October 23, 2020

LO C A L

N EWS

October 23-29, 2020 YO U

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U S E

John Severson Gets Bronzed PAGE 14

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 43

Carrying the Mail

PAC Spends Thousands to Oppose Local Candidate; Both Newkirk and Frost Denounce Tactics E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

The mailbox is seemingly the political battleground for this year’s election, in more ways than one. Photo: Pexels

Registrar Sees Historic Turnout in Early Voting EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

State Monitoring Coronavirus in Hardest-Hit Communities EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Couple Recognized for Nonprofit Work EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

Dana Point Times October 23-29, 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 ‘Black Lives Matter’ Discussion Continues During CUSD Meeting THE LATEST: Students and alumni with the group CUSD Against Racism again called on anti-racism action from the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) during a Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Advocates who commented during the meeting took issue with the alleged banning of “Black Lives Matter” merchandise on campuses, which made Black and indigenous people of color feel unwelcome.

Susan Holliday, associate superintendent of educational services, clarified that the district has not said “Black Lives Matter” merchandise is prohibited, but rather was addressing a poster that was inconsistent with a policy on approved political and non-instructional material.

“Merchandise for students, or if students want to wear something, that is something they can wear if it’s not disruptive,” Holliday said. “If it’s disruptive, then that’s tied to our dress code policy.”

CUSD Against Racism members and supporters over the past several months have urged the district to act against explicit and implicit racism and bigotry, and during the Oct. 21 meeting called on the district to go further. The Board of Trustees passed a resolution denouncing acts of racism in June following protests, but anti-racism advocates took issue with the district not releasing a statement explicitly saying black lives matter.

“First and foremost, our goal is to ensure that all students and families feel welcome in CUSD,” Holliday said. “We want all classrooms and all office spaces— whether they’re virtual or they’re in-person or in our facilities—to be welcoming and professional.”

The district has updated handbooks and training materials to clearly address discrimination, define racism and highlight how to report on and respond to it, Holliday said. A Cultural Proficiency Task Force will share a report addressing these issues during a workshop on Nov. 4.

“It is extremely extensive and thorough and it will take us a few years, but it addresses many of the items you’ve heard this evening, specifically around implicit bias,” Holliday said.

In other news, the board discussed students recently returning to campus for Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

To address the higher rates of COVID-19’s impact on low-income, Black, Latinx and Pacific Islander communities in the state, counties statewide have been tracked on a new health equity metric. Graphic: Courtesy of the Public Health Alliance of Southern California

in-person learning. Surveys will be sent out to families asking for feedback on the phased returns.

Student Advisor Anchal Bhaskar brought up student feedback on the returns, saying the overall sentiment is that students appreciate the opportunity to have some normalcy again. Bhaskar said students have raised concerns about internet access at schools and some teachers and peers not properly wearing masks.

Seven students and four staff members in CUSD schools have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days, though that doesn’t mean they contracted it at school sites, Superintendent Kirsten Vital said. The district is following communications protocols outlined by county health guidelines, including contact tracing investigations.

The Oct. 21 meeting marked an in-person return to the board room for most trustees, who had met virtually throughout the year during the pandemic.—Collin Breaux

State Monitoring Coronavirus in Counties’ Low-Income, Racially Diverse Neighborhoods THE LATEST: While coronavirus numbers in Orange County have broadly stabilized in recent months, California has made an effort to monitor the impact of the virus in the state’s hardest-hit communities since the beginning of October.

To address the higher rates of COVID-19’s impact on low-income, Black, Latinx and Pacific Islander communities in the state, counties statewide have been tracked on a new health equity metric—a third element added to the state’s color-coded, four-tiered coronavirus tracking system on Oct. 6.

The state had previously tracked daily new cases per 100,000 people and testing positivity rate as the broad metrics for coun-

Dana Point

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES as of 10/21/20 TOTAL LAST 30 DAYS

cases

deaths

306

3

37

0

LAST 30 DAYS

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

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ties’ reopening measures. The health equity metric tracks testing positivity specifically in the state’s lower-income and more racially and ethnically diverse neighborhoods.

Based on COVID-19 data from the county, Hispanics and the Latinx community have contracted the virus at a higher rate than all other races and ethnicities.

While Hispanics and Latinos make up just over one-third, or 35%, of the overall population in Orange County, they account for about 47.8% of all cases since the pandemic began, and more than 43.5% of all deaths.

Among the Asian and White demographics, which account for 21.1% and 38.6% of the county’s population, respectively, they together only represent 33.93% of all cases and 51.67% of county’s fatalities from the virus.

In the state’s latest numbers released on Tuesday, Oct. 20, Orange County’s health equity positivity improved to 5.6% from 6.5%, with the countywide positivity rate falling back to 3.2% from 3.5%. The county’s daily new cases stayed level at 4.6 per 100,000. Orange County remains in the state’s second-highest risk tier—the red “substantial” tier.

The neighborhoods selected for the health equity rate have been identified as census tracts in the lower 25% of the California Healthy Places Index (HPI), which monitors factors such as economy, education, transportation, neighborhood and housing conditions, access to health care and racial and ethnic makeup.

In Orange County, the majority of these tracts are found in Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Stanton and Buena Park, with others scattered in Fullerton, Placentia, Westminster, Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa.

In the South Orange County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, the downtown San Juan tract along the Camino Capistrano corridor, from San Juan Creek in the south to just north of Junipero Serra Road, is the only neighborhood that falls in the lower 25% to be monitored.

According to the HPI, the downtown San Juan tract is a majority 73.2% Latino and 23.2% White, with smaller numbers for Asians (1.6%), Native Americans (0.8%) and Blacks (0.4%).

The tract scores well in neighborhood conditions and clean environment metrics, but it is near the bottom in health care access and housing conditions. The neighborhood also scores in the lower one-quarter percentile in education, with a low number of preschool enrollees and 14.6% of people over 25 years old with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

As mentioned, on Tuesday, Orange County’s health equity rate fell to 5.6%, with the countywide positivity rate dropping to 3.2%.

Orange County remains in the red tier right at the edge of the orange “moderate” tier. The testing positivity is below the 4.9% threshold, but the county is just outside the 5.2% health equity threshold and the mark of 3.9 daily new cases per 100,000.

(Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) To move down a tier, a county must maintain numbers at the lower tier’s level for two consecutive weeks.

While the health equity rate can be another barrier to tier movement, it can also speed up tier movement if the number falls.

If the county’s testing positivity and health equity rate meet the lower threshold for two consecutive weeks, the county could move down to the next tier, as long as the daily case rate is stable or declining.—Zach Cavanagh and Shawn Raymundo

Registrar Sees Historic Turnout in Early Voting THE LATEST: With less than two weeks left to go before this year’s Presidential General Election, the county elections office has seen a historic return on early voting, as more than 487,000 vote-by-mail ballots had been cast as of Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Earlier this week, the Orange County Registrar of Voters had collected a total of 351,625 ballots through the mail or at drop boxes—marking a 28% increase from the ballots that had been collected in the same period of the 2016 General Election, according to the Registrar’s office.

The Registrar’s office on Monday told Dana Point Times that while it’s still tough to issue any forecasts at this point, the current rate of ballots returned could be an indication that the county will see a historic overall turnout of voters come Nov. 3.

According to the Registrar’s office, officials have noticed a lot of interest and energy going into this election.

Just like in the Primary Election this past March, voters have three options when it comes to casting their ballots: mailing it back to the Registrar through the U.S. Postal Service, dropping it off at an official drop box, or taking it to a vote center.

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Interact Club to Hold Food Drive for FAM Dana Hills High School’s Interact Club is kicking off a food drive for the Family Assistance Ministries. Volunteers are asking that the community donate a shopping bag of goodies—and that members of the community ask their friends, neighbors, and families for donations.

Donations can be given in one of two ways. Interact members can pick up donations from the donor’s porch before 10 a.m. on either Saturday, Oct. 31, or on Monday, Nov. 2. Donors can also drop off their donation at the collection site in the parking lot of the high school on Monday, Nov. 2, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Items needed (new, unopened, unexpired): bottled water, canned beans, Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

While mail delivery and drop boxes are currently an option for early voting, the vote centers, where people can vote in person or drop off their ballots, are scheduled to open on Oct. 30, five days ahead of election day.

The Registrar’s office on Monday couldn’t state for certain whether there will likely be a surge in voter turnout once the centers open. However, it did note that it has received a lot of interest in voters wanting to vote in person rather than utilize the mail or drop box options.

According to Primary Election data the Registrar had previously reported, voter turnout in the March 3 elections reached 50.1%, “the highest for a presidential primary election since 2000.” Of those who participated in the Primary, 82% utilized the mail-in option, while the rest chose to vote in-person.

The Registrar’s data from Wednesday showed that the county’s registered Democrats lead the charge on early voting.

More than 223,597 Democrats had already returned their ballots, while 137,487 Republicans had participated in early voting.

In Dana Point, 7,411 votes had been returned by Wednesday. Democrats in Dana Point made up 3,141 of those votes, while 2,486 Republican voters had turned in their ballots.

Though registered Democrats own the majority in Orange County, Republican voters still make up the most dominant party in the three South County cities. According to the Registrar’s data, of the 93,248 ballots issued in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, nearly 40,000 of them—about 43%—went to Republicans.

Just north of 27,000 ballots were issued to Democrats, or roughly 29%.

But just like the county’s overall numbers show, Democrats in the tri-city area have come out to vote early, making up a larger block of returned ballots. More than 10,760 of the 26,129 votes cast in the three cities so far had come from registered Democrats,

canned fruit/fruit cups, canned soup, canned vegetables, cereal, chili, crackers, cookies, Ensure drinks, jelly (plastic jars), juice boxes, mac & cheese, pasta, peanut butter, Pop-Tarts, instant coffee, coffee pods, pudding cups, rice, protein bars, trail mix, canned tuna, baby wipes, empty egg cartons, diapers, soap, deodorant, sunscreen, shampoo, razors, floss, toothbrushes and shaving cream.

To set up a pickup time or to get more information, email danahillsinteractclub@ gmail.com.

Art & Creativity for Healing Announces 20th Anniversary Award Recipients A Dana Point couple is being recognized for their contributions to a nonprofit that seeks to heal trauma through creativity.

Fine artist, educator and author Laurie Zagon formed the nonprofit organization

and 9,126 from Republicans.—SR Editor’s Note: An extended version of this story can be found at danapointtimes.com.

this place, and he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a fighter pilot.”—CB

Eagle Scout Gives Back with Flag Project

Local Holds His Own Ironman Triathlon Through Dana Point

THE LATEST: Lauren Lam, a St. Margaret’s Episcopal School student and Dana Point resident, installed a 25-foot flagpole and raised an American flag at the Victory Athletic Center (VAC) in San Juan Capistrano as part of her Eagle Scout Project.

Lauren, 14, is a member of Scouts BSA Troop 7272 and started her project after the Boy Scouts opened their program to females in 2019. Lauren also put college flags along the fence near the VAC lacrosse field.

“I just love this area and it’s kind of always been a part of my family,” Lauren said. “When I was thinking about my Eagle Scout Project, way even before I started scouting, I wanted to do it here because I also play lacrosse.”

Lauren received help from fellow scouts, as well as friends and family, when putting up the flagpole.

“My whole goal for this is to inspire young females and males to continue pursuing their dreams and continue to be inspired and look up and work hard and know that whatever they set their mind to, they can do,” Lauren said.

Military service branch flags have also been put up. Lauren hopes to continue hanging up donated college flags, since they inspire others to continue their education.

“I made a plaque for my project and wanted to dedicate it to all the men and women who serve the United States, and also to Lt. Col. Glen Miles, who is a big mentor for me,” Lauren said. “He owns

THE LATEST: Matt O’Malley was training for Ironman Triathlon competitions in Wisconsin and then Texas before each got canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So he decided to organize his own Ironman Triathlon at home, without any other competitors.

O’Malley swam 2.5 miles in Dana Point from Baby Beach, doing a 320-yard loop 14 times; then did a 112-mile bike ride through Irvine and Camp Pendleton; and finished the one-man race with a 26.2-mile marathon run through San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and back to Baby Beach in Dana Point—all on Oct. 5. His car in the parking lot near Baby Beach served as a transition station of sort for each part.

“I get emotional, because it’s pretty cool that my wife and daughter made a medal and trophy for me,” O’Malley said.

O’Malley, who lives in San Juan Capistrano, raised money for the Karl Harter Head and Neck Cancer Scholarship at the University of Wisconsin and the Orangewood Foundation in Santa Ana. O’Malley originally planned to do the Ironman event in Wisconsin while visiting relatives and was subsequently given the option of switching to Texas, before that option was also canceled.

O’Malley, who turned 60 in July, finished his one-man event in a little over 13 ½ hours. The total distance was 147.56 miles. Supporters cheered him on throughout his route.

“I really wanted to get that thing under my belt for my 60th birthday,” O’Malley said.—CB

Art & Creativity for Healing 20 years ago upon discovering the powerful effect of art on stress, grief and other traumatic life experiences. Today, more than 80,000 individuals served by more than 40 nonprofit partner agencies, have participated in exercises specially designed to encourage emotional responses, leaving participants with enhanced clarity and insight.

Zagon, Art & Creativity for Healing’s founder and executive director, was recently selected as the 2020 National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Founder and will be honored later this month in a virtual ceremony hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of OC. “The National Philanthropy Day Award comes during this special time as we reflect on the past 20 years,” Zagon said. “And while I conceived of the initial idea for this organization, it wouldn’t have become a reality without the support of 13 key individuals who believed in this mission and put their heart, souls and other invaluable resources into getting us started.”

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Joe Sorrentino (pictured) was a recipient of a 20th Anniversary Award for nonprofit organization Art & Creativity for Healing. Photo: Courtesy of Barbara Kimler

Zagon’s husband, Joe Sorrentino, the president and CEO of Lean Quality Systems, and co-founder of Art & Creativity for Healing, was one of 13 recipients of the 20th Anniversary Awards for helping to start the organization 20 years ago. danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

PAC Spends Thousands to Oppose Local Candidate

Both Newkirk and Frost Denounce Tactics

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he mailbox is seemingly the battleground for this year’s election.

But whether you opt to vote with an absentee ballot, or in-person, your mailbox is likely inundated with political mailers—and the constituents of Dana Point’s District 4 are no exception.

On Oct. 7, Dana Point’s city clerk received expenditure reports to show that a political action committee dubbed the California Homeowners Association had spent nearly $10,000 on mailers to oppose city council candidate Gary Newkirk.

Soon thereafter, mailers arrived at residences within District 4 of the city, depicting Newkirk as pro-development and in favor of big-box retail. The initial set of mailers accused him of putting a senior citizen at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a stock image of a hospitalized elderly patient on a respirator.

“If Newkerk gets his way, we won’t ever see another Craft House or Coastal Kitchen,” one mailer states, misspelling Newkirk’s name. “His vision is to bring more chain restaurants and big box stores to Dana Point.”

Newkirk says when he saw the expenditure report, he joked with his wife that he might learn something about himself.

“The first mailer was laughable. Everyone that knows me laughed about it,” Newkirk said. “But my gut feeling is this doesn’t happen randomly. . . It’s just hard to imagine that there’s not some consultation and collaboration.”

The second round of mailers implies that Newkirk’s vision for the future is to fashion Dana Point like Santa Monica and to bring in “mega development.”

“It’s very frustrating,” Newkirk said.

“I’ve been around a long time. I have a thick skin, but it’s not easy to have your name dragged through the mud and your picture dropped in everyone’s mailbox that you’ve lived near for 27 years. A line was crossed.”

Newkirk’s sole opponent in the election, Mike Frost, has stated that neither he nor his campaign has any connection to the group that created the mailers.

“The tone of that mailer is not what I represent,” Frost said. “Obviously, I cannot control who puts independent expenditure communications together. How my opponent gathered his signatures is his business.”

In an official statement, Frost states that the mailers were done so poorly and with

Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

such inaccuracies “I am proud that he’s not yet to be talking to certain if they residents in a were intended to responsible mantarnish his own ner,” Frost said. campaign.

“I have been Newkirk, a out knocking former planning on doors, sitting commissioner, outside coffee has campaigned shops and listenon a platform of ing to residents being “pro-resand gathering ident,” with the notes on issues.” words displayed Frost says that on his political about 95% of resisigns around dents have been town. As far as “tremendously development, receptive, as they Residents in District 4 received a wave of political Newkirk has prewant to have mailers opposing Gary Newkirk in this year’s Dana Point viously told the their concerns City Council Election. Photo: Courtesy of Newkirk Dana Point Times heard.” He adds that he upholds that he always the city’s zoning and city codes—and that either wears a mask or stands at least 6 feet he believes it’s important for the city to folfrom the door after door-knocking. low suit except in certain, specific circumAs for the force behind the mailers, there stances that may call for a variance. lies a cloud of confusion and mystery.

The first major development proposal At the bottom of the California Homefor Dana Point’s Town Center sought owners Association mailers, a disclaimer variances for building height and reduced states the ad was paid for by the PAC parking, which Newkirk voted against as with “major committee funding from Kieu planning commissioner.

Hoang.” Attempts to reach a spokesperson Carol Kelly, a volunteer for Newkirk’s with the PAC were unsuccessful or met campaign, tells Dana Point Times she was with phone hang-ups. the senior citizen referenced in the mailer Dana Point Times did, however, sucaccusing Newkirk of putting her at risk. cessfully reach Hoang by phone. Hoang, The mailer claims Newkirk sent a “Senior a Vietnamese-born American billionaire, Citizen to collect his signatures in the denied knowledge of the mailers and middle of the COVID Pandemic…..(sic)” referred questions to his attorney. to qualify for the ballot.

“We are contacting California Homeown“We had a short window of time to ers Association to determine if this flyer was collect signatures since we were waiting released in error, was fully or partially reto know if (Councilmember) Paul Wyatt cycled from a previous election or was generwould choose to run for reelection,” Kelly ated by a third party,” said Robert Blackmon, said. “I told Gary I’d help get signatures. an attorney representing Hoang. “In any I called up people in my neighborhood case, Mr. Hoang is abstaining from participaahead of time. I came to them with a mask tion in this election season in any way and on, they wore masks, too, and everyone has not funded any PAC or candidate.” used their own pen to sign.”

The Fair Political Practices Commission To run for city council in Dana Point, currently has an open case against Hoang candidates must obtain signatures from regarding potential violations of campaign at least 20 voters, but not more than 30, finance and advertisement disclaimer registered to vote in the respective council provisions of the Political Reform Act—an district. This year, the deadline was Aug. incident stemming from February ahead 12. Early in his campaign, volunteers were of the March primary. reportedly instructed to always maintain The Voice of OC previously reported distance and to remain on the sidewalk if a that Hoang has denied any wrongdoing resident was at their door. and that officials haven’t said what the “I helped gather signatures for Gary. investigation is about, other than it being It was all done with social distancing and centered on advertisements. masks,” Kelly said. “I was 68 years old Requests to be connected to a repreat the time. I never got COVID-19, and I sentative with California Homeowners Asnever got sick.” sociation remained unanswered as of press Campaigning in 2020 has been forced time. According to its website, the CHA to reckon with social distancing direcdescribes itself as one of California’s most tives in light of the pandemic. In-person active political action committees working candidate forums have been moved to a in every area of the state.

Zoom format. Meet-and-greets are likely “Established in 2009, the California lacking in handshakes, with expectations Homeowners Association is a non-partisan that candidates put physical distance Political Action Committee formed to between themselves and their potential support fiscally responsible candidates,” constituents—and political rhetoric guided the website states. “Our donors are wide

by CHA’s mailers have called into question ranging from individuals, to small busihow safely candidates are campaigning. nesses to labor organizations all with one Page 5

goal—protecting homeowners.”

In the FPPC’s campaign manual, it states that the California Political Reform Act requires primarily formed ballot measure and general purpose committees to specifically identify in a disclosure on ads the top contributors of $50,000 or more. A general purpose recipient committee is formed when an individual or group receives contributions totaling $2,000 or more in a calendar year for the purpose of supporting or opposing one or more state or local candidates or ballot measures or to make contributions to other political committees.

Jon Fleischman is the former executive director of the Republican Party of California and has since founded a Fleischman Consulting Group, a firm specializing in national, state and local political affairs.

He says that even if a PAC spends all the money that a donor gave the group, the donor’s name will still appear in a disclosure for a calendar year.

“The FPPC, in trying to uphold transparency, created a rule where if someone donates a certain amount of money, the PAC name, as it appears in a disclosure, now has to be changed to include the donor’s name,” Fleischman said.

The FPPC denied the Dana Point Times' requests for comment and insight on existing policies, due to the open investigation against Hoang.

“It’s not surprising that Kieu Hoang may have been alarmed to learn about these mailers with his name on them when his donation (to the PAC) was made during the primary election,” Fleischman said.

Newkirk hopes that District 4 residents who are exposed to attack ads, such as the mailers sent out by CHA, do their own research.

“My overriding focus in all the time I’ve spent in public service has been to really listen to and be a voice for the residents. We are the reason the city exists,” Newkirk said. “I’m proud of everything I’ve done for the city. Everything I’ve done is 100% transparent, and it’s all on the city website. There are pages and audio and minutes that show every position, every statement and vote that are opposite to what those mailers purport.”

In Frost’s statement on Friday, Oct. 16 on the mailers, he announced his campaign’s investment in a positive mailer denouncing negative campaign literature— which were set to arrive in mailboxes on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, candidates and PACs are expected to submit campaign expenditures for a quarterly deadline. The next deadline for campaign statement filings is not until Feb. 1, 2021—meaning reports of campaign spending (potentially on more political mailers) after Thursday will not be reported until after the new year.

“It’s an unfortunate biproduct of contribution limits in small races like city council elections,” Fleischman said.

“People are going to try and find other ways around these set limitations.”

This is a developing story. For the latest updates, visit danapointtimes.com. DP danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Community, Sustainability, Prosperity by Hoiyin Ip

City Council Candidate Forum on Environment

F

our city council candidates in two districts are running toward Tuesday, Nov. 3: Mike Frost and Gary Newkirk for District 4; Benjamin Bebee and Michael Villar for District 5.

I’ve wondered how much they care about the environment. So I sent them three questions with a request for succinct responses. Here are their answers to two of them in alphanumeric order.

What Is Your Most Critical Environmental Issue?

FROST: Keeping our beaches and ocean clean and healthy by reducing plastic, trash and man-made debris in our open spaces, our streets and on our beaches and harbor. Continue to focus on keeping the streets free of trash that will eventually

Letter to the Editor RESIDENTS, NOT OUT-OF-TOWN PACS, SHOULD ELECT OUR COUNCILMEMBERS MARK ZANIDES, Dana Point

Over the past few days, I received what is becoming standard fare in Dana Point elections—sleazy hit pieces financed by out-of-town real estate development interests. One such piece attacks Gary Newkirk for his alleged “recklessness,” claiming he “sent” a Dana Point senior citizen to collect signatures to qualify for the ballot. It depicts a senior citizen in the hospital with an oxygen mask. Of course, the piece is false and misleading: Gary never “sent” anyone, but rather folks volunteered to help him; no one became ill during the process, as masking and social distancing were observed during the process. The photo of the ill person does not depict anyone associated with the campaign.

The second hit piece is worse: it falsely accuses Gary Newkirk of leaving the Planning Commission “under a cloud” Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

make its way to the ocean.

NEWKIRK: Dana Point has some of the most beautiful coastal beaches. My critical environmental issue is ensuring water and beach cleanliness, including controlling inland watershed waste runoff. This can only be accomplished through collaboration with local agencies and working toward a common goal.

BEBEE: Beach Restoration for Capistrano Beach.

VILLAR: We need to continue to protect our ocean, COMMUNITY, coastline, and beaches.

SUSTAINABILITY, Our coastal waters are rich PROSPERITY with all sorts of marine life

By Hoiyin Ip that thrive on our rocky shorelines and kelp forests. The ocean needs protection so the sea life can continue to thrive, and we all can enjoy our beaches.

What Solution for the Issue Will You Champion as a Councilmember?

FROST: Continue to make strides in singleuse plastic reductions including bottles, lids and caps, and plastic bags at takeaway and retail. Since 2012, we have had ordinances for no Styrofoam in restaurants and no plastic bags at grocers.

NEWKIRK: The city’s role in protecting our

because he “supported so much largescale development in the Lantern District and throughout the whole City.” In fact, while on the Planning Commission, Gary opposed the Majestic Project originally submitted, because it included an extra floor, elevator towers and roof decks, and reduced parking, all of which were not consistent with the existing Town Center Plan. In fact, in August 2014, speaking before the Planning Commission, it was Mike Frost who supported the Majestic Project. In May 2015, he again spoke in favor of the reduced parking plan. His current claim that he wanted to “clean up the variances,” implying he did not support the enormous developer variances, is belied by the fact that he gave money to support a PAC which supported Measure I. Measure I would have approved the extra floor, elevator towers and reduced parking. You won’t see that on Frost’s campaign literature.

These sleazy pro-Frost ads are from the California Homeowners Association, with “major funding” from a Kieu Hoang.

Hoang is reportedly a billionaire winery owner. He is not a resident of Dana Point.

Why would out-of-town real estate interests so viciously support Mike Frost?

Well, let’s see. Out-of-town billionaires and

beaches and waters should be to lead and coordinate joint efforts of surrounding cities, county, state and federal agencies to set policies and lobby for funding.

Through these efforts, programs can be crafted to achieve coastal protection for Dana Point.

BEBEE: I would work toward a Beach Restoration project.

VILLAR: Dana Point City Council has supported the Marine Protected Areas which protect our shores on a large scale. But an equally important impact comes from us as individuals. We need more coordinated beach cleanup days, efforts to reduce use of plastic, and commitment to reduce pollutants.

To read about whether the candidates believe the city should form an environmental committee, visit danapointtimes.com.

Hoiyin Ip is often recognized on the street as the plastic lady for her cleanup work. But she likes to think of herself as a guardian of the ocean. She is often reminded of a quote by former California Coastal Commission Executive Director Peter Douglas: “The coast is never saved. It’s always being saved.” 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.

real estate PACs don’t spend their money foolishly, and they’ve spent almost $20,000 (so far) trying to buy Frost’s seat. They know what they are buying in Mike Frost, because Frost has a track record of supporting out-of-town real estate developers.

If you want to reward dishonest ads from out-of-town real estate interests, as well as more big box, unfettered development in Dana Point, Mike Frost is your man. If you prefer sensible, responsible development, vote Gary Newkirk for City Council in District 4.

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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.

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER 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 43. 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.

Printed in the USA.

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Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

Page 7

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

to perform experiments on everyone’s favorite Halloween treats, and learn sailor myths, legends, and superstitions during the days of Richard Henry Dana Jr. This ticket includes all activities and access to all of the labs and touch tanks at Ocean Institute. Meet and greet with a mermaid from Sheroes Entertainment in our Mermaid Cove. Costumes are welcome and encouraged. Face masks will be required at all times while visiting. Tickets are $25 per person. Space is limited. Please sign up for a one-hour block in advance. Hour time slots are 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (last admission). Walk-ins will only be allowed when space is available. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org.

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week 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 | 23 FUNDRAISER FOR BREAST CANCER ANGELS 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For every “Thanks for the Mammories” cocktail and “Think Pink” lemonade sold at StillWater Spirits & Sounds, $3 will be donated to Breast Cancer Angels. Breast Cancer Angels provides financial and emotional support to women, men and families fighting breast cancer. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

Photo: Cottonbro from Pexels

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27: THE GREAT PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST FOR KIDS This is a no-carve contest open to children up to 12 years of age. Post a photo with #DPgreatpumpkin on Instagram or Facebook. To officially enter the contest, send a photo of your decorated pumpkin to recreation@danapoint.org by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Those who enter the contest must live in the 92624 or 92629 zip code.

opportunity to visit the Mad Scientist Lab and make ghost bubbles and fizzing eyeballs, travel to the Candy Lab

SPOOKY SEAS: EVENING ADVENTURE 5:30-8:30 p.m. During the evening adventure, participants will have the

Page 8

Saturday | 24 PUMPKIN PATCH AT ZOOMARS 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pick out a Halloween pumpkin at ZOOMARS Petting Zoo. The patch event runs through Oct. 31, and weekday hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ZOOMARS Petting Zoo, 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.831.6550. zoomars.com.

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Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

Page 9

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DP

Dana Point Point Dana

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Wellness & Prevention by Lauren Gallegos

Prevention Works When a Community Works Together

T

he Wellness & Prevention Coalition is a federally funded Drug Free Communities (DFC) coalition that leads efforts to support healthy habits among children and their families.

The mission of DFC coalitions nationwide is to reduce youth substance use through increased community collaboration. Funded through the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the coalition follows the agency’s mantra that local problems can best be solved with local solutions.

The work of the coalition is succeeding, as evidenced by downward trends in alcohol and drug use among Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) students.

In 2018, the California Healthy Kids Survey reported that past 30-day use by 11th-graders is down from the 2016 report for all substance use, except vaping.

Alcohol was at 39% in 2016 and dropped to 21% in 2018. Marijuana decreased from 20% to 13%, while tobacco (exclusive of vaping) saw a decrease from 12% to 2%.

Prescription drug use went from 5% to 1% in that two-year period.

Community Outreach Alliance (COA) has played an integral role in this success by fostering a positive environment and hosting free activities for our youth that support their well-being.

Teri Steel, executive director of COA, shares how her organization keeps teens active to prevent drug abuse: “COA offers a wide variety of fun free activities that serve to link teens to social settings and resources that our team designs to ensure positive outcomes for their future and for the community.

“Offerings include fitness, fishing, music, supervised social events, and beach cleanups. Additionally, we have a Food Connection program that has provided tens-of-thousands of free meals this year alone, as COA knows that basic needs must be met for youth to have the capacity to attend to social needs.

“In the future, we will again offer ‘Thrive Alive’ courses. Thrive Alive focuses on drug and alcohol prevention by engaging teens in activities that provoke thought about the science of illegal substances and addiction while giving them tools to engage in community prevention efforts.

“I am proud of the WELLNESS AND PREVENTION COA model that I

By Lauren helped to build with Gallegos other community leaders and youth,” Steel said.

Luke Giannelli of San Clemente said of the program that “going from a COA kid to COA Program Manager has been amazing. Simply being surrounded by healthy minds and strong leadership, then having the opportunity to take on those qualities and mentor the next generation is such a rewarding experience.

“Without a doubt, COA has given me the skills and confidence to carve my own path and help others around me to live above the influence,” he said.

These are difficult times and more than ever, organizations such as COA and the Wellness & Prevention Center are a needed part of this community effort to

the Sizemore family at Old Doheny Days, Dana Point, in a Model A car with five surfboards tied to the top. Mr. and Mrs. Sizemore and all three children were active surfers.

The boards are made of balsa wood with colored stripes in the fins to identify them.

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.

help raise healthy kids. If you would like to partner with us, consider joining the Wellness & Prevention Coalition; email our coalition leader fatima@wpc-oc.org.

To learn more about Community Outreach Alliance, please visit communityoutreachalliance.com and follow @COA.Entertainent, @COA_clubbin and #COAstrong on Instagram.

Lauren Gallegos, ACSW, is the Prevention

Director at the Wellness & Prevention Center.

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

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

Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

F

Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

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

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Tobi our-year-old Tobi is a sweet cat who wears his tuxedo well. He can sometimes be a bit timid when meeting new people, but he shows his endearing personality once he gets to know you. Tobi gets along with other cats and would settle in best in a quiet home with a feline friend or two.

If you are interested in adopting Tobi, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form.

Completed forms can be emailed to ani-

Photo: Tracy Sizemore/OC Public Libraries

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

malservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP

Page 10

See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

The Jump Hi program allows children ages 4-17 to follow video instruction to work out and keep up their fitness at home, while schools continue to have distance education and gyms operate at reduced capacity. Photos: Jump Hi

Fitness Online

Local coach creates video workout youth program, offers free to schools

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen the pandemic began, the ensuing shutdowns threw plenty of wrenches at coaches, studentathletes, physical education instructors and all young athletes.

All competitions, practices and youth leagues were canceled. Classes were sent home. Gyms were closed. Coaches and their athletes of all ages had plenty of barriers put up to organized and instructive health and fitness.

Eventually, coaches for high school and club programs found their bearings, mostly in online instruction or video call sessions. That’s when San Juan Hills High School boys basketball coach Jason Efstathiou and his coaching partners at the JSK Basketball club were struck with an idea.

“What if we just had our own workout program for these guys to get training in?”

Efstathiou said. “It’ll be safe. We won’t be able to meet up, but we’ll be able to follow along. COVID might keep us locked up for a long time, and we thought we could do this for our athletes.”

The idea became Jump Hi, an online fitness and sports program geared toward children from ages 4-17. Efstathiou described it as Peloton or the Mirror with online workout videos for young athletes.

Workouts are livestreamed around the time in the afternoon when school athletic periods would be scheduled during the week to integrate the program with schools.

Workouts are all offered on demand after streaming and included speed, agility, core, plyometric and strength workouts. There are six to 10 livestreams a week and around 65 on-demand videos, with more than 100 expected by December.

Videos and the entire program are available online at jumphi.co, and the program

Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

Page 11

can be used on any device. An app for the program is in development and should be ready in January.

“We’re doing this for the purpose of, not offering a replacement necessarily, but just as something you can also do in addition,” Efstathiou said. “Trying to hit people who are still nervous about in-person.”

For Efstathiou and his basketball coach partners, Mater Dei boys basketball assistant coach Shu Isagawa and Director of Fitness Jordan DeMario, they’ve helped cultivate the first sport-specific elements of the service, with basketball drills and workouts available. More sport-specific workouts are coming in the pipeline, with soccer being the next up.

Currently, the Jump Hi program is being offered free to all schools, as Efstathiou wants to encourage health and fitness in a time when that could be lost in a sedentary lifestyle working and schooling from home.

“We want to offer it free to schools and give everyone an opportunity to get work in,” Efstathiou said. “We want everyone to have access to work out and do fitness. I think it’s important to promote education and health.

For those kids at home, they can do a 10-15 minute workout instead of that time on video games or TV, and that appeals to the parents.”

Efstathiou knows the importance of keeping up with health and fitness when being sidelined. Efstathiou battles a rare form of neuropathy, which attacks the nerves with a hypersensitivity and burning sensation. The disease kept him off the San Juan Hills basketball court last year from May to late December.

“There’s always the whole until you lose something, you don’t recognize it as much,” Efstathiou said. “I hadn’t been able to work out for a long time. Things like walking or working out had become difficult for me. With my body and my health, I want to have something else we can go to. And having a program like this made me think of kids like that, too.”

For more information on the Jump Hi program or to get it to your or your student’s school for free, check out jumphi.co, follow @jumphi_ on Instagram or email info@jumphi.co. DP danapointtimes.com

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206586588 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BBL PINES 23 27695 VIA SEQUOIA SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675-9267 Full Name of Registrant(s): PATRICK LOGAN MEEK 27695 VIA SEQUOIA SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 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/PATRICK MEEK This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/8/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206585730 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SAVE DOHENY ELECTION CAMPAIGN 34605 VIA CATALINA CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 Full Name of Registrant(s): MARKUS J LENGER 34605 VIA CATALINA CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 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/Markus Lenger This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 9/28/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times October 9, 16, 23, 30, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206586150 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: DANA POINT RV STORAGE 1100 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 200 NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 Full Name of Registrant(s): STONEHILL STORAGE PARTNERS, LLC 1100 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 200 NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 This business is conducted by CA Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/STONEHILL STORAGE PARTNERS, LLC, BRYON WARD, MANAGING MEMBER/ MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/1/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times October 16, 23, 30, November 6, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206586197 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FACE-LIFT 1400 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 Full Name of Registrant(s): SURTERRE PROPERTIES, INC. 1400 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 This business is conducted by DE Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/SURTERRE PROPERTIES, INC., GARY E. LEGRAND PRESIDENT/CEO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 10/2/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times October 16, 23, 30, November 6, 2020

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

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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

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

Dana Point Times October 23–29, 2020

Page 12

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 FOR SALE FOR SALE Mahogany Sleigh Bedroom Set (incl end tables), 2 glass-door armoire cabinets, tv’s, coffee table/end tables. Call 949.312.2921

GARAGE SALES ESTATE/GARAGE SALE OCT. 24-25, 8am-1pm. 34081 Callita Dr, Dana Point. Crystal/glassware, jewelry, cookware/ appliances, Rock Band PS2 drum set, DVDs, vintage LP turntable/speakers, homemade afghans. Credit cards OK with photo ID. Please wear masks!

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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.

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Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

Page 13

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

John Severson Gets Bronzed

GROM OF THE WEEK HAYDEN RODGERS

Founder of ‘Surfer’ magazine memorialized in Waterman’s Plaza

Hayden Rodgers. Photo: Courtesy of JR Kenworthy

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

B

efore the internet ruined everything, Surfer magazine defined the sport, culture and lifestyle that surrounds the pure and simple act of riding a wave for more than a half-century. And it all started in a small office in Dana Point in 1960, when John Severson printed the first issue to support one of his films.

Now, Severson’s legacy and contributions to surfing have been memorialized in bronze. The latest addition to Waterman’s Plaza on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, the new statue was unveiled last week.

The impressive life-sized sculpture captures Severson at work in front of an easel with paintbrush and palette in hand.

It joins other sculptures of surf icons, including filmmaker Bruce Brown, surfer/ shaper Phil Edwards and all-around innovator Hobie Alter.

All the sculptures have been created by artist Bill Limebrook, who grew up on Beach Road in Dana Point. His attention to detail and the lifelike nature he’s able to infuse into the bronze is simply amazing.

There are a lot of surf-themed statues around the world, but collectively, these rank among the best. And Limebrook’s not done yet. The Dana Point City Council recently commissioned another statue. The next one will be of pioneer Joyce Hoffman and is expected to be completed in 2021.

Severson, who passed away in 2017, first learned to surf when his family moved from Pasadena to San Clemente, where his father operated a gas station on the corner of El Camino Real and Avenida Aragon.

Immersing himself in the ocean lifestyle, Severson also spent his youth learning how to paint, take photos and use a movie camera—all skills that would serve him well throughout his life. He studied art, eventually earning a Masters of Arts degree in Art Education from Long Beach State. After school, he was drafted into the Army, where he served in Oahu.

It was in Hawaii that Severson made his first film, simply titled Surf. He would continue to release surf movies for the next decade, culminating with Pacific Vibrations in 1970. But it was in the print business that Severson would really make his name.

In 1960, he released a 36-page booklet called The Surfer to support one of his films.

He spent $3,000 on printing. At $1 a copy, he Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

Surfer magazine founder John Severson has been immortalized in a new bronze sculpture featured in Waterman’s Plaza. Photo: City of Dana Point

charged $2 and quickly realized that his promotional device could actually turn a pretty profit. Surfer magazine was born.

Severson hired photographer Ron Stoner, artist Rick Griffin, as well as writers such as Drew Kampion and Steve Pezman, to steer the publication. By the second half of the ’60s, Surfer was the de facto “bible of the sport.”

“I like to feel that surfing is a little more artistic and light, with a sense of humor, because of Surfer magazine,” Severson said when interviewed for his 2011 Surfer Poll Lifetime Achievement Award.

As I’ve written previously in this column, Severson’s time in San Clemente came to an end after President Richard Nixon moved to town. Severson had scored himself a quaint beachfront pad at Cotton’s Point, which turned out to be right next to the Western White House.

By this time, Surfer magazine had taken a decidedly counterculture stance, and Severson and Nixon were immediately at odds. The relationship went really south when Severson snapped some pictures of Nixon and sold them to Life magazine.

By the time the ’70s started, Severson had had enough with Nixon and his cronies. He sold Surfer, pulled up stakes and moved to Maui, where he continued to live and paint for the rest of his life.

Sadly, earlier this month, it came to light that Surfer magazine had furloughed its staff and had decided to pause printing for

the time being. There is a lot of speculation that Surfer will return in some form in the not too-distant-future, as it maintained a loyal readership and strong voice in the community all the way through its last issue.

Hopefully, this is the case, as Surfer has helped to shape countless lives over the years. Personally, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing today if it weren’t for Severson’s vision and passion. The same can be said of the owner and publisher of this publication, Norb Garrett, who ran Surfer and other titles as president of the Adventure Sports Network for nearly a decade.

For now, with the future of Surfer currently undecided, Severson’s legacy will live on in bronze. He now eternally stands with his friends Phil, Hobie and Bruce, and if you’re driving through Dana Point and have few minutes to spare, stop by Waterman’s Plaza and pay your respects.

Without these guys, the sport, culture and lifestyle of surfing would look very different.

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

Page 14

t’s a huge week for all the groms around the country with aspirations of winning an NSSA National Title. After the 2020 NSSA season was largely derailed due to the pandemic, the good people who run the organization fought tooth and nail to bring Nationals back this year. And they’ve done just that.

This week, NSSA Nationals will be taking place at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina.

There’s no shortage of talent in the draw, but one of the local crew whom we’re pulling for is back-to-back National Junior Airshow Champion Hayden Rodgers.

“The winners of each will not only be crowned National Champions, but it’s ‘winner take all,’ so each champion will take home $500,” explained the NSSA. “Some Juniors even entered the big boy Airshow and could pocket $1,000 on a double victory.”

Rodgers can fly with the best of them. He put in serious water time this summer and has been surfing tack sharp lately.

Last December, Rodgers suffered a near drowning mishap at Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu. Luckily, rescuers were on scene immediately and were able to save his life. We’re wishing Rodgers, who’s fully recovered and surfing better than ever, the best of luck at NSSA Nationals as he continues to pursue his surfing dreams. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 68-70 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-10 ’ Outlook: On Friday, South swell holds, maintaining chest to head high waves and sets hitting a foot overhead, (3-5-6’). Morning winds are light Southeast Friday, afternoon flow is moderate from the South. South swell fades through the weekend, for waistshoulder-head high surf, (3-4-5’), on Saturday, then thigh-waist-chest high waves, (2-3-4’), by Sunday. Light/variable winds Saturday morning, shift to a light+ southerly sea breeze in the afternoon. Mainly light+ westerly onshores for Sunday.

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Dana Point Times October 23-29, 2020

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