DECEMBER 31, 2021-JANUARY 6, 2022 | VOLUME 14, ISSUE 53
L O C A L
N E W S
Y O U
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INSIDE: Rolling into the New Year with King Tides EYE ON DP/PAGE 4
Adaptive Paddleboarding with Santa Comes to Baby Beach DP LIVING/PAGE 10
The Dana Point Times rewinds the clock to look back at its coverage of events in 2021. Photos and Graphic: Picket Fence Media staff
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Octopus-Inspired Invention Attracts ‘Shark Tank’ Investors
California’s New Congressional Districts Approved
Surf: Nothing Better Than Getting in the Water
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Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
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What’s Up With...
California Selects New Congressional Map BY BREEANA GREENBERG
The California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) selected a new congressional map for the next decade that will largely keep the state’s 49th Congressional District the same. Laguna Niguel, which was previously in the 48th District, was added to the 49th, while Rancho Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch were moved from District 49 to the 50th District. The Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park in San Juan Capistrano, and to the north of the park were removed from the 49th and added to the 40th District. Following the 2020 Census, the CCRC used new data to redraw the congressional map so that the districts reflect the current population. California lost a seat in the House of Representatives after the latest census. Voters will elect candidates for office using the new district boundaries in the upcoming Primary Election next June. The CCRC was created in 2008 with the passage of the Voters First Act. The commission comprises five Republicans, five Democrats, and four non-party members. “The Commission must draw the district lines in conformity with strict, nonpartisan rules designed to create districts of relatively equal population that will provide fair representation for all Californians,” the CCRC explains on its website. The newly drawn 49th District will now represent 760,066 people. “We have reached the finish line for the people’s redistricting process in California,” stated Commission Chair Alicia Fernandez in a press release.“When voters approved the Voters First Act, it created a monumental shift in this decennial process.” “As Californians, my colleagues on this Commission and I answered the call to serve for this great state we honor and love,” Fernandez continued. “We conclude our map drawing responsibilities with pride in our final product. We started this process leaving politics out of the equation in hopes of achieving fairer and more equitable maps. I think I speak for my colleagues when I say, mission accomplished.” Charles Smith, a professor of Political Science and Law at the University of California, Irvine, explained that the new maps reflect California’s population growth in minority communities over the past 10 years. “About a third of the new districts are now majority Hispanic or Latino, and that matters because much of the population growth over the last 10 years in California has been in Latino communities,” Smith said. “So, the notion that we are keeping pace from a representation standpoint with the population, that’s kind of a really important thing and a positive thing for democracy.” In response to the newly drawn congressional districts, Democratic Party of Orange County Chairwoman Ada Briceño stated in a press release that “Democrats
TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK
Dana Point couple Hans and Lydia Dose show off their invention, Tenikle, an octopus-inspired phone stand. Photo: Courtesy of Hans Dose
Dana Point Couple’s Octopus-Inspired Invention Attracts ‘Shark Tank’ Investors BY BREEANA GREENBERG
A cracked phone screen and a love for the ocean drove Dana Point couple Hans and Lydia Dose to invent Tenikle, an octopus-inspired phone stand. Their invention landed Hans on ABC’s Shark Tank on Dec. 17. Wanting to show both the functionality of the product and the personality of the brand, Hans started his pitch to the sharks in an octopus inner tube, flippers and a wetsuit. “Coming out with flippers, and the wetsuit, because Tenikle was inspired by the sea, I think I just wanted to be ridiculous, have a really good time, and to sell the product and get people to understand how useful Tenikle actually is for so many people,” Hans told Dana Point Times this week. “That was the goal, and I think we nailed it, to be honest.” After receiving offers from investors Robert Herjavec and Daymond John, Hans chose to partner with John. “I was actually hoping to get a deal with Daymond John, because there were some other ideas that I had, that I knew that he would be perfect for, and I’ve been following him for a while,” Hans said. “I follow all of them, but I really felt like he stood out as far as he would be a Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
great partner to work with.” Before the phone stand, Hans had been working on a phone case with attachments, similarly inspired by octopi. But it wasn’t until Hans cracked his phone screen on a hike that the idea for Tenikle was born. While on a hike, Hans and Lydia stopped to take a photo together. They had forgotten their tripod, so Hans tried to perch his phone on a tree branch, but the phone toppled off the branch and the screen cracked upon impact. “I go and I put my phone in the car mount in the car—this big, bulky, suction cup car mount—and I was like, ‘Why couldn’t that have also just been used as a tripod?’” Hans said. “That was the initial like, ‘Oh, maybe I’m onto something here.’” After that, Hans went to work in his garage, building a prototype. Lydia printed 3D models of the prototypes. “Every time I gave it to a friend or family member to try out, they all had this discovery moment where they realized that they can use it for different situations that I never thought of,” Hans said. (Cont. on page 4) Page 3
The California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) selected a new congressional map for the next decade that will largely keep the 49th Congressional District the same. Graphic: Courtesy of California Citizens Redistricting Commission
can remain confident that this county will be represented by a Democratic delegation at the federal level again soon.” “We are encouraged and determined to keep moving Orange County forward,” Briceño said in the release. “We have been working with our bench of candidates at all levels of the ballot, we have been engaging volunteers in a yearround canvassing program, and we are opening a new, larger headquarters to expand our operations.” The Republican Party of Orange County had not responded to multiple requests for comment as of press time. Smith said that the redistricting might make for an interesting 2022 election, namely for Reps. Katie Porter of the 45th District and Michelle Steel, of the 48th District. “Katie Porter is moving, and she’s going to run in the coastal district that Steel was in,” Smith said. “And one of the questions is, will Harley Rouda try to challenge Katie Porter in the Primary—I think that’s unlikely—or will he run against Steel in the 45th?” Congressman Mike Levin of the 49th, a Democrat who represents much of South Orange County and North San Diego, tweeted in support of the new congressional map on Dec. 22. “The new #CA49 closely mirrors our current district, with the core of our North County San Diego and South Orange County communities intact,” he wrote. “We’re thrilled to run for re-election in this fantastic community.” Smith also said that the redistricting won’t likely impact Levin’s campaign for 2022. “For Levin’s district, I think he’s looking pretty good,” Smith said. “I don’t think it’s going to have a substantial impact on him or the way he runs his race. I think that he should be a favorite for reelection, and there shouldn’t be any real drama about what’s going on there.” The campaign office for Brian Maryott, a former San Juan Capistrano councilmember and congressional hopeful who was defeated by Levin in 2020, had not responded to multiple requests for comment as of press time. danapointtimes.com
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Rolling into the New Year with King Tides
COMMUNITY MEETINGS
BY BREEANA GREENBERG
King Tides are expected to roll into Southern California in the New Year. In San Clemente, waves close to 7 feet high are expected to hit the shoreline in the morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 2, and Monday, Jan 3. The California Coastal Commission (CCC) is asking for the community’s help in documenting the event by taking and sharing photos of the shoreline for its California King Tides Project. The California King Tides Project, the CCC explained, is meant to help the state agency “visualize future sea level by observing the highest tides of today.” The photos taken and shared of the King Tides will help the CCC map out and record changes to the coast and estuaries. The CCC is reminding Californians to be safe, never turn their back on the ocean and “take extra precautions when you walk on slippery areas or near big waves, and always be conscious of your surroundings and the weather conditions.” The CCC received more than 850 photos from those who participated during the December King Tides. The photos can be uploaded online through the Coastal Commission’s website at coastal.ca.gov or through the free Survey123 app. Step-by-step instructions on how to upload the photos online or in the app can be found at the commission’s website. Community members interested in sharing a video clip with the CCC should email kingtides@coastal.ca.gov for instructions. Photos can also be shared on social media using the hashtag Kingtides.
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Amazon Scraps Plans for Delivery Facility in San Clemente BY BREEANA GREENBERG
Amazon has scrapped its plans for a delivery facility within the Rancho San Clemente Business Park, the city announced last week. Deputy Community Development Director Adam Atamian notified the San Clemente Planning Commission during its Dec. 22 meeting that Amazon’s proposed delivery facility plans, dubbed Project Summer, had been officially withdrawn. Project Summer “is not going to be placed on any future agendas or worked on by staff; it is basically off of our plate at this point,” Atamian said. Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5
VA Disabled Claims Clinic 2-4 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 9934 will sponsor a Veterans Affairs Disability Claims Clinic at the Dana Point Community Center the first and third Wednesday of each month. Veterans can walk in and meet with a VFW Service Officer and receive information on how to file a claim for service-related medical issues. Attendees should wear a face covering in order to comply with CALOSHA policies. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.
King Tides are expected to roll into Southern California on Jan. 2 and 3, with waves close to 7 feet high. Photo: Courtesy of Scott Schmitt
According to the city’s website, updated in August, the project was still in the early stages of the review process. The project looked to develop two vacant lots, totaling 20.38 acres at Calle Cordillera and Calle Sombra in the Rancho San Clemente Business Park. Greenlaw Partners LLC, the Irvine-based real estate firm that’s listed as the project applicant, had proposed construction of a roughly 105,000-square-foot “e-commerce delivery station with a delivery van queueing area and parking storage for fleet automobiles and vans,” according to the city’s website. While the project has been withdrawn, Amazon or Greenlaw Partners could submit new plans in the future. “I will say that it does not mean that they cannot reapply in the future,” Atamian said.“I think based on a number of factors, they decided to withdraw the application, because it’s what’s in their best interest.” Atamian added that since a potential
project could come back, commissioners should keep their opinions on the project to themselves. “We have absolutely no indication that they would reapply, but in the case that that occurs, I just want to make sure that our Commission, they have not weighed in on something that could affect the future.” In an emailed statement from Amazon on Dec. 23, the company said it’s constantly exploring new locations and that it “weighs a variety of factors” while determining sites on which to develop. “It is common for us to explore multiple locations simultaneously and adjust based on our operational needs,” the company said in the email. “While we have decided not to pursue the site in San Clemente, we continue to assess opportunities to invest and grow across the region. We appreciate the time and attention committed by the City, as well as local community leaders and officials.” Page 4
(Cont. from page 3) His friends quickly found more uses for Tenikle than he or Lydia had originally conceived. “That light bulb just went off with everyone that messed with it,” Hans said. “So, it kind of became like, ‘Oh, this is a much bigger product than I had anticipated—of mixing a car mount and tripod together.’ It’s actually a lot more useful than that.” Tenikle was largely inspired by Hans’ experience growing up by the beach. Hans grew up in Dana Point, sailing, surfing and snorkeling. “The ocean has always been my life, so (Tenikle is) 100% inspired by the ocean,” Hans said. “I like to use the (tagline), ‘We’re loyal to the sea,’ because it is really inspired by the ocean and using materials that are actually not bad plastics that are contributing to our plastics problem.” But when COVID-19 hit, Tenikle was hit hard with supply-chain issues. Hans and Lydia ended up moving out of their Dana Point home and into an RV. “It felt like we started to get to know everyone, and that was really our home, and all of a sudden, so quickly the business turned south, and we had to do what we had to do to survive and ended up taking a really huge risk and decided, ‘You know what, we’re still going to go for this thing; it’s going to work out,’” Hans said. The couple hopes to move back to Dana Point in the near future. Within 24 hours of the Shark Tank episode airing, the company had made more than $250,000 in sales, according to Hans. “Our Amazon listings sold out before the show stopped,” Hans said. “Like everything sold out; it was crazy.” Hans can be seen pitching Tenikle on Season 13, Episode 9, of Shark Tank. danapointtimes.com
2021 YEAR IN REVIEW
Looking back at Dana Point’s pandemic recovery and progress of 2021 BY BREEANA GREENBERG, DANA POINT TIMES
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very year, Dana Point Times looks back at its coverage throughout the year and compiles a list of the top stories that happened around town. As the world continued to grapple with COVID-19, the City of Dana Point set its sights on economic recovery. The vaccine rollout gave a glimmer of hope that the world would return to some form of normalcy, stay-at-home orders were lifted, and students returned to their classrooms, in person. The city began efforts to update the General Plan and Doheny Village Revitalization. The Street of Amber Lantern reopened after four years of its closure and surrounding construction, and the Dana Point Harbor Partners was approved to begin redevelopments of the marinas. COVID-19 remained a constant through 2021, with the emergence of the Omicron variant as the year came to a close. Here are some of the top stories of 2021:
JANUARY Economic recovery had been named a
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top issue for the year of 2021, after the health and economic threat of COVID-19 declared itself to be the issue of focus for 2020. The city felt the impact of the hospitality and tourism industry taking a global hit, as the transient occupancy tax, the city’s largest source of revenue, was projected to have a shortfall of $5.9 million for the 2021 fiscal year. Mayor Jamey Federico set his sights on updating the city’s General Plan and hoped to approve the Doheny Village Revitalization Plan. As the coronavirus pandemic raged on, Gov. Gavin Newsom outlined California’s plan for vaccine distribution. After the initial three-week, stay-at-home order passed, the state reviewed ICU capacity projections daily, waiting until projections reached 15% availability or greater in order to lift restrictions. California’s stay-at-home order was lifted on Jan. 25. In early January, Newsom announced that the state would aggressively work to accelerate the pace of vaccine administration. Vaccines became available for those 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with other health issues. The county opened a new Super Point of Dispensing (POD) site for COVID-19 vaccinations in late January at Soka University in Aliso Viejo. State jobs reports showed an increase in unemployment—the first since the early days of the pandemic.
Co-founders Keagan Hicks, Tom Hicks and Scott Morrow conceptualized Station Craft Brewery and Kitchen as a place where people can come together with anticipation and excitement for the future, much like a train station. Photo: Lillian Boyd
In mid-February, Dana Point City Council heard a presentation on the Doheny Village Plan. City staff began budgeting for connectivity improvements in Doheny Village, and the city’s Arts and Culture Commission was signaled to assist in beautification efforts.
MARCH In early March, Orange County’s state-monitored COVID-19 metrics continued to drop steadily. By mid-March, the county slid into the less-restrictive red tier. Newsom gave a virtual address in early March, highlighting the initiatives and plans of action surrounding COVID-19 testing, vaccinations for the virus and the challenges the pandemic posed on equity and the economy. Volunteers continued to gather signatures to try to remove Newsom from office via a recall election. Though the state and county’s jobless numbers remained stagnant after the New Year, Dana Point’s unemployment rate grew from 6.6% to 6.8% The 50th annual Festival of Whales was held with a mix of in-person and virtual events. On March 9, officials representing Raintree Partners and the City of Dana Point celebrated the reopening of the Street of Amber Lantern after four years of its closure and surrounding construction. The California Coastal Commission also issued approval to Dana Point Harbor Partners to begin construction on the $330 million redevelopments of the marinas. Nine years after the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) shut down in 2012, Southern California Edison laid out potential plans for relocating spent fuel.
FEBRUARY Due to limited supply of vaccines, Orange County put plans to open pop-up vaccine clinics on hold. The Capistrano Unified Education Association called for tightened safety measures and better responses from Capistrano Unified School District after alleging lapses in communication from school administrators. The biennial homeless count, which provides a snapshot of the area’s homeless population, was canceled due to the still-raging pandemic. The Orange County coroner’s office reported 2020 as being the deadliest year for the county’s homeless population.
The second regional Super POD vaccination site in Orange County opened on Saturday, Jan. 23, at Soka University in Aliso Viejo. Photo: Lillian Boyd
APRIL As Orange County dropped to the less restrictive orange risk tier in late March, Newsom announced in early April that conditions in California could return to Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
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some sort of normalcy, and with fewer restrictions, by June 15, as long as COVID-19 cases kept dropping, hospitalization numbers remained low, and vaccinations increased. The Capistrano Unified School District also announced that middle and high school students could return to campus four days a week for the remainder of the school year starting in late April. The district looked to bring students back to campuses full-time in the next school year, which began on Aug. 17. The City of Dana Point worked to identify sites for affordable housing, and develop and update the city’s “Housing Element” for its city plan to meet the Regional Housing Needs Assessment. Dana Hills High School freshman Ava August progressed into the top 24 round of ABC-TV’s American Idol after she performed one of her own original songs. August ultimately made it to the final-12 round before being voted off the show.
MAY The City of Dana Point kicked off a community outreach program to engage residents, businesses and other stakeholders in review and approval of its draft plan for an updated Doheny Village Plan. The city also looked to strengthen the city’s code enforcement capabilities relating to short-term rentals. In late May, South Coast Water District General Manager Rick Shintaku presented an overview of the District’s projects and ways the agency could potentially accomplish portfolio diversification—including desalination. Jason Spates and Micah Meiring, owners of the local e-bike shop Doheny Bike, partnered with the city to distribute complimentary helmets. Juliette Paez Paskovitz, the matriarch of one of surfing’s most storied families, died peacefully in San Clemente in early May. (Cont. on page 6) danapointtimes.com
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(Cont. from page 5)
JUNE Though the looming impacts of the pandemic canceled many Memorial Day events throughout Orange County, the City of Dana Point and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 hosted their traditional services in Pines Park with modifications. While the Class of 2020 did not get to enjoy the usual group graduation ceremony, the story was markedly different for the Class of 2021. Traditional graduation ceremonies were conducted at high schools in Orange County this year, but still with some pandemic-era twists. Fifteen months after a statewide stayat-home order was issued in mid-March of 2020, the state lifted its restrictions in mid-June, allowing businesses to operate at full capacity without social-distancing requirements. Six men, including conservative activist Alan Hostetter of San Clemente, were indicted on a conspiracy charge in connection to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. A nonprofit’s petition, challenging the 2019 coastal development permit authorizing the dismantlement of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, was tentatively denied by a Los Angeles County judge in mid-June. The petition alleged that the California Coastal Commission had violated its own objectives and standards under the Coastal Act when it approved the Permit for Southern California Edison to deconstruct the power plant.
JULY As COVID-19 restrictions continued to ease and case numbers declined across the state, Orange County cities looked to transition back to traditional Fourth of July festivities. Many officials made the decision to cancel their fireworks display in 2020 or prohibit public attendance at events; however, the June 15 reopening of California permitted cities to plan and budget for fireworks and other community celebrations in 2021. The City of Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission and a local property owner launched an artist competition to design and paint a 16-foot by 80-foot mural on a building on the corner of Doheny Park Road and Las Vegas Avenue, which currently houses a U.S. Post Office. The source of an oil spill off San Clemente Island, first reported by the captain of a whale watching boat in late June, had yet to be determined, prompting local environmental groups to push for further investigative efforts from authorities. City Council heard a presentation on a proposed train track enhancement Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
County construction crews on Monday, Nov. 22, conduct maintenance at Capistrano Beach Park by removing debris and laying down new sandbags. Photo: Breeana Greenberg
SEPTEMBER
project for Capistrano Beach in mid-July, in which Metrolink, in coordination with the Orange County Transportation Authority, proposed a 1.2-mile extension of railroad track. With the arrival of the Tokyo Olympic Games came the premiere of surfing as an Olympic sport. South County locals Kolohe Andino and Caroline Marks represented the United States, and San Clemente’s Matt Biolos supplied boards. Stanley Cunnings, the founder of Ocean Institute and a lifelong science educator, died in mid-July.
While every governor in California since 1960 has faced a recall attempt, the state saw only its second recall election in history this year. In mid-September, a majority of California residents voted to keep Newsom in the governor’s office. Ten U.S. troops deployed from Camp Pendleton were among the 13 servicemembers who died in a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan.
OCTOBER In early October, an estimated 126,000 gallons of heavy crude oil leaked into the waters off Orange County, prompting several beaches to close while crews cleaned up contaminated areas where fish and coastal wildlife were threatened. The Elephant Parade, a herd of painted elephant sculptures, returned to Dana Point in an effort to bring attention to saving the Asian elephant from extinction. Following the news that there would be slip-rate increases in the Dana Point Harbor, the Dana Point Boaters Association and the group Save Our Slips worked to halt the slip-fee increase. A class-action lawsuit was filed against the Dana Point Harbor Partners and the County of Orange on behalf of boaters. In mid-October, a judge denied the request to put a halt on slip-fee increases that went into effect on Oct. 1.
AUGUST Reps. Mike Levin and Rodney Davis announced the formation of their Spent Nuclear Fuel Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan group of House members tasked with driving progress on the safe storage, transportation, and disposal of spent nuclear fuel across the country. Following the 2020 Census, city officials held the first of four public hearings to explore the redistricting process. Similar to the rest of the country and the world, South Orange County saw a surge of COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant. Students returned to campus for the 2021-22 school year. The first day of school for Capistrano Unified School District marked a return to normalcy, though mask requirements were a reminder that the pandemic continued. Following the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan, Dana Point Mayor Jamey Federico, who served in the military for more than 20 years, led the effort to bring an Afghan interpreter’s wife and mother to safety.
NOVEMBER The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 Veterans Day Service returned to Strands Vista Memorial Park after being Page 6
held at Del Obispo Community Baseball Park to allow for social distancing last year. Two historic lanterns were restored and installed in mid-November at Lantern Village Community Park. The last Dana Point lantern post had been removed from its original location from Violet Lantern at La Plaza Avenue in February. After a public workshop on short-term rentals showed mixed views on the subject, the future of STRs in Dana Point remains uncertain, as the Planning Commission and STR Subcommittee continue to develop regulatory policy. Following Newsom’s vaccine mandate requiring all California students to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus to attend classes in person, parents and families placed shoes out in front of the Capistrano Unified School District offices, symbolizing their opposition to the mandate. ‘Superhero’ mom Julia Bonin spotted missing 3-year-old Noah Clare, his teen cousin Amber Clare, and father Jacob Clare—accused of abducting the cousins—walking along Pacific Coast Highway. She notified the police, which led to authorities locating the minors and taking Jacob into custody. The OC Board of Supervisors’ debate over selecting a new map to redraw district lines concluded in late November, as they selected a map that largely keeps South Orange County under one district. In late November, the California Coastal Commission approved an extension of the coastal development permit that’s allowed OC Parks to protect the Capistrano Beach shoreline with temporary boulders and sandbags. OC Parks had presented an update to the California Coastal Commission in mid-August, exploring several different options for preserving the portion of coastline south of Doheny State Beach, including installing cobblestone buffers to try to save what remains of the beach. The 44th annual Turkey Trot made a strong return to Dana Point with more than 8,000 runners participating in the Thanksgiving day races.
DECEMBER Holiday traditions returned to Dana Point with the La Plaza tree lighting and other festivities around the town. Dana Point City Council recognized outgoing Mayor Jamey Federico and appointed Joe Muller to be the next mayor of Dana Point. Mike Frost will serve as mayor pro tem for 2022. California saw its first detected case of the Omicron variant. The California Coastal Commission gave local coastal cities guidance on how to address sea-level rise. DP danapointtimes.com
Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
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SOAPBOX
Letters to The Editor
34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 danapointtimes.com
HOW TO REACH US MANAGING EDITOR Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x113 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com
REPLY TO RACHEL WALTER’S LETTER BILL PRESTRIDGE, San Clemente
SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com
We need a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, and we need it now. Rachel Walters in her letter said that the vaccine does not prevent people from getting or transmitting COVID. She is right, but if she was reading the newspaper, she would learn that 85% to 95% of hospitalizations for COVID are people who are not vaccinated and that people who are vaccinated are not dying (as often as the unvaccinated). This is putting a tremendous stress on doctors, nurses and hospital staff, and keeping people who need medical treatment from non-COVID issues from getting help. COVID is not endemic; if everyone was vaccinated, COVID would eventually disappear, just like polio. Does “personal freedom” mean not getting a child vaccinated for polio, rubella, measles, whooping cough, mumps, chickenpox, diphtheria and other diseases when they enter public school? If this is the case, we as a society are in real trouble.
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PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith
RESPONSE TO ‘IN DEFENSE OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ ALBA FARFAGLIA, San Clemente Thank you, Mr. Greg Young, for writing “In Defense of Public Schools.” I taught in public high school and community colleges for more than 30 years. I taught in Connecticut, Texas, northern Virginia, and southeast Georgia. Most of my colleagues had advanced degrees and were experts in their fields, from physics to physical education, from remedial to AP classes. Homeschooling might work in elementary school, but high school is another story, because the classes are difficult. In most households, both parents work outside the home. They come home after a day’s work, after, at times, a long commute and have to get dinner ready for the family. They don’t have time to help the kids with their assignments. Usually, it comes down to this: Parent: Did you do your schoolwork? Answer: Yes. Parent: OK, then. In reality, they could have been on their screens all day. At least in the classroom, they are off their phones. And what about their social and mental development? The public school is a microcosm of the society. We learn to get Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux
Photo: Courtesy of Mat Napo/Unsplash
along with others from all walks of life. The pandemic has impacted everyone, but more so kids who belong in school. Learning is done in real time. Nothing can replace being in a classroom, because the teacher is right there with you in person. Also, we learn from each other. I believe more harm is done taking kids out of school on account of a vaccine mandate or personal “freedom.” Millions of people all over the world—young, old, middle-aged—have been vaccinated, and, bottom line, the vaccine for COVID, just like any other vaccine, saves lives.
In contrast, whether it’s taking on the challenges of reasonable and appropriate management of short-term rentals (STRs), or handling (mishandling?) the harbor renovations, and now electric bike policies, Dana Point officials work at the pace of the sludge that runs in San Jan Creek. Note to officials: Don’t do what serves your reelection chances; do what’s right. Above all, do something.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. 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 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.
E-BIKES—YIKES JERRY DERLOSHON, Dana Point We recommend the Dana Point city manager and councilmembers read the “News Next Door” article from Dana Point Times’ Dec. 24 issue. Thanks for reporting on how the City of San Clemente is tackling the e-bike issues and challenges. Hats off to our neighbors to the south for being proactive. Page 8
Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman
ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) Laura Gaffney (SC) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard
Dana Point Times, Vol. 14 Issue 53. 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 2021. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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GETTING OUT
AT THE MOVIES
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Goes All In
The List What’s going on in and around town this week
Photo: Courtesy of Sony Pictures/Marvel Studios BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES
DANA POINT TIMES
FRIDAY | 31 RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT GLASSPAR 7 p.m. Ring in the New Year at Glasspar. At 7 p.m., enjoy a champagne, oyster, and hors d’oeuvre reception followed by a five-course NYE dinner prepared by Chef Rob Wilson. Glasspar’s NYE Party kicks off at 10 p.m. with a DJ, dancing, plenty of party favors and a champagne toast to ring in the New Year. The NYE dinner is limited to 100 guests and priced at $275 per person, which includes admission to Glasspar’s NYE Party. An additional 50 tickets priced at $100 will be sold for admission to Glasspar’s NYE Party. Reservations are required and can be made by emailing anique@glasspar.com. Glasspar Restaurant, 24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.6243. glasspar.com NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT SWALLOW’S 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Ring in the start of the New Year with live music by Grand Junction, drinks, and fun times. Tickets are $25 pre-paid and $30 at the door. Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. swallowsinn.com. NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Alternative rock artist Donavon Frankenreiter will perform with funk band Slapbak. Tickets are $55. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com. LIVE MUSIC AT DAILY’S SPORTS BAR 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Guitar-oriented rock dance band Monkey Puddle will be ringing in the New Year at Daily’s. 204 South El Camino Real, San Clemente. Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
Editor’s Pick Photo: Courtesy of Cottonbro/Pexels
FRIDAY | 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE DOLPHIN & WHALE SUNSET SAFARI 2:30-5 p.m. Say hello to 2022 with a special 2½-hour dolphin and whale Sunset Safari aboard Manute’a on New Year’s Eve. Join Capt. Dave’s to watch the sun sink below the oceanic horizon for the last time this year with a complimentary glass of champagne or sparkling cider. Capt. Dave’s Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.577.8403. dolphinsafari.com.
949.522.9010. dailyssportsgrill.org. NYE COUNTDOWN AT STILLWATER 9 p.m.-midnight. Dance party band The Rhythm Society will perform. Doors open at 7 p.m. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com. LIVE MUSIC AT THE POINT 9 p.m.-midnight. ’80s and ’90s rock cover band SuperRamp will perform. The Point Restaurant and Bar, 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. thepointrestaurantandbar.com.
SATURDAY | 01 LIVE MUSIC AT OVERVUE 7-10 p.m. Orange County-based husbandand-wife duo 3 Mile Radius will perform at OverVue Lounge. OverVue Lounge, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. 951.708.8143. 3mileradiusduo.com
SUNDAY | 02 ONLINE TOUR OF MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 3 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano is offering online guided tours of its historic grounds every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Learn about the history and see the charming grounds and gardens
of this South Orange County landmark. Cost is $45 for up to four devices, and the Zoom tour lasts up to an hour. Reservations must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Check the Mission website for exact hours. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com.
WEDNESDAY | 05 PAINT LIKE SAM HYDE HARRIS 4 p.m. In conjunction with the art exhibition Sam Hyde Harris, Seeing the Unusual, Casa Romantica is hosting a four-week class series with San Clemente-based painter and educator Kelly Gallaher. This class series will explore the different art styles of the famed 20th century California Impressionist artist Sam Hyde Harris. Learn the history of plein air painting and learn in steps how to paint in the style of Sam Hyde Harris with acrylic paints at Casa Romantica. Seating availability is limited for the classes. Admission ranges from $100 to $120. Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org. TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends, or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com. Page 9
J
on Watts’ third Spider-Man flick, No Way Home, truly proves the power of nostalgia. Movies like this should not be this good. The whole concept of bringing all sorts of characters from previous Spider-Man franchises into one feature is the exact recipe for mediocre, live-action fanfiction. But, shockingly, everyone involved pulled it off. With Tom Holland’s Spidey up against all the superhero’s villains in one film, No Way Home takes meta to a whole new level. After his true identity is publicly exposed by Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) from Watts’ Far from Home (2019), Peter Parker/Spider-Man is now challenged with saving New York, as well as making sure his friends and family aren’t affected by their affiliation with him. Peter’s solution is to ask his superhero colleague, Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), to erase the public’s knowledge of him as Spider-Man from their memories. But when he asks Strange to make exceptions for his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and his best friend, Ned (Jacob Batalon), the wizard’s spell becomes overwhelmed, and instead causes multiple universes to be exposed to each other. Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin, Alfred Molina’s Doc Ock and Jamie Foxx’s Electro are some of the villains who return and make their MCU debut in No Way Home. While one would naturally assume characters from multiple series with different tones and direction might be jarring and out of place in one picture, Watts and screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers somehow make it work with movie magic. All of the callbacks, crossovers and hypothetical fan service fit into the plot and feel natural. Holland hits all the notes emotionally for Peter in hero mode, as well as in the more dramatic/personal moments; and his chemistry with Zendaya continues to grow, most likely aided by their real-life relationship. Molina and Dafoe appear to be having fun revisiting their famous nemesis roles. Those who enjoyed Sony’s animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) will probably appreciate No Way Home; and those who are fans of any of the Spider-Man screen efforts will get a kick out of this variation. DP danapointtimes.com
DP LIVING
ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK
Chandler
ADAPTIVE PADDLEBOARDING WITH SANTA COMES TO BABY BEACH BY BREEANA GREENBERG, DANA POINT TIMES
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DANA POINT TIMES
Meet Chandler, a 9-month-old sweetheart ready for his forever family. Left outside the shelter door as a kitten, Chandler was understandably a shy little guy. Now that he is more settled, the shelter has found him to be a curious and playful kitty that can be quite affectionate once he gets to know you. Chandler is looking for a quieter home that he can finally call his own. If you are interested in adopting Chandler, please visit petprojectfoundation. org to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP
Sudoku BY MYLES MELLOR
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:
Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium
See the solution in next week’s issue.
Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
he Adaptive Freedom Foundation celebrated its annual Santa Paddle on Dec. 18, when the nonprofit invited families to take pictures with Santa at Baby Beach, and took people with disabilities out on the water with wheelchair-accessible paddleboards. Adaptive Freedom Foundation, whose tagline is “We put smiles on faces and open hearts,” offers people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in an often non-accessible activity, explained Amy Lagera, one of the foundation’s founders. “You can really see that that is what happens,” Lagera said. “But it’s not only for our participants, it’s the people who volunteer. It’s the person who walks by and sees us on the beach. It’s for the family member that gets to do this with their family member that has a disability.” Adaptive Freedom Foundation was founded in Hawaii in 2016 and later expanded to Southern California in 2017. The foundation operates from Dana Point to Marina del Rey and uses a Wheelchair Adapted Stand-Up Paddleboard, or WASUP, to bring people with disabilities out on the water. According to the foundation’s website, a WASUP board “secures a wheelchair onto a paddleboard and allows people with disabilities, balance-challenged, and those needing assistance paddling, the opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy what was previously impossible; paddling a board from a wheelchair.” Each board costs about $5,000 to make and are all custom-made. “Eventually, our goal was to mass-produce them so there’s more access to people, but we’re still working on design elements of it,” Lagera said. “But equipment for somebody with a disability is so limited and so expensive. One of our things is we make sure that there’s never a charge for it. We work solely off of donations.” For Jess Labbe of San Clemente, the Adaptive Freedom Foundation offers something her daughter Peyton Labbe can look forward to doing. “It’s just really hard to find activities that she could do that other people can do, and opportunities to go do that,” Jess said. “It’s such an opportunity that many people don’t have, and if we lived anywhere else, we wouldn’t have,” said Jess. “It’s just an opportunity for (Peyton) to do something typical … she gets to go
(From left) Sisters Brandy Beauvais and Amber Machowski posed with Santa at Adaptive Freedom Foundation’s annual Santa Paddle event on Dec. 18. Photo: Courtesy of Amy Lagera
paddleboarding, and that’s the thing she gets to share with other people and that we can talk about, share pictures with, that she’s super proud of and excited about.” Paddle events with Adaptive Freedom Foundation in Dana Point offer an accessible activity that’s close to home for the San Clemente family. “For us, that’s important because everything is always variable, minute to minute, day to day in terms of what (Peyton) can tolerate or what kind of day she’s having—things like that,” Jess said. At the first paddle event Peyton went to, Jess was worried that the board would flip with all the heavy equipment needed for Peyton’s wheelchair. “My discomfort needed to take a backseat to her opportunity,” Jess said. This is a common fear for parents of disabled kids. Minnie Hylton of Ladera Ranch echoed Jess’ fear from the first time her daughter, Emma Hylton, went out on the water on a WASUP board. “I was nervous, of course, because my daughter was on peritoneal dialysis,” Minnie said. “And basically, it’s a port that’s in her stomach and cannot get wet, as far as like ocean water or pool water. I was super nervous, like, ‘What if she tips over? What if she falls in the water?’ But (Lagera) was like, ‘No, no, no, we’ll protect her.’” Minnie added that one of the founders of Adaptive Freedom, Lance Takenaka, walked her through the design of the
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board and helped her feel safe putting Emma on the water. But seeing Emma on the water and the joy that it gave her brought Minnie to tears. Emma loves the water, Minnie said. “It was the most emotional day ever,” Minnie said. “Because just seeing her out there, even holding the paddle herself and with her limited abilities. She’s got cerebral palsy, so she’s had a really hard time paddling, but to her, she’s actually paddling while the others are paddling for her. She just thought she was just doing it on her own, and she just had a big old smile on her face.” Adaptive Freedom Foundation has monthly paddle days between March and October, as well as its annual Santa Paddle in December. “We wanted there to be this community behind our paddle days, not just a day that you could come and paddle but a day that you could be with like people, and especially for the disabilities community, where they could just come together and have fun,” Lagera said. The Santa Paddle event offered a way to take pictures with Santa in a calming environment. “Somebody with sensitivities to sound or stimulation, going into the mall and taking a picture with Santa is too much, but being out in the open on the beach, that works,” Lagera said. “Especially once they get out and paddle, it just has this healing, calming effect on them.” The foundation is growing quickly, Lagera said, and has begun to outgrow the capabilities of its small board. Adaptive Freedom Foundation will be starting a committee in early 2022 and is looking for community members with financial, engineering, marketing backgrounds— anything that relates to business, Lagera said. “We’re reaching out to the community—people like me who are looking to do something to make a difference. We’re looking for those people to come join us and help us be bigger and better,” Lagera said. “So we can share and spread the awareness of what we do and make it more available to everybody out there.” “If we can put a wheelchair on water, what else can we do?” Lagera said. For more information about Adaptive Freedom Foundation, email the group at info@adaptivefreedomfoundation.org. DP Editor’s Note: An extended version of this story can be found at danapointtimes.com. danapointtimes.com
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
2021 Dana Point Sports Year in Review BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES
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he year began with returns to the field and finished with a flurry of successes as Dana Point athletes and teams adapted to the new normal of 2021. Here is a look back at some of the memorable Dana Point sports moments of 2021:
JANUARY #LetThemPlay
Ten months after high school sports were shut down in California due to the pandemic, student-athletes, parents and coaches held rallies statewide on Jan. 15, including at San Clemente High, JSerra and San Juan Hills, to support a return to play. Cross country was the first sport to return on Feb. 6, and the rest of the outdoor sports were eventually given the OK to return on Feb. 26 and indoor sports on March 5.
FEBRUARY DHHS Cross Country Returns
For the first time in nearly 11 months, Dana Hills athletes took part in competition as the Dolphins’ cross country team got back on the course. In dual meets, Dana Hills’ boys defeated Aliso Niguel, and the Dolphins’ girls lost to Trabuco Hills.
MARCH Kicker West Makes History for DHHS Football
With a fourth-quarter extra point kick, Dana Hills senior Leah West became the first female player to score a point in a varsity football game in Dolphins history. West was also coached by special teams coach Mikki St. Germain, the first female coach in Dana Hills football history.
APRIL DHHS Football Earns Share of Second-Ever League Title
With help from elsewhere in the Pacific Hills League, Dana Hills football clinched a share of its first league championship since 2012 and only its second in school history. Dana Hills, Laguna Hills and Portola finished in a three-way tie for the title.
Capistrano Coyotes Compete in First USA Hockey National Title Game
The Capistrano Unified School District’s combined high school hockey team, the Capistrano Coyotes, advanced to the USA Hockey Division II national championship in Omaha, Nebraska on April 19. The Coyotes qualified for the tournament by winning the CAHA Division 2 state title.
MAY Paquette Wins CIF-SS Diving Title
DP Native McLaughlin Earns Silver in Olympic Swim Relay
In a small, delayed and masked-up ceremony at the Dana Hills gym, 12 Dolphins student-athletes were celebrated for signing on to colleges. Dana Hills baseball had the most signees with four.
JUNE DHHS Grad Williams Makes MLB Debut
Luke Williams, a Dana Hills 2015 graduate, made his major league debut for the
Philadelphia Phillies and got a hit in his first at-bat. In the next game, Williams hit a walk-off home run for his first major-league home run. In the previous week, Williams helped Team USA baseball qualify for the Tokyo Olympics.
JULY
Dana Hills junior Olivia Paquette won the CIF-SS Division 2 girls diving championship with an 11-dive score of 517.45. Paquette is only the second Dolphins girl diver to win a CIF-SS title, and it was program’s fifth title overall.
Twelve Honored for Signing Day
Dana Hills boys water polo earned its first share of the South Coast League title since 2015. Photo: Zach Cavanagh
Katie McLaughlin, 24, swam the third leg of the 4x200-meter freestyle relay to set the table for American star Katie Ledecky and help the United States earn silver in the event at the Tokyo Olympics. The relay team set an American record at 7:40.73.
AUGUST DHHS Football, Girls Volleyball Open Regular Fall Seasons
After their delayed and augmented seasons in the spring, Dana Hills football and girls volleyball kicked off the regularly scheduled and full fall sports seasons. Football opened with a big win over Laguna Beach, and girls volleyball was successful in tournament play.
SEPTEMBER Chambers Sets DHHS Football Single-Game Receiving Records
In a dramatic, back-and-forth win over rival Aliso Niguel, Dana Hills senior receiver Owen Chambers set single-game program highs with four touchdown catches and 251 receiving yards. Quarterback Bo Kelly threw five TD passes in the game and a total of 15 in the month.
OCTOBER Dana Hills kicker Leah West became the first female to score a varsity point in Dana Hills football history. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57
Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
Dawson Wins Orange County Championship
Dana Hills senior Jai Dawson won the Page 11
Orange County Cross Country Championship with a time of 15:07. Dawson is the first Dolphins runner to win the county title since 2016, and it wouldn’t be the last of his wins in this golden season.
DHHS Boys Water Polo Wins League Title
Dana Hills boys water polo finally broke a nine-game losing streak to San Clemente with a dramatic 11-10, double-overtime win, paving the way to the Dolphins’ first South Coast League title since 2015. Dana Hills shared the title with San Clemente.
NOVEMBER DHHS Football Plays First Playoff Game Since 2013
With its best regular-season record since 2009 at 8-2, the Dana Hills football team earned its first CIF-SS playoff berth since 2013. However, the Dolphins were edged in the first round by host El Modena in overtime, 23-20.
Dawson Wins CIF-SS, State Cross Country Titles
Dana Hills senior Jai Dawson won the CIF-SS Division 2 and CIF State Division II individual championships to etch his name into Dolphins history. Dawson was the first Dana Hills runner to win a CIFSS title since 2013 and the first to win a state title since 2008.
DECEMBER DHHS All-Time Passer Kelly Signs on Early Signing Day
Dana Hills senior quarterback Bo Kelly signed with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to open the early signing period. Kelly finished his Dolphins football career as the program’s all-time leading passer with 5,858 yards and 61 touchdowns. Kelly also set single-season marks for completions, yards and touchdowns. DP danapointtimes.com
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Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
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DP SURF
Happy New Year … Just Keep Surfing When it Comes to Health and Happiness, There’s Nothing Better Than Getting in the Water BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES
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nother lap around the sun together on this crazy blue orb, and as we bear down on the start of 2022, I’d like to wish everyone much health and happiness in the New Year. “The greatest thing in life is health,” once opined the late Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz, who famously raised his family on the shores of San Onofre. “Some of the most profound realizations that I came to about health did not derive from medicine, but derived from surfing,” Paskowitz continued. Without a doubt, the connection between surfing, health and happiness is real. It’s one of those things you come to realize as age creeps up on you. When you start surfing as a kid, it’s all fun all the time. The more sun, salt and swell, the better. But in the words of the great bluesman Lightin’ Hopkins: “There ain’t no wise young men.” The appreciation for surfing’s true meaning and benefits is hard-earned over time. The more laps around the sun we enjoy, the more we come to realize the power of riding waves and the importance it plays in our health and happiness. Just look at how many people took to the water in these COVID-19 times to see the joy a day at the beach can bring. Remember when the pandemic first hit, and they closed the beaches? I was bombarded by messages from people explaining how much they truly needed surfing and, like a fish out of water, they simply needed to get in the ocean. These times have certainly taught me a lot. I’m much more appreciative of whatever waves are in front of me, no matter the size or shape. I’m also not as envious as I once was when I see friends scoring warm, perfect surf in the tropics. Of course, I could most definitely use a good surf trip this coming year, but more often than not, I find I’m just happy to have a paddle somewhere around here. “I’m not striving for the ideal surf-
Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
The epitome of style, class and humility, local icon Phil Edwards continues to inspire generations of surfers to get in the water and do their thing. Photo: Courtesy of Bruce Brown Films
er’s paradise anymore, or the perfect life without obstacles. It doesn’t exist,” Jaimal Yogis wrote in his book Saltwater Buddha: A Surfer’s Quest to Find Zen on the Sea. “Not that I don’t have preferences or dreams anymore,” he continued. “But it seems like the idea of paradise is just on the horizon, always, while life is here, under my feet, now. Might as well enjoy it, learn to appreciate the good waves, the paddling, the ferocious storms, and the mundane moments—the quiet lulls between swells.” At present, I’ve been out of the water for the better part of a month after getting stung by a stingray at Poche (it’s what I get for trying to sneak in a surf before a funeral … karma, I suppose). Thankfully, this may be the longest stint I’ve gone in the past 20 years without surfing, but the foot’s finally healed, and I’m anxious to pull the wetsuit back on. I’m sure whenever I do paddle out, I will have once again learned a lesson in appreciation. The ocean’s a good teacher like that. “In regards to surfing, I’ve learned that there is always another wave coming,” shared Gerry Lopez, the original Pipe Master and a bit of a bodhisattva
himself. “Translated, that means there is always tomorrow.” “No matter how badly you get caught inside, if you can just hang in there and keep paddling, the set is going to pass and there will be a lull afterwards,” Lopez added. “So, don’t give up, just take your pounding, wait until the set passes, then make your move.” “There is wisdom in waves. Some surfers see it right away, others never do,” Lopez continued. “To find success in surfing, we must learn to be in harmony with nature. This will bring a sense of peace. By sharing this peace, and contributing to other people’s happiness, we can find the true meaning of life. Keep surfing.” And that’s it, that’s really the secret: just keep surfing. Life is always going to throw wild cards your way, whether it’s a crazy global pandemic or sting from a stingray; getting in the water, paddling out and riding that next wave is what it’s all about. That’s key to health and happiness if you’re a surfer. And to that, I say Happy New Year and happy surfing. 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 Page 14
SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 57-58 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 1-2 Outlook: A blend of Southwest and Northwest swells keeps waves in the waist-stomach-chest high range, (2-3-4’), on Friday and Saturday, then Sunday’s surf drops to knee-thigh-waist high, (1-2-3’). Moderate Northwest winds on Friday. Weekend winds will be light; offshore in the mornings, onshore for the afternoons.
number of publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. DP danapointtimes.com
Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
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Dana Point Times December 31, 2021-January 6, 2022
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