July 26, 2013

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, EVENTS AND MORE J U LY 2 6 - A U G U S T 1 , 2 0 1 3

LO C A L

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 30

Downtown Revamp Set for September Start It’s full steam ahead on Town Center as compromises are made and contracts are awarded E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4 After 20 years of talks and nearly a decade of planning, Dana Point’s revamp of the Town Center corridor appears to be running on all cylinders. Construction on underground utilities and the storm drainage system along Pacific Coast Highway is slated for a September start. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.danapointtimes.com

Edison and SDG&E Take First Step to Recover Losses from SONGS Closure

Artist Puts Finishing Touches on Painting 24 Years in the Making

Dana Point’s Rob Pelkey Wins California Waterman Award at SC Ocean Fest

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, JULY 27 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, call 949.573.5033 or visit www. danapoint.org.

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SUNDAY, JULY 28

D a n a Po i nt

Summer Concert Series 3 p.m.– 6 p.m. Southern California’s own five-piece band, Old Money Jim, brings the best in rock, blues and jazz to Heritage Park, 34400 Old

Golden Lantern. Headliner, Revival, pays tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s leader guitarist and songwriter, John Fogerty. Admission is free, so gather chairs, blankets, the family and “bring a nickel, tap your feet.”

MONDAY, JULY 29 Sunshine Readers Pajama Storytime 7 p.m. Children and their parents are invited for a night of stories, songs and fun. Don’t forget your pajamas.

All ages are invited and walk-ins are welcome. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Rd. Go to, www.ocpl.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 30 Dana Point Blood Drive Noon–6 p.m.

The city of Dana Point is sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive at City Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern. To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31 Meet the Chef 7 p.m. Q&A with The Surfin’ Cowboy’s head chef, Sima Gahaba on making foodie dreams of pursuing Anthony Bourdain’s career a reality at the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Rd.

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

… SONGS Money?

THE LATEST: Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric have taken the first steps to recover funds from the manufacturer of faulty generators that ultimately led to the closure of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station last month.

Edison, the majority owner of SONGS, filed notice against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Nuclear Energy Systems for a breach of contract, alleging the manufacturer “is responsible for the enormous harm its failures have caused California ratepayers, SCE and the other owners.” SDG&E and the city of Riverside own a combined 21.8 percent share.

Contractually, Edison and Mitsubishi are obligated to negotiate for 90 days. If a settlement is not reached, the two sides will enter binding arbitration before a three person panel. Each company will choose one arbitrator, and the two appointees will choose a third.

In a separate move, SDG&E filed a lawsuit against Mitsubishi, arguing the manufacturer did not provide “like-for-like” products when it replaced steam generators in the two reactors.

WHAT’S NEXT: Edison spokeswoman Maureen Brown said the exact scope of monetary damages will be a part of the discussion, but indicated Edison may ask for the cost of replacement power and repairs made to the facility, which as of April stood at approximately $550 million.

FIND OUT MORE: For more, see www. danapointtimes.com. —Jim Shilander

2

… the Arts and Culture Commission?

THE LATEST: At last week’s meeting, the Dana Point Times July 26-August 1, 2013

Dana Point City Council unanimously approved two new appointments to the Arts and Culture Commission despite a now former commissioner’s plea to table the decision until further discussions could be had.

The commission was established in 2011 by then-mayor and current Councilman Scott Schoeffel. One position on the commission was set to expire this June, and an application process opened earlier this spring. At a meeting last month, Councilman Bill Brough suggested that Schoeffel review the applications and make recommendations to the council. A total of 11 applications were received, Alan Wickstrom, whose term was set to expire in 2015, was not among the five recommended for the board.

“I was honored to be selected as a member of the Arts and Culture Commission and have taken that position very seriously and have worked hundreds if not thousands of hours on my own outside of the work done here,” Wickstrom said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Current commissioners Nancy Jenkins, Janie Raub and Karin Schnell will continue their terms through to June 2015, and new commissioners Berenika Schmitz and Judith Nowland will serve on the advisory body until June 2017.

Wickstrom and Michael Miller are the only two commissioners not returning.

Miller withdrew his application earlier this summer in protest to changes made to the commission he believed had a negative impact on the body’s charter.

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

—Andrea Papagianis

3

… the 241 Toll Road?

THE LATEST: On July 17, the Transporta-

tion Corridor Agency appealed a June decision of the San Diego Regional Water Control Board denying the agency a permit to extend the State Route 241 toll road.

In its filing to the State Water Resources Control Board, the agency cited what it called an “abuse of discretion” by the regional body in denying the permit.

In a 3-2 vote, the regional board denied the 5.5-mile extension that would have extended SR-241 from its current end at Oso Parkway, just south of Rancho Santa Margarita, to Cow Camp Road east of San Juan Capistrano.

The extension would have affected nearly a half-acre of wetlands with tributaries flowing into San Juan Creek and the surrounding watershed. If the permit had been granted, the TCA would have been required to restore about 35 acres of the wetlands and add over 40 drainage swales to separate debris from runoff.

Opponents of the extension believe the agency is once again attempting to extend the toll road to Interstate 5 south of San Clemente, which was rejected by both the California Coastal Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce in 2008.

WHAT’S NEXT: The state board has about 300 days to respond to the petition.

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

4

… Illegal Pot Operations?

THE LATEST: A former Dana Point marijuana shop owner and San Clemente resident was sentenced Monday in Santa Ana on federal charges of tax evasion and using his storefronts to conceal a drug trafficking operation.

John Melvin “Pops” Walker, 56, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison

by U.S. District Court Judge James Selna.

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Walker pleaded guilty in April to drug distribution, maintaining drug involved premises and tax evasion. As part of his sentence, Walker will pay more than $2.4 million to the Internal Revenue Service and $1.8 million to the state of California in restitution.

Walker once owned nine marijuana shops throughout Southern California including Safe Harbor Collective in Dana Point and APCC in San Juan Capistrano.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Walker admitted to earning $25 million from marijuana sales over the course of six years, which he must now forfeit.

FIND OUT MORE: For updates, visit www. danapointtimes.com. —JS and AP

5

… the Local Adult Shop?

THE LATEST: Intimate Obsessions, an adult product and lingerie store currently located in Dana Point, has put up signs indicating a move is near.

A business license application has been pulled for a store at 310 N. El Camino Real, near Pizza Port in San Clemente, but Jim Holloway, the city’s community development director, said the application is not yet complete.

Tom Murphy, who manages a nearby business, voiced concerns about the appropriateness of the business to the San Clemente City Council last week. He noted the number of families frequenting the nearby restaurant and the proximity of San Clemente Presbyterian Church.

WHAT’S NEXT: Holloway said the application is currently being reviewed by city staff.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapointtimes.com for more. —JS www.danapointtimes.com

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Downtown Revamp Set for September Start It’s full steam ahead on Town Center as compromises are made and contracts are awarded

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

W

hile two of the major arteries running through Dana Point will soon be transformed into two-way roadways, the city is moving in one direction when it comes to Town Center—forward.

With an agreement forged between the city and water district, work on Dana Point’s largest public works project since its inception, nearly 25 years ago, is expected to move forward as planned, with shovels in the ground this September.

At a special meeting Monday night, the Dana Point City Council unanimously approved a cost sharing agreement with the South Coast Water District for the abandonment of underground utilities being replaced before their time is due as part of Town Center revitalization work.

The meeting, held at the Dana Point Community Center, was called after the water district approved splitting the remaining $450,000 value of water and sewer pipes with the city last week. The utilities running through Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado Avenue have an estimated additional 20-year lifespan, but are being replaced as part of an initiative to promote growth in the downtown corridor. With the agreement, the city will reimburse the water district a total of $225,000.

Town Center plans call for changes to streets and sidewalks, making the restructuring and replacement of the pipe system a necessary first-step toward preparing for these changes and developmental growth expected to come with the project’s completion.

“I am delighted that the City Council moved promptly to ratify the agreement that our Board of Directors approved at the special meeting just last Friday,” said Wayne Rayfield, SCWD board president.

The agreement comes less than a week after Councilman Bill Brough informed the council, and therefore the public, of an ongoing discussion regarding the reimbursement. At last week’s city council meeting, Brough, a member of the ad hoc Water Sewer Commission, said talks had come to a halt.

But the SCWD board reacted quickly to resolve the issue in order to keep the project’s momentum, said Linda Homscheid, the water district’s communications officer.

“I am very happy that the water district met quickly and offered to compromise with us,” Brough said. “I am looking forward to September. I think it is going to be great for the community.”

Plans to revamp Dana Point’s downtown corridor to create a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere have been in motion for nearly a decade. Discussions began in the earlyDana Point Times July 26-August 1, 2013

Traffic heads northbound on Pacific Coast Highway. This particular sight will be a thing of the past near the end of next year as the city of Dana Point and South Coast Water District move forward with plans to transform the downtown corridor into a pedestrian-friendly center, complete with the move to make PCH and Del Prado Avenue two-way passages. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

PHASE I: The South Coast Water District is expected to begin construction to replace underground water and sewer utilities along Pacific Coast Highway between Copper Lantern and Blue Lantern streets. At the same time, the hired construction firm will reconfigure the city’s storm drainage system. Work is slated to start this September and last until early next year. Two lanes of traffic are set to be open throughout.

PHASE II: Once the SCWD wraps up its first phase of construction, the city can begin work along Pacific Coast Highway to add medians, bus pullouts, widened sidewalks, landscaping and street signage.

The city is expected to place directional signage throughout the approximate 0.8-mile stretch and allow business owners to put out temporary signs during the estimated eight months of construction. When completed, vehicular traffic will flow in two directions, rather than the one-way traveled now.

PHASE III: As soon as the SCWD completes phase one work, the district can begin redoing the sanitary sewer, water and storm drain systems along Del Prado Avenue between Blue and Copper Lantern streets.

Work could begin as soon as February of next year if construction along PCH stays on track. As with the first phase of construction, two lanes of the three-lane roadway are expected to stay open.

PHASE IV: Currently, the city has no timeline set in place for the final phase of Town Center work along Del Prado, due to the need to allocated funds for this portion of the project. According to city staff, talks on funding could begin next spring.

Construction along Del Prado will include new medians, sidewalks, bus stops and pullouts, landscaping and street signage. As with PCH, once construction is completed, Del Prado will become a two-directional roadway.

Information provided by the South Coast Water District and city of Dana Point

to mid-’90s.

In 2004, the city hired the San Francisco-based ROMA Design Group to develop a plan for Town Center and formed an advisory subcommittee in 2005. The following year, the City Council approved revitalization plans and the California Coastal Commission approved the estimated $19-million project in 2008.

Movement on the project stalled shortly after but was revived by citizens, the water district, city staff and council last year.

Since January, the city and water district staffs have reimagined their construction approach in order to streamline street-level and underground work. Both the city and district governing bodies approved a phased construction plan earlier

this spring, with the water district braking ground in mid-September.

The water district will start work on underground utilities along PCH, with the city following with streetscape improvements early next year. The city’s work will include roadway medians, widened sidewalks, bus stop improvements and updated landscaping. Once work is completed, PCH will become a two-way road and work on Del Prado is expected to begin.

No timeline for Del Prado construction has been set. During the city’s budget talks in May, the City Council approved allocating $9.2 million to the PCH portion of the project, but did not set aside spending for Del Prado. The city works on a two-year budget cycle and expects funding for Del Prado to be assisted by developPage 4

ers. According to Brad Fowler, the city’s director of public works and engineering, budget talks on Del Prado funding could begin as early as next spring.

While no developers have signed on, Fowler said things are “heating up” as four development agencies have approached the city about projects along Del Prado. Two of the four projects would stretch from Del Prado to PCH and have an effect on both street fronts he said.

While four developers are in talks with the city, only one is nearing the approval process. Fowler said the city has accepted one developer’s application and the next step would be taking the proposed project to the Planning Commission, but as of yet, no date has been set.

According to Homscheid, the water district is veering from tradition with Town Center improvements. In the past, the district has waited to make necessary water and sewer improvements once developers have committed to projects. But the district sees the community benefit of getting the work done now, she said.

“The District is ready to break ground on this historic project this fall,” Rayfield said. “I am certain that our staff and the city’s staff will continue their excellent record of collaboration to get this important initiative started and finished on schedule and within budget.”

The water district awarded a construction contract with Escondido-based CCL Contracting for the first phase of work along PCH. Costs are estimated at $2.5 million and includes construction management, geotechnical engineering and construction design support.

The contracting firm will also construct storm drain improvements, which the water district agreed to accomplish during the first phase on the city’s behalf. With the approval of reimbursing the water district, the two entities also enter into a joint participation agreement for the storm drain construction.

According to a staff report, the city will pay the SCWD for storm drain construction bid costs, estimated at $660,000, plus $33,000 for general work items and a 15 percent share of contingency costs. For drain improvement construction, the city is expected to spend about $803,000.

The district has already approved $5 million in spending for both phases of its work, Homscheid said.

“We have a great working relationship with the water district,” Brough said.

“They’ve been ahead of us for years, and with all the work they’ve done, we’ve had to catch up to them here at the city.”

As it now stands, the City Council is dark through the month of August and first week of September, but will hold meetings if needed. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17. DP www.danapointtimes.com

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City of Dana Point July Business of the Month: Luciana’s Ristorante Compiled by Robert Sedita, Management Analyst, Dana Point Community Development

L

uciana’s Ristorante has been serving delicious Italian food to the Dana Point community for 30 years. Located in a historic 1930s house, Luciana’s is owned by Jorge Luhan II, a third generation Italian-American and second generation restaurateur.

As in many traditional Italian households, cooking is taught at a young age with recipes passed down from generation to generation. Jorge’s grandmother, Mary, started by teaching his mother Lucia how to make fresh pasta, a variety of sauces and other traditional family recipes. After mastering the art of customary Italian cooking, Lucia took her knowledge and opened the family’s first restaurant in Newport Beach in 1976.

Jorge, his brother and sister would help bus tables, wash dishes and observe the behind-the-scenes activities of the restaurant. Following the opening of their first restaurant the family opened two additional restaurants including Luciana’s

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.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17 WELFARE CHECK Street of the Silver Lantern, 33800 Block (11:44 p.m.) A young man became concerned about his seven-month pregnant girlfriend when he visited the home she was believed to be staying at and a man and woman claimed to not know her. The boyfriend believed his girlfriend was being drugged.

DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive/Pacific Coast Dana Point Times July 26-August 1, 2013

Ristorante in 1983.

Observing his mother and grandmother, Jorge quickly learned the family recipes and how to effectively operate a restaurant. In 1985 his parents purchased a 500 year old farm in Tuscany and moved back to Italy in 1994 to manufacture the family’s unique brand of olive oil and operate a bed and breakfast. After the move, Jorge took over operations of Luciana’s. Taking what he had learned from his mother and grandma, Jorge worked hard to develop Luciana’s into what it is today.

As soon as customers walk into the restaurant they experience mouth-watering aromas coming from the kitchen. Customers can choose to sit outside, in one of their dining rooms or can reserve the wine room and be seated at a large table for 30 with views of the wine cellar.

Once seated, customers may choose from one of 400 wine labels, select a delicious appetizer and pick a tasty main course ranging from homemade veal ravioli and pasta, to seafood and steaks.

Whether out for a romantic dinner, enjoying dinner with friends or celebrating a

The city of Dana Point and Chamber of Commerce named Luciana’s Ristorante as the July 2013 business of the month. Pictured (L to R) Heather Johnston, Jorge Luhan II and Mayor Steven Weinberg. .

Photo by Andrea Papagianis

special occasion, Luciana’s takes pride in making sure customers have a memorable experience.

Jorge and his staff are like a family, and this translates into how they treat their

Highway (1:54 p.m.) Perched atop a high voltage utility box, a man in his 20s or 30s was using vulgarities while screaming at passing vehicles. The caller said this was an ongoing problem and was concerned about the man’s safety.

FRIDAY, JULY 12

WELFARE CHECK Doheny Park Road/Victoria Boulevard (10:44 p.m.) A man was lying on the ground near Big 5 Sporting Goods. The caller was unsure if the man was sleeping.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Portola/Calle Juanita (1:16 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested for Sunset Park after a man with his hands in a plastic bag was reportedly talking to himself and pacing. The man was described as being in his late 20s, with dark hair and wearing a green shirt and black pants.

CITIZEN ASSIST Del Prado Avenue, 24800 Block (1:01 p.m.) An employee of Little Kitchen Asian Café believed a customer tricked her into giving an extra $20 during a cash transaction.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Doheny Park Road, 34000 Block (4:56 p.m.) The manager of a local store reported a man kept entering his store, opening different bottles of liquor, taking a couple of shots and leaving. The man was described as being in his late 40s and wearing a red T-shirt, white shorts, a white hat and black tennis shoes.

CITIZEN ASSIST Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (12:01 p.m.) After filling up his tank, a man drove away from the Shell Station with the fuel nozzle still inserted in his car.

DRUNK IN CAR Camino de Estrella, 26800 Block (9:58 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a woman driving a silver Volvo who became verbal with the caller after he asked her to stop honking the car’s horn. The woman had a male passenger.

THURSDAY, JULY 11

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (11:51 a.m.) The Orange County Fire Authority cleared the scene of a physical altercation between two people over recyclables.

DISTURBANCE Island Way/Dana Point Harbor Drive (7:00 p.m.) Deputies responded to a complaint of a young boy throwing rocks at squirrels.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Selva Road/Discovery Drive (5:21 a.m.)

A car sat idling for over an hour and a half with its headlights on. The caller was concerned the driver needed help.

DRUNK DRIVING Mainsail Drive, 25300 Block (6:35 p.m.)

A witness looked on as an apparently drunken man exited his truck, defecated on the sidewalk and stumbled back into Page 6

customers. Jorge empowers his employees to build relationships with their customers and make sure every one feels like part of the family. Upon entering, customers are made to feel at home in a Tuscan Villa and employees often know exactly what each customers would like as soon as they walk through the front door.

This quality of service and inviting atmosphere has resulted in Luciana’s being listed among “America’s 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants” by Zagat in 2008, Opentable. com “Diners Choice Winner” in 2009, “Most Romantic Restaurant” by the Dana Point Times in 2012 and “Business of the Year” by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce in 2012.

When Jorge is not at Luciana’s and his wife isn’t at her medical practice, they spend their time outdoors. As avid cyclists, Jorge and Anne have competed in a number of races. They also volunteer their time working with many local charitable organizations.

For more information about Luciana’s Ristorante, located at 24312 Del Prado Ave., visit www.lucianas.com or call 949.661.6500. DP his vehicle. The man was last seen on Palo Alto Street heading toward Stonehill Drive.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (8:39 a.m.) A man was arrested after he disturbed customers at Starbucks and refused to leave the coffee shop’s lobby.

He was described as being about 6 feet tall, with brown hair. The man is currently being held at the Theo Lacy Facility. Bail is set at $25,500.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway/Street of the Amber Lantern (4:59 a.m.) Deputies conducted a patrol check for a shirtless man seen pounding on a street sign.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (3:38 a.m.) A woman reported her boyfriend for stealing her purse and phone.

The man reportedly pulled her hair and was chasing her on foot. He was described as 40 years old and being thin with black hair.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Canon, 26300 Block (1:05 a.m.)

A man in a white poncho and black pants was seen wandering the caller’s neighborhood with a large, white sack in hand.

The man was reportedly trying to enter a neighbor’s vehicle. The caller did not know if anything was taken. The man was last seen heading westbound on Via California. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis and Brian Park

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

Local resident and artist Paul Gavin picked up the brush and reimagined a near 25-year-old painting he started in 1989. He is now slated to finish the piece just in time for the city’s 25th anniversary. Here, Gavin works on the painting in front of an audience at the Ocean Festival in San Clemente while his wife, Kimberleigh, looks on.

Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Local Artist Puts Finishing Touches on Harbor Painting 24 Years in the Making u Nearly 25 years after completing his first painting of the OC Dana Point Harbor, local artist Paul Gavin is putting the finishing touches on his third go at capturing the essence of Orange County’s southernmost port.

In 1988, Gavin completed his first portrait of the Harbor, a watercolor and pen painting titled “Dana Dreams: An Endless Summer.”

The piece was part of a series highlighting coastal treasures like the San Clemente Pier, San Onofre State Beach and Catalina Island’s Avalon Bay. Another painting of the Harbor was commissioned in 1989, but never quite reached Gavin’s standard of completion.

Now, with an order from a local resident who found the unfinished painting in the basement of a recently purchased building, Gavin has been given the opportunity to visit the Headlands bird’s eye view of the Harbor once again, highlighting changes and new additions to the seaport like the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and stand-up paddleboarders.

“The painting is done from the same view, which to me is the ultimate view,” Gavin said.

“When you are looking toward land, you see Dana Point, San Clemente and Camp Pendleton, it is just really dynamic.”

Gavin and wife Kimberleigh, also an artist, live in San Juan Capistrano with their brood of dogs, cats and snakes. The pair met in the early ’80s at UC Irvine and has since made south Orange County their home and canvas, with art displayed at post offices in Dana Point and San Clemente, and a studio tucked away in San Clemente’s industrial district.

Currently, Gavin is working feverishly to finish the Harbor painting, which coincidentally will fall close to the 25th anniversary of his first rendition and just in time for the city’s 25th birthday.

Prints of the Harbor painting will be made

Dana Point Times July 26-August 1, 2013

available soon after the original’s completion.

Gavin will display the painting at the Harbor on Saturday, July 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in front of Jon’s Fish Market. To see more of Gavin’s work, go to www.gavinarts.com.

State Youth of the Year Winner Moves onto National Competition u Fresh off being named the Pacific Region Youth of the Year winner this month, Yossymar Rojas is moving onto the national level to compete for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s highest honor.

Rojas, a Dana Hills High School graduate and a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, will go up against five other regional winners to compete for the National Youth of the Year award, as well as a $15,000 scholarship and the chance to travel to Washington, D.C. to visit the White House and meet President Barack Obama.

“Yossy is the perfect example of what kind of young men and women the Boys & Girls Clubs help produce each and every year,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley Executive Director James Littlejohn in a statement. “We are so proud of not only Yossy, but all the other outstanding young people that were part of the Youth of the Year program and process.”

In June, Rojas became the first member of his family to graduate from high school, where he was a valedictorian and was recognized as an Advanced Placement scholar. In the fall, Rojas will attend UC Irvine, where he will study biomedical engineering.

After he was named the state Youth of the Year winner in April, Rojas was featured on the cover of The Capistrano Dispatch and the Dana Point Times in the story “No Stopping This Kid.” To read the story, visit www. danapointtimes.com.

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

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Letters to the Editor COUNCIL’S DECISION OBSTRUCTS MISSION OF COMMISSION MATTHEW MILLER, Dana Point

At their June 18 meeting, the Dana Point City Council spontaneously changed course. They voted for the Arts and Culture Commission to meet quarterly or on an as-needed basis.

It was then approved that Councilman Scott Schoeffel would alone select future commissioners. These changes marginalized the commission and its importance to Dana Point.

While the commission serves the City Council as an advisory body, it does not belong solely to Councilman Schoeffel or to the council; it belongs to the citizens of Dana Point. As was originally done, applicants to the arts commission should be interviewed, on the record, at a council meeting and voted on by all members. To do otherwise demonstrates a lack of value in the commission’s charter.

The Arts and Culture Commission was formed in late 2011 to help grow art and culture in Dana Point, spawn cultural tourism and increase every citizen’s quality of life. Changes made at last month’s meeting conflict with these objectives.

What if the Arts and Culture Commission was more than an advisory body?

Then, they’d get a lot more accomplished and the city would be better because of it. The commission can and should actively cooperate with the city to pass initiatives that improve Dana Point.

For starters, the city could be dramatically improved by doubling the arts in public places contribution for new developments. Leaders and staff could select locations for future public art, start a matching grant program to encourage the painting of murals on the sides of commercial buildings (adjacent to empty lots), initiate a private art donation program, coordinate with the South Orange County School of the Arts to help foster the

school’s continued excellence and reform sign ordinances to minimize the fast food restaurant signage along south Pacific Coast Highway.

In addition, the commission could coordinate with the Tourism Business Improvement District to promote Dana Point as an arts related destination, thereby ensuring that the city’s needs are met too.

Furthermore, there are a number of items that could be more actively promoted or strengthened through cooperation between the commission and various city agencies, legislative bodies and private interest groups. These include the Dana Point Symphony, Summer Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, all the various festivals and more, which at present the Arts and Culture Commission has nothing to do with.

Just imagine Dana Point someday being known as the City of Music, with the symphony, summer concerts and the Doheny Blues Festival as merely the foundation.

There could and should eventually be a Dana Point Bowl for the Performing Arts complete with an ocean view. But this is a long way off on our present course.

I encourage the citizens of Dana Point to more actively participate in and attend the Arts and Culture Commission meetings and to voice their opposition to the council’s new changes.

Maybe then, we’ll finally move forward as a city once more. Until such a time, I believe it to be a waste of my time to remain on the Arts and Culture Commission. Therefore, in protest, I requested that my application for a second term be withdrawn.

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.

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by Jim Kempton

The Politics of Marriage and Fiscal Fidelity Do Republicans Wear the Pants and Democrats Drop them?

T

he Republican Party has the longstanding reputation of being the fiscally tough, low tax, financially responsible party of reduced government. When it comes to spending, so the perception goes, the GOP wears the pants.

More than a few of the 20th century Democrats have had a reputation for being philanderers while in the Oval Office, chasing skirts instead of managing pocketbooks.

Franklin Roosevelt had a longstanding love affair with a woman during his years as President, and several more were rumored.

He also saw the U.S. triumph over the totalitarian forces of world domination and led America out of the Great Depression. A beloved figure, Roosevelt’s Social Security Dana Point Times July 26-August 1, 2013

Act, GI Bill of Rights and faith in the common man helped the vast majority of ordinary Americans raise their living standard to never-before-seen levels.

John Kennedy had affairs outside his marriage, WAVELENGTHS including one rumored

By Jim Kempton with Marilyn Monroe. He also stared down the Soviet empire, preventing them from putting nuclear missiles in Cuba, cut taxes and revived the economy to robust expansion.

Richard Nixon explicitly ordered thugs to break into the opposition party’s headquarters and steal their campaign plans to

cheat on elections. He had FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover make an “enemies list” of his opponents and illegally wiretap them.

His administration created a serious recession, but there was certainly no cheating.

Bill Clinton used the oval office to carry on sex with an intern. He also significantly reduced the size of government for the first time in the 20th century, while reforming welfare and presiding over the largest and longest economic expansion in U.S. history.

George W. Bush’s administration took a $400 billion dollar surplus and, while nearly doubling the size of the government, returned to record deficit levels of nearly $400 billion again. That’s without

Page 8

adding the unbudgeted Iraq war expenditures expected to reach over a $1 trillion, but W‘s marriage to Laura was solid.

So let the record show: Democrats indisputably have a hard time keeping their pants on. But when it comes to fiscal responsibility, building a strong economy and containing deficits, they wear the pants well.

Jim Kempton is a San Clemente resident and a student of American political history.

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

SOAPBOX GUEST OPINION: Mayor Steven Weinberg

Summer Fun in Dana Point, We Are Living the Dream P eople all over the world dream of taking a beach vacation in California, and here in Dana Point, we are living that dream.

We can look forward to several new, fun events Steven Weinberg and welcome back our favorite Dana Point experiences this summer. Our many city sponsored events provide ways to engage with friends, family and neighbors and enjoy our summer vacation right here at home.

SUMMER CONCERT IN THE PARK EACH SUNDAY THROUGH AUGUST The first three Sunday concerts in the park have been a wonderful kickoff to the 2013 concert series, with a great line-up of music remaining Sundays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This Sunday, July 28, Revival (Creedence Clearwater and John Fogerty tribute) and Old Money Jim will play at Heritage Park.

August concerts include a Jim Curry tribute to John Denver and The Mighty Cash Cats, a Johnny Cash tribute, at Heritage Park on August 4, ABBAfab with the Wonderelles at Sea Terrace Park on August 11, Garratt Wilkin and the Parrotheads with the Eliminators at Sea Terrace Park on August 18 and L.A.vation Tribute to U2 with DC Babylon and The Hanging Gardens Band at Sea Terrace Park on August 25 to end the series.

Come out to the park and enjoy tasty beverages, great food, kids’ activities and excellent music.

DANA POINT FOOD WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL AUGUST 10 AT SEA TERRACE PARK Like food, wine and music? How about art, bubbly champagne and chocolate?

Or perhaps top chef demonstrations or roll-your-own cigars? The Dana Point Food Wine and Music Festival will be a funfilled summer celebration from noon to 8 p.m. with free shuttle service from Dana Hills High School.

Your mouth will water when you visit the website at www.dpfoodwineandmusicfestival.com.

CALIFORNIA CELTIC CLASSIC WORLD HIGHLAND GAMES AND FESTIVAL AUGUST 24 AND 25 AT SEA TERRACE PARK World championships, amateur chamDana Point Times July 26-August 1, 2013

pionships and strong man events are the main attraction for Highland Games. But the Celtic and International Food Faire, fiddle and bagpipe demonstrations, dancing, live music, gathering of the clans and children’s glen promises to bring world culture to us in Dana Point in entertaining ways like never before.

For more information and Highland Game videos, go to www.calcelticclassic. com.

ELEPHANT PARADE AUGUST 23 THROUGH MID-NOVEMBER

The Elephant Parade includes 30 one-ofa-kind painted elephant sculptures located throughout Dana Point for two months as the first United States location to present this international cultural arts event.

The Dana Point Tourism Business Improvement District, made up of the city’s four largest resorts, is presenting the Elephant Parade as part of its conservation message, to increase destination awareness of Dana Point and bring this art exhibition to the community. The Elephant Parade is an internationally renowned open-air art exhibition highlighting preservation efforts for the endangered Asian Elephant.

Local and international artists and celebrities paint elephant sculptures which are placed in various locations around the city then auctioned off with proceeds benefiting global conservation efforts.

The community is invited to the Elephant Parade kickoff event on August 23 at Doheny State Park. For more information about the welcoming event and programs during the two months of the Dana Point Elephant Parade, visit www. elephantamerica.com.

Want to know more about what’s happening this summer? For the latest community event information, visit www. danapoint.org and watch for the next Community News and Recreation Guide coming to Dana Point mailboxes August 2.

Enjoy your Dana Point summer, and remember we are Harboring the Good Life. 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.

Page 9

GETTING OUT

3

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

WEEZER 7:45 p.m. The popular band performs for the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the OC Fair & Events Center in Pacific Amphitheatre. Tickets start at $29.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com.

26

SCOTT ANDERSON & WINE TASTING 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.

SHAWN JONES 8 p.m. StillWater. Tickets $10. 24701 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

saturday

27

www.danapoint.org.

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,

MISSION SJC PAINT OUT 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nearly 60 artists visit Mission San Juan Capistrano for a special “Paint-Out” of the historic monument and its surrounding grounds. Admission fee of $6-$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.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.

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE: JEFFERSON STARSHIP Jefferson Starship will rock the Coach House stage Sunday, July 28 with a show paying tribute to the band’s storied forbearers, Jefferson Airplane and the original Jefferson Starship, as well as showcasing the band’s own music. This most recent incarnation of Jefferson Starship features legendary vocalist, guitar player and songwriter Paul Kanter, a founding member of both Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, along with David Freiberg, who has also been a member of both bands.

The critically acclaimed group of San Francisco Bay Area musicians also includes Slick Aguilar on guitar, keyboardist Chris Smith, Donny Baldwin on drums and vocalist Cathy Richardson, who played Janis Joplin in the original off Broadway cast Jefferson Starship. Courtesy photo of the hit show Love, Janis. The set list will include the entire collection of tunes from the trailblazing Jefferson Airplane album Surrealistic Pillow. Enjoy an entire night out by making dinner reservations before the show and catching the two opening acts, Usual Suspects and Rum Soaked Raisins. The concert is an all-ages show.

Catch Jefferson Starship at The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, on July 28. Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $28. For tickets or dinner reservations, visit www.thecoachhouse.com or call 949.496.8930.

—Andrea Swayne

HARBOR MUSIC CRUISE 8-9:30 p.m. Live music cruise in the DP Harbor on the Dana Pride offered by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching every Saturday. Tickets $15. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

BLUE WHALE CRUISE 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Search for blue whales with the Ocean Institute. Cost $55, includes continental breakfast. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

MICRO CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING 8 p.m. Special event at The Coach House. Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www. thecoachhouse.com.

sunday

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK 3 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Concert at Heritage Park with Old Money Jim and Revival, a tribute to CCR & John Fogerty.

34400 Old Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

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ASHUN 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Live music and dinner at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

ART OF COOKING 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Special food presentation at the Festival of Arts featuring Chef/Partner of Broadway, Amar Santana. Ticket $10. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.6582, www.foapom.com.

FREE FISHING FOR KIDS Noon. A fishing lesson and more for kids at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

monday

MARK “SELLY” SELIGSON 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.

OPERATION SEMPER FUNNY 6 p.m. An evening of comedy, dinner, silent auction and prizes at the Irvine Improv benefiting Dana Point’s 5th Marines and their families. Tickets online. 71 Fortune Drive, #841, Irvine, www.danapoint5thmarines.com/semper-funny, www.irvine.improv.com.

JENNIFER KEITH QUINTET 8 p.m. Jazz standards, blues, country at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

PAJAMA STORYTIME 7 p.m. Wear your PJs to the Dana Point Library and listen to bedtime stories. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Dana Point Times July 26-August 1, 2013

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tuesday

SAN O FOUNDATION PHOTO EXHIBIT 6 p.m.8 p.m. The San Onofre Foundation’s “Coastal Presence,” a photography exhibit running July 17-Sept. 30 with a display of photos for sale and much more. 3030 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.366.8599, www.sanofoundation.org.

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MEET THE CHEF 7 p.m. Local chef Sima Gahaba visits the Dana Point Library for a food-inspired presentation and Q&A. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

wednesday

THE FLAMING LIPS & THE GROWLERS 7:45 p.m. The popular bands performs for the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the OC Fair & Events Center in Pacific Amphitheatre. Tickets start at $31.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com.

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JIM SUMMERS & FRIENDS 7 p.m. Classic rock at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

thursday

01

MISS CAROLINE’S CRAFTSTRAVAGANZA 11 a.m.1 p.m. Crafts for kids ages 6 and older at the Dana Point Library.

33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

RUBBER BEAN WITH TUNNEL VISION 7 p.m.

Reggae at StillWater. 24701 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

ZZ TOP 8:15 p.m. Classic rock band at the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the OC Fair & Events Center in Pacific Amphitheatre. Tickets start at $38.25. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event?

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

DP LIVING

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.

Taking it to the Parks

I Heart Yoga in the Park draws all walks of community life

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

W

hether one can barely touch their toes while watching Seinfeld reruns or shows up an entire studio class by doing scorpion handstands, classes held at Dana Point’s Lantern Bay Park can be tailored to fit all yogi needs.

From the young to the old and everyone in between, locals gather each morning to practice asanas, or yoga body positions, and take in the sights and sounds of this coastal community.

Since 2008, south Orange County native Elsa Stephen has taught outdoor yoga

Elsa Stephen directs a yoga class at Lantern Bay Park. Stephen started teaching a small group of friends yoga in an outdoor setting five years ago and has since expanded her operation to the community with donationbased classes each day at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

classes to all who’ve come. And from a small group of friends every Tuesday in the first year to the more than a hundred who gather now, Stephen has brought a fastpaced style of yoga to the community.

“These classes are geared toward begin-

ners,” Stephen said, of the classes that attract all walks of life. “It is more fitness based than chanting and breathing,” she said, so people from every culture, religion and background can feel comfortable.

Stephen and her small staff of instruc-

tors hold classes daily no matter the weather, no matter how many people show up and no matter their level of skill. On any given day, yoga mats form a brightly colored patchwork atop the park’s lawn as dozens of yogis breath from downward facing dog through their chaturanga, a challenging push up, to soak in the sun in upward facing dog.

Speaking of which, many participants come with Fido in toe.

“It is just me and my coffee can. I am not business oriented,” Stephen said.

“This all happened organically and I would love to build this brand.”

I Heart Yoga in the Park holds classes each morning 365 days a year, rain or shine, at Lantern Bay Park at 10 a.m.

From now through August, Stephen offers hour-long sunset classes starting at 6:30 p.m. and has a stand-up paddleboard class scheduled for 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 24 at the OC Dana Point Harbor’s Baby Beach.

Daily classes are donation based with a recommended fee of $8 a class.

For more information, visit www.iheartyogainthepark.com. DP

CHAMBER WELCOMES SENIOR HELPERS TO LOCAL BUSINESS SCENE Local business helps seniors live independently longer

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

T

In keeping with Dana Point Chamber of Commerce tradition, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held this week for its newest member, Senior Helpers, located on Violet Lantern. Mo Ireland, owner of the local franchise, is seen holding the scissors. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Dana Point Times July 26-August 1, 2013

he Dana Point Chamber of Commerce stuck with tradition on Monday in initiating one of its newest members on board.

At a ribbon cutting ceremony, chamber ambassadors, city leaders and representatives from Assemblywoman Diane Harkey’s office were present to offer congratulations and a warm welcome to the Dana Point franchise owner of Senior Helpers, Mo Ireland, to the chamber.

Senior Helpers is an international company with over 300 offices throughout the United States, Australia and Canada that provides assistance to seniors living independently at home. With a broad Page 13

range of services from light housekeeping to 24-hour care, Senior Helpers aims to make life a little easier for elderly within the community.

“We want to keep our seniors living in their home as long as we can,” Ireland said.

Ireland has worked for the organization for over three years now, and started in a management position. Now, as an owner, she moved her San Clemente-based office to Dana Point last year and recently became a DP Chamber of Commerce member. Ireland’s mother is also a branch owner in central California.

For more information about services offered through Senior Helpers, visit www. seniorhelpers.com. Also, the local branch can be reached at 949.498.2073. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 By Tom Blake

Chances are if it Feels Wrong, it is Wrong Listen to your heart, hold your head high and refuse to settle

F

inding love after 50 is difficult, especially for women. Despite this reality, most women refuse to compromise their standards. They would rather be alone than accept a relationship that is not right for them. They often say, “I won’t settle.”

But some women are willing to settle and it’s hard for them to break away. Liz is one of them.

She wrote, “I met someone at work. We have been dating for six months and it’s going well. We no longer work at the same place.

“I fell in love with him, but he tells me that he is not in love with me. I have no choice but to accept this feeling. I casually asked a while ago if he would want to live together. He stated he will never live with me. I was very surprised.

“He also said he would never marry me.

He feels he is too old. He is 62 and I am 60. This further hurt me. He has never married but was involved in relationships with women and says he was very loyal.

He told me he asked the last woman he was dating—for many years, and not living together—to marry him. She refused.

Now, she calls him and wants to get back

together. He told me that is impossible, but I don’t know why they broke up.

“I find him very rigid and set in his ways. I told him to relax. I’m a divorcee without children. We both like cats too. I’m still dating him but at the ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 same time trying to lose

By Tom Blake weight so I can get back to meeting people. This will take a lot of time.

“We are friends and have been intimate but I still feel the hurt from the rejection.

He has been living in the same house for 45 years. I have never been to his apartment. He said it was small and a mess. He also says he has a single bed. He was a mama’s boy, but she is gone now.

“I like his qualities. He’s very intelligent and giving to his students. He always takes me out to dinner by the sea, has come to my place whenever he gets an extra day off near the weekend, is fun to talk to and is a real gentleman. I love that part a lot. He is not dating anyone else and I like that as well. He said to just understand that for the next four years,

until he retires, nothing will happen since he works six full days a week and lives 80 miles north of me. His job is 15 miles from where he lives.

“I want a good, loving man who wants to get married and is right for me. If not, then living together with a legal, signed agreement is good. I don’t want to live separately any more from my male friend.”

Response: There is plenty wrong with this picture and the chances are, if it feels wrong, then it is wrong.

They’ve been dating for six months and she feels the relationship is going well?

Despite his telling her he isn’t in love with her, that he will never live with her and will never marry her? And she’s never been to his house? That’s an unusual definition of things going well.

And she feels she has no choice in the matter? That’s pretty sad. This is a classic case of a woman being willing to settle just to have a man in her life.

He has been single and dating and lived in the same apartment for 45 years with just a single bed? That’s not very accommodating to women.

There is one positive in the relation-

ship: they both like cats.

I don’t mean to be harsh on Liz. Give her credit. She is willing to invest time in improving herself. By writing to me, she asked for help. She needs a booster shot of self-esteem.

Liz’s boyfriend doesn’t want to drive an extra 130 miles six days a week. I can’t fault him for that. But does she want four more years of similar treatment? If he feels he’s too old to marry now, I doubt if he will think differently in four years.

As long as Liz hangs her hopes on him, her life is going to be pretty miserable.

She should listen to the women who say, “I won’t settle.”

To comment: tompblake@gmail.com.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at www.findingloveafter50.com.

DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS

5

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

DP

D a n a Po i nt

OUTDOOR SPOTLIGHT

DANA WHARF FISH COUNT

Calico bass has been the name of the game over at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in recent weeks. While hundreds of the fish have been released, there has been a large amount of keepers still being reeled in. The yellowtail that were running no more than a month ago seem to have departed to different waters but a few of them appear to still be hanging around. Here is the latest Dana Wharf fish count.

7/24 276 anglers; 11 boats; 144 calico bass, 35 rockfish, 16 sand bass, 5 blue perch, 3 barracuda, 2 sheeps-

Dana Point’s Rob Pelkey Wins Coveted California Waterman at SC Ocean Fest

Dana Point’s Jerry Vhynis shows off a 13-pound sheepshead he caught on a Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching boat. Courtesy photo

head, 1 halibut, 1 opaleye.

7/23 245 anglers; 7 boats; 83 calico bass, 79 rockfish, 45 bocaccio, 33 sand dabs, 15 sand bass, 5 vermil-

PADDLEBOARD SPRINT Women’s Division 1. Kelsey O’Donnell—8:47 2. Candice Appleby—8:49 3. Marissa Shaw—8:58 4. Taylor Spivey—9:14 5. Tandis Morgan—9:22 Men’s Division 1. Brian Murphy— 7:39 2. Nick Hagen—7:55 3. Colton Overin—8:09 4. Scott Diederich—8:13 5. Tim Burdiak—8:23 SURF SKI Men’s Surf Ski-5K Open 1. Brian Murphy 2. Rob Pelkey 3. Patrick Hemmens 4. Tim Burdiak 5. Tyler Morgan Women Surf Ski 1. Chris Linkletter

Dana Point’s Rob Pelkey, left, with fellow Dory Boat racer Mitch Kahn at this year’s San Clemente Ocean Festival. Pelkey took home the California Waterman Award. Photo by Jim Shilander

Compiled by Jim Shilander and Steve Breazeale Dana Point Times

T

he 37th installment of the San Clemente Ocean Fest was held last weekend. There were an estimated 50,000 people in attendance over the two-day span to take in the sights, which included all the activity in the water and on the beach.

This year Dana Point’s Rob Pelkey took home the coveted California Waterman Award, which is given to the competitor

who compiles the most points on the first day. Pelkey had a very successful day, placing first in the American Ironman contest and the surf race. He also placed second in the 5K paddle and surf ski event. He wrapped his day up with two third-place finishes in the International Ironman and the Dory Boat races.

Here is a rundown of the top finishers from the San Clemente Ocean Festival.

For a full list of the stand-up paddleboard and surfing events, check out our surf page. DP

CALIFORNIA WATERMAN 4. Tandis Morgan—9:29 5. Marissa Shaw—10:02 AWARD Men’s Division Rob Pelkey 1. Rob Pelkey—12:38 2. Jeff Hart—12:49 CALIFORNIA 3. Tom Seth—12:52 WATERWOMAN AWARD 4. Mitch Kahn—13:00 Kelsey O’Donnell 5. Chris Coy—14:14 Two-Person Rescue Relay AMERICAN IRONMAN 1. Anthony Vela—3:11 Women’s Division 2. Thomas Dollar—3:22 1. Taylor Spivey—8:52 3. Brian Murphy—3:25 2. Christina Boring—8:54 4. Emmy Merrill —3:27 3. Kelsey O’Donnell—9:21 Dana Point Times July 26-August 1, 2013

5. Edward Cumpana—3:30 Dory Race #1 1. Tom Seth—16:44 2. James Bray—17:00 3. Mitch Kahn—17:34 4. N. Scott Shoemaker—17:45 5. Mel Solberg—18:03 Dory Race #2 1. James Bray—16:42 2. David Cartlidge —16:43 3. Mitch Kahn—17:15 4. Mel Solberg—17:41 5. Nick Hagen—17:50

INTERNATIONAL IRONMAN Women’s Relay Taylor Spivey—21:17 Men’s Relay 1. Pat Jacobson—20:03 2. Jeff Hart—20:16 3. Rob Pelkey—20:17 4. Marshall Abramczyk—20:45 5. Kelton McMains—21:48 BIATHLON Men’s Division 1. Keith Meter—31:01 2. Andrew Kline—31:21 3. James Riddle—33:15 4. Samuel Maloney—34:03 5. John Clinkinbeard—34:37 6. Kris Behrens—34:38 7. Blake Corbin—34:50 8. Eric Gatti—35:12 9. Brandon Elliot—35:17 10. Andrew Dinsick—35:33 Women’s Division 1. Lindsay Hilgers—34:42 2. Kimberly Gomez—35:23 3. Nikki Spurgeon—37:51 4. Sara Davis—38:04 5. Shaw Marissa—38:09 6. Mallory Mosk—40:27 7. Emmy Merrill—40:36 Page 16

lion rockfish, 3 halibut, 2 sculpin, 2 sheepshead.

7/22 233 anglers 8 boats; 166 calico bass, 35 rockfish, 16 bocaccio, 15 blue perch, 11 vermillion rockfish, 11 barracuda, 8 sand bass, 6 opaleye, 2 white fish.

7/21 229 anglers; 10 boats; 90 calico bass, 41 rockfish, 21 sand bass, 19 blue perch, 11 boccacio, 10 barracuda, 6 vermillion rockfish, 5 yellowfin croaker, 4 mackerel, 3 sand dabs, 2 yellowtail, 1 white seabass, 1 sheepshead, 1 whitefish.

— Compiled by Steve Breazeale

8. Allison Hilgers—41:18 9. Katie Delahooke—42:57 10. Lea Rolfes—43:24 RUN-SWIM-RUN Men’s Division 1. Evan Kraus—8:40 2. Steve West—8:46 3. Garrit Barth—8:58 4. Michael Collins—9:07 5. James Riddle—9:11 6. Anthony Vela—9:20 7. Matthew Thonson—9:27 8. Scott Lee—9:32 9. Sam Bailey—9:35 10. Thomas Dollar—9:37 Women’s Division 1. Audrey Neilan—9:24 2. Jessica Ball—9:39 3. Nikki Spurgeon—10:30 4. Emmy Merrill—11:41 5. Astrid Cybulskis—11:43 6. Sara Davis—11:52 7. Camille Bidwell—12:01 8. Jessica Krick—13:39 9. Alleanna Clark—13:46 10. Mallory Mosk—13:53 SPLASH AND DASH Jr. Men’s Division 1. Diego Hernandez—6:32 2. Wyatt Merchant—7:47 3. Luca Vilte—9:11 4. Scott Lee—9:36 5. Nathan Wright—12:59 6. Vikram Khare—13:52 7. Amir Tajdini—13:52 8. Timothy Chong—13:55 9. Kaleb Black—13:59 10. Steven Fields—14:02 Open Men’s Division 1. Scott Brandenburg—4:14 2. Steve West—4:57 3. Gordon Beh—5:02 4. Thomas Dollar—5:15 5. Anthony Vela—5:21 6. Kevin Shinnick—6:19 7. Evah Anderson—6:21 8. Keala Ede—6:21 9. David Hughes—6:38 10. Glen Inducil—6:52 Senior Men’s Division 1. James Riddle—4:49 2. Michael Collins—5:01 3. Shawn O’gorman—5:39

4. Kevin Weissman—5:50 5. Larry Baratte—6:16 6. Robert Sanseverino—6:26 7. Jerry Lopopolo—6:31 8. James Sanseverino—6:32 9. Fuad Burki—6:51 10. Gaylord Chilling—7:02 Jr. Women’s Division 1. Jillian Boor—6:42 2. Camille Bidwell—7:18 3. Kaylee Inducil—7:40 4. Alleanna Clark—7:55 5. Megan Quintilone—8:03 6. Bridget Lee—8:42 7. Alex Prinze—9:23 8. Amanda Tamburelli—9:25 9. Katherine Lentz—14:11 10. Madison Marsh—14:11 Open Women’s Division 1. Astrid Cyculskis—7:00 2. Paige Kobayashi—8:01 3. Jessica Krick—8:09 4. Mackenzie Hurt—8:25 5. Jolene Guiliana—14:35 6. Crystal Hoyos—16:14 Senior Women’s Division 1. Nikki Takarabe—7:31 2. Donna Arnold—8:39 3. Janice Clark—8:47 4. Alison Lee—9:38 ONE-MILE SWIM Men’s Division 1. Evan Kraus—16:42 2. Steve West—16:53 3. Scott Diederich—17:26 4. Ryan Wolf—17:37 5. Anthony Vela—17:38 6. Dean Nicolls—17:39 7. James Riddle—17:42 8. Gordon Beh—17:45 9. Bryan Buck—17:49 10. Michael Collins—18:00 Women’s Division 1. Audrey Neilan—18:46 2. Jessica Ball—19:14 3. Anneka Sakovich—19:43 4. Mallory Mosk—20:36 5. Nikki Daurio—20:40 6. Nikki Spurgeon—21:03 7. Lindsay Covington—21:37 8. Jolene Guiliana—21:40 9. El Seabern—21:59 10. Krista Krantz—22:01 www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

FOR SALE BLACK FENDER GUITAR AND AMP FOR KIDS Kid’s size black Fender electric guitar with matching amp. Great condition, just needs a few new strings.

Barely used. $100 or make me an offer. Can email pictures. Call or text 949.533.9761.

GARAGE SALES CAPISTRANO BEACH GARAGE SALE Saturday, July 27th- 6:30am. 34821 Calle Del Sol. Collectables, Hawaiiana, Beach Décor, Hawaiian Surf Clothes, TV’s, Bikes and assorted great stuff!

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.

DP SURF

6

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK Hagan Johnson Age: 10, Concordia Elementary

Hagan Johnson won the Boys 10U shortboard division at the San Clemente Ocean Festival Groms Rule Surf Contest on Sunday, a victory that marked his third time earning top honors at the annual event. “On my first wave I did one good turn, raced to the closeout section and kicked out. I felt like I got a good score but I knew I needed a back-up,” he said.

“Then I caught a right, right next to the pier, and hit the lip, pumped to the closeout section and landed an air.” With two good scores under his belt Hagan decided that he could be patient and wait for a good set to make sure and get yet another good back-up wave. His strategy worked Hagan Johnson. Photo by Sheri Crummer/seasister.com and he claimed the win at the home break he’s been surfing nearly every day for seven years. And Hagan feels local knowledge played a big part in his continued success there. “On a south swell it pushes away from the pier and sometimes surfers who aren’t real familiar with the break don’t know that and can be scared to take off toward the pier,” he said. “Going right toward the pier is my favorite.” Hagan will continue his pursuit of a future pro surfing career—along with pro golfing and skateboarding—and is looking forward to competing in both the WSA and NSSA series in the upcoming season.—Andrea Swayne

Locals Rise to the Top at Ocean Fest Podiums at surf and SUP contests packed with SC, DP talent

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

C

onsistent head-high waves and the excitement of friendly surf competition more than made up for the gloomy, overcast weather at last weekend’s San Clemente Ocean Festival.

The Ocean Fest included a variety of events for surf enthusiasts, from stand-up paddle surfing and racing to the traditional Groms Rule surf contest for kids.

Across all competitive fields and age groups, athletes representing the San

RESULTS San Clemente Ocean Festival Surf and Sup Events, July 20-21, San Clemente Pier Groms Rule Surf Contest, July 21 Full results. BOYS 10U: 1. Hagan Johnson; 2.

Jett Schilling; 3. Taj Lindblad; 4. Bane Corbett; 5. Spencer Fanticola; 6. Thatcher Johnson.

BOYS 11-14: 1. Shane Hardy; 2. Ethan Mudge; 3.

Curran Dand; 4. Jett Schilling; 5. Luca Aza; 6.

Elijah Tomlinson. GIRLS 10U: 1. Kirra Pinkerton; 2. Saige Reale; 3. Sawyer Lindblad; 4. Alaina Heater; 5. Grace Pelkey; 6. Kylie Chetakian.

GIRLS 11-14: 1. Kirra Pinkerton; 2. Bethany Zelasko; 3. Samantha Sibley; 4. Gabriella McCormick; 5. Cameron Duby; 6. Liv Stokes.

SUP Surfing Championships, July 20 Full results. MEN 39U: 1. Josh Sleigh; 2. Chris Hamm; 3. Anthony Vela; 4. Olivier Guincetreu; 5. Andrew McKinnley; 6. Jay Gomez. MEN 40+: 1. Karl Ring; 2. Byron Kurt; 3. Eric Starnes; Dana Point Times July 26-August 1, 2013

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

San Clemente City Councilman Chris Hamm catches air during a stand-up paddle surf competition at the San Clemente Ocean Festival. Photo by Sheri Crummer/seasister.com

Clemente-Dana Point area turned in a number of impressive performances.

The two-day overall combined leaders in the men’s surf related competitions (including SUP Sprint, 10K Paddle, 5K

Paddle and SUP Surf) saw winner Byron Kurt, runner-up Anthony Vela and thirdplace finisher Chris Hamm—a San Clemente city councilman—claiming the top three places. Among the women, locals

4. Michael Skelly; 5. Mike Baker; 6. Scott Cheney. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Emmy Merrill; 2.

Diane Wenzel; 3. Alleanna Clark; 4. Candice Appleby; 5. Kimberly Gomez; 6. Shae Foudy.

37:47; 3. Chris Sears, 43:34. MEN SUP 14’: 1.

Tyson Poppler, 37:51; 2. Byron Kurt, 38:06; 3.

Mike McErkan, 39:46. MEN SUP 12’6: 1. Shawn Fejerang, 41:47; 2. Larry Moore, 42:34; 3. Scott Cheney, 43:35. MEN PADDLEBOARD STOCK: 1. Scott Diederich, 42:01; 2. Brian Lanich, 48:15; 3. Bob Feinberg, 51:09. WOMEN SURF SKI: 1.

Chris Linkletter, Surf Ski, 41:11. WOMEN SUP 12’6: 1. Candice Appleby, 42:21; 2. Shae Foudy, 46:15; 3. Kimberly Gomez, 46:16. WOMEN PADDLEBOARD STOCK: 1. Kelsey O’Donnell, 47:42. WOMEN SUP 14’: 1. Lauren Eisenberg, 48:50.

SUP Sprint, July 21 Top finishers only. MEN: 1. Anthony Vela, 6:44; 2. Byron Kurt, 7:13; 3. Olivier Guincetre, 8:08.

WOMEN: 1. Kimberly Gomez, 7:30; 2. Shae Foudy, 7:42; 3. Alleanna Clark, 8:11.

10K SUP Race, July 21 Top finishers only. MEN: 1. Chance Fiedler, 1:07:21; 2. Garrit Barth, 1:07:39; 3. Byron Kurt, 1:09:00. WOMEN: 1. Kristin Thomas, 1:24:48; 2. Kimberly Gomez, 1:27:17; 3. Shae Foudy, 1:28:59.

More information and photos can be found online at www.danapointtimes.com. For full results, log on to www.oceanfestival.org.

5K Open Ocean Paddle (Surf Ski, Paddleboard and SUP), July 20 Top finishers only. MEN SURF SKI: 1. Brian Murphy, 28:22; 2. Rob Pelkey, 28:27; 3. Patrick Hemmens, 28:43. MEN PADDLEBOARD UNLIMITED: 1. Anthony Vela, 37:14; 2. Ben Vail,

UPCOMING EVENT

Shae Foudy and Alleanna Clark took second- and third-place respectively, behind winner Kimberly Gomez of Santa Cruz.

The Stand-up Paddleboard Surfing Championships Open Women’s division was nearly swept by locals, with Gomez, fifth-place, being the only athlete from afar to make the podium. Emmy Merrill claimed top honors, followed by runnerup Diane Wenzel, Clark in third, Candice Appleby in fourth and Foudy in sixth.

In the Groms Rule Contest, Kirra Pinkerton took the top spot in both Girls 10U and 11-14 divisions. Hagan Johnson ruled the Boys 10U division and Shane Hardy the Boys 11-14.

Ocean Festival Executive Director Peggy Vance complimented the surf brand sponsors for adding greatly to the overall event vibe which included large doses of fun and sportsmanship.

From Hobie’s SUP Surf Championships and goodie bags provided by Rip Curl for the grom contest to Ocean Minded’s ongoing beach cleanup buckets, which had many participants and spectators happily picking up litter in exchange for a hat, the sponsors really delivered and all deserve great thanks, she said. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 67-69 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 6-8’ Poor+; Catalina: 10-15’ Poor-Fair Immediate: A modest scale south/southwest groundswell mix and some small northwest windswell sets up knee- to waist-high waves (2-3’) at most spots as top breaks hit shoulder high (4’). The swell combo fills in a bit more on Friday for waist- to shoulder- high surf (3-4’) at better exposures. Light/variable to light onshore winds in the morning gives way to a light-moderate westerly sea-breeze in the afternoon.

Long Range Outlook: Fun blend of southern hemi groundswells and minor NW windswell keep up decent size surf for the regions better exposures through the weekend. New southern hemi swell moves in early next week.

Check out Surfline.com for all the details!

August 3-4: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 1, San Onofre State Beach, Trail 6

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