan, where Cherry Blossoms takes place. She said initial reviews described the book as, “part travel-guide, part comedy, part exploration of grief and relationships.”

Hooper explained that the book is set to be released Nov.4, and will be available on a variety of multimedia platforms.

Capo Cares Hosts ‘Meet the Chief’ on April 24 Capo Cares is hosting a community meeting to welcome new Chief of Police Services, Lt. Margie Sheehan on Tuesday, April 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. Lt. Sheehan will talk about current crime trends and specific public safety concerns. This is an informal meeting that will follow a topical format, but questions from the audience are welcome. Open to all Dana Point residents. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Avenue, Capistrano Beach. Questions can be sent to capocares@gmail.com or www.Facebook.com/capocares.

Michael Linden to Present on Neurofeedback on April 26 Michael Linden, Ph.D., director of Attention Learning, will be giving a presentation for the first time in Dana Point concerning his breakthrough findings on long-term brain improvements without the side effects of pharmaceutical medication at the Dana Point Yacht Club on Thursday, April 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Linden studies brainwaves using an electroencephalogram (EEG) and compares them with a growing database of brain wave activity. Years ago, Dr. Linden developed one of the first brainwave databases for comparative testing for autism spectrum disorders. Now, using

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that information, Dr. Linden has helped develop a mechanized, intuitive electronic stimulation system called neurofeedback that can accurately activate and/or slow down regions of the brain. Dr. Linden’s latest research discusses the impacts of neurofeedback on people suffering from concussions, but research also shows positive impacts on people with attention deficit disorder, autism spectrum disorders and clinical anxiety. The evening presentation includes a free gourmet meal. RSVP is required. There is a minimum two-person attendance. Call 800.233.9117 for more information or look on www.lindenalc.com.

Dana Point Yacht Club, 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point.

Chamber of Commerce Hosts 49th Congressional Candidate Forum on April 25 The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will host a 49th Congressional Candidate Forum at the Ocean Institute on Wednesday, April 25 at 5:30 p.m. Locals will have the opportunity to compare the candidates on the significant issues in the community through both prepared and audience questions. This is a nonpartisan forum. Audience questions must be submitted to ed@ danapointchamber.com prior to the event.

Confirmed candidates at this time are Diane Harkey, Sara Jacobs, Mike Levin, Brian Maryott and Mike Schmitt. This event is co-sponsored by Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, San Clemente Chamber of Commerce and San Juan Chamber of Commerce. The Ocean Institute is located at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive.

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

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

EYE ON DP

Dana Point: Plugged In The line between fact and fiction blurs as local social media pages’ influence grows

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

S

itting in Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s (OCSD) Dana Point Police Services’ headquarters with Chief of Dana Point Police Services Lt. Margie Sheehan, Sgt. Rich Himmel and Dana Point Community Services Officer Jill Jackson, Sgt. Himmel described an instance where a concerned Dana Point resident called him after seeing, in detail, a robbery at the Albertson’s in Dana Point by four Hispanic men stealing alcohol, on the Dana Point-specific Facebook page “Dana Point Unplugged.”

The problem is, that robbery never happened.

Sgt. Himmel explained that he had contacted the manager of the Albertson’s personally, and the manager explained that no robbery, or crime at all, had occurred at the store that evening.

In fact, OCSD had not received any calls at all from that location that night.

Sgt. Himmel explained that events such as these have become more prevalent in Dana Point as various social media pages such as “Capo Cares” and “Dana Point Unplugged” on Facebook, Twitter and on forums like Nextdoor are rapidly growing in size. Together, Capo Cares and Dana Point Unplugged alone hold a following of more than one-third of Dana Point’s total population, and their presence is unavoidable from a city and law enforcement perspective, both being mentioned by name in recent City Council and Homeless Task Force meetings.

“Social media leads to a misguided experience of crime in their community,” Sgt. Himmel said. “Social media has its place, but it also has its challenges.”

In June 2017, OCSD stopped sending out the sheriff’s blotter, a publicly shared document updated every 30 minutes that disclosed law enforcement interaction information. Residents can still access the sheriff’s blotter at OCSD’s website, but can only view the type of calls the department is responding to, as well as the date, time and location of each call.

In lieu of the detailed blotter entries, OCSD officials announced later in 2017 that a transition to an interactive crime map was in the works. OCSD said the new software, called crime mapping, would provide residents with the same information the ‘full’ blotter did. As of last week, Lt. Sheehan and Sgt. Himmel said that Dana Point Times April 20-26, 2018

City Council member Debra Lewis uses her phone to capture a confrontational outburst from SB 54 opposition during the City Council meeting on April 17. Lewis regularly engages in dialogue on Dana Point Unplugged in addition to managing her own City Council election campaign site “Debra Lewis for Dana Point City Council.”

Photo: Daniel Ritz

software has still not been implemented.

“In addition to being labor intensive,” Sgt. Himmel said in regards to the complete blotter, “unfortunately, some information (names and other sensitive details) were released through the blotter that resulted in the department inadvertently getting into trouble.”

Sgt. Himmel said that under Lt. Sheehan, he hopes there may be a more direct source of vetted information from OCSD. “Commonly, we hear comments people are posting online concerning quality of life issues, sharing their perceptions and not necessarily violations of the law,” Sheehan shared. “A source of direct and vetted information would be a time-saver to us as well as the citizens.”

“We have received reports of handto-hand drug deals where we have had officers and staff on the very site to later confirm that no-such crime occurred,” Sheehan said, citing recent reports at the Circle-K convenience store in Dana Point.

“People who happen to be dressed shabbily are accused of crimes that simply did not occur.”

Sheehan stressed the importance of immediately contacting law enforcement regarding any concerns to life threatening or suspicious activity.

Toni Nelson, co-founder of the community group (and Facebook group of more than 1,000 members) Capo Cares, said she takes her group’s social media presence with caution, personally reviewing each comment and not allowing open posting.

Operating Capo Cares with a steering committee (that wished to remain anonymous), Nelson unabashedly admits to publishing Capo Cares’ agenda of improving the Capistrano Beach community.

“We want to enrich the lives of every

Dana Point resident,” Nelson said, admitting that the original goal of Capo Cares when it was founded in 2014 was the physical beautification of Capo Beach.

“I can’t be responsible for everything everyone says,” Nelson said. “Sure, I would rather it be direct from the source, but I absolutely believe Capo Cares is a positive presence.”

Erik Pedersen started Dana Point Unplugged in the fall of 2015 after seeing the degree of activity on the San Clemente Life Facebook page and recognized that Dana Point didn’t have a similar community interaction platform.

Now consisting of more than 6,100 members, Dana Point Unplugged operates with completely different goals and rules than Capo Cares, allowing a majority of open posting and commentary with minimal host content posting.

Pederson, a 31-year-old Dana Point resident, said Dana Point Unplugged takes a very different approach to hosting community conversation and said he is proud of its role in the community.

“It was getting so negative for a while,” Pedersen said. “So I’ve tried to post more, asking open questions, even if it doesn’t relate to Dana Point, to try and steer the conversation.”

Pedersen equated this recent increase in host posting to Dana Point Unplugged’s beginning where he had to post more content in order to drive participation and engagement.

Currently, participation doesn’t seem to be an issue. Pedersen said if trends continue, Dana Point Unplugged could reach more than 10-15,000 members by the end of the year. Currently, Dana Point Unplugged is a “ask to join” group, needing approval by Pedersen.

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“I try to vet every request,” Pedersen voiced. “I am sure that every person has some attachment to Dana Point, or at least South Orange County.”

“I will pull a comment if it is absolutely obvious that it is untrue, but for the most part I let it go,” Pedersen continued, reasoning that there isn’t enough time in the day for him to fact check every comment.

Pedersen said that he personally receives more than 33,000 Dana Point Unplugged notifications every month.

“I don’t really have a moderation program,” Pedersen admitted. “I don’t think people realize how many posts I delete.”

Pedersen said he has received suggestions to add additional moderators to monitor the site, but has to-date refused because he enjoys the control.

“I think I have a good understanding of the community,” said Pedersen, claiming that if Dana Point Unplugged reaches the following he suspects it will, he will have to entertain the idea of additional moderators.

Pedersen said he’s had contact with other South Orange County community forum website hosts, but infrequently, and that he has minimal interaction with the City of Dana Point with the exception of City Council member Debra Lewis, who Pedersen said frequently participates in Dana Point Unplugged discussions.

City Council member Joe Mueller said he believes the responsibility of City Council members and city staff lies in accurately vetting information for the public concerning the city’s actions, not to promote personal agendas. This is why he voted in support of Dana Point’s recent decision to spend up to $75,000 dollars to contract with a public relations and social media consultant company.

“Residents have voiced to me that they often don’t participate in the various social media platforms because of the vitriol they are likely to encounter,” Mueller said, who also said he was worried that voices may be silenced when they are in opposition to a platform host’s agenda.

Mueller clarified during campaigning, candidates are able to be direct in their intentions of promotion, and that he thought it was best to keep community interaction and political promotion distinct.

Truthfulness and authenticity seem to be underlying issues concerning the thousands of participants in these apparent community conversations, including Dana Point’s law enforcement members, citizens, elected officials and city staff.

“I’m not sure if the community is aware of the volume of unvetted, unconfirmed information they are receiving,” Lt. Sheehan said when asked if in her opinion, social media accurately depicted life in Dana Point.

As Dana Point enters election season and a number of high-tension issues such as homelessness and crime are being discussed, residents are forced to consider where and how they receive their information. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor DANA POINT CANNOT AFFORD MILLIONS IN EXPOSURE TO DISTRICTING LITIGATION ART SANCHEZ, Dana Point

It is unfortunate that our city has been put in this unenviable position regarding voting districts. This litigation action against our city is forcing us to implement voter districting in our city. But the stall tactics of a group from Capistrano Beach and a handful of misinformed residents may cost us the "safe harbor" that our council thus far has complied with under the guidelines of threatened litigation if Dana Point does not move forward swiftly on districting.

Many of my Hispanic friends in the city believe that one of the points that people have been missing is that by going with districting, you will encourage more people to participate in running for office because the cost and effort to run a campaign will come down significantly. It will also prevent multiple council members from coming from the same neighborhood as happens in many cities. Districting will insure that all areas of Dana Point have fair and equal rep-

resentation, and we do have two members of the Council currently who are within a couple of blocks of one another.

After reviewing the maps, I strongly recommend the "tan map" as the most equitable version of districting.

County in opposing SB 54 to satisfy the agenda of a hate group rather than respect California law and the residents of Dana Point, many of whom spoke eloquently, passionately and pragmatically at the meeting imploring the Council members to embrace the California Values Act.

DISSATISFIED WITH PATRIOT MOVEMENT PRESENCE, CITY COUNCIL REJECTION OF SB 54

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: PART 1

ANNETTE SZLACHTA-MCGINN, Dana Point

I attended the City Council meeting on April 17, and didn't gain admission until 8 p.m. because the chamber was largely filled with people from out of state, many of whom represented the hate group Patriot Movement AZ, led by founder, Lesa Antone. She was the first of many commenters from her group enjoining Council members to oppose SB 54, the California Values Act. They heckled and disrupted commenters to the extent that the mayor had to admonish them and the sheriff's deputies were watchful, actually having to escort one individual from the premises.

I find the ideology of the Patriot Movement AZ repugnant (anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim per the Southern Poverty Law Center), but what offends me more is that the capitulation and votes of Viczorek, Muller and Tomlinson to join Orange

MADELINE LETCHFORD, Dana Point

I have made the time to attend several Homeless Task Force meetings because this issue is extremely important to me.

I have been trying to understand, from several different perspectives, how real or significant the transient problem is locally.

It should go without saying for the majority of people who live full-time in Dana Point.

I am unapologetically concerned about the transient "community" that is growing (and has surely increased by the time this is published) and is hampering the many positives of calling Capistrano Beach/Dana Point our hometown. It's my understanding that church or faith-based organizations should never harm the community they reside or serve in. The Welcome Inn feed does just this to Dana Point and Capistrano Beach, and doesn't appear to care. In 2008, they sued the state beaches, using the questionable American Civil Liberties Union, when asked to move locations after the problems with “the feed” became more than apparent to the park rangers. The Doheny feed doesn't serve the struggling individuals who live in the community that bear the significant burden of its many downsides.

What it does is recruit transients to Dana Point and encourages them to stay in the area for tomorrow’s meal and shower amenities. It’s recruiting alcoholics, who now have more cash to throw at their addiction. It's recruiting early-release inmates who have no permanent home and have exhausted their own family and friends for resources. It recruits drug dealers who serve the transient drug addicts’ "other" needs after they’ve been fed their free meal.

It recruits people who cannot afford the cost of housing and cost of living in Dana Point, putting major demands on our city.

It’s simply wrong, unacceptable and unfair to both the Welcome Inn recipients and the local residents. Seaside living is not a right; it is an earned privilege for those who both want it and who can financially maintain it.

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.

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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, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 11, Issue 16. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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10 Weeks of Giveaways!

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

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.

Our next prize package includes: •A $150 gift certificate to Burke Williams • Custom DP Times tumbler with 10 free coffee fills from The Coffee Importers • Plush DP Times beach towel

Congratulations to this week’s winner Nicole Brough!

“

Nicole took home three personal training sessions at Fitness Together, a DP Times tumbler and beach towel, and 10 free coffee refills from The Coffee Importers.

Over the years, reading the Dana Point Times has become one of my favorite weekend past times. My husband and I will grab it while we’re out in town and sit at a local coffee shop (JC Beans!) and read it cover to cover. It’s a great excuse to turn off technology, kick back, and read about the activities taking place in the town that we are so lucky to call home. I love that it consistently celebrates our local community, including the businesses and people that make it so unique. We love it so much, in fact, that when we moved to Austin, TX for two years, we followed Dana Point Times on Instagram in effort to feel connected to the community we missed so much! We are so grateful to be back here again and able to read the real thing. Thank you and keep up the good work!

”

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

and more!

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: Phoenix Soars in ‘You Were Never Really Here’

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 20 ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m. Join Dana Wharf for a 90-minute evening cruise aboard the luxury catamaran. The cruises run Friday and Sunday evenings. Tickets are $49. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

Saturday | 21 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.

Sunday | 22 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.

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.

Monday | 23 KOI FISH FEEDING 12:45 p.m. Every day, 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.

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 Dana Point Times April 20-26, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Courtesy of Studio Canal The California Wine Festival returns to Dana Point for a two-day event including a reserve and rare-wine tasting on Friday, April 20, and a grand finale Beachside Wine Festival on Saturday, April 21. Photo: File

SATURDAY, APRIL 21: CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL 12:30-3:30 p.m. Hit the grassy, palm-lined Lantern Bay Park to experience the quintessential California wine tasting event at the Orange County California Wine Festival grand finale. Ticket price includes all wine and food samples and an 18 oz keepsake wine glass.

Ticket prices vary. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.californiawinefestival.com.

dinner for $13 when you are finished with the dance floor. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Tuesday | 24

El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.4700. www.farmersmarketsjc.com

Thursday | 26 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 class if it rains. Admission is free. Los Rios Park.

31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

HAPA J’S TACO TUESDAY 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Join Hapa J’s for a taco Tuesday that reaches beyond your average chicken or carne asada tacos. Enjoy seared ahi poke, kalbi short rib and kalua pig tacos in addition to the more traditional selections. 2016 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.276.6675. www.hapajs.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.

TABLE TENNIS FOR SENIORS 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All seniors 55 or older are welcome to join the Table Tennis Club at the Shorecliff Terrace Mobile Home Park. Any skill level is welcome and entry is free. 3000 Calle Nuevo, San Clemente.

949.481.2275. jnl5555@yahoo.com.

Wednesday | 25 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

SESSIONS AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Listen to live music when artists from around the world perform together.

StillWater Spirits & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.com.

Page 8

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.

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

I

f I was asked to name my favorite living male film actor, Joaquin Phoenix would be a huge contender.

Starting his career as a child star just like his late brother, River, to being a matinee idol in his 20s to ultimately becoming one of the most eclectic leading men in arthouse cinema, Phoenix’s resume has never been boring. He’s currently the star of You Were Never Really Here, filmmaker Lynne Ramsay’s follow-up to 2011’s critical hit We Need to Talk About Kevin.

In the middle of present-day New York City, a man simply called Joe (Phoenix) lives an anti-social life with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and psychopathology while sharing a house with his elderly mother (Judith Roberts). When he’s not taking care of his mom, he’s secretly a hitman around town. His current job is to track down and rescue the state senator’s 13-year-old daughter Nina (Ekaterina Samsonov) from a brothel.

You Were Never Really Here has obvious comparisons to Taxi Driver (1976), to the point where one would assume Ramsay intentionally made the film as a companion piece. Never Really Here is very much a director’s film and mesmerizingly focuses more on atmosphere and mood than conventional storytelling, with Phoenix perfectly emoting Joe’s struggle and conflict. Like Driver, Ramsay’s new feature is a disturbing character study, but even more subtle, ambiguous and much more violently graphic. It’s not for everyone, but for those who enjoy slow-burn psychological thrillers, Never Really Here fits right in with modern neon classics like Drive (2011) and Nightcrawler (2014). DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Pet of the Week: America

A

merica is a talkative kitty who loves to greet you at the door with a meow. Like most cats, America loves affection on her terms and enjoys spending the rest of her precious time sunbathing. She would do best with someone who can treat her like the princess she is.

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Photo: Courtesy of the Orange County Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo, taken in the late 1960s, shows the northern portion of the Dana Point Harbor before the interior docks were constructed. Notice the plot of land underneath the headlands, now where the Ocean Institute now resides.

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.

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

See the solution in next week’s issue.

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point Point Dana

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Hills Boys Win County Track Title

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T

Level 8 gymnast Natalie Bray of Dana Point joined other Southern California top qualifiers at the Region 1 Championships in Reno, Nevada. The elite team won gold against the best gymnasts from Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Northern California. Photo Courtesy of Corrie Gohres

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.

Gymnast Wins Regional Team Gold

Laguna Hills-based Olympica Gymnastics sent their top qualifiers to Reno, Nevada from April 13-15 to compete against the top gymnasts from California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

Dana Point’s Natalie Bray won a coveted spot on the Southern California combined Level 8 team thanks to her previous state championship wins on floor and the all-around. The top 12 gymnasts in the state competed together, and Bray contributed to the team’s gold medal win.

San Clemente Level 8 gymnast Abby Howard won bronze on vault with a score of 9.475.

Sarah Quan of Ladera Ranch became the Region 1 Champion on bars with a score of 9.700, her sixth gold of the season on bars. She was also crowned the regional champion on beam with a gold medal score of 9.650. Quan took silver on floor (9.500) and finished second in the all-around competition with a 38.000.

Teammate Allison Karner of Laguna Niguel won silver medals on vault (9.500) and the all-around (37.925) along with bronze on bars (9.600).

Level 9 gymnast Anna Vultaggio of Coto de Caza scored 35.350, taking

Dana Point Times April 20-26, 2018

seventh place in the all-around to secure her spot at the upcoming Western National Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah where she will face off against the best gymnasts from 25 states.

These wins add to Olympica’s Level 7-10 teams’ record breaking year of 30 bronze, 47 silver and 40 gold medal wins in the seven-meet season.

Bella Collina Golf Team Wins South County Cup

A team of golfers from Bella Collina San Clemente used their home-course advantage to hold off charges from the teams of San Juan Hills Golf Club, San Clemente Municpal Golf Course, and Shorecliffs Golf Course to take the title and trophy for this year’s South County Cup Golf Tournament on April 14 and 15 at Bella Collina San Clemente.

Each club fielded a team of 16 players that competed in a two-day Ryder Cup match play format that saw team-partner play on Saturday in best-ball and alternate shot formats and individual match play on Sunday. Each match was worth one point for a win.

Bella Collina team captains Tim Fyffe and Craig Hammer led their team to victory that saw an extremely tight battle for the second spot as well.

With the final results tallied, Bella Collina posted the win with 20 points, and San Juan Hills and San Clemente Municipal tied for second at 15 points. Shorecliffs followed closely in third at 14 points.

The fourth edition of this event, having now completed the rotation among all four of the area golf courses, will move back to Shorecliffs for next year’s competition.

Page 12

he Orange County Track and Field Championships boys team title race came down to the 4x400-meter relay, the final event of the day on Saturday, April 14 at Mission Viejo High School.

Dana Hills, owner of the top county 4x400 time going into the day, made its title claim in record-setting fashion.

The Dolphins’ 4x400 team of junior Nathan Fatigate and seniors Brandon Oswald, Josh Dowdy and Max Halvax won the race in 3:16.80 to break the 13-year-old school record and 25-year-old meet record and clinch the OC Championships team title.

Dana Hills edged out Mission Viejo, 6860, for the team points title.

Halvax also took second in the 400-meter and fourth in the 200-meter. Dowdy finished fourth in the 800-meter.

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ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

The Dana Hills boys track and field team celebrates their Championship team title. Photo: Courtesy

Senior thrower Max McKhann added to the championship cause with an individual title in the discus throw. McKann threw a personal-record mark of 179 feet, nine inches.

Dana Hills’ distance team came through with major points in the boys 3,200-meter.

Senior Jack Landgraf and sophomore Caleb Niednagel finished 1-2 in the twomile race. Landgraf claimed back-to-back county 3,200 titles in 9:26.27, and Niednagel ran second at 9:26.82.

Dana Hills’ girls 4x400 team claimed the only girls win for the Dolphins.

Juniors Jaden Haskins, Ximena Bustos and Hailey Ray and sophomore Anisa Rind won the 4x400 title at 3:52.59. DP ICE CREAM

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INSURANCE SERVICES

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State Farm/Ted Bowersox

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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

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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

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

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

EZ UP FOR SALE - GENTLY USED Almost new EZ Up for sale. Perfect for the beach! Comes with carrying bag. $50.

949.533.9761.

GARAGE SHELVING FOR SALE I have a few different setups available. Prices vary. Call or text for more info or photos.

949.533.9761.

GARAGE SALES FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2018 8am-12pm. X st’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares

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

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.

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

VOLUNTEERS WANTED PET PROJECT FOUNDATION Pet Project Foundation is looking for Front Office Volunteers to assist at the San ClementeDana Point Animal Shelter. See our website at petprojectfoundation.org/WaysToHelp/ FrontDesk or contact us with questions via email at volunteercoordinator@petprojectfoundation.org

WANTED STAMPS! Buying Large Postage Stamp Collections.

Nick (619) 672-0434 Dana Point Times April 20–26, 2018

Page 13

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Opinion: Surf Community Starts to Wake Up San Onofre surf community starts to take on the issue of nuclear waste on their beach

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

o be frank, the surf community’s response to the nuclear waste situation at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) has been apathetic at best. Somehow, the toll road dilemma generates more attention and more buzz than the fact that at this moment there are four questionable canisters of nuclear waste buried yards from the waterline at San O. Why aren’t there more “No Nukes” bumper stickers on cars around town?

The amount of nuclear waste stored at the SONGS site includes 51 old canisters and potentially 73 new ones, which can be hazardous to human health—there are even signs posted by the fences that ward off people from going near the facility.

Meanwhile, everyone from local rippers to old salts to young hipsters and first-time surfers have been playing in the ocean, contently disregarding the threat of exposure to radiation lurking over their shoulders.

But recently, the conscience of the local surf community has been stirred by an impassioned photographer, surfer, mother and San Clemente resident, Andrea Coleman. In recent weeks, Coleman has partnered with her friends at the San Onofre Surf Co. to launch an awareness campaign.

“The vibe at San O is shock and disgust, but most don’t know how they can help.

It’s bigger than most of us. My theory was that I needed to make everyone wake up and pay attention,” said Coleman, who launched a campaign to sell T-shirts to raise money for marketing her cause. “I met with Joey Lambert, the creator of San Onofre Surf Co., and asked if he would be willing to help with a T-shirt design that we could sell and put 100 percent of the profits to a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times. Joey didn’t even hesitate. He and

The San Onofre surf crew stands up against burying nuclear waste on their beach. Photo: Andrea Coleman

the San Onofre Surf Co. jumped right in.”

Coleman and crew launched a social media campaign that was an immediate success. Surf publications like SURFER Magazine and Surfline picked up on it and amplified their voice. As of press time, Coleman was halfway to her fundraising goal.

The support was overwhelming, but one thing that struck Coleman was the hesitancy of some of the community’s most influential athletes to jump into the fray.

She said because of their social media presence, it would help to have some notable faces supporting her efforts.

“They surf here, have skateparks named after them here, yet can’t do a quick post to support something so serious in their own backyard?” Coleman said.

The latest development at the SONGS site should be enough to alarm everyone. After the first four new canisters were placed in storage last month, it was discovered that they’ve had issues.

“Four-inch-long, stainless-steel pins inserted at the bottom of 18-foot aluminum shims are defective,” said Gary Headrick, the founder of San Clemente Green and an activist who opposes the storage of spent nuclear fuel at SONGS. “Southern California Edison (SCE)found a loose pin at the bottom of one canister after loading four canisters with fuel. This new shim design aids helium cooling of the fuel. Although Edison attempts to assure us that the four canisters that have already been loaded using this flawed design will be safe for storage, they admit that transporting them later may prove to be problematic. They also admitted they cannot inspect the bottom of the shims, so they do not know the condition of the pins in the loaded canisters.”

SCE is the majority owner of SONGS. Page 14

Compounding the design issues is the location. Storing the canisters brings up a litany of potential environmental-related problems.

“As sea level rises, the containers are subjected to elements that they are simply not designed to handle,” San Diego Mayor Len Hering told KPBS. “That in itself should be a significant risk that is of concern to the citizens, but also to the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense, recognizing that, should there be a breach, that Pendleton would basically be useless. God only knows what the contamination containment area might be.

The risks are significantly greater than we should have to endure.”

Coleman and her friends at the San Onfore Surf Co. have got the ball rolling in the surf community, but it’s going to take long, dedicated fight to save their beach and Southern California. Who else is in?

“I’m not a scientist or nuclear physicist, but you don’t need to be to know that this is a disaster waiting to happen,” Coleman concluded. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 56-60 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Small WNW swell mix through the weekend is good for waist high (3’) and under surf. New South swell builds in for the weekend with chest-head high+ (4-5’+) surf at best southerly exposures. Light winds for the mornings, turning to light-moderate onshore flow each afternoon. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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