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LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

Volume 5, Issue 1

A Look Ahead

City Councilmembers weigh in on the mix of issues both ongoing and new in 2012 E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

www.danapointtimes.com

The presence of gates and hours on two of five paths from Strand Vista Park to Strand Beach below will continue to be fought in the courts in 2012. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Marine Protected Areas Took Effect January 1

Assemblywoman Diane Harkey Predicts New Year Gridlock

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SOAPBOX/PAGE 10

Killer Whales in Waters Off Dana Point Courtesy of Drew Post

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Eye on DP

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

City and Business Calendar SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 Craft Fair and Farmers Market 9 a.m.-3 p.m. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza Street. On the first Saturday of each month the Dana Point Farmers Market hours are extended to 3 p.m. to include a craft fair. Admission is free. For more information or to inquire about purchasing a booth for $25, please call 949.573.5033 or 951.271.0669 or see www.danapoint. org. Crafters may rent multiple booths.

D a n a Po i nt

Zero Trash Dana Point 10 a.m.-noon On the first Saturday of the month volunteers meet to collect trash in the business district of Dana Point. Those interested in volunteering should meet at Girl in the Curl surf shop, 34116 Pacific Coast Highway or Hobie Surf Shop, 24825 Del Prado, at 10 a.m. Bags, gloves and trash pickers will be provided. Zero Trash cleanup events have been running in Dana Point since February of 2010. For more information, see www.zerotrash.org.

Headlands Walking Tour 9 a.m.-noon. The Nature Interpretive Center is hosting a docent-led tour of the Dana Point Preserve, Hilltop Park and Harbor Point Park. Advanced registration is required. The tour group meets in the porch area of the center and the tour begins at 9 a.m. Participants should bring their own water and wear comfortable shoes for the 1.5-mile trail walk. For more information or to register, call 949.542.4755. See www.danapointtimes.com for more.

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... 1

…Underwater Parks?

THE LATEST: The Dana Point sportfishing community is adjusting to new regulations regarding underwater marine protection areas that went into effect on January 1. “We may not agree with it, but we respect the law and won’t fish in the closed areas,” said Donna Kalez of Dana Wharf Sport Fishing. “It’s going to affect our half-day, the five-hour, fishing trips.” The area off Dana Point still allows certain fish to be caught, although a popular spot off Laguna Beach is closed to fishing. The Marine Life Protection Act was passed in 1999, but the protected areas in the south only took effect January 1. The goal was to create a balance that allows sea life to thrive while allowing room for fishing and diving. WHAT’S NEXT: Kalez said it’s too soon to know how the law will ultimately affect Dana Wharf and other local businesses. “Call me in a year, that’s when we’ll know,” she said. Kalez added, however, that she has heard some locals plan to boycott California fishing and instead journey to Mexico. But under regulations now being enforced, boaters entering Mexican waters will be required to first obtain a visa and a Mexican fishing permit. Mexican authorities will begin random inspections this year. The Ocean Institute, meanwhile, will take part in the third annual “Underwater Parks Day” January 21, along with aquariums up the coast. Visitors will have the chance to learn about the affected areas through games, activities and videos. FIND OUT MORE: See www.danawharf.com for information about Dana Wharf Sportfishing; www.ocean-institute.org for more about the Underwater Parks Day and www. dfg.ca.gov/mlpa for details about the act. —Jonathan Volzke Dana Point Times January 6–12, 2012

…Water Conservation?

THE LATEST: The South Coast Water District is asking residents to cut back on outdoor watering from Sunday, January 8 to Saturday, January 14. During the seven days, the Metropolitan Water District’s Diemer Filtration Plant in Yorba Linda will be shutdown for upgrades to its new ozone treatment system. Currently, 80 percent of the water needed in the South Coast Water District service area comes from the Colorado River and Northern California through Metropolitan Water District, according to an SCWD news release. The local water district has access to approximately 49 million gallons of stored water in 15 reservoirs. It also continues to produce drinking water at its groundwater recovery facility and can activate interconnections to other agencies’ water supply lines, if needed. Spokeswoman Linda Homscheid asked residents to be good stewards of water, especially during the plant shutdown. “We know that we’ll be able to provide uninterrupted service during the cut back, but any extra water saved can be used somewhere else,” she said. WHAT’S NEXT: As a result of the plant closure, South Orange County residents and property owners are asked to conserve water and postpone new planting or fertilizing until after January 18. FIND OUT MORE: www.scwd.org —Stacie N. Galang

…Sears Closing?

THE LATEST: The cycle is complete. The Sears Essentials store on Camino de Estrella is closing and will reopen as a

Kmart. The store, at 550 Camino de Estrella, was a Kmart for decades until converted to a Sears more than five years ago. Kmart is owned by Sears, merging in 2005. A clearance sale, advertising discounts as high as 70 percent, is underway, but customers are warned that all sales are final. Merchandise purchased at the San Clemente store cannot be returned at any other Sears or Kmart. WHAT’S NEXT: Kmart is expected to open in March. FIND OUT MORE: See www.searsholdings. com. —JV

…Orcas off the Coast?

THE LATEST: Dana Point made national headlines on Tuesday as whale watchers aboard boats from Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari and the Ocean Institute all reported a rare sighting of a pod of 10 to 12 killer whales hunting just off the coast of Dana Point. WHAT’S NEXT: Drew Post, who grew up in Lake Forest but was visiting from his current home in London, was aboard the Dana Wharf vessel Dana Pride when the pod appeared. “The orcas were incredibly playful,” said Post. “To see these magnificent creatures in the wild and not in an aquarium or on TV was something I don’t think my wife and I will ever forget. Simply stunning.” FIND OUT MORE: Log on to www.danawharf.com, www.dolphinsafari.com and www.ocean-institute.org to book a whale watching adventure. Visit www.danapointtimes.com to read more and see photos and video of the orcas.—Andrea Swayne

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…A Claim after a Fatal Accident?

THE LATEST: The parents and estate of an 18-year-old woman killed while crossing Pacific Coast Highway in July have filed a claim against the city, alleging dark streetlights contributed to the incident. But the attached report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department attributes blame for the accident to Allix Barz, the woman who tried to cross Coast Highway south of Via Subida. She was struck by an 18-year-old Laguna Beach woman returning home from a party in San Clemente. The driver had not been drinking, according to the sheriff’s report. But those who had been with Barz before the accident said the woman had smoked “several bowls” of marijuana before the incident. They were hungry and left Salt Creek Beach to find something to eat on foot. But they then realized their ride was leaving, so they crossed back. One girl made it safely; Barz, who was wearing dark clothing, was hit by a Mercedes about midnight. The sheriff’s report notes one street light, about 90 feet from where the accident occurred, was not working. That is the basis of the claim against the city, filed by Newport Beach attorney Lindsay Werb on behalf of Barz’s family. The city, however, is not responsible for maintaining the streetlights in that area, City Manager Doug Chotkevys said. WHAT’S NEXT: The City Council will consider the claim. If the council rejects the claim, the family can proceed with a lawsuit. FIND OUT MORE: See the claim and related documents at www.danapointtimes. com. —JV www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

A Look Ahead City Councilmembers weigh in on the mix of issues both ongoing and new in 2012 By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

ith holiday and New Year celebrations fading into memory, the city is poised to get back to work making headway on projects and issues carried over from 2011 as well as plowing ahead with the new business of 2012. Dana Point kicks off the year with new Mayor Lara Anderson at the helm, a new schedule changing City Council meetings from Mondays to the first and third Tuesdays of the month and a determination to build on the momentum of last year’s work. That work includes a few court battles yet to be resolved. Although the city was successful at closing all of the remaining medical marijuana dispensaries in Dana Point, appeals by the business owners remain on court dockets. According to City Attorney Patrick Munoz, the city believes it will prevail on the appeals and has begun efforts to collect on the approximately $7 million in judgments awarded to it in 2012. Appeals by opponents of the hours and gates at two of the five accessways from Strand Vista Park to Strand Beach also remain in the court system and the city maintains that the issue is a matter of public safety and not restricting access. Although the Surfrider Foundation and the Coastal Commission continue to fight for removal of the gates based on the issue of access, the city contends they are a reasonable and cost effective way to prevent nuisances and vows to continue the fight to keep them. The OC Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan—first proposed in 1997—continues to trudge along. After seeing approval of the land-side plan in 2011, work in 2012 will be largely focused on the water-side portion of the project. While most of the top city infrastructure priorities remain the same, largely stalled due to the last few years of financial challenges brought by a lagging economy, the city has both the plans and means for making some significant improvements to life in Dana Point. Read on for a Q&A with Dana Point’s five City Council members to get sense of where they stand on things like the Doheny Village and Town Center revitalization plans, tourism marketing via the TBID, as well as city finances, new initiatives and more. ••••• Q: What do you consider the top projects/initiatives/programs/issues/litigation

Dana Point Times January 6–12, 2012

Town Center revitalization remains a top priority among City Councilmembers in 2012. The year 2011 saw the addition of this new fountain at La Plaza Park. Photo by Heidi Mefferd

etc. going into the new year and why? Lara Anderson: I’d really like to do something to kick off the implementation of the Town Center Plan. Even though money is tight and we can’t fund the entire $19 million dollar project right now, I hope we can do something to at least get it started, be it street improvements or artwork at the entrance points to Town Center. It would be heartbreaking to see the Town Center Plan everyone put so much effort into wind up collecting dust on a shelf. I expect we’ll resolve several outstanding issues this year like plastic bags, the Strands mid-point access gates, short term rentals and the railroad Quiet Zone. Lisa Bartlett: I think the top priorities are to ensure continued good governance through prudent planning and good allocation of dollars for projects, programs and essential services to the community. I am hopeful that our Doheny Village plan will be completed in the coming year. Bill Brough: My priorities for 2012 remain the same—to address all current and future issues with a strong fiscally conservative mindset. We must do a better job on how and where we spend Dana Point resident’s tax dollars by having more oversight and accountability. I think we have a good team on City Council to make this happen. I look forward to maximizing and preserving your tax dollars in these economic times of uncertainty. Scott Schoeffel: Economic development should remain the city’s top priority going into the new year. Given our spectacular marine geography, climate, and location, tourism is clearly the city’s number one industry and prime driver of revenue and jobs. The city and the [Tourism Business

Improvement District] will continue working hard to promote Dana Point as a world class tourist destination and help the city’s businesses compete effectively for the business of residents and visitors alike. New programs like the city’s Dana Point Destiny ad hoc committee should help ensure that the city and all of its business sectors continue to work closely together to improve and maintain our local economy. I also expect significant progress to be made on the Doheny Village Specific Plan in 2012, which down the road should greatly strengthen Dana Point’s economic vitality and make our city an even better place to live, work and play. Finally, if the economy improves as we hope, I expect that the private sector should be in a much better financial position to work with the city to finance and build out our Town Center Specific Plan. Steven Weinberg: I would like to see the start of the Town Center Plan. So many people put their time and effort into getting it approved it would be a shame if it dies. Q: How do you feel about the city’s financial situation/budget going into 2012? Anderson: I’m an optimist--Think positive! Our budget is frugal as usual and all city services remain intact. With the TBID marketing efforts scheduled to launch this year, hopefully that will result in a boost in hotel room bookings, and the whales are already helping us out by making an early showing off our coast. Bartlett: The city of Dana Point is one of the few cities in California that has no outstanding debt, no unfunded pension liability and substantial cash reserves.

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In addition, we continue to maintain a balanced budget. Brough: We need to do a better job of either saving more money or returning money back to the taxpayers. We have and continue to provide great city services, however we should be saving more instead of spending more. If Sacramento and Washington had this approach, they would be better off than they are today. Schoeffel: In the coming year it is important that the city continually seek out new opportunities to improve its top line revenue through bold, imaginative and resourceful economic development so that our enviable financial situation does not slip as our state and national economies continue to struggle. Weinberg: We must continue to be fiscally responsible. This means having a balanced budget, healthy reserves and providing the services and events that the community expects. I would hope that the economy continues to improve and we see our Transient Occupancy Tax and sales tax increase. The TBID that the hotels are driving is meant to advertise Dana Point as a place to stay and play. That should help us grow our revenue at a faster rate than the economy is growing. Q: Are there any new projects, etc. you hope to introduce and/or champion in 2012? Anderson: I would like to see the city’s Business of the Month recognition program be replaced with a Volunteer of the Month to honor the unsung heroes—the folks whose faces may be familiar but whose names you may not recognize, the ones who haven’t (yet) been chosen “Citizen of the Year” by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, and those whose work may be taken for granted. You can read more about it in my column in the Soapbox section of this issue of the DP Times. Bartlett: I will continue to be supportive of projects and events that enhance and benefit our city financially, support and grow the business and tourist serving communities and allow our residents to continue to enjoy our great coastal city where we strive to be the best city to live, work and play. Brough: I hope to garner support for those things in which I believe such as permit holidays to spur local economic activity and banning sex offenders from city parks to protect children, as the county did in the harbor. Schoeffel: I am working on several economic development projects right now that I hope to introduce in the first half of 2012. By economic development, I don’t mean increasing taxes. I mean paying closer attention to strengthening and growing our local economy by taking full advantage of our many revenue growth opportunities. Weinberg: I would like to see the Dana Point Grand Prix continue to be a world class event and give back to the community. Last year we were able to give 50 bikes the children at the Boys & Girls Club. 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 Ocean Institute Hosting Girls Ocean Science Conference The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, will host its 2012 Girls in Ocean Science Teen Conference on Saturday, February 11 and Saturday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. February 11 is for middle school students and March 17 is for high school students. The day-long conferences are designed for girls who have an interest in science and inspire and excite young women to pursue degrees and careers in the sciences.

Prominent female scientists from around the county will interact with the girls in a series of interactive workshops aboard the Institute’s research vessel, R/V Sea Explorer, and in its teaching labs. Girls will explore careers in areas such as veterinarian science, marine biology and ecology, oceanography, scientific illustration, marine geology, wetland conservation and marine policy. Presenters for the February 11th conference include octopus and squid expert Dr. Jennifer Mather, marine geochemist Dr. Emily Klein who studies volcanic move-

ments of the ocean floor, marine mammal expert and rescuer Christina Fahy, microbiologist Dr. Shana Goffredi, marine mammal veterinarian Dr. Juli Goldstein, biological illustrator Karen Talbot and biologist and dolphin expert Kerri Danil. Presenters for the March 17th conference include deep-sea explorer Shannon Johnson, research professor Dr. Astrid Schnetzer who specializes in studying plankton, Pepperdine professor and grunion expert Dr. Karen Martin, microbiologist Donna Ferguson who researches our coastal environment, climate change researcher Dr. Juliette Hart, underwater photographer Jeanne Bear Sleeper, marine biologist Gwen Goodmanlowe and wetland conservationist Christine Whitcraft. Cost is $20 per participant, which includes breakfast and lunch. Scholarships are available and registration is now open.

Contact Shanette Grieve, 949.496.2274, ext. 339 or srillorta@ocean-institute.org with questions or to sign up. For more information, visit the Ocean www.ocean-institute.org.

New Fit 4 Life Walking Class The City of Dana Point recreation department has announced the addition of a new Fit 4 Life walking class for adults. Participants may choose one of two sixweek sessions for $90 or the $50 Fit 4 Life Walking Pass which is good for 10 classes. Classes meet at Strand Vista Park, 34201 Selva Road. Call 949.248.3530 to register. 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.

News Next Door What’s going on in our neighboring towns, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

St. Margaret’s Coach Fired After Second Drug Bust St. Margaret’s Episcopal School fired an assistant football coach after his second drug-related arrest, school officials said. School officials posted a statement regarding Charles Christopher Spann on the St. Margaret’s website on December 30. The statement says Spann, 25, was fired December 5, after school officials learned of a second arrest. St. Margaret’s is a private school with a 21-acre campus in San Juan Capistrano. The school has 1,200 students in pre-school through high school and is generally regarded as a premiere school in academics and athletics. The school has one teacher for every seven students in its upper school and a 100 percent college-placement record. Athletically, the football team has been a perennial small-school power, winning five CIF championships and a state title, in 2008. Spann was hired as a part-time football coach on March 10, 2010. He received clear-

ance from the Department of Justice, a school requirement, the following day and saw his contract extended into the spring of 2011. But St. Margaret’s officials initially were unaware that Spann had been arrested December 14 2010, and charged with cultivation of marijuana and possession for sale of marijuana, both felonies. Those charges were dismissed, however, when Spann pleaded guilty to lessor allegations on March 14, 2011 and was sentenced to community service, three years probation and fined, according to court records. Spann was arrested with two coaches from Santa Margarita Catholic School. All three coaches reportedly played football for former St. Margaret’s Head Coach Harry Welch, who is now at Santa Margarita Catholic High. The California Department of Justice notified St. Margaret’s of the December 2010 arrest in September. In the school statement, St. Margaret’s officials said they discussed the initial arrest with Spann and decided to let him continue coaching.

“After careful thought and consideration, we decided to allow Mr. Spann to continue in our employ with the clear understanding that any future transgression on his part would result in his immediate dismissal,” the statement says. But the Orange County District Attorney’s Office on December 2 informed the school that Spann had been arrested again on drug-related allegations, leading to his December 5 firing, the statement says. Spann on October 26 pleaded not guilty to two additional felonies, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and forgery of public documents or corporate seals. Spann, who said he was a paralegal in his booking report, was due in court Thursday, January 5 for a pre-trial hearing. He was free on bail. The school statement says officials told Spann he was not to participate in any end-of-season football team activities nor contact any St. Margaret’s athletes. He also, the statement says, was told he would not be rehired for 2012. For more information about the school and the full statement about Spann, see

www.smes.org. —Jonathan Volzke Dispatch editor Jonathan Volzke is walk-on wrestling coach at St. Margaret’s. SAN CLEMENTE

New Sports Park Named Vista Hermosa Sports Park is the name the City Council gave the megapark expected to open this month. On a 3-2 vote, the council opted to go with the name recommended by city staff. Parks Director Sharon Heider said Vista Hermosa worked because it fit in with the Spanish names used throughout the city and indicated the location of the park. The council also voted unanimously to name the pool area the San Clemente Aquatics Center though city staff had recommended naming it the Vista Club. Heider said staff had hoped to use club in the title so it would keep the Ole Hanson Beach Club on equal footing. Heider said the city still plans to open the newly named park January 28 at 10 a.m. More information is available online at www.san-clemente.org. —Stacie N. Galang

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter 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.

Tuesday, December 27 PATROL CHECK Santa Clara Avenue, 24500 Block (8:21 a.m.) Four males were skateboarding by the bluff on the walkway that overlooks the ocean. They were skateboarding on a handrail and the caller was concerned that they would break it.

Wednesday, December 28 INDECENT EXPOSURE REPORT Golden Lantern Street, 32500 Block (11:31 a.m.) A male thought to be in his early 40s exposed himself in front of a video surveillance camera in a business plaza. WELFARE CHECK Sea Bright Drive, 33100 Block (2:11 p.m.) A woman who has chronic back pain and is a frequent patient at the hospital called the hospital saying that she does not want

to live like this anymore and was refusing to come in. DEFRAUDING AN INNKEEPER Pacific Coast Highway/Selva Road (8:05 p.m.) A taxi driver contacted authorities to report a woman who had gone inside her home to collect her fare but had not come back out with the money.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Del Prado, 24800 Block (11:25 p.m.) A man claimed that he was calling from Ralph’s in Dana Point and that he was followed there by some subjects that were trying to kill him. The caller sounded paranoid and said that he ran out of gas in front of the grocery store and had no money.

Thursday, December 29 DISTURBANCE Elisa Drive, 33200 Block (9:07 a.m.) A man reported that his roommate had been damaging the home and then had walked outside in sweat pants to urinate. No weapons or alcohol were involved in the incident, but the subject was apparently off of his medications.

Saturday, December 31 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 33300 Block (3:01 p.m.) A male subject was walking on the beach with his zipper down, following boys around.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/El Camino Real (2:17 p.m.) A group of six irresponsible skateboarders were riding in traffic.

DRUNK DOWN Leah Drive, 32800 Block (11:25 p.m.) Two presumably intoxicated 15-year-old female juveniles were passed out at a park. The Orange County Fire Authority responded.

Friday, December 30 DISTURBANCE/FAMILY DISPUTE Mariana Drive, 33900 Block (8:31 a.m.) A woman called to report that her in-laws were trying to take her kids away from her. No alcohol, drugs or weapons were involved in the dispute.

Sunday, January 1 UNKNOWN TROUBLE Coral Beach Street, 33400 Block (2:44 a.m.) A woman said that she thought she heard someone downstairs in her home and had seen a light go on. The woman was hiding in the closet of the house’s master bedroom and stated that she was unsure if she had locked her front door.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway/Beach Road (3:40 p.m.) Two juveniles were spotted sitting along the railroad tracks near a bike trail. The caller claimed they “looked happy” and believed that they were planning to do something with the tracks.

HARBOR HAPPENINGS

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Del Obispo Street/Stonehill Drive (8:41 p.m.) An intoxicated male subject was stumbling in traffic lanes and was in danger of being hit by a car.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Regina, 0 Block (3:30 p.m.) An informant

claimed her phone had been stolen the night before at a party in Laguna Beach. A tracking device on her phone showed that it was in Corona. DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 34200 Block (9:19 p.m.) A man at Denny’s restaurant was going around to tables asking customers for money. When he was asked to leave, he started throwing things around the front of the restaurant. The caller claimed that the same man showed up earlier that morning and was exposing himself to patrons. SHOTS HEARD Alta Vista Drive, 24400 Block (10:09 p.m.) A man reported having heard three loud explosions and the sound of kids yelling coming from somewhere up the street. He later heard two gunshots coming from the alleyway next to his residence. Authorities were not given any information on a suspect.

Monday, January 2 FOUND PROPERTY Amber Lantern Street, 34100 Block (9:18 a.m.) Someone called after finding a bottle of medical marijuana. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Doheny Park Road, 34100 Block (6:29 p.m.) A laundromat customer told police he saw someone putting a re-sealable plastic zipper storage bag into a washing machine several hours prior. The bag contained two bullets, four to five screws and some rubber bands.

BY BARBARA MERRIMAN

Hope for a Cleaner Shinier New Year

ou may already be familiar with a product to clean your shower with Scrubbing Bubbles. This is not a commercial, but because I recently bought that product to clean my shower, it caused me to think of all the things that we like to keep clean and well maintained—for health reasons, as well as cosmetic reasons. When I bought the scrubbing bubbles, I also had a product for whitening teeth on the checkout belt, along with a carton of eggnog. The checker laughed out loud and commented that she had seen a lot of strange combinations of products that people buy, but this was one of the strangest. As I wondered where her imagination might be taking her, I laughed too. However, I felt that she needed to be assured that each had a separate use. It seemed logical to buy one product to keep my teeth sparkling, the other to keep my shower sparkling and the third to keep me happy while putting up my Christmas decorations. What I didn’t think Dana Point Times January 6–12, 2012

about was how funny it was to see them all together. Boaters like homeowners, often buy strange combinations of products to be BARB A R A MERR I M A N used on their vessels. Simple Green, turpentine and a fender might raise an eyebrow, but so would an anchor, a rigging knife and a tube of 5200 (a really strong glue). How about stainless steel cleaner and sandpaper? I think that over the course of owning a boat the last 14 years, I have bought more strange combinations of products at West Marine than I have at the grocery store, but never has a clerk laughed at what I put on the counter. But who knows what the salespeople do when a customer leaves the store with a bag full of unrelated items. The point is that whether you are caring for a boat or a home or a car, you want

to do your best to keep all aspects clean, if not sparkling, and well taken care of. This brings me to another point. Recently, I returned to central Illinois for a high school reunion. The small town where I grew up is in the middle of what is now called the “Rust Belt.” It is indeed in need of some town-wide scrubbing bubbles. Many of the houses are in dilapidated condition and the downtown has boarded-up buildings that once used to be locally owned thriving businesses. It is amazing and sad that so much deterioration can take place in just five years, since my last visit. In our harbor, there are some signs of termites, causing deterioration around the perimeters of the businesses. As you look at the quay walls along the walkways next to the water, you will see cracks and evidence of deterioration. The infrastructure of our harbor, built in the late ’60s and early ’70s, has never had the kind of continuing repair that it should have had. Replacement seems to be the solution for many of the buildings in the harbor

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that are beyond the scrubbing bubbles stage. Too bad, because it has been a very charming harbor and reflects the character of our community. There are a few derelict boats in the harbor as well. Maybe the owners of these boats are waiting for some magical fix, like the ones promised by many of the cleaning products seen on TV and in the print media. This is where the problem lies; cleaning and repair actually has to be applied by someone in order to work. Don’t most of us hope that this will just happen by osmosis? I keep hoping that there has to be a clever inventor out there who will someday make that happen. Until that time, old fashioned hard work (with or without the scrubbing bubbles) will keep things healthy and sparkling. From neglected boats to crumbling quay walls, here’s hoping that we can all find the right combination of how-to and elbow grease to make for a cleaner and shinier new year. DP www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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HOW TO REACH US

Dana Point Times, Vol. 5, Issue 1. 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 2012. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

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

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

INTERNS Austin Patrick Reagan, Madi Swayne

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Sales Associate > Angela Edwards OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, David Zimmerle

GUEST OPINION: Lara Anderson, Mayor of Dana Point

Introducing ‘Volunteer of the Month’

ana Point is very fortunate to have a large network of volunteers donating their time and talents to our numerous invaluable local nonprofit organizations. Lara Anderson They represent the truest sense of community and enhance not only our city, but our quality of life with their unselfish dedication. From the ocean to our schools, volunteers make Dana Point tick. I’ve often felt our volunteers in Dana Point don’t get the recognition they deserve. Not that anyone is asking or looking for it, those who volunteer are far too noble

for that, but perhaps that’s even more reason to find a way to say, “thanks for all you do.” One way is honoring a volunteer each month at a City Council meeting. Since 2003 the Mayor has selected a “Business of the Month” and presented the owners with a certificate. After nine years and over 100 framed certificates, it seems like the right time to suspend that program and try something new. We always appreciate our local businesses and the best way to show our continued support is by patronizing them. Why not do both a “Business” and a “Volunteer” of the month? City Council meetings are first and foremost to con-

duct the business of the city. When I was Mayor in 2006, I had a strict policy limiting the number of presentations. At that time our agendas were so full, the meetings often stretched late into the night. (I may ease up on that policy a bit this year if our agendas allow.) Certainly anyone who would like to highlight an achievement or introduce a new business is more than welcome to do so during Public Comments. With the “Volunteer of the Month” program I’m looking to honor the unsung heroes—the folks whose faces may be familiar but whose names you may not recognize, the ones who haven’t (yet) been chosen “Citizen of the Year” by the

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, and those whose work may be taken for granted. I’ve got the first few months of volunteers in mind, but would appreciate your recommendations. To nominate someone to be a “Volunteer of the Month” contact City Clerk Kathy Ward at 949.248.3505 or kward@ dananpoint.org with a brief note about the person you’re nominating and their contact information. Happy New Year! DP

should be part of your public trust.

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

Letters to the Editor BUILD A POOL ON VACANT LAND

BEACH ACCESS BETTER THAN EVER

KEEP STRAND GATES OPEN

JIM SLARK, Dana Point

MARISA AMYX, Dana Point

CHRISTINE CARRILLO, Dana Point

There is a piece of property in Dana Point—formerly the home of many people in trailer homes—that is lying fallow. It is well located and is served by a bridge across PCH. We are being dictated to by others who tell us we have to rebuild the harbor, have to rebuild downtown and build a bridge with tax payer money. Now these things are great, but accomplishing these grand ideas will not benefit most residents, at least so they realize it. So I’m making a suggestion that will directly benefit the people of Dana Point. Build a swimming pool. A big pool, warm and inviting, a destination for all who want and need the excellent exercise it will provide. Who knows, maybe the present land owners whoever they are will be agreeable to making a partial donation for a tax write off. We can guess these owners may have benefitted handsomely in their past dealings with Dana Point and its City Council; it is a chance for them to build an excellent relationship with all Dana Point residents. Dana Point Times January 6–12, 2012

In support of letters published in the Times protesting the gates at Strand Vista Park, I wanted to be sure that those of us who are not being as vocal and obnoxious as the Surfrider Foundation are being heard. I don’t understand why people are complaining about access to Strands. I love this beach. I remember it before any of the homes were built. We had one “official” access before and now there are five. Do people know how to count? Five is much greater than one. When you don’t even take in to account the middle accesses through what should be people’s “private property,” you still have three accesses when you include the funicular. Why do people always have to want more and expect that they deserve more? Surfrider Foundation needs to spend their time and money elsewhere, protecting our beaches, and let’s let these folks that are blessed with these amazing homes live in some kind of peace. If I had a vote, I say lock up those middle gates. They should have never been put in.

Our homes are taxed and much of that money is returned to Dana Point so that the city can function. I would rather see my tax dollars spent enhancing our community at large rather than contesting in court and protecting the very elite enclave on the Headlands. Development of the Headlands was the most controversial and contested issue that Dana Point has faced. Part of that was the promise to keep beach access for the community at large, which is in step with California law. It is disturbing that our city is using our taxes to extend privileges to this privileged part of the community in opposition to the greater public welfare. It was also disturbing that they used the sheriff’s department anecdotally to further prop up and support their argument when I’m sure (if this were true) statistics would confirm their criminal activity argument. I urge our city to act in accordance with California law by keeping our beaches open to access. Strands is the gem of all beaches in this city. Keeping access open

Page 8

RVS AND UNLEASHED DOGS RUINING STRAND VISTA PARK ANDREA CAVA, Dana Point

The beauty of the new coastal walk at Strand Beach on Selva Road and the roadway is becoming an eyesore due to the occupied RVs that have been parking along the curb. I counted seven one morning this week. They continually move from street parking to the beach parking lot daily. In addition to the RVs I, as well as my neighbors are tired of the irresponsible dog owners with their pups off-leash. This is not a dog park. It does not matter if “he is friendly.” I should not have to be afraid to walk my leashed dogs. Hopefully, the matter will be taken care of expeditiously. I don’t believe the city would want to be held accountable if the “friendly dog” attacks or bites someone. Also, the RVs...please. Thank you. To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

www.danapointtimes.com

soapbox GUEST OPINION: Diane Harkey, California Assemblywoman, 73rd District

Looking Forward

e greet the New Year with anticipation and hope, setting goals in spite of the unknowns beyond our control. With almost complete one-party DemoDiane Harkey crat control of the levels of power in Sacramento, there should be fewer unknowns; setting goals and moving forward should be easy. But voter sentiment, open primaries, new districts and election year polling has made a huge impact on what would normally be lock-step voting by the majority party. Looking forward to 2012, I predict gridlock—which is not necessarily bad. Due to our sheer size and population, California has been at the epicenter of the financial storm that crashed in 2008. Our first quake, created by the Environmental Protection Agency shutting off water, caused debilitating unemployment in Central Valley farming communities. The ensuing housing market and financial quake scored even higher on the Richter scale spreading devastation statewide. We are recovering in water, thanks to nature, and in housing, thanks to time. Therefore, gridlock is good; less government meddling is positive. Our situation should not worsen, and actually improve, with a bit more certainty for business and planning purposes.

Major political issues remain unresolved. Does California spend too much? Certainly, but the people, and hence their 120 representatives in Sacramento, dispute where to cut. Is our tax structure unfair? Certainly, but we dispute how to reform, as tax reform has become code for taking more out of taxpayers’ pockets. Is our state business un-friendly? Certainly, if one reviews business rankings or asks companies struggling or fleeing the state, but the Senate and Assembly leadership and Governor think differently reviewing the legislation that they pass. Can government stimulate the economy? Again, the Governor and most of his party believe so, but increasingly many of our representatives, on both sides of the aisle, hear about excessive regulation, taxation and punitive legislation forcing businesses out of state. Pension reform? Don’t hold your breath. Quick ballot fixes in 2010 left our financial situation unchanged. Granting a “majority vote” budget allowed for an ontime but unbalanced budget. So, while tax revenues are $1.8 billion over projections, we still have a $10-12 billion hole to patch (improvement over years past.) The Governor will release his updated spending plan on January 10, 2012, asking for $35 billion in higher taxes. Anticipate tying proposed tax increases to education

and public safety, concerns we all share, and where $981 million in “trigger cuts” are slated to occur. However, expect the real problem of double digit percentage increases in welfare and federal healthcare reform costs to be omitted from the debate. State debt will continue to rise. Lender constraints rather than internal discipline will ensure modest increases. California will continue to borrow in $1-2 billion increments for supposed long-term projects. Our credit rating should remain “stable” rather than “negative” due to the Governor actually providing a choice of “trigger cuts” and/or improving tax revenues, aiding our state’s cash flow. Debt service, directly impacting general fund expenses, is projected to increase from 7.7 percent of revenues in 2011-12 to 9.3 percent in 2012-13. The more we borrow, the more we pay, and the less we have for priorities such as education, public safety and providing for the truly needy. Unemployment will hover at 11-12 percent. While subsidizing a few industries through tax credits and coddling anything termed “green” is no substitute for a robust and friendly business climate, it acknowledges a problem: California needs private sector jobs. To date, the governor and his crew have focused on government-funded high speed rail as the job

All Hands, Ahoy: Beverli Jinn

Old Marley Was Dead As a Doornail

t was 2005 when Paul Peck and I made the decision: we would eliminate the cigarette butts that litter our Dana Point streets and sidewalks and that subsequently find their way to our beaches and harbor and thence to the sea. We—just the two of us—would plant the seeds of personal responsibility. That was the beginning. Six years later, it appears that our efforts have been wasted, that our optimism was misplaced. Like Marley in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, old planet Earth will soon be as dead as a doornail. “Soon”, of course, is a relative term. That’s what makes this whole environmental movement so difficult to sustain. Paul and I can expect to live out our lives enjoying the sun setting gloriously just to the left of Catalina Island. We can watch the sailboats reaching with the wind beyond the jetty and not concern ourselves with the pollution that poisons the marine life below. We can enjoy a walk on the beach, ignoring the litter that has been carelessly tossed away by anonymous others. “Soon” is longer than that. But not much. In the early, heady days of our project, Paul convinced the City Council to pass an ordinance against littering. Yeah, that would Dana Point Times January 6–12, 2012

do it. A few years later the city banned smoking in city parks. How many tickets can we suppose have been written for either of these offenses? How many smokers Beverli Jinn dispose of their cigarette properly? For that matter, what is the appropriate action for them to take? “Don’t light up” is the correct answer. Yeah, right. And here we go again. The City Council is going to address this issue once and for all; well, not quite yet. December 12 was to be the big night. At the last minute, however, it was decided to postpone the discussion because . . . now be sure to listen carefully . . . because too many people wanted to take part in the debate. The Council Chambers might not be able to accommodate the crowd. The agenda was too crowded with other business. The Council needed time to study the matter. As it turned out, most of those who might have attended the meeting, supporters and non-supporters, apparently got word of the postponement and stayed home. One person in favor of the pro-

posed ban, accompanied by two students covered in plastic bags, was given the opportunity to speak. It was a nice gesture. Council members listened politely. The point here is this; plastic bags present a genuine threat to the ocean and to landfills because they are not biodegradable. Banning their use, however, will be a hardship for business owners and an inconvenience for those who depend on the bags. Banning their use but not enforcing the ban can only exacerbate the problem. Like the smokers and the litterers, shoppers will continue to use plastic as long as they are allowed to do so. Paul and I were naive. We believed that, over time, people would recognize the threat and take responsibility for protecting our watershed, for saving planet Earth. Paul believed that our youngsters and future generations could be trained to respect the environment. I hoped that Dana Point residents would read my column and buy-in to the All Hands, Ahoy message— ”We’re all in this together!” The fact, however, is that little has changed in the past six years. I walk the Hide Trail along the cliffs quite often. Each time I stop and peer over the railing that protects me from falling over the edge and

Page 10

creator for the next decade. However, lack of funding and decreasing popular support statewide could free up billions for local transportation “shovel ready” jobs, in lieu of carving through existing businesses and productive farmland in the Central Valley. If permanently “de-railed,” we would be on track to improving our state’s financial outlook with regard to debt, future expenses, credit rating and employment. Sharpen your pencils. When you can’t win in the legislature or are afraid to lead, fall back to the initiative process. Asking voters to decide or override policy decisions that should be resolved by elected representatives in the Legislature defeats the purpose of representative democracy. How can voters hold leaders responsible if they won’t make decisions? Envisioned for rare, grass-roots, voter driven solutions, “Let the Voters Decide” has become a Sacramento tool, with over 30 approved for the November ballot. To summarize, looking forward expect incremental improvements and a highlycharged, emotional political debate and environment. In situations such as these, gridlock is good! 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, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@danapointtimes.com.

CORRECTION: In last week’s issue, the page 3 story announcing the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2012 was shortened for space resulting in the omission of board officers. The officers are: Chairman Russell Kerr, Edward Jones Investments financial advisor; Vice Chair Bruce Beal, Beal Business Law owner; Vice Chair/Secretary Alan Wickstrom, Building Online, Inc. owner; Vice Chair/Finance Mits Arayama, Minuteman Press owner and Past Chair Ed Conway, Town Center real Estate Services owner. tumbling downward toward Harbor Drive. Remnants of black plastic sheeting put in place presumably to keep the hill from washing out still flutter in the breeze. Hundreds of aluminum cans and plastic bottles litter the area. A bit further along the trail, a broken smokers’ outpost is still bolted to the concrete, surrounded by discarded cigarette butts. Crossing the wooden bridge, I look down at litter strewn along the aged pathways. “Danger!” a sign says. “Stay on Concrete Walk behind Railing!” Unlike Marley, planet Earth is not dead yet, but she’s definitely on life support. 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, 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

DS aannCalePmoe ni te nt

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

friday

Ryan Heflin 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Live guitar and vocals at Quench Bar & Bistro. 2 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.276.7900, www.quenchbarandbistro.com.

ShowOff 8 p.m. International playwriting festival at Camino Real Playhouse with seven original 10-minute plays by seven different directors. Shows through Jan. 15. Tickets $18-$34(gala). 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org. Run For Wife 8 p.m. A new comedic play debuts at Cabrillo Playhouse. Shows through Jan. 29. Tickets $15. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org. 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.

saturday

Research Vessel Visit 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Ocean Institute welcomes the Sea Dragon, a 72-foot steel-hull sailing research vessel, which will embark on a 7,000-mile expedition through the Pacific Ocean’s “Western Garbage Patch Gyre” in May. Visitors can tour the vessel and view exhibits highlighting the focus of its exploration; $3 adults, $2 children 4-12. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Chris Berry 7:45 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage Steak House 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com. Straight 78 8 p.m. Fun live band at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com. Dana Point Times January 6–12, 2012

AT THE MOVIES 2011 Year in Review Oscar bait has become a sort of tradition, with movie houses releasing the most critically anticipated films at year’s end. Here’s a look at some of the more memorable films of 2011. This summer, audiences got a chance to see J.J. Abrams’ latest sci-fi adventure Super 8, which showcased the talents of child stars Elle Fanning and Joel Courtney and played as a fun homage to classic kid friendly adventure films of the 1980s. Comedy wise there were the ensemble, romcom pieces Crazy, Stupid, Love and Our Idiot Brother for the Frat Pack or Apatow-type fans. But the biggest hit of the summer talent and box-office wise became Woody Allen’s latest film, Midnight in Paris. Featuring French culture, love and the Allen-esque personalities ranging from Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams to Marion Cotillard and Adrien Brody, a real winner was found. The school season brought us the chilling, star-studded Contagion from Steven Soderbergh, the actionpacked art film Drive with Ryan Gosling and the tear-jerker dramedy 50/50. Contagion had the cast, but Drive the great direction and 50/50 one of the year’s best performances from Joseph Charlize Theron in Young Adult. © 2011 Paramount Pictures. Gordon-Levitt. After Christmas, the modern silent film The Artist, David Fincher’s American adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the latest Jason Reitman-Diablo Cody collab Young Adult all work. Film buffs will fall in love with Michel Hazanavicius’ ode to early Hollywood, and Fincher delivers again with one of the most thrilling crime features of the year. Charlize Theron makes a noticeable comeback in the surprisingly bleak Young Adult as well. In 2011, we have one of the greatest years for movies in a while. DP — Megan Bianco

Family Film Feature 11 a.m. The San Juan Capistrano Library shows the film Kung Fu Panda 2 with free admission and popcorn. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

sunday

Rise and Shine Fitness Hike 8 a.m.-10 a.m. A brisk paced four mile winter morning nature hike at Ladera Open Space, East Trail. Hosted by the Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

Tools for Change 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Ecology Center’s interactive exhibition, featuring sustainable household products, a play area and learning space for children, and weekend events. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org. Blue Whale Bonanza Capt Dave’s Safari has daily departures for whale and dolphin watching on a high-tech catamaran. Cost $55 adults, $35 children, 2 and younger free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com. Trackmatic 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The guys from Jaloha perform blues and roots rock at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

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

Poul Pedersen 7 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissancedanapoint.com. Page 12

Preschool Story Time 10:30 a.m. The Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

wednesday

Salsa Night 8 p.m.– 12 a.m. Juan Carlos and his band spice up the scene at Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

Comedy 9:30 p.m. Live comedy at Molly Blooms Irish Bar & Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com. Vine 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 and the Danimals 7 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

thursday

The White House Garden 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Casa Romantica is proud to present the only west-coast showing of the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit featuring images of 18 acres of formal gardens, secluded natural retreats and expansive parkland that surrounded the White House. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Robin Henkel & Billy Watson 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Live blues guitar/harp/vocals at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com. The Grateful Dudes 8 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.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

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. Salon Revelation - Dayna Dallas 34192 Violet Lantern #2

949.248.8595

CATERING 949.388.8102

CHIROPRACTORS 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 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

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

Island Inspired Pool & Spa islandinspired@earthlink.net

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

POOL & SPA SERVICE 949.547.1000

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

PRINT SHOP

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

HAIR SALONS Mobile Salon Malina www.salonmalina.com Monarch Bay Haircutters 20 Monarch Bay Plaza Paragon Salon 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy.

949.500.2909 949.496.1957 949.489.1955

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

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

SURF LESSONS Ocean Academy www.oceanacademy4u.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

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

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

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

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

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.

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

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!

EMBROIDERY 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.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY DP DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

HELP WANTED EXPERIENCED SCREEN PRINTER English a must. Full-time. FaceFirst, San Juan Capistrano. 949-443-9895

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

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week? Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today! 949.388.7700 ext. 102

Dana Point Times January 6–12, 2012

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Page 15

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SPORTS

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

D a n a Po i nt

5 BEST BETS BOYS SOCCER

BOYS BASKETBALL

HOCKEY

BASKETBALL

GIRLS WATER POLO

Mustangs vs. Dolphins, Dana Hills High School

Titans vs. Dolphins, Dana Hills High School

Islanders vs. Ducks, Honda Center

Warriors vs. Lakers, Staples Center

Diablos vs. Dolphins, Dana Hills High School

January 6, 3:15 p.m.

January 6, 7 p.m.

January 6, 7:30 p.m.

January 10, 4:45 p.m.

After facing San Juan Hills in Sea View League play the day before, the Dolphins host their ﬁrst league match of the season against Trabuco Hills.

In only their second South Coast League game of the season, the Dolphins ﬁnally get to play host to the Tesoro Titans as both teams meet at center court.

The Ducks get after it on home ice as Anaheim skates into a hard-hitting battle royale against another nemesis from out east.

Following a road game in Portland, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers head back home to face off against the Golden State Warriors.

The Lady Dolphins look to defend last season’s Sea View League title as the girls hit the pool for their ﬁrst league game of the year.

Info: www.ducks.nhl.com

Info: www.nba.com/lakers

Info: www.dhhs.net

Dolphin Report: SPORTS NEWS FROM DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

By David Zimmerle

BOYS BASKETBALL • The Dolphins (8-7) had a decent run at the Beckman Tournament December 12-17 going 3-for-2 throughout the tourney. Dana Hills lost its first game to San Clemente by the final score of 54-47 on December 13 before rolling to a 60-52 win against Yorba Linda on December 15. Next, the Dolphins lost 58-49 to Tustin High on December 16 but closed out the tournament on December 17 with a 56-52 win against Valencia as Alex Brown led the team with 14 points in the victory. The boys then played Canyon at El Toro High on December 21 in nonleague play and ended up losing 75-68. Then, from December 27 through 30, Dana Hills hit up a slew of games in the Desert Heat Classic, eventually going 2-for-2 at this tournament. The Dolphins opened with a rousing 62-24 win against 29 Palms High before storming through Colton 50-28 on December 28. The team was then edged 47-46 by Thousand Oaks before closing out the tourney with a 62-42 loss to El Camino High of Oceanside. The team then went on to face Mission Viejo on the road on January 4 in its first South Coast League game of the season. Next 7 days: Jan. 6 vs. *Tesoro, 7 p.m.; Jan. 11 vs. *El Toro, 7 p.m.; Jan. 13 vs. *Capo Valley, 7 p.m. GIRLS BASKETBALL • After beating La Serna 60-45 in the opening round of the Ocean View Tournament on December 12, the Lady Dolphins (8-5) lost their next two games of the tournament—an 85-28 defeat at the hands of JSerra on December 13 and a 66-60 loss to Fountain Valley on December

Dana Point Times January 6–12, 2012

15—but closed it all down with a 55-5 0 win against Dominguez on December 17. Laura Johnson led the team with 12 points in the win. Then after losing 45-39 on the road to Beckman in nonleague play December 19, the girls went on to compete in the Cavalier Classic December 20-23. At the tournament, the Lady Dolphins fired off four straight wins, opening with a 51-50 victory against Eagle Rock, pounding Trabuco Hills in a 49-35 win, rolling past Santiago 54-35 and closing the tourney with a 55-25 win against Rancho Alamitos. The team then faced San Clemente on January 3 in its first South Coast League game of the season before traveling to Laguna Hills on January 5 for more league action. Next 7 days: Jan. 7 at Rosary, 7 p.m.; Jan. 10 at Aliso Niguel, 7 p.m.; Jan. 12 vs. *El Toro, 7 p.m. BOYS SOCCER • After tying Beckman High 2-2 on December 14 and then knotting a 1-1 game with El Toro on December 16, the Dolphins (4-5-4) hit a rough stretch of matches as the team lost to San Clemente, 4-0, on December 20. The crew then competed at the SOCC Tournament December 2629, but ended up losing 1-0 to Santa Margarita in the second round of the tourney on December 28. Next, the Dolphins were also defeated 3-2 by La Habra on December 29 before closing out tournament action with a 1-1 tie against Irvine on December 30 as both teams netted their lone goals in the second half of play. The team got after its Sea View

League schedule in a match against San Juan Hills on January 4 before facing Trabuco Hills at home on January 6. Next 7 days: Jan. 11 at *Mission Viejo, 3:15 p.m.; Jan. 13 vs. *Capo Valley, 3:15 p.m. GIRLS SOCCER • The Lady Dolphins put up a decent performance at the Mater Dei Tournament recently. In the opening round, Dana Hills (7-4) beat Cathedral Catholic 2-1 on December 13 as both Lynsey Gaines and Brittany Valentine scored one goal apiece in the win. Next, the girls suffered a 2-0 shutout loss to Esperanza on December 16 before working a little of their own shutout magic in a 3-0 win against Bishop Amat on December 17. The team then lost its final match of the tournament 2-1 to Trabuco Hills on December 21 as Valentine netted Dana’s lone goal in the first half. The Lady Dolphins then faced Beckman in nonleague play on December 22 and beat their opponent in a rousing 4-0 win. The girls got plenty of balanced scoring in this one as four different players knocked in one goal each. The team began its Sea View League schedule on January 3 in a match against San Juan Hills before hosting Tesoro on January 5. Next 7 days: Jan. 10 at *Laguna Hills, 3:15 p.m.; Jan. 12 vs. *Capo Valley, 3:15 p.m. GIRLS WATER POLO • The Lady Dolphins (7-6) had trouble taming the Edison Chargers on December 15

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as Dana Hills lost a hard-fought battle by the final score of 12-7. Edison led throughout in this one as six different players scored for Dana Hills. Molly Wilbur led the team with two goals in the loss while Blaklee McMillen registered nine big saves at goal for Dana Hills. The team was off for most of the holiday season and picked up action in the pool with its first Sea View League game of the season against Trabuco Hills on January 5. The girls then took on Huntington Beach in nonleague play on January 6 at home. Next 7 days: Jan. 10 vs. *Mission Viejo, 4:45 p.m.; Jan. 12 at *Aliso Niguel, 4:45 p.m. WRESTLING • The Dolphins competed at the Ed Spring Classic December 16-17 and wrapped up action on the mat with a sixth place finish and a total of 121 points. Troy (181.5 points), Crespi Carmelite (179.5 points) and Chino Hills (156 points) all finished in the top three, respectively. Top individual placements at the tourney are as follows: Merritt Cruz (120, first place), Arryan Kianipey (132, fourth place), Austin Grimsley (138, fourth place) and Dalton Du’Casse (220, second place). The team rumbled into its first Sea View League dual against Tesoro on January 5 before part of the team traveled to the Riverside Tournament January 6-7 while the other part of the team went on to face San Clemente in nonleague action on January 7. Next 7 days: Jan. 12 vs. *El Toro. 7 p.m.; Jan. 13-14 at Five Counties Tournament, TBA

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

Grom of the WEEK Ben Brantell Age: 6, Palisades Methodist

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

Griffin Colapinto. Courtesy photo

Ben Brantell. Photo by Madi Swayne

Kindergartener Ben Brantell has been surfing for about two years under the watchful eye of his father and says it’s one of the best things about growing up in San Clemente. “I think I want to live here for my whole life,” he said, adding that he is now helping his dad to encourage his 3-year-old brother to start surfing as well. “I took swimming lessons to get ready and my brother is taking lessons now, too.” Ben is already very active in other sports—playing team soccer and snowboarding—and says he would like to enter a few surf contests this year. He got a thrill and a big dose of inspiration at last year’s Hurley Lowers Pro when he got to see his favorite pro surfer Kelly Slater in action. He said he would love to be a professional like Slater when he grows up but his big career dream is to become a firefighter. “I like surfing because you can get a lot of barrels and get speed on the waves and shred the waves and I just love it,” he said, barely pausing to take a breath. “And, I’ve been barreled on my tummy before, right here at T Street.” Ben says he intends to practice as much as possible—at least a few times a week in the winter and every day in the summer—so that he can get his first stand-up barrel as soon as possible. —Andrea Swayne

Finding Tales from the Archives Surfing Heritage Foundation calls for entries in archival history contest By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

ave you ever discovered something you didn’t know about surfing friends and family from days past, come across a surfboard shaped by and old buddy or found a personal connection to surfing history at the Surfing Heritage Foundation Museum? If so, SHF would like to hear from you. Archivist Becky Church announced a call for entries running through February 3 for the Surfing Heritage Foundation Museum’s “I Found it in the Archives” contest. The contest, inspired by a program started by The Society of American Archivists, is asking for those who have such stories to share them and possibly win a membership prize pack in the process. “Whether you’ve noticed people of significance in our photographs, used our library for research or simply been fascinated by the culture enough to cause a spark and get you out in the water, we want to hear about it,” she said. Entries can be submitted as either a two-minute or less video or a 400-word essay describing your discovery and

Surf ForecasT Water temp: 56-60˚F Water visibility and conditions: Local: 8-12’ Poor-Fair; Catalina: 10-15’+ Fair Remarks: Fun zone surf prevails through the morning on Thursday as old West-Northwest swell fades, with a solid new West-Northwest swell building in over the afternoon. Surge is increasing and visibility is fair, setting up generally fair diving conditions overall. Short range: Surf size is running 3-4’+ (waist-shoulder high) for most of the region on Thursday morning, with larger sets for top winter breaks through the afternoon as a powerful new WestNorthwest swell builds in. Light winds keep the surf clean and generally fair to good overall. Solid WNW swell peaks on Friday with 6-10’ (head high+ to double overhead) surf for good exposures. Morning winds remain light for mostly clean conditions. Long range: Easing West-Northwest swell takes over for the weekend. Size is still in the 5-8’ (head high to 3’ overhead) range on Saturday morning, dropping into the 4-5’+ (shoulder-head high+) range by Sunday. Light morning winds set up clean, favorable conditions though big tidal swings are an issue for most breaks. Stay tuned to Surfline.com for updates.

Dana Point Times January 6–12, 2012

Surfing Heritage Foundation curator and creative director Barry Haun stands among a surfboard exhibit at the museum. Photo by Andrea Swayne

the difference it made in your life. Essay entries should include a color photograph of you. “We will choose four finalists and post them on the website. The public will choose the winner,” said Church. “The finalists all receive a Surfing Heritage T-shirt and the winner will take home a copy of Peanuts, XM SurfMore leash, SHF Oral History Field Guide, SHF logo hat, a one-year SHF membership, limited edition SHF logo Rainbow Sandals, SHF logo tee, $10 Swell.com gift certificate, a one-year subscription to Transworld Surf, Sticky Bumps Wax, 2012 SHF sticker and one-year free admission to our San Clemente museum.” Winners may be asked to compete in the Society of American Archivists national competition. National winners will be invited to an award ceremony in San Diego in August. Contestants must be at least 18 years of age and have never been employed or volunteered at SHF. More information including full contest rules, voting timeline and entry forms are available online at www.surfingheritage.org. For questions, call Church at 949.388.0313 or send an email to becki@surfingheritage.org. Entries should be sent preferably via email but may also be dropped off in person at the museum, 110 Calle Iglesia in San Clemente. DP Page 18

BOARDSHORTS Surfline Founder Sean Collins Dead Surfline founder Sean Collins, 59, passed away on December 26 after suffering a heart attack while playing tennis in Newport Beach. A memorial paddle out for Collins will be held on Sunday, January 8, 11 a.m. on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier. Log on to www.surfline.com to see a tribute to his life and accomplishments. ASP Scraps Midyear Rotation in 2012 Association of Surfing Professionals spokesman Dave Prodan called the decision to deactivate the midyear rotation in 2012 “an extremely challenging” one in a December 28 ASP press release announcing the change. “We believe that the 2011 rotation brought in some incredible talent that proved they deserved to be amongst the world’s best with their performances throughout the back half of the year. However, the instability of the ASP schedule (especially in 2012) makes the concept very difficult to manage,” said Prodan adding that the unsettled schedule gives rise to questions such as where to schedule the rotation and how to ensure equitable opportunities to qualify in each rotation. “As we have been since our inception, we are a sport governed by the surfers for the surfers and it is in this spirit that we have voted to deactivate the midyear rotation in 2012. We believe this decision is best for the upcoming season and we will continue to discuss the future of the rotation within the sport,” he said. A group of surfer/stakeholders headed by Australian pro surfer Kieren Perrow originally made the motion to dissolve the rotation. Perrow noted that while it worked well this season, looking toward the future the athletes as a group felt that long term it would not serve the sport well. “This is felt by the majority of the surfers from the very top of the ASP Top 34 to the qualifiers in the Prime and Star events,” said Perrow. “What we have created is a system in which the very best surfers in the world are currently within the ASP Top 34, but the process of getting there is becoming disorganized. We don’t want that and the decision to not have the midyear rotation in 2012 is the best thing for the sport.” More information can be found online at www.aspworldtour.com. —AS

UPCOMING EVENTS 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 www.danapointtimes.com