April 2, 2021 by Dana Point Times

APRIL 2-8, 2021 | VOLUME 14, ISSUE 14

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

U S E

Inside:

Dana Hills Freshman Wows Judges on ‘American Idol’ EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Editor’s Pick: Bunny Hop Trolley GETTING OUT/PAGE 8

Planting a Story Ocean Institute, Tree of Life Nursery Restore Native Plant Garden E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Dan Goldbacher (left) of Ocean Institute and Kevin Allison of Tree of Life Nursery selected native plants that would boost the Old Cove Native Plant Garden’s biodiversity. Photo: Lillian Boyd

County’s Move to Orange Tier Eases Restrictions

Female Kicker Makes History for DHHS Football

New Lash Studio Opens in Lantern District

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 10

DP LIVING/PAGE 9

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Dana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

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What’s Up With... TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Dana Hills Freshman Ava August Impresses Judges on ‘American Idol’ BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

Ava August (Zaharek), a 15-year-old Dana Hills High School freshman, has progressed into the top 24 round of ABC-TV’s American Idol after impressing the judges with one of her own original songs. In a previous episode, August paired with Hunter Metts to sing a genre tune by Robyn, “Dancing on My Own,” in Calum Scott’s version. She and Metts, a 22-year-old indie-pop singer from Tennessee, decided to team up after meeting on the hotel rooftop, she says. After the performance, however, the judges told them “no more playing it safe.” “I decided to do an original song, and it was a huge risk, because doing an original on the show can be very scary,” August said. “And so I just stayed true to myself, and I kind of blocked out everything around me. I stayed with my roots.” In the performance that aired on Monday, March 29, she decided to sing “Ghost of You,” written during the pandemic about eight months ago in her bedroom. “I wrote the song about just a strong emotion I was feeling, just like losing someone who you love dearly and them

kind of leaving you … going away out of your life,” August said. “That’s what the song is about, how you’re left with the ghost.” August performed her song without a band or backup. “It was really meaningful. It means a lot to me and is very close to my heart,” August said. “So I performed that song and gave it my all. I put everything out there; I poured my emotions out.” August’s mother, Ava Zaharek, acknowledged the risk in August’s choice to sing and play guitar on her own. “Everyone else had a band behind them. And they were doing these big numbers, and Ava just went out and bared her soul with a guitar,” Zaharek said. “It actually ended up being a great move, because it was different. It showed her artistry.” Zaharek added that it was emotional to see her daughter’s performance, since she had watched August write the song in her bedroom. “I actually cried through the song,” Zaharek said. “To see the response of people being so kind and loving, the songs

connecting with them, has been so cool.” August credits Ray Medina, her Advanced Placement (AP) music theory teacher at Dana Hills, for helping her in her journey. Influences include The Beatles, Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Shawn Mendes, Julia Michaels and Adele. Prior to the pandemic, August would perform at local spots, such as in Laguna Beach, farmers markets, and the Irvine Spectrum. She’s even sung the national anthem at an L.A. Kings game. But performing an original song on national television has been a highlight, she says. “It was probably the best feeling I’ve had so far. It made me really emotional, because it shows you that anything’s

County’s Move to Orange Tier Eases Restrictions

been expected for some time, as case numbers continue decreasing, in contrast to rising cases in other parts of the country. Orange County entered the red “substantial” risk tier in mid-March after previously being in the purple “widespread” risk tier—the most restrictive of the tiers. Among the orange tier’s guidelines are allowing museums, zoos, and aquariums to open indoors at 50% capacity, allowing indoor pools to open at fitness centers and hotels, and allowing bars to open outdoors only with modifications. People are still encouraged to wear masks, avoid large crowds, and practice social distancing. Under the red tier, some limited-capacity indoor operations had been permitted for restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters. The move to orange from red essentially allows the return of more indoor activities and business operations. Orange County reported 7,248

COVID-19 tests on Tuesday, and it has more than 3.3 million cumulative tests so far. There have been 242,669 recoveries to date. Fourteen deaths from COVID-19 were reported in Orange County on Tuesday. There have been 4,740 cumulative deaths in Orange County to date. A majority of counties in California are in the red tier, though the number in the orange tier has grown. There are now three counties in the widespread tier, 36 in the substantial tier, 17 counties in the moderate tier, and two in the minimal tier. On the vaccine front, the state reported it had administered more than 18 million vaccine doses, with nearly 1.43 million of those being administered here in Orange County as of Tuesday—an increase by 203,463 from a week ago. Nationally, the United States has reported 30.4 million COVID-19 cases and a total of approximately 550,000 deaths.

BY COLLIN BREAUX, DANA POINT TIMES

Restaurants are now allowed to increase indoor capacity, bowling centers and other indoor entertainment can reopen at limited capacity, and other restrictions on economic sectors have eased after Orange County was moved into the orange tier on Wednesday, March 31. The county was given the green light to move down to the less-restrictive orange “moderate” risk tier in the state’s four-tier, color-coded COVID-19 monitoring system, Orange County 5th District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett announced on Tuesday, March 30. The move down to the orange tier has Dana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

Ava August. Photo: Courtesy of Zackary Zaharek

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possible and that you can write a song and sing it to your walls one month and then in a split second can air on national television,” August said. “With millions of people hearing it and getting feedback from all these people, and so it was so crazy to me, and just I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to showcase something that was original and something that came from my heart and was so pure and true to me.” The next episode of American Idol features contestants showcasing their talent by performing duets with surprise celebrity guests. It airs on ABC on Monday, April 4, at 8 p.m. Pacific time. Zara Flores contributed to this report.

Dana Point COVID-19 UPDATES as of March 31

cases

deaths

total

1,482

last 30 days

est. population • 34,000 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

California has reported approximately 3.66 million cases and 59,011 deaths. There have been approximately 128 million cases reported worldwide. danapointtimes.com

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Ocean Institute and Tree of Life Nursery Restore Native Plant Garden BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

Any time you make a garden, Tree of Life Nursery founder Mike Evans says it’s important to ask yourself what kind of story you are trying to tell. As a way to tell the story of the Pilgrim’s legacy, Ocean Institute is partnering with San Juan Capistrano’s Tree of Life Nursery in restoration of the Old Cove Native Plant Garden located behind the Institute’s campus by incorporating pieces of the iconic vessel and installing native plant species. The Pilgrim was once a full-sized 1945 replica of the merchant ship that Richard Henry Dana detailed in his classic novel Two Years Before the Mast. It keeled overnight about a year ago and sank in her slip at Dana Point Harbor. The Ocean Institute and other stakeholders, including the U.S. Coast Guard, determined she could not be safely removed from her slip without demolition. Her removal was performed piece by piece over the span of a week with extreme caution, allowing Ocean Institute crewmembers to salvage items for future display. Now the Ocean Institute will incorporate items for display into the garden. “So far, we’ve used sections of the ribs or framing cut down into pieces to create walkways that lead through the garden,” said Dan Goldbacher, the Ocean Institute’s director of maritime programs and campus facilities. “We’re going to keep

Volunteers at Ocean Institute worked with Tree of Life Nursery to install native plant species that will offer essential resources for native fauna. Photo: Lillian Boyd

bringing in pieces that will be incorporated into educational field trips.” Staff also created a staircase using natural landscape and the ship’s planking. With the garden showcasing native plant species from the California coast and Channel Islands, Goldbacher adds that the project will serve as an educational tool on geology, Native American history, ecology, and Richard Henry Dana’s voyage to the area. While the nursery was first involved in efforts in the original garden in 2001, the latest project will include 40 different plant species. “One of the cool things with this

garden is we created it so it can be accessible for everyone,” Goldbacher said. “There’s a rhyme and reason for everything that’s there. We plan to install interpretive signage so people can better understand the importance of native plants, native American uses, medicinal properties and more.” Goldbacher worked with Evans and Kevin Allison, both of Tree of Life Nursery, in selecting plants that were drought-tolerant, increase local pollinators and could handle the nearby coastal ocean spray. “The proximity to the ocean itself is what’s setting this garden apart,” Evans said. “But the overall story that this garden will tell is what makes it really unique. It’s going to tell several stories to thousands of visitors. We’re giving back to the community. Ocean Institute is the ideal steward because they reach so many people of all ages from all over.” According to Allison, the nursery’s production manager, the garden has a solid foundation of native plants that have naturalized without additional irrigation since Tree of Life Nursery’s initial involvement, thriving on rainwater alone. “Our goal was to plant more species to increase the garden’s biodiversity,” Allison said. “We also chose plants that are not only visually attractive to us humans, but will offer essential resources for our native fauna. These plants will provide food and nesting material for birds, nectar, and host plants for butterflies and other pollinators.” Some of the plants selected for the garden include Beach evening primrose, Wishbone bush, California Aster and Cali-

Kevin Allison, the production manager at Tree of Life Nursery, works with an Ocean Institute volunteer to plant native species at the Old Cove Native Plant Garden on Saturday, March 27. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Dana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

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fornia Box Thorn. “We also included plants with historical value for humans as food, natural medicine and boat-building materials,” Allison added. “All these factors are in efforts to help the Ocean Institute’s educational mission while providing and sustainable natural garden for our community.” Overarching goals for the garden were to increase its biodiversity by planting more plants native throughout coastal Southern California, the Channel Islands and Baja. Evans and Allison picked plants with highly supportive traits for local wildlife, such as nectar and seeds. For Allison, the garden’s stories of maritime and plant education are also personal. “My fondest memory was the weekend outings on the tall ships when I was about 8 and 9 years old. It was a big inspiration for me wanting to become a sailor,” said Allison, a Dana Point resident and boater. In addition to carrying out the Tree of Life Nursery’s dedication to this garden, Allison will be volunteering with the Ocean Institute as a Dana Point resident, bringing his horticultural experience and study of natural history to the garden. “My garden at home in Dana Point has a similar theme with plants from coastal California and the Channel Islands,” Allison said. While Allison’s home garden incorporates native plants in celebration of local ecosystems, species were also selected in tribute to his wife, telling the story of their relationship with plant species spotted on their initial nature hikes together. “I want to help the Ocean Institute plants thrive and tell their story for others in the community to explore and discover,” Allison said. Goldbacher says the garden will be utilized for education as part of the many programs the Ocean Institute offers, including its work in serving more than 10,000 underprivileged youth each year. The maritime director was one of the first Ocean Institute staffers to receive the phone call early Sunday morning last year that the Pilgrim had sunk at her slip. Having cared for the vessel prior to sinking, and helping oversee her excavation and demolition efforts to the end, the installation of her parts serves as some form of closure. “The Pilgrim came to the Ocean Institute for education,” Goldbacher said. “It hurt to see her go. But now she’s going to continue to serve her purpose in a different way.” For those interested in donating to the Ocean Institute’s restoration efforts, Goldbacher can be contacted at dgoldbacher@oceaninstitute.org. danapointtimes.com

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NEWS NEXT DOOR:

San Clemente City Council Looks to Abandon TCA BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, DANA POINT TIMES

The city of San Clemente may be looking to take the nearest exit from the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), as the city council next week is slated to take up discussions on how to proceed in withdrawing from the joint powers authority (JPA) that formed the toll road operators. When the council meets on April 6, it will consider acting on a handful of toll road-related matters, including the proposal to remove San Clemente as a TCA member—an idea that officials on the dais believe could avert the 241 Toll Road from ever extending through town. “The time has come for the lunacy to end. We must move away from the TCA-imposed drama and angst,” Mayor Pro Tem Gene James said during a special council meeting on March 23. “It’s not good for the TCA’s stated mission of South County mobility, and it’s not good for the city of San Clemente.” The proposed discussion comes after the TCA Boards of Directors voted to oppose Sen. Patricia Bates’ pair of measures unless amended. The bills, if passed and enacted, would have the 241 permanently end at Oso Parkway and provide further protection from development within the city’s open space. That vote has since stoked further distrust in the TCA, locally, and prompted renewed fears among councilmembers who believe the agencies could one day attempt to convert an extended Los Patrones Parkway—a free arterial thoroughfare—into a toll road connecting to Interstate 5 via San Clemente. Tony Beall, mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita and a member on the Foothill/ Eastern TCA board, argued against those fears, stating that anyone who’s suggesting the TCA is plotting and planning future road construction through San Clemente is spreading misinformation. “The TCA is not planning or plotting future road construction in the city of San Clemente,” Beall emphatically said on Monday, March 29. He noted that the TCA boards voted to oppose Bates’ bills, because “they are bad transportation policy; it’s not because we have a secret plot. It’s because they’re poorly drafted transportation policies.” In response to the potential vote, the TCA said that it wouldn’t weigh in on the matter, other than to say it respects the city’s rights to discuss such action. “We do think it would be unfortunate Dana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

for San Clemente to give up its voice on mobility issues affecting South Orange County, in which TCA is a committed partner,” it said an emailed statement on Wednesday, March 31.

relief studies are necessary “that might necessitate further extension of the roadway.” And this past February, he criticized Bates for misinterpreting the TCA’s March 2020 vote and repeating “a false narrative” that her measure to have the 241 end at Oso Parkway would “codify the actions that this agency took.” “We said that during our lifetimes, it’s expected that it wouldn’t go beyond that, but that we were going to leave—because we don’t have a perfect crystal ball—decisions to be made in the future, about mobility and transportation needs.” Asked whether the TCA should be considering mobility problems in the future if its mandate is to pay off its debt and convert the toll roads into free highways, Beall said he was referring to all agencies that deal with traffic issues. “Those agencies will be responding for generations,” he said. As far as any consideration of extending the toll road, Beall said, “We’re done. Period … there’s no secret plan to build a toll road through the city of San Clemente.”

FUTURE PLANS The council convened a special meeting on March 23 to address the ongoing concerns with the toll road and provide a report on a stakeholders’ meeting that was expected to have taken place beforehand. The stakeholders’ meeting, which hadn’t yet occurred by March 23, was to include officials from the city, TCA, Orange County Transportation Authority and Rancho Mission Viejo. It was intended, as Ward previously explained, to iron out a solution on any toll road extension. Ward said this week that the stakeholders’ meeting is scheduled for April 6, prior to when the council will meet. At that time, the stakeholders will discuss how to come to a consensus on moving forward cooperatively. “That’s the thing—we do a have a cooperative agreement where we’ve all agreed to advance Los Patrones,” Ward explained. “It’s just one person in the entire county that we’re hearing different from that doesn’t agree with what we’ve done, and that’s the TCA. They keep talking about a possible toll road through the city in the future, if a future board decides to do it again.” In March 2020, the Foothill/Eastern TCA Board voted to pursue the extension of Los Patrones as an untolled route that would extend further south from Cow Camp Road in Rancho Mission Viejo and end roughly 700 feet inside the northern city limits on Avenida La Pata. The vote, which Beall said he believed should have alleviated the “distrust and anxiety that some members of San Clemente felt,” was based on studies and analyses that found proposed toll road routes to be unnecessary. Beall further noted that extending Los Patrones was the preferred option based on the goal of “achieving the greatest amount of traffic mobility enhancement with the least amount of public opposition.” “The study showed no additional roadway through the city of San Clemente was foreseeable at all,” he said. At last week’s special meeting, though, the city presented a nearly 8½-minute video outlining the city’s history and timeline battling the toll road. In it, the city used audio of statements Beall had made related to Bates’ bills during two previous TCA meetings. Last May, Beall had stated that while he didn’t expect the need for further traffic analysis in “our lifetime,” future representatives and TCA board members may determine that additional traffic

LEGISLATION The latest discussions on the toll road stem from Sen. Bates’ two bills currently making their way through the state legislature. The first, SB 760, proposes to amend the Streets and Highways Code to state that the 241 end at Oso Parkway, east of Mission Viejo. The Highways Code currently states that “Route 241 is from Route 5 south of San Clemente to Route 91 in the City of Anaheim.” SB 760 mirrors Bates’ previous measure, SB 1373, which had passed the State Senate last year, but died in the State Assembly, as lawmakers were only considering legislation on COVID-19 recovery for the remainder of the session. Her second bill, SB 761, looks to prohibit any road planning agency from constructing, funding and operating any development of a thoroughfare on San Clemente land deemed as open space or a conservation easement. During the TCA Boards’ discussion on the bills, Orange County Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett emphasized that Los Patrones will remain a county-owned arterial road. She also raised the concern that the bills would take away local control. Both TCA boards voted to oppose the bills unless amended, as members intend to meet with Bates to discuss possible changes. ‘FARE’ SHARE In addition to the discussion on leaving the JPA, Councilmember James last week also proposed a plan to withhold the development impact fees (DIF) that city Page 5

Renewed fears that the TCA could use the planned extension of Los Patrones Parkway to extend the 241 Toll Road have prompted councilmembers to propose drastic proposals such as exiting the joint powers authority that formed the toll road agencies. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

residents and developers pay to the TCA. Since its inception in 1987, the TCA has collected fees from property owners of new developments built within the cities and unincorporated areas that benefit from the toll roads. As of the end of 2020, the city’s total contribution in impact fees to the TCA amounted to just shy of $54.76 million— about 7% of the $765.74 million the toll road agencies had collected, according to DIF data that the city presented last week. San Clemente’s fees far exceed that of other South County cities such as the Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano and Aliso Viejo. Only the County of Orange and the cities of Irvine and Lake Forest have paid more. The city has argued that its residents haven’t benefited from the toll roads, because the southern alignment of the 241 was never built. Last September, the council voted to notify the TCA that it breached its JPA agreement by eliminating the road alignment in “San Clemente’s area of benefit without even studying commensurate reduction in San Clemente DIFs.” The DIFs, the TCA explained, pool money from member cities to fund transportation infrastructure in the region. Each member city, including San Clemente, voted to impose the fees on new developments “because they understood the regional nature of transportation needed to support their growing communities.” “The roads constructed today benefit all member agencies, including the City of San Clemente, and this will continue to be true for all future developments within the designated areas of benefit,” the TCA said in its email. Ward explained that should the council vote to move forward next week, it would mark the next step in the process of challenging the fees that started last summer. To read the full version of this article, visit danapointtimes.com. DP danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | by Wendy Marshall

The Latest Happenings and Events to Come at Ocean Institute

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

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Advertising Sales (SJC) Debra Wells

EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo

After a year of limited operations in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Ocean Institute will open its doors to the public in a grand opening on April 10. Photo: File

cean Institute is pleased to welcome back the public to the grand opening of our campus and learning spaces on April 10. After a year of virtual and outdoor activities, we could not be more excited to open fully, including two brand-new exhibits that enable visitors to explore our local marine life in a hands-on and interactive way. The Sahm Family Foundation Marine Education Center featuring shark encounters was slated to celebrate its grand opening on March 18, 2020. Over a year later, we are thrilled to open our doors to this engaging exhibit. Visitors will learn about shark anatomy, life cycles, research, and conservation, through artifacts, interactive demonstrations, and our beautiful horn shark touch tank. These gentle and beautiful creatures are fascinating educators and ambassadors, as they innocently showcase the beautiful features of sharks. The new offerings continue with our Marine Mammal exhibit in the Chambers Gallery. Explore the conservation of marine mammals in an all new exhibit featuring the ecological history of whales and dolphins and their place in our modern-day environment. This exhibit will hallmark never-before-seen artifacts, information about all the different marine mammals, and highlights of brandDana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

new partnerships Ocean Institute has developed to bring you directly into the thralls of taking action to protect marine mammals. Those who join our Marine Mammal cruises will get exclusive access to the exhibit prior to the departure of their cruise. In addition to our GUEST OPINION new exhibits, our BY WENDY MARSHALL talented staff and volunteers stand ready to guide visitors through a wide range of experiences. From squid dissections to panning for gold, archeology and artifact explorations to “getting granular” with sand, sounds of the sea to sea star feeding behaviors, raising sails to lowering the mud grab, the knowledgeable Ocean Institute staff is ready to guide and explore with you! Opening our doors again does not mean that we will close down the many outdoor activities that we have created to meet the public’s need for enrichment during the pandemic. Our tide pool hikes, geology walks, and kayak tours continue to bring visitors to some of the most interesting and captivating spaces in our harbor, and visitors can experience the wonders of native plants in the

recently restored native plant garden with our naturalist team. While our land-based offerings offer phenomenal learning experiences, our on-the-water programs connect visitors to the ocean in unforgettable ways. Whether you choose to join the crew while sailing on the Spirit of Dana Point or become an oceanographer for the day on the R/V Sea Explorer, nature puts on a show each day, and it is our pleasure to give you a front-row seat. Once back on land, our gift shop, now located in the main lobby, offers souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Ocean Institute is open to the public on weekends and non-school days from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. We are thankful to our community for supporting us through the most difficult days, and look forward to opening our doors again, better than ever! Wendy Marshall serves as CEO and President of the Ocean Institute. Marshall joined the nonprofit organization in 2017 as Vice President of Education and brings leadership experience in education organizations in for-profit and nonprofit sectors. 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.

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City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex O P E R AT I O N S General Manager Alyssa Garrett

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director Mike Reed Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent, Chloe Anady

Dana Point Times, Vol. 14 Issue 14. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GETTING OUT

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

FRIDAY | 02 VIRTUAL CONCERT: NOMIS THE JUST 2 p.m. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens concludes its virtual mini concert series with Oceanside-based DJ and rapper Nomis the Just. Resident DJ for multiple Toast to the Casa events, Nomis returns to perform a set of his original music for the first time at Casa Romantica. The virtual concert will debut on Casa Romantica’s YouTube channel released on its social media. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org. ONLINE TOUR OF MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 3 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano is offering online guided tours of its historic grounds every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Learn about the history and see the charming grounds and gardens of this South Orange County landmark. Cost is $45 for up to four devices, and the Zoom tour lasts up to an hour. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Check the Mission website for exact hours. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.

SATURDAY | 03 DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags to the Dana Point Farmers Market. California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market, and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, hand-made soaps, and unique one-of-akind gifts. The Dana Point Farmers Market is located in La Plaza Park on Pacific Coast Highway and is open every Saturday. SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, Dana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

Editor’s Pick Photo: File

SUNDAY | 03 BUNNY HOP TROLLEY 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Easter Bunny and his helpers from the City of Dana Point Recreation Division will be riding on the Bunny Hop Trolley distributing pre-packaged gift bags with Easter eggs and goodies for kids up to age 12. Remember to wear a cloth face covering and maintain social distancing. For more information, contact the Recreation Division at 949.248.3536. The Bunny Hop Trolley will be stopping at the following locations: Pines Park, 9-9:30 a.m.; Sunset Park, 10-10:30 a.m.; Dana Woods Park, 11-11:30 a.m.; and Sea Canyon Park, noon-12:30 p.m.

favorite artists, as well as some new faces. 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.218.5378. info@scdba.org. scdba.org/.

dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. Those attending are encouraged to practice responsible social distancing. Face masks are not mandatory but are recommended. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

SUNDAY | 04 SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949 361 8200. san-clemente.org.

WEDNESDAY | 07

VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Village Art Faire, hosted by the San Clemente Downtown Business Association and now located in the SC Community Center parking lot, offers a variety of work, including photography, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, fused glass, home décor, botanicals, textile art, and more. Visitors can expect to find many of their

AN ORCHESTRA OF OC: EVENING OF DVORAK AND MOZART 7 p.m. Listen to the music of the beloved composers in a rare evening of live classical music in 2021. This evening will take place outdoors in Casa Romantica’s Page 8

Courtyard and will feature a quintet of classical performers. The evening will also be kicked off by a musical performance from alumni of Casa Romantica’s Summer Music Festival and Academy. Admission price ranges from $35 to $40. There are also a select number of $1 tickets for children ages 6-16. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org. BACKYARD OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads’ backyard is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com. danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

NEW LASH STUDIO OPENS IN LANTERN DISTRICT D BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

oors to Artistic Volume Lashes in Dana Point officially opened on Monday, March 29. Founded by Alma Valladares, Artistic Volume Lashes aims to bridge the gap between an innovative technique of eyelash extension application and a spa-like experience. Eyelash extensions are a fast-growing niche, particularly in South Orange County. With her esthetician background and experience in organizing lash technician events and competitions, Valladares says her new studio creates a relaxing environment for her clients in addition to the expert application of lashes—setting her apart from most lash studios. “I’ve brought judges together from all over the world,” Valladares said. “These events showcased the newest technology, techniques and products. I learned what the best of the best is.” Priding herself in the precision and quality of lash application, Valladares says that maintaining the health of the natural lash while accentuating one’s features is most important.

“I look at your eye shape, I see what you have, and I’ll work to enhance your eyes,” Valladares said. “We taper and blend the lashes. We want the client’s eyes to pop without the lashes distracting from their appearance.” Valladares, who grew up in Dana Point, first opened her business in Newport Beach, after a career in freelance makeup and going to school to be a facialist. “After being (in Newport Beach) for three years, I knew I wanted to move to my hometown of Dana Point,” she said. Valladares adds that she finds joy in teaching others and will be launching AVL Academy to teach prospective technicians how to apply lashes. With lash extensions becoming more popular and the business becoming more competitive, Valladares says it’s still important for her to be uplifting and supportive within the lash community. “A lot of women make up the lash industry. I believe women should help each other,” Valladares said. “Before the pandemic, we did meet-up groups. But we always to try help each other, especially through the pandemic. I want to

Alma Valladares (right), founder of Artistic Volume Lashes, officially moved her business from Newport Beach to her hometown of Dana Point, alongside Emily Brook. Photo: Lillian Boyd

continue that by collaborating with other businesses. I want to give back to the city.” Artistic Volume Lashes is located at

34192 Violet Lantern, Ste. #3, Dana Point. For more information, call 949.573.1023 or visit artisticvolumelashes.com.

Sudoku BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

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

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Carmel Photo: OC Public Libraries/Tom Sizemore

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The photograph was taken of San Clemente surfboard maker Tom “Sudz” Sizemore with his board on Salt Creek Beach in approximately 1983-1985. 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 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com.

Dana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

DANA POINT TIMES

en-year-old Carmel is an absolute sweetheart. Though she may be considered a senior cat, she definitely still has a lot of pep in her step. Carmel is both active and outgoing and never fails to greet you with a happy meow. With her loving, yet independent, personality, Carmel would be a great fit in almost any home. If you are interested in adopting Carmel, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Breaking Barriers Dana Hills kicker Leah West and special teams coach Mikki St. Germain make history BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

riday, March 26 was a historic night for the Dana Hills football program. Not for the Dolphins’ 34-7 win over Woodbridge, not for the back-toback, 2-0 starts and not for any of quarterback Bo Kelly’s five total touchdowns. Dana Hills made history with an extra point. Early in the second quarter after the Dolphins had scored their fourth touchdown of the game for a 26-0 lead, senior kicker Leah West came onto the field to break a barrier. West’s PAT kick sailed between the uprights for the extra point and the 27-0 lead, making West the first female player to score a point in a varsity football game in Dana Hills history. “It was pure joy, pure excitement,” West said. “It was an indescribable feeling knowing that I could be the first one to make history here. I didn’t know when I joined the team I’d be making history. I just wanted to play football.” In her first practice at Dana Hills in February of last year, Dolphins co-head coach Curtis Madden told West he wanted her to be the first female to score a point at Dana Hills. West said that was when her desire to play football morphed into her chance to leave a legacy, which she cemented with her Friday night kick. “It felt like a year’s worth of 5 a.m. practices, four hours of practice a day, every single day, came up to the culmination of this moment,” West said. “Coach Mikki looked at me and said, ‘You’ve got it, girl. Go out there and do what you were meant to do.’” “Coach Mikki” is Dana Hills special teams coach Mikki St. Germain, who is the first female coach in Dana Hills football history. St. Germain was as proud as anyone else on the field on Friday. “I’m going to be honest with you, I got choked up,” St. Germain said. “To see her break a glass ceiling, I could just feel it. I Dana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

Dana Hills kicker Leah West became the first female in history to score a point for the Dolphins football team on Friday, and she’s coached by Dana Hills’ first female football coach, Mikki St. Germain. Photo: Dana Hills Football

was just overwhelmed with excitement, and plus the rest of the team celebrated. I was really touched by that, that they celebrated her.” St. Germain said the Dolphins players have embraced West as a teammate, not just as the kicker and not just as the girl, because she’s earned their respect. “She puts in the work,” St. Germain said. “She doesn’t make excuses, she doesn’t say she can’t do something. She will go in and do everything they’re doing, and they see her as part of a team.” West’s journey to the Dana Hills gridiron was sparked by the Dana Hills Homecoming game in October 2019. Amid all of the pomp, circumstance and atmosphere that the Homecoming game provides, there was a thriller on the field as well, as the Dolphins and Laguna Hills battled back and forth into overtime, when Dana Hills lost on a two-point conversion by the Hawks. It was then that the then-soccer player aimed for a different goal. “I just remember being in the stands with my friends,” West said, “and feeling the excitement on the field and the roar of the band. It was an amazing feeling, and it felt like I was meant to be on that field.” West then joined the team in February of 2020 for practices, and as a soccer player, she found the natural transition to kicker and the special-teams unit, where she met St. Germain. “I had no idea when I joined the team that they had a special teams’ coordina-

tor who was female,” West said. “Once I realized it, I can’t imagine my experience any other way. She’s been so supportive, and she understands what it’s like to be a female in a typically male-dominated section. She gives me great advice about how to succeed no matter what obstacles are in front of me.” St. Germain is in her second season as the Dolphins special-teams coach, but she’s been in love with the game of football since she was 7 years old and watching the New York Giants with her dad. St. Germain said she wanted to play football more than anything else in high school, but at the time, that just wasn’t happening. Outside of being a fan, St. Germain didn’t become properly involved with football until her son started playing at age 6. She began as a team mom, and after knowing all the coaches over several years, she became an assistant coach. In 2015, St. Germain became the head coach of the South Orange County Patriots midget-level football team and helped lead them to a youth Super Bowl title. Dana Hills co-head coach Phil Skinner saw St. Germain’s efforts and hired her for the Dolphins for the past two seasons. As a woman who never played in a male-dominated sport, St. Germain has faced struggles in coaching. However, she said it’s never been from the players, and she’s never let an obstacle get in her way. “It wasn’t the kids; it was the parents,” St. Germain said, specifically of her time in youth football. “And that was unfortu-

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nate, it was, but I stepped right in and let my teams know this is what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. I don’t have the luxury of not knowing what I’m doing, so I had to set the precedent right then and there.” St. Germain said she’s been a sponge and soaked up as much football information as she can from every possible source. St. Germain has made connections with all of her players by treating them as if they were her own kids and family. “When I joined football, she was the first coach I had,” Dana Hills starting kicker Kian Afrookhteh said. “Of course, everyone’s going to talk, and everyone is going to say and have their opinion about having a female coach, but Coach Mikki is one of the greatest coaches I’ve had. She’s there for all the players, and no matter who you are, she’ll be there for you.” Several women have broken barriers in football over the past year. At the Super Bowl in February, Sarah Thomas became the first woman to referee a Super Bowl, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ assistant defensive line coach, Lori Locust, and assistant strength and conditioning coach, Maral Javadifar, became the first female coaches to win a Super Bowl. In the most recent college season, Vanderbilt’s Sarah Fuller became the first female to play in and score in an NCAA Division 1 “Power Five conference” football game. Add Dana Hills’ Leah West and Mikki St. Germain to the list of trailblazers. DP danapointtimes.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

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

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS

ATTORNEY

CAFE - DELI

Rosen Law Offices, P.C. 34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 5, Dana Point, 949.335.0020, snrosenlaw.com

AUTO REPAIR

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

BODY MIND SPIRIT Create a life Plan to attain the life and relationships you ideally want & deserve 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente (949)248-7377 Billmartinphd.com

Dana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

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

COFFEE SHOP

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

ICE CREAM

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

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

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection 1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing 1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, billmetzerplumbing.com UPHOLSTERY AND WINDOW TREATMENTS Jeddy’s Interiors 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 2 Dana Point, CA 92629 949-240-9569 www.jeddys.com Want to be featured here? Call Karen Banse at 949.244.1560

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danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216600649 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BANANABELLE BROWN 316 S CLEMENTINE ST ANAHEIM, CA 92805 Full Name of Registrant(s): ANABELLE BROWN 316 S CLEMENTINE ST ANAHEIM, CA 92805 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/05/2021 /s/ANABELLE BROWN This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/26/2021. Published in: Dana Point Times April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021

ect proposes an addition, cubic expansion, and a remodel to a legal nonconforming single-family residence located in the Residential Beach Road 12 (RBR 12) zone at 35537 Beach Road in the Floodplain Overlay (FP-3) District, Coastal Overlay District, and appeals jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission.

CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Project Numbers: CDP20-0028 and SDP20-0030 Project Location: 35537 Beach Road (APN 691-161-09) Project Representative: David Gutierrez Applicant: Ms. Torres, Property Owner Environmental: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is found to be Categorically Exempt per Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities). Hearing Date: Monday, April 12, 2021 Hearing Time: 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible) Hearing Location: 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Dana Point City Hall)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following:

All persons either favoring or opposing the subject project are invited to present their views to the Commission at this hearing.

Tentative Parcel Map TPM19-0004: A request to permit the subdivision of one lot into two lots at 35356 Del Rey in the Residential Single Family 7 (RSF 7) zoning district.

Note: This project may be appealed to the City Council. If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Dana Point prior to the public hearing. This project may also be appealed to the California Coastal Commission in accordance with Dana Point Municipal Code Section 9.69.090. The process includes, but is not limited to contacting the Coastal Commission for the appropriate forms and instructions to file an appeal.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Project Numbers: TPM19-0004 Project Location: 35356 Del Rey (APN 691-441-17) Applicant/Owner: Willy and William Lohse Environmental: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is found to be Categorically Exempt per Sections 15315 (Class 15 - Minor Land Divisions). April 12, 2021 Hearing Date: 6:00 PM (or as soon Hearing Time: thereafter as possible) Hearing Location: 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Dana Point City Hall) All persons either favoring or opposing the subject project are invited to present their views to the Commission at this hearing. Note: This project may be appealed to the City Council. If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Dana Point prior to the public hearing. For further information, please contact John Ciampa, Senior Planner at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248-3591. PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Coastal Development Permit CDP20-0028 and Site Development Permit SDP20-0030: The projDana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: GM DEVELOPMENT AND RENOVATION 1804 ARRIBA LINDA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 Full Name of Registrant(s): GREGORY L. MOORE 1804 ARRIBA LINDA SAN CLEMENTE, CA 92672 This business is conducted by an individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/GREGORY MOORE/GREGORY MOORE, PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/03/2021. Published in: Dana Point Times March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216598233 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: THE MOSSY POSSE 34824 CALLE DEL SOL CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624-9262 Full Name of Registrant(s): SUZANNE ELIZABETH SAKACH 34824 CALLE DEL SOL CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 JOANNA LEIGH HARTLEY BRIGHT 32942 BARQUE WAY DANA POINT, CA 92629 NOMI SOPHIE GERBER 30041 TESSIER #24 LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 This business is conducted by a Joint Venture. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A /s/SUZANNE ELIZABETH SAKACH/SUZANNE SAKACH, MANAGER

For further information, please contact John Ciampa at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248-3591. PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216599025 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: MUSIC EPICENTER 24292 TAXCO DR. DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): LEZLIE CAMPION 24292 TAXCO DR. DANA POINT, CA 92629 MICHAEL CAMPION 24292 TAXCO DR. DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by a Married Couple. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 02/14/2013 /s/LEZLIE CAMPION, MICHAEL CAMPION This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/11/2021. Published in: Dana Point Times April 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the Dana Point Times.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/04/2021. Published in: Dana Point Times March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01186225 To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Heren MingLi Chao-Schindler; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Heren Ming-Li Chao-Schindler PROPOSED NAME A. Helen Ming-Li Schindler The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing Date: 05/11/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Room: Remote Hearing. The address of the court is 700 Civic Center Drive, West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point Times Date: February 25, 2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times, March 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2021

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale ...and more

EMAIL legals@picketfencemedia.com CALL 949.388.7700, ext. 111

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216598075 Page 12

danapointtimes.com

CLASSIFIEDS

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

Submit your classified ad online at danapointtimes.com FOR RENT ROOM TO RENT $775 includes internet, cable, no pets. 949-661-5879

FOR SALE DANA POINT PHONE NUMBER FOR SALE 949-661-0000. $5,000. Richard (949)661-0000

HELP WANTED HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS FISHERMAN’S RESTAURANT Fisherman’s Restaurant on the San Clemente Pier is HIRING for ALL POSITIONS! -Cook, Dishwasher, Host, Server- Join our Team & enjoy the best view in the OC. Come down Mon-Fri 2-4pm for an application & interview! SOCIAL MEDIA/DIGITAL COORDINATOR Join an award-winning community media team and make an impact! Picket Fence Media, publisher of San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch, is hiring a Social Media/Digital Coordinator. The part-time position is responsible for daily posting on multiple social channels with an emphasis on increasing web traffic, growing the established audience base, and maintaining both internal and vendor-related social campaigns. This position is also responsible for posting all sold social media advertising across all channels and managing the reporting and analytics. The ideal candidate has 2+ years of collegiate or professional experience working in social media. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to jobs@picketfencemedia.com.

WAREHOUSE POSITION Must have experience in shipping and receiving, experience with using UPS software, fork-lift certified, requires lifting and must have valid Drivers License with a clean driving record. Full-Time, benefits, 401K. ... Please email your resume (if available) to: dromero@ndaonline.net To fill out an application please email request to: dromero@ndaonline.net Or contact the office to speak with Gil for warehouse position. Debe tener experiencia en el envío y bodega, forklift certificado, debe tener licencia de conducir válida con un registro de conducción limpio. Tiempo completo, beneficios, 401K. ... Por favor envíe su currículum (si está disponible) a: dromero@ndaonline.net Para llenar una solicitud por favor envíe un correo electrónico a: dromero@ndaonline.net O póngase en contacto con la oficina para hablar con Gil para el puesto de almacén/bodega. Telefono 949-492-4399

Dana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

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DP SURF

Just Keep Surfing If you start, don’t stop BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

n the early ’90s, the hottest up-andcoming surf talent around America could be found on the U.S. Bud Pro Tour. From San Clemente’s own Shane Beschen, to a spindly-legged Rob Machado, to the late, great Chris Brown, they all launched their pro careers on this nationwide series of events. But beyond providing a platform for aspiring pros, it also gave young surf fans—like myself at the time—a chance to rub elbows with the heroes we saw in the magazines. I’ll never forget standing on the boardwalk at Ocean Beach in San Francisco as a 13-year-old, when Matt “Archy” Archbold, fresh out of the water after a demanding heat, explained to one of his nearby buddies that the heavy shorebreak had ripped the watch off his wrist. My family had already conditioned me to fear the worst at Ocean Beach because of the “sleeper waves” and “undertow,” which made the loss of Archy’s watch seem even more dramatic and hardcore. Pro surfing was never in the cards for me, but when I finished college with a degree in English, I told my folks that I wanted to figure out a career in surfing. They must have been so bummed, but like the good parents they were, they

A pioneer of full-speed and radical surfing, Matt “Archy” Archbold is still in the zone well into his 50s. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente Boardriders

supported my decision. After a stint lifeguarding and writing dawn patrol surf reports for Surfline, I landed a job at Surfer magazine, which included taking out the trash, scrubbing toilets and answering phones when the receptionist took her lunch break. Working my way up to an editor posi-

tion, in 2007 I was lucky enough to work on the guest editor edition of Surfer with brothers Bruce and Andy Irons. During that process, I came to learn that Archy was Andy’s favorite surfer. “His surfing was so raw and powerful, he was radical,” explained Andy, the three-time world champion.

At one point, I found myself on the beach at Lowers with local legend Herbie Fletcher, watching the Irons boys and their crew destroy the A-frame peaks. Fletcher and I got to talking about them, as well as his sons Nathan and Christian. “Radical people do radical (stuff),” Fletcher remarked. That statement has stuck with me ever since. When I caught up with Archy for an interview for The Surfer’s Journal some years back, he agreed with the sentiment. “I live by that,” said Archy. “I don’t think there’s much difference of who you are in the water versus who you are on land. It’s your attitude. It’s where you grow up. It’s who you are. Herbie’s right.” Today, at 53 years young, Archy’s surfing better than ever. Lean and fit, he prefers to avoid the crowds, but he’s as fast and sharp as ever. “I want to see power surfing. When I was growing up, that’s what I was looking up to—just pure power surfing. Speed and style, I just love that,” Archy continued. “That’s what I love about surfing. You can do whatever you want to do on the wave, not what someone else wants you to do. That’s why I’m still surfing today.” After 30 years, a lot has changed since I was a grom on the boardwalk at Ocean Beach, but as Archy so perfectly notes, good surfing remains the same. Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. DP

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

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

REX HENNINGS BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

he surf contest scene is back in full swing, and San Clemente’s Rex Hennings has been taking full advantage. On fire for the past few weeks, the 13-year-old last weekend finished in third place in the 14-and-Under division of the Toyota USA Surfing Prime Series event in Oceanside. Posting a number of big wins prior to that, Hennings ran the table at a recent Western Surfing Association competition in Oceanside, where he took first in the highly competitive 18-and-Under division in pumping surfing. Before that, he took the win in the 14-and-Under division of another USA Surfing Prime event in

Dana Point Times April 2-8, 2021

Rex Hennings. Photo: Courtesy of Kurt Steinmetz

Huntington Beach. But it’s Hennings’ performances among the NSSA ranks that really stand out. At the top of March, he pulled off a remarkable trifecta, winning the 2019/20 Open Boys Conference title, the 2020 Open

Boys Regional title and the 2020 Open Boys National title. Not just getting the job done in a jersey, Hennings dropped an epic video edit of his surfing a few months back entitled Lucky 13. “Seriously, surf coaches could use this footage to teach students. Open shoulders, completed turns, smooth airs. You name it, Rex has got it,” wrote the editors of Stab Magazine in their review. And there’s more to look forward to coming up. In May, Hennings will join some of the country’s best up-and-coming surfers in the Rip Curl Grom Search National Finals at the BSR Surf Resort in Waco, Texas. DP

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Water Temperature: 58-60 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8 Outlook: The blend of Northwest and South/southwest swells maintains shoulder high to a foot overhead waves, (4-6’), for Friday. Light southerly wind Friday morning, shifts to a moderate west wind in the afternoon. Surf size holds steady on Saturday, then more South/southwest swell moves in for Sunday, with waves running shoulder high to two feet overhead, (4-7’). For the weekend, a light sea breeze in the morning, turns to moderate westerly winds over the afternoon.

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