December 13, 2013

VOTE FOR THE “BEST OF DANA POINT” AT WWW.DANAPOINTTIMES.COM D E C E M B E R 1 3 -1 9, 2 0 1 3

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 50

Inn Dissension Doheny Hotel developer’s Option B doesn’t sit well with community E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

Nearly 100 people packed the Dana Point Community Center gym Monday for the Planning Commission’s Doheny Hotel hearing. After dozens spoke in opposition and the developer, Beverly Hills Hospitality Group, presented an alternative plan, the Commission continued the hearing to February 10. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.danapointtimes.com

Water District Moves Ahead with San Juan Creek Boat, RV Storage

Dana Hills Grad Killed Saturday in Four-fatality San Clemente Crash

High School Senior Vogeler Reflects on Football Experience

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Community Recycling Event 9 a.m.– 11 a.m. Residents can drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the Dana Hills High School parking lot, 33333 Golden Lantern, for students from the school’s organizations to sort. Events will be held rain or shine.

Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs.

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D a n a Po i nt

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.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

Winter Festival and Tree Lighting Noon–7 p.m. Carnival games, holiday tunes, a visit from Santa Claus, crafts, pony rides and snow will top off the city’s annual celebration at La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza. The tree-lighting ceremony begins at 5:15 p.m., followed by a showing of the movie Arthur Christmas at 5:30 p.m.

Anime Club 1 p.m.–3 p.m. The Teen Advisory Board welcomes teen fans of anime and graphic novels to the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, to watch films and enjoy snacks. Call 949.496.5517 for more information.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 City Council Meeting—Canceled.

Dana Point City Council will be dark through its first 2014 regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 7.

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

… Town Center?

THE LATEST: The City Council unanimously approved a $75,000 contract last week with a consulting firm handling the South Coast Water District’s community outreach during Town Center construction.

Brad Fowler, the city’s director of public works and engineering, said the staff hoped hiring Constructive Community Relations would streamline communication efforts as both entities work to upgrade the downtown corridor’s infrastructure.

Early next year, the city will begin street-level construction on Pacific Coast Highway to create bus pullouts, change the landscaping and add medians, changing the flow of traffic to allow two-way travel. This will come as the water district finishes upgrading underground sewer and water lines along PCH, and moves to do the same improvements on Del Prado Avenue.

To kick-start outreach efforts, Fowler and Community Development Director Ursula-Luna Reynosa hosted two meetings over the last week, fielding questions about the upcoming construction. One concern raised by members of the business community was signage rules.

With crews working on streets and sidewalks throughout the 0.8-mile stretch of roadway for about eight-months, LunaReynosa indicated an exception to the city’s municipal code could be made, allowing business owners to post banners and other signs for customers.

WHAT’S NEXT: An official construction date has not been set.

That night, the council also moved to rebrand Town Center as the “Lantern District,” to create a unique trademark.

The decision could mean a reworking of the district’s retrofitted entryway signage at Copper Lantern, completed this spring.

Dana Point Times December 13–19, 2013

FIND OUT MORE: Track the city’s road to revitalize downtown on www.danapointtimes.com by searching “Town Center.”—Andrea Papagianis

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FIND OUT MORE: Stay up on water district news with www.danapointtimes.com.—AP

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… Boat Storage?

THE LATEST: The South Coast Water District unanimously approved moving forward with a self-development plan Friday of an 11-acre boat and recreational vehicle storage site along the Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano border. The meeting was the district’s fifth on the subject.

The board directed staff to plan a 5- to 7-acre storage site, and work with the city of Dana Point to permit 11 acres of the 30acre site on Stonehill Drive along San Juan Creek, allowing for expansion.

Currently, the site contains the district’s groundwater recovery plant, water and sewer lines and industrial storage for about 42 tenants. The development of the site would be utilized by Orange County during its $140-million Dana Point Harbor revitalization project, with long-term boat and RV storage options after.

Brad Fowler, the city’s director of public works and engineering, raised concerns about water quality and flood plain management. The district’s newly hired General Manager Andrew Brunhart said an analysis and flood management plan would be conducted and included in a proposal as staff designs the site.

WHAT’S NEXT: Staff could present requests for proposals for board review in early January. Proposals for project management and for environmental impact identification, under the California Environmental Quality Act, from vendors will follow.

The board also held its annual reorganization votes at the meeting, unanimously selecting Wayne Rayfield and Bob Moore to serve in their current seats, president and vice president, respectively.

… Dan Harkey?

THE LATEST: A state regulator is investigating Dan Harkey, the husband of State Assemblywoman Diane Harkey of Dana Point, for “making misrepresentations of facts to investors.”

In July, Harkey and one of his companies, Point Center Financial, was ordered to pay more than $10 million to investors after the company went bankrupt as a result of the downturn in the real estate market. Investors who sued Harkey claimed he and the company profited from fees paid on loans made with investor funds.

The state Department of Real Estate is considering revoking Dan Harkey’s corporate broker license. The board filed the allegations November 19.

WHAT’S NEXT: So far, no hearing has been formally set.

FIND OUT MORE: Follow us on Twitter @ danapointtimes for updates.—Jim Shilander

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… the Proposed Development at PCH and Del Obispo?

THE LATEST: The City Council unanimously approved a contract last Tuesday with LSA Associates Inc. to conduct and environmental impact report for a proposed 169-unit development on a U-shaped, 9-acre lot at Pacific Coast Highway and Del Obispo Street.

The land once held a mobile home park.

A zoning change allowing for mixed-use development was approved by the city in 2009. In 2012 the change, with modifications, received California Coastal Commission approval and the City Council amended

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its General Plan, clearing the way for the project.

The land, previously owned by Makar Properties, changed hands in 2011 when it was purchased by AG/A&M Doheny, LLC. WHAT’S NEXT: The proposal has not been deemed complete by the city’s Community Development Department, therefore it is not public record, said department director Ursula Luna-Reynosa.

The estimated $254,000 cost for preparation of the EIR is covered by the developer.

The EIR is expected to be complete in 42 weeks—or early next fall—which could include public feedback, Planning Commission and City Council considerations.

FIND OUT MORE: Search “Makar” and “mobile home park” at www.danapointtimes.com.—AP

5

… City Hall Closures?

THE LATEST: In observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the city of Dana Point and certain municipal governing bodies will go dark as 2014 approaches.

City offices will be closed between Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, January 1 and will reopen Thursday, January 2 at 7:30 a.m.

Also in observance of the holidays, a regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 17 has been canceled, as has a Planning Commission meeting on Monday, December 23. Additionally, the Ocean Water Quality Subcommittee meeting Christmas Eve is canceled.

WHAT’S NEXT: Dana Point Police Services will continue uninterrupted. City Council will reconvene Tuesday, January 7 at 6 p.m. for its first scheduled meeting of 2014.

FIND OUT MORE: By visiting the city’s website, www.danapoint.org.—AP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Inn Dissension

Commission Applauds Mixeduse Town Center Project

Doheny Hotel developer’s Option B doesn’t sit well with community

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

O

ne of Dana Point’s biggest conversations from the latter half of 2013, the Doheny Hotel, must wait until next year for its fate to be decided.

Monday, the Dana Point Planning Commission followed staff advice and continued its public hearing of the 258-room, two- to five-story Doheny Hotel, proposed at the southwest corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive, until February 10.

The decision came after the hotel’s developer, Beverly Hills Hospitality Group, presented an adapted proposal—for the first time—to the five-member commission and more than 100 people packed into the Dana Point Community Center gym with hopes of addressing parking, traffic, density and commercial delivery questions raised at the body’s November 18 meeting.

Dozens of residents stuck through a near two-hour-long parking and traffic presentation by city senior planner Erica Demkowicz, followed by the developer’s parking and traffic consultants, to hear the hospitality group’s proposal.

“We feel that we have really listened to the community and Planning Commission through our meetings,” Coralee Newman, the developer’s communications consultant, said at the meeting. “We have taken in your input and modified the plan.”

Bob Keeler, an architect with the hotel’s designer Langdon Wilson International, presented modified plans, which include developing a portion of Lantern Bay Park to extend the hotel’s driveway, stepping the building back 30 feet from PCH and parking solutions. It was the first time staff, commissioners and residents heard the plan, although a version was presented as an alternative in an Environmental Impact Report released this summer.

Currently, the site houses a Jack in the Box, vacant store and 46-room hotel structure, previously operated as the Dana Point Harbor Inn. All buildings would be demolished. Plans for the hotel include conference rooms, restaurants, rooftop lounge amenities and an underground parking structure with 275 spaces.

If approved by the commission, new plans would see the developer seek City Council approval for a 30-foot easement onto parkland. The land was given to the city by Orange County, with a deed restriction attached that it only be used as a park.

The developer is proposing utilizing a northern hillside of Lantern Bay Park, near the parking lot and recreational courts, to serve as a front driveway, easDana Point Times December 13-19, 2013

An existing Jack in the Box, vacant building and hotel would be demolished to make room for the proposed Doheny Hotel. The hotel’s developer, Beverly Hills Hospitality Group, proposed utilizing a portion of a Lantern Bay Park hillside to extend its driveway and ease the flow of traffic. Photos by Andrea Papagianis

ing hotel access. The city could make a case that parking access could meet county set terms, City Attorney Patrick Munoz said, adding the city would seek something in writing if the project gains commission and council approval.

Thus far, there have been no negotiations or discussions with the city over a possible land encroachment, said Ursula Luna-Reynosa, director of community development.

“Until they (Beverly Hills Hospitality Group) have approval, it would be an exercise in futility,” Luna-Reynosa said.

The proposed driveway extension would provide an entrance to a subterranean parking structure, house taxis and shuttles, and act as a second commercial loading zone. Previous plans only accounted for a 10-by-100-foot loading zone on Pacific Coast Highway, which commissioners and residents alike expressed concern about, at previous meetings.

Another item residents have taken issue with is a height variance request to build up to 60.5 feet—well above the city’s 35-foot restriction. Presented alterations slightly reduce the building’s height, but the developer still seeks to push up the city’s limit, for a five-story structure.

While the developer presented alternatives as a responsive measure, speakers debated just how responsive their new proposal was, asking the commission not to create a precedent throughout town, in granting a height variance.

“The location doesn’t bother me. What troubles me greatly is the Doheny Hotel variance with zoning code for height,” said resident Susan Hinman. “This sig-

nificant exception grants special privilege to the applicant … and will set a precedent for surrounding properties.”

A precedent is something staff has said, in the past, will not be set as each development proposal is evaluated individually, and site topography is taken into account.

The developer has held its proposed height would not block coastal views, due to the land on which the hotel could sit.

Several residents echoed Hinman’s fears, including Chris Mitchell, owner of Crown Acquisitions in Dana Point.

Mitchell, whose company is rehabbing a building on the northwest corner of PCH and Crystal Lantern for its headquarters, challenged the developer saying the building would “annihilate” any view his company has. In redoing the structure, Mitchell said he specifically opted out of upgrades that would have required a 6-inch city height variance. He said the proposed hotel just doesn’t fit.

“It’s like trying to cram me into a size 29 jean, when I am really a 36,” he said. The audience broke out into applause and had to be quieted by commission Chairman Gary Newkirk several times throughout the public comment period.

Of the two residents speaking in favor of the project, Harold Kaufman offered commissioners a piece of advice. Kaufman served on the city’s first Planning Commission after city incorporation in 1989 and said he too had heard similar complaints when the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort was being considered.

Commissioners, absent Norm Denton— who recused himself because his homeowners association owns land within 500 feet of the proposed hotel—left the public comment period open and continued the discussion until its February 10 meeting. At that time, staff should have more information on the developer’s intentions, Luna-Reynosa said. DP

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The first mixed-use development since Dana Point implemented its Town Center Plan got a unanimous OK from the Planning Commission Monday night.

Combining residential, retail and restaurant space, John Chen, the project’s principal developer, will take a vacant lot at Del Prado Avenue and Violet Lantern up a notch.

Plans for the lot include a three-level structure, with first-floor restaurant and retail spaces and two floors of residential units above. The building will feature a total of 18 units and have three levels of enclosed parking for all uses.

“We were early supporters of the Town Center project,” Chen told the Commission and more than 100 people gathered Monday night. “We endured a difficult economic environment, but presently have a (financial) window of opportunity to take advantage of.”

A handful of residents were concerned about noise, height, parking and traffic, but all expressed a desire to see the project go through. Chen said his firm, which has owned the land since 2006, is willing to work with residents to mitigate their concerns.

Commissioners Norm Denton and Liz Claus raised questions about restaurant noise impacting nearby residents, pointing to past issues with Purple Feet Wines, now Luxe Restaurant, housed in a mixeduse building on an adjacent corner.

City Attorney Patrick Munoz said the City Council addressed mixed-use noise issues with a blanket approach in the Town Center Plan. He added the city hopes residents go into downtown knowing mix-use developments are being encouraged, and understand noise can come with such uses.

All members of the five-member body expressed excitement about the project, and the developer’s inclination to soften the building’s look. Commissioners also praised the developer’s dedication to the project and pointed to the mixed-use structure being a “great way” to launch the $19 million Town Center redevelopment.

“It has been a longtime coming,” said Chairman Gary Newkirk. “It is great we have an applicant here with staying power. This is a project that will serve well as a blue print example for other developments to come.”

Commissioners approved the project with a condition the developer soften the building’s east facade with landscaping, art or signage.

In anticipation of approval, the developer submitted a grading permit application prior to the meeting, said Ursula Luna-Reynosa, the city’s community development director. With the Commission’s OK the application was approved shortly thereafter, she said, meaning the developer’s excavation of the site could begin soon, though no official timeline has been set.—AP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter 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.

Monday, December 9 INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Del Obispo Street, 33600 Block (9:26 a.m.)

Authorities responded to a downed homeless male, covered in a blanket, who had not moved in more than two hours. The caller reported the man sleeping near the Dana Capistrano Animal Clinic at Del Obispo and Stonehill Drive.

Sunday, December 8 DISTURBANCE Del Prado Avenue, 24400 Block (9:49 p.m.) Two possibly drunken men were pounding on the front windows of Jack’s Restaurant. The caller said she had locked herself inside the eatery. The assailants were described as being in their 20s or 30s and having long hair.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Diana Drive, 33800 Block (9:06 p.m.)

Authorities detained a drunken man who was pounding on a garage door and trying to open the caller’s front door. The man was arrested and taken to the Central Mens’ Jail in Santa Ana. His bail is set at $70,000.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (2:51 p.m.)A skateboard ramp was blocking open parking spaces in the Del Taco parking lot. The caller added there were numerous bags surrounding the ramp belonging to homeless people.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Christina Drive, 33200 Block (10:36 a.m.)

A 50-year-old male patient at a residential detox facility stopped breathing. The caller was unable to move the man because of his weight but started administering CPR. Orange County Fire Authority personnel were dispatched to the scene and transported the patient to Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach.

DRUNK IN CAR Street of the Blue Lantern/Pacific Coast Highway (1:35 a.m.)Authorities performed a patrol check for a man leaving The Point Restaurant and Bar in a silver Dodge with Dana Point Times December 13–19, 2013

graphics, after drinking all night. The caller said the man “should not be driving.”

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Pacific Coast Highway, 33400 Block (12:40 a.m.) Two subjects got into a physical altercation in the valet area of the DoubleTree Suites. Hotel security was unable to restrain those in the scuffle. By the time authorities arrived, one of the subjects left the area and the one remaining declined to press charges.

DRUNK DRIVING La Plaza, 34100 Block (12:34 a.m.)

A drunken 23-year-old female driver of a sliver Volkswagen sedan hit the caller’s vehicle near Hennessey’s Tavern. The intoxicated driver remained in the car and refused medical attention. Authorities arrested the young woman. She was taken to the women’s Intake Release Center in Santa Ana, cited and released around 3 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday, December 7 DRUNK IN PUBLIC Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (8:32 a.m.) An intoxicated man was sitting in the bushes near Carl’s Jr. telling passersby that “he’s blind.” When asked to leave, the man refused.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Golden Lantern, 34500 Block (12:50 a.m.) There was an altercation between a man and two women in the Harbor parking lot near Harpoon Henry’s, where the man began punching one of their cars. He left the scene in a silver hybrid and was last seen on Golden Lantern.

The caller believed he would soon return.

Friday, December 6 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Del Obispo Street, 33600 Block (4:36 p.m.)

A “jumpy” man in his 50s, wearing a blue beanie and gray shirt was seen defecating behind a building.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE San Juan Avenue, 24600 Block (11:33 a.m. and 3:09 p.m.) Two calls were received nearly four hours apart from one another about a man, who appeared to be homeless, building a tree house outside the caller’s office window. The arboreal builder was described as being 30 years old and wearing a dark green jacket with no shirt.

Wednesday, December 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Street of the Golden Lantern, 32500 Block (7:53 p.m.) A caller stated that a security guard for the complex was threatening children with his Taser and had been using drugs. The caller said he had video of the subject to show deputies, but did not give his name or a specific location to the dispatcher.

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Pooches Take the Plunge to Benefit Animal Shelter

A canine competitor races at the Pet Project Foundation’s annual Wag-a-Thon. Photo by Tony Tribolet u With one of North Beach’s historic facades soon getting a facelift, the city of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department is taking advantage and hosting its first-ever Polar Pooch Plunge, giving canines a chance to rule the pool.

The event will be held Saturday, December 14, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Ole Hanson Beach Club pool at 105 W. Avenida Pico. The event is only possible because the pool will be drained for the club’s remodel.

Cost for participation is $5, payable by cash or check, per dog, and owners are admitted free of charge.

All proceeds will benefit the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. The Pet Project Foundation will also be providing goody bags for each swimming dog.

Owners are required to supervise their dog, monitor their interaction with other dogs and clean up after them. Aggressive animals will be excused from the event. All dogs must be properly licensed with current vaccinations. Dog owners are not allowed in the pool.

This event will be held rain or shine.

Visit www.san-clemente.org or call 949.429.8797.

Play Santa Claus for Foster Children, Disabled, Elderly u There’s still time to make a Christmas donation as Orange County collects gifts for children in foster care, and elderly and disabled adults through Thursday, December 19.

Each year, volunteers collect toys and gifts through Operation Santa Claus to give foster children and adults under the care of county agencies a holiday surprise. An estimated 42,000 gifts are handed out each holiday season. The county is asking residents to add one more gift to their holiday shopping lists this year.

Unwrapped toys and gifts for children, teens and seniors can be dropped off at various Dana Point Harbor locations, including the OC Sailing and Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place; Coffee Importers, 34531 Golden Lantern Street; Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern Street and the Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive.

Leading up to his busiest day of the year, Saint Nicholas himself will also make stops at the Harbor to finalize his naughty-andnice-list. Swing by, bring the camera and say “Hello” to the holly, jolly Christmas figure.

Santa will be in the courtyard near Dana Wharf on Thursday, December 19.

Pets love gifts from Santa Claus too, and the Pet Project Foundation knows it.

For a $15 donation, four-legged creatures, or those who fly and slither can have their picture taken with the man in red Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All funds raised benefit the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. Learn more at www.petprojectfoundation.org.

Explore Dana Point’s Past with Historical Society Walk u The Dana Point Historical Society partners with the Nature Interpretive Center for a 1.5-mile, two-hour-long walking tour exploring the history of the area.

Historical Society board members Terry and Lee Walsh will lead the walk around Bluff Top Trail, first developed in 1924 by the San Juan Point Corporation. Participants should meet at the Sampson Gazebo at Blue Lantern just south of Santa Clara Drive at 9 a.m. To register, call 949.542.4755.

The DPHS Museum at City Hall will be open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday next week, but will close for the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s days along with the city offices.

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Santa Claus gets a big hug from Gavin Petin, 4, at the Dana Point Harbor last year.

Photo by Andrea Swayne

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. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

News Next Door

San Juan Capistrano:

EMBATTLED COUNCILMAN CHOSEN AS MAYOR

San Clemente:

FOUR KILLED IN SATURDAY MORNING CRASH

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our people were killed and a fifth injured in a single car accident early Saturday morning near the corner of South El Camino Real and Avenida Valencia in San Clemente.

Three men and one woman, including the driver of the vehicle, were pronounced dead at the scene, said Lt. Jeff Hallock, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities responded to the scene around 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Pablo Vargas Diaz, 25, of San Juan Capistrano. Three of the passengers has also been identified as, Martin Nieto, 26, a 2006 Dana Hills High School graduate of Laguna Niguel and Lucia Solis, 27, and Luis Olivar, 22, both of San Juan Capistrano.

A 24-year-old female passenger, whose name has not been released, was transported to a local trauma center.

She is expected to survive.

Hallock said the investigation is ongoing, but speed and alcohol are believed factors in the crash. It could be weeks until the final investigation report is released, which should include the victims’ toxicology reports, he said.

Don Bolender, the owner of the Christmas tree lot near where the accident took place, and whose fence is now adorned with flowers, photos and candles remembering the victims, said he was sleeping when the crash occurred. When he awoke at 6 a.m., Bolender discovered police had blocked off the street.

A makeshift memorial bears remembrances of the four people, all in their 20s, killed in a fatal car accident Saturday morning on South El Camino Real in San Clemente. Photo by Jim Shilander

Vehicle parts and a light pole knocked down by the crash were strewn throughout the tree lot, and bits of glass were found in some trees, he said. The last several days have brought a nearly constant stream of mourners to the site.

One of the victims, Silva, worked as a barber at Señor Barber in San Juan Capistrano. His father, Jose, is an employee at the Mission.

A viewing for Silva was held Thursday at Lesneski Mortuary in San Clemente, according to a post on the Señor Barber Facebook page. A mass will be held Friday, December 13, at 1 p.m., at Mission Basilica Church. A reception will follow and the family has requested mourners not wear black but colorful clothing.—Jim Shilander and Brian Park

an Juan Capistrano City Councilman Sam Allevato, who is the target of an ongoing recall effort, was selected as the city’s new mayor Tuesday, December 3, during the council’s annual reorganization.

Allevato, a 37-year resident of San Juan who was first appointed to the council in 2004, has served as mayor twice before. He was reelected to the council November 2012.

Allevato found support from his council allies, outgoing mayor John Taylor and Larry Kramer, who was selected mayor pro tem. Councilman Derek Reeve voted against both Allevato’s and Kramer’s nominations while Councilman Roy Byrnes abstained from voting.

In recent months, the council’s fractured relations have fissured further with Kramer’s accusations of legal and ethical misconduct against Byrnes and Reeve. A 3-2 decision to begin an official investigation into Kramer’s allegations was rescinded within a month in favor of seeking the opinion of the state Attorney General’s office.

Allevato, Kramer and members of the community also recognized Taylor for his year of service as mayor.

“He really taught me to soften my rough edges because he truly is a man that really cares about this community,” Allevato said. “Truly, John, you’ve done a great job. You’ve been an inspiration for our residents.”

The council also selected Kramer as chairman and Byrnes as vice chairman of the city’s successor agency to the redevelopment agency. Byrnes was selected chairman of the city’s Housing Authority. Reeve will serve as vice chairman. The seats occupied by Kramer, Reeve and Taylor are up for election November 2014.—BP DP

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 50. 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

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RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com

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

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park

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

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Quinn Conway, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent

GUEST OPINION: Susan Wilson, Chairwoman of the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission

South County Answers Aren’t So Simple Discussions are taking place to consider future governance of Orange County’s ‘last frontier’

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ith most of Orange County now urbanized and the patchwork of city and special district service providers largely in place, the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission still faces one significant challenge in south Orange County: identifying viable long-term governance options for south county’s remaining unincorporated communities—Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Wagon Wheel and the developing Rancho Mission Viejo property, located south of Mission Viejo and east of San Juan Capistrano and planned for 14,000 homes. When fully developed, the Rancho Mission Viejo community will be home to approximately 90,000 Orange County residents.

If history is our guide, why not just allow the remaining south Orange County unincorporated communities to incorporate and become their own cities? Forming new cities was an effective governance solution for growing communities in Orange County in the 1950s and 1960s and again in the 1980s and 1990s. Unfortunately, in 2013, the answer is not that simple. From the state level, the way revenues are allocated to newly formed cities has changed dramatically, making the incorporation of a

new city increasingly difficult. The newest city to incorporate in California in July 2011, the city of Jurupa Valley in Riverside County, may also gain the notoriety of being the shortest-lived—and Susan Wilson maybe the last—incorporated city in California’s 162-year history, according to City Manager Stephen Harding in an article published in Western City magazine. A last minute maneuver to balance the state budget resulted in the elimination of the single most important source of revenue to newly incorporated cities, vehicle license fees. Jurupa Valley is now considering filing for disincorporation unless the VLF funding issue is corrected by the state legislature. Simply stated, the city is running out of money to provide essential services.

As chair of OC LAFCO, I help oversee the network of local governments that provide municipal services to Orange County residents. What a network we have. As the third most populous county in California, we have 34 cities, 27 special districts and the County of Orange, each providing critical services to our county’s

three million residents. Once a rural county dotted by orange groves, cattle ranches and vast expanses of open space, Orange County’s population boom started in the 1950s. We grew quickly as the result of a post-demand for affordable housing in close proximity to the beach. From 1950 to 1970 alone, Orange County’s population grew from 216,224 to 1,420,386.

As the population continued to grow, new unincorporated communities began springing up in south Orange County—all under the guidance and governance of the county. As these communities matured and reached “build out,” the desire to make their own decisions over land use, budgets and governance issues became increasingly important. Beginning in 1988, a new wave of city formations began with the incorporation of Mission Viejo. Other unincorporated communities soon followed with Laguna Niguel and Dana Point in 1989, Laguna Hills and Lake Forest in 1991, Laguna Woods in 1999, Rancho Santa Margarita in 2000 and Aliso Viejo in 2001—all becoming cities within 12 years.

These cities provided their residents a higher level of municipal services, improved access to local officials and offered an individual identity and long-term vision

for their communities.

OC LAFCO can look back over the last 50 years with a level of pride in our success in guiding our local agencies toward providing both effective and efficient municipal services delivery to Orange County residents. While incorporation may not be the short-term answer to the south county governance question, OC LAFCO has undertaken a deliberate and open “visioning” process to explore all viable long-term governance options for this area. The visioning process will likely be a multi-year, phased effort what will include the development of credible financial data and modeling and stakeholder discussions with local government and community leaders.

Susan Wilson is a Mission Viejo resident and is currently the chair of the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission and has served on the commission for 17 years. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Letters to the Editor NATURAL RESOURCES TRUMP FOUR-STAR AMENITIES BRANDON PHILLIPS, Dana Point

Neighbors, let’s let the cat out the bag. The city is looking to develop anything and everything to grow the city’s financial status … right?

Why does a growth in development, pollution (noise and environmental), traffic congestion, population and a decline Dana Point Times December 13–19, 2013

of open space seem to be beneficial to our community? Being a young man who has deep roots in our coastal communities and also a soon-to-be father, my wife and I are reconsidering raising our children in Dana Point (or anywhere in Southern California).

Beaches are lined with trash and gated communities. Parks and open spaces are becoming a nuisance to city council members. Public schools are overpopulated and valuable educators are leaving their

positions in fear. The last thing I want to see is this great city lose its focus on what made it great in the first place: natural beauty, a safe place to raise children and community values.

How many hotels and shopping centers are needed in a coastal community? Has Hawaii’s tourism thrived because visitors heard there are several four-star resorts?

Or is it because folks tap into their natural surroundings and find clean beaches

Page 10

and clear water paired with lovely local business owners that allow tourists to escape their busy, overpopulated and graffiti covered cities?

Please consider future generations when prostituting this city’s resources.

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

AT THE MOVIES: IT’S A LITTLE WEIRD ‘INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS’ Joel and Ethan Coen have been making strange films their entire careers, since 1984. While not weird enough to turn off most audiences, like directors Terry Gilliam or Todd Solondz, the Coens’ movies are often strange enough to keep viewers interested while raising an eyebrow.

The brothers have established a cult following with Raising Arizona, The Big Lebowski, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and became Oscar darlings with Fargo, No Country for Old Men and A Serious Man. Their latest feature, Inside Llewyn Davis, like their previous effort True Grit, tries to “normalize” the duo’s movies just a little bit. In 1961 Greenwich Village, a struggling folk musician named Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) sleeps on his friends’ couches regularly, owes money, can’t get his new solo album sold and is still mourning his music partner’s suicide.

As if things aren’t bad enough, Llewyn discovers he’s impregnated Jean (Carey Mulligan), the wife of fellow musician Jim (Justin Timberlake). Garrett Hedlund, John Goodman, Adam Driver and F. Murray Abraham make appearances throughout Llewyn’s short odyssey. Inside Llewyn Davis features some noticeable “Coenisms” but carries a bleak realism that sticks with the audience. Isaac delivers one of the best lead performances of the year, one deserving of some award nods, and T-Bone Burnett and Marcus Mumford create one of the great soundtracks of 2013. While Llewyn Davis fails as a successful musician, his story finds a small spotlight to shine. —Megan Bianco

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

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET 8 p.m. The classic holiday play at Camino Real Playhouse.

Tickets $24. Shows through December 22 with Thursday, Friday and weekend shows.

31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

13

OCEAN INSTITUTE PARADE OF LIGHTS HOLIDAY CRUISE 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Listen to Christmas music and see the colorfully decorated boats cruising through the harbor aboard an Ocean Institute cruise. Sweets, hot beverages and wine will be served. Tickets $50 adults, $40 children (age 4-12). 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

JIMMIE JAMES HARRIS 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

saturday

SANTA PAWS EVENT 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Pet Project Foundation hosts the annual event where pets can have their picture taken with Santa for a small fee at the Dana Point Harbor. All proceeds support the PPF. More info can be found at www.petprojectfoundation.org.

14

WINTER FESTIVAL AND TREE LIGHTING Noon7:30 p.m. The city of Dana Point presents a holiday event with activities and a tree lighting at La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza St., Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

Courtesy photo

EDITOR’S PICK: BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS Glowing vessels will brighten the channels beginning at 7:30 p.m. as the 39th annual Boat Parade of Lights cruises Lighted boats cut the dark in the the Dana Point Harbor Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of for its last night. Decked Lights. Photo by Lauralyn Loynes out boats of all shapes and sizes will parade around the county’s southernmost port, competing for judges’ awards. Holiday light-goers can view the parade from most spots in the Harbor. Visit www.danapointharbor.com for a parade map or call 949.496.5794 for more information.

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT 7 a.m.-10 a.m. Join experienced birders for the annual bird count at The Reserve/ Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Bring binoculars and field guide. Admission $5. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.

CAPT. DAVE’S BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS CRUISE 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Be a part of the boat parade while enjoying beautifully decorated boats, holiday music and waving to the folks on shore from a Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari vessel. Tickets $25. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

sunday

SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL’S WINTER FANTASY 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Final day to visit the 23rd annual winter art festival with 175 artists displaying and selling original creations including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, clothing and more at the Sawdust Festival grounds. Admission $3-$6. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030, www.sawdustartfestival.org.

15

CHRISTMAS TRAIN 4 p.m.-9 p.m. The Christmas Train at Irvine Park Railroad with rides and other fun holiday activities. Ride tickets $10, available online only. Train runs through December. 23. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.997.3968, www.irvineparkrailroad.com.

GOT UKULELE? 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Ukulele players and fans are invited to a Hawaiian music lesson and jam session, every Sunday. Call for location and more details.

949.829.2675, www.ekanikapilakakou.com.

DON MCLEAN 8 p.m. Legendary musician at The Coach House. Tickets $55. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

WEST KOAST JONNY 3 p.m. Alternative rock at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Dana Point Times December 13–19, 2013

Page 15

monday

THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER: CHRISTMAS SHOW 8 p.m. Grammy award-winning group performs holiday favorites at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org.

16

tuesday

DISNEY ON ICE: ROCKIN’ EVER AFTER 7:30 p.m. Disney on Ice brings a rockin’ remix of royalty to Honda Center. Tickets $17-$79. Performances through December 22. 2695 E. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, 714.704.2500, www.hondacenter.com.

17

HALF-PRICED WHALE WATCHING Noon and 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.

wednesday

18

KARAOKE WITH LES AND JOEL 7 p.m. Every Wednesday at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

WILL HEARD WITH GARY ROACH 7:30 p.m.11 p.m. Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

thursday

19

PHOTOS WITH SANTA 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Bring your camera for a picture and visit with Santa in the retail area of the Dana Point Harbor. Find out more at www.danapointharbor.com.

LAGUNA BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER 7 p.m.

Annual holiday performance featuring the nonprofit junior ballet company on the McKinney Theater stage at Saddleback College. Tickets $24. 28000 Marguerite Parkway., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event?

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

DP LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DP

SUDOKU

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

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

D a n a Po i nt

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

GUEST OPINION: Harbor Happenings by Barbara Merriman

DP’S NEWEST NURSES

In the Spirit of Christmas It truly is better to give than to receive

Two Dana Point residents among 53 recognized at Saddleback College pinning ceremony Tuesday

T

he old adage, “It’s better to give than to receive” was never more evident than last Saturday, December 7.

The Dana Point Yacht Club was filled with Marines from Camp Pendleton and their families. They had been invited to come and enjoy lunch with Santa.

This has been an annual event for nine years and each year, as more club members participate, it gets a little better.

There is even a waiting list to be an elf. Elf hats are mandatory, but pointy shoes are optional.

The families are asked to RSVP with the names and ages of their children, along with a

BY BARBARA request for a toy MERRIMAN (in the $35 to $40 range) and a little something about each child so Santa can talk with them. The children are always surprised when Santa knows the name of their pet, if they are on the honor roll or if they have been helpful to mom or dad—or even if they have been in a playground fight. Our Santa this year was staff commodore Pat Shoemaker, who enjoys this gig and is really good at it.

The Marine families began arriving at 11:30 a.m. where they were greeted by our “check-in elves,” offered a Christmas tattoo by our “tattoo elves,” then shown to their tables by our “hostess elves.” At noon, the “serving and busing elves” were busy during and after lunch, and then the “gift elves” got into the act. We even had a couple of “photo elves” who took pictures of each family with Santa.

DPYC members provided enough donations to buy gifts for each of the 50 children (some years we have a few more, some years a few less) along with a gift card from Target for the parents.

Dana Point Times December 13–19, 2013

The 2013 Saddleback College Nursing Program commencement Tuesday included pinning and candle lighting ceremonies. Courtesy photo

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

T Volunteer elves from the Dana Point Yacht Club pose for a picture with Santa Claus. The group hosted about 50 Marine families from Camp Pendleton Saturday, December 7 for dinner and a gift giveaway. Courtesy photo

Live music is provided by a member or two from the yacht club, known as our “music elves.”

This year, we were delighted to have the talent of violinist and Councilman Scott Schoeffel, a former mayor of Dana Point, playing carols, with me on the piano, as the guests were seated.

Christmas placemats with crayons and stickers were provided for each child, along with a small coloring book. We also had some special centerpieces this year.

Each table was adorned with one of 21 little wooden trains made by Bill Taylor, nicknamed “Chief Toy Elf.” When the announcement was made that each family could take home a train, there was an audible gasp in the room. It made us all smile.

As the emcee, Bob Perdue, called each family up to visit with Santa and receive their gifts, excitement continued to build.

You could feel and see the happiness and the gratitude in the room as the families departed with their gifts. Each year, this giving event brings as much, or more, happiness to the members as it does to the guests from Camp Pendleton. It was, as always, a great boost to the Christmas Season for all involved.

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

Page 17

wo of the 53 men and women who graduated from the nursing program at Saddleback College on Tuesday evening hail from Dana Point.

Dana Point residents Cathleen Plaza and Allana Tobias were among those honored at a symbolic candle lighting and pinning ceremony at Saddleback’s McKinney Theater.

Other local, tri-city area graduates are Robin Fouch, Brice Girdley, Margit Kalmus, Jessica Tanamachi and Christopher Wyatt, all from San Clemente, as well as Erica Warrington of San Juan Capistrano.

As part their commencement, the new nurses were presented with a pin, the traditional symbol of a nurse’s service and rite of passage into the profession. A candle lighting ceremony symbolized the passing of the flame from the famed founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, to each of the new graduates.

Girdley, along with a fellow graduate, delivered a speech titled, “Remember When.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

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

Finding the Right Time Is there a right time to reveal serious health issues to potential mates?

A

s we age, many people develop serious health problems.

For singles who are dating, an important consideration is: when do you reveal your condition to a new person you meet and like?

You fear rejection. You are afraid if you reveal your ailment, the person will disappear. And yet you are an honest individual and want to be fair.

When do you have that health conversation? Is there a good time?

Yvonne says, “Maybe not on the first date, but within the first five. At least then your date knows exactly what he or she is dealing with they can decide how to proceed. Some dates will run, and that’s OK. But with honesty up front, there is no sense of having been deceived later on.”

Mary said, “After a few dates and if you sense that it might become an on-going relationship, you owe it to your companion to reveal health issues. It happened to me when I went on lymphoma cancer watch. I told the man I was dating, even before I told my adult children.

“After two years of scans and lab work,

I was declared OK. The person I shared this with had cared for his wife for a number of years and I thought he deserved to know so he could leave if this troubled him. He didn’t leave until a year later, ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 for different reasons.”

By Tom Blake Daryl met a man online whose profile stated he loved flying his own plane and hiking at his cabin in Colorado.

She said, “He was a nice fellow who was anxious to meet for lunch. I arrived first and was watching out the window when he drove up. The problem was immediately clear when he had difficulty getting out of his automobile. Chunky but not obese, he commented that his knees needed ‘replacing.’

“When I mentioned that I walk every day with my 90-pound pooch, he was frank enough to say he was unable to walk down the block. The lunch was nice.

Had he indicated he was scheduling the

surgery, I would have kept up a phone relationship, but he was ‘putting off the surgery.’ No way.”

Claire dated a man for two months.

She noticed at times he had red blotches on his hands. When she asked about them, he said he had banged his hand on something. Claire said, “Three months into our relationship, he confessed he was dying from a rare type of cancer from which there was no cure. We cried together when he revealed this to me.

“He said each time I came to his house, he hid the calendar that had his doctors appointments on it and his prescriptions, because if I knew about his illness I would break off the relationship.

I broke it off because I was beginning to love him and feeling an attachment to him. I did not want to go through losing him.”

Sid, 70, said, “I was a care-taker for my wife for six years before she passed away from breast cancer, and I don’t want to go through that again, especially in my later years. My advice is to have the conversation sooner rather than later and

before becoming intimate.”

The consensus: Be honest. Reveal your condition within a few dates.

To share your thoughts, email Tom at tompblake@gmail.com.

The next Meet & Greet for singles age 50 plus is Wednesday, December 18, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point. The event will feature Carl the DJ and a fun, white elephant gift exchange. For more details, visit www.tutorandspunkys.com.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at www.findingloveafter50.com for more dating advice. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared.

The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE QUEEN EURO PILLOWTOP MATTRESS $150 STILL IN PLASTIC! GREAT BUY! 949-842-9994 MENS SMALL WETSUIT Mens Rip Curl Wetsuit, short-arm, full suit. New condition. Size small $85. Call or text 949.533.9761.

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

HELP WANTED SALES PERSON WANTED Picket Fence Media, owner of the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and Capistrano Dispatch, is looking for an advertising sales rep to join our dynamic team. We’re looking for an organized, hard-working individual with a great personality who can create marketing solutions for local businesses and push for growth in both print and online media platforms. Ideal candidate will have prior experience with media sales. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Alyssa Garrett at agarrett@sanclementetimes.com.

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

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

MUSIC INSTRUCTION (CONT.)

ELECTRICAL

949.496.6556 delta G electrical 949.360.9282 Danman’s Music School 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com CA #657214, www.deltagelectrical.com

PET GROOMING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Nona Associates-Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 949.496.2275 IMAGES/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com 2927 Via Gorgonio, Ste. 100, www.imgs.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

ICE CREAM Coffee Importers Scoop Deck 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.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

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

949.496.3315

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

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

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

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

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

949.444.6323

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

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

PSYCHIATRY

Dr. Robert Dobrin, M.D. 949-707-4757 Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatry/Behavioral Pediatrics 33971 Selva Rd. Ste, 125 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.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

OUTDOOR SPOTLIGHT

DANA WHARF FISH COUNT

In his monthly newsletter Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching captain Brian Wooley anticipated that December would be a good month to catch rockfish and so far, that prediction has held true.

Anglers have been pulling in a good amount of rockfish along with sculpin and sand bass.

This month also marks the start of lobster hoop netting trips, which are offered on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Here is the latest fish count from Dana Wharf.

12/11 • 3 boats; 32 anglers: 70 rockfish, 35 vermillion rockfish, 24 sculpin, 14

GUEST OPINION: By Michael Vogeler, Dana Hills High School Senior

Under the Lights Football player reflects on his time spent as a Dolphins athlete

T

here is nothing like playing football under Friday night lights. The energy and the atmosphere are indescribable and omnipresent.

There are many sports in high school, but none are similar to football. Football draws the biggest crowds, the student section goes crazy and the school’s pride rests on the pads of all the players.

Most schools’ student body energy runs off of their football team. If the team wins, it uplifts the vibe on campus. It’s vice

Dolphin Report

By Steve Breazeale

DOLPHINS X-C PLACES 18TH AT NATIONALS The Dana Hills boys cross country team toed the starting line with 21 of the best high school teams from around the country at the Nike Cross Nationals on December 7 and came away with an 18thplace finish.

Senior Gavin Diem led the way for the Dolphins, finishing 31st overall with a time of 15:56.

Jake Ogden (42nd), Mason Coppi (51st), Alexander Smith (106th), Timothy Wilson (117th), Joseph Benrubi (128th) Dana Point Times December 13-19, 2013

Dana Hills senior Michael Vogeler.

Photo by Tony Tribolet/www.xpsphoto.com

versa if they lose. In many ways, I think high school football teams bond the whole school together, to form one tight-knit community of students and staff.

Playing through high school, I have developed lifelong friendships, as well as memories I will remember for the rest of my life.

Going through two-a-days creates a brotherhood amongst the whole group. It was like I had 70 brothers I could tell any-

and Wyler Svoboda (135th) rounded out the group.

The race capped the end of a successful season for the Dolphins, one that saw them take third at the CIF State Championships.

DOLPHINS BOYS BASKETBALL EARNS THIRD STRAIGHT WIN Senior Eric Matheis fueled the Dana Hills boys basketball team to their third consecutive win on December 11, scoring a team-high 27 points in the Dolphins 50-42 nonleague win over visiting Laguna Beach.

Matheis put together an efficient offensive game, making 10 of 14 shots from the field, including five of seven 3-pointers.

Dana Hills will host Rancho Buena Vista on December 13 before heading to play in the IWN Tournament in Tustin from December 17-20.

Anglers aboard a Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching boat display their rockfish. Courtesy photo

sand bass, 3 calico bass, 2 sheephead, 1 cabezon, 1 white fish, 1 lingcod.

12/9 • 2 boats; 22 anglers: 60 rockfish, 28 sculpin, 25 vermillion rockfish,

5 sheephead, 4 sand bass, 3 white fish.

12/8 • 4 boats; 77 anglers: 167 sanddabs, 53 rockfish, 10 sheephead, 6 sculpin, 6 sand bass, 4 white fish, 2 vermillion rockfish, 2 boccacio.

12/7 • 2 boats; 52 anglers: 41 rockfish, 25 sanddabs, 20 vermillion rockfish, 7 sculpin, 3 calico bass, 2 boccacio and 1 sand bass.

12/6 • 2 boats; 20 anglers: 35 sanddabs, 20 rockfish, 16 sand bass, 7 calico bass, 6 sculpin, 4 sheephead, 2 white fish, 2 cabezon, 2 boccacio.

12/5 • 1 boat; 11 anglers: 30 rockfish, 25 vermillion rockfish, 1 sheephead and 1 white fish. —Compiled by Steve Breazeale

thing and everything. Even though two-adays is by far the biggest challenge of the season, it is where the band of brothers is created. When it is 100 degrees outside and your whole body is in pain, it doesn’t hurt nearly as bad knowing that all your best buddies are right there, by your side, going through all of it with you.

I was fortunate enough to spend my four years playing at Dana Hills, under a phenomenal coaching staff and great group of teammates. When head coach Todd Rusinkovich took over three years ago, it was the start of something we call the Dolphin Dynasty.

My junior season, I became a starter on defense, playing safety. I was originally an offensive player as a sophomore, but coach Rusinkovich moved me to defense.

Initially I felt as if I belonged on offense, but then realized a move to the other side of the ball was best for the team.

That same year I was lucky to be a part of Dana Hills’ first ever league championship. The experience was unbelievable, and I am honored to have been a part of it.

When I am older and come back to visit, it

will be an awesome feeling, looking up at the lone football banner in the basketball gym, seeing the year 2012 emblazoned on it.

As a senior, I was expected to be a leader amongst my teammates. I had a great season, and we made the playoffs for the first time in five years. Unfortunately, we had a tough ending to the year, losing to Newport Harbor in the first round. But it was still an amazing experience to play in a playoff atmosphere in front of our home crowd.

Football is a sport where it takes a whole team to win. I’ve learned that if only 10 people do their jobs, and one person doesn’t, it can be the difference between a win and loss. If there is one thing that I will miss the most about high school football, it will be the memories and relationships I formed with my teammates. DP

TRITONS OFFENSE TOO MUCH FOR DOLPHINS BOYS SOCCER IN 7-1 LOSS Top ranked San Clemente traveled to play Dana Hills on December 11 and flexed their offensive muscle in a 7-1 nonleague victory.

Tritons junior forward Blayne Martinez recorded a hat trick and helped ignite a four-goal first half effort.

The Dolphins (1-3) schedule will not get easier anytime soon. They will host No. 8 ranked Capistrano Valley out of the South Coast League on December 13.

not available at press time.

GIRLS SOCCER OPEN SEASON AT ALISO CUP The Dana Hills girls soccer team opened up their 2014 campaign at the high profile Aliso Cup on December 9 and lost to Beckman 2-0.

The Dolphins (0-1) were set to play Esperanza on December 12. Results were

Page 20

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

DOLPHINS GIRLS WATER POLO GRAB WINS AT BENSON CUP The Dana Hills girls water polo team went 3-1 at the Benson Cup Tournament from December 5-7. The Dolphins (3-2) defeated Bell Gardens, El Dorado and Villa Park. The lone loss came against Rosary on December 6.

DOLPHINS GIRLS BASKETBALL IN TOURNAMENT MODE The Dana Hills girls basketball team is in the midst of a tough tournament schedule, which so far has produced mixed results.

The Dolphins (2-5) defeated Los Amigos 49-36 on December 7 and lost a close match against La Habra 55-52 on December 9 as part of the Hawk Holiday Classic.

The Dolphins will play Corona del Mar at Los Amigos High School on December 13. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

6

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK COLE THOMPSON

Age: 12, Bernice Ayer Middle School The term “surf and turf” aptly represents Cole Thompson’s main athletic aspirations. Surfing and football are the sports Cole has set out to excel and advance in, and thus far, he’s succeeding. He’s also been a force on the hardwood for five years, most recently as center for his All Net club basketball team. Although he enjoys hoops, this sixth-grader is focused on preparing to earn spots as a shortboarder and a kicker on San Clemente High School’s surf and football teams and work toward a professional career in either sport. “I’ve been surfing for about four years now. I like to compete in surfing and would like to go pro someday, but if that doesn’t happen I’ll be fine with it,” he said. “I’d actually really love to be a pro field goal kicker.” So far, he has logged three years on his Pop Warner football team, the Tritons, and is in his first year on the Bernice Ayer Middle School surf team. He likes surfing because “it’s energizing, fun and a really good work out.” Cole tries to paddle out every day but homework comes first for this ‘A’ and ‘B’ stuCole Thompson. Courtesy photo dent. “I take school seriously because if you don’t get good grades, you can’t surf on the surf team. So I try to make my grades work for that, and so that I can play football,” Cole said. “And besides, I want to get a good education and a good job someday.” —Andrea Swayne

Honoring Hobie

RESULTS WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 5, Midget Smith Memorial Pier Rat Challenge, December 7-8, San Clemente, Pier Local finishers only. Key: SC=San Clemente, DP=Dana Point, SJC=San Juan Capistrano.

Surfing royalty came to San Clemente Saturday to honor one of their own

By Jim Shilander Dana Point Times

H

obie Alter received surf fans and surfers like a gracious king Saturday at the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center.

The event, a celebration of a new biography of Alter titled HOBIE: Master of Water, Wind and Waves, brought out surf royalty like Phil Edwards, former Hobie employees and others just looking to get a glimpse of the surf legend.

Book author Paul Holmes, who also greeted well-wishers and signed copies of the book, said he was grateful for the turnout, but knew, after all, that it wasn’t for him.

“I’m very gratified so many turned out, not for me, but for Hobie,” Holmes said.

Holmes said the event had also given him the opportunity to catch up with—or meet in person for the first time—some of the people he’d spoken with for the book during his more than two years of research.

Barry Haun, the center’s curator and creative director, said Alter not only shaped surf culture, but had also touched other areas, from stand-up paddleboarding to sunglasses to remote control gliders.

He noted the number of giants of the surf world in attendance, the likes of Edwards, who Haun called the “Joe DiMaggio of surfing,” and Mike Hynson, from Endless Summer, who don’t normally attend events.

“It shows what an icon Hobie is,” Haun said.

Many other supplicants came to speak with Alter as well. Cris Dawson, for example, was a member of an exhibition

Dana Point Times December 13–19, 2013

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Surf legend Hobie Alter greeted hundreds at the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center Saturday at an event to celebrate a new book on his life. Photo by Jim Shilander

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59-61 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: Local: 10-15’+ Fair Immediate: Leftover northwest swell lingers as small new southwest swell mix begins to creep in. Better breaks run mainly knee-thigh high (1-2’+), with some better waist high+ (3’) sets for standouts. Funzone surf prevails on Friday off a blend of south-southwest and new west-northwest/ northwest swells. Light winds in the mornings give way to light to moderate westerly onshores in the afternoons.

Long Range Outlook: Modest scale westnorthwest/northwest swell shows the most size through the weekend as modest southsouthwest swell blends in. Better breaks run knee-waist high (2-3’) with some larger chest high (3’+) sets for standouts. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!

Author Paul Holmes said the big turnout for the event was a reflection of the impact Alter has had on surf culture. Photo by Jim Shilander

skateboard team Alter sponsored in 1966, and came to reminisce with Alter, despite not having seen him since.

“Hobie is such a significant figure in ocean sports,” Surfers Journal copublisher Steve Pezman said. “There are people here who’ve just come out of the woodwork.”

SHACC boardmember Denny Michel said he’d met people who’d come from as far afield as Hawaii, Australia, South Africa and Germany for the event.

For more information, contact SHACC at 949.388.0313 ext. 0 or check out their website www.surfingheritage.org, where the book is available for purchase. DP

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MICRO GROM BOYS/GIRLS U9: 1. Dane Matson, SC; 5. Bryce Pinkerton, SC. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 2. Dax McPhillips, SC; 3. Brayden Burch, SC. BOYS U12: 2. Kai McPhillips, SC; 3. Kade Matson, SC; 4. Jett Schilling, SC. BOYS U14: 3. Kade Matson, SC; 5. Jett Schilling, SC. BOYS U16: 1. Kei Kobayashi, SC; 3. Nathan Carabba, SC. BOYS U18: 1. Brighton Reinhardt, DP. GIRLS U12: 2.

Kirra Pinkerton, SC; 4. Samantha Sibley, SC. GIRLS U14: 2. Kirra Pinkerton, SC; 5. Samantha Sibley, SC; 6. Alexxa Elseewi, SC. GIRLS U16: 2. Malia Osterkamp, SC; 6. Cameron Duby, SJC. GIRLS U18: 1. Malia Osterkamp, SC; 2.

Kirra Pinkerton, SC. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 3. Jimmy Wynne, SC; 4. Ricky Fodor, DP; 5. Matt Economos, SC; 6.

Joshua Hoffman, DP. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 2. Kaimana Takayama, SC. GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Cameron Duby, SJC; 4. Malia Mauch, SC. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Emmy Lombard, SC; 4. Teresa O’Connor, SJC. MEN 18-29: 5. Ricky Lovato, SC. SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1.

Rick Takahashi, San Diego. LEGENDS 50+: 3. Dale Baker, SC. OPEN MEN: 3. Cody Canzoneri, SC; 5. Brighton Reinhardt, DP. OPEN WOMEN: 4. Samantha Sibley, SC; 5.

Alexandra Frost, SJC. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 2. Cody Canzoneri, SC. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 2. Kyla Kelley, Capistrano Beach; 3. Cameron Duby, SJC; 5. Lexi Morgan, SC. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 3. Eric Rendon, SC; 4. Michael Takayama, SC. For full results, log on to www.danapointtimes.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS December 14-15: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 3, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach December 21-22: NSSA Open, Event No. 6, Cardiff-bythe-Sea, Seaside Reef January 4-5: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 6, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty January 11-12: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 4, Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane January 11: SSS, OC Middle School and High School, Event No. 3, San Clemente, Pier January 25-26: NSSA Open, Event No. 7, Dana Point, Salt Creek February 8: SSS, OC Middle School and High School, Event No. 4, Oceanside, Pier February 8: NSSA Explorer, Event No. 8, Huntington Beach, 9th Street February 8-9: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 5, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles February 15-16: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 7, Huntington Beach, Pier March 1-2: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty March 1-2: NSSA Open, Event No. 8, Ventura, C Street March 15-16: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 6, Huntington Beach, Pier March 22: SSS, OC Middle School and High School, Event No. 5, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street

www.danapointtimes.com