Dana Point Times

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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 16

A Purr-fect Fit Animal Shelter Celebrates Grand Opening of Cat Room Addition E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Christine Sonntag and her stepmom Andrea Alvarez of Dana Point interact with kittens Sugar and Spice in the cat room addition at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

www.danapointtimes.com

Budget is Balanced say City Officials

New Zoning Approved for Former Mobile Home Park

USA Surf Team Going for Gold in Panama

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EYE ON DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

City and Business Calendar SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Recycling Event at Dana Hills High 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, is hosting the next in a year-long series of community recycling events. 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 are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs. Future events will be held, May 5, 19 and June 16. Events will be

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held rain or shine. For more information send an email to president@ dhhsptsa.com.

949.499.4555, www.scwd.org

MONDAY, APRIL 23

Wag-A-Thon 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The 19th Annual Pet Project Foundation Wag-A-Thon, a fundraiser for the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter, Dana Point Harbor Island (at Island Way and Dana Drive). Event includes a 4K dog walk, music, food, pet contests, demonstrations, Bowser Bazaar and more.

Tickets $35. For more information or to register online see www.petprojectfoundation.org.

Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3563, www.danapoint.org THURSDAY, APRIL 26 South Coast Water District Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern,

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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…Rezoning a Former Mobile Home Park?

THE LATEST: City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a General Plan amendment that clears the way for a mixed-use residential and commercial project on the 9-acre piece of land (formerly a mobile home park) near Del Obispo and Pacific Coast Highway.

The plan received Coastal Commission approval with modifications including enhanced visitor-serving commercial uses on ground level buildings fronting PCH, a 25-foot setback from and public parking/access to the San Juan Creek Bike Trail and an adequate buffer between the project and South Orange County Water Authority land to the north.

The change allows for 18 residential units per acre—128 total since, according to City Manager Doug Chotkevys, the city will require 2 of the 9 acres be public park space.

The project received opposition in the form of a letter from the SOCWA and Dana Point resident Mary Jeffries who presented about 600 signed petitions at a December Coastal Commission meeting.

Jeffries also told the council it was difficult to find any information about the project and said it “looks pathetic,” is too dense and won’t include garages.

Chotkevys responded by saying that an actual plan has yet to be submitted and the project is nowhere near the point when specifics such as garages will even discussed.

Director of Community Development Kyle Butterwick said garage parking is a requirement under the city’s municipal code.

WHAT’S NEXT: When the city receives a plan from the developer it will be subject to a development review process by City Council, City Planning and other Commissions, Chotkevys said.

FIND OUT MORE: Log on to www.danapointtimes.com. --Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times April 20–26, 2012

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… Closing Nuclear Plants?

THE LATEST: A proposed ballot initiative to shut down the state’s two nuclear power plants failed to get the needed 504,760 signatures, preventing it from reaching voters in the fall.

Backers had until Monday to get the signatures for an initiative that called for the closure of Diablo Canyon Power Plant and San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station until the state found a way to dispose of spent fuel rods or radioactive waste.

This week, proponent Ben Davis Jr. refused to say how many people had signed on and blamed the shortfall on the state’s Legislative Analyst Office, which said the closures would cost billions of dollars and cause energy disruptions.

Davis said he and fellow backers had contested the analysis, but because it was on signature collection forms, they were unable to reach their goal.

The proponent said the coincidence of SONGS not producing power and additional information he received from Cal-ISO, the state’s independent transmission operator, disproved the Legislative Analyst Office’s report.

WHAT’S NEXT: Davis said he planned to sue the office and other state. He seeks a remedy that would allow the initiative to get to voters without the signatures.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapointtimes.com for updates. —Stacie N. Galang

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…the Capo Beach Christmas Tree?

THE LATEST: One of two trees knocked down when fierce winds and rain hit South

Orange County on April 13, had historical significance to Capistrano Beach.

The pine tree growing in the Camino de Estrella median near Camino Capistrano was the official Capistrano Beach Christmas tree donated by the Capistrano Beach Community Association in 1987.

A neighboring pine snapped at ground level when a brief but intense squall hit at around 2 p.m. and took out the historic tree on the way down.

Fortunately neither fell into the roadway.

Crews moved in quickly and began cutting the fallen trees to manageable pieces for removal. The commemorative monument at the base of the tree remains.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city will decide whether a replacement will be planted.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned for updates.

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…the City Budget?

THE LATEST: Revenue is off by about $300,000 for the 2011-12 fiscal year but the city has identified an equal amount in savings to compensate, said City Manager Doug Chotkevys during a Tuesday City Council meeting budget update report.

Assistant City Manager Mike Killebrew said that although the recession was technically over by mid-2009, its effects have lingered. And although many of the city’s revenue sources are up over last year the increases are lower than projected.

General fund revenue is up by 6.7 percent over the same period last fiscal year, sales tax revenue is up by $200,000 or about 9 percent, property taxes rose by about 1 percent and transient occupancy tax is up 13 percent, a bit lower than projected, Killebrew said.

The state pulled cities’ share of vehicle license fees this year, which resulted in a

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loss of about $125,000 for Dana Point.

WHAT’S NEXT: Chotkevys said he views the city’s financial future with a “guarded optimism” and the planned discretionary spending cuts along with the ongoing fouryear freeze in salary increases will balance the budget without effecting services to residents.

“Because our fiscally conservative policies we are lucky to have a two-year budget when other cities struggle to produce six month budgets, said Chotkevys. “We’re very committed to maintaining the five-star quality of life our residents are accustomed to.”

FIND OUT MORE: Log on to www.danapointtimes.com to read the full budget report. --AS

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…the Town Center Plan?

THE LATEST: City Council unanimously approved a transfer of $350,000 in funds from the Town Center Revitalization Fund to begin construction of a southern gateway in the area.

The funds transfer was included in a budget updated approved at Tuesday’s City Council meeting and will be taken from the existing $800,000 in the Town Center Fund.

WHAT’S NEXT: City Manager Doug Chotkevys said that although the budget will not allow completion of the entire $20 million project, including making Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado into two-way streets, construction of a gateway shows the city’s commitment to the project.

A start date for construction of the gateway will be set in the coming weeks.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapointtimes.com. --AS www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Purr-fect Fit Animal Shelter Celebrates Grand Opening of Cat Room Addition

By Stacie N. Galang San Clemente Times

N

o matter what species you are, the Lori Hoenow Cat Adoption Center is best described as purr-fect.

For humans, the grand opening Saturday, April 14 of the sparkling 1,129-squarefoot cat room addition at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter represents years of dreaming, planning and fundraising. For felines, the space means room to spread out.

The cats went from cramped quarters of 2.5-by-1.5-feet cages to eight sprawling cat suites of 8-feet-by-7-feet with climbing furniture, scratching posts and nooks to nestle up in.

The Lori Hoenow Cat Adoption Center, which cost just under $600,000 to build, also boasts a “shy kitty” area for animals that need separation for medical or other reasons, a kitty kitchen, a quarantine area and anti-microbial flooring. Even those that must be housed separately stay in “kitty cottages” or larger cages with their kitty litter away from their living area.

City officials from Dana Point and San Clemente, volunteers from nonprofit Pet Project Foundation, community members and well-wishers turned out to cut the leopard-printed ribbon and usher in a new era for cats at the Avenida Fabricante facility.

Dana Point Mayor Lara Anderson described the opening as a “momentous occasion.”

“I want to thank you all for all the effort you put into this,” she said. “It was a long arduous process.”

San Clemente City Councilman Jim Dahl, who served on the Coastal Animal Services Authority board described the addition a “just an absolutely fantastic facility.”

The pro-humane shelter keeps all animals until they find a home, and for some, it may take months, noted shelter Supervisor Jennifer Stinett of the Coastal Animal Services Authority.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to offer a space like this for our cats in the city,” she said.

Diane Leonard, chairwoman of Pet Project’s board, singled out the “four Musketeers” Paula Becker, Jill Buckley, Elaine Mata and Jeff Zakarian for their work on the Purr-fect Shelter Committee.

“This wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for these four people,” Leonard said.

THE LOVE OF FELINES Becker of Dana Point headed up the nonprofit’s committee because of her love Dana Point Times April 20–26, 2012

Above: Dana Point Mayor Lara Anderson cuts the ceremonial ribbon for the new cat addition at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter.

Left: Members of San Clemente’s Girl Scout Troop 110 helped raise $600 to donate to the shelter’s cat room addition.

Photos by Stacie N. Galang

of felines. Years ago, she and her husband adopted a 3 ½ -year-old former feral cat Saddles who lived to be 19.

“She changed our lives forever,” Becker said. “I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for Saddles.”

For many volunteers at the shelter, it was a pet that inspired them to devote time and energy to other animals, she said.

Dana Point and San Clemente each gave the campaign $150,000 to start the project and the volunteers helped raise the additional $300,000. Other donors, including Jeanne Lockett and Lori Hoenow, boosted funds with bequests.

Many others along the way pitched in with donations, including Girl Scout Troop 110 in San Clemente. The nine girls raised $600 with bake sales and car washes.

Three of them were on hand for the grand opening.

“It’s awesome,” said Olivia Avalos, 11.

Natalia Parsons, 11, said it was really cool for organizers to invite them to the festivities.

Jane Little, 10, said she liked how the cats now had room to roam around.

“They can interact and play,” she added.

Becker was thrilled with the results,

especially the quality setting for the cats.

“It’s so wonderful,” she said.

Stinett said she and volunteers were initially concerned the animals would be stressed by the move to their new digs, but they took to it without trouble.

“The first day they moved in, we knew they loved it,” she said. “We breathed a sigh of relief.”

It’s a long time coming for Sandra Ackerman who has volunteered to help animals for 29 years. When she started – long before the animal shelter – volunteers tied dogs up to a clothes line in a small lot on Avenida Pico in San Clemente, next to the old skating rink.

The cat addition means the saving of thousands of animal lives, the idea of which brought her to tears.

“Thousands of people have love and joy in their heart, knowing the love of an animal,” Ackerman said.

The work she has done for the shelter and its animals fulfills her life.

“I have done the thing I was born to do,” the longtime volunteer said.

ECONOMIC IMPACT The timing couldn’t be better for the

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facility that houses not only cats but also dogs, rabbits and the occasional bird or reptile.

Stinett, animal services supervisor, said in the last two years more pet owners have had to give over their animals because of the economy. Many have lost their jobs and homes and simply can’t care for their cats or dogs, she said.

“We house 10 to 15 more dogs now than when I started seven years ago,” Stinett said. “Also, in a hard economy it’s difficult to get people to adopt because pets are expensive.”

Factors like the economy and breed can play a role in the time the critters stay at the shelter, the supervisor said. But since the shelter is pro-humane, they keep animals until they find a home and could limit them from accepting others being surrendered.

While the cat room addition won’t necessarily increase the number of animals housed at the animal shelter, staff and volunteers said it could help pets find homes sooner. The cats will be better socialized in the larger suites rather than cramped cages, and potential owners will be able to see them and visit more easily when deciding to take home a furry friend.

“We’re hoping to be able to show the animals to the public and get them adopted quicker,” the supervisor said.

Ralph, a 4-year-old black and white male cat, and Parsley, 8-month-old grey tabby female, certainly appreciated the display area.

The two felines found a home Saturday after the grand opening. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY

Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE 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, April 17 SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Niguel Road (5:54 p.m.) A man with long black hair who appeared to be in his late 20s or early 30s was seen walking northbound along PCH carrying a beer and flipping off passersby.

Monday, April 16 SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE

Pacific Coast Highway (5:13 p.m.) Two men dressed in black sweaters approached a man’s car as he was stopped at a stoplight near Starbucks. The man driving the vehicle pulled out a tire iron in an effort to scare them off and it worked. The two hooded men retreated to the other side of the street to join others who were loitering next to a donut shop.

Sunday, April 15

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY La Cresta Drive, 25000 Block (1:31 a.m.)

A loud group of Marines were heard partying earlier in the night and a disturbance complaint was phoned in. Deputies eventually stepped in to break it up.

Saturday, April 14

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Dana Point Harbor Drive (10:09 p.m.) A visibly intoxicated woman was seen getting dangerously close to a beached sea lion at the north end of Baby Beach. The woman stated that she wanted to take the animal “under her wing.” The Pacific Marine Mammal Center, which operates out of Laguna Beach, was contacted and told about the animal. They made plans to pick the sea lion up the following morning.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE Ruby Lantern, 34000 Block (9:08 p.m.)

All alone in an apartment, awaiting the arrival of his 17-year-old sister, a 14-yearold boy heard pounding on his bathroom door while he was using it. The sister rushed home, along with a 20-year-old friend, to find the apartment empty.

About 15 minutes later, all three heard tapping at the front door and proceeded together as a group into the bathroom

NEWS BITES

to hide. No suspect was found and it was discovered that the window by the front door had been left open.

ASSIST OUTSIDE-AGENCY La Serena Drive, 34100 Block (6:35 p.m.)

A structure fire caused by a barbeque spread throughout one unit of an apartment complex.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Olinda Drive, 33800 Block (2:18 p.m.) A large tree branch broke and fell onto a gold convertible, breaking a fence and blocking the street in the process.

STOLEN VEHICLE Calle Real, 26800 Block (8:21 a.m.) A red and white Honda Valkyrie motorcycle was stolen from a caller’s garage sometime between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. The keys were with the bike, which the caller added, was all paid off.

DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road, 34200 Block (1:41 a.m.)

A group of about ten people were seen fighting in front of Coconuts bar.

Friday, April 13 INVESTIGATE PERSON-DOWN Golden Lantern (3:48 p.m.) A male was spotted sleeping behind the wheel of a light blue Chevy Malibu. But the caller decided to inform deputies of the incident when the sleeping man would not respond to the shining glare of a flashlight being waved in his face. It turns out the man was passed out drunk with his seatbelt still on.

Thursday, April 12 VANDALISM REPORT Del Prado Avenue, 24500 Block (9:10 p.m.)

A post office was thought to have been vandalized after a caller walked in to find what was described as a “huge mess.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON-CIRCUMSTANCE La Plaza, 34100 Block (2:46 p.m.)

A caller reported two subjects dressed in white shirts, Dickies shorts and sporting shaved heads standing around outside of a store in the parking lot. They appeared to be casing the place, the caller said. The two were then seen inside of a nearby Albertsons where they reportedly stood around for 45 minutes but did not purchase a single item.

Compiled by Andrea Swayne

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Golf Tourney Benefits Guide Dogs for the Blind

Courtesy TeeOffForDogs.org

On Sunday, April 29 golfers can help guide dogs and their partners by playing in the 8th annual Tee Off For Dogs tournament at Monarch Beach Golf Links, 50 Monarch Beach Resort Drive North in Dana Point.

The event includes a round of golf, box lunch, awards dinner by the St. Regis Monarch Beach, opportunity drawings, a silent auction and plenty of opportunities to meet guide puppies in training, volunteer raisers, working guides and their partners.

Tee Off For Dogs was created by Dana Point resident and guide dog user Frank Frand who has raised over $200,000 to date. Proceeds support vision-related Dana Point Times April 20–26, 2012

programs including a research foundation and Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California. GDB provides guide dogs as well as intensive training and ongoing support for each human and dog team, all free of charge. The program is supported entirely by private donations.

Frand started the fundraising tournament to thank GDB for the guide dogs which restored his sense of independence and confidence after severe vision loss. “Teamed with my guide dog Cardinal I feel ready to tackle any challenge,” said Frand.

Tournament participants will play a “blind” hole and other activities that demonstrate how the visually impaired can continue to enjoy golfing with their friends.

“It will be a lot of laughs,” promises Frand.

“It’s also an opportunity to play a beautiful course at less than the usual weekend rate.”

Visit www.TeeOffForDogs.org to register for golf, dinner, or to become a sponsor. For questions not addressed on the website, email Frank at FFrand@msn.com or call him at 714.662.2397.

Benefit, Dance Program for South Orange County Children with Special Needs

In honor of April Autism Awareness Month, Impulse Dance Center in Aliso Viejo will host an autism awareness fundraising and educational event to benefit Talk About Curing Autism, Sunday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 27101 Aliso Creek Road, Suite 106.

Impulse will be introducing its new Impulse Angels dance program designed to provide artistic dance movement opportunities for children with special needs, including autism, in South Orange County.

Studio owner and creative director Alexa Beebe has over 20 years of dance experience and an intimate knowledge of what it means to live with autism having grown up with a brother who has autism.

TACA is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments.

For more information, see www.tacanow. org and www.impulsedanceoc.com.

SOCSA Presents Spring Musical “Sweet Charity” The South Orange County School of the Arts at Dana Hills High School presents

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its spring musical Sweet Charity April 21, 26-28, 7 p.m. in the Porthole Theater on campus at 33333 Golden Lantern.

The production of this Neil Simon script features a talented cast of SOCSA’s best performing an entertaining array of song and dance.

Tickets are $15 general admission or $12 for seniors and students and can be purchased at the door or online at www. socsarts.org.

Earth Day at Ocean Institute Celebrate Earth Day, April 22, by volunteering for a beach and harbor cleanup from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and receive free admission to the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. Then from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. learn about California native plants, xeriscaping, composting, water conservation and natural rodent control. Plant wildflower seeds in a decomposable pot and take it home. Native plants will be available for purchase from the Tree of Life Nursery. Get a reusable shopping bag and decorate it with fun items. Bring your old electronics and athletic shoes for recycling. For more information call 949.496.2274 or visit www.ocean-institute.org. See www. danapointtimes.com for a complete list of other weekend Earth Day events. www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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

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

HOW TO REACH US

Dana Point Times, Vol. 5, Issue 14. 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.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO Norb Garrett

PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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

EDITORIAL Group Editor, Editor, SC Times > Stacie N. Galang City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting Manager > Tricia Zines

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

INTERNS Austin Patrick Reagan

Sales Associate > Angela Edwards

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller

OPERATIONS

CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, David Zimmerle Steve Breazeale

Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Letters to the Editor PRAISE FOR THE DP TIMES GREEN ISSUE Paul Lachlan Peck, Dana Point

The DP Times issue of April 13-19 was chock full of interesting articles and issues. Tapping the Pacific (Volzke) was right up there as a keeper. This thoughtful presentation was unbiased, one that was truly informative and helpful. And, of course, Beverli Jinn’s All Hands Ahoy piece for this week, If Ever or Ever a Wiz There Was, was simply a delightful follow-up to her precious trek to the 30 Acres. And, I must mention Lisa Zawaski, who has always been a champion of the environment. It was she who represented the city when Earth Day was first brought up for consideration.

However, what delighted my heart was to see The Green Issue, an insert dedicated to Earth Day. Why? Back in 2005, I think it was, I was reading something that introduced me to Earth Day, which is celebrated world-wide on April 20. Up to the time, Dana Point was as blind to this date as was I. At any rate, as part of our (Beverli Jinn and my) founding of the DP Earth-Ocean Society, we initiated the very first Earth Day celebration in Dana Point.

Our goal was ethereal, or so we thought.

If only Earth Day could take hold in Dana Point to even the slightest degree… Well, beginning with that first street-by-street cleanup in the Lantern Village area of the city. The 5th graders from R.H. Dana Elementary School, their teachers and parents cleaned the streets of every iota of trash—cigarette butts, candy wrappers and so much more. We filled a CR&R dumpster at La Plaza and then had a pizza lunch provided by two citizens.

Fast forward, ZeroTrash.org now collects trash every first Saturday of the month, heading out from Curl in the Curl shop, next door to J.C. Beans Coffee shop or Hobie Surf Shop, both on PCH. Zounds!

And just these seven years later, the DP Times has an entire section (actually its second edition of the Green Issue first Dana Point Times April 20–26, 2012

published in 2010) devoted to green issues. Oh my goodness, what a wonderful sense of gratitude we have that a righteous activity caught on. It all began with an idea…

MS. DOOM AND GLOOM SHOULD STICK TO READING

By Art Burnevik, Dana Point

Beverli Jinn’s writing is pessimistic and inaccurate. Her utopian perspective is popularized by people who see no harm in regulating anything that offends somebody…in this case, her “aesthetic sensibilities” (as if it really matters). Her “survey” (DP Times, April 13-19) is a preoccupation with a depressed view of the beautiful place I know as Dana Point. Behold the “Earthers”: “My eyes are aching from having to view aesthetic pollution…I get migraines…and nightmares about front loaders…what’s a front loader?” (“Yeah…we need a committee…a government regulation…hell, why stop there…a whole dang department…get rid of it all…two people are offended…yeah… get a rope!”)

Jinn’s reference to stored property and construction equipment as a “30-acre dump” is narrow-minded. What she considers blight, a contractor sees as a livelihood, a thing of beauty and pride. As for the concrete river banks, “before Sidney H. Woodruff discovered Dana Point,” erosion pushed silt and natural pollutants into the ocean in massive quantities. It wasn’t the pristine world she assumes and it is not a scar on the landscape to the builders.

The gulls aren’t in “competition to survive” as she contends. They are overpopulated and blanketing the beaches with potentially harmful feces where children play in the sand. It just sounds good to imply that the gulls are struggling (at the beach). The river outlet is sand bermed mechanically. It allows the freshwater to filter naturally. The standing freshwater is not “brown and polluted” and provides a sanctuary for the birds. The “creek pol-

lution” she mentions is a test project from President Obama and the former, wealthy (now retired) owners of Solyndra. It’s either a future frog slime or swamp algae gas station…expected on line in about 30 years, if they don’t go under in the first year? (Frog’s Gas and Hospital) No worries, the “Earthers” of our legislative world in Sacramento gotcha covered. They’re moving ahead with a $50 billion boondoggle called “high speed rail.” Of course, our government couldn’t imagine “man-made disaster event planners” (formerly known as Islamic Terrorists) flying planes into buildings or a Yemeni boat laden with dynamite allowed shipside, blowing up the USS Cole. How about blowing up a rail at 200 miles per hour? It’s what they call a “soft target.”

The government is actually pretty stupid.

It says something about “smart people” in charge, educated idiots and the “intelligence” of our security agencies…which

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we find are not so intelligent after all.

No worries, if the rail project ends in a disaster, the “Earthers” will pave over the tracks, install medical marijuana depots along the converted bicycle trail and redefine the entire concept of “high speed”… and blame it all on President Bush.

If only we could figure a way to harness hot air, we could put all the “Earthers” in a big green government financed cooperative and power the entire world with BS. It’s the perfect solution for a retired indoctrinator…err…public school teacher… and we could mix in some of those bird droppings for good measure. The best part about it…it’s organic.

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

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

DP

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

friday

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Common Sense 8 p.m.

Concert at The Coach House.

Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

The 3rd Annual California Wine Festival The third annual two-day event at The Dana Point Yacht Club and Doheny State Beach. Times and prices vary. Dana Point, 800.797.7753, www.californiawinefestival.com.

Richard Smith & Julie Adams 7:30 p.m. The national fingerstyle champ and award-winning cellist perform for the Lord of the Strings concert series at the DP Community House. Tickets $25. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

Foreign Film Friday 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Free showing of the Turkish film Before Your Eyes at The Dana Point Library.

33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl. org.

saturday

Walk For Wishes 8 a.m.12 p.m. A family event with a 2-mile walk, expo and more for the organization that helps kids with medical conditions at The Great Park in Irvine. Registration $25-$40. www.ocgp.org.

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Backyard Skills: Make Your Own Veggie Box 1 p.m.3 p.m. Build your own backyard veggie box to take home and grow your own at The Ecology Center (cost $25 + $20 materials), and also check out their ongoing “Tools for Change” interactive sustainability exhibition. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org.

E-Waste Disposal, Shredding and Compost Giveaway 7 a.m.-12 p.m. The city of San Juan Capistrano and the Goodwill host a free e-waste event/document shredding, as well as compost giveaway with CR&R all at Dana Point Times April 20–26, 2012

GO.SEE.DO: ‘AMERICAN REUNION’ AMUSING AS EVER This year, apparently, is the year of the sequel, prequel, spin-off and re-release.

Consider the re-release of Beauty and the Beast (1991) and Titanic (1997) in 3-D and IMAX, a revamp of the Spider-man series with The Amazing Spider-man and the superhero extravaganza The Avengers. Also making the cut are a few comedic surprises, with 21 Jump Street and American Reunion, arguably one of the best of the American Pie films. It’s been 13 years since the teens from East Great Falls, Mich. graduated. Rather late than never, they have decided to put on a school reunion.

Jim (Jason Biggs), Oz (Chris Klein), Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), Stifler (Seann William Scott) and Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) reminisce about their faults and successes as adults in the decade since graduation. Ex-girlfriends Vicky (Tara Reid), Heather (Mena Suvari), Jessica (Natasha Lyonne) and Jim’s wife Michelle (Alyson American Reunion. ©Universal Pictures Hannigan) also make appearances with awkward and sexual tension for the guys.

For those who enjoyed the first three movies, the latest doesn’t disappointment. Viewers can expect plenty of crude slapstick humor, nudity and ‘90s music, and the characters are still as amusing as they were in 1999. Though written and directed Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, not part of the original franchise, the boys and girls of East Great Falls are still enjoyable. DP —Megan Bianco

City Hall. 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.4413, www.sanjuancapsitrano.org.

Plant Design Class 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Design a living succulent wall at Goin Native. Cost $25 plus plant costs.

31661 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

Earth Day Beach & Creek Cleanup 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Clean San Juan Creek, the beach, and the jetty in honor of Earth Day, and plant native plants. Meet at the new Lifeguard Headquarters at Doheny State Beach. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.6172, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

Transition Laguna Earth Day Festival 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

First annual all-day celebration in downtown Laguna Beach in conjunction with Kelp Fest with speakers on relevant topics, environmental organizations, exhibits, activities, art project for kids, cooking demos, live music, films and more. Free admission. Takes place off Park Ave. and PCH. For more info email transitionlagunabeach@gmail.com.

sunday

Salt Creek Half Marathon 5K/10K & 1K Kids Run 7 a.m. The Orangeman Running Series event takes place on coastal trails at Salt Creek Beach Park. Entry fees $15$99. 33333 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, www.orangemanrunningseries.com.

22

Wyland Art Lessons in the Wild 10 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

Times vary. Special art event with a lesson offered by Dana Wharf aboard the Ocean Adventure Catamaran. Cost $29-$42. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Ashun 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

monday

Monday Night Laughs 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Live standup comedy every Monday night at Hennessey’s Tavern.

34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com/dana_point.html.

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tuesday

Whale and Dolphin Tours Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari has daily 2.5 hour whale and dolphin watching tours on a high-tech catamaran with underwater viewing pods and more. Call for times. Cost $55 adults, $35 children, 2 and younger free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

24

Ruben Gonzalez 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Cellar.

156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www. thecellarsite.com.

wednesday

25

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

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

Natural Vibrations 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House.

Tickets $13-$15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

thursday

The Mystery of Edwin Drood at SJHHS 7 p.m.

Students of San Juan Hills High School present the play in the school theatre that will feature a different ending every showing on the dates: Aril 26, 27, 28 & May 3, 4, 5. Tickets online.

29211 Vista Montana, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.5900, www.sjhhs.org.

26

Whale Watching 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Daily two-hour whale watching trips departing every hour at Dana Wharf. $19-$32. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event?

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

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

DP

D a n a Po i nt

5 BEST BETS BASEBALL

OC Championships Mission Viejo High

April 20, 7:05 p.m.

April 21, TBA

Following a 4-game series at home against Oakland, the Angels buckle down for three games against Baltimore.

Teams from all over Orange County hit the track at Mission Viejo High for this annual track and field showcase.

Info: www.losangeles.angels. mlb.com

Info: www.dhhs.net

Dolphin Report: SPORTS NEWS FROM DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

By David Zimmerle

BASEBALL • The Dolphins (2-4 SCL, 10-9) got back to South Coast League play on April 10 but fell, 2-1, to visiting San Clemente. Eric Pierce took the loss from the mound while Ryan Kehlet went 1-for-3 with a RBI and a double. The team bounced back and found a little redemption though against its cross-town rival on April 11, besting the Tritons, 5-1 at home. Grant Dyer pitched all seven innings giving up four hits and totaling six strikeouts in the win. CJ Angle led Dana Hills with two RBI. The team was on Spring Break before resuming play against Tesoro on April 18 followed by a trip to take the Titans on at their diamond on April 20.

Next 7 days: April 21 at Valencia (DH), 11 a.m./ 1 p.m.; April 24 vs. *El Toro, 3:15 p.m.; April 26 at *El Toro, 3:15 p.m.

SOFTBALL • The Lady Dolphins (0-1 SVL, 3-14) were on Spring Break recently and resumed Sea View League play against Capo Valley on April 17 before traveling to take on cross-town rival San Clemente on April 19.

TRACK AND FIELD

Orioles vs. Angels Angel Stadium

Next 7 days: April 24 vs. *San Juan Hills, 3:30 p.m.; April 26 vs. *Aliso Niguel, 3:30 p.m.

GOLF • The Dolphins (1-2 SCL, 7-4) got back to their rigorous rounds on the golf course after a break in action by taking on La Costa Canyon High on the road on April 16. The team then hosted Aliso Niguel at El Niguel CC on April 17, hit up another round against La Costa Canyon at home on April 18 and traveled to Aliso Viejo CC to take on Aliso Niguel on April 19.

Next 7 days: April 25 vs. Mission Viejo at El Niguel CC, 3:30 p.m.; April 26 vs.

Corona del Mar at Newport CC, 2:30 p.m.

BOYS LACROSSE • The Dolphins (1-4 SCL, 7-6) were off the field for Spring Break recently and returned to South Coast League play on April 17 with a road game against Mission Viejo. The team then hosted Trabuco Hills on April 19.

Next 7 days: April 24 vs. *El Toro, 5:30 p.m.; April 26 at *San Clemente, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS LACROSS

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Chargers vs.

Dolphins Dana Hills High

BOYS BASEBALL

Dolphins vs.

Tritons San Clemente High

Tritons vs. Dolphins Dana Hills High

April 24, 3:15 p.m.

April 26, 5:30 p.m.

After taking on Valencia in a doubleheader on the road on April 21, the Dolphins return to SCL play against El Toro.

With the post-season just around the corner, these cross-town rivals close out the regular season at San Clemente High.

Info: www.dhhs.net

April 26, 5:45 p.m.

Before both teams hit up the Redondo Union Tourney, they’ll battle it out in this match for the top spot in the South Coast League.

Info: www.dhhs.net

Info: www.dhhs.net

GIRLS LACROSSE • The Lady Dolphins (1-3 SCL, 6-6) went on to resume South Coast League play against Mission Viejo at home on April 17.

Next 7 days: April 25 at *El Toro, 3:30 p.m.; April 26 vs. *San Clemente, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS AND GIRLS SWIMMING • Both varsity levels of the Dana Hills swim team took back to cruising the lanes on April 17 at home against Trabuco Hills.

Next 7 days: April 21 at Palm Springs Invitational, 9 a.m.; April 24 at Aliso Niguel, 3 p.m.

BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD • Both varsity levels of the Dana Hills track and field team next went on to compete against Aliso Niguel on the road on April 18 before prepping for the OC Championships at Mission Viejo High on April 21.

Next 7 days: April 25 vs. *El Toro, 3 p.m.

BOYS TENNIS • The Dolphins (3-3 SCL, 4-7) got back to action on the court with a home match against Tesoro on April 16 before taking on San Clemente at home on April 17. Both matches were played at the Dolphins home site of Laguna Niguel Racquet Club. The

team then hit the road for a math against Trabuco Hills on April 19.

Next 7 days: April 23-24 at League Finals at LNRC, 1 p.m.; April 26-27 at Ojai Tourney, TBA. BOYS VOLLEYBALL • The Dolphins (5-0 SCL, 19-3) got back to their South Coast League swing with a home match against Mission Viejo on April 17 before hosting the Breakers of Laguna Beach High on April 20.

Next 7 days: April 24 vs. *Laguna Hills, 6 p.m.; April 26 at *San Clemente, 6:15 p.m.; April 27-28 at Redondo Tourney at Redondo Union High, 3 p.m./8 a.m.

NEW SOUTH COUNTY PASSING LEAGUE AT SAN JUAN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL • San Juan Hills High School, in association with Big Picture Athletics (BPA), is hosting a youth football passing league for 6th through 8th graders on Sundays beginning April 22 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit the BPA website at www.bigpictureathletics.com or contact Alford at jmalford24@yahoo.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-Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 949.496.2275 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com

AUTO REPAIR

BEAUTY SALONS 949.500.2909 949.489.1955 949.248.8595

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

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

COINS GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.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

Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with

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

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

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

DENTISTS 949.661.5664

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

949.248.1007

Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 Jolly Roger Restaurant 949.496.0855 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com 34661 Golden Lantern, www.aloharestaurants.com Smokey’s House of BBQ 949.388.8102 PLUMBING 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com www.chicks-plumbing.com

SURF LESSONS

POOL & SPA SERVICE Island Inspired Pool & Spa islandinspired@earthlink.net

949.547.1000

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

PRINT SHOP

949.831.7984

HAIR SALONS

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

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

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

Mobile Salon Malina 949.500.2909 www.salonmalina.com The Captain’s Chair 949.496.1957 20 Monarch Bay Plaza, www.thecaptainschairdp.com Paragon Salon 949.489.1955 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy.

Ocean Academy www.oceanacademy4u.com

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

PSYCHOTHERAPY

FITNESS PROGRAMS

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 949.215.2323 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 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

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

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 Green Dump Truck www.greendumptruck.com

COSMETICS

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

Sign up to be featured as our monthly

Fit Club - Boot Camp www.afitclub.com

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

YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

logo. Four weeks in print and online.

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

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

949.697.4517

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

This handy, cost-friendly, go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

949.632.0081 949.493.3670

GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED TODAY.

949.496.6919

Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail

LOCKSMITH Dana Point Lock & Security www.danapointlock.com

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY”

MUSIC INSTRUCTION Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com

aedwards@danapointtimes.com.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY DP DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

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

FOR SALE BEAUTIFUL WEDDING GOWN! Size eight strapless beaded and seeded with a dark red sash…In box. Bought in Newport. Paid $3,500-. Sell price $500 OBO! Call 949-235-1238 or 949-587-1231

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROPERTY & PROJECT MANAGEMENT Reliable-Detailed Oriented Estate Manager. 7 Days A Week. A Professional Home & Small Business Organizer. ArtisticLandscapesbyLaurel.com since 1999.

Member at Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Laurel Lee Aronson 949-427-0964

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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Dana Point Times April 20–26, 2012

Page 13

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

6

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK Kade Matson Age: 9, Vista del Mar Elementary Kade Matson made a great showing at the WSA Gatorade Championship Tour event in Huntington Beach on Sunday. A double finalist, Kade won the Boys/Girls U10 division, took fifth in Boys U12 and is now the No. 1 and No. 5 rated surfer in the two divisions, respectively. Kade also competes in NSSA and is rated No. 5 in Explorer Super Groms and No. 13 in Open Mini Groms.

He also enjoys skateboarding and reading and says he dreams of becoming either a pro surfer or pro skateboarder someday. On a recent trip to Hawaii, Kade got the thrill of his life getting to surf at Pipe. This bright fourth-grade student says he hopes the next few years bring more warm water surf trips Kade Matson. Photo by Sheri Crummer/seasister.com and a spot on the middle school surf team. Kade likes helping his little brother Dane practice surfing by pushing him into good waves and encouraging him not to give up when he gets frustrated. He says he’s grateful to be able to surf almost every day at Lowers, his favorite break, and appreciates the support he gets from his family. Kade credits both parents for taking him to practice and contests, his dad for teaching him to surf and his mom for her great cooking. “My mom’s breakfast burritos are the bomb!” Kade said. “She puts in stuff like sausage, bacon, eggs and cheese. They give me the energy I need to rip.” –Andrea Swayne

Going for Gold

UPCOMING EVENTS

Team USA still in the running for top honors in Panama

April 28: NSSA Southwest Explorer, Event No. 8 and 9, Dana Point, Salt Creek April 28-29: Surfing America Prime West, Event No. 6, Camp Pendleton, DMJs May 12-13: WSA Gatorade West Coast Championships, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach

By Andrea Swayne San Clemente Times

L

ocal based members of the PacSun USA Surf Team contributed some of the most high-flying, high-scoring heats in early rounds at the ISA 2012 Dakine World Junior Surfing Championship in Playa Venao, Panama.

The team looked focused and determined in their first forays into international competition, April 15-17, and with three days worth of heats in the books, remains in gold medal contention.

Trevor Thornton of San Clemente turned in the Boys U18 stand-out performance of Day 1 taking out his closest competition, runner up Bruno Carvalho (CRI), with a two wave score of 14.00 to 8.93.

In Boys U16, Jake Davis of Capistrano Beach won his Round 1 heat in similar fashion with an 11.00 to 7.30, over second place finisher Manuel Mesen (CRI). San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto was narrowly edged out of first place in a Day 2 heat by Noe Mar McGonagle (CRI) 16.34 to 14.66. Colapinto had the lead after landing a big air reverse.

Just seconds later McGonagle answered with

SURF FORECAST

Trevor Thornton of San Clemente started off Day 1 of ISA World Jr. Championship competition with a 14.00 to 8.93 win over Costa Rican Bruno Carvalho. Photo by ISA/Rommel Gonzalez

a “no grab” air 360 for the win.

At the sound of the first buzzer on Day 4, April 18, Team USA had yet to suffer a single elimination. All but Griffin Colapinto (San Clemente), Jake Marshall (Encinitas), Cam Richards (South Carolina), Colin Moran (Costa Mesa) and Emily Ruppert (Florida) who were all sent to the repechage round, advanced to the main event.

With such a talent-stacked travel team, last minute trials before the start of the contest were needed to finalize Team USA’s championship lineup. Colt Ward

(San Clemente), John Mel (Newport Beach), Nic Hdez (Santa Cruz) and Taylor Clark (Encinitas) did not surf the world championship event, but all four (along with one girl, yet to be determined) will join up to face three other countries in the ISA Aloha Cup tag team surf relay for a chance at a medal.

The contest runs through April 22 and can be viewed via live webcam at www. isasurf.org or www.surfingamerica.org.

Log on to www.danapointtimes.com to watch video highlights of all the action so far. DP

Water Temp: 55-58˚F Water visibility and conditions: San Clemente: 10-15’+ Fair; Catalina: 10-20’+ Fair-Good Short range: Surf size is running knee-waistchest high (2-3’+) for most better breaks on Thursday, with a few plus sets for top combo exposures to around shoulder high (4’). Light winds prevail early, with a Westerly seabreeze picking up over the afternoon. Our easing mix of swells lingers on Friday. Good breaks see mainly kneewaist high (2-3’) waves, with larger peaks for top breaks. Conditions are generally favorable.

Long range: A small combo of Northwest swell-mix and South swell prevails through the weekend. Size for good exposures is running knee-waist high (2-3’), with peaky shape and a few larger sets for top combo exposures. Winds look light for the mornings, setting up favorable conditions. Stay tuned to Surfline.com for updates.