Dana Point Times

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 33

To Care and to Comfort

The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group offers much appreciated assistance to Camp Pendleton Marines, sailors and their families E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4 Members of the Dana Point 5th Marine Support Group gather to assemble care packages for Marines and sailors deploying to Afghanistan. Each package included a personal note of encouragement from support group president Pete Hammer. Courtesy photo

www.danapointtimes.com

Emergency Preparedness Expo Planned for August 27

Redistricting Keeps City Whole and Aligned with South County Neighbors

SUP’er, Videographer in Whale Encounter Land Appearance on Today Show

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Eye on DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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D a n a Po i nt

City and Business Calendar Sunday, August 21 Summer Concerts in the Park 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. The free 2011 Summer Concerts in the Park series continues with Neil Diamond tribute band Hot August Night at Sea Terrace Park, Pacific Coast Highway and Niguel Road. Bring low back lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy an evening of live music.

Free parking is available at Strand Vista Park, 34201 Selva Road, Salt Creek Beach Park at PCH and Ritz Carlton Drive and Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern.

Free shuttle bus service will run from Strand Vista Park and the high school to the Salt Creek Beach lot from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and free shuttle assistance from the Salt Creek lot to the concert area will be available for seniors and those with disabilities.

For more information call 949.248.3530, email smurphy@danapoint.org or see www.danapoint.org.

Monday, August 22 City Council Meeting Canceled 6 p.m. City Council Chambers, 33282, Golden Lantern, 949.248.3501, www.danapoint.org

Wednesday, August 24 Tech Help at the Library 3 p.m.-5 p.m. every Wednesday a volunteer will be available to offer free cell phone, e-book and computer help at the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, 949.496.5517, www. ocgov.com

Thursday, August 25

Shakespeare in the Park 6 p.m. Free Shakespeare performances August 25, 26 and 27 at Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Road. For information call Alecia at 949.291.5083 or Sherry Murphy at 949.248.3533.

South Coast Water District Meeting 6 p.m. Dana Point City Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern. For more information, call 949.499.4555.

Saturday, August 27 Emergency Preparedness Expo 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The city will host a free emergency preparedness expo at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3579, www.danapoint.org/expo

D A N A P O I N T ’ s T op 5 H ott e s t T opi c s

What’s Up With...

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…Legislative Redistricting?

THE LATEST: The California Citizens Redistricting Commission on Monday voted to adopt final maps showing new legislative districts that keep the city whole and aligned with neighboring South Orange County cities including San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Early drafts of the maps split Dana Point in two which would have resulted in the city having two separate State Senate and Assembly districts.

The Dana Point City Council and Chamber of Commerce urged HOAs and individual members of the public to send comments to the Commission opposing a division of the city.

“I think this is a win for Dana Point and thank the Commission for hearing the concerns of our residents,” said City Councilman Bill Brough. “The final map keeps the city whole and aligns us with our fellow South County cities—our goal the whole time.”

A major factor in maintaining alignment with neighboring cities was a Commission directive to keep ‘communities of interest’ together wherever possible.

“We share the same school district and the same watershed in San Juan Creek with our neighbors. Interstate-5 is our main transportation corridor. We’re part of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Board. All of these reasons were pointed out to the Commission and taken into consideration,” said Brough.

WHAT’S NEXT: The approved redistricting will most likely result in change to— among others—Congressional representation. The new boundaries exclude the area currently represented by Congressman John Campbell (R) and include the area currently represented by Congressman Dana Point Times August 19–25, 2011

Darryl Issa (R). Will Campbell move south and run in the 49th District? Will Issa be challenged by a newcomer? These questions won’t be answered definitively until the 2012 election.

FIND OUT MORE: See the new Congressional, State Assembly, State Senate and Board of Equalization districts at www. wedrawthelines.ca.gov. —Andrea Swayne

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…the Emergency Preparedness Expo?

THE LATEST: The City of Dana Point has scheduled a free community emergency preparedness expo for August 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern.

According to city officials, the expo—sponsored by Southern California Edison—will include emergency vehicle displays, demonstrations and exhibitors.

Programs will teach residents of all ages how to stay safe in the event of an emergency via helpful information provided by public safety agencies, utilities, and community groups.

WHAT’S NEXT: The first 500 families in attendance will receive a free starter emergency kit.

FIND OUT MORE: For more info, see www. danapoint.org/expo or call 949.248.3579.

—AS

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…a Strand Gate Resolution Meeting?

THE LATEST: A meeting of all the players in the ongoing dispute over beach access at two gates leading through the Headlands at Strand development to Dana Strand Beach has been postponed. The

meeting—tentatively scheduled for August 9 in Long Beach—was set in an effort to avoid future litigation.

The city has been in court for over a year with the California Coastal Commission and Surfrider Foundation since declaring an emergency nuisance ordinance to abate crime in the area and posting what opponents refer to as “banker’s hours” at the gates—8 a.m. to either 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.

Two alternate paths to the beach have no gates and 6 a.m. to midnight hours.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to City Attorney Patrick Munoz, the meeting will be rescheduled around City Manager Doug Chotkevys’ vacation and CCC attorney Jamee Patterson’s busy August and September schedules.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned. —AS

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... Poche Beach?

THE LATEST: One step in the lengthy process to clean Poche Beach finished last week when the public comment period for a permit by the Army Corps of Engineers ended.

The corps received about 180 responses, many addressing public access and water quality at the beach, according to Stephen Estes, the corps’ project manager.

This year, Poche ranked No. 5 on Heal the Bay’s Top 10 Beach Bummer List and was No. 4 last year.

An ultra-violet filtration system installed there has yet to achieve its promise of cleaning the water. Additional measures, including the maintenance program being vetted by the corps, are expected to aid in cleanup.

WHAT’S NEXT: Estes said the agency must now prepare an environmental assessment, and the corps’ permitting

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decision will be based on these findings.

The corps will complete its review of the permit application and make a timely decision, he said.

FIND OUT MORE: For questions call 213.452.3660 or the corps’ public affairs office at 213.452.3921 or by email at publicaffairs.spl@usace.army.mil. —Stacie N. Galang

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…the ‘It’s Your Business’ Survey?

THE LATEST: The City of Dana Point and Dana Point Police Services last week announced the launch of “It’s Your Business,” a Business Services Team that with the city, Police Services and the Chamber of Commerce will evaluate the needs of local businesses.

The team will begin by asking local businesses for feedback via a survey intended to shed light on both what the city is doing well and in what areas exist opportunities for improvement.

Responses to the survey are the first step in the process of fostering an ideal business environment. From code enforcement issues to business safety, no concern or compliment is too big or too small, said city officials.

WHAT’S NEXT: The “It’s Your Business” survey debuts on August 23 and the response deadline is November 9.

This program is being rolled out by the Community-based Policing team as a follow-up to the city’s nationally recognized “Hide It, Lock It or Lose It” program.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information contact Economic Development Manager Christy Teague at 940.248.3519, Cassie Levine at Dana Point Police Services 949.248.3581 or the Chamber of Commerce, 949.496.1555. —AS www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

Movie Screening to Raise Funds for Marine Support Group

To Care and to Comfort The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group offers much appreciated assistance to Camp Pendleton Marines, sailors and their families

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

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ommunities in close proximity to a major Marine—or any other armed forces branch—base naturally give rise to military support groups within surrounding cities. Dana Point is one such city that takes on a supportive role for the Marines and sailors at Camp Pendleton in an enthusiastic and committed manner.

Having declared the 5th Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton as the city’s adoptive battalion back in 2004, Dana Point has one of the longest running adoptive relationships with a neighboring group of service men and women in South Orange County and surrounding areas.

Dana Point is also home to one of the most effective and well-formed support groups in the state—The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.

The group was incorporated in 2008 becoming an official nonprofit organization with tax exempt status.

The mission of the 5th Marine Support Group was primarily to offer community support to members of the Headquarter Company but also to extend their reach to include all battalions. Help is offered to families in emergency or distressed situations that often fall through the cracks of other services offered by military resources.

President Pete Hammer was one of the founding board members along with Terry Rifkin, director of Support and Outreach and City Manager Doug Chotkevys who serves as the organization’s secretary.

In addition to Rifkin, Hammer and Chotkevys, the group’s board of directors roster includes nine board members—Nancy Jenkins, Diane Harkey, Brud LeTourneay, Hank Snyder, Alan Wickstrom and Bob DePew—all Dana Point residents.

This small but fiercely committed board has taken the group in a direction that often sees hundreds of residents volunteering to help out at events or with projects aimed at caring for deployed Marines, sailors and their families through the distribution of care packages, fundraising and even simply offering words of encouragement.

“We have grown into a very well organized group,” said Rifkin. “I think it’s a credit to the people of Dana Point and surrounding communities how well we function in support of our Marines and their families. We have developed an amazing group of volunteers. So much so, that I recently put out an email looking for people to help with a fundraising barbecue and got 17 replies within just a few hours.”

According to Rifkin, the group’s ever expanding volunteer list includes some miliDana Point Times August 19–25, 2011

tary families, however, most who lend a hand are not related to a Marine. Rifkin sees this as testament to how eager the community is to show appreciation for those fighting for our country.

The support group has taken on many projects over the years, including helping to plan baby showers for expectant Marine wives, organizing self-defense classes taught by expert Marine Martial Artists for wives of deployed Marines, organizing holiday and other parties for Marine families, hosting “pamper parties” for the women while their husbands are gone and raising money to help young Marines with the $100 ticket price for the annual Marine Birthday Ball.

The support group has also funded a monument dedicated to those who died in Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq.

The memorial stands in a park outside of the Lt. Capodanno Chapel in the San Mateo 5th Marine area of Camp Pendleton and has also been setting aside money each year to accommodate funding a possible future tribute to the fallen 5th Marines of the war in Afghanistan, said Hammer.

“These are just a few small ways to show our support to our brave defenders,” said Hammer who when asked to describe his commitment to this organization, summed it up with one word, “immense.”

Hammer credits the start of his fierce commitment to the years between 1967 to 1971 when he was a Marine Corps Captain and radar intercept operator in the back seat of an F-4 Phantom supersonic fighter jet—used primarily for close air support of U.S. troops in Vietnam.

He says that everything the group does from golf tournaments and car washes to providing deployment snack bags and the upcoming screening of the a documentary about Marines in Afghanistan called Patrol Base Jaker, allow the group to provide support that he knows, first hand, is very much appreciated.

With Hammer at the helm, the organization has sent well over 2,000 care packages to Marines and Sailors in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the group’s Operation Care and Comfort.

Recently a new project dubbed Operation Joining Forces has seen support group efforts focused at finding volunteers to “adopt” the families of Marines and Sailors who have left for a year-long deployment in Afghanistan.

On July 28 the group made an early morning trip to Camp Pendleton to bid farewell to a group of about 65 men —members of Regimental Combat Team

The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group is holding a pre-release showing of documentary Patrol Base Jaker at the Ocean Institute on August 24 at 5:30 p.m. The film, produced by Dave Scantling, follows the deployment of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines during their tour of the Nawa District of Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010. Patrol Base Jaker takes viewers to the front lines, where U.S. Marines stand at the wicked intersection of war, radical Islam, international drug trafficking, reconstruction and the counter-insurgency strategies designed to reestablish the rule of law in Afghanistan.

The movie will be followed by remarks from the filmmaker and Col. Robert Castellvi, who deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom and served 5 (RCT-5) advanced party headed by Lt. Col. Pete Wilson—as they departed en route to Afghanistan.

(The 5th Marine Regiment are referred to as RCT-5 when they deploy.)

They gathered with the Marines and their families at about 4 a.m. offering support and goodie bags to tide them over on their trip.

Support Group directors Rifkin and Jenkins assembled the bags that contained juice, water, a cookie, granola bar, an apple and a note of encouragement from Hammer.

The Advanced Party left the base at about 6 a.m. on their way to March Airforce Base where they had a 12-hour wait before taking off for Afghanistan.

“The main body of the headquarters company—more than 300 Marines—departed from Camp Pendleton just last week and we were again there to bid our RCT-5 goodbye,” said Hammer.

“Although send offs are some of the most fulfilling events we participate in, I do this for three reasons—our Marines, their families and all the great friends I meet as the president of the 5th Marine Support Group—all three are equally rewarding.”

Rewarding is a word that Rifkin also uses to describe her service to the group.

It was somewhat of a fluke that Rifkin said “yes” to a call for volunteers during a Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club meeting when the idea for the organization first surfaced.

“Rotary wanted to do something for the military and I didn’t even know that the city had adopted a Marine Regiment.

I had no idea what I was getting into,” said Rifkin. “I am better for the experience of being able to serve in this way.

I am honored and humbled to be able to contribute to this family of Marines and their relatives who are making huge sacrifices for our country.”

Rifkin’s father served in World War II and would often utter the words “I served

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as the chief of staff for the 1st Marine Division Forward at Camp Leatherneck.

The Dana Point showing is being presented in honor of Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan of San Clemente who was killed in action on August 26, 2009 by a roadside bomb. His actions to save the lives of his fellow 1st Battalion, 5th Marines earned him the Navy Cross.

Tickets for the event are $35 and include an appetizer plate, no-host cocktail hour and the movie screening.

Proceeds will support the families of the 5th Marines who are away in Afghanistan on a yearlong deployment that started this month. Seating is limited. Go to www.

DanaPoint5thMarines.com to purchase tickets. For more information, call 949.378.7984. in WWII” despite suffering from dementia in his final days.

“These were some of his last words,” said Rifkin. “He considered his service one of his life’s greatest accomplishments.

Before becoming involved with this organization I had no idea what he had been through, serving during a war. Now it all makes sense to me.”

While the Marines and sailors are away Operation Joining Forces will kick into high gear to care for the families left behind and the 5th Marine Regiment Support Group will again see to add to its roster of volunteers.

“In addition to offering support we also hope to get the women (wives, sisters, mothers, etc.) of the recently deployed Marines engaged with volunteer efforts (Operation Care and Comfort) while their Marines are away. The isolation can feel unbearable and there can feel alone and depressed. For family members to be involved, empowers them to become engaged in a way to support their loved ones while they are away,” said Rifkin “Aside from the generosity of the community, this is another way our volunteer roster keeps growing and growing.”

“I feel that being a part of this group is the least I can do for the freedoms the Marines provide us by going into harms way to defend our country. I also enjoy helping the families left behind during deployment.

It makes me happy to make even a small difference in the lives of our Marines and their families,” said board member Alan Wickstrom. “It’s amazing how much this group has grown over the last few years but we are always looking for volunteers— even if you have limited time to spare. I should also mention; it’s a lot of fun.”

Those who would like to volunteer should contact Terry Rifkin at 949.412.3475 or send an email terry@ terryrifkin.com.

For more information about the Dana Point 5th Marine Support Group, log on to www.danapoint5thmarines.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

News Bites

Compiled by Andrea Swayne

P r ops , R e cognitions and M o r s e ls of I nfo SUP’er, Videographer in Whale Encounter Land Appearance on Today Show Dave Anderson of Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari in Dana Point captured this photo and video footage of San Clemente man Adam Crawford’s close encounter with a blue whale.

Two weeks after video footage of a standup paddler’s close encounter with a blue whale went viral, both paddler and videographer were summoned to New York to appear on the August 13 Today Show weekend edition.

On Saturday, July 30 Adam Crawford of San Clemente was stand-up paddling (SUP) about 2.5 miles off the coast of Dana Point when a blue whale surfaced next to his board.

“It was actually about the fifth one I saw that day,” said Crawford. “I still get Goosebumps thinking about it. It was amazing.”

Also in the area, Dave Anderson of Capt.

Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari was aboard his whale watching boat Manute’a when he caught all the action with his video camera.

In the moments before Anderson began filming, the whale had actually passed by Crawford one time then circled around and

DP Sheriff’s Blotter Compiled by Austin Reagan All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.

Sunday, August 14 CITIZEN ASSIST 33200 Block Golden Lantern (2:56 pm) A woman called authorities to report her ex-boyfriend, who had been texting her and coming by her house throughout the day to look in her windows.

DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive/Island Way (2:55 pm) A caller reported that someone was throwing glass bottles from the bluffs above the harbor picnic area, where people were sitting.

DISTURBANCE 3400 Block Violet Lantern (2:23 am) A person Dana Point Times August 19–25, 2011

made a second pass.

“The video was shot as the whale came back for a second look at Adam,” said Anderson.

Anderson said he rarely sees paddlers that far from the beach and to see an approximately 80-foot long blue whale come so close to one was a first for him.

For Crawford—an avid SUP racer—being that far out to sea is not unusual. He regularly paddles out between 10 and 12 miles and back during his workouts.

“I often come across a variety of sea life out there and find it impossible to adequately describe it to my family,” said Crawford who also had a camera on him that day. “I was hoping to capture some footage to share and got some video of my own.”

Anderson posted his video on YouTube and it was picked up for the Yahoo home page where it went viral—attracting over 2 million views.

The Today Show later contacted Anderson and Crawford asking to interview the men about the experience.

Both said they were excited by the invitation and the impromptu trip to New York.

“Initially the Today Show was going to film locally, but later decided to bring us and called to request that a loud party in the above apartment be taken inside, and all doors and windows shut.

Saturday, August 13 911 HANGUP-WIRELESS 33700 Block Malaga Drive (11:36 pm) A woman called to report that her boyfriend had just beat her up and attempted to kill her by putting his knee up against her neck.

The woman’s boyfriend had reportedly been drinking. Police traced the call after the woman hung up, and found the home vacant with the caller nowhere around.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY 26500 Block Via Sacramento (9:35 pm) The Orange County Fire Department was contacted to provide medical aid to a 52year-old male who had reportedly stabbed himself in the hand with a pair of scissors.

The caller said that the man is schizophrenic.

our families to New York to film live,” said Anderson on August 12 in a phone call as he and wife Giselle passed through Times Square in a taxi cab en route to their hotel.

According to Anderson the blue whale watching season has been phenomenal this year and the whales are expected to remain in the area as long as an abundance of krill—their main food source—remains in the waters off Dana Point.

Log on to www.danapointtimes.com to watch the Today Show interview and view footage shot by both Anderson and Crawford.

Women’s Club Summer Mixer Planned The Dana Point Women’s Club, in an effort to get to know members of the community and introduce the club, its members and its mission to the public, is holding a summer mixer on August 21 from 3:30 p.m.

to 6 p.m. on the outdoor patio of Stella’s Serious Italian Restaurant, 17 Monarch Bay Plaza (near Gelson’s Market).

The cost per person is $30 which includes one glass of wine, beer or soda, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Reservations for this meet and greet event are preferred. Please call Jackie at 949.633.3193 or send an email to jackie949@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.

Please bring your husbands, boyfriends or girlfriends—everyone is welcome.

As part of the club’s mission to dedicate their efforts toward the betterment of humanity, community and the nation, the club has partnered with Laura’s House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, and will be collecting donations of the following items: Toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, dental floss, crayons, baby wipes, pacifiers, Play Doh, markers, combs, brushes and juice boxes.

Donations of gift certificates to places like restaurants, Payless Shoes, Target, Old Navy and Walmart will also be greatly appreciated.

FIREWORK VIOLATION La Cresta Drive/Violet Lantern (12:08 am) A resident called to report an ongoing problem with someone lighting fireworks in the area. This caller was one of a series of people reporting the same problem.

DISTURBANCE 0 Block Seastar Court (8:06 pm) A woman called to report that people were smoking marijuana on the first floor beneath her apartment. This was one of several calls pertaining to the same issue.

Friday, August 12

Wednesday, August 10

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMASTANCES Pacific Coast Highway/Del Obispo Street (8:26 pm) A caller contacted authorities requesting that a deputy check on the welfare of a homeless male sleeping in the vacant lot behind the strawberry stand.

ASSAULT REPORT 34000 Block Colegio Drive (5:43 pm) A person called to report an angry female neighbor who had come over and slapped the caller over grass clippings left on her car.

DISTURBANCE – FAMILY DISPUTE 33100 Block Christina Drive (5:24 pm) A man called to report a physical altercation between him and his 20-year-old son. By the time of the call, neighbors had pinned the son down on the front lawn.

CITIZEN ASSIST 33400 Block Del Obispo Street (8:03 pm) An angry customer called Kokomo’s Pizza, accused the restaurant of forgetting the pepperoni on his pizza from the night before, and was demanding he be given a free pizza.

DISTURBANCE La Cresta Drive/Golden Lantern (2:13 pm) A caller contacted authorities to report a subject dressed in a polka dot dress who was sitting at the bus stop, had urinated in the street and was singing in an unknown language.

Dave Anderson of Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari in Dana Point captured this photo and video of San Clemente man Adam Crawford’s close encounter with a blue whale. Courtesy of DolphinSafari.com

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES 32700 Block Pointe Sutton (9:59 am) A caller from an apartment complex office contacted authorities to report a voicemail left by a tenant who was upset with the noise made by roofing work. The voicemail said, “Stop the pounding or I am going to burn the apartments down.”

Thursday, August 11 DISTURBANCE 500 Block Monarch Bay Drive (8:58 pm) An intoxicated male juvenile was running around the beach reportedly taking peoples items near the fire pits.

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Tuesday, August 9 DISTURBANCE – FAMILY DISPUTE 34400 Block Calle Carmelita (9:34 pm) An 84-year-old-man contacted authorities after his 53-year-old son threatened to hit him. The son had reportedly been drinking and the caller stated that there are guns locked in the attic and one in the bedroom closet.

DISTURBANCE 25000 Block Breezewood Street (3:53 pm) A man reported that three juveniles were skateboarding on his property. When he asked them to leave, they made movements as if to hit him with a skateboard and told him to come out of the home.

DISTURBANCE 33200 Block Santiago Drive (11:06 am) A woman called to report that the mother of her son’s friend threatened her with assault and battery. The caller said that the woman came over and had screamed at her. www.danapointtimes.com

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HOW TO REACH US

Dana Point Times, Vol. 4, Issue 33. 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.

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EDITORIAL Group Editor, Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Stacie N. Galang ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd

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CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, Christina Scannapiego, David Zimmerle

ALL HANDS, AHOY: By Beverli Jinn

ONLINE POLL

Buy None, Get One Free A t the time, it seemed like a good idea. I mean . . . what could go wrong?

This was the plan. I’d go to Sundance Graphics and order three dozen zippered, hooded sweatshirts. These I’d sell at my cost to everybody in Dana Point who wanted to display their support for our environment, in particular, our ocean. On the back of each blue sweatshirt would be a large, golden, four sided logo with a blue and green planet Earth and the words, “Fragile Ocean.” On the front, over the heart, would be a smaller version of the same logo and, beneath it, the words, “Dana Point, CA”.

When these sold out, I’d order more.

Within the year, hundreds, maybe thousands, of people would show up at every community event with “Fragile Ocean” on

Will you purchase the new Whale Tail Ecoplate license plate?

their back. Each would promote the same theme: “All Hands, Ahoy!” We’d all be in this thing together. We’d all be doing as much as we could, in every way we could, to Beverli Jinn keep the South Orange County watersheds clean and healthy.

Of course, lingering in the back of my mind as the scope of my plan grew was an unavoidable truth: I’m the world’s worst salesperson. It hadn’t been all that long ago that I’d set out on a similar campaign, an effort to market my book, 1-800-The Lord. The plan was to conduct a book store to book store scheme that entailed stocking the stores with copies at no up-front cost. My sales pitch went

Letters to the Editor I JUST WANTED TO TAKE A WALK...

HELEN BROTHERS, Dana Point

I was looking forward to taking a Sunday morning walk starting at the Dana Point Interpretive Center. First thing I run into are several signs saying “No Dogs.” What?

Directly across the driveway are huge bulldozers building multi-million dollar homes and I can’t take my dog for a walk here?

The open-space people want to “protect the sensitive habitat.” Really? Again, I look at the earth movers across the driveway from the Interpretive Center and just scratch my head. I suppose the bulldozers aren’t bothering the bunnies and pocket mice at all. It’s my dog that is the villain.

The 20-pound canine on a leash is a danger to the environment of the headlands.

You can have open-space only if you obey the rules of those you lord over it. The Center for Natural Land Management (CNLM) buys up land and dictates who may use it, how it may be used and when it may be used (see the “Trail Rules of Use”). This is Dana Point Times August 19–25, 2011

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin, Rebecca Nordquist

all good for the environmental greenies, makes them feel all fuzzy and like responsible earthlings while the buildings tower higher and the traffic noise escalates all around them. They have their little spot of land to protect and preserve and heaven forbid you break one of their rules. We are supposed to be grateful that we have a patch of land at all.

I hearken back to the days when the Dana Point Headlands was a natural habitat for all to enjoy, before the bulldozers and McMansions and CNLM telling the bunnies, pocket mice and lizards where it’s safe to run, before gates closed access to the beach and a Dana Point resident could enjoy a walk, in a natural space— even with their dog.

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.

something like, “You don’t want to stock my books, do you?”

I was right. They didn’t.

Nevertheless, I decided to go for it. I paid $1,200 for the sweatshirts in various sizes and optimistically stopped by City Hall on the way home. I spoke with one person there and showed her my wares.

She politely declined. Already discouraged from my sales effort, I drove home, unloaded the boxes into my storeroom and locked the door.

Within the next few months, I sold one sweatshirt to a friend, kept a couple for myself, and gave the rest away. Well, that’s not exactly right. I still have six shirts that I ordered in size XXL. These proud beauties are big. I don’t know anyone large enough to wear one. If I changed the “Dana Point” logo to “San Diego,” the Chargers might want to buy them for members of their defensive line.

More realistically, I’m thinking that there must be some really big guys in Dana Point. If I knew who they are, I’d be delighted to give them a sweatshirt. I’d love to see the “Fragile Ocean” message displayed on the muscled back of some 300 pound hunk. If you’re reading this and you know a big someone who’d like a free one of these, email me and let me know when you can come by my storeroom to pick it up. Heck, if you know six really big guys, I’ll give all of them to you.

What I’d really like to know, however, is how many people out there are working to make the healthy environment dream a reality. How many Dana Point residents are doing their best to recycle? How many market with reusable bags? Do most of us recycle the plastic bags that we can’t avoid accumulating? Are you a smoker?

Do you really think about what to do with that cigarette butt when you’re finished with it? Do you believe that stomping on it keeps it from ending up in the storm drain/ocean?

Do you believe that none of this is your

Page 6

Yes.

47% No.

47% I already have one.

6% Make sure to sound off on the “DP Times Poll of the Week” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Bookmark Dana Point Times today!

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

problem? Do you believe that my sweatshirt plan was just a crazy dream, that it was doomed to fail even if I were the world’s greatest salesperson? Do you believe that, even if I’d sold a thousand “Fragile Ocean” hoodies, the effort would have served no purpose in keeping our watersheds free of pollution?

Well, whatever the case, there are still six very large sweatshirts in my storeroom, waiting for someone to display their message of love.

Oh, one more thing. You wouldn’t want to buy a book, would you? DP 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 feedback at beverlijinn@cox.net.

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.

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

DP

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

friday

19

The Cholulas 9 p.m.

Live music at Molly Bloom’s.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.

Shawn Jones Band 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Rock, blues, originals and more at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

Stan Zabek 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

Foreign Film Friday 6:45 p.m. Free showing of A Screaming Man at the Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Robben Ford 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House with Robben Ford featuring Renegade Creation and more.

Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Around the World Wine Tasting 5:30 p.m.9 p.m. San Clemente Wine Company welcomes Total Beverage Imports. $15. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

Go.See.Do

Westwind Sailing SUP

A great way to end the summer season for kids and teens is the stand-up paddle (SUP) classes at Westwind Sailing in Dana Point. The sailing education company is offering a third session for children ages 10 to 17 on Tuesday and Thursday, August 23 to 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The cost is $65 plus a $25 supply fee, which includes board and paddle. Westwind supplies composite paddles and light epoxy boards that they say are stable and fast. Students must be approved as water safe. They will need to bring water or a sports drink in a plastic container, a towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes. While they’re out on the water, participants will need clothing suitable for water Courtesy photo activities. Children are not the only ones who can have fun at Westwind. “It’s a place where not just kids, but anyone can have a great time,” said Diane Wenzel, executive director at Westwind Sailing.

“All our classes are very informative and easy to do. It’s fun for the whole family.” Adult SUP classes are held on weekends with an instructor guiding students through the basics. Open paddle lessons—without an instructor the entire time — are offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Classes are available all year round.

For more information on classes, visit www.westwindsailing.com. —Erik Gabaldon

Catalina Snorkeling Cruise 8 a.m.-8 p.m. The Ocean Institute hosts an adventure to Catalina Island where guests can go snorkeling, enjoy a barbecue and learn about marine life. $70-$78. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Music Under the Stars: Sapadilla 6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano’s concert series continues with Sapadilla: Steel Drum, Calypso and Island Music with Caribbean Dancers. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1315, www.missionsjc.com.

CaminOvation Awards Event 6:30 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse presents its third annual awards event to honor the best actors, directors, choreographers and volunteers. Tickets $10-$15. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Live Music Cruise: Section 8 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

Dana Wharf’s Saturday music cruise featuring rock group, Section 8. Full bar onboard. $19. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Dana Point Times August 19–25, 2011

Beatles Classics 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The Festival of Arts presents Jason Feddy and Friends playing music of The Beatles. $7. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1145, 800.487.3378, www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.

West Coast Film Festival Celebration of great films at Regency Theatre ongoing now through Aug. 25.

Tickets $10-$25. 26762 Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3435, www.westcoastfilmfest.com.

Daniel Tosh 7 p.m. Concert at the Honda Center.

Tickets start at $39.50. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

Soul Jam 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Local Sunday Sessions 6 p.m. A night of music at Cabrillo Playhouse featuring artists Paige Bennett, Joe Eslick, and OutsideOverThere. $5. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

saturday

Owl Pellet Detectives 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Event at The Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. $5-$10. Call for info, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

Morning Breeze Cruise 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Ocean Institute presents a cruise with music by Jazz! FM 88.5 KSBR. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

2000 Lbs of Blues 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Live blues band at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

Dana Point Farmers Market & Craft Fair 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Fresh produce and more every Saturday at La Plaza Park, intersection of PCH and Golden Lantern.

www.hulavillecafe.com.

21

Ashun 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

Marc Seal 7 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

20

Concerts in the Park: Hot August Night 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. The city of Dana Point presents a free concert at Sea Terrace Bay Park with Hot August Night (Neil Diamond Tribute). Pacific Coast Hwy. and Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

Wine Tasting 1 p.m.-8 p.m. DaVine Food & Wine hosts wine tastings every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cost $15-$18. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

Big Fat Steve 8:30 p.m. Music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Lapule Jammers Ukulele Concert 8 p.m.10 p.m. Concert at Hulaville.

Tickets $5. Reservations required. 2720 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.369.1905,

sunday

Bedazzled 8 p.m.-10 p.m. A popular drag queen show at Adele’s. Tickets $10 advance, $15 at the door.

2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

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

Page 8

The Dana Point Women’s Club Summer Mixer 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Group networking event at Stella’s Italian Restaurant. Cost $30 each. 17 Monarch Bay Plz., Dana Point, 949-633-3193, Jackiet949@yahoo.com, www.stellasitalian.com.

Jaloha 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Blues with an island twist at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

(Cont. on page 13) THIS WEEK’S WEATHER 8.19 Partly Cloudy H: 80° L: 61° 8.20 Mostly Sunny H: 73° L: 60° 8.21 Mostly Sunny H: 75° L: 61°

8.22 Mostly Sunny H: 77° L: 62° 8.23 Mostly Sunny H: 78° L: 64° 8.24 Partly Cloudy H: 78° L: 64° 8.25 Sunny H: 79° L: 63° www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8) Ode to Giving 10:30 a.m. Event at the Baha’i Center themed on giving and receiving. 3316 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.218.8284, www.soulfoodoc.com.

DP Times Restaurant Spotlight

Stella’s Serious Italian

Steve Bonino 9 p.m. Live music at BeachFire.

No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

monday

22

Smokey Karaoke 8 p.m.

Sing fearlessly at BeachFire and enjoy Mojito Monday.

No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

Clif Miller Live 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music artist at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

Mission SJC’s Historical Exhibit 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano’s historical collection featuring paintings, religious artifacts and historical documents. Free with admission $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

tuesday

23

By Krysta Worthen

17 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, 949.234.1679, www.stellasitalian.com Best Known For: Seafood, happy hour Most Popular Item: Chilean sea bass This isn’t just any Italian restaurant. This is serious. Stella’s Serious Italian is a restaurant and lounge that manager and chef Marco Mariselli calls “unique.” Mariselli, who was born and raised in Italy, adds authentic flavor from his homeland to the restaurant when he’s in the kitchen.

Stella’s is best known for seafood with dishes like seafood del grotto, which is made up of mixed greens, jumbo prawns and Alaskan king Courtesy photo crab legs. The eatery also boasts a variety of more traditional Italian meals such as margherita pizza and ravioli. An additional feature of Stella’s is its live music six nights a week. Mariselli raves about the restaurant’s saxophone player who has been performing there for about two years and plays every night except Monday. Upcoming at Stella’s is its winemaker dinners in which four to six people will experience a five-course meal accompanied with five different wines. The chef and a representative of a winery will be there to help customers pair an appropriate wine for each dish. With 10 different specials nightly and an enduring happy hour, Stella’s is the place to go for a serious Italian experience.

Price: $8-$29 Reservations: Yes

Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Saturday – Sunday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Payment: Cash, credit

Go to www.danapointtimes.com and under “Getting Out” share your thoughts about this week’s restaurant.

Will Heard 9 p.m. Live music at BeachFire and Taco Tuesday. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

Poul Pedersen 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live acoustic music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

Family Science Night 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The Ocean Institute presents an event featuring marine mammals. $7 per person, or $25 for a family pack. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Two-for-One at the Wharf Dana Wharf has half price on all fishing trips. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Benny/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.

wednesday

24

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

Cheese & Wine Pairing 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. San Clemente Wine Company will be featuring wines and cheeses from Northern California. $35. Reservations required.

212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

AT THE MOVIES

BY Megan Bianco

The Help Is Resourceful

Tate Taylor’s screen adaptation of Kathryn Stockett’s novel The Help has been receiving a few critical comments over its stereotypical view, at least seen through the film’s poster and trailer, of racial issues in the ‘60s being resolved by a sympathetic, middle class white woman. While, yes, two main characters are middle-aged, black women who work as servants (Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer) and the story includes a middle class young white woman (Emma Stone) and even the typical prejudice villain (Bryce Dallas Howard), in hardly any other way are the black women desperate for help or the white women caring out of pity.

While the promotion of Dreamworks’ movie might make it seem like Stone is the protagonist, The Help is very much an ensemble effort. After returning home to Jackson, Miss. after graduating from college in 1963, Skeeter Phelan (Stone) is set on nabbing a full-time job in journalism. When she discovers that her so-called friend Hilly Holbrook (Howard) has plans to build separate bathrooms for the house help, Skeeter decides an article on the maids’ perspective would be the perfect pitch to start her career. Not only does Hilly disapprove, but also so do her two servants (Davis and Spencer) who Skeeter wants to interview. Soon it’s realized that there is not only trouble at the Holbrook household, but also at the maids’ homes—and

Dana Point Times August 19–25, 2011

Dean Grech 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live acoustic music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Kids Storytime at the Casa 10 a.m. Casa Romantica’s storytime for ages 3-5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

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

thursday

Shakespeare in the Park 6 p.m. City of Dana Point offers a free play for the next three evenings at Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, 949.291.5083, 949.248.3533, www.danapoint.org.

25

Brandon Wildish 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live acoustic music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Hot Buns Contest & Billy Mac Band 7:30 p.m.

Fun contest and live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Emma Stone and Viola Davis in The Help. ©DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC.

Jackson in general.

Stone and Jessica Chastain (portraying town bimbo Celia Foote) are two of the most promising actresses in Hollywood today, and their performances in The Help are no exception. Davis may be the actress with the Oscar nomination already under her belt, but it’s Spencer who grabs viewers’ attention. While Taylor’s screenplay sometimes plays a bit too tongue-in-cheek with its references to taboo aspects of the early 1960s—such as Skeeter’s mom’s reaction to homosexuality—his direction is fine. Ultimately, it’s the acting and characters that give The Help strength. DP Megan Bianco is a senior at Cal State Northridge majoring in Screenwriting and Film Criticism. A 20-year resident of San Clemente, Bianco is also a graduate of the California Conservatory of the Arts and JSerra Catholic High School.

Page 13

Elvis Live! 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Elvis impersonation at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www. renaissance-danapoint.com.

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

90 Minute Sunset Harbor Cruise & Beyond 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Cruise offered by Dana Wharf. Adults $25, kids (3-12) $15. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DP

DS aannCale mPoe ni te 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.

Once Upon This Coast: By Doris I. Walker

California’s Unbelievable Natural Records

T

he full description of natural California sounds like a myth.

It is the third largest and second longest state— about 770 miles long and 250 miles wide. It has a rugged, irregular coastline that rambles along 1,200 Once Upon This Coast miles beside the largBy Doris I. Walker est body of water in the world—the Pacific.

California is also the state with the most extremes in altitude. It has the highest mountain in the continental United States.

Mount Whitney, at 14,494 feet, is taller than any of the Rockies. Even the passes within the Sierra Nevada Mountain range average 11,000 feet in height.

Yet 60 miles away from Whitney stands the lowest point of ground in the entire United States—Bad Water in Death Valley, 282 feet below sea level. That low spot often captures the daily recorded highest California (as well as U.S.) temperature mark—sometimes in the130s.

The tallest unbroken cliff in the world is El Capitan in Yosemite. That California national park also boasts the largest monolith in the world—Half Dome. They are unquestionably this state’s original rock stars.

Our state has few natural lakes, but it does have dry ones. In fact, there are more than 1,000 lakes here that once held water.

Also notable: One of the highest altitude lakes and third deepest lake in North America is Lake Tahoe—at an altitude of 6,228 feet. This, California’s highest lake, has a maximum depth of 1,640 feet.

This state also has the lowest (and one of the shallowest) seas that is also the largest inland sea in the U.S. The Salton Sea, at minus 235 feet, was an ancient inland salt water sea. But the oldest continuing lake in North America is Mono Lake. A “new” island erupted in it only 300 years ago.

The Golden State has several volcaDana Point Times August 19–25, 2011

By popular choice, the Dana Point promontory is Orange County’s favorite natural wonder. This 1957 photo predates Dana Point Harbor and much of its present development. Courtesy Doris I. Walker collection

noes—Shasta and Lassen, as well as Lava Beds and Pinnacles National Monument.

Lassen, 10,453 feet high, last erupted in 1914. The solid Obsidian Dome north at Mammoth Lakes flowed as liquid lava 10 million years ago.

Then there are geysers. One of the most faithfully predictable spouts in the world is in Calistoga, California.

More than half of California’s total area is covered by mountains and rolling hills; one-fourth is formed by valleys and deserts. Believe it or not, it has more roadless area than any other state (except Alaska). Nearly half of California is public land—owned by its citizens and preserved by its government.

California has both high and low deserts. The Mohave rises to 1,000 feet in altitude and the Colorado in the south drops to 250 feet below sea level. Lowest city in the United States is Calexico, whose town square features a high flag-

pole whose top is below sea level.

Talk about poles: California has the largest and tallest trees in the world—sequoias—and the oldest living things—bristlecone pines, up to 4,000 years old.

The General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park is 36 feet in diameter at the base, with a 103-foot circumference and is 275 feet high. This most massive sequoia gigantea is “the largest tree in the world.”

The coast redwoods (sequoia sempervivens) rise to as high as 362 feet in Humboldt County.

Our rarest tree is the Catalina Island mahogany. Imperial County has a petrified forest. Some ancient trees reveal that droughts in California lasted 100 to 200 years during Europe’s Middle Ages.

There are even pygmy forests in Northern California, where the pine and cypress trees are a maximum two feet tall when decades old. The reason for their stunted growth is often because they are

Page 14

rooted in hard soil from the official state rock—serpentine. In its favor, though, some specimens of serpentine when polished resemble jade.

The state’s most lucrative natural resources have been both liquid and solid.

Throughout the 20th century, its oil fields produced an average 20 million barrels a day. And of course there was the gold. In 1852, the peak year of the Gold Rush, 81 million dollars’ worth of gold ore was mined here.

Gold became California’s official state mineral. More than 30 other minerals are found only here in the entire world. Probably the most beautiful is our official state gem Benitoite. The gem was named for the only place it exists anywhere—Benito County.

This gemstone’s crystals can be a clear, rich deep blue resembling sapphires. Its name means blessed in Spanish, a designation that could be applied to the entire state’s geologic features—except earthquakes, of course.

Locally speaking, Orange County has its own rock star—the Dana Point Headlands.

An OC Register readers’ poll asked: “What is your favorite local natural wonder?” Dana’s point was the far-and-away winner, well ahead of second place Saddleback Mountain.

It may not be the tallest or the oldest, but to us who live in this ancient rock’s presence, it is the most picturesque and romantic spot by land or sea. DP © 2011 by Doris I. Walker All of this county’s natural features are pictured and described in Doris I. Walker’s book: Orange County, a Natural History.

They include chapters on its coast, waterways, mountains, canyons, national forest and wilderness parks. It is one of a dozen books about Dana Point and Orange County that she has written and photographed. Reach her at doriswalkerbooks@aol.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.

www.danapointtimes.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY DP DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com

FOR RENT SAN CLEMENTE APARTMENT FOR LEASE 1 bdrm, small den, 1 bath; Stove, refrigerator; Upper front unit with large ocean view deck; No PETS; $1,350.00 per month; 1 year lease required. Contact Gisele Legrand at 424-835-4056 for more information.

GARAGE SALES BACKYARD SALE: SATURDAY AND SUNDAY August 20, and 21 FREE Large outdoor All-in-one Rainbow swing, slide, canopy and tire swing set. You take apart and haul away. Call if interested 489-8494 GARAGE AND ART SALE SAT 8/20, 8AM -1PM. 621 Calle Hidalgo San Clemente, 92673

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

DP TIMES CLASSIFIEDS ARE ONLINE! Submit an ad or browse current listings at www.danapointtimes.com

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

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

949.388.7700 ext. 102

Dana Point Times August 19–25, 2011

Page 15

www.danapointtimes.com

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS Stories, scores, schedules & more

DP

D a n a Po i nt

5 Best Bets BASEBALL

BASEBALL

Orioles vs. Angels, Angel Stadium August 19, 7:05 p.m.

After going toe-to-toe with Texas for four games, the Angels prep for another series against Baltimore this weekend. Info: www. losangeles.angels.mlb.com

SOCCER

Earthquakes vs.

LA Galaxy, Home Depot Center

Midnight Madness Fun Ride, South San Diego County

Outdoor Adventure Fitness Club, Dana Point Harbor

August 20, 7:05 p.m.

August 20, 7:30 p.m.

August 20, 8 p.m.

August 24, 5:30 p.m.

The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino—a Class A, Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, hit the diamond for a game against Rancho Cucamonga. Info: www.web.

The pitch heats up as the LA Galaxy get ready to rumble with the San Jose Earthquakes at the Home Depot Center.

The 38th Annual Midnight Madness is a fun night of cycling, contests, prizes and entertainment to support community youth programs.

Stay cool and fit with a fun outdoor activity as the Outdoor Adventure Fitness Club hosts a great kayaking adventure.

Fees do apply. Info: www.

Info: www.sandiegomidnightmadness.org

outdoorfitnessonline.org

Info: www.lagalaxy.com

minorleaguebaseball.com

Crown Valley Divers shine at AAU National Diving Championships, Dana Point Diver Charlotte Bowen among gold medal winners

By David Zimmerle Dana Point Times

L

Dana Point Times August 19–25, 2011

KAYAKING

Quakes vs. 66ers, Arrowhead Credit Union Park

Divers Dominate

ate last month, Crown Valley Divers of Laguna Niguel dominated the national competition, besting teams from California, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts and Maine to win the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Diving Championship. In the process, the Crown Valley Divers (CVD) claimed 16 gold, 15 silver and nine bronze medals total.

The team competed against 412 divers on 1 meter, 3 meter and platform during the eight day AAU competition that was held at the new, state of the art Riverside City College aquatic facility.

Head coach Curt Wilson and assistant coaches Rich Wilson, Ila Wilson, and Dave Mickle worked with their divers’ goal setting, training and conditioning throughout this past year to propel these athletes to compete at the highest level and improve their overall diving experience.

CVD claimed men’s, women’s, and combined team national titles. Area divers who won in their specific age group included Dana Point’s Charlotte Bowen (10, gold

BICYCLING

Christopher LaBella (13) of Laguna Niguel follows through with a front 2 1/2 somersault from the 3 meter board. Photo courtesy of Paul LaBella

Page 16

in 1 meter), Laguna Niguel’s Madeline Wiese (11, gold in 1 meter and in 14-15 3 meter synchro) and Lauren Pierce (14, gold in 14-15 3 meter synchro). Pierce and Wiese also won bronze on the 14-15 girls 1 meter synchro. Wiese was the top point scorer for the girls with 74 points, and also added two silvers and a bronze medal to her tally. Ally Caplan won three golds and one silver dominating the 15-year-old springboard competitions and even took home gold with synchro partner Makena Chamoures (San Clemente) in the 14-15 girls 1 meter synchro.

Another outstanding performer in this AAU competition came from San Clemente’s Caleb Dixon who won gold medals in 13-year-old boys 1 and 3 meter, 13 and under boys synchro with diving partner Christopher LaBella (13, Laguna Niguel), and dove up in age group in the 14 and 15 boys synchro with Shaun Phaneuf.

Dixon also nabbed silver in the 12-13 boys platform competition, and was the high point winner with 92 points toward the CVD team total.

Also putting in great performances were Izzy Choquehuanca (17, Laguna Niguel, gold in 1 meter), Jacob Swansen (16, Laguna Niguel, silver 3 meter and 3 meter synchro with diving partner Harry Lubowe), Victoria Altman (10, Laguna Niguel, silver in the 3 meter), Thomas Goodwin (12, silver in the 3 meter, bronze on 1 meter and bronze in 13 and under boys synchro with Nathan Pellini), LaBella (silver in the 3 meter and bronze on 1 meter), Chamoures (silver in 15-year-old girls 1 meter and bronze in the 3 meter), Pierce (silver in the girls 15-year-old 3 meter and bronze on 1 meter) and Katie LaBella (10, silver in 1 meter). DP

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The only directory featuring Dana Point businesses exclusively AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING 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

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

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

CATERING 949.388.8102

CHIROPRACTORS Pacific Waves Family Chiropractic 949.436.2926 & Alternative Healthcare 24632 San Juan, Ste. 230, www.pacific-waves.com

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES Christian Science Services 34102 La Plaza

949.661.3151

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

COINS GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

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BEAUTY SALONS

Smokey’s House of BBQ 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com

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

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

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JUNIOR WATERMAN PROGRAM Ocean Academy www.oceanacademy4u.com

949.218.4464

Junk Removal Green Dump Truck www.greendumptruck.com

949.697.4517

SIGNS

LANDSCAPING Rocky Taylor Landscaping rjls@cox.net

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

949.697.1770

LANDSCAPING/SPRINKLERS

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

949.248.1007

SURF LESSONS

Sunburst Landscaping 949.632.0081 949.218.4464 www.sunlandscape.webs.com 949.493.3670 Ocean Academy ELECTRICAL www.oceanacademy4u.com delta G electrical

949.360.9282 LOCKSMITH CA #657214, www.deltagelect.com Surf Shops Dana Point Lock & Security 949.496.6919 EMBROIDERY Girl in the Curl Surf Shop 949.661.4475 www.danapointlock.com 34116 Pacific Coast Hwy., www.girlinthecurl.com ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 949.248.1007 MUSIC INSTRUCTION Infinity Surfboards 949.661.6699 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, 24382 Del Prado, www.infinitysurf.com www.abcembroideryshop.com Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 Jack’s Surfboards

949.276.8080 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com 34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jackssurfboards.com FITNESS PROGRAMS Danman’s Music School 949.242.4431 Fit Club - Boot Camp 949.831.7984 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com TUTORING www.afitclub.com English Tutoring by Susan 949.481.0481 PET GROOMING Jazzercise, O.C. Sailing & Events Center Mathnasium 949.388.6555 34451 Ensenada Place, 949.492.7817 Dawgy Style 949.496.3315 32411 Golden Lantern, Ste. Q, www.mathnasium.com www.danapointjazz.com 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy #112,

GIFT BASKETS

Robert’s Professional Handyman Services Lic. # B853695

949.606.6425

Insurance Services 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

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Under-Wraps Gift Baskets 949.291.0300 PIZZA mariannedorsey@cox.net, Beach Cities Pizza

www.giftbasketsbyunderwraps.com 34473 Golden Lantern St. 34155 Pacific Coast Hwy. HANDYMAN SERVICES

HAIR SALONS San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 Monarch Bay Haircutters 949.496.1957 Solution Tek-nologies 949.400.0080 20 Monarch Bay Plaza www.solutiontek-nologies.com Paragon Salon 949.489.1955 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy. CONTRACTORs - GENERAL Utopia Salon 949.661.1664 Creative Environments Construction 949.496.3728 Barry 949.661.1664 Design & Build #464468 Gary 949.231.9755 Morgan 949.433.3960 COSMETICS 24582 Del Prado, #B, www.barrysutopia.com Mary Kay Cosmetics & Career 949.248.2868 ICE CREAM Opportunities, Ind. Sales Director - Marline Adams, www.marykay.com/madams2 Coffee Importers Scoop Deck 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com DENTISTS

Lantern Bay Realty 949.661.6441 34179 Golden Lantern, Ste. 103, Maureen B. Fletcher Interior Design 714.889.9597 www.lanternbayrealty.com momofletcher@gmail.com Prudential California Realty, Shirley Tenger Norma Mardian Interior Design 949.492.6271 www.tengerteam.com 949.487.7700 www.nminteriordesign.com Surterre Properties Monarch Beach, 949.464.3243 McDaniel Gilmore Group Jeweler 33522 Niguel Rd. Ste. 100, Monarch Beach 92629 Dana Point Jeweler 949.489.1165 www.mcdanielgilmoregroup.com 24845 Del Prado, www.danapointjeweler.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

949.496.0606 949.496.2670

Plumbing Chick’s Plumbing

www.chicks-plumbing.com

949.496.9731

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 J. Hill & Associates 949.488.7653 34270 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. A, www.hillrealty.org

Dana Point Upholstery 949.240.2292 24402 Del Prado Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

WINDOW CLEANING Bayside Window Cleaning 949.290.8230 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

Window Coverings Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

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DP SURF

6

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

Grom of the WEEK Nick Melanson Age: 13, Shorecliffs Middle School The Melanson family will be moving from Mission Viejo into their new home near T Street next week and Nick Melanson couldn’t be happier. After all, T Street is among his top three favorite surf breaks, along with Trestles and the pier. “I’m most excited about being within walking distance to the beach,” said Nick. “I plan to go surfing as much as possible before and after school.” Nick is looking forward to starting school at Shorecliffs Middle School in the fall and trying out for the surf team. This summer, a typical day for Nick begins with getting up, checking Surfline and heading to a local break to work on putting more power into his maneuvers. “I’m trying to make everything as big as possible,” said Nick. As the new kid in town, he says he’s looking forward to getting to know more surfers Photo by Andrea Swayne here, although he already knows a few guys from the local lineup and contests.

This season—in addition to SSS school contests—Nick will compete in the Gatorade WSA Championship Tour. Nick is a focused student who says school is “pretty important” to him. He works hard to maintain As and Bs and especially likes studying math. When not surfing, he enjoys skateboarding. Welcome to San Clemente Nick. —Andrea Swayne

Local Surfer Honored at Waterman’s Ball San Clemente surfer Greg Long named Waterman of the Year at annual event

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

G

reg Long, San Clemente-based professional big wave surfer, was among three honorees at the 22nd Annual SIMA Waterman’s Ball on August 12 at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

Long was honored as Waterman of the Year, Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner of Malibu as Environmentalist of the Year and Hawaii’s George Downing was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“This is without a doubt the greatest achievement in my career. When I first found out I was selected I was baffled,” said Long in his acceptance speech. “Looking back at previous recipients—Kelly Slater, Laird Hamilton, Rob Machado, my heroes and idols—I didn’t really feel like I fit among these larger than life characters. I was extremely humbled and flattered that, not only my peers but my mentors and the entire surf industry felt that my actions both in and out of the water are worthy of such a prestigious award.”

A crowd of nearly 700 surf industry VIPs, professional surfers and celebrities were in attendance at the Surf Industry Manufacturer’s Association (SIMA) annual gathering to raise money in support of ocean conservation organizations.

The evening began with silent and live auctions that together raised more than $400,000 for the protection of the world’s oceans and surf breaks.

The Ball was the culminating event of Waterman’s Weekend which included the 11th Annual Waterman’s Classic Golf Tournament at the Monarch Beach Golf Links on August 11. “…Waterman’s Weekend has raised more than $5.8 million over the past 22 years for environmental causes,” said Paul Naude, President of the SIMA Environmental Fund and President of Billabong USA. “A special thanks goes to our honorees, Greg Long, Dana Point Times August 19–25, 2011

22nd Annual SIMA Waterman’s Ball honorees (L to R) Greg Long, Waterman of the Year; George Downing, Lifetime Achievement Award and Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner, Environmentalist of the Year.

Photo by Andrea Swayne

Surf ForecasT

Bidders mingle among artwork and other items for sale during the silent auction. Photo by Andrea Swayne

George Downing and Zuma Jay for their dedication to the sport of surfing as well as their constant efforts to help preserve and protect our ocean.”

Beneficiaries of the fundraising effort include Surfrider Foundation, Ocean Institute, WiLDCOAST, Heal the Bay, Orange County CoastKeeper and many more.

Log on to www.sanclementetimes.com to read the full story—including more from Long’s speech—and see a photo slideshow from the event. DP

Water temp: 65-68˚F Water visibility and conditions: Local: 12-15’ Poor-Fair; Catalina: 15-25’+ Good Remarks: South swell and small Northwest windswell offers up good size surf on Thursday.

Surge is moderate and visibility is relatively low, making for poor-fair diving conditions at best.

Short range: Size is in the 3-5’+ (waist-head high with some overhead sets) zone on Thursday as a South groundswell holds up and mixes with small Northwest windswell energy. Size then fades for the weekend as a new, smaller Southwest swell shows. Conditions look clean for the mornings and generally fair to good overall.

Long range: Smaller but still fun size surf prevails for the weekend/early next week with a modest Southwest swell holding up rideable waves. Stay tuned to Surfline.com for updates.

Page 18

BOARDSHORTS Rusty Long Home from Hospital According to Greg Long—brother of fellow big wave surfer Rusty Long who has been recovering from burns suffered during a July 24 accident—Rusty was released from the hospital on August 13.

During his acceptance speech for the Waterman of the Year Award at the 22nd Annual SIMA Waterman’s Ball on August 12, Greg thanked the surf community—on behalf of Rusty and the entire Long family—for all the support and well wishes Rusty received during his stay in the hospital.

“Rusty sends his regards and wants to thank all of you for all the love and support you’ve shown him, as do I, as does our entire family.” said Greg. “He’s been recovering, so well in fact, that he’ll be released from the hospital tomorrow - three weeks earlier than planned.”

Log on to www.sanclementetimes.com to read the full story.

UPCOMING EVENTS August 20-21: NSSA Southwest Explorer Event No. 1, Huntington Beach, 9th Street September 3-4: NSSA Southwest Open Event No. 1, Oceanside, South Jetty September 10-11: NSSA Southwest Open Event No. 2, Huntington Beach, Pier September 10-11: 15th Annual Surf for the Sea, Oceanside Harbor, North Jetty September 17: Dale Velzy Classic and Luau, Dana Point, Doheny State Beach September 17-18: NSSA Southwest Explorer Event No. 2, San Diego, Crystal Pier September 24-25: Nike 6.0 Surfing America Prime West, Camp Pendleton, Del Mar Jetties October 1-2: Gatorade WSA Championship Tour Event No.2, Ventura, Surfers Point October 1-2: NSSA Southwest Open Event No. 3, San Onofre State Beach, Uppers October 8: Surfing America Prime West, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach www.danapointtimes.com