October 30, 2020

LO C A L

October 30-November 5, 2020 N EWS

YO U

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U S E

Editor’s Pick: Nov. 3, Election Day PAGE 8

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 44

Race to the Finish

Couple Celebrates Milestones of Their Love in Dana Point D P L I V I N G / PAG E 1 0

Mark Larson and Jean Tindugan-Larson’s love story began and blossomed in Dana Point. Their first date was the 2018 Turkey Trot and in 2019, Mark proposed to Jean at the Turkey Trot finish line. They’ll be running in their third Turkey Trot together this Thanksgiving as a married couple. Photo: Jacob Hart

A Closer Look at Campaign Finance in City Council Races EYE ON DP/PAGE 5

California Gets an A Grade in Annual Beach Report EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

danapointtimes.com

Former Dana Hills Coach Cunerty Dies SPORTS/PAGE 11

Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 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 OC United Way to Host Virtual Info Meeting on Financial Literacy Program THE LATEST: OC United Way will host a virtual event on Friday, Nov. 6 from 9-10 a.m. to inform the Dana Point community about its partnership with RH Dana Elementary to enhance financial literacy.

According to a news release, about 50% of the students are housing-insecure and 90% are on a free or reduced-price lunch program.

On Sept. 1, Dana Point City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city and Orange County United Way for the purpose of providing financial literacy coaching and education, case management and wrap-around services to parents of R.H. Dana Elementary students and residents of Dana Point.

The goal is for families to be equipped to overcome barriers to stable housing.

The partnership has been part of an ongoing effort for Councilmember Paul Wyatt— who formerly headed the city’s Homeless Task Force—to find ways to remediate underlying causes of homelessness.

Wyatt collaborated with Susan Parks, CEO of Orange County United Way, in search of solutions. The nonprofit organization had already established Sparkpoint, a money-smart workshop series that has been held in North Orange County cities including Santa Ana and Westminster.

Plans were already in the works to seek out and establish a first South Orange County location—possibly R.H. Dana.

“We want every student to graduate and to be college-, career- or life-ready,” Parks said. “One big focus for United Way is economic security. We want to help every family improve their financial well-being so that our students have that stability to allow them to succeed in school.”

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

The program provides three months of financial literacy coaching to at least 50 client families of R.H. Dana and 50 client families who reside in Dana Point but do not have children who attend the school.

Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

According to the latest State of the Beach Report issued by Surfrider Foundation, California earned the highest grade in the country amid a year that saw rising issues related to climate change. Photo: File

R.H. Dana principal Kristen Nelson will be a speaker at the virtual community event, which will be hosted by Shirin Behzadi.

To register, find the online version of this article at danapointtimes.com for a link.

—Lillian Boyd

Community Members Spread Messages of Hope with Film Ahead of Red Ribbon Week THE LATEST: As friends and family bear witness to loved ones struggling with substance abuse and mental illness, Tanya Brown poses the question: What is the common denominator?

“Unresolved pain,” she said. “Unresolved trauma.”

Brown first attempted suicide 10 years after the murder of her older sister, Nicole Brown Simpson. Since undergoing treatment and therapy, as well as working in admissions for a treatment center, Brown says she wants to encourage people to face their pain.

“You have to walk through the tornado of chaos and pain. You can’t walk around

it, or avoid it,” Brown said. “It will just catch up to you. You can’t suppress it. You have to talk about it.”

StopB4UStart, a local nonprofit aimed at empowering and educating individuals to stop before they even start using drugs and alcohol, has released a new short film in recognition of the upcoming Red Ribbon Week for 2020—in which Brown makes an appearance. The 22-minute short film was produced by the nonprofit organization’s cofounders Danny Murphy and Jason Peters.

The film features a pledge from students at Truman Benedict Elementary School and will be premiered at Bernice Ayer Middle School, both schools in San Clemente.

Brown, who graduated from Dana Hills High School in 1987, says she wants to provide children with more resources and support than what she believes schools lacked during her education.

“Kids deal with so much societal pressure, academic pressure, not to mention the bullying,” Brown said. “I was a student before MADD began campaigning against underage drinking in schools. I wish I had the tools I now have in my toolbox . . . strategies like breathing work, self-care, coping skills. Kids need to know these things.”

Dana Point

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES as of 10/28/20

cases

deaths

TOTAL

310

4

LAST 30 DAYS

35

1

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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More than 40 staff members at Wind & Sea Restaurant in Dana Point Harbor, including employees in their teens and 20s, volunteered to be featured in the short film after losing a fellow colleague.

“The inspiration for the short film came from the sudden death of a well-loved employee at the Wind & Sea earlier this year and the social isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the disconnect that young adults are going through,” said Brown.

The film was officially released on Monday, Oct. 26 on YouTube and on stopb4ustart.org.

“It’s all about giving back to the community and reconnecting the kids,” Murphy said. “We deeply appreciate their time and the positive messages from the students.

Constantly telling kids not to do drugs does not work, but telling them to keep following their dreams, their passions and to keep learning—that is a powerful and positive message for these kids.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Both Brown and Murphy believe that the public perception of drug and alcohol abuse needs to shift toward focusing on reinforcing positive messages of hope and highlighting examples of those who have overcome their addiction.

Appearances in the film include professional surfer Caroline Marks, skateboarder Logan Cogswell and Camilla Leonard, daughter of retired World Champion boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, as well as Lynn Sanchez, an English teacher from Capistrano Valley High School.

For more information, visit stopb4ustart.org.—LB

Construction Starts to Remediate Nuisance Conditions at Capistrano Seaside Inn THE LATEST: The City of Dana Point announced on Wednesday, Oct. 28 that construction has begun to abate the nuisance conditions at Capistrano Seaside Inn. On October 20, the Orange County Superior Court cleared the way for the new owner of Capistrano Seaside Inn to begin construction to abate the nuisance conditions, per plans approved by the City of Dana Point and the court. According to a press release issued by the city, the approved plans will allow for the nuisance conditions at the property to be abated, while maintaining the property’s historic character.

In April 2017, the court appointed a receiver over the Capistrano Seaside Inn, at the request of the City of Dana Point.

During the receivership, ownership was transferred through a foreclosure sale from the Sunshine Group LLC, the previous owner and operator, to a new owner, Miken Construction. Through the receiver, Miken sought permission from the court to initiate nuisance remediation immediately.

(Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) “We are pleased that the nuisance conditions can now be abated thanks to the work of the court and diligence of a new owner for Capistrano Seaside Inn. We are confident that we will be able to work proactively to not only abate the deplorable condition of the property but maintain its historic character for the benefit of the city’s residents,” said Patrick Muñoz with Rutan & Tucker and city attorney for Dana Point.

While awaiting implementation of these plans, the court-appointed receiver has been securing the property to guard against trespassers and ensure the historical characteristics of the property are not further denigrated.

The property along Pacific Coast Highway in Capistrano Beach was constructed around 1930 with some office space and 28 motel rooms. It was regarded as one of the last remaining roadside motels in Dana Point, helping to shape California car culture.

A receiver was court-appointed for the property per the request of the City of Dana Point after significant nuisance complaints and code violations. City staff attempted to work with the former property owner over the course of seven months to bring the property into compliance, but after failure to comply with the city’s requests, the city sought the court’s assistance, according to a city press release sent in March.

A receiver acts as a representative in bringing the property into compliance.

Dana Point Times reported in May 2019 that a judge had dismissed the previous owner of Capistrano Seaside Inn’s bankruptcy claim as a bad-faith claim and that both the City of Dana Point and the motel owner were ordered to have a settlement conference.

Within that month, the parties reached a settlement by which the property would have been sold to a third party, who would have restored it pursuant to permits that are ready to be issued. Muñoz has stated that the former property owner reneged on that settlement.—LB

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Sen. Bates Earns High CalChamber Score for Efforts to Protect Jobs The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) has awarded Sen. Patricia Bates (R-Laguna Niguel) a high score in its 2020 Vote Record on issues important to the state’s job creators.

“I am pleased to be recognized by CalChamber yet again for my work to protect economic growth and opportunity in California,” said Bates. “CalChamber’s vote record provides Californians a useful measuring stick to judge their legislators Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

California Gets an A Grade in Surfrider’s Annual Beach Report THE LATEST: Continuing a recent trend, Surfrider Foundation’s annual report on state beaches in the U.S. gave California an A grade, as the state has led the nation in ocean protection efforts, coastal management policies and sea level-rise planning.

According to the 2020 State of the Beach Report, which surveyed 31 coastal and Great Lakes states, as well as the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, California earned the highest grade in the country amid a year that saw rising issues related to climate change.

“In addition to leading in ocean protection, (California) remains at the forefront of trailblazing coastal management policies focused on preservation,” the San Clemente-based environmental nonprofit said in the report. “These include the 1976 California Coastal Act, which set the stage for balancing development demands and the need for coastal preservation.”

Stefanie Sekich-Quinn, coastal preservation manager for Surfrider, said the Coastal Act has helped to maintain the beauty of the state’s coastline from overdevelopment, unlike other states back East where communities are built right up to the water’s edge.

“For the most part, our coastline has not been overdeveloped, and that’s because of the Coastal Act,” she said.

According to the 2020 report, Surfrider credited the state’s Coastal Commission (CCC) for its efforts to protect infrastructure from future coastal erosion and “requiring local communities to look at complicated issues like managed retreat.”

Surfrider grades each state on four categories—sediment management, coastal armoring, development and sea-level rise— for a total of 12 possible points. California got 3s in the sediment, development and sea

on how they vote on economic issues. I encourage Californians to check out their legislators’ votes and compare them with their rhetoric on jobs.”

According the 2020 Senate Vote Record report, Bates voted in alignment with CalChamber eight times out of 10. One Bates vote that did not align with CalChamber went against Senate Bill (SB) 902. The bill, introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener (DSan Francisco), was a follow-up to SB 50, a controversial proposal that would have allowed for taller apartment buildings in urban areas near transit and job centers, along with fourplexes throughout the state. That bill died earlier this year.

Wiener’s new bill allows duplexes in cities with fewer than 10,000 residents, triplexes in cities with between 10,000 to 50,000 residents and fourplexes in cities with more than 50,000. Current building

level categories, while getting a 2 in armoring—giving the state a total of 11 points.

Surfrider noted that California’s score on coastal armoring was largely due to the CCC administering emergency permits for seawalls that are meant to be temporary stabilization measures, many of which have become permanent.

Sekich-Quinn explained that these seawalls are supposed to only be temporary— like a “Band-Aid”—to address coastal erosion, and should eventually be replaced with long-term fixes. However, they’ve instead become permanent fixtures that block the natural flow of sand and sediment to the coast.

Some progressive long-term approaches that should be considered, she said, include managed retreat—a process in which threatened homes are condemned and relocated to preserve the beach—or implementing living shorelines.

As a recommendation, Surfrider, in the report, encouraged the CCC to set “strict time limits” for removing temporary seawalls whenever emergency permitting is offered. The group also said the state should increase its efforts to have natural sediment flow to the coasts.—Shawn Raymundo

News Next Door: SC to Host Virtual Town Hall on Toll Road Update THE LATEST: The city in early November is slated to hold a virtual town hall to provide the community a formal update on issues related to the 241 Toll Road and ongoing battles against the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), Councilmembers Kathy Ward and Gene James announced this month.

The town hall, scheduled for Thursday evening, Nov. 5, will come nearly a year since the city last held a toll road town hall, which included representatives from

heights imposed by cities would stay the same under the bill, along with other local building rules, such as design guidelines.

It passed the Senate, 33-2, in June and was held in Assembly Appropriations Committee. CalChamber was in support of the bill.

CalChamber is a nonprofit organization representing more than 14,000 companies of all sizes. It highlighted 10 bills in the Senate this year that were deemed a priority, (including opposition to AB 3216) that would have imposed a process for some employers to return employees to the workforce. Sen. Bates has earned high scores from CalChamber throughout her Senate tenure.

Have something interesting for the community?

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the TCA, state elected officials and was led by then-acting-Mayor Dan Bane In early September, the city council voted to initiate a challenge to the TCA’s development impact fees (DIF) that San Clemente residents and developers pay.

The city argues that because the southern alignment of the 241 was never completed, residents never benefited from the road.

Property owners of new development built within the cities and unincorporated areas that benefit from the toll roads pay the impact fees.

“These fees are applied to the costs incurred in constructing and improving the roads, which have undoubtedly benefited the residents and businesses of the member agencies, including San Clemente’s,” the TCA has previously stated.

In 2016, the TCA abandoned plans to complete the southern alignment, or “green alignment,” of the 241 to Interstate-5. The initial alignment was contested by environmental groups that eventually led to a settlement agreement establishing an “avoidance area” that included the San Mateo Watershed and Trestles south of San Clemente.

Following the settlement, the TCA considered alternative routes to connect the 241 to I-5—some passing through San Clemente and parts of San Juan Capistrano. However, this past spring, the TCA’s boards of directors abandoned those plans to instead focus on the untolled extension of Los Patrones Parkway.

The city, Ward said, will be “announcing our protest on further collection and transfer of the impact fees now that the TCA has voted to stop the toll road extension of 241, which presently ends at Oso Parkway—and that is not in the San Clemente area.”

WHAT’S NEXT: During the council’s Oct. 20 meeting, James confirmed the Nov. 5 date of the town hall, with acting City Manager Erik Sund announcing it would take place at 5:30 p.m.—SR

Community Meetings FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

VOTING CENTERS OPEN 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The Orange County Registrar of Voters will be holding a fiveday Voting Center at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. For more information, call 714.567.7600.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

DANA POINT CITY COUNCIL MEETING – CANCELED danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

A Closer Look at Campaign Finance for City Council Candidates

DOLLAR CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED AS OF OCTOBER 17

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n the race to represent District 4 on Dana Point City Council, Mike Frost leads with more dollars raised, while opponent Gary Newkirk leads with more individuals making contributions.

The contest is not nearly as close in District 5, with Michael Villar bringing in more than $6,000 in monetary contributions and Benjamin Bebee reportedly bringing in about $600.

Candidates who raise or spend $2,000 or more during a calendar year for their campaign are required to submit a Form 460, per regulations set by the Fair Political Practices Commission. The latest campaign statements reflect contributions and expenditures made up until Oct. 17. Finance reports on the remaining time leading up to the election will not be due until February of next year.

Frost holds the highest dollar amount for monetary contributions, with a total of $14,766. That figure does not include Frost’s self-funding through a loan but does include donations less than $99 each, although donors’ names and their amounts are not listed in the reports.

Small donations added up to $344.78.

Frost estimates that about 6-10 people made those small donations.

“I planned on self-funding my campaign, and did so with my initial loan,” Frost said. “I then had a signature gathering event and received a bunch of small, mostly symbolic donations from our friends with young families; about a dozen friends and neighbors made small donations to kick off the campaign.”

Frost says that while he’s grateful for the financial support, he insists donations will not change how he represents the residents.

“I know the residents of District 4. I was out walking this district every day long before I decided to run for city council,” Frost said. “I feel like I have a good understanding of what they want, and I’ll represent all of them and balance

Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dana Point City Council Candidate Benjamin Bebee, who is vying for the District 5 seat, reportedly did not raise more than $2,000—therefore, exempting him from submitting a Form 460 during the latest financial reporting period set by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED EXCEEDING $99

Graphics: Chelsie Rex

their interests.”

As of Oct. 17, Newkirk had brought in $10,384. But of the donors who contributed more than $99, Newkirk holds a slight lead with 27 total contributions. Donations less than $99 added up to $1,568.

According to Newkirk, 52 donations comprise that dollar amount.

“I think the more small donors you have, that shows a broader base of support,” Newkirk said. “That’s really what I’ve been seeking out. Everyone has a

voice and can make a difference even with small donations.”

Newkirk says he decided early on he would not consider or accept any endorsement or money from a group that had any chance of coming in front of council for a contract. But he sees the biggest issue in campaign finance as outside funding from political action committees.

“I acknowledge that some of my donors are from out of town. But I know

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these individuals personally. Just three PACs have spent money to either oppose me or support my opponent, spending roughly 150% of what I’ve brought in from more than 50 people,” Newkirk said. “I think that’s just, in principle, wrong.”

Earlier in October, the California Homeowners Association spent nearly $10,000 in mailers to oppose Newkirk.

The OCTaxPAC, sponsored by the Orange County Taxpayers Association, as well as the National Association of Realtors Fund, spent nearly $10,000 in support of Frost.

“At the end of the day, a vote is the most valuable thing a resident can give to a candidate, and I assume that the people who made donations to my campaign believe in my message,” Frost said. “They know that I won’t be the kind of elected official who will be swayed by donations.

That’s why they support me.”

In District 5, Villar observes that his race against Bebee has been cordial and respectful.

“I have been humbled by all contributions, whether it be $5 or the maximum of $810,” Villar said. “I made it a point to focus my fundraising on individual contributions from friends, family, and my Capo Beach neighbors.”

While Villar’s contributions bring him in third place overall with $6,175, he says the donations have been more than enough to get signage, T-shirts and flyers. In fact, he says he turned down recent donations, as he had already exceeded his goal. But Villar believes there should be additional limits on campaigns.

“Running for city council should remain respectful and cordial and should not be influenced by any PACs,” Villar said. “I think what is happening in District 4 is unacceptable and really casts a dark cloud on our local politics. Dana Point residents should decide our elections, not outside influence.”

Frost, Newkirk and Bebee have also spoken against the negative mailers that went out to oppose Newkirk.

“I think all candidates have conducted themselves well,” Bebee said. “Sadly, special interest groups are part of the political landscape at this point.”

Since Bebee’s fundraising has not exceeded $2,000, he is not required to submit contribution and spending reports. He tells Dana Point Times that his campaign has been self-funded, spending about $600. He says that after the California Secretary of State’s approval of his statement of organization, he plans to seek donations.

The constituents of Districts 4 and 5 will pick the inaugural councilmembers to represent those seats on Tuesday, Nov. 3. DP danapointtimes.com

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

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

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea 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 44. 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 30-November 5, 2020

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

cer effects, but let’s support the research designed to find out. Let’s also urge elected officials at all levels to show some leadership in pressuring authorities to get the thousands of tons of highly radioactive uranium and plutonium moved to a safer location.

RADIATION

HOUSING RESTORES DIGNITY AND SAVES LIVES

ROGER JOHNSON, San Clemente

Now that we are the official home of a nuclear waste dump, how does this threat affect our lives?

Even if there is no catastrophic accident, scientists have long worried whether just living near a nuclear power plant can cause cancer, especially in women and children (and the human fetus) who are much more vulnerable to radiation exposure.

Research in Europe reports an increase in cancer risks.

The prestigious National Academy of Sciences spent five years studying this issue and issued two lengthy reports entitled Cancer Risks in Populations Near Nuclear Facilities. They singled out the 50 km radius around San Onofre as one of the regions to be studied. That means everyone from Huntington Beach around to Solana Beach. Unfortunately, the NRC stepped in and terminated the research before it could begin.

Eager to restart this research, 1,200 area residents recently signed a petition requesting congressional funding to make it happen. Cancer is the No. 1 killer in California. Could all the radioactive releases be a contributing factor?

Edison has been conducting radioactive releases in secret for over a half-century.

Starting this year, they are no longer done in secret, because the California Lands Commission (at the request of Surfrider Foundation) now requires 48-hour advance warnings. We just learned that there were four in October, the last one scheduled for Oct. 29.

The nuclear industry attempts to trivialize these releases by focusing on the radiation in a single release. The problem is that the effects of radiation are cumulative, so each exposure adds to previous exposures. One X-ray may not be harmful, but would you want 1,000 X-rays? There are generally no immediate effects from ionizing radiation, because DNA cell damage takes years or decades to become cancer.

In the five years before the plant was shut down, SCE conducted over 1,000 releases. They pumped over 100 billion gallons of radioactive water into the ocean through giant pipes 18 feet in diameter.

Air ejectors blasted radiation into the atmosphere, and prevailing winds carried it over our cities. Some releases went on continuously for 28 hours.

No one knows for sure if there are can-

MAURA MIKULEC, Capistrano Beach

Earlier this month, at the San Clemente City Council meeting, commenting on the city’s Housing Plan and its RHNA numbers, I contributed a public comment that reiterated the idea that San Clemente needs more affordable and supportive housing for residents who are disabled, for seniors, and for people experiencing poverty.

One commenter in the YouTube chat scoffed, asserting that housing like this does not go to seniors or the disabled, but rather to “homeless vagrants.” It needs to be said that that commenter is factually wrong. And let’s not forget that the entire council recently voted to defer a decision on whether to take grant money for a full year, with the caveat that a small portion of the money, as proposed, would not go to Permanent Supportive Housing.

Around the time of that meeting, there were several dozen people at the Laguna Hills Inn alone, part of Project Room Key, who needed supportive or affordable housing. These people are mostly longterm residents of South County, about half of whom are seniors, and most of whom have disabilities and/or significant medical conditions.

These are people who were homeless, who were living on the streets and in their cars. These are the people waiting for supportive and affordable housing that does not exist, and who will be shuffled around to shelters and other substandard places in the following weeks, now that Project Room Key has come to an end.

Sadly, many will land back on the street because too many people think that Permanent Supportive Housing is for people they consider unworthy, or like the present city council, who think that somehow Permanent Supportive Housing is not something we should have in San Clemente.

Permanent Supportive Housing, and Affordable Housing, are for people experiencing poverty, for seniors, and for people with disabilities. Housing ends homelessness. Housing ends suffering. Housing restores dignity. Housing saves lives.

When is this community going to stand up against ignorant narratives espoused by some in this community, and be willing to help those members of the community who need this kind of help? Hopefully, in

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the upcoming election.

Find out where the candidates stand on housing and vote.

FROST PUTS RESIDENTS FIRST STEPHANIE HARVEY, Dana Point

In his October 23, 2020 letter to the editor, Mark Zanides suggests that the out-of-town real estate development interests that financed mailers opposing City Council candidate Gary Newkirk expect support from Mike Frost if he wins the District 4 City Council seat.

I have been Mike Frost’s Lantern Village neighbor for over 10 years. In that time, I have watched Mike volunteer countless hours serving on the neighborhood and city committees to ensure that our neighborhood and city will blossom into that lovely coastal village we all imagined when we moved here. If elected, he has promised to take a fresh look at all zoning regulations affecting the Lantern District and the city and work toward making any changes necessary, including reductions in building size and density, to achieve that vision. Nobody that I know has as much enthusiasm for this community than Mike. Nobody is more committed to making Dana Point a better place for all of us to live, work and play.

If these mysterious out-of-town interests expect Mike to blindly support big box, unfettered development in Dana Point, they will be sorely disappointed. What they—and all of us—will get instead is the expert, thoughtful, and enthusiastic service of a dedicated public servant who places the well-being of all residents above anything else. Please join me and the hundreds of other District 4 neighbors and friends proudly displaying Mike Frost campaign signs at their homes and businesses, in voting for Mike Frost for City Council on November 3.

He knows us, and we know him.

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.

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Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

At the Movies: ‘The Trial of the Chicago 7’

Photo: Courtesy of Nico Tavernise / Netflix

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Pexels

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3: ELECTION DAY Just like in this year’s Primary Election, voters will have three options when it comes to casting their votes. Voters have a choice of returning their ballot to the Orange County Registrar of Voters’ office via mail, taking it to a metal drop box or delivering it to a vote center. The more than 100 drop boxes around the county will open starting on Oct. 5 and close at 8 p.m. the day of the election on Nov. 3. According to the Registrar’s office, voters can track their vote through ocvote.com/track. Dana Point vote center locations include the Dana Point Community Center and the Dana Point Library. Official ballot drop-off locations include Dana Point Library and Orange County Fire Station 39 at 31461 Golden Lantern. For more information on this year’s local elections, visit danapointtimes.com.

The List

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 | 30 SPOOKY TREAT TROLLEY 3-7:30 p.m. Come meet some of the Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

city’s Recreation Division staff, who will be dressed in costume as they ride on the decorated Spooky Treat Trolley and stop at the following locations to distribute pre-packaged candy to children up to 12 years of age. Remember to wear your mask and practice social distancing. The first trolley stop will be made at 3 p.m. at Pines Park, and the last stop will be at 7:30 p.m. at La Plaza Park. For more information, contact the City of Dana Point Recreation Division at recreation@danapoint.org. To see all the trolley stops, visit danapoint.org.

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.

Sunday | 01 ANESTHESIA-FREE DENTAL AND LOW-COST VACCINATION CLINIC 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Qualified Pet Dental will be at Bow-Wow Beautiful Pet Spa for its monthly Dental and Vaccination Clinic.

All services include a complimentary minor veterinary exam. Other services offered include flea prevention RX, microchipping, vaccinations and airline travel certificates. Teeth cleanings will be by appointment only, and all other services are available by walk-in. Bow-Wow Beautiful Pet Spa, 364 Camino De Estrella, San Clemente. 949.702.3130. bowwowbeautiful.com.

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aron Sorkin’s new feature, The Trial of the Chicago 7, takes us back to Illinois in 1968 following the Democratic National Convention. The film is Sorkin’s second film in the directing chair after the slightly underwhelming Molly’s Game (2017), and a return to the courthouse 28 years after penning Rob Reiner’s A Few Good Men (1992).

Based on real events in Chicago at the tail end of the 1968 summer season, seven White men and one Black man are arrested and charged by the federal government with conspiracy to incite riots at the Democratic Convention. The men include Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen), Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong), Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne) and Bobby Seale (Yahya Abdul-Mahteen II). All of them are grouped together for the infamous trial that would span over a year, with the seemingly incompetent District Judge Julius Hoffman (Frank Langella) presiding.

On the surface, The Trial of the Chicago 7 was, for me, a huge step forward from Molly’s Game. While the latter felt clearly like a screenwriter’s first time directing, this go-around, Sorkin seems more comfortable in the position. I’ve always enjoyed Cohen in more dramatic roles outside of his comedy vehicles, and he doesn’t disappoint here. The biggest pleasant surprise might be from English actor Redmayne, whom I don’t think I’ve seen cast as an American before and would have completely fooled me if I were new to him as an actor.

A setback I’ve seen claimed from recent feedback on Chicago 7 is that the mood and setting are too polished and idyllic. I enjoyed the tone and atmosphere Sorkin set up here for a mainstream docudrama, but for appropriate relevancy in both history and current events, I can see why it might come off a little too whimsical as well (especially the ending).

I think The Trial of the Chicago 7 is still worth a viewing for anyone interested in seeing a rare new movie in 2020 that is both historically and currently relevant— with one seriously talented all-star cast, and coined by a screenwriter and director who is no stranger to quality biopics. DP danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

Page 9

danapointtimes.com

DP

Dana Point Point Dana

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Race to the Finish Couple Celebrates Milestones of Their Love in Dana Point

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

M

ark Larson and Jean TinduganLarson’s love story begins in Dana Point.

Mark had served 23 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2008, and has since worked as a defense contractor in Hawaii. Jean emigrated from the Philippines and has worked as a special officer for Orange County Sheriff’s Department and has been with the agency since 1999. It took the prodding of mutual friends, and some phone tag, but Mark and Jean eventually hit it off over the phone—despite the ocean between them.

On a whim, Mark booked a flight to meet Jean in person for the first time in Orange County in November 2018.

“He flew in the night before Thanksgiving,” Jean said. “But I have a tradition. I run the Turkey Trot in Dana Point every year and normally do the 10K.” Mark asked if they could instead do the 5K event since he hadn’t been running.

They struck a compromise.

“I picked him up at the airport in the middle of the night,” Jean said. “He went to sleep in the living room, and I said to him, ‘All right, I’ll see you in the kitchen at 5 a.m.’ ” Mark and Jean continued to see each other over the holidays, sharing a first kiss under the “Merry Kiss Me” sign at the Dana Point Harbor and going on a date at Jon’s Fish Market. It was at a bench overlooking the Pacific where Mark asked Jean to officially be his girlfriend.

Mark Larson proposed to his wife at the finish line for the 10K race at the Dana Point Turkey Trot in 2019. Photo: Lillian Boyd

“I need to pray about it,” Jean says she told him. “But when it came time to drop him off at the airport, I told him yes.”

As the year progressed, the 2019 Turkey Trot neared, and Mark signed them up for the 10K race this time—with something special planned for the finish line.

“For me, it was Jean’s aura of warmth that drew me to her,” Mark said. “She’s so together. That’s how I knew I loved her.”

That Thanksgiving morning, Dana Point saw tumultuous rain and flooding.

Runners were drenched and signage was swept away, and while the weather threw a wrench in the day’s event schedules, the 10K race proceeded. Mark said he had to keep patting down his pocket to make sure the ring was still there. And as the couple celebrated their completion at the finish line, he dropped down to one knee.

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

W

Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

my career, focused on being a single mom, then single grandma. Then Mark came along,” Jean said. “It’s this story of redemption, forgiveness and love . . . and telling my heart to beat again.”

Mark and Jean got married at Lantern Bay Park in August. While they currently reside in Mission Viejo, they say Dana Point holds a special place in their hearts.

“You don’t see too many communities where you feel like family,” Mark said. “Dana Point is just that. Everyone at the City, all the business communities, they just go above and beyond to make you feel special and welcome. We couldn’t imagine having our wedding anywhere else. We even had our rehearsal dinner at Jon’s Fish Market.”

As is tradition, Mark and Jean plan on running this year’s virtual Turkey Trot race together. DP

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Willow illow is a happy girl who loves to have fun. Only a year old, Willow is full of energy, and her favorite game to play is fetch. She is coming along well in her training and enjoys learning new commands. Willow would do best in an active home with an experienced owner to continue with her training.

If you are interested in adopting Willow, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/adoptadog to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be

“I thought he pulled a muscle and fell at first,” Jean said. “When he asked me to marry him, I said I needed to pray about it. But it was the shortest prayer I’ve ever made. I said yes.”

Jean says she was drawn to Mark’s sense of humor, humbleness and easygoing outlook on life. But beyond those qualities, she says this is a love story about redemption. Working as a single mom, Jean says life toughened her up. But nothing could prepare her for the loss of losing all three of her children.

“My middle child was stillborn. I lost my daughter Jaqueline to cancer and my daughter Rae to a fatal car accident,” Jean said. “I did not have the capacity to love.”

After winning a court battle for custody of her grandson, Jean was not only a single, working grandmother but her grandson’s primary caregiver.

“My whole life, I was just focused on

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

emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will 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

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Former Dana Hills Coach, Local Broadcaster Bill Cunerty Dies

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

F

ormer Dana Hills High School and Saddleback College football coach Bill Cunerty died from complications of Parkinson’s disease on Thursday, Oct. 22. Cunerty, 74, was diagnosed with the disease in April of 2017 and had been in hospice care for more than a year.

Cunerty first made his name locally as the head football coach at Dana Hills in 1975 and at Capistrano Valley High School in 1977. Cunerty later was a quarterback coach and offensive coordinator at Saddleback College before becoming head coach in 1995. Saddleback went undefeated and won a national championship under Cunerty in 1996.

Cunerty may be known more locally for his time as a high school football broadcaster for the local Cox 3 Game of the Week. From 2003 to 2017, Cunerty worked alongside broadcaster Kevin Turner and former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Vince Ferragamo covering and highlighting South Orange County football.

Cunerty is survived by his wife of 51 years, Claudia, daughter Kelly, son-in-law Cameron, daughter Shannon, son-in-law Ben, sister Patty and three grandchildren.

The memorial service for Cunerty will be livestreamed at reverencechurch.org on Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. DP

Dana Wharf Fish Report Halibut Derby opens on Sunday, runs through March

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

W

ith winter fishing and the annual Halibut Derby on the horizon, the catches are still rolling in at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

In his weekly report, Captain Brian Woolley said their nine-hour trips have still found success fishing in deeper waters.

Woolley said when the trips can find giant schools of sardine and mackerel, they’ve been able to pull in some great rockfish catches. The trips are also still reeling in some large bonito.

The bonito have been plentiful on the fleet’s Catalina Island trips. The Catalina trips have also yielded fantastic yellowtail catches, with fish coming in up to 25 pounds.

With the calendar turning to November on Sunday, that signals the start of Dana Wharf’s 13th annual Halibut Derby. The Derby runs from Nov. 1 to March 31, and every Friday and Sunday Dana Wharf offers Halibut Derby drift trips specifically for those interested in entering the derby.

A 30-pound halibut catch last week showcased what kind of winning fish are out Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

The 13th annual Halibut Derby opens on Sunday, Nov. 1, and the fishing is still good in all areas as the winter season approaches. Photo: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

there for this winter’s competition.

The top five halibut catches by March 31 earn prize money, with first place taking home $1,500. The top 25 catches earn entry into a free fish-off drift trip in April, with the top angler on that trip earning an additional $500 prize.

For more information on the Halibut Derby, check out danawharf.com/fishingtrips/halibut-derby, and go to danawharf. com for info on all fishing and whale watching trips.

Here are the latest fish counts from Dana

Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching: Oct. 28 • 4 boats, 57 anglers: 406 bonito, 31 yellowtail, 40 vermilion rockfish, 17 rockfish, 10 whitefish, 5 bocaccio, 3 calico bass, 3 sculpin, 2 sheephead.

Oct. 27 • 4 boats, 57 anglers: 254 bonito, 40 whitefish, 38 sheephead, 20 vermilion rockfish, 19 calico bass, 12 sculpin, 12 rockfish, 8 bocaccio, 4 sanddab, 1 sand bass, 35 bass released.

Oct. 26 • 2 boats, 28 anglers: 120 bonito, 7 sheephead, 6 rockfish, 4 bocaccio, 4 whitefish, 3 calico bass, 1 sand bass, 48 bass released.

Oct. 25 • 7 boats, 173 anglers: 51 yel-

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lowtail, 3 bluefin tuna, 4 lingcod, 1 white seabass, 250 bonito, 164 rockfish, 162 whitefish, 55 calico bass, 40 sheephead, 31 vermilion rockfish, 27 sculpin, 8 sand bass, 105 bass released.

Oct. 24 • 7 boats, 149 anglers: 141 bonito, 140 rockfish, 72 vermilion rockfish, 72 whitefish, 31 sculpin, 28 bocaccio, 21 calico bass, 14 sand bass, 5 sheephead, 1 triggerfish, 250 bass released.

Oct. 23 • 6 boats, 117 anglers: 21 yellowtail, 292 bonito, 57 rockfish, 31 calico bass, 28 whitefish, 23 vermilion rockfish, 18 bocaccio, 6 sculpin, 4 sheephead, 2 barracuda, 1 blue perch, 117 bass released. DP danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Coastal Development Permit CDP20-0019: A request to allow a 124 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 4,543 square feet. 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 7 Monarch Bay. Project Number: Project Location: Applicant: Environmental:

Hearing Date: Hearing Time: Hearing Location:

CDP20-0019 7 Monarch Bay (APN 670-131-41) Wade Davis Design 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, November 9, 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 Sean Nicholas at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248-3588.

PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 01164396 To All Interested Persons: Jonathan William Tice; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Jonathan William Tice PROPOSED NAME A. Jon Tice Rose The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Dana Point Times October 30–November 5, 2020

Date: 12/10/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point Times Date: October 6, 2020 JUDGE WALTER P. SCHWARM, Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times, October 30, November 6, 13, 20, 2020

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE 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 Page 12

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

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY

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DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

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View online at danapointtimes.com Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700 ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week?

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 30-November 5, 2020

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

The Case for Surf Heroes

GROM OF THE WEEK

REX HENNINGS

From Edwards to Curren to Florence, some surfers capture our imagination

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

ith Halloween arriving this weekend, here’s a little tribute to the surf superheroes—the ones we all will forever aspire to emulate riding the waves.

I was recently having a conversation with someone about how two-time world champ John John Florence is like the modern-day Phil Edwards. During surfing’s “Golden Era” in the early to mid-1960s, Edwards was unequivocally the man. Nobody touched his style then, and few have come close since.

By ’66, he had the top-selling surfboard model with Hobie and was the first surfer sponsored by a surfwear brand, Hang Ten. He was Surfer magazine Surfer Poll winner and featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Then he was done. He found sailing and stepped out of the wave-riding limelight.

Florence, who grew up surfing and skating on Oahu’s famed North Shore, is a stylist in much the same regard. There’s no wasted movement or flailing around—just clean, pure lines. His love of sailing has only continued to blossom in recent years, and like Edwards, he’s too humble to thirst for stardom. He’d just as soon be behind the helm as he would be at the top of a podium.

A couple of weeks ago, I was interviewing 14-year-old Oceanside phenom Caity Simmers for the World Surf League. We got to talking about what she thinks makes good style. Her answer was the same as just about every surfer who’s ever been asked that question.

“I don’t know how to describe it; you just know it when you see it,” Simmers said.

Rex Hennings. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

Tom Curren and Maurice Cole with replicas of the infamous logoless Semi-Guns. Photo: Courtesy of the WSL

A product of the ’80s and ’90s, my surf hero has always been Tom Curren. Hands down. No question. He’ll always be the one I look to when measuring the caliber of other surfers—both in and out of the water.

I believe it’s a similar kind of thing for those from an older generation and how they use Edwards as their gold standard or how today’s surfers look toward Florence.

Even before I really understood how technically perfect Curren’s surfing was, his wandering, barefoot vibes captured my imagination. I had the film Searching for Tom Curren on repeat, fell in love with weird boards and, hell, even learned to play guitar because of his weird experimental jazz riffs.

In 1991, when I was an impressionable high school student listening to Rage Against the Machine, Curren did the unspeakable. He paddled out in a contest in Hawaii without his sponsors’ stickers on his board. Whether it was an act of rebellion against the surfing industrial complex or just forgetfulness, it remains a topic of conversation.

But the beauty of surf heroes is that most are accessible if you aren’t afraid to ask a few questions. When legendary Aussie surfboard shaper Maurice Cole was in town awhile back, I had the opportunity to ask him if he remembered why Curren

Tom Curren defined how to ride Jeffreys Bay in South Africa, the perfect union of surfer and surf spot.

Photo: Courtesy of the WSL Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

went “logoless” in ’91.

“Like a demon, I was roaring up the wrong side of the Kam Highway in my van, laying on the horn, yelling out the window, carrying on like it was the bloody zombie apocalypse,” Cole explained.

Only minutes earlier, he’d convinced Curren to step up from a 7’3” to a 7’8” in the quarters at Haleiwa. The catch was that the longer board was back at the Kuilima condos on the other side of the North Shore.

When they’d left earlier in the morning, they’d forgotten just about everything—including stickers. With Tom’s heat coming up quickly, Cole, a man of perpetual action, charged himself with retrieving the nowfamous, yellow-railed Semi-Gun in record time.

“I came screaming back into the car park, hopped the curb, pulled right up to the scaffolding, and there’s Tom, just waiting. His heat’s already out in the water.

He’s just standing there. He’s just patiently waiting, like a kid whose mom told him not to move,” Cole said. “So, I give him the board and tell him to get out there.”

“He looks at me, and asks, ‘Got any wax?’ ” For me, that innocent punchline makes Curren even more of a hero. Of course, he didn’t have any wax! Curren was later captured riding that board at Backdoor Pipeline in what may be one of the most iconic surf photos of all time by master lensman Tom Servais.

If there’s a moral to this story, it may be to pick your surf heroes wisely; they may just be with you the rest of your waveriding life.

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

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I

t’s been a challenging year for all those groms who thrive on throwing on the jersey and battling it out in NSSA contests every weekend.

With most of the comps canceled for the year due to the pandemic, staying focused on dreams and goals hasn’t always been easy, but last weekend, the NSSA National Championships was held at Nags Head, North Carolina.

Blessed by consistent hurricane swell, surfers from all around the country made the arduous trip back East.

For San Clemente’s Rex Hennings, all the hard work and dedication paid off, as he was crowned the 2020 NSSA Open Boys National Champion. Henning, in his first NSSA national title event, is taking home a trophy nearly as big as he is, for the effort.

One of the most massive accomplishments of Henning’s young career, he tapped into the zone in North Carolina, tearing through heat after heat en route to the top of the podium.

Other big results from the North Carolina competition included Sawyer Lindblad of San Clemente, who captured the 2020 National Open Girls title, and Max Beach of San Clemente, who wrapped up his NSSA career with a very respectable second-place finish in the Open Men’s division. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 65-67 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-10 ’ Outlook: On Friday, the minor mix of South/ southwest and Northwest swells weakens, with waves down in the knee-thigh-waist high zone, (1-2-3’). Light/variable winds in the morning, become a light+ sea breeze during the afternoon. A fresh South/southwest swell fills in over the weekend, setting up waist to stomach high surf, (2-3’+) on Saturday, then waist to chest high waves, (3-4’) for Sunday. The weekend has light/ variable morning winds, followed by light+ to moderate westerly afternoon onshores.

danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

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Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2020

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