April 19, 2013

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE A P R I L 1 9 -2 5 , 2 0 1 3

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 16

Harbor Structure Gets Over-hulled Orange County natives bring new life and innovation to former harbor restaurant location E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4 Owners of Pacific Asian Enterprises, the manufacturer of Nordhavn yachts, rehabbed a former island-side harbor restaurant building as home to its international headquarters. Pictured (L to R) Jeff Leishman, Dan Streech and Jim Leishman. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.danapointtimes.com

Advocates Urge City to Address Area Homelessness, Lack of Resources

Guest Opinion: Find Viable Solutions, Rather than Creating More Regulation

Stand-up Paddler Crosses Channel for Wounded Warriors

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

SOAPBOX/PAGE 6

SPORTS/PAGE 12

EYE ON DP

1

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

DP

D a n a Po i nt

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, APRIL 20 Mother Earth Beach, Creek and Park Cleanup 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Volunteer to clean up Doheny State Beach, park and San Juan Creek.

Bring work gloves and meet at Lifeguard Headquarters. Let the gate guards know that you are volunteering. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr. For more call, 949.496.6172, or visit, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

Free Community Shred Day 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Document shredding at the Monarch Bay Plaza, 32920 Pacific Coast Hwy., parking lot by a licensed, bonded and insured cross-cut shredder. For more information, call 760.436.1188or email beth@cagneyenterprises.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 21

Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Admission is free, for this weekly market at La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza St. For more information or to inquire about a booth, call 949.573.5033 or visit www.danapoint.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

History Walk 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m. The Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, hosts this docent led walking tour. Advanced registration is required. For more information or to register, call 949.542.4755.

Senior Twilight Dinner 5 p.m. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St. $8 donation. To find out more, call 949.248.3536.

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

… a Dana Point Pilot Shuttle Program?

THE LATEST: The city of Dana Point has submitted its application for funding to kick-start a summer and special event shuttle program, which could roll down streets next year.

As part of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Project V—which encourages municipalities to develop transit systems based on community needs—approved cities could receive a maximum of $525,000 a year for a five-year period to establish local transit routes.

Dana Point applied for funding to implement a summer trolley route down Pacific Coast Highway and a Dana Hills High School to Harbor shuttle route to be utilized from Memorial to Labor Days and during special events throughout the year, such as the Festival of Whales. The city hopes to supply this on a no fare basis, but that detail remains up for OCTA approval.

WHAT’S NEXT: To get the program off the ground the city would need $120,000 to build 15 bus stops and $260,000 for shuttle operation and maintenance. Startup marketing and advertising costs are estimated at $75,000, but would be greatly reduced after the first year.

With $1 million in Coastal Transit Program funds remaining from the 2008 failed tri-city trolley that can be spent at a rate of $100,000 a year, no general funds would likely be used in trolley establishment or upkeep. A decision is expected in late June.

Additionally, the service would cut $15,000 from the city’s budget, currently used to fund special event shuttles.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned to www. danapointtimes.com for updates.

—Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times April 19-24, 2013

2

3

… Advocates Addressing Homelessness?

THE LATEST: Local advocates seized the public comments at Tuesday’s City Council meeting urging the council to address a lack of resources for the homeless.

The largest shelter in the area at Capo Beach Church closed its shelter shortly after the city began enforcing a 10-bed zoning restriction in 2010, something members of the San Clemente-based iHope have asked the city to reassess.

“I am sure you are all compassionate people … and that you too are responsive to the needs of the homeless. I don’t have the answers tonight, but I would ask you to reconsider,” said Joseph O’Connor, a 40 year resident of Dana Point.

O’Connor displayed the death certificate of Brandi Fox, a woman who died in a Capistrano Beach alleyway in February, as proof the city’s needs a shelter.

City Manager Doug Chotkevys said he had also reviewed Fox’s death certificate and found she had died of alcohol poisoning, not as a consequence of homelessness.

“It’s truly tragic that Ms. Fox lost her battle with her demons and passed away, but I think her issues were much bigger than being homeless,” Chotkevys said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Chotkevys said he did not know of any churches or organizations applying for a conditional use permit that would allow an emergency shelter to increase to 20 beds.

Steve Stewart, of Dana Point, said the process isn’t as simple as the city manager made it seem, and accused the city of putting up regulatory roadblocks and leaving calls and emails unanswered.

FIND OUT MORE: To read the full story, visit www.danapointtimes.com.—AP

… the Delayed Harkey Jury Trial?

vote was $8.5 million.

This fifth contract amendment brings the total to $13.2 million, extending the contract to 2018.

THE LATEST: Opening arguments in the civil trial against the husband of state assemblywoman Diane Harkey began Monday in Santa Ana. Dan Harkey is being sued by a number of investors in Point Center Financial, his real estate investment company.

Investors claim funds from the company were used to fund a lavish lifestyle for the Harkey family, as well as Diane Harkey’s political career. After Diane Harkey announced intentions to run for the State Board of Equalization in 2014, the same investors called on her to resign from office.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to the Agenda Report, the five years will serve to maintain management continuity as the waterside portion moves forward with permits, engineering and design, and also see the landside portion through construction.

Harbor officials expect by the 2018 expiration date, waterside construction will still be underway but county staff could assume the construction management role at that time.

WHAT’S NEXT: Attorneys for Dan Harkey maintain investors were not victims of fraud, but instead lost money as others did during the real estate crash, and that Diane Harkey had no involvement with the company. The trial is ongoing.

5

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www. danapointtimes.com.—Jim Shilander

4

... Harbor Revitalization?

THE LATEST: The Orange County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted in favor of a five-year extension of the contract between the county and the project management company charged with overseeing the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project.

County records show this change marks the fifth time an amendment to the contract has called for an extension since it was first signed in 2003.

The original five-year contract was set at nearly $7 million with an expiration date in 2008. Four amendments later—including contract increases, term extensions and a few discounts—the total before Tuesday’s

Page 3

FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapointtimes.com.—Andrea Swayne

... a New Face in the City Offices?

THE LATEST: After a November retirement left the position vacant, Dana Point-native, Ursula Luna-Reynosa, was named as the new director of community development.

Luna-Reynosa began her new position on Monday, April 15.

According to a city press release, LunaReynosa, who grew up in Dana Point and attended Dana Hills High School, returns home after stints with the community and economic development divisions in the cities of Tracy, Pittsburg and Vallejo, Calif.

WHAT’S NEXT: Most recently holding the position of economic development director in Vallejo, Luna-Reynosa managed the city’s $3.2 million budget and planning, building and economic departments—the same departments she will head in Dana Point. She succeeds former director Kyle Butterwick.

FIND OUT MORE: For city updates, check out www.danapointtimes.com—AP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Changing Tides, Harbor Structure Gets Over-hulled With global reach, three Orange County natives keep headquarters local, bringing new life and innovation to former harbor restaurant location

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

F

or nearly 40 years, Dan Streech has conducted business out of the same location in the Dana Point Harbor.

Opened in 1974, about three years after the harbor, Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc., a brokerage company and manufacturer of the luxury-yacht line Nordhavn, has grown globally, but most recently has stretched out within its homeport.

As of December the company, owned and operated by three Orange County natives, Streech and brothers Jim and Jeff Leishman, moved into a freshly renovated facility at the Dana Point Harbor. After more than a decade of traveling between five offices in the harbor and off of Pacific Coast Highway, a mile away, the some 50 employees at PAE headquarters are now housed beneath one roof.

“During our crazy years of growth, we kept expanding out and now bringing everyone under one roof will help us be more organized,” said PAE president Dan Streech.

Constructed in 1971, the near 9,000 square foot, freestanding building, on the island side of the harbor has seen its fair share of turnover.

Established in its early years as a nautical-themed bar, called The Castaway, the location has, for decades, suffered from an apparent identity crisis. Changing hands a few years after the harbor opened, the site transformed from a Polynesian paradise with an interior mimicking a shipwrecked hull—complete with upholstered barrels for seats—to El Adobe by the Sea, a Mexican canteen, then later to Delaney’s, a seafood house, and most recently The Beach House restaurant.

And for nearly two years, Parcel 11 sat vacant.

The former-site of a Southern California restaurant chain, The Beach House’s facade served as an empty, but stark reminder of the 2008 recession’s local impact.

Hit hard by fiscal blows and unable to maintain operating costs the eatery and the Orange County Board of Supervisors ended their leasing agreement two years early. After more than a decade in operation, and following suit with the spot’s earlier ill-fated restaurants, The Beach House closed its doors on New Year’s Day in 2010.

Later that year Orange County, which owns and operates the harbor, issued a Request for Proposal (RFP), an open call for bids, for projected uses of the available space. After months of advertising the county received a single response from Dana Point Times April 19-25, 2013

The former-site of a string of restaurant casualties has been given a fresh start as the hub of operations for Pacific Asian Enterprises, builder of Nordhavn yachts. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

A Nordhavn 60, the builder’s “bread and butter boat,” undergoes commissioning in the Dana Point Harbor.

The owners, an Australian couple, traversed the Pacific Ocean to fetch their vessel. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Opened in 1971, The Castaway restaurant changed hands numerous times, before falling into disrepair.

Photo Courtesy of Brent Walker

it would have been possibly cheaper, with the permitting process aside, to bulldoze the whole place down.”

Underground sewage and water utilities were ravaged and the interior of the structure had to be completely gutted and replaced. No longer do booths line the harbor facing windows, instead they were removed to make room for open office space housing the Nordhavn sales, design, marketing and engineering teams.

“The contractor said if the termites stopped holding hands it (the building) would have fallen down.” Streech said.

One trademark and a reminder of the businesses of old remains, as a portion of the longstanding bar is intact, and with an exterior makeover giving the location a renewed, clean look, PAE plans on utilizing the outdoor patio space for hosting staff and client functions.

Pacific Asian Enterprises, the manufacturer of Nordhavn yachts.

“When the place became available there weren’t too many restaurants interested in coming down here and being the fifth casualty of this location.” said PAE owner and vice president Jim Leishman.

In March 2011, the county’s Board of Supervisors authorized three 10-year lease agreements with PAE. With approval received from the city of Dana Point’s Planning Commission and City Council, and the green light to move forward from the California Coastal Commission, construction eventually began last summer.

With years of restaurant wear to be undone, the company invested more than $1 million to re-haul the corroded structure in a state of disrepair.

“The place was a disaster,” Leishman said. “We came in and it was unbelievable, Page 4

Jim Leishman and Dan Streech became friends while working at a yacht brokerage company in Dana Point. When the company closed in 1974, the 20-something year olds—from San Clemente and Orange, respectively—formed a small yacht brokerage and importing business with then-business partner Joe Meglen, the beginnings of which evolved into Pacific Asian Enterprises.

From their original office on the island side of the Dana Point Harbor, the local yacht brokerage has developed into a global design, sales, brokerage and manufacturer of Nordhavn Yachts.

“We have delivered or done as much as $80 million of sales in the better years— it’s down now because of the recession, but most of it is sold or delivered to different parts of the world, but administered from here,” said Streech.

From the one office at the harbor, the company has grown to include national offices in Seattle, Portsmouth, R.I., Stuart, Fla., and international sales and service branches in Southampton, United Kingdom and Scarborough, Australia.

Also, the company has exclusive building-partnerships with two factories, Ta Shing Yacht Building Co. in Taiwan and South Coast Marine in China, where all Nordhavn vessels are constructed.

With business coming back after the economic downturn, PAE is not only growing spatially but is also expanding designs, as the fleet of Nordhavn vessels nears its 500 mark—including the completion of the flagship 120-foot vessel, expected to be delivered to Canadian clients in July.

Their ocean-crossing Nordhavn armada may have tracked more that 3 million nautical miles, but the hub of the engineering, sales, marketing and management of yacht-builds remain operating out of the local site.

“Both Dan’s daughter and son-in-law, sister and numerous family members on his side and both of my sons and my nephew work here,” said Leishman. “So we’ve got a lease that will take those younger people to retirement age.”

Streech added, “We’re thinking about adding a little graveyard out back.”

All jokes aside, the family-owned and operated global yacht enterprise is excited about its new home.

“The last five years have been pretty tough to stay in business, but we feel like it is behind us now,” Leishman said.

As part of its lease with the county, PAE is responsible for maintaining their location’s adjacent parking lot. Metal spikes have been removed and public parking is now available. For more information on Nordhavn, visit www.nordhavn.com. 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.

Tuesday, April 16 9-1-1 HANGUP Dana Point Drive, 24800 Block (11:08 a.m.) A woman called dispatch, said “Hello,” and the line disconnected. The woman called back screaming to report an unconscious female who was not breathing. Dispatchers gave the caller CPR instructions and Orange County Fire responded. The woman was transported to an area hospital.

DISTURBANCE—MUSIC OR PARTY Brookview, 0 Block (2:56 a.m.) Neighbors living directly above the caller were reported dancing, screaming and playing loud music.

Monday, April 15 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Del Obispo Street/Stonehill Drive (6:35 p.m.) A man with long blonde hair and a beard was reportedly sitting on a green electrical box screaming, laughing and grasping at the air.

DISTURBANCE Perch Drive, 25200 Block (6:08 p.m.) Two men were seen having a physical scuffle at an area rehab center. The caller reported both men were allegedly coming off of crystal meth and had not been drinking.

No weapons were seen.

DISTURBANCE Blue Lantern, 33500 Block (1:36 p.m.)

A caller reported a man beating a woman on a balcony of a condo. When the man saw the caller watching them, he pulled the woman inside the home by the hair.

DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24400 Block (1:29 p.m.) A caller reported a man and woman in an argument. The caller said the man threw the woman’s bike over a bench and table. Sheriffs made contact and the

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Washing for Warriors, VFW to Host Patriot’s Day Car Wash

Local Real Estate Firm Helps Rid Residents of E-Waste

u The Camp Pendleton-based Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39) will be washing vehicles at the annual Patriot’s Day Marine Car Wash in Dana Point.

On April 20, the Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 will sponsor the MAG-39 car wash in the South Shores Church parking lot, at 32712 Crown Valley Parkway from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature complimentary fruit, cookies, pastries, Coffee Importers coffee and barbecue from OC Rock ‘n Roll chef Phil Knoke.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will host a child identification booth, as part of its “Kid Print” program, providing fingerprinting services for children. The MAG-39 squadron will also host an event table and county sheriff and fire department vehicles will be on display.

Dana Point VFW Post 9934, asks members of the community to stop by, give thanks to the men and women of MAG-39 for their service and enjoy the day’s festivities. For more information on the Dana Point VFW, visit www.vfwpost9934.org.

u On Saturday, April 27, local real estate firm Surterre Properties will hold a free community e-waste and shredding event at the South Shores Church parking lot, 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Along with All Green Electronics Recycling, Surterre agents and volunteers will help collect e-waste, such as televisions, computers, printers and other electronics. Also, ProShred will be at the event to handle paper shredding needs on site, and to recycle the shredded materials.

“Our commitment to our environment and to local organizations that are trying to spread the word is unwavering,” said Paula Ansara-Wilhelm, chief marketing officer of the real estate firm. For more information about Surterre Properties, visit www.surterreproperties.com.

Dana Point Times April 19-25, 2013

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

Forward a picture along, too! Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Page 5

pair said they were going to leave.

Sunday, April 14 DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24800 Block (10:40 p.m.) A caller reported a woman had come into the Dana Point Marina Inn on foot. She was apparently drunk and caused a scene with security after refusing to leave.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 32900 Block (8:15 p.m.) A CVS Pharmacy employee reported a man wandering in and out of the store. The man was drunk and eventually left the area. He was described as wearing a plaid jacket with dark gray shorts.

DISTURBANCE—FAMILY DISPUTE Cheltam Way, 33400 Block (12:02 a.m.)

A woman reported that her husband showed up drunk, was violent and breaking items around the location. There were no weapons. He was taken into custody and later released.

KEEP THE PEACE Buccaneer Street, 33000 Block (12:07 a.m.) A male caretaker reported that he had lived at the location for the last six days, but the woman he cared for was attempting to evict him. The reported altercation was only verbal.

Wednesday, April 10 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/CIRCUMSTANCES Rusty Anchor Street/Coral Reach Street (11:11 p.m.) Juveniles were seen hitting the sides of vehicles parked on Coral Reach Street. They were last seen on foot heading toward Del Obispo Street.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (9:32 p.m.) A man reported that a woman and two men were drinking in the parking lot.

He said they were harassing customers.

Thursday, April 11

DISTURBANCE Golden Lantern, 24800 Block (9:39 a.m.)

A homeless man was reportedly causing a disturbance in front of the Ralphs market and refused to leave. He was taken into custody and later released.

DISTURBANCE—MUSIC OR PARTY La Cresta Drive, 24600 Block (1:05 a.m.)

A woman reported loud music coming from a residence behind her location. She thought the partiers were smoking marijuana because she could smell it.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Del Prado Avenue, 24800 Block (1:49 a.m.) A man told deputies a man had been in the bathroom for over two hours. When he knocked on the door the man inside mumbled something but did not come out.

SOAPBOX

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 EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Andrea Papagianis, 949.388.7700, x112 apapagianis@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

DP

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

DS aannCale m

Poe ni ntet

Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 16. 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

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

Self Governance: The Great American Experiment Lack of self-control erodes freedom, invites regulation “I exercise great self control.

I never drink anything stronger than gin before breakfast.”

—W.C. Fields

F

or more than two centuries the American nation has been evolving its way through an astonishing central thesis: that every human is endowed with inalienable rights, the most essential of which are electing representatives and living in a free, self-governing society.

What most governments have always WAVELENGTHS feared was that giving every citizen full

By Jim Kempton freedom and equal rights, would result in loss of all control—where those who were not in the “ruling class” would run riot in a state of anarchy. The United States proved them wrong.

But the proof that humans can self-govern in a land of liberty is rooted not in our ability to exercise our freedoms to the extremes, but to restrain from pushing the envelope to the breaking point. We are currently testing that limit in our culture today.

Whether we cheat on our taxes, drive after drinking, pad our expenses, let our dogs out without a leash, abuse drugs, pour our used motor oil down the storm drain or just exploit a loophole that won’t be quickly noticed, our lack of self-restraint slowly erodes our freedom. But when we allow our financial institutions to steal billions from our savings, our politicians to be influenced by the highest bidder, or our corporations to endanger our safety, we run the risk of a collective failure of control.

It is easy to be excessive, undisciplined, greedy, selfish or reckless. What is the great challenge in a free and open society is to have the self-control not to be all of these things. It is the great experiment of the American century. Can we actually do the right thing without being involuntarily forced to do so? The final answer remains to be seen.

Dana Point Times April 19-25, 2013

Each time we as individuals or corporations fail to show self-restraint or practice honesty in our own actions, we push others to do it for us. When we as businessmen or citizens do not exercise self-control and respect for the safety of others, we invite regulation to insure these things are secured. And our collective failure to impose ethical behavior on ourselves brings increased rules and restrictions.

Want a financial system that does not have Feds breathing down financier’s necks? Have Morgan Stanley’s brokers stop betting against the home loans where if the home owners failed, brokers made more money than if they made their payments.

Want a set of elected representatives who do the best thing for our country or our city? Don’t shout them down when they have the courage to come and openly discuss the problems we all face.

It’s been said that one of the penalties for refusing to participate in society is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. In people as in nations, self-control is the quality that distinguishes the fittest to survive.

Jim Kempton is a devoted American citizen, whose lack of self-control is well documented by his credit card balance. 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 editorial@danapointtimes.com

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

Page 6

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander

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

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

GUEST OPINION: By Bill Brough, Councilman, city of Dana Point

Rather than Increasing Regulation, Let Us Find Solutions

W

ith Earth Day upon us, I thought it timely to look at the result of Dana Point’s plastic bag ban that took effect April 1, and which I opposed.

You may recall, City Council debated the issue for six months and ultimately passed a ban. I offered a substitute ordinance relying upon education, personal Bill Brough responsibility and strengthening our litter ordinance, which was rejected, even though it had the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Harbor Merchants Association.

The final ordinance was watered down to exclude restaurants and businesses under a $4 million cap essentially leaving large grocery stores—Smart & Final, Ralphs and Albertsons—to adhere, at least until October.

Let’s look at the result.

Smart & Final created a new plastic bag that is acceptable under the ordinance while Ralphs and Albertsons switched to paper bags, and that cost is passed on to the consumer. Some argue it is an indirect tax. It is another example of government starting with the best intention and ending without producing the desired outcome, while infringing upon our freedom and individual liberties.

I regret the entire exercise was nothing more than a feel good crusade and the result is much worse for the environment. Paper bags cause us to use more water, cut more trees and add more volume to our landfills than plastic.

It is my hope that the environmental community will join me, and the city, in finding a solution to address the high bacteria levels at Doheny State Beach rather than pushing plastic bag bans. This is one of my highest priorities. We need to urge the Brown administration, California State Parks, California Coastal Commission and San Diego Regional Water Quality Board to work with us, instead of acting as regulators, in finding a solution to the public health problem at Doheny. 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 editorial@danapointtimes.com

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

CHILDHOOD NUTRITION: MYTHS, REALITIES AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS 9 a.m. Dr. Barry Sears talking about research and info on children’s nutrition and the obesity problem at St. Margaret’s. 31641 La Novia Ave., San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.0108, www.smes.org.

19

SCAPINO 8 p.m. Camino Real Playhouse presents an Italian farce directed by Robb Rigg. Tickets $24.

Gala night (tonight) is $34 with buffet dinner by Cedar Creek Inn. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT: JIM & MORNING NICHOLS 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Jazz musicians at the Dana Point Community House. $25. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

GEORGE FRYER & ROBERT 6 p.m.-8:30 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.

KESTON & THE RHYTHM KILLERS 8 p.m. Live entertainment at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa’s OverVue Lounge featuring classic rock. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000, www.lagunacliffs.com.

saturday

SAN CLEMENTE MICROBREW FEST Noon-5 p.m.

Beer festival featuring SoCal microbrews, entertainment and more presented by Left Coast Brewing Co. Tickets $25. 1245 Puerta Del Sol, 949.218.3964 www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

20

THE NIGHT OF THE ARTS GALA 2013 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

The SJC Friends of the Library and the SJC Rotary Club present a fundraiser event with food, dancing to an orchestra, auctions and more to support local non profits. Held at SJC Family Classic Cars. Tickets $50. 33033 Camino Capistrano, SJC, 949.212.4484, www.sjcfol.org Dana Point Times April 19–25, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: ‘TRANCE’ IS EYE-CATCHING After shooting abroad in India for Slumdog Millionaire and in Utah for 127 Hours, both to Oscar glory, modern auteur Danny Boyle has returned to his native England for the psychological thriller Trance. With an international cast of Scottish James McAvoy, French Vincent Cassel and American Rosario Dawson, Boyle’s latest feature has the same amount of hip, edgy, fast-paced direction as his breakthrough films Shallow Grave and Trainspotting, and one of the cleverest storylines of the year. While he tries to steal a painting, Simon Newton (McAvoy) gets amnesia following a blow to the head from Frank (Cassel). Frank discovers that Simon hid the painting but now can’t remember where it is. Hypnotist Elizabeth Lamb (Dawson) is hired to help Simon find Courtesy of Fox Searchlight where he put it. We’ve had a few films already this year with surprising plot twists like Side Effects, Stoker and The Place Beyond the Pines, and Trance follows suit effectively. Boyle’s fast-paced, flashy style and Rick Smith’s score fit Joe Ahearne and John Hodge’s script memorably and intriguingly. McAvoy proves that he is capable of playing nice guys and bad guys, while Dawson carries the film just fine as one of 2013’s smartest characters thus far. What Inception did for dreams on screen, Trance does for memories. —Megan Bianco

EDITOR’S PICK: CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL 1 p.m.4 p.m. Tickets, $69 in advance and $80 at the gate, include unlimited wine tasting, Photo by Andrea Swayne craft brews, gourmet appetizers, music and keepsake wine glass. More about early entrance to the beachside festival and the free “Winedown” post-fest event is available online.

Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, www.californiawinefestival.com.

BACKYARD SKILLS WORKSHOP: NATIVE GARDENS 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The Ecology Center hosts the workshop in conjunction with Tree of Life Nursery to teach you how to use less water and support beneficial wildlife and pollinators. Cost $10-$15. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org CHRIS CRAM 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

NATURAL VIBRATIONS & LYONS DEN 7 p.m. StillWater and Culture Magazine present a special evening with two live bands. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

sunday

EARTH DAY AT THE OCEAN INSTITUTE 10 a.m.3 p.m. Celebrate at the Ocean Institute and explore marine wildlife or participate in activities and crafts. Admission $4.50-$6.50. 4200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

21

ART FOR KIDS SAKE 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Art auction at the Casino San Clemente to benefit the Boys & Girls Club, with wine, music and art. $40. 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.369.6600, www.sanclementeartauction.com EXPLORING SAN JUAN HOT SPRINGS AND COLD SPRINGS CANYON HIKE 9 a.m.-noon. A 3-mile journey through history and nature exploring the San Juan Hot Springs and Cold Springs Canyon. Meet at Caspers Wilderness Park. Free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

Page 8

monday

FOOD TRUCK: CURBSIDE BITES 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Head to San Clemente High School for some good eats with OC’s top gourmet food trucks. 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.751.6192, www.curbsidebites.com.

22

tuesday

HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING Noon and 2 p.m.

Dana Wharf offers half-price whale-watching trips and more Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

23

RUBEN GONZALEZ 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

wednesday

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

24

thursday

10TH ANNUAL RELAY FOR LIFE - KICKOFF CELEBRATION 6 p.m. Learn about the annual event, enjoy light fare and more at Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot. RSVP. 26701 Verdugo St., SJC, 949.289.9000, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

25

VON COTTON 7:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallows Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

HEALING CIRCLES 7 p.m. The B.R.E.A.T.H. Center hosts the wellness presentation with Dr. Tania Massamiri, PhD. 26933 Camino de Estrella #B, Capo Beach, email info@thebreathcenter.org. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

4

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.

City Gathers to Remember Local Storyteller In memory of historian Doris Walker, residents came together to dedicate the memorial carrying her name

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

A

pril’s showers dissipated and the sun shone brightly over the city Tuesday afternoon, as city leaders, family and friends of the late Doris Walker-Smith gathered atop the cliffs at Heritage Park to look back on the “keeper of Dana Point’s” contributions in the telling of local history.

“Through her writings, speeches and involvement in the city, Doris Walker was one of our commissioners that kept history alive in Orange County,” said Pamela Harrell chair of the Orange County Historical Commission.

Overlooking the Dana Point Harbor, a sculpture honoring the historian was unveiled by the City Council with the help of Walker-Smith’s sons, Brent and Blair Walker.

The bronze installation designed by Dana Point artist Christopher Pecharka illustrates quotes from Walker’s many local historical accounts, in the form of a pop-up storybook. Pecharka is also the artist behind the Veteran’s Memorial

The Doris Walker Memorial at Heritage Park.

Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Dana Point Times April 19-25, 2013

The Dana Point City Council unveiled the Doris Walker Memorial and Overlook on April 16. Pictured (L to R) Brent Walker, Blair Walker, council members Scott Schoeffel, Carlos Olvera, Bill Brough, Mayor pro tem Lisa Bartlett, and Mayor Steven Weinberg. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

at Strand Vista Park and the “Top Men” sculpture in the Dana Point Harbor.

“This really means that she is getting properly recognized for her contributions to the area,” said Brent Walker.

Known professionally as Doris I. Walker, the devoted historian wrote numerous accounts of local times gone by, including Dana Point Harbor/Capistrano Bay: Home Port for Romance, considered by some as the “definitive history of the area,” said Mayor Steven Weinberg.

“Like Richard Henry Dana Jr., who described the towering coastal bluffs of Dana Point and the bays below as the only romantic spot on the California coast in his 1840 crossing, Doris Walker-Smith fell in love with the area when she and her husband first moved here in 1963,” Weinberg said to the crowd of 60 people assembled in her memory.

Page 11

Walker-Smith, 78, and husband Jack Pierson Smith, 81, died after a fire consumed their home on October 30, 2011.

Doris, a longtime Orange County resident

and award–winning author, and Jack, a retired Marine Corps Major, died from injuries sustained in the fire.

“It’s a real honor,” said Blair Walker, the younger son of Walker-Smith.

“Originally it was unexpected, and we never thought of something like this,” he said. “Then I stopped and listened to people talking about how my mom deserved it, and I thought ‘Yes, she really does,’ and we are happy to be here.”

The sculpture is placed in the area of Heritage Park, 33282 Old Golden Lantern, known as Compass Point, which was also dedicated in the storyteller’s name, as the Doris Walker Overlook.

The memorial joins the fountain at La Plaza Park and the planned “Kelp Forrest” sculpture at Lantern Bay Park, in the city’s recent efforts to expand its public art portfolio.

“It is important for us today,” Harrell said, “but even more for those in the future who visit the site and delve into the history of Dana Point, and at the same time learn about a woman who was remarkable in its telling.”

For more information on public art in Dana Point, visit www.danapoint.org. DP

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS

5

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

DP

D a n a Po i nt

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

COMBAT GOLF TOURNAMENT JUNE 3

This year’s Combat Golf Tournament, benefitting the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment will take place on June 3 at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. The funds raised will go to the adopted regiment and their families based out of Camp Pendleton.

The cost to participate in the tournament or sponsor a Marine for the day is $175 per person, which includes 18 holes of golf, a wine putting contest, lunch and a ticket to the awards banquet. Registration opens up at 10:30 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at noon.

Over 20 wounded warriors and Marines have already signed up to play

golf in the tournament.

There will also be pre-tournament games, a raffle, “mine fields” and obstacle courses for participants to maneuver through.

After a successful effort last year, San Clemente resident Don Glasgow will again be collecting new and gently used golf clubs for the Marines so they can have a full set by the time they tee off for the tournament. Glasgow collected hundreds of clubs and golf balls last year and can be reached via email Last year’s Combat Golf winning mens at donglasgow45@aol.com. foursome included (from left to right): Sam For more information on the tournaLindsay, Kenny Wstuzberger, Darren Roche and ment or to register, visit www.DanRober Pang. Also pictured is event organizer aPoint5thMarines.com.

Pete Hammer. Courtesy photo

Standing Up to Depression

Dolphin Report

By Steve Breazeale

Will Schmidt crosses Catalina Channel to raise funds, awareness for Wounded Warriors

DOLPHINS VOLLEYBALL TAKES SEASON SERIES WITH MUSTANGS • The Dana Hills boys volleyball team faced South Coast League opponent Trabuco Hills for the second time this season on April 16 and came away with a 3-0 win. The Dolphins (20-4, 4-1 league) defeated the Mustangs by the same score back on March 21 in their league opener. The win was Dana Hills’ 14th straightset win of the season and their second in a row after winning 3-0 over Tesoro on April 4. The Dolphins will take a break from league competition with a non-league road match against Laguna Beach on April 19. Next Game: 4/19 at Laguna Beach, 5:45 p.m.

By Steve Breazeale Dana Point Times

W

ill Schmidt, 32, of Laguna Niguel knows what it’s like to feel empty. For most of his adult life the dedicated stand-up paddler and dental assistant battled with depression and anxiety to the point where, sometime in early 2012, he considered taking his own life.

As he was standing in his bedroom one day, looking for ways to “make it all end,” he got a phone call from his mother. Schmidt believes that her motherly instincts were acting up, telling her to check in on her son. They got to talking and she suggested Schmidt go out and paddle around the water to clear his head. She knew paddling had always cheered Schmidt up in the past.

“I went out on the water and vowed to myself that I’d turn this around,” Schmidt said. “I found vindication on the water. I decided to turn it around or I wouldn’t make it.”

As a former Marine who served for five years, Schmidt knows first-hand what soldiers returning from the theater of war go through when they transition back home.

Although Schmidt does not associate his own health issues with his time served in the military, he wanted to do something to help his fellow soldiers who suffer from depression and anxiety. Stand-up paddling came immediately to his mind.

That’s why, on April 6, after months of training and pushing himself to travel greater distances, Schmidt traversed roughly 45 miles of open water and crossed the Catalina Channel and into Dana Point Harbor unassisted.

Schmidt raised funds, and is still raising them, to sponsor his journey and to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project. He has raised over $2,000 to date.

Schmidt embarked on his 10-hour, 15-minute journey from Avalon, Catalina Island, to Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor, having never traveled more than 25 miles on his board before.

The trip was not without its fair share of hiccups.

Due to wind, swells and technical difficulties, Schmidt Dana Point Times April 19-25, 2013

Stand-up paddler Will Schmidt, 32, of Laguna Niguel crossed the Catalina Channel and into Dana Point Harbor unassisted on April 6.

Courtesy photo

was forced to travel 45.2 miles instead of the estimated 39.8.

About five miles in, his escort boat’s GPS suddenly stopped working, a major problem considering there was dense fog surrounding the group. Luckily, a crew member had a magnetic compass, which they used to steer them on the right course.

At the 28-mile mark, the boat left Schmidt alone in the water so they could jump ahead and get their bearings.

Schmidt paddled on by himself for a solid hour before they returned.

“It was one of those moments with no sound in the air, no hum you normally hear of cars. I said I’ve never felt so alive…at that moment it was survival,” Schmidt said. “At no point in my life had I ever had a moment where I felt so aware. That pumped me up.”

Now that he’s had a taste of what it takes to cross such great distances alone, Schmidt is planning on pushing himself even further in the future with an eye set on traveling unassisted from San Clemente Island to San Diego.

He also plans on assembling a nonprofit that would take wounded warriors out on the water.

To learn more about Schmidt’s cause, visit gogetfunding.com/project/stand-up-paddle-against-depression-apersonal-journey. DP Page 12

BASEBALL WIN STREAK SNAPPED • Looking to build on a five-game win streak that dated back to March 30, the Dana Hills baseball team couldn’t muster up enough offense in a 6-2 loss to Sea View League opponent Laguna Hills on April 17. The Dolphins had senior pitcher Grant Dyer on the mound, who turned in his shortest outing over his last five starts. Dyer, who was tagged with just his second loss of the year, went 5 2/3 innings and though the box score says the Hawks put up six runs on his watch, only one of those were earned. The Dolphins will get their final shot at Laguna Hills for the season when they take to the road in the last meeting between the two teams on April 19. Next Game: 4/19 at Laguna Hills, 3:30 p.m.

BOYS LACROSSE EDGES EL DORADO IN OT • The Dana Hills boys lacrosse team needed extra time to defeat non-league El Dorado 9-8 on April 16. The win was the team’s third in a row. The Dolphins (8-6, 3-0) were set to face Laguna Hills in a non-league match on April 18.

Results were not available at press time.

CHARGERS RALLY LATE TO BEST DOLPHINS SOFTBALL • Behind a big four-run sixth inning the El Toro softball team defeated Dana Hills 8-2 on April 16 in a South Coast League game. The win for the Chargers (10-12, 1-1) evened the rest of the playing field for the teams in league and put the Dolphins (6-11, 1-2) in sole possession of fourth place. The Chargers jumped up into a tie for second. The Dolphins will now prepare for the final stretch of league play, as they get to play each South Coast team once in the next three weeks. Next Game: 4/23 vs.

Tesoro, 4:30 p.m. www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

HELP WANTED OPEN POSITION - Office Representative Opportunity At State Farm in Dana Point. For details go to http://ElaineLaVine.SFAgentJobs.com/j/AJY

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

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

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week?

Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 102

Locals Only

BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL

delta G electrical 949.360.9282 A to Z Leak Detection CA #657214, www.deltagelectrical.com www.atozleakdetection.com Chick’s Plumbing HAIR SALONS ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING www.chicks-plumbing.com 949.496.1957 Nona Associates-Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 949.496.2275 The Captain’s Chair 20 Monarch Bay Plaza, www.thecaptainschairdp.com PRESCHOOLS 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

ICE CREAM

AUTO REPAIR 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

949.496.9731

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for

949.498.1025

only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.

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

SURFBOARD REPAIRS

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

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

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

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

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

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

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

San Clemente Preschool 163 Avenida Victoria, www.sanclementepreschool.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT 949.499.4464

949.496.3315

Offshore Construction www.offshoreconstruction.org

949.444.6323

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

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

DP SURF

6

GROM OF THE WEEK Taj Peniata Age: 5, Marblehead Elementary

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

Taj Peniata. Photo by Eric Peniata

SUP Tour Success

McPhillips and Merrill win at new stand-up paddle tour event

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

S

everal local competitors found success at the first stop of the inaugural US SUP Tour, April 12 to14 in Huntington Beach. Among the local contingent, San Clemente’s Colin McPhillips and Emmy Merrill both rallied to first place finishes in Pro SUP Surf competition.

“It was honored to take a win at this first event. The contest as a whole, set a great precedent for how the rest of the season will go,” said Merrill, the 2012 women’s world SUP surfing champion. “It was a first time for the competition but it was so successful that I think it got things off the ground nicely. I am very excited for the remaining contests and next season as well. It was a really fun and well run event. I hope it prompts more women to compete.”

Since a low number of female athletes meant that the women’s division would go

San Clemente stand-up paddle surfers Colin McPhillips and Emmy Merrill each won their Pro SUP Surf events at the first US SUP Tour event, April 12-14 in Huntington Beach. Photo by John Alvarez/facebook.com/johnalvarezphotography

straight to final, Merrill competed with the men where she made it to the quarterfinals.

On fellow competitor McPhillips, Merrill said, “It is crazy how great Colin surfs.

He always pushes the limits and is one of the professionals really responsible for advancing the sport. I think he’s the Tom Curren of stand-up paddle surfing.”

The event was the first of three stops on the new stand-up paddle competition tour that will serve as the qualifying series for athletes to compete at the International Surfing Association World SUP and Paddleboard Championship as members of the USA Surf Team. Competition includes both SUP surfing and SUP racing events.

The tour, organized by Surfing America

Taj Peniata loves to surf. Everything about it is fun, he said, especially since he gets to compete with his dad at his side in the Western Surfing Association Micro Grom U9 Pushin division. “It’s fun to be outside with my friends. I love playing in the ocean and going surfing!” he said. Taj went on to recall a happy memory of his best finish so far since he started competing only six months ago. It happened at the last regular season WSA event, April 6 in Oceanside. “We got stuck in a set and it took really long to paddle out. But then we made it finally and my dad pushed me in and I stood up and I made it to the semis for the first time!” Taj said. He is currently the No. 16 ranked surfer among a field of 42 in his division and has qualified to compete in the WSA West Coast Championships later this month. A few of his favorite surf spots are Upper Trestles and Tavarua, Fiji. Taj also likes to skateboard and practice on his Syck Trix indoor ollie trainer. “I want to jump out of the waves and do airs by the time I’m 10,” he said. Taj wants to be a fireman, like his dad, or a pro surfer. He was also inspired to become a marathon runner after participating in his school jog-a-thon. Taj said he would like to thank his parents for supporting his surfing.

“Thank you and I love you. That’s all,” he said.—Andrea Swayne

team coach Ian Cairns, is just what the sport of stand-up paddling needs, he said.

He equates SUP now to what was happening with surfing in the early 1970s when the establishment of an official tour and the consistency of high caliber events led to tremendous growth in the sport. With the support of Surfing America, the official ISA-sanctioned governing body in the U.S., well-produced events with Association of Surfing Professionals judging and computer scoring and the assistance of World Paddle Association Director Byron Kurt, he is confident the tour will fill the void nicely. A $5 portion of each entry fee will also help the team make the trip to the ISA World Championships in 2014 after having to skip this year’s event due to financial constraints.

Stop No. 2 in the series is set for May 17-19 in New Jersey, followed by Event No. 3, June 14-16 at San Onofre State Park.

Log on to www.danapointtimes.com for full results and find out more about the tour at www.ussuptour.com. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 57-59 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 4-6’+ Poor.

Catalina: 10-15’+ Fair Immediate: A mix of easing shorter period northwest windswell and south groundswell continues to ease on Friday, setting up knee-waist-chest high surf, (2-3’+) at the better breaks.

Long Range Outlook: A modest new south groundswell fills in for the weekend setting up more waist-chest-shoulder high waves (3-4’+) for best exposed breaks. Minor northwest windswell blends in for a few broken up peaks and sections. Our Coastal Eddy returns over the weekend. Check out Surfline for all the details!

KONA GALLERY TO HOST ART BREWER SHOW “Art’s Journey,” a retrospective of Dana Point-based surf photographer Art Brewer’s work, opens Saturday, April 20, 6 p.m. to midnight at the KONA Gallery and Photojournalism Center, 412 N. El Camino Real in San Clemente. The show features an in depth collection of images—more than 40 years in the making—capturing the surfing culture and lifestyle.

The exhibit will remain on display through August 3. For more information, contact Scott Mc Kiernan at 949. 481.3747 or email scott@thekonagallery.com.