March 22, 2013 by Dana Point Times

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 12

Staying Sovereign Local home delivery food program keeps seniors living independently longer E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Dana Point Community Center volunteer Ray Douglass prepares meal deliveries for homebound seniors through the local Meals on Wheels program. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.danapointtimes.com

Edison Says SONGS Reactor Could Run at Full Capacity if Needed

On Life and Love After Fifty: A Stark Reminder of Life’s Fragility

Charitable Pastry Chef Contributes to Epilepsy Research

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza Street. Admission is free. For more information call 949.573.5033 or visit, www.danapoint.org.

Community E-Waste Collection 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Monarch Bay Plaza, 32920 Pacific Coast Hwy. Clear out your clutter by recycling old computers, monitors, printers, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, TVs, cables and more. For more information,

D a n a Po i nt

call 760.436.1188 or email beth@ cagneyenterprises.com.

www.danapointhistorical.org for more information.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Historic Society Museum Ribbon Cutting 4:30 p.m. City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern, Ste. 104. A dynamic part of the city for 25 years, the Dana Point Historical Society has a new permanent home. Join the festivities with a ribbon cutting ceremony, snacks, refreshments and a walk down memory lane. Check out,

Senior Easter Luncheon 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St. Lunch, bingo and a surprise Easter guest. Reservations recommended by March 26. 949.496.4252.

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Good Friday—City Offices Closed.

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With... 1

…the Operational Capacity of SONGS Reactors?

…Interstate 5 Retaining Wall Construction?

THE LATEST: One of two reactors at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station could run at full power Southern California Edison announced this week, but only for 11 months. According to the utility an engineering assessment by Intertek APTECH of Sunnyvale—in response to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s investigation into steam generator tube integrity—found that Unit 2 could operate at full capacity, for a time, without experiencing tube ruptures. The plant has been idle for more than a year, since a rupture occurred in the other reactor, Unit 3 in January 2012. Tube wear was subsequently discovered in steam generator tubes of Unit 2. “While we have no intent to restart Unit 2 at full power, this demonstrates the amount of safety margin we have built into our analyses,” Pete Dietrich, Edison senior vice president and chief nuclear officer said in a press release. San Clemente Green founder Gary Headrick, who opposes the plant restart said the finding only means a rupture could take place if the company operated the plant beyond 11 months. “It is obvious at this point that Edison will say or do anything to avoid the scrutiny of a license amendment hearing,” Headrick wrote in a press release.

THE LATEST: The Orange County Transportation Authority revealed design plans for the structures, which will be constructed as part of a $286 million project that will extend northbound and southbound carpool lanes along a 6.5-mile segment of I-5, between San Juan Creek Road and Avenida Pico in San Clemente. The retaining wall, fronting Camino Capistrano near Stonehill Drive—at the edge of Capistrano Beach—will be rebuilt featuring design elements inspired by the Mission’s bell wall. OCTA will also plant 30 date palm trees along the southbound I-5 on-ramp at Camino Las Ramblas—12 will be located in San Juan Capistrano and 18 will be planted in Dana Point. Because date palm trees are not the standard variety suggested by Caltrans, which is working with OCTA on elements of the project, the cities are negotiating a cost sharing program.

WHAT’S NEXT: Edison proposed a fivemonth restart of Unit 2 at 70 percent to assess tube wear. A final decision on the restart proposal is likely by late May or June—with an NRC hosted public meeting expected before a decision is made. FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, visit www.danapointtimes.com —Jim Shilnader Dana Point Times March 22-28, 2013

WHAT’S NEXT: The overall project is scheduled to begin this fall, with retaining wall construction starting in September 2014. According to OCTA spokeswoman Julie Toledo, the project will take about six months to complete. FIND OUT MORE: To read more on the project, visit www.danapointtimes.com —Brian Park

attached to the Dana Point Town Center project. “I was very pleased to see the unanimous vote to move this critical project forward,” said Councilman Carlos N. Olvera, who was in attendance. “The vote matches the Dana Point City Council 5-0 vote last month.” In February, City Council voted unanimously to move forward with a five-phased construction plan with two phases focused on SCWD water, sewer and recycled water improvements along Del Prado Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. The $19 million project was approved in 2008, but when the recession stunted economic growth, Town Center construction plans halted. Now reenergized, the city plans to begin construction late this fall. WHAT’S NEXT: At a March 14 district board meeting, David Youngblood, SCWD director of engineering said staff had worked closely with the city and Dudek—a California-based environmental consulting firm—on the phased approach, to determine whether or not it would be advantageous to do infrastructure work before the city begins street level improvements. Additional City Council and SCWD meetings are needed before construction can begin. FIND OUT MORE: For updates on project progress, check with www.danapointtimes. com —Andrea Papagianis

…Plans for Town Center’s Infrastructure?

THE LATEST: The South Coast Water District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously Thursday morning, to move forward with infrastructure improvement plans

…Upcoming City Commission Vacancies?

THE LATEST: At Tuesday’s meeting, the Dana Point City Council interviewed candidates for seats on the city’s Planning Commission. In unanimous votes, the council reappointed current commissioners April O’Connor, Liz Claus, Norman Denton—

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present chairman—and new comer Susan Whittaker. Current commissioner Gary Newkirk was also reappointed with, Olvera abstaining. Whittaker, a 26 year resident of Dana Point, is an urban planner and small business owner with experience implementing community outreach programs and mixeduse projects. The current four-year terms of Denton and O’Connor were set to expire on March 31. WHAT’S NEXT: To finalize the appointments, the Council will vote once more, as a consent item, at an upcoming meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for April 2. FIND OUT MORE: For the complete story, visit www.danapointtimes.com —AP

…Changes to Area Transient Occupancy Taxes? THE LATEST: The Coastal Advisory Commission may add a proposal to an upcoming election ballot increasing San Clemente’s transient occupancy tax (TOT)—a 10 percent short-term rental bed tax. The proposal would earmark funds to pay for an Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project. WHAT’S NEXT: Dana Point is also considering changes to its TOT. The city is looking to collect some $400,000 in funds from short-term vacation rental operations, not currently subject to the tax. At a City Council meeting in February, members voted to move a proposed shortterm rental ordinance along. A second reading of the ordinance is expected later this month. FIND OUT MORE: For updates, check www.danapointtimes.com. —JS and AP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Staying Sovereign

March 15, Cortez aimed to tackle the task. Speaking to a group of 30 locals, Cortez laid out senior programs offered at the community center and encouraged the audience to spread the word to friends and family members. Cortez wears many hats. On any given day, after helping dish out lunch at the Dana Point Community Center, the man affectionately called “Papa” by friends, can be spotted around town picking up his grandson from school, cheering for him on the baseball diamond or leading a tour group through the Headlands on a Nature Interpretive Center walk. But a few days a week, he slaps magnetic signs on his Suburban reading, “Meals On Wheels” to deliver breakfast, lunch and dinner to locals. He, along with other volunteers, acts as the eyes and ears of case worker, Hermann, to keep a watchful eye on seniors. Cortez said, after a while, volunteers develop close relationships and for some served, the personal interface with volunteers is the only social interaction they have with the outside world. “I think it is an important and vital program for our seniors,” Bartlett said. “There are a number of seniors in Dana Point that are homebound and they are not able to get out and do the day-to-day things like shopping and cooking, so programs like Meals On Wheels become a central component in their everyday lives.” On a Wednesday morning delivery, Cortez breezes through Davis’s front door. Sitting comfortably with a mystery novel in hand, Davis sharply criticizes her last delivered meal. “It sucked,” Davis says with a sly grin. At 97, she’s allowed to be honest and unfiltered Cortez, said. And in all honesty, Davis appreciates the daily meals and generosity of the volunteers, who stop to debate politics and give advice on home repairs.

Local home delivery meal program keeps seniors living independently longer By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

t 97 years old, Dorothy Davis is spry, mischievous and quick with a punch line. This former social worker and Niguel Shores resident doesn’t hold a thing back, particularly when it comes to Dana Point volunteer extraordinaire, Rene Cortez. An avid baseball fan, city volunteer and onetime grocer, Cortez has called Dana Point home for more than 36 years— spending the decade since his retirement veraciously dedicated to working with the city’s polar populations, the young and the old. Like old friends the pair exchanges playful banter—the aspect of his service Cortez said makes it all worthwhile. Nearing her centennial, Davis is no longer able to visit the grocery store or prepare meals herself. So each day volunteers, like Cortez, visit Davis—through the local Meals On Wheels program—to deliver daily meals in trade for conversation and a smile. Through more than 5,000 local senior nutritional programs, volunteers with Meals on Wheels programs nationally serve over one million meals each day to seniors in need. Locally, the program is facilitated by the Laguna Woods-based Age Well Senior Services, a nonprofit organization providing community-based services to older adults in south Orange County. “The agency is really committed to not allowing people to go hungry,” said Wendy Hermann, the home delivered meals manager for Age Well Senior Services in Dana Point. Serving mostly isolated seniors, the Dana Point service, provides meals for anywhere from 15 to 40 clients—the numbers served fluctuates naturally and is dependent on individual situations, Hermann said, as the elderly recover, pass away or move to assisted care facilities and hospitals. With certain program requirements, Hermann stays in close contact with clients, families and caregivers to constantly evaluate and reevaluate their eligibility for the program. Intended to curb hunger and promote healthy eating practices, the Meals On Wheels program is available to homebound citizens over 60. The program assists seniors through short-term recoverDana Point Times March 22-28, 2013

Above: Volunteer Rene Cortez unloads the daily meal delivery for Meals on Wheels. The program provides area seniors with home delivered meals. Right: Senior citizens are provided one hot meal and two cold, like the ones pictured here, as part of the local Meals on Wheels program. Photos by Andrea Papagianis

ies and over long-term disabilities. Those served are covered for the three main meals in a day, with one hot and two cold meals provided at each delivery. Elieen Hall, 90, values her independence. And the former casting director, who worked on well-known projects like Planet of the Apes, Dr. Zhivago, “Magnum P.I.” and “M.A.S.H.” has maintained hers for some time, but now needing additional assistance, Hall lives next door to her daughter, Suzie. Even with their proximity, Suzie Hall finds it difficult to care for her mother alone. A full-time employee of Trader Joe’s, Hall sought additional help when the pair lived in Rancho Santa Margarita. Through Age Well services at the community center there, Eileen began receiving daily meals. Now, in Dana Point for the last two years, the service continues, and the elder Hall maintains most of her independence in a one bedroom apartment. “At 90 years old, I am still trying to keep my mother out of assisted living for as long as possible, and Meals on Wheels helps with that.” Suzie Hall said. The one thing Hall said she would change, her ability to donate more to the service. With her mother on a fixed income and things being tight, financially, Hall said Meals On Wheels is a life-saver. Regardless of one’s capacity to contribute financially, Age Well Senior Services provides the local aging population with the ability to “live independently as long as

possible,” Hermann said. And although the program has a recommended donation of $6.50 a day, no one in need is turned away for the inability to pay—or the over ability for that matter— as finances are not taken into account during eligibility assessments. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, seniors—people aged 60 years and over—make up nearly 25 percent of the city’s population. And out of the nearly 35,000 residents, some 6,000—or 17 percent—are approaching old age, something of concern for Dana Point city councilwoman and mayor pro tem Lisa Bartlett. “It’s important for cities to be prepared,” Bartlett said. “Cities need to gear activities, events and services toward its seniors,” but communicating the availability of such services, Bartlett noted, is often one of the hardest challenges. At a Civic Association coffee chat on

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Nonprofit Scope Reaches Far Stretching from San Clemente to Trabuco Canyon, Age Well has provided critical services, resources and programs to low-income and homebound seniors since 1975. Through federal and state funding—and private donations—the nonprofit’s scope of services includes adult day health care, case management, non-emergency medical transportation, health and wellness programs, weekday and home delivery meal programs and the operation and management of area senior centers. For more information on senior events at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St., visit www.danapoint. org or call 949.496.4252. To find out more about Age Well senior programs, visit www.agewellseniorservices.org or call 949.855.8033. Seniors living in Dana Point and Capistrano Beach can apply to the Meals on Wheels program by calling 949.496.4252. DP www.danapointtimes.com

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A Baker with a Sweet Side Philanthropic pastry chef donates to epilepsy research and advocacy group By Victor Carno Dana Point Times

rmed with a sweet tooth and a sweet heart, a young, local pastry chef is making his dream career a reality while helping to fund epilepsy research. Kevin Montoya, 24, of Dana Point has embarked on a culinary endeavor, Carley Cakes, creating fresh pastries every morning and donating 2 percent of his annual earnings to the Epilepsy Foundation. After graduating from Dana Hills High School, Montoya attended the Institute of Culinary Education in New York where his proclivity toward pastries was sparked during a pastry module of the program. From there, he returned to Southern California and interned at Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine in Irvine before heading to San Francisco for a year and a half to attend the San Francisco Baking Institute. Montoya returned to Dana Point a fully-trained pastry chef with plenty of experience under his belt and quickly found work as a barista at Hidden House Coffee in San Juan Capistrano. This is where he met Lori Eissman, a regular at the Los Rios Historic District coffee shop, who lost her daughter, Carley Eissman, to epilepsy in 2011. After getting to know Eissman and being touched by her daughter’s story, Montoya came up with a business model. He would combine his passion for baking with raising

Kevin Montoya sorts through a fresh batch of his signature Carley Cakes carrot cupcakes with white chocolate cream cheese frosting. Photo by Victor Carno

money for the Epilepsy Foundation. Montoya started his own bakery, Carley Cakes, in October of 2011 and vowed to donate a portion of his annual earnings in Carley Eissman’s name. “I was so happy she allowed me to use her daughter’s

name for my business,” he said. Initially, Montoya baked all his pastries in the kitchen at Capo Beach Church and business was—as many new businesses experience—slow. After a year of struggling to keep things together, Montoya started receiving more and more calls. Customers came out of the woodwork and asked him to provide everything from fresh pastries for coffee houses to creative center pieces for weddings. Carley Cakes finally got off the ground. Today, Montoya’s business has moved to Hidden House Coffee, where he bakes from sunrise to sunset. He currently supplies pastries to a growing group of clients including Hidden House and Five Vines Wine Bar in San Juan Capistrano, Grant’s Marketplace in San Diego and Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen and Laguna Coffee Company in Laguna Beach. Now a full-time pastry chef, Montoya wakes at 5 a.m., and heads to Hidden House where he scales and mixes the ingredients necessary to fill up the coffee shop’s pastry case, before completing his other orders. After concocting a cornucopia of treats, he loads his car and sets out on daily deliveries all over Orange and San Diego counties. He finishes out his day back at Hidden House, filling orders and prepping for the next busy day. His long work hours are testament to his passion for baking. What are Montoya’s goals for Carley Cakes? “I hope to someday open my own bakery in Dana Point or San Clemente,” he said. The realization of his goal could be just around the corner as his reputation spreads like wildfire. Thanks to popular creations such as a carrot cupcake with white chocolate cream cheese frosting and salted vanilla caramel tart topped with chocolate, business is thriving. Montoya said his favorite creation is his signature pumpkin muffins filled with cream cheese and topped with a pepita streusel. To find out more, visit Carley Cakes online at www. carleycakes.com or swing by Hidden House Coffee, 31791 Los Rios Street, just behind the San Juan train station, and discover your favorite. DP

Buena Vista Market: March Business of the Month By Robert Sedita, Management Analyst, Dana Point Community Development

efore opening Buena Vista Market, Victor Espinoza owned two other businesses—one a meat market located in Dana Point and the other a market in Garden Grove. When his leases were set to expire, Mr. Espinoza decided to consolidate his stores, and the search for a space began. He found a appropriate available space in Dana Point and opened Buena Vista Market at La Plaza Center in May 2002. Buena Vista Market is a family owned business featuring fresh fruit and vegetables from Southern California, and a large meat department with a wide selection of cuts. One of the most popular items is Buena Vista’s marinated carne asada, a perfect option to take home and grill. The market also includes a wide array of spices, dry goods, candy and specialty items from Mexico. In addition to the great produce and meats you will find at the market, Buena Vista features a small kitchen—located in the back of the market. The kitchen serves up fresh food including carnitas, carne asada, chicharrones, soups and most anything you desire. Customers won’t find a menu, but can order their regional favorites from tortas to tacos, all at a great value. Buena Vista Market prides itself on offering fresh produce, meats and great tasting food, while providing Dana Point Times March 22-28, 2013

Mayor Steven Weinberg and Heather Johnston, executive director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, present Buena Vista Market manager Juan Miranda with the business of the month award. (L to R) Heather Johnston, Juan Miranda, Steven Weinberg and Carlos Rodriguez. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

exceptional customer service. Buena Vista’s goal is to make every customer feel like part of the family. As soon as you walk through the door, the friendly staff is there with a smile, ready to answer questions and provide recPage 6

ommendations from its meat counter, kitchen and produce stands. For more information on Buena Vista Market, 34065 La Plaza, visit www.buenavistamarket.com or call 949.496.6491. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY

Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com COMPILED BY ELYSIA GAMO 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.

Monday, March 18 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway/Crown Valley Parkway (12:44 p.m.) A female hitchhiker wearing a poncho and white fuzzy boots was yelling at passing motorists.

Sunday, March 17 DISTURBING THE PEACE Violet Lantern, 33700 Block (1:45 p.m.)

A man living in a downstairs unit heard a man and woman getting into a physical dispute in the unit above. The caller said he overheard the man close a door on the woman’s arm. DISTURBANCE Via California, 26300 Block (10:59 a.m.) A man, walking his dog on the caller’s property, told the caller he would kill him if he touched his dog. The man was wearing a black baseball cap and an orange shirt and was still in front of the caller’s residence at the time of the call.

Saturday, March 16 DISTURBING THE PEACE Pacific Coast Highway/Amber Lantern (1:28 a.m.) A caller told police there was a “crazy guy” with a ponytail and glasses in an argument with a Circle K clerk. No weapons were seen but the man was reportedly carrying a boom box. The caller feared the fight could get physical. At 1:34 a.m. a man was reported as being “down and bleeding from the mouth.” It was unclear whether it was the subject or the clerk.

Friday, March 15 PROPERTY FOR DESTRUCTION Danacedar, 32900 Block (11:05 a.m.) A woman was cleaning out her deceased brother’s home and found a loaded weap-

on. She asked deputies to come to the home to unload the weapon and remove it from the residence. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24800 Block (9:20 a.m.) Police were contacted when a male hotel guest told someone at the front desk that there was blood in his room. The man was not making sense and talking about “needles in a spoon.”

Thursday, March 14 DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (5:05 a.m.) A man was challenging customers verbally at the Circle K. No weapons were seen. The man was described as disheveled, bald, wearing a white T-shirt and a black sweater and bleeding from his ear. He was last seen walking in the alley toward Starbucks. The man was repeatedly leaving and returning to the location.

Wednesday, March 13 DISTURBANCE El Encanto Avenue, 34000 Block (1:29 p.m.) A man was approached by a man who asked for some soda. When he said he did not have any, the man threatened to hurt him. The suspect had black hair and was wearing a blue hoodie, jeans and red shoes.

TRESPASSING Palisades Drive, 26500 Block (11:03 a.m.) A woman reported seeing caretakers, who should not have been there, at her elderly next-door neighbor’s house. The caller said the caretakers were attempting to change the locks of the residence.

Tuesday, March 12 DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Amber Lantern (4:02 p.m.) A woman reported that someone in a black Cadillac tried to run her off the road and attempted to open her door while stopped at a stop light. The vehicle was last seen heading southbound on Pacific Coast Highway. ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY El Contento Drive, 34000 Block (11:50 a.m.) A caller requested assistance with a roommate who mentioned a gun and was “talking to dead people.” The roommate had mixed pain pills with alcohol and was lying on the floor. The caller could not get him up from the floor. Guns were present but locked in a safe.

Monday, March 11 DISTURBANCE Golden Lantern, 34600 Block (12:39 p.m.) A man on a scooter was riding around near the Harbor Deli harassing and yelling at customers.

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 12. 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

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Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

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ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

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City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

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

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

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

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

Letters to the Editor THE WORLD THE WAY I SEE IT KURT SIPOLSKI, Palm Desert

When I was a little boy bedridden from polio, my parents did everything they could to lift my spirits while other little boys were outside playing. They flashed on the idea of foreign coin collecting. My stepfather gathered his European coins from WWII. My grandfather, who was a Colonel, in WWI sent his. Relatives and neighbors gave me theirs, scavenged from some corner of a drawer. Soon I had rubles from Russia, a coin from Zanzibar (Where was that? I searched my globe,) and paper pesos from Japan (Japan had pesos?) and hundreds of others. It was a hobby that became my life. Many years later and free from the constrictions of leg braces I set out to see the world from whence those coins came. I collected other things along the route—a pale white bowl from the Sung dynasty, a blue one from the Ming dynasty, an old icon from Kiev, a few things from my years in Australia and a carved whale tooth from Alaska. Everything is sold now, or for sale

as I try to recoup my monies lost with Dan Harkey of Dana Point—husband of Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, who is running for the Board of Equalization— and his trust deed company, Point Center Financial of Aliso Viejo. The $40 million suit is for fraud, financial elder abuse and running a Ponzi scheme. As politicians banter about less regulation needed in business, I blanch at the devastating prospects of just such a move. Recently I heard Diana Henriques, author of The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust speak in Rancho Mirage. She also bemoaned the fact that there is such talk, and warned of many more Ponzi schemes out there since savings account interest is so low. “Even a 2 percent return from a shady firm will seem attractive,” she warned. I am embroiled in litigation, delays and costly maneuvers because Point Center Financial declared bankruptcy. Recently, Dan Harkey wrote me a letter accusing me of ‘sleazy tactics’ for contacting newspapers about the litigation. I would think he would love his day in court to prove his innocence, but it has

been delayed year after year after year. I wonder why there is talk of colonizing the moon when there are so many problems right here on our earth. The earth I was so fortunate to have seen while I could.

FOR THE MAJORITY, LAY VACATION RENTALS TO REST CAROLE WELING, Capistrano Beach

The article entitled “…the Regulation of Vacation Rentals?” published in the March 8-14, 2013 edition is revealing on how the city of Dana Point functions. The city has had no ordinance regarding short term rentals. However, now because of a few, and I do mean a few (approximately 300 out of a population of close to 30,000) city leaders are now on a path to destroy the city’s residential neighborhoods for the greed of those like David Wilson who cry “I have property owner’s right, which I don‘t want to see invaded.” Well, what about the rest of the residents who do not want their property rights invaded by short-term rentals? Statistically, it is very clear what the residents want, and that is a residen-

tial neighborhood without short-term rentals—just as the city has had since inception. Councilman Scott Schoeffel is right, when he stated “Vacation uses are prone to abuse.” Why he wants to move forward with this very bad idea for the city is perplexing. Why do some of our city officials want to continue with this while knowing and acknowledging the problem? Hopefully, upon reflection better judgment will prevail and the short term rentals idea will be laid to rest for the good of the majority of Dana Point homeowners.

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

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

D a n a Po i nt

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

friday

HOOS’GOW DAY 9 a.m.4 p.m. A San Juan tradition with the “sheriff” and “deputies” of the Fiesta Association roaming the town in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing western wear, watch out. www.swallowsparade.com.

17TH ANNUAL TASTE OF DANA 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. More than 20 local Dana Point restaurants offer “tastes” of their food, also featuring music, auctions, raffles and more fun. Held at Dana Hills High School. Tickets $15-$20. 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, www.dhgradnite.com. GEORGE FRYER 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Live music during wine tasting at DaVine Food & Wine (wine tasting starts at 4 p.m.). Tasting fee $15 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. DIRTY DEEDS AT THE DEPOT 8 p.m. Play at Camino Real Playhouse set in 1895 during the glory days of San Juan Capistrano. $24. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org. DOO WAH RIDERS 8:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallows Inn. Plus before that, catch Jann Browne starting at 2 p.m. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

saturday

SWALLOWS PARADE 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The 55th annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire downtown San Juan Capistrano features fun for the family, the nation’s largest non-motorized parade and more to celebrate the legend of the return of the swallows to the Mission. Hosted by the Fiesta Association. More details and schedule online, www.swallowsparade.com.

COMMUNITY RECYCLING EVENT 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Recycle your plastic bottles and aluminum at Dana Hills High School to help local students. 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6666, www.dhhs.net. Dana Point Times March 22-28, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: ‘STOKER’ IS A SHOCKER Spring is just around the corner and while there are fantasy family flicks and slapstick comedies on screens, Fox Searchlight brings something with a different style titled Stoker. Already gaining comparisons to Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt before it’s release due to a number of similarities, including a character named Uncle Charlie who appears in a young girl’s life just when a group of disappearances occur. This time, Stoker takes the famous theme to a higher more disturbing level. When father (Dermot Mulroney) of the Stoker family dies in a tragic car accident, daughter India (Mia Wasikowksa) becomes a recluse and distant from her flamboyant mother (Nicole Kidman). The day of the funeral, an uncle India had never met before named Charlie (Matthew © Fox Searchlight Goode) arrives to spend some time with his niece and sister-in-law. But the more time she spends around Uncle Charlie, the more dysfunctional her family appears to be and bizarre incidents begin happening in town. Directed by Oldboy’s Park Chan-wook and written by Wentworth Miller of Prison Break comes one of the most uniquely crafted films of 2013 thus far. With two subtle, but unnerving performances by Wasikowska and Goode, and two powerhouses backing them up (Kidman and Jacki Weaver) under Park’s creepy direction, Stoker makes the viewers shiver and squirm and hope that our relatives do not have secret lives. —Megan Bianco

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

tuesday

THE MAVERICKS 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $50. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

CLASSIC FILM SERIES: CASABLANCA 6:30 p.m.9 p.m. St. Margaret’s Episcopal School presents a showing of the classic film in the Marcus D. Hurlbut Theater, featuring a pre-film discussion. Fee $16.25. 31641 La Novia San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.0108, www.smes.org.

FLAVORS OF SJC FOOD TOUR 10:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Walking historical and food tasting tour of San Juan Capistrano. Cost $55. www.flavorsofsanjuancapistrano.com.

wednesday

sunday

TAKE ONLY PHOTOS HIKE AND WORKSHOP 8 a.m.11:30 a.m. Hike with a professional photographer for this active photography workshop at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Bring your camera. Call for info, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

WINE AND MUSIC CRUISE 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Dana Wharf’s cruise on a luxury catamaran with wine, snacks, music and more. Tickets $49. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com. SOCSA’S 10TH ANNUAL OPERA CELEBRATION GALA 5:30 p.m. “Notte di Festa” The South Orange County School of the Arts Foundation’s annual opera night gala at Soka Performing Arts Center featuring an opening a reception and the performance at 7 p.m. Tickets $35-$75. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.307.2909, www.socsaoperanight.org. TOMATO WORKSHOP 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Steve Goto will talk about organic growing techniques, soil care and more at Plant Depot. 32413 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.2107 www.plantdepot.com.

monday

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.

COMEDY AND KARAOKE 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The night starts with live comedy and continues with karaoke at 11 p.m. at Hennessey’s Tavern. No cover. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com. Page 13

MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.8 p.m. A 14-venue “pub crawl” featuring craft brews for $4, live music, food and more in downtown San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700, www.facebook. com/microbrewsbythemission.

CIGAR SOCIAL AND BASEBALL DONATION 6:30 p.m. Receive a Nicaraguan cigar and 15 percent off dinner at Hennessey’s when you donate new or used baseball equipment. Some exclusions apply. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. Email redsoxcp@cox.net to donate directly. MIXOLOGY LESSON 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Expert mixologist Jaren teaches guests how to make hand-crafted cocktails in the Lobby Lounge at The St. Regis Monarch Beach. Cost $25, also includes live music, food tasting and more. Reservations: 800.722.1543. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3200, www.stregismb.com.

thursday

TOMORROW’S ARTISTS OF TODAY OPENING 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Casa Romantica debuts the student art exhibit. Free. On display through April 18. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

TWILIGHT DINNER 5 p.m. Dinner event for seniors at the Dana Point Community Center. $8. 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point, 949.248.3536, www.danapoint.org. THIRD RAIL BLUE 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

D a n a Po i nt

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

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

A Stark Reminder on the Fragility of Life Hold tight to your loved ones, for you never know when your world will change

experienced firsthand last week how life can change in an instant. One second, your organized, wonderful life is moving along exactly as you had planned—in my case, over the last 70 years. The next, ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 something happens and By Tom Blake throws a wrench into your hopes and dreams. My life-partner Greta agreed to let me publish this story, saying, “Hopefully, it will remind older adults to live life to the fullest, for we never know when it could change.” On Sunday, March 10, Greta and I met two of my 1957, Jackson, Mich., high school classmates and their wives for an early dinner at Shanghai Red’s—a waterfront restaurant in Marina Del Rey—near Los Angeles International Airport. Greta mentioned on the drive up she hadn’t eaten much that day because her stomach was queasy and at the restaurant, she only sipped water and didn’t order food. After two and a half hours of the old buddies reminiscing and telling summerof-1960 stories, Greta and I got in the car, headed back to San Clemente and chatted about the enjoyable reunion. Near Long Beach, she dozed off. As we drove past the Orange County Airport, she said, “Was I dreaming?” I said, “I don’t know, you were pretty quiet.” Then, she got sick in the car. Luckily, we had a trash bag that served as a receptacle. And then she said, “Where are we?” I said, “On the 405 heading for home.” She said, “Where have we been?” Her question puzzled me. Dana Point Times March 22-28, 2013

“In Marina Del Rey, with Rick, Linda, duty, one from Houston interviewed and Mike and Roz.” tested Greta via Skype—today’s technol“Really?” ogy is amazing. The doctor could read all I said, “You don’t remember?” of the reports remotely. The doctor said “No.” Greta had a perfect score for normal brain She repeated the “Where have we functions. That was somewhat reassuring. been?” question five times before we But, the doctor was puzzled by the pulled into our driveway. At first, I thought short-term memory loss. Greta still she was joking, but quickly I knew somecouldn’t remember where we had been thing was seriously wrong. just four hours before, and why she was in At home, she repeated the question. I the hospital. called her daughter, Terri, and briefed her Greta stayed at the hospital over night. about what was going on. Terri and her I left at 1 a.m., the doctor said there was husband Don immedinothing more I could do. ately drove to our home, “When it comes down Other than the loss of arriving in 10 minutes. short-term memory, she When they came over, to it, there is nothing seemed OK. Don said to Greta, “What Monday morning, more important in life before going to the day is it?” “Wednesday,” Greta hospital, I kept busy. I than the people near washed a few clothes, said. It was Sunday. “Let’s go,” Don said, tidied up the house and and dear to us.” “We are taking Greta to cancelled Greta’s early the emergency room at week appointments. —Tom Blake San Clemente Hospital.” Pondering the “what The waiting room was ifs” scares the living hell like a circus, jammed packed with ailing out of you. For 15 years, we have been a folks. To the hospital’s credit, they took couple. Was our incredible life together Greta, a potential stroke victim, inside about to change? immediately. When I entered the hospital room and Greta was a dichotomy. She couldn’t resaw her, with a big smile on her face—and member the events from that day or from that inner beauty she possesses shining the day before. However, when checking through—I lost it. Tears of joy caught up in, she stated—without hesitation—her with me. Terri cried as well. But Greta social security number, home address and was not out of the woods by any stretch. A birth date. When she couldn’t remember brain scan was scheduled for that mornher personal physician’s name, my heart ing. Her daughter Tina arrived from sank. Temecula, giving Greta a big lift. A battery of tests followed. I watched Later that afternoon, after all the tests the monitor. Her blood pressure was way had been analyzed, a visiting neurologist too high and her pulse too rapid. She had came into the room and said the brain an IV in each arm and looked like a pin scan revealed no problems, and that Greta cushion. The couple of hours went by— had suffered an incident of Transient slowly. global amnesia—a rare occurrence. Because there was no neurologist on For people over 50 in the USA, only 23 Page 15

in 100,000 have this short-term memory loss. Normal memory function usually returns within 24 hours, and that seemed to be happening. Greta was remembering some events from the day before. Greta’s four children were incredible, three came to the hospital and Tammi called from Phoenix. What a support group they were, which Greta and I both needed and appreciated. The doctor said Greta could go home Monday afternoon. That’s when I lost it for the second time. When an event like this happens, we stuff our emotions into a corner and push them aside, focusing on what needs to be done. When the good news comes, the emotions erupt. My sweet Greta was coming home. She was going to be OK. At night, after a long nap, she joined me at the dinner table. I cooked her a salmon dinner with spinach and broccoli. We reiterated how blessed we are, and how much we mean to each other. Life can change in an instant. Be kind to everyone and hug your family, friends and loved ones. When it comes down to it, there is nothing more important in life than the people near and dear to us. Tom Blake is a San Clemente resident and Dana Point business owner who has authored three books on middle-aged dating. For dating information: www.findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail. com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editor@danapointtimes.com

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

GARAGE SALE: CAPISTRANO BEACH March 30 from 8 to noon. Furniture, 3 unit shelves, cal. King all in one bed, tv with stand, plus more, corner of Calle Juanita & Calle Carmelita. 8 am to 12 noon.

OTHER INTERESTING STUFF UNITY OF ALISO VIEJO PRESENTS EMERGING WOMEN OF THE 21ST CENTURY A Spiritual Retreat of Renewal for the Spirit, Mind, and Body Designed for Women. When: April 19 -20, 2013. Where: Dana Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629. Presenters and Workshops: Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Peggy Price: “The Undefended Heart” Living authentically finding your own voice and hearing the other. Caroll Michel Schwartz, Certified True Purpose Coach “Discover Your Divine Purpose.” Sylvia Lane, Ph.D., “Change Your Feelings Change Your Life.” Colleen Blackford, Certified Yoga Instructor - Yoga Workshop: “Restore and Renew. Music by: Denise Rosier, accomplished soloist & guitarist. For info and RSVP visit: www.unityofalisoviejo.org or Runitystar@aol.com; 949-472-9230

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

949.498.1025

PRINT SHOP 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 Dream Team Properties 949.481.1788 Mike Rosenberg, Broker Capistrano Beach, www.FindMyOCHome.com Surterre Properties Monarch Beach, 949.464.3243 McDaniel Gilmore Group 33522 Niguel Rd. Ste. 100, Monarch Beach 92629 www.mcdanielgilmoregroup.com

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

949.444.6323

WINDOW CLEANING Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. 949.215.2323 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com Clear Windows 949.485.8793 San Clemente, www.clearwindows-llc.com

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

UPHOLSTERY 949.496.3315

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

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

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

D a n a Po i nt

DANA HILLS BASKETBALL ALL-LEAGUE HONORS

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Several Dana Hills basketball players were recently honored with all-league selections. Here is a list of those named to the first and second teams. GIRLS: Emily Jaimerena, Katie Underwood and Serena Saba were named to the All-Sea View League first team ballot. Freshman Maddy Bloom was named to the second team. Underwood led the team in scoring (10.7 points per game) and reboundSenior Katie Underwood was named to the first team All-Sea View League. Photo by Tony Tribolet/ ing (5.4 per game) while Saba averaged eight points per game, shooting a www.XPSPhoto.com View League title and made it to the team-high 41 percent from the field. second round of the CIF-SS Division 1A Meg LaRocca and Patricia Flynn playoffs. garnered honorable mentions. BOYS: Seniors Cory Blau and Hayden The Dolphins captured the Sea

(6-5, 0-2 league) have a formidable onetwo punch at the top of the rotation and aspirations of a league title, which is what Taylor is focusing on at the moment. He has the future to think about, but Taylor is willing to do whatever it takes to win, even if that means being counted on to produce on the mound and at the plate. “It’s more of a team thing. Obviously these guys are going to be behind me no matter what. I can’t go out there being selﬁsh. That’s not the game that I was raised to play anyway,” Taylor said.

Dolphin Report By Steve Breazeale

For a full version of this week’s Dolphin Report, visit www.danapointtimes.com. DANA HILLS’ BLAKE TAYLOR PROVIDES MORE THAN PITCHING FOR DOLPHINS • Blake Taylor is a pitcher and always has been. He is a big right-hander with a fastball steadily clocked between 90-92 mph and is committed to the University of Hawaii. He is also a Major League prospect who has been approached by all 30 professional organizations. In his ﬁrst two years of high school at El Toro, Taylor never picked up a bat. Instead, he worked on pitching mechanics and the development of his power arm. He thought he wouldn’t have to hit again. That was, until he transferred to Dana Hills his junior year. Dolphins head coach Tom Faris spied the 6-foot-3-inch Taylor and wanted to see what he could do in the batting cages. Taylor, who more than willingly stepped into the batter’s box, hadn’t picked up a bat since eighth grade. He didn’t know what to expect from himself. “I was going to go up there and swing as hard as I could,” Taylor recalled. What Faris saw was a violent and raw swing, full of the same power that Taylor possesses on the mound. Now, in a season where offense is projected to be slightly down from recent years, Taylor, a senior, ﬁnds himself playing a different role on the Dana Hills baseball team—hitter. The cleanup hitter to be exact. Taylor is pulling double duty as a top of the rotation, next level pitcher and No. 4 hitter. He currently leads the team in home runs (two), is second in RBIs (six) Dana Point Times March 22-28, 2013

Frederick were selected to the All-Sea View League first team. Junior Jack Clendenen was named to the second team. Blau led the team in scoring, averaging 17.8 points per game in 31 appearances. Frederick, the team’s point guard, paced the team with 5.6 assists per game while Clendenen pulled in a team-high 6.8 rebounds per contest. Blau, Frederick and Clendenen were part of a Dolphins team that made it to the semifinals of the CIF-SS Division 1A playoffs and a berth in the CIF State Championship tournament, where they lost by one point in the first round. —Compiled by Steve Breazeale

Senior Blake Taylor has stepped into role of cleanup hitter and top of the rotation pitcher for the Dana Hills baseball team. Photo by Steve Breazeale

and third on the team in batting average (.385) amongst players with 20 or more plate appearances. His hitting is still a work in progress, but Faris is enjoying Taylor’s early season production. “He’s acclimated himself to the environment of hitting… Just his stature alone stepping into the box is intimidating, so a lot of (pitchers) will just stay away from him,” Faris said. “He’s a big kid, he hits the ball hard…he just needs reps.” While the addition of Taylor to the Dolphins lineup has been beneﬁcial to the team, he still has to keep an eye on the future. The threat of hurting himself while running the bases lingers, but Taylor is conﬁdent that Faris and the coaching staff have taught him how to take care of his body. Faris and his staff have also constructed a strict progressive pitch count for Taylor, which started at a maximum of 60 pitches in the preseason but has since developed to around 90 per outing. The target goal is to get him to 100 pitches.

The early season pitch count affected a game or two, particularly in a 5-3 Dana Hills loss to Tesoro on February 25, when Taylor was taken out of the game with a one-run lead. But Faris and Taylor, both know that the right-hander must steadily work his way through the year, which could transition past the high school season. “We’re not just worrying about him reaching his peak through June, we need him to be able to step on a baseball ﬁeld and play the summer if he needs to. That’s kind of the idea with him,” Faris said. “It was a progression…It may have cost us a little bit but you have to do that. It’s a big league arm and you have to take care of him.” Taylor may not have the desireable pitching record right now (0-1 in four appearances), the result of being a bit unlucky at times, but he does have a 1.87 ERA in 15 innings pitched. He expects to be in top form at the end of the upcoming spring break. Along with fellow senior Grant Dyer (3-0, 0.74 ERA), the Dolphins

Page 17

BOYS VOLLEYBALL LOSES IN SEMIS AT OC CHAMPIONSHIPS • The Dana Hills boys volleyball team made it to the semifinals of the OC Championships Tournament on March 16 but lost to Huntington Beach 3-0. The Dolphins have put together an impressive 14-3 record to start their season and have placed well in tournament play. Before their OC Championships semifinals appearance the Dolphins made it to the quarterfinals of the Best of the West Tournament, where they were bested by Mira Costa 2-0 on March 9. The Dolphins were set to play against Trabuco Hills on March 21 in their South Coast League opener. Results were not available at press time. Next Game: 3/26 at Aliso Niguel, 6 p.m. BOYS LACROSSE ERUPTS FOR 16-0 WIN OVER CAPO • The Dolphins (3-2) offense continued their goal scoring ways, putting up a 16-0 win over Capistrano Valley on March 19. The team was set to open league play against San Juan Hills on March 21. Results were not available at press time. Next Game: 3/26 at Marina, 7:30 p.m. SOFTBALL READIES FOR LEAGUE • The Dolphins softball team was set to bounce back from a three-game losing skid with a double header against Murrieta Valley on the slate on March 21. Results were not available at press time. League play starts on March 28, when the Dolphins (3-5) travel to play Mission Viejo. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK Alexxa Elseewi Age: 12, Connections Academy Alexxa Elseewi of San Clemente is one of the busiest competitive shortboard surfers under the age of 18. Dedicated to getting as much contest experience as possible on her path toward a pro surfing career, Alexxa practices every day and competes in eight divisions across five surf series. In the WSA Championship Series she is currently the No. 4 ranked surfer in Girls U14 and No. 11 in Girls U16. In NSSA competition she is rated No. 9 in Explorer Girls, No. 11 in Explorer Women, No. 7 in Open Girls and No. 18 in Open Women. Although homeschooled, Alexxa surfs for the Bernice Photo by Kurt Steinmetz/imagesbykurtsteinmetz.com Ayer Middle School team in both the NSSA Interscholastic and SSS series. Her most recent victory came at the NSSA Interscholastic State Championships March 8-10 when she became the middle school girls state champion. In SSS she ended her season as the No. 1 surfer among Orange County middle school girls. Her goals for the remainder of the season include making the finals at the last two WSA regular season events, finishing strong at the WSA West Coast Championships and NSSA Nationals and to earn an invitation into the Surfing America Prime series. Alexxa is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ student whose favorite subject is math. Her other interests include skateboarding, drawing and photography. Surfing, however, is her favorite. “Surfing is definitely my true passion and I just love the feeling of being on a board riding waves,” Alexxa said. “It just makes me feel happy. It’s hard to explain; I just love it.” —Andrea Swayne

Primed and Ready

RESULTS Surfing America Prime, Event No. 6, March 16-17, Huntington Beach Pier

Surfing America Prime series competitors complete last regular season event, prepare for USA Championships, team announcements By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

he talent-stacked group of Surfing America Prime competitors gathered in Huntington Beach, March 16 and 17 to finish out the regular season with a last push for season titles. Top results could also mean qualifying for the upcoming USA Championships and the prospect of being chosen to represent the country as members of the PacSun USA travel team. A combo swell with peaky 3- to 4-foot surf stuck around all weekend as tight battles for season titles played out on the mostly glassy waves on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier. “The level of surfing was rivaling that of a WQS ASP event. We had some first-time winners and our PacSun Junior Surf Team members shined as expected,” said Ryan

Six local surfers (L to R) Lulu Erkeneff of Dana Point and from San Clemente, Malia Osterkamp, Tia Blanco, Colt Ward, Kevin Schulz and Kei Kobayashi, took home trophies at the last of six Surfing America Prime series events, March 16-17 in Huntington Beach. Photo by Jack McDaniel

Simmons, PacSun USA Surf Team coach. “With a few months before our USA Championships at Lowers, the athletes will have time to work on equipment and strategy and we are expecting an awesome finish to the season.” Six local surfers took home trophies— Lulu Erkeneff of Dana Point and from San Clemente, Malia Osterkamp, Tia Blanco, Colt Ward, Kevin Schulz and Kei Kobayashi. Two were crowned season champions—Blanco in Girls U18 and Griffin Colapinto in Boys U16.

“As this was the last event of our fifth season, it was great to reflect on the first five years of the Prime Series and realize how far the bar has been raised in junior surfing,” said Greg Cruse, Surfing America executive director. “At our first event in September of 2008, our head judge was questioning whether the Boys U14 and Girls U16 were ready to surf to ASP judging criteria. Now they not only excel in those age groups, they also do well in ASP Pro Junior events. The Prime Series was developed to take junior surfers to the next

BOYS U18: 1.Matt Passaquindici, Huntington Beach; 2. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente; 3. Colt Ward, San Clemente; 4. Taylor Clark, Encinitas. BOYS U18 SEASON CHAMPION: Jake Marshall, Encinitas. GIRLS U18: 1.Tia Blanco, San Clemente; 2. Lulu Erkeneff, Dana Point; 3. Kylie Loveland, Carlsbad; 4. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente; GIRLS U18 SEASON CHAMP: Tia Blanco, San Clemente. BOYS U16: 1. Tyler Killeen, Surfside; 2. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach; 3. Jake Marshall, Encinitas; 4. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente. BOYS U16 SEASON CHAMP: Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente. GIRLS U16: 1. Kylie Loveland, Carlsbad; 2. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 3. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente; 4. Tia Blanco, San Clemente. GIRLS U16 SEASON CHAMP: Meah Collins Costa Mesa. BOYS U14: 1. Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach; 2. Eithan Osborne, Ventura; 3. John Mel, Newport Beach; 4. Noah Hill, Marina Del Rey. BOYS U14 SEASON CHAMP: Eithan Osborne, Ventura.

level and it’s gratifying to see the kids we developed this program for—like Kolohe Andino, Courtney Conlogue and Lakey Peterson—already surfing on the World Tour.” Travel team announcements are expected this weekend. DP