November 22, 2013

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 47

Strength in Numbers Survivor credits response, energy of fellow Turkey Trot runners with saving his life E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

One year after surviving a heart attack during Dana Point’s Turkey Trot, Steve VandenBerg (left) is preparing to run the race he credits with saving his life.

Fellow racer and physician, Mike Farrell, was one of the first responders on scene to perform life-saving measures. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Dolphin Report: Cross Country Teams Advance to CIF Finals

Anti-Nuke Activists Find Federal Waste Plans Lacking

Special Insert: Dana Point Turkey Trot Event Guide

SPORTS/PAGE 16

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

CENTER PULLOUT

EYE ON DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Admission is free for this weekly market at La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza Street. Call 949.573.5033 or visit www.danapoint.org for more.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Pajama Story Time 7 p.m. Members of the whole family are invited to the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, for bedtime stories. Don’t forget to wear pajamas as the Sunshine Readers send attendees off to dreamland.

D a n a Po i nt

Call the library for more information, 949.496.5517 or visit www.ocpl.org/ libloc/dana.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Thanksgiving Day City Hall offices are closed throughout the weekend, and will reopen Monday, December 2.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

giving thanks to the ocean, enjoyed by visitors all year long. Volunteers should meet at Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, at the lifeguard headquarters, near the mouth of the San Juan Creek prior to 9 a.m. For information about the DSBIA nature programs and beach cleanups, visit www.dohenystatebeach.org for updates throughout the year.

Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Seasonal produce is on the ticket at the weekly outdoor market, located at 34111 La Plaza Street. Call 949.573.5033 to find out about renting a booth.

‘Thanks to the Ocean’ Beach Cleanup 9 a.m.–noon. The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association hosts its final Adopt-a-Beach cleanup of the year,

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

… Downtown Parking?

THE LATEST: Residents had their chance to air parking concerns this week as the Dana Point Planning Commission welcomed the city’s downtown parking consultant for a study session.

The city contracted San Francisco-based Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates in October to assist in the development of a parking plan for Town Center, encompassing Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado Avenue, and neighborhoods within a fiveminute walk, throughout the city’s core.

Planning consultant Patrick Seigman said the advisers’ primary goal is protecting the integrity of Dana Point’s neighborhoods, while managing business parking, presenting greener solutions and ensuring coastal access. Residents in both the lantern district and bluffside neighborhoods of downtown expressed concerns about neighborhood parking, due to business spillover.

A 2008 parking study found that parking in Town Center topped out at 56 percent occupancy during peak hours. With the exception of parking at La Plaza Park, parking on public streets and private lots was sporadic where shortages and surpluses varied by street. Seigman said even though the study is nearly six years old, the area’s limited development keeps the findings accurate.

WHAT’S NEXT: City leaders could hear parking plans early next year. The city’s $35,000 contract with Nelson/Nygaard runs through April 2014, but could be extended. Before adoption by the city, parking plans will first need California Coastal Commission approval.

FIND OUT MORE: Go to www.danapointtimes.com and search “parking” to read more.—Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times November 22–28, 2013

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… SONGS Waste?

THE LATEST: Anti-nuclear activists attacked a new proposal for on-site storage rules for nuclear waste Monday at a Nuclear Regulatory Commission meeting in Carlsbad. The agency provided findings of a court-mandated review of nuclear waste confidence rules to about 100 attendees.

Included in the NRC’s review is research into whether on-site storage facilities at nuclear power plants, including the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, have the ability to safely house nuclear waste.

The report looked at short-term storage options, of 60 years beyond the licensed life of a nuclear reactor. It also addressed long-term storage, of an additional 100 years, as well as housing waste at shuttered plants permanently.

The indefinite storage consideration comes in light of the federal government not having a central repository for such waste. According to the report, in all three scenarios, continued storage of nuclear waste is expected to have “small” impacts on areas surrounding the nuclear sites.

WHAT’S NEXT: Anti-nuclear activists said rather than a generic approach, regulators need to consider site-specific plans, citing concerns at San Onofre, like earthquakes and tsunamis.

The public can still weigh in on the discussion. Comments can be submitted online through December 20, at www. regulations.gov using docket number NRC–2012–0246.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit us online to read the full story.—Jim Shilander

3

… the Water District?

THE LATEST: The South Coast Water

District has hired a new general manager, closing out a nationwide search that reopened in September after a mutual agreement ended contract talks with the district’s interim leader.

Andrew Brunhart, a retired U.S. Navy captain, comes to the district from the U.S. Department of Treasury, where he worked with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Brunhart has 30 years of experience managing and operating public utilities and infrastructure as a civil engineer corps officer. He also served as general manager of a sanitation district in Maryland.

“I am certain Andy has the leadership skills to see us through the challenging times that face the water industry, particularly in Southern California,” said Wayne Rayfield, SCWD board president.

town and create a “tunnel-like view” entering Dana Point. Others expressed doubt in the developer’s ability to finance the project, provide parking for employees and mitigate traffic congestion.

WHAT’S NEXT: Burnhart is slated to start his new position Monday, December 2.

THE LATEST: A car chase that began in Dana Point ended with the apparent suicide of a woman just south of San Clemente Wednesday afternoon, an Orange County Sheriff’s Department official said.

Authorities received a call at approximately 12:30 p.m. Wednesday from a man who indicated a close female friend or relative was despondent and he feared she might harm herself. Deputies soon located the woman at Doheny State Beach, said OCSD spokesman Lt. Jeff Hallock.

“When she saw the deputies she started her car,” Hallock said.

The woman led deputies on a chase south on Interstate 5 into unincorporated San Diego County. There, her vehicle went off the side of the road. When deputies arrived, she was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Hallock said.

FIND OUT MORE: Follow us on Twitter @danapointtimes for more news.—AP

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… the Doheny Hotel?

THE LATEST: Concerns about density, traffic, height, deliveries and parking were highlighted Monday as the Planning Commission heard a 258-room, two- to five-story hotel proposal for the southwest corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive.

“While I am pro-development of the empty, and/or blighted, lots in Dana Point, I am concerned about the scale of this project as currently proposed,” said Kirsten Reynolds, a local resident who worked on the design team for the St. Regis Monarch Beach.

Seven speakers following would echo Reynolds’s concerns about the project’s scope. Some feared a city granted height variance, to build above the current 35-foot limit, would set a precedent throughout

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WHAT’S NEXT: City staff will work to answer commissioner and resident questions before the proposal’s public hearing on Monday, December 9. Planning commissioners could determine the hotel’s fate at that time.

FIND OUT MORE: Read more at www.danapointtimes.com by searching “Doheny Hotel.”—AP

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… Fatal 1-5 Car Chase?

WHAT’S NEXT: The investigation is being handled by the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.

FIND OUT MORE: Track breaking news by following us on Twitter @danapointtimes.—JS www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Strength in Numbers Heart attack survivor credits response, energy of fellow Turkey Trot runners with saving his life

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

L

ast Thanksgiving eve, Steve VandenBerg did what he and his family traditionally do, they carb-load at night in preparation for the next day’s Dana Point Turkey Trot.

Nothing was out of the ordinary. The VandenBerg family stood at the event’s starting line as one, and embarked on the same 10K run they’ve participated in the last six, or more, years. VandenBerg and daughter Kylie were out in front, with sons David, John and wife Brenda rounding out their team. Kylie took the early lead, pacing her father by a few hundred yards.

The father-daughter duo high-fived as Kylie rounded Island Drive for the finish line.

When VandenBerg approached the same turn on his last leg of the run he collapsed.

Within moments fellow racers began life-saving measures to resuscitate the 49-year-old VandenBerg.

“When I look back at it, it’s like I got up really early Thursday morning for a jog and then took a three day nap,” VandenBerg said. “The next thing I remember is waking up after midnight Saturday, looking up and wondering where I was. It felt like I was living in a recurring dream.”

The longtime San Juan Capistrano resident said he felt fine that morning, and didn’t experience any different stresses on his body than what he would feel during a regular workout. But that morning, VandenBerg, the Pacific regional manager of Kraft Foods Group, suffered a heart attack.

Heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says more than 700,000 Americans suffer a heart attack every year, with nearly 600,000 people dying from heart disease, accounting for one in four deaths in the nation. Heart disease refers to many heart conditions, but the most prevalent is known as coronary heart (or artery) disease, where plaque builds up in arteries supplying blood to the heart.

Attacks occur when an artery transporting oxygenated blood to an area of the heart is blocked, and could lead to cardiac arrest. An estimated 360,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year, principally involving middle-aged men. Those hit by an arrest, which can stop the heart from beating without warning, only have a 9.5-percent Dana Point Times November 22–28, 2013

Runners begin the 10K race at last year’s Dana Point Turkey Trot. Photo by Andrea Swayne

survival rate, according to the American VandenBerg had no pulse, but had Heart Association. a faint rhythm, Farrell said. With two Patients, like VandenBerg, can survive if shocks from an AED delivered by golf given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) cart, VandenBerg’s heart returned to a immediately, keeping oxygenated blood normal beat. He had a strong pulse when flowing to the brain and other vital organs, the ambulance arrived, Farrell said. and have their hearts returned to a normal VandenBerg was transported to Mission rhythm with a jolt from a defibrillator.

Hospital where he awoke three days later, “If this had happened anywhere else, in a state of confusion.

I don’t think I would be here today,” “‘Steve you are in the hospital, you had VandenBerg said. “Having people who a heart attack during the Turkey Trot on knew what they were doing, and getting Thursday,” he recalled his wife saying. compressions going instantaneously, kept “For me it was a long nap, but my family me alive.” experienced all the emotions.”

While VandenBerg’s race-day heart atVanderBerg’s family, absent his daughtack was the first severe medical emerter who was ahead in the run, came upon gency in the Turkey Trot’s three-decade him as racers worked to keep him alive. history, race organizOn Thanksgiving ers aren’t taking any Day, VandenBerg chances. received two stents in The Dana Point his heart, unblocking Chamber of Commerce one artery, his right has added medical percoronary, which was 95 sonnel throughout the percent blocked. Days course, equipped with later he would receive and trained on using a third, as doctor’s an automated external discovered a 75-percent defibrillator, said Vickie blockage in his left deAfter surviving a heart attack during last McMurchie, senior scending artery, known year’s Turkey Trot, Steve VandenBerg (left) operations manager of as the “widow-maker.” will run the race he credits with saving his the chamber. AEDs are life. Fellow racer and physician, Mike Farrell, “When you share a was one of the first responders on scene portable devices that story like this, people to perform life-saving measures. Photo by use electric therapy always ask, ‘Did you Andrea Papagianis to stop an irregular see the bright light?’” heartbeat, allowing the heart to restore an VandenBerg said. “If I did, I don’t rememoperational rhythm. ber it. I always tell people to live every day, The added support will be set up on because you just never know. I’ve lived both the land and island sides of the Hara full life already. It is all just bonus time bor to better assist racers, she said. now.”

“Our number one concern is the safety After two months of soreness from of our runners,” McMurchie said. cracked ribs and surgeries, and nearly one By the time Mike Farrell, a physician year of building up strength and returning at College Medical Center in Long Beach to his normal workouts, VandenBerg is set and a south Orange County native, came to tackle the Turkey Trot 10K once again. up on VandenBerg, racers had already With his family by his side—and a pacebegun working on him. Farrell jumped in maker and defibrillator implanted in his performing CPR before on-site medical chest—VandenBerg will take to the course crews arrived.

Thanksgiving morning amongst more Page 4

Limited Road Access on Thanksgiving Day Dana Point Police Services will implement the following road closures around Dana Point Harbor on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28 for the 36th annual Turkey Trot.

Noon to midnight—Dana Point Harbor Drive from Golden Lantern to Casitas Place 5 a.m. to noon—Southbound Golden Lantern from Lantern Bay Drive to Dana Point Harbor Drive (This closure will not impact access to the Harbor, with limited access to vendors.)

6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.—Dana Point Harbor Drive from Golden Lantern to eastbound Pacific Coast Highway (This closure will impact access to Puerto Place, Embarcadero Marina and launch ramp, Mariner’s Village and Dana Wharf parking lots and Doheny State Beach.)

6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.—Dana Point Harbor Drive from Island Way to the Ocean Institute (This closure will impact access to the Marina Inn, Dana Point Harbor OC Sailing & Events Center, Ocean Institute and businesses, yacht clubs and parking lots on the Harbor island.)

Authorities recommend that Harbor visitors on Thanksgiving Day between 6:30 a.m. and noon plan their trip accordingly and allow extra time. Questions about these road closures can be directed to Deputy Kami Horvath at 949.248.3517 or khorvath@ocsd.org. than 12,000 racers in the 36th annual run.

VandenBerg said he hopes to meet and thank all who helped him last year.

“I know that the positive energy of the thousands of people that ran by me and all of the prayers from them, no matter who they were praying to, definitely had an effect on my recovery,” VandenBerg said. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter

walked past a donut shop. The men were outside the Beachwood Apartments.

PATROL CHECK Doheny Place/Camino Capistrano (12:03 a.m.) A dog was barking incessantly. The dog’s owner was out of town and it had treed a family of raccoons. The barking “will be going on until they get home,” the caller said.

SATURDAY, November 16

SPONSORED BY

Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com COMPILED BY QUINN CONWAY 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.

SUNDAY, November 17 DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24900 Block (7:32 p.m.) The manager of Mahé restaurant called to report five people fighting outside his restaurant at the corner of Casitas Place and Dana Point Harbor Drive.

CITIZEN ASSIST Doheny Park Road, 34000 Block (6:24 p.m.) A group of men were yelling crude comments at a woman while she

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/Calle Loma (10:35 a.m.) A man was harassing attendees of an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in the park. When asked to leave, the subject refused. He was described as being in his 70s and having long white hair.

FRIDAY, November 15 DISTURBANCE Street of the Amber Lantern, 33900 Block (5:59 p.m.) Neighbors allegedly placed dog feces on the caller’s front porch.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Del Prado Ave., 24500 Block (1:39 p.m.)

Two males were seen knocking over elephant statues near the intersection of Del Prado and Street of the Violet Lantern.

To read more Orange County Sheriff’s blotter entries, visit www.danapointtimes.com.

Four Marines Killed at Camp Pendleton were Explosives Experts U.S. Marines killed last week were members of elite explosives team, with combat experience

By Andrea Papagianis and Jim Shilander Dana Point Times

T

he four U.S. Marines killed Wednesday, November 13 while clearing unexploded arms from a training area on Camp Pendleton were experts on an explosive ordnance disposal team, all with combat experience, military officials said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the Marines we lost,” said Brigadier General John W. Bullard, commanding general of the base in a statement. “Explosive Ordnance Disposal is a small and tight-knit community, not just in the Marine Corps, but in the entire U.S. military.”

Officials waited to name the Marines killed until next of kin were notified.

The Marines were identified Thursday evening. Two of the Marines were from Southern California.

Those killed were identified as, Staff Sgt. Matthew R. Marsh, 28, of Long Beach; Sgt. Miguel Ortiz, 27, of Vista; Gunnery Sgt. Gregory J. Mullins, 31, of

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Bayou L’Ourse, La. and Staff Sgt. Eric W. Summers, 32, of Poplar Bluffs, Mo. All four deployed to Afghanistan last year and were recipients of the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and NATOMedal ISAF Afghanistan.

The Marines were clearing the Zulu training artillery range of obstructions, in the northern interior of the base, when the incident occurred, officials said. Cause of the accident is under investigation. Officials said the clearing of ordnance from ranges is considered routine maintenance.

The Zulu impact area is used for firing explosive munitions such as grenades, mortars, artillery and rockets, officials confirmed. Munitions may also be dropped from aircraft into the area. Officials said no live-fire training was being conducted in the Zulu area that day.

Three other service members were injured in the accident, including a Navy corpsman and two Marines. All were treated and released after receiving medical treatment at the scene. DP www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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

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

HOW TO REACH US

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

Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 47. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

EDITORIAL

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

Finance Director > Mike Reed

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting Manager Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

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

City Editor, 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, Quinn Conway, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent

GUEST OPINION: By Tom Blake

Heartbreaking News Hits Home Former relative reflects on the positive Identification of the missing McStay family

F

or me, Friday, November 15, 2013, was one of the most difficult days of my life. The reason why is very personal and hard to write about. But, if writing about it helps brings attention to a homicide, I feel I must speak up.

In the late 1980s, and early 1990s, I helped raise two stepsons—Joseph “Joey” and Michael “Mikey” McStay. Their mother Susan and I were married for six years. We lived in Dana Point.

On February 4, 2010, Joey, his wife Summer and their two young children, ages 4 and 3, disappeared from their north San Diego County home. They left food on the table, their beloved dogs behind and $80,000 in the bank. So it didn’t appear they left voluntarily.

However, four days later, their car was found parked in a shopping center near the Mexican border. People speculated they had left on their own. After almost three years of investigating the case, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department decided that’s what had happened, and dropped the investigation.

National media featured the case,

including “America’s Most Wanted” and other national shows. People across America were baffled by the family’s disappearance.

Almost every day since, I kept hoping that I would hear positive news or Joey would call me saying that he and his family were safe.

On Thursday night, November 14, I received a phone call from Mikey. I could tell by the sound of his voice that the news wasn’t good. He said, “They’re all gone.” I couldn’t process his words. I kept asking, “Are you sure?”

Earlier in the week, an off-road motorcyclist noticed human bones in the San Bernardino desert near Victorville.

He notified authorities, who found the remains of four people in two shallow graves. Dental records confirmed that two of the bodies were Joey and Summer. The other two bodies had not been positively identified at the time, but were presumed to be those of the two boys.

A press conference about the case was held Friday morning, November 15, at the San Bernardino sheriff’s office. The

conference was broadcast across the nation. To see my former wife, Susan, and her son, Mikey, in such a state of grief tore my heart apart.

I muddled through the rest of the day, unable to process the news, unable to comprehend such a terrible act. It seemed every time I turned on the radio, the television or the Internet, the news regarding the discovery of the McStay family remains was featured.

Reality struck at about 3:30 p.m. for me.

I was pulling into the shopping center near Del Avion and Golden Lantern streets in Dana Point to have my cell phone inspected at the AT&T store. On KNX radio, Scott Pelly of the CBS-TV national evening news was doing a promo for his show that night. The entire two minutes was devoted to the McStay family. I thought to myself, “Oh my God, I was in this very shopping center at least 25 times with Joey when we lived together.” It just seemed so surreal.

Yes, I have spoken to Susan. She said, “I am numb. I never imagined this outcome.

I never gave up hope. Now, there’s a new focus on the case.”

She’s a brave woman.

The case is now being investigated as a homicide by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI. Let’s hope whoever murdered this family is brought to justice.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tom Blake is the owner of Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point and the regular contributor of the bi-monthly column in the San Clemente Times, “On Life and Love After 50.” In the late 1980s, Tom was married to Susan McStay, mother of Joseph McStay, whose remains along with his wife, Summer, and two young boys, Gianni and Joseph Jr., were found in San Bernardino County on Monday, November 11. The family lived in San Clemente where Joseph owned a business. The McStay’s moved to San Diego County shortly before their disappearance in February 2010.. DP

ing a few future pros.

“Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True.

And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona.” —George F. Will Today was our last game and I am deeply moved to say thanks. Thank you to Dana Point and Dana Point Youth Baseball for making this experience possible.

Thank you to all the families for the joy of watching and cheering by your side. We still have another year before Mr. Burrus announces for our sons. When he does,

it will be such a deep honor to hear that golden voice call out their names.

Until then, hope to see you in the spring. Play ball!

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.

Letters to the Editor THANK YOU TO ALL INVOLVED IN FALL BALL TY AND ROBIN TORRES, Dana Point

“Mama, will Mr. Burrus call my name this year?”

Dana Point baseball families get this question from our children a lot. We are blessed with a celebrity announcer and an amazing baseball program. We have great fields, groundskeepers, umps, teams, team moms, team dads, assistant coaches, head coaches, managers … to all we owe Dana Point Times November 22–28, 2013

tremendous thanks.

For those who came out for Pinto 8 Fall Ball, we saw a lot of firsts for our boys.

They learned to pitch and to hit from kid pitchers. They learned the value of practice, of listening, of making mistakes and trying again. For a few, this was their first season. For many, the second or third.

The leaves changed color, the night practices were dark. Grandparents brought blankets to stay warm in the stands. By the end, you could swear you were watch-

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

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

3

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE: MARK CHESNUTT

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

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

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FRED’S ACOUSTIC LIVE 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Fred’s Mexican Cafe every Friday and Saturday. 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.218.8508, www.fredsmexicancafe.com.

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

saturday

SURFING SANTA COMPETITION 7:30 The fourth annual surf competition at Salt Creek Beach where you can dress up like Santa Claus and raise money for Surfers Healing and children with autism. Multiple divisions for kids to adults.

Entry $60. 33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, www.surfingsantacontest.org.

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Mark Chesnutt. Courtesy photo

Mark Chesnutt is set to take the stage at The Coach House, Friday, November 22, as part of a five-show tour through California. Chesnutt hit the country scene in the early 1990s with his debut album Too Cold at Home and has since released a staggering 15 full-length albums. Chesnutt’s musical resume includes 14 No. 1 hits, 23 top ten singles, four platinum albums and five gold records—not to mention a substantial amount of radio play on traditional and satellite radio.

What’s next for this 30-year veteran of the music industry? Chesnutt said he loves releasing singles, his main focus of late, but he also has a new CD in the works.

He also expressed excitement about the California leg of his tour. “I love playing in California, the people in California always stood by me,” Chestnutt said. “I have a strong core audience (here) and I’ll do what it takes to keep my fans happy.”

Skyline Drive will open for Chesnutt. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased, along with dinner reservations, online at www.thecoachhouse.com or by calling 949.496.8930. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. —Victor Carno

LUXURY DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING Capt.

Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari presents whale watching on a new luxury catamaran. Call for departure times; trip is 2.5 hrs. $65. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828,www.dolphinsafari.com

wednesday

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.

Laguna Niguel, 949.218.8508, www.fredsmexicancafe.com.

CAPO BAY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS MEETING 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Meeting open to the public at the Dana Point Library on the topic of money in politics.

33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.492.7675.

sunday

ANNUAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING 4 p.m. Holiday music, and appearance from Santa, a toy drive and more topped off with the tree-lighting at the Ritz-Carlton. 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com.

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tuesday

HALF-PRICED WHALE WATCHING Noon & 2 p.m.

Two-hour whale watching adventures are half-price yearround at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Cost $22.50. Times may vary. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

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FRED’S OPEN MIC NIGHT 8:30 p.m.-close.

Open mic night with Gary Wright every Wednesday at Fred’s Mexican Cafe.

32431 Golden Lantern,

LIVE OAK REVIEW 9 p.m. Indie rock at StillWater.

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

thursday

DANA POINT TURKEY TROT 7 a.m. ‘Run the race before you stuff your face’ along with more than 12,000 participants in a 5K, 10K, Kids’ Gobble Wobble and more. Event starts at Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.1555, www.turkeytrot.com.

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THANKSGIVING CHAMPAGNE BUFFET 2 p.m.6 p.m. The Vue Restaurant in Laguna Cliffs presents a gourmet Thanksgiving meal with live entertainment and more. Adults $95, kids $40. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000, www.lagunacliffs.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DP

SUDOKU

by Myles Mellor Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

D a n a Po i nt

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

Protecting the Pint-sized AP science students expand endangered Pacific pocket mouse habitat

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

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iving in solitary and being active only during nighttime hours makes the thumb-sized Pacific pocket mouse hard to track. But researchers in three Southern California locations are working to learn more about the mysterious species, through preservation, breeding and habitat expansion projects.

The critically endangered Pacific pocket mouse lives in three known locations in Southern California, including the Dana Point Headlands. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Pacific pocket mouse. Photo courtesy of the Center for Natural Land Management

The Pacific pocket mouse once inhabited coastal areas from Los Angeles County to Mexico, but populations went years without observation in the 1990s, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The small creatures were believed extinct until 1993, when they were found in the Dana Point headlands. The species was listed as endangered by the federal government in 1994.

Populations have since been discovered on three sites within the boundaries of Camp Pendleton.

Now, biologists at the San Diego Zoo are breeding 22 pocket mice captured at Dana Point and Camp Pendleton, with hopes of releasing 50 into the wild each year. In an October update on the project, Amaranta Kozuch, a senior research technician at the zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research, said the season’s last pregnant female pocket mouse gave birth to five healthy pups.

Here in Dana Point, researchers monitor the mice yearly by tracking their movements. Currently, pocket mice are known to inhabit about 50 percent of the 29.4-acre

Dana Point Preserve. Every three to five years the species is live trapped, studied and counted.

There are about 100 pocket mice in the Headlands, but their elusive nature makes them hard to quantify, said LeeAnn Carranza regional preserve manager for the Center of Natural Land Management, which owns the local preserve.

On Saturday, dozens of Advanced Placement science students from Dana Hills, San Juan Hills and San Clemente high schools took part in a habitat expanding exercise at the Dana Point Preserve.

Working in teams the students methodically removed dead shrubs, mimicking the effects of a fire’s clearing power.

“We should have a fire clearing the land every 30 years,” Carranza said. “We have about 126, 24-meter cells in the preserve, meaning it’ll take us about 30 years to get back to where we started,” mirroring the timeline of a major fire.

Students worked in four grids of 24 square meters, clearing dense vegetation near areas the pocket mice are known to live. Researchers will now track the short and long-term effects of the land clearing, with high hopes of seeing new pocket mouse activity in the cleared lands next season.

The partnership was the first of its kind.

But with the success of this year, and students showing their physical strength and stewardship toward the environment, the partnered work is something Carranza hopes to continue annually.

Learn more about the Pacific pocket mouse habitat by visiting the Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, but is closed Mondays. DP

LOCAL EATERIES, SUPPORT GROUP PARTNER FOR MARINE HOLIDAY MEAL Traveling for the holidays can be difficult, especially for military members.

To combat travel woes, the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group has partnered with two local eateries to ensure locally stationed U.S. Marines, Sailors, their families, resident veterans and Dana Point Times November 22–28, 2013

wounded warriors break bread with their adopted family, right here in Dana Point.

On Thanksgiving Day, StillWater Spirits and Sounds will host an estimated 300 former and current members of the armed forces, along with their families, for a traditional feast. With the help of Mahe Restau-

rant, service members will be treated to an open bar, desserts, raffle prizes and live entertainment.

Donations are now being accepted to help fund the meal, and sponsor a serviceman’s dinner for $35, at www.danapoint5thmarines.com. DP —Andrea Papagianis Page 15

Elephant Parade’s ‘Jack’ Collects $100,000 Local herd garners more than $200,000 for Asian Elephants

Dustin Otterbach’s creation “Jack.”

Photo by Andrea Swayne

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eading up to the herd’s departure, Elephant Parade co-founder Mike Spits called “Jack” one of the “most exquisite” pieces ever created for the open-air exhibit, which has taken Asian Elephant statues to the streets of Singapore, Milan and Amsterdam, to name a few.

Sunday, the elephant transformed into a World War II era American-bomber, designed by Southern California’s own Dustin Otterbach of recycled materials, pulled in $100,000 for The Asian Elephant Foundation’s conservation efforts.

Otterbach’s creation would carry the foundation’s prime fundraiser to a $223,500 total in its American debut.

Funds raised go to aid the endangered Asian elephant population.

Of the more than 30 elephants up for auction Sunday at Laguna Cliffs Marriott, 20 received no bids. Other than “Jack” those that were successfully auctioned sold for $10,000 or less. Those collecting no bid will continue on, journeying to the next Elephant Parade locale.

A herd of elephants just hit Cardiff, United Kingdom and organizers have hopes to introduce other American cities to the parade. DP — Andrea Papagianis www.danapointtimes.com

SPORTS

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& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

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D a n a Po i nt

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

DOLPHIN REPORT BY THE NUMBERS

For many of the Dana Hills fall sports teams, the year has come to an end.

Through the use of stats and numbers, we break down the top performances of the Dana Hills fall sports season.

tackles for a loss.

11.21 Save average of boys water polo senior goalie Brody Zachary this year.

Zachary was the backbone of the Dolphins defense, and they relied on him more than once during their run to the CIF-SS Division 1 quarterfinals.

19 Total touchdowns thrown by Dolphins senior quarterback Mac Vail. He had two games this season, both in league play, where he threw for four touchdowns.

155 Total tackles recorded by junior middle linebacker Brett Bill, a stat which led the team. His most productive performance of the year came in a 19-tackle effort against Capistrano Valley, which included three

12 Number of match medals won by freshman golfer Joan Soewondo, a mark that was third-best in the county.

Senior quarterback Mac Vail threw 19 touchdowns in 2013. Photo by Tony Tribolet/www.xpsphoto.com

2 Number of consecutive South Coast League titles won by the girls volleyball team, which repeated as champions this season. — Steve Breazeale

A Call for Bikes Don Glasgow begins another charity collection drive, which may be his most ambitious yet

By Steve Breazeale Dana Point Times

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Don Glasgow poses with children from the town of El Niño during a trip last year. Courtesy photo

Dolphin Report

By Steve Breazeale

SAILORS RUN THEIR WAY TO WIN OVER DOLPHINS Even with starting running back Chance Siemonsma sidelined for his team’s CIF-SS Southwest Division first round game, Newport Harbor was able to put on a power rushing display that led them to a 32-13 win over Dana Hills on November 15.

The visiting Sailors (6-5, 3-2 Sunset League) rushed for 174 yards and four touchdowns on the night, getting a huge boost from back up running back Garrett Hall, who ran for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Dana Hills (5-6, 3-1 Sea View League) did not help their own cause against the Sailors, losing three fumbles that proved costly.

The first major mistake came just before halftime, when Newport Harbor Dana Point Times November 22–28, 2013

fter just three weeks of collection efforts, San Clemente resident Don Glasgow’s house is already surrounded by bicycles. The 76-year-old has made a name for himself as the man around town with a cause and this time, for the remainder of the calendar year, his cause is collecting new or gently used bikes to donate to the needy.

Glasgow is attempting to collect 100 bicycles, refurbish and fix them as best as he can, and donate them to the people of El Niño, Mexico. Glasgow operates

held a 13-7 lead. Dana Hills strung together a seven-plus minute drive, highlighted by a fourth and short conversion by fullback Andrew Dunn that kept scoring hopes alive, and found themselves at the Sailors two-yard line. Dolphins quarterback Mac Vail tried to drive the ball in the end zone two plays later but fumbled at the goal line, halting any momentum Dana Hills could have carried into halftime.

The Sailors scored three minutes into the third quarter on a one-yard touchdown run by Trevor Shaw that made it 20-7. The score was set up by a 47-yard pass play from junior quarterback Cole Norris to Cory Stowell. The Sailors rushing attack was powerful but Norris was locked in as well, especially in the first half. He completed 13 of 16 passes for 199 yards and one touchdown on the night.

Dana Hills forced their first three-andout on defense late in the third quarter and looked to benefit from good field position when the Sailors punted out of their own territory, but a fumble on the return attempt and a Newport Harbor recovery again proved disastrous. The Sailors only needed four plays after the fumble to score again to make it 26-13.

through churches and has been active in El Niño for five years.

This is not Glasgow’s first region-wide call for donations. In 2012, Glasgow collected over 30,000 golf balls and 400 complete sets of golf clubs to donate to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group for their Combat Golf Tournament.

The year before that, Glasgow collected over 9,000 pairs of shoes, which he sorted, washed and delivered to the needy in Mexico.

Bicycles are a different idea altogether, but Glasgow believes they will serve a practical purpose.

“My goal with these bikes is to hand

them off to families with kids who can’t afford a bike. I want the adult bikes to go to a family who needs a means of transportation to find a job,” Glasgow said. “I love devoting my time in retirement to anything that has the chance of making another life better by utilizing resources of others, like these bikes.”

Glasgow has only been at it for three weeks and has already collected more than 40 bicycles. He says the space around his house is getting crowded but, the way Glasgow looks at it, the more the merrier.

To learn more about Glasgow’s cause email him at donglasgow45@aol.com. DP

A massive, 19-play Newport Harbor scoring drive that ate up 9:30 off the clock in the fourth quarter sealed the win for the visitors. The Sailors ran the ball 16 times on the drive, controlling time of possession and denying the Dolphins a chance at a comeback.

“It’s a tough way to go out. We were really peaking in league and the last two games, we just did not find a way to get it done,” Dana Hills head coach Todd Rusinkovich said. “But it was great being in the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

I can’t say enough about these kids …

We’re a relevant team in Orange County again, which is nice. It’s just one of those things where we have to improve.”

Spencer Likins led the Dolphins with three goals. Marko Asix and Bailey Harris each had two. Senior goalie Brody Zachary had 10 saves.

DOLPHINS WATER POLO FALLS IN CIF-SS QUATERFINALS After toppling one of the hottest teams entering the CIF-SS Division 1 Water Polo Championships in the first round, Dana Hills was defeated by Newport Harbor in the quarterfinals 14-9 on November 16.

The Dolphins were able to keep things close through three quarters, but were held scoreless in the fourth while the Sailors scored three goals.

Page 16

BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY ADVANCE TO CIF-SS FINALS Both the boys and girls Dana Hills cross country teams will extend their season into the CIF-SS Finals on Saturday in Walnut, following solid performances at the CIF-SS Prelims on November 16.

The boys squad won their prelim heat, despite arguably their most consistent runner placing 25th overall. Instead of sophomore Jake Ogden placing in the top-10, it was three of his teammates who accomplished the task. Senior Gavin Diem placed second (15:17), Alex Smith finished eighth (15:3) and Timothy Wilson came in 10th (15:36).

The Dolphins girls team finished third overall in their heat. They were led

by Christina Wright’s 10th-place finish (18:15). Sienna Serrao (18:40), Camille Fodor (18:5), Emma Kao (18:51) and Lyndsey Cullen (18:54) finished inside the top-25. www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

Harriet Elisabeth Arvan McCusker

Harriet Elisabeth Arvan McCusker died peacefully in her sleep November 12th at her home of 49 years in Capistrano Beach. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Knearl McCusker, beloved daughter, Suzanne McCusker-Brunet, and sister, Eleanor Heim. Beloved mother of Michael McCusker, (Diana), Janine McCusker, Marianne McCusker-Stellar, Dianne McCusker-Leauber, and Donn McCusker, (Summer Lixia). Loving grandmother to Amy Rabine, (Jeremy), Sterling Breckenridge, (Tiffany), Diana Weeks (Christopher), Scott Brunet, Richard Brewer, Tiffany Phipps, Brian Brunet, (Leah), Paloma Moen, Matthew Moen, Chanel Moen, Kelly Brunet and Ella McCusker.

Cherished great-grandmother to Jaxon Breckenridge, Madeline Breckenridge, Christian Phipps, Isabella Phipps, and Emma Rabine. She is survived by her brother, Pastor William Arvan, (Patricia) and many nieces and nephews.

Harriet was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she taught herself to ice skate, and after graduation at age 17, joined an ice skating review, where she met her husband, Knearl. They soon joined the Ice Follies and married in 1943. Family and friends will remember her as a person of “Service to Others”.

Private Family Burial on Friday, November 22nd. Family and Friends are invited to Memorial at Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave. Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 Saturday, November 23rd, at 11am.

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

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

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

949.496.6916

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL 949.496.3315

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

Dream Team Properties 949.481.1788 Mike Rosenberg, Broker Capistrano Beach, www.FindMyOCHome.com

UPHOLSTERY 949.240.9569 949.499.4464 Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com 949.496.9731

POOL SERVICE & REPAIR Palisades Pool Service & Repair 949.542.7232 Capistrano Beach, allenesommo@cox.net

PRESCHOOLS

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION

Offshore Construction www.offshoreconstruction.org

949.444.6323

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

949.215.2323

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 PSYCHIATRY 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 Dr. Robert Dobrin, M.D. 949-707-4757 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatry/Behavioral Pediatrics 33971 Selva Rd. Ste, 125

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

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SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

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D a n a Po i nt

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

GROM OF THE WEEK JAKE SHIROKE Age: 14, San Clemente High School Jake Shiroke is a self-taught shortboarder who said learning to surf was just a natural part of growing up in San Clemente. Always eager to try something new, he decided to take up the sport after watching the surfers and deciding that it looked like a lot of fun. Jake was a member of the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team for two years. He now surfs every day, usually at T Street or Lowers.

Jake has entered a few local surf contests here and there but is planning on making his competition series debut in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour next season. This San Clemente High School freshman will also try out for the school surf team as either a sophomore or junior. Jake’s other favorite activity is soccer, a sport he has been playing for six years. His San Clemente United club team—for which he plays Jake Shiroke. Courtesy photo in the forward position—was a top five finisher in the Coastal Soccer League this year.

Jake will be trying out for the SCHS soccer team this year as well. In school, he is a college-bound, straight-‘A’ student who hopes to attend UCLA after graduation. He also intends to make travel a part of his future and dreams of surfing all over the world, Indonesia being at the top of his list. “Having fun in the water and being with my friends is the best thing about surfing,” Jake said. “I also like the challenge. Every time I paddle out I try to improve each maneuver I do.” –Andrea Swayne

Ensuring Natural History, Surf Culture Live On Doheny Surf Fest organizers donate $10,000 to preservation efforts at Doheny State Beach

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

Local finishers only. SC=San Clemente.

NSSA Southwest Conference Explorer, Event No. 7, November 16, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Seaside Reef MEN: 2. Dylan Sonderegger, SC; 4. Dawson Tarnowski, SC. BOYS: 1. Cole Houshmand, SC. MENEHUNE: 1. Kade Matson, SC; 5. Ryan Martin, SC. SUPER GROMS: 2. Taj Lindblad, SC. WOMEN: 5. Samantha Sibley, SC. GIRLS: 2.

Kirra Pinkerton, SC; 6. Samantha Sibley, SC. LONGBOARD: 3. Jaric Fink, SC.

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ong-time surfers dedicated to educational efforts at Doheny State Beach welcomed a $10,000 check Monday from organizers of the second annual Doheny Surf Festival.

“This contribution will go a long way toward supporting our ongoing education and interpretive programs,” said Ed Neely, board member with the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association.

DSBIA is a nonprofit that coordinates with California State Parks to conserve the beaches, facilities, and natural refuge of the park, as well as the historical, cultural and social stories of Doheny. This year’s Doheny Surf Festival helped the association do just that, as it highlighted all things surf and directly benefitted the state beach and DSBIA. “DSBIA, in conjunction with Utopia Entertainment, hit one out of the ballpark … by getting back to the basics and restoring the good aloha vibes,” said State Park Superintendent III Richard Haydon, who oversees operations at Doheny, San Clemente and San Onofre state beaches.

On Monday morning, members of the

RESULTS

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

SURF FORECAST

Steve Stirrett (right), of the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, accepts a $10,000 check from Norman Kahn, CEO of Utopia Entertainment, the Doheny Surf Festival organizer. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

DSBIA board gathered at the Doheny Visitor’s Center, which has been undergoing renovations for nearly six years, to accept the donation. While the center is inching toward completion, park officials are tight-lipped on when the doors will open to visitors.

“This check, along with donations from other area organizations, have helped get the center this far, and will continue to sup-

port outreach and educational efforts for years to come,” Neely said.

Organizers are getting a jump start on planning next year’s surf festival, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29 at Doheny State Beach. To find out more about the DSBIA and Doheny Surf Festival, visit www.dohenystatebeach.org and www.dohenysurffest.com. DP

Water Temperature: 61-64 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 8-12’ Poor-Fair Immediate: Northwest windswell is up slightly on Thursday, as minor Southern Hemi swell blends in. Most breaks offer continued ankle-knee-thigh high (1-2’+) waves, while standout spots pull in plus sets to waist high (3’) at times. Light+ onshore winds in the morning pick up out of the west to northwest through the afternoon.

Long Range Outlook: Small Southern Hemi energy continues through the weekend along with small northwest swell. Expect mainly ankle-knee-thigh high waves (12’+) for better breaks then, with potential larger sets for combo magnets. Favorable conditions may return Friday, then continue through the weekend. Check out Surfline. com for all the details!