May 21, 2021

INSIDE: Special Section

MAY 21-27, 2021 | VOLUME 14, ISSUE 21

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

U S E

Up to Bat DPYB’s 11U Tsunami Team Invited to Perfect Game’s World Series in Georgia S P O R T S / PAG E 16

Dana Point Youth Baseball, a local recreation baseball league, offers a Select program that is the league’s version of travel ball, known as the Tsunami. Photo: Courtesy of DPYB

danapointtimes.com

Doheny Bike Teams with City to Promote Bike Safety

DHHS Places 7 at County Championships

Dana Point Surf Club Looks to Future

DP LIVING/PAGE 13

SPORTS/PAGE 16

SURF/PAGE 18

Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

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EYE ON DP

What’s Up With...

Dana Point COVID-19 UPDATES

TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Student Mask Requirements Dominate Discussions at Tense CUSD Meeting

as of May 19

cases

deaths

total

1,520

33

20

0

last 30 days

BY COLLIN BREAUX DANA POINT TIMES

est. population • 34,000

During a school board meeting filled with various agenda items, one topic stood out and led to contentious exchanges—masks.

Parents and children spoke out against mask mandates for students during a Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting that began Wednesday night and finished after 1:30 a.m. Thursday. CUSD students have been required to wear masks while on campus and indoors.

The start of the meeting was delayed when trustees went back into closed session after some audience members refused to wear a mask or wore it below their noses. A citizen request to eliminate the mask mandate at CUSD schools was pulled from the agenda as the night went on after that citizen left the meeting, reportedly due to an emergency—a decision that infuriated parents in attendance.

Audience members were initially prohibited from speaking against masks during the oral communications portion of the meeting by district staff and trustees, who said oral communications are only for items not on the agenda. However, audience members were allowed to talk about masks when oral communications were reinstated during the meeting after the citizen request was pulled, and also during the discussion of the district’s reopening 2.0 plan that will permit students to be on campus a full five days a week for the upcoming 2021-22 school year starting in August.

Parents said district staff and officials were delaying the meeting, while trustees countered they were trying to follow procedure and conduct the business of

Parents and children spoke out against mask mandates for students during a Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, May 19. Photo: August de Richelieu from Pexels

Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

the board. Trustee Amy Hanacek called for order at one point. In-person capacity in the board room was limited due to social distancing, and a crowd of parents and children outside the building chanted, “Let the kids speak!” They also said they would vote out or recall the trustees, often loudly during other board discussions. The crowd outside eventually left, though a handful of parents remained inside for the majority of the meeting.

Audience members clapped and cheered during anti-mask remarks.

Parent Dana Collins said the board made the kids wait all night and were rude to people.

“You can walk into a restaurant and sit without any problem, but we’re enforcing a rule for kids to wear masks all day long,” Collins said. “My daughters have rashes.

She can’t breathe. This is ridiculous.”

Parent Criz Booth said her kids did not like wearing masks, since it led to issues with anxiety and caused one of her son’s eyeglasses to fog up.

“The kids are suffering. They’re unhappy,” Booth said. “They should be happy to go to school.”

District officials have previously said they have to follow guidelines issued by the California Department of Public Health. Whether students will have to wear a mask while indoors on campus during the next school year depends on current CDPH guidelines. Students are allowed to take their mask off if they are outdoors and have enough distance from others, such as during physical education classes or recess. Public health officials have said wearing masks while indoors and in proximity to others is an effective deterrent against spreading COVID-19.

A change in mask mandates for California could come during the anticipated full state reopening on June 15, when Gov. Gavin Newsom has signaled California will adopt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations that fully vaccinated people no longer have to wear masks in most settings.

“We are anticipating that mask guidance, distancing guidance, all of these things may change dramatically June 15,” said Gregory Merwin, chief academic officer of education and support services for CUSD. “If that happens, we will absolutely plan accordingly and follow

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

that guidance, so if the mask mandate is removed, we will immediately follow that guidance.”

Trustee Lisa Davis said she supported unmasking CUSD students.

“The reality is, kids 12 years old and older can now be vaccinated and students younger than 12 haven’t been shown to be spreaders of COVID, nor does COVID have the dire consequences in that age group that we’ve seen amongst our elderly population,” Davis said.

A resolution proposed by Davis to lift the mask mandate, effective once the mandate is lifted in the state, did not get a second. Board President Judy Bullockus said the matter could be brought up again at the June meeting.

In other meeting news, the board approved cultural proficiency lessons for students in grades kindergarten-12th. The lessons intended to introduce students to age-appropriate material surrounding empathy, belonging, compassion, being an upstander, conflict resolution, identity, effective communication, and problem-solving skills, according to district staff. The meetings will be one lesson per grade level per year and are not expected to take up a huge chunk of instructional time, Merwin said.

The proposed lessons have drawn mixed reactions from parents over the past several months. Parents against the lessons, including those at the May 19 meeting, said it pushed a far-left agenda and increased division among students instead of encouraging unity and commonality. Some compared the lessons to critical race theory, a claim denied by Merwin.

Other parents support the lessons since they are intended to encourage empathy and raise cultural awareness. The board voted, 4-3, to approve the lessons.

Trustees Hanacek, Pamela Braunstein, Gila Jones, and Krista Castellanos voted yes. Trustees Bullockus, Davis, and Martha McNicholas voted no. A handful of parents who had stayed for the majority of the meeting left in anger after the lessons were approved.

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COVID-19 Restrictions Eased Further in OC

BY COLLIN BREAUX DANA POINT TIMES

As COVID-19 metrics continued to plunge, capacity for businesses and activities further increased on Wednesday, May 19, when Orange County dropped into the least restrictive risk tier of California’s pandemic monitoring system.

Orange County entered the yellow “minimal” risk tier of the state’s fourtiered, color-coded system, which variously allows or prohibits activities in a county depending on the COVID-19 levels. The move marked months of declining cases and hospitalizations since the start of the year, when the county was in the most restrictive purple “widespread” risk tier.

The county last week met the criteria for the yellow tier, which includes having a test positivity rate of fewer than two cases per 100,000 residents. A county generally has to stay in a more restrictive tier for two consecutive weeks before it can shift to a less restrictive one.

The move to the yellow tier allowed increased capacity at gyms, bars, restaurants movie theaters, and other destinations.

The loosening of restrictions can be considered a trial run of sorts for the expected full state reopening on June 15, which will abolish the tier system outright.

The June 15 reopening is also when the mask mandate is expected to be lifted for fully vaccinated people in California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said mask requirements will still be in effect for the state until then, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent recommendations that fully vaccinated people don’t have to wear them anymore in most instances.

The CDC recommendations have sparked controversy over concerns from some that the lifting of requirements is premature.

The gradual reopening across the state and country comes as people continue to get vaccinated, and health and political officials urge people to get their shots if they haven’t already.

The number of COVID-19 cases and related deaths in the tri-city area of San Clemente, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano, as well as Rancho Mission Viejo, have remained low.

As of Tuesday, May 18, the number of total confirmed cases was 3,023 in San Clemente; 1,520 in Dana Point; 2,787 in San Juan Capistrano; and 337 in Rancho Mission Viejo. None of the three towns reported any new cases compared to the day before.

San Clemente and San Juan had no (Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

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City to Hold Workshop for the Doheny Village Plan and More

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

Dana Point Community Development, in association with the Doheny Village Merchants’ Association, will hold a pop-up community workshop on Saturday, June 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The workshop will be located in the public parking lot next to El Patio Café at the corner of Doheny Park Road and Domingo Avenue (also Dana Point Trolley Stop #S3).

The Pop-Up Community Workshop will feature outdoor interactive stations

Former DHHS Student Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ to Vehicular Manslaughter

BY COSTA B. PAPPAS, FOR THE DANA POINT TIMES

Mason Howard, 22, of Laguna Niguel pled not guilty after being charged with vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence and faces a sentencing enhancement for fleeing the scene of a crime.

Howard was arrested on Saturday, April 17, after running over Kimberly

(Cont. from page 3) reported coronavirus-related deaths in the past 30 days, and Dana Point had only one. Rancho Mission Viejo will not report its exact death toll until it reaches five, as it did for case numbers.

The number of cases in the past roughly 30-day period is 56 for San Clemente, 21 for Dana Point, 30 for San Juan Capistrano, and 4 for Rancho Mission Viejo.

No deaths from COVID-19 were reported in Orange County on Tuesday. There had previously been 5,031 cumulative deaths in Orange County.

The majority of California is either in the yellow or orange “moderate” risk tier.

There are no counties in the widespread tier, 10 in the substantial tier, 35 in the moderate tier, and 13 in the minimal tier.

Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

with information on several ongoing planning efforts, including the Doheny Village Plan, along with the Housing & Public Safety General Plan Elements, Short-Term Rentals, Code Enforcement and more.

“We want the public to come by, learn more about our community development projects and provide their feedback. Community input and collaboration is important to the success of our planning efforts across the city,” said Jamey Federico, Dana Point mayor.

The Pop-Up Community Workshop is part of the city’s community outreach program to obtain comments for the Doheny Village Plan draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). All public comments are due by June 9 on the EIR. For additional information, contact Belinda Deines at bdeines@danapoint.org or 949.248.3570.

The Pop-Up Community Workshop is part of the city’s community outreach program to obtain comments for the Doheny Village Plan draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Photo: File

OI Fundraising to Support Adopt-aClass Program

Bennett, 33, of San Bernardino while allegedly driving under the influence.

According to officers, Howard had an odor of alcohol on his breath and his eyes were bloodshot and watery. He initially refused a breath test and blood test, and a search warrant for blood evidence was later signed to draw his blood into evidence.

Howard was previously charged for DUI on two separate occurrences. His first case placed him on DUI probation, which ended in January 2021, and his second case is pending in San Diego County.

Howard’s next court date is for a felony settlement conference on June 11 at the Hall of Justice in Riverside. Visit danapointtimes.com for updates.

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

Despite the many challenges during the thick of the pandemic, Ocean Institute (OI) leadership is saying the organization was able to continue to fulfill its mission through the generous support of the community and is calling on the community again to help support essential enrichment in the 2021-2022 school year.

After closing its doors on March 16, 2020, the community rose up to keep Ocean Institute afloat and provided the resources to continue to fulfill their mission in innovative ways. Introducing virtual learning and outdoor excursions, the organization continued to reach thousands of students, including 8,000 from under-resourced schools.

“The donations and support from our community during the pandemic enabled us to create innovative virtual programs which brought education and joy into hospitals, homeless shelters, and school zoom classes during the darkest of times,” said Dr. Wendy Marshall, President and CEO of OI. “As we emerge from the pandemic, we cannot wait to return to delivering in-person programs again.

Nothing compares to getting students out on the water.”

Unable to hold the traditional fundraiser that supports the Adopt-A-Class

Nationally, the United States had reported 33 million total cases and approximately 586,000 deaths as of Tuesday.

California had reported approximately 3.77 million total cases and 62,700 deaths. There had been approximately 164 million cases and 3.39 million deaths worldwide.

Approximately 274 million vaccine doses had been administered nationally, with 124 million fully vaccinated, as of Tuesday. Approximately 38.7% of California’s population is fully vaccinated, and 37.7% of the country fully vaccinated.

There had been more than 34 million doses administered in California.

Approximately 1.5 billion vaccine doses had been administered worldwide, with 360 million (4.6% of the global population) fully vaccinated.

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program, Ocean Institute engaged the business community to support their Celebration of Resilience, scheduled online from May 17-22. The celebration includes an online auction loaded with dining experiences, getaways, recreation, beauty, food, and wine packages and more. All items were donated by local businesses. “We know small businesses have taken a hit. We had trepidation about asking for donations, as so many are struggling to rebuild, but we are thrilled that the response was absolutely overwhelming,” said Marshall.

Ocean Institute turned to the public to join in the fun and participate in bidding. The auction opened on May 17 and runs through May 22 at 8 p.m.

The culmination of the online auction coincides with the sold-out Celebration of Resilience dinner and live auction at the Ocean Institute. Between the online and live auction, the goal was to raise $200,000 to support Adopt-A-Class.

“This is about community and winning,” Marshall said. “For us, to meet this goal is to continue our tradition as strong as ever and to punch through the pandemic with heart and humility.

We know we can do this together.”

Ocean Institute is hopeful for strong participation in the online auction and that the community will recognize and support the many businesses that gave at a time that is still very difficult, Marshall added.

To view the supporters and participate in the auction, please visit oceaninstitute.org.

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NEWS NEXT DOOR:

Delivery Company Proposes Large Project in Rancho SC Business Park

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

company—identified in city documents only as an e-commerce and package delivery service—has submitted site plans to construct a large delivery facility within the Rancho San Clemente Business Park.

According to the city, Greenlaw Partners, an Irvine-based real estate firm that’s listed as the project applicant, is proposing to construct a roughly 105,000-square-foot, single-story warehouse in the heart of the business park that will serve as a delivery station with supporting office space.

While still in the very early stages of the application process with the city, the proposed project, referred to as Project Summer, is being considered by some on the city’s Planning Commission as a boost in San Clemente’s economic development.

“This is a great opportunity for the economy,” Commissioner Zhen Wu said during last week’s Design Review Subcommittee (DRSC) meeting, before stressing that “we want to make sure it’s designed right for the people.”

The design review arm of the Planning Commission met on May 12 to provide Greenlaw with preliminary feedback on the proposal, while the firm continues finalizing its application materials to the city.

“The applicant is working on revising their application package to address comments from different City departments,” Stephanie Roxas, the city’s senior planner, said in an email last week.

“There are still a number of outstanding items, so we expect there to be additional rounds of staff review/comments.”

Such items include renderings of the facility as seen from certain public vantage points, a traffic report, and a photometric study on the facility’s lighting, among other things, the city noted in its report to the subcommittee.

“While staff does not have specific recommendations for the building architecture, particular attention is being given to public views and potential impacts to nearby residential neighborhoods,” the city said in its report.

According to the city, the applicant is Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

Site plans recently submitted to the city propose to construct a roughly 105,000-square-foot delivery facility atop property (pictured here) within the Rancho San Clemente Business Park. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

also seeking an exception to a 35-foot height limit under the city’s zoning ordinance and Rancho San Clemente Specific Plan. As it stands now, the height of the proposed facility is 45 feet.

Greenlaw, in its updated application materials, will need to also include additional justifications for its exception request, or “administrative adjustment,” which the specific plan allows to “foster design creativity and innovation.”

Presenting additional details of the project at the DRSC meeting last week, Greenlaw officials and representatives explained the delivery hub will operate 24/7, with drivers delivering packages to customers’ homes from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and trucks delivering packages to the station from about 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.

The subcommittee members concurred with city staff that the additional information in the application materials was needed, particularly the justification for the height exception. Commissioner Bart Crandell also asked whether the project would hurt the city’s efforts in adopting dark sky policies—standards set by the International Dark-Sky Association.

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Responding to Crandell’s inquiry, Roxas noted that the project’s lighting is a concern as it relates to such policies, which are meant to reduce light pollution and improve star visibility. However, she continued, there are certain types of lighting fixtures designed to focus light downward.

“There is a lot of possibility in types of light fixtures, both around the building for security, as well as within the parking lot, to really focus and shield the lighting so it directs—so it’s contained within the site itself,” she explained.

“There definitely is a lot of advancements of lighting fixtures to really focus a lot of the lighting onto the site,” Roxas added. “So that is something we have discussed with the applicant, and we are requesting additional details to be provided to us.”

The project, the city has noted, is subject to the Planning Commission’s approval. In her email, Roxas noted that city staff won’t bring the project to the Commission for consideration “until we have completed our review and are ready to make a recommendation.”

The scope and concept of the project have led many in the real estate community—as reported by Kidder Mathews, which broke the story last week—to speculate that Amazon is behind the proposed facility.

Greenlaw has been linked to previous Amazon projects in the past. The Ventura County Star reported this past October that Greenlaw was looking to repurpose a building in Simi Valley for an Amazon delivery station.

Bob Adams, president of the Rancho San Clemente Business Park Association, noted that while he hasn’t seen anything in writing, he said he’s been told by those close to the project that the facility is for Amazon.

In an emailed statement on Tuesday, May 18, Amazon said: “We are constantly exploring new locations and weighing a variety of factors when deciding where to develop sites to best serve customers; however, we don’t provide information on our future road map.”

As of press time, Greenlaw had not responded to multiple requests for comment. DP danapointtimes.com

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NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

DP | San Clemente, TCA Set

to Officially Part Ways San Clemente and the Transportation Corridor Agencies will officially sever ties this July after the city council voted on Tuesday, May 18, to formally withdraw from the toll road operators’ governing boards.

The 4-1 decision, with Councilmember Laura Ferguson dissenting, will allow the city’s elected officials to walk away from the TCA’s boards of directors on July 1—a move that city officials hope will add another roadblock in any plans to extend the 241 Toll Road through town.

For Mayor Kathy Ward, a director on the TCA’s Foothill/Eastern board, which oversees the 133, 241 and 261 Toll Roads, the move was a long time coming, as the city’s faith in the agencies to pay off its debt and turn the roads over to the state has withered.

“In my six years on the agency, I see no adherence to the agreement and no intentions to paying these roads off,” Ward said. “As long as the boards continue to not pay off its debt, the taxpayers of Orange County will continue to pay tolls to use these roads that were intended to be part of the free state highway system.”

Tuesday’s council meeting followed a vote by the TCA’s boards of directors last week to grant the city’s request to waive the requirement that member cities must submit written notice to withdraw from the TCA at least 120 days prior to June 30, the end of a fiscal year.

Though the 120-day notice is a requirement under the Joint Power Authority’s agreement that established the TCA, “the Boards of Directors felt it was in the best interest of all parties to grant San Clemente’s requested waiver,” the TCA explained in a press release.

The council in early April voted to initiate the steps necessary for San Clemente to withdraw from the TCA as a member agency by directing city staff to draft the withdrawal notice, as well as to authorize Ward to request the waiver.

“San Clemente did not join this agency to perpetually charge tolls for a system that was meant to be free and perpetually incur more debt for our taxpayers for any future project the TCA can envision themselves to do,” Ward said.

Ferguson, who had also been a no vote in April, reiterated her position, explaining that San Clemente and its residents won’t have a voice, particularly on contentious issues that may arise. The city, she added, “can do more good from the inside.”

Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

The city council on Tuesday, May 18, voted to officially notify the Transportation Corridor Agencies of the city’s intent to withdraw from the toll road operators’ boards of directors beginning on July 1. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

“If San Clemente withdraws its membership, we’re giving up our power, even to object, even if we lose every time,” Ferguson said. “We need to remain to protect our open space and the voice of our residents; I truly believe we need to represent the voice of the people here.”

Mayor Pro Tem Gene James currently sits as a director on the San Joaquin Hills TCA board that manages the 73 Toll Road. He stressed on Tuesday night that the city’s concerns are hardly considered, as he and Ward consistently get outvoted by an overwhelming margin.

“We’ve tried to play nice with them, collaborate with them, but there’s a contingent of the TCA that’s just hell-bent on building a toll road through San Clemente,” James said.

This all comes as many local officials have grown increasingly leery of the TCA’s previous commitment to pursue an extension of Los Patrones Parkway as a free arterial route, instead of its hotly contested proposals to connect the 241 to the 5 freeway via San Clemente’s open space.

Suspicions that those plans to extend the 241 still remain on the table stem from the TCA voting this past March to oppose state legislation by Sen. Patricia Bates, who’s looking to have the toll road end at its current terminus at Oso Parkway.

TCA officials have maintained that there are no plans to construct a toll road through the city.

In addition to the council’s vote to

begin exiting from the TCA, it also approved plans to further the process of ending the development impact fees (DIFs) that the city collects from property owners of new developments and pays to the TCA. The city has argued that San Clemente’s residents haven’t benefited from a toll road because the TCA never completed its southern alignment of the 241, which was initially intended to connect to Interstate 5, south of San Clemente.

The TCA on May 13 said the city is still on the hook for paying its share of the DIFs, as those coffers are earmarked for the agencies’ bond obligations.

“While San Clemente’s withdrawal would mean it will no longer have city council representation on either of the TCA’s two Boards of Directors, certain obligations under the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreements will remain,” the TCA said in the release.

“San Clemente must continue to collect development impact fees (DIFs) and remit them to TCA, as the fees are a financial commitment pledged to secure bonds issued by TCA,” the release added. “A member city’s obligation to collect DIFs continues as long as the fees are pledged as security for any financial commitment.”

City Attorney Scott Smith on Tuesday explained that while the TCA has yet to provide the city with an accounting of what’s owed, he agreed with the agencies’ other finding “that going forward, the TCA cannot issue new debt that requires Page 6

San Clemente to pay it.”

DP | Tickets Selling for Ohana

Festival, Lineup Announced The fifth annual Ohana Festival, founded by Eddie Vedder, announced its lineup for 2021, which will take place Sept. 24-26 at Doheny State Beach. Kings of Leon, Pearl Jam, and Eddie Vedder as a solo artist, will headline the festival.

The annual event will also feature performances from My Morning Jacket, Brandi Carlile, Black Pumas, Maggie Rogers, Yola, Durand Jones & The Indications, Mac DeMarco, Sharon Van Etten, Real Estate and more.

According to a press release, the event will also include a “Storytellers Cove,” which “will feature leading voices, experts, innovators and changemakers.

Dynamic sessions will include conversations on sustainability, wellness and more.”

The release stated more details would be released between now and the Ohana Festival weekend. Other artists on the bill include Shovels & Rope, Cold War Kids, Jade Bird, Brian Fallon, La Luz, and Modern Eyes.

The festival was founded by Vedder in 2015. A portion of proceeds from the event will go toward the San Onofre Parks Foundation, as well as the Doheny State Beach Foundation.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit ohanafest.com. danapointtimes.com

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo 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 21. 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.

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Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate Education by Julianne E. Steers

Wild Ride on Warmer Tides

I

An unusual life history leaves grunion extremely vulnerable to ecological change. As our climate changes, so does the habitat for the natural world. Impacts of an ever-increasing human population combined with climate intensifies the issues challenging the grunion popuGUEST OPINION lations. Climate-inBY JULIANNE E. duced sea level rise STEERS and erosion on the coast have diminished the available habitat for these beach-spawning fishes.

Loss of this critical spawning habitat will have a direct negative impact on each future generation. When paired with exponentially warming seas, the fish receive a one-two punch to their survival. Increased temperatures determine the ratio of sexes in grunion. Most notably, a warmer temperature early on increases the proportion of males in the school, translating to reduced recruitment of next generations and long-term population trends. What is a bachelor brood of fish to do when there are fewer bachelorettes cruising the coast? Each

f you grew up here in Southern California, odds are you heard rumblings about a midnight fish phenomenon called a grunion run at least once during your childhood. If you were lucky, you stayed up way past your bedtime and ventured out to the coast for a peek at this wild activity. If you’re from elsewhere, chances are you thought this was total urban folklore.

Well, it’s no myth; there really are fish that fling themselves on shore under the silver moonlight, all for the survival of their species. Grunion (Leuresthes tenuis) are famous for their remarkable spawning behavior that amazes onlookers when they experience a run firsthand.

In tune with the moon, runs have a lunar periodicity occurring in coordination with new and full moons at the highest tides. As the tide peaks, the nightly coastal rave gets underway, and the rhythmic conception transpires. A wave of grunion wiggles onto shore; the females dig in to the soft sand to lay their eggs, while the males flit about to fertilize their brood before they all retreat back into the sea. The eggs are left high and dry to incubate until the next highest tide about two weeks later.

Letter to The Editor

ever going to vote once. The more votes you hold, the more majority rule skews too much in favor of the majority.

In a majority rule system where there are just two sides, a 50.1% majority results in winning 100% of outcomes (common in stockholder votes). In a fair system, a 50.1% majority should result in winning 50.1% of outcomes. After all, 50.1% is only slightly different from 49.9%, so both sides should win about the same fraction of the time. Even rock, paper, scissors is fairer than majority rule. The family would eat pizza about 33% of the time, hamburgers 67% of the time—in perfect alignment with the preferences of the voting population (33% in favor of pizza, 67% in favor of hamburgers).

The House is designed to yield a raw majority rule outcome. The Senate and its rules (like the 60% vote to end a filibuster, 2 Senators per state regardless of population, and two-thirds vote needed to ratify treaties) is designed to give some power back to the minority,

REGARDING ELIMINATION OF THE FILIBUSTER JOHN KIM, Dana Point The filibuster helps correct a fundamental flaw in majority rule. Imagine you have three kids—two boys and a girl. The boys like hamburgers, the girl likes pizza. You ask them to vote on what to have for lunch. Hamburgers: 2, pizza: 1. Hamburgers win. Fair, right?

Now imagine you do this every day for a year. There are 360 votes, and hamburgers win 360 times. The girl represents 33% of the population, but never gets pizza. How is that fair?

This is the fundamental flaw with majority rule. It’s only fair if you’re only Page 7

needs the other for survival of their species.

If finding a mate were the only worry, grunion must also combat the increasing acidity of our ocean. Ocean acidification is a significant consequence of excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Since these effects are happening underwater, we don’t see or feel them, but our finned compatriots certainly do. Much of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere doesn’t stay in the air, but dissolves into our ocean. In the case of these fish, acidification can reduce their growth during the crucial larval stages.

What remains to be seen is the adaptability of California grunion to longterm changes in their habitat.

Julianne Steers is a marine biologist and conservation photographer. She has an extensive background in ecology, and has been researching, diving and exploring the local ecosystem and beyond to sustain the natural world. 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. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

to help correct this flaw in majority rule.

Eliminating the filibuster defeats the purpose of even having a Senate.

Unfortunately, a large number of people don’t understand this difference between representation, and outcomes.

And they are analyzing the issue as if tyranny of the majority results in the best democracy. It most certainly does not.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to lboyd@picketfencemedia. com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES

Editor’s Pick

‘Hope in the Holy Land’ is Pleasantly, Surprisingly Well-Balanced

Mission San Juan Capistrano will pay tribute to military service members and others during a Field of Honor Event coinciding with Memorial Day weekend. Photo: Collin Breaux

WEDNESDAY | 26-31 FIELD OF HONOR AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 9 a.m.-4 p.m. In honor of Memorial Day, Mission San Juan Capistrano is partnering with Homefront America to display up to 400 American flags on the grounds of the historic site. Active duty service members, veterans, first responders and Mission Preservation Society members will receive free admission to the Mission during the exhibit. Regular admission prices will be in place for everyone else. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949. 234.1300. missionsjc.com.

SATURDAY | 22

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

FRIDAY | 21 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.

Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 8 p.m. Learn about the eerie history of San Juan Capistrano as you walk through the downtown area and near Mission San Juan Capistrano. The walk is hosted by Haunted Orange County. Attendees are asked to meet at the visitor’s information booth by the train tracks. Face masks are required on all tours until further notice.

26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Philos Project

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

S

SUNDAY | 23 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 | 26 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.

Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

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urfing is a staple in Israel as much as it is in the OC, and in Jesse Schluntz’s new documentary, Hope in the Holy Land, there’s a surprising connection to both.

The movie tackles one of the most complicated issues occurring in the modern world: the Israeli-Palestine conflict—a problem that has been going on for decades, with many sides and perspectives to confuse the uninformed, especially outside of the region.

Schluntz and his filmmaking partner, Todd Morehead—a San Clemente local— try to answer why the concept of “love your enemy” appears to be especially difficult in the eastern world.

The film starts with our narrator and host, Morehead, explaining how he’s a Christian fascinated by both sides of the dilemma and why he traveled all the way abroad. Before even getting into the contemporary commentary, Schluntz and Morehead give us a brief history lesson on the origin and development of Israel and Palestine.

Then we get some fascinating insight

from locals and officials in the area with their experiences and opinions on the ongoing religious conflicts, as well as some exposure on Christians living in Israel and Palestine—a small sector of people not usually covered in discussions.

Hope in the Holy Land is one of the fairest and most well-balanced documentaries I’ve seen in recent years. Schluntz does a very good job as director making sure his doc gives both Israelis and Palestinians an equal amount of time and attention to voice themselves and doesn’t ever come across as biased.

The Christian angle might be a surprise and off-putting to some, but actually it does have a natural angle and relevancy to the topic at hand. Morehead is a fine interviewer who is friendly and meshes well with the citizens and others commentating throughout Holy Land.

Most surprising in the documentary was seeing how some Jewish citizens had different definitions of the term “Zionism.” All of this, on top of some stunning cinematography from Andrew Thompson, make Hope in the Holy Land one of the must-see docs of 2021. DP danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

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Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

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DP LIVING

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Leela

Doheny Bike Teams with City to Promote Bike Safety

BY ERYKA FORQUER, FOR THE DANA POINT TIMES

T DANA POINT TIMES

T

his little lady is Leela, a 10-yearold Chihuahua mix looking for her forever family. Though she may be a senior, Leela is far from past her prime. She has the sweetest personality and would make a great low maintenance lapdog. Could this cuddly canine be the one for you?

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

he safety of bicyclists and encouragement of the use of helmets are the focus of the Protect Your Head event scheduled for the Dana Point Farmers Market on Saturday, May 22.

Jason Spates and Micah Meiring, owners of the local e-bike shop Doheny Bike, are partnering with the City of Dana Point to distribute 50 to 60 complimentary helmets. Doheny Bike, whose electric bikes can reach a maximum speed of 23-28 mph, created the event to promote the use of proper protection when riding e-bikes.

“We want safety to be our primary goal and even educating adults who don’t think wearing a helmet is fashionable,” Spates said. “It’s really just to encourage people to, like the campaign is, protect their head. I’m 43, and growing up, we never really wore helmets. But these e-bikes are so fast, so people need to wear the appropriate protection.”

Doheny Bike is located along the Pacific Coast Highway, a location where Spates said many bicyclists can be seen without helmets, whether they are riding by themselves, in tandem or in groups.

A study conducted by a personal injury attorney in Orange County found that PCH has heavy volumes of vehicle and bicycle traffic, with a high number of bicycle accidents.

According to Spates, he commonly sees people under the age of 18 riding bikes without helmets.

“A lot of the kids satisfy their parents within eyesight, and then as soon as they are outside of their eyesight, they unclasp the helmet and they put it on their handlebars,” Spates said. “You see that all the time.”

Under California law, people under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet while operating a bike. However, the CDC found that children and adolescents ranging from age 5 to 19 have the highest rate of bicycle-related injuries, making

up more than one-third of the cases that emergency rooms receive for bicycle-related injuries.

Spates said his e-bike store does not sell to minors, and the store’s policy requires all riders to wear a helmet when testing out a bike. Even at low speeds, a crash can cause injuries if a person is not wearing a helmet.

“A properly fitted helmet is one of the best and easiest ways to reduce the chance of brain injury or death in the event of a collision,” the Orange County Transportation Authority said in a report. “Helmet use can help prevent 85% of all head and brain injuries when worn correctly.”

Doheny Bike will distribute its limited supply of free Retrospect and Thousand brand helmets during the Protect Your Head event at the Dana Point Farmers Market in La Plaza Park, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Spates said that the helmet drive will be the first of three events that Doheny Bike is holding this summer. DP

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

Photo: Los Angeles Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photograph shows a view of a street built as an underpass below

a bridge for The Grand Canyon Line of the Santa Fe Railroad. A sign posted by the Automobile Club of Southern California (at left) points to Dana Point one mile away, Laguna Beach nine miles.

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

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.

Page 13

danapointtimes.com

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 on JUNE 1, 2021 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 2021-2022 AND 2022-2023 The proposed FY2021-2022 and FY2022-2023 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.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN UPDATED SCHEDULE OF ADMINISTRATION FEES FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATORS The proposed resolution and the costs required to operate the Traffic Violator Apprehension Program for vehicle removal, impound, storage or release of vehicles 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.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN UPDATED SCHEDULE OF FEES FOR FALSE ALARMS The proposed resolution and the costs required to respond to false alarms 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.

Hearing Date:

Tuesday, June 1, 2021

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 As a result of the COVID-19 virus, and resulting orders and direction from the President of the United States, the Governor of the State of California and the Orange County Health Care Agency, as well as the City of Dana Point Emergency Declaration, the public will now be allowed to physically attend the Dana Point City Council Meeting provided social distancing guidelines are followed.

Those desiring to be heard in favor or in opposition to this item will be given an opportunity to do so in person, in writing via mail to the City Council at 33282 Golden Lantern, Ste. 203, Dana Point, California 92629, Attention: City Clerk or email to comment@danapoint.org. Mailed and emailed comments will not be read by the City Clerk during the meeting, but will be included in the record.

Please reference hearing title and date of hearing in any correspondence. For further information, you may contact the City Clerk at (949) 248-3505. The meeting can be viewed live on Cox Cable Channel 885 and online on the City of Dana Point YouTube Channel.

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 Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

A. Jill Christine Thomas PROPOSED NAME A. Christin Thomas 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: 06/22/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Other: Remote Hearing. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive, 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: April 22, 2021 JUDGE LAYNE H. MELZER, Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021

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.

KATHY WARD, CITY CLERK PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216603054 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PATTY GRACE COACHING 24782 HIDDEN HILLS RD, APT F LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677-9267 Full Name of Registrant(s): PATRICIA PERRONE 24782 HIDDEN HILLS RD, APT F LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 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/PATRICIA PERRONE This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/21/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216602878 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PAL COALITION 34012 COLEGIO DR. DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): LEONARD B GARDNER 34012 COLEGIO DR. DANA POINT, CA 92629 MIRIAM R GARDNER 34012 COLEGIO DR. DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by an Unincorporated Association.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 4/12/21 /s/LEONARD B GARDNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/20/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE To Cristian Olea In matters of termination of parental rights and approval of stepparent adoption regarding Gabriel Robert Olea Please contact me @diana430@yahoo. com or respond to Orange County superior court.

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216603420 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: NEXUS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC 34085 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY SUITE 114 DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): KIMBLEY CHIROPRACTIC, PC 34085 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, SUITE 114 DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 02/19/2018 /s/KIMBLEY CHIROPRACTIC, PC/DR DANIEL KIMBLEY/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/26/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021

OBITUARY

Cathy Wagner April 25, 1937 – April 20, 2021

Catharine Louise Wagner of San Clemente, California peacefully passed away on April 20, 2021 at 83 years old. Cathy was born on April 25, 1937 in San Bernardino, California. She graduated Saint Bernadines High School in 1955, and then the University of San Diego. She returned to San Bernardino, earned her teaching credential and taught elementary school.

Besides working as a teacher, she was also active in the Catholic Singles Group which is where she fell in love and married Philip B. Wagner on August 4, 1962.

PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2021-01196755 To All Interested Persons: Petitioner Jill Christine Thomas; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME Page 14

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216603466 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. YOUR MESSAGE MATTERS 668 N COAST HWY #318 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 Additional Fictitious Business Name(s): 1B. LOVELY NUTRITION THERAPY Full Name of Registrant(s): MARY MICHELLE INC. 668 N COAST HWY #318 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A /s/MARY MICHELLE INC./MARY MICHELLE POSKAITIS LOVELY/PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/26/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20216603465 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BE WELL KITCHEN 668 N COAST HWY #318 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 Full Name of Registrant(s): MARY MICHELLE INC. 668 N COAST HWY #318 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 This business is conducted by a CA Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A /s/MARY MICHELLE INC./MARY MICHELLE POSKAITIS LOVELY/PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 04/26/2021.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021

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

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

They had 4 children: Maria, Karen (deceased), Burton and Sheila. Cathy always felt her most important job was raising and caring for her family, so she focused on that full time. And more opportunities to teach children came with her children and then grandchildren. Cathy loved hosting and entertaining family and friends, as well as going on family vacations. She was also regularly active in several charities including Catholic Charities and the San Clemente Women’s Club.

She is survived by her two daughters Maria Chappelear and Sheila Lynch, and son Burton Wagner, plus grandchildren Keoni, Eowyn, Reed, John, and Kirra.

Cathy will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

danapointtimes.com

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

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

AUTO REPAIR

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

DEEP CLEAN SAVE 20% Carpet Upholstery Tile & Grout Natural Stone Wood Floors Commercial Residential Cleaning South Orange County Call 949-427-2904 or Schedule Online at CommercialResidential Cleaning.com Licensed & Bonded Certified Free Estimates

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 CAFE - DELI

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

Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

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INSURANCE SERVICES

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

COFFEE SHOP

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

Jeddy’s Interiors 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite 2 Dana Point, CA 92629 949-240-9569 www.jeddys.com

ICE CREAM

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

Want to be featured here?

Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

DPYB’s 11U Tsunami Team Invited to Perfect Game’s World Series in Georgia

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

championship. The tournament featured teams from California, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Utah, and Colorado.

The 11U Tsunami are led by Bibeau and Coaches David Georgia and Daemon Clark. In Arizona, they rolled out a tournament-high nine pitchers (Carter Anderson, Justin Spaulding, Mason Valles, Tanner McRae, Jay Bibeau, John Pintar, Brock Rainis, Ryan Georgia and Ryan Bishop).

“Tsunami led the tournament with the lowest team ERA, thanks in large part to

offseason work with current Cincinnati Reds AAA pitching coach, former Los Angeles Angels first-round draft pick and Dana Hills/USC alumnus Seth Etherton,” said Bibeau.

Etherton ran multiple team and individual sessions with the Tsunami. The Tsunami also hit their way to the largest run differential in the tournament, pulling in additional contributions from the bats of Eli Wolf, Jack Hogan and Wyatt Clark.

Since the start of the season, the Tsunami are 17-1-1 with four games remain-

ing before the league championship tournament. The team is currently in first place in the Irvine Select League, which includes teams from Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Walnut, Rancho Santa Margarita, Ladera Ranch, Newport, Placentia, Anaheim and Chino.

“Their success has garnered attention of Perfect Game, the nation’s premier provider of amateur baseball events,” Bibeau said. “Perfect Game has invited the 11U Tsunami to participate in next month’s World Series in Marietta, Georgia.”

Perfect Game is known as the world’s largest baseball scouting service.

According to Bibeau, historically, the event has been contested by the absolute best-of-the-best, with teams from coast to coast battling it out for the right to call themselves World Series Champions. This year’s tournament features teams from dozens of states, plus Puerto Rico.

But unlike any season before, it will hopefully feature a team from Dana Point.

“This is about life lessons and character building through sports,” Bibeau said.

“If you want to teach a young boy life skills, encourage them, challenge them and build them up. Even at 11, they have a picture of what the world will throw their way. Life has its share of heartaches and loss. People get sick, loved ones die, pandemics hit. But we offer a safe haven away from the challenges of life.”

For more information about Tsunami or Dana Point Youth Baseball, visit dpyb.org. DP

as junior Jai Dawson took the 800-meter race and senior Jonathan Sweeney topped the pole vault competition, both with personal-record marks.

Dawson rebounded from a did-not-finish after contact with a runner at the vaunted Arcadia Invitational on May 8 by posting a personal-record mark of 1 minute, 53 seconds in the 800 meters. The time was a full second better than his previous record from the 2019 South Coast League Finals.

Sweeney had tight competition in the pole vault from a local rival, as the Dana Hills senior dueled San Juan Hills senior Josh Kato. The pair matched each other jump for jump and miss for miss to come out with a tie for the county title with a clearance of 14 feet even. The top six vaulters all hailed from Coast View Conference schools.

Normally, ties are broken in field events such as the pole vault based on who had reached the previous marks in fewer

attempts, but Sweeney and Kato cleared 13 feet, 6 inches on their second attempt and 14 feet on their first attempt. Neither could get over the bar at 14 feet, 6 inches.

Senior Braden Lee was the only other Dolphin boy to reach the podium, with a third-place finish in the high jump.

Lee cleared the bar at 6 feet, a personal record, in just one attempt to edge out senior teammate Josh Ellis for third. Ellis cleared 6 feet on his second attempt. The winning mark was 6 feet, 2 inches by Tyler Hampton of Edison.

The Dana Hills boys finished fifth in the overall team standings.

On the girls side, the Dolphins earned only one victory, but Dana Hills was strong as a group to finish second overall in the team standings. The Dolphins finished with 50 points, well behind county champion Mission Viejo’s 80 points.

Dana Hills’ lone individual victory came from senior Avery Karner in the pole

vault. Karner cleared the bar at 11 feet, 6 inches in just one attempt to set a personal record and take the county title. Like Sweeney on the boys side, Karner also had a push from a local rival in Aliso Niguel’s Dylan Beveridge. Beveridge also cleared 11 feet, 6 inches, but did so in three attempts.

Dana Hills had three podium finishers on the track.

Junior Ava Podolski sprinted to a thirdplace finish in the 200 meters with a personal-record time of 25.96 seconds. In the 100-meter hurdles, junior Tatum Hoff finished third with a personal-record time of 16.24 seconds. Sophomore Allura Markow also earned a third-place finish for Dana Hills at 11:12 in the 3,200-meter run.

Hoff also set a personal record in the 300-meter hurdles with a fourth-place time of 48.27 seconds. Markow set her own personal record in the 1,600 meters with a sixth-place time of 5:06. DP

A

fter earning national attention with an undefeated record at a championship in Arizona, a local youth baseball team has been invited to participate in a Georgia tournament.

Dana Point Youth Baseball, a local recreation baseball league, offers a Select Program that is the league’s version of travel ball, known as the Tsunami.

“The Select Program allows for a more competitive experience, while staying tied to our community league,” said DPYB Tsunami Manager John Bibeau.“There is an added benefit of no monthly fees like those associated with outside travel ball teams.”

The Tsunami teams play league competition against other select and travel baseball teams from Orange County in both home and away games, as well as additional tournaments throughout the year.

“We firmly believe baseball should be enjoyed by all children regardless of their economic situation,” Bibeau said. “But it’s so much more than just baseball. My goal is to teach these young men how to play the game the right way, to be a positive impact on them—because this is about character building.”

The season officially started with the Triple Crown Spring Training Championship in Arizona in late March. Dana Point Youth Baseball sent six teams to Arizona ranging from 8U to 13U, with the 11U Tsunami team going 6-0 to win the

Track Triple

Dana Hills athletes earn three victories at Orange County Championships

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T

here were personal records all over the track and in the field events and three top podium placers for Dana Hills at the Orange County Championships on Saturday, May 15, at Mission Viejo High School.

Two Dolphin boys earned county titles, Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

Dana Point Youth Baseball’s 11-and-under Tsunami team traveled to Arizona in March for the Triple Crown Spring Training Championship. Photo: Courtesy of DPYB

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CLASSIFIEDS

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

Submit your classified ad online at danapointtimes.com FOR SALE 5 ACRE UNDEVELOPED HORSE PROPERTY La Cresta. Electricity on property. Dedicated horse trail on north end of property leading to National Forest. $199,000. 38454 Via Sereno, Murrieta. www.zillow.com

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale info to info@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 12PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. A COVID CLEAN OUT GARAGE SALE - MAY 22 Clothes - Collectibles - Tools - Brand New Kitchen Accessories - Toys - Furniture for sale! This Saturday, May 22nd from 7 AM to NOON. Location is Stonehill at Palo Alto on BOTH sides and at Blue Fin from Del Obispo. You don’t want to miss this one!!

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE San Clemente Woman’s Club is having a multi-family garage sale on May 22, 7 am-2:30 pm at 866 Camino de Los Mares. Lamps, chairs, tables, tools, clothing, jewelry, pet items, housewares.

GARAGE SALE - MAY 22 & 23 Saturday, May 22 & Sunday, May 23. 8:00am–12:00pm.

Clothing, tools, auto, gardening, electric, Kitchen.

2955 Calle Frontera, San Clemente

HELP WANTED P&C LICENSED TEAM MEMBER Get 2021 off to a great start! Local Insurance Agent seeks a P&C Licensed Team member for a Customer Sales/ Service Position. Income based on your efforts, Flexibility available, Experience Preferred, apply at www.elainelavine.net

Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

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DP SURF

A Surf Club with Soul As Summer Nears, Dana Point Surf Club Looks Forward to Fun in the Sun

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

S

urfing is about more than simply riding waves. If we’ve learned anything over the last year, it’s that community and camaraderie are just as important. And now, as the great reopening gets underway in earnest, the Dana Point Surf Club is intent on bringing back that spirit of togetherness.

“It’s time to get the band back together—and we’re looking for a few new members, too,” says Eric Diamond, the president of the Dana Point Surf Club.

Though most club activities, including the West Coast Boardriders events, were halted during the pandemic, the Dana Point Surf Club on Friday, May 21, will host a registration and membership drive at the Killer Dana Boardroom from 5-7 p.m. to usher in the new season.

The vibes are going to be up, a taco truck will be on hand for some epic food, and if you’ve ever wondered what the club is all about, it’s a great opportunity to come out and meet everyone and ask some questions.

And while surf contests and large gatherings have been off the table, the club still stayed engaged in the community and continued to move forward. During some of the darkest days of the pandemic, it put together a food drive for senior citizens and was able to distribute more than 500 much-needed bags of groceries.

It’s also been instrumental in adding new signs at Salt Creek explaining the ins and outs of the lineup, as well as proper

The Dana Point Surf Club returns to port after its annual fishing trip. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

Photo: Courtesy Dana Point Surf Club

surf etiquette.

“Something that’s always been really important with the club is that we’re about bringing the community together, helping out those in need and recognizing how, as surfers, we can bring positivity and light to Dana Point,” Diamond explains.

But Diamond is hardly a one-man army when it comes to handling club business.

Former World Tour surfer and longtime Salt Creek regular Pat O’Connell is serving as vice president. No doubt, O’Connell will

bring his stoke and passion for surfing to elevating the stature of the club.

Additionally, USA Surfing coach Brandon Phillips will be on hand to help with the competitive side of things, as well as work with the young club members to develop their skills and strategies when it comes to surfing heats.

“Both Pat and Brandon bring so much to the table for us. They’re both so important to the surf scene around Dana Point, and to have them as such influen-

tial members of the club, it really speaks to the future of where we’re headed,” Diamond says. “Our goal is to be inclusive, but also surf good and, hopefully, give things a run when the West Coast Boardriders season kicks off.”

A nonprofit organization, the Dana Point Surf Club is also interested in connecting with potential supporters or donors. From its annual scholarship program for local students, to covering costs for events, to other outreach programs, it’s an opportune time to support a group that is dedicated to supporting and giving back to its community.

The Dana Point Surf Club already has a bunch of fun stuff on its summer calendar, and for those looking to get involved, the time is now.

“From all the groms that are down at Salt Creek every morning, to the Doheny crew and all those surfer/fishermen characters in the harbor, this club has always been about bringing the community together, and after all the weirdness of the last year, we’re really excited to be back at it again this summer,” Diamond says.

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

LANDON MONROE

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

L Landon Monroe. Photo: Courtesy of the Monroe Family

Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

ast week, the report came in from Landon Monroe’s grandmother: “He just had his first barrel ride!”

Considering that the great filmmaker Bruce Brown dubbed tube-riding as “the ultimate thing to do in surfing,” we wanted to take this week to congratulate Landon on the feat.

“My favorite part about surfing is getting barreled, and it feels like time slowing down,” he describes.

Landon first started surfing at the ripe age of 2, when his family took him down to Doheny. Today, he’s a hard-charging

8-year-old who’s wrapping up third grade at Vista Del Mar Elementary School in San Clemente. He lists his go-to spots as T-Street, Church and Old Man’s.

For Landon, surfing’s always been a family affair, and now as a proud big brother, he gets to show his 2-year-old sister, Riley, all the goodness of the beach life.

And when it comes to surf heroes, Landon looks up to the great Hawaiian legend Eddie Aikau, because he was “a good surfer and a lifeguard.”

“What inspires me about surfing is that I want to travel around the world to surf,” Landon told the Dana Point Times.

“I hope surfing takes me to Costa Rica.”

DP If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com Page 18

Water Temperature: 63-65 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 4-6 Outlook: For Friday, more South/southwest swell moves in as Northwest swell continues, for surf in the shoulder high to two feet overhead zone, (4-7’). Light+ South/southeast breeze most of Friday morning turns to moderate west winds in the afternoon. The South/southwest swell peaks on Saturday, with waves running head high to three feet+ overhead, (5-8’+), then Sunday eases to shoulder high to two feet overhead, (4-7’). Southerly winds are light Saturday morning, then become moderate from the west by the afternoon. Lighter/ variable winds Sunday morning, followed by a moderate afternoon sea breeze.

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Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

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Dana Point Times May 21-27, 2021

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