Dana Point Times

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City Seeks Applicants for Traffic Subcommittee

GROM OF THE MONTH: Teresa O’Connor

Dana Hills Athletes Commit to Colleges on National Signing Day

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SURF/PAGE 18

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F E B R U A RY 4 –1 0 , 2 0 1 1

LO C A L

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Volume 4, Issue 5

Medical Marijuana Fight Continues

E Y E O N following D P/ PAG E 6 City drops quest for dispensaries’ records closure of three collectives for municipal code violations E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5 iStock photo

www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

DP

D a n a Po i nt

City and Business Calendar Saturday, February 5

949.248.3536, www.danapoint.org.

Thursday, February 10

Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza Street. Admission is free. For more information or to inquire about purchasing a booth for $25, please call 949.573.5033 or 951.271.0669. www. danapoint.org

Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3563, www.danapoint.org

Coastmasters 7 a.m. the Coastmasters of Dana Point (a Toastmasters affiliate) meets every Thursday at the Jolly Roger Restaurant, 34661 Golden Lantern, 949.496.9610, www.coastmasters.org

Monday, February 7 Senior Bingo 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street,

Tuesday, February 8 Toastmasters 7 p.m. Dana Point Harbor Toastmasters meets every Tuesday at the Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, 949.496.2275, www.danaharbor. freetoasthost.ws

Friday, February 11 Senior Valentine’s Day Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $4 donations appreciated. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, 949.248.3536, www.danapoint.org

Dana Point’s Top 5 Hottest Topics

What’s Up With...

1

…More Money for Teachers?

THE LATEST: Teachers will get a bit more money in their pay checks, thanks to an unanticipated $13.5 million from the state and provisions in the contract negotiated after last year’s strike that called for salary restoration if additional cash came through.

That means Capistrano Unified School District teachers will take a 6.49 percent cut to their salaries and benefits over the 20092010 and 2010-2011 school years, changed slightly from the 10.1 percent reduction that was originally anticipated over the two-year period, the district says.

The additional money is on top of two instructional furlough days that were eliminated in December.

“Accepting less money for more work is never something we want to do, but the teachers understand the financial uncertainty facing the district and the state and have sacrificed like many others have in this economy,” CUEA President Vicki Soderberg said. “Knowing that the trustees and superintendent are willing to keep the promises that were made last year will go a long way toward restoring the trust necessary to be successful in spite of the continued challenges facing public education.”

WHAT’S NEXT: District officials said they are continuing to prepare for additional financial challenges—including an estimated $10 million budget deficit in the 2011-2012 school year, which could grow to $17 million under one of the governor’s proposed budget scenarios. Since 2007-08, CUSD has cut about $90 million from its general fund budget.

“The state budget is very unpredictable now, so we are constantly adjusting to changes in district revenue,” Superintendent Joe Farley said in a statement. “We are also beginning the challenging task of preparing for further changes in the 2011-2012 fiscal year.”

FIND OUT MORE: See the entire announcement at the “Beyond the Blackboard” blog at www.danapointtimes.com.

—Jonathan Volzke

www.danapointtimes.com

2

…Surfer Injured at Maverick’s Up and At ‘Em

THE LATEST: Thirty-year-old Capo Beach surfer, Jacob “Jake” Trette, was finally released from the hospital last Saturday, Jan. 26. After his four-wave pounding while surfing Maverick’s, the big-wave spot just outside of Half Moon Bay famous for taking the life of big-wave, Hawaiian legend, Mark Foo. Trette, like several others that day, failed to paddle out over the lip of largest, somewhat unexpected set wave of the day and the consequences for being held deep near the ocean floor, over and over, violently tossed around, were heavy. But after treatment and a two-day induced coma at Stanford Hospital, Jacob has already started his first day back at work at his dad’s retail business on Tuesday, Feb. 2 and “is back to normal,” said Bobby Trette, his younger (“—but older,” Bobby joked) brother. “It’s basically a miracle.” Jake has suffered no brain damage or other lasting conditions due to the incident other than being “really shaken up,” Bobby added.

The family is now normalizing after their weeklong, emotional roller coaster. They had been first informed that Jacob had died and then his status changed to comatose while they rushed to Northern California.

“We didn’t know if he would die, if he’d be a vegetable, if he’d ever walk again,” Bobby said, recalling that he didn’t even know Jake had actually planned this trip up to Maverick’s—he had previously only talked about wanting to. “We had to hold it together. It was my worst nightmare. But now he’s all good—and this was all in a week’s time.”

WHAT’S NEXT: As the Trette family tries to return to their everyday state of being, big-wave surfers everywhere are making mental checks of their equipment, well-being and expertise. “It just goes to show, you need to be prepared for anything,” Bobby said of his brother, who’s been humbled by the recent experience. “But surfing’s not going to leave us. [Jake] pushed his limits but Maverick’s is a different break. We may just stick to tropical and warm.” Though conditions can pose to be just as dangerous in places like Hawaii, the less-dense and pres-

The city halted “overly aggressive” tree trimming by Niguel Shores HOA along PCH. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

surized, more comfortable, warm water can take on a slightly more friendly atmosphere.

Many surfers, including the Trette brothers will continue to contemplate available rescue equipment and methods. “As a family, we have to thank the nine—at least—people on our rescue list. From binoculars to the kayaker to the helicopter pilot to the EMT and Russel Ord. Everybody saved his life.”

FIND OUT MORE: Log onto www.danapointtimes.com to read the full story.

—Christina Scannapiego

3

…Tree Clearing along PCH Halted by City?

THE LATEST: On January 28, the city halted work contracted by the Niguel Shores Homeowners Association to trim bushes and trees along PCH. The work was intended to clean up the overgrowth the HOA said they found increasingly difficult to maintain as well as to improve residents’ views.

The small stretch of slope is owned by the Niguel Shores development but falls outside of the neighborhood’s perimeter along Pacific Coast Highway near Selva Road.

As far as the city was concerned, the area was scheduled for trimming only. But when the work quickly progressed beyond

trimming, leaving the first section of slope barren, calls from concerned residents prompted the city to get involved.

Niguel Shores resident Barbara Coleman said she called everyone she could think of, including city officials and other news media.

“I was angry when I saw how the trees were being butchered and the ugliness left behind,” said Coleman. “It also upsets me to think that my HOA dues are going toward paying for this. I never agreed to this.”

The city contacted the community association’s general manager Leo Reilly to discuss their plan for re-planting and organized a meeting that same day between the city’s planning division and the HOA. Had the project not gone beyond basic trimming, the city would not have required a permit for the work. Since there are requirements for re-planting in the city of Dana Point, coordination with the city is required despite the fact that the effected land is technically on private property The HOA had planned to replant the slope with much shorter-growing bushes and shrubs.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to Public Works Director Brad Fowler, the city has instructed the Niguel Shores HOA to discontinue any further removal of vegetation along PCH until completion and approval of a replacement (Cont. on page 4) February 4–10, 2011 • Dana Point Times • Page 3

Eye on DP (Cont. from page 3) landscape plan.

The City’s General Plan recognizes PCH as a State Scenic Highway and mandates preservation of existing landscape features. The city has also requested the immediate installation of appropriate erosion control measures within the exposed slope areas.

FIND OUT MORE: Log on to www.danapoint. org for more information about regulations on existing landscape replacement within the city.

—Andrea Swayne

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…City Taking Applications for Traffic Improvement Subcommittee?

THE LATEST: The City of Dana Point began taking applications on January 27 to fill five vacancies on the Traffic Improvement Subcommittee.

The City Council will be filling three positions with a four-year term ending March 31, 2015 and two positions with a two-year term ending March 31, 2013. All positions are appointed by the council.

The position posting on the city’s website describes the job’s general requirements as being able to work with staff to evaluate traffic related issues that may be directed to the Subcommittee by the City Council, recommending traffic improvements to the

DP Sheriff’s Blotter Compiled By J O NAT H A N VOLZ KE All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Web site (www.ocsd.org) and reflects data available from calls placed from the field by the responding officer(s). An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.

Tuesday, February 1 SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Golden Lantern, 34500 Block (11:07 p.m.)

A car was seen on the curb near a local restaurant. No one was around it.

Monday, January 31 PERSON DOWN Sepulveda Avenue/Domingo Avenue (9:32 p.m.) A transient was down in the mud.

Turns out the man, who’d turned 53 days earlier, was wanted on a $16,500 warrant.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle de Tenis, 24900 Block (9:21 p.m.)

Two people were locked in the gate at the tennis center. They pushed it open, but broke the lock in the process.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Wave Crest Lane, 24800 Block (7 p.m.)

Page 4 • Dana Point Times • February 4–10, 2011

City Council and addressing concerns and complaints that may be addressed to the Subcommittee.

Qualified individuals must be both residents of and registered voters in the City of Dana Point.

The subcommittee meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm in the City Council Chambers.

WHAT’S NEXT: All applications must be received by February 25, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.

Completed applications must be delivered or sent to the City of Dana Point, City Clerk’s Office, 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information about applying, contact City Clerk Kathy Ward at 949.248.3505 or email kward@ danapoint.org.

For more specific information, including a listing of recent or upcoming Traffic Improvement Subcommittee items and agendas, contact the Public Works Department at 949.248.3597 or email galviar@ danapoint.org.

—AS

5

…Living Longer in Dana Point?

THE LATEST: The life expectancy at birth for Dana Point residents is now 82.8 years, among the highest in Orange County.

A man was sitting by himself in a truck inside a gated community.

KEEP THE PEACE Del Obispo Street, 33800 Block (3:08 p.m.) A man reported he has a restraining order against his wife, but she was trying to take things from the house.

CITIZEN ASSIST Sea Island Drive, 32500 Block (2:20 p.m.)

A woman reported her caregiver wouldn’t let her talk to her son and other people.

But she wouldn’t put the caregiver on the phone to dispatchers, either.

TRAFFIC HAZARD La Paza, 24600 Block (2:05 p.m.)

A man in a wheelchair stopped the chair in traffic and wouldn’t move, making vehicles go around him.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Doheny Park Road/Pacific Coast Highway (1:07 p.m.) A man was walking near a donut shop with a crowbar. The man was arrested on warrants. He worked in construction.

DISTURBANCE Calle Portola, 34600 Block (12:49 p.m.)

A woman reported her husband threw dog feces at her and threatened her with a shovel.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (12:01 p.m.) A bald man was harassing customers in front of a lingerie shop. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, either.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Camino De Estrella, 27000 Block (10:11 a.m.) A caller reported a man possibly with a gun got out of a green car, leaving

Overall, Orange County residents are living longer than ever before, according to a justreleased report from the OC Health Care Agency.

The study says average life expectancy at birth in Orange County has systematically improved over 18 years. In 1990, the average life expectancy in the county was 76.9 years and it has increased 4.6 years to 81.5 years in 2008. That means the average OC resident will live about four years longer than the national average.

Overall, Dana Point ranked seventh-highest in life expectancy. San Juan Capistrano came in on top, at 85.2 years. Buena Park was lowest, at just more than 79 years.

The 11-page report, culled from death certificates, also looks at race and gender factors, too. Asian/Pacific Islanders have the highest average life expectancy of 84.7 years in 2008, while blacks and whites have the lowest, at 80.4 and 80.3 years, respectively.

And women outlive men three to five years—a statistic that is consistent across the state and nation.

WHAT’S NEXT: Average life expectancy at birth is one of the most fundamental measures of the overall health of a community, the report says. The report also says “The substantial geographic and racial/ethnic disparities in life expectancy are due to the underlying environmental and social conditions in our cities which also influence the health of county residents. We found strong correlations in our study between income, two women behind as he entered a liquor store. A 20-year-old man was taken into custody on warrants. He listed his occupation as a student.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle Los Robles, 34600 Block (9:53 a.m.)

A utilities worker reported a resident threatened to kill him for turning off his electricity.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Del Obispo Street, 34200 Block (1:13 a.m.)

A man called to report a man and a woman who had been involved in a fight at a local watering hole were now there. Deputies might be looking for the couple, the caller advised.

Sunday, January 30 DISTURBANCE Robles Drive, 33800 Block (8:16 p.m.)

A man found someone he didn’t know in his roommate’s room and wanted him out. The unwelcomed guest threatened to kill the caller. The roommate woke up, too, and they all got into an argument.

FAMLY DISPUTE Del Obispo Street, 33800 Block (8:03 p.m.)

A woman threw her wine glass on the ground during an argument and laid in the glass, a man reported. She was, he said, upset because her application for a green card had been rejected.

WELFARE CHECK Doheny Park Road, 34000 Block (7:56 p.m.)

A caller told dispatchers someone beat up their father. When dispatchers called back, they heard someone in the background direct the caller to say “tell them everything is fine.”

INDECENT EXPOSURE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (7:13

education, health insurance and life expectancy. The results presented here demonstrate that where you live is strongly related to life expectancy.”

The report concludes: “Increased access to health care and reduced premature mortality due to preventable causes would help reduce disparities and increase life expectancy in Orange County.”

FIND OUT MORE: See the full report at www. danapointtimes.com —Jonathan Volzke

On the Bubble Other topics making news this week Town Hall Meeting to Prevent Underage Drinking The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence – Orange County/Community Alliance Network and Dana Hills High School PTSA are hosting a Town Hall Meeting called Minor Drinking – Major Problems at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, on Wednesday, February 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Terah Glass at 949.595.2288 x318 or tglass@canoc.org.

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?

Send your suggestions to editorial@danapointtimes.com. p.m.) A man walking behind a convenience store was touching himself inappropriately.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (3:49 p.m.)

A caller was upset because a woman brought a man and alcohol into the motel room paid for by a church.

KEEP THE PEACE Silver Lantern, 33900 Block (3:09 p.m.)

A caller complained their roommate changed the locks and wouldn’t let him in.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Cordova Drive, 24700 Block (1:03 a.m.)

A man reported his wife stole his wallet. He was upset when dispatchers told him it was not a crime. Deputies had been called from the same home two hours earlier, when the two were arguing.

Saturday, January 29 KEEP THE PEACE Cabrillo Isle, 33700 Block (5:06 p.m.)

A cabbie reported a woman paid her fare with a credit card. When it was declined, she ran off.

CITIZEN ASSIST Pointe Trinity, 24800 Block (3:06 p.m.)

A man reported he gave his car to a mechanic to fix, but the mechanic would not return the vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Doheny Park Road, 34200 Block (12:53 p.m.)

A man with long brown hair was sitting at the tables. The caller thought he must be up to something.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONS Dana Strand Road, 34000 Block (8:24 a.m.)

A woman was running with her dog on the beach. www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

Medical Marijuana Fight Continues City drops quest for dispensaries’ records following closure of three collectives for municipal code violations

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

T

he city of Dana Point is using a new tactic in its 18month battle against medical marijuana collectives, using the municipal code to red-tag and shut down all three dispensaries in town.

Citing missing valid certificates of occupancy and alleged fire and safety issues at the facilities, the city shut down the Point Alternative Care, Holistic Health Collective and Beach Cities Collective on January 24. On the same day, the City Council announced it was abandoning a court effort to get the collectives’ business records. The state Supreme Court was scheduled to weigh in on that effort, which the collectives argued amounted to asking for medical records. Now, at least one new legal challenge, over the use of the municipal code, has been filed, although the dispensaries remain closed.

That announcement that the city would no longer seek business records of the collectives came after the council met in closed session. At the same January 24 meeting, Holistic Health President Garrison Williams told the City Council it was wasting money by battling his business and the other collectives.

“In the last year-and-a-half the city has spent approximately three quarters of a million dollars on attorney’s fees without notifying your public of what you were doing and where this money is going and why it’s going somewhere. You’re doing it behind closed doors and behind closed sessions without discussing it with the people who are members of the community,” Williams said. “No matter what [City Attorney Patrick Munoz] says, you’re probably going to lose.”

The council later announced the city was dropping the battle for the court records. Munoz said the city doesn’t need the business records anymore and the ongoing effort only complicates the issue.

“The dispensaries keep raising those subpoenas as a reason to try and delay various proceedings and it’s an issue that we feel is not necessary to deal with,” Munoz said. “So in light of that, the council voted unanimously to withdraw the legislative subpoenas that were previously issued.”

He in no way admitted legal defeat, though.

“In fact, we’ve made this argument to the various courts over and over again, and the courts have always agreed with us. We keep hearing arguments from the dispensaries that we’re somehow trying to get around the legislative subpoena case by going forward with this litigation and it’s become a cost that we don’t need,” Munoz said. “It’s also a cost in the sense that we keep having to address their arguments. It’s a cost in the sense that we have to deal with the appeal of the legislative subpoenas that’s out there and at this point the council has agreed that it makes more sense to withdraw the legislative subpoenas and just deal with the dispensaries in the existing litigation.

“All we’ve ever asked for are business records that would demonstrate that they’re complying with the state medical marijuana laws. They refuse to provide those. They’ve also refused to provide those in the course of the litigation. Basically, these are drug dealers and until they can prove that

www.danapointtimes.com

The Holistic Health storefront, one of three medical marijuana collectives closed by the city last month has been posted, not only with the city’s red-tag order, but also with comments by angry members urging the public to get involved in the fight to remain open. Photo by Andrea Swayne

they’re complying with state law, they’re nothing more than drug dealers.”

Throughout the past year-and-a-half the collectives have fought against these records subpoenas saying that they are a violation of “patient privacy,” an argument that Munoz calls completely invalid.

“We never asked for medical records. Collective member lists are not medical records. There are neither physicians nor pharmacists on premises at these shops. These are business clubs. They even refer to themselves as clubs.

And the way it’s supposed to work, if it could be legitimate, is that they’re just sharing costs,” said Munoz. “They are supposed to be reimbursing each other—sharing labor and expenses together in a purely non-profit format. Instead, what’s going on is, someone’s out there growing marijuana for about $60 per pound and then they’re selling it to a middle man for about $5000 a pound and then selling it to the residents, including high school kids, in Dana Point for abut $9,000 a pound.”

Jessica Straw would take issue with Munoz’s assertions.

On the afternoon of February 28, Straw, one of the people who works behind the counter at the Holistic Health dispensary sat outside the business on a folding chair reading a book. She was wrapped in a blanket because of the cold and holding a clipboard.

She had been stationed there since the red tag was posted and the doors were closed by city officials, waiting outside the shuttered business to answer questions from the collective’s members who came to try and pick up their pot.

“I feel bad for the people that stop by here and see that our doors are closed. I’ve been working here for about a year and I know a lot of the people that come here and I know a lot of their ailments. I know what they use it for—be it cancer or a chronic pain condition or whatever,” said Straw. “I know it’s really difficult for them to not have access to their medicine because when they don’t have it they have to go back to all of their prescription drugs. This is a very respectable collective and one of the nicest ones

around and people that come in here are in business suits.

They’re doctors and lawyers and teachers and parents and many different people. I think it’s unfair.”

Among those who came up to Straw was a 59-year-old woman who stopped by on her way home from work to pick up her marijuana. The woman declined to give her name but did express her displeasure with the closure. She explained that this was only the second time she’d been to a dispensary.

She’d recently tried pot as an alternative to the sleeping pills her regular doctor has been prescribing for 10 years to treat her insomnia.

“This is a much healthier alternative, I think,” she said. “I am no longer taking chemicals produced in a lab and, quite frankly, I think marijuana works better than anything else I’ve been prescribed.”

At one point, the owner of a neighboring business walked over. He also declined to give his name but he said that he’d watched many of Holistic Health’s customers coming and going.

They seemed normal, he said, and not “drugged out.”

In fact, he said, he didn’t even realize Holistic Health was a medical marijuana collective until he read about it in the newspaper.

Over two hours in front of the dispensary, the would-be customers seemed to represent a cross-section of the population. It might have been the time of day, but nobody appeared under 30.

On January 26, a court rejected a request from Beach Cities Collective attorney Jeffrey Schwartz to allow Beach Cities Collective to remain open. Instead, Orange County Superior Court Judge Glenda Sanders set a preliminary injunction hearing for February 17.

The other two collectives were expected to take a similar action and city officials say they are expecting similar results.

For the time being, all three collectives remain locked up and all have vowed to continue suing the city in an attempt to overturn the closures, and with that, the battle continues.

Log on to www.danapointtimes.com to see a timeline of the issue. DP February 4–10, 2011 • Dana Point Times • Page 5

Eye on DP

News Bites

Steve Zdrakas, owner of Proud Mary’s Restaurant at the OC Dana Point Harbor, and his daughter Amber Zdrakas Holcomb were among the nearly two dozen people who on January 25 joined San Juan Capistrano-based Homefront America on a daylong cruise and exhibition aboard the USS Gary, a guided-missile frigate based in San Diego. Amber donned her dad’s Navy-issue pea coat, from his time in the service, especially for this occasion.

The USS Gary was commissioned in 1984.

Although outfitted with guided missiles and torpedoes, the ship’s current assignment is drug Proud Mary’s Restaurant owner Steve Zdrakas and daughter, Amber Zdrakas Holcomb. interdiction. It can accommodate a helicopter on Photo by Jonathan Volzke deck and in an on-board hangar.

The ship was named after the late Cmdr. Donald Arthur Gary, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1946 for his actions while serving aboard USS Franklin as a lieutenant. During a Japanese attack on the ship, Gary was credited with saving the lives of hundreds of the crew, leading them out of the badly damaged compartments below decks. The Gary, with No. 51 on its hull, was commissioned in 1984.

January 25 was the ship’s “family day,” when family and guests joined for a daylong cruise and demonstration. The ship is one of four adopted by Homefront America, which provides support for military families. For more information, see www.homefrontamerica.org.

u Compiled by Andrea Swayne and Jonathan Volzke

Props, Recognitions and Morsels of Info They’ve changed the dates but not the name. This year’s 9th Annual Jazz in January is in February—this Friday and Saturday, February 4 and 5 to be exact. Tickets are still available for this world-class jazz and epicurean event. For those who don’t plan to attend but would still like to contribute, a new $20 per ticket raffle has been added and ticket holders need not be present to win.

The musical lineup features producer, performer Rick Braun and Friends, featuring Euge Groove and Philippe Saisse. Braun is a two-time winner of the Gavin Report’s Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year Award, Groove is a smooth jazz saxophonist with a Top-40 background, and Saisse is a French Grammy Award-nominated keyboardist, producer and arranger.

Co-Chairing Jazz in January for the ninth time, and active with the Ocean Institute for more than 20 years is Dana Point resident Tim McMahon, Senior Vice President, CB Richard Ellis Retail.

Joining him is Laguna Niguel resident Jens von Gierke, Principal and Founder of Wave Hospitality Advisors, LLC. Friday night features a wine reception from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.—appetizers provided by Il Fornaio—with the concert following. Tickets are $95 and $125.

On Saturday the gala dinner show kicks off with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. followed by a live auction and four-course dinner. The gourmet meal will be prepared by chefs from the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Montage Laguna Beach, and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Pear Valley Vineyards of Paso Robles will provide the wines. Concert begins at 9 p.m. Prices for Saturday are $500 per person, $6,000 for a table for 12, and $7,200 for a VIP table for 12. Benefactor tables ($7200) include preferred seating, a gift certificate for one room at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa with Champagne Brunch for two and an Ocean Institute Adventure Package (weekend passes for four and a cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer).

Event proceeds benefit the students of the Ocean Institute’s inspiring “immersion” style programs that turn students into research scientists, tall ship sailors, expedition leaders and explorers. Last year, more than 150,000 students, teachers and families participated in the Institute’s national award-winning programs. To date, Jazz in January has raised more than $655,000.

A raffle for a dream vacation has been added to this year’s event. Enter for your chance to win a three-night stay at the spectacular Montage Deer Valley. Tickets are $20 for one, or six for $100.

You do not need to be present to win.

Event ticket sales and raffle tickets are no longer available for purchase online, but call Natasha Berendzen at 949.496.2274 ext. 412 or send her an email at nberendzen@ocean-institute.org and she’ll take are of you. For more information about the event, log on to www.ocjazzfestival.com.

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Have something interesting for the community?

Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

Forward a picture along, too! We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

JSerra Catholic High School announced last week that it will become the first Catholic high school in Orange County to add online curriculum to its growing list of cutting-edge programs.

The school has hired Capistrano Beach resident Jonathan Horowitz, Ed. D., to develop and oversee the program. Horowitz has served for the past three-and-a-half years as principal of Capistrano Connections Academy, an online school that serves 1,600 students in five counties.

“JSerra has demonstrated incredible vision in embracing an online curriculum for its students,” Horowitz said. “It will enable the young school to enroll students from a broader geographic region as well as allow for more diverse coursework for students. They are the first Catholic high school in the region that I’m aware of to embrace online education, and they will likely be a model for others.”

Frank Talarico, JSerra’s president and CEO, said the addition of online curriculum adds to the school’s value proposition. “We have a medical magnet partnership with Mission Hospital, are about to launch a business magnet program with UC Irvine and are working Jonathan Horowitz. toward programs in law and engineering,” he said.

Courtesy photo Initially, the program will allow eighth-graders to get a jump on high school by taking summer health courses from home and high achievers to take on more courses.

Horowitz said he plans to meet individually with teachers and staff members to develop and shape the curriculum. The program will allow students to be “online graduates,” though students will spend time on campus to preserve the culture. The program will complement the existing courses and extending new opportunities that run the gamut from Advanced Placement classes to foreign languages and everything in-between. For more information, visit www.jserra.org.

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News Next Door

What’s going on in our neighboring towns, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano SAN CLEMENTE

OC Tavern Bets on a Lucky Track Record It seemed like a long shot, but in December, the Sport of Kings and the thrill of offtrack horse racing wagering shot out of the starting gate at OC Tavern Grill and Sports Bar. In 2007, the struggling horse racing industry asked state lawmakers to seize an opportunity to simultaneously save industry jobs and boost state revenues by enacting a law to allow mini-satellite sites to support horseracing wagering in California.

Michael Merrigan, 45, owner and managing partner of the OC Tavern Grill and Sports Bar, learned about the law and spent two years compiling research, completing applications and creating plans to convert his concert hall into an off-track horseracing satellite site.

Now, his El Camino Real bar is one of only two mini-satellite locations in the state.

Merrigan’s groundbreaking crusade ultimately garnered city approval, making OC Page 6 • Dana Point Times • February 4–10, 2011

Tavern Grill and Sports Bar the first restaurant in the state to offer off-track betting. It’s a risky wager, in uncertain economic times, but it’s a gamble Merrigan’s betting will pay off down the stretch.

The OCT Room offers a wide array of racing Wednesday through Sunday. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the tavern offers quarter horse racing from Los Alamitos and thoroughbred racing from Australia. On Thursday nights, OC Tavern has harness racing.

To read the full story of how off-track betting came to San Clemente, log on to www. sanclementetimes.com.

OC Tavern is located at 2369 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente. For more information, call 949.542.8877 or look them up online at www.octavern.com. —Shelley Murphy SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

50-Year Fiesta Tradition Falls to Political Correctness Some members of the Fiesta Association,

the all-volunteer group that organizes the western-themed Swallows Day Parade, have put a 50-year tradition on the next train out of town.

Contenders said the group is being robbed of its spirit by political correctness.

At issue: Whether the term “Smooth Puss” is widely known as a man with a cleanly shaven face, or a not-too-subtle reference to a woman’s private parts.

For as long as anyone can remember, perhaps back to the roots of the 53-yearold event itself, Capistrano has celebrated a variety of events and contests leading up to the famed Swallows Day Parade. One of those events is the “Hairiest Man” contest, in which men show up at a local watering hole with cleanly shaven faces—smooth pusses—to start the contest, then see who can grow the longest beard over the next few weeks.

The “Smooth Puss” title also comes into play the day before the parade, when Fiesta Association members, historically a bawdy group, wear their customary black-and-white, don pistols and guide a roaming jail through town locking people

up. The bail is the purchase of a Fiesta Association garter or “Smooth Puss” button.

At the association’s weekly meeting earlier this month, President Steve Weekes suggested the group would not buy the “Smooth Puss” buttons this year because of concerns about the language.

The idea gained support from longtime Fiesta member Kathy Hooper, who said she’d always found the name offensive. So much so, she said, that she and other female volunteers years ago created the garters as an alternative to the buttons.

But another longtime volunteer, Chris Jones, said the group was flushing away a decades-long tradition in the name of political correctness.

Weekes took an informal poll of volunteers at the meeting, and a majority—women and men alike—supported doing away with the buttons.

“Hoos’gow” buttons will now be sold instead.

This year’s parade, one of the largest non-motorized parades in the country, is on March 26. For more information, see www. swallowsparade.com. —Jonathan Volzke www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX

2

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

DP

D a n a Po i nt

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

HOW TO REACH US Editor Stories, News, CALENDAR, etc.

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com Advertising Print and Online

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com Distribution Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com Billing Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times, Vol. 4, Issue 5. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.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 2011. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Group Editor, Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Stacie Galang ART/Design Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd

All Hands, Ahoy: By Beverli Jinn

I’ve Never Met an Avocado I Didn’t Like.

O kay, I confess. I have a hair stylist, Dayna Dallas, who colors my hair.

This is not about a hopeless struggle to become beautiful. I understand that I’m already as beautiful as I can get.

No, the truth is that I don’t want anyone to guess that I’m an old person.

Beverli Jinn Dayna takes care of me, snipping here and there, applying hair color and highlights and baking my head inside a dryer, shampooing twice, using a flat iron to straighten those frizzy curls. Voila! Young again!

Dayna is the proprietor of a salon called Revelation, a nice concept for ladies (and men) who easily become discouraged amidst the vagaries of the eternal quest for youth. It’s on Violet Lantern, just across from Harbor House.

My dictionary defines revelation as “an enlightening or astonishing disclosure.” It’s important to differentiate here between miracle and revelation. Dayna and her cohorts do not work miracles. A miracle is . . . well, miraculous. There’s no explaining a miracle. A miracle can’t happen! That why, if it does happen, it’s a miracle. What the folks at Revelation do is bring to the surface the beauty that already exists.

So, anyway, Dayna was keeping me young the other day.

She likes me as a client, she says, because I don’t talk all the time, thus freeing her to work her art, so to speak, in a sort of creative silence. So I was meditating and Dayna was creating and I let my gaze wander to an open bag that was sitting on a shelf in front of the mirror. I couldn’t help noticing two red and golden yellow Costco apples right on top, just waiting to be eaten for lunch. Between the apples, forlorn and miserable, was a shriveled, undernourished avocado.

“Avocado,” I gargled in my best Cookie Monster imitation.

Dayna perked up. “I love avocados,” she said, pulling the scorching flat iron through my now-blond locks.

“I’m an avocado expert,” I said immodestly, always eager to tell my story about growing up surrounded by hills filled with avocado trees. I went on for several minutes

Letters to the Editor Lachner’s Letter Just Sour Grapes

By Carlos N. Olvera, Dana Point

Recently there was a Letter to the Editor from Geoffrey Lachner of Dana Point lambasting Mayor Scott Schoeffel.

As you read his letter it is obvious it is a tale of sour grapes.

He started by challenging the Mayor’s statement that he was “honored” to be selected mayor instead saying the mayor’s position is rotating, i.e., “me this year, you next.”

Mr. Lachner’s involvement in Dana Point politics dates back to the late ‘90s. During that tumultuous time, we had a decade of a dysfunctional council. Mr. Lachner ran for city council during the time and came in 8th in the voting.

It was also during this time that a city council majority

Page 8 • Dana Point Times • February 4–10, 2011

attempting to impress her with my expertise, forgetting that I was leaving Dayna no choice but to respond as though she were interested in what I had to say. “Wow! You really know your avocados!” she might say. “Why is my avocado so shriveled up?”

That’s not what she did, though. Instead, she went on in silence, heating my hair and pulling it straight. Talk about focus! Talk about discipline!

Eventually, of course, we got into another conversation, this one about her family, and my hair reached that point where it was as young as it was going to get. I bought some shampoo and conditioner, which Dayna put into a small paper bag (this is important to the point of my story), and strode into the sunshine, my hair dazzling and sexy. As I walked into my kitchen, the brainstorm hit. I would visit Farmers’ Market on Saturday, buy some quality avocados, put them in the recyclable paper bag that had contained my shampoo, and stop at Revelation on my walk home to deliver the luscious fruit to Dayna.

And that’s what I did.

“Want a cup of coffee?” she asked after we’d sufficiently admired the avocados.

Of course I wanted a cup of coffee. Of course I wanted to sit down and talk with Dayna without having to worry about interfering with her creative juices.

She brewed two fresh cups, handing me the finished product in a ceramic mug with a picture of Santa Claus on it.

“No styrofoam cups,” she said when I laughed at her lack of seasonality. “We wash the cups. We recycle all our plastic and glass and aluminum containers. Aluminum foil. Paper and cardboard. I take it home with me every night and put it in the brown bin.

I sipped from my Santa mug and smiled silently in Dayna’s direction before speaking. “You’re a full on green person,” I said. “I didn’t know.”

“A green machine,” she said. “Maybe that’s one of the reasons Revelation was Dana Point’s most popular Hair Salon

conspired to ensure only the majority members would be selected mayor. Thus, Mr. Lachner’s credibility has been challenged right out of the gate. Those times are now behind us. We do not always have a 5-0 vote, but it is civil. Our community has become a beautiful community with a rich history. Shall we move on?

Reefer Madness Misinformation David Christian, Dana Point

The City of Dana Point’s war on medical marijuana is ridiculous. As a medical marijuana patient and former collective volunteer, I am disgusted with how the city has handled this. Sending in OCSD to raid these facilities hasn’t done much except make it so valid patients have to travel 20 miles or more to get their medicine. The whole “reefer madness” anti-marijuana scare campaign really spread a lot of

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SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin, Rebecca Nordquist CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, Christina Scannapiego, David Zimmerle

Online Reader Poll Are you glad the ACLU lawsuit will result in a ban on many fees for things like books and sports equipment/uniforms in our public schools?

Yes. Public education is supposed to be free for everyone.

78% I think things should stay as is. Provisions are made for students who can not afford the fees.

11% No. I don’t think it is a problem. Everyone should invest some money in their children’s education.

11% Make sure to sound off each week on the “DP Times Poll of the Week” at www.danapointtimes.com. Then go to our community Message Board and share your opinions. www.danapointtimes.com. Bookmark it today!

The DP Times Online Reader Polls are not scientific and do not reflect the opinion of the DP Times.

last year.”

“And this year?” I asked.

“Better than ever.”

Some years ago, at her first opportunity, Beverli Jinn retired from teaching high school English. A lot of books inside her demanded to be written. Now, several years and six published books later, an altered compulsion, the care and feeding of our ocean, drives Jinn’s pen. She believes that the residents of Orange County’s South Coast can lead the way in establishing and maintaining a healthy watershed. She is the co-founder of Dana Point’s Earth/Ocean Society and is active in the DP Historical Society and the Lantern Village Association. Born and raised in Orange County, she has lived in Dana Point since 2001. Jinn welcomes her readers’ feedback via email at allhandsahoy@ hotmail.com.

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are solely those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the Dana Point Times staff.

We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@danapointtimes.com.

misinformation and lies and it seems the city is all about it.

It just seems ridiculous that prostitution is accepted in this town, yet, legal medical marijuana is not. All these massage parlors in town—everyone knows what they are—blatant criminal operations. Yet, legal medical marijuana non-profit, mutual benefit collectives are the problem? How much money has the city attorney wasted fighting this? Get it together DP. You are way off track. Do some real research on marijuana. It is an amazing medicine. Don’t believe Big Pharma lies.

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

DP

D a n a Po i nt

The List

A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town this week. Compiled by Tawnee Prazak

friday04 forecast: sunny • high: 72° low: 44°

Small Works Art Show

12 p.m.-4 p.m. The San Clemente Art Association presents an art sale and show featuring award-winning pieces no bigger than 8’x10’ or priced over $300. Proceeds go to schools. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com.

Jazz in January

6:30 p.m. The Ocean Institute presents a jazz event fundraiser with live music, dinner, cocktails and auctions; tickets $95-$125. The premiere gala evening takes place Saturday, Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m.; tickets starting at $425. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Wine Tasting: St. Hallett Winery

5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. San Clemente Wine Company welcomes St. Hallett Winery pouring wines from down under. $15 for seven wines with cheese, crackers & chocolate. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

8 p.m. Play at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $24-$34.

31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Blue Largo

7:30 p.m.–11 p.m. Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

Escape: Journey tribute

7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. The band covers hits from Journey at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

Satellite Horse Racing

10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. OC Tavern presents a new event offered Wednesday through Sunday. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

Close Enough

8 p.m.-11 p.m. Live classic rock music at Adele’s.

2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.366.1121, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

saturday05 forecast: sunny • high: 72° low: 45°

Dana Point Farmers Market

9 a.m.–1 p.m. Fresh produce and much more every Saturday at La Plaza Park, intersection of PCH and Golden Lantern in Dana Point.

Page 10 • Dana Point Times • February 4–10, 2011

Go See Do

Palisades 50th Anniversary Carnival

Palisades Elementary School is celebrating its 50th anniversary at this year’s school carnival on February 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to the public. A highlight of the carnival is the annual Pooper Bowl, where a grid will be made on Palisades’ field. Each grid square matches a numbered ticket sold in the days leading up to the event, then, on carnival day, a wandering cow (courtesy of the Dairy Council of California) will “fertilize” the field. The owner of the ticket corresponding to the “fertilized” square will win a cash prize. No Pooper Bowl tickets will be sold on carnival day, but it’s still fun for kids to watch the cow and speculate on where it does its business. While waiting for the cow to do its thing, attendees can enjoy games, food, entertainment, silent auctions, a bake sale, vendor tables and much more. The carnival is a free event and OC Sheriff and SC Marine Safety team will be there, along with other community philanthropies. As part of the event’s mission to showcase the history of Palisades’ past, the school is extending and invitation to the public—all current and past staff, as well as all alumni to attend and be included in an historic group photo. The photo is planned for 1 p.m. Palisades Elementary is at 26462 Via Sacramento in Capistrano Beach. For more information call 949.496.5942 or log on to www.pses.capousd. ca.schoolloop.com. —Andrea Swayne

8th Annual CARe Show

8 a.m.-2 p.m. Fundraising car show at the Community Center/ Sports Park to benefit the Capo Animal Rescue Effort. Features more than 400 vintage and classic cars; entertainment; food; exhibits and prizes. Fee $5 adults, $2 kids 11-17. 25925 Camino Del Avion, 949.240.1735, www.capoanimalrescue.com.

2nd Annual Poker Event

Fundraiser for MADD’s 5k walk, featuring food, drinks, music, raffle, silent auction and poker at the Tustin Senior Center. Entry fee $25-$100. Call/email for times and reservations. 200 S. C St. Tustin, 714.838.6199, Ext. 12, peggy.jensen@madd.org.

Family Film Feature: Despicable Me

11 a.m. Fun movie for the whole family to enjoy at the SJC Library. Free admission and popcorn. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

They Came From Outer Space

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Casa Romantica’s new NASA Space Exploration Exhibit featuring historical space stories, photos, equipment and more. Adults $5. Kids 12 and under $3. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Til Death Do Us Part: Late night Catechism 3

7 p.m. Brand-new comedic show on the sacraments of marriage and last rights with audience participation and games at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. Tickets $35. 33866 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, 949.496.1307, www.stedward.com.

Dave Norman went to Palisades and now daughter Carli is a student there. Both plan to take part in a group photo of current students, past staff and alumni to mark the school’s 50th anniversary at the Feb. 5 carnival. Courtesy photo

San Clemente Farmers Market

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce, flowers and more every Sunday along Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

Coastal Odyssey Sailing Adventure

1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Travel back in time onboard the Ocean Institute’s tall ship Spirit of Dana Point for a tall ship adventure.

Help raise the sail, handle lines and steer the ship, or sit back and enjoy the ride. Tickets $40 adult, $23 children. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Bluegrass Brunch & Music

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch at The Next Door with lively and harmonious bluegrass music starting at 11 a.m. 647 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, 949.940.8845, www.nextdoorsc.com.

Beethoven’s Emperor

3 p.m. Complete performance of the Emperor Concerto, an piece from the age of revolution and romance. Tickets 425-$91. Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.ARTS, www.ocpac.org.

Ukulele Nights

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Bring your Ukulele, sing along or listen to the music at Hulaville’s newest event. Every Sunday. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe.com.

Missy Anderson

7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

Marine Mammal Cruise

HAIR

1 p.m. Journey to sea with Ocean Institute scientists and to observe and learn about marine wildlife. Tickets $35 adults, $22 children (members $22 adults, $19 children). 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Kimo West

monday07

2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Hit musical at OC Performing Arts Center; contains mature content. Ticket start at $20. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.ARTS, www.ocpac.org.

8 p.m.-10 p.m. Live band at Hulaville. Tickets $5. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905, www.hulavillecafe. com.

Shane Dandy

8 p.m. Live rock ‘n’ roll at The Rib Joint. 34294 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.9500.

Nick Cappelletti

8 p.m. Multi-talented musician at The Coach House, also playing: Wake the Street and Child 44. Tickets 415.

33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

BeDazzled

7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Popular Drag Queen Show at Adele’s.

Tickets $10; 18 and older. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.366.1121, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

sunday06 forecast: sunny • high: 72° low: 46°

Help me Rhonda

6 p.m.-9 p.m. Acoustic group at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

forecast: sunny • high: 71° low: 45°

Valentine Delights

6:30 p.m. Chef and caterer Caroline Cazaumayou visits Antonie’s Café for a cooking class, dinner, recipes and wine. Cost $50 each, reservation and prepayment required. 218 South El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.1763.

Felisha

7 p.m.-10 p.m. Female artist at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

Comedy Show

9:30 p.m. Comedians get some laughs at Hennessey’s. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.

$5 Mondays

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Join SC Wine Company for happy hour featuring three wines for $5, glasses of selected wines for $5 and mugs of beer from $5 & up. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

Family Pajama Storytime

7 p.m. The Dana Point Library hosts storytime for kids and families. Wear your PJs! 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org. www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

DP Times Restaurant Spotlight

By Jonathan Volzke

Café 207

207 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.369.6304 BEST KNOWN FOR: Eclectic offerings on the specials board MOST POPULAR ITEM: Steak Café 207 is one of those little gems that typify San Clemente: Small-town and unique to the point where even owner Pete Ortiz admits “we’re a quirky little place.” The El Camino Real restaurant—remember the name and you know the address—opened 10 years ago after Ortiz helped his parents launch Del Agave restaurant next door. You’ll still find Ortiz behind the counter every night of the week, with partner Darin Corrales in the chef’s position. Ortiz’s sister-inlaw, Fee, also works there, and you’ll find Ortiz’s wife, Sarah, working on the weekends, too. The décor is unique, with tile counters and pendant lights fashioned from wine bottles. Café 207 seats about 45 inside and 30 on its patio. The menu has a simple eloquence: Steak, fresh fish, salads and soups. The specials board changes often, and this week features fresh battered ling cod and duck a l’orange, among other things. The menu only shows one dessert—Crème de Brule—but Café 207 offers specials there, too. The popular one now is s’mores, made tableside. One last thing: Café 207 is a place for adults, and the menu even warns to leave the children home or do your best to keep them seated or “they will be sold.”

Café 207 owner Pete Ortiz. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

PRICE RANGE: Entries $14–$31 RESERVATIONS: Not necessary

PAYMENT: Cash and credit card HOURS: 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Tues–Sat.

ABOUT OUR REVIEWS: In each issue we’ll highlight universally critical points including “Most Popular Dish,” “Best Known For” and “Price Range.” But most importantly, we’re inviting you to participate each week and rate the restaurant based on your experiences. Go to www.danapointtimes.com and under “Restaurant Guide” share your thoughts about this week’s restaurant.

tuesday08

DUPP BROTHERS

forecast: sunny • high: 68° low: 45°

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET

CALIFORNIA MISSIONS RESOURCE STUDIO

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano presents its new studio with information on all 21 missions for students, teachers and more. Free with paid admission of $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

2-FOR-1 TUESDAYS

Half price on all fishing trips, whale watching and other adventures at Dana Wharf every Tuesday. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

POUL PEDERSEN

7 p.m.-10 p.m. Lead singer of “Missiles of October” goes acoustic at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

BENNY ON FLAMENCO GUITAR

7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

POOL & KARAOKE

3 p.m.–close. Play pool for free at Knuckleheads every Tuesday.

Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.2410.

8 p.m. Live “hippy hillbilly” music at The Rib Joint. 34294 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.9500.

3 p.m.–7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba in San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700.

THE DANIMALS

7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

thursday10 forecast: sunny • high: 71° low: 45°

MUSIC THROUGH THE DECADES

7 p.m. Two local musician/journalists will present the history of Casa Romantica and San Clemente in song, with musical trends of various decades. Call now for tickets; limited availability. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

FOOD TRUCK & FARE THURSDAYS

11 a.m.-2 p.m. A variety of gourmet food trucks that changes weekly at the OC Fair & Event Center. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com.

STAN RIDGWAY

WILL HEARD

8 p.m. One of the most unique singer/songwriters in American music plays at The Coach House; also playing Jeff Wright and Cory Case. Tickets $13 advance, $15 day of show. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

wednesday09

LADIES NIGHT

9 p.m. Live music at BeachFire. No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

forecast: sunny • high: 67° low: 45°

9 p.m.-close. No cover for the ladies at Caliente Coastal Cantina.

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.493.0549, www.calientecoastalcantina.com.

VINE WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING

CALIFORNIA MISSIONS RESOURCE STUDIO

RABBI BLUE

2000 LBS OF BLUES

7 p.m.–8 p.m. Educational wine tasting at Vine featuring four wines paired with food; $40 per person. 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.9376, www.vinesanclemente.com.

7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

KIDS STORYTIME AT THE CASA

10 a.m. Casa Romantica hosts storytime for youngsters ages 3-5; free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

LEDWARD KAAPANA

8 p.m. Master of stringed instruments with an extraordinary baritone and falsetto voice at The Coach House. Tickets $15.

33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. www.danapointtimes.com

AT THE MOVIES Somewhere That’s Everywhere

8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano presents its new studio with information on all 21 missions for students, teachers and more. Free with paid admission of $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

GINO & THE LONE GUNMAN

7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com

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Somewhere’s Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff) has a thing for blondes. The pole dancers he hires are blonde, his girlfriend is blonde, the mother of his child is blonde and so naturally, his daughter (Elle Fanning) is blonde. And it would appear so is filmmaker Sofia Coppola’s alter-ego. With her previous female leads, she has had blonde starlets Kirsten Dunst and Scarlett Johansson and now 12-year-old Elle (little sister of Dakota).

Fanning plays sixth-grader Cleo, who is suddenly left off at her Hollywood father’s hotel room one Sunday indefinitely by her mother. Over the next few weeks she plays Guitar Hero, swims in the hotel pool, makes use of room service and even travels to Italy with her dad for film promotion while he stoically goes through the motions of his hot shot, movie star life (while in between sleeping around with women when he has the chance).

Michelle Monaghan and Robert Schwartzman (Sofia’s cousin) can be spotted in blink-and-you’ll-miss-‘em cameos and the movie also features an experimental musical score by Coppola’s boyfriend’s band Phoenix throughout the film. In many ways, Somewhere is a sequel to Coppola’s earlier success Lost in Translation. With the latter, we have two completely different strangers who are emotionally stuck and connect.

With the former, we have a father and daughter who might as well be strangers. And with Lost in Translation, we were aware that Coppola based part of the screenplay on her first marriage, so we can only guess that Somewhere is loosely based on her relationship with her own famous father. Both he (Francis Ford Coppola) and Sofia’s brother Roman Coppola were two of the film’s producers as well. With plenty or family back-up and support on her shoulders, something still doesn’t seem right with her newest cinematic attempt. Maybe it’s because with Lost, we got to see both Bill Murray and Johansson’s character struggles, but here we only see Dorff’s point of view.

Or maybe it’s because Sofia let her scenes drag on for too long. Somewhere is a step up from Coppola’s previous film and snorefest Marie Antoinette, but still lacks in finding that right note to hit home. DP —Megan Bianco February 4–10, 2011 • Dana Point Times • Page 11

DP LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

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:

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION See today’s solution in next week’s issue.

Chamber Installs New Board, Honors Community Leaders Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner and Annual Meeting was held January 26 at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort

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Marcos Costas, General Manager of 2009 Business of the Year, Salt Creek Grille, presents the 2010 Business of the Year Award to Minuteman Press owner Mits Arayama. Photo by Jack Randall Photography/ jackrandallphotography.com

Page 12 • Dana Point Times • February 4–10, 2011

Dana Point Historical Society Remembers Alba Conner

By Tom Brabeck Special to the Dana Point Times

By Kelly Straine, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce he Dana Point Chamber of Commerce celebrated business and community leaders January 26, at the 64th Installation Dinner and Annual Meeting. The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa was the setting for the Greek-themed event, which honored outgoing Chamber Chair, Georgia Theodor. Entertainment was provided by Bouzouki player Alex Galas and Friends as guests enjoyed their meals.

The city of Dana Point surprised the crowd by announcing their 2011 Business of the Year, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, to start off the awards portion of the program. Immediately following, the Ambassador of the Year Award went to not one, but two Ambassador Committee members, Lauralyn Loynes (Loynes was last year’s Ambassador of the Year as well.) of the Dana Point Times and Mits Arayama of Minuteman Press for their outstanding work as Chamber Ambassadors in 2010. Chamber Interim Executive Director Laura Ouimet presented the Chamber Partnership Award, formerly the President’s Award, to the Ocean Institute, an organization that partners with the Chamber to produce Morning Power Group business seminars and the annual Dana Point Turkey Trot VIP Reception.

The 2010 Business of the Year, Minuteman Press, was also honored. The award was presented by Marcos Costas, General Manager of Salt Creek Grille, which was the 2009 Business of the Year, to owner Mits Arayama, who was joined that evening by his family. The 2010 Citizen of the Year Award, presented by 2009 Citizen of the Year Alan Wickstrom, was given to Dana Point Mayor Pro Tem Lara Anderson, joined by her family, as well. Incoming Chamber Chair Russell Kerr then called the Annual Member Meeting portion of the evening to order. Reflecting over the past year, 2010 Chair Georgia Theodor presented the Chairman’s Award to the entire 2010 Board of Directors for their exceptional efforts to support the mission and goals of the Chamber. After the 2010 Board was recognized, the 2011 Board of Directors were invited to the stage to be officially installed by Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. To end the evening, Russell Kerr commented on the Chamber’s plans for 2011 and thanked everyone for their continued support of the organization.

Log on to www.danapointtimes.com to see a photo slideshow from the event. DP

A Fond Farewell

2009 Citizen of the Year Alan Wickstrom presents the 2010 Citizen of the Year Award to Dana Point Mayor Pro Tem Lara Anderson.

Photo by Jack Randall Photography/jackrandallphotography.com

ne of Dana Point’s oldest and longest living residents, Alba Conner, passed away on January 4, 2011 at the ripe old age of 99. As an adult, she stood less than 4’6”. Yet she was always a woman of grand stature with hair and makeup done to perfection.

Born in October 1911, Alba grew up in an Italian family with a number of sisters in the Owens Valley town of Big Pine. Later, after moving to Red Mountain off Highway 395 for several years, she settled with her immediate family in Trona, just outside Death Valley. It was there she met her future husband (and traveling salesman) Bart. From that point they were inseparable lifelong companions.

While it is not know exactly when she moved to Dana Point, it is known that her house was designed by resident architect Lynn Muir. Built in 1947 near Blue Lantern and Selva, it was a single level ranch style house on a triangular lot. It was there she lived with her husband Bart Conner until his passing in the late 1990s until her recent passing.

Surviving financially in South County was not easy, so, in 1968, Lynn designed their new store, Conner’s Department Store in Dana Point Plaza. For years to come, it became a main clothing store for the surrounding South County area.

While husband Bart ran the store, Alba worked as a hair dresser, commuting to Laguna Beach to a seniors’ home to work. When Dana Point developed its new harbor, she and her husband were listed as founding members of the Dana Point Yacht Club.

During their lives, they were avid collectors of orchids, as evidenced by their extensive collection in the three greenhouses on their property. With Bart fluent in Spanish, they took countless trips to Mexico, Central America, South America and even the South Pacific in search of orchids to add to their collection. Alba’s eyes always sparkled each time she told a tale of guided jungle adventures in search of rare orchids. As a member of the Orchid Society, she was most proud to share tales of how many heads of state she met during her travels.

Now, another page of Dana Point’s history book has closed with the passing of Alba Conner. She was truly one of Dana Point’s oldest and best kept secrets. Now, all that is left are her neighbors’ fond memories of her on her daily walks around the town’s Lantern District—well into her 90s, yet walking alone. A tiny woman, hunched over from old age with a weathered face, an infectious smile and adventurous stories, she will always be remembered for her spunk and independence.

Arrivederci, Alba. Thank you for sharing your life with your friends and us, the residents of Blue Lantern. We will really miss you.

www.danapointtimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY The only directory featuring Dana Point businesses exclusively A L S O

O N L I N E

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

A T

W W W . D A N A P O I N T T I M E S . C O M

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING

JUNK REMOVAL

Jim Ettinger Design 949.246.0224 33742 Big Sur St., jimettingerdesign@cox.net Nona Associates - Raymond J. Nona A.I.A. 26901 Camino de Estrella, 949.496.2275 www.raynona.com

Green Dump Truck www.greendumptruck.com

BEAUTY SALONS Azalea Salon & Boutique 949.248.3406 24452 Del Prado Ave. Ste. A, www.azaleasalonandboutique.com Paragon Salon 949.489.1955 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy. Salon Revelation - Dayna Dallas 949.248.8595 34192 Violet Lantern #2

BOOKKEEPER / ORGANIZER Accurate Bookeeping lisathebookkeeper@yahoo.com

DANMAN’S MUSIC SCHOOL Danman’s Music School is Business of the Month for the City of Dana Point. Danman’s is run by Dan Lefler and is a full service music school offering lessons for most instruments including guitar, piano, voice to name a few and has been at its Del Prado location for 12 years.

24699 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.496.6556

EMAIL MARKETING

Concept2Design Marketing 949.412.5345 www.concept2design.net

949.276.6921

EMBROIDERY

CAFE - DELI Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

CARPET CLEANING

ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, www.abcembroideryshop.com

949.248.1007

FITNESS PROGRAMS

Capistrano Beach Steam Clean 949.240.5875 Fit Club - Boot Camp 949.831.7984 www.steamcleaningdanapoint.com www.afitclub.com Jazzercise, O.C. Sailing & Events Center CATERING 34451 Ensenada Place, 949.492.7817 Smokey’s House of BBQ 949.388.8102 www.danapointjazz.com 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com GIFT BASKETS

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES Christian Science Services 34102 La Plaza

949.661.3151

Under-Wraps Gift Baskets 949.291.0300 mariannedorsey@cox.net, www.giftbasketsbyunderwraps.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES

COFFEE SHOP Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES

Robert’s Professional Handyman Services Lic. # B853695 949.606.6425

HAIR SALONS

Monarch Bay Haircutters 949.496.1957 San Clemente Computer & Network Services 20 Monarch Bay Plaza daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 Paragon Salon 949.489.1955 Solution Tek-nologies 949.400.0080 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy. www.solutiontek-nologies.com Utopia Salon 949.661.1664 Barry 949.661.1664 CONTRACTORS - GENERAL Gary 949.231.9755 Creative Environments Construction 949.496.3728 Morgan 949.433.3960 Design & Build #464468 24582 Del Prado, #B, www.barrysutopia.com

COSMETICS

ICE CREAM

Mary Kay Cosmetics & Career 949.248.2868 Coffee Importers Scoop Deck 949.493.7773 Opportunities, Ind. Sales Director - Marline Adams, 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com www.marykay.com/madams2

INSURANCE SERVICES

DENTISTS Dana Point Dental 34080 Golden Lantern, Ste 201, www.danapointdental.com

949.661.5664

DOG GROOMING Dawgy Style 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. 112, www.todawgystyle.com

949.496.3315

Patricia Powers 949.496.1900 License#0737080, pat.powers@cox.net Statefarm/Elaine LaVine 949.240.8944 34080 Golden Lantern, www.elainelavine.net State Farm/Ted Bowersox 949.661.3200 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy. #204 www.tedbowersox.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

Maureen B. Fletcher Interior Design 714.889.9597 momofletcher@gmail.com delta G electrical 949.360.9282 Norma Mardian Interior Design 949.492.6271 CA #657214, www.deltagelect.com www.nminteriordesign.com

ELECTRICAL

949.697.4517

949.248.1007

SURF SHOPS

Girl in the Curl Surf Shop 949.661.4475 34116 Pacific Coast Hwy., www.girlinthecurl.com LANDSCAPING/SPRINKLERS Infinity Surfboards 949.661.6699 Sunburst Landscaping 949.632.0081 24382 Del Prado, www.infinitysurf.com www.sunlandscape.webs.com 949.493.3670 Jack’s Surfboards 949.276.8080 34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jackssurfboards.com

ATTORNEY James D. Hornbuckle, Esq. 949.499.7370 34204 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.dixonlawcorp.com

SIGNS

JEWELER

Dana Point Jeweler 949.489.1165 ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 24845 Del Prado, www.danapointjeweler.com 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, www.abcembroideryshop.com

LOCKSMITH

Dana Point Lock & Security www.danapointlock.com

949.496.6919

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

TUTORING English Tutoring by Susan 949.481.0481 Mathnasium 949.388.6555 32411 Golden Lantern, Ste. Q, www.mathnasium.com

Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 UPHOLSTERY 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com Danman’s Music School 949.242.4431 Dana Point Upholstery 949.240.2292 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com 24402 Del Prado Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 PET GROOMING 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com Dawgy Style 949.496.3315 WINDOW CLEANING 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy #112, www.todawgystyle.com Bayside Window Cleaning 949.290.8230 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com PIZZA Wonderful Windows 949.369.7263 Beach Cities Pizza 949.496.0606 www.wonderfulwindows.com 34473 Golden Lantern St. WINDOW COVERINGS 34155 Pacific Coast Hwy. 949.496.2670 Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 PLUMBING 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 www.atozleakdetection.com Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 www.chicks-plumbing.com Mission Plumbing & Heating 949.492.4303 www.missionplumbingandheating.com

PRESCHOOLS San Clemente Preschool 949.498.1025 163 Avenida Victoria, sanclementepreschool@gmail.com

PRINT SHOP Beacon Printing - Brad & Judy Brandmeier 24681 La Plaza, Ste. 125 949.661.3877 beaconprinting@sbcglobal.net Printing OC 949.388.4888 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY Corinne Rupert PhD, PsyD, MFT 949.488.2648 33971 Selva Rd. Ste. 125, www.danapointpsychotherapy.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL Prudential California Realty, Shirley Tenger www.tengerteam.com 949.487.7700 J. Hill & Associates 949.488.7653 34270 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. A, www.hillrealty.org Lantern Bay Realty 949.661.6441 34179 Golden Lantern, Ste. 103, www.lanternbayrealty.com

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This handy, cost-friendly, go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED TODAY.

RESTAURANTS Brio Tuscany Grille 949.443.1476 24050 Camino Del Avion, www.briorestaurant.com Jolly Roger Restaurant 949.496.0855 34661 Golden Lantern, www.aloharestaurants.com Smokey’s House of BBQ 949.388.8102 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com

Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@danapointtimes.com.

DP S a n C le m e n te

D a n a Po i nt

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Classifieds

Submit your ad online at www.danapointtimes.com

FOR RENT HOUSE FOR RENT IN LAKE ELSINORE 4 bed, 2 bath, 1472 sq ft., 3 car garage and space for RV or boat parking. Central heat and A/C. Nice size fenced yard, covered patio, great neighborhood.

One block from Lake, close to 74 HWY. Available immediately. $1,450/M 949.201.8551

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. No phone calls please.

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

Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 102

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February 4–10, 2011 • Dana Point Times • Page 15

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

DP

5 BEST BETS BOYS BASKETBALL

GIRLS BSKETBALL

Cougars vs.

Dolphins, Dana Hills High School Feb. 5, 9 a.m.

GIRLS SOCCER

Cougars vs.

Dolphins, Dana Hills High School Feb. 5, 10:30 a.m.

Cougars vs.

Dolphins, Dana Hills High School Feb. 8, 7 p.m.

Diablos vs.

Dolphins, Dana Hills High School Feb. 9, 7 p.m.

Mustangs vs.

Anteaters, Bren Center Feb. 10, 7 p.m.

The girls look to stay unbeaten in league as they rise up for a weekend match against the Capo Valley Cougars.

It’s been another rough and tumble season for Dana Hills, but they’re still fired up for a fun match— and on a Saturday to boot!

The Dolphins look to gain an edge on possible playoff hopes while securing a win against the Capo Valley Cougars.

The Lady Dolphins close out the regular season at home and hope to end its set schedule on an up note. Info: www.dhhs.net

UC Irvine heads back home after two games on the road and just in time to face conference foe Cal Poly.

Info: www.dhhs.net

BOYS SOCCER

Info: www.dhhs.net

Info: www.dhhs.net

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Info: www.ucirvinesports.com

D a n a Po i nt

Dolphin Report SPORTS NEWS FROM DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

By David Zimmerle

BOYS BASKETBALL • The Dolphins (1-5 SCL, 10-13) extended its losing streak to two straight games following a 62-36 thrashing at the hands of Tesoro on January 28.

Dana Hills held onto a 12-9 lead after the first period, but watched its lead slip away after being outscored 22-4 in the second frame.

After a low scoring third quarter by both sides in the third period, Tesoro raced ahead outscoring Dana Hills 23-13 in the fourth to preserve the win. Alex Brown led Dana Hills with 15 points and four steals, while Jeremy Bass pulled down a team high four rebounds.

The Dolphins face El Toro at home on Friday, February 4 in its second of four straight home games to cap the regular season.

Next 7 days: Feb. 8 vs. *Capistrano Valley, 7 p.m.; Feb 10 vs. San Clemente, 7 p.m. *Denotes South Coast League game GIRLS BASKETBALL • On January 26, the Lady Dolphins (3-3 SCL, 14-7) played out a non-league home game against the Tesoro Titans and rolled on to win 50-36.

Before the game, under an umbrella of blue and white balloons, the six seniors, including Kristi Nishihira, Katherine Chastain, Olivia Winokur, Haley Nordbak, Molly Spear and

Allyson Ward were recognized for their years of dedication to the program.

Dana then got off to a fast start and a 16-12 lead after the first quarter. The Dolphins were lead by Kristi Nishihira and Haley Nordbak who each contributed 5 points apiece. Ally Weiler also knocked down two shots beyond the arc, and Lea Wodach added a third to keep Tesoro close after one.

The Lady Dolphins extended its lead to 26-18 at the half. Nordbak finished the half with 11 points and Olivia Winokur added another six points.

In the third period the Dolphins extended their lead to 39-28 thanks to the continued hot shooting by both Nordbak and Winokur before closing out the game with a victory in the final frame. Nordbak finished with a game high 20 points on 8-for-18 shooting. Winokur just missed going for a triple-double with 12 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists. And Chastain also contributed nine rebounds.

The girls also stayed hot from the freethrow line making 11-of-13 from the foul stripe, including 5-of-6 made free throws by Allyson Ward.

Decision Day for Dolphins

Seventeen Dana Hills High School student athletes made their college choices on February 2, 2011, National Signing Day. Photo by Gibby/Zone57

After four years of hard work hitting the books and taking the field—or court, or diamond, or pool, or track—some of Dana Hills High School’s top sports talent made their college choices official on February 2, National Signing Day. Page 16 • Dana Point Times • February 4–10, 2011

College scouts on the hunt for high ranking recruits found just what they were looking for in 17 of Dana Hills’ best senior student athletes.

Here is a listing of choices these top prospects made on that day. —Andrea Swayne

The Titans were led by Weiler and Nisma Ali who each scored 12 points.

Wodach finished with nine points.

—Greg Spear contributed to this report Next 7 days: Feb. 7 at *El Toro, 7 p.m.; Feb. 9 vs. *Mission Viejo, 7 p.m. *Denotes South Coast League game BOYS SOCCER • The Dolphins (1-2 SVL, 3-8-5) could not run down the Diablos losing 2-1 to Mission Viejo on January 28.

Tied at 1-1 after the first half, the Diablos nailed its winner into the back of the net in the second half. The Dolphins have not won a match since beating San Juan Hills 3-0 in its first Sea View League game on January 5.

Next 7 days: Feb. 5 vs. *Capistrano Valley, 10:30 a.m.; Feb. 8 at Tesoro, 5 p.m.; Feb. 10 at *San Juan Hills, 3:15 p.m. *Denotes Sea View League match GIRLS SOCCER • The Lady Dolphins (4-0-2 SVL, 8-1-6) have remained off the pitch since beating Laguna Hills 2-1 on January 24. The team will resume action against Capo Valley at home on Saturday, February 5.

Next 7 days: Feb. 5 vs. *Capistrano Valley, 9 a.m.; Feb. 9 at *San Juan Hills, 3:15 p.m. *Denotes Sea View League match GIRLS WATER POLO • The Lady

Dolphins (6-0 SVL, 21-6) continued its aggressive assault on its opponents in the Sea View League beating Mission Viejo 10-8 in a hard-fought match in the pool. A total of six different players scored goals for Dana Hills as the team used a balanced attack to defeat the determined Lady Diablos. Dana Hills came out of the gates with three goals in the first period and notched up another four goals in the second, going into halftime with a comfortable 7-3 lead. However, Mission Viejo did not go down without scoring a few key goals of its own as the Lady Diablos outscored Dana Hills 4-1 in the fourth period, but could not make up the difference in time to pull off the comeback win.

Colleen McNaught led Dana Hills with three goals while Emily Carlson and Danielle Styles each had two goals apiece. Amanda Anderson, Hannah Brown and Molly Wilbur also scored one each for the Lady Dolphins.

The team now faces Aliso Niguel at home on Friday, February 4.

Next 7 days: Feb. 10 at *San Juan Hills, 4:15 p.m. *Denotes Sea View League match WRESTLING • The Dolphins have been off the mat since taking part in the San Clemente Rotary at San Clemente High School on January 22.

Next 7 days: Feb. 5 at Sea View League Finals, TBA

Dana Hills High School student athletes choose their colleges on National Signing Day STUDENT

SPORT

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

Nick Ahrold Alaina Alvarez Taylor Arizobal Desiree Bramlette Brian Choi Steve Connell Kaylyn Dickmann Eric Hsieh Jenny Hurst Trent Mason Kelly McCormick Colleen McNaught Haley Nordbak Joanna Smith Danielle Styles Allyson Ward Kelly Whelan

Track Cross Country Volleyball Soccer Baseball Baseball Soccer Baseball Softball Football Soccer Water Polo Basketball Tennis Water Polo Rowing Soccer

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Harvard University University of Arizona University of Arizona UC San Diego Babson College UC Berkeley Yale University Seattle University South Dakota State University University of Mississippi Indiana University Sonoma State University Arizona State University San Jose State University UC San Diego Northern Arizona University

Log on to www.danapointtimes.com for a photo slideshow of National Signing Day 2011 at Dana Hills High School. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

6

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

Grom of the MONTH Teresa O’Connor Age: 12, Marco Forster Middle School Teresa O’Connor has become known as “the little powerhouse” on the Marco Forster Middle School Surf team. The sixth-grader is highly regarded by both coaches and teammates for her exceptional team spirit and willingness to do whatever it takes to contribute to her team in competition. Whether she is asked to ride a shortboard or a longboard, Teresa attacks both with equal enthusiasm. “Teresa is aggressive, willing and able to ride shortboard or longboard, and charges either way,” said Coach Carol Weinhardt. “She is a great asset to the team and a great team player.

We are looking forward to her leadership in building our girls team for the future.” In the Scholastic Surf Series (SSS) Orange County Middle School Photo by Melanie Levy series, Teresa is climbing the ranks in both disciplines. Following her appearance on the finalist’s podium at the January 8 event in Huntington Beach she was rated No. 10 in Girls Shortboard and No. 4 in Girls Longboard. She is now three-for-three, having made the finals in every event so far this season. Teresa is no slacker in school either and is regularly recognized for her high academic achievement by appearing on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll. Keep up the great work Teresa! —Andrea Swayne

Insane at the Lane

Local surfers represent well at Surfing America Prime at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz

T

Trevor Thornton of San Clemente takes a beautiful right all the way to the inside in his Boys U18 quarter final heat. Photo by Andrea Swayne

respectively.

Dana Point standout Scott Weinhardt put on a great show of determination, skill and hard work that took him from Round 1 through the semis—scoring the third highest wave of the event in the boys divisions, a 7.67 along the way—to join a stacked heat in the Boys U18 final. As the horn blew signaling the start of what would ultimately become the closest final of the contest, the early minutes saw all four surfers having

Scott Weinhardt of Dana Point slashes off the top in his Boys U18 quarter final heat. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Page 18 • Dana Point Times • February 4–10, 2011

AND UPCOMING EVENTS Surfing America Prime Series Event No. 4 January 16-17, 2011, Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane Full results. BOYS U16: 1. Jake Kelley, Newbury Park; 2. Taylor Clark, Encinitas; 3. Nic Hdez, Santa Cruz; 4. Andrew Jacobson, Malibu.

GIRLS U18: 1. Jasset Umbel, Florida; 2. Kulia Doherty, San Clemente; 3. Shelby Detmers, Newport Beach, 4. Lani Doherty, San Clemente. BOYS U18: 1. Derek Peters, Huntington Beach; 2. Scott Weinhardt, Dana Point 3.

Tommy Wehsener, Encinitas 4. Ian Crane, San Clemente. BOYS U14: 1. Jacob Davis, Capistrano Beach; 2. Colin Deveze, San Clemente; 3.

Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente; 4. John Mel, Dana Point. GIRLS U16: 1. Kulia Doherty, San Clemente; 2. Harley Taich, La Jolla; 3. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 4. Nikki Viesens, Florida.

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

he winner’s podium at Surfing America Prime Event No. 4, held January 16 and 17 at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz saw a grip of local talent rewarded for their aggressive and progressive surfing. The conditions were beautiful—insanely beautiful—both in and out of the water. Mild temperatures and sunshine made for comfortable cliff-top viewing for the entire Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Some of the country’s best U18 surfers vying for spots on the U.S.A. Surf Team ripped the 4- to 6-foot surf to shreds as the occasional 8- to 10-foot wave rolled through, just to keep things really interesting.

When all was said and done, five San Clemente and three Dana Point/Capistrano Beach surfers took home trophies. Kulia Doherty of San Clemente was a double finalist, earning a fourth place in the Girls U18 and winning the Girls U16. She also logged in some of the highest wave scores of the day, with a 9.50 in a preliminary round and a 9.40 in her final and sister Lani Doherty ended the event in fourth place in Girls U18.

Jacob Davis of Capo Beach brought home the win in the Boys U14, a division final stacked exclusively with local talent. Colin Deveze (SC), Griffin Colapinto (SC) and John Mel (DP) took second, third and fourth,

BOARD SHORTS

difficulty posting a wave worth more than a 2.50. Weinhardt didn’t give up and could be seen scratching for a better scoring ride. “As the heat went on, Derek Peters (Huntington Beach) picked up a few waves and was solidly in first so I decided to paddle toward middles with about five minutes left in the heat. My plan was to get a wave to move me into second and then back it up for first. I was able to pick off a good one—a 5.13—on my last wave with about three minutes left,” said Weinhardt. “It wasn’t quite what I needed for first but I was able to get a few good turns in and I was happy with it.” The final heat tally showed Peters winning and Weinhardt and Tommy Wehsener (Encinitas) both ending in a tie with 7.23 points each. Weinhardt’s 5.13 would become the tie-breaker over Wehsener’s best—a 4.50.

Ian Crane of San Clemente took fourth.

Many competitors took full advantage of the holiday weekend and news of the increasing swell expected on Tuesday. They made their way back to the tri-city area at a leisurely pace, stopping to pull into some Rincon barrels on the way home. Spotted in the lineup on Tuesday—Tia Blanco, John Mel, Madi Swayne, Lani and Kulia Doherty and Griffin Colapinto, to name a few.

Next up, Event No. 5, February 5 and 6 brings the action back closer to home when Surfing America Prime hits up San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles. Log on to www. surfingamerica.org for more information. DP

NSSA Southwest Conference Explorer Event No. 5 January 15-16, Encinitas, D Street Local finishers only. MEN: 2. Jeremy Carter, San Clemente. SUPER GROMS: 5. Ashton Wright, San Clemente. WOMEN: 2. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente. GIRLS: 2. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente. MASTERS: 4. YuFu Penrose, San Clemente. LONGBOARD: 2. Christian Stutzman, San Clemente.

NSSA Southwest Conference Open Event No. 8 January 22-23, Dana Point, Salt Creek Local finishers only. MEN: 4. Jonah Carter, San Clemente. JUNIORS: 2. Colt Ward, San Clemente. BOYS: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente. MINI GROMS: 4. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente; 5. Cole Houshmand, San Clemente.

WOMEN: 3. Kulia Doherty, San Clemente.

GIRLS: 3. Tia Blanco, San Clemente; 6. Kloee Openshaw, San Clemente.

For full results, log on to www.danapointtimes. com

UPCOMING EVENTS February 5-6: Surfing America Prime Event No. 5, San Onofre State Beach, Upper Trestles February 12: SSS Orange County Middle School Event No. 4, Dana Point, Salt Creek February 12-13: WSA Gatorade Championship Tour Event No. 7, Huntington Beach, Pier February 12-13: NSSA Southwest Conference Explorer Event No. 6, San Diego, La Jolla Shores February 19-20: NSSA Southwest Conference Open Event No. 9, Ventura, California Street February 26-27: NSSA Southwest Conference Explorer Event No. 7, Oceanside, Pier www.danapointtimes.com