May 19, 2023

The best crime prevention tool ever invented …

A good neighbor!

You and your neighbors are the ones who really know what is going on in your area, and most likely the first ones to identify suspicious activity and report crime to law enforcement. Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of residents to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for Police Services and helps to maintain a safe, vibrant neighborhood by looking out for one another. Communication and collaboration between the community and Police Services enhances neighborhood security and helps to reduce crime!

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TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

City Council Approves New Sheriff’s Department Contract

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Since Capt. Todd Hylton took over as the city’s police chief in late February, Dana Point Police Services has worked to engage in community-based policing, gathering residents’ comments to highlight areas of concern in the city.

Hylton presented an update on community concerns, enforcement strategies and community engagement ahead of the City Council’s approval of the Law Enforcement Services Agreement for the 2023-24 Fiscal Year on Tuesday, May 16.

The council unanimously approved the roughly $13.68 million Orange County Sheriff’s Department contract, a decrease of $277,481 from the current fiscal year contract; however, labor agreements are currently being negotiated.

Staff proposed a budget of $14.7 million in anticipation of the pending labor agreements.

A city staff report explained that the decrease in cost from Fiscal Years 2023 to 2024 reflects a decrease in cost for body-worn cameras and in-car video equipment that were purchased in the previous fiscal year.

“The cost of policing has been the fastest-growing component of most cities’ budgets for decades,” the staff report noted. “Dana Point contracts for a relatively higher level of service compared to other South Orange County cities. … However, Dana Point’s policing model, particularly its Community Services Unit (‘CSU’), is considered a best practice.”

During Hylton’s presentation to the council, he highlighted traffic, crime, school safety, homelessness and e-bike safety as top concerns from members of the community.

“A few council meetings ago, I was asked to give an update on some community concerns that I came across,” Hylton said. “So, in my first 80 days as chief of Police Services, I feel like I went out in the community and met with some community groups, community leaders; I met with all three principals at each school in the City of Dana Point.”

From discussions with community members, Hylton brought to the council updates on what the Dana Point Police Services can do to mitigate concerns.

In addressing loud exhaust complaints, OCSD has issued 10 citations in the city over the past month, Hylton said. The city has two full-time motor deputies to address traffic and speeding.

Mayor Mike Frost noted that the concern he hears the most from residents is traffic and speeding, which Hylton noted that officers will use statistics-based policing to focus attention on particular areas of concern.

“My staff is really good at being out there, being proactive, but as we’re out there in the community, it’s going to change,” Hylton said. “As we do enforcement in a specific area, people are going to take note of that, and it’s going to change.”

“So, there’s a delay that we have where we may be focusing our efforts in a specific area, and now it’s changed to another area,” Hylton continued. “That’s something that we are mindful of when the city approaches us, when the public approaches us.”

Hylton added that OCSD aims to engage in community-based policing, emphasizing that comments and concerns from residents carry a lot of weight with deputies.

Though OCSD has previously stressed an education-first approach to addressing community concerns of reckless e-bike ridership, Hylton noted that the community will start to see a shift in focus from warning to enforcement.

“E-bikes are a convenient mode of transportation, especially in this city,” Hylton said. “Teens, adults, everyone is using them. Oftentimes, unsafe activities are observed.”

“E-bikes have been found in our city parks, destroying public property and disturbing the peace,” Hylton continued.

As OCSD ramps up enforcement, Hylton noted Dana Point Police Services has five deputies on bike patrol, with deputies equipped with new patrol e-bikes.

“You’ll see these deputies engaged in the community and educating riders on safe operation,” Hylton said.

OCSD is also working on a park ambassador program to assign volunteers to local parks to engage with the community, provide resources and contact OCSD with concerns.

Hylton noted that OCSD volunteers conduct vacation home checks and report back to OCSD with any concerns.

In addressing burglary concerns, Hylton noted that Police Services offers safety assessments for local businesses to help them “in creating a best practice safety plan for their specific location.”

Working to engage the community and provide timely and accurate information, OCSD has also worked to ramp up its social media presence, Hylton said.

When asked by Councilmember Matthew Pagano what was his biggest fear or concern, Hylton noted that recent news of school shootings throughout the nation has kept him awake at night, so he is “making sure that my staff is equipped with the proper tools and training to address those.”

“I know our staff are trained, I know our staff have the tools, and that’s why we have the resources that we have,” Hylton said. “Our smart team is such a great asset, but to have Deputy Torres in the schools and focusing on the proactive side of things to address them before they become out of control, that’s the key.”

Responding to Councilmember Michael Villar’s concerns about excessive use of force, Hylton emphasized that he personally reviews each instance of use of force that occurs in Dana Point.

“The department as a whole has a useof-force training curriculum that all our deputies go through, and they’re updated, I believe, every two years, that training,” Hylton said.

“I understand the community’s concern and your concern,” Hylton continued. “Rest assured that the men and women of Dana Point Police Services, they’re properly trained, they know the rules, they know the law, they know the policy, and I hold them to a high standard when it comes to use of force, because that is something that is a major community concern.”

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Challenging Cancer

10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system, and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

MONDAY, MAY 22

Dana Point Planning Commission

6 p.m. The Dana Point Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting. This meeting will also be livestreamed through the city’s YouTube channel. A link for livestreams and replays is available on the city’s website. Dana Point Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Suite 210, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 23

Because I Love You (BILY)

6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization

Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through any parenting challenges

may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, substance misuse, disrespect, mental health), conducts its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference and in-person/ Zoom the first Tuesday of each month at the Outlets at San Clemente’s Conference Room. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

they

The Dana Point City Council on Tuesday, May 16, unanimously approved the roughly $13.68 million Fiscal Year 2023-24 contract for police services with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The contract marks a decrease of $277,481 from the current fiscal year, in part because costs came down for body-worn cameras and in-car video equipment that were purchased in the previous fiscal year.

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

RH Dana Spanish Immersion Instructor Recognized as Teacher of the Year

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

After leading the Dana Point City Council and members of the public in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish on Tuesday, May 16, RH Dana Elementary School third-grade teacher Maria Arbelo received recognition from city officials as a Teacher of the Year.

Twelve years into her teaching career including two years of teaching at RH Dana, Arbelo was recently honored by the Capistrano Unified School District as one of its top teachers for elementary schools.

Speaking to Dana Point Times, she talked about her love of teaching in RH Dana’s dual immersion program.

“I find that our students learn from and help each other as they learn another language,” Arbelo said in an email. “We build community and cultural awareness by learning from each other and other cultures. In the process, I hope that they know and feel that they are important, their thoughts and ideas are valued, and that they can make a difference in our world.”

Born in Miami, Florida and the daughter of Cuban immigrants, Arbelo said her family showed her that hard

Planning Commission Makes Recommendations for Changes to ADU Regulations

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The Dana Point Planning Commission made a series of recommendations to the City Council during its special meeting on Monday night, May 15, to discuss Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

After several residents spoke about their experiences working with the city to obtain permits for ADUs on their properties, the commission made recommendations aimed to ensure that the city is not putting up unnecessary barriers to the permitting process.

In a motion made by Commissioner Eric Nelson, which passed unanimously, the commission recommended that the council allow detached ADUs in single-family homes within a multi-family zone and consider reducing fees for site development permits related to ADUs. Additional recommendations included discussing adjusting parking requirements to ensure that the city is not

work and setting goals were important, Arbelo was inspired to go back to school to get a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. Arbelo’s husband reminded her that it’s never too late to return to school, encouraging her to attend a small private university in New Jersey to get her bachelor’s degree.

When her youngest son needed extra support in school, Arbelo was inspired to pursue a career in teaching.

“He had a great fourth-grade teacher that made sure that he received the help he needed to be successful in school,” Arbelo said. “By becoming a teacher, I hoped to be able to help my future students learn and grow and ensure they had the tools and support to know and feel successful, too.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Mike Frost noted that, as a father with a child at RH Dana, he’s seen the nurturing environment that the elementary school fosters.

“I can’t tell you enough how lucky we are to have not only you, but, gosh, all of your colleagues also,” Frost said.

In an email, RH Dana Principal

creating unnecessary barriers, as well as evaluating mechanical, plumbing and electrical requirements to ensure that ADUs are treated like any other development.

“Obviously there’s been confusion on our ordinance versus the state law, and I want to support creation of housing, addressing homelessness, getting less government interference when we have an opportunity for something like that,” Commissioner Luke Boughen said.

“I also want to balance our potential revisions tonight or recommendations with the idea that we do want to get this to council sooner rather than later at a certain level so that we can get an ordinance that’s out there for you all to deal with, rather than sitting in the revision process,” Boughen continued.

Planning Commission Chair Ashok Dhingra noted that he believed the city was “moving in the right direction to simplify the ministerial process, as well as ‘the discretionary’ process.”

The site development permit (SDP) process was intended to create more flexibility for the city, rather than denying ADU permits to any property that doesn’t meet city requirements, Dhingra said.

Residents including Scott Skinner— who has worked to permit an ADU at his Dana Point property but has been

Kristen Nelson added that Arbelo makes learning Spanish fun for her third-graders.

“The parents of her students also adore her and beg me to let her move up to the next grade level, so they can have her as a teacher again,” Nelson said. “She is a team player and always supporting the rest of the staff and taking on different jobs just to make sure everything runs smoothly. She is a critical part of the RH Dana team, and we are lucky to have her.”

At the council meeting, Arbelo commented that it was humbling and an honor to be recognized by her colleagues.

“It’s definitely a wonderful place to work,” Arbelo said of RH Dana. “The children are wonderful, our families are fantastic; I can’t say enough about my fellow staff and our own leader and our school.”

Arbelo added that one of the things she loves most about being a teacher is

told that he would need to obtain an SDP because of his legal non-conforming garage—claim that the SDP process is an unnecessary barrier.

During the meeting, Boughen requested that the City Council look to decrease the SDP application fee for ADUs.

Dhingra commented that those looking to develop “need to face the music and march accordingly.”

“When you look at the cost of construction, where it has gone—and I recognize that everybody is suffering in the same way because of higher labor costs and higher material costs—and at times, people are saying there are supply chain issues on windows and what have you; those kinds of situations are beyond the control of any city or any jurisdiction,” Dhingra said.

Boughen rebutted that the SDP application fee is one aspect of development that the city can control.

“Respectfully, I think this is one item that we can control that isn’t inflation-related; that is our choice right now on which way we want to go in terms of putting up a costly barrier for folks to deal with or alternatively, having less government interference at a certain level,” Boughen said.

Additionally, having served as a Traffic Improvement Subcommittee

getting to know her students and making connections with them.

“I love the joy, laughter, and curiosity they bring each and every day. And I love watching them learn and grow,” Arbelo said.

“My goal is to help them see their strengths and become confident lifelong learners,” Arbelo continued. “I am so honored and humbled to be named Teacher of the Year and feel so blessed to be a part of the RH Dana family.”

member for the past eight years and working on the Parking and Circulation Task Force, Boughen requested that the City Council look to reduce parking-related barriers on ADUs.

Nelson added that he’s interested in loosening the requirements on ADUs.

“Housing is a huge issue in our town; it’s a huge issue in the state,” Nelson said. “The solution isn’t just jamming ordinances down cities’ throats, either, and that’s what some of the issues between HCD and the city and other cities are continually trying to wrestle with.”

“We barely get an opportunity to catch our breath, and then we have to update our zoning, and it’s impossible to keep up with the pace of our legislature right now,” Nelson continued.

With the ordinance update, Nelson added that the city has an opportunity to make ADUs “a little more attainable in our town.”

Boughen commented that the update can be an iterative process since state laws have continued to change on ADUs, giving the city a chance to make amendments to address parking and safety if those issues crop up.

The City Council is expected to consider the commission’s recommendations and discuss an amendment to its ADU ordinance during its June 6 meeting.

Mayor Mike Frost and the rest of the Dana Point City Council on Tuesday, May 16, recognize Maria Arbelo, a third-grade teacher at RH Dana Elementary School who was recently named a Capistrano Unified School District Teacher of the Year for her work in the school’s dual immersion program. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Lifeguards, Surfers Give Advice on Beach Day Safety

BY BREEANA GREENBERG AND C. JAYDEN SMITH

With the end of the school year fast approaching and Memorial Day weekend around the corner, the middle of May means San Clemente’s and Dana Point’s beaches are about to see millions of visitors.

Ahead of the unofficial start to summer, the Dana Point Times spoke with local lifeguards and surfers to glean safety tips and tricks for beachgoers, and to discuss the meanings behind the various flags flown above lifeguard towers.

BEACH WARNING FLAGS

Ian Burton is a marine safety officer for the City of San Clemente and 34-year lifeguarding veteran. Burton, who has served in San Clemente’s Marine Safety Division for 16 years, provided explanations behind each flag that visitors may see at the beach and other pertinent information.

“One of the key things that we teach folks when (they’re) coming down to the beach is to be aware of what the conditions are,” he said.

A green flag signifies light conditions; yellow advises people to swim with caution because of an increase in surf size or the strength of currents; and red means the conditions in the ocean are hazardous because of extremely strong rip currents.

“Definitely know your limits,” said Burton. “Make sure that you’re very comfortable in yellow conditions. If you’re going out in red, it doesn’t mean that you can’t go out, but it definitely means that you should really think twice.”

Additionally, the lifeguards display yellow flags with black circles on them to prohibit surfing in the area, which can be used at different times throughout the day and serves to separate casual swimming areas from places for surfing and non-powered watercraft. The flags are flown at T-Street Beach in the morning and at night, for example, leaving the middle of the day for swimmers to enjoy the water without fear of colliding with a surfer.

When purple flags are flown, that indicates the presence of marine life, such as stingrays.

The flags can change from green to yellow or yellow to red in the middle of

the day, according to Burton, as either dispatchers in the Marine Safety Headquarters or tower guards can alert other lifeguards of increases in the surf or accelerating rip currents.

He added that lifeguards most often rescue people on yellow-flag days, as red flags intimidate some into staying out of the water.

“If there’s lulls in between the sets— like if there’s a 10-minute lull in between the larger sets—it gives people a sense of false security,” Burton said. “(People say), ‘The surf’s not that big; I can go farther out,’ and then all of a sudden, you’re out there and that larger set rolls in.”

The lifeguards update the water conditions at 8 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. each day, using whiteboards at each station

to list the current flag situation, as well as the height of the surf, high and low tides, water temperature, and the weather.

Other ocean safety resources include the city’s Beach Report at san-clemente.org, regular reports from surfline.com, and various apps that provide similar information.

For families coming down for a beach day, Burton advised checking water conditions before leaving home and speaking with the nearby lifeguards once they arrive.

“Our lifeguards have been up in the tower for a couple hours by the time those families get down here,” he said. “They can give you an idea (of the current situation by saying), ‘This spot over here has had a lot of rip currents; it’s been kind of a hotspot. Why don’t you guys set up down this way?’ ”

If the day is a red-flag day, it’s best to avoid the beach and keep young children safe, Burton added. His other advice included swimming in front of lifeguards, never swimming alone, and

knowing everyone’s limits.

Visitors should bring the right equipment for whatever activity they plan on doing and make sure their boogie boards have a leash attached, according to Burton, who said his division also recommends wearing fins.

“No matter what the surf size is, if you’re out there body surfing or boogie boarding, you’ll catch way more waves; you’ll have more fun,” he said about fins. “Plus, you’ll be a stronger swimmer if you get into trouble.”

SAFETY IN NUMBERS

According to the San Clemente Lifeguard and Junior Guard Foundation—which works to provide support and resources to local lifeguards and junior lifeguards—more than 2.5 million people visit San Clemente city beaches each year.

In 2022, San Clemente lifeguards conducted 2,686 rescues; 54,406 preventative contacts; 57,386 public education contacts; and 1,184 first aids with no lives

Ahead of the influx of beachgoers this summer, San Clemente Marine Safety Officer Ian Burton details the meaning behind the various flags flown at lifeguard towers.

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

“ You really want to understand your safety routes. If you are in a sketchy spot like a riptide, paddle sideways to the shore. ”

Dane Gudauskas

lost, according to data provided by the foundation.

When surfer Dane Gudauskas, originally from San Clemente, heads out to the beach, he likes to take some time to assess water conditions before getting into the water. He added that if it’s an area he’s not familiar with, it’s helpful to ask a lifeguard where the rip currents are, the best place to paddle out and what the swells are looking like.

“If you can feel that there’s a big swell in the water or it’s quite strong ocean energy—again, just taking that moment to pause and really reflect on the strength of the ocean that you’re never going to be in a situation where you can overpower it,” said Gudauskas.

“You really want to understand your safety routes,” Gudauskas continued. “If you are in a sketchy spot like a riptide, paddle sideways to the shore.”

Rip currents tend to be discolored and choppy, so one might notice that it almost looks like a river going out from the shoreline, said Gudauskas, one of the co-founders of the local nonprofit Positive Vibe Warriors.

“A lot of times, many don’t even recognize that they’re in one until they’re in it and it’s just the water from underneath going out to the horizon,” Gudauskas said. “But once you do notice that you are moving away from the shore … and how you’re moving in the water can give you those early awareness tips if you’re going into a riptide.”

For surfers feeling inexperienced or are challenging themselves, Gudauskas added that it’s a good idea to wear a leash.

“If you lose your board, that puts you in a challenging situation,” Gudauskas said. “If you’re feeling stressed, now you have to figure out how to get back to shore swimming-wise. But when you always have your board nearby, you can always use that as a float device and feel that sense of calmness.”

Greg Hulsizer of the San Clemente Lifeguard and Junior Guard Foundation said that it’s important to know which boards are appropriate for different wave conditions.

“Wave storms are wonderful for people to learn; they’re great for places like Doheny (State Beach), but you’re not going to take a wave storm out at a critical break,” Hulsizer said. “You’ll find yourself in over your head really quickly, and if you do, someone will help you out.”

Hulsizer noted that important basic rules of surfing to keep in mind are to “never turn your board sideways, always keep it pointed straight and out and never bail on your board; always hold onto your board because if you bail off and that leash breaks, it’s going to get somebody else.”

Having a strong foundation of swim-

ming before heading out on the water is an absolute imperative, Gudauskas added. He said those who want to get into surfing should first have a strong foundation of swimming.

“Spend some time in the pool, get to know swim stroke, feel comfortable in the water column before you go out and get into the lineup,” Gudauskas said.

SAFETY FIRST

Emphasizing the importance of learning how to swim, Assemblymember Laurie Davies looks to establish a state Youth Water Safety Grant, which would create funding for nonprofits and public agencies to provide swim programs.

“I think the No. 1 thing is to save lives,” Davies previously said of her legislation, Assembly Bill 1056. “Children, 0 to 5, can actually drown in 2 inches of water. It’s a massive issue when you consider that drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional injuries, deaths worldwide, and that’s according to the CDC.”

“But these are deaths that could be stopped, and so education is everything,” Davies continued.

During its May 2 meeting, the Dana Point City Council and the Orange County Fire Authority issued a proclamation for National Drowning Prevention Awareness Month.

At the San Clemente City Council’s

meeting on Tuesday, May 16, Mayor Chris Duncan presented marine safety officials with a proclamation declaring the period from May 22 to May 29 as National Beach Safety Week.

The annual observance, which the United States Lifesaving Association sponsors, reminds beachgoers to be cautious near the water.

OCFA recommends learning the “ABCs of drowning prevention”: Active Adult Supervision, Barriers and Classes.

The ABCs advise having a “water watcher,” an adult who knows how to swim to watch over those in the water; keeping barriers around pools and spas to avoid unattended children from falling in; and taking swim and water rescue classes.

“If you have young children, just keep an eye on them; be responsible for them,” Gudauskas said. “The ocean is always in motion. Never turn your back on the ocean. If you’re standing at the water column, be aware that you’re next to this incredible amount of energy.”

It’s also important to never dive headfirst into the ocean and always put your hands over your head when you’re coming up from below the water after falling off your surfboard, Hulsizer said.

Hulsizer noted that May is not only National Water Safety Awareness Month but also National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, too.

Growing up, Hulsizer said it was

almost a badge of honor to sport a sunburn from summers in the water. After needing to have malignant melanomas taken off skin, Hulsizer emphasized the need to wear long sleeves, hats, sunscreen and other sun protection to decrease the risk of skin cancer.

Another beach hazard, Hulsizer noted, is marine life such as stingrays.

“They tend to show up when the waves are smaller and when the water is warmer and the sun’s out, right on shore” Hulsizer said. “What we teach people is always shuffle your feet … they’ll go away if you shuffle your feet.

“But if you run out in the water, stomp out in the water, you’re going to step on the back of it, and the tail is going to come up,” Hulsizer continued. “And you’ve never seen anybody in more pain than someone who’s been hit by a sting. I’ve seen grown men cry; it’s that painful.”

Another important safety tip that Hulsizer offered: “Alcohol and the ocean don’t mix. No drinking and swimming.”

With all the right tools to ensure a safe beach day, “you’re off to the races,” Gudauskas said.

“Dana Point, Capo Beach, San Clemente, they’re all coastal towns, and it’s such a beautiful natural resource that we have right here at our doorstep,” Gudauskas said. “Giving yourself the tools to engage with it in a safe and meaningful way …. you’re going to have a blast.”

San Clemente lifeguards use whiteboards on the lifeguard towers like the one pictured to post water and surf condition updates at 8 a.m., noon and 4 p.m. each day.

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Ocean Institute Distinguished Speaker Series to Host Professional Performance Freediver

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Lance Lee Davis, a world-record professional performance freediver, will share his experience as an instructor, performer and competitor at the Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series presented by the Nicholas Endowment on June 7.

Davis is an instructor for Performance Freediving International, a training program used exclusively by the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Group, spearfishermen and most U.S. freediving record holders. He also launched the company SOCAL SPEAR-IT to offer freediving classes from beginner to expert skill levels.

Though Davis says that his passion is freediving, he did not expect freediving

instruction to become his full-time occupation.

“While I dive less now for pure recreation, I absolutely love all the work I do,” Davis said in a news release. “Even better are all the people I’ve met. Freediving attracts incredible people.”

This summer, Davis will represent the United States as team captain and competitor at the 2023 CMAS 8th Freediving Depth World Championships in Roatan, Honduras, from Aug. 19-27.

In the Summer of 2021, Davis won the U.S. National Constant Weight No Fins diving competition, setting a record at a depth of 74 meters.

Davis also conducted stunt work for TV and film, including Avatar: The Way of the Water and Trumbo. General admission tickets are $10 each, but they are free for Ocean Institute members and students with valid IDs. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The talk will run from 6-8 p.m. on June 7. The Ocean Institute is located at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

Local Rotary Brings Water Safety Program to RH Dana Classrooms

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

To promote water safety and literacy, Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary partnered with the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation, a drowning prevention nonprofit, to bring the Josh the Otter Water Safety and Awareness Project to RH Dana Elementary School classrooms.

This year is the local rotary club’s third year of partnership with the foundation to share the book, Josh the Baby Otter, which aims to teach children to “stay away from water unless with an adult and to always swim with a buddy.”

After 2-year-old Joshua Collingsworth died in June 2008 as a result of drowning, his parents Blake and Kathy Collingsworth have worked to reduce the number of drowning deaths around the world.

Through the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation, the Collingsworths created an early childhood education and water safety awareness program aimed to keep children safe around all bodies of water to prevent similar acci-

9th Annual AquaFest to Promote Safe Boating

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

AquaFest is returning to the Dana Point Harbor this month to promote boating safety and kick off National Safe Boating Week.

Through its partnership with the California Division of Boating and Waterways, the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation and Westwind Sailing are hosting the ninth annual AquaFest on Sunday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., promoting safe boating programs offered at OC Sailing & Events Center and throughout the harbor.

During the event, AquaFest will provide free educational sailing rides, kayak and stand-up paddleboarding clinics, safe

dents from occurring

According to the International Life Saving Federation, 1.2 million people worldwide die from drowning every year. The Josh the Otter Water Safety and Awareness Project is dedicated to teaching young children about water safety through Blake Collingsworth’s book, Josh the Baby Otter

The book has now been translated into 12 languages, with the foundation and its partners distributing more than 500,000 books to reach classrooms, community centers, zoos, aquatic centers and child care facilities around the world.

boating trivia and goodie bags, free snow cones, music and entertainment.

AquaFest plans to give away more than 100 free lifejackets to reinforce the safe boating message reminding boaters how important it is to wear safety devices. Attendees will have the chance to take pictures as a group for the Safe Boating Campaign, “Wear It.”

The Dana Point Aquatic Foundation and Westwind Sailing will partner with the Mariners 936 Sea Scouts, Dana Point Yacht Club, Dana Point Harbor Youth Foundation, Women’s Sailing Association OC, Aventura Sailing Association and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to offer this comprehensive boating safety event.

The OCSD Fire Boat will also be on site for tours and demos, as available.

For more information and a schedule of the boating safety event, visit westwindsailing.com/aquafest.

Lance Lee Davis will share his journey to becoming a professional freediver at the Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series on June 7.

Photo: Courtesy of the Ocean Institute

Josh the Baby Otter visits RH Dana Elementary School to promote water safety through a partnership with Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary and the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation, a drowning prevention nonprofit. Photo: Courtesy of Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary

By Norb Garrett, Picket Fence Media Founder/CEO

The Stars Behind the Headlines

Every successful team has superstars who avoid the headlines— those who toil behind the scenes to make the final product look great. We’re no different here at Picket Fence Media, as you’ve learned from earlier columns in which I’ve written about folks such as Tim Trent, our hyper-dependable local delivery man.

PFM Associate Publisher Lauralyn

Loynes for many of those years, as LL was the group production manager at Surfer Publications.)

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

HOW TO REACH US

MANAGING EDITOR

Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x113 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA

CEO/FOUNDER

Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor

Another person who deserves recognition for her important contribution to our team is PFM Production Manager Inna Cazares.

NORB GARRETT CEO & FOUNDER

Inna has been our production manager since 2020, starting just a month after the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down. I’ve known Inna since 2000, when she had worked with me as a production manager while I was president of The Enthusiast Network’s Action Sports Group (2000-2003; 2010-2020), running iconic action sports brands such as Surfer, Powder, Bike, TransWorld Skateboarding and many more.

(Coincidentally, Inna worked with

In fact, Inna served for 35 years for the many ownership iterations after answering a job posting in the PennySaver for an Assistant to the Publisher at Powder Magazine back in 1985.

“The job sounded like something I would like to do,” said Inna, who was born and raised in the shadow of Dodger Stadium in Echo Park, the first-generation U.S.-born daughter of Russian immigrants.

“I ended up working for Surfer for 35 years,” said Inna, who was born a fluent Russian speaker and learned English in school. “I moved into several positions during that time, first in Circulation as a subscription supervisor and then a shop manager. When Surfer Publications was sold, I was given the opportunity to continue with Surfer as an ad coordinator and worked my way to production manager. I oversaw the production of the magazine from start to finish. Then the company was bought out again, and I was laid off.”

Inna is an amazing employee and an even nicer

person. She and her husband, David, celebrated 43 years of marriage at the end of April and have two adult children: Athena and Mike.

She works remotely these days, as she and her husband moved to a small town near Sequoia National Forest during the pandemic, where they enjoy walks in the woods with their dog, Winston.

“I am lucky to work with talented people that are good at what they do,” said Inna, when reflecting on what she likes most about her job. “As a team, we all bring something different to the papers.”

It truly takes a team to do what we do, day in and day out! DP

CORRECTION: A story on page 4 of the Dana Point Times’ May 12 edition regarding the merging of the RH Dana Exceptional Needs Facility Campus with the RH Dana Elementary School campus incorrectly reported the spellings of two individuals referenced.

Beth Davis is the former RH Dana ENF PTA president and Jonathan Ellis is the principal of RH Dana ENF.

Shawn Raymundo

City Reporter, DP Times

Breeana Greenberg

City Reporter, SC Times

C. Jayden Smith

City Editor, Capo Dispatch

Collin Breaux

Sports Editor

Zach Cavanagh

Digital Producer

Evan Lancaster

Columnists

Tom Blake

Special Projects Editor

Andrea PapagianisCamacho

Copy Editor Randy Youngman

ADVERTISING

Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (SC + DP)

Advertising Sales

Debra Wells (CD)

ART + DESIGN

Group Art Director

Marc Hostetter

Special Projects Art Director

Jasmine Smith

OPERATIONS

General Manager

Alyssa Garrett

Group Operations & Production Coordinator

Inna Cazares

Local Distribution

Tim Trent FINANCE

Accounting & Finance Manager

Tricia Zines

CONTRIBUTORS

Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

Dana Point Times, Vol. 16 Issue 20. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com).

Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives.

Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER:

Editor’s Pick

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

DANA POINT TIMES

FRIDAY

| 19

YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE NOBLE PATH FOUNDATION

4:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation hosts events multiple times a week to get youth and young adults out and about and participating in safe, productive activities. There will be an improv lesson from 4:30-5:30 p.m., and TGIF Night starting at 6 p.m.—the theme being video games on numerous consoles. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.234.7259. thenoblepathfoundation.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S

7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular San Clemente lounge. Kenny Williams and the Stomp Down Riders will perform. Iva Lee’s Restaurant & Lounge, 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. ivalees.com.

FRIDAY NIGHT AT SWALLOW’S

9 pm.-1 a.m. Put on your cowboy hat and boots and get ready to enjoy all the Western-style fun at one of San Juan Capistrano’s best-known dive bars and country music spots. 33 Thunder Band will perform. Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com.

SATURDAY | 20

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE

9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no

SUNDAY | 21 STAND UP TO TRASH BEACH CLEANUP: OCEAN MAMAS

9-11 a.m. Join Stand Up to Trash at Baby Beach and the Ocean Institute for a beach cleanup followed by a Lunch and Learn at the Ocean Institute. This month’s theme is “Ocean Mamas,” with featured speaker Nona the Naturalist from Dana Wharf. Lunch will be provided. Dana Point Harbor, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. standuptotrash.com.

revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET

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

STRAWBERRY U-PICK

9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Ecology Center is providing a chance to pick fresh berries. While baskets will be provided, participants are also welcome to bring their own. After you finish collecting a harvest, head over to the Farm Stand to pay for what you picked. Cost to attend is $9. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

KAYAK HARBOR TOUR AND SAIL AT THE OCEAN INSTITUTE

10.a.m.-noon. Join the Ocean Institute for a two-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point Harbor and learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem. All experience levels

are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $28. In the afternoon, from 2-5 p.m., set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tall ship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tall ship. Must be 4 years or older to sail. Tickets are $65. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT TREVOR’S

11 a.m. The Battles will perform. Enjoy the entertainment on the outdoor patio while you chow down on food and sip drinks. Trevor’s at the Tracks, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.9593. trevorsatthetracks.com.

SAN CLEMENTE MUSIC FESTIVAL

11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Community Outreach Alliance is hosting a summer kickoff event meant to bring together the community and advocate for youth and adult wellness. Enjoy live performances from talented young adults associated with COA Entertainment. The event also includes a Wellness Resource Fair, speakers, food trucks, prizes and more. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. coaentertainment@gmail.com. eventbrite.com.

GEEKS WHO DRINK TRIVIA NIGHT

7-9 p.m. Left Coast Brewing presents trivia modeled after pub quizzes in Ireland and the United Kingdom, covering everything from Hungary to the Hunger Games. Teams can include up to six people. Winning teams earn bar cash and other prizes. Left Coast Tasting Room, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. eventvesta.com.

STAND-UP COMEDY NIGHT

7:30 p.m. Have some laughs during this stand-up comedy event. San Juan Capistrano community fixture Jim Taylor will perform, along with Fritz Coleman. Tickets are $21.50 for a table seat or $19.50 for the mezzanine section. Camino Real Playhouse, 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. caminorealplayhouse.org.

SUNDAY | 21

LIVE MUSIC AT PADDY’S

6-9 p.m. Listen to some live music and dance, perhaps after enjoying fish and chips and a pint. 24K Country will perform. Paddy’s Station, 26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. paddysstation.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE

7 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons tribute act Let’s Hang On will perform. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

MONDAY | 22

BRIDGE GAME

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

COUNTRY NIGHT AT H.H. COTTON’S

6 p.m. This popular downtown restaurant offers a night full of country music and line dancing for all ages. Beginners will have the floor from 6-7 p.m., followed by advanced dancers from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The floor will be open to all from 8:30-10 p.m. H.H. Cotton’s, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.945.6616. hhcottons.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Stand Up to Trash

OPEN JAM

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

TUESDAY | 23

STORYTIME AT THE SJC LIBRARY

10:30-11 a.m. Bring the kids to storytime, held every Tuesday morning. Children will get to read books and sing songs. The event is geared for the 2- to 6-year-old age range. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

4TH ANNUAL TRITON FILM FESTIVAL

6 p.m. San Clemente High’s Film Production program, which comprises sophomores, juniors and seniors, will premiere 12 original short films on campus in the Little Theatre. The creatives have spent the school year experimenting with various forms of storytelling, immersing themselves in writing, directing, producing, and

(Cont. from page 15) DP LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Wellness & Prevention by

editing original stories. Judged by alums/ filmmakers Troy Munson (Class of 2019) and Raquel Wagner (Class of 2019), along with LA-based screenwriter Stephen Kelly, the event’s fourth iteration will showcase the creative and collaborative efforts of everyone involved. There is no cost to attend, and everyone is invited. For more information, visit the program’s Instagram account: @schs.film. San Clemente High, 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.492.4165, ext. 13956. jobisch@capousd.org.

TRIVIA TUESDAY

6:30 p.m. Test your knowledge every Tuesday night. Teams of two to six people are welcome to join in for a chance to win prizes. Call beforehand to reserve a table. Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria, 31781 Camino Capistrano, Suite 201, San Juan Capistrano. 949.429.3599. selmaspizza.com.

WEDNESDAY | 24

MERMADE MARKET

10 a.m. Stock up on local gifts at the Ocean Institute during this year’s spring Mermade Market. The market will run through Saturday, May 27, with a beer garden featured on Friday, May 26, from

Susan Parmelee

More Than Enough

You may be seeing a lot of bright green ribbons this month. These ribbons honor Mental Health Awareness Month, with this year’s theme being More Than Enough.

Our team of professionals at the Wellness & Prevention Center (WPC) notes that among the youth we work with, there is a pervasiveness of feelings of not being good enough and young people who share the belief that they are not enough.

This includes:

• Not getting good enough grades

• Not b eing good enough at sports

• Not b eing good enough at being a friend

• Not b eing good enough at taking care of themselves

• Not b eing a good enough child

None of us is born with this type of thinking; it evolves over time from experiences and the associated emotions from these experiences.

This negative self-talk can contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and suicidal thoughts.

WELLNESS & PREVENTION

BY SUSAN PARMELEE

The teen brain is very busy developing the prefrontal cortex, and these thoughts can become quite overwhelming rather quickly.

So, what can the adults who care for young people do?

First and foremost, we can be empathetic listeners. The most important skill in empathetic listening is to place value in what you are hearing, as opposed to denying the young person’s emotion.

An example would be:

Young person: “I am so stressed out; I will never do as well in school as my older brother.”

Adult: “That sounds like a difficult way to feel”—not “You are just as smart as your brother.”

By holding the emotion of a young person, you allow them to process their feelings. The next step would be to offer support: “Is there anything I could do to make you feel better?”

4-8 p.m. The event will feature more than 140 indoor and outdoor makers and food trucks. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.672.8019. mermademarket.com.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE

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

H.H. COTTON’S LIVE MUSIC SHOWCASE

7-10 p.m. Every Wednesday, H.H. Cotton’s will host this live music showcase to feature talented local musicians from around the area and will occur in the restaurant’s Hamilton Room (the back room). H.H. Cotton’s, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. hhcottons.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS

8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads 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.

THURSDAY | 25

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER

7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Kenny Hale will perform pop and rock hits of the ’60s and ’70s. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

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

Teens are very adept at talking themselves out of negative self-talk and distressing situations and discovering a new perspective.

Red flags that negative self-talk is becoming symptomatic of mental health disorders include:

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Decline in self-care (stops showering and/or caring about appearance)

• Loss of pleasure in activities they used to enjoy

• Any forms of self-harm

• Change in friend group

• Substance use

• Lower achievement at school

• Increased levels of anger and/or irritability

Parents/guardians should consider asking your pediatrician to complete a mental health screening for your child at each year’s wellness check. Most pediatricians follow the American Academy of Pediatricians’ guidelines and are ready and willing to provide these screenings.

These screenings are equally as important as immunizations, dental checkups, healthy eating, and regular exercise.

If you think something is wrong, notice any of the above red flags, or just sense something is off, consult with your pri-

mary care provider or a mental health provider (we are always happy to field your questions: info@wpc-oc.org).

The WPC provides prevention and mental health treatment services on secondary school campuses in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and Aliso Viejo, via telehealth, and at our community clinic in San Clemente.

We provide prevention education through our bimonthly e-news webpage, virtual and live education events, and through our website, wpc-oc.org, and we partner with other mental health providers and youth serving organizations to bring mental wellness resources to a larger audience.

We meet with youth in the community and at schools to help them gain knowledge about supporting their mental well-being and making healthy choices.

Susan Parmelee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and executive director of the Wellness & Prevention Center: wpc-oc.org. She can be reached at susan@wpc-oc.org. DP

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC 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 SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

GUEST OPINION | Life’s a Beach by

Shelley Murphy

AIM HIGH—A SUMMER OF OPPORTUNITY

This time of year, one sentence is sure to send a shiver up some parents’ spines: Capistrano Unified students start their summer break in two weeks.

While kids are excited, some parents are scrambling for solutions to keep kids engaged this summer.

Cindi Juncal, a lifelong child advocate, recognizes that summer is a great time for students to learn life skills not taught in school.

Juncal founded The Noble Path Foundation (TNPF), a 501(c)(3), in 2013 and remains focused on helping the youth in our community reach their highest potential by promoting healthy lifestyle choices, safe social activities and motivational mentoring.

Next month, Juncal combines the power of mentorship and opportunity when she launches TNPF’s “AIM High for Summer” online fundraiser.

“Our online auction offers unique, oneof-a-kind experiences to young people trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up,” said Juncal. The fundraiser is an opportunity for kids to interact with professionals work-

ing in industries they hope one day to join.

experience with Firestone IndyNXT at Laguna Seca Raceway.

Unified Board of Trustees and local civic leaders.

“Our program is helping armor teens with the tools needed to navigate the increasing dangerous waters of adolescence,” said Juncal.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

LIFE’S A BEACH

BY SHELLEY MURPHY

“Whether it’s being a doctor, video game programmer, or dog trainer, the best way to find out more about a career path is speaking to someone who has already made that journey and can describe both the joys and the pitfalls along the way,” said Juncal.

She added, “You can bid on an experience for your own child or gift an experience to an underserved or at-risk youth otherwise unable to participate.”

Juncal shared two of the mentor experiences included in the online auction.

Neil Alberico is a professional racecar driver and coach who believes in donating his time and resources to help others.

“Children are the future of this country. By supporting The Noble Path Foundation’s AIM High program, I know I’m providing an opportunity for kids to get ahead in life, ultimately making that future bright,” Alberico said.

Alberico is providing a private team

DANA POINT TIMES

Are you looking for a fun and playful kitty companion? Luigi is a 1-year-old cutie who might just fit the bill. When it comes to playtime, Luigi has lots of energy for chasing toys around. He is also a big fan of being scratched behind the ears and won’t say no to some nice brushing. He has lived with other cats and would make a great feline friend.

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

Sudoku- medium- by Myles Mellor

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

Orange County native Nik Needham is an NFL football player with the Miami Dolphins who recognizes the importance of giving back to his community.

The 26-year-old NFL cornerback said, “Putting kids on the right path by giving them the tools they need early in their lives can make all the difference in the world, and I’m happy to be a part of The Noble Path’s mission.”

Needham is offering a private “Madden NFL” gaming session and his thoughts on what it takes to make it to the NFL.

All proceeds from the online auction will fund the AIM High program; the next AIM High series kicks off on June 19. The seven-week leadership program stands for Advocacy, Inspiration and Mentorship.

Each week, AIM High pairs groups of teens with different leaders in the community to encourage inspirational conversations meant to motivate participants to achieve their goals.

Some of the mentors that TNPF partners with include the Wellness and Prevention Center, Laura’s House, San Clemente Rotary, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

AIM High is also endorsed by mental health professionals, physicians, teachers, nutritionists, law enforcement, Capistrano

In conjunction with AIM High’s presentations, participants are encouraged to attend social events during the week to foster peer relationships.

TNPF’s permanent home is a spacious historical building in Downtown San Clemente. There, TNPF provides a safe haven for youth and fun activities such as yoga, music lessons, meditation practice, and TGIF Friday events including karaoke, ping-pong tournaments, gaming and movie nights.

“Everything we offer at TNPF is absolutely free—there’s nothing else out there like us,” said Juncal.

Summer is an opportune time for teens to pursue new interests and, perhaps, discover their passion or purpose.

“The goal is to help as many kids as we can,” said Juncal.

To learn more, visit thenoblepathfoundation.org or email cindi@thenoblepathfoundation.org.

For more than 20 years, Shelley Murphy and her husband have lived in San Clemente, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to Picket Fence Media since 2006. 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@sanclementetimes.com.

Courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

STEPHEN D. HEYMAN

Case Number: 30-2023-01321060-PR-LA-CJC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of STEPHEN

D.

HEYMAN, STEPHEN DAVID HEYMAN

A Petition for Probate has been filed by ROBERT

J. HEYMAN in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE

The Petition for Probate requests that ROBERT

J. HEYMAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

a. Date: 06/01/2023 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: CM06

b. Address of Court: Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

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

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Dani L. Battiest Esq., 5075 Shoreham Place, Ste 280, San Diego, CA 92122

PH: (858) 886-7000

Published in: Dana Point Times, May 12, 19, 26, 2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF MATTHEW ISIAH HOFFMAN

CASE NO. 30-2023-01320169-PR-LA-CJC

ROA#2

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: MATTHEW

ISIAH HOFFMAN

A Petition for Probate has been filed by BETTY JEAN HOFFMAN in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE.

The Petition for Probate requests that BETTY JEAN HOFFMAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court on 08/24/2023 at 1:30 pm in Dept. CM06 located at 3390 Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa, CA 92626, Costa Mesa Justice Complex.

The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

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

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

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

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

Attorney for Petitioner: RICHARD M. STERN, ESQ., 101 WEST BROADWAY, SUITE 1700, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101, Telephone: (619) 209-3000 5/19, 5/26, 6/2/23

CNS-3698641#

DANA POINT TIMES

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

ROBERT JERRY SPROUL, aka ROBERT J. SPROUL

Case Number: 30-2023-01324194-PR-PWCMC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of ROBERT JERRY SPROUL, aka ROBERT J. SPROUL

A Petition for Probate has been filed by CAROLYN BUTLER NORTON in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE

The Petition for Probate requests that CAROLYN BUTLER NORTON be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

A. D ate: Jun 15, 2023 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: CM6

B. Address of Court: Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

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

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Gregory W Cabo, ESQ., Law Offices of Gregory W. Cabo, 1855 W. Katella Ave., Ste 365, Orange, CA 92867

PH: (714) 771-2227

Published in: Dana Point Times, May 19, 26, June 2, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF DANA POINT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT on JUNE 6, 2023 the City Council of the City of Dana Point will conduct a hearing to consider the following:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF DANA POINT FOR FISCAL YEARS 20232024 AND 2024-2025

Hearing Date: Tues day, June 6, 2023

Hearing Time: 6:00 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as possible)

Hearing Location: Dana Point City Hall Council Chambers, Suite 210 33282 Golden Lantern Dana Point, California 92629

The proposed FY2023-2024 and FY2024-2025

Operating and Capital Improvement Budget and resolution will be available on the City’s website at www.danapoint.org as part of the staff report once the agenda/staff reports are published. Those desiring to be heard in favor or in opposition to this item will be given an opportunity to do so by emailing comment@danapoint.org or by writing to the City Council at 33282 Golden Lantern, Ste. 203, Dana Point, California 92629, Attention: City Clerk. Please reference hearing title and date of hearing in any correspondence. Public comment may be provided in person, electronically or by mail. If you choose to attend the meeting and wish to deliver public comment in person, you are encouraged to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. For further information, you may contact the City Clerk at (949) 248-3505.

Any petition for judicial review of a decision of the Dana Point City Council is controlled by the statute of limitations provisions set forth in Sections 2.50.010 and 2.50.020 of the Dana Point Municipal Code and Sections 1094.5 and 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedures. Any action or proceeding to attack, review, set aside, or void any decision of the Dana Point City Council is controlled by Section 2.50.010 and Section 2.50.020 of the Dana Point Municipal Code. In of, which attacks or seeks to set aside, or void any decision of the Dana Point City Council shall be limited to those issues raised at the hearings as provided in Chapter 2.50 of the Dana Point Municipal Code. Copies of the procedures for the conduct of City Council public hearings are available from the City Clerk.

SHAYNA SHARKE, CITY CLERK

PUBLIC NOTICES

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF DANA POINT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the City Council of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Appeal of Planning Commission Approval of CDP23-0012 - 24242 Santa Clara Avenue, Units 1 – 34 to allow the Las Mariannas Homeowners Association to prohibit short-term rentals in the community, as defined by the Short-Term Rental Program approved via Coastal Development Permit A-5-DPT-22-0038 and the City’s Municipal Code.

Project Number: Coastal Development Permit CDP23-0012

Project Location: 24242 Santa Clara Avenue, Units 1 – 34

Representative: Kr istie Vander Meulen

Applicant: Las Mariannas Homeowners Association

Appeal Date: Tues day, June 6, 2023

Hearing Time: 6:00 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as possible)

Hearing Location: 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629 (Dana Point Council Chambers)

Those desiring to be heard in favor of or in opposition to this item will be given an opportunity to do so during such hearing to be conducted at the above address or by writing to the City Council at: 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 203, Dana Point, California 92629, Attention: City Clerk; or via email at comment@danapoint.org. Please reference hearing title and date of hearing in any correspondence. For further information, you may contact the City Clerk at (949) 248-3505.

Any petition for judicial review of a decision of the Dana Point City Council is controlled by the statute of limitations provisions set forth in Sections 2.50.010 and 2.50.020 of the Dana Point Municipal Code and Sections 1094.5 and 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure. Any action or proceeding to attack, review, set aside, or void any decision of the Dana Point City Council is controlled by Section 2.50.010 and Section 2.50.020 of the Dana Point Municipal Code. In any such action or proceeding seeking judicial review of, which attacks or seeks to set aside, or void any decision of the Dana Point City Council, shall be limited to those issues raised at the hearing as provided in Chapter 2.50 of the Dana Point Municipal Code. Copies of the procedures for the conduct of City Council public hearings are available from the City Clerk. 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.

SHAYNA SHARKE, CITY CLERK

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

DAVID GLYNN

Case Number: 30-2023-01324179-PR-PWCMC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise

be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of DAVID GLYNN

A Petition for Probate has been filed by KIMBERLY ROZUM in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE

The Petition for Probate requests that KIMBERLY ROZUM be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:

A. D ate: 6/14/2023 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: CM05

B. Address of Court: Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

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

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Leslie L. Niven, Esq., 17821 17th St., Ste. 190, Tustin, CA 92780

PH: (714) 978-7887

Published in: Dana Point Times, May 19, 25, June 2, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236659844

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as:

BEACHCRAFT

4 BREAKERS ISLE

DANA POINT, CA 92629

Full Name of Registrant(s): CYNTHIA MCGAUGHAN

4 BREAKERS ISLE

DANA POINT, CA 92629

This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a

/s/CYNTHIA MCGAUGHAN

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 03/31/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 5, 12, 19, 26, 2023

Complete

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE

Email your listing to info@danapointtimes.com.

Deadline 12pm Monday

SAN CLEMENTE COMMUNITY GARAGE

SALE SAT - MAY 20TH 8AM-2PM

Just above the SC High School Pico/ Presidio up and over the Hill. Miguel, San Carlos, La Cuesta and all the streets in between. Look for signs. Call Janet Montandon for info 949-291-4820

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE – COASTAL SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO MEREDITH CANYON NEIGHBORHOOD. 5/20, 8AM-1PM

Camino Las Ramblas and Via De Agua, then follow signs. Lots of stuff & good deals. Many homes participating.

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

20236661798

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as:

BEACH CITIES COASTAL PROPERTIES

34041 CALLE LA PRIMAVERA

DANA POINT, CA 92629

Full Name of Registrant(s):

JEANNETTE BROWN

34041 CALLE LA PRIMAVERA

DANA POINT, CA 92629

This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a

JEANNETTE BROWN/s/JEANNETTE JOYCE BROWN

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/25/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 5, 12, 19, 26, 2023

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA)

• Name C hanges

• Lien Sale

• Alcoholic Beverage License

• Petitions for Probate

• Trustee Sale ...and more

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

Do you want to reach 42,000+ people in the Dana Point area? Then you need to be in the DP Times! Call 949.388.7700, ext.102

DOLPHIN REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Noonan Wins Double CIF-SS Gold; 9 Entries Qualify to Masters

Sophomore Evan Noonan continued his distance-running dominance with his second and third CIF-SS championships of the school year at the CIF-SS Division 2 Finals last Saturday, May 13, at Moorpark High School.

Noonan, who won the Division 2 cross country title in the fall, won the boys 1,600 meters by three seconds and won the boys 3,200 meters in a personal-record 8:59.06 to continue his golden season. Noonan won Orange County and South Coast League titles in the 1,600 along with a league title in the 3,200.

Junior teammate Garrett Woodruff also posted qualifying times in both the 1,600 and 3,200 to send the Dolphin runners to the CIF-SS Masters Meet.

CIF-SS Masters will be run this Saturday, May 20, back at Moorpark High School, with the top six finishers in each event moving on to the CIF State Championships.

On the girls side, senior Allura Markow and sophomore Annie Ivarsson finished third and fourth, respectively, in the 1,600 meters to advance to Masters. They’ll be joined by sophomore Sydni Harden, who qualified in the pole vault.

Additionally, both the Dana Hills boys and girls 4x800-meter relay teams will run at CIF-SS Masters. The event is not run in earlier CIF-SS events, but it has been added to the CIF State program this year.

Boys Golf Advances to Regional Qualifying

Dana Hills boys golf has an opportunity for its second consecutive CIF/SCGA State Regional appearance thanks to its fifth-place finish at the CIF-SS Division 1

Team Championships on Monday, May 15, at CrossCreek Golf Club in Temecula.

The Dolphins shot a team score of 364, just four shots off Division 1 champion Sunny Hills, to finish well within the regional-qualifying top 10. Nick Fry shot a 3-under-par 69, Nick Davis shot a 71, and Davis Brown shot a par 72.

Dana Hills teed it up at the SCGA Southern State Regional qualifying tournament on Thursday, May 18, at River Ridge Golf Course in Oxnard, but results were not available at press time. That tournament also doubles as the CIF-SS Individual Championships, for which Brown qualified.

If Dana Hills finished in the top four on Thursday or any Dolphin finished in the top 28, they would advance to the Southern State Regional next Thursday, May 24. Dana Hills advanced to its first regional last season.

Overhauled Football League Proposal Passed by Principals, Awaits CIF-SS Approval

The high school sports landscape in Orange County, particularly in football, is on track to look dramatically different for the 2024-25 school year.

A proposal that would shake up the entire structure of county affiliations with rankings-based, football-only leagues and another proposal for slight changes to league and conference lineups in all other sports were approved by Orange County’s high school principals in a meeting on Monday, May 15.

Both proposals will go to the CIF-Southern Section Council for approval in October, and if approved, which seems likely, the new leagues would go into effect in the fall of 2024. The county’s athletic directors approved three football proposals and three all-sports proposals at their meeting last month for the principals’ perusal.

The headlining shift would be the creation of football-specific leagues based on

a two-year performance ranking system for every team in Orange County, except the six teams of the Trinity League, which will remain intact as is.

It’s unclear how these leagues will be named, but for football, the South Coast and Sea View Leagues, as they’ve been known, will be gone.

The rankings will be based upon team performance from the previous two seasons, with the rankings weighted with 65% of the points from the most recent season and 35% coming from the season prior to that. The top four teams in the rankings would make the top league, with nine six-team leagues to follow and a final five-team league at the bottom.

Rankings created by calpreps.com, have been used by CIF-SS in recent seasons to dictate its playoff divisions at the end of the regular season, with the goal being greater competitive equity between playoff opponents.

For example, if last season’s CalPreps rankings were used to create football leagues for this fall, Dana Hills would be in the sixth league with Laguna Beach, El Toro, Santa Ana, Sonora and Tustin.

San Clemente would be the fourth team in the top-ranked league along with Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo and Edison, which all were placed in Division 1 of the CIF-SS playoffs. San Clemente was the final team in Division 2 last season.

Tesoro would be in the second league down, and San Juan Hills and Trabuco Hills would be in the third league. Capistrano Valley would be in the fourth, and Aliso Niguel would be in the fifth league.

For other local teams, St. Margaret’s would be in the eighth league. Capistrano Valley Christian, as a small school, is excluded from the Orange County region proposals.

However, that is just for football. In every other sport, the Coast View Conference will remain intact with one new addition to round out its numbers.

Beckman, a Tustin Unified School District public school in Irvine with an enrollment of more than 3,000 students, would join the South Coast and Sea View Leagues in all other sports if the proposal is approved by the CIF-SS Council in October.

Since the departure of Laguna Hills in all sports to the Pacific Coast League two years ago—Dana Hills had joined the league in football only—the Coast View Conference had an odd number of teams, which meant the South Coast and Sea View Leagues did not have an equal number of members. One league would have five and the other had four, which created scheduling issues and discrepancies.

Coast View athletic directors had expressed the desire to round out their number again, with either Beckman or Laguna Beach in the proposals sent to principals. DP

Dana Hills runners Garrett Woodruff and Evan Noonan advanced to CIF-SS Masters this Saturday, May 20. Photo Courtesy of Rich Gonzalez, PrepCalTrack.

Local Stars Shine on Gold Coast

Lindblad finishes second at Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro; Schilling, Colapinto land in third

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

As the waves got better every day of the Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro until they peaked at pure Gold Coast pointbreak perfection, area surfers rose to the occasion and posted some impressive results.

Top among them was San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad. Dominant all year long during the WSL’s North American Qualifying Series, she put all the pieces together on the international Challenger Series to make the podium and finish in a very respectable second place.

“It feels really good to make my first Final in the Challenger Series,” Lindblad said after the final. “Obviously, I wanted to win, but it was so fun to surf Snapper with just a few people out, and I’m grateful to compete in this event.”

Lindblad came up short behind Australia’s India Robinson in the final, but both surfers’ results were the biggest of their young careers. And showing poise beyond her years, Lindblad beat perennial world title contender Sally Fitzgibbons, posting an 8.67 single-wave score—the highest score of the day.

Now sitting second in the Challenger Series rankings, Lindblad goes into the rest of the season with a head full of momentum. The top five women at season’s end will qualify for the 2024

GROM OF THE WEEK

Championship Tour.

On the men’s side of the draw, it was the San Clemente duo of Jeff Schilling and Crosby Colapinto finding their rhythm on the flawless Snapper Rocks lines. Schilling, surfing on his backhand, took a fast, spontaneous and energetic act into the water, while regular-footer Colapinto dropped the hammer with powerful rail turns and high-risk hits on the end section.

Inspired and motivated by a whole cadre of San Clemente surfers, hometown hero Kolohe Andino, after losing out early in the event, served as the spiritual leader of the group and relished his role as pit crew chief.

Firing up the next generation, Andino was running up and down the beach hooting and hollering for his crew, getting them water bottles between waves and even threw in a few NFL-esque butt pats for extra spice. Joining him were Cole Houshmand, Kade Matson, as well as Lindblad’s brother Taj.

In the semifinals, Colapinto would fall in a tight one to eventual winner Sammy Pupo of Brazil, while Schilling went down to runner-up Imai DeVault of Hawaii.

Both San Clemente surfers are now knotted at third on the Challenger Series rankings. The top 10 will graduate to the

MARLO LEIGH HARRIS

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

At the start of the NSSA season, we told you to watch out for Marlo Leigh Harris. The girl is not only dedicated to becoming the best possible surfer she can be, but she leads by example in and out of the water.

All that hard work and commitment paid off big-time at the recent NSSA Southwest Conference Open Season Championships. Topping the podium in two divisions—the Open Girls (under 16) and the Open Super Girls (under 14)—Harris, 13, asserted herself as one of the most dominant up-and-coming stars in Southern California.

“We realize everyone is shooting for the

pinnacle of winning a Regional and National Title, but achieving a Conference Championship crown, especially in the hotly contested SW Open divisions is not to be understated,” shared the NSSA on social media. “Winning a season title not only depends on talent and level, it takes commitment, discipline, perseverance and the versatility to perform in any wave Mother Nature throws at you.”

A huge congrats to Marlo on the amazing accomplishments, as well as all the groms who won their respective divisions or just

2024 Championship Tour.

“What an amazing event and an even better start to the Australia leg! This whole week has been incredibly fun,” Colapinto shared on Instagram. “Stoked to start the year with an equal third and to do some good surfing in a jersey. Congrats to Sammy Pupo for taking out the event! Off to Narrabeen tomorrow to do it all again, let’s ride!”

The next Challenger Series event, the GWM Sydney Surf Pro, starts this week in Sydney, Australia. After that, there’s a month off before things pick up in earnest this summer. Stop No. 3 will take the tour to South Africa before they come home to Huntington Beach for the U.S. Open, which kicks off on July 29.

As they say, there are heaps of surfing left to be done. But for Lindblad, Schil-

ling and Colapinto, the success on the Gold Coast marks a brilliant start to the season and gives them all a ton of momentum as they look to make it to surfing’s biggest stage.

They’re all surfing great, appear to have great boards under their feet, and they’ve got to be vibing off all the local support. Let’s keep it going and fire them up for their qualification push. DP

Jake Howard is a local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for several 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.

SURF FORECAST

Water Temperature: 60-62 Degrees

Water Visibility: 1-2’’

Outlook: SSW swell slowly fades on Friday, for shoulder high to a foot overhead waves, (4-6’) at well exposed spots, as standouts are head high to easily overhead, (5-8’). The trend towards decreasing surf continues through the weekend, with Sunday’s waves mainly running waist to shoulder high, (3-4’). The pattern of light morning winds, rising to low-end moderate onshores in the afternoons, then easing into the evenings prevails Friday through Sunday.

paddled out and gave it their all. DP

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

San Clemente’s Sawyer Lindblad unleashes on the end section of a perfect Snapper Rocks wall for an 8-point ride and runner-up finish at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast Pro. Photo: Courtesy of WSL

Marlo Leigh Harris. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

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