5TH ANNUAL BEST OF DANA POINT ISSUE F E B R U A RY 1 –7, 2 0 1 3
LO C A L
N EWS
YO U
C A N
U S E
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 5
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Chamber of Commerce Names Citizen of the Year
Dana Hills Players Commit to Play College Football
Ruling Rejects SDG&E and Edison Request to Redact Documents
EYE ON DP/PAGE 25
SPORTS/PAGE 36
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5 ANNUAL BEST OF th
DANA POINT PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
IN THIS ISSUE
Eateries
WATERING HOLES
and More...
Best...
Appetizers Bagel Bar Breakfast Burger Coffee Donut Happy Hour International Eats Margarita Menu for Healthy Choices Overall Restaurant Pizza Romantic Evening Sandwich Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth Sushi Taco Venue for Live Music Wine Selection
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Services ON THE
To-Do List Best...
At the
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Clothing Home Décor and Furnishings Jewelry Place to Buy Flowers Store to Buy Gifts for Adults Store to Buy Gifts for Kids Surf Shop
An ice cold brew from Turk’s Restaurant, Dana Point’s favorite bar for the past five years. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
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Barber Shop 16 Car Repair 18 Customer Service 14 Dry Cleaner 18 Grooming/Pet Care 16 Gym 18 Hair Salon 16 Jeweler 20 Lodging 20 Manicure & Pedicure 16 Spa for Massages, Facials, etc. 18 Yoga/Pilates Studio 18
GETTING
Outside
Best... Beach City Event Harbor Recreation/Excursion Park Place to Take Out-of-Towners Surf Break Tackle Shop Wedding Venue Yacht/Boat Maintenance and Repair Yacht Club
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the REGULAR ISSUE
EYE ON DP Top 5 News Bites Sheriff’s Blotter
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GETTING OUT
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DP LIVING
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SPORTS
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SURF
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LOCAL NEWS YOU CAN USE www.danapointtimes.com
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5th ANNUAL BEST OF
Eateries
DANA POINT PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
WATERING HOLES
and More...
Best Restaurant for a Date/ Romantic Evening Golden lantern Luciana’s Ristorante
24312 Del Prado, 949.661.6500, www.lucianas.com
Lovebirds flock to the comforts of a seductive ambience, good service and excellent food, stirring their mood for romance. After 25 years of cupid service, Luciana’s are known masters at bringing these same ingredients to life. They introduced fresh pasta to OC and manufacture a line of olive oil. This European-style inn that flavors its patrons with the essence of Italy was recently named Business of the Year by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce —RWD
Silver lantern Chart House
34442 Green Lantern, 949.492.1183, www.chart-house.com NOMINEES: Brio Tuscany Grille • Cannons Restaurant • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Gen Kai Japanese Restaurant • Harpoon Henry’s • Jack’s Restaurant • Luxe Restaurant and Bar • Mahé • Motif at the St. Regis • Peking Dragon • Raya at The Ritz-Carlton • Salt Creek Grille • Stella’s Serious Italian • Stonehill Tavern at St. Regis • Thai This • The Harbor Grill • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Wine Bistro •Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Vue Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Chart House; Silver: Luciana’s Ristorante
The shrimp pad thai at Thai This is a customer favorite. The restaurant will be celebrating 21 years in February. Photo by Brian Park
Best International Eats Golden lantern Thai This
24501 Del Prado, 949.240.7944, www.thaithis.com
To garner the gold in international eats, food has to stay true to its roots. Chef Jib is a master in the art of authentic Thai cooking. His lucky charms are his mother’s recipes and sense of humor. The menu is entertaining with 65 dishes in categories with amusing names such as Appethaizer, Main Man in the Orient, Have Wings Will Travel and Go Fish. For atmosphere, grab a seat at the bamboo bar. —RWD
Silver lantern Peking Dragon 34171 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.493.9499, www.pekingdragonrestaurant.com
NOMINEES: Agostino’s Ristorante and Bar • Aurora’s Taqueria • Bonjour Café • Brio Tuscany Grille • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Chart House • Dana Kai Japanese Cuisine • El Patio • El Torito • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Gen Kai Japanese Restaurant • Harbor House Café • Ichibiri • Jack’s Restaurant • Las Golondrinas Mexican Food • Little Kitchen Asian Café • Luciana’s Ristorante • Mahé • Maki Yaki • Mario’s by the Sea • Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant • Quench Bar & Bistro • RJ’s Café • Shanghai Charlie’s • Stacks Pancake House • Stella’s Serious Italian • Taco Surf • Thai Dara • The Harbor Grill • The Shwack Beach Grill • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Vue Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Thai This; Silver: Peking Dragon
Best Happy Hour Golden lantern Brio Tuscany Grille
24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com
Could it be the boomerang-shaped bar that keeps Brio customers coming back? Actually, it’s much more. The dining room feels like a Tuscan enclave where locals feel treated especially well. Proud waiters with heavy Italian accents pamper patrons with linen tablecloths, superior service and food savviness. Happy Hour highlights—like scampi Portofino and carpaccio di Manzo—are priced from $5 to $8. Tuesday is open mic night and live music is played Thursday through Saturday. —RWD
Silver lantern (Tie) Salt Creek Grille
32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com
The Red Curry Grilled Scallops not only curb your appetite, but also benefit the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. Harbor Grill donates $1 from every order to the organization. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Silver lantern (Tie) Wind & Sea 34699 Golden Lantern, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com
NOMINEES: Aventura Sailing •180blu at the Ritz-Carlton • Bésame Mexican
A vodka pomegranate cocktail at the Brio Tuscany Grille is a refreshing happy hour concoction. Photo by Brian Park Grill • Cannons Restaurant • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Chart House • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana West Yacht Club • El Torito • Harpoon Henry’s • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jack’s Restaurant • Jolly Roger • Luciana’s • Luxe Restaurant and Bar • Mahé • OverVue Lounge at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • Proud Mary’s • Stella’s Serious Italian • Stillwater Spirits & Sounds • Stonehill Tavern at St. Regis • Sunsets Capo Beach • Sushi Kiyo •Taco Surf • Thai This • The Harbor Grill • The Point • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Brig Restaurant • The Wine Bistro • Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor & Spunky’s Deli • Vivo Lounge at Doubletree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Wind & Sea; Silver: Harpoon Henry’s
Best Overall Restaurant Golden lantern The Harbor Grill 34499 Golden Lantern, 949.240.1416, www.harborgrill.com
For nearly 30-years Harbor Grill has been a Dana Point staple. Since the mid-1980s Executive Chef Angel Fabian has melded global flavors from the Mediterranean Shores of Greece to the Louisiana Bayou, ensuring that there is something to suit everyone’s taste and wallet. Situated overlooking the Harbor, Manager Beverly Hinsey, credits the “most important ingredient,” consistency, with the eatery’s lengthy esteem. —AP
Silver lantern Brio Tuscany Grille
24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com NOMINEES: Agostino’s Ristorante and Bar • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Cannons Restaurant • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Chart House • Dana Kai Japanese Cuisine • Denny’s • El Torito • enoSTEAK at the Ritz-Carlton • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Gen Kai Japanese Restaurant • Harbor House Café • Harbor New York Style Delicatessen • Harpoon Henry’s • Jack’s Restaurant • Jolly Roger • Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Bar • Mahé • Peking Dragon • Proud Mary’s • Raya at The Ritz-Carlton • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • Smokey’s House of BBQ • Stella’s Serious Italian • Stonehill Tavern at St. Regis • Stillwater Spirits & Sounds •Stuft Pizza • Taco Surf • Thai This • The Brig Restaurant • The Coffee Importers • The Pointe • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Wine Bistro • Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Vue Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • What a Dish Café & Catering • Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Harbor Grill; Silver: Brio Tuscany Grille
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5th ANNUAL BEST OF
DANA POINT PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
Clockwise from left: Margarito Calzado, a 15-year employee of The Coffee Importers, displays a Dana Point favorite, the California Bagel, an open-faced construction piled with cream cheese, tomato, avocado, red onion and a sprinkling of lemon pepper seasoning. Photo by Andrea Papagianis Chelina Im and Siv Chou serve up donuts with a smile at Dippity Donuts. Photo by Brian Park Da Vine Food & Wine, owners Steve and Marla Balmuth fill their shop with the rarest wines from up and down the West Coast. Photo by Andrea Swayne The cream cheese stuffed French toast from RJs Café is sure to please your taste buds and tummy. Photo by Andrea Swayne
Best Breakfast
Silver lantern J.C. Beans
Golden lantern RJ’s Café
NOMINEES: ampm • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Dana Point Yacht Club • Harbor House Café • I Love Bagels • Luciana’s Ristorante • McDonald’s • OverVue Lounge at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • Pain du Monde • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • Stacks Pancake House • Starbucks • Stella’s Serious Italian • Subway • The Brig Restaurant • The Harbor Grill •The Shwack Beach Grill • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Coffee Importers; Silver: J.C. Beans
25001 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.218.5757, www.rjscafe.com
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, then RJ’s Café is the place to be. From bacon to waffles, RJ’s serves all the traditional breakfast fare, and good-sized portions mean customers get the most bang for their buck. In April, RJ’s will be celebrating a decade in Dana Point, so stop on by for a cup of coffee and an order of their popular stuffed French toast. —BP
Silver lantern The Coffee Importers
34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com NOMINEES: A’s Burgers• Aurora’s Taqueria • Blue Lantern Inn • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Burger King • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Denny’s • Dippity Donuts • El Torito • Harbor New York Style Delicatessen • Harbor House Café • Hennessey’s Tavern • I Love Bagels • Jack’s Restaurant • J.C. Beans • Jolly Roger • Pain du Monde • Proud Mary’s • Quench Bar & Bistro • Raya at The Ritz-Carlton •Salt Creek Grille • Stacks Pancake House • Starbucks • Stillwater Spirits & Sounds • Subway • The Brig Restaurant • The Coffee Importers • The Harbor Grill • The Shwack Beach Grill • Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Vue Restaurant Laguna Cliffs Marriott • What a Dish Café & Catering • Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: RJ’s Café; Silver: The Coffee Importers
Best Cup of Coffee Golden lantern The Coffee Importers
34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
The Coffee Importers has been a favorite morning “jump start” in Dana Point since 1975. Whether a good ol’ fashioned cup of joe, a bold espresso, or a sweet specialty drink is more to your liking, it’s easy to find something to tantalize the taste buds and energize the spirit. The harbor side patio has also become a popular place for locals to meet for coffee and conversation.—AS
34114 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.496.4700, www.jcbeans.com
Best Donut Golden lantern Dippity Donuts 33621 Del Obispo, Ste. C, 949.240.6064
For 27 years, this little neighborhood gem has been serving our community with guilty pleasures, described as “moist inside with the right amount of glaze.” This unassuming donut, breakfast sandwich and smoothie shop, bakes the archetypal donut in assorted varieties like sprinkle top chocolate, cupcake and coconut—made fresh daily. Dippity also serves apple fritters and cinnamon raisin rolls. Muffins are not allowed. Doors open at 4:30 a.m.—RWD
Silver lantern Donut World
34130 Doheny Park Road, 949.496.2454 NOMINEES: J.C. Beans • Ralphs • RJ’s Café • Starbucks • The Brig Restaurant • The Coffee Importers • What a Dish Café & Catering 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Dippity Donuts; Silver: Dana Point Donuts
Best Bagel Golden lantern The Coffee Importers
34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
From simply toasted to stacked with toppings, bagel lovers love The Coffee Importers. Try a breakfast sand-
wich with scrambled eggs and bacon or the ever popular California bagel, with cream cheese, tomato, red onion, avocado and lemon pepper. “We use a special brand of lemon pepper and get our avocados fresh from a farm in Fallbrook, said owner Jim Miller. “We never skimp on quality and everything is made fresh to order. —AS
Silver lantern I Love Bagels
32545 Golden Lantern # B, 949.443.3300 NOMINEES: Harbor New York Style Delicatessen • Ralphs • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • Starbucks •The Brig Restaurant • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • What a Dish Café & Catering 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Coffee Importers; Silver; I Love Bagels
Best Wine Golden lantern Da Vine Food & Wine 34673 Golden Lantern, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com
Specializing in vino from wineries along the West Coast, Marla and Steve Balmuth are always in search of blends from small producing wineries with little or no distribution. With more than 35-years of experience, they have transformed their shop, Da Vine Food & Wine, into a cellar of the rarest wines and gourmet foods in the state, and maybe even the country.—KD/AP
Silver lantern Brio Tuscany Grille 24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com NOMINEES: Cannons Restaurant • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Chart House • enoSTEAK at the Ritz-Carlton • Gelson’s • Harpoon Henry’s • Jack’s Restaurant • Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Bar • Mahé • Monarch Beach Market • Ralphs • Raya at The Ritz-Carlton • The Harbor Grill • Salt Creek Grille • Stillwater Spirits & Sounds • Stonehill Tavern at St. Regis • Stella’s Serious Italian • Thai This • The Point •The Shwack Beach Grill • The Wine Bistro • Vue Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Da Vine Food & Wine; Silver: Luciana’s Ristorante
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5th ANNUAL BEST OF
Best Menu for Healthy Choices
DANA POINT PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
Golden lantern The Coffee Importers
locations. A father and son team brought their love of surfing and Baja foods together to create tacos for funloving foodies. The Baja fish and Ensenada shrimp tacos with spicy Baja sauce are a few fan favorites. Their three signature Baja sauces make mixing and matching an adventure for the palate. —RWD
34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
Jim Miller, owner of The Coffee Importers takes pride in offering a wide variety of healthy food and beverage options made from only the freshest and finest ingredients. Smoothies, fruit juices and vegetable blends are popular and refreshing options. Try a POG—pineapple, orange, guava— juice blend. It’s like sunshine in a glass. Or satisfy your hunger with one of their delicious and nourishing soups, salads and gourmet wraps. —AS
Silver lantern El Torito
34521 Golden Lantern, 949.496.6311, www.eltorito.com NOMINEES: A’s Burgers • Aurora’s Taqueria • Bésame Mexican Grill • Buena Vista Market • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Chronic Tacos • Del Taco • El Patio Café • El Pollo Loco • Harbor House Café •Jack in the Box • Jon’s Fish Market • Las Golondrinas • Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant •Salt Creek Grille • Taco Bell • The Harbor Grill • The Shwack Beach Grill •Tutor & Spunky’s Deli 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Taco Surf; Silver: Chronic Tacos
Silver lantern Subway
34255 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.443.9825; 33489 Del Obispo St., 949.429.5581; 32545 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3300, www.subway.com
Best Burger
NOMINEES: Brio Tuscany Grille • Dana Kai Japanese Cuisine • Dana Point Yacht Club • Da Vine Food & Wine • Gen Kai Japanese Restaurant • Harbor House Café • Jack’s Restaurant • Jamba Juice • Luciana’s Ristorante • Mahé • Monarch Beach Market • Organic Tree Juice Bar • Proud Mary’s • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • Stacks Pancake House • Thai Dara • Thai This • The Harbor Grill • The Little Kitchen Asian Café • The Shwack Beach Grill • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Vue Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • What a Dish Café & Catering 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Coffee Importers; Silver: What a Dish Café & Catering
Golden lantern The Shwack Beach Grill 24502 Del Prado, 949.218.2731, www.theshwack.com
Longtime server/bartender Diane Macartney and owner George Blake with one of Taco Surf’s most popular items, the shrimp tacos. Photo by Brian Park
Best Taco Golden lantern Taco Surf
34195 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.661.5754, www.tacosurf.com
To create the best taco in Dana Point is no easy feat. Yet, Taco Surf tackled the challenge like a true champion. Since its founding in 1988, Taco Surf has grown to six
Since opening in 2011, Shwack is 2-for-2 as Dana Point’s choice for “Best Burger.” At just $3.95, the signature Shwack Burger is an affordable and delicious meal with the option to add other ingredients—cheese, bacon, avocado, sautéed mushrooms, fried egg—for $1 each. The restaurant, started by Dana Hills High School alum Max Fisher, is a favorite lunchtime spot for locals and out-of-towners alike. —BP
Silver lantern A’s Burgers
34344 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.496.4460 NOMINEES: Carl’s Jr. • Dana Point Yacht Club • Harbor House Café • Harpoon Henry’s • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jack’s Restaurant • Jack in the Box • Mahé • McDonalds • OverVue Lounge at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • Proud Mary’s • R J’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • Smokey’s House of BBQ • Stonehill Tavern at St. Regis • The Brig Restaurant • The Harbor Grill • The Point •The Rib Joint •Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor & Spunky’s Deli • Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Schwack Beach Grill; Silver: A’s Burgers
A local favorite, the Tutor’s Special is layered with Italian meats and cheese. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Best Sandwich Golden lantern Tutor & Spunky’s Deli
34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.248.9008, www.tutorandspunkys.com
It could be the spot’s new slogan, Tutor and Spunky’s Deli, where sandwiches are “made with love…and a lot of meat and cheese,” said 25-year employee Rosalinda Cevallos. And the sandwiches are just that. Take the Tutor’s Special made with ham, salami, capicola, prosciutto and—you guessed it—cheese, provolone to be exact. This menu highlights local celebrities, locales and staff with specials like The Turkey Trot and Rosa’s Best—named for Rosalinda—featuring turkey, avocado, bacon and the kicker, cheeese. —AP
Silver lantern Subway
34255 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.443.9825; 33489 Del Obispo St., 949.429.5581; 32545 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3300, www.subway.com NOMINEES: A’s Burgers • Beach Cities Pizza • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Brio Tuscany Grille • Bubba Kahunas Pizza & BBQ Co. • Gelson’s • Harbor New York Style Delicatessen • Harbor House Café • Hennessey’s Tavern • Monarch Beach Market • Proud Mary’s • Quench Bar & Bistro • Ralphs • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • Stacks Pancake House • The Brig Restaurant • The Coffee Importers •The Point • The Real Deli •The Shwack Beach Grill • Vue Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • What a Dish Café & Catering • Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Tutor & Spunky’s Deli; Silver: The Coffee Importers
The signature Shwack Burger features an all-natural beef patty, lettuce, tomato, marinated red onions and Shwack sauce. Photo by Brian Park
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5th ANNUAL BEST OF
DANA POINT
Best Pizza
PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
Golden lantern Stuft Pizza
24821 Del Prado, 949.240.6444, www.stuftpizza.com
Owner Juan Soria takes pride in being voted “Best Pizza.” This is an honor his restaurant has more than earned with a diverse menu—15 varieties are handmade every day. A special blend of zesty spices gets added to their secret sauce and fresh dough is made from scratch. The most popular pizzas are the Stuft Special and American B.B.Q. —RWD
Silver lantern Beach Cities Pizza
34473 Golden Lantern, 949.496.0606, www.beachcitiespizza.com NOMINEES: Agostino’s Ristorante & Bar • Angelina’s Pizzeria • Brio Tuscany Grille • Bubba Kahuna’s Pizza & BBQ Co. • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Jack’s Restaurant • Kokomo’s Pizza •Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Bar • OverVue Lounge at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • Papa Murphy’s • Pizza Hut •RJ’s Café • Round Table • Slice of New York • Stella’s Serious Italian • StillWater Spirits & Sounds •The Wine Bistro 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Beach Cities Pizza; Silver: Stuft Pizza
Best Sushi Golden lantern Gen Kai
34143 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.240.2004, www.sushiorangecounty.com
Sushi lovers congregate here and for good reason. Master sushi chefs perform creative feats that amaze and tantalize all of the senses. The sushi practically melts in your mouth. The special rolls and entrees are amazing. And the presentations—almost too pretty to eat. There’s a $10 “happy meal” deal from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday nights. —RWD
Silver lantern Mahé
24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.240.6243, www.eatatmahe.com NOMINEES: Dana Kai Japanese Cuisine • Ichibiri • Maki Yaki • Mori Sushi • Ralphs • Sushi Kiyo 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Gen Kai; Silver: Mahé
Best Appetizers Golden lantern Salt Creek Grille
32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com
Salt Creek Grille offers quality appetizers made from fresh, California-grown ingredients. During happy hour,
When it comes to toppings, Stuft Pizza owner Juan Soria will cater to your every desire, but won’t share the ingredients in his pizza’s signature dough, cooked to perfection at 550 degrees. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
which starts a 4 p.m., appetizers are offered at discounted prices. Some of the most popular items include the Creek Sliders, which are served with a blue cheese aioli and wild baby arugula on Hawaiian bread. The most popular appetizer? That would be the bacon-wrapped, stuffed jumbo shrimp. —BP
Silver lantern Brio Tuscany Grille
24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com NOMINEES: 180blÐ at the Ritz-Carlton • Cannons Restaurant • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Chart House • Dana Point Yacht Club • Da Vine Food & Wine • El Torito • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Gen Kai Japanese Restaurant • Harpoon Henry’s • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jack’s Restaurant • Jolly Roger • Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Bar • Mahé • Peking Dragon • The Little Kitchen Asian Café • Raya at The Ritz-Carlton • RJ’s Café • Stella’s Serious Italian • Stonehill Tavern at St. Regis • Thai This • The Brig Restaurant • The Coffee Importers • The Harbor Grill • The Little Kitchen Asian Café •The Point • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Wine Bistro •Tutor & Spunky’s Deli •Turk’s Restaurant • Vue Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • What a Dish Café & Catering • Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Wind & Sea; Silver: Harpoon Henry’s
Best Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth Golden lantern Scoop Deck at The Coffee Importers 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
The Scoop Deck at The Coffee Importers offers 28 flavors to choose from. From classics like rocky road to kid favorites like cotton candy and bubble gum, there’s something to tame every sweet tooth. “If ice cream isn’t your thing, we also have giant bear claws, Moka bars and freshly baked cookies,” said owner Jim Miller. —AS
Silver lantern The Chocolate Soldier
34513 Golden Lantern, 949.493.4135, www.thechocolatesoldier.com NOMINEES: Baskin Robbins • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Chart House • Da Vine Food & Wine • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Harbor House Café • It’s All About the Cake • J.C. Beans • Luciana’s Ristorante • Mahé • McDonald’s • Ralphs • Raya at The Ritz-Carlton • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • Stacks Pancake House • Stonehill Tavern at St. Regis • The Harbor Grill • The Point •The Wine Bistro • Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor & Spunky’s Deli • Vue Restaurant at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • What a Dish Café & Catering • Wind & Sea • Yogurtland 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Scoop Deck at The Coffee Importers; Silver: It’s All About the Cake
Best Margarita Golden lantern El Torito
34521 Golden Lantern, 949.496.6311, www.eltorito.com
When it comes to margaritas, El Torito has a drink for nearly every palate. Their house margaritas are made with premium tequila and come in six different flavors: original, strawberry, raspberry, Midori melon, mango and coconut-pineapple. There are also plenty of specialty margaritas, including the Spicy Mango Margarita and the Desert Pear Margarita. Drinks come in a regular size, or “grande” and pitchers for larger groups. —BP
Silver lantern Taco Surf
34195 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.661.5754, www.tacosurf.com
Creek Sliders at the Salt Greek Grille come with blue cheese aioli and wild baby arugula between two Hawaiian sweet buns. Photo by Brian Park
10 www.danapointtimes.com
NOMINEES: Bésame Mexican Grill • Brio Tuscany Grille • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Dana Point Yacht Club • Harpoon Henry’s • Jolly Roger • Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant • OverVue Lounge at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • Salt Creek Grille • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Sunsets Capo Beach • Taco Surf • The Harbor Grill • The Point •The Shwack Beach Grill •The Wine Bistro •Turk’s Restaurant • Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: El Torito; Silver: Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant
5th ANNUAL BEST OF
DANA POINT PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
Best Bar Golden lantern Turk’s Restaurant 34683 Golden Lantern, 949.496.9028
When locals want to grab a bite and a drink, all while enjoying a view of Dana Point Harbor, the choice is once again Turk’s. Much like “Cheers,” Turk’s is Dana Point’s bar “where everybody knows your name.” The drinks come strong, including the most popular item, the Bloody Mary. As for food, the fish and chips and the New England clam chowder are the most popular choices. —BP
Silver lantern Brio Tuscany Grille
24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com NOMINEES: 180blu at the Ritz-Carlton • Aventura Sailing • Blue Dolphin Restaurant & Billiards • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Chart House • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana West Yacht Club • Doheny Saloon • El Torito • Harpoon Henry’s • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jack’s • Jolly Roger •Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Bar • Mahé • OverVue Lounge at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • Proud Mary’s • Raya at The Ritz-Carlton • Salt Creek Grille • Stella’s Serious Italian • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Stonehill Tavern at St. Regis • Sunsets Capo Beach • The Brig Restaurant • The Point •The Rib Joint • The Wine Bistro •Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Turk’s Restaurant; Silver: Hennessey’s Tavern
Best Venue for Live Music
Cold brews, a never-silent jukebox and lively local crowd make Turks the number one place to grab a drink in town. Turks bartender, Frank Van, pours a brew. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
At the
SHOPS Best Jewelry
Golden lantern Swiss Connection Fine Jewelry & Watches
32565 Golden Lantern, Ste. A, 949.488.0900, www.jeanjacquesmamie.com
The urban/hip hop duo Cirious and Deelux perform at StillWater. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Golden lantern StillWater Spirits & Sounds 24701 Del Prado Ave., 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com
StillWater Spirits & Sounds offers up a variety of live concerts by local bands nearly every night of the week. Top off a night of great tunes with StillWater’s new selection of prohibition-style cocktails, craft brews and full dining menu. Try the StillWater Burger—a delicious cheeseburger topped with roasted peppers, caramelized onion and Portobello mushrooms all covered in a Jim Beam barbecue sauce. –KD
Since 1991, Jean-Jacques Mamie’s Swiss Connection—at the Ocean Ranch Center—has become well known for its wide selection of beautiful jewelry, exceptional timepieces and unique gifts from high quality brands like Mont Blanc, Baume & Mercier, Cartier and Hidalgo. With the 2001 opening of his second boutique—Jean-Jacques Mamie Fine Jewelry at the St. Regis Monarch Beach—Mamie’s great selection became even greater. —RWD/AS
Silver lantern White Pelican Gallery
34475 Golden Lantern, 949.240.1991, www.whitepelicangallery.com NOMINEES: 2nd Hand Treasures • Art Sea • Bella Bazaar • Dana Point Gold & Coin • Dana Point Jeweler • Doheny Clothing Exchange • Girl in the Curl • Golden Galleon • Harbor Jeweler • JunQies • Marinelli Fine Jewelry • Mille Fleurs • OC Beads • PCH Jewelers •Salon Rouge • The Downstairs Store 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Swiss Connection Fine Jewelry and Watches; Silver: White Pelican Gallery
Best Store to Buy Gifts for Kids Golden lantern The Wee Loft
32585 Golden Lantern, Ste. K, 949.489.9202, www.theweeloft.com
Silver lantern Brio Tuscany Grille 24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com
NOMINEES: Aventura Sailing • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Concerts in the Park • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana Pride Music Cruise • Doheny Blues Festival • Harpoon Henry’s • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jolly Roger • Lord of the Strings Concerts •Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Bar • Mahé • OverVue Lounge at Laguna Cliffs Marriott • Salt Creek Grille • St. Edwards Church, Dana Point Symphony • The Harbor Grill • The Wine Bistro • Wind & Sea 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Renaissance; Silver: Brio Tuscany Grille
Being a kid once—we know just how vital a role toys play in enriching one’s imagination. The Wee Loft holds a galaxy of enchantment with timeless toys for little girls and boys. Their Steiff teddy bears, Madame Alexander dolls and very finest specialty toys from around the world give this happy spot an old world charm. Everyone is welcome to let the inner child thrive. —RWD
Silver lantern Gift Chateau
34507 Golden Lantern, 949.493.9811, www.danapointharbor.com/ GiftChateau.html
It may be raining outside, but “it’s always sunny at Wee Loft” said co-owner of the tot-shop Annette Garcia pictured here with business partner Erin Kelly (left). Photo by Andrea Papagianis NOMINEES: 2nd Hand Treasures • Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari • CVS • Fairytales Children’s Boutique • Girl in the Curl • Hobie Surf Shop • Infinity Surfboards •Jack’s Surf Shop • JunQies •Killer Dana Surf Shop • Laurena G. Chambers Gallery at the Ocean Institute • The Country Fox • The Downstairs Store • The Upstairs Store 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Wee Loft; Silver: JunQies
Best Store to Buy Gifts for Adults Golden lantern Bella Bazaar
34135 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.429.6200, www.bellabazaar.com
Wandering through the store it’s easy to lose yourself, as owner Azar Salehi packs in one surprise after another. Traditional bazaars have a little bit of everything and with hidden gems on every shelf and little secrets in every nook and cranny, Bella Bazaar does not disappoint. From handbags to pin-tucked cushions and potted plants to table lamps, this unique market has a little something for everyone. —AP
Silver lantern Intimate Obsessions 34183 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.493.6588
NOMINEES: 2nd Hand Treasures • About Time Watch Co. • Art Sea • Browne’s Flowers • Boutique Chez Nevine • Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari • Dana Point Gold & Coin •Da Vine Food & Wine • Doheny Clothing Exchange •Gift Chateau • Golden Galleon • Harbor Jewelers • Hobie Surf Shop • Hogan’s Bait & Tackle • Infinity Surfboards • Jack’s Surf Shop • JunQie’s • Killer Dana Surf Shop • Laurena G. Chambers Gallery at the Ocean Institute • Massage Envy • McCool’s Flowers • Mille Fleurs • Rite Aid • Salt Creek Grille • The Coffee Importers • The Country Fox • The Downstairs Store • The Upstairs Store • The Woody Hut • West Marine •White Pelican Gallery 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Upstairs Store; Silver: Hobie Surf Shop
www.danapointtimes.com
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5th ANNUAL BEST OF
DANA POINT PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
Whether you are attending your first school dance or tying the knot, with fresh flower creations, McCool Flowers is committed to making your event one to remember. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
none. More than just another flower shop, owner Cathy McCool’s annual holiday open house—with food, carolers and a visit from Santa—has become a traditional kick start to the holiday season in Dana Point.—AS
Silver lantern Browne’s Flowers
31456 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.661.4748, www.brownesflowers.com NOMINEES: Iva Bloom Signature Florist • Ralphs • The Beach Flower 2011 WINNERS: Gold: McCool Flowers; Silver: Browne’s Flowers
Killer Dana co-owner Ralphie Andrews . Photo by Andrea Swayne
Best Clothing Golden lantern Doheny Clothing Exchange 34276 Doheny Park Road, 949.240.4800
Let’s start by saying they’ve got the good stuff. “Gently used” fashions are carefully selected by a styleconscious mom and daughter team, Pamela Vandergrift and Caia Curiale, owners of this very cool boutique that hosts a stellar selection of clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry. Vandergrift also designs and creates custom lighting from mod moon-orb pendants to intricate cut glass and wrought iron wall sculptures that add to the store’s cool vibe. —RWD
Silver lantern Hobie Surf Shop
34174 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.496.2366, www.hobiesurfshop.com
Silver lantern Killer Dana Surf Shop
24621 Del Prado, 949.489.8380, www.killerdana.com NOMINEES: Bella Bazaar • Boutique Chez Nevine • Carmady Street • Girl in the Curl • Georges Fashions • Girl in the Curl • Golden Galleon • Infinity Surfboards • Jack’s Surfboards • JunQie’s • Mille Fleurs • Rococo • Spring Boutique •The Country Fox • The Upstairs Store •Top Brass 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Doheny Clothing Exchange; Silver: Golden Galleon
Best Home Décor and Furnishings
Best Surf Shop Golden lantern Killer Dana Surf Shop
24621 Del Prado, 949.489.8380, www.killerdana.com
Killer Dana has been offering the best of everything a great surf shop should for more than two decades. The selection is great and so are the prices. Customer service and hospitality are also key. “Our store really has that local vibe. We are not just a shop, but a place to talk about the swells and share stories with other enthusiasts,” said co-owner Ralphie Andrews. The store was remodeled and a new rental shop was opened behind the main store in spring of 2012, so stop by soon to see what’s new.—KD/AS
Silver lantern Hobie Surf Shop
34174 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.496.2366, www.hobie.com NOMINEES: Girl in the Curl • Infinity Surf Shop • Jack’s Surfboards 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Killer Dana Surf Shop; Silver: Hobie Surf Shop
and would merely make a dent in the fabrics. With thousands of textiles to choose from, Bella Bazaar’s upholstered creations are truly in a class of their own. Owner Azar Salehi treats customers like family and it shows in the warmth of the store and her one-of-a-kind home treasures. As Salehi put it, people stop in and stay for hours. So go ahead, make yourself at home. —AP
Silver lantern 2nd Hand Treasures 34272 Doheny Park Rd., 949.218.7962, www.2ndhandtreasurescapobeach.com
NOMINEES: Laurena G. Chambers Gallery at the Ocean Institute • McCool Flowers • The Downstairs Store • The Upstairs Store • Timeless Teak 2011 WINNERS: Gold: 2nd Hand Treasures; Silver: The Upstairs Store
Best Flowers Intricate vases, garden art and candles are just a few of the offerings at Bella Bazaar. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Golden lantern Bella Bazaar
34135 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.429.6200, www.bellabazaar.com
One could spend days browsing through Bella Bazaar—
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Golden lantern McCool Flowers
32585 Golden Lantern, Ste. J, 949.488.7988, www.mccoolflowers.com
From full-service wedding design to a “just because” gift for a friend or loved-one, McCool Flowers has just what you’re looking for—even exotic tropicals. The blooms are always fresh and colorful and the service is second to
Services ON THE
To-Do List Best Overall Customer Service Golden lantern Tutor & Spunky’s Deli
34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.248.3851, www.tutorandspunkys.com
It’s the personal touch of a “non-chain” that has kept customers coming back for 25-years, said Tutor and Spunky’s owner Tom Blake. “We are like the bartender in ‘Cheers.’” Go ahead. Sing the tune. You know you want to ... “where everyone knows your name.” Since 1988, the crew at Tutor’s has taken pride in knowing your name and even took the liberty of naming some of their deli creations after patrons just like you. —AP
Silver lantern The Coffee Importers
34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com NOMINEES: 2nd Hand Treasures • A’s Burgers • Aegis of Dana Point • Agostino’s • Beacon Printing • Barrett Solutions • Beach Cities Pizza • Beach Cities Scuba • Bella Bazaar • Boutique Chez Nevine • Brio Tuscany Grille • Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Chick’s Plumbing • CVS • Dana Point Bodycentre • Dana Point City Hall • Dana Point Chamber of Commerce • Dana Point Hardware • Dana Point Jet Ski & Kayak Center • Dana Point Marina Inn • Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center •Dana Point Shipyard • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana West Yacht Club • Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching • Da Vine Food & Wine • Dawgy Style • Doheny Clothing Exchange • Ed Riener Diving Co. Inc. • El Torito • Fitness Together • Ganahl Lumber • Gelson’s • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Gen Kai • Gift Chateau • Girl in the Curl • Golden Galleon • Harpoon Henry’s • Hennessey’s Tavern • Hobie Surf Shop • Hogan’s Bait and Tackle • Infinity Surfboards • It’s All About the Cake • Jack’s Restaurant • Jig Stop Tackle and Tours • JunQies •Kenny’s Music • Killer Dana Surf Shop • Kings Club Barbershop • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Bar • Massage Envy • McCool Flowers • McDonald’s • Mission Hull • Minuteman Press • Ocean Institute • Pacific Cleaners • Pacific Sign Center • Peking Dragon • Posh Nails • Pure Clover Skin Care • Ralphs • Reform Pilates • Re/Max Signature Services • Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel • RJ’s Café • Salon Revelation • Salt Creek Grille • Sign Lingo • Sports Barber • St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort • Stacks Pancake House • Starbucks • Stella’s Serious Italian • Sundown Tanning • Sun Salute Yoga • The Brig Restaurant • The Brig Restaurant • The Captain’s Chair Barbering & Salon • The Harbor Grill • The Real Deli •The Kings Club Barbershop • The Shwack Beach Grill • The UPS Store • The Wee Loft • The White Pelican • Turk’s Restaurant • Vivos Fitness 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The Coffee Importers; Silver: It’s All About the Cake
5th ANNUAL BEST OF
DANA POINT PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
At Sports Barber, you can kick back and talk sports all while getting cleaned up by Greg Jones. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Best Manicure and Pedicure
like grey blending, highlighting, traditional clipper and razor cuts. For $28, stylists Ellen, Greg and Alex bring a combined eight decades of experience to every haircut. Their place has a really cool vibe and combines the best of both worlds—traditional services with modern styles. —RWD
Golden lantern Posh Nails 24040 Camino Del Avion, Ste. 8, 949.496.7674
If you make them happy, they will come. It’s as simple as that, said Posh Nails owner Jenny Nguyen, who places customer satisfaction as a top priority. Combine that with continued training, knowledge of the latest trends and top-of-the-line products—like OPI and Essie—and it’s no wonder why Posh Nails tops the reader’s list as the number one spot to have your little piggies pampered. —AP
Silver lantern The King’s Club Barber Shop
34085 La Plaza, 949.496.4644, www.thekingsclubbarbershop. blogspot.com NOMINEES: Aloha Barber Salon • Brenda’s Hair House • Fantastic Sams • Hairmasters • Howard Jones Salon at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Reflections Salon • Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel • Supercuts • The Captain’s Chair Barbering & Salon 2011 WINNERS: Gold: The King’s Club Barber Shop; Silver: Sports Barber
Best Grooming/ Pet Care
Silver lantern Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa 25135 Park Lantern, 888.476.2405, www.lagunacliffs.com
NOMINEES: Dana Skin & Nails • Happy Nails • Nails by Crystal • Paradise Nails • Pro Nails • Salon Levi • Tic Tac Nails • Top Nails and Hair 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Posh Nails; Silver: Salon Rouge
Golden lantern Dana Point Grooming & Pet Spa
34102 La Plaza, Ste. B, 949.429.7297, www.danapointgrooming.com
Best Hair Salon Golden lantern Salon Revelation 34192 Violet Lantern, 949.248.8595
Before sheers or clippers are taken to your locks, the warm and inviting staff at Salon Revelation makes you feel at home within the embrace of their vivid, turquoise walls. Since opening salon doors in 2002, owner Dayna Dallas has pulled out all the stops to bring the people she loves—her clients—the best the industry has to offer. The bright group of personalities at Salon Revelation and their dedication to their craft has kept this salon as a top contender year after year. —AP
Ariel Schuster, a stylist at Salon Revelation, adds the finishing touches to Michaela Sutton’s—also an SR employee—new hair-do. Photo by Andrea Papagianis NOMINEES: Aloha Barber Salon • Artistry Salon • Azalea Salon and Boutique • Beach Town Salon • Brenda’s Hair House • Hairmasters • Howard Jones Salon at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Magical Shears • Martha’s Beauty Salon • Paragon Salon and Day Spa • Reflections Salon • Salon Connection • Salon de la Mer • Salon Levi • Salon Palisades • Salon Rouge • Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel • The Captain’s Chair Barbering & Salon 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Rouge; Silver: Salon Revelation
Best Barber Shop Golden lantern Sports Barber
34221 Golden Lantern, 949.493.6081, www.sportsbarberdp.com
Silver lantern J.T.C Salon
34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 113, 949.489.8464, www.jtcsalon.com
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Like the sign says, Sports Barber is a man’s haven providing sports talk and hot towel treatments with services
Your pet deserves the best. At DPG, pet stylists know how to pamper man’s best friends from head to claw or paw. Owner Tamara believes her passion for animals and pets has brought on her success. State-of-the-art Hydro Surge bathing - using water jets to massage the animal’s coat and medicated shampoos to care for dermatological conditions—is offered at their San Clemente location. —RWD
Silver lantern Dawgy Style All Breed Dawg and Kat Grooming 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.496.3315, www.todawgystyle.com
NOMINEES: Beach Dogue • Dana Capistrano Animal Clinic • Dana Niguel Veterinary Hospital • Estrella Pet Grooming • Fritzy’s Pet Care Pros • Golden Lantern Animal Hospital • Grooming by Jane • Healthy Pet • Home Town Pet Grooming • OC Happy Tails Dog Grooming • Renee’s Dog Spa 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Point Grooming & Pet Spa; Silver: Dawgy Style
5th ANNUAL BEST OF
DANA POINT PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
Best Spa for Massages, Facials, Etc. Golden LANTERN Massage Envy
32585 Golden Lantern, Ste. C, 949.545.0444, www.massageenvy.com
Singing the company’s mantra in tune, the staff at Massage Envy prides themselves in providing customers with “wellness, wellbeing and worth through professional, convenient and affordable massage therapy and spa services.” From anti-aging facials and prenatal massages to reflexology and acne treatments, there is something on the bill to relieve aches, release stress and restore youth in even the most wound-up of guests. —AP
Silver LANTERN Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa 25135 Park Lantern, 888.476.2405, www.lagunacliffs.com
Best Yoga/Pilates Studio
Whether you watch the evening news in feathered peacock pose or haven’t touched your toes since infancy, Sun Salute offers classes for all levels. Owner, Troy Cox, helps Shuana Hutchenson deepen her pose, also pictured (L to R) Tammy Cowell, Shannon Brady and Karen Howell. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
NOMINEES: Better Health & Body • Dana Point Bodycentre • Dawn’s Day Spa • Pure Clover Skin Spa • Royal Thai Massage • Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel • Spa Gaucin at St. Regis • White Lotus Day Spa 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Massage Envy; Silver: Dana Point Bodycentre
Golden LANTERN Sun Salute Yoga
24655 La Plaza, 949.371.6097, www.sunsaluteyoga.com
Good vibes thrive in this tranquil space. Practicing through laughter, sweat and smiles, Sun Salute Yoga is a friendly place with class offerings to suit all levels. Here, classes not only get your heart rate up, but are guided by experienced teachers with your growth and safety in mind. From a lowimpact floor to tailoring classes to suit individual needs, the staff at Sun Salute is dedicated to renewing, relaxing and restoring your body and mind. —AP
Silver LANTERN PCH Pilates
34085 Pacific Hwy., #202, 949.248.1993, www.pchpilatesandyoga.com NOMINEES: Diederich Studios • Fitness Together • Kardia Life Fitness Center • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala • Pilates on the Point • Rado’s Fitness • Reform Pilates • Yoga4Yaterz at the Dana Point Yacht Club • Vivos Fitness 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Sun Salute Yoga; Silver: PCH Pilates
Best Gym
Best Car Repair Golden LANTERN Dana Point Auto Service 34342 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.496.1086, www.danapointautoservice.com
Dana Point Auto owner Richard Deffenbaugh said making it in the auto repair business is all about doing right by customers. “It’s just doing what you’re supposed to do,” Deffenbaugh explained. “What sets us apart is our customer service. It’s trust, all trust.” The shop recently earned recognition through the state’s STAR program, which certifies a shop as meeting higher performance standards. “That’s the cream of the crop,” Deffenbaugh noted. —JS
Silver LANTERN Rubens Imports
34134 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.493.5050, www.rubensimports.com NOMINEES: Chevron • Dana Point Foreign Car Service • Dana Point European Repair • Luna Auto Repair • Old Town Garage • Performance Haus • Dana Point Shell 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Point Auto Service; Silver: Rubens Imports
Raymar Cleaners owner Ann Chung greets customers with a smile, happy to help keep Dana Point residents looking their best. Photo by Andrea Swayne
Golden LANTERN Vivos Fitness
Best Dry Cleaner
“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise we will have found the safest way to health.” ~ Hippocrates. Vivos co-owners Ken Roycroft and Craig Hartley believe in this and in following a few core principles—members come first, keep the cleanest club possible and greet everyone with a smile. Specializing in personal training and spinning, they also offer exercise classes, including yoga, boxing and basketball training. —RWD
Golden LANTERN Raymar Cleaners
24941 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.388.7000, www.vivosfitness.com
34085 La Plaza, Ste. B, 949.496.2640
Established in 1964, Raymar Dry Cleaners has been making sure their customers look their very best for close to 50 years now. Specializing in leather, wedding gowns, drapes and curtains, they offer alterations, repairs, laundry services, dry cleaning, mending, sewing and tailoring. Raymar has become a local favorite for their dependable work, good service and quick turn-around time. Congratulations RDC on keeping Dana Point wardrobes clean year after year. —RWD
Silver LANTERN Fitness Together
34255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 107-108, 949.488.0005, www.fitnesstogether.com NOMINEES: Dana Point Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation • Kardia Life Fitness Center • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Palestra Gym • Rado’s Fitness • Reform Pilates • Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Fitness Together; Silver: Vivos Fitness
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Silver LANTERN Pacific Cleaners The staff of Dana Point Auto, including (L to R) Terry McGinnis, Steve Weinman, Richard Deffenbaugh and Geody Deffenbaugh, have earned top level designations from the state for service. Photo by Jim Shilander
34098 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.240.2994
NOMINEES: Celebrity Cleaners • Crown Cleaners • Dana Point Cleaners • Monarch Bay Cleaners • Royal Cleaners • Sunny Fresh Cleaners • Threads Dry Cleaners 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Pacific Cleaners; Silver: Royal Cleaners
5th ANNUAL BEST OF
Best Lodging
DANA POINT
Golden lantern Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
25135 Park Lantern, 888.476.2405, www.lagunacliffs.com
With 378 guest rooms situated above the harbor and Doheny State Beach, Laguna Cliffs not only has the beautiful destination locked down, but also a “spectacular product” offered at smaller price tag than other resorts along the coast, said Jim Samuels, general manager of the resort. “You can come to the resort and have the elegance and the luxury, but don’t need to wear a sport coat on a Sunday afternoon in the lobby.” —AP
Silver lantern Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Drive, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com/ lagunaniguel NOMINEES: Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel • Blue Lantern Inn • Capistrano Surfside Inn • Dana Point Harbor Inn • Dana Point Marina Inn • Doubletree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach • Quality Inn & Suites Oceanview • St. Regis Monarch Beach • The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Point Marina Inn; Silver: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Breathtaking views from all around make Strand Beach a favorite haven for locals. Photo by Jasmine Smith
Jeweler Jean-Jacques Mamie inspects a customer’s watch for repair in his Swiss Connection store at the Ocean Ranch Village Shopping Center. Photo by Andrea Swayne
Best Jeweler Golden lantern (Tie) Swiss Connection Jeweler and Watches 32565 Golden Lantern, Ste. A, 949.488.0900, www.jeanjacquesmamie.com
Swiss born Jean-Jacques Mamie—a veteran of a lifelong career in fine watches and the jewelry business—fulfilled a dream when he opened his first full-service shop, Swiss Connection, in 1991. Ten years later, he expanded with the opening of Jean-Jacques Mamie Fine Jewelry at the St. Regis. Now, with two stores to serve customers in Dana Point, Mamie offers first-class jewelry and watch repair, expert appraisals and custom jewelry design. —RWD/AS
Golden lantern (Tie) Marinelli Fine Jewelry
GETTING
Outside
Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners Golden lantern Dana Point Harbor
34624 Golden Lantern, 949.923.2255, www.danapointharbor.com
Let’s be honest: There is no better way to dive into Dana Point then with an afternoon at the harbor. With eateries, watering holes, shops and every excursion under the Californian sun available, locals and out-of-towners flock to this spot. From the environmental and maritime offerings at the Ocean Institute to libations at Turk’s, the harbor has a place for all walks of life. —AP
Best Beach Golden lantern Dana Strand Beach
Access from Strand Vista Park at 34201 Selva Road, 949.923.2280, www.ocparks.com
Dana Strand Beach, or Strands as it is known to many locals, is a beautiful stretch of sand just north of the Dana Point tide pools. Five access ways—including a funicular inclined elevator—lead down to the sand from Strand Vista Park. The parking lot is one of the few free beach lots in all of Orange County, and the connected walking path, offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island and Long Beach, on a clear day. –KD
Silver lantern Salt Creek Beach 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.923.2280, www.ocparks.com/saltcreekbeach
NOMINEES: Baby Beach • Capistrano Beach/Hole in the Fence • Doheny State Beach • Monarch Beach • Tidepools behind the Ocean Institute 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Strand Beach; Silver: Salt Creek Beach
Best Surf Break
12 Monarch Bay Drive, 949.443.4030
Looking for a one-of-a-kind design crafted from platinum, gold, pearls and gemstones? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Founder Marty Lungo has built his reputation on artistry and attention to details to fit the varied tastes of his clients. His unique pieces are handmade on-site. The Monarch Beach Plaza store also carries a collection from American and European designers. —RWD
Silver lantern Harbor Jeweler 34515 Golden Lantern, 949.276.2424
NOMINEES: Dana Point Jeweler • Harbor Jeweler • PCH Jewelers • White Pelican Gallery 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Swiss Connection Jeweler and Watches; Marinelli Fine Jewelry
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Silver lantern Ocean Institute
24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org NOMINEES: Baby Beach • Bella Bazaar • Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel • Blue Lantern Gazebo • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Brio Tuscany Grille • Cannons Restaurant • Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari • Casanova Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge • Chart House • Dana Point Bodycentre • Dana Strand Beach • Marina Inn • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center and the Headlands • Dana Point Jet Ski & Kayak Center • Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching • Da Vine Food & Wine • Doheny State Beach • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Heritage Park • JunQies • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Luciana’s Ristorante • Mahé • OverVue at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Palisades Gazebo • PCH Rides • Peking Dragon • Proud Mary’s • Salt Creek Beach • Salt Creek Grille • Scoop Deck at The Coffee Importers • Smokey’s House of BBQ • Strand Vista Park • St. Regis Monarch Beach • Sunsets Capo Beach • Taco Surf • The Brig Restaurant • The Coffee Importers • The Harbor Grill • The Point • The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Wee Loft • Tutor & Spunky’s Deli • Turk’s Restaurant • White Pelican Gallery 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Point Harbor; Silver: Ocean Institute
Golden lantern Salt Creek Beach 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.923.2280, www.ocparks.com/saltcreekbeach
Fast, steep and punchy peaks make Salt Creek a haven for experienced surfers looking for a fun challenge. With three distinct sections—the point, middles and gravels— the break has something for a variety of skill levels but is generally not a good place for beginners. Both lefts off the point and rights straight out often stay hollow, offering plenty of opportunities to get shacked.—AS
Silver lantern Doheny State Beach 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.6172, www.dohenystatebeach.org
NOMINEES: Dana Strand Beach • Heroins/Monarch Bay Point • Killer Dana 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Salt Creek Beach; Silver: Doheny State Beach
5th ANNUAL BEST OF
DANA POINT PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
Best Park Golden lantern Heritage Park
34400 Old Golden Lantern, 949.248.3557, www.danapoint.org
Depending on how you view it, Heritage Park either spills into the harbor or stacks up toward the sky. The park is one part cozy, one part breathtaking and one long climb if you enter from Dana Point Harbor Drive. But the view from the top is well worth the out-ofbreath-ness. With hills to roll down for the kiddos and space to roam free for the Fidos, you’ll have plenty of time to catch your breath. —AP
Silver lantern Lantern Bay Park
25111 Park Lantern Road, 949.248.3557, www.danapoint.org NOMINEES: Bluff Top Trail • Capistrano Beach Park • Creekside Park • Dana Crest Park • Dana Point Headlands • Dana Wood • Del Obispo Park • Doheny State Park • Pines Park • Salt Creek Beach Park • Sea Canyon Park • Sea Terrace Community Park • Sea View Park • Shipwreck Park • Strand Vista Park •Sunset Park • Thunderbird Park 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Lantern Bay Park; Silver: Pines Park
Best City Event Golden lantern Concerts in the Park
The Dana Point Yacht Club has been offering up the best in boating oriented fun since 1952. Photo by Andrea Swayne
Family picnickers and concertgoers unite over their love of music and fresh air at this Sunday evening, summer tradition in Dana Point that featured tributes to music legends The Doors, Santana, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones in past years. Dig out your Grateful Dead T-shirt, snag a blanket and take dinner to-go, summer Sundays were made for good music, dancing and company at the park. —AP
Best Yacht Club
Best Tackle Shop
Golden lantern Dana Point Yacht Club
Golden lantern Hogan’s Bait and Tackle
Since 1952 the Dana Point Yacht Club has provided the best in seafaring fun. The club hosts a multitude of programs and events, from regattas to youth sailing programs to catered banquets. This member-owned club strives to uphold their mission of friendship, promoting boating experiences for all ages and maintaining a reputation as “the friendliest yacht club on the coast.” –AS
Hogan’s Bait and Tackle owner Stephanie Hogan said the shop’s built a loyal following over the last 10 years by treating people right. ”We listen to our customers’ needs and assist them with whatever they’re looking for,” Hogan said. This includes everything from freshwater to big game fishing, from preparing to fish locally to long multiday trips. The shop offers a variety of live baits, lures and other accoutrements for anglers of all levels.—JS
949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org
Silver lantern Festival of Whales 949.496.5794, www.festivalofwhales.com
NOMINEES: 4th of July Fireworks Display • Boat Parade of Lights • California Wine Festival • Dana Point BBQ Championships • Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Turkey Trot • Dana Point Concours d’Elegance • Dana Point’s Farmers Market • Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling • Dana Point Lobster Fest • Dana Point Movies in the Park • Dana Point Symphony • Dana Point Winter Festival • Doheny Blues Festival • Doheny Days • Festival of Whales • Jazz in January • Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle • R.H. Dana Charity Regatta • Surf-A-Rama • Taste of Brews • Toshiba Tall Ships Festival • Wag-A-Thon 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Concerts in the Park; Silver: Festival of Whales
24399 Dana Drive, 949.496.2900, www.dpyc.org
Silver lantern Dana West Yacht Club 24601 Dana Drive, 949.661.1185, www.dwyc.org
NOMINEES: Aventura Sailing Association 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Dana West Yacht Club; Silver: Dana Point Yacht Club
34320 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. G, 949.493.3528
Silver lantern Jig Stop Tackle and Tours
34186 Pacific Coast Hwy., 949.496.3555, www.jigstop.com NOMINEES: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Hogan’s Bait and Tackle; Silver: Jig Stop Tackle and Tours
Best Wedding Venue Golden lantern Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
25135 Park Lantern, 888.476.2405, www.lagunacliffs.com
Panoramic ocean views set this location apart from other wedding venues, views that can make even the most monster of brides swoon with delight on her wedding day. At Laguna Cliffs, brides and grooms can say their “I Do’s” perched high atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With more than 50,000 square-feet of event space and an attentive staff Laguna Cliffs is sure to make that special day an event to remember. —AP
Silver lantern Dana Point Yacht Club 24399 Dana Drive, 949.496.2900, www.dpyc.org
A breathtaking ocean view and stunningly beautiful grounds are only a few of the reasons DP Times readers chose Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa as the best wedding venue in Dana Point. Photo by Andrea Swayne
22 www.danapointtimes.com
NOMINEES: Blue Lantern Gazebo • Cannons Restaurant • Chart House • Heritage Park • Lantern Bay Park • OC Sailing & Events Center • Ocean Institute • Palisades Gazebo Park • Pines Park • Salt Creek Grille • South Shores Church • St. Edward’s Catholic Church • St. Regis Monarch Beach 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa; Silver: The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
5th ANNUAL BEST OF
DANA POINT PEOPLE’S CHOICE LANTERN AWARDS
Best Yacht/Boat Maintenance and Repair Company Golden lantern Ed Riener Diving Co., Inc. 760.721.1928, www.edrienerdiving.com
Ed Riener’s 35 years of experience and dedication set him apart from the rest. “Can’t is not in my vocabulary,” Riener says. Riener said he and his employees—one of which is his son—offer boaters the ability to see an underwater video survey of their vessel to see what repairs are necessary, before completing the task, all while underwater.—JS
Silver lantern Aqua Tech
29541 Seahorse Cove, Laguna Niguel, 949.466.3156, www.aquatechyacht.com NOMINEES: Captain Choice • Dana Point Marine Services • Dana Point Shipyard • Dana Point Yacht Maintenance • Dolphin Divers • Marine Care and Repair • Mission Hull • Orange County Outboards • Outbound Yacht Services • Rincon • Yacht Ready Consultants 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Outbound Yacht Services Inc.; Silver (Tie): Aqua Tech Yacht Services; Silver (Tie): Mission Hull
Best Harbor Recreation/Excursion Golden lantern Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching
34675 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com
Whether you are a skilled angler or baiting a hook for the first time, Dana Wharf vessels are stocked with
Whale watchers enjoy a trip aboard the Dana Wharf vessel Dana Pride. Photo by Andrea Swayne
experienced skippers and crew to educate, instruct and show you some fun. From maiden fishing trips to last voyages, Dana Wharf provides excursions to fit every occasion. So if you’re looking to watch the migration of California gray whales, pop the question on a sunset cruise or fish for something other than a Jack or a Two, this excursion company has something for you. —AP
Congratulations
to the People’s Choice Lantern Award winners. Keep up the great work! Visit our website at www.danapointtimes.com for more stories and to sign up for breaking news alerts. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook.
Silver lantern Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari
24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com NOMINEES: Aventura Sailing Charters • Catalina Express • Curlew Charters • Dana Point Jet Ski & Kayak Center • Dreamcatcher Yacht Charters • Ocean Institute R/V Sea Explorer • Riviera Dive Charters • Stand-up Paddling/SUP at Westwind Sailing 2011 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching; Silver: Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and
EYE ON DP
1
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.
Andrea Papagianis, 949.388.7700, x112 apapagianis@danapointtimes.com
D a n a Po i nt
Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 4. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www. thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
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Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale
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City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park
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SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Tawnee Prazak, Garrett Yancey, Kevin Dahlgren, Robyn Wyman-Dill
DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS
What’s Up With... 1
… SONGS investigation?
WHAT’S NEW: Rules were laid out on Monday for the California Public Utilities Commission investigation into the year-long shutdown of the San Onofre plant. The commission is expected to determine whether utility customers should continue to pay for the nonoperational plant by July. On January 21, 2012, the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station stopped producing power. But one year later, utility bills of residents in Southern California still reflect a rate base—used to determine utility rates—as if the plant were fully operational. Plant owners Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric argue that the commission is legally barred from ordering any reduction in rates—as a result of an extended outage—until the utility’s next rate review in 2015. The ruling rejected requests of the utility companies to redact information they deemed proprietary or confidential from public view. WHAT’S NEXT: As part of its investigation, the Commission will hold two public hearings on Edison’s response to the SONGS shutdown. The hearings are scheduled for Thursday, February 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center, 1845 Park Ave., Costa Mesa. FIND OUT MORE: For the full story visit www.danapointtimes.com —Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times February 1–7, 2013
2
…CUSD and Rancho Mission Viejo?
THE LATEST: Representatives from Rancho Mission Viejo held the first of what will likely be several meetings with the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Monday to discuss the impacts of the first of two sections of development slated to begin occupancy or construction next year. Tim Holcomb, who previously served as an interim deputy superintendent with the district and now works with the developer, told the trustees that the lion’s share of the projected student population would likely be in Kindergarten through fifth grade, approximately 2,724 students. Holcomb said another 991 sixth-through-eighth-grade students and 846 high school students are expected as well. WHAT’S NEXT: With district enrollment already exceeding capacity, it is likely that at least one new school would need to be constructed to accommodate the influx of students, according to Holcomb. The best fit, he said, would be to construct, at the very least, a new K-8 school. The cost for constructing the school—assuming joint use of some facilities—would lower the purchase cost of the land, approximately $52 million. FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, see www.danapointtimes.com — Jim Shilander
3
… DP Chamber of Commerce?
WHAT’S NEW: Judy Henderson has been chosen as Dana Point Chamber
of Commerce’s 2012 Citizen of the Year. Henderson along with Business of the Year awardee, Luciana’s Ristorante, and Ambassador of the Year, Regina McGrath, were honored at Thursday night’s chamber installation dinner and annual meeting at the Laguna Cliff’s Marriott Resort. Henderson, a 36 year resident of Dana Point, said she has always considered the chamber to be the anchor of Dana Point, long before it was incorporated. Over the years, Henderson has been an active volunteer, as a 25-year member and founder of the Dana Point Historical Society, she also helped get Dana Point on the ballot back in 1989. For more than 25 years, Luciana’s Ristorante owner, Jorge Luhan II has recreated the Italian experience for diners in Orange County. WHAT’S NEXT: The newly elected chamber board is anxious to move forward with their 66th year and supporting the city’s efforts with Town Center revitalization, through the recently established Town Center committee. FIND OUT MORE: To find out more about the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce visit www.danapointchamber. com. And to read a full article about Henderson, go to www.danapointtimes. com —AP
4
… Short-Term Vacation Rentals?
WHAT’S NEW: The Dana Point City Council is scheduled to discuss the future of short-term vacation rentals at the upcoming February 5 meeting. Back in November, the city council approved measures directing staff to compile a regulating ordinance for
Page 25
short-term rentals—less than 30 days— as current city code does not allow or disallow such rentals. Since city code is silent on the issue, such rentals are considered illegal. However, there is no enforcement of the restriction. WHAT’S NEXT: City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5 at City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern St. FIND OUT MORE: For background information on the vacation rental debate go to www.danapointtimes.com. —AP
5
… Town Center?
WHAT’S NEW: Two months after city officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony, ground was broken earlier this week on the southern gateway project portion of the Dana Point Town Center Revitalization. The project was postponed because of the holidays. This segment of the project will give the southern end of downtown a facelift where Del Prado Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway meet. The overall revitalization plan was approved by the California Coastal Commission in 2008 and is estimated to cost $19 million. WHAT’S NEXT: The gateway project is expected to be completed by the end of March. FIND OUT MORE: For more information on the Town Center Revitalization project, check out www.danapointtimes. com. —AP Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com
EYE ON DP
DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY
Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com COMPILED BY GARRETT YANCEY AND VICTOR CARNO All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.
Monday, January 28 DRUNK IN PUBLIC Del Prado Avenue, 24800 Block (7:57 p.m.) Officers responded to a call about an elderly woman who was drunk outside Rite Aid and refusing to leave the business. The informant described her
and took items, but were still hanging around outside the store.
as being in her 60s, 5 feet 2 inches tall and having silver hair. DISTURBANCE Violet Lantern Street, 33800 Block (6:26 p.m.) A man called police to inform them of an argument taking place in the apartment unit below his. The informant said he could hear the male yelling at his family, screaming and rumbling. He feared the man was going to hurt someone. DISTURBANCE La Plaza, 34000 Block (4:45 p.m.) Officers responded to a call about a man who was demanding psychiatric medication from a doctor. When officers arrived the man was still waiting in the lobby of doctor’s office. He was described to be in his 30s and about 6 feet tall.
Sunday, January 27 DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road, 34000 Block (4:34 p.m.) Officers were called to the Dollar Tree to respond to a distraught homeless man inside the store. The man was approached on several occasions but refused to talk to anyone. The man was described to be in his mid-40s, about 5 feet 11 inches tall and carrying a Hello Kitty backpack.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Del Obispo Street, 33500 Block (2:54 a.m.) A woman who works at Circle K informed police she had to lock the store doors because two men came in
Charlie Capozzoli Passes Away at 81 Services for the former Olympian, author and longtime Monarch Bay resident were held January 30
DRUNK IN PUBLIC Del Prado Avenue/Golden Lantern Street (9:38 p.m.) An informant called from StillWater stating four subjects came into the bar, but were turned away because one member of the group was drunk. The caller was concerned and requested officers patrol for the group, last seen heading toward the harbor. DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Del Obispo Street, 33800 Block (8:26 p.m.) A 50-year-old woman called to report her mother had come into her home and was yelling at her husband. The woman said she had swords hanging on the wall. They were not in use.
PETTY THEFT Del Obispo Street, 33600 Block (1:41 p.m.) A 50-year-old woman wearing sweatpants and a bandage on her nose allegedly stole two bottles of Sky Vodka from Albertsons and fled the scene on a bus.
Contemporary Art Exhibit to Open at The Shed
By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times
Point resident Bob Moore. In 1952, he became a track and field Olympian (5000m) and a U.S. champion in 1953. He was also a longtime memharlie Capozzoli, longtime resiber of U.S. travel teams, representing dent of Dana Point’s Monarch the country in worldwide competition. Bay community, passed away An esteemed member of the New January 22 at Mission Hospital in LaYork Athletic Club during guna Beach. He was 81. the 1960s, Capozzoli was Capozzoli, his late wife inducted into their Hall of Donna and their four Fame in 2009. children came to Dana An author of both fiction Point in 1975 and quickly and nonfiction, one of his became active members of books, Run to Win, Love the community, an effort and Sacrifice, recounts his he kept up well into his own life story as an Italianlater years. American growing up in A Georgetown UniverNew York City. sity graduate, Olympian, Capozzoli is survived by author, dedicated volunteer Charlie Capozzoli. Courtesy photo his sister Marion, son Joe, and philanthropist, Capozdaughters Donna and Janine, 16 grandzoli was a charismatic and loving man children and 8 great-grandchildren. who enjoyed civic involvement and was He was preceded in death by wife easy to get to know, friends said. Donna and son John. “Charlie was a very good friend of Services for Charlie Capozzoli were mine for nearly 40 years. He was special held January 30 at St. Edward the Conto everyone who knew him whether fessor Catholic Church. DP for years or minutes,” said fellow Dana
C
Dana Point Times February 1–7, 2013
BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Water Ridge Court, 0 Block (11:48 p.m.) A 20-year-old female in a white nightgown who has autism was sleepwalking and trying to gain entry into a family’s house. The wife was on the phone with the dispatcher during the incident and was advised to not open the door. The young female was still turning the knob while the husband appeared. The husband opened the door and the young female tried to enter. DRUNK DRIVING Golden Lantern Street/Stonehill Drive (11:04 p.m.) An informant was on the phone with dispatch while following an apparent drunk driver down Hidden Hills Road. The subject was unaware that she was being followed. The informant works for Compass Recovery and believed that the subject, who was a patient, was heading back to her residence in Laguna Niguel.
Saturday, January 26
DEFRAUDING AN INNKEEPER Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (2:49 p.m.) Harbor House Cafe called police to report that a male and female left the establishment without paying their bill. The couple did leave behind their ID’s.
Friday, January 25
By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times
T
he Shed—a new fine art gallery at the Coastal Arcadian—will open its 2013 exhibit season with an artist’s reception on Saturday, February 9 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the show fittingly named “ARRIVAL.” Since the gallery’s informal opening in November, Coastal Arcadian owner Sue Osborne said the gallery has found direction. Featuring mostly contemporary art, the exhibit will feature artists from Santa Monica, San Francisco, Palm Springs and Chicago, including Michael Ruffini—who was recently named The Shed’s gallery director. The exhibit will run through the end of February. Osborne said a new exhibit will be featured every 30 days. With lush gardens and open-air patios, the Arcadian is an art collective that features a bead shop, mercantile store and art gallery. Osborne called this trilogy of shops, “a pre-computer
Page 27
Coastal Arcadian owner, Sue Osborne displays beads in OC Beads. The Arcadian is an art collective featuring the bead store, The Shed, an art gallery and The Coop, a country style shop. Photo by Andrea Swayne
era breath of fresh air.” The Shed gallery—at 24471 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point—is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information about the gallery and to check on upcoming events visit www.theshed-danapoint.com or call 949.429.5591. Additional information on the collective can be found at www. coastalarcadian.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com
GETTING OUT
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
DP
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
ACOUSTIC EIDOLON 7:30 p.m. Live duo plays as part of the Lord of the Strings concert series at the Dana Point Community House. Tickets $30. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.
01
AROUND THE WORLD TASTING WITH WINEBOW 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Special wine tasting at SC Wine Company. $15 includes 7 wines, cheese and chocolate. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com QUEEN NATION 8 p.m. Queen tribute band at The Coach House. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. SONIC PARK 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com. THE FREMONTS 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. MICAH BROWN 8 p.m. Artist playing a blend of folk, soul, blues, reggae, and rock at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com. DANA WHARF 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. FIRST FRIDAY FILM 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Showing of the movie Moonrise Kingdom at the San Juan Capistrano Library. Donation $2. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.5132, www.ocpl.org. Dana Point Times February 1–7, 2013
AT THE MOVIES: ‘THE IMPOSSIBLE’ A STORY OF SURVIVAL One of the more unexpected nominations this award season is Naomi Watts for Best Actress for The Impossible. Though not as talked about as co-nominees Jennifer Lawrence or Jessica Chastain, Watts still delivers a grueling physical performance and deserves the recognition she’s been receiving, as is the rest of Juan Antonio Bayona’s cinematic recounting of the Thailand tsunami in 2004. Based on a real horrific episode of a Spanish family (changed to English on film), The Impossible begins with a family of five who travel to East Asia for the holidays and stay at a beachside resort for the vacation. Only a day later, the biggest tsunami ever recorded hits land and separates the mother (Watts) and oldest son (Tom Holland) from © 2012 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved. the father (Ewan McGregor) and youngest sons (Samuel Joslin and Oaklee Pendergast). Watts, considered one of the best actresses of her generation, brutally deals with the after effects of the storm in the film, moving viewers to cringe and cry for her. McGregor and Holland’s stories are emotionally heartbreaking as well, though underrated, with McGregor’s performance worthy enough for a Best Supporting Actor nomination he missed out on. The Impossible visually captures and frightens the audience with the real life force of nature, prompting many to thoughts of appreciation for life and loved ones. —Megan Bianco
ELLIOT ON PIANO 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com. FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Top-40 hits, rock n’ roll and ‘90s dance music set the scene in Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Monarch Beach, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.
saturday
NOSANO 2013 CELEBRATION 6 p.m. The first Annual “NoSanO Celebration: 1 Year Without San Onofre” featuring Ed Begley, Jr., live music, speakers and performers, food and drink and more at the San Clemente Community Center. Tickets $10-$15. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.218.4051, www.sanonofresafety.org.
02
TEE OFF FOR DOGS EVENT 7 a.m.-11 a.m. The 1st Annual 5K race / six-legged 2K Walk at Salt Creek Beach Park to help raise funds for guide dogs for the visually impaired. Entry fees $35-$50. More info: www.teeofffordogs.org. SATURDAY PRODUCE BASKET 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Every Saturday get a fresh-picked $20 veggie/fruit baskets at Villagio Giardino at the Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.697.0032, www.vrgreenfarms.com/Basket. ROTARY-CARE CAR SHOW 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Annual car show fundraiser event at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center Sports Park supporting San Juan Capistrano Charities and Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort (CARE). Tickets $2-$5. 25925 Camino Del Avion, 949-661-3594, www.sjcrotary.org/carshow. JOHN SLOANE - SINATRA TRIBUTE 7:45 p.m.11 p.m. The Vintage Steak House 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.3400, www.thevintagesteakhouse.com. JASON PEARSON SOLO PAINTING EXHIBITION 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Local San Clemente artists has an art exhibition opening event at the Art Cube Gallery. 266 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, www.artcubegallery.com. Page 28
RUNWAY FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Benefit at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club with a fashion show, silent auction, lunch and more with special guests including “Project Runway” all stars and the cast of “The Real Housewives of Orange County”. Tickets online. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.498.6604, www.bellacollinagolf.com. 24 HOUR CREATIVE 8 p.m. The third annual event at Camino Real Playhouse featuring a theatrical challenge for six writers, six directors and many brave actors who’ve created an evening of theater in just 24 hours - see what they pull together this night only. Tickets $18-$28. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org. SINBAD 8 p.m. Stand-up comedy at The Coach House. $35. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. G 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com. MISSY ANDERSEN 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. 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. ALL STARS 8 p.m. Band playing hit dance, pop and classic rock ‘n’ roll music at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.
sunday
SUPERBOWL CELEBRATION III 1:30 p.m. Fundraising event at the Mission Viejo Country Club featuring prizes, live music, food and drinks, drawings and suctions, and coverage of the Super Bowl. Free admission. 26200 Country Club Dr., Mission Viejo,949.667.1436, www.gen-give.com.
03
(Cont. on page 30) www.danapointtimes.com
GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 28) 80S SUPER BOWL PARTY 8 p.m. Flock of 80’s playing live after the game at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY FIRST-SUNDAY-OFTHE-MONTH SALE 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The San Clemente Friends of the Library book sale including cooking, children, adventure, popular novels, biographies, history books and more. 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org. VILLAGE ARTS FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More than 60 vendors have arts, crafts and other items along Avenida Del Mar in San Clemente. Put on by The Downtown Business Association the first Sunday of the month. More info, 949.218.5378, www.villagesanclemente.org. FALCON DEMONSTRATION 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Learn about the “bird of prey” and the traditional practice of falconry from an expert at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Donation $5-$10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org. ORANGE COUNTY HEART WALK 6:30 a.m. The American Heart Association fundraising and awareness walk at the Disneyland Resort, going through the Disneyland Park, California Adventure and Downtown Disney. Minimum donation $50. 1313 S Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 949.856.3555, www.OCHeartWalk.org. MARINE MAMMAL EXPLORATION (WHALE WATCHING) CRUISE 1 p.m. Ocean Institute provides the opportunity to see migrating gray whales, dolphins, seal lions and other wildlife aboard the 70-foot R/V Sea Explorer. Cost $22-$35. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.
monday
SAN CLEMENTE ART ASSOCIATION WINTER JUDGED SHOW 12 p.m.4 p.m. Art show in the San Clemente Art Gallery SC Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com.
04
COUNTRY DANCIN WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Dancing at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com. THE RITE OF SPRING 7 p.m. Saddleback College will showcase Igor Stravinsky’s epic score in the McKinney Theatre. General admission $10. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.
tuesday
05
SJC WRITERS GROUP 6 p.m. Writing groups meets at the San Juan Capistrano Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.
The Dana Point Symphony Orchestra. Courtesy photo
Red Mendelssohn Violin Performance to Open Symphony Concert Series n Friday, February 8, the Dana Point Symphony Orchestra will return for their 2013 season with a Tchaikovsky violin concerto, featuring violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn. Pitcairn will be performing on a nearly 300-year-old violin made by Antonio Stradivari called the Red Mendelssohn. The instrument, purchased at a 1990 Christie’s auction in London for $1.7 million, is said to be the inspiration for the Canadian film The Red Violin. This symphony season will include performances, on March 8, Opera and the Ocean with the Festival
O
of Whales, on April 5, Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 and on May 31, Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.2 and a finale chosen by the audience. Symphony performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and are held at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera. Season Passes are available for all four concerts for $45. Individual tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, children and members of the military. Tickets are available for purchase at the door or online at www.danapointsymphony.com. DP
wednesday
thursday
WINE SENSORY WORKSHOP 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Special wine workshop at SC Wine Company. Reservations recommended. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com
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WINE DINNER AT VINE 7 p.m. Four-course food and wine pairing at Vine. Reservations recommended. 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2791 , www.vinesanclemente.com.
BENNY / FLAMENCO 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.
PLANT GALLS AND THEIR INDUCERS 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Speaker Dr. Peter Bryant will discuss his recent research on local gall insects at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.
SOCIAL DISTORTION 8 p.m. Legendary punk band at House of Blues Anaheim for the final time. Tickets $30. 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583, www.hob.com/anaheim.
KRIS WINRICH (FROM FLOCK OF 80’S) 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.
Dana Point Times February 1–7, 2013
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LADIES’ NIGHT 8 p.m.midnight Dance the night away to current top-40 hits, Latin and R&B music at Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.
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WHALE WATCHING Noon and 2 p.m. Dana Wharf offers daily tours. $30-$45. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com. TOMMY CASTRO 8 p.m. The Coach House. Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. LAGUNA BEACH ART WALK 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Art galleries display their works in a free event. 949.683.6871, www.firstthursdaysartwalk.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
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PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
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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
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See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
GUEST OPINION: IT’S HISTORY By Carlos N. Olvera
Dana Who? In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editor@danapointtimes.com
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once asked a new local business employee if they knew who Dana Point was named after: “someone who lived here?” Close, but no cigar. But thanks to Doris Walker’s book, “Home Port for Romance” we all have access to Dana Point’s history. When Richard Henry Dana Jr. came here in 1835 he was but a lad of 19. We know when he returned to Boston he compiled his memoirs titled “Two Years before the Mast” in 1840, and wrote that the cliffs of Capistrano Bay made the area “the most romantic spot on the coast.” But what of the history before and after Dana’s visit? The first Dana in America was Richard Dana (16171690), who landed in New England about 1640. He was among the earliest settlers in Cambridge, Mass. Dana came from Manchester, England, but was loyal to his new land. In 1664, along with several members of the First Church, he signed a petition to the Massachusetts Bay Colony expressing their loyalty and satisfaction. Dana remained active in politics, becoming a constable, a viewer of fences and a surveyor of highways. Six generations later, in 1815, Richard Henry Dana, Jr. was born in Cambridge, Mary. The third greatgrandson of the first Dana in America, Richard Jr.’s life was rooted in service and devotion to his country. Early in life he was a student of Ralph Waldo Emerson. The younger Richard entered Harvard in 1831, but due to difficulties with his eyes, he withdrew. After his departure on the brig Pilgrim and his return on the Alert, he re-entered Harvard and graduated in 1837. Richard went on to receive his bachelor of laws in 1839, was admitted to the bar in 1840 and received his doctor of laws from Harvard in 1866. During this time he was highly active in the protection of Dana Point Times February 1–7, 2013
A sketch of Richard Henry Dana Jr., the man behind the name, Dana Point. Courtesy Photo
fugitive slaves, even risking his life and career on their behalf. He became a U.S. Attorney and during the Civil War, argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in support of naval blockades of southern ports. After the war, he became a member of the Massachusetts legislature, serving from 1867 to 1868. He was nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain—known then as Minister to the Court of St. James and commonly referred to, at the time, as the English mission—in 1876 by President Ulysses S. Grant. Dana felt this would be the crowning achievement of his career in public service. However, William Beach Lawrence had a problem with this. He publically accused Dana of plagiarism in his writings during the confirmation hearings, in retaliation to a challenge Dana made of Lawrence’s’ writings in 1863. Further, General Benjamin F. Butler, who suffered defeat during the Civil War, took exception. Butler was a legislator in Massachusetts with lackluster results. Dana, a former legislator himself, Page 34
challenged Butler in the 1868 election and lost. But the animosity of the two toward Dana remained. The nomination was rejected. Dana was the author of eight books and studied and wrote extensively on maritime law. The experience he gained while aboard tall ships gave him great concern over the treatment of sailors—such as walking the plank and flogging at the whim of the captain. In 1882, Dana travelled to Italy to study their laws, where he died from influenza. Dana is buried in the Protestant Cemetery in Rome. So what was his home life like? You can imagine the family having dinner guests such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and William Ellery. Ellery was the grandfather to Dana Jr.—on his mother’s side—and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Longfellow was the father-in-law to Richard Henry Dana III. Today’s direct descendant of Dana Jr. is Richard Henry Dana VII, who lives in New York. Also important to California is William Goodwin Dana, a fourth cousin, who settled in the Santa Barbara area. This family continues to live in the Nipomo area. Locally, we have two Dana descendants; both fourth cousins, four times removed, living in Mission Viejo and Laguna Hills. The promontory of Dana Point was originally called San Juan Point after the location of the mission in San Juan Capistrano. Sometime near the turn of the 19th century, a surveyor plotted the point as Dana’s Point. In the early 1920s, development was started by the Dana’s Point Co. which was shortened to the Dana Point we know today. You may relive Dana’s journey to California in the third annual reading of “Two Years before the Mast” during the Festival of Whales, staring on Friday March 8, at 1 p.m. The reading runs for three days and ends on Sunday at noon. For more information or to participate in the reading, email twoyearsbeforethemastdp@gmail.com or call 949.248.8121. About 100 volunteers are needed to make this presentation at the Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Dr. Carlos N. Olvera is past president of the Dana Point Historical Society, a current Vice Chair of the OC Historical Commission and a Dana Point Councilman. DP www.danapointtimes.com
SPORTS
& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE
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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
DOLPHIN REPORT: BY THE NUMBERS
Through the use of numbers, we break down the week, and seasons, in Dana Hills prep sports. Make sure to follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports for in-game updates, news and more all season long.
4 Current match win streak for the Dana Hills girls water polo team. Three of the victories came in South Coast League play. During the four-game stretch the Dolphins have outscored their opponents 43-29.
3 Number of South Coast League goals conceded by Dana Hills girls soccer keeper Meghan Dickmann. Dickmann and the Dolphin defense have recorded eight shutouts on the season. The Dolphins are 4-1-1 in league play.
7.1 Rebounds per game average for the Dolphins junior forward Jack Clendenen. Clendenen pulled down six rebounds in the Dolphins win against San Clemente on January 25. The junior is also averaging 1.2 blocks per game.
18.9 Points per game average for the Dolphins senior guard Cory Blau through 24 games played. Blau has been efficient while putting up these big numbers. He is shooting 55 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc.
11.4 Average points per game tallied by Dana Hills freshman guard Maddy Bloom, who leads the team. —Steve Breazeale
when the Dolphins defeated the Mustangs 40-34 back on January 12.
Dolphin Report By Steve Breazeale
BOYS BASKETBALL TOPPLES TRITONS, EYES MUSTANGS Playing on the road and in front of a regional television audience as part of Cox Cable’s Game of the Week on January 25, the Dana Hills boys basketball team pulled off a come from behind 67-57 win over league rival San Clemente. The victory put the Dolphins (17-7, 4-2 league) only a game behind the Tritons and Trabuco Hills, who are tied for first place in the Sea View League. The Dolphins used their size advantage down low to do damage to the Tritons in the third quarter as part of a 20-8 run to start the second half, erasing what was a four-point first half deficit. Senior guard Cory Blau saved his best for the final 16 minutes and poured in a team-high 21 points in the contest. He also pulled in nine rebounds and was a big part of the Dolphins second half push. Senior guard Hayden Fredrick might not have had his best shooting night, going 2-11 from the field scoring eight points, but the senior was aggressive all night while facilitating the Dolphin offense and tallied a team-high seven assists and five steals. The Dolphins next game is against first-place Trabuco Hills on February 2. The Mustangs won the first tilt between the two teams, 61-56, on January 18. SLADE, RIZZO-FODEN COMMIT TO PLAY COLLEGE FOOTBALL Dana Hills seniors Devin Rizzo-Foden and Matthew Slade have both recently committed to play football at the next level. On January 22 Rizzo-Foden, a wide receiver and kick returner for the Dolphins, committed to play for Kansas Wesleyan University in the fall. Rizzo-Foden (5 feet 7 inches, 180 pounds) was a first team Sea View League wide receiver this past season. He is also a two-time Dana Hills Varsity Football Coaches Award recipient. As a receiver, Rizzo-Foden pulled in 20 catches for 295 yards, averaging 14.75 yards per catch. He caught a touchdown pass on September 28 in a 22-7 victory over Irvine. Matthew Slade recently committed to Sacred Heart University, according to head coach Todd Rusinkovich. Dana Point Times February 1–7, 2013
Dolphin senior Devin Rizzo-Foden (10) recently committed to play college football for Kansas Wesleyan University. Photo by Mike Betzler/Tony Tribolet
Slade (6 foot 2 inches, 215 pounds) had a very successful season for the Dolphins at the defensive end and linebacker positions. He was named the Sea View League Defensive MVP and was a 1st team Sea View League defensive back. Slade, a co-captain of this year’s squad, was third on the team in total tackles, with 94, and tallied one sack and one interception on the season. On September 14 Slade produced a season-high 18 total tackles against Troy. His interception came in what was a must-win game against San Juan Hills on November 2. Slade was named the team’s MVP this season and was a two-year varsity starter on defense. GIRLS BASKETBALL WIN STREAK SNAPPED The Dana Hills girls basketball team had a four game Sea View League win streak snapped on January 24 as the Tesoro defense clamped down on them in a 43-26 loss. The 26 points scored ties the lowest offensive output by the Dolphins all season. But even with the loss, the Dolphins (12-11, 4-1) still sit atop the league standings, one game clear of Tesoro with three games remaining on their schedule. The Dolphins will host last place Trabuco Hills on February 2, which could bode well for the Dolphin offense and freshman Maddy Bloom in particular. Bloom dropped 16 points and recorded three steals Page 36
DOLPHINS TIE WITH EL TORO, SIT IN SECOND PLACE The Dana Hills boys soccer team earned an important 3-3 draw with first place El Toro in a Sea View League matchup on January 25. The match was all square at 1-1 heading into the second half when both teams scored two goals, ensuring a draw and the Dolphins’ grip on second place in the standings. El Toro, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the CIF-SS Division 1 coaches poll, has had their way with opposing teams all season. They have only one loss on their resume and the tie with the Dolphins was their first on the year. Dana Hills’ next opponent is Laguna Hills, a team the Dolphins handled easily in a 3-0 win on January 14. The two teams will face off at Laguna Hills on February 2. DOLPHINS GIRLS SOCCER SUFFERS FIRST LOSS OF THE SEASON The Dana Hills girls soccer team’s 13-match unbeaten streak finally came to an end on January 25 following a 1-0 loss to Mission Viejo in South Coast League play. The Diablos Jamilah Tejan scored the go ahead goal in the second half to pull Mission Viejo to within one game of the first place Dolphins (9-1-4, 4-1-1) in the standings. Up next for the Dolphins is last place Tesoro, whom Dana Hills defeated 1-0 on January 17. The Dolphins will close out their season with rival San Clemente on February 6. GIRLS WATER POLO ON A ROLL After pulling off a comeback win over San Clemente on January 22, the Dana Hills girls water polo team rattled off two more South Coast League wins over Trabuco Hills and Laguna Hills on January 25 and January 28 respectively. In the game against the Mustangs the Dolphins recorded 19 steals, led by Kayla McGowan’s four. The Dolphins will host Laguna Hills on February 5, which will be the second time in as many games that the two teams play each other. WRESTLING PREPS FOR LEAGUE FINALS Dolphin wrestler Ryan Minoofar made it to the finals of the San Clemente Rotary Invitational on January 26 but lost to the Tritons’ Ash Ryan, 12-7. The Dolphins will compete for the South Coast League championship on February 2 at Aliso Niguel High. www.danapointtimes.com
DP SURF
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SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
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GROMS OF THE WEEK This we are highlighting five groms for their collective talent and work ethic as members of the PacSun USA Surf Team. The group includes, from San Clemente, Tia Blanco, Kevin Schulz, Colt Ward and Griffin Colapinto, along with Jacob Davis of Capistrano Beach. As members of the USA Surf Team, they lend a great deal of talent and sportsmanship to the tight-knit group of 20 surfers under the age of 18 who represent the U.S. in worldwide competition. They, along with the rest of their teammates, traveled to Santa Cruz a day before the January 20-21 Surfing America Prime contest to attend a team training Local members of the PacSun USA Surf Team are (L to R) Tia Blanco, Kevin Schulz, Jacob Davis, Colt Ward and Griffin Colapinto. with coaches Ryan Simmons and Micah Byrne. All five took Photo by Jack McDaniel home trophies from the event. The Dana Point Times would like to congratulate them on representing San Clemente and Capistrano Beach/Dana Point in style and helping our cities to maintain a reputation as a hotbed for grooming professional surfers. For more information about the PacSun USA Team, including schedules, ratings and results, log on to www.surfingamerica.org or find Surfing America on Facebook. —Andrea Swayne
Crane Shines at Sunset San Clemente-based surfer Ian Crane picks up his first ASP win at Sunset Beach By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times
SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 56-57 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: Local: 4-6’ Poor-Fair; Catalina: 15-30’ FairGood Immediate: Small west-northwest swell continues Friday. Ankle-waist high (2-3’) surf shows for exposed breaks. Standout areas see occasional larger sets. Long Range Outlook: Saturday will see a continuation of small surf in the morning. A larger west-northwest swell will move in on Sunday. Check out Surfline for all the details!
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an Crane, 19, of San Clemente started his competition season off right by winning the 2013 North Shore Surf Shop Pro Junior on January 25, at Sunset Beach on Oahu. The Association of Surfing Professionals event gathered a group of more than 100 of the world’s best junior surfers under the age of 21 to compete at the iconic North Shore break. The competitors were treated to perfect 6-to 8-foot waves that kept building through the semis and into the afternoon finals. Crane said he was so grateful to have made the final—his first ever in pro junior competition—that he wasn’t really feeling much pressure or nerves as he paddled out. “I was just happy to be surfing in the final,” Crane said. “I got the wave that ended up being my back-up early, then during the middle of the heat I just kept catching waves and falling.”
Ian Crane picked up the score he needed, an 8.50, in the final minutes of his heat to take the win. Photo by Latronic
As time ticked off the clock, Crane said he was so focused on what he was doing out there he wasn’t really thinking about much else beside putting himself into position for a second good wave.
Ian Crane of San Clemente celebrates his first ASP Pro Junior win at the 2013 North Shore Surf Shop Pro Junior, January 25 at Sunset Beach. Photo by Heff
Dana Point Times February 1–7, 2013
“I didn’t have much time to think because the lineup is so big at Sunset— it’s constant paddling and looking for waves. I was never really sure what place I was in, so I just kept trying to better my first wave,” he said. In the final minutes of the heat, Crane said he found himself the farthest surfer on the outside when he spotted the wave that would offer up his winning ride. “A wave in the 8-foot range just came to me. It was almost like it was meant to happen,” Crane said. “I rode it but wasn’t sure if I got the score I needed so I sprint paddled back out to the lineup to try for another, but no one else caught a wave in the rest of the heat.” The judges awarded him a score of 8.50 (out of 10) for the win, but Crane returned to the beach not knowing he had pulled it off. “I didn’t really know I won until I got to the beach because I couldn’t hear Page 38
scores out there. Kolohe (Andino) was caddying for me and when I got the beach he told me he thought that I won, but I wasn’t too sure,” Crane said. “I couldn’t really believe it was true at first. When it sunk in, I was just so happy. It seemed like everything finally came together for me.” Crane said he will enjoy the moment and then refocus and move on to the next challenge. His goal for the season is to finish among the top four of the ASP Pro Junior ratings and earn a spot in the World Junior competition. He will also continue surfing ASP Pro qualifying events hoping to place in the Top 100 in the One World Rankings, where he is currently ranked at number 164. Crane will be coming home Friday for a four-day break before heading to Puerto Rico for seven. This is just the beginning of a busy schedule that will keep him traveling for the majority of the year, he said. DP www.danapointtimes.com