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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 3

Inspiration at Sea Whale watching, tall ship field trip provides motivation for student entries in Festival of Whales art show, logo contest E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Art students from Dana Hills High School take photos during a whale watching field trip meant to inspire artwork for the upcoming Festival of Whales. Photo by Yvette Wang

www.danapointtimes.com

Residents Press City Council to Act on Town Center

International Elephant Parade Coming in Fall

CUSD Won’t Buy Textbooks Required by LGBT Bill This Year

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

EYE ON DP

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, JANUARY 19

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. La Paz Park, 34111 La Plaza St. Admission is free. For more information or to inquire about purchasing a booth, please call 949.573.5033 or 951.271.0669 and visit www. danapoint.org.

the Dana Point Reserve, Hilltop Park and Harbor Point Park will explore how European missionaries utilized the coastal landscape and track territorial changes over the past 300 years. For more information visit www.danapoint.org or call 949.542.4755.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26 Recycling Event at Dana Hills High 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern St. Drop off plastic bottles and aluminum for the school’s chapter of the California Scholastic Federation and other school organizations to collect and sort. Funds collected are distributed by the PTSA for student programs. Future events will be held Feb. 9 and 23, March 9 and 23, April 13 and 27, May 11 and 25. Event will be held rain or shine. For more information email president@dhhsptsa.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 SUNDAY, JANUARY 20

D a n a Po i nt

The Changing Landscape Historical Walk 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Dr. This 1.5-mile tour through

Senior Twilight Dinner 5 p.m. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St. Cost is $8 prepaid donation. For more information, call 949.248.3536.

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With... 1

…Bill Clinton in Dana Point?

THE LATEST: Former President Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker at a healthcare industry summit at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point Monday. According to event organizers—Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation, and Competition in Healthcare—the Patient Safety Science & Technology Summit was a two-day gathering of healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, hospital and government officials aimed at improving patient safety and reducing cost of care in U.S. hospitals. The summit began Sunday, January 13 with a full day of speakers and continued January 14 with a day of talks and panel discussions, including Clinton’s “Patient Safety Challenge” speech at 4:30 p.m. Tickets to the sold out event went for $500 per person. WHAT’S NEXT: Since statistics show more than 200,000 patients die of preventable causes in the country’s hospitals annually, the summit focused on three challenges within the industry’s power to solve now— preventable post-operative complications, medical errors and the overuse of red blood cell transfusions. FIND OUT MORE: More information can be found on the event website at www.patientsafetysummit.org. —Andrea Swayne

… Elephant Conservation?

THE LATEST: City council voted on Tuesday to bring the international Elephant Parade—a public art exhibit aimed to promote awareness and support the conservation of Asian elephants—to the city this fall. Dana Point Times January 18–24, 2013

With strong support from the Dana Point Tourism Business Improvement District— or TBID—the council approved, in a 4 to 1 vote, the $150,000 contract on the group’s behalf. City Manager Doug Chotkevys assured the council that the money would come directly from the TBID’s $3-a-night bed fee and not the city’s general fund. For eight weeks this fall, painted elephant statues standing five feet tall will be placed throughout the city. The event will culminate with a gala and auction, where funds from the artwork sold goes to the Asian Elephant Foundation and participating artists. Councilman Bill Brough cast the one dissenting vote. “I’d like to see TBID more focused on the beach and the whales,” Brough said. “We could do this for condors or endangered kelp.”

president of the Lantern Village Association—both in Dana Point—echoed the same demand. “I hope you realize that I am not asking of you anything that you already haven’t personally stated as a goal for your time on the council,” Frost said. “We are all looking for your leadership, the same leadership you guaranteed when running for council.”

2016, said Julie Hatchel, assistant superintendent of education services. Defying the law and choosing not to adopt stateapproved textbooks could jeopardize the district’s textbook funding stream, according to Hatchel.

WHAT’S NEXT: Although the next city council meeting is on February 5, no date has been set for the council to discuss and decide on Town Center plans.

…Open Enrollment Waiver?

WHAT’S NEXT: The exhibition—slated to start in October—will be the Elephant Parade’s first U.S. appearance. Past cities to host the display include Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, Milan and Singapore.

…LGBT Bill?

FIND OUT MORE: For more information on the exhibition and to view past elephant sculptures, visit www.elephantparade.com. —Andrea Papagianis

…Dana Point Town Center?

THE LATEST: Three prominent businessmen addressed the council Tuesday evening, in a call to action for council members to push forward with the uncompleted, 6-year-old Dana Point Town Center project. “We need the Town Center done. We need it to be put on the budget. We need it to be discussed. We need some direction,” said George Luhan, owner of Luciana’s Ristorante. Robert Beaulieu, a senior vice president with Pacific Western Bank, and Mike Frost,

FIND OUT MORE: Log on to www.danapointtimes.com to read the history of and council member interviews on Town Center revitalization plans. —AP

THE LATEST: Dr. Stan Wasbin, a Capistrano Unified School District parent, asked the board of trustees Monday, January 7, what their stance was regarding the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful Education Act, a 2011 state law that requires public schools to incorporate gay and lesbian history into their social studies curriculums. “My anger is directed at our state legislators who created and passed this law and not at all to anyone who classifies themselves as LGBT,” Wasbin said. Superintendent Joseph Farley and trustee Jim Reardon both pointed out that the law is vague as to how it is to be implemented and that the responsibility seems to fall to local districts. Several members of the advocacy group, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, or PFLAG, spoke in support of the bill, which they said would serve to increase tolerance. WHAT’S NEXT: The district’s next regular textbook adoption cycle will take place in

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FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, visit www.danapointtimes.com. —Brian Park

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees on Monday voted to remove seven of its schools from the Open Enrollment Act list. The Open Enrollment Act, a 2010 state law, requires the State Superintendent to maintain a list of California’s 1,000 “low achieving” schools, based on Academic Performance Index scores. Students attending those schools have the right to transfer out of their districts, but districts are also encouraged to provide inter-district transfer options. The law also requires no district to have more than 10 percent of its schools on the list. The schools to be removed from the list are Clarence Lobo, Crown Valley, Kinoshita, Marblehead, R.H. Dana, San Juan and Viejo. Trustee Anna Bryson said the law inaccurately portrays smaller, high-performing districts like CUSD, whose lower-scoring schools still outperform others in larger districts. “It makes good districts like Capistrano victims,” Bryson said. “This is a skewed study and it really is unfortunate.” WHAT’S NEXT: The next meeting is scheduled for January 23 at CUSD headquarters at 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano. FIND OUT MORE: For CUSD updates, visit www.danapointtimes.com. —BP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Inspiration at Sea Whale watching, tall ship field trip provides motivation for student entries in Festival of Whales art show, logo contest By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

xperience is the greatest teacher and once again Dana Point Festival of Whales organizers offered local high school art students an inspirational field trip meant to get their creative juices flowing and motivate them to share their talents with visitors to the 42nd annual event. Ninety students on January 9, from the advanced art classes at Dana Hills High School’s South Orange County School of the Arts, or SOCSA, were given a trip aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching vessel Dana Pride followed by a tour of the tall ship brig Pilgrim at the Ocean Institute. The trip served as motivation for artwork the teens will be creating for display at the Art in the Park exhibition during the Festival, as well as the upcoming contest that will choose the 2014 Festival logo from among student entries. An important goal of the Festival of Whales has always been to provide entertaining and educational opportunities to share information about the marine mammals—especially California Gray Whales—that migrate past Dana Point. Festival organizers past and present have worked to foster a love and concern for the magnificent creatures, and in turn, a desire to protect them—a mission especially important to pass on to younger generations. Throughout the Festival’s history Dana Point has increasingly become known as the whale capital of the West, thanks to their efforts and the formerly endangered species has steadily rebounded. Part of the event’s success at attracting large numbers of event goers to the twoweekend festival has been a tradition of calling on artists to provide beautiful logo images to promote the event. In 2011 Festival of Whales executive director Penny Elia started thinking about finding a design for 2012 and had an idea that would involve a contest among the city’s talented high school art students. She approached Dana Hills digital art photography teacher Natalie Hribar-Kelly with the idea and the rest, as they say is history. Her students eagerly submitted designs and the first winner, class of 2011 graduate Carver Moore, was chosen. The program was so well received the first year that Elia immediately began Dana Point Times January 18–24, 2013

Dana Hills High School art students (L to R) Michaela Parker, Michela Paganelli, Sarah Haghi, Krista Snow (teacher), Madison May, Alexis Muir, Dominque Le Sage, Ryan Constantino and Teddy Zadoorian gather near the brig Pilgrim to talk about the day’s events. Photo by Andrea Swayne

thinking of ways to provide even greater involvement for students. Last January the program expanded to include the field trip and resulted in an impressive number of student artwork on display at the 2012 Art in the Park show. Then from among the logo contest entries, a design by 2012 Dana Hills alum Steven Kazarian, was chosen to represent this year’s festival. This year’s field trip was also a success, giving 90 more students the inspirational experience to fuel their imaginations and set them up for success at the upcoming Art in the Park exhibition and next year’s logo contest. Coordinator for Art in the Park, Jackie Gallagher of the Dana Point Fine Arts Association, said she hopes student participation will be even greater this year, as supporting the artistic development of the city’s high school art program is among her group’s top priorities. “It’s great for students to have real life experiences like this. I’ve had several kids tell me this was their first time on a boat. It’s one thing to see marine life on TV and something altogether different to actually be there and see first-hand how marine mammals interact in the wild. It’s the same with the Pilgrim; to actually be onboard to see what it looks like in real life as opposed to in pictures is amazing,” said Krista Snow, multi-media design instructor. “These students will be a part of fine art exhibit at the Festival in March. So the idea here is to get inspired by the photographs taken and experiences they’ve had today. Sketches will be transformed into paintings and sculptures to communicate their experience through art work.”

Student Teddy Zadoorian reported that the sight of a whale frolicking with dolphins, as well as the view of the brig Pilgrim’s many sails and intricate rigging, provided him with plenty of pictures and ideas for artwork he will be submitting for the exhibit. “Today was a lot of fun and was only my second time whale watching. This time I saw a lot more, learned a lot more. The Pilgrim was cool too,” Zadoorian said. “The weather was perfect. I couldn’t ask for a better day. I hope I have some good shots to submit for the art show.” Students Michaela Parker, Michela Paganelli and a group of Zadoorian’s classmates also commented about the thrill of seeing whales and dolphin in the wild and getting and up-close view of the ship. This year, like the last, Dana Hills students weren’t the only young people involved in the field trip. A trio of interns from UC Irvine came along to gather photos and video for promoting the Festival via social media also, came along. “I am interested in social media and I feel like this is a great experience. I am so excited because I’ve never seen whales before,” said UCI intern Hikari Kimura. Zeaon Zhang said he’d never been so close to whales and dolphins, and it was “great.” Kristen Qi agreed, bubbling with delight over having witnessed whales and dolphins interacting so closely. A group of students new this year came from Dana Hills was added at the request of Dana Hills home economics teacher Gio Torres whose students also wanted to get involved.

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Working together with Elia, the two came up with an interesting way to utilize Torres’ students’ culinary arts talents by giving them the opportunity to enter the Festival’s Whale of a Clam Chowder Cookoff sponsored by Fish for Life!, an organization that teaches angling to people with special needs. “What fun Gio (Torres) and his students will have before the event selecting the best chowder to pour at the cook-off,” said Fish for Life! founder Jim Holden.” It will be the talk of the town if they can beat the finest chefs in Dana Point.” Torres will be holding a cook-off between his classes prior to the event to determine which recipe will be used for the competition. “I’m looking forward to see which DHHS team rises to the top of ‘chowder mountain,’” said Principal Allemann, happy to have the program expand beyond the visual arts programs as his school. Like Allemann, those involved from students and teachers to festival organizers, agree that this is an important and valuable program that should live on as a Festival tradition. So, as the 2012-2013 school year winds down, art students will once again be asked to submit entries for the next Festival logo. The call for entries will be one of the students’ last assignments of the year. The entries will be due sometime in July and the winner and runners-up for the 2014 Festival will be chosen by October. For more information about the Dana Point Festival of Whales, log on to www. festivalofwhales.com. 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.

Wednesday, January 16 DISTURBANCE Crown Valley Parkway, 32400 Block (10:30 p.m.) A local resident, who told deputies his neighbors were being overly loud, filed a noise complaint. A deputy was able to make contact with the neighbors, who were asked to turn down their television.

Tuesday, January 15 HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR Crystal Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway (8:19 p.m.) A semi truck was seen hitting a traffic light and light pole on the southeast corner of the street near the Best Western hotel. An officer was dispatched to the scene of the accident in order to control traffic while city workers repaired the damaged traffic signals. DISTURBANCE Del Prado Avenue, 24800 Block (8:03 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for the area after a man was seen pushing a female to the ground and kicking her while she is down. The man was described in his mid-30s and the female was seen wearing a dark, hooded sweatshirt. DRUNK IN CAR Cove Road/Green Lantern Street (2:11 p.m.) Three females were seen sitting in a gold Toyota Camry parked at the top of Green Lantern drinking Smirnoff out of the bottle. After locating the vehicle, a female officer detained, searched and released the girls to their parents.

Monday, January 14 OPEN DOOR Placid Harbor, 0 Block (3:57 p.m.) A local resident called police after seeing his neighbor’s garage door open all day. The

caller attempted to contact his neighbor but there was no answer at the front door or on the telephone. Deputies were able to close the garage door and secure the residence. BURGLARY REPORT Del Prado Avenue, 24500 Block (9:09 a.m.) A man called police after his Mitsubishi was broken into. The man told officers he opened his car in the morning to find it had been ransacked and the ignition had been popped open. TRESPASSING Victoria Boulevard, 26000 Block (7:42 a.m.) A local homeowner called police after an unknown man was seen sleeping in the vacant house behind his property. An officer checked the address given and detained a transient who was sleeping while covered in a blanket.

Sunday, January 13 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Selva Road, 34000 Block (4:28 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for the area of Niguel Beach Terrace where a man was seen reaching into the gas cap of a black Dodge Ram and removing a white package possibly containing drugs. The unknown man then rolled up some money and left it in the gas tank. The man was described as heavy set with brown hair, wearing a black shirt, jeans and dark sunglasses, and was

seen leaving in a gold Toyota Camry. SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle Portola, 34500 Block (12:41 p.m.) A vehicle was seen parked on the street with damage to the front end of the vehicle. The caller also told police that there was a good amount of blood on the front of the vehicle near the damaged area. The owner of the vehicle was contacted and it was discovered the man had run over a coyote the previous night. DISTURBANCE Seastar Court, 0 Block (2:43 a.m.) A woman called to report an argument that had been taking place between a man and a woman outside the caller’s apartment. The caller told police the argument went on for more than 15 minutes and was “disturbing her peace in her neighborhood.”

Saturday, January 12 MISSING ADULT Cortes Drive, 24300 Block (1:45 a.m.) A man called to report his fiancé missing. The man told officers his fiancé and their two children left the residence sometime around 2:30 p.m. the previous day and had not yet returned. The man was worried because the group was only going to the store to buy cookies. Deputies were able to contact the woman who had stopped at a friend’s house and lost track of time.

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 3. 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.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO Norb Garrett

ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

EDITORIAL

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

Finance Director > Mike Reed

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting Manager Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

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

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park

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

ALL HANDS, AHOY: By Beverli Jinn

It’s Time to Take a Risk on Town Center A

few days ago my desk calendar offered this thought for the day from writer Eric Hoffer: “In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” I was there in 2006 (or was it 2007?) when city council voted to proceed with plans to revitalize the Dana Point Town Center. Well OK, it wasn’t really that simple. A subcommittee of 11 active citizens and two council members was formed months earlier to study the advisability of building the Center. ROMA Design Group was hired to develop plans. Toward the end of the process, community meetings were held at the Senior Center to report progress and assess the mood of the citizens on the proposal. The final meeting was scheduled—at which more voices could be heard—and votes of the council were cast. As it happened, the decision was inconclusive. The voice of the council wallowed in indecision: yes, no, maybe so. Eventually the council voted to proceed with the process. Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado Avenue would become twoway roads from Blue Lantern to Copper Lantern. This stretch would be known as the gateway portion of the project and would include street improvements, landscaping, signage and new striping on the roads. The California Coastal Commission approved the plans. Only one thing is certain, however. Six years later we’re still without a town center. Oh sure, there is a large new building nearing completion at Copper Lantern and PCH. We can hope that new tenants will take possession soon. We can hope that other investors will be encouraged to follow suit, but it’s going to take more than our hopes.

Dana Point Times January 18–24, 2013

In one of last month’s issues of the DP Times, interviews with our city council members were not really optimistic. Bill Brough bemoaned the long period of time that has passed since the Beverli Jinn original approval and insisted, “The time is now.” Scott Schoeffel said progress on Town Center is at the top of his list. But all will depend upon the city’s ability to attract and retain qualified investors. He pointed out that, to no one’s surprise, development projects are “well outside the city’s control or influence.” Steven Weinberg said the city must be fiscally responsible and keep our reserves healthy for a rainy day. Completing the Doheny Village plan and the short-term rental issue must come first. “The economy is slowly recovering,” Lisa Bartlett said. She would like to focus on projects that increase the value of Dana Point as a coastal city and international resort destination. And our newest councilman, Carlos Olvera? “Funding is the issue,” he said. Can we be surprised? Is the economy really recovering? Can we really hope that investors are going to appear and miraculously rescue us from our financial doldrums? In the news the other day was a story about boat owners who lost their boats to Hurricane Sandy. Boat sales are at an all time high. Yes, indeed. Insurance claims are saving the day for boaters while homes are destroyed and homeowners have no way to replace what they have lost. What does all this have to do with Dana Point? Just this: Our economy is not improving! Our city council members seem to agree that it is just a matter of time until our beautiful city recovers from its financial woes. They optimistically assure us

that they are looking out for us, and better days are coming. But what else can our fearless leaders do? Town Center isn’t the only issue facing them. Should they throw in the towel? Should they urge us to be patient? Should they go for the plan and take their chances? After all, the city takes great pride in being financially healthy. Sometimes you just have to take a calculated risk, whether it is a thriving town center or a business investment—of any kind—that has hope for customers. Personally, my vote goes to taking a chance. Can you imagine how beautiful this project will be? Can you anticipate the joy of living in this city by the sea? Can you? Some years ago, at her first opportunity, Beverli Jinn retired from teaching high school English. A lot of books inside her demanded to be written. Now, several years and six published books later, an altered compulsion, the care and feeding of our ocean, drives Jinn’s pen. She believes that the residents of Orange County’s South Coast can lead the way in establishing and maintaining a healthy watershed. Jinn welcomes her readers’ feedback via email at beverlijinn@cox.net. DP PLEASE NOTE: The opinions offered here are those of the guest columnist and may or may not be shared by the Dana Point Times staff. We appreciate, however, their willingness to share their views, and we invite responses to be sent to letters@danapointtimes.com.

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.

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SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Ariana Crisafulli, Tawnee Prazak, Kevin Dahlgren

PUBLISHER’S LETTER: By Norb Garrett

The Team Keeps Getting Stronger

I Norb Garrett

’m happy to announce some exciting editorial staff changes and additions that will enable us to expand upon our area-best community media coverage here

in Dana Point. Starting this week, I’ve promoted Andrea Swayne to the role of group senior editor. Most of you know Andrea as city editor of the DP Times since our launch five years ago, but she will now oversee editorial efforts and staff for all three of our community papers—SC Times, DP Times and The Capistrano Dispatch. While she’s stepping into a bigger role, she will continue to help cover the city while welcoming Andrea Papagianis as our new Dana Point city editor. Papagianis joins us after stints at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press in Arlington, Va. and KVOA News 4 in Tucson, Ariz. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our team. Additionally, Sports Editor Steve Breazeale continues to provide the very best local sports news, while The Capistrano Dispatch City Editor Brian Park covers school news and the CUSD. All of these moves will help deepen our resources as we expand our news reporting, sports coverage and online efforts. As the only locally owned, community newspaper and media business, the DP Times strives to provide you, our reader, with local news you can use. While others might try to imitate us, we continue to relish our role in helping provide you with information that will help you take advantage of all that Dana Point has to offer. Please join me in congratulating our team on these changes. DP www.danapointtimes.com

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

FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m. Showing of “The Day I Saw Your Heart” at The Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

ALOHA RADIO 9:30 p.m.-midnight. Rock band with a touch of surf at The Shore. 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.481.6089, www.theshoresanclemente.com. NATE HANCOCK 8 p.m. The artist plays at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com. LED ZEPAGAIN AND MORE TRIBUTES 8 p.m. Led Zepagain, Fleetwood Max and September Born at The Coach House. $15-$18. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. BENNY CHADWICK AND FRIENDS 7:45 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at The Vintage. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com. HARD FALL HEARTS / WRECKIN KATZ 8 p.m. Rockabilly and psychobilly music at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com. CHOCOLATE AND CRAFT BEER TASTING 6 p.m.8 p.m. Enjoy craft beer from Hanger24 paired with chocolates at Renaissance ClubSport. Cost $25. 50 Enterprise, Aliso Viejo, 949.643.6700, www.renaissanceclubsport.com.

saturday

UNDERWATER PARKS DAY 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Educational event at the Ocean Institute to educate the public about Marine Protected Areas and explain the need for these “underwater parks.” Cost $6.50 adults, $4.50 children. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

ADOBE BRICK MAKING 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Kids can make their own adobe brick, and learn about Mission Native Americans. $3 plus admission of $5-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com. Dana Point Times January 18–24, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: ‘DJANGO UNCHAINED’ Quentin Tarantino has been praised as one of the most versatile and visionary filmmakers of the last two decades. From his graphic ensemble epics Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Pulp Fiction (1994), the blaxploitation homage Jackie Brown (1997), the samurai revenge saga Kill Bill, vols. 1 and 2 (2002-03) and the alternate Holocaust feature Inglourious Basterds (2009), movie fanatics and critics admire him. This December, Columbia Pictures brought us Tarantino’s latest period piece romp with the Western-inspired Django Unchained. Two years just prior to the Civil War, a dentist turned bounty hunter named Schultz (Christoph Waltz) recruits a slave named Django (Jamie Foxx) to help him hunt down three brothers. In exchange for his partnership, Schultz offers to help © 2012 The Weinstein Company Django find and rescue his wife (Kerry Washington) from the vicious plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio). Samuel L. Jackson, Laura Cayouette and Don Johnson co-star. After some initial uneasiness with Tarantino’s overt use of “the N-word” in his script, viewers will be pleasantly surprised to find that Django is a clever and fun action satire. DiCaprio and Jackson deliver some of their best performances in years and though the repeated use of the derogatory term can get a bit awkward at times, the film is riddled with witty dialogue and stunning, gritty direction, in typical Tarantino fashion. —Megan Bianco

PET ADOPTION 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Ark has dogs for adoption at PetsPlus in San Clemente (Los Mares St.), and 12 p.m.-4 p.m. kittens and cats for adoption at Petsmart in the Costco Plaza (33963 Doheny Park Road). Adoptions occur locally most Saturdays; check online for schedule. 949.388.0034, www.ArkOfSanJuan.org. UNDERCOVER 8 p.m. Band playing top-40 hits, dance and funk at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com. LOCAL’S NIGHT OUT 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Live band with romantic pop and oldies at Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

sunday

THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE HISTORICAL WALK 9 a.m.-11 a.m. “From the Mission to Today’s Coastline” walk focused on what made this area attractive to European settlers and how they used and modified the landscape. Start from the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

LOCAL SUNDAY SESSIONS 6 p.m. Music at Cabrillo Playhouse by local artists Tess Shapiro, Alyssandra Nighswonger and The Local Favorites with Brieann Glass and Ryan Romberg. $5 cash donation, with beer and wine served for donation. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.facebook.com/ localsundaysessions. WOODWIND MAGIC 3 p.m. Woodwind instruments featuring works by legendary composers in concert at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. $60-$75. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org. WINE AND 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.

monday

COMEDY AND KARAOKE 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Live comedy and karaoke at Hennessey’s Tavern. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com. Page 8

tuesday

WAR HORSE 8 p.m. Stage adaptation of the moving and imaginative drama, filled with music and songs, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Shows through February 3. Tickets start at $20. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org.

PUT YOUR LIFE STORY INTO WORDS WORKSHOP 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Guidance, instruction and encouragement to write a memoir, life story or autobiography in a class at the Community Center. $5. 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org. ACOUSTIC ROOTS 8 p.m. Live music at Sunsets, plus drink specials. 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Capistrano Beach, 949.276.8880, www.sunsetsbar.com.

wednesday

THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7:30 p.m.11 p.m. Live at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

MYTHOLOGICAL ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Special event at The Dana Point Library, call for details. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

thursday

BRAD RICHTER 7 p.m. Composer and guitarist Brad Richter performs to Casa Romantica. $25. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

BOOK GROUP 10:30 a.m. Discussion of “Killing Lincoln: the shocking assassination that changed America forever” by Bill O’Reilly at the SJC library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org. SENIOR TWILIGHT DINNER 5 p.m. Dinner for seniors at the Dana Point Community Center. $8. 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point, 949.248.3536, www.danapoint.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

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.

Connecting Communities Website bonds military loved ones facing same challenges By Ariana Crisafulli Dana Point Times

eople talk about “supporting the troops,” but supporting the troops can become a lonely prospect when you are the loved one of a member of the military. Allee Campbell, creator of CamoConnect. com, discovered this after she fell in love with Camp Pendleton-based 1st Lt. Mike Tozzolo and endured two deployments. Now, as the one-year anniversary of the website—created for military spouses, family and friends to share stories and meet new friends—nears, online membership continues to grow. Finding that she needed support, Campbell searched the Internet for a support system where she could take comfort in others in a similar situation. She did not know anyone else who had a loved one in the military. She did not live on base at Camp Pendleton and did not know other military wives or girlfriends. It was the loneliness and need for support that prompted her to create CamoConnect. “This was my second deployment with my boyfriend and the first one was tough

Allee Campbell created CamoConnect.com to combat the loneliness she felt when boyfriend 1st Lt. Mike Tozzolo was deployed. The website offers a place for the loved ones of deployed military personnel to connect, share stories and support one another. Courtesy photo

because I knew no one that had a loved one in the military. The support system was not there and it made getting through the deployment tough,” Campbell said. “I wanted to change that and create a place where military loved ones can connect and support each other, whether they are five miles away or stationed in Japan.” She soon discovered, after the launch of CamoConnect in February 2012, that many others in her situation shared her need for support. The website grew rap-

idly within the first few weeks and membership is still on the rise. “It’s crazy how much the site has grown since launching in February. I have members from every state and about 10 countries,” Campbell said. Today, the website has about 3,000 members. “This overwhelming response has led me to believe that more people could benefit from this network,” Campbell said. The website is not used to contact military loved ones, but rather for the loved ones to contact each other and help one another through rough times. “No one else knows what you’re going through and it’s tough. When my boyfriend was in Afghanistan, I talked to him maybe once every three weeks, so it was good to have others to talk to,” Campbell said. On the website, “a loved one can go on and create a profile, then upload pictures, post blogs, post discussions, join groups and create long lasting friendships.” To combat the possibility of sensitive, inside information being leaked to those seeking to harm military personnel, Campbell created a list of guidelines warning members about content posted on the site. Rules include the restriction

of posting exact deployment dates, camp locations, convoy routes, specific names or nicknames, details of security procedures, response times, tactics and more. For the most part, CamoConnect is overwhelmingly filled with love, stories of strength, excitement for the return of loved ones and loving advice for those who are struggling through a deployment. Members post pictures of times with their loved ones, or engagement announcements or pictures of their children. Often times, members ask questions for anyone to answer, all knowing that every other member on the site has or is going through the same thing. As for the creator of CamoConnect, she recently moved to Monterey, Calif. where her boyfriend, Mike, is back from his second deployment and attending the Naval Postgraduate School. “It was indescribable the feeling I had when I saw Mike for the first time in almost eight months,” Campbell said. She will continue her work on CamoConnect from Monterey with hopes of connecting more military loved ones. For more information, log on to www. camoconnect.com. DP

2013 Festival of Whales Coloring Contest

Every child who enters

WINS one FREE

Whale Watching or Fishing Ticket for kids 9 & under ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MARCH 13, 2013

GRAND PRIZE Let the seagulls sing you to sleep… with a one-night beach get-a-way for a family of four in a Ocean View Suite, at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach in beautiful Dana Point, CA. A warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie at check-in is the hotel’s promise of a warm and caring experience. IN ADDITION, Breakfast for four at Proud Mary’s in the Dana Point Harbor! And a whale watching trip for four from Dana Wharf Sportfishing!

www.danawharf.com

COURTESY OF DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING AND WHALE WATCHING

DANAWHARF.COM *No photo copies will be entered.* Mail completed entry form & coloring page to: Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 Contestant’s Name Address

Age

Parent/Legal Guardian

Phone

Email I would like to recieve a child’s PLEASE CHECK ONE

Whale Watching Ticket

Fishing Ticket DP

Contest is open to all children ages 9 and under. Two free kids with one paid adult. All entries must be received by March 13, 2013 for judging. Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times, The Capistrano Dispatch and Dana Wharf Sportfishing assume no responsibility for lost or late entries. All completed entries will receive one free kids tickets with one paid adult ticket, complaints of the Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, mailed to the address on the contest entry. We do not accept the tickets on any group outing, and no copies are valid. The grand prize winner will be contacted by telephone. Some entries will be displayed around Dana Point Harbor during the 2013 Festival of Whales. The Grand Prize entry will be displayed at Dana Wharf Sportfishing. Contest entries will become the property of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and cannot be returned. Employees of Picket Fence Media, Dana Wharf Sportfishing and their families are not eligible to win. All winners are responsible for taxes and applicable fees. All parents/legal guardians of the winners will be required to verify identity through a signed affidavit, social security number and valid driver’s license. Contest void where prohibited. Entry into this contest will serve as entrant’s agreement of the above contest rules. Coloring contest winner will be announced at the Festival of Whales Concert Sunday, March 10th at Baby Beach.

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

D a n a Po i nt

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

CAPO CLASSIC SENIOR INVITATIONAL

The basketball courts inside the San Juan Capistrano Community Center have transformed over the years into a mecca for senior players. On certain days, upward of 30 men, ranging in ages 50 to 80, reserve the courts to play pick-up basketball. There are casual players, former high school standouts and even ex-college players out on the courts on a regular basis. And on January 18, at 12:30 p.m., almost all of them will come together in four-man teams to compete in the Capo Classic Senior Invitational Tournament. Around 40 players are slated to

San Clemente resident Ernie Miller, 77, is one of many cancer survivors participating in the Capo Classic Senior Invitational on January 18. Photo by Steve Breazeale

turn out for the one-day event and compete in one of the tournament’s two brackets. The Junior Division, dubbed “The Kids,” will consist of four teams filled with players in their 60s. The Senior Division, nicknamed “The Pros,” will feature players ages

Dolphin Report By Steve Breazeale

WRESTLING • The Dolphins wrestling team dropped a league match to visiting Laguna Hills on January 8. Laguna Hills got out to an early lead and held on to defeat the Dolphins, 37-24. The Dolphins will be at the Five Counties Tournament from January 19 to January 20. STRONG SECOND HALF PUSHES DOLPHINS PAST HAWKS DANA POINT— With the cold, chilling wind sweeping in and across their home field the Dana Hills boys soccer team battled not only the elements, but also a fast paced Laguna Hills squad on January 14, coming away with a 3-0 Sea View League victory. The Dolphins (6-5, 2-1 league) struggled to find a rhythm in the first half of play. The long cross-field balls they were launching into the air were heavily affected by the winds gusting in off the ocean. Both Dolphin head coach Leo Compean and standout midfielder Israel Reyes cited the winds contributing to the Dolphins lack of control in the first half. Dana Hills got some breathing room when Reyes scored his first of two goals in the 23rd minute. A through ball from senior midfielder Mason Palmer found Reyes sprinting behind the Hawks (8-7-2, 0-2) defense, after

Dolphin senior Trevor Tribolet, right, squares off against a Laguna Hills opponent on January 8. Photo by Tony Tribolet

which the senior calmly pulled off a pivot move to beat the Laguna Hills keeper, putting the Dolphins up 1-0. Reyes struck again in the 47th minute after receiving a pass from junior forward Jake Allen, who took the ball down the line, drawing multiple Hawk defenders, and waited to make his pass to the unmarked Reyes. Reyes was wide open in the middle of the box and had no problem finishing, making it 2-0. “Especially with the wind, the long ball passes are not our game plan and (Laguna Hills) took it to us,” Compean said. “We had to settle down…We started to play through (Reyes) and (Palmer) in the middle and we finally figured it out.” The Dolphin defense also clamped down in the second half and limited the Hawks to just one shot on target in the final 40 minutes. The Dolphins will play again on January 18 against Trabuco Hills in a league match.

70 and up. Many of the men playing are either cancer survivors, owners of pacemakers or are currently battling serious illnesses. But they all come out every week for the love of the game and to get some all-important exercise in. “I was probably the poorest player out there but it doesn’t make any difference. You’re out there and you’re getting the physical exercise and the competition and the camaraderie,” Capistrano Beach resident Daniel Johnson said. “There are so many positives about it. You feel so good afterward.” —Steve Breazeale

TRITON SENIORS RALLY TEAM TO WIN OVER DOLPHINS DANA POINT— With sole possession of first place in the Sea View League on the line the San Clemente boys basketball team looked to their two senior guards to deliver a 64-58 come from behind win over league rival Dana Hills on January 16. San Clemente seniors Jimmy Bankson and Cody Bean helped erase what was a 23-19 halftime deficit by igniting the Tritons (13-8, 3-0 league) transition offense and hitting clutch 3-pointers down the stretch. Bankson would finish the night with a game high 24 points. Bean scored 16. With his team down 38-37 to start the fourth quarter, Bean made short work of the Dana Hills (15-5, 2-1) perimeter defenders, knocking down two open 3-pointers as part of an 8-0 Tritons scoring run. Bankson followed his fellow senior’s lead by delivering a dagger 3-pointer at the 1:50 mark. It was his third and final 3-point shot of the game and it gave the Tritons a 59-54 advantage. “(Bean and Bankson) have been huge for us all year. We leaned heavily on our seniors tonight and they came through for us,” San Clemente head coach Marc Popovich said. There was a stretch when Dana Hills senior guard Cory Blau was matching Bankson and Bean point for point in the fourth quarter, but the Triton lead was too much for the Dolphins to overcome. Blau scored 11 of his team-high 23 points in the final eight minutes. Dana Hills controlled most of the first half, thanks in large part to the rebounding efforts of junior forward James Taylor, who grabbed three offensive rebounds, had one blocked shot and scored five points in the second quarter. DP

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

FOR RENT TOWN HOME MISSION VIEJO $ 2,500 MONTH. Three bebroom, two bath, two car garage. Vaulted ceiling living room situated on a cul-de-sac in quiet neighborhood. In Mission Viejo High School, La Paz Intermediate School and Del Cerro Primary School districts and bust stop to Saddleback College in walking distance. Partially furnished or unfurnished. Enclosed back yard. No smokers. Pets negotiable. Call 817-475-9880. GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. No phone calls please.

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

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.

DP SURF

GROM OF THE WEEK Connor Mateer Age: 13, Shorecliffs Middle School Connor Mateer started surfing two years ago and says he enjoys the feeling of freedom wave riding gives him. He enjoys entering local summer surf contests for fun, but as a soul surfer at heart, he really has no immediate plans to begin a competitive surf career. Connor enjoys surfing every Thursday before school at T Street as a member of the Shorecliffs Middle School surf club. “I like my surfing the way it is right now, not ultracompetitive and just kind of mellow and social,” he said. Connor is a straight ‘A’ student whose favorite subject is math. He is definitely on the college track and would like to have a career as an architect. Although serious consideration of college possibilities will happen a few years down the road, Connor has done a bit of early research and says he may want to attend a university in New Zealand where he has discovered schools with great architecture programs. He also enjoys painting and drawing, mostly using paint pens and working on both surfboards and canvas. His favorite subject matter mostly falls under the category of surf art. Connor has lived in San Clemente his whole life and loves it here. Looking to the future, after earning his degree, Connor hopes to continue to call the city his home, he said. —Andrea Swayne

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

Connor Mateer. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Surfers Hot Despite Frigid Weather Local surf teams turn in epic performances in the cold at SSS contest in Oceanside By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

Dana Point Times January 18–24, 2013

Scholastic Surf Series Orange County Middle School, Event No. 3, January 12, Oceanside, Pier TEAM RESULTS: 1. Shorecliffs, 262; 2. Bernice Ayer, 183.5; 3. Thurston, 129; 4. Marco Forster, 117; 5. Don Juan Avila, 65.6; 6. Vista Del Mar, 61; 7. Niguel Hills, 33.

urfing performances by middle school competitors at the Scholastic Surf Series Orange County Middle School event January 12 at the Oceanside Pier were epic despite frigid temperatures. “We had some really good waves to kick off this first SSS competition of the new year,” said Contest Director Carolyn Krammer. “There was no stopping the kids who showed up ready to surf in their ¾ wetsuits, booties and hoods.” The temperature on the beach hovered in the low-20s to low-30s as the contest got underway. Offshore winds helped the 4- to 6-foot peaks stand up, offering plenty of opportunities for the surfers to demonstrate their talents. Shorecliffs Middle School was the winner in team competition, earning 262 points over runner-up Bernice Ayer Middle School’s 183.5-point total. The Thurston team came in third, followed by Marco Forster, Don Juan Avila, Vista Del Mar and Niguel Hills in fourththrough seventh-places respectively. But in individual competition, surfers from Bernice Ayer made the biggest statement of the day, taking first place in four of the five divisions. Bernice Ayer surfer Noah Hohenester turned in an event winning performance in Boys Shortboard despite the worsening conditions, as did fellow team members Kai Takayama (Boys Longboard), Luke Overin (Coed Bodyboard) and Maya Harrison (Girls Longboard). Shorecliff’s Tera Richardson earned the school’s only first place finish, winning the Girls Shortboard division. A handful of the day’s outstanding performances came from Shorecliffs surfer Nate Carabba. “Nate was on fire all the way through to the finals,” said judge Sheri Crummer. “But all of the surfing was exceptional as

RESULTS

BOYS SHORTBOARD: 1. Noah Hohenester, Bernice Ayer; 2. Noah Atwood, Shorecliffs; 3. Shane Hardy, Shorecliffs; 4. Gunner Day, Shorecliffs; 5. Ethan Mudge, Shorecliffs; 6. Nate Carabba, Shorecliffs. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Kai Takayama, Bernice Ayer; 2. River Covey, Shorecliffs; 3. Gus Day, Shorecliffs; 4. Luke Overin, Bernice Ayer; 5. Jacob Atwood, Shorecliffs; 6. Jack Benjamin, Marco Forster. GIRLS SHORTBOARD: 1. Tera Richardson, Shorecliffs; 2. Alexxa Elseewi, Bernice Ayer; 3. Cate Hill, Marco Forster; 4. Cate Stokes, Don Juan Avila; 5. Lily Benjamin, Marco Forster; 6. Maya Harrison, Bernice Ayer. The SSS Orange County Middle School Boys Shortboard finalists January 12 at the Oceanside Pier were (L to R) Nate Carabba, Noah Atwood, Ethan Mudge, Shane Hardy, Noah Hohenester and Gunner Day. Hohenester, the division winner is from Bernice Ayer Middle School. All the others are from Shorecliffs. Photo by Sheri Crummer

“Nate Carabba was on fire all the way through to the finals. But all of the surfing was exceptional as is usual among Orange County middle schoolers.” —SSS judge Sheri Crummer is usual among Orange County middle schoolers. It was really fun to watch, even though the conditions deteriorated by the finals making competition more difficult for everyone.” For more information about the SSS, email info@surfsss.org or log on to www. surfsss.org. DP

UPCOMING EVENTS 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 2-3: NSSA Southwest Open, Event No. 9, Ventura, C Street March 3: SSS Orange County Middle School and High School, Event No. 5, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street

Page 14

GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Maya Harrison, Bernice Ayer; 2. Kaelen McKrackin, Shorecliffs; 3. Meg Roh, Marco Forster; 4. Cameron Duby, Marco Forster; 5. Kaila Patterson, Shorecliffs; 6. Cate Stokes, Don Juan Avila. COED BODYBOARD: 1. Luke Overin, Bernice Ayer; 2. Derek Reynolds, Bernice Ayer; 3. Cory Barker, Marco Forster; 4. Jack Dickerson, Thurston; 5. Curran Dand, Shorecliffs; 6. Shane Kimbrough, Bernice Ayer.

SURF FORECAST Water Temp: 51-53˚F Water visibility, conditions: San Clemente: 10-12’ Fair, Catalina: 15-25’ Fair-Good Forecast: Slight rise in Northwest swell on Friday with 1-2-3’ waves, (knee-thigh-waist high) for most exposures as top breaks see plus sets. Slow rise in new, steep angled, long-period and inconsistent Northwest swell over the weekend. Check out Surfline for all the details!