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SPECIAL 2-WEEK ISSUE...HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE DANA POINT TIMES d e c e m b e r 2 3 , 2 0 1 1 –J A N U A RY 5 , 2 0 1 2

LO C A L

N EWS

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Volume 4, Issue 51

HIGHLIGHTING THE BEST STORIES OF THE YEAR

www.danapointtimes.com

E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Faulty Toaster Sparks House Fire

2011 Best of the Blotter: Crime, Oddities and More

Boat Parade of Lights Winners Announced

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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EYE ON DP

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

FIND OUT MORE: www.danapointtimes.com —Jonathan Volzke/Austin Patrick Reagan

…Fire in Dana Point?

THE LATEST: A faulty toaster sparked a one-alarm fire at a house on Big Sur Street Thursday, December 22 shortly after 7 a.m., leaving it uninhabitable. Orange County Fire Authority spokesman Dana Point Times December 23, 2011–January 5, 2012

EDITORIAL

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com

Group Editor, Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke

DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Stacie N. Galang ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd

What’s Up With...

WHAT’S NEXT: The school is reportedly cooperating with authorities in the investigation. In a statement, JSerra spokesman Bill Rams said, “We strongly encourage anybody in the JSerra community with information that might aid the investigation to contact the Sheriff’s Department immediately.” Anyone with additional information is asked to call 855.TIP.OCCS.

CEO Norb Garrett

PRINT AND ONLINE

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

THE LATEST: Dana Point resident and JSerra Catholic High School Spanish teacher and athletics coach Ricardo Aldana was arrested late Wednesday, December 14, for alleged lewd acts with a former student. According to Orange County Sherriff’s spokesman Jim Amormino, the inappropriate conduct with the student, who was then a minor, occurred in Aldana’s Dana Point home in September. The girl reported the incident to her mother, who contacted authorities on Wednesday. Aldana was arrested that day, booked into Orange County jail, but was later released after posting $100,000 bail. JSerra officials say they are “outraged and sickened” by the allegations, and fired Aldana Thursday morning. Authorities fear there may be other victims. Aldana, who taught at the school for seven years, coached girls volleyball as well as boys soccer.

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…Teacher Arrested?

Dana Point Times, Vol. 4, Issue 51. 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.

EDITOR Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com

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

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

INTERNS Austin Patrick Reagan

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin, Rebecca Nordquist

Sales Associate > Angela Edwards OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, David Zimmerle

Happy holidays to our loyal readers. The Dana Point Times will not publish the week of December 25-31. The next issue will arrive on January 6, 2012.

Marc Stone said about 25 firefighters responded to the blaze at 7:15 a.m. and were able to put it out within 20 minutes. No one was injured, he said. Two residents were awake when the fire broke out and a third woke up when the smoke alarm sounded. Three more were away from the home at the time of the fire. Stone said the fire started in the kitchen with a faulty toaster and was ruled accidental electrical. “There was extensive damage throughout the house,” he said. The authority spokesman said that winds can play a factor in fires but that was not the case in the Thursday morning blaze. WHAT’S NEXT: All six residents were displaced. FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.danapointtimes.com to see photos. —Stacie N. Galang

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…OC Historical Commission?

THE LATEST: Dana Point Historical Society President Carlos N. Olvera was appointed to the Orange County Historical Commission at the December 13 Board of Supervisors meeting by 5th District Supervisor Pat Bates. Olvera was selected to fill one of two open 5th District posts. One post was vacant and another was left open when Dana Point writer and historian Doris Walker-Smith (known professionally as Doris I. Walker) passed away in October. Walker-Smith had represented Dana Point on the Commission since 1994. Olvera has been a member of the Dana Point Historical Society since 1988 and served on the Planning Commission from

1989 to 1995. He is credited with initiating the historical element of the city’s General Plan to include historic preservation. The historic element became an ordinance in 2000. Each district supervisor appoints three commissioners from within his or her district. Olvera expressed interest in filling one of the two open seats to ensure Dana Point’s continuing presence on the commission. WHAT’S NEXT: Since commissioners’ terms run concurrently with that of the county supervisor in their district who appointed them, Olvera’s term will end in 2014 when Bates’ term ends. The Supervisor replacing Bates at that time will be charged with appointing new commissioners or reappointing sitting commissioners. “I am honored that Pat Bates has granted me an appointment to the Commission,” said Olvera. “I look forward to representing all of the 5th District historical societies of Orange County.” The Commission meets monthly at various Orange County historic locations. FIND OUT MORE: Meeting agendas and information about the OC Historical Commission can be found online at the Orange County website, www.ocgov.com. Search “Orange County Historical Commission.” —Andrea Swayne

…New Chamber Board?

THE LATEST: The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce announced their membership’s selection of its Board of Directors for the upcoming year. Board members include: Caroline Calloway, Bolt Public Relations principal; Marcos Costas, Salt Creek Grille general manager; Maria Lazaruk, CR&R public relations manager; Terry Ross, Indepen-

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dence Bank vice president and community relations officer; Scott Seaver, IMAGES/ Creative Solutions owner; Emily Smith, Southern California Gas Company public affairs manager; Dan Stetson, Ocean Institute president/CEO and Christy Teague, Dana Point economic development manager. Board Chair Russell Kerr said members’ votes represent a balanced group who cover all facets of the business community and bring a wealth of expertise. Chamber officers for 2012 will remain the same, with the exception of Ed Conway who will take over for Georgia Theodore as Past Chair. WHAT’S NEXT: The chamber’s 65th anniversary, annual meeting and official installation dinner for the 2012 Board of Directors is scheduled for Thursday, January 26 at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa. FIND OUT MORE: www.danapointchamber. com. —AS

…City Holiday Hours, Council Meetings?

THE LATEST: In observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day, Dana Point city offices will be closed from December 24, 2011 through January 1, 2011. WHAT’S NEXT: City Council meetings in 2012 will be scheduled for the first and third Tuesdays of each month, however there will be no meeting on January 3. The first meeting of 2012 will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 17 in City Hall Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, in Dana Point. FIND OUT MORE: Log on to www.danapoint.org for more information and to see the official city calendar. —AS www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

2011: A Look Back By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

ana Point news stories for 2011 ran the gamut from feel-good fun to mourning the loss of loved ones to litigation within city government, schools and the business community. For this special “looking back” edition of the Dana Point Times we have prepared a brief overview of some of the stories that made headlines over the past year. To read more from the archives, log on to www.danapointtimes.com. January Harbor Plan OK’d: The California Coastal Commission approved the land-side harbor improvement plan after some 150 meetings on the issue since the project was first proposed at a community meeting in 1997. The approved plan lined out the details of the project including caveats requiring new buildings to fit the community character and that two trees be planted for every one removed during construction, among other requirements. A New Mayor: City Councilman Scott Schoeffel is chosen to serve as the 2011 Mayor of Dana Point. Closing Up Shop: The city red tags and closes three medical marijuana dispensaries citing municipal code violations. Despite many appeals, by the end of 2011 all three remained closed.

tures. Maddie passed away in her sleep on March 13. Hundreds gathered for her March 20 memorial service at Heritage Park. The Foundation went on to reach its $1 million goal in May. The center was dedicated on June 11, the date that would have marked Maddie’s sixth birthday. Chamber Changes: Laura Ouimet was officially named Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Events; Director Kelly Straine was promoted to Assistant Director. Ouimet had been acting as interim director since Former CEO Nicole Chambers’ late 2010 resignation and admission of financial impropriety against the chamber. Both Ouimet and Straine resigned their positions in September. Forrest Gets His Rose: Forrest Lunsway celebrated his 100th birthday by marrying his girlfriend of 28 years Rose Pollard, 93, at the Community/Senior Center.

Maddie James. Courtesy photo

From Fee to Free: Capistrano Unified sorts out new school fee policy following an ACLU lawsuit. Dana Hills High School was among dozens of Southern California schools named in the lawsuit citing unfair pay-to-play and pay-to-learn practices. Strandsgate: A San Diego Superior Court judge struck down a city ordinance restricting access hours at the two of five accessways that run from Strand Vista Park through the Headlands development to Strand Beach. The city had declared the area a nuisance deeming the gates and hours necessary for crime abatement. While the court ruled that the city has a right to declare and abate nuisances, it stated that abatement cannot limit access in a manner in excess of what is necessary without obtaining a coastal permit. The issue stayed in the headlines—via a string of lawsuits and appeals by the city, Surfrider Foundation and the Coastal Commission—but the gates and hours in question remained in place through the end of the year.

Mourning a Loss: The city mourned the loss of author, historian and DP Times columnist Doris Walker-Smith (Doris I. Walker). Walker-Smith and husband Jack Smith Doris Walker-Smith. passed away as a Courtesy photo result of injuries sustained in an October 30 house fire. Vandals Trash School: Vandals broke into the R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility—a school for children with special needs that shares a campus with R.H. Dana Elementary—and trashed the place, causing thousands of dollars in damages.

August

April

March Festival 40th: Dana Point celebrates the 40-year anniversary Festival of Whales. A Little Girl’s Legacy: Kajsa and Collie James form the Maddie James Foundation to raise $1 million toward a new learning center at the Ocean Institute. Their efforts are dedicated to honoring the life of their terminally ill, five-year-old daughter Maddie and her love of the ocean and its crea-

October

Another 40th: OC Dana Point Harbor celebrates four decades since its official dedication on July 31, 1971.

Rose Pollard and Forrest Lunsway. Photo by Pantea Ommi Mohajer

Art in DP: City Council approves the formation of a new Arts and Culture Commission to act as an advisory body to the city on matters concerning arts, culture and historic preservation. May Four Decades of Fishing: Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching celebrates its 40th anniversary. Welcoming the Wall: Dana Point VFW Post 9934 brings the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Memorial Wall to Dana Point. Tackling Truancy: The District Attorney’s office arrests parents who allow their children to be chronically truant from school. One couple, whose child was enrolled at Marco Forster Middle School, were Dana Point residents. New Interest in a Cold Case: New DNA information links two more murders to

Dana Point Times December 23, 2011–January 5, 2012

Arizona. No major problems were reported but stores ran out of ice as restaurateurs scrambled to save their food.

June

July

February Golden Anniversary: Palisades Elementary school in Capistrano Beach celebrated its 50-year anniversary with a school carnival. Staff and students past and present gathered for an historic group photo.

the Original Night Stalker rekindling interest in the case that included two Niguel Shores victims in 1980.

Church Expansion Stalled: City Council voted to extend the deadline for the completion of a draft environmental impact report for the planned expansion of South Shores Church to August 2013. Enemies List Case Ends: The State Supreme Court declined to hear a final appeal in a series of cases around alleged CUSD corruption. Charges against former Superintendent James Fleming and Assistant Superintendent Susan McGill. Justices said that compiling a list of district critics—the so called enemies list—fell within the scope of Fleming’s official duties. September Making the Grade: All CUSD schools in Dana Point increased their scores according to the state’s annual Academic Performance Index report. In the Dark: Dana Point residents were among an estimated five million SDG&E customers in Southern California and parts of Arizona and Mexico who experienced an eight- to 12-hour power outage when a high-voltage line tripped out of service due to a human error in Page 4

November Village People: A public workshop was held to kick off the city’s public outreach and vision planning effort for the future revitalization of the Doheny Village area. Harbor Waterside Plan Comments Extended: The public comment period for proposed marina improvements was extended due to circumstances including requests from stakeholders. A group dubbed “Save Baby Beach” was formed by a group concerned that plans to add new public slips at the OC Sailing & Events Center would negatively impact Baby Beach. Town Center Gets Thumbs Up: The Planning Commission voted to approve the final Environmental Impact Report for the Town Center Revitalization Plan that will include changing a stretch of PCH and Del Prado into two-way streets. December TBID Continues: The city approved continuing a $1.42 million plan to market Dana Point as a major travel destination. The money comes from the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) created in 2009 that calls for the collection of a $3 per night fee from the city’s four largest hotels. Council members expressed concern over the slow pace of the project. The effort will kick off in 2012. Bag Ban Hearing Postponed: Discussion of proposed plastic bag and polystyrene container bans scheduled for the December 12 city council meeting was postponed after the city was inundated with public opinion in the form of letters, emails and calls. The item was pulled from the agenda to give officials time to sort through the correspondence. Officials plan to revisit the item at a January or February meeting. DP www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

News Bites

Compiled by Andrea Swayne

P r o ps , R e c o g n i t i o ns a n d M o r s e l s o f Inf o Coastmasters Honors Youth Leadership Grads

The program was designed by Toastmasters International for use at the local club level. Dana Point Coastmasters member David DuRee founded the program and club member James Fullenkamp served as this year’s program coordinator. The courses culminated at a Coastmasters meeting where students received their completion certificates and had a chance to demonstrate their new skills. Students participated as a part of the Boys & Girls Club’s Young Americans Keystone program.

Mission Hosts Dana Point Day Graduates of the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program are congratulated by YLP coordinator James Fullenkamp (left) and program founder David DuRee. Courtesy photo

Members of the Dana Point Coastmasters (a division of Toastmasters) celebrated the graduation of students from the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley who participated in the Toastmaster Youth Leadership Program. The program, now in its ninth year, is an eight week intensive course leading up to the public schools’ winter break that teaches leadership and public speaking skills to young people.

Mission San Juan Capistrano has announced the dates for its 2012 “2-for-1 Celebrating Communities Program,” inviting Orange County residents to visit Mission San Juan Capistrano with a 2-for-1 admission price special. Celebrating Communities days are held on the first Friday of each month for selected cities. San Clemente, Capistrano Beach and Dana Point day is scheduled for Friday, January 6. Eligible residents who purchase an adult admission to the Mission may bring in

one guest free of charge. Proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.) is required. Founded in 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra and known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that boasts of quality permanent exhibits featuring original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits. The site itself serves as a living outdoor museum with original buildings constructed by Native Americans in the 18th century including the Serra Chapel, Great Stone Church, and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing. Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Open Daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Good Friday afternoon. Admission is $9 adults; $8 seniors (60 years or over); $5 children (ages 4 to 11); and children ages 3 and under are admitted free. Free audio guide with senior and adult admission. For more information, call 949. 234.1300 or visit www.missionsjc.com.

Leeza, 15, of Mission Viejo, and her Big Sister Debby Downing of Dana Point volunteered at the OC Food Bank in Garden Grove. Courtesy photo

Dana Point Big Sister and Her Little Give Back at Food Bank

at the OC Food Bank in Garden Grove. The volunteers packed food boxes for the elderly and filled fruit bags—to be used in lessons on nutrition—for elementary schools. The matches had a great time and appreciated the opportunity to help those in need. In addition to providing fun events such as a holiday party and picnic, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County partners with other local nonprofits, such as the OC Food Bank, to encourage the volunteers and youth in their programs to serve their community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer Debby Downing of Dana Point and her Little Sister Leeza, 15, of Mission Viejo were among a group of 33 Big/Little matches who volunteered their time last month

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.

Eye on DP B es t

DP Sheriff’s Blotter 2011

Compiled By Austin Patrick 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.

JANUARY SUSPICIOUS PERSON Pacific Coast Highway/Niguel Road (Monday, January 10, 8:25 a.m.) A 40- to 50-year-old man in a plaid shirt and khaki shorts was walking northbound on PCH with his privates exposed out of the front of his shorts, urinating as he walked. SUSPICIOUS PERSON Pacific Coast Highway, 34000 Block (Tuesday, January 18, 9:18 a.m.) A gym employee called to report a former member who had walked in claiming to be God, and had demanded that the caller be his girlfriend. DISTURBANCE Alcazar Drive, 33900 Block (Monday, January 23, 6:29 p.m.) A caller said that a male neighbor washing his vehicle had sprayed the caller’s grandmother in the face intentionally with the hose. DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (Monday, January 31, 12:01 p.m.) A bald man was harassing customers in front of a lingerie shop. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, either.

FEBRUARY DISTURBANCE Dauphin, 0 Block (Tuesday, February 15, 10:57 p.m.) A man was playing extremely loud music and dismantling a couch with a sledge hammer on his back patio so that he could burn it in his fire pit. There have been ongoing problems with the subject. 9-1-1 HANGUP Dana Point Harbor Drive, 25300 Block (Tuesday, February 22, 10:15 a.m.) A woman called 9-1-1 saying she was locked in a bathroom near the wharf because someone was after her. The woman was also heard singing Tina Turner songs and asking authorities to call Criss Angel because “he can say where she is.”

MARCH SUSPICIOUS PERSON Pacific Coast Highway, 33000 Block (SatDana Point Times December 23, 2011–January 5, 2012

urday, March 5, 2:39 p.m.) A man was walking around asking women for directions and hugs.

someone set her potted plant on fire.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24200 Block (Wednesday, March 16, 9:44 a.m.) A man wearing nothing but a hoodie and white underwear was reported hanging around on his scooter, looking at all the kids walking by.

WELFARE CHECK Copper Lantern, 34000 Block (Thursday, August 4, 8:21 a.m.) An elderly female called to report that people were throwing explosives into her residence. Social Services was asked to respond. The same woman had called earlier claiming that someone was “trying to kill someone with a laser.”

AUGUST

APRIL CITIZEN ASSIST Elisa Drive, 33100 Block (Friday, April 22, 10:53 a.m.) A caller contacted deputies to report a neighbor who was throwing dog feces into the bed of his truck. SUSPICIOUS PERSON Golden Lantern/Camino del Avion (Saturday, April 23, 8:48 p.m.) A man in front of a drug store was asking customers if they wanted to buy a gun from him. He became aggressive when a passerby (the caller) ignored him. The subject began to follow the caller into the drug store and began talking about how the world is going to end in 2012.

CITIZEN ASSIST Del Obispo Street 33400 Block (Saturday, August 13, 8:03 p.m.) An angry customer called a pizza parlor accusing the restaurant of forgetting the pepperoni on his pizza the night before and demanding he be given a free pizza. SUSPICIOUS PERSON Crown Valley Parkway, 32400 Block (Monday, August 29, 7:28 p.m.) An elderly man was seen stripping down to his diaper on the path between an apartment complex and a luxury hotel.

SEPTEMBER CITIZEN ASSIST Doheny Park Road, 34100 Block (Tuesday, September 13, 7:37 p.m.) A caller thought a mechanic wired his vehicle to blow up, so he wanted a deputy to stand by while he picked it up.

MAY ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Pacific Coast Highway/Doheny Park Road (Sunday, May 1, 2:49 p.m.) A woman called 9-1-1 from a bus stop bench saying she had a golf ball sized growth on her private parts. She stayed on the bench, lying down, until paramedics arrived.

OCTOBER

INDECENT EXPOSURE La Serena Drive, 34100 Block (Saturday, May 14, 9:28 p.m.) Authorities were called when a man was seen mooning children who were attending a birthday party.

DISTURBANCE Alcazar Drive, 33700 Block (Thursday, October 20, 12:48 a.m.) A man called to report his girlfriend was in a physical fight with him. They’d been drinking, he admitted, also adding there was a bat in the bathroom.

JUNE

NOVEMBER

HIT AND RUN REPORT Camino Capistrano, 34700 Block (Monday, June 6, 10:25 p.m.) A vehicle hit a tree, a rock and a sign before plowing through the caller’s front yard.

PETTY THEFT Westborne Drive, 25400 Block (Tuesday, November 15, 9:49 p.m.) A woman contacted deputies to report that some money and her glass pipe she uses for medical marijuana was missing from her bedroom.

JULY

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Golden Lantern/Camino del Avion (Tuesday, November 29, 12:25 p.m.) A man in his 40s was dressed as a woman in the shopping center parking lot. He wore a colorful striped woman’s shirt and short “Daisy Duke” shorts, but they didn’t cover all of his private parts.

DISTURBANCE Violet Lantern, 34000 Block (Monday, July 4, 10:32 p.m.) Two males and one female were seen on the roof of a threestory commercial building. They were urinating and throwing cans off the roof. VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Mar y Sol/Dana Coral 25100 Block (Saturday, July 16, 9:41 p.m.) When a married couple came home, they found teenagers toilet papering their home. The husband ended up chasing the kids down the street.

DECEMBER

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES San Marino Plaza/La Cresta Drive, 34000 Block (Tuesday, July 19, 1:45 p.m.) A woman called authorities because

KEEP THE PEACE Village Road, 25300 Block (Tuesday, December 13, 8:46 p.m.) A man wanted deputies to stand by while he picked up the dog in a custody-sharing arrangement. His ex-wife keeps a loaded 9 mm handgun in the home, but it’s never been used in previous disputes.

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Chosen Boat Parade Winners

ore than 85 boats entered the 37th Annual Dana Point Harbor Association’s Boat Parade of Lights December 9, 10, 16 and 17. Decorated with everything from peace signs and hippie vans to half pipes and disco balls, the lineup of festive watercraft delighted the hundreds of spectators who flocked to the harbor for the festive twoweekend event. The decorations—including thousands of twinkling lights and costumed crew members—honored of this year’s theme “Santa Salutes the ’70s.” The 1970s theme itself was chosen as a tribute to the anniversary of the harbor opening in 1971. Photos of the decorated boats by Michael Abbinante can be viewed and purchased online at www.photoartbymichael.com. For full results, including runners up in each category, log on to www.danapointharbor.com. —Andrea Swayne

CATEGORY AWARD WINNERS BEST CREW U30’: Nauti Dogg, Dennis Picker. BEST CREW 30’+: Nowhere Bar, Mike Groves. BEST ANIMATION U30’: Lady Lisa, Dave Plotnik/Lisa Warner. BEST ANIMATION 30’+: Mare Azul, Jeff Powers. BEST USE OF COLOR U30’: Mer Sea, Chuck Gramlich. BEST USE OF COLOR 30’+: JTM, Morales Family Trust. BEST USE OF LIGHTS U30’: Doheny Doll, Chuck Micalizzi. BEST USE OF LIGHTS 30’+: Bella Rose, Mike Medina. MOST ORIGINAL U30’: Half Full, Tracy Myers and Dinghy +5, Dana West Yacht Club Juniors/Ted Olsen tied for first place. MOST ORIGINAL 30’+: Fintastic, Rich Haley. BEST THEME U30’: Doheny Doll, Chuck Micalizzi. BEST THEME 30’+: Wind Dancer, Rick Midlik. BEST SAILBOAT U30’: Mer Sea, Chuck Gramlich. BEST SAILBOAT 30’+: Wind Dancer, Rick Midlik. BEST POWERBOAT U30’: Doheny Doll, Chuck Micalizzi. BEST POWERBOAT 30’+: Fintastic, Rich Haley. YACHT CLUB WITH MOST ENTRIES: Dana West Yacht Club. JUDGES CHOICE U30’: Lady Lisa, Dave Plotnik/Lisa Warner. JUDGES CHOICE 30’+: Fins, Jon Segal. WHITE PELICAN-BEST NEW ENTRY U30’: Whole Life, Jim McNamara. DREAM CATCHER YACHTS-BEST NEW ENTRY 30’+: Roxie, Jerry Summers. THE WOODY CUP-MAKING THE MOST OF WHAT YOU GOT: Dynamite, Thomas Tonini. CARLOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT AWARD-BEST SANTA: Whoo Hoo, George Harbin. CHICK’S PLUMBING-FLUSH CUP FOR TEAMWORK: Nowhere Bar, Mike Groves. DANA POINT BOATER’S ASSOCIATION-SPIRIT AWARD: Wind Dancer, Rick Midlik. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE-BEST CREW: Living Life, Joseph Martino. PROUD MARY’S-BEST MUSIC: Bella Rose, Michael Medina. VINTAGE MARINA PARTNERSBEST MUSIC RUNNER UP: Jenny Too III, Denis Tintle. COFFEE IMPORTERS-LATTE LIGHTS CUP: Mare Azul, Jeff Powers. DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING-KIDS CUP: Furlough Daze, Doug Mack. HARBOR GRILL DINGHY CUP: Beach Time, Kelly Rinderknecht. HENNESSEY’SBEST POWER BOAT: Fins, Jon Segal. FISH BUCKET-BEST SAILBOAT: Mer Sea, Chuck Gramlich. WIND & SEA-BEST IN PARADE: Doheny Doll, Chuck Micalizzi. HENNESSEY’SMAYOR’S CUP CHOSEN BY SCOTT SCHOEFFEL: Doheny Doll, Chuck Micalizzi. www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

DS aannCalePmoe ni te nt

The List SPECIAL 2-WEEK EDITION

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

friday

Holiday Gingerbread Display Check out the elaborate holiday gingerbread display at the Ritz-Carlton. 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.

SC Wine Co.’s picks for Christmas Dinner 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. San Clemente Wine Company’s Barney and Rachael will host some great Christmas Wines. $15 for seven wines. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com. The Ryzing Nick Terrafranca 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com. Derek Bordeaux 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music with a full band at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com. Shawn Jones 8 p.m. Rock, blues and originals live at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

saturday

Talega Holiday Happenings 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Holiday happenings at Talega Village Center with live student performances, visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, special deals at select businesses and more. Free to attend. Located at the intersection of Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Talega, San Clemente, 714.259.1046, www.talegavillagecenter.com.

Christmas Eve with Taryn Donath 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. Coverfire 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com. Dana Point Times December 23, 2011–January 5, 2012

ON STAGE

Coach House to Ring in 2012 with Dada

Dada’s debut album release, Puzzle, burst onto the airwaves as No. 2 on Billboard’s Heatseeker Chart and included a hit song, Dizz Knee Land, that climbed the charts in the United States and literally across the world. Critics praised the work of Michael Gurley (guitar/co-lead vocals), Joie Calio (bass/co-lead vocals) and Phil Leavitt (drums), comparing them to everyone from Nirvana to the Beatles. The band was especially known for its harmonizing vocals. Dada was named after a cultural movement in Europe at the start of World War I, using the arts with an anti-war message. Dadaism was anti-bourgeois and anarchist, too. Puzzle went on to sell half a million copies, and Dada toured with the likes of Crowded House and Sting. Dada released follow up albums, but Courtesy photo their record-companies seemed snake bitten, as the first, IRS, went under and then the parent company of the second, MCA Records, was sold. In 1999, Dada played what was to be their final show. But the band has reunited and will start ringing in 2012 at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. To celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Puzzle, Dada will play the entire album during the New Year’s Eve show. The Coach House is special to Dada, too: When the band reunited in 2003, they launched a 40-city U.S. tour to support their live CD release, Live: Official Bootleg, Vol. 1, which was recorded at The Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana and released on Coach House Records. Fans are excited, too, because the band is back in the studio working on a new recording. The New Year’s Eve show is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50. Opening for Dada are Groove Kitty and Relative Motion. For more information, see www.thecoachhouse.com or www.dadatheband.com. DP

SC Presbyterian Church Christmas Services 4 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Family Services (nursery care available), and 9:30 p.m. & 11 p.m. Communion candlelight services (no childcare) at SC Presbyterian Church. 119 N. Avenida de la Estrella, San Clemente, 492.6158, www.scpres.org

sunday

Disney on Ice 4:30 p.m. Last day to see the festive holiday show with all your favorite characters at the Honda Center. Tickets $17.50-$71.50. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

El Torito All You Can Eat Christmas Day 9 a.m.-3 p.m. El Torito in the DP Harbor has an all-youcan-eat buffet for $16.99. Again on New Year’s Day. 34521 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.496.6311, www.eltorito.com. Christmas Morning Family Service 10 a.m. A special, fun, family Christmas morning service at Vista Del Mar School. Avenida Talega and Calle Portofino, San Clemente.

monday

Stand-Up Comedy: Doug Benson 8 p.m. The popular comedian known from VH-1’s “Best Week Ever, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and more hit shows visits the Irvine Improv for some laughs. Tickets $20. 71 Fortune Drive, Suite 841, Irvine, 949.854.5455, www.improv.com.

Monday Night Pool Tournie 6 p.m. Pool Tournament every Monday Night at Ole’s Tavern; $5 buy in. 127 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.498.9400, www.olestavern.com.

tuesday

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

Cheryl Silverstein & John Paul Keene 6 p.m. Vocalist and pianist play holiday tunes and jazz standards at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com. Page 8

wednesday

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.

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

Helicopter 8 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissancedanapoint.com.

Dance ‘Tilya Flop 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Dance ‘Tilya Flop (DTF) at OC Tavern featuring local artists Chalk, DJNR & Sweekuh, DJ Juncal and a very special guest. All ages. Cost $10 at the door. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

friday

Helicopter 8 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissancedanapoint.com.

saturday

Senior Dinner & Dance 5 p.m.-10 p.m. The Dana Point Community and Senior Center hosts a New Year’s Eve dinner and dance. Ring in the new year at 9 p.m. (New York time)with food by the Jolly Roger and live music by the Laguna Beach Concert Swing Band. $25 per couple, $15 per person. Reservations due by December 28. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.496.4252, www.danapoint.org.

(Cont. on page 13) www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8)

saturday

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball 5:30 p.m.12:30 a.m. Festive celebration at Iva Lee’s with dinner and live music by Nathan James followed by The Freemonts. Masks and beads for dining guests. Cost $65 each. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

The Ryzing Nick Terrafranca 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com. Renaissance’s NYE Bash 8 p.m.12 a.m. Live music by Shawn Jones, a special menu, champagne and more at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com. New Year’s Eve at the ritz 8 p.m. Gourmet four-course dinner, champagne toast, four hours of live entertainment, and more at the Ritz-Carlton to celebrate the New Year. $375 per person. 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com. OlÉ: New Year’s Eve Under the Dome 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. The San Clemente Historical Society presents a New Year’s Eve event at The Casino San Clemente with dinner, dancing and live entertainment. Tickets $125. 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.632.5605, 949.498.0116, www.thecasinosanclemente.com. NYE at St. Regis 7:30 p.m.-12 a.m. St. Regis hosts a celebration with fine food, beverages, casino gaming, DJ and dancing. Cost $150. One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3200, www.stregismb.com. New Year’s Eve Party with Elliot 7 p.m. Live music and festivities for NYE at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

sunday

Orange County Wine Cruise 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Dana Wharf hosts a wine-tasting cruise Friday through Sunday on their luxury catamaran through the Harbor. $49 per person. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Blue Whale Bonanza Capt. Dave’s Safari has daily departures for whale and dolphin watching on a high-tech catamaran with underwater viewing pods and more. Call for times. Cost $55 adults, $35 children, 2 and younger free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com. Dana Point Times December 23, 2011–January 5, 2012

monday

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.

Monday Night Laughs 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Live stand-up comedy at Hennessey’s Tavern. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.

tuesday

Ben Powell 7 p.m.-11 p.m. live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

Curiosity Carts 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A hands-on learning experience for kids (5+) at Mission San Juan Capistrano offering replica mission artifacts used by the Juaneno Indians. Admission $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

wednesday

Wine Tasting 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.

Dan Lefler & The Danimals 7 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

thursday

Ladies’ Night 8 p.m.–12 a.m. Dance the night away to current top-40 hits, Latin and R&B music at Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

First Thursdays Art Walk 6 p.m.-9 p.m. A free, self guided tour of the art museum and member galleries in Laguna Beach along Pacific Coast Highway. 949.683.6871, www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com Page 13

DP LIVING PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DS aannCale m Poe ni ntet

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.

On Life and Love After 50: By Tom Blake

The Vitality of Sydney, Australia

n the first date with my special lady Greta, we found out that we had many common interests, the strongest being a love of travel. We agreed that if we became a couple, we would strive to travel as much as we could, as long as we were healthy enough to do so. That was 13½ years ago; we’ve upheld that commitment to each other, including a current trip down under—to Australia and New Zealand. When we arrived in Sydney after a 17hour flight, we were surprised that we had the energy to do a little sightseeing while trying to stay awake until 8 p.m. or so. The city of Sydney provides a free shuttle bus that circles the inner city downtown area. With a map in hand, we were able to get orientated on that first day. Although jet-lagged from our flight, we were determined to stay awake until after 7

p.m. We boarded the shuttle bus and rode to the Circular Quay, a bustling harbor area where the Opera House is located. The first impression of Sydney is a lasting one: it’s an exciting city of four and half million people in On Life and Love After 50 perpetual motion. From By Tom Blake the Opera House, we could see a group of brave souls tethered together who looked like ants climbing the Sydney Harbor Bridge. Doing that was not on our bucket list. On day two in Australia, with a solid night of sleep under our belts, we signed up for a tour of the Blue Mountains, a 4,000square-mile national park an hour and a half to the west of Sydney. Greta and I like the

intimacy of small tour buses, so we hired Jim, who served as both driver and tour guide, and joined 18 other passengers. Jim was a tall, lanky, outback, sort of Crocodile Dundee, guy. Turns out, he was a remarkable dude who cared about his passengers’ safety and the environment at the same time. The trip lasted eight hours and was only $55 each plus tip. The Blue Mountains are so named because the eucalyptus trees in the park give off a vapor that causes the air from a distance to appear blue. After a couple of stops, including the viewing of the well-known Three Sisters rock formation, and lunch on our own in the mountain town of Katoomba, Jim gave us a choice. We were at an elevation of 2,000 feet. A part of the tour was to visit the forest floor. We could take the steepest in-

cline railway in the world (52-degree angle) down and back up or walk down more than 1,000 steep, slippery steps and ride the railway back up. To find out which option Greta and I chose, see some of our travel photos and read more about our adventures down under before boarding the Holland America ship MS Volendam for the New Zealand leg of our trip, log on to www.danapointtimes.com. Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. To comment on his column, email him at TompBlake@gmail. com. See his website at www.FindingLoveAfter50.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the Dana Point Times staff. We appreciate their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@danapointtimes.com.

Business of the Month December 2011: Estrella Veterinary Hospital By Lynn Kelly, Management Analyst, Dana Point Economic Development

he Dana Point Featured Business of the Month for December 2011 is Estrella Veterinary Hospital, a full-service veterinary medical facility offering services ranging from bathing, boarding and dental care to behavioral medicine, emergency care, surgery, pain management and more. Owner Dr. Mike Ontiveros has been in veterinary medicine for over 25 years, including practicing as a veterinarian for the past 15. With a degree from Washington State Veterinary School and a double internship in surgery and emergency medicine, Ontiveros prides himself on owning an elite, progressive and high quality facility in Capistrano Beach. With a total staff of 17 employees, Ontiveros works with two other doctors—Ryan Bloeser and Wendi Browne—to operate one of the best pet hospitals in the area. The professional and courteous staff at Estrella Veterinary Hospital provides the finest possible care for their highly-valued

Dana Point Times December 23, 2011–January 5, 2012

patients and is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and educational opportunities for their clients. Their mission is to provide compassionate, thorough and professional services. Their passion is evident from the moment you walk into their lobby and permeates through every aspect of their business. Carefully chosen staff members understand that pets are often scared and take care of them as if they were their own. By creating an atmosphere of trust, the staff at Estrella develops a bond and a relationship with pets and their owners. In addition to knowledgeable and passionate staff, Dr. Ontiveros prides himself on having state-of-the-art equipment in the facility. His philosophy here is simple: “If it is better medicine, we’ll buy it.” Estrella was the first hospital in the area to get digital x-ray and radiology machines. This not only allows staff to make a better diagnosis,

but gives them the ability to send reports to board certified radiologists across the country—providing extra expertise and care. The hospital also uses the technology for dental x-rays, often finding problems left undetected through traditional methods. Ontiveros has also created a video series, which recently transformed into HealthyPetU.com. This site covers basic pet owner education for free and from the comfort of your home. Recently, Estrella Veterinary Hospital began offering clinic prices for spay and neuters. This program offers high quality at very affordable prices. Estrella’s modern methods lead to less pain, faster healing and happier pets. It is also their hope that this will directly help control the pet population and overcrowding of shelters in the area by encouraging pet owners to get their pets spayed and neutered. Estrella Veterinary Hospital further promotes their love of furry friends by sup-

Page 14

Dr. Ryan Bloeser and owner Dr. Mike Ontiveros of Estrella Veterinary Hospital accept their Business of the Month proclamation from Mayor Scott Schoeffel. Photo by DyAnne Weamire

porting the Pet Project Foundation and the annual Wag-a-thon. The City Council thanks Dr. Ontiveros and the staff of Estrella Veterinary Hospital for providing passionate, high quality pet care at an elite facility and wishes them many years of continued success. Each month, the mayor selects a featured business that has demonstrated success in the city and a commitment to the community. To see past recipients, log on to www.danapoint. org and click on “Business.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

Locals Only

Business Directory

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

Auto Repair Dana Point Auto 949.496.1086 34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, Dana Point, Ca 92629

BEAUTY SALONS Paragon Salon 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy. Mobile Salon Malina www.salonmalina.com Salon Revelation - Dayna Dallas 34192 Violet Lantern #2

949.500.2909 949.248.8595

CATERING

CHIROPRACTORS

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES 949.661.3151

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

949.350.4692 Kevin

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581

CONTRACTORs - GENERAL Creative Environments Construction 949.496.3728 Design & Build #464468

COSMETICS Mary Kay Cosmetics & Career 949.248.2868 Opportunities, Ind. Sales Director - Marline Adams, www.marykay.com/madams2

Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@danapointtimes.com. EMBROIDERY ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, www.abcembroideryshop.com

949.248.1007

Fit Club - Boot Camp www.afitclub.com

949.831.7984

Monarch Bay Haircutters 20 Monarch Bay Plaza Paragon Salon 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy.

POOL & SPA SERVICE 949.547.1000

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

PRINT SHOP

949.496.1957 949.489.1955

ICE CREAM Coffee Importers Scoop Deck 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

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

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

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

949.218.4464

Surf Shops Infinity Surfboards 949.661.6699 24382 Del Prado, www.infinitysurf.com Jack’s Surfboards 949.276.8080 34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jackssurfboards.com

Upholstery

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 Prudential California Realty, Shirley Tenger www.baysidewindowcleaning.com www.tengerteam.com 949.487.7700 Surterre Properties Monarch Beach, 949.464.3243 Window Coverings McDaniel Gilmore Group Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 33522 Niguel Rd. Ste. 100, Monarch Beach 92629 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com www.mcdanielgilmoregroup.com

YOGA

RESTAURANTS

Insurance Services

SURF LESSONS Ocean Academy www.oceanacademy4u.com

TUTORING Beacon Printing - Brad & Judy Brandmeier 24681 La Plaza, Ste. 125 949.661.3877 English Tutoring by Susan 949.481.0481 beaconprinting@sbcglobal.net Mathnasium 949.388.6555 Printing OC 949.388.4888 32411 Golden Lantern, Ste. Q, www.mathnasium.com 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com PSYCHOTHERAPY

Brio Tuscany Grille 949.443.1476 24050 Camino Del Avion, www.briorestaurant.com

Sun Salute Yoga Studio 949.371.6097 24655 La Plaza, Ste. A, www.sunsaluteyoga.com

Jeweler

JUNIOR WATERMAN PROGRAM Ocean Academy www.oceanacademy4u.com

949.218.4464

Junk Removal Green Dump Truck www.greendumptruck.com

949.697.4517

LANDSCAPING Rocky Taylor Landscaping rjls@cox.net

949.697.1770

LANDSCAPING/SPRINKLERS Sunburst Landscaping www.sunlandscape.webs.com

949.632.0081 949.493.3670

LOCKSMITH

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

Island Inspired Pool & Spa islandinspired@earthlink.net

949.496.9731

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

Dana Point Jeweler 949.489.1165 24845 Del Prado, www.danapointjeweler.com

COINS GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.

HAIR SALONS 949.388.8102

Ocean Ranch Chiropractic 949.584.5000 Dr. James Slusher & Dr. Ron Berman, 32585 Golden Lantern, Ste. H, www.oceanranchchiropractic.com Pacific Waves Family Chiropractic 949.436.2926 & Alternative Healthcare 24632 San Juan, Ste. 230, www.pacific-waves.com

Christian Science Services 34102 La Plaza

Chick’s Plumbing www.chicks-plumbing.com

FITNESS PROGRAMS

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

Plumbing

Your business here!

949.489.1955

CAFE - DELI

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

BUSINESS • S P O T L I G H T

949.661.5664

ELECTRICAL delta G electrical 949.360.9282 CA #657214, www.deltagelect.com

Dana Point Lock & Security www.danapointlock.com

949.496.6919

MUSIC INSTRUCTION Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.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. Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@danapointtimes.com.

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS Stories, scores, schedules & more

D a n a Po i nt

5 Best Bets BOYS SOCCER

BASKETBALL

SOCC Tournament Mission Viejo High School December 26-29, TBA The Dolphins are still in tournament mode as the team spends part of its holiday playing through a slew of matches at the SOCC Tournament at Mission Viejo High.

HOCKEY

Bulls vs. Lakers Staples Center

Coyotes vs. Kings Staples Center

Canucks vs. Ducks Honda Center

Bulls vs. Clippers Staples Center

December 25, 2 p.m.

December 26, 7 p.m.

December 29, 7 p.m.

December 30, 7:30 p.m.

The purple and gold hit center court for a clash with Chicago as Kobe Bryant and the Lakers tip-off the 2011-12 regular season on Christmas Day.

After a quick trip north to San Jose, the Los Angeles Kings skate back to home ice hoping for a solid win against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Still searching for their identity on the ice this season, the Anaheim Ducks head home after five games on the road in time to face Vancouver.

Info: www.kings.nhl.com

Info: www.ducks.nhl.com

With the recent acquisition of all-star point guard Chris Paul, the Clippers are looking as exciting as ever as they prep for their first home game of the season against Chicago.

Info: www.nba.com/lakers

BASKETBALL

Info: www.nba.com/clippers

Info: www.dhhs.net

2011: The Year in Sports By David Zimmerle Dana Point Times

he 2011 storylines in Dana Point were full of great triumphs, crushing defeats and intense competition in a range of sporting events. Whether dealing with high school sports, or the multitude of athletic events within youth sports or other public levels of competition, you could find it all chronicled in the DP Times. Here’s a year in review recap that made some of the bigger headlines in town throughout 2011. // January // Girls soccer, girls water polo and wrestling off to hot start in Sea View League Dana Hills’ girls soccer and water polo teams roll to a 4-0-2 and 5-0 start in league play, respectively, with both sports making early statements in the newly reformed Sea View League. The varsity wrestling team also showed plenty of promise beating El Toro in league play before racking up big performances in several tournaments. Girls basketball splits two league showdowns with rival San Clemente After beating San Clemente on January 4, the Lady Dolphins were stymied from taking home their second South Coast League win against San Clemente on January 20, losing 41-35 to the Lady Tritons as San Clemente picked up its first league win of the season. // February // Wrestling and girls water polo claim Sea View League championship The Dolphins varsity wrestling team took home the Sea View League title with 218 points as seven of its wrestlers finish out the regular season with the honor of league champions. Meanwhile, the Lady Dolphins also take the top spot in league with an 8-0 record. // March // Seefried grapples way to CIF State Meet Bryan Seefried was the lone Dana Hills wrestler to advance to the CIF State Meet at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield. Earning a Dana Point Times December 23, 2011–January 5, 2012

first round bye in the 145 pound division, Seefried then went on to face Chase Boontjer from Foothill High School in Palo Cedro, Calif. Both senior wrestlers went toe-to-toe before Seefried lost by fall at 3:28. // April // Shetler wins Ultimate Boarder Championship for the third year in a row Capistrano Beach’s Chad Shetler once again proved he’s the ultimate board sports athlete by claiming victory at the 2011 Ultimate Boarder surf, skate and snowboard contest for the third straight year. Shetler bested the competition at the event, which ran from April 1-9 at Mammoth Mountain Resort and Seaside Reef in Cardiff, beating some of the best crossover action sports athletes in the world. For his efforts, he took home $25,000 of the total $50,000 prize purse. Boys track and field wins again at OC Championships Dana Hills’ boys track and field team won their fifth straight OC Championships title with 77.25 points while also becoming the first school to ever win four straight county team titles. With its fifth title in hand, Dana Hills tied Saddleback for the most team titles in the history of the meet. // May // Several prep teams surprise as regular season wraps in spring sports Girls softball takes the Sea View League title after closing the regular season on a fourgame win streak, boys lacrosse makes the finals advances to the U.S. Lacrosse Division 2 South Finals and loses to Mission Viejo, both levels of varsity track take first place at the South Coast League Finals, boys golf and tennis teams claim league titles, as does boys volleyball after beating San Clemente on May 5. // June //

Lindsay Steinriede of Dana Point was crowned 2011 ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion at the SWATCH Girls Pro in China. Photo courtesy ASP/Will

of the CIFSS Masters Meet at Cerritos College on May 27, the dynamic duo of Connor Kaddatz and Alaina Alvarez advanced to the CIF State Meet June 3-4 at Veterans Stadium at Buchanan High School in Clovis. Kaddatz took sixth place in the 1,600 while Alvarez finished in 16th place in the 3,200. // July // Foust freewheels way to silver at X Games 17 Though Tanner Foust added to his collection of RallyCross medals coming in second place—his second silver medal in the event overall—it was a bittersweet finish for the defending champion. “I held up my teammate a little bit, but going 1-2 for Rockstar, you can’t complain,” Foust said of his finish at X Games 17. // September // Boehne, Patterson and Lloy nominated among best male SUP athletes at inaugural SUP Awards Local surfers nominated among the best male SUP athletes were Dave Boehne, Chuck Patterson and Tommy Lloy of Dana Point at the inaugural SUP Awards held at Casino San Clemente. // October //

Runners Kaddatz and Alvarez advance to CIF State Meet After making it out

Girls golf and girls tennis stay unbeaten Page 16

in league Both the varsity girls golf team and the varsity girls tennis team keep racking up the wins as golf starts off 7-0 in the South Coast League including a win against San Clemente, while tennis improves to 5-0 after defeating Capo Valley and San Clemente. Steinriede crowned 2011 ASP Women’s World Longboard Champion Dana Pointbased professional longboard surfer Lindsay Steinriede was crowned Association of Surfing Professionals 2011 Women’s World Longboard Champion at the conclusion of the SWATCH Girls Pro at Riyuewan Bay, Hainan Island, China, October 27. // November // Nederlander and Perez earn doubles title at SCL Finals, team wins Tennis Championships Taylor Nederlander and Jessica Perez defeated Dana’s other doubles team of Margo Pletcher and Cassidy Spearman, 7-5, 6-4, to win the South Coast League doubles title at the South Coast League Finals November 1-2. And, on November 21, the girls went on to defeat University High in the final round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Girls Tennis Championship at the Claremont Club en route to the school’s third CIF-SS title. Log on to www.danapointtimes.com for more Dana Point sports highlights from 2011. DP www.danapointtimes.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY DP DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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Dana Point Times December 23–29, 2011

Page 17

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DP SURF

Grom of the YEAR Griffin Colapinto

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

Age: 13, California Virtual Academy Griffin Colapinto had a banner year in 2011. He won the NSSA Western Championship Open Juniors title, took fourth in Boys at NSSA Nationals, finished the 2010/2011 Surfing America Prime season ranked No. 4 in Boys U14 and was appointed to the PacSun USA Surf Team. In 2011/2012 Prime competition Griffin has made podium appearances at both contests so far. At the September Seaside Reef contest he took second in Boys U14 and followed up at Church’s in October by winning both U14 and U16. He currently holds the No.1 spot in both divisions. He won the U12 Rip Curl GromSearch Nationals in November, was chosen for the Kelly Slater-mentored Daphne’s California Greek surf team and is now ranked No. 1 in NSSA Open Juniors. He recently returned from training in Hawaii with DC Shoes and will return in February with Billabong. In March Griffin will train with Team USA in Costa Rica and then in April it’s on to Panama for the ISA World Junior Championship. Griffin Colapinto. Courtesy photo He has successfully balanced travel with school and is maintaining a 3.8 GPA. He takes his role as a big brother seriously as well, acting as an encouraging motivator for his younger brother Crosby. Hard work and dedication have made 2011 a pivotal year in this young surfer’s amateur career and created a momentum that is sure to catapult him toward great things in the future. He will definitely be one to watch in 2012. —Andrea Swayne

A Look Back is a Look Ahead

SURF RESULTS NSSA Southwest Conference Open Event No. 7, Dec. 17-18, Cardiff by the Sea, Seaside Reef Local finishers only. MEN: 2. Trevor Thornton, San Clemente. JUNIORS: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente; 4. Colt Ward, San Clemente 7.23. MINI GROMS: 3. Kade Matson, San Clemente. WOMEN: 3. Tia Blanco, San Clemente.

The future of surfing is bright thanks to young local talent By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

ach week the DP Times features one young local surfer—with a few bodyboarders and skateboarders in the mix—via our Grom of the Week profiles. These stories introduce readers to the budding surf careers of local grommets (groms for short) as well as providing a brief look at their academic talents, interests beyond surfing and dreams for the future. In this special “looking back” edition we are honoring the future of surfing with one more look at all of the Groms of the Week for 2011. DP

Taj Lindblad

Teresa O’Connor

Scott Weinhardt

Mason Shaw

Kloee Openshaw

Eric Blaes

Colt Ward

Malaya Ring

Emmy Merrill

Liam Walsh

Garrett Eslick

Brandon Hoffman

Kolohe Andino

Max Eberle

Wyatt Brady

Madi Swayne

Rio Donaldson

Cole Houshmand

Josh Seres

Kevin Schulz

Rachael Tilly

Dylan Cox

Ian Crane

Tai Stratton

David Levy

Kyle Perez

Tory Gilkerson

Colton Overin

Corey Colapinto

Noah Hohenester

Sebastian Mendes

Kaeden Carabba

Nick Melanson

Nathan Carabba

Kaylee Crump

Michael Tilly

Jadon Smith

Malia Osterkamp

Eric Weinhardt

Shane Stavron

Colin Deveze

Erik Buell

Lucas Taub

Shane Hardy

Myah Bradshaw

Brandon Hawkins

Malia Mauch

Elenna “Lulu” Erkeneff

Kirra Pinkerton

Kaila Patterson

Dana Point Times December 23, 2011–January 5, 2012

Page 18

UPCOMING EVENTS December 17-18: NSSA Southwest Conference Open Event No. 7, Cardiff by the Sea, Seaside Reef January 7-8: WSA Gatorade Championship Tour Event No. 6, Midget Smith Pier Rat Challenge, San Clemente, Pier January 7-8: NSSA Southwest Conference Open Event No. 8, Dana Point, Salt Creek January 14: NSSA Southwest Conference Explorer Event No. 5, Huntington Beach, Pier

Surf ForecasT Water temp: 58-61˚F Water visibility and conditions: San Clemente: 10-20’+ Good; Catalina: 30-40’+ Good Remarks: A small mix of Northwest and SouthSouthwest swells is on tap for Thursday. Surge is light and visibility is good, setting up pretty good diving conditions overall. Short range: Surf size is 2-3’+(knee-waistchest high) for most of the region on Thursday, with a few rare larger peaks for top winter exposures around the correct tides. Light winds keep the surf clean and generally fair overall. A more sizeable new SSW groundswell starts to move in on Friday, mixing with small/easing NW swell. Size starts the day in the 2-3’+(knee-chest high) range, with larger sets for top Southerly exposures by the afternoon. Morning winds are light offshore for clean conditions. Long range: A fun combo of SSW swell and minor NW swell is on offer for the Holiday Weekend. Size for better exposures is in the 34’+(waist-shoulder high) range at good breaks on Saturday, with a few larger sets for top exposures. Size holds steady on Sunday, with clean conditions setting up through the morning. Stay tuned to Surfline.com for updates.