February 15, 2013

CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF BRINGING “NEWS YOU CAN USE” TO DANA POINT F E B R U A RY 1 5 –2 1 , 2 0 1 3

LO C A L

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 7

Playing off Senses Palisades adds sensory lab for students with autism E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4 Parents at Palisades Elementary School partnered with one local business to create an activity lab for students with sensory integration disorders. (L to R) Kristy Angus, Principal Steven Scholl and Veronica Hoggatt. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.danapointtimes.com

Veterans of Foreign Wars Try Hand at Something New

Dolphin Report: Teams Prepare for Post Season Play

OCTA Bus Fare Increase Went Into Effect Thursday

DP LIVING/PAGE 14

SPORTS/PAGE 16

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

EYE ON DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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D a n a Po i nt

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. La Paz Park, 34111 La Plaza St. Admission is free. For more information or to inquire about purchasing a booth, please call 949.573.5033 or 951.271.0669 and visit www. danapoint.org.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Doris Walker Acjachemen Historical Walk 10 a.m.-noon. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Dr. This 1.5-mile walk will highlight the history of the native

Lantern, 949.248.3501. For a full meeting agenda visit www.danapoint.org.

settlers of the area, the Juaneño.

Pulling for Doris Walker’s books, the tour will explore aspects of daily life and the use of indigenous plants and animals. For more information on the center and future walks visit www.danapoint.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Ocean Institute Jazz Festival 6:30 p.m. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr. Opening night of the three day, fundraising event features wine and appetizers with a headlining performance by Rick Braun and Friends; featuring Peter White and Richard Elliot. Tickets range from $115 to $250. For more information visit www.oijazzfestival. com.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 Presidents Day City Hall offices closed.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 City Council Meeting 6 p.m. City Council Chambers, 33282 Golden

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

… OCTA Bus Fares?

THE LATEST: Commuters utilizing public transportation will pay more to get around Orange County, due to a bus fare increase approved in November by the Orange County Transportation Authority to offset rising costs.

The approximate 20 percent increase— that took effect on February 10—will drive adult cash fares from $1.50 to $2. A day pass will increase from $4 to $5 and a 30 day pass jumps in cost from $55 to $69.

OCTA said the increase was necessary to maintain eligibility for state funding.

Senior and disabled cash fares will increase from 60 to 75 cents and day passes from $1.25 to $1.50, but customers will be able to purchase pre-paid day passes for a 10 percent discount. A new five ride pass was also introduced to help reduce costs.

The pass will cost riders $9.

WHAT’S NEXT: Since the last fare increase four years ago, OCTA officials said, operational costs have risen and fare revenues have decreased. In order to remain qualified for public transportation funding under the California Transportation Development Act—which requires agencies collect at least 20 cents for every dollar spent on services—fares had to be raised.

FIND OUT MORE: Go to www.octa.net/ busfares for a full list of fare adjustments.

—Andrea Papagianis

2

…the SONGS Meeting?

THE LATEST: Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials outlined the remaining steps in the process to determine whether Southern California Edison will be allowed to restart Unit 2 at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station at a public metting.

Dana Point Times February 15-21, 2013

Art Howell, the team manager overseeing the SONGS restart investigation, estimated a final decision on restarting Unit 2 was not likely to come before late April. The utility responded to 28 of the 32 requests for additional information on the restart plan.

WHAT’S NEXT: Harkey indicated she will officially announce her candidacy later this month. No declared candidates for either of the current positions have made public pronouncements about their intentions in San Clemente.

WHAT’S NEXT: NRC officials indicated there would be at least two more public meetings on the restart plan. A technical meeting will be held late this month or early March at NRC headquarters in Maryland and will be accessible via webcast. An additional meeting will be held in Southern California before the final restart decision, later this spring.

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, see www.danapointtimes.com — JS

FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, see www.sanclementetimes.com — Jim Shilander

3

…Harkey and Bates Running for Higher Office?

THE LATEST: Two of South Orange County’s elected officials announced campaigns for higher offices in 2014 last Thursday.

State Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, who lives in Dana Point, announced plans to run for a seat on the State Board of Equalization.

The five member State Board of Equalization is responsible for the collection of taxes and fees statewide. Harkey will run to represent the newly redrawn district four, which will include Orange, Riverside, Imperial and San Diego counties, as well as portions of southern San Bernardino County.

Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates announced her intention to run for the State Senate at a meeting of the San Clemente Exchange Club last Thursday. Bates’s term will expire in 2014. Bates will run in the 36th Senate District, which includes San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point.

4

…a Train Quiet Zone?

THE LATEST: Train horns went silent Thursday, as Dana Point joined eight other communities with quiet zones throughout Orange County.

With new railroad crossing safety enhancements completed, as part of an $85 million Orange County Transportation Authority program, trains will no longer sound their horns along the tracks at the Palisades Drive and Beach Road railroad crossing.

According to an OTCA press release, the program made safety improvements to 52 railroad crossings throughout the county, with 37 designated as quiet zones, in Anaheim, Irvine, Orange, San Clemente, Santa Ana, Tustin and now number 38 in Dana Point. Improvements included, updated warning devices, additional gate arms, extended and raised medians, improved signage and traffic signals.

WHAT’S NEXT: Train engineers are required by law to sound horns—at least four times—before approaching a public rail crossing. But with Dana Point’s newly established “quiet zone” designation from the Federal Railroad Administration, horns will only be required during emergency situations or if the train is traveling through a construction zone.

FIND OUT MORE: For a full list of quiet

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zones in Orange County visit www.octa. net.—AP

5

…I-5 Projects’ Effect on Schools?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District is looking for ways to mitigate the impacts of two major construction projects scheduled to begin this year along Interstate 5.

Representatives from Caltrans and the Orange County Transportation Authority provided updates of their respective projects to the CUSD Board of Trustees during a pair of informational presentations Wednesday night.

Caltrans will begin restriping work and install K-rails for the Ortega Highway/I-5 Interchange Project next Tuesday, according to spokesman David Richardson.

The district has already met with the city of San Juan Capistrano and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to discuss possible traffic solutions, including opening the El Horno Street undercrossing for school buses and starting a shuttle service, according to Deputy Superintendent Clark Hampton.

Meanwhile, the first phase of OCTA’s South County I-5 Improvement Project will begin this summer with the addition of northbound and southbound carpool lanes, according to spokeswoman Julie Toledo. Major construction to rebuild the Avenida Pico/I-5 interchange will begin in the summer of 2014.

WHAT’S NEXT: Toledo told the board that in a previous project, OCTA has told their construction crews to modify their schedules when students prepare for and take their state standardized tests.

THE LATEST: For the full story, visit www. danapointtimes.com. —Brian Park www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Playing Off the Senses Palisades adds sensory lab for students with autism

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

H

e did not respond to his name. Or bring his parents toys to play with.

Or wave “Hi” and “Bye” to people at the grocery store. At 18-months old, Joshua’s parents noticed their son’s social interactions did not mimic those of other children his age.

But the little guy would study items intensely, and would fiddle with toys for hours, his mother, Veronica Hoggatt, recalls. Josh would sit in the front yard and examine the dirt, letting the grains fall through his little fingers. But when his parents called his name, “Joshua, Joshua, Joshua,” there was no reaction.

“We knew he could hear,” she said, as Josh would play in one room and run into the next when the theme song played from a show he responded positively to.

At a year and a half old, a neurologist confirmed that Joshua displayed certain indicators—repetitive behaviors, limited eye contact and little communication or social interaction—placing him on the autism spectrum.

According to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 88 children in the United States is identified with having an autism spectrum disorder.

Autism is a developmental disorder—caused, at least in part, by genetic factors—that affects the brain’s growth of social and communication abilities.

It knows no race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.

But autism spectrum disorders are more prevalent amongst boys than girls, as one in 54 boys is believed to be on the autism spectrum, according to the CDC. “Being out in the community is challenging for people with autism, because they have a lot of repetitive behaviors and sometimes it looks a little odd,” Hoggatt said.

These tendencies may have been thought little of 40 years ago, but under today’s definition of autism, the number of children on the spectrum has risen.

Now in fifth grade Josh attends Palisades Elementary School—he has been in one of the school’s Structured Autism Classes since kindergarten.

In the Capistrano Unified School District, regional schools are home to structured programs designed to focus on the needs of students with developmental Dana Point Times February 15-21, 2013

Josh Hoggatt, a fifth-grader at Palisades Elementary School, tests out the new motor activity lab.

Courtesy photo

“To be able to have a facility like this at a school, that can be used throughout day, could help so many kids whose parents simply cannot afford to do something outside of the school day.”

—Veronica Hoggatt

disorders. So, like Joshua—from San Clemente—students from surrounding areas come to the Capistrano Beach school for tailored classes.

Aside from the R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility, Palisades has the highest population of students with special needs, about 90 students this year, said Palisades Principal Steve Scholl. Students with special needs account for nearly 15 percent of the school’s population, something Scholl said helps integrate children with “typical peers.”

With a 2-to-1 student to teacher or aide ratio, kindergarten to fifth-grade students in the structured autism classes receive the direct attention needed.

But there are times when this focused education is not enough.

Sometimes students need more.

Whether it is being overwhelmed or over stimulated, many with autism need some sort of sensory input to bring them back down.

“If you look at these students they have a very difficult time regulating their own sense of calm and the only way they can is through sensory stimulation,” Scholl said.

“It could be swinging, touching, sound, silence, dim lighting, jumping, pulling or carrying weight on their shoulders. We look for any sensory contribution that will help that particular student calm down

The motor activity lab at Palisades Elementary School is designed to help students with sensory disorders find calm. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

and really be ready to receive educational input.”

To address sensory needs, parents at Palisades teamed up with a local business—Salon Zinnia & Lifestyle Boutique, in San Clemente—to raise $3,500 to furnish an activity lab designed for students with sensory integration disorders to explore their senses.

The motor activity lab features five areas—movement, calm, tactile, listen and visual/fine motor—each designed to address a child’s sensory need.

“He is very sensory seeking,” Hoggatt said of Joshua. “He likes to be outside picking at the grass or leaves and the feeling of them on his fingertips and looking at them in the sunshine. At home and at

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school, he often asks to be squeezed.

“It’s because his sensory system is kind of out of whack.”

Now, Josh and his peers have an outlet.

The lab is set up much like an occupational therapy center. With beanbag chairs and weighted blankets, listening stations with calming tunes, a mini trampoline, puzzles, art supplies and activities to help students develop motor skills—like writing, snapping buttons and tying shoes— the lab can be utilized by visiting occupational therapists or scheduled by teachers.

The lab also functions as a calming place when student need it.

“To be able to have a facility like this at a school, that can be used throughout day, could help so many kids whose parents simply cannot afford to do something outside of the school day,” Hoggatt said.

In 2000, the CDC established the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network in order to collect data and research the prevalence of autism and pervasive developmental disorders—including Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett’s Syndrome—across the nation.

With 14 sites—in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah and Wisconsin—the ADDM actively surveys children’s evaluation records from birth to 8 years old, based on a CDC determination of peak prevalence at this age.

Although extensive research continues to be conducted, no specific links have been made between the complex disorder and possible causes—genetics, diet, mercury poisoning or sensitivity to vaccines.

Regardless of the cause of her son’s disorder, Hoggatt said she would like for people to take a step back, have more tolerance and be less judgmental, in order to realize that people like Josh are a large part of our community.

“If you are out at a restaurant, or church or the grocery store and you see a child acting out—screaming or doing something that is inappropriate—rather than automatically assuming that it’s bad parenting or the child is being a brat, realize that the child could have some issues and in fact their acting out could be a part of the disability,” she said.

In doing her part to educate others, Hoggatt said she continues to talk about Joshua’s disorder, “I am not afraid to tell people that he is doing that because he has autism and that’s part of this disorder.”

To build tolerance and break down barriers, she encourages parents with children on the autism spectrum to do the same. Through CUSD’s Parent Support Network, Hoggatt has found support amongst parents and families facing similar challenges. For more information about connecting with parents of children with special needs, email coordinator Rachel Lewis at ralewis@capousd.org. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY

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

Saturday, February 9 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/ CIRCUMSTANCE Del Prado, 24800 Block (1:47 p.m.)

A person wearing a black hooded sweat-

a.m.) A caller told dispatch that there was a group of people outside in a physical fight with one male on the ground getting hit. No weapons were seen.

shirt and baseball cap was walking down an alleyway near San Juan Avenue. The caller said the person, who was at the caller’s location at the time, threatened to murder him.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Ruby Lantern/San Marino Place (1:49 a.m.) A male was slumped over the wheel in a car on Ruby Lantern. The man was still breathing but had a possible head wound. He was taken to Mission Hospital.

DISTURBANCE Alicia Drive/Pequito Drive (1:00 p.m.)

A caller reported two kids on skateboards were going downhill in the middle of the street. The caller was concerned about their safety.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Pacific Coast Highway/Camino Capistrano (9:25 a.m.) A landslide blocked the northbound lane on Coast Highway north of Camino Capistrano. No cars were involved.

DISTURBANCE Amber Lantern, 34100 Block (1:58 a.m.)

A male and female were in an argument in the apartment above according to the caller who heard glass break. The sound came from the female trying to break into her apartment. The woman received lacerations from breaking the glass.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 34200 Block (1:18 a.m.) A drunken transient at the Denny’s on Del Obispo Street was disturbing customers and scratching himself. When he was asked to leave he would start screaming. The transient was a male about 50 years old, 5 foot 10 inches, thin build and wearing a red jacket and brown pants.

Friday, February 8 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/ CIRCUMSTANCE Del Obispo Street, 33500 Block (11:45 p.m.) A female reported that she was offered and shown methamphetamine by a male outside of the Circle K on Del

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (1:50

Kicking Out the Jams

Obispo. The suspected drug dealer was around 35 years old, with black hair, a green flannel shirt and blue jeans.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/ CIRCUMSTANCE Crystal Lantern, 34100 Block (12:45 p.m.) A solicitor came to the caller’s door then got into a large white van. The caller thought the solicitor to be possibly casing the house. The solicitor was a male about 15 years old, with blonde hair, a purple hoodie and cream-colored shorts.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/ CIRCUMSTANCE Del Obispo Street, 33600 Block (12:46 p.m.) The store manager at Albertsons called about a person who was soliciting in the parking lot. This person was wearing a blue beanie and an arm sling and was a possible suspect in a petty theft incident.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/ CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (11:49 a.m.) A caller reported three homeless males that were in his parking lot bothering customers, urinating and being a nuisance. The three were seen getting into and out of a red Mercedes that was parked across the street on San Juan Avenue for a week.

NEWS BITES

New record store makes a splash on the music scene

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

By Victor Carno Dana Point Times

5th Marine Regiment Seeks Donations for the Marine Corps Trials Track & Field Event

A

growing hub for local music lovers, McGreatDeals Records has certainly made a name for itself in Dana Point, since opening in July.

Owner Ian McGregor—a San Clemente local—formerly worked as a bartender at a succession of restaurants including, Fratello’s and The Roof Top. Needless to say, McGregor is a real people person and will simultaneously talk your ear off, while he makes you feel like his old college roommate the minute you walk through his door.

We recently caught up with McGregor to find out more about his passion turned business.

McGregor started collecting records when he was 12 years old and never really saw it as a business avenue, until he noticed his house space shrinking as his collection grew.

He made a quick buck selling a large CD collection—in order to gain back some living space. This energized him to open an Ebay store account, where he started buying and selling records online as a side project while bartending at Fratello’s.

After years of conducting business online, he decided to turn his hobby into a career and set out to find a store with a front door. He set up camp in a former nail salon in Dana Point Plaza and McGreatDana Point Times February 15-21, 2013

Ian McGregor, owner of McGreatDeals Records, sifts through albums as he contemplates which one he should play next. Photo by Victor Carno

Deals, at 34102 La Plaza, was born.

Where did that name come from, you ask? His last name is McGregor, and the rest you can probably piece together.

As for his collection, it’s a mix of a little bit of everything to suit musical tastes. No really, you can pick up a Metallica, Neil Diamond and Herb Alpert record all in the same transaction and not be judged for it.

Aside from the great selection, McGreatDeals is a fun place to shop. Being a non-genre specific store, you can run into diverse music fans and the conversation never runs dry. DP

u During the first week of March, nearly 300 active duty and veteran athletes will compete in the third annual Marine Corps Trials for wounded, ill and injured Marines.

The trials hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment will take place on the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton from Friday, March 1 to Wednesday, March 6.

The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group will be supporting these events. On Tuesday, March 5 the group will provide box lunches for those competing in track and field events at Paige Fieldhouse, 13th Street and Vandegrift Boulevard, Camp Pendleton. To donate, visit www. danapoint5thmarines.com. Each lunch costs $15.

Volunteers Needed for Festival of Whales Public Reading

The book gives Dana’s account from his voyage from Boston to South America, around the Cape Horn to California to trade goods—from 1834 to 1836.

The reading will take place at the Nature Interpretive Center, at 34558 Scenic Drive.

It begins on Friday, March 8 at 1 p.m. and stretches to Sunday, March 10 until the book is complete. Readings over the three days run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday.

Volunteers will read aloud for eight to 10 minutes from a large-print copy of the book.

Admission is free. Reading slots and volunteer opportunities are still available.

To volunteer, email twoyearsbeforethemastdp@gmail.com, or call the Historical Society at 949.248.8121 and leave a message with your name, email address, phone number and preferred reading time.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards,

u The Dana Point Historical Society, in

collaboration with the City of Dana Point, is looking for volunteers for the third annual public reading of Richard Henry Dana Jr’s book, Two Years Before the Mast, at this year’s Festival of Whales.

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events, happenings, accomplishments and more. Forward a picture along, too! We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

Andrea Papagianis, 949.388.7700, x112 apapagianis@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING

DP

DS aannCale m

Poe ni ntet

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

HOW TO REACH US

PRINT AND ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION

Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 7. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

EDITORIAL

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

Finance Director > Mike Reed

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting Manager Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

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

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

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

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

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Elysia Gamo, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell, Garrett Yancey

PUBLISHERS’ LETTER: By Norb Garrett

Happy 5th to Us F

ive years ago when we started the DP Times, our goal was to bring Dana Point a newspaper and website packed with “Local News You Can Use.” Using our “maga-paper” approach blending reader-friendly magazine-like layouts and fresh ways of reporting the news, we continue to strive to provide Dana Point with the very best in community journalism. As the only locally owned and operated newspaper, we’re proud of our role in the community and we’d like to thank all of our readers and contributors who have helped the DP Times grow.

Since its inception, the DP Times has been led by Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes, City Editor Andrea Swayne and Art Director Jasmine Smith. All three of these ladies have poured their hearts into the DP Times each and every week from the very beginning, supported by our entire team at Picket Fence Media including my wife, Alyssa Garrett, Michele Reddick and Debra Wells in sales, Steve Breazeale in sports and Jim Shilander and Brian Park on the news desk. As we

celebrate five years, it’s also appropriate that we welcome our newest addition to the DP Times team, Andrea Papagianis, who takes over the city editor position for Norb Garrett Andrea Swayne, who has been promoted to our group senior editor role.

As a local community newspaper and website, we’re always looking for ways to improve. Please make sure to check out our website as well as our Facebook page and share your thoughts and comments. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our special email news blasts that keep you alerted to breaking news in town and the area. We’ll soon be adding an app for your smart phone and tablet, and you can already follow us on Twitter.

But as we enter our sixth year serving the community of Dana Point, we again want to say thanks to all of you—our readers, contributor and advertisers— who have made the past five years so much fun. DP

Happy Valentine’s Day

Letters to the Editor SYMPHONY ADDS CLASS TO DANA POINT THE WELTON FAMILY—KENT, PAM AND ANGELA, Dana Point

Hi, Congrats to the Dana Point Symphony and virtuoso violinist, Elizabeth Pitcairn, for a great concert—the symphony brings such class to our little city.

We owe a big debt of gratitude to Scott Schoeffel, former mayor of the city, for being the inspiration behind this effort and to Berenika Schmitz for its organization and administration.

We are looking forward to more concerts. Thanks again.

RESIDENTS DOOMED IF SONGS RESTARTS JAMES SLARK, Dana Point

Restarting SONGS is a venture that is doomed, in particular by the description of the escape routes in Southern California Edison’s own disaster brochure.

In the event of a disaster on the scale of Fukushima, for instance, and assuming the wind direction at the time of the Dana Point Times February 15–21, 2013

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accident as being southeast, there is no escape for those who live in Zone 1 toward San Diego.

As word of the accident spreads, all streets and roadways heading away from SONGS toward the north and west would immediately become impassable.

People in Zone 1 would be restricted in place for probably several days, unable to move.

Putting this brochure out with this information makes a lie of saying this is a safety brochure.

This brochure is merely stating that those in Zone 1 can bend over and kiss their... etc, etc.

I live in Zone 1, and to me that brochure is merely stating that the investment in SONGS is of far more importance than the people who live here, and their children, the property values of the area, and the truth.

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

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

DP

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

VALENTINE’S DAY BALLROOM BASH 7:15 p.m. Valentine’s Day themed Ballroom Bash, with a romantic Rumba lesson to start, followed by open dancing to recorded music.

Complimentary soft drinks and munchies. Tickets $10.

100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.498.0233, www. ballroombash.com.

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ADRIAN LEGG: LORD OF THE STRINGS 7:30 p.m.

British guitar maestro performs for 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.

ANGELIKA WILSON 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Live music and wine tasting at DaVine Food & Wine (wine tasting starts at 4 p.m.). Tasting fee $15 for 5 wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

SABERING DEMONSTRATION AND CERTIFICATION 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Special event at SC Wine Company.

Reservations required. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

BAD SEED 8 p.m. New play at Camino Real Playhouse that ponders the question: Can evil be inherited? $18.

Shows through Feb. 24. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

saturday

LOVE YOUR BEACH CLEANUP 9 a.m.-noon. Head to Doheny State Beach for the first Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup of the year. Meet at the lifeguard headquarters. More info: 949.496.6172, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

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CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 10 a.m.-noon.

The Dragon Institute celebrates the Chinese New Year featuring a martial arts demonstration, a traditional lion dance performance and more. 34241 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.542.8470, www.ockungfu.com.

Dana Point Times February 15-21, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: ‘SIDE EFFECTS’ For those who were not feeling nostalgic and resisted rushing out to see Top Gun (1986) in IMAX 3D last weekend, audiences had a special chance to see Steven Soderbergh’s self-reported last feature, Side Effects. The film stars Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Channing Tatum. The latter three are not new to working with the director, and Mara solidifies herself as one of the best new faces and talents to enter Hollywood, in her first film since her Oscar nomination in 2012, for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011). When her husband (Tatum) returns home from a stint in prison, a young professional, Emily (Mara), can’t get a grip on her depression. After a suicide attempt, she is assigned to psychiatrist John Banks (Law) who prescribes her medications and Channing Tatum in Side Effects. therapy. When neither work as they should, John meets with Emily’s previous Photo by Barry Wetcher/Open Road Films psychiatrist (Zeta-Jones), and things begin to appear off balance. Vinessa Shaw and Ann Dowd co-star. Soderbergh has already visited eyebrow raising themes with films like Sex, Lies and Videotape (1989) and Magic Mike (2012), revamped a classic franchise (Ocean’s 11) and won Best Director at the Oscars 12 years ago for Traffic (2000). His Contagion (2011) made us afraid of viruses and now Side Effects makes us second guess our pill culture. If Soderbergh is true to his word about retiring, this isn’t a bad note to end on. —Megan Bianco

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Watch the legendary group perform on the court at the Honda Center. Tickets start at $18. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

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

WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 9 a.m. Dockside presentation and art lesson via video with Wyland at Dana Wharf. Cost $25-$45. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

AFTER PARTY 8 p.m. Cover band will play hits of the 80s, 90s and today at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

sunday

LOCAL SUNDAY SESSIONS 6 p.m. Local musicians perform at Cabrillo Playhouse; featured this month: Zacchaeus Tree, Hans and Janine, and Lar Couso and Danika Thompson. $5 suggested cash donation. Beer and wine served for donation. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, www.facebook.com/localsundaysessions.

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SUNDAYS AT SUNSET CONCERT SERIES: OLDIES NIGHT 6 p.m. South Orange County School of the Arts at Dana Hills High School presents the concert series in the Dana Point Yacht Club. This week’s theme is “Oldies Night.” Tickets $10-$14. 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point, www.socsarts.org.

MARINE MAMMAL EXPLORATION CRUISE 1 p.m.

Ocean Institute provides the opportunity to see migrating gray whales, dolphins and more aboard the R/V Sea Explorer. $22-$35. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

COMMON SENSE 7 p.m. The Coach House. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

monday

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COUNTRY DANCIN WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

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tuesday

SAN CLEMENTE CO-OP POT LUCK 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Join the San Clemente Community Market for an organic potluck with guest speaker, Nancy Casady, general manger, of Ocean Beach People Organic Co-op Market. 1506 Calle Valle, 949.441.1266, www.sanclementemarket.com.

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wednesday

SIERRA SAGE HIKE 9 a.m.-noon. Join the Sierra Club for a hike through The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Cost $5-$10. Call for info, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

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JANINE & HANS 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.

MIKE HAMILTON 7 p.m. Live music at The Ribjoint.

34294 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.9500, www.ribjointdanapoint.com.

thursday

SOCSA’S OLDIES NIGHT: SURFERS’ CHOICE 7 p.m.

The South County School of the Arts present and concert with hits by the Beach Boys and other surf rock songs in Porthole Theater. Tickets $12-$25. 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.240.1994, www.socsarts.org.

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THE DESERT GARDEN: GARY LYONS 7 p.m. Casa Romantica presents a special lecture with Gary Lyons, curator of the Desert Garden at the Huntington Library, speaking on desert gardens and flowering succulents. General admission $10. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

ORGANIC COOKING: SOUTHWESTERN COMFORT 6:30 p.m. Cooking class at Antoine’s Cafe. $65; includes recipes, dinner and a glass of wine. 218 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.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

DP

D a n a Po i nt

SUDOKU

by Myles Mellor Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9X9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3X3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

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

Veterans Answer Call to Help Fellow Comrades For the first-time in Post 9934 history, the Veterans of Foreign Wars put on a baby shower

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

I

t’s a quiet, clear February night.

Wiley Hall keeps watch, ready to intercept signs that could blow their cover.

You might think this is Ramadi, a spot along the Ho Chi Minh trail or the beaches of Normandy. But tonight, Hall’s mission is different. There are no enemies. No gunfire.

But the Army medevac helicopter pilot is on high alert.

Scouring the parking lot of South Shores Church, Hall secures his comrades’ secret. Because tonight, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 are throwing a surprise baby shower.

Capt. Larry Iverson, a Marine, met Army Sgt. Lucia Hernandez back in 2005. After numerous letters, countless phone calls and tens of thousands of miles, they are here—patiently awaiting the arrival of their first child, a little man with a tightly kept name.

Col. Joe Snyder leads the monthly meeting—it’s business as usual. But hidden behind a whiteboard, a drying rack is delicately decorated in baby blues, greens and yellows. The bibs, blankets and binkies are all wrapped and tucked away for the unsuspecting mother.

“What happened to my Vietnam combat buddies,” asked Bob Fowler as the men “oohed” and “aahed” at camouflage onesies and denim overalls embroidered with a helicopter—Hernandez worked as an Army mechanic on Blackhawk helicopters.

Affectionately called Lou by her comrades, Hernandez runs circles around the men of the post, Fowler said.

She is petite, mighty and at eight-months pregnant still helps with the cleanup after a meeting (and her own baby shower) and signs up to volunteer at this year’s Festival of Whales—a commitment her husband knows well.

“We couldn’t call each other when we wanted. But she wrote me everyday. She is a good woman … and I just knew,” Iverson said, of the woman he knew would be his wife when they first met. Iverson was based at Twentynine Palms, Hernandez at Fort Hood, when a mutual friend introduced them.

The pair met before Iverson’s first deployment to Iraq in Dana Point Times February 15-21, 2013

August 2005.

In December, half way through Iverson’s seven-month tour, Hernandez was deployed to another region of the country. Their relationship endured deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Japan—during the latter Lucy (as he calls her) called with the good news—they were going to be parents.

Hernandez retired from the Army in 2009, after nine years of service and two deployments to Iraq. They married on September 27, 2010.

Snyder cuts the meeting short. The fellows of the post nonchalantly fill their coffee cups and chat with one another as Iverson casually guides Hernandez out the front door. With Lou out of sight, the men scramble to arrange presents—a crib, car seat, stroller, diapers and outfits to name a few.

The meeting is called back to order. Every one returns to the room. When Lou enters the place erupts with applause and by the look on her face, they’ve done it. With the element of surprise maintained, the Army, Marine, Navy and Air Force veterans from WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars are victorious.

And Larry and Lucia have all the necessary supplies for their next mission. DP

Lucia Hernandez and her husband, Larry Iverson, proudly display a camo onesie, at a baby shower thrown by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9934. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Page 14

DRAGONS SOAR PAST GOAL TO RAISE FUNDS FOR LEUKEMIA PATIENTS

The 10 members of the Del Obispo Student Council organized the student body to raise more than $1,700 for cancer patients. Shown here (Top row L to R) Isabella Gula Beard, Zoe Schmitzer, D’Mitri Evans, Miles Ettinger, Mrs. Jessica Comstock, Caroline Craven and Ivy Ondo (Bottom row L to R) Nina Benjamin, Sage Groves, Noah Cuevas and William Short Courtesy Photo

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

I

n one week’s time, 10 fifth-graders rallied the student body to fight for the little guy.

When members of the Student Council and Character Counts Committee at Del Obispo Elementary School challenged peers to raise $500—in one week—in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, they took the lead.

With the help of teacher Jessica Comstock, the students made calculated preparations and spread the word to students, parents and faculty through handmade posters, morning announcements, organized letters and recorded home messages.

Their hard work paid off.

The student population responded with more than $1,700 in donations for the society’s Pennies for Patients campaign.

“This is an amazing group of kids,” said Eric Gruenewald, principal at Del Obispo, of the young students who put their motivations and experiences together to help others. “This group has a passion for being the champion of the underdog and for assisting those in need.”

One member of the student council in particular, Sage Groves, rose to the challenge and collected nearly $600 in charitable donations. DP www.danapointtimes.com

2013 Festival of Whales Coloring Contest

Every child who enters

WINS one FREE

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

GRAND PRIZE Let the seagulls sing you to sleep… with a one-night beach get-a-way for a family of four in a Ocean View Suite, at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach in beautiful Dana Point, CA. A warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie at check-in is the hotel’s promise of a warm and caring experience.

IN ADDITION, Breakfast for four at Proud Mary’s in the Dana Point Harbor! And a whale watching trip for four from Dana Wharf Sportfishing!

www.danawharf.com

COURTESY OF DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING AND WHALE WATCHING

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

Age

Parent/Legal Guardian

Phone

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

Whale Watching Ticket

Fishing Ticket DP

Contest is open to all children ages 9 and under. Two free kids with one paid adult. All entries must be received by March 13, 2013 for judging. Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times, The Capistrano Dispatch and Dana Wharf Sportfishing assume no responsibility for lost or late entries. All completed entries will receive one free kids tickets with one paid adult ticket, complaints of the Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, mailed to the address on the contest entry. We do not accept the tickets on any group outing, and no copies are valid. The grand prize winner will be contacted by telephone. Some entries will be displayed around Dana Point Harbor during the 2013 Festival of Whales. The Grand Prize entry will be displayed at Dana Wharf Sportfishing. Contest entries will become the property of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and cannot be returned. Employees of Picket Fence Media, Dana Wharf Sportfishing and their families are not eligible to win. All winners are responsible for taxes and applicable fees. All parents/legal guardians of the winners will be required to verify identity through a signed affidavit, social security number and valid driver’s license. Contest void where prohibited. Entry into this contest will serve as entrant’s agreement of the above contest rules. Coloring contest winner will be notified by phone on March 18th, 2013.

SPORTS

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& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

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D a n a Po i nt

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

DOLPHIN REPORT: BY THE NUMBERS

Now that it is playoff time at Dana Hills High School, here is a look back at the regular season and some important stats and numbers that played a role in the Dolphins’ prep sports success.

7 Total goals scored by Dana Hills

senior forward Sydnie Zuccolotto on the season. Zuccolotto recently signed her National Letter of Intent to play soccer for Loyla Marymount University in the fall.

46 Blocks recorded by Dana Hills

girls basketball senior forward Emily Jaimerena, an average of 1.8 per game.

Her season high (five blocks) came in a 39-36 Dolphins win over Mission Viejo on February 4.

56, 41

6.7

Goals scored by the Dana Hills boys soccer team in a 3-3 draw with El Toro on January 25, which was only the second time the Chargers (24-1-1, 7-0-1) gave up more than two goals all season. —Steve Breazeale

Field goal and 3-point shooting percentage, respectively, recorded by Dana Hills boys basketball senior guard Cory Blau on the season.

Blau is averaging 18.5 points per game.

Rebounds per game pulled in by Dana Hills boys basketball junior forward Jack Clendenen, a team

3

down the stretch considering they were without freshman Maddy Bloom, one of their top scorers, for two games. She returned in limited minutes to play in Dana Hills wins over Trabuco Hills (February 2), Mission Viejo (February 4) and their most recent loss to San Juan Hills on February 6. Head coach Rob Cullinan expects Bloom to be at full strength against Riverside Poly.

Riverside Poly (15-11, 4-8) comes into the contest on a two-game losing skid.

Riverside Poly finished fi fth in the seventeam Inland Valley League.

By Steve Breazeale and Victor Carno

Make sure to follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports for in-game playoff scores, news and more.

Dana Point Times February 15-21, 2013

10

Shutouts recorded by Dana Hills girls soccer goalie Meghan Dickmann and the Dolphins defense on the season.

Dolphin Report

WHEN PUSH CAME TO SHOVE, THE DOLPHINS SHOVED BACK A less than desirable 2-2 start in Sea View League play really “woke up the team,” according to Dana Hills boys basketball head coach Tom Desiano.

A false sense of self-confidence turned into a sobering experience for Dana Hills during this season’s league play, as they quickly found themselves owning a .500 record in-league following back to back losses to San Clemente and Trabuco Hills on January 16 and January 18, respectively.

The Dolphins (20-7, 6-2 league) had their backs up against the wall as their bouts with teams in league grew more and more crucial to claiming their spot in the playoffs. It was gut check time.

“The team was disappointed that they weren’t going to take first place in the league, but we never feared not making it to the playoffs,” Desiano said.

The veteran coach continued to explain that his team took the initial losses as a humbling experience, and told them not to disregard opposing teams just because they had lower records and stats. This put a fire in the bellies of every team member, according to Desiano, and fueled them to rattle off five straight victories to end their season, securing their spot in the playoffs.

One of the teams they overcame during this impressive slew of triumphs was local rival San Clemente (17-10, 7-1).

Desiano recalls having a rocky start against the Tritons on January 25, when the first quarter came to a close and

high. The 6-foot-5-inch junior is also averaging a shade under 10 points per game (9.7).

Senior guard Cory Blau and the Dana Hills boys basketball team will host Glendale in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1A Championships on February 15. Photo by Tony Tribolet/www.XPSPhoto.com

his team was down by 12 points. He urged the team to “bring it”, and in true come-from-behind fashion, the Dolphins outscored the Tritons in every remaining quarter to finish off the game with a 67-57 victory.

After that game Desiano knew something had finally clicked for the Dolphins. He accredits the turnaround to an increase in tempo and the mindset of smothering teams from the outset.

“We knew we had to push the tempo and jump on teams early,” Desiano said From a statistical view, the Dolphins play gritty, man defense about 70 percent of the time and love to run full-court presses as well as half-court presses, subsequently forcing just over eight steals a game. Their average steals per game is also complimented with an average of nearly four blocks per game (3.9), which helped the Dolphins to keep San Juan Hills, Trabuco Hills, and Laguna Hills under 40 points during their victorious five game march.

Standout performances from Cory Blau and Ian Wright down the stretch played crucial roles in the Dolphins win streak.

Blau averaged 18.5 points a game and Wright pulled down an average of about

five rebounds a game during the regular season. This high powered offense mixed with a stout defense has made the Dolphins a contender.

Desiano is now preparing his team for a home game against Glendale (9-17) in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1A Championships on February 15 at 7 p.m.

Desiano stated he didn’t know too much about their opponent but has plans to watch game film soon. —Victor Carno CHARGED DOLPHIN OFFENSE CARRIES TEAM TO SECOND ROUND The Dana Hills girls water polo team knocked off Schurr 14-2 in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 Championships on February 12. Junior Molly Wilbur had five goals in the win. The Dolphins were set to play Long Beach Wilson in the second round on February 14. Results were not available at press time.

DOLPHINS GIRLS BASKETBALL TO HOST IN FIRST ROUND After winning the Sea View League title the Dolphins girls basketball team will play host to No. 16 seeded Riverside Poly on February 16 at 7 p.m.

The Dolphins (14-2, 6-2) played tough

Page 16

GIRLS SOCCER ENTERS PLAYOFFS AS NO. 2 OVERALL SEED The task of defending their home-field advantage has now fallen to the Dana Hills girls soccer team as they head into the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships as the No. 2 overall seed and the top seeded team on their side of the bracket.

The Dolphins (11-1-4, 6-1-1) hosted University (10-5-4, 5-3-2), out of the historically competitive Pacific Coast League, on February 14. Results were not available at press time. Check back to www.danapointtimes.com for a full game story.

BOYS SOCCER HITS THE ROAD The Dana Hills boys soccer team will travel to play Harvard-Westlake in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on February 15 at 5 p.m. HarvardWestlake earned a bid by placing second in the Mission League. The Dolphins enter the tournament as the No. 2 seed out of the Sea View League. If the Dolphins advance, they will play the winner of No. 1 seeded San Clemente vs. Leuzinger on February 20.

NINE WRESTLERS HEAD TO CIF Nine Dana Hills wrestlers will compete at the CIF-SS Individual tournament from February 16 to February 17. Bradley Reyes, Grant Huntington, Arryan Kianipey, Austin Grimsley, Trevor Tribolet, Blaine Wagstaff, Ryan Minoofar, Christian Clemente and Brandon Ramirez will represent the Dolphins. www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR RENT DANA POINT BEAUTIFUL MARLUNA HOA WARMINGTON HOME IN A GATED COMMUNITY It has an open floor plan with 4 bedrooms (one main floor bedroom/office) and 3 bathrooms home. Living room, dining room, family room, large kitchen, brand new floors, inside laundry, 2 fireplaces (one is in the master bedroom), central A/C, 3 cars garage. Total area is 2,245 sq. ft., lot is 5,300 sq. ft. Excellent location: 5 min to Dana Point harbor, close to Doheny beach, Salt Creek beach, shopping centers, restaurants, movie theaters and schools. Includes refrigerator, stove, microwave oven, washer and dryer.

Available immidiatly. $3,200/month. Please contact Victor for further details: tel: 714-553-5569 e-mail: realtorvm@yahoo.com

FOR SALE SKATEBOARD EQUIPMENT & BOYS WETSUIT Have a bunch of skateboard equipment for sale.

Downhill skateboards & decks, full face helmet.

Trick skating decks available too. Can send pictures. Wetsuit: Boys Rip Curl full suit (Size 14-ish) Call 949.533.9761 for more information.

Locals Only

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

ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING

PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL

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

ICE CREAM

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

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

INSURANCE SERVICES

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

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

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES

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

LOCKSMITH

San Clemente Computer & Network Services Dana Point Lock & Security daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 www.danapointlock.com

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

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

949.276.2600

949.496.6916

MUSIC INSTRUCTION Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com

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

YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

PRESCHOOLS

HAIR SALONS

949.496.1957 San Clemente Preschool Nona Associates-Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 949.496.2275 The Captain’s Chair 20 Monarch Bay Plaza, www.thecaptainschairdp.com 163 Avenida Victoria, 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com www.sanclementepreschool.com

AUTO REPAIR

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.496.9731

949.496.3315

949.498.1025

PRINT SHOP Beacon Printing - Brad & Judy Brandmeier 24681 La Plaza, Ste. 125 949.661.3877 beaconprinting@sbcglobal.net Printing OC 949.388.4888 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

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

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.

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

UPHOLSTERY Dana Point Upholstery 949.240.2292 24402 Del Prado Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

Dream Team Properties 949.481.1788 Mike Rosenberg, Broker WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION Capistrano Beach, www.FindMyOCHome.com Surterre Properties Monarch Beach, 949.464.3243 Offshore Construction 949.444.6323 McDaniel Gilmore Group www.offshoreconstruction.org 33522 Niguel Rd. Ste. 100, Monarch Beach 92629 www.mcdanielgilmoregroup.com WINDOW CLEANING

SURFBOARD REPAIRS

Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. 949.215.2323 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com Dylan’s Ding Repairs 949.607.9406 Clear Windows 949.485.8793 www.facebook.com/dylansdingrepairs San Clemente, www.clearwindows-llc.com

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

DP SURF

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SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK Kei Kobayashi Age: 14, Shorecliffs Middle School Kei Kobayashi is one of the most promising young surfers in the area. Already a talented aerialist, as his skills progress, his potential becomes more and more apparent. This season’s victories have included a string of wins in the Volcom Qualifying Series at Ponto, Huntington Beach Pier and Pismo Beach Pier. He is currently ranked No. 1 in the VQS in the Groms division. Kei also ranks among the Top 10 in the Surfing America Prime series and finished third in Boys U16, February 9 and 10 at Upper Trestles. His goal for the remainder of the season is to break into the Top 5 and continue his quest toward becoming a member of the PacSun USA Surf Team. “I’d really love to be a part of the Kei Kobayashi. Photo by Jack McDaniel team but it’s a really hard goal and you just have to work your way there,” he said. “So I’m just going to keep surfing my best, keep a good vibe and wait for my time to come.” Kei also credits his continued success to the coaching of older brother Shaw. In school Kei is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ student whose favorite subject—despite also being his most challenging—is math. Looking further into the future, Kei says he will pursue a career as a professional surfer followed by a second career teaching underprivileged kids to surf. “I want to bring surfing to kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity, because it’s the most fun sport and I know that they will love it,” Kei said.—Andrea Swayne

Surfers Prime at Uppers

RESULTS Surfing America Prime West, Event No. 5, February 9-10, San Onofre State Beach, Upper Trestles

Locals shine at fifth Surfing America Prime event of the season at Upper Trestles

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

L

ocal surfers found success as event No. 5 in the six-event regular season Surfing America Prime series brought the competition home to Upper Trestles, February 9 and 10.

San Clemente-based under 18 surfers made podium appearances in four out of five divisions as the cobblestone beach break at Uppers delivered epic conditions despite the occurrence of a king high tide.

San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto took first in Boys U16 and second in U18, Tia Blanco came in third in Girls U18, Malia Osterkamp was third in Girls U16 and Kei Kobayashi took third finisher in Boys U16.

“The waves were a lot more organized than we expected and got even better both days as the tide receded,” said Greg

Cruse, Surfing America Executive Director.

The air was chilly but offshore wind and perfect 3- to 5-foot northwest wind swell/ ground swell mix afforded ample opportunity for the Prime series’ elite invitation-only surfers to show off their advanced mix of progressive, classic and aerial maneuvers as they met once again to compete for a spot on the PacSun USA Surf Team.

As the fifth annual Upper Trestles Prime event, contest organizers brought back the Got Milk? Milkitastical Maneuver Awards to be presented to one surfer in each division who pulled off the most fantastic examples of surfing in the contest. Surfers gave judges plenty of maneuvers to choose from and the choice was a difficult one.

Colapinto delivered an award-winning ride in U18 Boys with a huge full-rotation air. Tia Blanco, also from San Clemente,

Fun Times at the Finger Bowl Third annual mini skateboarding contest a success

By Sheri Crummer Dana Point Times

U

nlike the sort of finger bowl one might encounter at a fancy dinner party, the Republik of Kalifornia Finger Bowl had young skateboarding enthusiasts rushing to participate.

Tucked away in the back room at the Republik of Kalifornia shop on El Camino Real in San Clemente, tre flips, varial kick flips and nose blunts lit up the crowd at the third annual finger skateboarding Finger Bowl. About 50 groms packed the back Dana Point Times February 15-21, 2013

Brandon Bayramkul, 11, Laguna Niguel, pulls off a big maneuver on his way to the win as defending champion and this year’s runner-up Devyn Flanner (in the T-shirt with the star) looks on. Photo by Sheri Crummer

room, frothing for their turn and hoping for a spot on the podium.

After an afternoon of hard fought heats the finalists were down to the top 10. Brandon Bayramkul, 11, Laguna Niguel took the win, edging out defending champion Devon Flanner, 16, of San Clemente. Ben Morley, 13, of Oceanside took third and

Kevin Schulz of San Clemente delivered this massive air before his campaign came to an end in the Round 2. Photo by Jack McDaniel

was the U18 Girls winner with a 9.00 (out of 10) ride in the semifinals. In addition to their regular contest trophies, both took home the Milkitastical Maneuver trophy, a retro gold-framed painting on black velvet of Got Milk?’s fictional pitch man, rock ‘n’ roller “White Gold.”

Colapinto also came up with the weekend’s highest heat score with a combined 9.00 and 8.93 for a total two-wave score of 17.95 (out of 20) in the Boys U16 final.

Event No. 6, the last of the Prime regular season, is scheduled for March 16 and 17 at the Huntington Beach Pier. DP Carlos Alarcon, 14, of Dana Point won the best trick capturing the spirit of the event.

Finalist and outstanding San Clemente surfer Drew Hemnes, 15, just missed the podium with a great final run. Hemnes relates fingerboarding to real skating.

“It’s fun. The way you move your fingers, you can realize how to take that into your real skating,” said Hemnes.

Fingerboarding has been around for many years, and lately interest has resurfaced. Using fingers, boarders maneuver mini skateboards over a miniature street course.

With the help of Dave Hennings, Shorecliffs Middle School Surf Team coach, the Finger Bowl was born. Hennings built the ramps, ran the event and pumped up the crowd with his colorful announcing.

Check out Republik of Kalifornia online at www.republikofkalifornia.us for more upcoming events throughout the year. DP

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BOYS U18: 1. Thelen McKinna-Worrell, Malibu; 2. Jake Marshall, Encinitas; 3. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente; 4. Matt Passaquindici, Huntington Beach; Milkitastical Maneuver: Griffin Colapinto GIRLS U18: 1. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 2.

Kylie Loveland, Carlsbad; 3. Tia Blanco, San Clemente; 4. Samantha Lamirand, Cardiff by the Sea; Milkitastical Maneuver: Tia Blanco BOYS U16: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente; 2. Thelen McKinna-Worrell, Malibu; 3. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente; 4. Jake Marshall, Encinitas; Milkitastical Maneuver: Jake Marshall GIRLS U16: 1. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 2.

Kylie Loveland, Carlsbad; 3. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente; 4. Rachel Tominaga, Manhattan Beach; Milkitastical Maneuver: Meah Collins BOYS U14: 1. John Mel, Newport Beach; 2.

Eithan Osborne, Ventura; 3. Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach; 4. Noah Hill, Venice; Milkitastical Maneuver: Eithan Osborne

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 56-57 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: Local: 8-10’ Poor-Fair Catalina: 15-25’ Fair-Good Immediate: Small west-northwest swell fades on Friday for mainly 1-2-3’ waves.

Long Range Outlook: Saturday will see a continuation of minimal west-northwest swell, then another west-northwest pulse will move in on Sunday. Check out Surfline for all the details.

www.danapointtimes.com