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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 50

Bucking the Trend Dana Point introduces drug ‘take back’ box in an effort to curb trending prescription drug abuse E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

www.danapointtimes.com

Residents can now safely dispose of unwanted and expired prescription medications anonymously and free of charge at Dana Point Police Services at City Hall. Photo by Andrea Swayne

FBI Searches for Dana Point Bank Robber

County Requires New Licensing Agreement with Friends of the Library

Capo Beach Man Gets Second Chance with First Car

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EYE ON DP

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

D a n a Po i nt

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22 Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza Street. Admission is free. For more information or to inquire about purchasing a booth for $25, please call 949.573.5033 or 951.271.0669. www.danapoint.org CUSD Winter Recess Capistrano Unified School District schools will be closed for winter break through January 6, 2013.

School resumes on Monday, January 7. The District office will also be closed, due to budget cuts and negotiated furlough days. For more information, see www.capousd.org.

at City Hall Council Chambers. For more information, log on to the city website at www.danapoint.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

Senior Twilight Dinner 5 p.m. The Dana Point Senior Center/Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, is hosting a twilight dinner for seniors. Cost $8 prepaid donation. Call 949.248.3536 for more info or to make a reservation.

City Hall Offices Closed City Hall offices, 33282 Golden Lantern, will be closed for the holidays from December 24 through January 1, 2013. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2013, 6 p.m.

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With... 1

…a Bank Robbery?

THE LATEST: The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI’s Bank Robbery Apprehension Team are continuing the search for a man who robbed a Dana Point bank on December 13. According to OCSD spokesman Jim Amormino, a man who appeared to be in his late 30s, robbed the Downey Savings Bank at 33621 Del Obispo in Dana Point at about 9:30 a.m. The man was described as 5 foot, 11 inches tall with a medium build. He was wearing jeans, a gray sweatshirt and a black beret, presented a teller with a note demanding money. No weapons were seen during the hold up. The subject fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. The FBI has so far been unable to match surveillance photos of the suspect with any known serial bank robbers, Amormino said. WHAT’S NEXT: The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call OC Sheriff’s dispatch at 949.770.6011 or the OC Crime Stoppers line at 855.TIP.OCCS (855.847.6227). FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapointtimes.com. —Andrea Swayne

…Boats Anchored Outside the Harbor?

THE LATEST: City Council on December 4 voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance regulating the anchoring of vessels within the city’s jurisdictional waters outside of the OC Dana Point Harbor. The new rules were made in an effort to curb safety and environmental hazards caused by vessels left unattended for long periods of time in the waters off Doheny Dana Point Times December 21–27, 2012

and Capistrano Beaches. The ordinance limits temporary anchorage to no more than 72 continuous hours within 1,000 yards of beaches and recreational areas. It also requires that boats must be continuously occupied from dusk until dawn and during small craft advisories. Boaters may leave their vessels for a maximum of three hours during the day and may be required to use dye tabs to visually confirm to authorities that their toilets are working properly and no sewage leaks are present. WHAT’S NEXT: According to the agenda report, Harbor Patrol has agreed to advise vessel owners of the new rules as part of their regular patrol. The report also states that a minimal amount of non-compliance is expected and enforcement will be handled by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. FIND OUT MORE: See the ordinance at www.danapointtimes.com. —AS

…Former OC Sheriff’s Department Lt. Bill Hunt?

THE LATEST: An Orange County Superior Court has ruled in favor of former San Clemente Police Chief Bill Hunt, restoring Hunt’s rank and back pay after a coordinated retaliation campaign directed against him by former Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona. Hunt, who ran against Carona for Orange County Sheriff in 2006, had been demoted from lieutenant to deputy as a result of the campaign and resigned his position as chief of Police Services. After leaving the Sheriff’s Department, Hunt founded his own private investigation firm. As part of the ruling, he was also given back pay, as well as reimbursement of attorney fees. Hunt ran for the office again in 2010. During his over 21-year career, he also patrolled Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano

in the late 1980s and early ‘90s when the cities shared police services. WHAT’S NEXT: San Clemente City Manager George Scarborough said the city itself does not face any jeopardy as a result of the ruling. “Sheriff Hutchens’ administration had no part in the disciplinary actions taken against Lt. Hunt,” said Sheriff’s Department spokesman Amormino. “The actions described by the court’s ruling were undertaken by Sheriff Carona and his former administration. The county is reviewing the court’s ruling and weighing its various options.” FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapointtimes. com.— Jim Shilander/AS

…the SONGS Restart Hearing?

THE LATEST: Southern California Edison officials met with Nuclear Regulatory Commission engineers at the NRC’s Maryland headquarters Tuesday to discuss the utility’s proposal to restart Unit 2 at 70 percent power for five months. While the meeting largely focused on the technical aspects, NRC officials indicated that they had some additional questions about the proposal, which would be forwarded to Edison, with hopes of being answered by the beginning of January. NRC officials did not rule out additional inspections of Unit 2. WHAT’S NEXT: The current NRC timeline calls for another public meeting in Southern California in February to discuss the utility’s restart proposal. According to the NRC timeline, a decision will not be made before March. FIND OUT MORE: See the NRC’s timeline at www.nrc.gov/info-finder/reactor/ songs/tube-degradation.html. —JS

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…Friends of the Library?

THE LATEST: The Orange County Board of Supervisors on December 11 approved a new licensing agreement that will formalize the county’s relationships with nonprofit Friends of the Library groups operating bookstores at public branches countywide. County Attorney Jacqueline Guzman on October 29 informed the Friends of the Dana Point Library board that the Dana Point bookstore would be closed, effective November 1, while the county worked on the project. The store was the only one in the county to be closed while the new agreements were being drafted and presented to the County Supervisors. County Librarian Helen Fried said that since a new board was set to be elected this month at the Friends’ annual meeting and due to the ongoing conflict between the board and former volunteers, the county hoped the closure would give the two groups and opportunity to resolve their differences amicably. WHAT’S NEXT: The new agreements set forth procedures, rules and responsibilities to ensure Friends groups operate in a consistent manner throughout the county library system, said Supervisor Pat Bates in her weekly newsletter update. Letters were sent to all county Friends groups explaining the new requirement and advising the nonprofit groups that the contracts must be executed by December 31 in order for the bookstores to remain in operation on county property. Fried said last month that once the license agreements are signed, the county will authorize the Dana Point store to be reopened. FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapointtimes.com. —AS www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Bucking the Trend Dana Point introduces medication ‘take back’ box in an effort to curb trending prescription drug abuse By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

ultural trends in fashion, business and technology continually reflect the changing preferences of society. It’s always been this way. Since the beginning of recorded history, people’s tastes and desires change in response to new developing technologies, media coverage, advertising and even as a response to “what the cool kids are doing.” Things are “in” then “out” then “in” again. Unfortunately, social problems like substance abuse also follow trends. And in the last decade, abuse of prescription medications has been a growing trend among both teen and adult users. The city of Dana Point has long held the belief that city-sponsored preventative measures can have a positive impact on drug abuse reduction in the community and, to that end, recently introduced a new tool—a medication drop-off box. “Abuse of medication, both prescription and over-the-counter, has reached epidemic levels in the U.S. and unfortunately no city is completely immune to the dangerous trend,” said Dana Point Chief of Police Lt. Lynn Koehmstedt. “Drug abuse prevention is a high priority from the City Council to the city manager to Police Services. Our young people are part of a high risk group and the drug take back box is just one more thing we can do to help.” In order to maintain as much presence at the high school as possible, the city provides funding for both a school intervention specialist and a school resource officer on campus. “We want to be there as much as we can to provide services and give students access to assistance or to respond if they need us,” Koehmstedt said. Since the 2008-2009 school year, Mike Darnold has been the on-campus go-to guy for teens who wish to discuss a problem with drugs or alcohol or as just a trusted confidant for kids who need someone to talk to. Darnold has noted trends in substance abuse among high school students follow those across the country and agrees that the take back box is a necessary tool to prevent easy access to prescription meds at home. “The city brought me on board to create a place for kids to go, someone that kids can talk to, somebody with experience with drug addiction and substance abuse. Dana Point Times December 21-27, 2012

Dana Point Chief of Police Lt. Lynn Koehmstedt, school intervention specialist Mike Darnold and school resource officer Deputy John Good announce the addition of a new medication drop-off box at City Hall Police Services. Photo by Andrea Swayne

My background is in medical treatment, detox facilities, hospitals and police service. I was a policeman for years and I am a recovering alcoholic and addict. I understand the problems kids bring to me and I am armed with the tools to help,” Darnold said. Darnold said that his aim is to create a “three pronged” educational approach to drug abuse prevention “It goes beyond ‘just say no.’ The education piece helps parents, teachers and students with the support of the city and the school district. So if a child has a problem on campus, they can come to me confidentially. I don’t judge the kids for what they’re doing and my goal is to help the child come to grips with their issues and find them support—90 percent of the time with the help of the parents. When a child comes into my office my first objective is to listen without judgment, to help them identify that they have a problem and then to bring their parents onboard to find the solution.” Darnold cited a study by The Partnership at drugfree.org that shows a 565 percent increase in medicine abuse between 2000 and 2010 and that two thirds of kids who abuse prescription drugs get them from family members and friends. “The drop-off box will go a long way toward reducing teens’ easy access to prescription meds. When I talk to kids who have problems with medicine abuse, they tell me they are obtaining these drugs in their homes, from their parents’ and grandparents’ medicine cabinets, or from friends who are getting them the same way,” Darnold said. School resource officer, Deputy John Good said that drugs like marijuana and alcohol are relatively easy to find on campus due to the tell-tale odors they produce. “Pills are small, odorless and hard to find,” he said, adding that he also agrees the take back box, if utilized by the

The City’s New Safe Medication Drop-off Box is Open for Business • Unwanted, unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted. • No appointment is necessary and the service is safe, free and anonymous. No questions will be asked, no forms to fill out, just drop your medications in the box and you’re done. • The box is located in the lobby at Dana Point Police Services, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 140, at Dana Point City Hall and is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. • No syringes, illicit drugs, medical waste, or hazardous waste will be accepted. • For more information call 949.248.3531.

community, could go a long way toward bucking the trend of “pill popping” among teenaged abusers. A recent survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse showed that after marijuana, prescription and over-the-counter medications account for a majority of the drugs abused by twelfth-graders surveyed in 2012. According to Koehmstedt the city has recorded five overdose deaths in the past five years (2007-2012) of persons 26 years or younger. Additionally, overdose deaths occurred in victims in their early 40s, but this does not include the untold number of medical aid calls for overdoses not resulting in death. These figures, when held up against inner city neighborhoods across the country, at first seem pretty low in comparison. But, as even one incident is too many, that

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does not deter city officials from taking a stance and continually searching for new ways to reduce drug abuse among residents. Neither does the so called “doubleedged sword” effect that the city’s efforts have on the public perception that drug problems are highly prevalent in Dana Point. “As we come up with new ways to address these issues that exist in every community, a lot of times people see us doing that and are thinking that perhaps we have more of a problem than anyone else,” said Darnold. “We don’t. We have less of a problem because we do all these things. Our efforts are paying off in our high school.” Last year Dana Hills Principal Jason Allemann provided figures that indicated that alcohol and drug incidents on campus were down by 76 percent, over the previous year. “Clearly we are moving in the right direction,” said Good. “As a result of our efforts, both teachers and parents are better able to notice signs of abuse now.” City Manager Doug Chotkevys recalled the old adage: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as he spoke of the city’s efforts to reduce drug abuse. “As I get older, I’ve really come to appreciate that expression,” Chotkevys said. “Several years ago, the Dana Point City Council decided to publicly recognize that our youth are exposed to drugs and alcohol, and that problems arise because of that exposure. This is a problem in every community, across the United States and abroad. The difference in Dana Point is that we chose to publicly recognize it. We openly talked about the elephant in the room and we made investments to address this very common problem.” Chotkevys called the new drug dropoff program a valuable extension of the services the city provides to continue addressing the city’s drug and alcohol issues. “It is widely understood that easy access to prescription drugs by juveniles has had tragic results. Overdoses, car crashes and suicides are all too common effects of prescription drug abuse,” he said. “The reality is that prescription drugs are all too often overprescribed, with ‘leftovers’ stored in home medicine cabinets. It’s simply too easy. Our program is an inexpensive way not only to get the word out about the dangers of access to prescription drugs, but a simple way to properly dispose of them.” Chotkevys added that the city also has an obligation to provide residents with an eco-friendly way of keeping these chemicals out of the waste stream, as flushing unused meds down the toilet or depositing them in landfills is environmentally irresponsible as well. “My only regret is that we could not get this program in place sooner,” he said. “Now that it is available, I hope our residents will take advantage of it.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY

Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com COMP I LE D BY K EVIN DA H LGRE N All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.

Monday, December 17 DISTURBANCE Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (12:07 a.m.) A man called police after he and his girlfriend were reportedly harassed by a transient outside of a convenience store. The caller told officers that the man, who regularly hangs out near the store, continu-

ally asks the couple for money or alcohol. The transient was described as tall with long blonde hair and was accompanied by two medium-sized dogs.

Sunday, December 16 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Domingo Avenue, 25900 Block (11:29 p.m.) A call to police reported a man lying down between two cars talking to himself. The caller reported that the man was very animated and appeared to be making hand gestures while telling himself a story. While waiting for deputies to arrive at the location, a second call to police reported that the man had left the area. TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIES Selva Road/El Encanto Avenue (5:03 p.m.) A two-car accident between a green Honda Odyssey and a black Ford Mustang was reported to police. A witness told deputies that the accident was “pretty bad.” According to witness accounts, one of the vehicles crashed into a power pole, causing the pole to break. No injuries were reported and both drivers refused medical attention. Live power lines on the ground were reported by another witness. Police contacted San Diego Gas & Electric who sent a maintenance truck to the scene to fix the downed pole. TRAFFIC HAZARD Caribbean Drive/Baltic Sea Drive (11:11

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

SAN CLEMENTE

Mayor Taylor Attacked, Injured

Plastic Bag Ban to be Reexamined

Mayor John Taylor was attacked and injured by two assailants Saturday night, while walking with his wife from a Christmas party, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The attack occurred around 11:30 p.m., as the Taylors were walking southbound on Los Rios Street. The two heard footsteps behind them and moved aside when one of the attackers punched Taylor in the head, knocking him to the ground. Both suspects began punching and kicking Taylor in the face area and didn’t stop until shortly after Taylor’s wife yelled that they were attacking the mayor. Authorities are now looking for two suspects, described as Hispanic males, about 6 feet in height and about 220 pounds. Taylor was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and then released. —Brian Park

San Clemente’s Coastal Advisory Commission appears ready to make the case again for a citywide ban on single-use plastic bags to the City Council. Assistant City Engineer Tom Bonigut said other cities have been much more successful recently in defending such bans in court, and the steps taken by those cities could be replicated in San Clemente. Commission members, who had been involved with previous attempts at a ban, indicated they would be willing to make the case to City Council once again. Potential bans have gone forward twice in recent years. A pitch for the ban could be made when the council sets its priority list for the year in February. —Jim Shilander

Dana Point Times December 21–27, 2012

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a.m.) Three teenage boys were seen riding longboard skateboards down the hill on Caribbean Drive. An earlier call to police reported an older man, thought to be the boys’ father, was videotaping the kids while they rode down the hill. Both callers were worried that the boys would be hit by a car or hurt themselves.

Saturday, December 15 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24800 Block (10:30 p.m.) A hotel guest called police after a hotel employee threatened to stab her with one of the 6-inch stiletto heeled shoes the guest was wearing. The caller did not wish to press charges, but wanted deputies to speak with the employee. MISSING ADULT Ocean Ridge, 33100 Block (11:01 a.m.) Police received a report of a missing man. The man’s friend called police after he had not heard from the man since November 28. According to the caller, the missing man works in Miami and has a girlfriend in Mexico, but regularly checks in to make sure his friends know he is OK.

Friday, December 14 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Selva Road, 34000 Block (8:31 p.m.) A woman called police after she wrote a check to a solicitor, but now believed she

may have been scammed. The woman wanted deputies to find the solicitor and take back the check. The solicitor was described as a young woman in her 20s, wearing a sweatshirt and jeans. DRUNK DRIVING Crown Valley Parkway/Pacific Coast Highway (6:13 p.m.) A burgundy Ford was reported to police after it was seen driving on the wrong side of the road. A witness told police the vehicle crossed over the center median onto the opposite side of the road and continued moving toward oncoming traffic for a few thousand feet. FOLLOW UP REPORT Sea Island Drive, 32000 Block (7:20 a.m.) A local resident called police after seeing a handprint near on her front door and what appeared to evidence of tampering on the lock. The caller thought an officer should take a look at it because it was very suspicious. Upon inspection, the officer determined there was no reason to believe any suspicious activity had occurred.

Thursday, December 13 ANNOYING PHONE CALL Marina Vista Drive, 33200 Block (6:13 p.m.) A man called police after he began receiving threatening text messages from an unknown number. The man told police he wanted to speak with a deputy regarding his options on how to fix the situation.

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 5, Issue 50. 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

ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

EDITORIAL

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

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ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting Manager Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Senior Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com

Sports & News Reporter > Steve Breazeale

BILLING Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@danapointtimes.com

City Reporter, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Sales Associate > Angela Edwards

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Ariana Crisafulli, Tawnee Prazak, Kevin Dahlgren, Adam Herzog, Darian Nourian

THE WATER COLUMN: By Lisa Zawaski, senior water quality engineer, city of Dana Point and Linda Homscheid, public Information officer, South Coast Water District

Keep Things Flowing Smoothly this Holiday Season

he holiday season brings us joy by spending quality time with family and friends and indulging in rich foods. During this season when cooking is at an all time high, we need to be extra careful and take care of our sanitary sewer system. Why? Fats, oils and grease from cooking that are poured down the kitchen drain can clog your private sewer line that connects your home or business to the South Coast Water District’s sewer main line under the street. A sewage back-up at your home, office or party location—whether a local residence, restaurant or hotel—would be a major party pooper. Literally. AVOID BEACH BUMMERS Fats, oils and grease that get into your private sewer line can also get into the District’s sewer main line and obstruct it. This is a leading cause of sewage overflowing from manholes into the street, down storm drains and into the ocean. This results in yellow and red signs posted on the beach saying: “Keep Out, Sewage Contaminated Water,” and the County Health Department closing the water to swimming for at least three days. Sewage spills that reach the beach not only impact our community and the local environment but also our local economy.

What can you do this holiday season (and year-round) to keep fatty solids and liquids from blocking your indoor plumbing and the sewer system? • Never pour fats, oils and grease down the drain. Throw them out in the trash (but not the recyclable bin). • Scrape food off dishes into the trash before rinsing. • Put a mesh sink strainer in your drain to catch food scraps.

Courtesy of South Coast Water District

Coast Water District at 949.499.4555, extension 0. (Maximum two items each per household). DISPOSE OF GARBAGE DISPOSALS Another good tip is to minimize—or better yet eliminate—the use of garbage disposal units, also known as food grinders. The simple and effective alternative is to use a mesh sink screen over the drain. Food scraps are caught in it and can be composted or disposed of periodically. Many restaurants and hotels that prepare and serve food have already come to the conclusion that eliminating food grinders in their sinks cuts down on electricity and repair costs, as well as the potential for clogged sewer lines. In the South Coast Water District

STASH IT, TRASH IT For this reason, never put used cooking fats, oils or grease down the kitchen sink. It makes no difference whether you pour boiling water with them or break up fatty scraps in a garbage disposal. Over time, your pipeline can clog and back up. The one and only thing to do with used fats, oils and grease is to throw them out in the trash. We suggest collecting them in a can or jar, putting a lid on it, keeping it in the freezer until it’s full, and then throwing it out with the garbage. If you would like a reusable plastic lid for your kitchen “grease container” that fits most cans and/or a stainless steel mesh sink screen to catch food scraps before they go down the drain, call South

service area, installation of food grinders is prohibited in new food serving establishments and removal of food grinders is required in establishments that are changing ownership or undergoing major remodeling of their kitchens. RESTAURANT REBATES If you recently bought a restaurant in the South Coast Water District service area or plan to remodel your current establishment, you are required to install a grease interceptor, if one has not already been installed. If you need or want to install a grease interceptor, the City of Dana Point and South Coast Water District have a Grease Management Rebate Program that may be right for you. Under the program, you can get cash back to cover up to 50 percent of the cost to install a properlysized grease interceptor for your establishment. Contact Lisa Zawaski at the City of Dana Point at 949.248.3584 or Ron Cestari at South Coast Water District at 949.499.4555 for rebate program details. Funds are limited, the program is offered on a first-come first-served basis and you must meet specific eligibility criteria. If everyone does their part, we can keep the holiday season flowing smoothly this year. Happy Holidays! DP

Letters to the Editor VACATION RENTALS: ARE THERE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AMONG COUNCIL MEMBERS? GARY CLARK, Capistrano Beach

The residents of the city of Dana Point deserve to know of any possible conflicts of interest between the members of the City Council and any special interests groups that might benefit from the legalizing of the (now illegal) issue of short-term summer and vacation rentals Dana Point Times December 21–27, 2012

(motels) in the city. As a 37-year resident, home owner and tax payer of the City of Dana Point, I am requesting an investigation into this possibility. The conflicts could include: Campaign contributors (that may benefit from the legalizing of the issue), ownership of shortterm rentals in Dana Point (either in their name or in a business name) and any other possible conflicts that might influence a council person’s voting and decision mak-

ing on this most important issue. The residents of Dana Point deserve to know where their public officials’ interests align. I think anyone, if they were totally honest, would agree that these “motels” are inappropriate in R1, single family neighborhoods, even Councilman Weinberg, if he were totally honest. I guess all that the “little people” who cannot afford to live in gated neighborhoods that have CC&Rs outlawing these motels can only hope that

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City Council will see the right thing to do and outlaw this disease before it destroys our precious way of life. Is the little revenue that the city stands to make off of this terrible disease worth the price we all will ultimately pay? 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.

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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

A TUNA CHRISTMAS 8 p.m. Comedy play at Cabrillo Playhouse. $15-$20. Shows through Dec. 23. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

MAYAN END OF THE WORLD PARTY 7 p.m.-10 p.m Old Money Jim performs a special show at San Juan Hills Golf Club. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1167, www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com. HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES 6 p.m. Charles Dickens Carolers perform at Kaleidoscope. 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy., Mission Viejo, www.gokaleidoscope.com. DISNEY ON ICE: DARE TO DREAM 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Annual holiday show at The Honda Center. Shows Dec. 18- 23. Tickets start at $23.50. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com. DAVINE WINE TASTING & MUSIC 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Live music by Angelika Wilson and wine tasting at DaVine Food & Wine (tastings start at 4 p.m.). $15. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. WINE & MUSIC CRUISE 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Dana Wharf’s cruise on a luxury catamaran with wine, snacks, music and more. Tickets $49. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com. TELESOUND 8 p.m. Live at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

saturday

THE NUTCRACKER 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Cast of professional dancers perform the ballet at Irvine Barclay Theater. $35-$40. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646, www.thebarclay.org.

PET ADOPTION Noon-4 p.m. The Ark’s cat and kitten adoption at Petsmart in the Costco Plaza. 33963 Doheny Park Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org. Dana Point Times December 21–27, 2012

AT THE MOVIES: ‘THE HOBBIT’ LACKS MAGIC Ten years ago, when Harry Potter was the most popular and successful franchise for anyone under 15 years old, Lord of the Rings was the most popular and successful franchise for anyone over 15. Eight years ago, Return of the King won 13 Oscars, including Best Picture. Now, nearly a decade later, Peter Jackson and company are back with the most anticipated prequel of the year: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The story begins with hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) 60 years younger and urged by Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to join 12 dwarves on an adventure to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. The party—lead by the last dwarf prince, Thorin (Richard Armitage)—is also being pursued by a group of large, savage orcs on the hunt for them as well. Lord of the Rings regulars Elijah © 2012 Warner Bros. Ent. Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. Wood, Ian Holm, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee and Lee Pace appear in cameos throughout the film. Freeman gives an impressive performance as the young protagonist and Aidan Turner becomes the most memorable dwarf. While the original trilogy was phenomenal and mesmerizing, The Hobbit comes off indulgent and tedious in pacing as well as over-the-top visuals. By the end of the movie, the audience is left to wonder why Jackson didn’t just make one epic blockbuster instead of a new nine-hour trilogy. —Megan Bianco

EDITOR’S PICK: DEAN + ANN CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA 8 p.m. Talented vocalists and Dana Hills High School grads, Michael Dean Groover and Julie Ann Wickstrom, present an evening of holiday music and fun. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.deanandannxmas.eventbrite.com or at the door (cash only). Half of the event proceeds will be donated to the Newtown Rotary Club’s Sandy Hook School Fund (www.newtownctrotary.org). Box office opens at 7 p.m. 3Peace Studios Theater, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite E-6, San Juan Capistrano, www.facebook.com/deanplusann. X-MAS 2012 CONCERT 8 p.m. Special concert at The Coach House. $30. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. NATE HANCOCK 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com DANA POINT FARMER’S MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce and much more every Saturday at La Plaza Park, Intersection of PCH and Golden Lantern. CITY BY STORM RECORD RELEASE PARTY 8 p.m. Rock music at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

sunday

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Noon and 4 p.m. Classic holiday play runs Nov. 30Dec. 24 at the South Coast Repertory. Tickets $26-$63. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555, www.scr.org.

SMALL WORKS ART SHOW 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Art exhibit on display with winners announced in the San Clemente Art Gallery at the San Clemente Community Center. Runs through Jan. 3. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com. HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR 1 p.m. SJC Historical Society leads a tour to see Los Rios Historical District, the Mission and more. Meet at the train depot on Verdugo Street. Every Sunday. $2 adults, $1 children. 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com. Page 10

monday

CHRISTMAS EVE: CONCERT & LATIN MIDNIGHT MASS 10 p.m.-midnight. Mass at Mission Basilica. Earlier vigil mass services will be held, as well. 31522 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1360, www.missionparish.org.

“FANTASEA” GINGERBREAD DISPLAY All day. See the Ritz-Carlton’s Holiday Gingerbread Display, which took more than 400 hours to create. In the lobby at 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.

December 25

Christmas Day

ELF CRAWL 4 p.m.9 p.m. Dress up like an elf and participate in the 2nd annual Elf Crawl that starts at Sundried Tomato and travels to several other nearby restaurants/bars in the downtown San Juan Capistrano area, ending at Swallow’s Inn. Kids invited except at Swallow’s. More info on Twitter: @SJCElfCrawl.

wednesday

MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Restaurants and bars in downtown San Juan offer microbrews and food at great prices the last Wednesday of every month. More info: 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

thursday

CASA HOLIDAY EXHIBITION 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience the nostalgia of Christmases past with Casa Romantica’s holiday exhibition on display Dec. 1-Jan. 5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

DUPP BROTHERS 7:30 p.m. The Swallows Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.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

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

D a n a Po i nt

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

HARBOR HAPPENINGS

BY B ARB ARA ME RRIMAN

Pure Joy: Sharing is the Real Spirit of Christmas

aturday, December 8 was a special day at Dana Point Yacht Club because we hosted a group of Marine families from Camp Pendleton at our annual “Lunch with Santa.” As our guests arrived, the excitement and anticipation in the air could almost be palpable. Looking at the faces of the 75 children in attendance gave us all the feeling that the hard work getting to this point was worth it. In early November, invitations were personally distributed to a section of enlisted housing at Pendleton, inviting each family to make a reservation for this luncheon and to include a gift suggestion for their child or children, along with any comment that the parent would like Santa to tell their kids. The

Volunteer “elves” make the annual Dana Point Yacht Club event a memorable occasion for the Marines, their families and the club members themselves. Photo by Barbara Merriman

Dana Point Times December 21–27, 2012

reservations came in quickly and our “elves” started shopping. Looking for a specific toy can sometimes be a B Y B A R B A R A challenge—espeMERR IMA N cially for those of us who haven’t seen the inside of a toy store since our children were small. Undaunted, the elderly elves (by comparison) were able to find all the requested gifts, with the help of a kindly salesperson who knew what a Monster High Doll and a Lego Star Wars project were. The generosity of the Dana Point Yacht Club members, a few non-members and guests, made it financially possible to pull this off. The fundraising kicked off with a large gift from San Clemente Villas by the Sea. Members made donations ranging from $5 to $500. Each donation helped and special recognition for all the donors is currently displayed on a large poster in the lobby of the yacht club. Each of the 75 children was given a gift valued in the $40 range and we had enough to give each of the 30 families a Visa Gift Card with a limit of $50. The families also each took home a little miniature rosemary Christmas tree, donated

Page 13

The Dana Point Yacht Club hosted Marine families from Camp Pendleton at their annual Lunch with Santa on December 8. Photo by Barbara Merriman

in part by Lowe’s Garden Center in San Clemente. Dana Point Yacht Club underwrote the lunch and the kid-friendly food was a big hit with the parents too. The room was chock-full of young families and their beautifully well behaved children. Excited? Yes. Noisy? Yes. Polite? Yes. Some ripped into their gifts and you could hear the squeals of delight, along with sincere thank-yous to Santa. Others

carefully took the wrapped gifts home with them, anticipating Christmas morning and wondering what our Santa had given them. One parent was overheard saying that these might be the only gifts that they had under the tree this year. Being able to provide a few hours of pure joy and delight for these deserving families was such a pleasure for us. We are already talking about plans for next year. DP

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Unexpected Find Capistrano Beach man discovers first car in junkyard By Jim Shilander Dana Point Times

onnie Laster has restored classic cars for years. But he was never expecting the opportunity to get a second chance at his first wheels. Laster, who lives with his wife Pam in Capistrano Beach, was given his first car by his grandparents in 1959, when he was 14. Laster’s grandfather, Roy Sharp, originally bought the 1938 Chevrolet coupe in 1942, from a Japanese neighbor who was preparing his family for relocation to a World War II internment camp. The neighbor was trying to get rid of as much as he could, so he proposed a deal. “They wouldn’t sell him the car unless my grandfather also agreed to take their dog,” Laster said. “So we named the car after the dog, Margie.” Laster said his grandfather had originally intended to give the car to his older brother, Eddie, who was about to get his license. “He was going to fix it up, but then he decided he wanted something that would actually run. So he gave the car to me,” Laster said. Since he wouldn’t be a licensed driver for another year or so, Laster set to work fixing up the car, which his grandfather had been driving for 20 years. “I didn’t have my license, so I started tearing the car apart. Any nut or bolt I could take off, I took off. I cleaned everything and put it back together... I had the car painted bright red, and took it down to Tijuana for ‘tuck and roll’ upholstery.” It was in the “little red coupe,” that Lonnie and Pam rode around in when they began dating in October 1961. Less than a year later, Eddie borrowed the car and took a trip to Balboa Island, where he met his own future wife. Lonnie left the car at home when he attended school at UC Santa Barbara, so other family members drove it while he went to school. After graduating, Lonnie took the car back and began raising a family with Pam. Since the car

Lonnie and Pam Laster of Capistrano Beach in front of the same 1938 Chevrolet coupe that Lonnie drove while the two dated in Anaheim. After selling the car in 1977, Laster discovered it a repair shop in La Crescenta and bought it back. Photo by Jim Shilander

had only one bench seat, it wasn’t really a practical car for a family of five, so Lonnie and Pam sold the car in 1977. Shortly thereafter, he bought a similar model, this one with two rows of seats, which he also worked to restore. Laster figured he’d seen the last of the old ‘38 Chevy after he’d sold it, but he kept up his hobby of restoring cars that had begun with “Margie.” After beginning work earlier this year on a 1940s Ford pick-up truck, Laster ventured up to a mechanic he’d frequently used on his cars in La Crescenta. It was there he made the discovery that brought him back a lifetime. “I noticed, in the back, with all the junk cars and parts, a car that looked like the one I had.” After getting help

Lonnie Laster poses with his ‘38 Chevy in 1961. Courtesy photo

Dana Point Times December 21-27, 2012

Page 14

with his truck, Laster decided to a closer look at what was there. “I said ‘Oh my gosh, this is my car.’” The car had been sold again in 1988, Laster discovered, and been stored at the mechanic’s, who was a friend of the new owner. “For 25 years, it sat in that same spot,” Laster said. “Nobody had done anything to it. It’d been driven only a little bit. I told the man at the mechanic’s ‘I’ve got to have this car.’” To clinch it, the day he spotted the car, August 27, was his 46th wedding anniversary. The car’s old registration cards were still there to boot. But Laster wasn’t the first person to see something special about the car sitting in the back. Many others, he was told, had made offers to the new owner, but he hadn’t taken any of them up. The new owner was initially reluctant to part with the car, but finally relented after he was sent some of the photographs Laster had taken with the car as a teenager. To make the timing of the discovery even sweeter, Laster had his 50th class reunion coming up. He got to work immediately on the car. He kept the current paint job, the one he’d applied as a teenager, but had repairs done to the electrical system, brakes and everything else on the car that wasn’t in good condition. The motor, he noted, was still pristine. “It runs great, really,” Laster said. The car took two prizes at the car show that accompanied the reunion, where one person said he remembered Laster’s brother dropping him off at school nearly 50 years earlier. “He used to pay my brother 35 cents a week,” Laster noted. “My mother used to take it up to Los Angeles to visit her sister. It seemed like everyone in the family had some connection to it.” There’s still some additional work still to be done to Margie. Laster said the water pump needs to be replaced, and there are still a few oil leaks to plug. But that doesn’t change what having the old car means to him, Laster said. “People find their cars, but they don’t find it in the exact condition it was in 50 years ago.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

FOR RENT DANA POINT HARBOR OCEAN VIEW CONDO WITH POOL!! 2 Amazing 2 bedroom, 2 bath gated condo with panoramic ocean view from your balcony. Includes W/D hook ups, upgraded flooring & restrooms, recessed lighting, new paint & appliances. 2 underground parking spaces available. Property is ready to move in! Please call (909) 391-2129 for more detail information or viewing. GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. No phone calls please.

SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-456-2376

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

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 Nona Associates-Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 949.496.2275 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com

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

BEAUTY SALONS Mobile Salon Malina www.salonmalina.com

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

949.276.2600

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

ELECTRICAL

delta G electrical 949.360.9282 PLUMBING CA #657214, www.deltagelectrical.com Chick’s Plumbing www.chicks-plumbing.com

HAIR SALONS

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

COFFEE SHOP

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers 949.496.1900 24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, pat.powers@cox.net State Farm/Ted Bowersox 949.661.3200 COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204 www.tedbowersox.com San Clemente Computer & Network Services 949.240.8944 daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 Statefarm/Elaine LaVine 34080 Golden Lantern, www.elainelavine.net Mills Construction 949.212.7699 Dana Point, www.millsbuilds.com: CA # 973483

LOCKSMITH Dana Point Lock & Security www.danapointlock.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

949.496.9731

949.498.1025

PRINT SHOP

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

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

CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING

949.496.3315

PRESCHOOLS

Mobile Salon Malina 949.500.2909 San Clemente Preschool www.salonmalina.com 949.496.1957 163 Avenida Victoria, 949.500.2909 The Captain’s Chair 20 Monarch Bay Plaza, www.thecaptainschairdp.com www.sanclementepreschool.com

CAFE - DELI

COSMETICS

Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com

949.496.6916

Mary Kay Cosmetics & Career 949.248.2868 949.661.3984 Opportunities, Ind. Sales Director - Marline Adams, Kenny’s Music & Guitars 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com www.marykay.com/madams2

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT VORTEIL (pronounced four-tile) is the first and only aesthetic dermatology center to focus exclusively on men’s skin and hair. Founded by a board-certified dermatologist, Vorteil specializes in hair restoration surgery for male pattern baldness and minimally invasive procedures to treat wrinkles, aging, leg veins, acne scarring, and other skin conditions. 33971 Selva Rd. Ste. 200, 949.276.2600, www.vorteildermatology.com

Beacon Printing - Brad & Judy Brandmeier 24681 La Plaza, Ste. 125 949.661.3877 UPHOLSTERY beaconprinting@sbcglobal.net 949.240.2292 Printing OC 949.388.4888 Dana Point Upholstery 24402 Del Prado 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com PSYCHOTHERAPY Corinne Rupert PhD, PsyD, MFT 949.488.2648 33971 Selva Rd. Ste. 125, www.danapointpsychotherapy.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION Offshore Construction www.offshoreconstruction.org

949.444.6323

WINDOW CLEANING

Surterre Properties Monarch Beach, 949.464.3243 Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. 949.215.2323 McDaniel Gilmore Group www.baysidewindowcleaning.com 33522 Niguel Rd. Ste. 100, Monarch Beach 92629 Clear Windows 949.485.8793 www.mcdanielgilmoregroup.com San Clemente, www.clearwindows-llc.com

SURFBOARD REPAIRS

Dylan’s Ding Repairs 949.607.9406 www.facebook.com/dylansdingrepairs

GET YOUR BUSINESS LISTED TODAY. Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@danapointtimes.com.

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

D a n a Po i nt

OUTDOOR SPOTLIGHT

DANA WHARF JANUARY FISHING REPORT, FISH COUNT

In his monthly fishing report for the month of January, Dana Wharf Sportfishing captain Brian Woolley explained how regulations will not allow the fishing fleet to target the likes of rockfish, whitefish and lingcod, while the chances of catching bass will depend on the water holding its 58- to 60-degree temperature range. The one fish that anglers are pulling in, according to Woolley’s press release, are halibut, which bodes well for those looking to land a keeper for the wharf’s Halibut Derby. 12/15-12/18 FISH COUNT Tuesday, December 18: One boat, 15 anglers—89 rockfish, 51 vermillion

rockfish, 20 sand dabs, 19 sculpin, 15 sheephead, 12 whitefish, 10 boccacio, 3 blue perch, 2 triggerfish. Monday, December 17: Two boats, 22 anglers—18 rockfish, 10 sand Bass, 9 sheephead, 6 calico bass, 6 vermillion rockfish, 1 boccacio, 1 lingcod. Sunday, December 16: Three boats, 38 anglers—64 sand bass, 16 calico bass, 5 blue perch, 4 sculpin, 2 halibut, 1 sheephead. Saturday, December 15: Three boats, 58 anglers—92 rockfish, 30 sand dabs, 25 red snapper, 21 boccacio, 20 sand bass, 8 calico bass, 8 sculpin, 5 sheephead, 5 whitefish. —Steve Breazeale

Romero ﬁnished off the scoring for Dana Hills, notching two goals late in the game. With senior starting keeper Rony Alay out with a contusion in his right calf, senior back-up goalie Charlie Winterhalter provided the Dolphins with seven saves. “(Romero) got the last two (goals) with speed, determination and effort,” Dolphins head coach Leo Compean said. “(Winterhalter) made seven big saves throughout the game for us, keeping us alive until the very end.” After facing Edison the Dolphins suffered back to back losses. The ﬁrst was a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Newport Harbor on December 7 and the second a 2-0 loss to Beckman on December 12 before facing the Cougars. The teams next opponent might be the toughest they face all year, as the Dolphins will play against CIF-SS Division 1 No. 2 ranked San Clemente on December 21.

Dolphin Report By Steve Breazeale

GIRLS BASKETBALL • In their last game before hosting their own tournament the Dana Hills girls basketball team lost to visiting University High, 52-34 on December 18 in a non-league matchup. Dolphins (2-7) freshman guard Maddy Bloom and senior forward Katie Underwood each had 10 points in the contest. The Dolphins could not get anything going against the University defense and were held to a season-low 30 percent shooting from the field. In a move to help raise the profile of high school girls basketball in Orange County, Dana Hills girls basketball head coach Rob Cullinan and his staff have successfully secured 12 teams to compete in the inaugural North vs. South Challenge on December 22. The one-day tournament will be held at Dana Hills High and will start with a 10 a.m. matchup between University and El Toro. The Dolphins will be the last to tip off in the tournament with a 6:30 p.m. game against Los Alamitos. BOYS BASKETBALL • The Dolphins boys basketball team had a successful run at the Irvine World News Classic, going 4-1 at the tournament that took place from December 10 to December 15. After securing wins over Irvine and Northwood in the opening rounds, the Dolphins (8-4) defeated El Dorado 48-32 on December 14. The Dolphins took advantage of a 23-18 halftime lead and stifled El Dorado in the second half, limiting them to 14 points in the final two quarters. Dolphin senior guard Cory Blau poured in a game high 24 points. The Dolphins played against Tustin in their final game of the tournament on December 15 and lost a close contest, 52-50. The Dolphins erased a 22-15 first half deficit and outscored the Tillers 25-20 in the second half, but came up short in the end. Once again Blau led the Dolphins, scoring 22 points. In the five games played at the Irvine World News Classic, Blau scored 111 points, averaging 22.2 points per game. Blau is averaging a team high 19.8 points per game on the season. After the tough loss to Tustin, Dana Hills cruised to a 55-38 victory over Rancho Buena Vista on December 18 for another non-league win. Dana Point Times December 21–27, 2012

Dana Point resident Peggy Stein shows off her lingcod catch aboard a Dana Wharf boat. Courtesy photo

The Dana Hills girls basketball team will host 12 other schools in the inaugural North/South Challenge on December 22. Courtesy image

Next Game: 12/22 vs. Marina, North/South Challenge at El Toro High, 11 a.m. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL • The Dolphins’ season is over, but junior outside hitter Tia Scambray has racked up a few individual awards in the offseason. Scambray, a University of Washington commit, was named the South Coast League MVP and on December 10, she was named to the all CIF-SS Division 1AA team. Scambray tallied a team high 347 kills, averaging 5.4 per set, in 2012. She also had a team high 55 aces, was second on the team in total blocks (48) and third on the team in digs (165). BOYS SOCCER • After dropping two straight games since their 3-2 win over Edison on December 5, the Dana Hills boys soccer team pulled back to the .500 mark on the season with a 4-2 non-league win over Capistrano Valley on December 14. The Cougars were leading 1-0 after the first half but the Dolphins came back in a big way by scoring all of their goals in the second. Senior midfielder Kevin Marron got things going on offense for the Dolphins (3-3), taking a throw-in from junior midfielder Justin Vasu and converting it into a goal. Junior defender Omar Curiel also scored for the Dolphins on a long distance, 35-yard shot. Sophomore forward Paul Page 16

GIRLS SOCCER • The Dolphins kept their season unbeaten streak alive by opening the Mater Dei Premier Invitational tournament with a 1-0 win over Los Alamitos on December 19. Dolphin forward Brittany Mueller scored the winning goal in the second half. The Dolphins were set to play Bishop Amat on December 20. Results were not available at press time. Next Game: 12/21 vs. Foothill, at Mater Dei, 5:25 p.m. WRESTLING • With the South Coast League in ﬂux following San Clemente’s December 18 win over Laguna Hills, Dana Hills head coach Reza Abedi knows that any win in league is a good one. On December 18 the Dolphins took to the road to play league opponent Aliso Niguel and came away with a 35-24 victory. The win was important, considering the Dolphins will face both the Hawks and Tritons in the coming weeks. The Dolphin win over the Wolverines could give the team the conﬁdence it needs to survive the South Coast League gauntlet and into the future. “I knew going in (against Aliso Niguel) that it would be a close match. Luckily our kids wrestled tough…Our kids wrestled smart and that really helped us,” Abedi said. “Our league is loaded…It’s such a tough league. It would be great to win (league), but our long term goal is taking the kids to state.” The turning point in the match came when Austin Grimsley won his 162 pound matchup by way of a take down with 10 seconds left on the clock. Grimsley has been one of many seniors on the Dolphins experienced roster who has stepped up heading into league play, according to Abedi. On December 21 the Dolphins will travel to compete in the Mann Classic at Santiago College, before taking a two week break until they face Laguna Hills on December 8. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK Emmy Lombard Age: 16, San Clemente High School From surfing and academics to community volunteer work, Emmy Lombard strives for excellence, and as one of the most involved teens in the community, is an all-around good citizen. She contributes greatly to the success of her school surf team and recently took first place in Girls Longboard at the league individual finals for the second straight year. She also competes in the WSA Championship Tour, where her first-place at this month’s contest in Oceanside cemented her No. 1 ranking in the Girls U18 Longboard division. In school, Emmy is and ‘A’ and ‘B’ student who juggles a full load of college prep classes and is Emmy Lombard. Courtesy photo the founder and leader of the Healing Hands Club. “We raise money to build wells and send kids to school in the West African country of Burkina Faso,” Emmy said. The club has so far raised $15,000 for wells and at an event earlier this month, raised $1,400 for African school children. Her goals include pursuing a career in the medical field and training as a professional big wave surfer. She hopes to be ready to tackle the huge surf at Mavericks by the time she turns 25. Requesting that some space in this article be dedicated to the club rather than herself, Emmy said, “Please join us at the Aliso Viejo Ice Palace on January 16 from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. We will donate 50 percent of the entry fees from everyone who mentions the Healing Hands Club upon entry. I hope to see you there.” —Andrea Swayne

Dana Hills High Student Earns ISA Scholarship

SURF FORECAST Water Temp: 58-61˚F Water visibility, conditions: Local: 6-10’ poor Forecast: A fun-zone West-Northwest to Northwest swell moves in late Friday and continues through the weekend, as minor Southern Hemi swell continues. The surf will pick up from the 2-3’ (kneewaist high) range on Friday into the 2-3’+ (knee-waist-chest high+) range over the weekend. Conditions are favorable Friday and into Saturday morning, then become a little dicey on Sunday behind a passing trough. Check out Surfline for all the details!

UPCOMING EVENTS December 22-23: NSSA Southwest Open, Event No. 7, Cardiff by the Sea, Seaside Reef Elenna “Lulu” Erkeneff of Dana Point is this year’s only USA-based recipient of the annual International Surfing Association scholarship. Surfing America Executive Director Greg Cruse presented her with the $1,000 award, on behalf of the ISA, at the Surfing America Prime contest in San Clemente on December 9. Photo by Andrea Swayne

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

ana Hills High School senior Elenna “Lulu” Erkeneff was one of 27 surfers under the age of 18 from 19 different countries chosen to receive a 2012 International Surfing Association (ISA) Individual Scholarship. The ISA Scholarship Selection Committee recognizes a group of student athletes, each year as community role models and ISA ambassadors, and presents them with a $1,000 scholarship for use in furthering their education and surfing careers. Erkeneff is the only U.S. recipient and was chosen for her impressive list of academic, volunteer and surfing accomplishments including her hard work and dedication to co-founding and leading the Surfrider Foundation Club at Dana Hills. She has an impressive competitive Dana Point Times December 21–27, 2012

surfing record that includes being named Most Valuable Player on her high school surf team for shortboarding as a freshman and sophomore, and again this year for longboarding. She also won the 2012 WSA National Championship in Girls U18 Longboard. Erkeneff will graduate with honors after successfully managing a full schedule of Advanced Placement classes throughout high school. She is also a National Honor Society inductee for 2012. The ISA is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing body for Surfing. Membership includes the national governing bodies for surfing in 67 countries on five continents. For more information about ISA, the scholarship program and a full list of this year’s scholarship recipients, log on to www.isasurf.org. DP Page 18

January 5-6: WSA Championship Series, Event No. 6, Midget Smith Pier Rat Challenge, San Clemente, Pier January 12: SSS Orange County Middle School and High School, Event No. 3, Oceanside, Pier January 20-21: Surfing America Prime West, Event No. 4, Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane February 2: SSS Orange County Middle School and High School, Event No. 4, San Clemente, Pier February 9-10: Surfing America Prime West, Event No. 5, San Onofre State Beach, Upper Trestles February 9: NSSA Southwest Explorer, Event No. 8, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty February 16-17: WSA Championship Series, Event No. 7, Huntington Beach, Pier February 23-24: NSSA Southwest Open, Event No. 8, Dana Point, Salt Creek March 3: SSS Orange County Middle School and High School, Event No. 5, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street

RESULTS NSSA Southwest Explorer Event No. 7, December 8, San Diego, Mission Beach, San Fernando Street (San Clemente=SC) MEN: 1. Ed Custudio, San Diego; 2. Jacob Szekely, La Jolla; 3. Spencer Bingham, San Diego. JUNIORS: 1. Jacob Szekely, La Jolla; 2. Noah Collins, Manhattan Beach; 3. Logan Laubach, SC; 4. Bryce Marino, Huntington Beach; 5. Andrew Niemann, Huntington Beach; 6. Josh Queen, Huntington Beach. BOYS: 1. Danny Kenduck, Laguna Niguel; 2. Crosby Colapinto, SC; 3. Connor Dawson, Huntington Beach; 4. Nick Marshall, Encinitas; 5. Will Reid, Palos Verdes Estates; 6. Nicholas Holdman, Poway. MENEHUNE: 1. Nick Marshall, Encinitas; 2. Noah Hohenester, SC; 3. Crosby Colapinto, SC; 4. Kade Matson, SC; 5. Dagan Stagg, Carlsbad; 6. Jett Schilling, SC. SUPER GROMS: 1. Kade Matson, SC; 2. Kai McPhillips, SC; 3. Jett Schilling, SC; 4. Keanu Igarashi, Huntington Beach; 5. Hagan Johnson, SC; 6. Taro Watanabe, Malibu. WOMEN: 1. Malia Osterkamp, SC; 2. Rachel Tominaga, Manhattan Beach; 3. Izzy Gomez, Holmes Beach; 4. Alexxa Elseewi, SC; 5. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla; 6. Maddie Gumbrecht, Huntington Beach; 7. Madeleine Camargo, Huntington Beach. GIRLS: 1. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla; 2. Samantha Cendro, Huntington Beach; 3. Malia Faramarzi, Encinitas; 4. Jada Galland, Rancho Santa Fe; 5. Madeleine Camargo, Huntington Beach; 6. Makena Perez, Carlsbad; 7. Malia Osterkamp, SC. MASTERS: 1. Rick Takahashi, San Diego; 2. Sergio Martins, San Diego; 3. Brian Stanton, Encinitas; 4. Eric Sorensen, Long Beach; 5. Ed Custudio, San Diego; 6. Tatuzisochi Zagoto, Encinitas. SENIORS: 1. Brian Stanton, Encinitas; 2. Rick Takahashi, San Diego; 3. Eric Sorensen, Long Beach; 4. Sergio Martins, San Diego; 5. Lee Toresdahl, Huntington Beach. SUPER SENIORS: 1. Mike Glevy, San Diego; 2. Rick Fignetti, Huntington Beach; 3. Lee Toresdahl, Huntington Beach; 4. Jim Ferguson, Santa Rosa. DUKE: 1. Rick Fignetti, Huntington Beach; 2. Jim Ferguson, Santa Rosa. KNEEBOARD: 1. Sean Noone, Aliso Viejo; 2. Tom Linn, Laguna Niguel; 3. Evan Odom, Vista; 4. Eric Peterson, Orange; 5. Ed Quinn, Sherman Oaks; 6. Chris Bermudez, Oxnard. www.danapointtimes.com