December 20, 2013 by Dana Point Times

VOTE FOR THE “BEST OF DANA POINT” AT WWW.DANAPOINTTIMES.COM D E C E M B E R 2 0 -2 6 , 2 0 1 3

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

VOLUME 6, ISSUE 51

Little Acts of Selflessness Boys & Girls Clubs members gain educational empowerment, supply gifts for families E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

Top point earners in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley’s Operation Holiday Homework line up outside the Via Positiva branch in San Juan Capistrano Saturday to embark on a shopping excursion for their families. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.danapointtimes.com

Family to hold San Clemente Paddleout for McStays Jan. 4

School Replaces Fish Tank Destroyed by Vandals

CUSD Superintendent Joseph Farley Announces Retirement

EYE ON DP/PAGE 6

DP LIVING/PAGE 14

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

EYE ON DP

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Admission is free, for this weekly market at La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza St. For more information, call 949.573.5033 or visit www. danapoint.org.

Whale Walk and Talk 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Learn about Dana Point’s largest mammal visitors on this 1.5-mile walk hosted by the Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive.

D a n a Po i nt

Holiday Observance—Dana Point Library closes at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will reopen after Christmas Day on Thursday, December 26 at 10 a.m. Visit www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana for more information about library happenings and hours.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 Holiday Observance—City offices closed. Due to the holidays, the city of Dana Point’s operations will be dark until Thursday, January 2, when City Hall offices re-open at 7:30 a.m. Dana Point Police Services will continue uninterrupted.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 Senior Twilight Dinner 5:00 p.m. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St. Recommended $8 donation. To find out more, call 949.248.3536.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 Ocean Water Quality Subcommittee Meeting—Canceled.

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With... 1

…CUSD Superintendent Farley?

THE LATEST: Capistrano Unified School District Superintendent Joseph Farley announced last Wednesday he will retire June 30. Farley, who entered the district during a period of financial disruption, said he leaves the post knowing he did his best to steer CUSD through “trying times.” “I was asked to stabilize the district and return the focus back to instruction and kids, and to earn back the trust of our employee groups. This was done,” Farley said in a statement. Farley was the district’s seventh superintendent in four years when hired in 2010. Board of Trustees President John Alpay said Farley played a vital role in bringing stability to the district. “He has been instrumental in returning the focus onto what is important—the education of our children,” Alpay said in a press release.

Beach was convicted of five felony counts of recording false and forged instruments by a jury on October 30. Hanloh owned and operated Blair Hanloh Trustee of Diversified Management Trust, which the District Attorney’s office held he started in order to record quitclaim deeds. Quitclaim deeds are filed with the county Clerk-Recorder’s Department to sever ownership of a property in order to pass it along to another. The DA argued Hanloh falsely transferred vacant and mid-foreclosure homes into his name, changed the locks, fixed the properties up and had renters sign fraudulent lease agreements. Hanloh recorded quitclaim deeds for homes on Del Gado Road and Sea Bright Drive in Dana Point. Charges stemmed from an Anaheim Police Department investigation after the legal owner of one property reported people living in his home that he had not rented to. DA’s investigators assisted.

WHAT’S NEXT: Following Farley’s announcement, the board continued an item December 11 naming a subcommittee to help fill the superintendent role.

WHAT’S NEXT: Orange County Superior Court Judge William Froeberg ruled Hanloh’s sentence could not be served in a state prison due to current realignment legislation. Hanloh is housed at the Central Mens Jail in Santa Ana, according to county inmate records.

FIND OUT MORE: Track district news on Twitter @Danapointtimes.—Jim Shilander

FIND OUT MORE: Go to www.danapointtimes.com.—Andrea Papagianis

…a $3.5 Million Real Estate Scheme?

THE LATEST: A man convicted of falsifying documents on properties he didn’t own—valued at over $3.5 million—in Dana Point, San Clemente and Anaheim as part of an intricate rental scheme was sentenced December 13 to four years in an Orange County jail. Blair Christopher Hanloh, 50, of Long Dana Point Times December 20–26, 2013

…the La Pata Gap Closure?

THE LATEST: The Orange County Board of Supervisors has named a contractor to close the La Pata gap, connecting San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Supervisors selected a $72.7 million bid from Sukut Construction, Inc. of Santa Ana, $5 million below the county’s estimate. An initial round of bids was rejected by the supervisors last month due to irregularities

between the three bids received. The first phase of the project will close the gap between Avenida La Pata in San Clemente and La Pata Avenue in San Juan Capistrano. It will include four lanes and stretch from the current terminus points at Calle Saluda and the Prima Descecha Landfill. The project’s second portion will widen La Pata Avenue from three to five lanes, south of Ortega Highway in an unincorporated area of Orange County to the existing San Juan ending at the landfill. The final phase will widen Camino Del Rio to four lanes. WHAT’S NEXT: Crews could break ground on phase one by March 2014. FIND OUT MORE: Search “La Pata” at www.danapointtimes.com.—JS

…the Capo Beach Fire Suspect?

THE LATEST: A man suspected of running a drug lab in a Capistrano Beach garage died in a hospital last Friday from injuries sustained in a November explosion, authorities have confirmed. Lee Haumea Sermur, 31, died at Western Medical Center in Santa Ana Friday, December 13 at 2:56 p.m., according to the Orange County Coroner’s Division. Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Lt. Jeff Hallock confirmed Sermur was suspected of operating a cannabis oil lab. Sermur was seriously injured in a garage explosion and subsequent fire in the 26000 block of Vista del Mar in Capistrano Beach on Tuesday, November 5. Authorities believe Sermur attempted to extract THC—or tetrahydrocannabinol—the chief intoxicant in marijuana, from finely ground stems and leaves of marijuana plants. The extraction process involves using the flammable butane gas, in a liquid

Page 3

form, and leaves behind a highly concentrated form of THC, known as hash or honey oil. WHAT’S NEXT: While the drug is not new on the scene, Orange County officials have seen a rise in extraction related incidents over the past year. In the last 12 months, the OCSD Hazardous Devices Section, also known as the county’s “bomb squad,” has responded to 14 similar cases. FIND OUT MORE: Search “Capo Beach Fire” at www.danapointtimes.com.—AP

…Dana Hills Improvements?

THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved moving forward with bids to replace the roof at San Clemente High School and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at Dana Hills High School. The two projects are considered a top priority by district officials, based on maintenance needs of the two schools. The HVAC replacement is estimated to cost approximately $2.5 million. A general survey of other district needs found approximately $547,000 worth of repairs needed at R.H. Dana, $463,000 at Palisades and $400,000 at Las Palmas elementary schools. WHAT’S NEXT: Due to confusion about whether monies from a community finance district, funded by Talega residents, could be used for maintenance at SCHS, the trustees voted to move forward with the bid process, but opted to resolve the financing at a later date. Funds for the HVAC replacement are available in a different fund, according to district staff. FIND OUT MORE: By visiting www.danapointtimes.com.—JS www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Little Acts of Selflessness Boys and Girls Clubs members gain educational empowerment, buy gifts for families Story and Photos by Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

hristmas is just around the corner, and for some Boys & Girls Clubs members, gifts are filling up vacant spaces underneath their holiday trees, thanks to their hard work outside the classroom. Kimberly Olvera, 10, a fifth-grader at Kinoshita Elementary School wasted no time Saturday, heading straight for a room filled with donated bicycles. Numbering 35 in total and ranging in size and colorful hues, Olvera immediately pointed to a shiny, purple cruiser with flower covered grips. She had found the perfect gift for her 8-year-old sister. Olvera was among the first in line December 14 as club members from Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano cashed in their hard-earned points for a coveted, early Operation Holiday Homework time slot. For the last decade, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley have held the annual homework competition, empowering members to focus on their education with an incentives-based holiday payoff. Each day, during the clubs’ homework power hour, members have received points for accomplishing three things— being quiet, respectful and staying on task—along with completing their day’s schoolwork. “This is an educational priority program,” said Nicole Watson, area director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley. “It is getting kids to realize, if they do their homework that good things will come, and by placing their education first, they can now give amazing gifts to their family members.” And at the end of each month, points were counted up and displayed for all members to see. “When points are posted each month, our members’ eyes grow even bigger, and you see them focusing on their homework more and more,” Watson said. “The cool thing with members being on task, quiet and respectful, is they are doing something productive and their homework is getting completed. They are driven and focused on getting work done to be able to attend the Operation Holiday Homework event.” For Hannah Bostic, a fifth-grader at Del Obispo Elementary School, a gift for her cousin was top priority. Rather than a gift for herself, Bostic asked if she could donate her homework earned prize. She Dana Point Times December 20-26, 2013

Eleni Rodriguez, 9, a fourth-grader at Del Obispo Elementary School, and volunteer Janice Frechette Artinger celebrate finding the perfect gift for Rodriguez’s 2-year-old sister, Leyla.

“This is an educational priority program. It is getting kids to realize, if they do their homework that good things will come.” —Nicole Watson, area director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley

Volunteers from the Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation and Cyclelogical help Kimberly Olvera, 10, a fifth-grader at Kinoshita Elementary School find a bike for her younger sister.

Priyavrath Kathabi, an engineer from Newport Beach, helps 9-year-old Daniel Deanda, a fourthgrader at Kinoshita Elementary School wrap gifts for his siblings.

arrived at 6 a.m. to ensure she was one of the first point earners through the door at 9:30 a.m., her eyes set on a Power Wheels, a black, drivable Hummer, for an unsuspecting younger relative. “Our biggest ask this year was members wanting to substitute their gifts for others,” Watson said. Bostic got her holiday wish, and her cousin, his first car. Like her peer, Olvera’s first gift stop was not for herself, but for her sister. With the help of volunteers

from the Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation, who donated bikes for the third year in a row, and Cyclelogical, a cycling shop near La Plaza Park, Olvera not only had the perfect bike, sized for her sister, but also a helmet to go along with it. Members proudly wheeled bikes out the club’s front doors Saturday, thanks in part to the donation, and to the long hours Cyclelogical’s young mountain bike team spent assembling them. Teammates worked throughout the prior day and

Page 5

night, putting together some 20 bikes, delayed in transit by bad weather. “What you see here is kids helping kids, and teaching each other about selflessness,” said Russell Ames, executive director of the DPCCF. Hundreds of such selfless acts filled Capistrano Valley’s three branches this weekend, as 340 members in San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita and Aliso Viejo were given the opportunity to “buy” holiday gifts for their family members. One-by-one, young students attending the Via Positiva branch in San Juan Capistrano entered the club Saturday, December 14 with a personal shopper. With a stadium-style introduction by Teen Director Chris Waters, members were greeted by a shopping volunteer and highfived by dozens of others lining a hallway leading to rooms filled with gifts and the man in red, Santa Claus himself. Some were timid, some experienced from years past, but all were filled with excitement over the endless gift possibilities. And after shopping, wrapping and a high-fiving along their journey, hundreds left the club with presents for brothers, sisters, moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, a special gift for themselves and a sense of pride and achievement in earning things, both big and small, for their families. When 8-year-old Catalina Nelson, a third-grader at R.H. Dana Elementary School, entered the club Saturday her eyes were wide, jetting gift-to-gift for choices for mom, dad and little brother. She settled on a candle for mom, a moment-capturing gift for dad and a toy both 7-year-old bother Mark and his friends can enjoy. With a modest Lego gift for herself in hard, Nelson looked up, and politely asked, “Can we find a different present for my mom?” Nelson returned to a piece of jewelry she eyed earlier, and with a smile spread across her face said, “It’s perfect.” Nelson greeted her mother, Natalie, with a bag-full of wrapped gifts that volunteers helped conceal for the family’s Christmas Eve reveal. In the words of Kinoshita fourth-grader, Daniel Deanda, 9, who shopped for his mother, father and siblings ages 12, 4 and 3, “They are going to freak out.” The Giving Continues The Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is hosting its annual Winter Wonderland and holiday party on Monday, December 23 and event organizers are asking for donations. More than 400 members ages 6 to 18 will attend the annual event, but local toy drives have proved unfruitful this year. Unwrapped donations and gift cards are being accepted at the club, located at 1304 Calle Valle in San Clemente, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, December 20. Contact the branch at 949.492.0376 for more information. And to find out more about Boys & Girls Clubs volunteer and donation opportunities, visit the local chapters’ websites, at www.bgccapo.com and www.bgcsca.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Rotary Club Honors Students for Academic, Volunteer Achievements

Pictured (L to R) Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary members Alan Wickstrom and Zohreh Behbehani, with Dana Hills students of the month Lucy Reidling and Eric Thorpe, and Dana Hills principal Jason Allemann. Courtesy photo u The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club recognized two students from Dana Hills High School, seniors Eric Thorp and Lucy Reidling, for their outstanding academic achievements and volunteer service. “With these outstanding stars, the future of our country is in good hands,” Rotary Club President Alan Wickstrom said in an email. The students, along with their parents, Judith Thorp and Lenny and Keeran Reiling, and Dana Hills principal Jason Allemann, were honored at the club’s monthly meeting on December 11. Meetings are held at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, which sponsors the club’s students of the month with a free breakfast. Find out more about the Rotary Club by visiting, www.monarchbeachrotary.com.

Pageant Calls on Volunteers to Bring Artworks to Life u Organizers of the annual Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach are looking for men, women and children of all ages, shapes and sizes to bring to life the world’s most famous pieces of art. The nonprofit Festival of Arts is calling on volunteers for its annual living art show, supporting arts in Orange County. Next year’s show, titled The Art Detective, will reveal the discoveries of lost treasures, where passionate crimes were covered and

uncovered and how art’s creative riddles were undone with a gallery of living art providing the clues. A casting call will be held at the Irvine Bowl Park, 650 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach, Saturday, January 4, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, January 5, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday, January 9, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Prospective volunteers will be measured, photographed and given the chance to meet behind-the-scenes staff. Volunteers are also needed for the wardrobe, make up and headdress departments, among other positions. No theater experience is necessary. Next summer’s performances will be staged nightly at 8:30 p.m. from Wednesday, July 9 through Saturday, August 30. Call 949.494.3663 for more information.

Harbor Parade Sings 39th annual Boat Parade animates Dana Point Harbor with tune-themed light displays

Paddle-out Memorial Planned January 4 for McStay Family u A public memorial service in Laguna Niguel and paddle-out has been scheduled for the slain McStay family. On February 4, 2010 Joseph, Summer, Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, McStay mysteriously disappeared from their Fallbrook home. More than three years after they vanished, the skeletal remains of all four family members were found in shallow graves outside of Victorville, Calif. on November 11. The McStay family was positively identified by San Bernardino County officials shortly thereafter. A memorial service is scheduled Saturday, January 4, 2014, at noon at the Vineyard Community Church, located at 27632 El Lazo in Laguna Niguel. The service will be followed by a paddle-out from the San Clemente Pier, starting between 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Paddlers will place leis in the water. Before moving to Fallbrook, the McStay family lived in San Clemente, where Joseph was an avid surfer. Updated information will be posted at www.mcstayfamily.org.

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

Best Crew Over 30’, Endless Summer. Photo by Michael Abbinante

Dana Point Times

unes were on the ticket as the 39th annual Harbor Boat Parade of Lights made a two-week debut, cruising Dana Point’s waterways. This year’s theme, “Here We Come a Caroling,” saw boaters brighten the night sky and calm Harbor waters with light covered boats, decked out with caroling inflatable Santa Clauses, snowmen and penguins and a hand-jiving, poodle skirt-wearing group. From cruising vessels more than 30 feet to small dinghies with room for no more than one passenger, all 90 participants showcased their creativity and holiday spirit, but only a handful came away with coveted judges’ rulings in a series of “Best of” classes. Here is a snapshot of some of this year’s parade winners. For full results, visit www.danapointtimes.com. DP

And the winners are … Best Crew Under 30’—Free to Roam Best Crew Over 30’—Endless Summer Best Animation Under 30’—Ming Poo Best Animation Over 30’—JTM Best Use of Color Under 30’—Refuge Best Use of Color Over 30’—Bella Rose Best Use of Lights Under 30’—Doheny Doll Best Use of Lights Over 30’—Shannon Rose Most Original Under 30’—Wendy Ann Most Original Over 30’—Nowhere Bar Best Theme Under 30’—Furlough Daze Best Theme Over 30’—Endless Summer Best Sailboat Under 30’—Mer Sea Best Sailboat Over 30’—Why Not Best Powerboat Under 30’—Doheny Doll Best Powerboat Over 30—Bella Rose Yacht Club with Most Entries— Dana West Yacht Club Judges Choice Under 30’—Doheny Doll Judges Choice Over 30’—Endless Summer

EYE ON DP

A California Guy to the End

Feds to Reassess Juaneño Sovereignty

Late actor Paul Walker’s south Orange County legacy By Megan Bianco Dana Point Times

By Brian Park Dana Point Times

hen actor Paul Walker was killed in a car accident November 30 while driving with a friend in Santa Clarita, he left behind a legacy that included a south Orange County connection. His famous sandy blonde Californian looks weren’t just a coincidence. Walker was born and raised in the suburban communities of Los Angeles County. After making small appearances on sitcoms like “Who’s the Boss?” and “Charles in Charge,” Walker’s first feature film, Tammy & the T-Rex (1994), flopped hard. Walker migrated south to Orange County in embarrassment, leaving the acting world behind. At 21, Walker moved into a friend’s garage in San Clemente, began working at the Chart House in Dana Point and studied marine biology. Walker gave acting a second go in 1996, after a former talent agent saw a television cameo and tracked him down in San Clemente. Two years later, Walker had his big break in the dramedy Pleasantville as Reese Witherspoon’s love interest. Popular films including She’s All That and Varsity Blues followed in 1999. Even with newfound fame and success, Walker didn’t

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.

Sunday, December 15 TRAFFIC HAZARD Stonehill Drive/Street of the Golden Lantern (6:26 p.m.) A bucket, possibly containing cement, was left in the middle of Stonehill Drive, causing cars to swerve to avoid the debris. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Stonehill Drive/Street of the Blue Lantern (4:04 p.m.) A man was waving his arms and yelling at the bus stop after leaving his bicycle in the middle of the street. Another informant called to report the man for nearly causing an accident by pushing Dana Point Times December 20–26, 2013

he Juaneño Band of Mission Indians received encouraging news this month regarding their continuing efforts to attain federal recognition. In a letter sent Tuesday, December 3, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell supported the Juaneños’ petition for reconsideration as a sovereign nation. The Juaneños—also known as the Acjachemen Nation—were denied federal recognition in 2011 by the Bureau of Indian Affair’s Office of Federal Acknowledgement, saying that the tribe failed to meet genealogical, historical and other criteria. Following a petition for appeal sent by the Interior Board of Indian Appeals, on behalf of the Juaneños, Jewell found errors in the bureau’s final assessment, primarily the bureau’s own acknowledgement that they had overlooked some evidence. Jewell recommended the Department of Interior reconsider the Juaneños’ petition and suspend consideration until revisions are taken into account. “This is incredible news for our

Paul Walker is shown here backstage at the San Clemente High School air guitar show with Nicole Michaelian in 1999. Photo courtesy of Irene Hung

abandon his south county days and made a special appearance at San Clemente High School’s Air Guitar show that year. 2001 would bring Paul the beginning of a franchise to last the rest of his career: The Fast and the Furious. The series’ seventh movie was in the midst of production when Walker died. Walker is survived by his daughter, family, friends, loving co-stars and a number of movies for fans to remember him by. When walking his first big red carpet premiere for Pleasantville 15 years ago, Walker was asked if he had his own “Pleasantville.” His response: “Just hanging out with my buddies, heading down to San Clemente for the weekend and surfing. That’s what I love to do.” DP his bike into traffic lanes. The man ran up Stonehill Drive, where a third caller said the man was throwing pieces of glass at her home. Authorities identified the subject and he was arrested. The man posted bail and was released before 10 p.m. SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (7:31 a.m.) A recreational vehicle was parked behind Girl in the Curl surf shop with traffic cones placed around it. The caller said she made contact with the owner of the vehicle, which resulted in an argument between the two. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Logo Vista, 0 Block (6:31 a.m.) A large amount of water started coming up through the street, causing flooding. The South Coast Water District responded. Utility workers determined there was a water leak under the cement. DRUNK IN PUBLIC Dana Point Harbor Drive, 2500 Block (1:00 a.m.) A drunken man was standing in the parking lot behind Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern harassing people.

Nation,” said Juaneño Tribal Council Chairwoman Teresa Romero in a statement. “On behalf of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, I say ‘Om paloov’ (thank you) to Secretary Jewell for her decision.” Although the tribe is recognized by the state, tribal leaders have fought for federal status for more than 30 years. Tribes that receive federal recognition are considered sovereign nations and may buy land, on which they could govern themselves and receive federal aid and protection. With 1,941 current members, the Juaneños are the original inhabitants of San Juan Capistrano, as well as parts of Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside counties. Members of the San Juan Capistrano-based tribe helped to build the Mission. Unsuccessful attempts at federal recognition in the past, as well as in-fighting, have led to the fracture and the formation of factions in San Juan and throughout the county. The Department of Interior has 120 days from the date of the letter to reach a final decision on reconsideration of the Juaneño petition. DP

Beach Resort.

her mother refused to get in the vehicle.

DISTURBANCE—MUSIC OR PARTY San Raphael, 0 Block (10:13 p.m.) Subjects were breaking bottles in the street outside of a loud party. According to the caller, the residents are “never cooperative.”

Friday, December 13

DISTURBANCE La Plaza, 34100 Block (4:56 p.m.) The caller reported a bouncer at a bar he was patronizing “physically threw him out of the establishment.” INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Del Obispo Street/Pacific Coast Highway (4:50 p.m.) A caller observed someone’s legs sticking out of a planter in front of an empty liquor store. Emergency services were dispatched. ILLEGAL PEDDLING Sea Island Road/Crete Road (11:49 a.m.) A man was soliciting money on the corner for a food drive. The community association asked the man to leave but he refused.

Saturday, December 14

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Dartmouth Lane, 25300 Block (10:43 a.m.) A caller reported seeing a mountain lion or a bobcat in their front yard.

DISTURBANCE Monarch Beach Resort, 0 Block (10:47 p.m.) Someone was throwing eggs at passing vehicles near the St. Regis Monarch

DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive/Island Way (12:45 a.m.) A woman tried to pick up her intoxicated parents from a parking lot, but

Page 8

KEEP THE PEACE Del Obispo Street, 34300 Block (11:11 p.m.) A man demanded his money back for the gas he purchased at a Chevron station. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Alcazar Drive, 33900 Block (5:52 p.m.) A caller reported hearing three dogs crying and banging around in a neighboring home. The dogs were reportedly living in one room. The caller believed it was an abusive environment for the animals. The caller was referred to code enforcement and animal control. WELFARE CHECK Alcazar Drive, 33900 Block (7:35 a.m.) A woman requested authorities check on her daughter, who is pregnant and possibly abusing drugs. The mother believed her son-in-law was not allowing her daughter to call.

Thursday, December 12 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Del Obispo Street/Stonehill Drive (4:25 p.m.) A drunken man fell into a picnic table, possibly injuring himself. The man was lying motionless on the ground, and the caller did not know if he was breathing. Emergency services were dispatched. www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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

DS aannCale m

Poe ni ntet

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

PRINT AND ONLINE

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

Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 51. 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, Michael Vogeler

GUEST OPINION: Conscious Living by Meryl Gwinn

Feeding Your People Keeping your table community-centric throughout the year “And the tree was happy.” —Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree

t’s a particularly heartwarming time of year, a grand chance to gather our favorite people and celebrate with shared company and warm meals. Lasting memories are built around the holidays, like the time we over-baked the rolls and then improvised a neighborhood pick-up street hockey game with charred Pillsbury pucks, or the time I ruined Thanksgiving by introducing my family’s Polish vodka and raw oyster shooter tradition to unsuspecting palates, but I digress. Near the soul of these special gatherings is always food. Feed the people and they will come. For some time now, my foodie friends and I have experimented with collaborative meals using produce that is homegrown, foraged or purchased from a local, loving source. We invite people from our different circles to enjoy foods together that are exclusively near, seasonal and economically wise. The result has been uplifting, and thus was born this article, and the decision to join the small-scale community centered movement, “Feed Your People.”

(This movement has a presence on Facebook as well as a blog on WordPress.) The idea is this: I grow chard, kale and tomatoes. You have avocado and pomegranate trees. And the bread man at the CONSCIOUS LIVING farmers market bakes By Meryl Gwinn the freshest loaf this side of the 405. In this format, a meal is built around our resources, and a radical sense of survival, creativity and innovation is felt in participation. Simple wholesome foods and using what’s naturally available gives a great sense of gratitude and connection to our little towns. It seems that fresh food breeds fresh ideas. Next is the expansion of the dinner table. In the shared meal setting we are nourishing ourselves with so much more than what is on the menu. It’s the coming together of like minds with different experiences for connection, potential growth and the chance to get to know our neighbors. Additionally, it’s a fine time to impress guests with a creative new dish—

maybe one picked up from transplants who have relocated here from all over the world, or from a favorite local food blogger, such as Michelle Winrich at www.honeyedhome.com. Sharing is caring, and there are so many chances to expand our traditional norms here inside our southwestern melting pot. Exemplary models of “Feed Your People” include local food drives, adopt-afamily programs for the holidays, buying from small local businesses and, most simply, sharing backyard harvests. I recently discovered the grassroots company, Organics Out Back. Not only do owners Chris and Genevieve Garcia design beautifully healthy gardens, but they personally donate extra bounties to shelters and food banks, giving excess vegetables feed to someone who cannot afford them. It was through a mutual dislike for wasting and an abundant surplus of produce that they came up with the program. They also support the kind option of planting a “giving tree,” whose total bounty goes to a program the planter chooses. “Feed Your People” loves this. How often do we see a fruit tree’s harvest litter the ground

uneaten? In the case of a wide-scale outage or other event that disrupts our ability to purchase groceries, these guys could save our system. Learn more about them at www.organicsoutback.com. The encouragement here is to keep the concept we exercise during the holidays— one of sharing food, company and making a better effort to take care of our neighbors by buying locally, growing personally, and sharing abundance—going all year long. Perhaps new traditions arise from expanding family past the immediate, and giving the gift of compassion and nourishment from earth, to tree, to table. Meryl Gwinn has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, and has studied yoga, health, food and humans around the globe. She is a constant pursuer of natural medicine and whole-healing solutions. Gwinn welcomes reader comments and feedback at meryl.gwinn@gmail.com. DP

near the corner of Camino Capistrano and Avery Parkway in Laguna Niguel. There’s a constant stream of cars attempting to enter the facility. The number of people from nearby towns or traveling along Interstate 5 with their smartphones who would stop by for a quick, inexpensive meal, is much greater than the number of wealthy people who would pay over $300 per night for a four-star hotel. The developer stated that a smaller hotel would not be economical. I wonder

what other realistic developments there are for that location. Maybe an apartment or condo complex is a possibility. Regardless, I don’t see the subject lots staying in the current state for long, so the proposed hotel should be compared against whatever will end up being built.

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 PUT CONTROVERSY ASIDE, LOOK AT ALL THE OPTIONS JOE CURY, Dana Point

I wonder who is right, the developer who says that no coastal views will be blocked, or Chris Mitchell (and others) who say their ocean view will be “annihilated?” Perhaps the new Option “B” won’t block ocean views, but the old proposal would have (“Inn Dissension,” Dana Point Times, December 13). Dana Point Times December 20–26, 2013

Putting that controversy aside, I’m sympathetic to the idea of keeping noise, pollution and traffic in Dana Point to a minimum. The question I have is whether stopping the proposed hotel will further that aim. For example, what happens if the hotel is not approved and instead we get an In-N-Out Burger joint at that intersection? That’s only one of several possibilities, but if you want an idea of the kind of traffic that could generate, go to the one

Page 10

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

AT THE MOVIES: ‘PHILOMENA’ IS A THINKER In 1952 Ireland, an orphaned teenage girl named Philomena Lee (Sophie Kennedy Clark) is living in a convent when she becomes pregnant out of wedlock. After the nuns discover her condition, she is forced to work as a laborer for them and give birth without medication. When her baby turns three, he is sent away to a new family without her permission. Fifty years later, Philomena (Judi Dench) is fully determined to find out what became of her son and sets out to find him with the help of recently unemployed journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan). There are many things going on in Stephen Frears’ Philomena that give audiences plenty to ponder. Philomena was treated horribly by the Catholic Church, but never lost her faith; the journalist is a Catholic-turned-atheist and some of the nuns were horribly unpleasant. Coogan, usually a comic on camera, brings some charm into Philomena’s heavy story (which is remarkably based on a real woman of the same name) with co-screenwriter Jeff Pope. Clark and Dench bring the title character to life effortlessly. Philomena is one of the most intellectual films of the year and not a blatantly biased secular attack on Catholicism, but a must-watch for historic perspective. Frears, Coogan and Pope succeed in making viewers contemplate the separation of church and faith and the abuses of power. And Dench’s performance should pave the way to her seventh Oscar nomination. —Megan Bianco

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

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

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

NEWPORT HARBOR CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. The 105th running of the holiday boat parade in Newport Harbor featuring the theme “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree!” Nightly shows through December 22. For route and more information, see www.christmasboatparade.com.

saturday

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET 8 p.m. The classic holiday play at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $24. Final show December 22. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

THE ARK OF SAN JUAN PET ADOPTIONS 10 a.m.4 p.m. Adoptions every Saturday; call for details. 10 a.m2p.m. Puppies and dogs for adoption and Noon-4 p.m. cats and kittens at PetSmart. 33963 Doheny Park Road, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org. EDITOR’S PICK: SLEIGH BELLS RING South Coast Singers present their annual holiday concert at South Shores Church, at 32712 Crown Valley Parkway in Dana Point, South Shores Singers. Courtesy photo featuring traditional favorites, new tunes and more to celebrate the season at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door for adults and $15 for seniors and students. Children under 6 are admitted free. Visit www.southcoastsingers.org to find out more. Dana Point Times December 20–26, 2013

Courtesy photo

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. CHRIS CRAM 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com. BERLIN 8 p.m. Berlin rocks The Coach House. Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. JENNIFER KEITH WITH SPECIAL GUESTS 8 p.m. Jazz concert at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. Cover $5. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

sunday

PARTY FOUL 3 p.m. Afternoon entertainment at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.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. PHOTOS AND VISITS WITH SANTA CLAUS 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit with Santa at the St. Regis Monarch Beach. Free. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3200, www.stregismb.com. A CHRISTMAS MEMORY 7:30 p.m. The Laguna Playhouse presents a short story by Truman Capote performed as a musical. $36-$71. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787, www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

monday

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

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS AT THE MISSION 11 a.m.1 p.m. Make homemade crafts at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Cost $1-$3, in addition to admission. 26801 Ortega Highway., 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com. Page 13

tuesday

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. San Clemente Presbyterian Church holds two services. Communions by candlelight are held at 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. 119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente, 949.492.6158, wwwscpres.org.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AT STONEHILL 5 p.m.8 p.m. Luxurious holiday dinner at Stonehill Tavern in the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. Cost $125 each, or $200 with wine pairing. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3318, www.stregismb.com/stonehill-tavern. MIDNIGHT MASS 11:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Midnight Latin mass at Serra Chapel at the Mission. 26801 Ortega Highway., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

wednesday

CHRISTMAS MASS 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Christmas Day mass at Mission Basilica. 31522 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1360, www.missionparish.org.

CHRISTMAS DAY HOLIDAY BUFFET Noon-3:30 p.m. Celebrate the season at the Ritz-Carlton with a festive holiday buffet in the oceanfront Pavilions. Cost $115 per adult; $57.50 for children 3-12. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com. CHRISTMAS DINNER 2 p.m.-6 p.m. A special holiday four-course menu at Vue Restaurant in the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. Cost $75 each. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000, www.lagunacliffs.com.

thursday

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

THREE CHORD JUSTICE 7:30 p.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

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

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

Special Needs Students Welcome New Friends R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility unveils new fish tank two years after vandals smashed their aquarium By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

tudents at a school for children with special needs gathered with teachers and staff Friday to celebrate the addition of a new fish tank. Two years after vandals broke into the R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility in Dana Point and smashed the school’s fish tank, leaving the children’s pet fish to perish on the floor, Principal Judy Dore gathered students, staff and PTA members for the occasion. Dore stood before the assembled crowd and said a few words, tearing up as she recalled arriving on October 4, 2011 to find destruction left by those who broke in through skylights. The intruders discharged fire extinguishers and smashed their way through the school leaving behind a large mess, including glass from computer screens, windows and the tank, strewn everywhere.

Angel Garcia checks out the new fish tank at R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility and gets acquainted by feeding the fish. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Children’s wheelchairs and crutches were scattered throughout the building and the therapy pool was full of debris. The

vandals were never caught. As Dore pushed away a folding screen hiding the tank, the room erupted in

applause. The children took turns, by classroom, having their photos taken in front of the tank. The PTA board raised money for the new aquarium this fall via a single fundraiser. “Replacing the tank is meaningful on so many levels. The children looked forward to seeing the fish. It was part of their day as they walked into school and not having it here for two years was devastating, said PTA President Mikail Roling. “We feel so grateful to all the parents and all the support to have an aquarium back here where it belongs.” Roling and Dore both extended special thanks to PTA board member Rachel Sutherland, who spearheaded the fundraising program, and to Bill DePriest, brother of board member Dawniel Boocly, who installed the tank. “Today there was joy and excitement, when two years ago we were feeling devastation, sadness and disappointment,” Dore said. “This doesn’t bring closure to what happened but it has helped us heal.” DP

HUGH AND MADDIE’S GRAND ADVENTURE 5-year-old Maddie James’ dreams live on in For the Sake of Hugh Manatee, an educational adventure exploring the world’s natural resources By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

ommy, what adventure are we going on today,” Kajsa James recalls her young daughter, Maddie, saying each morning. “We tried making every day an adventure.” Madeleine Reese James, lovingly called Maddie by family and friends, died March 13, 2011, nearly two months after doctors diagnosed her with an inoperable brain tumor. She was 5. Now, Maddie and her best friend Hugh Manatee are living out her dreams. In a new children’s book, For the Sake of Hugh Manatee: Maddie and Hugh’s Dana Point Times December 20–26, 2013

Big Adventure, Maddie and the fictional character Hugh, a manatee named for humanity, take readers on an educational journey imploring them to take action to keep ocean waters clean. Starting at the Ocean Institute’s seaside learning center bearing the young girl’s name, readers travel the world, learning about problems affecting waterways, discovering solutions to keeping them clean and meeting friends like I.M. Gullible, a seagull, and Y.I. Otter along the way. Kajsa James met the character’s creator, surf photographer Pete Hodgson two years ago, when she was vacationing in Hawaii. It was James’ first Christmas after losing Maddie. With Hodgson’s charac-

ters, Maddie’s story and doctor-turnedauthor Udo Wahn, For the Sake of Hugh Manatee came to life, playing out the young girl’s dreams of saving the ocean. “The beauty of the story being told in a dream sequence brings manatees to the Dana Point Harbor … and allows Maddie to continually dream and go on adventures,” James said. For the Sake of Hugh Manatee can be purchased online at www.forhughmantee.com for $17.95 plus shipping and also on Amazon. A large portion of the book’s proceeds will support ongoing educational outreach at the Ocean Institute’s Maddie James Seaside Learning Center. To learn more about the MJSLC and Ocean Institute programming, log onto www.ocean-institute.org. DP

Page 14

Professional surfer, and 11-time American Surfing Prime world champion, Kelly Slater notched his seventh Billabong Pipe Masters win last weekend. Here, Slater shows his For the Sake of Hugh Manatee support. Photo by Pete Hodgson

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com EVENTS MARRIOTT NEW YEARS EVE PARTY. OC largest NYE party for adults over 40. www. LemondropClub.com. Live Music, Incredible food & hotel room speicals. 949-378-6600

FOR SALE 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

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

D a n a Po i nt

OUTDOOR SPOTLIGHT

DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING ROUNDUP

Now that the winter is here, it is lobster hoop netting season out in the waters surrounding Dana Point Harbor. Captain Dave’s Whale Watching Safari is offering twilight lobster fishing trips, which costs $75 for the five hour trip. The trips are offered on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and include unlimited cheeseburgers, sodas and snacks but does not include fishing licenses. The sixth annual Dana Wharf Halibut Derby is also underway. As of December 17, a 40-pound halibut is currently at the top of the leaderboard. Dana Wharf offers halibut specific drift trips on some Fridays and every Sunday. Aside from the news regarding lobster

Grayson Woolley shows off a sand bass caught on the Sum Fun. Courtesy photo

Edison rolled into Dolphins Stadium on December 18 riding a three-game win streak and routed the Dolphins 4-1 in a nonleague victory. Edison is currently the No. 3 ranked team in the CIF-SS Division 1 coaches’ poll. The Dolphins will compete in the Mustang Cup at Trabuco Hills High School from December 26-28. Dana Hills opening round matchup will be against No. 6 Santa Margarita.

Dolphin Report

By Steve Breazeale

Follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports for in-game updates and news regarding all the Dana Hills winter sports programs. BOYS BASKETBALL ON A ROLL AT IRVINE WORLD NEWS TOURNEY The Dana Hills boys basketball team started their bid in the Irvine World News Tournament with two consecutive wins over Valencia and Tustin and have positioned themselves to make an even deeper run through the tournament if they can emerge with a win over University on December 20. The Dolphins (8-1) have been racking up wins in the tournament due to efficient shooting and their ability to out-rebound their opponents. In the game against Valencia, the Dolphins grabbed 29 total rebounds and held Valencia to just 13 second-half points in a 41-27 win. The 27 points scored by Valencia is the fewest the Dolphins have allowed all season. Dana Hills shot 59 percent from the field in a 56-46 win over Tustin on December 18, their second best mark of the early season. Senior James Taylor scored 22 points, making 10 of his 11 attempts. Taylor leads the team in shooting percentage (67 percent) among teammates with more than 50 shot attempts and has been the Dolphins leading scorer, averaging 14.2 points per game. University will be a familiar foe for the Dolphins, as the two squared off against one another in the same tournament last year. The Dolphins breezed their way to a 90-68 win in 2012. Results were unavailable at press time. DOLPHINS GIRLS BASKETBALL READIES TO HOST TOURNAMENT The Dana Hills girls basketball team Dana Point Times December 20-26, 2013

trips, Dana Wharf Sportsfishing & Whale Watching captain Brian Woolley recently issued his January fishing forecast, which predicts the end of rockfish season. Woolley, instead, said the boats leaving the harbor will target mainly sculpin and sand bass areas. Here is the most recent fish count out of Dana Wharf. 12/18—1 boat, 15 anglers; 110 sanddabs, 90 rockfish, 70 short lobster, 35 vermillion rockfish, 15 boccacio, 5 sculpin, 2 lobster. 12/17—2 boats, 45 anglers; 103 rockfish, 83 sculpin, 32 vermillion rockfish, 17 sheephead, 5 whitefish, 5 sand bass, 2 calico bass, 2 boccacio, 2 cabezon, 1 lingcod. — Dana Point Times

Senior center James Taylor and the Dana Hills, 61, and the Dolphins boys basketball team are off to an 8-1 start to the season. Photo by Steve Breazeale

the win en route to their highest point total of the early season. Dana Hills hosted Corona del Mar in a nonleague contest on December 18 and lost, 63-20. The Dolphins were set to travel to play University on December 19. Results were not available at press time. On December 21 the Dolphins will host the North vs. South Challenge. The Dolphins are set to play the final game of the day in a match against Northwood at 7 p.m.

Connor Steinbeck and the Dana Hills girls soccer team are competing in the Mater Dei Premier Invitational this week. Photo by Steve Breazeale

picked up their first win of the year in a 54-42 road victory over Rancho Alamitos on December 17. The Dolphins (1-7) led wire-to-wire in

DOLPHINS BOYS SOCCER BOUNCES BACK AGAINST TOUGH OPPOSITION The preseason schedule for the Dana Hills boys soccer team has not been an easy one. By December 26, four of the Dolphins’ previous five matches will have come against CIF-SS Division 1 top-10 opponents. Following a 7-1 blowout loss to rival San Clemente, the top ranked team in the state, the Dolphins bounced back with wins over No. 9 Capistrano Valley and Laguna Beach on December 13 and December 16, respectively. The wins brought the Dolphins (3-4) back to .500 on the season, but not for long. Page 16

DOLPHINS GIRLS SOCCER SUFFERS BACK TO BACK LOSSES The Dana Hills girls soccer previous three-match unbeaten streak came to an end on December 14 following a 1-0 loss to Upland. The Dolphins then took on Mater Dei on December 18 and fell, 1-0, as part of the Mater Dei Premier Invitational. The Monarch’s Lauren Markwith scored the deciding goal. The Dolphins senior goalie Meghan Dickmann recorded eight saves in the loss. The Dolphins were set to continue play in the tournament with a match against Villa Park on December 19. Results were not available at press time. Dana Hills finishes off the tournament against Palisades on December 20. DANA HILLS GIRLS WATER POLO NOTCHES WINS The Dana Hills girls water polo team is in the midst of a 6-2 run that spans back to December 7. After a convincing win over El Dorado on December 7, the Dolphins have recorded wins over Villa Park, La Serna, Cathedral Catholic and Martin Luther King twice. The Dolphins’ two losses came against Montebello and San Marcos. In the Dolphins’ most recent win, against Cathedral Catholic on December 14, Madison Baba tallied a team-high seven goals. Baba has been the Dolphins’ leading scorer in five of the team’s past six matches. Dana Hills now preps for a nonleague match against Warren on January 4, with an eye set on South Coast League play the following week. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK BRIAN CLARKE Age: 11, Bernice Ayer Middle School

Brian Clarke was inspired by his grandfather to learn to surf about five years ago. So far he has considered surfing a hobby but plans to break into the competition scene via the Western Surfing Association this winter. A versatile athlete, Brian’s other sports include basketball, football and baseball. “I’d like to surf every day, but I am really busy with my other sports so that’s not always possible,” he said. “I try to get in the water at least three to four times a week, though.” Brian dreams of competing on the professional level in either surfing or basketball. “I’m also interested in becoming a marine biologist because I love the ocean and the creatures in the ocean too. And it would keep me near the ocean and surfing,” Brian said. In school he works hard and earns ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades. “If you want to go to college and get a good job, you have to do well in school, so I take it pretty seriously,” he said. Brian is very outgoing both socially and academically and has been twice honored in school as class discussion leader. Brian’s a talker, like his dad he said, and would like to incorporate his Brian Clarke. Photo by Andrea Swayne talent for public speaking into his career somehow. No matter what his future holds, Brian is sure of one thing: surfing will be a part of it. “Getting in the water and catching waves makes me feel good,” he said. “It’s fun and it’s a rush.”—Andrea Swayne

Classic Creek

RESULTS Surfing America Prime, Event No. 3, December 14-15, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach

Surfing America Prime U18 surfers put on an impressive show in epic Salt Creek conditions

BOYS U18: 1. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente; 2. Nic Hdez, Santa Cruz; 3. Daniel Glenn, Florida; 4. Colton Ward, San Clemente. GIRLS U18: 1. Tia Blanco, San Clemente; 2. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla; 3. Rachel Tominaga, Manhattan Beach; 4. Steffi Kerson, Pacific Palisades. BOYS U16: 1. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach; 2. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente; 3. John Mel, Newport Beach; 4. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente. GIRLS U16: 1. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 2. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente; 3. Alexxa Elseewi, San Clemente; 4. Juli Hernandez, Costa Mesa. BOYS U14: 1. Eithan Osborne, Ventura; 2. Griffin Foy, Fullerton; 3. Nick Marshall, Encinitas; 4. Cole Houshmand, San Clemente.

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

fter what seemed like a never ending stretch of flat surf, the Pacific delivered just in time for event No. 3 of the Surfing America Prime series Saturday and Sunday in Dana Point. Local surfers made the best of the conditions, claiming eight of the 20 possible podium spots. Surfers in this prestigious, invitation only competition season were treated to “classic Creek” conditions with waves in the 2- to 5-foot range rolling in all weekend. The combination swell brought plenty of rippable lefts and rights as well as plenty of opportunity to pull into barreling waves. The third contest of a six-event series, Salt Creek was a critical competition marking the halfway point of the season. Competitors seemed to turn up their intensity, delivering performances that not only impressed the judges, earning many scores in the excellent range (8.0-10.0 out of 10), but also thrilled spectators. Tia Blanco of San Clemente took the win in Girls U18 with a show of power and finesse, impressing the judges with big clean turns in the most critical sections of her waves. Kei Kobayashi, also of San Clemente, earned his first Prime series win after dominating the lineup in the Boys U18 division. “I was super stoked to win my first Surfing America Prime contest. I’ve been working toward this for a long time and to finally do it was really exciting, I tried to stay more focused leading up to this contest because I knew I really wanted to

Dana Point Times December 20–26, 2013

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

UPCOMING EVENTS

Griffin Colapinto (left) and Colt Ward (right) help San Clemente’s Kei Kobayashi celebrate his first Surfing America Prime series win when he took first place in Boys U18 at Salt Creek on Sunday. Photo by Jack McDaniel

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

SURF FORECAST

Kei Kobayashi in action at Salt Creek. After flat conditions threatened the competition, waves arrived just in time for the event. Photo by Jack McDaniel

Tia Blanco of San Clemente took top honors in Girls U18 at the Surfing America Prime event Saturday at Salt Creek Beach. Photo by Jack McDaniel

get a better seed going into the second half of the season and I never gave up,” Kobayashi said. “I want to thank Matt Biolos (San Clemente) for shaping me the best boards for the contest. He really helped me with my quiver, and my brother Shaw coached me and told me what to do. I love this sport and can’t get enough of it,” he said. With results posted and ratings updated, local surfers occupy 16 spots in the top 10 rankings of the five Prime divisions. Here is a rundown of their ratings:

BOYS U18: 2. Griffin Colapinto, 4. Jake Davis, 5. Colton Ward, 7. Kei Kobayashi, 10. Colin Deveze. BOYS U16: 1. Griffin Colapinto, 5. Kei Kobayashi. BOYS U14: 7. Kade Matson, 8. Cole Houshmand, 9. Noah Hohenester. GIRLS U18: 1. Tia Blanco, 6. Malia Osterkamp, 10. Malia Ward. GIRLS U16: 2. Malia Osterkamp, 6. Kirra Pinkerton, 10. Alexxa Elseewi. The next Surfing America Prime event is scheduled for January 11 and 12 at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. For more information, visit www.surfingamerica.org. DP

Page 18

Water Temperature: 59-61 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’ Poor-Fair Immediate: Modest south-southwest groundswell continues as a new pulse of northwest windswell builds in. Better breaks run mainly waist-chest high (3-4’), with some better shoulder high+ (4’+) sets for standout combo spots. Conditions are problematic with steady westerly flow throughout the day as a front affects the region. Size is down slightly Friday, but overall conditions will be improving. Long Range Outlook: Modest scale, reinforcing pulse of south-southwest swell moves in for the weekend. Leftover northwest swell mix blends in Saturday with better breaks run knee-waist-chest high (2-3’+). New long period west-northwest swell builds in Sunday with more size for focal points. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!