August 30, 2013

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, EVENTS AND MORE AUGUST 30–SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

LO C A L

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 35

Locals Embrace Elephant Parade As international Elephant Parade hits Dana Point, local artists’ contributions shine E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

Some of the Asian Elephant statues being featured in the Elephant Parade: Welcome to America open air art exhibition are seen on display during the preview event at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. Photo by Andrea Swayne

www.danapointtimes.com

Remains Found in Panama Belong to Yvonne Baldelli, Authorities Say

Will Schmidt Prepares for Marathon Stand-up Paddleboard Channel Crossing

INSIDE: Elephant Parade: Welcome to America Pullout Map

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

SPORTS/PAGE 20

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EYE ON DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

DP

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

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.

City Council Meeting City Council remains dark this week, but meetings are set to resume on Tuesday, September 17 at 6 p.m. Meetings are held at City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern. For a look at the agenda of what will be on the next agenda, stick with www.danapointtimes.com for updates.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Labor Day City of Dana Point and Orange County offices, including the OC Dana Point Library, will be closed in observance of the holiday.

D a n a Po i nt

nual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival with a sunset cruise on Friday just outside the Dana Point Harbor. Crowds can line the seawall as historic vessels participating in mock-cannon make their way to the Ocean Institute’s docks.

On Saturday, Disney Junior’s favorite little buccaneer and gang, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for dancing, singing and fun. Attendees are invited to explore a piece of maritime history aboard the visiting tall ships, wander encampments and get hands-on with living history and ocean life. For more, visit www.ocean-institute.com.

FRIDAY THRU SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 TO 9 Toshiba Tall Ships Festival The Ocean Institute kicks off its 29th an-

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

… the Remains Found in Panama?

THE LATEST: Human remains found on a Panama island last Tuesday have been identified as those of a Dana Point woman who went missing in November 2011, authorities have confirmed.

According to a report, Panamanian authorities made the announcement Wednesday that remains found on August 20 are those of Yvonne Baldelli, 41, who moved to the country in September 2011. The discovery of human remains on Isla Carenero, off the northern coast of Panama, was first reported on Tuesday, August 20 by Panama-guide.com, an English language website covering the country.

Baldelli relocated to Panama with thenboyfriend Brian Brimager and went missing two months later.

Officials with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations, who have been involved in the case for nearly two years, were informed of the discovery the same day, said FBI Special Agent Darrell Foxworth, from the bureau’s San Diego division.

Baldelli was last seen in November 2011 and was later reported missing by family members, said her older sister Michele Valenzuela, who in an interview last week said without a doubt her sister was found.

“We are happy that evidence has come forward, now Yvonne can tell her own story,” Valenzuela said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Brimager, who was living in San Diego, is currently in federal custody under one charge of making false statements to federal officials and 10 counts of obstruction of justice. If convicted of all counts, Brimager could face a more than 200-year sentence. Although a federal indictment accused Brimager of killing Baldelli and covering up the crime, no murder charges have been filed.

Dana Point Times August 30–September 5, 2013

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

—Andrea Papagianis

2

… the Town Center?

THE LATEST: After decades of planning and discussion, construction on the Town Center project is slated to begin on Monday, September 9 with shovels in the ground the following day, said Linda Homscheid, spokeswoman for the South Coast Water District.

The largest public works project in the city’s history to transform the Del Prado Avenue and PCH corridor into a pedestrian-friendly center will begin with water district’s work on underground utilities along the later roadway. At a meeting last week, the district’s board of directors unanimously approved a contract with a construction management firm, marking a last step before phase one work begins.

The joint project partners the water district and city to complete utility and streetscaping work, respectively, throughout Town Center. The two entities are working in a phased approach with the water district completing utility work before the city begins street improvements.

WHAT’S NEXT: Construction crews will be replacing water, sewer and storm drains along PCH between Silver Lantern and Golden Lantern first, with the district’s utility work on PCH going through January.

The city will follow with street-level work on PCH, expected to last until October.

A total project work timeline is expected to last through 2015.

FIND OUT MORE: To read more, go to www.danapointtimes.com.—AP

3

... the Rack Case?

THE LATEST: Former Shorecliffs Middle

School teacher Richard Rack pleaded guilty Monday to four felony counts of sexual assault against one student and performing lewd acts on two others.

Rack’s jury trial in the case began last week and the prosecution rested its case Thursday. The defense was scheduled to begin its presentation Monday, but Rack’s plea put an end to the trial.

Deputy District Attorney Vanessa Woods, who prosecuted the case, said the testimony of all three victims, as well as other girls who came forward to testify on other incidents, were vital to the outcome.

Woods said there was no deal in exchange for Rack’s plea.

WHAT’S NEXT: With the guilty plea, Rack, 51, faces up to 10 years in state prison and will have his name on the National Sex Offender Registry for the rest of his life. A sentence hearing is set for October 18 at 8:30 a.m. at which point victims and their families may speak, as could Rack.

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

4

… a Tented City Hall?

THE LATEST: City Hall will appear different this weekend as a large circus-like tent will cover the building. But residents do not need to be alarmed at the sight, as the city offices are being fumigated for termites, said Mike Rose, the city’s director of emergency preparedness and facilities.

The city’s offices, located at 33282 Golden Lantern, were scheduled for closure over the three-day weekend—from Saturday, August 31 through Monday, September 2—and will reopen on Tuesday, September 3 at 7:30 a.m.

While the fumigation means all city offices and businesses located on the premise are closed, Dana Point Police Services will remain relatively unaffected,

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said Sheriff’s Lt. Lynn Koehmstedt, Dana Point’s chief of police services. All nonemergency calls will still go through the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 949.770.6011 and those reporting an emergency should dial 9-1-1.

WHAT’S NEXT: Residents are warned to stay away from the building and the fumigation trucks, as inhaling the gas’ fumes could be lethal, said Issac Camacho of Accurate Termite and Pest Control.

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

5

… Labor Day Parking?

THE LATEST: To accommodate heightened Harbor traffic over Labor Day weekend, the OC Dana Point Harbor and community entities have partnered together to mitigate any issues following success over last year’s holiday weekend.

Starting on Saturday, August 31 and running through Monday, September 2, Catalina Express customers are being directed to park on the island-side Nordhaven parking lot and in the Embarcadero Marina one-acre parcel. The Harbor and Vintage Marina Partners will provide a free shuttle service to transport travelers to and from the lots.

WHAT’S NEXT: All merchant and restaurant employees have been directed to park in the Embarcadero lot as well. Boaters with appropriate passes and gate cards will have full access to boater lots, but must meet guests at the gate for them to gain parking lot access.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, visit www.ocpdh.com.—AP Have a story idea? Send your suggestions to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Locals Embrace Elephant Parade As international Elephant Parade hits Dana Point, local artists’ contributions shine

Asian elephants that need a fighting chance.”

The resorts of Dana Point that make up the city’s Tourism Business Improvement District—the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort; The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel; Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and DoubleTree Suites Doheny Beach—approached Spits, about being the marquee American event, and truly embraced the cause he said.

It is an embracing of a cause that has reverberated throughout the community.

“It’s truly a declaration to the world about how important, not only compassionate causes and environmental causes are, but the power of art and culture to advance those causes,” said City Councilman Scott Scheoffel, who himself has been a champion of highlighting arts in the city.

While the parade has included locals in the design process from Luxemburg to Tokyo, a large-scale incorporation of the host community’s youth appeared for the

first time in California.

Earlier this spring, nearly 2,000 fourthand fifth-grade students throughout Capistrano Unified School District took part in a two-week educational program and designed their own sculptures inspired by their experience. The design by Morgan Finelt’s, from Ambuehl Elementary, was chosen to join the ranks of renowned artists. With the help of Kent Baker, the visual arts instructor at Capistrano Valley High School, Finelt’s design was transferred to the larger canvas and now sits high above Dana Point at Lantern Bay Park.

“It is kind of dark for the elephants and I wanted to shine a little light on them, so I used the bright colors,” Morgan said. “I also really love diamonds and I really think that they show happiness.”

Morgan and Baker were recently recognized by the CUSD Board of Trustees for participating in the Elephant Parade.

The trustees and Superintendent Joseph Farley praised the pair’s work and showed support for the exhibition.

For the next 10 weeks, elephant statues will be on display around Dana Point from celebrity artists like Lily Tomlin, Khloé Kardashian, Cesar Millan, Wyland and Southern California-native spray paint artist Chor Boogie.

“Once you get to a certain platform and you can help more, that is your responsibility,” said Cesar Millan, known for his dog training on the National Geographic show “Dog Whisperer” and animal activism.

“Today it was helping the Asian elephant and tomorrow it could be something else.

To me animals represent that, they help humans all the time to stay alive and so that is what I want to do in return,” Millan said. “As a father, that is what I am leaving my kids, I don’t want to leave financial wealth, I want to leave consciousness.”

See the center spread for a full map of the elephant locations.

Winner of the CUSD and Elephant Parade design contest, Morgan Finlet, 11, stands with Kent Baker, who brought her “Bright Beauty” design to life.

Photo by Andrea Swayne

The “Dog Whisperer,” Cesar Millan stands with the members of his pack, including his contribution to Elephant Parade: Welcome to America. Photo by Andrea Swayne

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

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ne-by-one intricately painted elephant sculptures paraded from the sands of Doheny State Beach to join their herd, placed in pods around the park’s greens. Dozens of life-sized baby, Asian elephant statues gained quick public prestige as hundreds of park-goers posed for photos and examined each and every detail. The elephants had arrived, and the community took note.

It was the public’s first opportunity to view the 37 elephant sculptures collectively, coming to Dana Point as part of the international open-air exhibit, Elephant Parade: Welcome to America.

For weeks leading up to their arrival, individual sculptures made cameo appearances at city events and the four major hotels that led the way to their coming to town. The American journey began nearly four years ago when U.S. Ambassador to the Elephant Parade, local resident Dana Alan Yarger, began booking artists to participate in the parade.

Now, the elephants have officially made their first United States appearance, and co-founder of the Asian Elephant Foundation and its premier fundraising event, the Elephant Parade, Mike Spits, said it is all part of his American dream.

“The thing about Americans is they have a very positive attitude,” Spits said on Friday evening at Doheny as hundreds took in the pieces of artwork. “We try to promote a positive message and we do it in a different way by bringing pleasure, joy and happiness … I believe America is really open for that model and that is what we have experienced here today.”

Spits’ father, Marc, was traveling in northern Thailand in 2006 when he stumbled into the world’s first Asian elephant hospital, called Friends of the Asian elephants. As he wandered the grounds a

Local leaders are joined by co-founder of the Elephant Parade, Mike Spits (left) and the parade’s U.S. ambassador, Dana Yarger (right), at a welcoming of the herd event at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. The elephant pictured is entitled “Zia Skye” by Laura Inkster. Photo by Andrea Swayne

truck approached and an elephant injured by a landmine appeared.

They called her Mosha, the tribal word for star in the Karen language and she became just that. Mosha lost her leg and needed surgery and a prosthetic leg to survive. Rather than write a check, Spits conceptualized the Elephant Parade, a multi-week exhibition of 5-foot tall Asian Elephant sculptures, decorated by local and international artists and later auctioned off.

And now after its first appearance in Rotterdam, where son Mike lives, and nearly a dozen international parades thereafter, Mosha is thriving with her one-ofa-kind prosthesis and the foundation has raised more than $6 million to date for the preservation of the endangered species.

“Mosha is handicapped, but she walks and she is a happy, naughty elephant,” Mike Spits said. “She is the star … and she is really the spokes-elephant for the Elephant Parade and for all the other

Tim, Sam, Stephanie and Lilly Scott from Dana Point paint a miniature elephant statue at a welcoming event at Doheny State Beach. The elephants have since been moved to display locations around town where they will remain through November 7. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Dana Point Times August 30–September 5, 2013

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www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

DP Sheriff’s Blotter

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO City’s Emergency Expo Highlights Importance of Disaster Readiness As bats cracked in Williamsport, Pa. and a California team neared the Little League World Series championship title, a different display of readiness and dedication took over the baseball field of Dana Hills High School early Saturday.

Dozens of exhibitors lined the outfield wall for the city’s annual Emergency Preparedness Expo, highlighting ways residents can keep their families safe if and when a disaster strikes. From law enforcement branches to regional utility companies, each presenter came armed with tools for residents to deploy if needed, and provided tips and onsite training for emergencies.

As part of the continued community emergency preparedness training, the city of Dana Point is offering a three-day, hands-on program where residents will learn lessons to better prepare themselves for disasters.

The city’s Community Emergency Response Team training provides participants with the basic knowledge to handle emergency situations.

Participants will learn to manage utilities and extinguish small fires, to treat basic medical emergencies, to understand disaster psychology and to search for and rescue victims safely. The program is nationally recognized and was designed using guidelines and training materials from county and state agencies as wells as the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Classes will take place over three days, from Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22. Participants must complete all three days to become CERT certified. For more information and to find the registration form visit www.danapoint.org, or contact Mike Rose, director of disaster preparedness and facilities, at 949.248.3535 or at cert@danapoint.org. u

Kent McBride of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad shows off the capabilities of one of the squad’s robots to the Kausch family, including father Corey, mother Megan, Jennifer and Lauren. Photo by Jim Shilander

Dana Point Times August 30–September 5, 2013

Daughters of American Revolution Honor Dana Hills Graduate u Local high school graduates and their school counselors were honored by the San Clemente Island Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution— of whom all members of the organization can trace family lineage back to the fight for American independence—for being good citizens at a luncheon in San Juan Capistrano.

The students from Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Valley, Dana Hills, San Clemente and San Juan Hills high schools were chosen by their individual schools on merits of high levels if dependability, leadership patriotism and community service.

Kelley Gomez, who graduated from Dana Hills in June, won the Norma Wilson Good Citizen Award.

Gomez also competed against other students and award recipients from Orange County and went on the win the Daughters of the American Revolution District XII award for good citizenship, joining the 500 students recognized in the state and the more than 16,000 honored nationally.

Las Buenas Amigas Donates to Local Charities Serving Youth and Elderly Guests and members of the nonprofit Las Buenas Amigas enjoyed their annual patroness luncheon and fashion show at the San Juan Hills Golf Club earlier this summer infused with a Mediterranean feel.

Attendees enjoyed browsing the large boutique as well as the door prize tables which featured “themed” baskets and gift certificates from local merchants. The luncheon featured Mediterranean-veined courses and was followed by a style show of members modeling fashions provided

by Chico’s.

The nonprofit raises funds for organizations throughout south Orange County that provides services to the elderly and youth in their communities. Funds raised at the luncheon went on to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of the South Coast Area and the RIO Community-based Adult Services in San Clemente. For more information call 949.499.1863. u

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. Forward a picture along, too! We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.”

Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

SPONSORED BY

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

Saturday, August 24 DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (8:08 p.m.) A group of juveniles entered a store and began yelling. An employee notified deputies and said that the entire group remained outside in the parking lot riding bikes and skateboards.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Ritz Pointe Drive, 0 Block (8:02 p.m.)

Three or four men and one woman were seen jumping up and down on top of a carport. The caller told deputies the group could possibly be intoxicated.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (3:38 p.m.) A man called deputies and demanded a group of about eight men and woman, who he said appeared to be transients, be arrested for loitering on his property. The man told dispatch he was concerned they would all run once they saw deputies.

GRAND THEFT REPORT Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (1:10 p.m.) A woman called deputies from Taco Surf saying her sister had stolen her laptop computer. Dispatch reported that the caller sounded suspicious and acted as if she were intoxicated or high.

KEEP THE PEACE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 25000 Block (9:08 a.m.) An employee of Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern called deputies after getting in a verbal argument with the owner of RJ’s Cafe over parking issues.

OPEN WINDOW Street of the Crystal Lantern, 34100 Block (6:51 a.m.) A concerned resident reported a smashed-in upstairs window Page 6

to deputies. The caller said the trash cans had been out since Monday, which led the caller to believe that the residents are out of town and may have been burglarized.

9-1-1 HANGUP Dana Point Drive, 24800 Block (3:31 a.m.) Dispatch received a call from a woman who quickly hung up. Upon calling back, the woman picked up the phone stuttering and pleading that “no one comes to the house.” The dispatcher described the woman as being very evasive and ultimately requested deputies perform a welfare check on her.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Monarch Beach Resort, 0 Block (3:13 a.m.) A concerned father reported his 19-year-old son had been served alcohol at a wedding and became intoxicated.

The father also said his son had wandered off from the party about an hour and a half prior to the phone call. Security and members of the wedding party were on the grounds looking for him.

Thursday, August 22 TRESPASSING Calle Naranja, 34400 Block (9:57 p.m.)

A man called deputies after witnessing a recreational vehicle pull into the driveway of a vacant house in his neighborhood. The man said he could see a flashlight inside of the RV and said the driver was not the homeowner.

DISTURBANCE Sea Terrace Street, 0 Block (9:17 p.m.)

A man and a woman were in a verbal confrontation and things were heard thrown around in the residence and a window was smashed.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Brookview, 0 Block (9:11 p.m.) A man called deputies and stated that a friend of his had just broken his window and was last seen on the back porch of the caller’s residence. The friend was described as 23 years old and wearing a yellow and green jersey.

ASSAULT REPORT Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (8:54 p.m.) A man called deputies from Carl’s Jr. and said his friend and father had battered and beaten him. He informed deputies he did not need medical assistance and that he would wait by his Volkswagen GTI until they arrived.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Via Santa Rosa, 34200 Block (7:56 p.m.)

A caller told deputies a woman could be heard screaming for help for the last five minutes along with a male yelling.

The caller also said that two bangs were heard coming from the mobile home park in the area. It is unknown if the two incidents were related. 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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Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION

Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 35. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

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Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

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ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

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RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

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

City Editor, 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, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell

Letters to the Editor HEAR ME OUT AND SPEAK UP ABOUT THE DOHENY HOTEL JOHN H. HAZELRIGG, Dana Point

First of all let me say I look forward to receiving my Dana Point Times each week. I thoroughly enjoy the format and the articles related to Dana Point.

There is a major news story developing in our city that has received little or no attention by your newspaper. I am terribly disappointed that your reporters have not thoroughly covered this story since, if allowed to progress, it will have a major detrimental effect on the quality of life of every citizen and visitor to our wonderful city by the sea.

A firm by the name of Beverly Hills Hospitality Group has submitted plans to the city of Dana Point to build a five-story, 258 room hotel at the corner of Del Obispo (Dana Point Harbor Drive) and Pacific Coast Highway. The City Planner told me that the highest point on this monstrosity would be 87.5 feet—this in a city which has a 35-foot height limit on structures.

This proposal is objectionable on so many levels it is hard to know where to start.

Traffic—This corner has to be the busiest corner in town. Commuters going north on PCH are often backed up to the

bridge. Those towing boats are entering/ leaving the Harbor, beachgoers, campers and those visiting Doheny State Park and the Harbor continually jam up traffic in all directions. Add to this emergency vehicles and sightseers and you have gridlock often under today’s conditions.

When you consider the Doheny Blues Festival, fireworks and other events it’s untenable.

To exacerbate this with 258-guests turning in and out of the small entryway into the hotel is unthinkable.

Noise—I live directly across PCH from this project. Traffic with motorcycles, fire trucks, ambulances, etc. reach many decibels, but we love this end of town so much we are willing to overlook this problem.

Festivals in the park are very noisy but only last two days. This hotel is planning a rooftop swimming pool and bar. Let me translate this for you. Corporations love to fete their employees with getaways to beach locations where they can celebrate with bands, dancing, shouting and in general often make a nuisance of themselves.

We can hear bands and laughter and other sounds emanating from the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and the beach, but we realize it’s limited and

comes with the territory. A commercial hotel such as this one would undoubtedly have functions on a nearly nightly basis.

The sound would carry throughout the Village at Dana Point and Bal Harbour communities.

Pollution—The additional traffic would add to the already unbearable amount of soot, tire residue, etc. that covers our decks and patios.

Is this hotel necessary?—There is a Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel one block north on PCH. There’s a DoubleTree Suites about five or six blocks south and the magnificent Marriott is a stone’s throw away. If this hotel doesn’t make it financially, we’re faced with an empty eyesore that will blight our city forever.

Aesthetics—The side of the hotel running along PCH is a slab sided wall that is very unsightly. The aforementioned hotels in Dana Point, along with The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort add beauty and dignity to our city. This thing will resemble the structure of the state prison in Chino.

I could go on, but you get the point. In the face of all these potential problems and the fact that it is illegal from the getgo, I think this project warrants some attention from your staff so that the entire city of Dana Point can be made aware of what’s being proposed that would have an adverse effect on every citizen. An article with drawings and all the aforementioned problems would allow every citizen to voice their opinion on a project that would have a profound negative impact on our way of life here in beautiful Dana Point. Thanks for hearing me out.

REMEMBERING A WOMAN WHO LOVED DANA POINT C.E. CLARK, Dana Point

Cynthia Dix Baugh, born June 21, 1915 and died July 2, 2013.

Dana Point became a city in 1989, but

Mrs. Cynthia Dix Baugh was a prominent community leader long before that. In Dana Point, she was the founder of the Friends of the Library here in our city.

When the library opened its doors at the new building on July 7, 1977, she was there along with Tom Riley, her Friends supervisor. The library had relocated from its small store front at 24721 La Plaza. That building is still there and is now a dentist’s office.

As president of the Friends of the Dana Point Niguel Library, and with the late Doris Walker as vice president, she began a group which is still active today.

Her vision was to fund the extras for the library patrons like buying new books, records and supplies, as well as, remodel and repair work, special programs for children, author visits and lectures of local interest for the Festival of Whales and of local history. Artwork, films and music were also included.

She was also active in the Meals on Wheels program and Designing Women, a support group for the Laguna Beach School of Art, as well as a member of the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

She never missed an opportunity to give back to the community, her community, some of what she felt she had been given.

A private burial service was held in Orange County. Memorial gifts may be made to the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, 120 Stevens Ave., Solana Beach, CA 92075.

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

GETTING OUT

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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

RUBBER BEAN, RAW BLAKE AND TUNNEL VISION 9:30 p.m. A night of rock/soul/reggae/ska at OC Tavern. Tickets $5. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

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SAWDUST FESTIVAL 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Annual art festival with more than 200 artists displaying paintings, photography, crafts, jewelry, clothing, blown glass and much more. Runs through Sept. 1. Admission: adults $7.75, kids $3.25. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030, www.sawdustartfestival.org.

ART EXHIBIT DEBUT 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Saddleback College Art Gallery presents an art reception to debut the new exhibit: “3 Transitions – Work Overtime: Paintings by Don McKinney.” On display through Sept. 13. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

FESTIVAL OF ARTS 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Fine arts festival with daily activities and happenings. Weekday admission $7, weekend admission $10. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.6582, www.foapom.com.

THE MONSOONS 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.

BLUE LARGO 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

JIM NICHOLS BAND 9 p.m. Live music at Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.3400, www.goodystavern.com.

JERI CURL 8 p.m. Michael Jackson meets Prince in a hilarious throwback of the 80s at StillWater. Cover $5. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Dana Point Times August 30–September 5, 2013

AT THE MOVIES: FUN AND MAYHEM AT ‘THE WORLD’S END’ It happens all the time in Hollywood: one concept is floating around in development, and another similar one is also being produced. It happened in 1998 with Antz and A Bug’s Life, and then 2009 with Observe & Report and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. This year, director Edgar Wright and friends are back together to give audiences the second apocalyptic farce of the summer.

Titled The World’s End, the demons in This Is the End are now replaced with robotic clones. After ending rehab, compulsive liar and addict Gary (Simon Pegg) recruits his old pals Peter (Eddie Marsan), Oliver (Martin Freeman), Steven (Paddy Considine) and Andy (Nick Frost) to “pub crawl” across their hometown of Newton Haven, England. But the four friends have grown up and are getting tired of Gary’s antics and he can’t seem to take a hint. Also © Focus Features everyone around them seems to be acting strangely. And all the pubs seem to look exactly the same once they arrive. Rosamund Pike and Pierce Brosnan co-star as Steven’s sister and the friends’ former professor. The World’s End is the third and final feature of the Wright-Pegg-Frost trilogy, following Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Hot Fuzz (2007). While it is unfortunate that the Apatow crew’s own spoof came out two months earlier, Wright’s film is funny enough with a big enough fan base for the comparison to not matter. — Megan Bianco

INVASION 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free concert at the Kaleidoscope. 27741 Crown Valley Parkway, Mission Viejo, www.gokaleidoscope.com.

DVR 6:30 p.m. Music at Sunsets. 34700 Pacific Coast Highway, Capistrano Beach, 949.276.8880, www.sunsetsbar.com.

MIDNIGHT WHISKEY 8:30 p.m. Live music at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com.

MARSHALL TUCKER BAND 8 p.m. Classic rock band in concert at The Coach House. Tickets $35; call for info. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

LIVE MUSIC: ABOVE 7 8 p.m. Live music at Brio Tuscany Grille featuring hit songs from the 70s through 90s. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

saturday

WEST COAST FILM FESTIVAL The 3rd Annual West Coast Film Festival at various venues in San Juan Capistrano featuring indie films, documentaries, classics and much more. Daily films now through Sept. 1. Tickets on sale at the local Regency Theatre. More info: 949.489.7771, www. westcoastfilmfest.com.

31

MUSIC UNDER THE STARS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, dining and dancing in the courtyard of Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Tonight features music by The Fab Four: Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles with “Ed Sullivan”. Ticket info online. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www. missionsjc.com.

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.

SASHA EVANS AND JOE HARNER 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.

Page 10

PAGEANT OF THE MASTERS: LIGHTS, CAMERA, INACTION! 8:30 p.m. The final night to view the Festival of Arts’ Pageant of the Masters with this year’s theme, The Big Picture. Tickets $15-$220. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.6582, www.foapom.com.

SWING LAB 7 p.m. Themed event at StillWater featuring an evening dedicated to the Roaring 20s with swing music and more; period attire encouraged. Call for ticket info.

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

MIKE WALLACE 8 p.m.–11 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

sunday

ELEPHANT PARADE WELCOME TO AMERICA Elephant sculptures are on display throughout Dana Point including local beaches, public parks, resort properties, Dana Point Harbor and other high-traffic locations to increase awareness and benefit The Asian Elephant Foundation.

More info: www.elephantamerica.com.

01

WHALE AND DOLPHIN TOURS Get eye-to-eye with dolphins and whales on Capt. Dave’s hi-tech Catamaran Sailboat. Daily trips lasting 2.5 hours. $55 adult, $35 child (3 to 12), under 2 free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.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

15TH ANNUAL LABOR DAY PIG ROAST 1 p.m. Swallow’s Inn and The Capistrano Eagles MC present a pig roast celebration with live music by Family Style and more fun. Donation $15. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

02

KARAOKE 9:30 p.m. Get on stage at Hennessey’s Tavern every Monday night. No cover. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com. (cont. on page 15) www.danapointtimes.com

BELOW THE SURFACE

~YOU’LL UNCOVER THE REAL POINT. Whether you are visiting from around the world — or living just around the corner — the more you explore Dana Point, the more you will uncover all its breathtaking dimension. From legendary resorts to the whale capital of the world, the dramatic beauty is always moving to sea.

TM

/myDanaPoint

Resort reservations and year-round events at

myDanaPoint.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10)

tuesday

03

HART AND SOUL 8:30 p.m.

Live music at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Highway., San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www. montegorestaurant.com.

BRIO SHOWCASE OPEN MIC 8 p.m.–Midnight. Open mic at Brio Tuscany Grille every Tuesday. 24050 Camino del Avion, Suite B, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

wednesday

STORY TIME FOR CASA KIDS 10 a.m.

Every Wednesday kids ages 3-5 are invited to hear stories at Casa Romantica. Free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

04

LECTURE: CONSERVING DEAD TREES FOR CAVITY NESTERS 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Lecture on The Cavity Conservation Initiative at the RMV Presentation Center, part of The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy events. Free. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

BRIAN YOUNG AND THE BLUES STATION 7 p.m.10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

JOHN HIATT 8 p.m. Acclaimed musician and songwriter John Hiatt at The Coach House. Tickets $55. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

WEDNESDAY WINE DINNER 7 p.m.–8 p.m. St Roys Chef’s Pub at Vine features a four-course food and wine pairing every Wednesday night dinner; menu changes weekly. Cost $40 per person. 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.9376, www.vinesanclemente.com.

BISHOP’S CHESS CLUB 6 p.m.-7:45 p.m. The club meets the first Wednesday of the month at the San Juan Capistrano Library for chess games, instruction, discussion and more. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

thursday

05

www.thecellarsite.com.

PBILLY WATSON AND ROBIN HENKEL 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663,

TASTE OF SOUTH COUNTY AND CAPISTRANO AUTO SHOW 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Food and beverages from a host of South County’s restaurants and cafes, as well as music and new cars on display held at Independence Bank. Cost $15-$25. 32291 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

EDITOR’S PICK SEPTEMBER 5: Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra 8 p.m. Ottmar Leibert and his band Luna Negra bring southwest border-country flamenco music to the Coach House stage.

Far from old school flamenco, songs from Liebert’s latest release, “Dune,” include a mix of acoustic and electric guitar, Ottmar Liebert. gypsy accordion, electric bass, Photo by Joe Mozdzen funky drum-boxing and percussion. Doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $30. Dinner reservations are also available. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

UPCOMING– SEPTEMBER 7 TOSHIBA TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

The 29th annual two-day tallships festival at the Ocean Institute area with parades, cannon battles, historical reenactments, live music, tours and sailing on the sea. Free to attend, with fees for select events. Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, www.tallshipsfestival.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com

THIRD TIME’S A CHARM FOR WEST COAST FILM FESTIVAL

W

est Coast Film Festival co-founders and veteran film producers Stephanie Heredia and Robert Kline have kicked off their third annual event which runs Wednesday, August 28 through Sunday, September 1. The five days of films will be showcased primarily at Regency Theatre in downtown San Juan Capistrano, but also at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School’s Performing Arts Center and the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

This year, Kline and Heredia have shaped the festival to give their guests a sneak peek into the film-making process, from the inception of a story to its creation.

“People want to know how you get a film made,” Kline said. “Our message to the community is, ‘Let’s watch film together. Talk to the film makers. Interact with them. Let’s share our passion and love of film.’”

Below is the full remaining film festival schedule:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30 Black Beauty/Looney Tunes Back in Action 3 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café A double family feature.

Caddyshack 7 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café The movie will be preceded by a golf pro from San Juan Hills Golf Club. An after party follows the film at the Vintage Restaurant and Steakhouse.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31 West Coast Film Festival co-founders and veteran film producers Stephanie Heredia and Robert Kline are set to kick off their third annual event, August 28 through September 1, in San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point. Photo by Brian Park

Dana Point Times August 30–September 5, 2013

The Paw Project 2 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café A documentary on a grassroots effort to stop the practice of declawing cats. Director and veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Page 15

Conrad will also be available for a Q&A session.

Crossroad 5 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café The dramatic film’s director and producer Shervin Youssefian will be available for a Q&A session.

Go with Le Flo 7:30 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café The film’s producers and husband-and-wife duo Michael Glover and Robyn Rosenkrantz will be available for a Q&A session. The show begins at 7 p.m. with a special musical performance by the pair.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 An American in Paris 1:30 p.m., Performing Arts Center at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School A pre-film reception will take place at 1:30 p.m. at El Adobe de Capistrano.

USC School of Cinematic Arts Films 2 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café A collection of short films by students from the University of Southern California’s film program.

Cruzin’ 5 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café A documentary on Olympic cyclist Tony Cruz as he and 14 of his friends ride their bikes 1,000 miles from north to south Vietnam over 12 days.

Heaven and Earth 7 p.m., Regency Theatre and Rick’s Café West Coast Film Festival co-founder Robert Kline, the producer for the 1993 Oliver Stone film, will lead a discussion and Q&A session with Le Ly Hayslip, the author of the autobiographical memoir, “When Heaven and Earth Changed Places,” which inspired the film. An after party will follow the film at Thai Juan On, 31878 Del Obispo Street, and includes a no-host bar.

For the full story, visit www.danapointtimes.com. DP –Brian Park 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.

Rotary Event Could Mean Over $40,000 for Local Charities Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s fourth annual Lobster Fest a success Story by Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

O

n Saturday evening as the sun set on Doheny State Beach, hundreds gathered around Maine lobster tails at the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s fourth annual Lobster Fest—the organizations most successful event to date, in its 28-year existence.

The annual fundraising event sold out early on, with more than 600 tickets sold, up from last year’s 400 attendees, said Alan Wickstrom, president of the local rotary.

This year, the club set a fundraising goal of $40,000 and as numbers from ticket and beverage sales, silent auction bids and game purchases flowed in, Wickstrom said it appears the goal will be surpassed.

Funds from the surf and turf feast go on to support the club’s adopted organizations like the Ocean Institute, the J.F. Shea Center

for Therapeutic Riding, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and the South Orange County School of the Arts, all serving area youth.

Pacific Region Youth of the Year winner, Yossymar Rojas, who is now competing for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier honor, was presented with a $6,000 scholarship from donors like the Rotary Club and Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

Rojas, a Dana Hills High School graduate and a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, is up against five other regional winner for the National Youth of the Year award. Along with the honor comes a $15,000 scholarship and the chance to travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Barack Obama.

We caught up with Wickstrom after the event to get his thoughts on this year’s Lobster Fest.

Dana Point Times: You sold out early on and cut off ticket purchases at the door, has this

Area leaders attend the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Lobster Fest on Saturday Night. Picture (L to R) Georgelean Olvera, Dana Point City Councilman Carlos Olvera, State Assmeblywoman Diane Harkey and Councilman Bill Brough. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Dana Point Times August 30–September 5, 2013

happened in year’s past?

Alan Wickstrom: “We have never sold out a Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club fundraising event before, so this was a first.

It seems like the Dana Point Lobster Fest is now the hot ticket for the summer … and next year will be even bigger and better.”

DPT: How many volunteers go into putting an event like this on?

AW: “Over 115 volunteers donated their time to put on our fourth annual fundraising event. Of those 115 volunteers, 20 of them were Rotarians from the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club and 95 were from the Dana Hills High School Interact Club, National Charity League (both the Laguna and Monarch Beach chapters), the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and other volunteer friends of the Rotary.”

DPT: Were you able to meet your fundraising goal this year?

AW: “Our fundraising goal was to reach $40,000 and our early numbers show we

have far exceeded this amount thanks to all the wonderful folks who attended and sponsored our Lobster Fest. However, we won’t have the final fundraising financials for another week or two.”

DPT: What does it mean to be able to lend support to charitable organizations focused on helping the youth in the community?

AW: “The youth are our future and Rotary’s programs for students and youth can change the lives of those we invest in and mentor. With Rotary, it’s not just about donating money, but to mentor and volunteer with the charitable organizations and individual youths we support to instill ethics and goodwill, while having fun and a good time. Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self,” and we take this mission very seriously.”

For more information about the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club and its annual Dana Point Lobster Fest, visit www.monarchbeachrotary.com and www.danapointlobsterfest.org.

Members of the Dana Hills High School Interact Club Volunteer at the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Lobster Fest and prepare to serve over 600 guests. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Page 17

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Medieval Traditions Transform City into Celtic Center Middle Ages come to life at California Celtic Classic Story and Photos by Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

A

s the last hammers were thrown and the haggis was eaten, clans from far and wide put down their swords, packed their armor, broke down their villages and said farewell. And as they returned to their everyday lives, Sea Terrace Community Park stepped out of the Middle Ages and back into the 21st century.

The city’s first California Celtic Classic came to a close Sunday evening, as a U2 tribute band played and marked an end to the city’s eight-week run of its annual summer Concerts in the Park series.

From the first concert at Lantern Bay Park with some 4,000 concert-goers, this year’s series saw record numbers of attendees for tributes to musical legends like Elvis, Jimmy Buffet, The Eagles and ABBA—which drew the biggest crowd of the season, said Kevin Evans director of community services and parks in Dana Point.

“We extended the attendance this year, and with the addition of the food and beverage sales we were able to add a full experience and offerings for our residents and guests,” Evans said.

For two days, Sea Terrace Park was transformed into an iron and medieval village, filled with shanty-town tents, woodworkers, blacksmiths, iron clad warriors,

velvet and lace covered high-brow figures, kilt wearing men and mythical characters from dreams of far-off lands.

It was the first time an event of this kind had come to the city, known for its Festival of Whales, Doheny Blues Festival and summertime Concerts in the Park series.

But EventWerks, which partnered with the city to support the Sunday evening concerts, took the reins this summer to add three new festivals to the city’s lineup of events. From an event highlighting food and wine, to one centered around country music and home-cooked chili, each August weekend saw a different culinary flavoring and cultural offering in Dana Point.

“I truly believe that it is the new wave of the future, and that is partnerships both with the Chamber of Commerce, private event companies, local businesses and our nonprofits to work collectively to bring major events to Dana Point,” Evans said.

Last weekend’s Celtic festival was home to the World Highland Games, the first world championship professional games of its kind held in Southern California. Dana Point resident and seven-time Highland Games world champion, Francis Brebner helped bring international athletes to the city’s stage.

Highland athletes from Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Scotland and the United States competed in a series of centuries-old events, dating back to Ireland circa 632 B.C.

City leaders took part in the festivities on Saturday at the California Celtic and World Highland Games. Pictured here (L to R) Kevin Evans, director of community services and parks, Mayor Steven Weinberg and Chief of Police Lynn Koehmstedt.

Blacksmith and woodworker Lamont McLaughlin, of Pamona, whittles a shallow wooden bowl at the California Celtic Classic.

It was a family affair at the California Celtic Classic on Saturday as hundreds gathered for the event. Pictured (L to R) Teri Bruce with Aiden and Alicia Knight.

GUEST OPINION: Harbor Happenings by Barbara Merriam

New Sailers for Sailors T here is a world-wide foundation, or basic knowledge about sailing.

There is also a local foundation—a charitable entity—that helps young sailors financially.

The Dana Point Youth Charitable Foundation is available to help secure rental boats at low cost for youth sailing classes, and those boats are also available for the local “Soda Can” race series and other races that are not part of a formal class.

The foundation owns several Sabots, Collegiate Flying Juniors and Lasers, which all qualify as dinghy sailers.

On August 10, there was a very special event in the OC Dana Point Harbor, which took place at the hoist where small boats are kept in dry storage and then launched each time for a sailing adventure. This area of the Harbor is at the corner where the Dana Island bridge and Dana Point Harbor Drive intersect. The foundation had just purchased two rather advanced small boats called 420s and it was exciting

Dana Point Times August 30–September 5, 2013

to watch their inaugural “splash.”

The appropriate words for launching a new boat were read by Captain Mark Doliva, who also led a champagne toast to the gods HARBOR of the winds and the HAPPENINGS

By Barbara god of the sea to ensure Merriam safe passage for these boats. Foundation President John Berry gave a brief overview of the program and how these boats were discovered and purchased.

Another foundation board member, Donna Carter, spoke about what sailing has meant to her children, who have grown up in the sailing community and won races and awards for Corinthian spirit and seamanship.

One of the boats had a special unveiling of its name, Mongo. This will forever remind friends and family of Jeff Adam’s

joie de vivre, after his young life was tragically cut short by a sudden illness. Jeff was legendary in the Dana Point sailing world, for his ability to enjoy everything and his wonderful attitude was contagious.

“Mongo” was a term he used for just about anything.

“That was a mongo wind! That was a mongo lunch! That was a mongo wipeout!”

You get the idea.

Jeff’s mother, Wendy Adam, spoke about the Jeffrey Adam Memorial Regatta Fund in partnership with the Dana Point Youth Charitable Foundation. The proceeds of the memorial regatta, with an additional donation from the family, provided funding for Mongo. Anyone may make a tax-deductible donation to this foundation—as there is always maintenance to be funded. To find out how to donate, log on to www.dpycf.org.

After the splash, the boats were launched and sailed off around the island by a team of two girls and a team of two

Page 18

boys. It was delightful to watch and of course when two sailboats are on the same course, it inevitably becomes a race. In this race, the winner was the memory of Jeff Adam and the future young sailors who will enjoy these boats.

Barbara Merriman is a former public school music teacher with a love for outdoor sports, primarily sailing and golf. She keeps a sailboat at Dana Point Harbor, has a passion for protecting the environment and serves on the Board of Directors at the Ocean Institute.

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

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

GARAGE SALE GARAGE SALE: SATURDAY, Sept 7, 2013 Time: 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. 34455 Via Verde, Capo Beach. Items: New Carpet Cleaner, Britax toddler car seat, Womens Clothing & Shoes, Household Items, Books, Misc etc

HELP WANTED PERSONAL ASSISTANT Personal Assistant needed to stay at home mom:Help getting 2 teenage boys to & from school & extracurricular activities. Help with grocery shopping and other errands as need.Resume to Jack@jntmgmt.com

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. No phone calls please.

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

POOL SERVICE & REPAIR

949.444.6323

WINDOW CLEANING Bayside Window Cleaning, Inc. www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

949.215.2323

Palisades Pool Service & Repair 949.542.7232 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

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

DP

D a n a Po i nt

Will Schmidt to Embark on Marathon SUP Journey

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Dana Point’s Will Schmidt has overcome a lot of hurdles in his life.

After suffering from severe anxiety and depression, the former Marine ultimately found solace on the water in the form of stand-up paddle boarding. He accredits SUP with saving his life and giving him a purpose.

Earlier this year Schmidt successfully navigated the 45-mile Catalina Channel unassisted. Now he is upping the ante.

In an effort to push his body to the limit and raise funds and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project, Schmidt is planning a 300 nautical-mile trek through the Channel Islands of Califor-

Will Schmidt will attempt to traverse the Channel Islands of California unassisted.

Courtesy photo

nia. The journey will start in Oxnard on September 13 and end in Dana Point Harbor. He is aiming at finishing it all in

one week’s time.

The distance will be the most ambitious of Schmidt’s SUP career.

“I average over 200 miles a month while training. The big reason for choosing this particular route is that no one else has ever done it,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt has been training his body to withstand the immense energy loss that will occur. Schmidt estimates he will burn close to 500 calories per hour and take between 500,000 to 650,000 paddle strokes.

To follow Schmidt’s SUP journey or to donate to his cause, visit www.areyouinspiredyet.com. —Steve Breazeale

POINT REC Strength on Display at World Highland DANA LEAGUE ROUNDUP Games, Celtic Strongman Challenge T

By Steve Breazeale San Clemente Times

officials.

Fellow American Matt Vincent finished seven points behind McKim in second-place. Vincent finished first in the 28-pound Braemar Stone carry after lifting the stone and walking a distance of 87-feet10-inches.

In the All-American Amateur Highland Games Championships Scott Hutchinson took home the winners hardware, despite not winning an event. Hutchinson instead earned the top spot by finishing in the top four of all eight events.

The California Celtic Classic Strongman Challenge is similar to the popular World’s Strongest Man Competition, but with a few unique events like the log lift and farmers walk, where the athletes had to walk 60 meters while carrying a 270-pound weight in each hand.

Casey Garrison was the overall points winner in the event. Sean Dimarinis finished second. DP

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he hammers, the stones and even the kegs were not safe from the gigantic competitors at last weekend’s IHGF Professional World Highland Games Championships and California Celtic Classic Strongman Challenge, held in Dana Point’s Sea Terrace Community Park.

Dozens of professional and amateur athletes competed in classic displays of strength like the hammer throw, stone lifting and caber tossing over the two-day event. There were even more untraditional events, like the car lift and keg toss on display.

In the IHGF Highland Games Championship, American Dan McKim finished first overall. McKim’s day was highlighted by his 123-feet-7-inch 22-pound hammer throw. The throw was a new World Championships record according to event

Matt Vincent, of Baton Rouge, competes in the hammer throw at the World Highland Games championship. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

he final outs of the Dana Point Recreation Sports League have been recorded and the postseason hardware has been doled out. Here is a re-cap of the final week’s action in the league.

Advanced Kickball For the fourth time in their team’s history Cobra Kai emerged as the season’s overall winners. Cobra Kai came into the four-team tournament as the No. 3 seed but rattled off a 5-3 win over Ballbarians and notched a gritty 4-2 win over regular season champ Your Face in the finals on August 26.

Beginner Kickball Swift Kick in the Grass proved they were the top team after winning both the regular season title and the postseason tournament on August 26.

They defeated Hairy Larrys 7-2 in the finals.

Softball The Show put on an offensive display in the softball postseason tournament, outscoring their opponents by a 3424 margin to claim the first-place trophy.

The highlight of the tournament was their narrow 12-11 victory over No. 1 seed Killer Dana in the semifinals. They were able to defeat runner-up Feel the Heat 8-6 in the finals. DP

Dana Hills Football Set to Open Season Against Mustangs

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here was buzz around the Dana Hills football summer practices that could be described as eagerness. The team that finished in a three-way tie atop the Sea View League standings in 2012 saw the preseason schedule head coach Todd Rusinkovich had drawn up for them and seem to have accepted the challenge of playing one of the toughest six-game slates in recent memory.

The Dolphins will open their preseason schedule with a home game against Trabuco Hills on August 30 at 7 p.m.

Trabuco Hills, who plays in the South Coast League, has a deep and talented roster and is aiming at winning one of the Dana Point Times August 30–September 5, 2013

two playoff spots awarded to their fiveteam league.

The two teams squared off against each other in their 2012 season opener and the Mustangs narrowly prevailed to the tune of a 17-14 win.

This year Rusinkovich is purposefully making the schedule a bit harder in order to better prepare his team for league play.

The Dolphins first five games feature tilts against the Mustangs, Fountain Valley, San Clemente, Villa Park and JSerra.

“There’s no easy game on that schedule, we are going to have to come to play. The kids are excited to get after it,” Rusinkovich said.

PLAYERS TO WATCH ON FRIDAY NIGHT MAC VAIL: He will once again lead the

offense against a stingy Trabuco Hills defense. Vail lost a lot of his weapons at wide receiver due to graduation, but he feels the new group, which features one senior, will be fine on game day.

“The talent (of the receivers) didn’t drop that much from last year, just the experience … I feel really comfortable with them … they’ll be alright,” Vail said.

BRIAN SCOTT: Scott had a breakout year as the Dolphins running back and helped power them to the league title. The coaching staff has been working on certain blocking schemes to better suit Scott’s

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running ability. If Scott can get things going early, that will free up the Dolphins passing game.

CONNOR SHIRVAN: Shirvan is making the switch from offensive line to defensive nose tackle this year. Shirvan will be among the biggest bodies on the field Friday night and it will be worth a watch to see what kind of defensive schemes new defensive coordinator Joe Morris has in store. The Dolphins will employ a 4-3 look but will mix it up when they put Shirvan in.

MICHAEL VOGELER: Vogeler will provide experience to a relatively untested defensive backs group. Vogeler will start at strong safety. DP —Steve Breazeale www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

6

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK DAVID ECONOMOS

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Age: 13, Shorecliffs Middle School We caught up with David Economos while en route to the airport in Kaua’i, on his way home from a weeklong trip with his family—one more surf getaway before school starts. David will be starting the eighth-grade this year at Shorecliffs Middle School and is looking forward to his second year of SSS competition on the school surf team. He credits his success and progress in surfing to his supportive parents and coach Kevyn Dean at DSC. At school, David is an ‘A’ student whose favorite classes are P.E. and English. His dream for the future includes a career as a professional surfer but he is also interested in the possibility of becoming either a chef or a pastor. “Or maybe even all three,” David David Economos. Photo by Marina Sulkhan said. David also enjoys skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, playing club soccer and drawing. He has spent the summer surfing two to three times a day, having fun while working on his wave selection. “Sometimes I see a wave, get excited and go for it because I just want to go. Then I end up on one that’s not very good and get stuck inside on a good set,” David said. “I want to get better at wave selection because I get impatient and take the wrong waves when I know I could be getting better ones. I’m working on my patience.” This season David will be surfing in WSA Championship Tour because, although he enjoys free surfing, he loves competition and wants more contest experience, he said. —Andrea Swayne

RESULTS First-place and local finishers only.

NSSA Explorer, Event No. 1, August 24, Pacific Beach, Crystal Pier JUNIORS: 1. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente; 2. Lucas Taub, Dana Point. BOYS: 1. John Mel, Newport Beach; 3. Kade Matson, San Clemente. MENEHUNE: 1. Dagan Stagg, Carlsbad; 2. Kade Matson, San Clemente; 5. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach. SUPER GROMS: 1. Connor Marshall, Encinitas.

WOMEN: 1. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente; 6. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente.

GIRLS: 1. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla; 4. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente; 5. Tera Richardson, Capistrano Beach; 6. Alexxa Elseewi, San Clemente. SUPER SENIORS: 1. Jon Faure, Encinitas. DUKE: 1. Rick Fignetti, Huntington Beach; 3. Peter Townend, San Clemente.

Patrick Gudauskas of San Clemente takes top honors at the ASP 4-Star Vans Pro in Virginia Beach, Va., August 25. Photo by ASP/Bobby Shadley

Victory in Virginia San Clemente pro surfer Patrick Gudauskas wins Vans Pro

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

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atrick Gudauskas of San Clemente is bringing home the hardware and a $15,000 prize for taking the win at the Association of Surfing Professionals 4-Star Vans Pro in Virginia Beach, Va. on Sunday at the East Coast Surfing Championships.

Gudauskas held the lead from start to finish in the final, managing to edge out runner-up Deivid Silva of Brazil, who charged to within 0.05 points of the win late in the heat. At the final buzzer, Gudauskas took top honors with a two-wave combined score of 12.67 points (out of 20) to Silva’s 12.63.

Hawaiian, Keanu Asing placed third with 11.00 points and Kaito Ohashi of Japan came in fourth with 9.10.

“That was my first time in Virginia to compete in the ECSC event. It was a really enjoyable trip with fun waves and tons of

Dana Point Times August 30–September 5, 2013

things to do on the side,” Gudauskas said.

“For me, this win was a huge boost for my confidence and season as I’ve been having a lot of close losses over the past year or two.”

Gudauskas’ victory contributes 1,000 points toward his ASP World Ranking, where he sits at No. 57. He is currently the No. 36 rated surfer, and an alternate, on the ASP World Championship Tour ranking.

“The purpose of going there was for me to get my winning rhythm back and create some momentum for the back half of my season. To win on American soil, and in a Vans event, was icing on the cake,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the next four months of competing in World Tour Prime events, looking for more great results and more fun ahead.”

For more information about ASP events and rankings, log on to www.aspworltour. com. DP Page 22

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 65-67 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 10-15’+ Fair-Good Catalina: 15-20’+ Good Immediate: Looking a touch better through the end of the work week as a new round of south-southwest to south groundswell fills in and trace northwest windswell picks up slightly. Through Friday most breaks are in the knee-thigh-waist high (2-3’) range. By the afternoon Friday we expect potential plus sets for standouts. Light/variable to light onshore winds in the mornings give way to a light to moderate westerly sea-breeze in the afternoons through the end of the week.

Long Range Outlook: Modest south-southwest/south swell tops out late Friday into Saturday as northwest windswell lingers.

Best exposures are good for knee-waist high waves (2-3’) with occasional sets to chest high (3’+). Those waves back down through the end of the weekend. Check out Surfline. com for all the details!

NSSA Explorer, Event No. 2, August 25, Pacific Beach, Crystal Pier JUNIORS: 1. Jay Christenson, Pacific Beach; 3. Lucas Taub, Dana Point. BOYS: 1. John Mel, Newport Beach; 4. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach. MENEHUNE: 1. Kade Matson, San Clemente; 4. Ryan Martin, San Clemente; 5. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente. SUPER GROMS: 1. Connor Marshall, Encinitas. WOMEN: 1. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla; 5. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente; 6.

Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente. GIRLS: 1.

Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad; 2. Alexxa Elseewi, San Clemente; 4. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente; 5. Tera Richardson, Capistrano Beach.

SUPER SENIORS: 1. Mike Glevy, San Diego.

DUKE: 1. Jim Ferguson, Santa Rosa; 3. Peter Townend, San Clemente.

For full results, log on to www.danapointtimes.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS September 7-8: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 1, Camp Pendleton, Del Mar Jetties September 7: NSSA Explorer, Event No. 3, Huntington Beach, Pier September 8: NSSA Explorer, Event No. 4, Huntington Beach, Pier September 21-22: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 2, Ventura, Surfers Point September 21-22: NSSA Open, Event No. 1, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty www.danapointtimes.com