December 25, 2020

LO C A L

December 25-31, 2020

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

INSIDE: Outdoor Activities Await in the Winter Go.See.Do. SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 13, ISSUE 52

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Dana Point Times offers a look back at its coverage of 2020, and tracks a timeline of the coronavirus pandemic. Illustration: Chelsie Rex

Cities Back Barnes’ Appeal of PrisonReduction Order EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Year in Review: Success and Sports Closures SPORTS/PAGE 21

Food Distribution Held for Families in Need DP LIVING/PAGE 17

GO TO DANAPOINTTIMES.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

Dana Point Times December 25-31, 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 Santa’s Jolly Trolley Delivers Secret Santa Gifts to Seniors THE LATEST: On Tuesday and Wednesday, December 22-23, Santa Claus and his helpers (City of Dana Point recreation staff and youth board members) helped deliver Secret Santa gifts to homebound seniors as part of a first-ever Jolly Trolley delivery.

The crew traveled throughout the city to deliver gifts donated by Dana Point residents for seniors who are part of the Dana Point senior food program. In total, there were 75 gifts for seniors.

“We have been delivering meals to seniors who are homebound and in need,” said Monique Leon, recreation supervisor. “This year, we decided to also include a Secret Santa event for the seniors who are part of our food delivery program via our Jolly Trolley.”

The Dana Point Youth Board consists of 10 local students, who attend St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, Dana Hills High School and San Clemente High School but live in Dana Point.

Leon says during the first day of deliveries, there were families who were emotional with gratitude.

“The outpouring of donated gifts from our community was amazing,” Leon said.

“It’s a great way to spread some holiday cheer.”—Lillian Boyd

Dana Point

TOTAL CASES

COVID-19 UPDATES as of 12/22/20

cases

deaths

TOTAL

730

5

LAST 30 DAYS

373

1

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

South County Cities Back Barnes’ Appeal of Order to Release Inmates THE LATEST: The cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano have joined a chorus of other Orange County cities standing by Sheriff Don Barnes and his challenge to a recent court order requiring that he release up to 50% of the county’s jail population in order to implement social-distancing measures and protect medically vulnerable inmates.

In special meetings on Monday, Dec. 21, Dana Point and San Clemente city councils voted unanimously to file amicus briefs in support of Barnes’ appeal to the order, which, he believes, could result in the release of hundreds of “dangerous offenders.”

“If this ruling is allowed to stand, it will potentially result in the release of

City of Dana Point staff and youth board members helped organize the delivery of 75 gifts to seniors using Santa’s Jolly Trolley. Photo: JPVSPHOTO Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

LAST 30 DAYS

individuals who have been charged with serious and violent crimes,” Barnes wrote in a Dec. 16 letter to the county’s cities, encouraging them to file amicus briefs.

“Among our jail population are 490 inmates who have been charged with murder or attempted murder. Our jail population includes 237 people charged with child molestation,” he wrote. “In my view, the release of even one of these inmates is too many.”

According to city officials in San Clemente, the cities of Fountain Valley, Brea, Seal Beach, Garden Grove, and Rancho Santa Margarita have submitted letters to the court supporting Barnes’ motion, but did not join the amicus brief that the city of Newport Beach is preparing.

Superior Court Judge Peter Wilson handed down the order earlier this month after finding “that conditions in the Jail do not permit proper social distancing, there is no mandatory testing of staff or asymptomatic detainees after intake, and no strictly enforced policy or requiring masks for all staff interactions with inmates.”

The ruling stipulated that Barnes draft by the end of the month a Release Plan identifying medically vulnerable inmates, and maintain the population reduction, as well as a “strict policy of face mask wearing” by all staff whenever they’re within 6 feet of an inmate.

Though it called for the reduction of 50% of the population in all congregated living areas, it noted that the release of the inmates doesn’t necessarily mean “from all forms of custody” and that Barnes has the discretion in terms of options and conditions of release.

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California, along with a few other organizations, filed the class-action lawsuit against Barnes this past April, alleging that the situation in the county’s jails violated the U.S. Constitution and disability rights laws designed to protect inmates from cruel and unusual punishment.

Since March, the ACLU says it has

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received hundreds of complaints from inmates at the Orange County jails about being given stained sheets as face masks, deputies not adhering to face mask policies, disregarded social distance measures and denial of medical care.

Prior to the pandemic, the ACLU’s primary communication with incarcerated individuals in OC jails was through letter correspondence. This year, however, the organization launched a hotline for complaints regarding COVID-19.

“Before COVID, we would receive complaints regarding confinement, excessive use of force, assault from fellow inmates or deputies,” said Daisy Ramirez, the jails conditions and policy coordinator for ACLU SoCal. “We’ve received complaints about incarcerated folks being denied medical care long before this pandemic, but COVID has amplified that issue.”

During the city of San Clemente’s special meeting on Monday, the councilors expressed their dismay with the court order, while also expressing enthusiastic support for joining the amicus brief that Newport Beach intends to file.

“This is serious, and I think it’s just nonsense what’s happening, and we need to be unified with the other cities,” Councilmember Laura Ferguson said, adding: “We need to show a unified front to protect our community. It’s just destructive.”

According to San Clemente City Attorney Scott Smith, the cost for the city to join the amicus brief is $1,000.—Shawn Raymundo and LB

Unemployment Rates Continued to Fall in November THE LATEST: Unemployment among the three South County Cities dropped to 5.4% for the month of November, as the county continued to regain many of the jobs lost at the start of the pandemic, the latest jobs data from the state showed.

According the California Employment Development Department’s report released on Dec. 18, unemployment fell statewide, with the addition of 57,100 jobs, primarily in the leisure and hospitality industry and the trade and transportation sector.

California’s unemployment rate dipped from 9% in October to 8.2% last month, while unemployment in Orange County was reported at 6.4% in November, down from the 7.3% the month prior.

However, the report comes as roughly 98% of the state is under a new stay-athome order amid a rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations that have depleted available beds in intensive care units. The statewide ICU availability as of Tuesday morning, Dec. 22, was 2.5%, according to the Department of Public Health.

(Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) The Southern California region has been under the three-week lockdown since Dec. 7, after ICU capacity dropped below 15%. ICU availability in the region, which includes Orange, Los Angeles and San Diego counties, among others, was reported at an adjusted 0%.

The order put a moratorium on all inperson dining, bars, breweries, wineries, hair salons and barbershops, and personal care services. Restaurants can still offer takeout and delivery, while retail and grocery stores could remain open with 20% customer capacity.

While another stall in economic activity is anticipated as a result of the surge in positive COVID-19 cases across the nation, lawmakers in Congress this week were able to reach a deal on a $900 billion economic relief package that proposes $600 in direct payments to Americans and family members who earn up to $75,000 in annual income, and it includes an extra $300 per week in unemployment benefits for 11 weeks.

President Donald Trump had not yet signed the legislation as of press time, temporarily holding up the processing of stimulus payments to Americans.

WHAT’S NEXT: The state’s next jobs and unemployment report for the month of December, reflecting the impact from the latest stay-at-home order, is expected to be released in late January.—SR

California Legislators Address Coronavirus Relief Package THE LATEST: Amid Congress passing a $900 billion package intended to alleviate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent criticism of individual payments being only $600 under the legislation, several House Representatives from California discussed aspects of the bill during a press call hosted by the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee on Tuesday, Dec. 22.

The Democratic legislators on the call variously said the measures were too small but better than nothing, noting the stimulus package does have some beneficial provisions. They said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had stalled the process and that they are hopeful further relief legislation can be passed soon.

Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), whose area includes North County in San Diego and South Orange County, said the public deserved help a long time ago. “(McConnell) said the blue states should not be given a bailout—basically, let them go bankrupt,” Levin said. “And then, Steve Mnuchin, Treasury Secretary, made offers and negotiated with Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi, but it was clear McConnell and the Republican Senate conference weren’t really interested in the real relief Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

(From left) Jason Spates and Micah Meiring, co-owners of Doheny Bike; Ethan Grush, a San Clemente High School graduate; Monique Leon, City of Dana Point.

Photo: JPVSPHOTO

that meets the scale of the crisis that we’re facing.”

Levin said he is pleased with the compromise on the legislation, and while it doesn’t do enough, hopefully it will help make the next few months better by helping people on the brink avoid poverty.

“I hope it will stem the tide for what could be, otherwise, a disaster—a deep recession,” Levin said. “There is desperately needed aid here that we passed yesterday to help unemployed individuals, low-income individuals, to keep our small businesses afloat, to bolster our public health response, our vaccine distribution, our education, and quite a bit more.”

Levin highlighted local provisions, including more than $100 million in new construction projects at Camp Pendleton; approximately $17 million for water recycling and desalination projects; and a variety of energy and environmental provisions, including his legislation to create a spent nuclear fuel research and development program at the Department of Energy and $27.5 million for nuclear waste disposal.

The representatives pointed to the $2.2 trillion HEROES Act—passed by the House earlier this year but subsequently rejected by the Senate—as an ideal funding amount. New presidential leadership under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, and what happens with the Georgia Senate runoff races on Jan. 5, will factor into how soon a further relief package could be passed, the legislators said.

The current relief package does provide $81.88 billion for education, $54.3 billion of

which will go to K-12 education, Committee Co-chair Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33) said.

“That is four times more than $13.5 billion that the CARES Act had,” Lieu said.

“It’s got $25 billion going to renters. It’s got a lot of money going to vaccine distribution and delivery. There’s a lot of good things in this bill, including over $280 billion in additional paycheck protection loans that are forgivable for small businesses. That’s why I voted yes on it, but to me, this is just a down payment.”

Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) said there were bipartisan Senate negotiations that broke through gridlock, but aid was missing for state and local governments to help police, firefighters, and teachers facing tough times and potential layoffs.

“I am happy about the supplemental benefits,” Peters said. “Something like 52% of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck, and they go to bed every night worried about feeding their kids the next day and paying their bills at the end of the week. Three hundred bucks a week for 11 weeks is not enough, but it means a lot, and I think that’s great. I would prefer more money be put into that than in direct payments, but I think the direct payments will be useful as well.”—Collin Breaux

Doheny Bike Leads Donation for Families in Need THE LATEST: Jason Spates and Micah Meiring, local owners of Dana Point e-bike shop Doheny Bike, led a Retrospec gift donation of scooters, skateboards and

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helmets on Monday, December 21.

Retrospec is a brand for adventure gear including bikes, paddleboards, skate and snow products and more. Recipients included local pre-registered families that had been impacted by job loss and business closures due to COVID-19.

Spates, a lifelong Dana Point resident, says it was important to him to start a business dedicated to local mobility for fellow neighbors.

“We saw how popular e-bikes had become during the pandemic. It only felt natural for us to open dohenybike.com,” Spates said. “We immediately recognized the opportunity to be able to contribute and give back to a community that has been a part of our childhood at Doheny Beach.”

Doheny Bike was started by a couple of Dana Point dads who say they have enjoyed living near the Doheny Beach surf spot. They started the business, because they wanted to see their kids as mobile as they were in the 1970s and ’80s.

“We’re proud of our town and fellow neighbors during this past year; it hasn’t been an easy one. By donating scooters, skateboards and helmets, our goal is to simply assist in providing a feeling of joy, mobility, and an outlet of freedom during this pandemic,” Spates said. “Dana Point is an amazing community, and we want to help more kids enjoy it safely. Thank you to the city of Dana Point for reaching out and organizing such an important event and making many holiday wishes come true across our city.”

Visit dohenybike.com for more information.—LB danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

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The 2020 Festival of Whales parade was held in the Dana Point Harbor during the first weekend of the festival on March 7, rather than on the Pacific Coast Highway route used in previous years.

Many events during the second weekend were canceled in light of concerns for the spread of COVID-19.

Photo: Lillian Boyd

Some of the Top Stories from 2020

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

E

very year, Dana Point Times looks back at its coverage throughout year and compiles a list of the top stories that happened around town.

From homelessness, to coastal erosion, to the downfall of the Pilgrim, an iconic Dana Point symbol, 2020 proved to be a challenging year—but it was not without victories and celebrations, too.

Here are some of the top stories of 2020:

JANUARY Homelessness had been named a top issue for the year of 2019, and 2020 saw an overlap to kick off the new year. Orange County’s homelessness issues continued to escalate when the city of Santa Ana filed a lawsuit against the County of Orange, as well as Dana Point and neighboring cities San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. The lawsuit alleged that the municipalities had leaned heavily on Santa Ana to take on the homelessness crisis.

Sheila Marie Ritze, 40, of San Juan Capistrano, was charged with first-degree murder. According to law enforcement, Ritze, and codefendant Xuan Le, lured a victim onto her boat in Dana Point Harbor before the victim was killed.

The county’s OC Parks continued to seek community input regarding future plans for Capistrano Beach after years of coastal erosion that forced the agency to demolish the beach’s basketball court and restrooms.

FEBRUARY With the three South County cities no longer named in Santa Ana’s lawsuit, the county became the main focus of litigation. However, Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

a federal judge eventually denied Santa Ana’s request for an injunction that would have barred the county from transporting homeless individuals to a temporary shelter at an armory in the city.

The Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 celebrated 25 years since its founding. The organization is devoted to conducting outreach to veterans, active duty military personnel and their families.

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce announce the hiring of Vickie McMurchie as its new executive director, after the departure of Bev Jorgensen. Former City Manager Mark Denny announced his resignation after accepting a city manager position in the City of Fontana.

MARCH March kicked off with the state’s Primary Election, which saw races for the 73rd Assembly District and 49th Congressional District. Residents in Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel and San Clemente also voted on bond measures to support the renovation of schools in their areas.

In the 73rd District race, Bill Brough, a Dana Point resident and the third-term incumbent, came in fourth place, disqualifying him from appearing on the General Election ballot in November and dashing his hopes for reelection.

The 49th Congressional race was largely symbolic, as there were only two candidates—incumbent Rep. Mike Levin, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Brian Maryott, a San Juan Capistrano councilmember— meaning both were shoe-ins for the November ballot. However,

Crews conducted the demolition and removal process of the Pilgrim on Tuesday, April 7, after the vessel had been discovered to be sinking in her slip in March.

Photo: Lillian Boyd

with Levin coming in first, the Primaries offered a glimpse of what would come eight months later.

As for the bond measures, the Primaries delivered another blow to the Capistrano Unified School District’s hopes of refurbishing several of its campuses, including those in San Clemente and Dana Point. Both of CUSD’s measures— H and I—failed, each receiving roughly 45% approval, far below the 55% threshold needed to pass.

Thousands of visitors flocked to Dana Point Harbor to celebrate the 49th Annual Festival of Whales. The event was created to honor the migration of the California gray whale, since they are known to closely pass along the Dana Point coastline. This year, the Festival of Whales Parade, on Saturday, March 7, was held in the Dana Point Harbor.

Dana Point City Council voted to promote Mike Killebrew from his assistant city manager role to city manager after Mark Denny’s departure.

A Dana Point icon saw its last sunrise when the Pilgrim, a threemasted schooner that was a fullsized replica of the merchant ship Page 6

that Richard Henry Dana had detailed in his classic novel Two Years Before the Mast, keeled overnight between Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29. The vessel sank in her slip at Dana Point Harbor and was removed from the water.

APRIL Surfboards artistically painted with messages of hope started mysteriously appearing throughout the Dana Point community, including in locations near Dana Hills High School, Dana Point Harbor, Heritage Park and near the Girl in the Curl surf shop.

MAY Assemblymember Bill Brough was removed from his positions on California Assembly committees after an investigation was conducted by the state Legislature’s Workplace Conduct Unit, concluding that Brough would provide “political help” in exchange for sexual favors.

The conclusion of the investigation came after Brough previously

had faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of campaign finances. Brough denied the claims, questioned the investigation process and stated he was considering legal options.

On Memorial Day, George Floyd, a Black man, was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis. His death, the result of being pinned to the pavement by a White officer kneeling on his neck as he gasped and pleaded for air, sparked outrage and prompted a new social justice movement nationally.

JUNE The racial reckoning that followed Floyd’s death reached Dana Point and other South County cities, as social justice advocates staged local Black Lives Matter rallies and marches. The second planned demonstration drew at least a thousand people in a march that began in Dana Point Harbor and ended at Salt Creek Beach.

Amid the massive protests seen across the U.S., a new rallying cry rang out—”Defund the Police.”

The call to action for many has meant advocating less spending on law enforcement, while for others it has meant a complete disbandment of police departments.

An Orange County Grand Jury investigation into the TCA found, among other things, that the toll road operators have continued to place themselves in future road planning efforts and projects likely outside of their legislative purview, despite having fulfilled much of their original mandates—to build toll roads.

The SONGS Task Force, assembled by Congressman Levin, released a report that laid out a litany of federal and state policy recommendations to address many of the perceived issues related to SONGS and U.S. nuclear power plants in general, while largely focusing on the safe storage of nuclear waste.

Michael Villar, of Capistrano Beach, is the first to announce his candidacy for Dana Point City Council in the District 5 race, ahead of his opponent, Benjamin Bebee. Gary Newkirk and Mike Frost also go on to announce their candidacy in the District 4 race.

Golden State Killer suspect Joseph James DeAngelo Jr., whose murder victims included a Dana Point couple, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of first-degree murder.

A string of rapes, murders and burglaries in the 1970s and ‘80s went unsolved for decades until danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP to oppose Newkirk. Soon thereafter, mailers arrived at residences within District 4 of the city, depicting Newkirk as pro-development and in favor of big-box retail.

investigators announced they had named DeAngelo as the suspect using DNA from a genealogy website in 2018.

On Aug. 19, 1980, the defendant struck in the middle of the night, allegedly raping Patrice Harrington and then bludgeoning to death both Patrice and her husband, Keith, in their Niguel Shores home on Cockleshell Drive.

NOVEMBER

JULY Capistrano Beach experienced turbulent tidal action over the Fourth of July weekend, adding to coastal erosion and damage the beach had seen in recent years. OC Parks officials soon thereafter announced that they are preparing for more expected high tides to come as the agency worked toward short- and long-term solutions. Community members expressed differing views on whether OC Parks should implement armoring, which arguably could preserve coastal access or cause further erosion in the future.

The California Coastal Commission (CCC) approved a nuclear waste monitoring program from SoCal Edison (SCE), which is required to show, among other things, that its storage of radioactive material at SONGS will be maintained and ready for eventual relocation.

The project to more than double the size of Wheeler North Reef, SCE’s man-made kelp forest off the coast of San Clemente, concluded, as the last rocks were placed into the waters just north of the pier.

The reef, now encompassing 376 acres, stretches from Seal Rock, past San Clemente’s shores and into Dana Point’s waters. The two-year project added more than 200 acres to the artificial reef, according to Edison.

Three Dana Point beaches were listed in Heal the Bay’s honor roll list for 2019-2020: Dana Point Harbor Youth Dock, Dana Point at Camino Estrella (Capistrano Beach area) and Dana Strands Beach.

Former Councilmember Debra Lewis submitted her resignation on Tuesday, July 28, effective immediately, after her Dana Point home went into escrow. She’s since moved to Palos Verdes to be closer to her daughter, son-inlaw and grandchildren.

A protest held in Dana Point in response to the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was in police custody at the time he was killed, drew about a thousand demonstrators on Friday, June 5. Photo: Lillian Boyd

in Capistrano Beach and San Clemente.

Officials say Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) is not related to the novel coronavirus and does not affect humans or domestic animals other than rabbits.

SoCal Edison transferred the last bit of nuclear waste from its power plant into dry storage, completing another step in the ongoing plans to deconstruct the decommissioned facility.

SEPTEMBER 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 wraparound services to parents of R.H. Dana Elementary School students and residents of Dana Point. The goal is for families to be equipped to overcome barriers to stable housing.

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

Later in the month, Dana Point City Council introduced an ordinance that targets illicit massage establishments, in an effort to combat human trafficking. Meanwhile, the Dana Point Planning Commission held a workshop on short-term rentals, forming a subcommittee to explore regulation and community input.

The average unemployment rate for San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano collectively was 7.4% in the month of September—below the countywide rate of 9%, according to the state’s mid-October jobs report. Statewide, the unemployment rate also fell slightly to 11%, down from the 11.2% the month prior. In Dana Point, where 1,400 residents were out of work,

unemployment was at 7.6%

OCTOBER As announced by the Hilton luxury hotel brand, Monarch Beach Resort will be known as Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club. The 400-room, AAA five-diamond hotel was purchased from KSL Capital Partners

by Ohana Real Estate Investors in November 2019 for $497 million.

Final financial reports ahead of the election indicated that Mike Frost had raised more money than his opponent Gary Newkirk, while Newkirk led with more individuals making contributions to his campaign for the District 4 seat. In District 5, Michael Villar beat his opponent Benjamin Bebee in fundraising by a landslide.

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

AUGUST A deadly virus threatening both domestic and wild rabbits was detected in Orange County, with infected rabbits being identified Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

Left: A beachgoer walks alongside the shore at Capistrano Beach shortly after OC Parks demolished and removed portions of sidewalk due to coastal erosion on August 7. Right: The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 hosted this year’s Veterans Day Service at Del Obispo Community Baseball Park to allow for social distancing on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Photos: Lillian Boyd Page 7

Mike Frost and Michael Villar are voted in to become the first to represent District 4 and District 5 on the Dana Point City Council, respectively, with the city transitioning toward districted elections in 2018. Both winners prevailed by wide margins over their opponents.

Laguna Niguel Mayor Laurie Davies won the race for the 73rd Assembly District and Levin maintained his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934, based in Dana Point, hosted this year’s Veterans Day Service at Del Obispo Community Baseball Park to allow for social distancing. The event is typically held at Strands Vista Memorial Park.

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce adjusted this year’s Turkey Trot, an annual Thanksgiving Day fundraiser, to allow for social distancing and health safety precautions. Rather than holding the series of races in the Dana Point Harbor, as has been tradition, participants instead “run the race at their own pace” and on their own terms.

DECEMBER A recent independent survey of the dry cask storage system at SONGS found no evidence of contamination or radiation leakage coming from the canisters containing spent nuclear fuel.

The California Coastal Commission approved an application for OC Parks to use sand cubes and boulders at Capistrano Beach while the agency formulates a long-term master plan.

Patricia Todd, who previously worked as a legislative aide for Sen. John Moorlach of Costa Mesa, filed a criminal complaint against Brough for allegedly raping her after a 2015 dinner in Sacramento.

Dana Point City Council recognized outgoing Councilmember Paul Wyatt for his four years of service. As his term concluded, incoming councilmembers Mike Frost and Michael Villar were sworn in. Jamey Federico was appointed to be the next mayor of Dana Point. Joe Muller will serve as mayor pro tem. DP danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP restrictions on many sectors

SEPTEMBER Sept. 8 » OC moves down into state’s red “substantial” tier— the second-highest coronavirus monitoring tier—clearing the way for reopenings in several sectors, including schools and limited indoor dining

COVID-19 TIMELINE

Sept. 22 » Visit Dana Point is temporarily suspended due to impacts of COVID-19

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

JANUARY Jan. 26 » First reported COVID-19 cases in California Jan. 30 » World Health Organization declares global health emergency

FEBRUARY Feb. 26 » Orange County issues public health emergency due to coronavirus concerns

MARCH March 4 » OC reports two positive cases of COVID-19 March 4 » First coronavirusrelated death reported in CA March 13 » Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) schools close through April 3 March 15 » State issues social distancing guidelines and urges bars to close and restaurants to reduce operations

operated beach parking

coronavirus-related death

weekend

March 27 » U.S. House of Representatives passes $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package

May 18 » OC reopens limited parking at county-operated beaches

APRIL

May 26 » CA surpasses 100,000 coronavirus cases

July 8 » OC hits single-day summertime high of 1,333 new coronavirus cases, tops 20,000 total cases

April 2 » Capistrano Unified School District announces distance learning to continue indefinitely

JUNE

April 3 » OC surpasses 1,000 COVID-19 cases April 13 » MemorialCare launches mobile testing center for coronavirus April 14 » State announces plan to reopen CA economy April 17 » CA records 1,000th coronavirus-related death April 30 » Dana Point City Council votes to join lawsuit against Gov. Gavin Newsom regarding beach closures

March 17 » OC bans gatherings, orders closure of in-person dining and bars and encourages working from home

MAY

March 19 » CA issues stay-at-home order, closing all but essential services

May 4 » State allows SC beaches to open for active recreation

March 19 » CA surpasses 1,000 coronavirus cases March 23 » Dana Point closes Dana Point Cove March 24 » CUSD begins distance learning

May 1 » State orders all OC beaches to close

May 7 » OC reopens countyoperated beaches for active recreation May 7 » The City of Dana Point dismisses itself from a lawsuit against Newsom after the state’s action to reopen OC beaches

March 24 » OC reports first death related to COVID-19

May 8 » CA moves into Stage 2 of reopening plan allowing retail to offer curbside pickup

March 25 » OC closes county-

May 9 » OC records 100th

Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

June 8 » OC top health officer Dr. Nichole Quick resigns after protests at home and death threats due to county mask order June 12 » Retail stores, dine-in restaurants, bars, churches, hair and nail salons, gyms, movie theaters and other businesses allowed to reopen with health and safety modifications in CA June 18 » CA orders statewide mask-wearing requirement June 29 » OC one of 19 counties put on state’s coronavirus watch list with rising case rates, testing positivity and hospitalization rates

July 13 » Barbershops, salons, personal care services, fitness centers, places of worship, indoor malls and offices in non-critical sectors in watch-list counties ordered to close indoor operations July 14 » OC hits summertime high of coronavirus hospitalizations at 722 July 17 » State announces plan for reopening schools connected to state coronavirus watch list July 20 » Barbershops and salons allowed to reopen with outdoor operations in CA July 31 » CA hits 500,000 COVID-19 cases

AUGUST Aug. 6 » CA surpasses 10,000 coronavirus-related deaths

JULY July 1 » Restaurants, wineries, movie theaters, family entertainment centers, zoos, museums and cardrooms in watch-list counties ordered to close indoor operations July 2 » OC bars, breweries and brewpubs that do not offer dine-in meals ordered to close July 4 » OC surpasses 500 coronavirus-related deaths July 4-5 » County-operated beaches and beach parking lots closed for Independence Day Page 8

Aug. 11 » OC tops 1,000 coronavirus-related deaths Aug. 18 » CUSD begins school year with online learning Aug. 19 » First teen in OC dies due to COVID-19 Aug. 23 » OC removed from state’s coronavirus watch list Aug. 28 » CA replaces state coronavirus county watch list with four-tiered, color-coded monitoring system; OC opens in highestrisk purple “widespread” tier with

Sept. 28-29 » CUSD schools begin to resume in-person instruction

OCTOBER Oct. 21 » OC tops 1,500 coronavirus-related deaths

NOVEMBER Nov. 13 » CA surpasses 1 million coronavirus cases Nov. 16 » CA pulls “emergency brake” on coronavirus monitoring system as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge; OC falls back to purple tier Nov. 19 » State issues limited stayat-home order to cease overnight activities in purple tier counties

DECEMBER Dec. 3 » OC hits new pandemic high of coronavirus hospitalizations at 746 Dec. 6 » Regional stay-at-home order enacted for Southern CA as available ICU capacity dips below 15% Dec. 8 » CA reports 20,000th coronavirus-related death Dec. 10 » CA tops 1.5 million coronavirus cases Dec. 14 » U.S. tops 300,000 coronavirus-related deaths Dec. 16 » First coronavirus vaccines administered in OC Dec. 17 » OC, Southern CA region hit 0% adjusted available ICU capacity Dec. 20 » OC hits single-day pandemic high of 4,606 new coronavirus cases DP danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Reinhold Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against County, OCSD Deputies A lawsuit filed against the County of Orange on Thursday, Dec. 17, accuses two deputy sheriffs of using excessive and unreasonable force against Kurt Reinhold, the 42-year-old homeless Black man who was shot and killed during an altercation with the officers outside a San Clemente hotel in late September.

Reinhold, who was unarmed, is believed by authorities to have reached for the firearm of one of the two homeless outreach deputies as they wrestled during the scuffle that occurred in the early afternoon of Sept. 23 on El Camino Real, just outside Hotel Miramar.

Attorneys representing Reinhold’s family—including his wife, Latoya Reinhold, and his mother, Judy Reinhold-Tucker— filed the wrongful death suit against the county in federal court, arguing that the two unnamed deputies escalated their encounter with Reinhold, who reportedly suffered from mental illness and intermittent homelessness for the past few years.

“One thing is clear: the deputies who shot and killed Kurt did exactly the opposite of what well-trained officers are expected to do,” attorney Neil Gehlawat said in a press release, further alleging that one of the officers had already drawn his department-issued taser near the onset of the interaction.

“Instead of de-escalating the situation, these deputies clearly escalated—by having a taser drawn, tackling Kurt, and then shooting and killing him,” Gehlawat continued in the release. “This lawsuit not only aims to expose the injustice surrounding Kurt’s death, but also the lack of adequate training provided to these deputies.”

In an email, Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Carrie Braun said the department doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

In the lawsuit, the Reinhold family, which is demanding that the case be decided by a jury trial, alleges that the deputies violated the late Reinhold’s Fourth Amendment protections from unreasonable searches and seizures, and that the county’s training polices are inadequate in addressing certain circumstances.

It remains unclear why the officers had stopped Reinhold, who, based on eyewitness accounts, had been walking along El Camino Real after purchasing snacks from a nearby liquor store just minutes before his interaction with the deputies Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Each Saturday, California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market.

Craft vendors are available the first Saturday of the month. La Plaza Park, Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

THURSDAY, DEC. 24

DANA POINT CITY HALL CLOSURE Dana Point City Hall offices will be closed in observance of the holidays through New Year’s Day.

Latoya Reinhold on Tuesday, Oct. 6, talks about the life of her late husband, Kurt Reinhold, who was shot and killed by homeless outreach deputies during an altercation outside a San Clemente hotel on Sept.

23. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

An investigation into the matter is currently being conducted by the Orange County District Attorney’s office.

OCSD has said it also is conducting its own internal investigation. Sheriff Don Barnes previously stated that part of the investigation is determining what led to the contact.

According to the lawsuit, the Reinhold family is seeking monetary damages, as well as punitive damages, against the two officers involved.

ment with the county and The Ranch, acknowledging that the design plans for the free, county-operated arterial route will not include considerations to develop the controversial extension of the 241 Toll Road.

“The development agreement is an excellent step forward,” Councilmember Steven Knoblock said during the meeting. “Hopefully, it reflects a universal opinion that the 241 won’t be built and that by putting in the design criteria, hopefully this will put a straitjacket on the roadway so that it can never be at toll road.”

Mike Balsamo, senior vice president of governmental relations for The Ranch and one of three RMV officials included in the council’s discussion, echoed Knoblock’s sentiments, stating that the agreement will lead to further dialogue between the city and county.

“I think this first step of partnership with the city is a good lead-in for further dialogue about what the ultimate road will look like,” he said.

Along with the agreement, the coun-

San Clemente to Work with County, The Ranch on Los Patrones Planning The city of San Clemente effectively got its wish of securing a seat at the planning table for Los Patrones Parkway’s extension, as the city council last week agreed to work cooperatively with the County of Orange and the neighboring community of Rancho Mission Viejo.

The council on Dec. 15 voted unanimously to enter into a cooperative agreePage 9

cil also voted to initiate a General Plan amendment that would incorporate the extension of Los Patrones, which begins where the 241 ends and currently runs through The Ranch. The road is planned to eventually connect to La Pata, stretching roughly 700 feet past the San Clemente city limits.

The agreement puts in place a series of “key assumptions” meant to ensure that the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ abandoned proposals to extend the 241 through San Clemente and parts of San Juan Capistrano can never be revived.

One assumption includes the agreement between the city, county and The Ranch that Los Patrones will differ from a toll road, or freeway, “in terms of their design, speed, capacity, purpose, utility, ownership, and environmental impacts.”

The agreement comes as the county recently began the process of amending its General Plan to include an extended Los Patrones Parkway. The County Board of Supervisors is also expected to meet in early January to approve the extension as an amendment in the MPAH, or Master Plan of Arterial Highways.

“The project is proceeding; it’s set to proceed through the county decisionmaking … over the course of this winter,” San Clemente City Attorney Scott Smith explained to the council. “This agreement allows the city and the county to lock in on those key assumptions as this process takes place.”

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DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Board Supervisor Lisa Bartlett

2020: A Year for the History Books

A

s this year draws to a close, many of us will look back on 2020 as a year that has so far been unlike any other in this 21st century. Personally, I will look back on 2020 as a year when two of the most frequent words I heard were “Zoom meeting”; however, on a more serious note was our country grappling with the effects of a devastating global pandemic, civil unrest and a general election unlike any we’ve ever seen. Yet, despite the many challenges and uncertainty of the time, there was one thing that gave me hope, comfort and a renewed sense of belonging—the great American spirit! In every corner of every state, and especially here in Orange County, the American spirit was alive and well! I was humbled to see so many residents in my district, from all walks of life, come together to do what Americans do best—extend a hand of kindness, love,

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

compassion and generosity, regardless of their own personal situations, to show that we are a county that cares!

Thousands of volunteers delivered food to the hungry, blankets for the homeless, and visited seniors at care facilities, albeit from a safe distance, to extend a kind wave, a friendly smile and make sure they were doing well. Utilizing CARES Act funding, I had the opportunity to provide much-needed financial support to businesses and nonprofits within my district. My office developed the Small Business Grant Program that distributed $14.5 million in grants to more than 1,500 small businesses and nonprofits in South County. In addition, I wholeheartedly supported the Safe Dine OC program that provided millions of dollars to help restauTHE BARTLETT BULLETIN rants purchase items

By Lisa Bartlett such as masks, gloves, PPE, cleaning supplies, and perform site modifications so they could reopen safely.

To help our most vulnerable through these difficult times, my office created a Nutrition Gap Program and partnered with 211 Orange County, Second Harvest Food Bank and Ruby’s Diner to provide more than 95,000 food boxes and 80,000 prepared meals to seniors, disabled individuals, veterans and others in need.

For those stricken with COVID-19, Orange County’s finest doctors, nurses, first responders, and thousands of health

care providers worked day and night to care for patients, and comforted those who lost a loved one, all at great personal risk to themselves and their families.

Throughout history, and despite our many differences, we have demonstrated repeatedly that there is more that unites us than divides us. Love of family and friends and taking care of others in a time of need is undoubtedly one of our greatest strengths and a quality that unites us all. With the development and deployment of a vaccine, I am optimistic that it is the beginning of the end for COVID-19, and I have a renewed sense of hope that Orange County will come back healthier and stronger than before.

And so, as we close the book on 2020 and look toward 2021, we look forward to a brighter and better future for all Orange County residents. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and to let you know that it is an honor and a privilege to represent and serve you in the Fabulous Fifth District.

I wish you and yours joy and goodwill during the Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Lisa Bartlett sits on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, representing the 5th District. She was reelected in 2018.DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 danapointtimes.com

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

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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

Letter to the Editor HIGH PRAISE FOR OC SHERIFF BARNES DILAN SWIFT, San Clemente

Relationships between citizens and government are girded by trust. Citizens trust officials to lead and implement policy based on consensus, common sense, and in all residents’ best interests.

Officials trust citizens to make safe and responsible decisions while adhering to the law. Thank you, Gov. Newsom and OC Sheriff Barnes, for reminding us of the importance of trust as we navigate this pandemic.

Despite recent personal “mistakes” in violating his own policies, Gov. Newsom reinstated lockdown criteria. This month, our county entered lockdown after ICU Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

residents and small businesses to do their best in this trying time.

While we work on building trust at the local level with level-headed officials like Sheriff Barnes, I trust the governor to continue to enjoy his generous taxpayerprovided salary and secure government job as our small businesses continue to face financial calamity.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to letters@danapointtimes.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers.

Limit your letters to 350 or fewer words. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

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

availability in the Southern California region dropped below 15%.

Furthermore, the governor has threatened to withhold state and federal funding from counties that refuse to use law enforcement to enforce these regulations.

Sadly, this new shutdown will be the death knell for many of our small businesses that faithfully adhered to regulations thus far.

Slowing the spread is universally supported, but using law enforcement to impose this new set of restrictions, as Gov. Newsom expects, is spurious and erodes trust between our citizens and elected officials.

OC Sheriff Barnes has taken a bold stand against this nonsense. I encourage readers of this newspaper to read the sheriff’s recent Dec. 5 press release for an example of community trust building.

What our governor has shown us is a lack of trust to make health decisions for our families and community. Conversely, Sheriff Barnes has committed to working in a positive way to build trust and enable

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex

Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director Mike Reed Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent, Chloe Anady

Dana Point Times, Vol. 13, Issue 52. 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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GO.SEE.DO WINTER 2020

Modern Meals at Mayfield

By Lillian Boyd

Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

M

ayfield Restaurant & Marketplace—which opened in San Juan Capistrano in August— is a market-style dining experience that incorporates California and European flavors.

The restaurant, located near Five Vines Wine Bar and the downtown movie theater, sells wine, cookware and other products. Takeout dinner is now available to order.

“We have had a lot of people come in who had been following us on Instagram, so it was nice to meet the local community,” said owner and operator George Barker, ahead of the state’s second stay-at-home order. “We started doing takeout dinner in the evening, which is going well.”

Barker says the Mayfield menu combines modern Californian cooking with flavors from the Levant region, an area spanning the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa.

Barker has started a supper club for Mayfield, which calls for Page 11

limited reservations with social distancing and a set menu.

Mayfield’s “secret garden patio” is secluded at the back of the restaurant and provides a beautiful environment to relax and kick back. Dogs are welcome on the patio.

Barker says that the restaurant will be temporarily closing toward the end of December in preparation of a new seasonal menu. For up-to-date hours, visit mayfieldoc.com.

In light of state health directives, Mayfield has offered a takeout menu with dishes such as the Croque Madame, made with Applewood smoked bacon, bechamel sauce, gruyere cheese and a fried egg. The Mayfield Burger is made with Harissa aioli, lettuce, pickles, American and white cheddar. Vegetarian options include the Cauliflower Shawarma with tahini and pomegranate molasses.

Mayfield Restaurant & Marketplace, 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.218.5140. danapointtimes.com

TEEING OFF

By Shawn Raymundo ecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are hitting the links. Whether the players are new to the sport of golf or they’re frequent club members with more free time on their hands, golf pros are seeing an influx in tee-time bookings.

“We’re booked up seven days in advance,” said Vinnie Poncino, PGA head golf professional at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course.

Over at Bella Collina San Clemente, Brian Hollenbeck, the PGA head golf pro for the private club, concurs that there’s increased

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Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

traffic at the club’s courses, as well as the driving range.

“People are buying clubs, they’re playing more, taking more lessons,” he said.

That includes not only the members, the majority of which are men, but their wives and children too, he adds. While membership at Bella Collina has seen an increase, according to Hollenbeck, club members are just finding additional time to play more golf.

And at driving ranges, where you’ll find players working on their golf swing, spots are sometimes nearly full, at least at San Clemente’s municipal course, Poncino said.

For beginners who are looking to get into the sport, Poncino advises that they utilize the driving range and also avoid course tee times in the early morning. New players, he said, should aim for the late afternoon since they don’t typically play at the pace of seasoned golfers.

Courses, including the municipal facility and Bella Collina, offer lessons for beginners, as well as clinics.

Hollenbeck said you don’t have to be a member to enroll in the private or semiprivate lessons that are offered at the club.

Prices for the lessons can range from about $55 to $65 per session, he said.

Private lessons for adults at the municipal course are $40, or you can get a package of six lessons for $210. Junior private lessons are $35, or $180 for a package.

For the driving range at the municipal course, prices for a bucket of balls range from $5 for a small bucket to $20 for an extra-large bucket.

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Along for the Ride EZ Green Bikes Offers Environmentally Friendly Ways to Commute

By Lillian Boyd Robbie Villanueva’s passion for electric bicycles began in 2008, amid the loss of his job, skyrocketing gas prices and the chaos of a collapsing economy.

At that time, Villanueva says there were no local suppliers of reasonably priced electric bicycles, with the latest technology using Lithium Ion batteries. The former engineer, who was accustomed to traveling for work, ventured abroad to research manufacturing.

Villanueva then founded EZ Green Bikes, with its first location in Lake Forest.

He moved his business to Dana Point in 2009 and has been there ever since. He even commutes via e-bike from his home in Rancho Santa Margarita.

“I think cycling is good for people. It’s good exercise, you can get Vitamin D, you can go on an adventure,” Villanueva

said. “I wanted to be able to give people that opportunity.”

EZ Green Bikes offers rental rates for two hours ($30) and four hours ($40). For high-powered e-bike rentals, customers can rent for two hours ($40) and four hours ($55).

E-bikes—equipped with a powerful Lithium Ion battery and lightweight aluminum frames—are also available for purchase. There are also conversion kits for cyclists interested in converting their current bike into a motorized one.

EZ Green Bikes’ repair and maintenance shop offers front and rear wheel repair, tuneups, wheel truing and more. For Razor electric Pocket Mod, Quads, scooters & I-Zip E-bikes, the shop offers front and rear wheel repairs, battery and charger replacements, controller and throttle repair, brake adjustment, and other mechanical and electrical repairs.

EZ Green Bikes is located at 34193 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. For more information, visit ezgreenbikes.com or call 949.351.8344.

danapointtimes.com

Community Supporting Community The Ecology Center continues to offer fresh produce and give back to its neighbors

By Zach Cavanagh he pandemic hasn’t been easy on anyone, but if there is a positive to come from it, many have become more involved in supporting their neighbors and the community.

One local group that’s been on both sides of that coin of support is The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano.

The center’s educational events, festivals and farm dinners have been put on hold, but The Ecology Center is still seeing plenty of locals visiting for their robust farm stand.

“There’s been a significant increase,” said Jonathan Zaidman, The Ecology Center’s Director of Impacts and Partnerships. “It’s not just because grocery stores had empty shelves. They’re realizing when there’s an emergency, the central food system is not going to be the most resilient.”

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Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

The farm stand has adjusted as well, with a touchless pickup option. The farm stand can be reached at 949.661.6063, or orders can be made through The Ecology Center’s farm share, which offers a wide variety of foods, gifts, holiday and celebratory items, produce and herbs for special holiday dishes at farmshare.theecologycenter.org.

The center is also selling Harvest Boxes, which offer a week’s worth of fresh fruits and vegetables for pickup at the farm stand.

Since the early days of the pandemic in March, The Ecology Center has been committed to donating 20% of the food it grows on its 28-acre regenerative organic farm to food-insecure families. At the center’s farm stand, there’s a free table called “the share table” that’s accessible for those families in need. Food is also distributed through San Juan Capistrano’s senior food distribution program and CREER afterschool program.

It’s actions like these that led to The Ecology Center being named a California Nonprofit of the Year in July.

That commitment to food donation and the entire center itself have been helped by The Ecology Center’s membership model.

“We’re very fortunate that the philanthropic community has supported us,” Zaidman said. “To be able to feed a community and to have the appreciation and gratitude of that community is the greatest work possible.”

The Ecology Center has also tried to make its educational programs mobile by donating more than 500 field kits to local schools, which Zaidman described as a field trip in a box. The program’s summer field kit sent some of the farm’s tomatoes, onions and

cilantro home with a recipe for kids to make their own salsa and tacos.

“The pandemic has been truly disastrous, but there’s a resurgence of people dedicated to the craft and becoming their own DIY food source,” Zaidman said, referencing people baking their own bread or building chicken coops for their own eggs. “What we’re hoping is these systems are extended into the home. We’re seeing people want to make their own food and recipes.”

Looking forward, The Ecology Center will launch its inaugural apprenticeship program in March of 2021. There will be eight paid apprentices learning every element of repli-

Page 13

cating a regenerative farm.

“Our mission is to train future farmers in order to change our local food system,” The Ecology Center’s website said. “This apprenticeship is ideal for you if you live in Southern California and are looking to move closer toward your goal of regenerative, organic farming or other regenerative agriculturerelated careers.” Those interested can apply at theecologycenter.org.

Ultimately, The Ecology Center is about the community continuing to support the community. The center encourages people to come out together, dig in and support local establishments, farms, makers and purveyors.

danapointtimes.com

Stacy Savage

YOGA GONE WILD

By Collin Breaux y the time the new normal for 2020 set in, Stacy Savage had transitioned to virtual yoga classes through Zoom.

Savage is one of many in the South Orange County yoga community figuring out how to continue stretching and practicing mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when yoga’s emphasis on calm is sorely needed.

Savage teaches yoga throughout Orange County, including stand-up paddleboard yoga at Dana Point Harbor.

Savage also eventually started holding outdoor classes at parks as those reopened, which have followed safety guidelines and have not resulted in anyone catching the coronavirus.

Though the Zoom sessions are a change of pace, Savage said one advantage of virtual classes is her students don’t have to

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Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

make a long commute to practice poses. She isn’t able to do her usual hands-on adjusting of positions, so she instead relies on verbal cues when working with students.

“The nice part about it is you can do it from home,” Savage said.

Savage has had to adapt her teaching style since it can be difficult to fully see everyone on the Zoom calls. She does prefer in-person classes, but the virtual classes are a good outlet for now.

“It’s been a nice way for us to stay connected as a community,” Savage said.

Yoga offers a safe method of self-care and escape from everything going on, Savage said.

Anyone looking to take a yoga class with Savage can look her up on Instagram at stacy_savage or email her at sls423@cox. net.

Kristin Shively at EPIC Yoga—based in San Clemente—is also navigating the new landscape. Before the pandemic, EPIC Yoga had a successful in-person location that also offered child care, and was heading into what looked like a good third year of operations by January.

“Then came March,” Shively said. “We immediately did virtual streaming online classes, because we initially weren’t sure how long it would last.”

Page 14

Shively decided to partner with other struggling businesses and has hosted outdoor classes on the patio at JD’s Kitchen and Bar and at San Clemente Presbyterian Church.

“It feels like you’re on a yoga retreat, because there’s a patio and you’re outdoors, and there’s the ocean breeze,” Shively said.

EPIC Yoga has also held classes at Linda Lane Park. While Shively has conducted outdoor classes before, she’s never done it to this degree or had to completely shift EPIC Yoga’s operations away from being based indoors.

Despite the pandemic having debilitating effects on everyone, Shively said there are positive rays of light amid the health crisis.

“We are so grateful we can be outdoors and safe,” Shively said. “People are enjoying the outdoors even more. Having the sunshine and fresh air is healing.”

Shively said the outdoor sessions also give people a chance to use cues from nature in their movements—for instance, she can instruct students to face the ocean.

Being on their yoga mats gives students a chance to spend time by themselves in meditation while still being a part of a community, Shively said. It also keeps the body moving, a crucial and healthy practice during a time when people may not be as active as usual.

“We often have times where people are crying at the end of class, good or bad,” Shively said. “We call it moving meditation with other people. You still feel connected.”

Visit epicyogasc.com for more information on EPIC Yoga’s classes.

danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. Vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams, and diagnostic testing available on-site. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. 34192 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach. 1.800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

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

TIDE POOL HIKE 1-3 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute and one of their marine experts on a hike into a rocky Marine Protected Area. Hikers will be able to see crabs, snails, sea stars and other marine life, as winter is the best time to view tide pool creatures. The hike is suitable for children and adults, and tickets cost $15. Free member admission is not applicable for Tide Pool Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays. Sign up in advance, as space is limited. Walk-ins will only be allowed when space is available.

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org/event/tidepool-hikes.

Saturday | 26 HOLIDAY ‘SMALL-I-DAY’ CAMPS 9 a.m.-noon. Ocean Institute is offering small-group camps with outdoor enrichment and the highest safety standards.

Campers will join in on a squid dissection, create their own holiday ornament with classic maritime knots, experience fake snow through a fun science experiment, and compare squid anatomy to reindeers during “Reindeer Games.” This program is ideal for 5-to 10-year-olds. Price is $30 per person. Staff and participants must wear masks. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org.

KAYAKING TOURS 10 a.m.-noon. Explore the ocean from the water. Join the Ocean Institute for a two-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point harbor. Learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem from an expert naturalist. All experience levels are welcome. Must be at least 12 years old to participate. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pricing is $40 per person; members receive 10% discount. Please sign up in advance, as space is limited. Walk-ins will not be allowed. Staff and participants must wear face masks. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org.

A STORY WRITTEN IN STONE: HARBOR GEOLOGY HIKE 12:30-1:30 p.m. Participants will be guided by an instructor on a tour that highlights the geological principles and ideas reflecting the natural history of Dana Point Harbor. The group will examine the rock layers and geologic structures that surround Ocean Institute and form the harbor to uncover the geologic story of how the harbor was shaped over 15 million years into what it looks like today. Afterward, participants will observe sediment samples from around the world under microscopes and discuss sediment Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

Wednesday | 30 BACKYARD OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads’ backyard is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. 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.

Photo: Ocean Institute Facebook

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27: BACK TO ROOTS: NATIVE PLANT GARDEN TOUR 12:30-1:30 p.m. Do you enjoy the natural wonders the coast of Southern California has to offer? Have you ever wanted to know more about the beautiful plants around you? If so, then join Ocean Institute for the California Native Plant tour. Come learn how to identify certain iconic native plants and hear about how native animals and people use them. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org.

transportation in the ocean. The duration of the tour is one hour and costs $10 per person. Participants must wear face masks. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org.

fishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.5794. danawharf.com.

Sunday | 27 8-HOUR ULTIMATE WHALE WATCH 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Come aboard the luxury OCean Adventures catamaran for a special 8-hour whale watching trip. This excursion is limited to 25 passengers and costs $149 per person. Dana Wharf Sport-

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers at the Community Center/San Clemente Public Library parking lot. 100 North Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8200. san-clemente.org.

LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 10-11:30 a.m. The Feed Barn offers lowcost vaccinations for all dogs and cats

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Thursday | 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE SUPER-SAFE SUNSET SAFARI 3-5:30 p.m. Say goodbye to 2020 with a special 2 ½-hour dolphin and whale “SuperSafe Sunset Safari” aboard the Manute’a on New Year’s Eve. Your entire experience from start to end is outdoors, and the boat will have reduced guest capacity for ample space. Watch the sun sink below the oceanic horizon for the very last time in 2020 as we salute the New Year. Passengers will enjoy a complimentary champagne or sparkling cider toast. Before the sun sets for the final time this year, passengers will have the chance to spend time with whales, dolphins, and other beautiful marine animals. Entry for adults is $65 and $45 for children ages 12 and younger.

Capt. Dave’s Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.518.0310. dolphinsafari.com. danapointtimes.com

DP

Dana Point Point Dana

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach

by Shelley Murphy

A Holiday Story for 2020—The Holly, Jolly Time of Year

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year, and in the spirit of the season I share a holiday story for 2020.

We begin on a blustery December morning as I drive to Starbucks for a cup of good cheer.

I pull into a parking space and notice a sedan parked to my right. Exiting my car, I see a somewhat masked man with two cups of liquid caffeine walking toward the vehicle.

I dart inside to grab my coffee, then return to my car, remove my mask, and restart my engine. Out pulls the sedan on my right.

Checking my rearview mirror, I see that vehicle stop behind me. I wait. Then I realize, the sedan is parked behind me.

I get out of my vehicle, look at the driver through his open passenger window, shrug my shoulders and say, “What’s up?”

From behind the wheel of his automobile, the man bellows, “What’s up is you’re going to know what it feels like to have your LIFE’S A BEACH constitutional rights taken

By Shelley Murphy away! I’ll block your car all day, so you know how it feels!”

We engage in quick colorful conversation that culminates with me saying, “I’m calling the police.”

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Jingle DANA POINT TIMES

E

ight-month-old Jingle is a happy puppy that loves to meet new people. He has lots of energy and enjoys brisk walks and playing in the yard. With his friendly demeanor, Jingle would make a great addition to an active family.

If you are interested in adopting Jingle, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/adoptadog to download an adoption

Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

Seconds later, the guy speeds off, briefly stops at a red turn signal, then blows through the stoplight almost striking a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

Amidst the action, I managed to take a clear picture of the cotton-headed ninny muggins’ license plate. And I contemplated sending the photo to Santa for the Naughty List.

Mulling over the matter, I imagine the manchild’s temper tantrum was probably prompted by a bumper sticker on my car’s rear end.

What I can’t imagine is becoming so infuriated by a bumper sticker that someone morphs into a manic bully.

But the man’s motivation remains a mystery; before speeding off, he failed to enlighten me and explain which constitutional rights my two bumper stickers breach.

I’m sure the irony was lost on him as he shouted at me for violating his constitutional rights, that my bumper stickers are an expression of the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

I shared my seasonal story with friends, who reacted with surprise, shock and sadness.

One referred to him as a male version of a Karen.

For those without internet access, the rise of the slang expression “Karen” comes from a popular social media site.

Describing a person as a Karen is comparable to calling someone a Scrooge from A Christmas Carol—he’s synonymous with somebody who’s stingy with money.

Karen is a pejorative term describing a shrill middle-aged, white woman who embodies entitlement, aggression and arrogance.

On a sidenote, there isn’t an equivalent male nickname for a middle-aged, white man who exemplifies privilege, belligerence, and superiority.

Karen bullied its way into our lexicon, but she’s without a male counterpart. The internet tried Ken, Chad, and Jerome, but it struggles to settle on a masculine moniker. But, I digress.

My two bumper stickers were not stuck on my car to engage or enrage anyone. I positioned them on my car’s rear bumper

Photo: Los Angeles Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo was taken of the estuary where

San Juan Creek meets the Pacific Ocean at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. The photograph is dated January 5, 1978.

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

to hide the cavernous scrape marks made by our garage door, when my husband closed it without realizing my car sat directly in its path.

I consider bumper stickers a trivial and entertaining social interaction between strangers, not an invitation to initiate combative conversations or prompt perilous attacks.

But I also acknowledge bumper stickers say a lot without articulating a word.

Long ago, I remember watching a movie and chuckling when an attorney asks a prospective juror, “Do you have a bumper sticker?” and “What does it say?”

The attorney’s aim is to craft a quick judgment about someone, like the protagonist in our parable.

Jingle.

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/ Dana Point Animal Shelter

application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP Page 16

Mine is an unusual holiday story, but it’s 2020—a year when nothing is normal.

In the spirit of the season, and the year, perhaps I’ll add another bumper sticker to my car: Peace on Earth and Goodwill Toward All. For more than 20 years, Shelley Murphy and her husband have lived in San Clemente, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to the San Clemente Times since 2006. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares.

To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Dana Point Food Distribution Day Held for Families in Need PHOTOS BY JPVSPHOTO AND TEXT BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

On Friday, December 18, the City of Dana Point handed out food packages to local families that have been impacted by COVID-19 and the subsequent business closures and restrictions.

“The City of Dana Point has many hotel and food industry workers who were devastated by the loss of income when the hotels and restaurants were shut down,” said Monique Leon, recreation supervisor for the city. “Ongoing guidelines have limited operations for these industries, which continues to impact many families in our community. The food program is one way the city can help our local community, especially during the holiday season.”

All families registered in advance for the food distribution program. About 100 families were in attendance. DP

Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 20FL000772 To All Interested Persons: Kelly Bolken; Kelly Bolken on behalf of Jake Bolken, a minor, filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Kelly Carmen Bolken B. Jake Michael Bolken PROPOSED NAME A. Kelly Carmen Finn B. Jake Michael Finn The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 04/09/2021 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: W10 Window: 44. The address of the court is REMOTE Lamoreaux Justice Center, 341 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868. 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: December 2, 2020 JUDGE LON F. HURWITZ, Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times Dec 25, 2020, Jan 1, 8, 15, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE T.S. No.: 2019-0102 Loan No.: SEVEN SEAS DR APN: 670-082-04 Property Address: 32401 SEVEN SEAS DRIVE, DANA POINT, CA 92629 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 5/7/2018.

UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: HELEN M. WEATHERBY, TRUSTEE OF THE HELEN M. WEATHERBY TRUST DATED SEPTEMBER 22, 2004 Duly Appointed Trustee: WESTERN FIDELDana Point Times December 25–31, 2020

ITY TRUSTEES Recorded 5/11/2018 as Instrument No. 2018-000172033 in book , page of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Orange County, California, Date of Sale 01/11/2021 at 1:30 PM Place of Sale: At the north front entrance to the county courthouse at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $1,244,021.09 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 32401 SEVEN SEAS DRIVE DANA POINT, CA 92629 A.P.N.: 670-082-04 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information.

If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property.

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (916) 939-0772 or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case 2019-0102. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.

NOTICE TO TENANT: Effective 1/1/2021 you may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase.

First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 916-939-0772, or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com using the file number assigned to this case, 2019-0102 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider

contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Date: 12/10/2020 WESTERN FIDELITY TRUSTEES 1222 Crenshaw Blvd., SUITE B Torrance, California 90501 Sale Line: (310)212-0700 Kathleen Herrera, Trustee Officer NPP0372404 To: DANA POINT TIMES 12/18/2020, 12/25/2020, 01/01/2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206590494 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: KANDI COLLABORATIVE 26921 CALLE MARIA CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624-9262 Full Name of Registrant(s): KANDACE L PATTERSON 26921 CALLE MARIA 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/KANDACE PATTERSON This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 11/30/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times Dec 18, 25, 2020, Jan 1, 8, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206590490 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: RINSE

26921 CALLE MARIA CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624-9262 Full Name of Registrant(s): KANDACE PATTERSON 26921 CALLE MARIA 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/KANDACE PATTERSON This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 11/30/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times Dec 18, 25, 2020, Jan 1, 8, 2021 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206590736 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CHE’S PERSONAL TRAINING 26701 QUAIL CRK APT 179 LAGUNA HILLS, CA 92656 Full Name of Registrant(s): CHE DURAN 26701 QUAIL CRK APT 179 LAGUNA HILLS, 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/CHE DURAN This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 12/02/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times Dec 18, 25, 2020, January 1, 8, 2021

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

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

ATTORNEY

Rosen Law Offices, P.C.

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

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

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

Page 18

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

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

WANT TO BE FEATURED HERE? Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

danapointtimes.com

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to info@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

HELP WANTED WAREHOUSE POSITION Must have experience in shipping and receiving, fork-lift certified, requires lifting and must have valid Drivers License with a clean driving record. Full-Time, benefits, 401K. ...

Please email your resume (if available) to: dromero@ndaonline.net To fill out an application please email request to: dromero@ndaonline.net Or contact the office to speak with Gil for warehouse position.

Debe tener experiencia en el envío y bodega, forklift certificado, debe tener licencia de conducir válida con un registro de conducción limpio. Tiempo completo, beneficios, 401K. ...

Por favor envíe su currículum (si está disponible) a: dromero@ndaonline.net Para llenar una solicitud por favor envíe un correo electrónico a: dromero@ndaonline.net O póngase en contacto con la oficina para hablar con Gil para el puesto de almacén/bodega. Telefono 949.492.4399 P&C LICENSED TEAM MEMBER Get 2021 off to a great start!

Local Insurance Agent seeks a P&C Licensed Team member for a Customer Sales/Service Position. Income based on your efforts, Flexibility available, Experience Preferred, apply at www.elainelavine.net

LIST LOCALS ONLY USE LOCALS ONLY

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

In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at danapointtimes.com Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700 ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

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Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n a year like none before it, Dana Point athletes still found success in the small early window it had and well after the stadiums and gyms had closed.

Here is a look back at some of the memorable Dana Point sports moments of 2020:

JANUARY Harkey, Walker, Donahoe Win Conference Titles

The Dana Hills wrestling program opened a successful postseason run with three individual titles at the Coast View Conference Tournament. Josh Harkey won at 182 pounds, Gavin Walker won at 145 pounds and Layla Donahoe won the girls title at 162 pounds. Six more Dolphins also qualified for the CIF-SS postseason.

FEBRUARY Harkey, Donahoe Earn Historic State Placings

Harkey was the first Dana Hills boys state podium finisher in 13 years with a fifth-place finish at 195 pounds. Donahoe placed in the top 16 at 160 pounds for the best girls finish in Dana Hills history.

Shane Kaemerle, 15, Signs with California United Strikers FC

Dana Point native Shane Kaemerle became the youngest professional signing in National Independent Soccer Association history when the 15-year-old signed with Irvine’s California United Strikers FC.

Championships

The CIF State office and CIF-SS canceled the section, region and state playoffs for spring sports.

The move, along with CUSD schools closing indefinitely, brought an end to any hopes of resuming and finishing the spring sports season.

MAY DPYB Distributes Hand Sanitizer to Seniors

While their teams were off the field due to coronavirus restrictions, the Dana Point Youth Baseball program filled 6,500 plastic bottles with 80 gallons of hand sanitizer to hand out to the city’s homebound seniors.

JUNE Donahoe, Boersma, Denker, Harkey Named Athletes of the Year

Layla Donahoe finished second in the CIF-SS Girls Wrestling Southern Regional. Liam Boersma set a Dana Hills football single-season sack record with 22, the most in California. Carrick Denker posted a boys cross country program-record CIF State Meet time of 14:59. Josh

Harkey won his second straight CIF-SS Coastal Division wrestling championship at 195 pounds.

JULY Youth, High School Sports Put on Hold Again

After Orange County put out guidance allowing youth sports to resume in June, many programs started practices, and CUSD was set to open camps on July 6. However, CUSD canceled those plans ahead of July 7, when the state counteracted the county and confirmed earlier guidance that youth sports were not yet permitted to return.

CIF Pushes Back Start of School Sports to December

CIF State reorganized its sports calendar and scheduled fall sports to begin in December, starting with boys volleyball games on Dec. 12 and football practices on Dec. 14. In December, the start of school sports was delayed until January and fall sports regional and state championships were canceled.

AUGUST DHHS Alumnus Blake Taylor Earns First MLB Win

After seven years in the minor leagues, which included stints with eight teams and three organizations and a Tommy John surgery, Blake Taylor earned his first major league win close to home as the Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels, 6-5, in 11 innings.

CUSD Athletic Programs Begin Conditioning Camps

After finally receiving state guidance on Aug. 3, CUSD athletic programs began conditioning camps with small groups and many limitations in Phase 1.

SEPTEMBER CUSD Athletics Programs Expand Camps

As some COVID-19 restrictions eased, CUSD allowed for larger groups and varied workouts and drills in Phase 2 in late September and Phase 3 in late October. Teams were able to start using weights and could incorporate balls and equipment into their drills.

OCTOBER Former Dana Hills Football Coach Bill Cunerty Dies

Bill Cunerty, who was the Dana Hills football coach from 1975-76,

died from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Cunerty was also known for successful stints as the football and golf coach at Saddleback College and as a local high school sports broadcaster.

NOVEMBER Four DHHS Baseball Players Sign to Colleges CJ Zwahlen (Washington State), Ian May (UC Berkeley), Aedan Anderson (Xavier University) and Rocco DiFrancesco (Colorado Mesa) all committed to their colleges of choice on Fall Signing Day.

DECEMBER State Provides Guidance Tied to Tier System

The state finally delivered guidelines for youth and high school sports tied to the fourtiered, color-coded coronavirus monitoring system. Low-contact sports including cross country and baseball could return in the purple or red higher-risk tiers, but high-contact or indoor sports including football and basketball couldn’t return until the orange or yellow lower-risk tiers. DP

MARCH In only 2 ½ months of full competition, Dana Point athletes found great success before youth and high school sports were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photos: Zach Cavanagh, Houston Astros, Dana Point Youth Baseball, Dana Hills Athletics

CUSD Athletics, Youth Sports Suspend Activities

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Capistrano Unified School District canceled all athletic events and competitions on March 12 through spring break, and nearly all youth sports organizations suspended activities earlier or immediately thereafter.

APRIL CIF Cancels Spring Sports Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

The Swell to Measure All Other Swells How the famous ‘Swell of ’69’ played out, and why any surf is a good thing these days

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n December of 1969, Dana Point’s Art Brewer found himself on the North Shore of Oahu on assignment for Surfer Magazine. Making $500 a month, in ’69, he stepped in to replace Senior Photographer Ron Stoner and was sent directly on his first-ever field assignment.

“There were only a couple other people shooting. The North Shore was a completely different world back then—very quiet, very off the beaten path. I was going to be there for four months,” Brewer recalled.

Like so many things in his early career, the timing couldn’t have been better for Brewer. After only days on the ground, the Pacific Ocean roared. On Dec. 4, the mother of all swells hit. Waimea Bay was so big that the waves closed out the entire bay. The Kam Highway flooded.

Sixty homes were destroyed, and for 72 hours, it was pure chaos.

“It was dark when the swell really hit, and we could hear the emergency sirens and public address warnings,” Brewer said. “We were evacuated to the field where Sunset Elementary School is today. It was a long couple of days.”

The swell was actually a confluence of

Greg Noll at Makaha on the island of Oahu during the fabled “Swell of ‘69.” Photo: Courtesy of Alby Falzon

a couple of storm systems in the Pacific that created a storm front stretching from the Gulf of Alaska to Hawaii—a distance of more than 2,000 miles. It was later surmised that the winter of 1969-70 was experiencing a weak El Niño effect, which warms the Pacific’s water temps, in turn fueling larger-than-average storms and swells.

The action kicked into overdrive around Dec. 1-2, 1969, when the swell hit Kauai first, delivering 30-foot surf before pushing on to Oahu. With the surf too big for any of the North Shore reefs, a handful of surfers found their way to Makaha on the west side of the island.

Sheltered by Ka’ena Point, the surf was still huge, but considerably more manageable. Among those tempting fate at Makaha were George Downing, Buzzy Trent, Charlie Galanto, Bobby Cloutier and one Greg “Da Bull” Noll. They were the big-wave aces of the era and had spent the previous two decades pushing boundaries at Hawaii’s outer reefs. And it’s at this point in the story that surf history was made.

As the swell pulsed in the afternoon, Noll paddled into what is believed to be a 35-foot wave—the biggest ever ridden at the time.

Noll didn’t successfully ride the wave, getting a beating so severe that shortly thereafter, he walked away from big-wave surfing altogether and pursued a life as a fisherman in Crescent City, California.

“Greg Noll’s monster drop-to-annihilation wave at Makaha on December 4, 1969 was the defining wave of surfing’s defining big-wave swell,” Matt Warshaw wrote in his Encyclopedia of Surfing.

“We eventually made it over to Makaha, but Greg Noll had already come in from his historic ride, and nobody was out,” Brewer woefully recalled.

A few days later, the swell marched across the Pacific and smashed into California. And with Santa Ana offshore winds blowing, the coast lit up from Mexico to Canada.

Oceanographer and 1966 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational winner Ricky Grigg rode 18-footers at San Diego’s La Jolla Cove; at Rincon in Santa Barbara, board

shaper Al Merrick, U.S. champion David Nuuhiwa, and world contest finalist Reno Abellira all rode triple-overhead point surf.

Conditions that day, Merrick later recalled, were almost supernaturally aligned: “Like perfect six-foot Rincon, except it was 20-foot,” Warshaw recalled.

As I write this, a week ahead of Christmas, I’m eyeing the Surfline forecast.

There’s a three- to five-foot southwest swell lurking on the horizon. It won’t be anything like the Swell of ’69, but after the year we’ve had, head-high and glassy sounds like a Christmas gift I can get behind.

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

in the upcoming year. Older, wiser, more powerful than you could possibly imagine,

this young Jedi is elevating his game and always keeps the vibes right in the water.

In November, Fomenko dropped a hot new video on YouTube called no name, but you should definitely get to know his name.

He’s going to be leading the charge for the next generation of rippers from San Clemente. You can also get to know more about him on the Gudauskas brothers’ YouTube channel called “The Vibe Up.” They produced a video featuring Fomenko entitled Don’t Change Over Summer.

If you’re down with good vibes and committed rail work, keep an eye on Fomenko; he’s going places. We’ve known that for years. DP

GROM OF THE WEEK

TYRONE FOMENKO

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

f you see a red-headed goofy-footer out at T-Street throwing buckets and powering through searing rail gouges, it’s probably Tyrone Fomenko.

From Lowers to T-Street to the Pier Bowl, Fomenko’s been ripping around town since he was just a little guy. A regular in the Grom of the Week feature, he first caught our attention at the Gudauskas brothers’ Stoke-O-Rama events.

These days, he’s a distinguished Dana Point Times December 25-31, 2020

Tyrone Fomenko. Photo: Courtesy of Tyrone Fomenko

member of the San Clemente High School surf team and is sure to have a big season

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