December 23, 2022

The Dana Point Historical Society celebrated its 35th anniversary as members reflect on efforts to preserve and document the city’s history through the establishment of plaques, statues and restoring artifacts like the city’s lanterns. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

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Dana Point Historical Society Celebrates 35th Anniversary

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Since its founding 35 years ago, the Dana Point Historical Society’s (DPHS) primary focus has been on preservation.

Inspired by a lecture given by founding member and Dana Point historian Doris Walker, the historical society was formed in 1987 to preserve Dana Point’s rich history.

“So, about five active women, including one or two that are still on our board, Elizabeth Mondrian and Judy Henderson, were negotiating with the county along with other members of the Civic Association to save public access to the Blufftop Trail,” DPHS President Barbara Johannes said.

“So, in those efforts to save it, that’s what started the Historical Society,” Johannes continued. “So, we do have a preservation background.”

For the past 35 years, the nonprofit has worked to preserve and document the city’s history through the establishment of plaques, statues and restoring artifacts like the city’s lanterns. In celebration of the milestone anniversary, DHHS has released a commemorative lantern ornament that shoppers can purchase from the nonprofit’s website.

The lantern ornament harkens back to the society’s effort to preserve the historic lanterns that were once seen all throughout town, Johannes explained.

“If we would have had it our way, I

suppose we would have wanted to have lanterns all over town, because they were when they first turned them on; there were 400 of them,” Johannes said.

As part of a holiday reception earlier this month, historical society members gathered at the DPHS Museum in City Hall Plaza, where they reminisced about the society’s accomplishments.

Among those accomplishments the society has celebrated is the city’s adoption of the historical preservation ordinance establishing a program for homeowners of historically significant structures to be included on the City of Dana Point Historic Resource Register.

The Woodruff and other historic homes and structures have since been added to the registry, including the Dolph House, the Palisades Gazebo and Pines Park. Another accomplishment of note for the society was the restoration of historic lanterns at Lantern Village Park.

Previously, descendants of Richard Dana contacted the city, interested in having a family reunion in Dana Point. The historical society was contacted by the city to help investigate the family’s history and genealogy to facilitate the reunion.

Each year, the historical society also offers scholarships for graduating high school students who live in Dana Point. Two of the scholarships honor Doris Walker and fellow founding member Lucy Chavarrias-Saunderson. A third is named after Richard Dana descendants Thomas Wolcott and Dorothy Ricklefs.

People join the historical society for a variety of reasons, Johannes explained. Those who are interested in historic homes, those who have just moved to

the area, and those with friends who are members join to learn more about the town’s history.

Members can go on historical field trips and can receive discounts on all DPHS merchandise such as the 35th anniversary commemorative lantern ornament or city seal ornament, and receive the quarterly newsletter, The News Drogher Programs and informational talks that the historical society host are open to the public.

The benefit of having such an active historical society is that the nonprofit can serve as a resource for the city and community members when researching aspects of the town’s history, Johannes said.

“The city, when they have questions, they ask and maybe we don’t always have the answers … but we can help

Music Preserves Named Recipient of Dr. Seuss Foundation Grant

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Music Preserves Foundation, the local nonprofit that aims to share an appreciation for various musical genres and the cultures from which they originate, is set to receive a $25,000 grant from the Dr. Seuss Foundation in 2023.

The grant will be used to develop and implement an online American Music History course, building on the Preserve Foundation’s in-school American Music History course.

“We are proud to have been vetted by an education organization as renowned as the Dr. Seuss Foundation and look

forward to working together to realize our shared vision,” Patti Compton, president and co-founder of Music Preserves Foundation, said in a media release.

The online course will explore the history of American music from blues and jazz to country and rock and roll, from soul music and southern rock to punk, rap and grunge.

“Students will gain understanding of the meaning, implication, and impact of historical events and the connections between music and societal, cultural and historical contexts,” Music Preserves

them with it,” Johannes said.

The historical society’s role in archiving the town’s history can be a challenge, Johannes added. The nonprofit is actively looking to hire an archivist familiar with the software PastPerfect to help in the endeavor.

Johannes noted that “we’re all volunteers” and that the organization is “raising money to get an archivist to do that and find somebody who’s willing to stay at it.”

Looking toward the future of DPHS, Johannes aims to continue advocating for preservation and archiving the town’s history.

“We want to keep doing what we’re doing, preserving history,” Johannes said. “We want to continue archiving. We have so much (information), we have some done, but we have more to do.”

explained in its announcement of the grant.

The course will be designed for students in grades 7 through 12 and will be developed on the Canvas education platform. On Canvas, students will engage with recorded lectures, music playlists, video content, reading excerpts, quizzes, activities and discussion questions.

The nonprofit will develop the course in spring 2023 with the aim of piloting the program in the Capistrano Unified School District in the fall. The course will then be available for licensing to districts across Orange County.

“The goal of the online course,” Compton said in an email, “is to reach many more students with our impactful American Music and Cultural History course.”

TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

The Dana Point Historical Society celebrated its 35th anniversary as members reflect on efforts to preserve and document the city’s history through the establishment of plaques, statues and restoring artifacts like the city’s lanterns. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

(From left) Patti Compton and Anthony Small, founders of Music Preserves Foundation, have worked with students to develop an appreciation for various musical genres through their local nonprofit. Photo: Courtesy of Music Preserves Foundation

Dana Bay Gallery to Host Paint n’ Sip

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Dana Bay Gallery next month will host a paint-and-sip event during which attendees can paint their own Elephant Parade figurine as part of an effort to raise awareness for endangered Asian elephants and encourage residents to visit the local art gallery.

“We wanted to have something in Dana Point that brings the community together,” Dana Bay Gallery Assistant Director Kayla Carlson said. “So, we thought, why not have a paint and sip, but why not make it unique to Dana Point and do an elephant paint and sip?”

The Elephant Parade’s mission is to raise awareness for the endangered species of elephants, as well as encourage conservation efforts. The exhibition features painted elephant statues displayed all over Dana Point and around the world.

“So, you’re supporting Elephant Parade and helping to save the Asian elephants, and you’re also getting to do an art project at the same time,” Carlson continued.

This January, Dana Bay Gallery will

Retired Postal Worker’s Poem Reflects on Service with USPS

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

In 1962, William Costello, the Superintendent of Mails for Willimantic, Connecticut, wrote the poem, “The Veteran Letter Carrier’s Farewell,” which marked the end of his 40 years of service with the Unities States Postal Service.

To honor Costello’s legacy, and the work of postal workers everywhere, John Costello, William’s son, appealed to local postmasters for the poem to be displayed in both his hometown of Willimantic and in the town he now calls home, Dana Point.

William, a World War II veteran, wrote the poem to recite at his retirement dinner, celebrating his years of service with the postal service.

“As far as I know, this is the only poem he ever wrote,” John said.

The poem highlights all the Valentine’s Day and birthday cards, letters to loved ones and other holiday cards and presents that mail carriers deliver throughout the year.

John noted that the poem feels especially relevant around the holidays,

offer two evening paint-and-sip events. The first, on Jan. 10 from 7-9 p.m., will be restricted to only those 21 and older, and is being described as a “night out” for adults, couples and friends.

For $100 per person, participants will receive an Elephant Parade Artbox kit, which includes paints, brushes, an elephant-shaped pallet and a paintable elephant figurine, as well as alcoholic beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

On Jan. 11, from 6-8 p.m., families with children 8 and older can paint the elephants while enjoying hot chocolate

and other kid-friendly beverages. Tickets for one adult and one youth will cost $100 and include an Elephant Parade Artbox kit.

“The idea is you could bring your kid and the two of you could paint the elephant together,” Carlson said.

Those who are not as confident in their artistic abilities are also welcome to follow instructions provided by Dana Bay Gallery.

“We’ll be doing a basic design on the elephant that you can follow along to if you wanted to have instruction or you’re free to just do your own design,” Carlson said. “We just wanted to have it there to encourage people who maybe are a little bit more timid about painting their own elephant.”

Carlson said she hopes that the event encourages members of the community to come down to the gallery on Del Prado Avenue.

“We’re always looking for new venues for Elephant Parade, just looking to spread the message about saving the elephants,” Carlson said. “So, it’s also a great opportunity to come and have fun, but also give back.”

Tickets are limited to 12 spots per evening. After Dec. 24, prices will increase to $125 per person. Tickets are available at the gallerydanabay.com/events.

Years after his father retired from the postal service, John sent the poem to the postmaster in his hometown of Willimantic.

“So many years later, I got the idea of putting the poem on a plaque and asking the postmaster back in Willimantic if he’d be interested in putting it in the lobby,” John said. “So, it ended up in the lobby of the old post office, which is now called the Main Street Cafe and Willimantic Brewing Company.”

California King Tides to Roll In for Holiday Weekend

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

Those visiting the coastline this holiday weekend should have their smartphones or digital cameras ready to snap photos, as the California King Tides are set to return.

As part of its ongoing project to document the very high tides, the California Coastal Commission is once again asking the community to photograph the latest set of King Tides that are set to roll in on Dec. 23 and 24.

Those interested in participating in the agency’s statewide California King Tides Project can do so by taking photos of the tides and uploading them online through the commission’s website at coastal. ca.gov/kingtides or through the free Survey123 app. Step-by-step instructions on how to upload the photos online or in the app can be found at the commission’s website.

Community members interested in sharing a video clip with the CCC should email kingtides@coastal. ca.gov for instructions. Photos can also be shared on social media using #kingtides.

According to the commission’s map of the incoming King Tides, San Clemente’s beaches near the pier and T-Street should expect to see the high tides at around 7:58 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 23, and again at 8:44 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24.

when mail carriers and postal workers are working extra hard to make sure cards and packages reach their destination in time.

Highlighting a stanza of the poem that he felt reflected postal workers’ efforts this holiday season, John recited: “Old Santa Claus at Christmas time, Has nothing on the Post, But still he does his very best To give us all a roast.”

John also worked one holiday season at a post office one year during college.

“I remember how nuts it was in the post office in the old days before they had all these machines to sort mail,” John said. “I worked there sorting mail thrown into these little pigeonholes.”

After moving to Dana Point in 2016, 34 years after his father died, John asked the Del Prado Avenue post office’s postmaster if the poem could be displayed in the local post office as well. The plaque was installed there in 2021, John said.

“(The postmaster) was very nice about it,” John said. “He said he was going to think about giving the poem on a plaque to his employees when they retire.”

Having the poem displayed in the local post office meant a lot to John, he said, adding that “it’s something people will enjoy reading even though they have no idea who he is.”

“But I think the message is something people can relate to, especially letter carriers,” John continued.

Those interested in reading the poem in full can visit the Dana Point Post Office on Del Prado, where the plaque is mounted next to the passport office.

The project, the Coastal Commission explains, has been used to help the agency document current flood risk in coastal areas, visualize the sea-level rises’ future impacts in communities, validate climate change models and maintain a living record of change.

The King Tides, which occur naturally and are predictable and expected, can pose safety risks. The Coastal Commission asks that those documenting the tides be safe by taking extra precautions when walking around slippery areas or near big waves.

“Always be conscious of your surroundings and the weather conditions,” the agency warns. “Don’t turn your back on the ocean.”

According to the commission, the most impactful photos show areas where flooding and erosion often occur, as well as locations where water level can be gauged using landmarks, such as cliffs, rocks, roads, sea walls, bridges and buildings.

The next King Tide event is expected to occur on Jan. 21-22.

Dana Bay Gallery will host a pair of paint n’ sip events on Jan. 10 and 11, giving participants an opportunity to paint their own elephant figurine.

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

John Costello reflects on the legacy of his father, William Costello, a retired Superintendent of Mails for the U.S. Postal Service, while visiting a poem the elder Costello wrote that was installed in the post office on Del Prado Avenue in 2021. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate

Education by Christine Kramer

BOOKS ABOUT TREES TO GIVE TO KIDS FOR CHRISTMAS “A

society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – Greek proverb

We know trees make a difference in our battle with carbon dioxide, but what books about trees will connect with young people? You probably think of Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree—“and the boy loved the tree . . . very much. And the tree was happy.” Or perhaps The Lorax by Dr. Seuss—“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.”

My personal favorite is about Kate Sessions, who grew up in California in the 1860s. Her story, told in Joseph Hopkins’ The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever, is about how her love of trees was responsible for changing a canyon in San Diego into a lush green park in time for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. No one thought she could do it, “but Kate did!” And how we love Balboa Park a hundred years later!

Here is an informal list of my favorite tree stories:

CELEBRATIONS

Jacqueline Farmer’s book, O Christmas Tree: Its History and Holiday Traditions, recommended for first-grade through fourth-grade students.

Elizabeth Rusch’s book, Zee Grows a Tree, recommended for pre-kindergarten through third grade.

Lori Nichols’ book, Maple, recommended for pre-kindergarten to kindergarten (and especially for expectant parents).

HISTORY

Margi Preus’ book, Celebritrees: Historic & Famous Trees of the World, recommended for second grade through fifth grade. It includes some famous California trees, including Methuselah, a bristlecone pine dating back about 4,800 years, and Hype-

rion, a coast redwood.

Brian Karas’ book, An Oak Tree Grows, is a time capsule in the life of a tree and our country.

Jeff Gottesfeld’s book, The Tree in the Courtyard: Looking Through Ann Frank’s Window, recommended for second grade through fifth grade.

Jeanette Wangari’s book, Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa, a picture-book biography, recommended for kindergarten through third grade.

PIONEERS

Esme Codell and Jane Yolen cover the meaning of a big name in American folklore, respectively, with Seed By Seed: The Legend and Legacy of John “Appleseed” Chapman and Johnny Appleseed: The Legend and the Truth. The first is recommended for kindergarten through third grade; the latter, first grade through fourth grade.

Deborah Hopkinson offers a general look with Apples to Oregon. Recommended for kindergarten through third grade.

JUST FOR FUN

Roald Dahl’s classic book, Fantastic Mr. Fox, which some readers might know as a Wes Anderson film, about a family of foxes living beneath a great tree.

Read Ellis Carson’s Du Iz Tak? and have a giggle. Recommended for kindergarten through third grade.

A TREE STARS IN THE STORY

An old red oak tree tells a tale in Katherine Applegate’s Wishtree. Recommended for fourth grade through seventh grade.

A tree is full of life in Neal Layson’s The Tree, recommended for pre-kindergarten through first grade. A perfect book for Earth Day.

Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of Trees, shares the true story of how trees communicate, in Peter and the Tree Children. This book is also perfect for Earth Day and recommended for pre-kindergarten through third grade.

Uma Krishnaswami looks at a tree in the way of progress with Out of the Way! Out of the Way! Recommended for kindergarten through third grade.

Joanne Rocklin uses an orange tree as a metaphor for development in a Los Angeles neighborhood with One Day and One Amazing Morning on Orange Street Recommended for fourth grade through seventh grade.

THE ART OF TREES

An abandoned book on a subway inspires dreams of dinosaurs and Romans in Jason Chin’s Redwoods. Recommended for kindergarten through third grade.

Verlie Hutchens’ Trees contains free verse poems. Recommended for kindergarten through third grade.

“There is more than one way to picture a tree,” says the narrator in Barbara

Redi’s Picture a Tree. Recommended for pre-kindergarten through third grade.

Terry Fan’s The Night Gardener combines creativity with a sense of community. Recommended for pre-kindergarten through second grade.

CITIZENS’ CLIMATE EDUCATION

CONSERVATION AND LIFE CYCLES

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April Pulley Sayre’s Trout Are Made of Trees introduces kindergarten through second-grade students to the concept of the food web.

BY CHRISTINE KRAMER

Kurt Cyrpus’ Trillions of Trees: A Counting and Planting Book teaches pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students about counting and the importance of tree planting and preservation.

Andy Hirsch’s Trees: Kings of the Forest, for fourth grade through sixth grade, is a graphic novel introduction to tree ecology and their importance to the Earth.

Ana Crespo’s Hello Tree, for kindergarten through third grade, gives the point of view of a ponderosa pine in a forest fire.

Lois Ehlert’s Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, for kindergarten through third grade, can help inspire curiosity about the changing seasons.

Julia Rawlinson’s Fletcher and the Falling Leaves can teach kids in kindergarten through second grade about the changing seasons.

JUST THE FACTS ABOUT TREE ECOLOGY

Lita Judge’s The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form a Natural Kingdom, recommended for third grade through fifth grade, combines nonfiction prose and poetry with cutting-edge science about the growth of trees.

Kate Allen Fox tells a story about the interconnectedness of trees for students in kindergarten through second grade in Pando: A Living Wonder of Trees

Peter Wohlleben gives students in third grade through sixth grade an introduction to the basic science behind how trees work in Can You Hear the Trees Talking? Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest.

Christine “Chris” Kramer is a longtime resident of San Juan Capistrano and a member of the South Orange County chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby/Education. She and her husband, Larry, have moved 26 times in their married life, including to India (Andhra Pradesh) and Africa (Ghana). She has a MLIS from University of Hawaii and a BA from University of Michigan (Go Blue). DP

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 15 Issue 51. 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 2022. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. FOLLOW DANA POINT TIMES

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

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

danapointtimes.com/weekender

FRIDAY | 23

CAPISTRANO LIGHTS

4-6 p.m. The annual holiday program features festive lights, music and audio tours. There will also be Christmas trees, a nativity scene, carolers, photo opportunities and nightly tree lightings. Capistrano Lights will be open on select dates through Dec. 30. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. capistranolights.com.

LIVE MUSIC

AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Honey Bees will perform. Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 555 North El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CELLAR 7 p.m. Enjoy local musicians in this cozy bistro setting. Divina Jasso will perform. The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del

Mar, San Clemente. 949.492.3663. thecellarsite.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7 p.m. Celebrate pre-Christmas with Kenny Williams and the Stomp Down Riders as they perform on Iva Lee’s brand-new stage and upgraded venue. The band has new songs and special guests. No need to cook two days before Christmas; try some southern cuisine and atmosphere instead. Start the long weekend right and start melting those holiday calories away with some dancing to rockin’ sounds. Iva Lee’s, 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. ivalees.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Rock band Ambrosia will perform live. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

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

SATURDAY | 24

FARMERS MARKET

9 a.m.-1 p.m. California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market, and craft vendors

provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags. La Plaza Park, 3411 La Plaza, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

SEED CONNECTION

9-10 a.m. The Ecology Center is providing this hands-on lab about soil and seeds, so people can learn about gardening, saving seeds, and which food is appropriate to grow in a given season. The event is free and open to all ages, so you can learn something whether you have a kid just developing a green thumb or you are an adult looking to grow more plants in the backyard. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA AT THE OUTLETS

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Take advantage of one last opportunity to get photos with Santa Claus this holiday season. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

SUNDAY | 25

CHRISTMAS DAY

Merry Christmas!

MONDAY | 26

BRIDGE GAME

12:30 p.m. The South Orange Coun-

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

OPEN JAM

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

TUESDAY | 27

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CELLAR

7 p.m. Enjoy local musicians in this cozy bistro setting. Rabbi Blue will perform. The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.492.3663. thecellarsite.com.

WEDNESDAY | 28

SAN ONOFRE PARKS

FOUNDATION POP-UP SHOP

10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Historic Cottage and Visitor Center showcases local history, flora and fauna at this original 1934 ranger’s cottage. A rotating exhibit features the history of San Onofre. Stop in at the San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Pop-Up Shop to say hello, do a little shopping and learn more about the history of the local state parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches. Historic Cottage and Visitor Center is located within the San Clemente State Beach Campground at 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. 949.366.8599. admin@sanoparks.org. sanoparks.org.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE

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

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT

KNUCKLEHEADS

8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

DANA POINT TIMES

Photo: Adobe Stock

Welcome to Go.See.Do

While the weather outside has many of us bundling up on the couch, sharing warm blankets with loved ones, there’s still so much happening around our stretch of Southern California’s coastline.

With the holiday season comes festive cheer, so strap on some thermal socks and a snuggly sweater—ugly Christmas variety or otherwise—and let’s discover all the fun and exciting things Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano have to offer in this year’s Winter Go.See.Do.

What better way to stay warm and toasty than with a pile-high burger? Here, we settle which of the sports bars and taverns in our three towns has the best burger. Not to spoil anything, but let’s just say that when you bite into what we ranked as the top burger, you’ll want to do it over again.

And if those burger spots don’t satiate your meat craving, we highlight the best places to find barbecue in South Orange County.

In these pages, you’ll also take a journey with us back to the past, as we check out some of the must-see local historical sites, particularly around San Juan Capistrano, where its streets are rich with California’s Spanish and Native American heritage.

And we continue to stick around San Juan for a look at its revitalized downtown corridor, where several new and hopping restaurants have popped up, making the town a fun destination area for foodies.

Lastly, it just wouldn’t be wintertime without any festive light displays for residents and visitors alike to enjoy this holiday season. We go on a tour around the three cities in search of some of the best decorated homes, neighborhoods and hangouts.

Back in the Spirit

BY COLLIN BREAUX

A traditionally built replica of a 1770s privateer schooner used during the American Revolution, the Spirit of Dana Point is a notable landmark for the coastal town. The historic boat returned this year to its spot in Dana Point Harbor following extensive renovation. “It was Dennis Holland’s dream to build an accurate replica from the period when America fought for independence,” the Ocean Institute said. “Armed with talent, determination, little money and plans he purchased from the Smithsonian Institution, he laid the keel in his Orange County yard on May 2, 1970,” the Ocean Institute continued. “Thirteen years later, this fast privateer was launched and continues to sail the ocean. Everywhere you look on board is the craftsmanship and pride of early America.” Spirit of Dana Point used to be known as Pilgrim of Newport. It serves a variety of purposes, including being used for at-sea maritime and living history programs.

Look No Further than South Orange County for Holiday Cheer—and Lights

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Those looking to get into the yuletide spirit can find a variety of holiday decorations and light displays across South Orange County, from San Juan Capistrano’s “Crazy Christmas House” to the Dana Point Harbor, to San Clemente’s Talega neighborhood.

Neighborhoods throughout the three towns have gone all-out in decorating homes with vibrant light displays—some encouraged by a holiday home decorating contest.

Driving through the three South Orange County towns, residents and visitors alike can find plenty of spots to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

DANA POINT

The Dana Point Harbor Partners spreads holiday cheer each year with a light display consisting of more than 700,000 LED lights that illuminate the harbor through Dec. 31. Each night starting in mid-November, the light display offers residents and visitors of all ages a chance to enjoy themed exhibits, including a giant lighted whale sculpture, “Candy Cane Lane,” a “Merry Kiss Me” arch, Surfin’ Santa, lighted trees and more.

Walking along Del Prado Avenue, visitors and residents can enjoy the lighted palm trees in Dana Point’s Town Center, where the city has gone above and beyond, adding new lights and decorations to the Lantern District this year.

Dana Point also has two Christmas tree displays in town, one at La Plaza Park on Pacific Coast Highway and another at Pines Park, in Capistrano Beach. The two trees will be lit each night through early January.

Many residents of Dana Point are also participating in the annual “Candy Cane Lanes” holiday home decorating contest. Driving through residential streets, one can enjoy elaborately decorated homes, with homes along Calle Fortuna especially decked out.

The Dana Point Youth Board will judge participating homes in three categories: best overall, most creative and best use of theme for the chance to win gift cards to local businesses. Winners of the contest will be announced after Jan. 6.

SAN CLEMENTE

Walking through the festive Downtown San Clemente in the evening, visitors and residents alike can enjoy shopping among the twinkling lights along Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real.

San Clemente has two Christmas tree displays in town, one at the community center and one at the Outlets at San Clemente. At the Outlets at San Clemente, visitors can take photos with Santa through Christmas Eve, or enjoy a flurry of snow while shopping each weekend evening.

In San Clemente, houses along Calle Heraldo are illuminated with dazzling light displays. One house, in particular, is decked out with Santa on his sled pulled by reindeers, flying over the front lawn.

Notably, houses in the Talega neighborhood have also gotten into the holiday spirit with sparkling lights and displays. Many Talega residents participate in the annual “Talega Light Up the Night” holiday decoration contest, where winning houses are recognized for their elaborate displays.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

In San Juan Capistrano, a house on Calle del Campo that its owners have dubbed “Crazy Christmas House” is decorated to the max with lit-up snowmen, teddy bears, Christmas trees, presents and more. To give back to the community, the “Crazy Christmas House’’ is also collecting gifts for families at Camp Pendleton.

Throughout the holiday season, the City of San Juan Capistrano is also displaying a Christmas tree decorated in multi-colored lights at the Historic Town Center Park. After viewing the giant tree, residents and visitors can look to San Juan’s Historic Los Rios Street District for yuletide cheer, with holiday lights spread throughout the downtown corridor.

On select evenings through Dec. 30 at the San Juan Capistrano Mission, visitors can enjoy a Christmas light display at the historic site, along with performances by carolers and photos with Santa.

The annual holiday program features festive lights, music and audio tours, a nativity scene and nightly tree lightings.

Photo: Courtesy of the Ocean Institute

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Bar Burger Brawl

Burgers and the beach. Southern California is a bit of a mecca for hamburgers, as the birthplace of In-N-Out and McDonald’s, in addition to everyone’s favorite local spots, including A’s and Biggies. That burger culture has spread, as many build on to make their burgers bigger, better and loaded up with higher-quality ingredients and massive amounts of toppings. In some places, those burgers get too elite, too pricey and overly pretentious. Here, we’ve eschewed that high society burger, and in looking for something a step above your typical drive-through burger, the team here at Picket Fence Media went for the best bar burger in South Orange County. A better and heftier burger that won’t stray from its roots in a local hangout.

Here’s where we went and what we found:

The Point Restaurant & Bar

34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, thepointrestaurantandbar.com

34111

19 Sports Bar & Grill

32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, sanjuanhillsgolf.com/sports-bar

Straight to the top, Mulligan’s was the best of the bar burgers we sampled. Thick and stacked high, but not too high to be inedible, the burgers at Mulligan’s are simply quality. Starting with the constant across all the burgers, the patty is fresh, hand-formed angus cooked over an open flame. All that shines through in the burger’s construction and preparation. The bun is also a standout. It looks and feels artisanal without being out of place in the local sports bar setting. It’s able to support the taller and loaded up combinations without becoming soggy or breaking under the weight. It’s soft on top and toasted for a golden crunch wrapped around the juicy patty. It’s a perfect combo. There are multiple named burgers to try, as well as a burger of the month, but what also helps Mulligan’s to the top is the variety in the named burgers and the options in the build-your-own-burger category. Burgers start at $12, and worth every penny. There are also top-notch fries that bring a little seasoning, and options for tater tots.

On the strength and taste of its patty alone, The Point Restaurant & Bar was a contender. Probably the best seasoned beef patty we had. Well-formed, wellcooked, well-presented.The bun was also extremely good. It was practically a dinner roll with its feel and fluffiness. However, it’s also the bun that gave the burger its demerit in our rankings. There’s too much bun. Even on the burgers that had the full spread of toppings, each of us was left with extra bread on the plate by the end. The meat-to-bread ratio was way off, especially for the one of us who preferred their burger plain. On that plain burger, the bun almost completely enveloped the patty. The other markdown is lack of options. There are just two beef patty burgers on the menu—the standard The Point Burger and the California Burger with bacon, avocado and blue cheese— and a blackened ahi burger. The Point is certainly a good burger and grilled up to a great result. However, just those few demerits took it out of the running for the top. Additional point for The Point: their tater tots are a fabulous side.

When looking for the definition of a “bar burger,” it’s the standard of Hennessey’s Tavern burger that will come up. The burger at Hennessey’s is good. Not great, not bad, but simple, boilerplate good, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Hennessey’s actually has two distinctions of burgers: gourmet burgers and favorite burgers. The gourmet burgers are made with dry-aged ground beef, and they do have a standout with the Dublin Burger, which features Irish cheddar—which makes all the difference—and applewood smoked bacon. There’s also a monthly featured gourmet burger. The favorite burgers have multiple combinations, including a standard burger, fried eggs and even a pretzel bun. Again, all pretty down-the-middle. Not going to rock your world, but still good.

The 19 Sports Bar & Grill is a great sports bar and food spot on its own, not just a respite for weary golfers after a round at San Juan Hills Golf Club. There is fantastic food up and down the menu. (Don’t sleep on that pulled pork sandwich.) When it came to the burgers, though, it was a slight disappointment compared to the quality of everything else on the menu. The burgers offer Wagyu patties, whether you order the signature 19th Hole Smashed Burger or you build your own burger. A big positive is the variety of options, whether you grab a breakfast burger after an early round or come later to create your own wild combination. However, it was the preparation that lacked. The burgers were a bit overdone and grayed out. The potato bun on the 19th Hole Smashed Burger was underwhelming. The fries felt like out of a grocery store bag. Maybe it was a bad day, because, again, the rest of the menu has never disappointed, and there are the foundations of a great burger.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ZACH CAVANAGH

Mulligan’s 1401 Calle Valle, San Clemente, mulligansbarsanclemente.com

Hennessey’s Tavern

La Plaza, Dana Point; 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, hennesseystavern.com

LOCAL EXPERT PROVIDES ADVICE FOR

South County Sportfishing

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

For South Orange County residents, proximity to the endless Pacific Ocean is what attracts many to the area and keeps people around for decades.

There are numerous activities such as swimming and surfing that can provide aquatic thrills, but the sport of fishing is another timeless local tradition that has room to fit all kinds of interests.

South Orange County is a notable spot along the West Coast for both professional and amateur fishing.

Stephanie Hogan, co-owner of the legendary full-service tackle shop Hogan’s Bait & Tackle in Dana Point, gave her sage knowledge about the sport.

Hogan grew up doing freshwater fishing near the San Fernando Valley and transitioned to saltwater fishing after moving to the area in 1987. She runs the tackle store with her family.

“It just depends on the type of fishing,” Hogan said of her favorite spots to fish. “If I’m surf fishing, I enjoy scouting out the different beaches and finding their unique qualities that they have.”

Surf fishing requires minimal equipment, such as a rod, reel, and basic tackle, and entails going to a beach, normally at low tide, to learn what its topography is. Often surf fishing can provide a variety of fish to catch.

Hogan added that she enjoys calico bass fishing when out on a boat, but those excursions rely on what species are currently biting at the time.

Fishing novices can start off with basic

rods, reels, and tackle, according to Hogan.

“They can start with doing just bait, which would (include) hooks, sinkers, and the bait,” she said. “(You) need a couple of tools, and, really, you can get fishing with that.”

Hogan’s offers equipment at both ends of the price spectrum, ranging from $36 combos to setups that can cost in the hundreds of dollars.

“It really depends on what the customer is looking to do,” said Hogan. “We like to talk with them and get a little background information to better suit their needs.”

To get better over time, interested parties should visit fishing stores such as Hogan’s to talk to experts, as well as checking out online resources. When already out on location, such as at the San Clemente Municipal Pier, she advised speaking with local fishermen.

“They love sharing their secrets (and) their tips,” she said. “A lot of those guys are out there every day, and they really like to share knowledge and tell their fish stories.”

For those interested in going fishing on a boat, Hogan recommended visiting the Dana Wharf, which offers various trip lengths from a half-day to overnight.

Dana Wharf also provides an After School Fishing Camp in the spring that teaches children new lessons weekly, and hands-on Kids Fishing Clinics that take place dockside. Through December, one child can fish for free with the purchase of two full-price adult tickets for either a half- or three-quarter-day trip.

More information can be found at danawharf.com.

The fleet at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is ready to hit the waters.

Photo: Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

San Juan Capistrano

A Destination Area for Foodies

BY COLLIN BREAUX

People visiting Downtown San Juan Capistrano don’t face a shortage of options when it comes to eating out.

The area—once regarded by locals as a dead spot devoid of activity or places to check out—has seen a plethora of new restaurants open, including this year alone.

Each eatery listed here is a local non-chain operation and offers something different, adding to San Juan’s growing vibrancy and cultural flavor.

Bloom

Restaurant + Bar

31760 OLD MISSION ROAD, BLOOMSANJUANCAPISTRANO.ORG

An ideal high-end dinner spot for a date night, or while out with friends, Bloom Restaurant + Bar is conveniently located across from Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Owner Russ Bendel said the name was chosen to reflect the agricultural history of San Juan Capistrano, but it also matches the dishes on the menu, which incorporate fresh veggies and food.

To get started, you can try the herb-roasted

The Historic Side of South Orange County

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

History can be found in countless places, and the growth of Orange County since its establishment in 1889 provides numerous opportunities for interested buffs to learn further about their backyard.

To begin, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, once an Ole Hanson home, was added to the National Register of Historic Places and registered as a historical resource in December 1991.

giant marrow bones that come with melted garlic capers and rustic bread. Main event items include a New York strip steak with mashed potatoes, blue lake beans and maitake mushrooms. Vegetarians shouldn’t feel left out, though, because veggie dishes and salads are also available.

Patrons are also welcome to pair their dinner with one of the numerous craft cocktails that Bloom offers, such as the Ortega (tequila, Aperol, mint and other ingredients) or the Mr. Jimmy Peacock (gin, grapefruit, lime, elderflower and mint).

Bloom’s interior design features a minimalistic, mostly black setup, though the glamorous lighting won’t make for a dim experience.

Breezy Restaurant and Lounge 31761 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SUITE 4, EXPERIENCEBREEZY.COM

If you’re more in the mood for breakfast or brunch, hop on over to Breezy—across the street from Bloom. The island-themed eatery—which features pancakes, acai bowls and other delectable treats—recently opened in the former Ramen Shack locale.

The expansive Spanish Colonial Revival home was restored and now acts as an exhibition center for architecture, gardening, and arts and culture events.

In San Juan Capistrano, the Joel Rathbone Congdon House, built in the 1870s, sits on a roughly 29-acre property and houses The Ecology Center. The center aims to change the trajectory of how society eats food by demonstrating its organic farm and promoting healthy, responsible eating.

Elsewhere in San Juan Capistrano lie several other areas with a background to the city’s history with ranching and the famous Mission San Juan Capistrano, the latter of which was added to the state’s historic register in 1935.

Founded in 1776, the “Birthplace of

Owner Jasmin Gonzalez, who grew up in the Polynesian culture, wanted to give the community a taste of Hawaiian food. Menu items include the easy breezy (two eggs with a choice of various sides, including bacon and hash browns), avocado toast, breakfast burrito and drip coffee.

The

Rooftop Kitchen + Bar

31781 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, ROOFTOPOC.COM

Billing itself as modern American “comfort food” cuisine, The Rooftop is steps away from Breezy and above Selma’s Pizzeria. Living up to its name, the restaurant and bar offers a bird’s-eye view of Swallow’s Inn and the rest of Camino Capistrano and Old Mission Road.

Restaurateurs Archie Hami and Marc Resnick opened their venture to the community on Swallows Day 2022 and are gearing up for next year’s parade.

Menu items include oysters, shrimp cocktail, shishito peppers, ribeye filet, burgers and a grilled vegetable panini.

“We want something that’s a little different—a little bit of San Juan Capistrano. We wanted a very cabin, woody feel,” Hami said shortly after the restaurant opened. “We wanted something more of the American comfort cuisine, with a modern twist to it.”

FKN Bread

31760 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SUITE B, FKNBREAD.COM

Also located in the Camino Capistrano corridor is FKN Bread, which serves—you guessed it—fresh-baked bread and sandwiches.

The bakery is the brainchild of husbandand-wife team Dave and Bree VandenBerg. As Bree explains, the eye-catching name comes from the first initials of their three children: Finn, Kane and Nash: FKN.

Menu items include turkey and tuna sandwiches and varieties of toast (which can come with avocado or peanut butter, depending on the option).

The couple started baking bread for family and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, because they had newfound free time on their hands, and decided to turn it into a business.

Among items FKN Bread has offered in the past include an olive oil cake with green frosting and cookies.

Orange County,” according to the Mission website, was the seventh of 21 established across the state to spread Christianity to the Indigenous population already present. It now hosts tours, exhibits and events as part of its namesake city’s downtown.

Further east down Ortega Highway lies Cabin 18 at the Greystone Villa, in Cleveland National Forest.

The structure, built by Franklin Phillips around 1930, was added to the national register in March 2002. The National Park Service’s description of the rustic and craftsman-style house included that it was “impressive and unusual.”

“The original structure is built entirely of river rock and mortar. It has the appearance of a miniature castle and is the only one of its

A Tour Down Los Rios Street

BY COLLIN BREAUX

Around the corner from the heart of Downtown San Juan Capistrano is Los Rios Street—a charming neighborhood and one of California’s oldest residential streets. Exemplifying the historic and quaint charm that San Juan is known for, Los Rios Street has several restaurants and shops that make for an ideal time whether you’re vacationing with family or merely taking a stroll.

RAMOS HOUSE CAFÉ 31752 Los Rios Street, ramoshouse.com Ramos House Café is a popular spot with the brunch crowd. With its idyllic atmosphere and rich menu items, the small eatery offers cinnamon apple beignets, a spicy crab cake salad, smoked bacon scramble with apple-fried potatoes and more. The food is as eye-catching as it is tasty.

TEA HOUSE ON LOS RIOS 31731 Los Rios Street, theteahouseonlosrios.com

The Tea House offers a variety of options for their namesake beverage with loose-leaf servings. Visitors can also get light foods including sandwiches and holiday desserts. The Tea House and the building property itself have been family-owned for generations.

LAS CATRINAS 31742 Los Rios Street

After you’re done eating and want to shop around for knickknacks, stop in at the boutique shop Las Catrinas. The shop offers a variety of jewelry, home decorations and other assorted items.

ZOOMARS AT RIVER STREET RANCH 31791 Los Rios Street, riverstreetranch.com

Bring the kids to check out farm animals. Families can see goats, sheep, pigs and other assorted cute creatures.

kind in Orange County.”

Additional local relics of years past include Hotel San Clemente, now an apartment building along Avenida Del Mar, and a building at the top of Del Mar that reads “Historic City Hall.”

Constructed by early San Clemente resident Oscar Easley, the white structure facing across El Camino Real toward the office never served as the City Hall, but it did host the city clerk’s office, as well as numerous businesses over the years.

The Dana Point historical landmark on Santa Clara Avenue, the Goldschmidt House, and the Ole Hanson Beach Club are other places to stop and get a glimpse of yesteryear.

Downtown San Juan Capistrano offers a variety of scenic sights, restaurants, shops and activities.

Photo: Collin Breaux

Bonanza

And if you’re looking to take some meat home for a family feast, Drift also sells racks of its baby back ribs and its brisket or pulled pork by the pound.

THE RIBJOINT ROADHOUSE

34294 EAST PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, DANA POINT, RIBJOINTDANAPOINT.COM

Those looking for Memphis-style barbecue around here should head on over to the Rib Joint in Dana Point. This family-owned-and-operated roadhouse along PCH, near Doheny State Park, has been serving up ribs and other barbecued meats since the early ’80s.

If you’re in the mood for ribs, you won’t be disappointed, as you can try racks of baby back ribs, pork spare ribs or beef ribs. If you’ve got a family with an appetite, check out the Rib Joint’s options for Feasts—plenty of meats and sides to go around.

And no barbecue place would complete without helpings of tasty sides including corn on the cob, beans, cornbread or a baked potato.

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

We may be more than a thousand miles from Texas, but that doesn’t mean we’re devoid of some high-quality smoked meats.

In fact, South County has a handful of notable barbecue spots to fill your tummies with everything from brisket to pulled pork, and cornbread to bread pudding.

Let’s see what our three towns have to offer:

BAD TO THE BONE BBQ

31738 RANCHO VIEJO ROAD, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, BADTOTHEBONE-BBQ.COM

Bad to the Bone BBQ has long been a staple for delicious and tantalizing smoked meats in San Juan Capistrano.

For hungry families, it’s a great place to gather for digging and pigging out on platters of ribs, pulled pork, chicken and plenty more.

Bad to the Bone boasts quite the extensive menu for those dining in, taking out or in need of catering for events and parties.

Whether you’re looking for two- to threemeat combos, racks of ribs or some burgers and sandwiches, there’s no shortage of barbecue options at Bad to the Bone.

DRIFT DISTILLERY

940 CALLE AMANECER, SUITE K, SAN CLEMENTE, DRIFTDISTILLERY.COM

What better way to pair a glass of single barrel wheat whiskey than with a helping of some baby back ribs or brisket.

Tucked away in the Rancho San Clemente Business Park, Drift isn’t only where you can find some locally distilled spirits such as whiskey, gin and rum; it’s also a hidden gem when it comes to barbecue around these here parts.

The menu is quite focused, as guests can choose between plates of ribs, pulled pork and brisket. But there are also brisket, pulled pork and bacon chicken sandwiches, a Cuban sandwich, and, of course, sides of beer-baked beans, cheesy potatoes, or mac & cheese, among other items.

HAPA J’S

2016 SOUTH EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE, HAPAJS.COM

While not your traditional Midwestern barbecue spot, Hapa J’s gets a special mention here for its offering of Hawaiian barbecue favorites.

You can’t go wrong the grilled kalbi short ribs or the Kalua-style pork,

HERITAGE BARBECUE

31721 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, HERITAGECRAFTBBQ.COM

Saving the best for last, we’ve got Heritage Barbecue in Downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Since opening just a couple of short years ago, Heritage has made quite the name for itself—and deservedly so.

It has earned much attention and acclaim from publications and food reviewers (including Michelin Guide’s prestigious Bib Gourmand), as well as from South County residents. All the good things you’ve heard about this barbecue stand just across from the historic Mission San Juan are true.

After visiting Heritage a few times, the word I stress to everyone is “patience.” Trust me when I say that your patience wading through the long line—which oftentimes forms in the morning, hours before opening—will be rewarded with delicious and savory meats.

If you’ve got the time on a Saturday or Sunday morning, grab a friend, stake a spot in line, and let your appetite grow as you continue to take in the mouth-watering aroma emanating from the smoke pits. Your taste buds will thank you for waiting.

Heritage has its mainstay and popular menu items such as its brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip and, of course, beef ribs. There are delectable sides too, including mac & cheese, potato salad and Texas chili.

But be sure to follow Heritage on Instagram @heritagebarbecue, as it periodically announces some specialty items and posts daily specials like sandwiches and burgers—my favorite: the Pastrami Torta.

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 CDP20-0006, Site Development Permit SDP20-0009, and Administrative Modifications of Standards AMS22-0002: To demolish an existing singlefamily dwelling and construct a new 2,710 squarefoot two-story, single-family dwelling with a lower level 1,258 square foot garage, and stairs that project three feet beyond the structure stringline located within the Residential Beach Road 12 (RBR 12) zone, Coastal Overlay, and within the Floodplain Overlay (FP-3) District at 35697 Beach Road.

Project Numbers: CDP20-0006, SDP20-0009, AMS22-0002

Project Location: 35697 Beach Road (APN: 691-162-25)

Project Representative: David Gutierrez, Project Manager

Applicant: John and Marcella Seidensticker

Environmental: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is found to be Categorically Exempt per Section 15303 (Class 3 –New Construction).

Hearing Date: Monday, January 9, 2023

Hearing Time: 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible)

Hearing Location: 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Dana Point City Hall)

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

Note: This project may be appealed to the City Council. If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Dana Point prior to the public hearing. This project may also be appealed to the California Coastal Commission in accordance with Dana Point Municipal Code Section 9.69.090. The process includes, but is not limited to, contacting the Coastal Commission for the appropriate forms and instructions to file an appeal.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

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 CDP22-0028 and Minor Site Development Permit SDP22-0057(M) at 32511 Caribbean Drive: A request to demolish an existing single-family dwelling with an attached garage, and construct a 6,597 square foot, twostory, single-family dwelling with an attached 603 square foot garage and multiple landscape

retaining walls. The project is in the Coastal Overlay District as defined by the City’s Zoning Map and includes landscape retaining walls which exceed 30-inches in height, therefore approval of a Coastal Development Permit and a Minor Site Development Permit are required, respectively.

Project Number: Coastal Development Permit CDP22-0028 & Minor Site Development Permit SDP22-0057(M)

Project Location: 32511 Caribbean Drive (APN: 670-053-03)

Applicant: James Conrad

Owner: Forte Living, LLC Environmental: The project is Categorically Exempt from the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construction).

Hearing Date: Monday, January 9, 2023 Hearing Time: 6:00 P.M. (or as soon thereafter as possible)

Hearing Location: 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. 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 Danny Giometti, Senior Planner, at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 2483569.

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 CDP22-0026 at 317 Monarch Bay: A request to demolish an existing single-family dwelling and attached garage, and construct a new 4,282 square foot, two-story, single-family dwelling with attached 541 square foot garage. The project is in the City’s Coastal Overlay District (the California Coastal Zone) and the Appeals Jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission.

Project Number: Coastal Development Permit CDP22-0026

Project Location: 317 Monarch Bay (APN: 670-151-06)

Applicant: Hudgins Design Group

Owner: Stuart and Lisa Hirose

Environmental: The project is Categorically Exempt from the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construction).

Hearing Date: Monday, January 9, 2023 Hearing Time: 6:00 P.M. (or as soon thereafter as possible)

Hearing Location: 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 Danny Giometti, Senior Planner, at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 2483569.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

CHERYL COLLEEN FRY, aka CHERYL C. FRY Case Number: 30-2022-01294488-PR-PW-CJC

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of CHERYL COLLEEN FRY, aka CHERYL C. FRY

A Petition for Probate has been filed by JOSEPH PATRICK STEARNS in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE

The Petition for Probate requests that JOSEPH PATRICK STEARNS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

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

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

a. Date: Jan 25, 2023 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: C8

b. Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (1) The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty con-

necting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

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

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

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Amy Fenelli Ciftcikara, ESQ, Fenelli Law Firm

24800 Chrisanta Drive, Suite 110, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Ph: (949) 699-0000

Published in: Dana Point Times, December 16, 23, 30, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226649661

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: WIRED 17 TIMBERLAND ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656

Full Name of Registrant(s): WALKER JAMES WENDLANDT 17 TIMBERLAND ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656

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/WALKER WENDLANDT

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 11/28/2022

Published in: Dana Point Times December 16, 23, 30, January 6, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 22FL001047

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Bart Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson on behalf of Katherine Piper Johnson, a minor filed a petition with this court for a decree changing name as follows: Present Name

Katherine Piper Johnson

Proposed Name

Piper Arditti Johnson

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interest

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

ed in this matter shall appear before this court at 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 scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

a. Date: 01/25/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept.: L74

b. The address of the court is Orange County Superior Court, Family Law Court Operations, 341 The City Dr S., Orange, CA 92868. Other: Remote. The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

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, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

Date: November 17, 2022, Judge Julie A Palafox, Judge of the Superior Court

PUBLIC NOTICE

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 30-2022-01282339

includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING

a. Date: 01/25/2023 Time: 8:30 a.m. Dept.: D-100

b. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Other: Remote Hearing. The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

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, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022

Date: November 23, 2022, Michael Strickroth, Judge of the Superior Court

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THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at 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

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

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA)

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TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Ethan Zappin files a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:

Present Name

Ethan Hunter Bowman Zappin

Proposed Name Ethan Hunter Zappin

After 50 by Tom Blake

Readers Provide Clarity to Widower

n my previous column, Ben, 63, a widower of two years, described his relationship with Abby, one of his deceased wife’s best friends, who lives 3,000 miles from him.

After Ben and Abby spent five days together, Abby was going to move in with Ben but changed her mind. She said she might move next summer.

Ben loves Abby; he asked for clarity on why his feelings for her are so strong. I asked readers for their thoughts. Twenty of their email responses are featured.

16 WOMEN RESPOND

Mary Lou: “Ben needs to move on. I see only trouble ahead. Perhaps not enough time has passed since his wife’s death. Before Abby moves, each should seek one-on-one counseling.”

Belinda: “Ben and Abby are entitled to their happiness. He’s way past living for his children’s needs. It’s time for his own life and pleasure. He should move them out and Abby in.

“Love at 63 is tough to find; we need to cherish it when we are lucky enough to have it.”

Stel: “Ben’s only been widowed two years. He’s not through grieving. Abby was handy and convenient too soon. To preserve their friendship, he should back away.”

Carolyn: “Too many red flags. Abby’s daughter threw a monkey wrench into the plans. Daughters don’t want their moms to move away from them. Time for Ben to move on.”

Patty: “I lost my husband of 47 years in July. Every woman misses the intimacy, tenderness, and true friendship of a partner, but the process of breaking in someone new is daunting. Abby isn’t his true match.”

Kim: “It was too much too soon. Love is ‘heady’ at first, and maybe we perceive things differently at that time. They should step back for a minute.”

Colleen: “Maybe Abby feels bad about her private communicating with Ben prior to Ruth’s passing and now doesn’t feel

right moving into her best friend’s home.”

Alicia: “Abby concluded that they needed to proceed at a slower pace. If it’s meant to be, it will be.

“The intensity of his love for Abby? I believe our hearts can hold love for someone else on different levels, and that is OK. It does not diminish his love for his wife, nor for Abby.”

TOM BLAKE

Althea: “Abby got caught up in the heat of the five days together, thinking Ben was her soulmate. When she got back home, she saw what she would have to give up by moving to live with Ben.”

Margaret: “Too many red flags. Often, bad choices are made when a person is grieving.”

Thyrza: “Both should cool off and let clearer heads prevail. Both have red flags.”

Robbie: “Ben doesn’t want to be single. Amy came along at the right time, even though they’ve known each other for years. I wish them the best.”

Jeanne: “Way too complicated of a relationship. Adios.”

Francine: “Ben has not explored any relationship other than Abby. I think he should date again, and if in six months he still has feelings for Abby, then he should pursue her.”

Kathy: “They should both stay where they are. Abby living with Ben’s mom and son won’t work.”

Deanne: “I am a widow; I understand what Ben is going through. He should take his foot off the gas pedal.”

4 MEN RESPOND

Carmelo: “Jump in; take a chance. What’s to lose?”

Wayne: “Way too many red flags with this situation.”

Larry: “Vaya Con Dios, my darling.”

Dave: “No one knows the questions Ben should be asking. Only Ben knows what is within himself.”

Tom’s comment: The consensus seems to be, Abby and Ben need to slow it down and see what six months brings.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. DP

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

This photo, taken around 1956, shows what would later become Cove Road near the Dana Point Harbor.

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

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Bartles

DANA POINT TIMES

Bartles the cat is quite the little sweetheart. Only 1 year old, he is a curious and affectionate kitty who loves to play almost as much as he enjoys a good cuddle. Bartles is good with other cats and would make a fantastic companion for just about anyone.

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

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

Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries

ON LIFE AND LOVE BY

OPINION

Wellness

Prevention by Susan Parmelee

’TIS THE SEASON FOR COMPASSION

The holiday season can be hectic, challenging, and sometimes not the picture-perfect celebrations we envision. As we still face the challenges of a long pandemic and an uncertain economy, it can seem a little less cheerful.

However, taking time to pause and celebrate with loved ones is important to our well-being.

The end-of-year holidays and celebrating the New Year allow us time to reflect and perhaps choose intentions for the year ahead. Approaching resolutions more broadly, as opposed to a list of personal changes, can be a helpful approach to overall wellness.

WELLNESS & PREVENTION

BY SUSAN PARMELEE

One intention that positive psychologists suggest for countering the challenges we face is compassion. Compassion is simply defined as “feeling for another” and helps human beings understand the struggles of others. When we use a compassionate perspective, we act with kindness, concern, and altruism.

The rewards of a compassionate approach include increased social connection, improved familial relationships, lower levels of anxiety, and happiness and decreased depression. Compassion is both outward and inward, with self-compassion being equally as important as compassion.

Self-compassion is a tool that most mental health therapists teach their clients and key to countering negative self-talk. We might ask a client to talk to themselves the same way that they might talk to their child or a close friend.

Allow yourself to make mistakes and escape perfectionism. Research has

shown that self-compassion leads to reduced symptoms of PTSD, healthier aging, and a reduction in burn-out, particularly in the health care professions.

So, as we head into the holidays, how can we practice compassion and self-compassion? I have already witnessed that many families and individuals in our community have volunteered to sponsor families for the holidays, serve meals to the military, and host festive events that bring cheer to all.

These compassionate practices can be continued year-round and benefit those who give and those who receive. Take a moment to acknowledge this communitywide compassion.

Within our own homes, the traditions we practice are important to selfcare; however, over the past few years, many of us have suffered losses, and some of those traditions may no longer meet our emotional needs.

Give yourself permission to adapt these traditions or choose new ones. Try to maintain your healthy habits and make time for yourself when needed. One thing important to me is to remember to focus on what I can control and to let go of perfectionism during the holidays. This practice al-

lows me to focus on enjoying my time with loved ones.

One last important part of compassion is to acknowledge that individuals who have symptoms of mental illness can struggle and isolate during the holidays. Please reach out to friends or family who may need your support.

If you or a loved one is feeling especially sad, stressed, anxious, or depressed, ask for help. Reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) warmline; call or text the OC Warmline at 714.991.6412; and if you or a loved one is suicidal, call 988 or 911.

The Wellness & Prevention Center team wishes you and your loved ones a healthy and happy holiday season, and we look forward to supporting you in 2023!

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

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

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

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

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

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

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

DOLPHIN REPORT

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

Boys Basketball Takes Home Opener over San Clemente

The Dana Hills boys basketball team finally hosted its first home game of the season on Dec. 16, and the Dolphins earned their third double-digit win in a row with a 12-point win over San Clemente, 69-57.

Dana Hills (9-3) had three players in double figures, including a game-high 28 points from leading scorer Collin Haugh. Haugh, a sophomore, made 10 of 14 field-goal attempts and knocked down three 3-pointers.

Cole Davison, a sophomore, registered a double-double with 16 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Davison tied Haugh with three 3-pointers.

Logan Scodeller, a junior, put up a strong all-around game with 10 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block.

Dana Hills hosted Laguna Beach on Thursday, Dec. 22, but results were not available at press time. The Dolphins next travel to La Verne for The Classic at Damien next week. Dana Hills will compete in the tournament’s Bronze Division and open with Murrieta Valley on Monday, Dec. 26.

After the Damien tournament, Dana Hills is off until its Sea View League opener at Aliso Niguel on Jan. 11. The Dolphins’ first league home game is Jan. 13 against Mission Viejo.

Girls Basketball Drops Back-to-Back Home Games

After responding to its first two losses of the season with back-to-back wins, the Dana Hills girls basketball team couldn’t keep up its momentum and suffered back-to-back home losses to close out the 2022 portion of its schedule.

The Dolphins (8-4) dropped competitive games to Beckman, 37-27, on Dec. 15 and to Laguna Beach, 38-36, on Monday, Dec. 19.

Lineni Uaine continues to be a standout for Dana Hills, as she posted another double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds against Beckman.

Dana Hills, ranked No. 3 in CIF-SS Division 4A, will regroup over the holidays and get back on the court Jan. 3 at Tra-

buco Hills. The Dolphins close out their nonleague schedule at Anaheim on Jan. 6 before opening the Sea View League at home against El Toro on Jan. 10.

Girls Water Polo Closes 2022 with Big Win

The Dana Hills girls water polo team ended its 2022 slate with a splash in a 14-6 win at Northwood on Dec. 15.

The Dolphins (10-4) got three goals each from seniors Sadie Riester, Emma McCulloch and Kate McCulloch. Kate McCulloch showcased an all-around game, also contributing three assists and two steals. Emma McCulloch also added two

assists and a steal.

Riester leads the Dolphins with 56 goals in 13 games, and Kate McCulloch is second with 38 goals in 14 games. Kate McCulloch has a team-high 24 assists and 45 steals, and senior Claire Berger has 22 assists.

Berger and senior Danielle Davis-Gugliotta each scored two goals to help power the offensive barrage. Senior keeper Madeline Maxwell made two saves, and sophomore Roya Goldstein made one save.

Dana Hills, ranked No. 9 in CIF-SS Division 2, will open South Coast League play after the holiday break on Jan. 12 at home against Trabuco Hills. DP

Dana Hills boys basketball posted its third consecutive double-digit win with a victory in its first home game of the season over San Clemente last Friday. Photos: Alan Gibby/ Zone57

Matters of Style

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

Good surf style—it can be everything. And over the years, Dana Point and San Clemente have played a vital role in the evolution of what that means. Tracing things back, it has to start with Phil Edwards in the early ’60s.

“I remember being down at The Trestle and a few of us were on the beach warming up, and we saw this guy out there that surfed so much different than everyone else. I asked somebody who it was, and they told me it was the ‘Guayule Kid,’ ” recalls Henry Ford, who, like Edwards, starred in some of Bruce Brown’s earliest films.

“That was Phil’s nickname from when he lived in Oceanside,” Ford continues. “What he was doing was so radical and so different from everyone else.”

Blending power, grace and poise, Edwards took a much more athletic approach to riding waves. Standing out at spots such as Killer Dana and Trestles, by the mid-60s, in terms of style and performance, he had pushed the sport to new heights.

Fast-forward through the Shortboard

Revolution and the anti-commercialism of the ’70s, and one lands in the brightlights, big-business era of the ’80s. One of the moment’s biggest stars cut his teeth at spots including T-Street and Salt Creek before rising to international fame.

“Sometimes, people have their own style, and then someone else says, ‘Oh, you gotta fix this.’ And that’s kind of taking away from their style,” explains Matt Archbold.

“Look at Mark Richards’ style; they called him the Wounded Gull. He wouldn’t have been allowed to develop like that today. Or Rabbit (Bartholomew’s) style. They surfed different,” he adds. “And that’s what I’m trying to say; everybody needs to have their own style. They need to be themselves. … I let people influence my surfing, but I’ve

tried to retain my own style.”

On the subject of stylistic influences, one generation inspires the next, and before you know it, the sport is soaring to new heights.

“Martin Potter at T-Street, that moment changed the course of San Clemente’s surfing history forever. As far as I’m concerned, Potter is the godfather of progressive surfing, and he can basically take credit for all of the surfing success that has come from San Clemente,” native son Shane Beschen explains.

“When he first started coming to our town, he ignited a revolution like never before,” Beschen continues.“A new standard of performance was laid out before us in real life; it was a tangible skill that we studied and used as our guideline for what surfing is all about. The speed and radical-

ness of his approach inspired us all.”

Potter influenced guys such as Archy, Beschen, Dino Andino and Christian Fletcher, but just a few short years later, the script would be flipped. Among those leading the charge into the future was Fletcher’s kid brother, Nathan.

A pioneer in waves of consequence, as well as aerial surfing, Nathan was exposed to the best surfers in the world growing up, but it was his friend from Kauai who left one of the biggest impressions on him.

“What Andy (Irons) was doing, it’ll always stand out. He wasn’t riding anything different than your standard shortboard, but the lines he was drawing, there was nothing standard about them,” the younger Fletcher describes about a boat trip the two were on together in 2001.

“It was very powerful and aggressive surfing, very progressive, but he also had this smooth, relaxed, spontaneous thing going on,” Nathan adds. “You know, that Andy style where he always looked in control, even when he was on the edge of being out of control.”

Powerful, aggressive surfing with smooth, effortless control, that’s what set Phil Edwards apart from the pack, and it’s what sets guys such as Matt Archbold and Andy Irons apart as well. As Archy said, we shouldn’t be afraid to be influenced by what others are doing, but we should always be proud of our own individual style.

Jake Howard is a local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. DP

SURF FORECAST

OTIS

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

how up and blow up! That’s something you hear at the beach or skatepark from time to time, and it’s something Otis Sanders has exemplified from the jump.

“I knew Otis would be ‘sending it’ when he was still in my tummy; he had this kind of explosive energy,” Otis’ mother, Cory Scurlock, says about her son, a second-grader at Concordia Elementary School in San Clemente.

“Fascinated with his big brother’s skateboard, one day when he was about 2 years old, he got on one, and he’s been just sending

it ever since,” she adds.

This past September, Otis won the 7 and Under division at the San Clemente Open and

has been rolling ever since (pun intended).

“Otis has also been competing in (California Amateur Skate League) events since the end of 2021,” reports his father, Thomas Sanders. “He placed second in the 2021 nationals 7 and Under division at Woodward West in Tehachapi.”

“He’s competed in a total of seven CASL events in 2022. Most recently, in November at the Volcom skatepark in Costa Mesa, he placed first in street and park, and second in vert,” his father continues. “In January 2023, he will be traveling to Florida and will compete in nationals for vert, park and street.”

When he’s not skating, you may find Otis skimboarding or playing soccer, football, basketball or golf. Whatever he’s up to, the kid shreds! DP

Water Temperature: 58-59 Degrees F

Water Visibility and Conditions: 10-16’

Outlook: The gradually rising SSW and WNW swell blend sets up waist to chest high waves, (3-4’) on Friday, then peaks Saturday with waist to shoulder high surf, (3-4’+), at good exposures. By Sunday the swell combination slowly eases, for thighstomach-chest high waves, (2-3-4’). The pattern of light/variable winds in the morning, followed by a light+ afternoon sea breeze continues for Friday and the weekend. The pattern of early to mid morning deep high tides also persists through the rest of the week, so spots that can handle the extra water will be your best bet then. Look for many breaks to improve as the tide drops later morning.

One of surfing’s great stylists, Phil Edwards was among a hardcore crew of local San Clemente and Dana Point surfers who changed the sport forever. Photo: Courtesy of Bev Morgan

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA

Good surf style has long been a pillar of performance in the Dana Point and San Clemente surf scenes