October 2, 2020

LO C A L

N EWS

October 2-8, 2020

YO U

C A N

U S E

Pro Surfing Returns to SoCal Waters PAGE 14

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 40

Go to Town

District 4 Candidates Ponder Path Forward for Town Center E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3

As construction for Prado West progresses, community members have been broached on how to improve regulation of development, parking and overall pedestrian experience in the Town Center. Photo: Lillian Boyd

OC Covid-19 Cases Rise Slightly EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

New Hotel Brand Replaces Monarch Beach Resort EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

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Editor’s Pick: Lantern Village Trash Cleanup GETTING OUT/PAGE 8

Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

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DP EYE ON DP

Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Candidates Ponder Future of Town Center in Lantern District THE LATEST: In October 2019, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s proposal to amend the Town Center Plan—a policy on how to regulate development for the Lantern District area of Dana Point— sparked multifaceted public input on how to approach improving the area.

A letter sent by the Chamber to city council requested that the city facilitate a ballot measure that would reduce the 18foot, ground floor minimum height requirement to a 14-foot, ground floor minimum height requirement for new development in the Town Center/Lantern District. The Town Center Plan was amended by the 2015 Town Center Initiative to include a provision that any future changes must be approved by a vote at a municipal election.

While council did not move forward with a ballot initiative, city officials confirm hearing from developers that the minimum ground floor height requirements are a challenge.

“The other challenge is always parking.

That is a sensitive issue, and we want to be careful with it,” said Brenda Wisneski, the city’s community development director.

Wisneski’s hire was announced in January; however, earlier in her career, she worked as an associate planner in Dana Point in 2000—a tenure in which she had helped work on the original Town Center Plan.

The Town Center Plan aimed to establish a framework for public improvement to support private investment and redevelopment, while encouraging a pedestrianfriendly environment for shopping and dining for residents and visitors alike. But in 2014, a mixed-use project proposed by Majestic Housing and Development for the Lantern District was met with controversy largely due to its variance requests.

City council had overturned the planning commission’s decision to deny the proposal. Gary Newkirk, who had served on the planning commission during that time, cast one of the dissenting votes.

Shortly after the project’s passage, a group of citizens filed a petition to put a measure on the ballot that would revert to many of the changes made by the city council in that amendment, while also adding a number of new regulations. That ballot measure was known as Measure H. While city council moved forward in putDana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

Candidates Mike Frost and Gary Newkirk are competing to hold the District 4 seat on city council in this year’s election. The district includes the Town Center located in the Lantern District area of Dana Point. Photo: Lillian Boyd

ting their own initiative (Measure I) on the ballot, Measure H secured the majority vote and passed.

The Majestic project was acquired by the group Raintree Partners. “(Raintree) came in with a different vision. To the city’s benefit, Raintree was able to work with staff to rework the design, and lower the height and provide parking on-site,” Wisneski said.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 will determine the inaugural councilmember to represent District 4, which covers the Lantern District area, since Dana Point converted to districted elections in 2018, as constituents within the district cast their ballots. Newkirk and Mike Frost are the candidates running for the District 4 seat.

As of now, there are eight vacant lots in Town Center, offering potential for future development. While Raintree’s Prado West project was made possible by accumulating neighboring lots, some members of the community hope that lots can be developed individually and on a smaller scale, including both candidates.

“I think we could have better scaled requirements that would make it financially attractive for the smaller structures to be developed,” Frost said. “I think we can be

more difficult on the bigger structures.”

Newkirk has pointed to Coastal Kitchen and Craft House as ideal examples of individual lots being developed creatively.

As far as a path forward for Town Center, both candidates also agree that the city should reexamine the plan. Frost says that he’d like to see the subcommittee report to council on the strengths and weaknesses of the plan’s implementation thus far and work toward any of potential changes.

“I think we should reassemble the Town Center Subcommittee,” Frost said. “Economics have changed, tenants have changed, times have changed. I have to believe that there’s a way we can protect the adjacent residents and make smaller structures profitable in order to not have the consolidation of lots.”

Newkirk would like to see a legislative body be assembled for the Town Center and be subject to the Brown Act, in order to engage the public as much as possible.

“At minimum, I think we need open dialogue and something to the level of a task force to fully engage the public,” Newkirk said. “We should be as transparent and as engaging as possible and really go above dotting the ‘i’ with this.”

Newkirk added he also doesn’t want to see residential neighborhoods shouldering the burden of parking that should be placed on the developer.

“If residents don’t feel like their voices are being respected, go ahead and pick a letter for the next measure, because I think that’s what led to Measure H,” Newkirk said. “If there’s a place for an apolitical world, it’s here. These are our neighbors; we all came here for the same reasons, to live in a wonderful town.”

Wisneski told Dana Point Times in an interview that the city is exploring a parking inventory and analysis following project completion in the Town Center.

Upon reexamining and modifying regulations, Frost says decisions should be made that will adhere to preserving the coastal village feel for which Dana Point is known.

Dana Point

Confirmed cases Deaths

COVID-19 TRACKER

275 3

Est. City Population: 34,000 • Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. *Information as of 9/30/20. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

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“I am open to examining and implementing modifications needed to ensure the Town Center/Lantern District, and any other city zoning regulation, respects our beach town atmosphere, promotes local business, and creates a place for everyone to enjoy,” Frost said.

Should any amendments to the Town Center Plan come to fruition, voters would need to approve a ballot initiative, and the California Coastal Commission would need to give approval.—Lillian Boyd

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club Debuts in Dana Point THE LATEST: Going forward, Monarch Beach Resort will now be known as Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, as announced by the Hilton luxury hotel brand.

“We are incredibly excited about welcoming the resort and its team members to Hilton,” said Danny Hughes, Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton.

“We are already partnering with the team at Ohana Real Estate Investors as we transition the resort management, and we look forward to welcoming guests and members to Southern California’s premier luxury destination.”

It was previously reported in December, prior to the hospitality industry experiencing the impacts of COVID-19, that Ohana, a global financial services firm, planned to put $32 million into upgrades at the resort. However, this likely will not be the case in the near future.

“While we do not anticipate any significant physical changes over the short term, some new elements will be implemented to align with the signature Waldorf Astoria culture,” said Terra Girvin, a senior publicist for the hotel. “As always, we will continue to seek ways to elevate the guest experience in any way possible, including property enhancements, as opportunities arise.”

The 400-room, AAA five-diamond hotel was purchased from KSL Capital Partners

by Ohana Real Estate Investors in November for $497 million.

“It’s fitting that the storied Waldorf Astoria brand is coming to Dana Point—which is one of the most iconic beachfront communities in California,” said James Cole, Ohana Real Estate Investors partner. “The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is a welcome addition to the Ohana portfolio of luxury properties. This partnership will elevate the entire resort experience.”

For more information, visit newsroom. hilton.com/waldorfastoria.—LB

CUSD Board Candidates Talk Pandemic Fallout, Racism THE LATEST: Candidates for Capistrano (Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) Trustees Area 5—which covers Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel—discussed various issues during a virtual forum conducted by the Oak Grove Elementary Parent Teacher Association on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The seat will be decided in the November general election.

The three candidates are incumbent Krista Castellanos and challengers Jasmine Funes and Paul Hebbard. Castellanos is a transitional kindergarten teacher in Santa Ana Unified School District and has children in CUSD. Funes works in mental health with families and is an adjunct professor. Hebbard is a certified public accountant whose wife is a teacher.

Candidates were asked what the biggest issues in the district are. Hebbard said school reopenings, which began this week, are first and foremost, along with expected upcoming revenue shortfalls related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hebbard suggested funding issues could be mitigated with salary cuts.

“In my opinion, this should have been done by Labor Day,” Hebbard said of campus reopenings. “We should have had schools open long ago.”

Funes said ensuring positive mental health for children is crucial, as is safely navigating the health crisis.

“The COVID piece, we’re already opening. We’re following the reopening plan.

Everything takes time,” Funes said. “Looking at how the plan is working (is important). I’ve heard so far from you all (that) it’s been positive thus far, although we’ve heard some teacher feedback about how they didn’t feel included in this process.

Engaging them is a very important piece of what we need to do currently.”

Castellanos said student learning loss during the pandemic is a concern.

“We need to work together,” Castellanos said. “It is very important to include all stakeholders. We have our teachers as stakeholders. We have you as parents. We have our entire community that needs to be involved in this process.” —Collin Breaux

Orange County to Stay in Red Tier as Daily Cases Rise Slightly THE LATEST: Orange County will remain in the red “substantial” tier on California’s color-coded COVID-19 monitoring system for at least a few more weeks, as the latest data released by the state’s health office on Tuesday, Sept. 29, showed a slight uptick in new daily cases.

For about the past two weeks, the county’s metrics on new daily cases and test positivity rate met the qualifications to enter the orange “moderate” tier—the third-highest of four state risk levels—allowing certain economic sectors to expand services.

But Tuesday’s data put the county’s daily case rate at 4.4 per 100,000, up from the 3.6 cases the week prior. To qualify Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

for the orange tier, a county must have between 1 to 3.9 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 and a test positivity rate between 2% and 4.9%.

Last Tuesday, Sept. 22, the county had 3.6 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000, with a 3.1% positivity rate, marking the first time the county had met the orange-risk level in both metrics. However, the county’s daily case rate rose to 4.4 on Tuesday, while the test positivity rate remained at 3.1 %, resetting the two-week clock before the county can move to orange.

The state mandates that counties must remain in a tier for a least 21 days. To move to a lower tier, the county must meet both of that specific tier’s metrics for two consecutive weeks. If the county has met those metrics for 14 consecutive days when the 21-day waiting period has passed, it can move down to the next tier.

However, if there is a spike and the county’s numbers increase to purple-tier levels for 14 consecutive days, Orange County could be moved back to the widespread tier—the highest-risk level.

—Shawn Raymundo and Zach Cavanagh

Palisades Elementary Reports COVID-19 Case Before Students Return to Campus THE LATEST: At least one person who tested positive for COVID-19 was at the Palisades Elementary School campus from Sept. 18-22, Principal Lisa Baggio said in a letter to school families.

No students were on campus then, and the case was considered a “low risk exposure.”

“Staff have taken the necessary steps to properly sanitize and clean the campus in preparation for staff and students to return,” Baggio said.

Students began returning to campuses this week in Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD). CUSD has implemented a phased return to campus for various grade levels, with students returning to preschool through fifth grade starting on Sept. 29 through Oct. 5. Higher grade levels will return in the coming weeks.

CUSD has health protocols in place if a student or staff member has symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19. A person showing symptoms—such as fever, cough or loss of taste or smell—will be sent home and advised to get tested, though the classroom and school will remain open.

As for a confirmed case, the school community and local health department will be notified. That person will be excluded from school for 10 days from the onset of symptoms or test date, and exposed contacts will have to quarantine for 14 days after the infected person was at school.

Classrooms and other relevant spaces will be disinfected. The school will remain open.—CB

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

R.H. Dana Students Receive Donated Technology Backpacks Cox Communications and Orange County United Way teamed up to deliver 25 technology backpacks to RH Dana Elementary School students Kristen Nelson, RH Dana principal, welcomed visitors from both United Way and Cox Communications on Thursday, Sept.

24, as the backpacks were delivered.

“We so appreciate partnerships with both of these organizations. What a great way to be greeted during your first week of in-person learning but to get a new backpack with donated technology and supplies,” Nelson said.

As school resumes in person, Nelson says these backpacks provide a safe way for students to get their technology and supplies to and from school. Backpacks include items such as wireless mouse and headphones, Chromebook protective cases, school supplies, and handwritten notes of encouragement from Cox Communications employees. In addition, several hundred personal face masks were also provided for the soon-to-be returning students.

“We greatly enjoy being able to help students with their learning and forming a partnership with both Cox Communications and RH Dana Elementary School,” said Sue Parks, CEO of Orange County United Way. “This is just the beginning of a wonderful partnership and making things better for this school and these students and families.”

The Orange County United Way is also sponsoring a financial literacy program at RH Dana, which will begin in January. Parents will have the chance to be provided with personal coaching on a step-by-step financial plan to achieve personal goals and long-term financial stability, including job development, debt and credit management, and savings planning. Participants will also be able to

Twenty-five R.H. Dana Elementary School students received technology backpacks thanks to a partnership with Cox Communications and Orange County United Way. Photo: Courtesy of Principal Kristen Nelson

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Community Meetings TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6

DANA POINT CITY COUNCIL 6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers at 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point.

connect to other United Way partner services, including free tax preparation, housing, health care, and transportation.

Still Life Ceramics Opens First Orange County PopUp Location at DP Harbor Dana Point Harbor has announced the opening of Still Life Ceramics pop-up shop.

Located next to iHeartYoga, the ceramics studio and pop-up shop features handmade ceramics from local artists and hosts classes and workshops open to beginner and professional potters alike.

A Los Angeles-based brand, Still Life Ceramics at Dana Point Harbor marks the first location in Orange County. The new studio officially opened on September 23 for pottery classes and shopping. A variety of classes will be available WednesdaySaturday at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. for beginners, experienced potters, and kids, including the popular “Rosé & Clay” class in which participants are invited to enjoy a free glass of rosé at The Harbor Grill Restaurant following the class. Classes and retail shopping will operate at a limited capacity in alignment with current safety protocols, and masks will be required.

“We are looking forward to sharing our passion with Dana Point locals and visitors,” said Still Life Ceramics co-founders Mel Keedle and Ana Henton. “Still Life Ceramics offers a variety of classes for all skill levels, including online and in-person classes, so there’s something for everyone.”

Classes can be booked online, and are expected to sell out. Retail shopping hours will be available before and after each class.

Directional signage has been placed throughout the Harbor to promote physical distancing, hand sanitizer stations have been installed, and cleaning and sanitation have increased in all common areas and restrooms throughout the Harbor.

For more information about Dana Point Harbor, visit DanaPointHarbor.com or connect on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Have something interesting for the community?

Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com

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EYE ON DP

The Race for City Council Leading up to the Dana Point City Council election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Dana Point Times will be publishing six questions, one each week, answered by the candidates who qualified for the ballot. This year, the seats for Districts 4 and 5 are up for election. To view previous answers, visit danapointtimes.com. DP WEEK 5 / QUESTION 5

Do you think Dana Point’s future is headed in the right direction? Why or why not?

MIKE FROST DISTRICT 4

The best days for Dana Point are ahead, and during the next four years, we have an amazing opportunity to continue to prioritize essential services and community needs, recognizing what we do well and modifying what we’d like to see improved. I am committed to working together with the other councilmembers to analyze future issues, determine costs associated with each issue, and make decisions based on what provides the community the most value.

Leadership as a city council member, strategy as an executive, or even volunteering as a community member consists of many qualities, but ultimately must include the belief and passion to improve every day. As your District 4 Councilmember, I am committed to maintaining and improving the community through three perspectives: • First, preserving and promoting the longterm historic character of a laid-back beach town atmosphere and community. Working in conjunction with tourism leaders, business leaders, and residential stakeholders to position Dana Point as an arts, culture and music destination, anchored by our renowned resorts, restaurants and retailers.

• Second, managing the operations of our community through a fiscally conservative mindset. Including maintaining public safety as a key priority within the budget, and improved decision making to minimize unnecessary litigation costs. From a Lantern District development standpoint, I will ask the council to re-engage a town-center subcommittee and draft improvements to promote smaller structures, and a better walking/shopping/ dining experience, while minimizing traffic on the adjacent residential streets.

• Third, enhanced community engagement, and recognizing that districting has provided this unique opportunity for each councilmember to have a very detailed understanding and closer relationship to the residents. For example, speeding and traffic safety throughout District 4 is a very critical issue, and must be addressed.

As your District 4 councilmember, I am committed to working for incremental improvement each day. mikefrostfordanapoint.com.

Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

GARY NEWKIRK

BENJAMIN BEBEE

MICHAEL VILLAR

I fell in love with Dana Point because it has all the ingredients of a great town—breathtaking natural beauty and views, world-class beaches, incredible weather and wonderful people. We have tremendous opportunity to build on what we already have, overcoming a few bumps in the road as we move to a brighter future and even better community.

We can enhance our offerings in all these areas: • Culture and entertainment—The best cities are the ones with lots of enjoyable things to do. That means interesting dining and shopping areas, outdoor and sporting activities, live music, public art, etc. We have an opportunity to expand offerings in all these areas.

• Convenient amenities—Residents and tourists need easy access to all the conveniences and needs of daily living. There is an opportunity to improve amenities (and our sales-tax revenue) by making sure everyone can fulfill these in Dana Point.

• Social gatherings—Post-pandemic, more walkable streets, patio dining and park enhancements will encourage community engagement.

• Visual interest—Dana Point is always visually interesting, but we can do more— clean streets with good lighting, attractive landscaping, exciting storefronts, and general beautification will boost our appeal.

• Accessibility—The best towns are easy to walk, bike or drive around. That means easy access to all the amenities. Our biggest challenge: convenient parking.

• Memorable character—Dana Point has no shortage of character, but there are always opportunities to create more hometown pride and a memorable experience that keeps people coming back.

Dana Point is heading in the right direction, but I’d like us to get further, faster. We have some fiscal and development challenges, but I have no doubt we can create an even better city by focusing on elements that enrich our costal culture and identity.

Please visit newkirk4dp.com.

I believe Dana Point’s future is very bright.

We have a vibrant business district with many excellent eateries and shops. If elected, I will work to revitalize Capistrano Beach and create similar commercial opportunities to Dana Point’s Lantern District.

We have a harbor and beaches to rival any, complete with world-class whale watching.

If elected, beach restoration for Capistrano Beach will be a top priority of mine. Giving Capistrano Beach that same appeal of Dana Point’s Harbor District and creating a tourism one-two punch for the city.

We have some of the most desirable residential spaces in the country surrounded by stunning scenic open spaces. If elected, I will work to find additional opportunities for entry level homeownership, missing middle housing, and affordable housing. We can give families the opportunities they need to succeed and be productive members in our community for generations to come.

We have a strong public education system.

I know that we are moving through unprecedented territory within our education system, and I will listen to our educators and work with them to assist them in any way I can. I will advocate for our children. As someone who is passionate about education, I will seek out funding to ensure our future leaders get the great start they need to thrive and succeed.

Most of all, we have great people driving our community forward. I’m confident that if elected, I can provide the type of cooperative spirit and strong leadership we need to drive Dana Point forward as an example for the rest of Orange County. We can work together to create a bright future for Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, and all of South Orange County.

Orange County Professional Firefighters Association Local 3631 endorses Benjamin Bebee for Dana Point City Council. bebee4capobeach.com.

I know it is common for candidates running for political office to tear down the current elected officials and diminish any accomplishments to better their own position in a race. That is not my view at all. We have so much to be thankful for, and I commend past council efforts and our outstanding city staff.

I have not always agreed with some of the views of all of our councilmembers, but I certainly appreciate their effort and decisions they have made in the best interests of our residents. My concern is that sometimes decisions have been made that may have been influenced by personal, political, or corporate influence. When I see councilmembers forming a pact and voting together on almost every issue, I am concerned that they may not be listening to the voices of residents. Councilmembers have a special duty to represent their own districts while serving and being fair to all residents of Dana Point.

As a retired Marine, I understand what it means to take an oath of office and to serve the public. I will never forget that I represent the voters of Capistrano Beach, and I will always represent them above anything else, while remembering that I have a duty to make decisions that are fair to all residents of our city.

This is local non-partisan government, which means it should remain non-political and respectful. We do not have to follow the same path we see on the national political scene. Whether you are Republican, Democrat, Independent or NPP, it should make no difference in our city chambers. If we remember who we serve and do our best to keep residents’ interests first, Dana Point will continue to move in the right direction.

Please visit my website at villarfordanapoint.com.

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 5

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DISTRICT 5

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DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

HOW TO REACH US S E N I O R C I T Y E D I TO R Lillian Boyd • 949.388.7700, x113 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com

ADVERTISING PRINT & ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

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GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER

A memorial to Kurt Reinhold, the 42-year-old Black homeless man who was shot by homeless outreach deputies during an altercation last week, rests on the sidewalk outside Hotel Miramar, the location where he died. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Letters to the Editor DOGGIE DOO STAINING DANA POINT HARBOR DAVID MANN, Capistrano Beach

I have lived in Capistrano Beach for over 33 years and walk the Dana Point Harbor two to three times a week. The walk has become more and more challenging over the years, not because of my age, but because of dog poop and stains on the sidewalk that, at times, are difficult to avoid stepping on. I believe this is a problem not only for locals but for tourists as well. This has become a stain on the City of Dana Point. This problem needs to be addressed and solved. Perhaps there can be some locations in the Harbor that can be set aside for dog owners to walk their dogs that would solve this problem.

There may be other ideas to resolve this problem.

A DIALOGUE ON RACE WITH NEIGHBORS MIA LA LONDE, Capistrano Beach

I received an anonymous note in our mailbox expressing “sadness” over the presence of our Black Lives Matter sign in our front yard. The author wrote that the community was sad about the sign, that Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

the sign is “divisive,” and that the community doesn’t “deserve it.”

I am curious about these statements.

Why would a sign for racial justice be divisive? What part of it makes someone sad?

Perhaps they don’t know what this sign means? Perhaps they don’t know what the Black Lives Matters movement is about?

By us putting this sign up, it is the least we can do to say we stand for racial justice, because in a free society, no one is free until everyone is free. Although slavery ended over a hundred years ago, systems of oppression have long held back Black Americans up to today. Our own county has a long history of racism and keeping out the “other” (fullertonobserver. com/2020/07/27/a-brief-history-of-housing-discrimination-in-fullerton-and-northorange-county). To dismiss this reality is to turn a blind eye to the continuous mistreatment of fellow Americans of color.

The Black Lives Matters movement is about acknowledging the racist system that affects Black Americans and changing that system for real equality. To me, this is a message all Americans can get behind.

There was no name or number in the note. Maybe if there was, we could have had a discussion. Though if you are a close neighbor, we are always welcome to chat. Stay safe.

city of San Clemente needs to reassess the viability of retaining the Orange County Sheriff's for our police protection.

This senseless, sad killing will cost the city millions. When two professionally trained officers cannot subdue and arrest a smaller, unarmed man, then they are either poorly trained or the job requirements and training need to be changed.

Because the result of the existing system is about to get very expensive. Those millions are not in the budget, and the future pension liabilities alone are budgetbusting.

San Clemente should approach Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano to create a tri-city police force (to share administrative expenses), with the training and pension parameters that meet our needs and our budget.

KURT REINHOLD KILLING MATT EGAN, San Clemente

With the killing of Kurt Reinhold, the OC Sheriff’s Department has brought the BLM movement to San Clemente. The Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to letters@danapointtimes.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday. 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 or fewer words. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory. In the interest of fairness, DP Times will not publish letters submitted by candidates running for elected offices between the time they file for candidacy and the date of the election.

Norb Garrett

Advertising Sales (SJC) Debra Wells

EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo 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 PapagianisCamacho 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

Dana Point Times, Vol. 13, Issue 40. 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 2020. All rights reserved.

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Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

Page 7

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Tenet’ Saves the Day

What’s going on in and around town this week

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Friday | 02 PARENT & CHILD CREATIVITY NIGHT Spend some special time with your child and prepare for an evening filled with creative fun. You and your child will follow easy, step-by-step instructions as you both create your own project. There are new themes each week; sign up as often as you like without worry of repeats. KidCreate Art Studio, 34255 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 113, Dana Point. 949.545.7091. kidcreate.com/dana-point.

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Dana Point Lantern Village Association Facebook

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3: LANTERN VILLAGE TRASH CLEANUP 10 a.m. Join your Lantern Village friends, neighbors and businesses at the monthly community cleanup event. Come make new friends and beautify the neighborhood, intercepting trash before it reaches our harbor, beaches and ocean. Girl in the Curl Surf Shop, 34116 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste A, Dana Point.

Sunday | 04 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.

ANESTHESIA-FREE TEETH CLEANING AND LOW-COST VACCINE CLINIC 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Qualified Pet Dental will be on-site at Bow-Wow Beautiful Pet Spa, with its Mobile Veterinary Clinic and a veterinarian and dental hygienist performing anesthesia-free teeth cleaning for pets by appointment. Low-cost vaccinations,

Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

flea prevention RX, microchipping, and airline travel exams are also available on a walk-in basis. Bow-Wow Beautiful Pet Spa, 364 Camino de Estrella, San Clemente.

949.702.3130. bowwowbeautiful.com.

33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point.

949.496.1307. stedward.com.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS 3 p.m. The “Blessing of the Animals,” which honors St. Francis of Assisi, will be at the far end of the parking lot at St. Edward. Come out for tail-waggin’ and tail-gating. The priests will walk around to your car to bless your animals. Walk-ups are also welcome. Remember, all animals should be on leashes or in carriers. St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church,

CASA CINEMA: ‘ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN’ 6 p.m. Enjoy a cozy movie night in Casa Romantica’s Main Salon. This month features a zany spoof of classic horror clichés and classic movie monsters. General admission is $10; $5 for members. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

Tuesday | 06

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cclaimed English film actor Robert Pattinson has come a long way since his vampire days as the male lead in the Twilight flicks, and his most recent releases are no exception. The first is the highly anticipated sci-fi epic of Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. Let’s see how well it lived up to fans’ expectations.

We follow the story’s protagonist played

by John David Washington while he is trained to manipulate time to prevent another world war from breaking out.

Pattinson, Aaron Johnson and Clémence Poésy are a few of the big names helping Washington to save the day from a supervillain played by Kenneth Branagh.

Elizabeth Debicki becomes dangerously close to the damsel in distress trope as the female lead, but fortunately, she is redeemed by the third act.

So after all the hoopla of the blockbuster possibly not getting its necessary theater experience because of COVID-19, film fans were still blessed with Tenet’s release, albeit two months later than scheduled. The feature itself is still essentially what you get from most of Nolan’s movies. The action sequences, casting, the cinematography, the special effects and—most of all—the music score are top-notch; ultimately, however, they are sandwiched between some stale dialogue and stiff comic relief. Tenet isn’t Memento (2000) or The Prestige (2006), but it doesn’t feel as hokey as The Dark Knight Rises (2012) or Interstellar (2014), either.

While flawed, it’s still a good month for Robert Pattinson fans. His two latest performances, as a suave espionage agent in Tenet and as a sleazy preacher in Antonio Campos’ The Devil All the Time, are a reminder of just how much range and versatility the actor has. DP

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Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

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DP

Dana Point Point Dana

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Wellness & Prevention by Lauren Gallegos

Finding Your Anchor in Times of Need

I

n 2018, 48,344 Americans died by suicide—an average of 132 per day. It is the leading cause of death for teens nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in a survey conducted this spring that one in four people, ages 18-25, reported seriously considering suicide in the past year.

We are currently in the midst of two pandemics: COVID-19 and the diseases of mental health and addiction. While we do not know how the coronavirus pandemic will affect suicide rates (already distressingly high), mental health experts point to several factors, WELLNESS AND including isolation and PREVENTION increased substance

By Lauren use, that could increase Gallegos the risk for suicide.

What is important to know is that suicide is preventable. Both national and local organizations support prevention efforts.

Suicideispreventable.org suggests the following:

Know the Signs Most people who are considering suicide show some warning signs or signals of their intentions. Refer to the site above to learn about these warning signs and how to respond.

Find the Words If you are concerned about someone, ask them directly, “Are you planning to kill yourself?” This can be difficult to do, but being direct provides an opportunity for them to open up and talk about their distress.

Reach Out Crisis lines, such as 1.800.273.8255 (TALK), provide 24/7 support, as well as free and confidential assistance from trained counselors. You can also text HOME to 741741.

San Clemente resident Ali Borowsky founded “Find Your Anchor” (findyouranchor.us) based upon her idea that people need secure connections to keep them firmly planted in this world.

Borowsky experienced mental health treatment that felt sterile and wanted to create community resources that fostered organic support. She developed a program that curates prevention boxes filled with materials designed to inspire and offer support.

Borowsky states, “I really wanted something that spoke to the person holding the box. This movement in a lot of ways is a physical representation of me being fortunate enough to be in a better spot— the physical representation of being ‘anchored’ and wanting to pay that forward.”

Find Your Anchor does not presume to be the anchor, or have all the answers.

Rather, it sets out to create a community of hope and support through blue boxes filled with meaningful activities and messages.

Borowsky says, “For those contemplating suicide, there is an overwhelming sense of loneliness and abandonment, despair, hopelessness. I wanted something specifically for them, a box full of ideas, support, and inspiration. I wanted those in need to open the box and think ‘someone cared enough to make this for me.’ ” In honor of National Suicide Prevention

young surfers at Doheny State Beach. The Sizemore family’s Model A car can be seen parked in the background. Back left: Tracy Sizemore; back right: Ron Sizemore; front right: Marian Harrison; front left: Lorrin Harrison.

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.

Week, 1,000 Find Your Anchor boxes were sent out into the Orange County communities by the Orange County Health Care Agency. The Wellness & Prevention Center has partnered with Find Your Anchor to place additional boxes around San Clemente.

If you see a box and need it, take it, keep it for as long as you need and add your own anchors to the box, then leave it for the next person in need. Through this process, we can create a community anchored in care and support.

Lauren Gallegos, ACSW, is the Prevention Director at the Wellness & Prevention Center. She leads the Wellness & Prevention Coalition and cares deeply about the mental health of fellow community members. You can reach her at lauren@wpc-oc.org. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point 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 Dana Point 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.

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

T

Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo was taken in the 1950s of

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Anders wo-year-old Anders is quite the handsome pup. He has lots of energy and just loves to run and play in the yard.

Anders would likely make a great jogging buddy and wouldn’t mind the company of another similarly active dog. With his sweet face and happy disposition, this lovable canine is sure to win your heart.

If you are interested in adopting Anders, please visit petprojectfoundation.org. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will

Photo: Tracy Sizemore/OC Public Libraries

Anders. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 10

See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Hills High School alumnus Blake Taylor and the Houston Astros qualified for the new MLB Playoffs and advanced over Minnesota in the Wild Card Round. Photo: Houston Astros

SCOREBOARD

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Email zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com for submission.

Taylor, Astros Advance in New MLB Postseason Format Despite finishing with a sub-.500 record in MLB’s coronavirus-shortened, 60-game season, Dana Hills High School alumnus Blake Taylor and the Houston Astros qualified for the expanded American League playoff field and worked quickly to advance out of the Wild Card Round.

Houston finished 29-31, but a secondplace finish in the AL West put the Astros Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

in the 16-team playoff lineup. The Astros, the No. 6 seed in the AL, earned a trip to AL Central champion Minnesota for the best-of-3 Wild Card Round, and Houston handed the Twins their 17th and 18th consecutive playoff losses, a record in North American major professional sports, to take the series.

Houston now moves on to MLB’s postseason bubble and will play the AL Division Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, which begins on Monday, Oct. 5. The Astros will play the Oakland A’s or Chicago White Sox, who played in a winner-take-all Game 3 in Oakland after press time on Thursday, Oct. 1. The other AL Division Series and the AL Championship Series will be played in San Diego, and the National League Division Series and Championship Series and the World Series will be played in other bubble environments in Houston and Arlington, Texas.

Although he didn’t see any action in the two wild card games, Taylor has had a successful rookie season in Houston. After

seven seasons in the minor leagues, the 25-year-old left-handed reliever made a major league roster and posted a 2-1 record with a 2.18 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings pitched over 22 games.

Darnold, Jets Look for First Win on ‘Thursday Night Football’ It might be an understatement to say the first three games of the season for Capistrano Beach native Sam Darnold and the New York Jets had been rough.

As of press time on Thursday, Oct. 1, the Jets were 0-3, with losses to Buffalo, San Francisco and Indianapolis by a combined score of 94-37 for a league-worst, minus-57 point differential. New York had posted league lows in total offense (263.7 yards per game) and points per game (12.3) and was the second-lowest in passing yards per game (175.3 yards).

Though Darnold has had some highlights with a 61.5% completion rate, 562

Page 11

yards passing and three touchdowns, he also has thrown four interceptions and been sacked six times.

However, the former USC Trojan and his Jets teammates had an opportunity to break through against the 0-3 Denver Broncos on Thursday, Oct. 1. The Broncos’ defense had allowed the fourthhighest passing yards per game (277.7) so far this season.

The Jets also got the advantage of playing at home on the short week, instead of at altitude in Denver. However, Denver had been competitive during its 0-3 start, with a two-point loss to 3-0 Tennessee, a five-point road loss to 3-0 Pittsburgh and a loss to 2-1 Tampa Bay. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Jets, as they host 2-1 Arizona on Oct. 11 and travel out West for Sam Darnold’s first Southern California start as a pro against the Chargers on Oct. 18. Those games are followed by a gauntlet of currently 3-0 Buffalo, 3-0 Kansas City and 2-1 New England. DP danapointtimes.com

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

any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Coastal Development Permit CDP20-0015 and Minor Site Development Permit SDP200019(M): A request to allow a 1,098 square foot addition and remodel to a single-family residence and attached garage that would expand the gross floor area of the house and garage to 4,150 square feet. The project also includes site walls that would exceed 42 inches in the front and exterior side yard for the property. The project is located in the City’s Coastal Overlay District (the California Coastal Zone) and the Appeals Jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission at 216 Monarch Bay. Project Number: Project Location: Applicant: Environmental:

Hearing Date: Hearing Time: Hearing Location:

CDP20-0015 and SDP20-0019(M) 216 Monarch Bay (APN 670-111-20) Derek and Sally Johnson The project is Categorically Exempt from the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities).

Monday, October 12, 2020 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible) 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Dana Point City Hall)

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

Note: This project may be appealed to the City Council. If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Dana Point prior to the public hearing. 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.

For further information, please contact John Ciampa at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248-3591.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: RALF-PETER ROHBECK CASE#30-2020-01145097-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 RALFPETER ROHBECK A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by ANDREA FORGO in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that ANDREA FORGO 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 Dana Point Times October 2–8, 2020

above on: n/a /s/ETHAN ALVIDREZ This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 8/25/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206583427 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LIGHTHOUSE RESTORATION 23732 HILLHURST DR, APT 49

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677-9267 Full Name of Registrant(s): ELIJAH PITT 24551 DEL PRADO, #877 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: 12/05/2019 /s/ELIJAH PITT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 8/31/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 2020

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 10/22/2020 at 2:00 P.M. in Dept: C6, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

Appearing Remotely: (1) You must attend the hearing by video remote using Microsoft Teams; (2) Go to the Courts website at http://www.occourts.org/media-relations/probate-mentalhealth.html to appear for probate hearings; and for remote hearing instructions; (3) If you have difficulty connecting to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance.

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: DENNIS F. FREDRICKS 12121 WILSHIRE BLVD, SUITE 525 LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 (310)820-3600 Published in: Dana Point Times, September 25, October 2, 9, 2020

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

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Notice to Creditors

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

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente, 949.485.4979, info@bodymindspiritiop.com, bodymindspiritiop.com

ATTORNEY

Rosen Law Offices, P.C.

34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 5, 949.335.0020, snrosenlaw.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206582896 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FAR WEST RESIDENTIAL 18012 COWAN , SUITE 200 IRVINE, CA 92614 Full Name of Registrant(s): ETHAN ALVIDREZ 18012 COWAN , SUITE 200 IRVINE, CA 92614 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed Page 12

• Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale • Summons – Divorce – Civil • Annual Report • Non-Responsibility • Dissolution of Partnership

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

State Farm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, elainelavine.net

MASSAGE THERAPY

Paul Svoboda CAMTC #76690 Monarch Beach Studio or Outcall, 310.387.2560 MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, danmans.com

Yeungs Violin Studio

949.388.4038, heilingyeung@hotmail.com, yeungsschoolofviolin.com/violinestudio

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 & INTERIORS

Jeddy’s Interiors

34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. 2, 949.240.9569, jeddys.com

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CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at danapointtimes.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE - OCT. 3 & 4 Sat. 10/3 10am – 4pm and Sun. 10/4 1:30-5pm.

Indoor only/mask required. 27002 Azul Dr, Capo Beach. All very-high quality, 100% guaranteed, moving and must sell. Email for pics/ info rickrago1@gmail.com.

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE - SAT. OCT. 3 8-11 am, Saturday, Oct. 3. 58 Via Armilla, San Clemente. Tools, household items, furniture, antiques, books, DVDs, wetsuits, SUP paddleboards, camping stuff & more. Lots of good stuff. Cash/Electronic payment ok.

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@danapointtimes.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED • WAREHOUSE POSITION I: Must have experience in shipping and receiving. Fork-lift experience, requires lifting and must have valid Drivers License with a clean driving record. Full-Time, benefits, 401K. Please call 949.492.4399 or email your resume to: dromero@ndaonline.net • WAREHOUSE POSITION II: Must have experience in shipping and receiving, requires lifting and must have valid Drivers License with a clean driving record.

Full-Time, benefits, 401K. Please call 949.492.4399 or email your resume to: dromero@ndaonline.net

SERVICES MK BROTHERS LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE Weekly Gardening Service • New Sod and Plants • Expert Sprinkler Installation & Repair • Tree Trimming • Wood Fences and Patios • Termite Damage Replacement Lic. #581171. Best prices in town! 949.786.2605

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Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times.

Call us today!

Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700 ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

Page 13

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Pro Surfing Returns to SoCal Waters Super Girl Pro comes to Oceanside—the first surf contest in California since the pandemic

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s been seven months since our local beaches were closed in a panic as the coronavirus pandemic swept over the country. Thankfully, it didn’t take too long to get them back open, and we’ve all been able to enjoy the open spaces of the beaches and oceans over the summer.

Since those initial closures back in March, competitive surfing in the U.S. has been on ice. Considering how much of our surf community is involved in the competitive side of the sport, it’s good to see things starting to return to some semblance of normalcy.

The first pro contest will take place this weekend in Oceanside, as the World Surf League hosts the Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro. The WSL has already run events in Australia, Brazil and Europe, as well as at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore. This will be its first contest in the ocean in California since the pandemic began.

Four-time world champion Carissa Moore will be headlining a stacked field that includes San Clemente resident and world No. 2 Caroline Marks, as well

Carissa Moore, a four-time world champion and 2018 winner of the Super Girl Pro, will be in Oceanside this weekend as pro surfing returns to the ocean in California. Photo: Courtesy of WSL/Steinmetz

as other powerhouses such as Lakey Peterson, Courtney Conlogue and Sage Erickson. Local stars Samantha Sibley and Tia Blanco are also in the draw.

“Everyone is so excited about this event,” Moore, who won the event in 2018, explained in a press release announcing the return of the contest “I’ve always been inspired by the message behind Super Girl, and it’s incredible to have a contest like this that focuses entirely on women’s surfing. I am thrilled to be back in the ocean competing, and the contest format seems really fun.”

The Super Girl Pro, an event that will feature the top female surfers from Hawaii, California and Florida, will take place from Oct. 3-4. Unfortunately, due to health concerns, fans are not invited, but there will be a live broadcast to tune into all weekend.

“The Super Girl Pro has been a huge

part of the landscape of women’s surfing for the past 13 years, and it’s incredible that they are able to make the event happen in 2020,” the WSL’s Jessi Miley-Dyer said in the same press release. “The field of talent competing includes both the best American surfers on the planet and the next generation of stars, and the competition format is really creative.”

Moore, Peterson and Conlogue were all together recently at the BSR Surf Resort in Waco, Texas, for a training session with the U.S. Olympic surf program.

After clinching the world title last year, Moore also earned herself the top spot on the Olympic team, along with runner-up finisher Marks.

Featuring the most progressive women in the water, the training session at the Texas wave pool was focused on helping the women continue to elevate their game to the next level. With an eye for technique,

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK STONE CHILDRESS

Water Temperature: 69-71 Degrees F

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen asked when he started surfing, Salt Creek shredder Stone Childress kept it real.

“Like, 1,” said Stone. “I learned how to surf at Doheny with my dad.”

Now in kindergarten at the St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel, Stone’s pretty much been surfing his entire life, and he wouldn’t want it any other way.

“My favorite thing about surfing is surfing with my friends,” said Stone. “I just love surfing with my family and my friends. I love being in the ocean. And when there’s big waves, you can ride them. And it’s fun! I also love to skateboard and fish.”

With a bright future, Stone’s already hatching his surfing plans for when he Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

U.S. Coach Brett Simpson was on hand to help them break down their performances.

“We worked on turn variations, both backside and frontside, being light on the feet, airs and finding some extra pop!”

Simpson told the WSL. “We came with a few objectives to work on and check off the list. It was a very successful trip, and everyone is looking forward to going back soon.”

And now, all the stuff that Moore and company learned in Texas is sure to be applied in the ocean at the Super Girl Pro. It’s also worth noting that for the last couple of weeks, Moore, who hails from Oahu, has been posted up in town, ripping apart Lowers.

Given her abundance of natural talent, how hard she’s been working in the pool and at Lowers, the smart money must be on Moore to emerge victorious. But given how many great surfers are in the draw, it’s going to be anything but a cakewalk to get to the top of the podium.

As far as pro surfing goes, we’re still a long way from things returning to normal anytime soon, but the return of the Super Girl Pro is a step in the right direction.

The WSL is eyeing a full return of the Championship Tour in 2021, and events like this will give competitors a chance to pull on the jersey again, get their feet in the wax and get used to the nerves once again.

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 the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times, 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

Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-10 ’

Stone Childress. Photo: Courtesy of the Childress family

gets a little older. When asked where he sees surfing taking him in the next 10 years, his answer is on point.

“Hopefully, to Hawaii,” said Stone. “Also, I hope to do some contests, and I would be stoked to win some trophies.”

From the big surf of Hawaii to topping podiums, considering how stoked young Stone is on that ocean living and that he’s already got almost five years in the water under his belt, there’s no question that wave-riding will take him wherever he dreams. DP

Page 14

Outlook: On Friday a slow fading old South/southwest swell and fresh Northwest swell set up with waist-shoulderhead high waves, (3-4-5’). Morning winds are light Friday, afternoon flow is light+ onshore. Surf slowly eases Saturday, then tropical swell is expected level wave size by the end of the weekend.

Light/variable morning winds, followed by a light+ afternoon sea breeze for the weekend.

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Dana Point Times October 2-8, 2020

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