July 19, 2013

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, EVENTS AND MORE J U LY 1 9 -2 5 , 2 0 1 3

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 29

City Takes the Lead Dana Point will continue to fund intervention specialist position at Dana Hills E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Dana Point will continue to fund a drug intervention specialist position at Dana Hills High School after the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved an agreement with the city last week. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.danapointtimes.com

City Hopeful State High Court Will Hear Beach Access Cases

Children of Vietnam War Reunite, Share Stories of Survival

Monarch Beach Golf Links GM has Seen it all on the Course

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

DP LIVING/PAGE 10

SPORTS/PAGE 12

EYE ON DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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D a n a Po i nt

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR FRIDAY, JULY 19

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Friday Night at the Movies 7 p.m.–9 p.m. Showing of “Lucky,” a tale of love and humility in a world of violence and greed, about a 10-year-old orphaned South African who leaves the comfort of his remote Zulu village for the promise of big city opportunities. The event is free, Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road. For more information, go to www.ocpl.org.

History Tour 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m. The Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, hosts this two-hour, docent led walking tour, exploring the history of the area. Advanced registration is required. For more information or to register, call 949.542.4755.

Summer Concert Series 3 p.m.– 6 p.m. Keston & The Rhythm Killers, known for their rendition of Jimmy Hendrix’s teeth-playing “National Anthem,” open for Dana Point’s own

Kenny “Big Daddy” Williams and Friends. Pack chairs, blankets, a picnic and the family for this free event at Heritage Park, 34400 Old Golden Lantern.

TUESDAY, JULY 23 Sunshine Readers Storytime 11:30 a.m. Children of all ages are invited to enjoy stories, songs and silliness each Tuesday through August 25. Walk-ins are welcome, no registration required. Visit, www.ocpl.org for upcoming events.

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

… Town Center?

THE LATEST: City officials on Tuesday announced a financial standstill with the South Coast Water District that could postpone work on the Town Center revitalization project.

“My concern is we have such a small issue that could really stall the whole project,” said Councilman Bill Brough.

Brough and Mayor Steven Weinberg are members of a city advisory commission, and through a series of meetings, the city and the water district have reached a dead end on infrastructure discussions. According to a staff report, the water district has asked for $450,000 in city reimbursement for the replacement of portions of the water and sewer system believed to have “remaining useful life.”

Plans for the project were approved by the California Coastal Commission seven years ago but were put on hold. The project was revived late last year and over the past several months, the council and water district have pushed through collaborative plans for a phased construction approach.

WHAT’S NEXT: The first phase of the $19 million plan is slated to start in September.

While no representative for the water district spoke at the meeting, Brough said from what he gauged at meetings, the district did not appear willing to move forward until the conflict is resolved. No details were provided about when the next meeting between the parties would be held.

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

—Andrea Papagianis

2

… Strand Beach Access?

THE LATEST: About a week after being deDana Point Times July 19-25, 2013

nied an appellate court rehearing, the city of Dana Point will seek guidance from the state’s highest court on two cases pertaining to an access dispute at Strand Beach.

In a closed session meeting Tuesday night, the Dana Point City Council unanimously authorized City Attorney Patrick Munoz to file a petition for review with the California Supreme Court.

The dispute has been ongoing for three years and involves the California Coastal Commission and the Surfrider Foundation. The city is at odds with the two parties over access to trails that lead from Strand Vista Park to Strand Beach that are gated and have limited hours of access.

Since the gates were installed in 2008, Surfrider has argued they violate the public’s right to beach access. The Coastal Commission has held the city needed its approval to implement such restrictions on public access points. However, the city has maintained the measures were necessary to protect the public.

A June 17 appellate court ruling said the city must prove there was a nuisance at Strand when the gates and hours were implemented and remanded the two cases back to a trial court to enter a ruling. The city petitioned for rehearing, but that request was denied.

WHAT’S NEXT: Once the petition with the state Supreme Court is filed, the city should know within 60 days if the court will hear the case.

FIND OUT MORE: Go to www.danapointtimes.com for developments on the story.—AP

3

… Beach Fire Pits?

THE LATEST: In a narrow 7-6 vote, the board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District voted Friday to place restrictions on fire rings on beaches

throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.

After initially considering a ban on all fire rings, the proposal was amended to allow fire rings in areas with a 700-foot residential buffer or at least 50 feet between each pit.

SCAQMD spokesman Sam Atwood said the regulations would mean moving two of the five rings at Capistrano Beach further apart. Ten rings on the south end of the campground at Doheny State Park can be moved onto the campground itself, since non-beach areas are exempt from the regulation. The fate of the other fire rings at Doheny will depend on where the state places 11 rings that will be made accessible under the Americans With Disabilities Act. ADA accessible rings are exempt from the buffer, but must still be at least 50 feet away from other fire pits.

WHAT’S NEXT: Restrictions go into place in March.

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

4

… the Harkey Trial?

THE LATEST: Last week investors involved in a fraud lawsuit against Orange County real estate lender Dan Harkey were dealt a victory when a jury handed down guilty verdicts over the past week.

A jury ultimately awarded some 40 plaintiffs more than $10 million in damages in three separate awards.

The lawsuit accused Harkey, owner of the Aliso Viejo-based Point Center Financial and husband of Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, of defrauding more than 80 investors—many of whom are elderly— out of more than $43 million. The suit also alleged that investor money helped fund Diane Harkey’s electoral efforts, but the assemblywoman’s name was removed

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from the case last month.

“The jury obviously saw it our way, significantly,” attorney David Grant said.

“They found Dan Harkey and Point Center breached their fiduciary duties, intentionally, recklessly.”

The jury awarded $9 million to investors for the breach of fiduciary duties, an additional $300,000 for financial elder abuse and awarded $1 million in punitive damages.

WHAT’S NEXT: Grant said the case will continue with several different phases, including an examination into whether the ownership of the Harkey’s Ritz-Cove home was transferred to hide funds. Grant said the plaintiffs were also looking to freeze the Harkey’s assets.

FIND OUT MORE: For more on the story, visit www.danapointtimes.com — AP and JS

5

… the City Manager?

THE LATEST: The Dana Point City Council unanimously approved an amendment to City Manager Doug Chotkevys’ employment agreement Tuesday night. The move increases his salary to $257,096, according to a city staff report.

Currently Chotkevys earns $249,791 annually in total compensation, including benefits. According to the report Chokevys’ new salary is $1,000 below the average take-home of other Orange County city managers.

WHAT’S NEXT: The City Council will not hold meetings during the month of August, or the first week of September. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17 at 6 p.m.

FIND OUT MORE: Check out www.danapointtimes.com for more.—AP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

City Takes the Lead Dana Point will continue to fund intervention specialist at Dana Hills

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

F

or the past five years Mike Darnold has focused his community service in south Orange County. With nearly 30 years of experience working with at-risk youth under his belt, the former Fullerton police officer now dedicates his time to serving area students.

Last week, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved an agreement with Dana Point that will keep the city funding a drug intervention specialist position at Dana Hills High School for at least one more year.

The position was created by the city in 2009 to provide support for students battling drug and alcohol related problems or who are at-risk for such, with former CUSD trustee Darnold serving the role since the program’s inception.

“We understand there are students who have issues and we want to address those issues,” said Marcus Walton, the district’s chief communication officer. “It’s not relegated to one school or to a set of schools … it is a societal problem.”

With the agreement, the city continues to step up and take preventive measures to identify alcohol and substance abuse issues on campus. According to figures provided to district leaders by Darnold, about 10 percent of Dana Hills’ near 3,000-student population approached him for some form of assistance during the 2012-2013 school year.

“I can have this open and honest communication with kids because I have no real authority,” Darnold said. “I don’t work for the school. I am not a cop. I am not a teacher. I am almost like a free agent on campus that is solely there for the students.”

The number of students seeking help at Dana Hills is not unique. Problems with drugs and alcohol are seen nationwide, statewide, countywide and district wide, but the work being done in Dana Point is distinctive and aimed directly at the community at large, in order to prevent a bigger issue from evolving, said Mike Killebrew, the city’s assistant city manager.

“Everybody on our side of the fence knows there are drug and alcohol issues in high schools, and it’s not just Dana Point, it’s everywhere,” Killebrew said.

“We didn’t want to be a community that just ignored known issues.”

CUSD has its own measures in place to help students. Each comprehensive high Dana Point Times July 19-25, 2013

For five years, Mike Darnold, a contract employee with Dana Point, has served as an information specialist at Dana Hills High School. Photos by Andrea Papagianis

school in the district has a counselor and psychologist on staff and the district has created partnerships with community agencies where students who are having issues with substance abuse can be referred.

Additionally, the district takes part in the Orange County’s Gang Reduction Intervention Program, or GRIP. The program, which is in 42 schools across eight county school districts, focuses on giving children at-risk of joining gangs reasons to avoid them.

It is a concept of early education and prevention that carries over into the substance abuse education work being done at Dana Hills. While the partnership between the city, district and school is the first of its kind Walton said the district is always looking for new ways to partner with the community.

“We can always use more resources,” Walton said. “We could always use more adults on campus that students can go talk to about issues so we can connect them with the proper resources that are available.”

However, during the board’s discussion about the contract extension a few trustees posed questions about the city’s presence on the CUSD campus. Specifically, Trustee Jim Reardon raised concerns over the individual’s qualifications and the parameters of the agreement, where the

specialist reports to the city instead of the district.

“There is no end to how many people would like to have access to our students.

We have to exercise some control over that, and we have to maintain an educational environment,” Reardon said. “We cannot turn our schools into a carnival, and this is how it happens.”

Darnold is not a clinical practitioner and doesn’t hide that fact. His main focus on the campus is education and sharing his own experiences with alcoholism. At 37, Darnold got sober, but through an intake position at a local hospital, he saw 13- and 14-year-olds receiving treatment for addictions and making their own recovery. This is where the seed to help students was planted.

The initial goal of the city’s program was to educate students, parents, teachers and administrators of the risks associated with drug and alcohol usage, where Darnold’s outreach began in freshman health courses, openly discussing pressures faced by students.

Now after five years and thousands of students and families reached, Darnold has established himself on campus and his outreach has taken root. Not only does he have students coming to him directly, but also has parents, teachers, coaches, teammates and friends approaching him about those in need of guidance.

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Darnold estimated 20 percent of the near 300 students annually seeking out his help are actually looking for information and advice to help a friend. He said his goal is to empower students to take action and reach out to parents to share troubling behavior.

Last year, more than 80 participants in the Save Our Students Dana Point club, or S.O.S. DP, which Darnold founded with a small group of students. Through community volunteering and hosting beach bonfires, the organization reaches out and provides students with pressure free options for fun. With Darnold’s help, a similar educational club is being introduced at San Clemente High School this year.

“My one sentence job description is to be there for the kids,” Darnold said.

Darnold’s position is much like the district’s arrangement with cities and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to supply school resource officers to secondary campuses. The city spearheaded the initiative, and through its Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund, pays Darnold’s annual salary of $48,000.

“We have a great city that supports us,” said Dana Hills Principal Jason Allemann.

“You could try to replicate a model like this at other schools, but if you don’t have a vested interest on all parts, it isn’t going to work. We have the synergy of it.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO CUSD Offers Free Summer Lunch Program u Children can have a free “Picnic in the Park” this summer through a summer meal program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Capistrano Unified School District’s Food and Nutrition Department will offer free lunches for children under 18 at Bucheim Field in San Juan Capistrano from July 1 to August 30. Lunches will be served Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., behind the regional Occupational Program Center at 35122 El Camino Real.

Congressman Issa Holds Photo Contest for Constituents u Rep. Darrell Issa’s office is sponsoring a photography contest for anyone who has visited or lived in Orange and San Diego counties. Entrants are asked to submit no more than three original photographs of their favorite scenes. Photos must be familyfriendly and appropriate for all audiences.

Scenes can be from California’s 49th District, including the communities of Camp Pendleton, Carlsbad, Coto de Caza, Dana Point, Del Mar, Encinitas, Ladera Ranch, Oceanside, Rancho Santa Fe, San Clemente,

DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY

Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com COMPILED BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS 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, July 9 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Del Prado Avenue, 24400 Block (6:27 p.m.) An employee of Dana Point Gold & Coin reported five individuals hanging out in front of the store. The group, including three males and two females, reportedly attempted selling worthless goods to the shop. The employee was not comfortable Dana Point Times July 19–25, 2013

San Juan Capistrano, Solana Beach and Vista. Entries can be made until August 9.

Those looking to enter can send an original, high-resolution photo to ca49photos@ gmail.com with their name, city, where the photo was taken and a description of the photo. Submissions confirm ownership and grant the office permission to distribute the photo on social media pages and the Congressman’s website. For questions or concerns, call Issa’s Washington, D.C. office at 202.225.3906.

Elephant Parade Contest Winner The Resorts of Dana Point and The Asian Elephant Foundation have announced Morgan Finelt, from Ambuehl Elementary in San Juan Capistrano, as the winner of the Elephant Parade’s design contest.

Over 2,000 fourth and fifth graders in the Capistrano Unified School District went through a two-week educational curriculum about the plight of the Asian elephant and each designed an elephant inspired by their experience.

“The Elephant Parade design contest attracted truly gifted students who not only learned about the plight of the Asian Elephant through their curriculum, but also became extremely passionate about maku

leaving the store unattended with the group still present.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Josiah Drive/Joel Circle (6:14 p.m.)

A caller reported multiple male subjects washing greasy car parts into the storm drain. Authorities made contact with the homeowner, but did not see evidence of materials being leaked. The homeowner was warned and advised to be careful with his car parts.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Del Prado Avenue, 24800 Block (4:42 p.m.) The Orange County Fire Authority responded to the Ralphs shopping center after a transient male was reported urinating on himself and cursing at people. The man was transported and dropped off at an unreported location to his wife.

DRUNK IN CAR Pacific Coast Highway, 32800 Block (4:38 p.m.) An informant witnessed a woman, driving a silver sedan, run items over in the Chevron parking lot. The witness helped the woman park her car and believed she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The Orange County Fire Authority responded for an unknown medical condition.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Fortuna, 34900 Block (2:54 p.m.)

Morgan Finelt, from Ambuehl Elementary, was selected from 2,000 Capistrano Unified School District students as the winner of the Elephant Parade: Welcome to America design contest. Courtesy photo

ing a change,” said Rob Koscelnik, general manager of the DoubleTree Suites, in a statement.

Finelt’s design “Bright Beauty” features an intricate pattern using geometric shapes and bright colors. With the help of Capistrano Valley High School Visual Arts Instructor Kent Baker, Finelt’s design is currently being painted on a six-foot elephant sculpture.

“The judges were impressed by Morgan’s beautiful design and attention to detail. Her humanitarian spirit, and enthusiasm for the Elephant Parade, clearly shines through her work,” Koscelnik said.

Upon completion, “Bright Beauty” will join dozens of other elephants in a 10-week tour launching in Dana Point on August 23.

In November, Finelt’s elephant will be auctioned off, with 15 percent of the proceeds going to her school. Her design joins those of celebrity artists including Tommy Hilfiger, Katy Perry and Diane von Furstenberg.

Additionally, selected CUSD students’ designs have been donated to The Asian Elephant Foundation to raise funds for global conservation efforts. According to event organizers, the Elephant Parade has raised more than $6 million for protection efforts and has reached approximately 8 million people worldwide.

A female driving a black vehicle dropped several water bottles out her window as she traveled down the street. Authorities responded and the vehicle was no longer in the area.

could be made to the community’s security company.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24200 Block (1:33 p.m.) Two males were reported on the beach near the Ocean Institute carrying a dog in a bag. The caller was uncertain if the dog was alive.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE San Juan Avenue, 24600 Block (11:52 a.m.) A caller requested a patrol check on a white van that someone appeared to be living out of. The vehicle was found unoccupied and the subject was seen driving off in another vehicle.

HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR Camino de los Mares/Camino el Molino (11:14 a.m.) Deputies were looking for a blond woman driving a blue Honda, after she reportedly hit a white Ford and left the scene of the accident. She was seen traveling west on Camino de los Mares.

DISTURBANCE Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (1:55 a.m.) People were reported in a community hot tub after operating hours. The caller offered to ask the group how they entered the locked pool area so a report

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Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

DISTURBANCE Mermaid Circle/Neptune Drive (1:39 a.m.) A patrol check was requested after a group of juveniles were reported setting off car alarms.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Mariners Drive, 23600 Block (1:06 a.m.)

The Orange County Fire Authority was called to investigate a possible structure fire. A neighbor informed authorities of smoke coming from the kitchen of a nearby home and did not know if the residents were present because their dog was barking in the backyard.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Doheny Park Road/Victoria Boulevard (12:54 a.m.) Deputies made contact with a man wearing an Angels jersey and blue jeans behind the Smart & Final after he was reported to be looking into nearby businesses.

HIT AND RUN PARKED CAR Street of the Golden Lantern, 34600 Block (12:08 a.m.) Authorities patrolled streets around the OC Dana Point Harbor for an older model, large white Cadillac that reportedly hit a parked Toyota Tacoma.

The car was last seen traveling north on Golden Lantern. www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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

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

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 29. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com

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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 GOOGLE IT, A SIMPLE SEARCH WILL SERVE YOU WELL BRAD DREW, Capo Beach

In response to Mr. Dick Rudolph’s on-going dialogue with the readers of the DP Times over the city’s plastic bag ban, I submit my two cents.

Dear Dick, Firstly, it seems that your understanding of our City Council is incomplete.

They are elected officials made up of your fellow citizens, peers, neighbors, friends and relatives. They are not beyond reproach, not some clandestine organization working in the shadows. If you disagree with their decisions, use the Constitutional rights you speak of so often and vote them out of office. It’s simple, right?

By the way, the poorly researched and illegal bag ban law you speak of is actually quite the opposite. A little homework will enlighten you. Search Google: plastic bag bans environment.

As you seem to be some sort of Constitutional scholar, I ask you this question sir: Where in the Constitution does it state that you have the right to an unlimited supply of supermarket-issued plastic bags? I’ve looked and can’t find it anywhere. My research says the framers wisely left important decisions like the bag ban in the capable hands of the state and local governments.

I would propose that you stop suckling off the corporate nipple and go out and buy your own plastic bags in the future.

What a boon to the local economy that would be if you and the rest of the Tea Partiers like you stopped complaining and did the same.

Secondly, gripping reading as they may be, I find your trips to the Capo Beach Smart & Final and the research evidence that you conclude to be purely

Dana Point Times July 19-25, 2013

anecdotal. I visited our local Smart & Final and my results were completely contrary to yours. My stopwatch and I (actually it was my iPhone) found no longer or shorter check out times overall, and my checker told me she had noticed no difference in wait times since the bag ban.

Basing assumptions on anecdotal evidence is just bad science. Shame on us. As for the extra few seconds you lost to longer wait times in your experience, I would propose that both you and I have plenty to spare given our superfluous trips to Smart & Final. Good business thrives on innovation, let’s leave it to the experts to figure out a better way to bag groceries without plastic. This will in turn leave you more time to drive out to San Juan Capistrano to do your grocery shopping, which is your right.

To be sure, the derisive tone of your condescending letters may spark many readers ire. It is when your so-called individual rights—to use single-use plastic bags—start infringing upon my right to a clean environment, that sir is when I stand up, which is something I’m sure a man like Patrick Henry could truly get behind.

EMBRACE CHANGE AND TRY GETTING A NEW HOBBY SOPHIA DONAHUE, Dana Point

About five years ago I made a New Year’s resolution to pick up any and all dog discard that comes across my path.

Needless to say I wish I had said, “When I feel like it,” but I didn’t. And five years later my car and all my coats all have a stash of corn-based doggie bags at my disposal. This is a two pronged attack at people who are, I have no doubt, upstanding honorable members of our community.

First of all, of course we all want, hope for and expect that any and all opportunity to change a knee-jerk habit to forever benefit our little creatures, big ones and land alike should be universally embraced. Yep, it should and shall.

Secondly, of course we are all bothered by tweaks and adjustments in our lives, and at the very least made uncomfortable by unforeseen changes in what we have come to know as our routines. I say this with true appreciation for the annoyance of imposed change.

But is it truly such an inconvenience that you would write public letters and sign your name to such annoying and frustrating confessions of pompous selfishness?

I suggest people hop down off the soapbox and embrace changes that benefit us all. If you’re still bored, go get some poo bags and help me fight the real battle.

Hope to see ya out there.

IT’S FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON AUGUSTA DeLAURENTIS, Dana Point

After reading the Letters to the Editor for the past weeks I need to add my comments to the plastic bag “controversy.”

We shop at Smart & Final and other local grocers, and sometimes go to Target, Wal-Mart or Costco. Sometimes there are short lines and sometimes there are long lines. Sometimes the lines move quickly, sometimes they don’t.

To say all lines at Smart & Final are now slow only because of the Dana Point plastic bag ban is simplistic. To single out Smart & Final is also wrong. Many southland areas, including Los Angeles County and now the city of Los Angeles, have plastic bag bans. Yes, Smart & Final and every other retailer in each affected area had to modify their check-out process to

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meet those ban requirements.

The world has not ended in those other localities. Productivity losses due to plastic bag bans have not brought the economy to its knees. People manage to buy groceries, get home and go on with their lives.

The complaint is that it sometimes takes an extra minute or two to buy groceries at Smart & Final (or Ralphs or Albertsons).

The writer’s solution is to shop in another city. Is the letter writer free to shop elsewhere? Of course he is. Next, however, he may complain that government has passed speed limit laws and posted signs forcing him to drive slower than 120 miles an hour when going to other towns to grocery shop.

And think about this: It takes time to drive elsewhere, and then there is the obvious cost of gasoline, plus wear and tear on the car. It seems this is a classic example of cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Using a variation of a popular political saying to paraphrase what Alexandra Cline said in her letter, published on July 12, “It’s the environment, stupid.”

Please get over it and let’s move on.

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.

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

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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

GEORGE FRYER 6 p.m.8:30 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine along with wine tasting that starts at 4 p.m. Tasting fee $15 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

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AT THE MOVIES

‘THE WAY, WAY BACK’ PROVIDES AN INTRIGUING VIEW For those who don’t live next to the surf like we do in Southern California, families have to pack up their cars and drive to the nearest outlying beach for summer vacation. Sometimes those road trips can get uncomfortable real fast depending on how much you like your passengers. The opening scene of Nat Faxon and Jim Rash’s new film The Way, Way Back is a good example of this.

Duncan (Liam James) and his mom Pam (Toni Collette) drive up to Massachusetts with Pam’s new boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell) for the summer at Trent’s beach house. Duncan and Trent don’t get along at all, and Duncan is foreign to the new area. But things begin to look up for Duncan after agreeing to a water park job on a whim and befriending park owner Owen (Sam Rockwell) and next© Fox Searchlight door neighbor Susanna (AnnaSophia Robb). The cast of familiar faces rounds out with Allison Janney, Maya Rudolph, Rob Corddry and Amanda Peet as locals. Set around an awkward, insecure teen by the beach, The Way, Way Back rings familiar, and would be best enjoyed by those who liked To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday (1996), Adventureland (2009) and Moonrise Kingdom (2012). Rockwell and Janney provide hilarious comic relief throughout and James has just the right amount of angst and curiosity to make Duncan an interesting protagonist. —Megan Bianco

CRAFT FAIR AND FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fresh produce, crafted goods, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park in Dana Point every Saturday. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

HARBOR MUSIC CRUISE 8 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Dana Wharf’s music cruise in the harbor. $15. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

BLUEGRASS/OLD TIME/FOLK MUSIC JAM 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Chip DeSon and eight other pickers gather on the stage at The Historic Town Center Park for a unique event. 31806 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

sunday

THE FIXX 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $20-$25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

SHORECLIFFS SURF CONTEST Shorecliffs Beach Club presents their first annual surf contest at the club with categories for longboards, SUP and more, with awards and more. Entry fee $20 donation. 220 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente, 949.429.9601, www.brawnerboards.com.

saturday

COVER FIRE 4 p.m. Live 70s, 80s and 90s rock music at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

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

MARINE CAR WASH FUNDRAISER 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Camp Pendleton-based Marines will be washing vehicles as the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group hosts a fundraiser at South Shores Church. 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point. www.danapoint5thmarines.com.

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36TH ANNUAL SAN CLEMENTE OCEAN FESTIVAL 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Two-day event “The Greatest Show on Surf!” featuring waterman and waterwoman competitions, SUP contests, fishing derbies, Woody Car exhibit, art show, children’s pavilion, a free concert at 6 p.m. and much more all based around the San Clemente Pier area. More info: 949.440.6141, www.oceanfestival.org.

DON PEDRO AND THE RIFFTIDE 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Music and cocktails overlooking the Harbor at Vivo Rooftop Lounge in the Hilton Hotel at Doheny Beach. 34402 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.1100.

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Live music by Rolling Stones tribute, Jumping Jack Flash, dining, dancing and more in the courtyard of the Mission San Juan Capistrano. Ticket info online. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

Dana Point Times July 19-25, 2013

21

COUNTING CROWS WITH THE WALLFLOWERS 8 p.m. The rock band duo performs for the Toyota Summer Concert Series in Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair & Events Center. Tickets start at $29.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com.

COMMUNITY TABLE: SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Enjoy a multi-coursed meal with local and sustainable ingredients in The Ecology Center’s courtyard. Cost $40-$45. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org

monday

CHRISTMAS IN JULY EVENT 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Assistance League of Capistrano Valley hosts a shopping event through July 27 with new and used items, proceeds benefit local school kids and military families. 526 North El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.2800.

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

Page 8

tuesday

KALEIDO KIDS SUMMER EVENT: REPTILE SHOW 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Learn about reptiles at the Kaleidoscope. Events every Tuesday though August. 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy., Mission Viejo, www.gokaleidoscope.com.

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FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHTS 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The Ocean Institute features and expert talking about use and conservation of fresh water aquifers, with activities and more. $7 per person or $25 per family. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

wednesday

FIRST FOOTSTEPS OF SAN ONOFRE: NATIVE AMERICAN ACJACHEMEN 7 p.m.

In conjunction with the exhibit, San Onofre: Birthplace of Southern California Beach Culture, Casa Romantica hosts an informative event on local Native American history. $5-$10. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

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

thursday

THE MEMPHIS KINGS FEATURING LYNNWOOD SLIM 7 p.m. Live blues roots concert at Casa Romantica as part of their Summer Concert Series. $25. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

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SAN CLEMENTE BEACH CONCERT 6 p.m. San Clemente’s annual beach concert series “Bringing the Bands to the Sand!” featuring music by Flock of ‘80s. Bring a chair and snacks! 949.361.8264, www.san-clemente.org.

KIDS PROGRAM WITH SWAZZLE PUPPETS 11 a.m. Show for kids at The Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.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

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.

Children of Vietnam War Reunite, Share Stories of Escape and Survival Vietnamese adoptees gathered with volunteers of Operation Babylift, their rescuers from Communism Photos and Story by Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

O

n April 4, 1975, Sgt. Philip Wise was coming off of 24-flight alert duty. The young U.S. Air Force aero-medical evacuation technician from Hanford, Calif., was moments away from being relieved when he received the call that would forever change his life.

At first, Wise thought it was a mistake, but hours later inside a briefing room, his orders came through. The fall of Saigon to the North Vietnamese was imminent and President Gerald R. Ford ordered the

evacuation of thousands of the war’s children, a mission called Operation Babylift.

Last weekend, dozens of Vietnamese adoptees, their rescuers and families gathered in Dana Point to share stories of their escape, survival and roads to self-discovery.

For many, this was the first step in finding out where they came from. For others, it was a way to reconnect with the infants and young children they carried to safety.

“I met some of the children that were on our plane today, and it is just so rewarding to see them, hear their stories and listen to how much they appreciate what was done,” Wise said.

The crew from Operation Babylift’s first flight out of Saigon, which crashed moments after takeoff, gathers with Vietnamese adoptees and survivors of the wreck in Dana Point.

Dana Point Times July 19-25, 2013

Dana Point resident Bill Manes salutes the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard at the closing of the welcoming ceremony. Attendees, including about 20 adoptees, are seen in the background.

The weekend-long event was organized by another child of the war, Jessica Nguyen. Nguyen was born in 1975, just months after Operation Babylift brought thousands of adoptees to the United States.

Nguyen’s father was a prisoner of war for seven years, but in the early ’90s her family was able to move to America. She started the nonprofit Torch 1975 in 2011 to educate communities on the Vietnam War and has since connected with hundreds of Operation Babylift participants.

On that April day in 1975, an assembled medical crew took off from Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines and rendezvoused with their flight team at Ton Son Nhut, just outside of Saigon. With buses full of children lining the tarmac, the team configured a cargo plane—a two level, C-5 Galaxy—for patient care.

One-by-one orphaned Vietnamese boarded the plane, infants and young children on the upper deck, and older children in the cargo hold. Volunteers strapped children seated on the cargo deck in with cargo ties, or makeshift seatbelts, and set course for the U.S. Moments after the plane took flight, Wise heard a loud boom. The cargo ramp came clear off the aircraft, sending the

Page 10

A famous image of Operation Babylift shows President Gerald R. Ford carrying a young child off a plane, that young girl is Nikki Logan (center).

Logan is pictured here with Dave Sanford, who played President Ford in a reenactment ceremony, and Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates. Bates volunteered for the operation and cared for a group of children that arrived in Long Beach in 1975.

plane on a course for disaster. Captain of the flight, Dennis “Bud” Traynor landed the plane in a rice paddy about three miles from the airport. Of the more than 300 children, volunteers and military personnel onboard, more than 175 survived.

Nearly a dozen survivors gathered at the Dana Point reunion and met members of the flight crew, including Capt.

Traynor and Sgt. Wise. For the full story and a slideshow of the event, visit www. danapointtimes.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

GARAGE SALES LARGE MULTI-PERSON GARAGE SALE SATURDAY JULY 20 - 6:30 am. COLLECTIBLES, TOOLS, NEW & USED SPORTING GOODS, RECORDS, CDs, SMALL FURNITURE, CLOTHING, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, ART, NIC-NACS, and MORE!!!

33222 PALO ALTO ST, Dana Point, cross streets Stonehill and Del Obispo GARAGE SALE THIS SATURDAY JULY 20TH Multi-Family Sale. Baby items, CD’s, surf, holiday deco, everything but the kitchen sink. Alta Vista Drive & Blue Lantern in the alley. 8AM - 1PM GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. No phone calls please.

OTHER INTERESTING STUFF AWAY ON VACATION? Call Pat to: Pick up your mail.

Check your home. Pat WADDELL 949 493 1962

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

ICE CREAM

Nona Associates-Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 949.496.2275 Coffee Importers Scoop Deck 949.493.7773 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

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

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

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

DERMATOLOGY Vorteil Dermatology and 949.276.2600 Aesthetic Science 33971 Selva Road, Ste. 200, www.vorteildermatology.com

INSURANCE 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 Dana Point Lock & Security www.danapointlock.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

UPHOLSTERY

PET GROOMING

ELECTRICAL

delta G electrical 949.360.9282 Dawgy Style CA #657214, www.deltagelectrical.com 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 112, www.alphadoggroomshop.com

949.496.6916

PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection www.atozleakdetection.com Chick’s Plumbing www.chicks-plumbing.com

949.240.9569 949.496.3315 Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION Offshore Construction 949.499.4464 www.offshoreconstruction.org 949.496.9731

949.444.6323

WINDOW CLEANING

Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. 949.215.2323 www.baysidewindowcleaning.com POOL SERVICE & REPAIR Clear Windows 949.485.8793 Palisades Pool Service & Repair 949.542.7232 San Clemente, www.clearwindows-llc.com Capistrano Beach, allenesommo@cox.net

PRESCHOOLS San Clemente Preschool 949.498.1025 163 Avenida Victoria, www.sanclementepreschool.com

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

Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 Dream Team Properties 949.481.1788 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com Mike Rosenberg, Broker Capistrano Beach, www.FindMyOCHome.com

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.

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS

5

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

DP

D a n a Po i nt

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

REC LEAGUE ROUNDUP

The Dana Point Recreation Department’s adult sports leagues are back at it for their summer season. Here is a quick re-cap of the first week of action.

Beginner Kickball Swift Kick in the Grass hold a comfortable lead over the rest of the field and stand at 2-0 overall. Hairy Larrys are in second at 1-1.

Mixed-Level Kickball The Cougars and Grasskickers are

at the top of the standings after two games played. Both teams hold 2-0 overall records. The Cougars have outscored their opponents 25-6 in their first two games.

Experienced Kickball Past champions Cobra Kai lead the field after compiling back to back wins and now stand at 2-0 overall. Cobra Kai pulled off a close 2-0 win over Your Face on July 8 but came back strong in an 11-3 win over

Q&A With Monarch Beach GM Eric Lohman

Compiled by Steve Breazeale

Blue Ball Crushers.

Monday Softball Killer Dana put on an offensive display in their first two games, outscoring their opponents 40-12. They share first-place atop the standings with Feel the Heat, who is also 2-0. Killer Dana was part of the most closely contested game of the early season on July 8, when they narrowly edged The Show in an 11-10 win. The Show have had two tough-luck losses and stand at 0-2.

Scambray Makes Team USA Youth Volleyball Roster

Monarch Beach Golf Links General Manager Eric Lohman has seen some interesting things out on the golf course. Courtesy photo

By Steve Breazeale Dana Point Times

E

ric Lohman has the task of managing all the moving parts that make up the Monarch Beach Golf Links experience. As a former collegiate player at UCLA and a certified PGA Professional, Lohman has spent a lot of time out on the golf courses of southern California.

That means he has seen some interesting things. We caught up with Lohman to talk a little golf.

Dana Point Times: As a General Manager, what is a typical day for you?

Eric Lohman: I get into the office around 7 a.m. First, I check in with my managers to see what they are working on. I review teesheet for the next week or so. Then I check all emails and voicemails and create a short check-list of some big picture items I need to work on. I might walk into the club house and speak to the staff, make sure everything looks good and is in good working order. Depending on the day, I will most likely read and respond to 200 or so emails … I might tour the golf course with my superintendent or host a staff meeting.

DPT: What is the best part about your job?

EL: Interacting with friends, partners, members, employees and those who simply love the game of golf.

DPT: As someone who works in the golf industry, what have you learned about the game, through your own experiences on the job?

EL: The game is incredibly easy to start, impossible to master and it can be expensive. For the most part, 95 percent of the people who play golf are great people, better Dana Point Times July 19-25, 2013

than average I tell you.

DPT: What is the weirdest/most bizarre thing you’ve encountered out on a golf course?

EL: I’ve seen bears, bobcats, mountain lions, whales, dolphins, coyotes, elk, deer and even a Tiger, Tiger Woods that is. I have seen it all. I even saw an X-rated movie getting filmed in the backyard of an exclusive Los Angeles country club as well as the Playboy Mansion.

DPT: People leave things behind on the golf course all the time. What is the most out of place thing that you have found?

EL: I’ve found a Rolex, a wedding ring, a bong and an artificial limb.

DPT: Slow play has become a hot button topic in recreational golf. What do you think of the pace of play down in south Orange County?

EL: We are no different than anywhere else in the country. I know for a fact we are better than some areas such as Los Angeles and Seattle, where I have also worked. Our golfers have a little more experience.

DPT: How do you deal with slow players on your course?

EL: Education, supervision and consistent assistance.

DPT: What is the best foursome gambling game you’d recommend and why?

EL: Nothing beats a good ol’ game of skins or a partner’s best ball.

DPT: What advice would you give to the average golfing foursome to ensure that they have a good time out on Monarch Beach?

EL: Play fast, have realistic expectations and try the Bloody Mary. DP Page 12

Tia Scambray. Courtesy photo

After making it through the tryout stages for the U.S. Girls’ Youth National Volleyball Team, Dana Point’s Tia Scambray and 11 other elite players from around the country will head to the 2013 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U18 World Championships in Thailand on July 25.

Scambray was one of the final 16 athletes invited to the team’s third and final tryout at the American Sports Centers in Anaheim on July 8.

Scambray is one of five returning players from last year’s U18 USA Team. Scambray will be a senior at Dana Hills High School next year. DP —Steve Breazeale

Dolphins Football Teams up With Marines for Car Wash The Dana Hills football team and members of the Fifth Marine Regiment will work a car wash fundraising event at South Shores Church on Saturday, July 20, hosted by the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with proceeds benefitting the Marines. The Dolphins will work alongside the military men throughout the day.

There will be a barbecue lunch, a combat kids’ zone with face painting done by the Marines themselves and fire and police displays. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

6

GROM OF THE WEEK Carson Carr Age: 3, San Clemente

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Carson Carr caught his first wave at Upper Trestles on the nose of his dad’s surfboard just last week.

With that first ride he added another sport to his growing list of favorites, which so far includes skateboarding, swimming and golf. He is also excited to try snowboarding and can’t wait for winter. At the skate park Carson can roll in and do a rocker fakey. On the street he can grind and ollie off of curbs. And watching him progress, it seems like he adds to his repertoire almost daily, thanks to his desire to keep up with his big brother Cannon and the older kids in his neighborhood. His biggest inspirations, his brother and his dad’s invention, the Syck Trix board, have played a big part in helping him to progress beyond his age. “He was just playing around with the big kids and mimicking what he saw them doing when we first discovered his knack for skateboarding,” said his dad Andy. At the age of 2, with an unusual sense of balance and coordination, he was already dropping in on a portable mini ramp and attempting kick flips. Now at the age of 3 he is well on his way to becoming another talented addition to the local surf and skate talent pool. When asked what he wants to learn to do next, Carson responded with an enthusiastic, “My 360!”—Andrea Swayne

DP

D a n a Po i nt

Carson Carr. Photo by Andrea Swayne

From Couch Ollies to Catching Air

RESULTS California State Games, July 14, Camp Pendleton, Del Mar Jetties

San Clemente man invents boardsports aerial trainer

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

W

hen Andy Carr caught his son Cannon bouncing on the sofa atop a blank skateboard deck, his first reaction was to order him to cut it out. But, after a second thought, noticing how the couch cushions were allowing Cannon to ollie the board and catch big air, Carr was inspired to invent a new tool to teach aerial tricks to budding skaters and surfers.

The invention, dubbed Syck Trix, has since taken off as a way to learn ollie airs indoors or on soft grass before attempting them on traditional skateboards.

“The light bulb went off when I saw how high Cannon was getting and how good at ollies he was,” said Carr. “My first thought was how surfers and skaters who don’t have air skills are behind the curve nowadays, and remembering how much skin I left on the pavement when I was learning, I saw a need for a fun and safer way for kids to practice this crucial skill.”

Carr immediately set out to design something that would mimic the idea behind his son’s “couch ollies.” His first attempts involved drilling holes in blank skate decks and adding a variety of metal springs in place of wheels. The first few prototypes bounced but were pretty obviously dangerous and could never be used indoors without scratching floors. And the noise they made was “hideous,” he said.

Encouraged by the mechanical success of the spring prototypes but realizing there had to be a better, safer and quieter solution, Carr then looked at the possibili-

Dana Point Times July 19-25, 2013

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Left: Syck Trix inventor Andy Carr of San Clemente assembles boards in his shop. Above: Andy Carr’s son Cannon demonstrates an ollie on his dad’s invention. Photo by Andrea Swayne

ty of having a mold made for a soft, bouncy material that would mimic the look of traditional trucks and wheels but could be filled with air. After receiving a few price quotes, upward of $8,000, he hit on the idea of using a bicycle inner tube to create the same effect.

“I tried snaking an inner tube back and forth on the bottom of the deck and it actually worked,” Carr said. “I got some pop out of it, but the air distribution was uneven and the tubes just weren’t big enough. A little while later I was at a hardware store with a friend who pointed

out the wheelbarrow inner tubes. I used a hook and loop fastener, like Velcro, to attach a couple to a deck and realized that the size and shape—sort of like puffed-up donuts—gave the board balance, stability and plenty of pop.”

Following a few additional improvements to the design—encasing the inner tubes inside a two-way stretch fabric sleeve and adding soft padding to the top of the deck—a filed patent and early success in the Japanese market, Syck Trix is ready to go big in the U.S., Carr said.

So far, the boards are available locally at BC Surf, Republik of Kalifornia, T. Patterson Surfboards, Basham’s and Catalyst.

“The local groms have really taken interest and word of mouth is spreading.

Parents are telling me their kids want one and asking where they can buy one,” he said. “They appreciate the fact that Syck Trix is quiet, doesn’t mar floors and kids are really learning board control and next level tricks at a young age. Kids just tell me it’s fun. Although the design is soft and safe, kids should definitely wear helmets when using the board, because they will definitely get air.”

But kids aren’t the only ones enthusiastic about using the boards. Carr said he

Page 14

First place and local finishers only. GIRLS LB 9-12: 1. Emma Nooren, La Jolla. GIRLS LB 13-15: 1. Cameron Duby, San Juan Capistrano.

GIRLS LB 16-18: 1 Taylor Bruynzeel, Newbury Park. BOYS LB 13-15: 1. Kyle Davis, Carlsbad; 4. Jose Magra, San Clemente. GIRLS 9-12: 1. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente; 2. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente; 4. Zoe Mortensen, San Clemente. GIRLS 13-15: 1. Abby Brown, Santa Barbara; 2. Cameron Duby, San Juan Capistrano. GIRLS 16-18: 1. Janelle Ferris, Westminister. BOYS 9-12: 1. Luca Aza, San Clemente. BOYS 13-15: 1. Jeff Knell, Santa Barbara. BOYS 16-18: 1. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente. OPEN BODYBOARD COED: 1. Logan McLaughlin, Carlsbad. OPEN GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Taylor Bruynzeel, Newbury Park; 2.

Cameron Duby, San Juan Capistrano. OPEN GIRLS: 1. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente.

OPEN BOYS: 1. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente.

UPCOMING EVENTS July 20: San Clemente Ocean Festival Standup Paddleboard Surfing Championship, San Clemente, Pier July 21: San Clemente Ocean Festival Groms Rule Surf Contest, San Clemente, Pier July 21: Shorecliffs Beach Club Surf Contest, San Clemente, Shorecliffs Beach Club

has friends his age and into their 50s who have learned to ollie.

An alternate use was discovered by accident when a friend of Carr’s, who had recently injured an ankle stood on one and found that by standing, balancing and rocking a Syck Trix board he could get some great stretching and physical therapy. The boards have also found favor among adults as a workout tool to add a core strength training aspect to squats and weight lifting. And, by placing one tube in the middle of the board to create a teetertotter effect, the board becomes a great balance trainer as well.

“It’s a toy but it’s also much more,” Carr said. “This indoor ollie training tool can be used in many variations and be fun and beneficial for all ages.” DP www.danapointtimes.com