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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2

Inspiring a New Generation of Artists Festival of Whales organizers invite student participation E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5 Dana Hills High class of 2011 graduate Carver Moore stands with his artwork chosen to serve as the logo for the 2012 Dana Point Festival of Whales. Photo by Andrea Swayne

www.danapointtimes.com

Mayor to Speak at First Coffee Chat of 2012

DOLPHIN REPORT: Sports News from Dana Hills High

Spat Erupts at School District Meeting

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 12

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Eye on DP

City and Business Calendar

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

D a n a Po i nt

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

MONDAY, JANUARY 16

Recycling Event at Dana Hills High 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, hosts a community recycling event. Residents can drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the school parking lot for students from the school’s chapter of the California Scholastic Federation and other school organizations to collect and sort. Funds collected go to the school’s PTSA. For more info, email president@dhhsptsa.com.

Senior Bingo 12:15 p.m. Dana Point Community/Senior Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, 949.248.3536, www.danapoint.org

Tuesday of each month at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo, 949.275.3142, rfwlr61@ yahoo.com, www.vfwpost9934.org City Council Meeting 6 p.m. City Council Chambers, 33282, Golden Lantern, 949.248.3501, www.danapoint.org

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 VFW Veterans Assistance 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Dana Point VFW Post 9934 is offering free veterans’ benefits and veteran services membership assistance on the first

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

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

…Dying Son Bandit?

THE LATEST: A Dana Point bank was held up January 5 by a man police say may be the serial bank robber dubbed the “Dying Son Bandit.” An undisclosed amount of cash was taken from the U.S. Bank branch on the 22600 block of Del Obispo in Dana Point at approximately 2:04 p.m. by a man who told a teller he needed money to pay for his dying son’s medical bills. According to FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller, the man handed the teller a note and verbally apologized for having to rob the bank as he needed $5,000 because his son was diagnosed with cancer and he couldn’t pay the medical bills. The note carried a similar written demand for cash. The man is also suspected of robbing a City Bank in Lake Forest about an hour later before attempting another heist in Laguna Hills, said Eimiller. Investigators believe this same suspect has also hit at least three banks in San Diego County. The robber is described as a white man, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall, in his mid-40s with a thin to medium build. He wore sunglasses and a baseball cap and carried a black day planner or leather notebook with a buckle. WHAT’S NEXT: Authorities are asking that anyone with information to call the FBI at 888.CANT.HIDE (888.226.8443). FIND OUT MORE: Log on to www.danapointtimes.com to see surveillance photos of the suspect. —Andrea Swayne

… Dispute at CUSD Meeting?

THE LATEST: A spat erupted between CapDana Point Times January 13–19, 2012

istrano Unified School District trustees on Monday, with the board majority accusing two colleagues of trying to shut down the school district. Trustees were considering staff’s request to borrow $30 million in tax revenue anticipation notes, which have become common tools for school cashstrapped school districts. The TRANs provide cash now and are repaid with the tax money provided by the state in the next fiscal year. But Trustees Ellen Addonizio and Sue Palazzo pointed out the district already has one TRANs loan outstanding. The trustees, reading prepared statements, accused the other board members of getting the district into financial trouble by restoring furlough days and other cuts to teachers in 2010. That issue has been hashed over before and trustees let Addonizio and Palazzo know they felt it was time to move on. “I am offended that it is continually brought up,” Trustee Anna Bryson snapped at the pair. The other trustees also voiced their displeasure, especially when staff told the trustees refusing to act on the TRANs Monday would leave the district without cash to pay its employees and other bills. “Why don’t you just make the motion you want—to shut down the district,” Trustee Lynne Hatton asked the pair. Trustee John Alpay accused the pair of stumping for the November election, when he, Brick, Gary Pritchard and Palazzo face re-election. WHAT’S NEXT: The motion to start work on the TRANs passed 4-2. Trustees next meet January 25. FIND OUT MORE: See the Beyond the Blackboard blog at www.danapointtimes. com. —Jonathan Volzke

… a Generator Shutdown?

THE LATEST: San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station’s Unit 2 was removed from the power grid at 8:36 p.m. Tuesday, January 10 for $280 million in planned maintenance, scheduled refueling and system upgrades. Plant owner Southern California Edison plans to install new high-pressure turbine components on its Unit 2 reactor to increase efficiency and generating capacity, the company said in a news release. “The design and construction of the new reactor heads will be even safer, while reducing customer costs by shortening maintenance outages,” SCE’s statement said. The unit’s last planned outage finished April 11, 2010. Plans for Unit 3 maintenance and upgrades are scheduled for this fall. The 2012 cost of $54 million will be roughly 0.5 percent of total current rates. WHAT’S NEXT: SCE could not be specific about the duration of the work because it would affect the energy market. FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.danapointtimes.com for updates. —Stacie N. Galang

…Coffee Chat of 2012?

THE LATEST: Mayor Lara Anderson will speak about items of interest and upcoming events at the first Dana Point Civic Association Coffee Chat of 2012 Friday, January 20, 8:30 a.m. at Coffee Importers, 34531 Golden Lantern in the harbor. Bill Shepherd is also scheduled to speak and will offer his take on the controversial “plastic or paper” debate. “The public is always welcome and free coffee is generously provided by Jim Miller of Coffee Importers,” said Civic

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Association president Pat Fairbanks. “Please mark your calendars and join us for an informative and lively discussion.” WHAT’S NEXT: Coffee Chat is held on the third Friday of each month featuring guest speakers and a variety of discussion topics including issues and items of interest to Dana Point residents. FIND OUT MORE: For more information, call Fairbanks at 949.661.9999. —AS

… Help With Rental Payments?

THE LATEST: The Orange County Housing Authority will open its Waiting List to accept pre-applications for housing assistance from February 15 until February 29. The Section 8 Waiting List is the only opportunity for individuals to obtain a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. Because of the limited number of vouchers and the large number of people who applied, the last time OCHA’s Waiting List was last opened was November 2005. Section 8 Voucher assistance allows a very low-income family, senior, disabled person, or individual to pay approximately 30 percent of their monthly income toward rent. The remaining rental amount is paid by OCHA directly to the property owner or manager. Applicants must earn below 50 percent of the county’s median income. For a family of four, that amount is $48,150 while the amount for an individual is $33,750. WHAT’S NEXT: Beginning February 15, Waiting List applications will be available at www.ochousing.org or at participating cities and branches of the Orange County Public Library. FIND OUT MORE: See www.ochousing.org or call 714.480.2740. —JV www.danapointtimes.com

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.

Monday, January 9 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES La Cresta Drive, 24600 Block (3:23 p.m.) A patrol check was requested when a blonde female in her early 20s came to the caller’s door selling magazine subscriptions. The caller’s roommate looked the company name up on the Internet during the solicitor’s pitch and advised the caller “the company is a fraud.” The caller took the check back from the solicitor and called police. SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Olinda Drive/Cordova Drive (12:37 a.m.) A woman emerged from a black vehicle occupied by two other men smelling strongly of marijuana. As she walked by the informant, no contact was made.

Sunday, January 8 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Olinda Drive, 33700 Block (10:15 p.m.) A man contacted authorities because he heard a thud against the side of his house. When he went outside to see what it was, he found a half-full case of beer and was afraid that whoever threw it was going to return. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Staysail Drive, 25200 Block (6:51 p.m.) Someone called police after hearing a loud boom that was described as “powerful and unusual.” The caller thought that it sounded like more of a blast than a gunshot or fireworks. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT/NON INJURY Pacific Coast Highway/Crown Valley Parkway (6:33 p.m.) A motorist called police after accidentally driving off from a gas station with the nozzle still in his vehicle. The caller said the station attendant was not being cooperative and requested the presence of a deputy to assist in the exchange of information.

Saturday, January 7 DISTURBANCE/MUSIC OR PARTY Calle Portola, 34600 Block (11:45 p.m.) A woman claimed that a party at her neighbor’s house had overflowed into her yard. Partiers were throwing trash on her lawn and sitting on her car.

News Bites

Compiled by Andrea Swayne

Props, Recognitions and Morsels of Info Volunteer Readers Needed

Support Group Gets Support

With a spectacular mural of the Dana Point coast, as it was in Richard Henry Dana’s days, as background, the second public community reading of Dana’s book Two Years Before the Mast will take place during the Festival of Whales, March 2, 3 and 4 at the Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive at the Headlands. A presentation of the Dana Point Historical Society in conjunction with the city of Dana Point, this program is meant to engage a broad section of the community in an organized activity that celebrates the history of Dana Point and its historical literature. The presentation is modeled after the annual public reading of Moby Dick, a highly successful venture of the New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts and based on the success of the first public reading, organizers anticipate a great event. Over 100 volunteer readers will read for eight to 10 minutes each, completing the entire book in about 15 hours over the three days. In addition, volunteers are needed to serve as “watch officers” to oversee and manage each shift. For more information or to volunteer, e-mail FairviewT@aol.com or call the Dana Point Historical Society at 949.248.8121.

The nonprofit Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support received some well-deserved support for its efforts at the close of 2011. The Samueli Foundation awarded them the “Big Heart” award and a $10,000 grant donation to help sustain their outreach efforts to support Camp Pendleton-based Fighting Fifth Marines and their families. The support group also received a $5,000 contribution from the California Foundation for Stronger Communities. Pete Hammer, president of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, thanked both organizations, calling the donations “wonderful gifts for the 5th Marines, their wives and children that we serve.” “These funds will enable us to offer an even greater level of care and comfort to those who are so deserving.” For more info, www.DanaPoint5thMarines. com. 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.

VANDALISM REPORT Niguel Road/Tennis Villas Drive (1:49 p.m.) A driver of a blue vehicle threw a tree branch at the caller’s car, denting it.

Friday, January 6 DISTURBANCE Stonehill Drive/Niguel Road (8:48 p.m.) An older man in the driver seat of a car was seen hitting his elderly female passenger. DISTURBANCE Golden Lantern/Del Prado (4:30 p.m.) A man wearing a backpack walked out in to the middle of traffic flapping his arms wildly and nearly causing several accidents. 9-1-1 HANGUP Sea Terrace Street, 0 Block (4:51 a.m.) A woman called 9-1-1 claiming to have head pains. She seemed to be incredibly confused, said she did not know the address of her location and then hung up the phone. Authorities traced the call and found the woman intoxicated and claiming to be an assault victim. She could provide no further details to police and was transported to a hospital.

Thursday, January 5 CITIZEN ASSIST Pointe Sutton, 32800 Block (8:32 p.m.) A woman told police that her husband

had assaulted her a month earlier. He was not at home at the time of the call, but would be returning later, she said. The woman claimed no weapons were involved. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Del Obispo Street/Blue Fin Drive (6:44 p.m.) A woman called the police to report a male and female in her neighborhood were going door to door, possibly selling something or casing houses. The woman told police that she had been advised, at a Neighborhood Watch meeting, to call police if she ever observed this happening. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Sepulveda Avenue/Domingo Avenue (3:20 p.m.) A man was seen attempting to lure a 5-year-old child into his silver vehicle. The suspect was described as white or light-skinned, 5 feet, 4 inches tall with medium length brown hair. He was wearing a brown or blue pullover vest with a yellow button-up shirt underneath, brown dress pants and black shoes. The man has reportedly been spotted in the area before, possibly acting as a door-to-door missionary. DISTURBANCE Golden Lantern, 34400 Block (1:54 p.m.) A man in his 30s wearing a black hat and black gloves was riding a scooter inside a store. When asked to leave, the man laughed and blocked the doorway of the store.

Eye on DP

Inspiring a New Generation of Artists Festival of Whales organizers invite student participation By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

nspiration. It’s a word that means many things to different people. Writers spend their entire lives searching for it. Scientists stumble upon it accidentally sometimes; like when an experiment takes an unexpected turn thereby illuminating a new possibility. Educators dedicate their careers to brainstorming inventive ways to impart it to their students. Whatever form inspiration takes or is utilized by its recipient, the city of Dana Point, its people, events and the beauty of its natural surroundings, all provide a plethora of the stuff for the taking. Inspiration was the idea behind Dana Point Festival of Whales coordinator Penny Elia when she first sought to include Dana Hills High School students as active participants in the city’s annual event. Elia first approached Dana Hills digital photography teacher Natalie Hribar-Kelly near the end of last school year with an idea for challenging her students to design the logo for the 2012 Dana Point Festival of Whales. “What better way to get the community involved in the Festival than to include our youth,” said Elia. “Natalie agreed and had just the student for the job—Carver Moore.” Moore—now studying film editing at the Academy of Art in San Francisco—was already inspired by the festival, having grown up in Dana Point and attended many times. A talented videographer and editor as well, Moore had even taken it upon himself to produce a video of the 2011 Festival. He also amassed a collection of artrelated skills through his classes at Dana Hills—having studied darkroom photography, video production and graphic design. “I was very excited to be chosen but it felt strange because this is the first time my work will be widely viewed by the public,” said Moore. “I am very honored to be recognized in my hometown and have my design represent a festival that was a big part of my life growing up.” Student involvement could have stopped there, but Elia again found herself inspired by the beauty of Carver’s design to expand student involvement into other areas of the festival. She reached out to all of the art department instructors at the high school and invited a group of 90 students to take a January 12 field trip whale watching aboard a Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching boat and touring the Ocean Institute and its historic tallship Brig Pilgrim. Students from all of the school’s art classes—from darkroom photography, drawing and painting to ceramics, sculp-

Dana Point Times January 13–19, 2012

Above: Students Grant Kieckhaefer, AP Art Studio; Danielle Erwin, Digital Photography and Sarah Wilson, Digital Video Production, shot photo inspiration aboard the Dana Pride. Below: AP Studio Art students Jessica Martinez, Daisy Ortega, Estefany Moran shoot for inspiration at the Ocean Institute. Photos by Andrea Swayne

ture and video production—were asked to attend the outing both to find inspiration from what they saw and to interact with professional artists to gather first-hand insight into what a future career in the arts may hold. The field trip would serve as a motivator, not only for next year’s planned logo competition, but also to spark the creativity of the students who will be creating works of art that will be displayed at this year’s festival as part of the Art in the Park visual arts show. It wasn’t long after the vessel Dana Pride pulled out of the harbor that the crew spotted a large number of common dolphin, numbering somewhere in the 400 to 500 range and the sound of nearly a hundred camera shutters filled the air. “That was by far one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen. To see so many dolphins at one time was amazing, I just started snapping away,” said student Sarah Wilson. “Personally, art is something I want to do with my life so I think this field trip is a great opportunity for us because in the real world we won’t be stuck up in a classroom or with just the school as our boundaries.”

Wilson was just one of the many teens aboard who said the experience would definitely inspire the artwork they will be creating for the festival in the coming months. As if the huge frolicking dolphin pod wasn’t enough, the students—some on their first whale watching trip ever— were treated to the sight of an immense gray whale lifting its tail fluke out of the water in preparation for a deep dive and another pod of about 15 to 20 bottlenose dolphin swimming alongside the boat. In between wildlife sightings, many kids took advantage of the opportunity to interact with one of the professional artists also on board. Glass blowing artist Muffin SpencerPage 5

Devlin was one such artist ready and willing to answer students’ questions about her career as an artist. “I think, first off it’s important to follow your heart, whatever your art is. Practice makes perfect. One of my favorite quotes is ‘With practice all things come,’” said Spencer-Devlin to some of the students. “Immerse yourself into it. There’s a joy in creating, a love of material, a love of the finished product. Basically it’s a big fat love affair with your media.” Spencer-Devlin, who had a 21-year career on the LPGA, retired in 2001 and floundered a bit before finding glass in 2006, said she thinks it’s a fantastic idea to include high school art students in the Festival of Whales and that she was happy to attend and speak with the kids. “I didn’t come to art until later in my life, but if I had been interested in high school I would have killed for an opportunity like this,” she said. Aspyn Adams, a drawing, painting, ceramics and studio art student who will study animation at college in the fall, agreed saying and that she intends to incorporate some of what she saw that day in her creations for the festival art show. “This day has been motivation for the future. It exposed me not only to my art and what it means to me, but to other people’s art and what it means to them,” said Adams. “The dolphins were amazing and inspiring. They looked so free; so I’m thinking I may try to incorporate some of that feeling of that freedom in the art I make for the festival show.” Art in the Park Coordinator Jackie Gallagher said she is excited to see the work that results from the experiences the kids had on the trip. “This is a great way to expose kids to other avenues they can take with their art. Being around professional artists and showing their work among them will be a great experience for them and give them some good exposure as artist,” said Gallagher. “We started three years ago with 15 artists in the show and hope to have 70 this year, not including the students. We hope that the student aspect of the show will grow organically as well in coming years.” Elia doesn’t plan to limit future youth participation to visual arts students in creating the logo and showing their work at Art in the Park. “I recently confirmed The Commanders—the United States Air Force’s 17-piece big band—will be playing at this year’s Festival and the director of operations suggested that we include some local high school musicians as well,” said Elia. “And I think that’s a fabulous idea.” The 2012 Festival of Whales is scheduled for March 3,4,10 and 11 at the Dana Point Harbor. For more information about the event, log on to www.festivalofwhales.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 5, Issue 2. 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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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

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GUEST OPINION: Frances Lam, Chairman, Rise Above Plastics Campaign Surfrider Foundation, South Orange County Chapter

Letter to City in Support of a Single-use Plastic Bag Ban T his letter, on behalf of Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter, is sent in addition to our September 26, 2011 letter stating that the organization stands in strong support of a Single-use Bag Ban Ordinance. We understand that the city is prepared to follow the Manhattan Beach bag ban model. While that ordinance was recently upheld as a valid act of a municipality, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act through the use of a Negative Declaration and Initial Study review, by the California Supreme Court in the Save the Plastic Bag Coalition v. Manhattan Beach case, we urge the city to go beyond the Manhattan Beach model and include regulation on single-use paper bags as well. In the statewide trend of single-use bag regulation and corresponding transition to reusable bags, most cities in the past two years have included a fee on paper bags in addition to a ban on single-use plastic bags. In response to the lawsuits brought against Oakland, Manhattan Beach, and Palo Alto, starting in 2010 localities engaged in the “second generation of bag bans” have ad-

opted regulations on bags in the form of plastic bag bans plus fees on paper bags. The fees range between five and fi fteen cents per bag. The hope is that these fees will encourage customers to bring their own bags, prevent an increase in the use of paper bags. In 2010, Los Angeles County enacted a plastic bag ban which also incorporated a ten-cent fee on paper bags. (See the LA County Ordinance for specific language). Long Beach, Calabasas and Santa Monica quickly followed suit and enacted their own similar bag ban ordinances with tencent fees on paper bags. Also in 2010, the City of San Jose passed a plastic bag ban that imposes a ten-cent fee that increases to twenty-five cents in two years. In January 2011, Marin County enacted a ban that also imposes a five-cent charge on paper bags. Santa Clara County passed a single use plastic ban with a minimum fi fteen-cent charge on paper bags. The charge on paper bags is important because it rebuts anticipated arguments from the Save the Plastic Bag Coalition

and industry groups that ‘a ban on plastic bags will lead to increased paper bag usage and therefore will be more harmful to the environment.’ By banning and dis-incentivizing the consumption of all single-use bags, the city will not fall prey to the “plastic versus paper” arguments that the plastics industry are likely to bring forward. By regulating all single-use bags, the city can truly make this issue a “singleuse versus reusable” debate, in which the clear answer that is better for the environment and efficient consumption of our natural resources is the reusable bag. In drafting a future ordinance, Surfrider Foundation encourages the City of Dana Point to include the following to make for a strong single-use bag regulation: • A requirement that stores to charge a 5-10 cent fee on paper bags in addition to the single-use plastic bag ban so that use of all single-use bags will be deterred by the ordinance. Not only will a ban on plastic bags with a fee on paper bags encourage Dana Point consumers to bring their own reusable bag to the store, this type of

ordinance would also be more congruent with the statewide proposals, like AB 1998 (Brownley) which very narrowly missed passage through the state legislature in 2010. (A similar statewide proposal is likely to appear in the future); • Strong language to cover food providers and farmers markets in addition to other stores; • Requirement for 100 percent recycled paper bags, when offered for sale in stores; • Ban on all types of plastic bags, including “biodegradable” bags, which pose the same risk to the marine environment and do not readily break down in the ocean. Dana Point can lead the County in setting strong laws to regulate marine trash and protect our valuable coastal resources. Surfrider Foundation strongly supports the passage of the single-use plastic bag ban with a fee on paper bags to protect the oceans, waves and beaches that Dana Point citizens and visitors love. 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.

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

Letter to City in Opposition of a Single-use Plastic Bag Ban W hile I try not to weigh in on city issues, I was asked by the Mayor, to offer testimony for the December 12 City Council Meeting regarding the plastic bag and Styrofoam ban. As such, I strongly urge the Dana Point City Council to oppose a plastic bag ban ordinance. While I understand the sentiment and desire to take action on an issue that deserves attention, a similar ban on plastic bags and Styrofoam failed to pass the State Legislature in Sacramento. Even the most liberal members of our Legislature understood, after many hearings and shared information; the additional Dana Point Times January 13–19, 2012

costs of these bans are passed directly to the consumer at a time when many are struggling financially. More to the point, new ordinances, regulations, fees, and taxes send the wrong message to our citizens and businesses community during this continuing recession. There is no doubt we need to find ways to stop people from littering our beaches and parks. But to eliminate plastic bags from one source, such that people may still bring them into town and/or buy them from another source, will render the ordinance ineffective. I also dispute that plastic shopping bags

are described as single-use. Many of us reuse the bags as trash can liners, and to store products many times over. Is the city going to ban baggies for food storage or store purchased plastic trash and lawn and leaf bags? I recall that years ago we determined to switch from paper bags to plastic bags to “save the trees and the planet” and reduce landfill waste, as paper bags are more cumbersome to store and throw away. While they degrade faster than plastic they also take up more landfill space. More personal awareness and responsibility are needed, and we can promote

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clean beach and park policies at home, through our schools, the Ocean Institute, Boys and Girls Club and other places where children convene and enjoy the outdoors. Children often serve as the best reminder of proper behavior for their parents. Plastic bags have nothing to do with our water quality issues at Doheny or in the harbor. It would be very disappointing if my home city were more hostile to local businesses than Sacramento. 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.

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soapbox

Letters to the Editor On Diane Harkey’s Gridlock Jim Slark, Dana Point

“Gridlock is good!!!!” Not to overstate the exclamation points, but that’s the message from our Assemblywoman Diane Harkey in last week’s issue of the DP Times. That means we should welcome the same Republican intransigence that we have in Washington, where a simple majority in the Senate does not win the day because of Republican Senate intransigence expressed through filibusters. Where the Republican House doubles down by trying to shut down the government. Perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad, but keep in mind most of our troubles began with Republican actions of the former administration, and the deregulation of the banks by Clinton, killing Glass Segal that allowed the reign of the banksters (contraction of bankers and gangsters) that broke the country. This political genius is what is being tendered, when the message should be “work together to solve our problems.” Funny we never hear any of that message from Diane.

Postal Service: Get a Clue from DANA POINT Barbara Merriman, Dana Point

Johnny Carson once said “Mail your packages early so that the Post Office can lose them in time for Christmas.” My

respect for our postal service diminished by a large percentage these past few days. I went to the Dana Point Post Office on the Saturday before Christmas, to get a stamp to mail a card to France. I was 25th in line, according to the little number system they have, and after 20 minutes, I had moved up only four places. Two windows out of four were open that day. I left, and planned to return the following Monday to get my stamp. When I arrived at the Dana Point Post Office Monday at 8:15 a.m., there was already a line, and I took my spot at number eight in that line. We all waited patiently for the office to open at 8:30, and when it did; there was only one clerk for a line that had grown to over 30 people! I couldn’t help but wonder how much better this post office would be if run by the City of Dana Point instead of the USPS. I also wondered what Johnny Carson would have to say about this kind of service. What I have to say isn’t printable.

Library Sorely Lacking Sher Fuller, Dana Point

After reading an excerpt in Vanity Fair about “Unbroken” I couldn’t wait to read the whole story. I called the library

and they said the list was a mile long. I “needed” to read it now so while cruising the book aisle at Costco I saw it and snapped it up at only $18. I feasted on this book and when I was finished felt a little sad that it was over. “Unbroken” sat there on a shelf looking a little sad too. So, when I went to our sad, pathetic, out-of-date relic we have to call our library I took “Unbroken” with me. On the way over, I started thinking—hmmm—do these new electronic books enable their owners to pass on a book? I think the only way that is possible is if both parties own the same device. With a real book you can give it to anyone you want, at any time, no fuss. Am I the only person that thinks more people today are only concerned with themselves, they are an island, and forget everyone else? At the library I returned another book and went over to the information desk, I asked if they had “Unbroken” and the gal at the desk just sort of smiled a sad little smile and said that the list was months long. With that response I pulled “Unbroken” out of my purse and handed it to her. Her eyes got big as saucers and she almost did a little jig, right there on the spot. I felt good, she felt great, and the next reader on the list is going to get a real treat a lot sooner than expected. You can’t do that with an electronic book.

While there I went hunting for another book and couldn’t find it so I went back to the information desk and asked about it, the gal looked it up on the computer and said it wasn’t at this location but they could get it from the Santa Ana branch and it would take about a week and cost me 25 cents to have it transferred to Dana Point. I thought for a minute, hey, I just gave you a great book for free and you’re going to charge me a quarter for another book? Ah, the irony. But then again, with our pathetic little excuse for a library they can use every quarter they get. People, take your books that are sitting on your shelves and give them to the library, what good are they doing you sitting there gathering dust? By the way, I moved in February to a different apartment and took over 200 books over to the library to their book store—a win-win for everyone. Folks are worried that books will disappear; that will happen only if we let it happen.

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail 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.

GETTING OUT

GO.SEE.DO HAIRIEST MAN…OR SOILED DOVE? The next Swallows Day Parade is right around the corner. Signups for the Hairiest Man Contest are 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 14 at the Swallows Inn in San Juan Capistrano. Men who want to enter the contest should show up at the watering hole with a freshly shorn face. Then don’t shave, or shave very carefully, between then and Fiesta Grande on March 21. The men who has the longest beard, and best trimmed, win the prize. Now in its 54th year, the Swallows Day Parade is one the nation’s largest non-motorized parades, featuring more than 100 parade entries with approximately 500 horses. The parade and all of the associated events are put on by the all-volunteer Fiesta Association. This year’s parade, with Grand Marshals Bill and Joan Cvengros, will be March 24. The group is always looking for volunteers, and potential members and those who want to help out are welcome to attend the Fiesta Association’s weekly Wednesday night meetings. The 6:30 p.m. meetings are held at the Nydegger Building in San Juan Capistrano, at 31421 La Matanza Street. For more information , see www.swallowsparade.com. —Jonathan Volzke

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

DS aannCalePmoe ni te nt

Courtesy of SJC Fiesta Association

THE LIST A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

friday

RUN FOR YOUR WIFE 8 p.m. Comedic play at Cabrillo Playhouse. Shows through Jan. 29. Tickets $15. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

NEW ARRIVALS WINE TASTING 5:30 p.m. $15 for seven wines at San Clemente Wine Company. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com. EDITOR’S PICK: CARL VERHEYEN 7:30 p.m. Lord of the Strings Concerts presents solo guitar artist Carl Verheyen. Voted “One of the Top 10 Guitar Players of All Time” by Guitar Magazine, Verheyen was also a featured soloist at the 2009 Academy Awards. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online. Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestrings.com.

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. 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

HUGH LEHAN 10 p.m. Live music at Molly Blooms Irish Bar & Restaurant. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.

MIKE HAMILTON 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at French 75. 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8444, www.french75.net, www.mikehamiltonmusic.com. Dana Point Times January 13–19, 2012

MR. J 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Live band set with Mr. J every Saturday in January, dinner and dancing at Salt Creek Grill. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com. CARL PINO 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com. SECOND STAGE STAND UP 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Live comedy at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $12. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

sunday

LOCAL SUNDAY SESSIONS 6 p.m. Local Sunday Sessions at Cabrillo Playhouse featuring an all acoustic set of punk and folk rock bands Ruby Throated, The Resurrectionists and Trouble in the Wind. $5 cash suggested donation. Beer and wine served for donation.202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, www.facebook.com/localsundaysessions.

TOOLS FOR CHANGE 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Ecology Center’s new interactive exhibition, featuring sustainable household products, a play area and learning space for children, and special weekend events. Open Saturdays and Sundays. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949443-4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org. BLUE WHALE BONANZA Capt Dave’s Safari offers whale and dolphin watching. Cost $55 adults, $35 children, 2 and younger free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com. PAT TRAVERS 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House, also with Union of Saints and Un D Vided. Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.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. Page 9

tuesday

LUCINDA WILLIAMS 8 p.m. Female artist in concert at The Coach House. Tickets $45. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME 10:30 a.m. Story time at the Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

wednesday

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET WEAVING 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Experience the art of basket weaving, a Native American tradition, at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Free with admission. 26801 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

MISSY ANDERSEN 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com. JIM SUMMERS & FRIENDS 7 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

thursday

BRANDON WILDISH 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live acoustic music at Salt Creek Grill. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

CONCERT HOUR: JOEY SELLERS TRIO 12 p.m. Saddleback College Director of Jazz Studies Joey Sellers performs with his eclectic trio. Free. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Meet the first & third Thursdays at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park to volunteer at the park, meet friends and more. Bring gloves. 31661 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

SUDOKU by Myles Mellor Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9X9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3X3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

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

On Life and Love After 50: Tom Blake

Livin’ La Vida Kiwi N

ew Zealand is a wonderful place to visit. My partner Greta and I spent two weeks in December on a cruise from Sydney, Australia, through the South and North Islands of New Zealand. As we sailed out of Sydney Harbor on the Holland America ship Volendam, we had an occasion that few people experience: the ship passed under the Sydney Harbor Bridge with only approximately 5 feet of clearance. On deck, one could almost reach out and touch the cars whizzing above. After two days transiting the Tasmanian Sea, the ship sailed into Fiordland National Park with visits to three fiords: Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. And while December marks the start of the summer down under, the weather was a bit cool, in the neighborhood of 60 degrees. Our first port of call was Oban, Stewart Island, the Southern-most inhabited island in New Zealand, population is 400. I love trains and always try to visit the train station in every city. Locating a city’s station helps you get your bearings. In Dunedin, the station is breathtaking, constructed with thousands of inlaid tiles. Adjacent to the station was an outdoor market where Christmas items, local food, particularly lamb, cheese and

award-winning wines were sold. At the market, we spotted the silos of the world famous Cadbury Chocolate Factory. Of course, we had to tour the plant and received many samples of the famous Cadbury chocolate. Greta On Life and Love After 50 purchased several boxes By Tom Blake to bring home as gifts for her family members. The highlight of our visit to New Zealand was the day we spent in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, which is on the southern tip of the North Island. The shipped docked directly across from a large stadium. When Greta and I walked into town, we asked a security guard if the stadium was for football and rugby. He said yes, that the 2011 Rugby World Cup champions—the All Blacks of New Zealand— played there. He mentioned that the team’s headquarters was a couple of blocks away. When we walked to the headquarters and saw a giant trophy case in the atrium, we decided to go in and take a photo. We explained to a very large, rugby-player receptionist named Israel that we were from

California. He was so impressed that visitors from the USA were interested in the New Zealand world rugby champions that he gave us two “Cup Glory” yearbooks that highlight the team’s championship season (the books are not available for sale in stores). We were honored by this gesture. The New Zealand people are among the friendliest in the world. At the Wellington train station, a uniformed station agent named Carl took 10 minutes of his time to show us a book on the history of Wellington rail at a store within the station. At one point, we popped into a shop called the Olympic Games Museum. I was curious because I had been at the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960 and had seen in person New Zealand’s Peter Snell win the track gold medal in the 800 meters. When I mentioned that tidbit to another friendly Kiwi named Terry Daly, the commercial and marketing director for the New Zealand Olympic Committee, he gave me an official New Zealand Olympic team lapel pin and told me he wanted to give me something else, but it was in his office in Auckland. I told him we’d be there in two days. Back on the ship, the captain announced that our last port of call would be Auckland,

New Zealand’s largest city of 1.4 million people. The best way to see Auckland is by riding the Hop On, Hop Off Explorer bus. After a stop at the Auckland fish market for the best fish and chips I’ve ever eaten, Greta reminded me that we needed to visit our New Zealand Olympic Committee friend. The bus stopped near his office. Terry gave us an Olympic team track and field jersey signed by the great Peter Snell. The latter will be posted on the sports wall of fame in my Dana Point deli, Tutor & Spunky’s. As Greta and I stood on the deck of the ship while we sailed out of Auckland Harbor, sipping our New Zealand wine, all we could say was “What a country. What friendly people. New Zealand, we love you.” Log on to www.danapointtimes.com to read more and see a photo slideshow from the New Zealand leg of our trip. 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.FindingLove. 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.

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 Nona Associates 949.496.2275 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com

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

CAFE - DELI CATERING 949.388.8102

CHIROPRACTORS

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES 949.661.3151

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

COINS GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

Island Inspired Pool & Spa islandinspired@earthlink.net

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

949.350.4692 Kevin

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES

FITNESS PROGRAMS 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

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

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

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

949.661.5664

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

949.547.1000

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

Jolly Roger Restaurant 949.496.0855 34661 Golden Lantern, www.aloharestaurants.com Smokey’s House of BBQ 949.388.8102 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com

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

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

JUNIOR WATERMAN PROGRAM Ocean Academy www.oceanacademy4u.com

949.218.4464

Junk Removal

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

POOL & SPA SERVICE

RESTAURANTS

Insurance Services

San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 Green Dump Truck www.greendumptruck.com

CONTRACTORs - GENERAL

949.496.9731

PRINT SHOP 949.248.1007

ICE CREAM

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

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.

Fit Club - Boot Camp www.afitclub.com

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

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

Chick’s Plumbing www.chicks-plumbing.com

949.500.2909 ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, 949.489.1955 www.abcembroideryshop.com 949.248.8595

Plumbing

Your business here!

EMBROIDERY

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

BUSINESS • S P O T L I G H T

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

DANA POINT SKIER, 8, FLYING HIGH Schneider takes second at Kittredge Cup, sticks pro-level ski jumps

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

D a n a Po i nt

Daniel Schneider takes ﬂight for some big air off the Mammoth Mountain’s largest jump—”Showtime.” Courtesy photo

ana Point skier, Daniel Schneider, 8, became a bit of a sensation late last month at Mammoth Mountain after taking second place at the Kittredge Cup. The event consisted of a Giant Slalom ski race that included about 100 competitors, all between the ages of 5 and 8 years old. Schneider also took three runs over “Showtime”— the largest jump at Mammoth and reserved mostly for professional athletes. “Showtime” features a 15-foot high ramp that launches skiers nearly 60 feet through the air. According to Benny Ryerson, Mammoth’s Freestyle Director, “No 8-year-old has ever done this and (Schneider’s) team of 11- to 18-year-olds doesn’t even train on it. We will have to make an exception for his age and get Daniel on our (upper-level) team,” said Ryerson. Schneider began skiing at the age of 4 and was accepted onto Mammoth’s Mighty Mite Ski Team last year. This season he has advanced into the junior race program known as J6 and travels with his team to various California mountain resorts to compete. From January 20-21, Mountain High will host the ﬁrst competitive meet of 2012 for the team.

Dolphin Report: SPORTS NEWS FROM DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

By David Zimmerle

BOYS BASKETBALL • The Dolphins (1-1 SCL, 9-8) opened up South Coast League play with a 50-40 loss to Mission Viejo on January 4. Down 26-18 at the half, a third period push saw the Dolphins outscore the Diablos 14-12. Alex Brown led with 17 points while Hayden Fredrick finished with 14 points of his own. The boys then hosted Tesoro on January 6 and put up an impressive 62-45 win against the Titans in front of a supportive home crowd. Dana outscored Tesoro in all four periods of play and even went into the half cruising with a 28-17 lead. On the game, Fredrick led with 22 points, Brown had 12 points and Cole Cable also reached double digits with 10 points scored. The team moved on to face El Toro at home on January 11 before hosting Capo Valley on January 13. Next 7 days: Jan. 18 vs. Laguna Hills, 7 p.m.; Jan. 20 vs. *Mission Viejo, 7 p.m. GIRLS BASKETBALL • The Lady Dolphins (0-2 SCL, 8-8) opened up South Coast League play with a 57-30 loss to cross-town rival San Clemente on January 3. For the most part, Dana Hills’ starting five were held in check throughout the game with Kristen Beckman leading the scoring front with nine points. Trish Flynn and Michaela Hutton each finished with four points while Laura Johnson netted six points. The girls then dropped its next league game in a 5830 loss to Laguna Hills on January 5. The Lady Hawks came out with a purpose while hosting Dana Hills, holding their opponent to single digit scoring throughout the first three periods of the game. For the Lady Dolphins, Johnson led with 10 points while Beckman finished with seven points. Dana Hills then traveled to take on Rosary in nonleague play on January 7 and lost in a heartbreaker by the final score of 42-20. Down 19-8 at the half, the Lady Dolphins went on to outscore their opponents in the final two frames but the effort was not enough to leave with the upset victory in hand. Johnson led the scoring attack with 17 points while Beckman tallied 11 points in the loss. The team faced Aliso Niguel on the road January 10 followed by a home game against El Toro on January 12.

Dana Point Times January 13–19, 2012

Next 7 days: Jan. 16 vs. Sonoro, 1 p.m.; Jan. 17 vs. *Mission Viejo, 7 p.m.; Jan. 19 vs. *San Clemente, 7 p.m. BOYS SOCCER • The Dolphins (1-1 SVL, 5-6-4) finally entered the Sea View League portion of its schedule with a match against San Juan Hills on January 4. Unfortunately for Dana Hills, the Stallions came out ready and sent the Dolphins packing with a 2-1 loss. San Juan Hills scored both of its goals in the first half, while Dana Hills got its lone goal of the match in the second half. However, the team bounced back with a win at home after defeating Trabuco Hills, 2-1, on January 6. The first half of this one featured plenty of action as all three of the game’s goals were scored. Vicente Ruiz was the man of the pitch in this match, netting both of Dana’s goals in the win. The Dolphins went on to face Mission Viejo on the road January 11 before going on to host Capo Valley on January 13. Next 7 days: Jan. 20 at *Trabuco Hills, 3:15 p.m. GIRLS SOCCER • The Lady Dolphins (2-0 SVL, 9-4) are off to a great start within Sea View League play. Dana Hills rolled to a 3-1 win against San Juan Hills in its league opener on January 3 with the Lady Dolphins posting a 1-0 lead at the half before firing off two more goals in the second to seal the win. Lynsey Gaines led the squad with two goals on the day while Rachel Edelstein finished with one goal. Keeper Megan Dickmann finished with two big saves at the net. The team then faced Tesoro at home on January 5 and edged the Lady Titans by the final score of 1-0. Dana’s eventual winner came in the first half off a goal by Brittany Valentine. The team went on to face Laguna Hills on the road January 10 before hosting another league match against Capo Valley on January 12. Next 7 days: Jan. 19 at *Tesoro, 3:15 p.m. GIRLS WATER POLO • Since taking a break in action due to the holiday season and following a Decem-

Page 12

The Dolphins varsity basketball team scored an impressive 62-45 win over Tesoro at home on January 6. Photo by Tony Tribolet/XPSPhoto.com

ber 15 nonleague loss to Edison that same day, the Lady Dolphins (2-0 SVL, 9-7) hit the pool for the Sea View League portion of its schedule on January 3, trouncing San Juan Hills 19-1 in a lopsided win. Four players for Dana finished with hat tricks on the game including Emily Carlson, Erika Nielsen, Kelcie Pourzanjani and Molly Wilbur. Next, the girls faced Trabuco Hills on January 5 and rolled to a 10-4 win against the Lady Mustangs. Dana Hills led 6-0 at the half before both teams matched one another with two goals scored apiece in both the third and fourth periods. Carlson and Wilbur each finished with three goals apiece while Madison Baba banged out two. But the Lady Dolphins had trouble corralling the Lady Oilers of Huntington Beach in nonleague play at home on January 6, losing 10-9. Huntington led 6-5 at the half, despite Dana keeping it close for the final two periods, and pulled off the road win. For Dana, Carlson had the hot hand with four goals scored. The team went on to face Mission Viejo on January 10 before traveling to take on Aliso Niguel on January 12. Next 7 days: Jan. 19 vs. *Trabuco Hills, 3:15 p.m.; Jan. 20-21 at Coronado Tournament, TBA WRESTLING • After competing against Tesoro in a Sea View League dual on January 5, the Dolphins sent some wrestlers to the Riverside Tournament January 67. The team next faced El Toro on January 12 in another league dual before hitting the road to match up against 75 other schools in the Five Counties Tournament this weekend. Next 7 days: Jan. 19 at *Aliso Niguel, 7 p.m.

www.danapointtimes.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY DP DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE SAT/SUN JAN 14/15 10AM TO 4PM Furniture, Household Goods, and Decor. 2929 Via Blanco, San Clemente

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

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Dana Point Times January 13–19, 2012

Page 13

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DP SURF

Grom of the WEEK Colin Brantell

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Age: 3, Palisades Methodist At age 3 Colin Brantell is already laying the groundwork for a future as a surfer. Following in the footsteps of his older brother Ben (age 6), Colin has been taking swimming lessons for a year now and spends a lot of time getting used to the waves. “Right now it’s just about being consistent in bringing him to the beach and letting him play and get comfortable with the ocean,” said Colin’s dad Jason. Colin is the second of three children the Brantell family is hoping to cultivate a love for the ocean and riding waves in. He is a big brother to a 2-year-old sister who also loves the water. Besides going to the beach with his dad and brother, Colin also enjoys playing with his Star Wars toys and Legos during his free time. He says he likes going to school and the best parts of his preschool lessons are practicing his coloring and cutting. When asked how long he thinks it will be before he stands up on his first wave, Colin said, “I don’t know,” then he eagerly proceeded to demonstrate what he thinks his style and stance will look like standing atop a tiny yellow soft board on a sidewalk near T Street, with his toes on the nose and a soul arch in his back. —Andrea Swayne

D a n a Po i nt

Photo by Andrea Swayne

Big Surf Weekend in South County Surf contests, waves, memorials top weekend surf news By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

urfers and fans had many venues to choose from this weekend as three contests were held along the shores of South Orange County from San Onofre to San Clemente and Dana Point. Going into the weekend, contest organizers had their eyes on surf forecasts, watching a powerful swell that arrived on Friday. The prediction of big waves was largely responsible for the postponement of the Huntington Beach memorial paddle out for late Surfline founder Sean Collins from Saturday to Sunday, but a trio of South County contests went on as planned. Saturday competition kicked off in bombing 6- to 8-foot surf with double overhead sets, clear skies and warm weather. An NSSA Open contest in Dana Point at Salt Creek Beach, a WSA contest at the San Clemente pier and the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association Gathering of the Tribes coalition contest at San Onofre’s Church beach had multi-series surfers making the short drive back and forth between venues to make the most of the weekend’s events. The WSA’s annual memorial contest, dubbed the Pier Rat Challenge in honor of the late Midget Smith, included a paddle out in honor of both Smith and Collins. Lifeguards moved the memorial from the north side of the pier to the south, due to the large sets and strong southern-moving current.

A paddle out in honor of the Jeffrey “Midget” Smith was held at the Pier Rat Challenge. Surfers also paddled out for Surfline founder Sean Collins. Photo by Sherri Crummer/seasister.com

Dana Point Times January 13–19, 2012

San Clemente’s Noah Hohenester was charged by a big sea lion during the WSA contest at the San Clemente pier on Sunday. Photo by Mark Simon

Foggy conditions threatened to delay the action on Sunday as the waves decreased to between the chest- and head-high range. In San Clemente the fog wasn’t an issue as much as a large sea lion that was having some fun with the groms, charging at them in the lineup. At Salt Creek, the fog caused a few on and off delays putting the event about one hour behind. According to NSSA Director Janice Aragon, San Clemente surfers Breyden Taylor and Griffin Colapinto both had stand out performances. “Breyden Taylor made his first final in the premier Open Men’s division this season and Griffin Colapinto placed second in Open Juniors for the fifth time this season, solidifying his number one position in the ratings,” said Aragon. Both WSA and DLSA contests were dominated by great performances from local surfers as well. Log on to www.sanclementetimes.com for full results and a photo slideshow of the weekend’s events. DP Page 14

Surf ForecasT Water temp: 57-60˚F Water visibility and conditions: Local: 15-20’ Fair; Catalina: 15-25’+ Fair+ Remarks: A small, fun mix of surf prevails through the day on Thursday as old WestNorthwest swell fades and small South swell mixes in. Surge is light and visibility is fair, setting up generally fair+ diving conditions overall. Short range: Surf size is running 2-3’+ (kneewaist-chest high) for most of the region on Thursday, with a few slightly larger sets for top breaks through the early morning. Light offshore winds keep the surf clean and generally fair overall. Easing South swell and WNW swell leftovers keep most breaks in the 1-2’ occ. 3’ (knee-thigh occ. waist high) range on Friday. Morning winds remain light for mostly clean conditions. Long range: A small new West-Northwest swell moves in for the weekend. Size is generally in the 2-3’ (knee-waist high) range on Saturday, and holds steady into Sunday. Light morning winds set up clean, generally favorable conditions overall. Stay tuned to Surfline.com for updates.

SURF RESULTS WSA Gatorade Championship Tour Event No. 6, Midget Smith Pier Rat Challenge, January 7-8, San Clemente, Pier Local finishers only. MICRO GROM BOYS/ GIRLS SB U9: 2. Cooper Sutton, SC; 3. Patrick O’Connor, SJC; 6. Nicholas Coli, SC. BOYS/ GIRLS U10: 1. Kade Matson, SC; 2. Cooper Sutton, SC. BOYS U12: 1. Cole Houshmand, SC; 2. Shane Hardy, DP; 3. Kade Matson, SC; 4. Trevor Sutton, SC; 6. Noah Hohenester, SC. BOYS U14: 6. Kai Diamond, DP. BOYS U16: 3. Colton Overin, SC. BOYS U18: 3. Jordan Kudla, SC; 6. Wyatt Brady, SC. GIRLS U12: 3. Alexxa Elseewi, SC; 5. Kirra Pinkerton, SC; 6. Ellie Bosse, SC. GIRLS U14: 6. Malia Osterkamp, SC. GIRLS U16: 3. Kirra Connolly, SC. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Jacob Atwood, CB. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 2. Mason Shaw, CB; 3. Kyle Perez, DP; 5. Dylan Cox, CB. GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Rachael Tilly, CB; 2. Teresa O’Connor, SJC; 4. Meg Roh, DP. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Emmy Lombard, SC; 2. Rachael Tilly, CB; 3. Karina Rozunko, SC; 5. Teresa O’Connor, SJC. MEN 18-29: 3. Ricky Lovato, SC. MASTERS 30-39: 6. Eric Rendon, SC. LEGENDS 50+: 4. Dale Baker, SC. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1. Rick Erkeneff, DP. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Lulu Erkeneff, DP; 4. Keeley McWilliam, SC. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 6. Eric Rendon, SC. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Lulu Erkeneff, DP; 2. Tory Gilkerson, SC. Log on to www.sanclementetimes.com for full results. NSSA Southwest Conference Open Event No. 8, January 7-8, Dana Point, Salt Creek Local finishers only. MEN: 4. Breyden Taylor, SC. JUNIORS: 2. Griffin Colapinto, SC. MINI GROMS: 2. Ethan Mudge, CB; 4. Crosby Colapinto, SC. GIRLS: 2. Tia Blanco, SC. Log on to www.sanclementetimes.com for full results.

UPCOMING EVENTS January 14: NSSA Southwest Conference Explorer Event No. 5, Huntington Beach, Pier January 28-29: Nike 6.0 Surfing America Prime Event No. 3, Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane www.danapointtimes.com