January 17, 2014 by Dana Point Times

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, EVENTS AND MORE J A N U A RY 1 7-2 3 , 2 0 1 4

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VOLUME 7, ISSUE 3

Students Create Art with a Festival Focus Festival of Whales logo contest highlights student artwork, both old school and digital E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Dana Hills High School graduate Sarah Holenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logo design was chosen by Dana Point Festival of Whales organizers to represent the 43rd annual event. Here, Holen displays her design on a whale watching trip aimed to inspire student artwork. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.danapointtimes.com

Driver in October Coast Highway Crash had 0.35 Blood Alcohol Level

Joint Fieldtrip Teaches Educational, Social Lessons

Dana Hills SUP Physical Education Class One of a Kind

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EYE ON DP

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

D a n a Po i nt

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR www.danapointtimes.com for a look at the night’s discussion.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 11

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12

Whale Walk and Talk 9 a.m.–11 a.m. From its perch atop the Headlands, the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center hosts a 1.5-mile walk through the nature preserve to view migrating whales and dolphin. Docents will share information about the mammals’ migratory patterns and give tips on how to spot, watch and identify different species. Bring binoculars, or use theirs. For more information, call 949.542.4755.

History Tour 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m. The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, hosts a two-hour, walking tour exploring the history of the area. To register, call 949.542.4755.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 Town Center/Lantern District Community Meeting 9 a.m.–11 a.m. The city will hold an informational meeting for community members and Lantern District property and business owners on upcoming construction work on Dana Point’s downtown. The meeting will be held at the Dana Point Community Center, 24642 San Juan Avenue.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21 City Council Meeting 6 p.m. Dana Point City Council will reconvene after a holiday break for its first meeting of 2014. Stick with us at

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With... 1

…Regional Water Maintenance?

THE LATEST: A large regional pipeline delivering water to Orange County communities from Yorba Linda to San Clemente was shut down Monday for upgrades and inspections. The 11-day outage is not expected to cause water disruptions, regional water officials said. The 26-mile line owned by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will undergo routine maintenance through Thursday, January 23. The pipeline extends from Yorba Linda to Lake Forest and delivers about 100 million gallons of water a day to Orange County residents. It is also the largest deliverer of imported water to south county cities like Dana Point and San Clemente. Such upkeep is scheduled during the spring and winter months when water demands are lower, said Debra Man, chief operating officer of the MWDSC, who noted that much of the infrastructure serving the area is more than 60 years old. WHAT’S NEXT: Although the shutdown is not expected to disrupt service, local water officials have asked residents and businesses to be mindful of their usage. FIND OUT MORE: Read more about regional water at www.danapointtimes.com. —Andrea Papagianis

…Trestles’ Historic Designation?

THE LATEST: Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) introduced a bill last month that would give the Department of the Navy control over the Trestles surf break. If passed, the bill potentially eliminates chances the Upper and Lower breaks could be designated on Dana Point Times January 17-23, 2014

the National Registry of Historic Places. The south Orange and northern San Diego County representative introduced “The Military Land and National Defense Act” in December. It supports the Navy’s objection to a proposal that would place a historic designation on the beach, which is used by the U.S. Marine Corps for training. The Navy previously stated such a designation could prevent certain military training exercises from moving forward. The historic label push has been used by opponents of the 241 Toll Road extension. While the Navy owns the land, it has leased it to the state for public use, meaning beachgoers and military personal share San Onofre State Beach, even during trainings. The lease expires in 2021. WHAT’S NEXT: The bill would amend the National Historic Preservation Act giving managing federal agencies of properties a right to block a historic designation for reasons of national security. Properties could be excluded from the list until objections are withdrawn. The bill has been assigned to the House of Representatives’ Natural Resources Committee. A hearing has not been scheduled. The bill has 17 co-sponsors. FIND OUT MORE: Follow the story at www.danapointtimes.com. —Jim Shilander

…Last Week’s Boulder Blockage?

THE LATEST: A stretch of Coast Highway connecting Dana Point and San Clemente was shut down for nearly six hours Friday, January 10 after two large boulders crashed into the roadway, authorities said. No injuries were reported from the apparent rockslide that saw the roadway closed in both directions from Beach Road to Camino Capistrano. The road was closed from around 4 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.,

said Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jeff Hallock. Rockslides in the area are not uncommon, said Public Works and Engineering Director Brad Fowler. City crews responded to the disruption and broke up the boulders before hauling them away, he said. WHAT’S NEXT: Concrete railing along much of the area’s Coast Highway bluff block small slides from impacting traffic, Folwer said, noting that periodically the system experiences failures. Fowler said the city brought in its geological technician and checked for additional instabilities near bluff top residences. “We encourage, particularly homeowners, to stay away from the addition of water,” Fowler said. “We didn’t see any evidence of that. It was just weathering over time.” FIND OUT MORE: Track breaking news on Twitter @DanaPointTimes.—AP

…CUSD Financing Districts?

THE LATEST: A Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees decision on Wednesday, January 8 left Talega residents hopeful a rehearing regarding the district’s latest refinancing of the development’s community finance district would put money back in their pockets. The district voted 7-0 to put a sunset date on its longest-lived CFD, which financed the development of schools in Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo. For years, residents in those areas have fought to end the financing district, which placed an additional taxation level on them to pay for schools. WHAT’S NEXT: A number of Talega residents attended the meeting to see how the board handled the situation. Residents there believed the board erred in not giv-

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ing Talega taxpayers proceeds from a CFD refinancing in August. The board will hold a rehearing of their decision Wednesday, January 22. FIND OUT MORE: Keep an eye on district news at www.danapointtimes.com.—JS

…the Coast Highway Fatalities?

THE LATEST: A driver suspected of making an illegal passing move minutes before he and a passenger were killed in a four-car crash on Coast Highway October 13 had a blood alcohol level more than four times the legal limit, authorities said. John Knowles Jr., 43, was driving a white Volkswagen Jetta, with passenger Kerensa Donselman, 32, when the crash occurred between Beach Road and Camino Capistrano. Both Donselman and Knowles were killed. Knowles had a blood alcohol content of 0.35 at the time of the accident, Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jeff Hallock confirmed. Officials have not released details of how the accident occurred. At the time of the crash, officials indicated Knowles was traveling northbound and attempted a “passing movement,” putting him and his passenger in the path of two vehicles. WHAT’S NEXT: Four others were injured in the accident, including a 15-year-old student driver. Occupants of a van, a 50-year-old woman and 49-year-old man, were hospitalized. Also, a 53-year-old woman was treated for non-life threatening injuries. No charges will be sought since the DUI suspect is deceased, Hallock said. FIND OUT MORE: Track local breaking news on Twitter @DanaPointTimes.—AP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Centering on Student Art Young artists, photographers find their muses at sea By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

s students looked out over the southern Orange County coastline, a gray whale broke the surface. With digital devices—from smartphones and point and shoot cameras to tablets and professional-grade DSLRs— and sketch pads in their hands, advanced fine arts students from Dana Hills High School’s South Orange County School of the Arts scrambled to capture the moment. It was a first for many. “This is my first time even on a boat,” said 16-year-old digital photography student Tove Beynard. “Just to see, and to be impressed, by all the wildlife that is out here is cool. Usually, I am not a beach person, but being able to come out here on a boat is a completely different experience.” It is the third time Dana Point Festival of Whales organizers have arranged the outing, bringing local students directly to a natural source of inspiration, the Pacific Ocean. Fine arts students compete in the festival’s logo contest each year with the chance to brand the long-running event. This now yearly daytrip serves as a backdrop for both the logo competition and the festival’s Art in the Park exhibi-

Dana Hills High School students photograph wildlife on a whale watching trip to find inspiration for the upcoming Dana Point Festival of Whales. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

“I like that other artists are onboard to give us pointers on how they are doing and how they’ve made it. We have so many people who want to be professionals, but it’s a hard market.” — Amanda Lundquist tions, where students are given space to display their ocean-themed work. As in years past, students were joined Friday, January 10 by regional artists to gain

Amanda Lundquist, a South Orange County School of the Arts senior, sketches whales during a day at sea Friday, January 10. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

insight into the professional art world. As the boat cruised, Dana Hills senior Amanda Lundquist and Victoria Maddock examined the water, taking note of the currents, the ripples breaking the calm sea and the sun’s reflection—their discussion centered on the day’s light. Maddock, a professional artist whose main medium is glass, asked Lundquist to look at the light playing off the water and the pair’s conversations launched a discussion about light’s importance in art. They moved on to the science of it all, to the physics of light. “I like that other artists are onboard to give us pointers on how they are doing and how they’ve made it,” Lundquist said. “We have so many people who want to be professionals, but it’s a hard market.” In bringing pupils and experts in the art field together, these are the interactions organizers had hoped for. Armed with years of experience, the professionals aboard provided a worldly view of the art landscape, while the students brought a fresh perspective to the table. Lundquist playfully sketched cartoonish dolphin and whales, while Maddock shared tales of the trade and beyond. “The only thing happier for me would be making art, but this is the art,” Maddock said of the trip. The lessons learned will now be applied as students move forward with their Art in the Park submissions and designs for the festival’s 2015 logo. Student artwork in varying forms will be on display at the Dana Point Harbor, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., throughout both weekends of 43rd annual Festival of Whales, which runs March 1 and 2, and March 8 and 9. DP

MEET FESTIVAL OF WHALES 2014 LOGO DESIGNER: SARAH HOLEN By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

hen Sarah Holen’s art teacher announced the Dana Point Festival of Whales logo design contest, the creatively talented and naturally competitive student’s interest was piqued. Holen, a Dana Hills High School senior at the time, said the prospect of having her artwork chosen to represent the 2014 festival was as attractive as the thrill of competing. “Growing up with seven siblings in my family, everything seems to turn into a friendly competition,” said the 2013 graduate. “My sister was a sophomore at the time and in the same class, so we also had a competition going on between the two of us. I really just wanted to go for it.” Early on in Holen’s design process, she noticed previous years’ entries included only digital graphics. She decided to freshen things up and went “old school” with her design. “I wanted to go back to basics, back to pencil and paper and away from the digital age. I just felt like doing something different, Dana Point Times January 17-23, 2014

The 2014 Dana Point Festival of Whales logo. By Sarah Holen

something not digital. I wanted to create art by hand,” Holen said. She came up with a basic idea, made a sketch and then consulted another one of her sisters, a biology teacher, for advice on making her design scientifically correct. After submitting the final product Holen turned her attention to her upcoming

graduation and planning for college. Months later, when she received word she won the contest, Holen was stunned. “I was literally ecstatic. I’ve never won anything this big before. I can get my name out there, put it on my resume, tell my kids someday,” she said. “There was definitely a lot of talent in my class, so it was an honor to be chosen from among my peers.” Holen said she is especially excited because having a logo in a long-running event such as the Festival of Whales makes her part of Dana Point’s history. She is also grateful to be included among the long list of past logo designers, which includes well-known artists like Wyland and John Van Hamersveld. “I love that the festival committee brings the youth into this event. It gives kids an amazing opportunity to show the community their talent and artistic style,” Holen said. “Who knows, it may spark a future career in art or help discover a talent someone didn’t know they have. That’s how it was for me. I didn’t know I was good at logo design but apparently I’m decent at it. You don’t know

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until you get the chance to try.” Holen is now in her second semester at Saddleback College, where she plans to finish two years and then transfer to a fouryear college out of state. Although she has yet to make a final decision on her course of study, she is interested in business marketing, the automotive industry and art. Holen’s design will grace signs, festival merchandise and Orange County Transportation Authority buses. She will also be signing posters on Sunday, March 9 at the festival’s Art in the Park. “The entire event is an opportunity for the community to be reminded of and to recognize what a special place we live in,” Holen said. “It brings us together to appreciate and admire our natural surroundings, wildlife and each other’s talents.” Holen’s logo artwork along with those of the four other Festival of Whales logo finalists and past winners will be on display at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo, from February 1-26. They will also be featured in the Festival of Whales program and online at www.danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY

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

Saturday, January 11 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Capistrano, 35000 Block (5:41 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for two men selling magazines door-todoor and asking for checking account and credit card information. The men began cussing at the caller when she offered cash instead.

PATROL CHECK Calle Real, 26900 Block (3:53 p.m.) Authorities were alerted to a possible drug deal. A passerby reported seeing a male subject handing a man in a car something he believed to be drugs. HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR Street of the Blue Lantern, 34000 Block (9:38 a.m.) The driver of a yellow Penske truck struck a tree and continued on his way. The tree had reportedly fallen into the street. UNKNOWN TROUBLE Alcazar Drive/La Cresta Drive (7:46 a.m.) A woman holding a baby was frantically screaming.

Friday, January 10 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Crown Valley Parkway, 32400 Block (9:50 p.m.) Orange County Fire Authority crews were en route to an apartment fire. The caller did not know if anyone was inside the residence. He reported smelling smoke, but could not see flames. An alarm could be heard in the background. INDECENT EXPOSURE Doheny Park Road/Las Vegas Avenue (1:46 p.m.) The caller was sitting in her car when a man walked up and began masturbating. He was last seen near the post

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

Historical Society to Honor Civic Contributions at Yearly Meeting

Dana Point Times January 17–23, 2014

A beacon that sat atop the Pacific Coast Highway located “Richfield” tower for more than 40 years before its dismantling in 1971 was recently donated to the Dana Point Historical Society. Photo courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society

presented with the Pat Plepler Award for his outstanding community participation and service. Attendees are asked to bring a potluck dish for six-to-eight people along with their own tableware. For more information, visit www.danapointhistorical.org.

Performance to Benefit Organization Serving Area Homeless u A performance by the duo Satin Ex-

Thursday, January 9 DRUNK IN PUBLIC Street of the Golden Lantern/Selva Drive (8:20 p.m.) Two drunken males were reportedly “acting a fool” and yelling at passersby. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Street of the Golden Lantern/Acapulco Drive (9:17 a.m.) A man carrying a plastic wrapped gun was reported walking toward Dana Hills High School. The caller did not know if the weapon was a rifle or pellet gun. The man was wearing a jacket, light colored shirt and long pants. HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR Via California/Via Espinoza (12:32 a.m.) A blond made with blue eyes and standing about 6 feet tall was arrested after hitting a parked car. The man reportedly drove away from the accident in a noisy light colored sedan. He was cited and released around 4 p.m. Thursday.

Wednesday, January 8 DISTURBANCE Selva Road, 34000 Block (7:15 p.m.) Several apparently drunken men, swimming in their underwear, threw a Christmas tree into a pool.

press featuring Mike DeBellis on Saturday, January 18 will benefit the nonprofit Welcome Inn, which has provided hot meals for south Orange County’s homeless and needy 364 days a year for more than 20 years. Through service organizations, church groups and donations from area food banks, restaurants and hospitals, Welcome Inn serves upward of 65 people a day in Capistrano Beach. From pastas, salads, sandwiches and beyond, volunteers provide people in daily need meals and snacks, along with clothing and toiletries. The nonprofit also organizes monthly visits from Mission Hospital for check-ups and vaccinations. The concert begins at 4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea United Methodist Church, located at 2001 Calle Frontera in San Clemente. For ticket information call 949.366.0151. Tickets are $10 at the door. To find out more about volunteer opportunities, visit www.welcomeinnoc.com.

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

u The Dana Point Historical Society will honor and welcome two longtime local businessmen at their annual meeting and potluck on Wednesday, January 22. The meeting will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran, at 33501 Stonehill Drive. It begins at 6:15 p.m. Richard Deffenbaugh has owned Dana Point Auto since 1969. He came to Dana Point on a surfing trip in the early ’60s and later became a dealer at the Atlantic Richfield gas station, now home to the Arco on Pacific Coast Highway. The site was once home to the 125-foot lighted tower and sign reading “Richfield,” with a blinking beacon sitting atop it. The tower was erected in 1928 as part of a planned chain of more than 30 such beaconed towers along the West Coast. The sign was dismantled in the 1970s with only the beacon being salvaged, and for years the beacon sat in Deffenbaugh’s shop behind the gas station. Deffenbaugh will now present the beacon to the historical society and discuss its history. Also, longtime DPHS member and owner of Coffee Importers, Jim Miller, will be

office in a blue baseball cap and jeans.

Capo Beach Home in Need of TLC Wins New Windows u One local woman received good news last month after she was chosen by a local construction company to have broken windows in her Capistrano Beach home replaced. Donna Hertel inherited a home in need of repair. With broken windows and some needed upgrades, Hertel entered Offshore Construction’s first-time home repair con-

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HIT AND RUN MISDEMEANOR Domingo Avenue, 25900 Block (6:56 p.m.) Medical crews responded to reports of a 14-year-old girl being struck by a newer black Mercedes Benz or BMW near Capo Beach Church. The young girl reportedly had a leg injury with visible tire marks, and had made her way to the church. The caller did not know if the driver, described as a young male with black curly hair, stopped and talked to the victim. WELFARE CHECK Street of the Violet Lantern, 33700 (6:43 p.m.) Friends of an 80-year-old woman, who is hard of hearing and has dementia, had not heard from her in over a week. Orange County Fire Authority officials had not recently responded to the woman’s home. BRANDISHING A WEAPON Victoria Boulevard, 26100 Block (4:58 p.m.) Dispatch received notice of an unneighborly dispute. The caller reported being chased by a nearby resident with an ax. WELFARE CHECK Santiago Drive/Trinidad Drive (11:19 a.m.) A young child with black hair and wearing a white shirt and yellow pants reportedly walked away from Sea Terrace Park without an adult. The caller said someone caught up with the 2- or 3-yearold girl and steered her back to the park.

Owners of Offshore Construction present Capistrano Beach resident Donna Hertel with a $10,000 check. Hertel won the company’s first windowinstallation raffle last month. On December 20, Offshore’s crew replaced all of Hertel’s windows. Pictured (L to R) Lee Kopenhefer, Donna Hertzel and Ben Kopenhefer. Courtesy photo

test at a San Clemente street fair in August. Last month, Hertel’s entry was picked and all her home’s windows and an aging slidingglass door were replaced on December 20. To replace Hertel’s windows, the company donated $10,000. The company plans on running the contest again next year. To find out more about Offshore Construction, visit www.offshoreconstruction.org. 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

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 7, Issue 3. 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 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

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

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Locals Only Business Listing Manager

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

GUEST OPINION: Wavelengths by JIm Kempton

Real Conservative Thinking Conserving requires us to do more than just rail against our own government

onservatives are people who conserve—fiscally, industriously and resourcefully. If Americans were practicing saving our money, our businesses and our resources, we would not only be the most successful competitive nation in the world but the most environmentally progressive as well. Conserving and being conservative, however, requires a little more than just waving the stars and stripes. For instance, it is predicted that we will soon have a 15 percent energy shortage. With a little inconvenience we could turn down our thermostat, take a shorter shower, plant drought-tolerant plants in the yard, put solar panels on all our roofs and insulate our windows. Result: way more than 15 percent energy savings. Of course that would mean conserving. In fact, all the studies now show that if we had just followed that “wimp” Jimmy

Carter’s energy policies of driving 55, along with keeping our homes and businesses at 70 degrees all year, we would have no oil crisis today. But it was just too conservative for us. WAVELENGTHS Republican Teddy RoosBy Jim Kempton evelt was an early conservationist, who fought even as a young man to help preserve Yellowstone National Park from commercial exploitation. As president, he created the national forest system and founded the Bureau of Forestry. Roosevelt created forest and wildlife reserves, bird sanctuaries and national parks in Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Arizona. It helped earn him a place on Mount Rushmore. Dwight Eisenhower was one of the best Republican presidents in the 20th century,

according to most historians. During his two terms, he expanded Social Security and even helped create the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education. His most familiar achievement was authorizing the Interstate Highway System in 1956. Besides historic breakthroughs in international diplomacy, the Nixon Presidency was also a golden era for environmental law. Nixon created the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by executive order. He also signed key environmental laws: the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Ocean Dumping Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Oh yeah, and he gave us Trestles as a state park. Today there is talk of disbanding the parks and eliminating the EPA. This is a long legacy of investing in conservation and the common welfare in this great nation. Think of Washington,

Jefferson and Lincoln—they were digging the Erie Canal, buying the Louisiana Purchase and building the transcontinental railroad. Later greats like Teddy and Ike were building the Hoover Dam and the highway system. All those investments made our nation great and helped every businessman and every citizen. But Congressional leaders today don’t even want to repair those things let alone build new stuff. Conservative greats of the past had the foresight to see what conserving our nation’s treasure really meant. We need to return to that conservative vision. Jim Kempton is a big believer in conserving—our heritage, our resources and our savings. DP

previous experience that the bag is responsible for ecological harm nor that bans in place have any real effect on the perceived problem. As to the production of plastic around the world, the total for 2012 was 52,972,500 tons. Way more than stated in the LA Times article but just as irrelevant to the discussion. Immediately following the production quote in the article is the phrase “This waste gathers in vast oval shaped garbage patches...” I guess the reader is supposed to conclude that all the plastic ends up in the ocean, which it does not. I could go on to tear apart the article, but it’s a waste of ink and time. It is clear to me that nearly every ecological issue is faith based and used to impress an agenda on the public by

lying about facts. Where is the hard data? Where are the unbiased scientific conclusions? For that matter, where are the aerial photographs of the “vast oval garbage patches?” Whatever the City Council considered in its decision to ban plastic bags, science was not among the attendees. But I do not know because the council, except for one screed, has been silent since I began following this issue over a year ago. Oh, and for the record, I do not support a community which dictates to its citizens instead of serving them.

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 SPEEDSTERS POLLUTING LOCAL STREETS, NEIGHBORHOODS

STUDY OF PLASTICS’ HARM STILL IN ITS INFANCY

JACK LAGUNA, Dana Point

DICK RUDOLPH, Dana Point

Muscle car enthusiasts and motorcyclists with illegal mufflers and a desire to see how fast they can accelerate from zero-to-60 pollute our neighborhoods. Our City Council members and law enforcement officials need to understand that we view these violators, who have turned streets like Stonehill Drive and Niguel Road into drag-strips, as unwanted, and we expect strict compliance with our speed and noise laws. Keep your council members’ and enforcement officials’ contact information handy and let them know the time and location of those who ruin your sunset on the patio.

I pulled the Los Angeles Times article referenced by Regina Barnes (“Plastics’ Negative Effect on Nature Well Documented,” Dana Point Times, January 1016, Vol. 7, Issue 2) and the most obvious slant of the article is the liberal use of the phrase “new to science.” In simple terms, this is a field of study in its relative infancy with few conclusions other than that there may be a problem. There is also the distinct possibility that there may not be a problem. My issue with the Dana Point City Council banning plastic grocery bags is that there is no justification in either science or

Dana Point Times January 17–23, 2014

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GETTING OUT

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

WINE TASTING 5 p.m.10 p.m. Staff favorites for the New Year at San Clemente Wine Company. Tasting includes cheese and chocolate. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

GEORGE & THE CLATCH 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Lively classic rock and wine tasting at DaVine Food & Wine. Tastings $20 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. BALLROOM BASH 7:15 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Monthly event at the San Clemente Community Center featuring a lesson in East Coast Swing followed by open dancing to ballroom music, swing, Latin and more. Tickets $10, includes refreshments. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.498.0233, www.ballroombash.com. BILL MAGEE BLUES BAND 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. MILLERTIME BOOGIE 8 p.m. Live rock ‘n’ roll band at Adele’s. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesatthesanclementeinn.com.

saturday

www.danapoint.org.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce, crafted goods, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park in Dana Point every Saturday. 949.248.3500,

MARINE MAMMAL EXPLORATION CRUISE 10 a.m. Board the Ocean Institute’s R/V Explorer for the opportunity to see fish, dolphins, sea lions and other wildlife along the coastline. Cost $22 kids, $35 adults. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org. Dana Point Times January 17-23, 2014

AT THE MOVIES: ‘THE WOLF OF WALL STREET’ Just when it seemed like 12 Years a Slave, Inside Llewyn Davis and Gravity were going to battle for Best Picture of 2013, a big-budgeted, all-star epic biopic with excessive nudity and drug use comes along and shockingly steals some thunder. Surprisingly, because The Wolf of Wall Street’s content really is as sleazy as it sounds, but it’s also unsurprising considering the director is Martin Scorsese and the lead star is Leonardo DiCaprio. In 1987 Manhattan, an aspiring stockbroker named Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio) is quickly swept into the fast and harsh life of Wall Street by mentor Mark Hanna (Matthew McConaughey). By the time he’s experienced enough to build his own firm, Belfort makes a new friend in Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill) and a new wife in Naomi Lapaglia (Margot Robbie). The secret to his success? Defrauding investors of millions, hiring Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street. © 2013 Paramount Pictures hookers and getting high on cocaine and quaaludes. Rob Reiner, Kyle Chandler Jon Bernthal and Jean Dujardin co-star in the film. The Wolf of Wall Street has been called a modern day Caligula (1979), being based on real events surrounding sex and drugs. While it’s a good comparison, Wolf is actually well constructed. Scorsese channels his GoodFellas structure and makes his 179-minute runtime ridiculously entertaining. Because really, how else can you portray a character like Belfort than to go all out and not hold back on the gratuitousness? —Megan Bianco

ANDY T & NICK NIXON 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Special show at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. FROM THE TOP 8 p.m. Live filming of the NPR show featuring top young classical musicians at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $20. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org. THE MONSOONS 8 p.m. Live music at BeachFire. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

sunday

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

MUSHROOM WALK 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Search for fungi and observe some of the world’s largest living organisms on this walk at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. $5-$10. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org. MISSING PERSONS 7 p.m. the Los Angeles-based new wave band plays at The Coach House, also featuring The Reflexx and Sixstep. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

monday

GARDEN CLUB MEETING AND AUCTION 10 a.m. San Juan Capistrano Garden Club meeting featuring a “Trash to Treasure” auction. Bring garden items to be auctioned to other members. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1167, www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

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.

tuesday

DUSTIN FRANKS 7 p.m.10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com. Page 8

WILL AND GARY 8 p.m. Live at BeachFire. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com. OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 p.m. Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

wednesday

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Every Wednesday at the corner of El Camino Real and Yorba. 949.493.4700.

COMMUNITY ART NIGHT 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Arts and crafts for the whole family at Bull Taco. Every Wednesday. Food and drink specials. 1527 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.1739, www.laurentannehillart.com. US BLUES 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

thursday

READ TO A DOG 3 p.m. Kids can practice reading skills with a therapy dog at the San Juan Capistrano Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

SENIOR TWILIGHT DINNER 5 p.m. Seniors are invited to dinner at the Dana Point Community Center. Donation $8. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.248.3536, www.danapoint.org. THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. COCO MONTOYA 8 p.m. Blues guitarist at The Coach House. Tickets $15. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. FORTY 2 9 p.m. Electric hip-hop group at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.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

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.

Sharing Life-long Lessons Students gain from educational, social lessons By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

hird-graders from varying socioeconomic backgrounds learned life-long lessons on giving and gratitude Tuesday as they met at the Ocean Institute for an ecological fieldtrip with a dose of societal education. Nearly 60 students from St. John’s Episcopal School and Pio Pico Elementary School—in Rancho Santa Margarita and Santa Ana, respectively—explored tide pools, viewed gray whales in their natural habitat and shared tales of home life this week on a joint trip to Dana Point. Through the Ocean Institute’s Adopta-Class program and a donation from students at St. John’s, the third-graders from Pio Pico, a Title 1 school, were able to attend the trip. It was part of St. John’s 25th

GUEST OPINION: Reading with Wright by Chris Wright

Wolves at the Library? Library Program, Books Highlight Wolves in February

e’ve had the Elephant Parade in Dana Point and now the wolves are coming. Well, not real wolves but a program all about them for children on Thursday, February 6 at 4 p.m., at the Dana Point Library located at 33841 Niguel Road. Skie Bender from Wolf Haven International, a nonprofit sanctuary for captive-born wolves, will tell us all about wolf behavior, biology and social pack structure. Dana Point Times January 17-23, 2014

anniversary celebration, which students are marking with 25 acts of gratitude. “Today is a valuable lesson for all,” said Patty Stoecker, a teacher at St. John’s. “The students get to share their similarities ... and what they are learning is that they have much in common with one another.” Though they often seem worlds apart, Stoecker said today was about bringing the students together to learn lessons beyond the classroom. It started with letters each student wrote about school, family and their community, and culminated with their meeting to share in an educational experience. “They are writing because they want to communicate and want to start a new relationship with these wonderful kids,” said Pio Pico teacher Patricia Osorio of students in her dual-language class.

Third-graders from St. John’s Episcopal School and Pio Pico Elementary School met at the Ocean Institute Thursday for a joint fieldtrip. Students from St. John’s fundraised to share the day with their counterparts from the Title 1 school in Santa Ana. Here, students get to know one another through an ice-breaker exercise. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

“Sometimes it is like my kids live in a little bubble, and this is a great opportunity for them to start new friendships and to get out of that bubble.” While numerous classes have been sponsored through the institute’s adoption program, this was the first trip where one elementary class supported the other, said

Adopt-a-Class manager Kat Dej-Panah. She said the hope is more schools will partner for fieldtrips, because it’s a “winwin” for all. “I think for the first time they could see they can go out and apply what we learn in the classroom and have a connection to the real world,” Osorio said. DP

We also have some new and some not so new books about wolves and other endangered animals. Here are some titles you might want to check out. The Secret World of Red Wolves: The Fight to Save North America’s Other Wolf by T. DeLene Beeland—Published in June 2013, this book is in the “new section” of the library. Find out about the other wolf that is red. And you thought they were only gray. The Philosopher and the Wolf: Lessons from the Wild on Love, Death, and Happiness by Mark Rowlands—First published in 2008, this fascinating book needs more attention. It’s written by a professor about his wolf companion and man’s relationship with animals. It’s deep thoughts 101 and a very insightful book into the human animal as well, showing that you can learn a lot from a wolf. Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived by Ralph Helfer— Published in 1997. Move over Lassie and

Rin Tin Tin, this is an absolutely incredible story that will stay with you forever. This is one of those books that will leave you wondering why it hasn’t been made into a movie. A Shadow Falls by READING WITH WRIGHT Nick Brandt—Published Chris Wright in 2009, A Shadow Falls is a stunning assembly of black and white photos of the endangered elephants of East Africa. The author is a photographer who has set up the Big Life Foundation to collaborate with the communities and governments of the region to preserve one of the greatest populations of elephants left in eastern Africa. Tigers Forever: Saving the World’s Most Endangered Big Cat by Steve Winter and Sharon Guynup—Published in November 2013 by National Geographic, Tigers Forever is an absolutely beautiful book

with unbelievable shots of tigers in the wild throughout the world. It’s more than a coffee table book as it has stories about the efforts of people throughout the world focused on saving and preserving this species, men like Alan Rabinowitz. The library is still obtaining this title. Life in the Valley of Death: The Fight to Save Tigers in a Land of Guns, Gold, and Greed by Alan Rabinowitz—Published in 2007, this book tells about efforts to save tigers in Burma. It’s an intriguing tale of getting it done in an austere environment with cultural and bureaucratic hurdles at every turn. Chris Wright is not sure if he lives to read or if he reads to live. He has been a public librarian with the OC Public Libraries since 2006. DP

Page 10

www.danapointtimes.com

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

D a n a Po i nt

Matheis’ 17 points led the way again for the Dolphins, who have now won two in a row. Dana Hills will take a break from league play to compete in a nonleague match against El Toro, a perennial playoff-caliber team out of the South Coast League. They will play on the road against rival San Clemente on January 22.

Dolphin Report

By Steve Breazeale

BOYS BASKETBALL The Dana Hills boys basketball team was tested in their league opening game against San Juan Hills on January 10 in a triple overtime thriller, but ultimately picked up a 51-45 win. The Dolphins (15-3, 2-0 league) hopes were kept alive at the end of the first overtime when senior Eric Matheis hit a top of the key 3-pointer to tie things up. Matheis led the team with 23 points while grabbing nine

Dana Hills senior Eric Matheis has led the team in scoring in back to back Sea View League games. Photo by Steve Breazeale

rebounds and had four assists. The Dolphins were able to pull away in the third and final overtime. Dana Hills bounced back with a wire to wire 59-31 win over league opponent Laguna Hills on January 15.

GIRLS SOCCER The Dolphins started off their league title defense with back-to-back losses to San Clemente and Aliso Niguel on January 9 and January 14, respectively. The team was set to play Mission Viejo on January 16. Results were not available at press time. —Steve Breazeale

Dana Hills SUP Class is One of a Kind By Steve Breazeale Dana Point Times

he popularity of stand-up paddle boarding has grown exponentially in Dana Point over the past few years. Dozens of SUP riders, young and old, gliding in and out of the harbor at all hours of the day have become a regular sight. Retailers have taken notice, as more boards, paddles and equipment line the shelves of local surf shops to meet growing demands. Even the hard core enthusiasts of the sport, and professionals, flock to Doheny State Beach once a year to take part in the gigantic Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle, which celebrated its sixth installment in September. Rick Stinson, a teacher at Dana Hills High School and avid paddleboard rider, witnessed the boom firsthand. When discussing with friends and colleagues how they can grow the sport even further, the conversation naturally turned to the

Dana Hills High School students prepare to take off into the Dana Point Harbor during a stand-up paddleboard class. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Dana Point Times January 17-23, 2014

classroom. After navigating the proper channels and receiving full support of the administration, Stinson created a stand-up paddleboard class, which is now offered at Dana Hills. “This makes sense. We’re right here, where the industry is huge. There’s the biggest paddle race of the year here … and it just seemed like a natural fit,” Stinson said. Stinson said that in his research for writing the class curriculum, he could not find any specific precedent to follow. He knew of the off-campus skateboarding class offered at San Clemente High School and the bowling class offered at Capistrano Valley, but as far as Stinson could tell, the SUP class at Dana Hills would be the first of its kind anywhere in the country. Operating as a physical education class, the SUP class meets at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor two times a week during block periods. Because the class takes place off campus, it is limited to students who can provide their own means of transportation. Due to budget restraints, the class has had to rely on donations from local businesses and clubs to get out on the water. Space on the beach was donated by the Dana Outrigger Canoe Club. Paddles and 10 boards were donated by Riviera Paddlesurf in San Clemente. A handful of students with prior paddling experience bring their own boards to class. One of those students is junior Avery Burke, who had over one year of SUP experience before she signed up for the course. Burke said that the 35 students who were admitted to the class know that they are in a unique position where they get to learn and have fun at the same time. “I thought it was really cool and I was interested (in the class). I have a paddleboard of my own so I was willing to see what I could learn and further my experience with it,” Burke said. “It’s nice.

Dana Hills teacher Rick Stinson goes over the agenda for the day with the SUP class. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

“The students are always looking for something fun. This is a sport where it’s a lifelong thing that you can learn and play forever." —Rick Stinson We get to come here, and we’re not in a classroom, we can be on the beach. It’s the coolest P.E. class that we have.” Before taking the class, Burke could only paddle to parts of the harbor, but now due to the added reps and practice offered by the class, she can navigate her way around the entire area. When the class first started, Stinson saw a wide range of skill and experience levels amongst the students. Some, like Burke, knew what they were doing while others had never been on a board in their life. That made the stressing of fundamentals a

Page 12

priority during the first week of class. Students were taken on a walk around the harbor as Stinson pointed out potential hazards, like rocks and docking areas. They were also taught to read the wind, an influencing factor that can take a bad situation and make it worse. Basic paddling technique was taught. Now the students who couldn’t make it past the first buoy off of Baby Beach without falling down at the start of the semester can glide past it with ease. “We’ve learned a lot of good skills,” Burke said. Stinson said that the demand for the class is high, which is a good sign of things to come. “The students are always looking for something fun. This is a sport where it’s a lifelong thing that you can learn and play forever,” Stinson said. “This is another way to get them out of the house and on the water and expose them to something new that maybe they’ve never done before.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com

GARAGE SALES RUMMAGE SALE The Dana Point Woman’s’ Club is holding an impromptu “Truly Snooty” rummage sale on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 8 a.m.1:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Club House at 24642 San Juan St., Dana Point (behind the Harbor House Cafe). Items for sale include: antiques, collectibles, household items, pictures etc. Proceeds will benefit the restoration of the Club House and the community. Contact Ann (949) 444-1667.

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 The 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. FULL TIME RECEPTIONIST needed immediately for Hearing Aid Office in Dana Point. Must be mature, friendly and computer competent. Will be responsible for front desk tasks, and assisting the Hearing Aid Dispenser when needed. Insurance Billing experience a plus.Please email resume to rosehearinggroup@gmail.com please include Resume in the subject line. Please no phone calls, faxes, or walk ins.

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 Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

DP SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK TIA BLANCO

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Age: 16, Connections Academy The last few weeks have been exciting for USA Team member Tia Blanco. On December 28, the San Clemente resident won her first pro contest at the American Pro Surfing Series Shoe City Pro in Huntington Beach. The win not only earned her a $1,200 prize but also the women’s season champion title. “It was the first time I’ve held up a giant check and it was really exciting,” Tia said. Then on January 12 she battled through large, pounding surf to a second-place finish at the Surfing America Prime Steamer Lane event in Santa Cruz. As the swell built to triple overhead on day two of the contest, she conquered fear to Tia Blanco. Photo by Jack McDaniel claim her spot on the podium. “I’m not gonna lie, it was pretty scary jumping off the cliff in the final. The sets were huge and I had to do the ‘run around’ with 10 minutes left. I had to wait for eight minutes before jumping back in because the waves were just exploding on the rocks, so I didn’t get back into the water until about two minutes left,” she said. “It was a really good experience.” On Tuesday Tia arrived in Hawaii for the North Shore Surf Shop Sunset Beach Pro Junior and next month heads to Australia for a couple of Association of Surfing Professionals qualifying events. “Everything I’m doing now is to challenge myself and gain experience,” Tia said. “My ultimate goal is to make the ASP World Tour and maybe be world champion one day.” —Andrea Swayne

Surfers Stun at Steamer Lane Competitors take on huge waves in Santa Cruz By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

ompeting at Steamer Lane is a rite of passage on a young surfer’s budding career path. For firsttimers, jumping into the lineup from the rocky cliff at the point can be intimidating enough, but when the Pacific delivers huge waves, even the most experienced athletes must turn up their focus and fight back feelings of intimidation and even fear. Last weekend about 100 contest surfers

under the age of 18 did just that, and five locals were among the finalists. For Surfing America Prime athletes, huge and unruly surf at the famed Santa Cruz surf break challenged comfort zones and required an advanced level of athleticism on January 12, day two of event No. 4 of the series. A west-northwest swell brought waves in the overhead to 7-foot range on Saturday and then built up to the 10- to 12-foot range with occasionally larger sets on Sunday. Heavy currents further complicated things,

Jake Davis of Capistrano Beach brought home a second-place finish from Surfing America Prime, Event No. 4, January 11-12 at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. Photo by Jack McDaniel

Competitors in the Surfing America Prime at Steamer Lane had to carefully time their jump into the lineup from the cliff at the point on January 12, day two of the event, due to huge surf. Photo by Jack McDaniel

often making it necessary for surfers to exit the water and do the “run around” back to the point to catch more waves. Two San Clemente girls fought through to the finals. Tia Blanco turned in a secondplace finish in Girls U18 and Malia Osterkamp took fourth in Girls U16. In boys’ competition, Crosby Colapinto of San Clemente put on a stunning performance to take the win in the Boys U14 division. Kei Kobayashi, also of San Clemente, took fourth in Boys U16 and Capistrano Beach’s Luke Davis was the Boys U18 runner-up. Davis said he was definitely pleased to

RESULTS Surfing America Prime, Event No. 4, January 11-12, Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane Boys U14: 1. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente; 2. Eithan Osborne, Ventura; 3. Sam Coffey, Santa Cruz; 4. Noah Hill, Malibu. Girls U16: 1. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 2. Maddie Peterson, Wildwood Crest, N.J.; 3. Caroline Marks, Melbourne Beach, Fla.; 4. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente. Boys U16: 1. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach; 2. Luke Marks, Melbourne Beach, Fla.; 3. Sean Woods, Ventura; 4. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente. Girls U18: 1. Steffi Kerson, Thousand Oaks; 2. Tia Blanco, San Clemente; 3. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa; 4. Ashley Held, Santa Cruz. Boys U18: 1. Ben Coffey, Santa Cruz; 2. Jake Davis, Capistrano Beach; 3. Nic Hdez, Santa Cruz; 4. Nolan Rapoza, Long Beach.

Page 14

make the finals but felt like he and his fellow surfers were not able to get their share of waves due to the conditions. “It was definitely interesting and challenging to say the least. It was too big and out of control to really surf to our potential,” Davis said. “With waves easily in the 15-foot range at Middle Peak, it was more like you against the ocean, not you against the competitors. I was really hoping for a win at the Lane but I’m glad that Ben (Coffey) got the win in front of his home crowd.” The next Surfing America Prime event is scheduled for February 8 and 9 at San Onofre State Beach, Upper Trestles. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59-61 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 10-15’ Fair Immediate: A modest blend of fading northwest swell prevails. Better breaks run mainly knee-thigh occ. waist high (1-2 occ. 3’), with some better sets for standout winter focal points. Conditions are good with light easterly flow in the morning, giving way to a light to westerly sea-breeze in the afternoon. Size bumps up a bit as a small South-southwest swell moves in. Long Range Outlook: Stronger Westnorthwest groundswell fills in over the weekend, as nice winds/weather continue. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!