December 6, 2013 by Dana Point Times

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 49

Contentious Council Shakeup Split board selects Lisa Bartlett mayor in annual City Council reorganization E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4 City Council members voted Lisa Bartlett mayor and Steven Weinberg mayor pro tem in a split 3-2 and 4-1 vote, respectively, Tuesday night. Bartlett thanked Weinberg for his service as mayor of Dana Point in 2013, as the two ceremoniously swapped titles on the council. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

$3.6 Million Agreement Made for Capo Beach Land

Dolphins X-C Third at State, Advances to Nationals

SPECIAL SECTION: Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 16

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EYE ON DP

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

Boat Parade of Lights 7:30 p.m. Decorated vessels will light up the county’s southernmost port on Friday, December 6 and 13 and Saturday, December 7 and 14 as the 39th annual Boat Parade of Lights sails into the Dana Point Harbor. Find out more about joining the parade at www.danapointharbor.com.

D a n a Po i nt

and craft goods are on the ticket at this weekly outdoor market, located at 34111 La Plaza Street. Call 949.573.5033 to find out about renting a booth.

therapy dog at the Dana Point Library. Registration is suggested but not required. Call the library for more information, 949.496.5517.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

Nature Tour 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m. The Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, hosts this two-hour, docent led walking tour, exploring the ecology and natural history of the area. Advanced registration is required. For more information, call 949.542.4755.

Craft Fair and Farmers Market 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Seasonal produce

Read to a Dog 11 a.m. Children can practice reading aloud to a trained

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m. The commission will hold public hearings on the Doheny Hotel proposal and a mixed-use development bid for Del Prado Avenue. The meeting will be held at the Dana Point Community Center, at 34052 Del Obispo Street. Check with www.danapointtimes.com for a discussion recap.

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With... 1

… the TBID?

THE LATEST: The Dana Point Tourism Business Improvement District was unanimously reapproved by the City Council Tuesday night. The district is a partnership between the city and its four major hotels—The RitzCarlton Laguna Niguel, St. Regis Monarch Beach, Laguna Cliffs Marriott and Doubletree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach— formed in 2009 to market Dana Point as an overnight tourism destination. Marketing campaigns are financed through a $3-per-night room assessment. WHAT’S NEXT: Tourism related spending provides for about 50 percent of the city’s tax revenue—between the collection of sales, property and the 10-percent, transient occupancy tax. The city collected an estimated $10.2 million in TOT alone last year, making the tax the city’s largest revenue source, a staff report said. Under state law, the city is required to reconsider its business improvement district each year. FIND OUT MORE: Stay up on city news with www.danapointtimes.com.—Andrea Papagianis

… Harkey v. Wyland?

THE LATEST: A legal scuffle between two Republican state lawmakers vying for a seat on the Board of Equalization has ended, with Assemblywoman Diane Harkey dropping a $10 million defamation lawsuit against Sen. Mark Wyland. The dispute stemmed from comments Wyland made at a Tea Party event in July about a high-profile lawsuit against Harkey, her husband, Dan, and his real estate investment firm, Point Center Financial. Dana Point Times December 6–12, 2013

The lawmaker was eventually dropped from the investors’ suit, but a jury held Dan Harkey and the company liable to investors in July, awarding some $10 million in damages. “There has been a lawsuit brought by a lot of investors of modest means against her and her husband for defrauding them,” Wyland told Tea Partiers, according to court records. Harkey responded with a lawsuit, claiming Wyland’s remarks painted her in a false light and caused emotional distress. A complaint filed with the Orange County Superior Courts in August accuses Wyland of making remarks with malice “for the sole purpose of embarrassing her politically” in order to gain an edge in the pair’s upcoming tax board election.

residents, who have unofficially used the land as a park for years, made their case before the council at meetings past, raising concerns over big developments and losing an open-space resource. At a meeting last month, the foundation’s director Craig Stirling quelled some fears. Stirling said his organization’s intent was to protect the land, clean it up and create a prayer garden for all. He also expressed interest in placing a deed restriction on the land, limiting development to just six housing units, down from the 42 zoned now.

WHAT’S NEXT: Wyland is seeking reimbursement of attorney’s fees, according to the court’s docket. A hearing is scheduled for Monday, January 27.

FIND OUT MORE: Search “Via Canon” at www.danapointtimes.com.—AP

FIND OUT MORE: Track local news on Twitter @danapointtimes.—AP

WHAT’S NEXT: The foundation could enter escrow as soon as Monday, said City Manager Doug Chotkevys. Upon closing, Charitable Light will deposit $3.625 million into the city’s coffers.

… Via Canon?

THE LATEST: After a unanimous September vote to sell two vacant Capistrano Beach parcels, the Dana Point City Council approved a $3.625 million deal with a local nonprofit for the 3.2 acres. Three housing developers and the Capistrano Beach-based Charitable Light Foundation made pitches to the council in November for the properties at 26351 and 26315 Via Canon. Charitable Light owns two adjacent properties and provides housing for those in need. The properties were acquired by the city in 1993 when it merged with the Capo Bay Parks and Recreation District. The district purchased the land for park use, but it was never developed as such. Capo Beach

… Vacation Rentals?

THE LATEST: In three 4-1 City Council votes Tuesday, the city moved to alter its municipal code and Local Coastal Program to allow short-term vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods. Councilman Carlos Olvera continued his streak of voting against allowing such uses. Debate swirled over the practice’s legality for years, but in April, the council adopted an ordinance permitting and regulating short-term rentals of less than 30 days. Now, such rentals are considered businesses in the city’s eyes. Beginning in January, vacation rental owners must register with the city and be in compliance with certain health and safety codes. Owners will now also be subject to the same 10-percent tax—transient occupancy tax—that hotels and campsites are. The vote Tuesday addresses where these businesses can operate. An estimated 80 percent of vacation rentals fall within the

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Coastal Zone, requiring the city’s LCP to be amended. Any changes to the city’s governing document must be approved by the California Coastal Commission. WHAT’S NEXT: Steven Pride, a vacation rental owner, raised concerns about meeting the city’s registration deadline. He told the council a cashier at City Hall knew nothing about the permitting process. Ursula Luna-Reynosa, the city’s community development director, said regulation implementation will be flexible to allow all owners to be in compliance. FIND OUT MORE: Read about the discussion at www.danapointtimes.com by searching “vacation rentals.”—AP

… Highway Closures?

THE LATEST: Interstate 5 at Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano will undergo night closures in both directions Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7. For both nights, closures of northbound and southbound I-5 lanes will be in effect from 11:59 p.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning. A slight detour will direct both lanes of freeway traffic off at the Ortega Highway exit, through the intersection and back onto I-5 at a sequential on-ramp. The closures are necessary for Caltrans construction crews to complete grading work on the Ortega Highway bridge, as part of the $86.2 million I-5/Ortega Highway interchange project. WHAT’S NEXT: Also on Friday, both westbound and eastbound Ortega Highway will be closed between Rancho Viejo Road and Del Obispo Street, from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. Saturday. FIND OUT MORE: For the full closure schedule visit www.ortega.dot.ca.gov. —Brian Park www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Council Shakeup Causes Contention Split board selects Lisa Bartlett mayor in annual City Council reorganization Story and Photos by Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

split City Council vote Tuesday night reversed the roles of Steven Weinberg and Lisa Bartlett. Each year, the five-member body shakes up its lineup by voting two council members, mayor and mayor pro tem, to formally lead official proceedings and to act as figurehead representatives at city and other functions. In a 3-2 vote Tuesday, with councilmen Carlos Olvera and Bill Brough dissenting, Bartlett took over Weinberg’s role. The pair would flip-flop their council titles, both having served the posts before. The body’s 2013 leader served as mayor pro tem before being nominated and elected by his colleagues as mayor, in 2009 and 2012. Weinberg was elected by voters in 2006, and is termed out next year. Bartlett served as mayor pro tem in 2007 and 2008, and was selected as mayor in 2009. Councilman Scott Schoeffel served as mayor pro tem in 2010, under Bartlett, before taking on the role of mayor in 2011. The board’s two newest members, Brough and Olvera, elected in 2010 and 2012 respectively, have yet to serve in either capacity. Weinberg and Bartlett each nominated the other for the board’s leadership roles. The former being selected mayor pro tem in a 4-1 vote. Brough, nominated for mayor by Olvera, provided the lone nay. “I am truly honored to have been chosen by my fellow council members to represent the city of Dana Point as their next mayor,” Bartlett said in an email to supporters Wednesday evening, announcing her mayoral appointment. Bartlett, who is in her second council term, announced her candidacy for Orange County Board of Supervisors in October to replace the termed-out 5th District supervisor Pat Bates. The newly designated mayor was the strong public choice Tuesday, as all six public speakers on the impending selections endorsed Bartlett for mayor, and Councilman Scott Schoeffel for mayor pro tem. Residents commended both council members, and Weinberg, for their dedication to Dana Point and experience working on the council and Planning Commission, and with arts, education and transit programs in Orange County, among other projects. Some highlighted a need for experience as the city’s downtown revitalization project pushes forward. “This coming year we’ll see a lot of important moments with the Town Center project, and Lisa Bartlett and Scott Schoeffel, as well as yourself mayor, have been the only ones on the dais involved in the

Dana Point Times December 6-12, 2013

Council voices were split Tuesday night as Lisa Bartlett was appointed mayor in a 3-2 vote, with councilmen Carlos Olvera and Bill Brough dissenting. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

project since its inception,” said Ross Teasley, who worked with the city on its zero-waste campaign. “You don’t put a rookie quarterback in in the fourth quarter of the Super Bowl,” Teasley said. “Lisa and Scott know the game plan of the Town Center project … they have the winning record.” Public comments on the matter sparked debate amongst the board’s members, some of whom claimed responsibility for getting the project moving. Weinberg opened the council’s conversation by nominating Bartlett for mayor. Olvera in turn endorsed Brough for the seat. When Weinberg called for a vote, Brough asked for a discussion period. “If you want to use a football analogy, I’d say Town Center the ball was fumbled and I picked it up and took it down to the 20-yardline, and it’s first down,” Brough said, crediting himself with starting the project’s revival. Olvera said when he ran for office last year on the promise of kick-starting the project, people in town said it could “never, ever” be done. He added he had a hand in discussions long before sitting on the dais. “I learned that the staff wasn’t napping, it was only the council afraid to move forward,” he said. After a back-and-forth volley, between Olvera, Brough and Weinberg, the then-mayor said others on the board had amnesia and tended to forget there was a recession at the time. Discussions on Dana Point’s downtown revamp began in the’90s. ROMA Design Group was hired in 2004 to create a plan for Town Center and a community advisory committee was formed the next year. The council approved plans for the estimated $19 million revitalization project in 2006, with the California Coastal Commission following soon thereafter.

But movement on the project came to a halt shortly thereafter with the economic climate change, but was jumpstarted last year by a citizen coalition, the water district, city staff and the City Council. In May, the council set aside $9.2 million for the first phase of construction, but money to complete the project in full has not yet been identified. “We are finally coming out of it ( the recession),” Weinberg said. “It depends on what sound bites you are listening to. You can spin it any way you want, but it had a lot to do with money.” Weinberg closed the discussion, called for the vote and Bartlett was appointed mayor. In her first officiating role, Bartlett opened mayor pro tem nominations. She herself nominated Weinberg. In the 4-1 vote, with Brough dissenting, Weinberg was selected for the seat. “I was disappointed with the campaigning done last night showing organized support for Bartlett and Schoeffel,” Councilman Carlos Olvera said in an email Wednesday. “The mayor and mayor pro tem selection is recognition by the council based on working relationships, not public input by political supporters. I question some of the choreographed speakers.” Tuesday night Brough questioned it as well. In discussions about the nomination, Brough said he wanted to shed light on the public speaking portion of the night. Brough, who once served as Assemblywoman Diane Harkey’s chief of staff, has filed papers to seek Harkey’s current 73rd District seat in November. He pointed out that one speaker, Art Sanchez, past president of the South Orange County Republican Assembly, was a supporter of a fellow GOP state assembly candidate Anna Bryson, who serves on the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees.

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Schoeffel himself has supported Bryson in the past, holding an October campaign fundraising event at a Capistrano Beach restaurant, but added his support of Bartlett had nothing to do with the impending California State Assembly elections. “I would mention the support for one campaign and the vote for the mayor does not necessarily have to do with one another,” Schoeffel said. “In my mind the two are completely separate.” When contacted after the meeting, Teasley and South Coast Water District board member Rick Erkeneff, who also called on the council to select a Bartlett-Schoeffel ticket, said there were no organizing efforts prior to Tuesday’s meeting. Both stated they had no previous knowledge of others intending to speak in support of the pair. With the nomination and backing of the community and council allies, Bartlett will once again serve as mayor. After the meeting she praised the right and ability to have political discussions, and said she’ll continue to work with council colleagues to work for Dana Point. “I look forward to serving the residents of Dana Point once again as mayor and continuing to work with our partners to provide effective regional leadership,” Bartlett said. Don’t Call it Town Center That night the council voted unanimously to award a construction contract to Los Angeles Engineering, Inc. for the first phase of downtown street improvements, with an estimated $6.5 million cost by staff. Work will include street-level construction to make Pacific Coast Highway a two-way road, create bus pullouts, add medians and change landscaping. Crews will also conduct work along the northern end of Del Prado Avenue, where it splits from PCH. Construction is expected to begin early next year when the South Coast Water District completes its work on underground utilities. As a whole, the council also approved rebranding the Town Center as the “Lantern District.” City Manager Doug Chotkevys said both Weinberg and Olvera were working with a subcommittee to brand the area as something unique. Brad Fowler, the city’s director of public works, added, “Every city has a Town Center.” The rebranding decision could mean a reworking of the district’s retrofitted entryway signage at Copper Lantern, and added sidewalk stamping throughout the project. Council agreement on the revival Tuesday ended there. Andrea Swayne and Jim Shilander contributed to this report. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY QUINN CONWAY 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 website.

Sunday, December 1 TRESPASSING Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (7:35 p.m.) A group of juveniles were loitering at a Starbucks which they were ejected from several times for selling drugs. Authorities were asked to escort them from the premises. INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Dana Point Harbor Drive, 25000 Block (7:23 p.m.) A man was lying in the center median at Casitas Place and Street of the Golden Lantern. The man was found under a light pole with his legs sticking out into traffic lanes. Orange County Fire Authority officials were dispatched to assist him. WELFARE CHECK Street of the Golden Lantern/Stonehill Drive (3:34 p.m.) A possibly intoxicated man was heading toward Dana Hills High School and stumbling into traffic. The informant was concerned he might be hit by a car. The man was described as being in his 50s and wearing a green shirt and white pants. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Dana Strand Road, 34300 Block (2:39 p.m.) A caller reported seeing a man in his 20s on a skateboard carrying “something white that appeared to be a gun,” where Selva Road meets the Strand Beach parking lot. The man then got in an “old ambulance” and left the area.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Interstate 5/Pacific Coast Highway (1:52 a.m.) A possibly intoxicated driver, fled the scene of an accident at the intersection of PCH and I-5. The driver was described as wearing a striped shirt and possibly having a head wound from hitting his head on the windshield. No additional information about the subject was available, due to a language barrier with the witness. Authorities were able to locate the suspect’s residence using his vehicle information and entered the home with permission from his daughter. The suspect was not present.

Saturday, November 30 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Danapoplar, 32800 Block (9:53 p.m.) A driver parked in several different spots and drove back and forth before parking in the middle of the street with all of the car’s doors open. One of the passengers exited the vehicle and stumbled around the street. The caller suspected the driver was intoxicated based on this erratic behavior. The car was described as a fourdoor silver Honda. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Shell Drive, 25700 Block (6:32 p.m.) An informant reported she had seen a sex offender with a male juvenile several times in the past few days. The subject was described as being in his 60s with grey hair, a goatee and a scar on his cheek. The boy accompanying him was described as being 16 years old with red hair. They were both last seen in a community hot tub.

Thursday, November 28 CITIZEN ASSIST Dana Strand Road, 34300 Block (1:41 p.m.)A man called to say he had lost his keys and requested a deputy be sent to help him look for them. DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 32800 Block (12:25 a.m.) The caller believed there was an “impostor” causing a disturbance at the Chevron station. He said the impostor was actually an employee who is “too stupid to work.” The caller hung up before officials could obtain any more information.

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Holiday Collections to Benefit Marines, Children u Children across the globe are sending letters, baking cookies and ensuring they stay on Father Christmas’ “good list” as the man in red prepares to leave the North Pole. Here in Dana Point, local organizations and businesses are safeguarding their wishes and hosting events for children and families to make holiday dreams come true. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, at 24701 Del Prado Avenue, and Blue Water Audio will host a Toys for Tots benefit on Sunday, December 7 from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Performers will keep visitors entertained throughout the day. Bring an unwrapped new toy or a $10 donation for children throughout Orange County. After a successful Halloween candy buy-back, local dentist Dr. Judy Tiffany and her staff will collect Toys for Tots donations. Toys will be collected on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon, at Monarch

View Dental, Inc., located at 28 Monarch Bay Plaza, Suite C. Dana Point Jet Ski and Kayak Center will also collect donations for Toys for Tots. Last year the center filled two bins, but hopes to increase their collection to fill three this holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at 34671 Del Puerto Place. From now until Monday, December 16, the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group is collecting donations to give Marines, Sailors and their families a holiday surprise. Toys and gift cards are being collected around town. Visit www.danapoint5thmarines.com for locations. All donations will be given to families at the 5th Marine Regiment holiday party. 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.

Dana Point Business of the Month: The Real Deli Compiled by Robert Sedita, Management Analyst, Dana Point Community Development

he Real Deli, located at 34320 E. Pacific Coast Highway, has been serving Dana Point and south Orange County top-notch sandwiches and desserts for two years. Owners Alicia Matos and Charlie Mattouk moved cross country from Florida to be nearer to family and decided on career changes, from a real estate agent and special education teacher, respectively. Once here, the pair fell in love with the city. Matos and Mattock took over a vacant space in Doheny Park Plaza. The pair made it their own and built The Real Deli on quality, freshness and great service.

They obtain their ingredients from local farmers markets, make their own sauces, pesto, pasta and potato salads, and bake their own gluten-free bread, with other breads coming from local bakeries. Additionally, the pair smokes their own meats, such as ham, pork, brisket, prime rib, turkey and pastrami. The Real Deli also offers an array of desserts including homemade cannoli, tiramisu, cakes and cheesecake, which is cooked on their wood burning smoker. Recently, Matos and Mattock have expanded their operation into event catering. Visit www.therealdeli.com for more information. DP

EYE ON DP

Thousands Trot in YearlyThanksgiving Day Races More than 11,000 contenders take part in 36th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot Story and Photos by Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

efore turkeys and all the trimmings hit the table and the first football was kicked off, thousands gathered near the Dana Point Harbor for a Southern California Thanksgiving Day sporting tradition benefiting area nonprofits. The first runners of the 36th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot hit the harbor-side racecourse as the sun rose Thursday wearing smiles, racing bibs and a variety of festive costumes and hats. More than 11,000 would run, walk and trot in the 10K, 5K and kids’ 1-mile Gobble Wobble races throughout the morning, with an estimated 4,000 adoring fans rooting them on. “This is one of the smoothest

Turkey Trots that we have had to date,” said Heather Johnston, executive director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the races’ organizing body. “We are especially proud to help four different charities this year.” Every year, the chamber donates a portion of proceeds to one local charity. But this year, four organizations were aided by participants in the annual race, with more than $20,000 being donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, Family Assistance Ministries and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934. See more pictures at www.danapointtimes.com, and for race results check out Page 16. DP

(Clockwise from the Top) Competitors near the 5K finish line Thanksgiving morning. Col. Jason Bohm (left), commander of the 5th Marine Regiment, and 30 Marines run in formation. Drumstick gets young competitors pumped up before the 1-mile kids’ Gobble Wobble kicks off.

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 49. 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 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

50 Shades of Gray Forget the silly book by the same title, the color gray is the tint of truth

y father once told me, “It was much easier when I was a kid. The good guys wore white hats. The bad guys wore black hats. Then one day guys started wearing grey hats. I’ve been confused ever since.” It would be so simple if the world was black or white. But in reality it is all shades of gray. We are all guaranteed the freedom of speech, but not to run ads in magazines for hit men to kill our enemies. We have the right to bear arms, but we can’t post artillery in our yards. We have the right to drive, but not at 100 mph. Unyielding black-and-white positions leave little room for compromise. It is true that not being able to drive 100 mph is a clear restriction of our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of zero-to-60 in three seconds. But we don’t lose our right to own

an automobile. We are free to practice any religion, yet not allowed to marry nine wives or blow up the Oklahoma Federal Building or the World Trade Center because of those beliefs. WAVELENGTHS Yet to hear pro-choice By Jim Kempton proponents, one would think restricting some late-term abortions is the same as overturning Roe vs. Wade. To hear some pro-gun supporters, one would think limiting automatic magazines to less than 100 rounds was the same as rescinding the Second Amendment. How many bullets should be allowed in a weapon’s magazine? What is the latest date an abortion should take place? How fast is a safe speed? Is a fatality a justifiable

homicide, manslaughter, wrongful death, accident, second or first degree murder? The answers are not black and white. The great moralist Andre Gide’s once wrote, “The color of truth is grey.” Those who truly care about the complex issues of human kind know we must persistently grapple with a hazy shade of hazel. That is why we continue to debate, to argue cases in court, to do research, read scriptures, conduct studies, appeal verdicts, pass laws, repel laws and even defy laws. It is through the advocacy and deliberation process, through new discoveries in science, philosophy and spirituality that we move forward with our understanding of life and law. These are the richer, deeper, more nuanced shades of gray. We should not think of them as somehow lesser than black or white. We should

see them for their myriad distinctions: platinum, charcoal, smoke, birch, oyster, granite, mauve, chestnut, tweed, tin, lilac, fog, pewter, concrete, silver, peppercorn, gun metal, pearl, slate, herringbone, storm cloud, ash, flannel or silver. If we appreciate these variations in the natural world, is it not reasonable to look to the same variety when observing the problems we face in our social conflicts? Jim Kempton has always been fascinated with penguins, loves pre-1954 TV shows and considers salt and pepper the most essential of spices. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Letters to the Editor PEOPLE OVER BOATS AND FINANCIAL GAIN TERRY GOLLER, Dana Point

I heard about the decision the South Coast Water District will be making in regard to the district property in Doheny. Many in the community were saddened and disappointed that the options did not include any future land designations for a youth project. It seems reasonable and right that within the district’s 30 acres there could be some land set aside for a future youth project. Many are concerned that Orange County is dictating to its needs, without considerations for our local residents. Their desires are for an unsightly collection of vehicle storage which is not the Dana Point Times December 6–12, 2013

desire of the majority of residents. Dana Point water revenues should remain with Dana Point interests and not just accommodating the county or giving up control to an outside company. People should take precedence over financial gain. South Coast Water District should never give up their control over this property. If you are concerned about this issue, please notify the districts board of directors as there could be a vote consideration on Friday, December 6.

IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH TO MAKE SOMEONE’S DAY SHER FULLER, Dana Point

Last Saturday while doing my daily walk on the island I noticed a man and his

daughter sitting at a table with “little girl stuff” all over the table. They were coloring. Both had similar pictures of the water and I walked over and commented on how wonderful their pictures were. The little girl, Brianna, and her dad, David, smiled broadly and invited me to join them. I declined but stayed to chat a few minutes more. Just before I was leaving David jumped up and spontaneously hugged me and said “thank you.” I should have thanked them, they were delightful. Yesterday, while walking behind two men I noted that every time one man spoke to the other, he stopped, there was much hand waving and it made me chuckle. As I passed them I turned, smiled and commented on the man that stopped every time he spoke. They both laughed

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and as I went on my way one man called out in heavily accented English, “thank you for being friendly with us.” Like the headline says, it doesn’t take much, but can make such a difference.

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

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GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

D a n a Po i nt

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

friday

DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 7:30 p.m. The 39th annual parade of lights in the Dana Point Harbor featuring boats from all around Orange County decorated for the season, and entered for awards. Watch from shore or on a cruise. Runs December 6, 7, 13, 14. 949.496.5794, www.danapointharbor.com.

HOLIDAY IN THE HARBOR 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season in Mariner’s Village and Dana Wharf in the Dana Point Harbor featuring visits with Santa, holiday activities, performances, attractions, games and more. Free. 949.923.2255, www.danapointharbor.com. LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT 7:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. Fan Appreciation Night with world class gypsy jazz by The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet at the Dana Point Community House. Admission $30. 24642 San Juan Ave., 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET 8 p.m. The classic holiday play at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $24. Shows through December 22 with Thursday, Friday and weekend shows. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org. OC ELVIS 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

saturday

MISTLETOE AND PLANT WALK 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Festive and educational walk at the Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Admission $5-$10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

MUSIC AND WINE AT DAVINE 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine with a wine tasting beginning at 4 p.m. Tasting fee $15 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. Dana Point Times December 6–12, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: SOMETHING’S AMISS ON THE ‘HOMEFRONT’ Three decades ago, action star Sylvester Stallone wrote himself a starring role in an adaptation of Chuck Logan’s book Homefront. The film was dropped for various reasons, but a year ago, action star Jason Statham saw potential in the story. This holiday season, Stallone, Statham and director Gary Fleder give Homefront a new life, but in an uninspired way. After retiring from the police force, Phil Broker (Statham) and his young daughter Susan (Rachelle Lefevre) move to a suburban Louisiana town to begin anew. When Susan gets into a fight with a school bully, Phil soon realizes the bully’s mother, Cassie (Kate Bosworth), doesn’t forgive easily. Life gets turned around when Phil eventually is pushed between Cassie, her meth cook brother Gator (James Franco) and his biker-groupie girlfriend Sheryl (Winona Photo by Justin Lubin © Open Road Films Ryder) and has to protect Susan from harm. Franco and Ryder—two of today’s more versatile and intriguing actors—being outshined by the often forgettable Bosworth says much about Homefront’s ineffectiveness. In great films, especially action movies, suspension of disbelief makes it possible for viewers to set aside reality and, for the sake of the story, believe the unbelievable. But Homefront has a number of sequences that define “far-fetched,” making it almost impossible to buy into. On top of the unintentionally campy scenes, the dialogue is corny. Stallone, Statham, Franco and Ryder are four memorable screen presences, but they could have used a retake with this one.—Megan Bianco

HOLLY JOLLY HOOPLA 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Holiday spectacular and annual tree lighting at the San Clemente Community Center. Festivities include cookie decorating, photos with Santa, walks through the Candy Cane Factory and more. Tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.361.8264, www.san-clemente.org. CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Celebrate the spirit of the Christmas season with family and friends at Casa Romantica’s annual holiday open house, featuring Santa, live entertainment, music, kid’s crafts and more. Free admission. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org. CHRISTMAS AT THE MISSION 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Following the SJC city tree-lighting ceremony (4 p.m.-9 p.m. at Historic Town Center Park) celebrate the holidays at Mission San Juan Capistrano in an event with live music and entertainment, holiday activities, food vendors and more. Admission $3–$5. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com. BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Kids and families are invited to take a 20-minute harbor cruise with Santa hosted by Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching. Trips run all weekend. Free, or $5 donation. Bring an unwrapped toy for the 5th Marine families and receive a Dana Wharf $10 Bash Bucks gift certificate. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

sunday

A FEAST OF LIGHTS MUSICAL PERFORMANCE 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The Saddleback College Music Department presents a holiday program of vocal and orchestral music for all ages in McKinney Theatre. Tickets $20. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL’S WINTER FANTASY 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The 23rd annual winter art festival with 175 artists at the Sawdust Festival grounds. Runs through December 15. Admission $3-$6. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030, www.sawdustartfestival.org. DC BABYLON & THE HANGING GARDENS BAND 3 p.m. Live rock and soul at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com. Page 13

monday

MEET THE AUTHOR 5 p.m.7 p.m. The Dana Point Library welcomes Jill Amadio, author of Gunther Rall: Luftwaffe Ace and Nato General, for a discussion and signing. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

tuesday

TWELVE SPA DAYS OF CHRISTMAS 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Twelve days of holiday spa specials at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.487.7576, www.lagunacliffs.com.

wednesday

NICK TERRAFRANCA 8 p.m. Live music and dinner at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

thursday

COOKIE DECORATING CRAFT 4 p.m. Children are invited to join in festive crafting fun at The Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

LECTURE: VINCENT VAN GOGH 3 p.m. Author, artist and art educator William J. Havlicek, Ph.D., leads a discussion based on his book, Van Gogh’s Untold Journey, at The Fountains at Sea Bluffs. 25411 Sea Bluffs Drive, Dana Point, 949.234.3008, www.watermarkcommunities.com.

UPCOMING: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 OCEAN INSTITUTE PARADE OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY CRUISE 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Listen to Christmas music and see decorated boats while cruising through the Harbor. Sweets, hot beverages and wine will be served. $50 adults, $40 children. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org. *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.

GUEST OPINION: It’s History by Carlos N. Olvera

A Dream Abandoned Still Remains Remnants of Woodruff’s idyllic, coastal hotel provides stark reminder of economic hardship

fter completing the successful Hollywoodland development, Sidney H. Woodruff set out in 1926 to develop Dana Point and purchased 1,388 acres stretching from Chula Vista Avenue to IT’S HISTORY By Carlos N. the San Juan Creek. Olvera An early architectural rendering of the look and feel of the future Dana Point shows a dense Mediterranean development with a harbor, pier, town plaza, golf course and a large hotel on the point. An original is on display at the Dana Point Heritage Museum located at City Hall. Initially, Woodruff’s plans opened up discussions with The Ritz-Carlton chain to build a hotel on the 121-acre site. However, the hoteliers decided on a Los Angeles location instead. This left Woodruff without a major hotel in the mix. He did sell a lot at today’s corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive for the Dana Villa Motel—or Motor Court— which opened in 1930, but he still wanted to offer a major attraction. On January 25, 1930 construction began on a hotel that was designed in a California-Renaissance architectural style, combining “the beauty of an early California hacienda with modern hotel facilities.” Known as the Dana Point Inn, an initial announcement boasted a hotel with its “own bathing beach.” Located on a 5-acre parcel, known as Lot U, the hotel was to be bordered by Amber Lantern, Violet Lantern and Santa Clara, with a construction cost of $500,000—or $6 million at today’s values. That cost was later revised to $750,000. Construction bonds were issued by James B. Utt of Santa Ana, who was chair of the Dana Point Times December 6–12, 2013

Today, arches from the planned hotel overlooking the Dana Point Harbor remain. A statue of the “Hide Drogher” sits in the foreground. Photo by Andrea Swayne Dana Point developer Sidney H. Woodruff abandoned dreams of a grand hotel shortly after the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Photo courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society

Olympic organizing committee, to fund this project. Plans included a dining patio facing the ocean with a dining room for 1,250 people and rooms for 100, starting at $10 a night. A 135-foot elevator shaft was dug to connect to a 165-foot tunnel to the beach below. The exit door is still present on Dana Point Harbor Drive. The hotel was designed by Charles A. Hunter, of Three Arch Bay, and was to be built by Woodruff’s Western Construction Co. The goal was to hold a grand opening to compliment the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. By June 1931, Orange County plans were well underway for the influx of visitors during the next year’s

Olympics. Members of the organizing team included Woodruff and Allen Pederson, manager of the Dana Point Inn. Here, it is important to remember what was happening in the rest of the country. The stock market crashed in October 1929, but Woodruff spun it as just a recession—think of 2008—and construction stopped. Letterhead stationery, dishes and linens were sold, and gone were plans of a

Page 14

stopover for lunch between Los Angeles to San Diego. Left behind were ruins where teenagers put their graffiti markings in the ’60s, the elevator shaft was sealed, the wood forms were removed and the property was fenced off in 1965. Three large arches that lead across the canyon were sealed off, and the years went by. Then in the late ’80s, the Sand Dollar Development group began planning a new housing development for the “old hotel site.” Necessary for any major development in a community is to get community support. The planners approached the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and excitement built. It was decided that a committee was needed to determine what could be saved and left as a permanent reminder to the past. Founded in 1987, that committee became the Dana Point Historical Society. Today you see the results. Under the historical society leadership of Elizabeth Bamattre, the hotel’s arches were restored. Funding was provided by the developer to erect a statue but not after debate swirled on who that statue should portray. Woodruff was originally nominated, but with the strong persuasion of Doris Walker, the “Hide Drogher” was designed and sculpted by F. Benedict Coleman, out of Capistrano Beach. Coleman modeled the Drogher after former NFL-player Brad Budde of the Kansas City Chiefs (80-86), USC and a Rotary Lombardi Award winner. Carlos N. Olvera is vice chair of the OC Historical Commission and a Dana Point councilman. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

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SPORTS

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

D a n a Po i nt

Dolphin Report

By Steve Breazeale DOLPHINS CROSS COUNTRY ADVANCES TO NATIONALS Following a strong third-place showing at the CIF State Cross Country Championships on November 30, the Dana Hills boys cross country team earned a berth in the Nike Cross Nationals meet on December 7 in Oregon. Sophomore Jake Ogden had a career month of November, which featured him winning the CIF-SS Division 1 Individual Championship on November 23. Ogden blistered the Mt. SAC course in a time of 14:41, a full two seconds clear of his next closest competitor. Ogden followed that performance up with a 12th-place finish at the State Championships (15:33). But Ogden was not the only Dolphins runner near the top of the leaderboards in recent weeks. Senior Gavin Diem finished 14th at CIF-SS and 16th at state. Sophomore Mason Coppi placed 16th at CIF-SS and 45th at state. Junior Alex Smith placed 39th at CIF-SS and went on to place 19th at state. This all around depth has been the Dolphins strength all season and now they will test that against the top cross country teams in the country at the Nike Cross Nationals. POST PLAYERS EFFECTIVE FOR DOLPHINS BOYS HOOPS IN PRESEASON TOURNAMENT The Dana Hills boys basketball team started their season off with two straight wins at the Diablo Inferno Tournament at Mission Viejo High School, but came up short against Foothill, one of the top teams in the tournament, on December 4. The Dolphins (2-1) benefitted from efficient shooting in their 56-46 win over Warren on November 30. They grinded out a win and got the necessary late stops in a 5147 win over Saddleback Valley Christian. But in the game against Foothill, the Dolphins were stifled by the Knights defense in the second and third quarters, resulting in their first loss of the season. Foothill outscored Dana Hills 29-15 in the second and third, helping propel them to the win. In the first two games of the preseason tournament the Dolphins played the power-post style of basketball that has become their trademark. Dana Point Times December 6-12, 2013

OUTDOORA SPOTLIGHT

FIRST GRAY WHALE OF SEASON SPOTTED OFFSHORE

A yearly 10,000-mile journey is a lot to fathom, but that’s the life of the gray whale, many of which make their way down the California coastline, in view of Dana Point Harbor, and south to Baja for the winter every year. On November 27, whale watchers aboard Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari spotted their first gray whale of the season. The fact that the sighting occurred in November is unusual, according to a press release issued by the company. In the release, Capt. Dave Ander-

son said that migrating gray whales are usually seen between December and May. “Last season, the whales arrived early and the gray whale season went long, hopefully this whale is the first of many who will pass by on their way down to Baja and back to Alaska on their annual migration,” Anderson said. Anderson went on to say that the whales traverse the water one or two miles offshore of the Dana Point Headlands every year, using it as a landmark for their seasonal trek. —Dana Point Times

Senior center James Taylor went a perfect 10 for 10 shooting from the field against Warren, dropping a teamhigh 24 points. As a team, the Dolphins posted an 86 percent shooting mark on the night. The 6-feet-8-inch Taylor recorded his first doubledouble of the season against Saddleback Valley Christian, pouring in 10 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Through three games, senior forward Jack Clendenen was averaging 7.3 points, 3.7 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. The Dolphins were set to cap off their tournament schedule with a game against Woodbridge (2-0) on December 5. Results were not available at press time. DOLPHINS GIRLS BASKETBALL IN TOURNEY MODE The Dana Hills girls basketball team bounced back from a season opening loss to Beckman on November 30 with a 65-34 win over El Modena in the first round of the Corona Del Mar Tournament on December 2. The Dolphins (1-1) will continue playing in the preseason tournament until December 7. BOYS SOCCER ENTERS TOUGH PRESEASON SLATE In the hopes of preparing his young team for league play, Dana Hills boys soccer head coach Leo Compean engineered a tough preseason schedule for the Dolphins. And after a win over Irvine and back to back losses to Beckman and Tesoro, the Dolphins toughest challenge is still looming. The Dolphins (1-2) will host top ranked, and defending CIF-SS Division 1 champion, San Clemente on December 11 in a rivalry match that will test the Dana Hills squad. The good news for the Dolphins is that they can rely on the experience of having already played a tough South Coast League team, Tesoro, down to the wire. On December 4 the Titans narrowly edged Dana Hills 4-3. Following the match against Tesoro the Dolphins will play another South Coast League team, Capistrano Valley, on December 13. BREAKERS DEFEAT DOLPHINS WATER POLO The Dana Hills girls water polo team lost to Laguna Beach 22-9 in their season opener on December 3. The Dolphins are currently hindered by injuries to key players, but benefitted from Madison Baba’s return against the Breakers. Baba had a team-high three goals in the loss. The Dolphins were set to play against Bell Gardens on December 5. Results were not available at press time. The team’s next game will be a home match against Warren on January 4. DP Page 16

A gray whale was spotted off the coast on November 27 near Dana Point Harbor. Photo courtesy Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari

Dana Point Turkey Trot Race Results

ore than 11,000 runners toed the starting line to take part in the 36th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. The historic race featured competitive 10K, 5K and 5K Masters events, as well as a 1-mile kids Gobble Wobble. Here are the top three finishers for each major race division. For full results visit www.turkeytrot.com. 10K Men: 1. Jordan Chipangama (29:39) 2. Tonny Okello (30:02) 3. Nicholas Arciniaga (30:13) Women; 1. Natasha Labeaud (34:07) 2. Katja Goldring (34:55) 3. Nicci Corbin (35:12) 5K Masters Men: 1. Ken Ernst (16:16) 2. Luis Palacious (16:24) 3. Juan Ramirez (16:42) Women: 1. Carla Mcalister 2. Christine Appell 3. Dolores Castro 5K Open Men: 1. Omar Gonzalez (15:16) 2. Anthony Heredia (15:21) 3. Christian Cushing-Murray (15:34) Women: 1. Lisa Ohberg (17:04) 2. Anne St. Geme (17:25) 3. Bethany Nickless (17:35)

(L to R) the Turkey Trot 10K’s top three finishers: Nicholas Arciniaga (third), Jordan Chipangama (first) and Tonny Okello (second). Photo by Andrea Papagianis

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DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE QUEEN EURO PILLOWTOP MATTRESS $150 STILL IN PLASTIC! GREAT BUY! 949-842-9994 MENS SMALL WETSUIT Mens Rip Curl Wetsuit, short-arm, full suit. New condition. Size small $85. Call or text 949.533.9761.

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

HELP WANTED SALES PERSON WANTED Picket Fence Media, owner of the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and Capistrano Dispatch, is looking for an advertising sales rep to join our dynamic team. We’re looking for an organized, hard-working individual with a great personality who can create marketing solutions for local businesses and push for growth in both print and online media platforms. Ideal candidate will have prior experience with media sales. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Alyssa Garrett at agarrett@sanclementetimes.com.

WANTED I’M LOOKING FOR A DANA POINT RESTAURANT that would be interested in a full time comedy club. You mst have a liquor license and a 200-300 seat banquet room. Contact Joey at 810-772-1475

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING

MUSIC INSTRUCTION (CONT.)

ELECTRICAL

949.496.6556 delta G electrical 949.360.9282 Danman’s Music School 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com CA #657214, www.deltagelectrical.com

PET GROOMING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Nona Associates-Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 949.496.2275 IMAGES/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com 2927 Via Gorgonio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.com

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

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

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

CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING Mills Construction 949.212.7699 Dana Point, www.millsbuilds.com: CA # 973483

DERMATOLOGY Vorteil Dermatology and 949.276.2600 Aesthetic Science 33971 Selva Road, Ste. 200, www.vorteildermatology.com

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

INSURANCE SERVICES Patricia Powers 949.496.1900 24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, pat.powers@cox.net State Farm/Ted Bowersox 949.661.3200 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204 www.tedbowersox.com Statefarm/Elaine LaVine 949.240.8944 34080 Golden Lantern, www.elainelavine.net

LOCKSMITH Dana Point Lock & Security www.danapointlock.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

949.496.6916

Dawgy Style 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 112, www.alphadoggroomshop.com

949.496.3315

Dream Team Properties 949.481.1788 Mike Rosenberg, Broker Capistrano Beach, www.FindMyOCHome.com

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

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection www.atozleakdetection.com Chick’s Plumbing www.chicks-plumbing.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION 949.499.4464 Offshore Construction www.offshoreconstruction.org 949.496.9731

949.444.6323

POOL SERVICE & REPAIR Palisades Pool Service & Repair 949.542.7232 Capistrano Beach, allenesommo@cox.net

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

PSYCHIATRY

Dr. Robert Dobrin, M.D. 949-707-4757 Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatry/Behavioral Pediatrics 33971 Selva Rd. Ste, 125 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This 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.

DP SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK LIAM MURRAY

Age: 12, Bernice Ayer Middle School Liam Murray has only been shortboarding for a year but is already well on his way to a great amateur career. His combination of talent, motivation and stoke for the sport also shows promise of future competitive success at the pro junior level and beyond. Liam currently competes in the Scholastic Surf Series as a member of the Bernice Ayer Middle School surf team and is in his first season on the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour. At school, Liam is a straight-‘A’ seventh-grade student whose favorite subject is science. “I want to be a mechanical engineer, so I’m going to keep my grades up so I can get into a good college,” he said. His other interests include playing baseball for his Liam Murray. Courtesy photo club team, the San Clemente Tritons, and dirt biking. Liam credits his love for surfing and early success in the sport to his dad and friends. “My dad learned to surf as a kid and wanted me to learn too,” he said. “I would always see him in the water and it made me want to try it. Now I want to do it all the time. Surfing is fun. It can be challenging, but it’s a fun challenge.” He also gives props to his neighbors and friends, the Colapinto brothers, for encouraging him and inspiring him with their talent. “Becoming a pro surfer someday would be nice, but even if that doesn’t happen, I still want to surf for the rest of my life,” Liam said.—Andrea Swayne

Hobie: Rockstar of Surf and Sail

tion continues,” Holmes said. “I still can’t quite understand how one man did so much in one lifetime. Surfboards, sailboats, radio-controlled gliders, the fastest trailerable monohull in the world (the Hobie 33 still wins TransPac races in its class) and so much more … What fascinates me most is how one man, with no big-deal education to speak of, could be so cool, so clever and so adept in tools and tinkering to forge a worldwide empire, almost casually, just because. The guy is a fricken rock star around the globe, so, like Madonna, Sting and Prince, he only needs one name—Hobie.” For more information, contact SHACC at 949.388.0313 ext. 0 or see www.surfingheritage.org. DP

SHACC to host Hobie Alter at book signing for biographer Paul Holmes By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

he Surfing Heritage and Culture Center will host a book launch and signing party Saturday for Paul Holmes’ HOBIE: Master of Water, Wind and Waves, with special guest, Hobie Alter, himself. The event is set for December 7 at SHACC, 110 Calle Iglesias, in San Clemente from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The 300-page book with 585 photographs will be available for purchase and may be autographed by Holmes. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will benefit SHACC. The event will include music, appetizers and a no-host bar serving wine and beer. Out of respect, SHACC asks that attendees refrain from asking Alter to autograph the book or any other memorabilia.

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Paul Holmes, author of HOBIE: Master of Water, Wind and Waves, will be on hand for a launch party and book signing at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente, Saturday. Courtesy photo

Holmes, a writer, historian and former Surfer magazine editor, said he feels strongly about the importance of telling the story of Hobie Alter, due both to the historic significance of his contributions to sailing and surfing and also because Alter’s life and persona are so fascinating. “Hobie had a huge influence on surfing and sailing. The man is a genius, a natural born engineer, marketing maven, visionary. Without him, surfing especially would still be back in the dark ages ... The evolu-

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 61-63 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 2-6’ Poor Catalina: 15-20’ Fair Immediate: A fading northwest windswell and small southwest swell mix of mainly knee to waist high waves on Friday, (1-2-3’). Light winds in the mornings shift to moderate westerly onshores in the afternoons. Long Range Outlook: Modest scale mix of northwest and southwest swells for the weekend with mainly 1-3’ surf. Possible rise in onshore winds on Saturday then lighter winds due on Sunday. Check out Surfline. com for all the details!

UPCOMING EVENTS December 7-8: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier. This event is the WSA’s fifth annual Midget Smith Memorial Pier Rat Challenge and the sixth annual WSA Toys for Tots holiday gift drive. Traditionally, competitors each bring a new, unwrapped toy (no war toys or toy guns) to place in the collection boxes attended to by Marines from Camp Pendleton. Spectators are also encouraged to stop by to make a donation and enjoy watching the two days of exciting surf competition.

Camp Pendleton has a special need for items that appeal to 10- to 17-year-olds, such as new, unworn items of surf wear, hats, skateboards, bodyboards, gift cards, gifts for tween and teen girls and more. Gifts for babies and toddlers are also needed. The memorial paddle out for Jeffrey “Midget” Smith will be held Saturday at noon. Surfers, including those who are not WSA members, are invited to sign up on the beach for the Friends of Midget Smith open division, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. — Andrea Swayne