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VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4
Preserving the Service, Sacrifice of Station 29 Longtime fire volunteers share stories of their brotherhood, their family E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4
Retired Orange County Fire Authority engineer, Don Croucher, stands before a collection of fire trucks in his Capistrano Beach home. What started as a hobby has now grown into a commitment as Croucher aims to preserve Orange County’s fire history. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
www.danapointtimes.com
No Vacation Rental Permits for Niguel Beach Terrace, City Says
Growing Chemistry has Dolphins Hoops Vying for League Title
Behind the Lens: Meet Surf Photographer Sheri Crummer
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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, JANUARY 25 Women’s Club Rummage Sale 8 a.m.–1 p.m. The longstanding Dana Point Women’s Club is hosting a rummage sale at the Dana Point Community House parking lot, located at 24642 San Juan Street. Proceeds raised at the event will help the organization restore its clubhouse.
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Community Recycling Event 9 a.m.– 11 a.m. Residents can drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the Dana Hills High School parking lot,
33333 Golden Lantern, for students from the school’s organizations to sort. Events will be held rain or shine. Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs.
Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, for bedtime stories. Don’t forget to wear pajamas. Call the library for more information, 949.496.5517.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28
Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Seasonal produce is on the ticket at the outdoor market at La Plaza Park, located at 34111 La Plaza Street.
Commission/Council Meeting 6 p.m. The Planning Commission and City Council will participate in a joint meeting on plans for downtown parking and city staff’s 2014 project priorities. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street. Check with www.danapointtimes.com for a discussion recap.
MONDAY, JANUARY 27 Family Pajama Storytime 7 p.m. The whole family is invited to the Dana
DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS
What’s Up With... 1
…the Barbershop Blaze?
THE LATEST: A two-alarm blaze in a Dana Point barbershop Sunday night caused about $225,000 in damages, authorities said. Fire officials received notice of heavy smoke and flames coming from the barbershop’s window at 8:12 p.m., said Capt. Steve Concialdi, a spokesman for the Orange County Fire Authority. More than 50 firefighters responded to the fire in the 34000 block of La Plaza, he said. The Kings Club Barbershop, where the fire occurred, was closed at the time. No injuries were reported, and crews had the blaze under control by 8:33 p.m., Concialdi said. WHAT’S NEXT: While an investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing, fire officials believe it was accidental and caused by an unspecified electrical failure. Officials estimated $150,000 in structural damage and another $75,000 in equipment losses at the shop. FIND OUT MORE: Track breaking news on Twitter @DanaPointTimes. —Andrea Papagianis
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…Vacation Rentals?
THE LATEST: Nearly a week after the city’s Jan. 15 application deadline for vacation rental permits, speakers from Niguel Beach Terrace stood before the City Council Tuesday night urging the city to recognize their applications. The city has so far denied permits in the condo community off Selva Drive because the neighborhood’s covenants, conditions and restrictions do not allow vacation rentals, City Attorney Patrick Munoz said. But speaker after speaker contested this, pressing the city to issue permits or lose Dana Point Times January 24-30, 2014
out on potential tax revenues. “I view myself as a business owner in the city of Dana Point,” said Aaron Albertson of Laguna Beach, who owns two rentals in the complex. “The mayor commented on the city’s desire to have strong relationships with the business owners … I hope we get that service and are granted our permits.” Munoz said the city’s rental ordinances were structured to give neighborhoods the right to choose. He said homeowners needed to vet the issue internally. Multiple owners mentioned a recent HOA rule allowing vacation rentals. But with the homeowners association’s CC&R reading, “No owner shall be allowed to lease his unit for hotel and transient purposes,” according to Munoz, that rule is invalid. WHAT’S NEXT: Councilmen Bill Brough, Scott Schoeffel and Steven Weinberg all expressed a desire to stay out of the neighborhood’s dispute, and encouraged homeowners to come to a resolution on their own. Mayor Lisa Bartlett echoed the sentiment. The ordinance was approved in a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Carlos Olvera dissenting. No permits will be granted to Niguel Beach Terrace vacation rental owners until the neighborhood’s CC&R allows such rentals, staff said.
and replacing trees along Pacific Coast Highway this weekend. This marks the city’s first construction step in enhancements for PCH and Del Prado Avenue as part of the $19 million project. Over the next eight months, crews will make landscape, street lighting, electrical, traffic signal, street and curb improvements on PCH from Copper Lantern to Blue Lantern. The project has been a long time coming as discussion began in the 90s and plans were formulated nearly a decade ago. The City Council approved its first portion of spending on the project last spring, allotting $9.2 million to complete upgrades on PCH. The roadway will return to a twoway street once improvements are made.
brielino,” after the native people that inhabited the location of the future school. Trustee Amy Hanacek suggested “Sycamore,” and “Gavilan,” the Spanish word for the sparrowhawk. The board continued their discussion to a meeting in March.
WHAT’S NEXT: One item still considered worrisome to business and property owners on Del Prado is when the City Council will locate the near $7 million needed to complete the second phase of work. City Manager Doug Chokevys said Tuesday that staff is working to close out the city’s books for 2013 and should have a better picture of its financial status for Del Prado improvements later this spring.
THE LATEST: The Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved new parking restrictions on Dana Point Harbor Drive on Jan. 14. Street parking will now be restricted to four hours. Jim Miller, president of the Harbor Merchant’s Association, said the street had seen a marked rise in the “new class of homeless people” parking recreational vehicles for more than 12 hours at a time along the road before staying overnight at a nearby grocery store parking lot. Miller said the recommendation should be amended to allow only four hours in a 24-hour period, to prevent the RVs from being moved a few feet to avoid tickets.
FIND OUT MORE: Read more at www.danapointtimes.com.—AP
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FIND OUT MORE: Follow the story at www.danapointtimes.com.—AP
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…the Lantern District?
THE LATEST: Since September, the South Coast Water District has had a visible presence in Dana Point’s downtown, replacing water and sewer utilities as part of the city’s Town Center—or Lantern District— revamp. Now it’s the city’s turn. Tuesday night, the city’s Public Works and Engineering Director Brad Fowler announced that crews will begin removing
…the New CUSD School Name?
THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District is asking for the community’s input to name a K-8 school in the developing Rancho Mission Viejo community. School names may include, but are not limited to, geographic locations within district boundaries or other names significant to the district or the community, according to a press release. In January, CUSD trustees held a brief discussion to consider names. Trustee Anna Bryson suggested the name “Ga-
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WHAT’S NEXT: The school is slated to open in 2016. FIND OUT MORE: To submit a suggestion, email communications@capousd.org. —Brian Park
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…Harbor Drive Parking?
WHAT’S NEXT: Although Supervisor Pat Bates made a motion to add the amendment, other supervisors voiced concern about making such a large change without traffic committee approval first. County staff said enforcement could be stepped up and a report given to the board in six months to assess the situation and see if a change is needed. FIND OUT MORE: Stick with www.danapointtimes.com for Harbor news. —Jim Shilander www.danapointtimes.com
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Preserving the Service, Sacrifice of Station 29
joining the Department of Forestry. He went on to have a 35-year career in the field. Dave retired from OCFA an assistant chief at headquarters where he handled strategic planning, legislative measures, fleet management and more. It all started right down the road, he said, while pointing toward Capo Beach. “It was more than I ever expected,” he said. “Every single thing was the best thing that I ever did. It was an exciting career. And what goes along with that is this incredible brotherhood and sisterhood of people … it truly is a family.”
Longtime fire volunteers share stories of their brotherhood, family By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times
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laques and letters of commendation line a wall of Melvyn Pierce’s Dana Point home. Seamlessly blending with photographs of grandchildren, travels and needlepoints created by Helen, his wife of 65 years, the awards and recognitions highlight a life devoted to family and service. Pierce came to Dana Point in the 1930s. His family home still sits on Chula Vista Avenue and Mel and Helen still live in the neighborhood. They’ve called their house overlooking the city home since the early ’60s. The landscape has dramatically changed over the last few decades, Pierce notes as he shows off fire-engine red poinsettias in his backyard. Homes have filled in, the city has incorporated and the fire department is no longer staffed by volunteers, he says, something near and dear to Pierce’s heart. Pierce was among the first volunteers to serve on the Doheny Fire Department crew, which he helped establish in 1958. Up until 2002, volunteer firefighters served Dana Point out of Station 29, located in the Doheny Village area of Capistrano Beach. That’s 44 years of service that local men and women dedicated to their community. Volunteer service was slowly phased out locally, starting in the late ’80s, when Dana Point became a city, the Orange County Fire Authority was contracted for staffed, paid firefighter positions and training regiments and commitments became too much for volunteers to juggle. For Melvyn Pierce, it was a 25-year commitment that meant time away from his family as he dashed from meals at the sound of the city’s now-retired fire siren that rang at all hours of the day and night, time spent away from his laundry business and sleepless nights responding to local emergencies. Despite the personal sacrifice, it is a time the World War II Air Corps veteran remembers fondly. “The camaraderie was great,” Pierce said of the crew that became more like a family. “It was just about the dedication to service for the community,” he added. “At the time it was a necessary thing to do. We Dana Point Times January 24-30, 2014
For more than 40 years, volunteer firefighters at the Capistrano Beach located Station 29, served to protect the area’s residents. Here, the 25-man group of volunteers is pictured in late 60s. One of the original department founders, Melvyn Pierce, is pictured front row center, with fire historian Don Croucher in the last row third from the left. Photo courtesy of the California Fire Museum
volunteered to serve the community and to protect homes and people.” It is a storied past former volunteer Don Croucher hopes to preserve for generations to come. A FAMILY OPERATION Croucher’s home is a fire museum. Small collectable fire engines neatly line his shelves. Numbering in the hundreds, they’re tucked near the garage, where filing cabinets, photo albums and boxes contain pieces of the area’s past. He started collecting memorabilia when he was a young volunteer on the Doheny squad. His volunteer service aboard the 25-member Station 29 crew jump started his three decade-long career in the California Department of Forestry and OCFA, which he retired from in 2001 as an engineer. “It was my cup of tea,” Croucher said of the position he held for decades. As an OCFA engineer, Croucher drove the fire rigs, maintained water pumps during fires and cared for the engines—he also had to give up volunteering at Station 29. But that station helped Croucher find his niche. Station 29 also served as a stepping stone for Croucher’s son Gary, who after becoming a part of the Doheny Fire Department’s young explorer program, also went on to serve in the Forestry Department. He is now a forestry fire captain in San Diego County. It was a familiar route traveled by other volunteer firefighters’ sons, as Pierce’s son, Dave, and fellow 25-year volunteer Mel Weibel’s son, Steve, served as Station 29 volunteers—truly making the brotherhood a family operation. For Weibel, a 48-year Capistrano Beach resident, having his son around the station was enjoyable, but when calls came and the crew was dispatched to an emergency, the tides shifted and worry set in. “It was fine until you were on a fire,
Longtime Dana Point resident Melvyn Pierce was a founding member of the Doheny Fire Department in 1958. Pierce served as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years. His son, Dave Pierce, would follow in his volunteer footsteps, before serving in the Orange County Fire Authority for more than three decades. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
then it was really scary,” Weibel said. “His mother wasn’t really into it. But our department was more of a family, almost all of the men who had sons, they became volunteers and many went on to serve in a greater capacity.” Pierce remembers his time on the crew differently. “I was always intrigued that my dad would get up from the dinner table or in the middle of the night when the siren would go off … sometimes I rode down to the station with him and enjoyed the camaraderie,” Dave Pierce recalled. As a recent San Clemente High School graduate when he joined the volunteer crew, Dave was invincible; the worry felt by parents didn’t necessarily resonate with their young hotshots, he said. “You could be having a lot of fun at the fire station doing training and joking with each other, but once you got a call it really did turn into all business,” Dave Pierce said. “Even though he was my dad, if he was the officer on the fire engine I still listened to him as if he was in that role and not my dad.” Dave Pierce volunteered under his father’s command for three years before
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PROTECTING THE PAST A decade ago, Croucher and a local coalition of stakeholders began the California Fire Museum and have since worked to collect and preserve memorabilia from stations across California—with extensive collections predominately pertaining to Orange County’s fire protection history. “Even though it is called the California Fire Museum, right now we are focusing on Orange County,” Croucher said of the monumental task to document the entire state’s fire history. “Orange County has lost a bit of its history,” Croucher said. From CDF, to county and now the fire authority, many Orange County stations have undergone multiple leadership changes involving cleanups and start overs, he said, meaning bits and pieces of the past have been tossed. Collecting lost mementos is part of the goal California Fire Museum volunteers hope to achieve. As stations from San Clemente to Buena Park have incorporated into the OCFA system and older firefighters and collectors have passed on, the museum’s collection has grown. The collection has actually outgrown Croucher’s Capistrano Beach garage and now fills a space donated by the Santa Margarita Water District in Mission Viejo. With 10 historic fire vehicles, a library full of literature, black and white photographs, newspaper clippings and collectables, the nonprofit California Fire Museum has a museum’s worth of fire history to share. For years, the group has worked to establish a museum space. It’s been a labor of love, Croucher said. When OCFA began building a new headquarters, 6,000 square feet was added for a museum. But with the closing of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Irvine, organizational leaders felt the Orange County Great Park would be a better fit. Croucher said the nonprofit has an affiliate agreement signed with the Great Park, but a site still needs to be set aside. Eventually, the organization hopes to build their museum with a hands-on safety learning center with exhibits on fire prevention, water safety, disaster preparedness, first-aid and more. Museum plans have not yet been finalized, but Croucher said a general plan is in the works and will contain bits and pieces of Station 29’s history. DP www.danapointtimes.com
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Business Beat
BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS
News and updates on Dana Point’s business community NOW OPEN u Juicilicious Juice Bar—34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 109, 949.209.8788, www.juicilicious.com Customization is key at Juicilicious Juice Bar in Dana Point as customers turn to organic juiced remedies to better their ailments, skin conditions or to add a little energy to their lives, said founder Jamie Hoben. Open since early December, Juicilicious already has a big local fan base, Hoben said. Some are new to juicing, while others, like Juicilicious co-owner Cesily Kuriel, are longtime clients of Hoben’s homemade and personalized concoctions. After a couple hospital stints and a healthcare scare, Hoben, a personal trainer, was turned onto juicing by her mother. With a juicer and organic fruits and vegetables in hand, Hoben changed her life and health for the better. She hasn’t looked back since. For the past two years, the certified nutritionist and trainer with a background in holistic health has been making juices at home and delivering them to clients throughout Orange and northern San Diego counties. Call it what you will, but fate struck when Kuriel, a CPA by profession, came across
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.
Sunday, January 19 DISTURBANCE La Plaza, 34100 Block (6:50 p.m.) A patron at a local bar called authorities in fear a fight would break out between rival football fans. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Ritz-Carlton Drive (2:50 p.m.) Lifeguards at Salt Creek Beach contacted authorities after two Dana Point Times January 24–30, 2014
With Kuriel’s financial background and Hoben’s nutritional knowledge and recipes, the pair launched their first storefront last month. While the menu has been modified and slimmed, Jucilicious staffers will customize blends to fit every client’s needs, Hoben said. As for the delivery business, it’s still intact and booming.
Meggan Mindiola shows off the organic produce fixings needed to make a 32 ounce jar of a Juicilicious customer favorite, The Hulk. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Hoben’s specially tailored juices. Kuriel had done cleanses before, but none like Hoben’s Jucilicious blends. She did a three day cleanse, and the rest is history. boys in their early teens reported being followed by a camera-wielding man. A man in his 40s with dark hair and wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt, cuffed blue jean pants and carrying a camera on a tripod had followed the young boys and taken pictures of them.
u Sundara Salon—34212 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 949.487.0992, www.sundarasalondanapoint.com Kimberly Brooks and Angie Carter met at a Dana Point beauty school. Now, after years of working and training together, the pair has embarked on their first ownership venture with Sundara Salon. “I always wanted to someday have my own salon,” Carter said. “Things just wound up coming together, and it’s been great,” she said of Sundara Salon’s road to fruition. Carter and Brooks opened the doors of their salon in November. Located in the heart of downtown, Sundara is an Aveda concept salon featuring the one of the world’s first responsible lines of beauty products, Brooks said. Utilizing wind energy to produce environmentally friendly products that are never tested on animals, Aveda products just made sense for the
a phone call before the line disconnected. The pair appeared to be under the influence of drugs. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 34500 Block (12:46 a.m.) A caller reported being harassed by a woman with orange hair near Baby Beach at the Dana Point Harbor. The caller said he wanted the woman removed, but would not give authorities his information.
DISTURBANCE Street of the Golden Lantern, 34600 Block (12:05 p.m.) The driver of a red Cadillac called authorities after a verbal altercation with a valet attendant at the Dana Point Harbor. The caller insisted he could park wherever he wanted.
Friday, January 17 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Evans Pointe, 25500 Block (9:33 p.m.) The caller said a house party spilled out into the street where some drunken partygoers were kicking cars.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Del Obispo Street, 33600 Block (10:10 a.m.) Eight men wearing ski caps got out of a white Ford van and entered the Albertsons grocery store. The caller said the men looked suspicious as though they were attempting to avoid the store’s surveillance cameras. DISTURBANCE Brookview, 100 Block (8:01 a.m.) A female neighbor was reported standing outside screaming the caller’s name for more than two hours. The woman reportedly entered the caller’s residence but had since left. DISTURBANCE Camino El Molino, 34400 Block (2:18 a.m.) Dispatchers heard a woman, who said she hated all men, screaming at a man to “get off her side of the bed” during
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Monarch Bay Plaza/Crown Valley Parkway (6:24 p.m.) A male in his 20s and wearing a trucker hat was trying to take liquor from a nearby store, a caller reported. DRUNK DRIVING Street of the Golden Lantern/Dana Point Harbor Drive (4:12 p.m.) Officials were alerted to three drunken female drivers leaving the Dana Point Harbor. A patrol check was requested for three separate vehicles, including a red Mazda, green Honda and white Scion. The driver of the Scion nearly hit another vehicle, the caller said.
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Since opening their doors in November, first time salon owners Kimberly Brooks and Angie Carter have shared their passion for cuts, colors and belief in environmentally friendly products at Sundara Salon. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
salon, she said. It helped that they are also the best, Brooks added. Sundara carries full skin and hair care lines from Aveda and also provides ritual services for stress relief. The staff at Sundara is second to none, Carter said, with a combined century of experience and training from the likes of Paul Mitchell, Aveda, Toni & Guy and Vidal Sassoon academies. DP TRAFFIC HAZARD Selva Road/Stonehill Drive (3:57 p.m.) An unknown large metal object was reported lying in the middle of the street. DISTURBANCE Domingo Avenue, 25900 Block (3:14 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a group of apparently homeless people “hanging around” a local school. ABANDONED VEHICLES Sea Vista Drive, 25200 Block (2:36 p.m.) Deputies were called to investigate an apparent abandoned car. According to the blotter, this has been an ongoing issue between neighbors and the car is not, in fact, abandoned, but rather registered at the residence in front of which it is parked. DISTURBANCE Del Prado Avenue, 24500 Block (10:10 a.m.) The driver of a white Cadillac requested deputy assistance in moving a sleeping homeless woman out of his way. The woman was described as in her 50s, with gray hair and wearing a lime green shirt and black pants. OPEN DOOR Forest Hills Court, 0 Block (9:33 a.m.) A property management firm contacted sheriff’s officials after finding the door to a vacant apartment unit open. Deputies were asked to search the premises and secure the open door. www.danapointtimes.com
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NEWS BITES
Compiled by Andrea Papagianis
PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO Celebrate Chinese New Year with the Martial Arts u To ring in the Chinese New Year, one local martial arts studio is offering free public workshops and demonstrations at Lantern Bay Park on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by The Dragon Institute, located at 34241 Pacific Coast Highway, community members are invited to an interactive demonstration with hands-on training of self-defense methods. Instructors will teach one-inch punches, simple self-defense moves, Kung Fu qigong and standing meditation techniques. Additionally, demonstrations of Wing Chun, The Dragon Institute’s premier study, will be featured. Wing Chun is different from other martial arts that focus on competitions, organizers say. The style is known for its no nonsense effectiveness and is used by the Chinese Army, U.S. Navy Seals, FBI and CIA. With locations in Dana Point and Irvine, The Dragon Institute specializes in the art of Wing Chun. Due to intellectual theories and point-blank combat techniques, Wing Chun is typically taught to adults, but the institute offers training programs for children ages 5 and up. The event will also feature a Chinese Lion Dance exhibition, kids’ crafts and face painting. For more information, call 949.542.8470 or visit www.ocwingchun.com.
Local Leaders Slated for I-5 Carpool Groundbreaking u A groundbreaking ceremony for the Orange County Transportation Authority’s widening project of Interstate 5, which will add carpool lanes between San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, has been set for Wednesday, Jan. 29. The ceremony will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Capistrano Unified School District headquarters, located at 33122 Valle Road in
Barbara Johannes, president of the Dana Point Historical society, takes part in the annual reading of Richard Henry Dana Jr.’s personal narrative, Two Years Before the Mast, during last year’s Festival of Whales. Courtesy photo
San Juan Capistrano. Speakers will include Supervisor Pat Bates, San Clemente City Councilwoman and OCTA board member Lori Donchak, San Juan Capistrano Mayor Sam Allevato and CUSD Board of Trustees President John Alpay, who represents San Clemente.
Art-A-Fair Calls on Artists for Annual Jury Day u Organizers of the renowned Laguna Beach Art Festival, Art-A-Fair, is holding its annual jury day selections Sunday, Feb. 9 for its 48th summer season show. Artists new to the show are encouraged to showcase their work before an expert panel of judges, to take part in the annual exhibition featuring more than 125 artists each year. This year’s show will take place from Wednesday, June 25 through Sunday, Aug. 31. This is the only summer art show that doesn’t place a residents-only restriction on artists. Professional artists and craftsmen will be
on hand Feb. 9 at the Laguna Beach Boys & Girls Club, at 1085 Laguna Canyon Road. Artists should bring three original works in each submitted medium to the location between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Artists may enter more than one medium. The panel will look for excellence in conception, execution and presentation. They will also seek high levels of creativity and technical competence. All media forms may be submitted, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, digital art, charcoal, pencil, ceramics, glass, jewelry, photography and wood. Notices of acceptance will be given that day at artwork pick up, between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Visit www.artafair.com of call 949.494.5414 for more information.
‘Two Years Before the Mast’ Readers Needed u With California gray whales making their marathon migration along the West
Coast, a marathon of a different sort is gearing up for its fourth annual installation. The Dana Point Historical Society will host its fourth cover-to-cover reading of Dana Point namesake, Richard Henry Dana Jr.’s Two Year Before the Mast. The reading will be held at the Nature Interpretive Center, located at 34558 Scenic Drive, during the second weekend of the Dana Point Festival of Whales. An epic account of Dana’s journey aboard the brig Pilgrim from Boston, around the Horn of South Africa and to the Southern California shores to trade goods in the 1830s, Two Years Before the Mast is a powerful 19th century personal narrative, and a lengthy tale, to say the least. The historical society is asking for assistance in reading then 19-year-old Dana Jr.’s more than 400-page account, which records Capistrano Bay as “the most romantic spot on the coast.” Volunteer readers are needed throughout the three-day reading on Friday, March 4, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to noon. To participate in the reading of Dana’s account, a man who went on to serve as a U.S. Attorney during the Civil War and later in the Massachusetts legislature, contact the Dana Point Historical Society at 949.899.0907 or email twoyearsbeforethemastdp@gmail.com. Organizers ask volunteers to provide their name, email address, a contact number may either read aloud for eight minutes of volunteer for a two-hour shift.
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Dana Point Times, Vol. 7, Issue 4. 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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Letters to the Editor DOHENY HOTEL VS. HARBORING THE GOOD LIFE CRAIG SINK, Dana Point
Is it naïve for me to believe the Dana Point Planning Commission will follow the zoning code and faithfully execute their duty? A comprehensive plan was developed and adopted by the city in 1993 to ensure the orderly development of Dana Point. It was decided that no building would be taller than 35 feet. The Planning Commission, appointed by the City Council, has been judicious in enforcing this rule and applicants have been denied height variances when no hardship exists. Developer Michael Draz of Beverly Hills Hospitality Group wants to build a hotel in Dana Point on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive. The city’s General Plan allows for hotels in that zoning district, but Mr. Draz does not want to build a two- or three-story hotel. He doesn’t want a 35-foot hotel. He wants a 70-foot hotel. He wants a hotel that will dwarf the landmark pedestrian-bridge that people see as they enter Dana Point on PCH from the south. He applied to the Planning Commission for a height variance claiming hardship. The Planning Commission, acting as a quasi-judicial body to remedy unnecessary hardships inflicted upon property owners by the unintentional consequences of the zoning process, is considering the case. California law requires the showing of unnecessary hardship before granting a variance. “Most states generally require that a property owner prove the existence of an unnecessary hardship in order to secure the variance relief sought,” writes Leslie Keller, a noted author and expert in zoning. Mr. Draz purchased and assembled three properties: the Dana Point Harbor Inn, a Jack in the Box and a closed liquor Dana Point Times January 24–30, 2014
A Jack in the Box on Pacific Coast Highway would be leveled to make way for the proposed Doheny Hotel. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
store, fully aware of the zoning, and now claims a hardship. His hardship is selfinflicted. He is seeking a variance because adhering to the zoning code is less financially rewarding than not adhering to it. It is a matter of convenience and special privilege, not hardship. The Dana Point Municipal Code requires that specific findings be met before the Planning Commission can grant a variance. Among those is “that there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the subject property which do not apply generally to other properties in the same zoning district.” Another is “that the variance request is made on the basis of a hardship condition and not as a matter of convenience.” Yet another is “that the variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on the other properties in the same zoning district with similar constraints.” None of these findings applies to Mr. Draz’s variance request. It must be denied. Looming changes for our City Council make campaign contributions desirable for those council members seeking higher office or re-election. Understandably, council members tend to be sympathetic to the needs of their contributors. However, Mr. Draz would be mistaken if he believes he can influence the decision of the Planning Commissioners by contributing to the
council members who appoint them. Our council members will not apply pressure to our commissioners to grant a variance, nor will our Planning Commissioners grant variances without specific findings being met. They will faithfully execute their duty for the orderly development of Dana Point.
RUGBY HAS DEEP AMERICAN ROOTS RICK MORGAN, Dana Point
I very much enjoyed learning two weeks ago that rugby has arrived at Dana Hills High School. I have no doubt the inclusion of rugby in the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro is responsible, to a great extent, for the increased interest in this wonderful sport. The format for Rio will be seven-a-side teams—a standard rugby team is 15 players—providing for a very fast game. I encourage the efforts of Drew Falk and Gabe Wahl and their coaches in building a solid rugby club at Dana Hills. However, I had to chuckle a bit when I read the quote regarding Dana Hills being “at the forefront of the rugby movement in Southern California” and that “the rugby boom is on the rise.” While this may be true at the high school level—and with all due respect to the excitement and passion of Mr. Falk and Mr. Wahl—a bit of history is needed at this point. Rugby has been played in the U.S.
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consistently since the 1950s, with at least 1,000 colleges and universities fielding a team. By most accounts, it is the most popular club sport in the country and among the 10 most popular sports worldwide. Top international teams have played the Rugby World Cup every four years since 1987. The Southern California Rugby Football Union began in 1937 in Los Angeles. The driving force for the SCRFU, and first president, was Boris Karloff, of Frankenstein horror fame. As far as Olympic history is concerned, let the record show that the U.S. is the defending champion, having won gold at the 1920 Antwerp Games and again at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Rugby has not been an Olympic sport since Paris, primarily due to extraordinarily bad blood between the U.S. and French teams and fans. Riots in the stands and the escorting of U.S. gold medalists off the field under protection from the French team and police fairly assured that rugby would not be seen again—until 2016. Finally, two interesting facts about rugby: One, the referee is supreme on the pitch (field), being traditionally addressed as “Sir.” And two, generally speaking, there are fewer major injuries in rugby than in American football. Rugby is often characterized in news reports as being ultra-violent, but the truth is that while there can be some fearsome injuries, there are no helmets or bulky pads in rugby and thus tackling is far cleaner with players being taught to play the ball and not the man. Best of luck on the pitch, Dolphins. Keep rucking. To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.
www.danapointtimes.com
GETTING OUT
3
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
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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
FROM SADDLEBACK TO HOLLYWOOD 2:30 p.m. Meet and learn from former Saddleback College students who are now working in film and television. Held in the McKinney Theatre. Free. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.
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HENRY WINE GROUP TASTING 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Wine tasting at San Clemente Wine Company. Tasting fee includes a cheese plate and chocolate. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com. POUL PEDERSEN 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Live classic rock hits and wine tasting at Da Vine Food & Wine. Tastings $20 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Peppino D’Agostino performs live at the Dana Point Community House. $30. 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com. JIMMY JAMES 8 p.m. Dinner and music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.
saturday
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.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS PUBLIC MEETING 10:15-noon. Meeting on health care titled: “Affordable Care Act and Single Payer: How You Can Support Both” at the Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, 949.492.7675, www.ocpl.org. Dana Point Times January 24-30, 2014
AT THE MOVIES: ‘JACK RYAN’ MAKES A SILVER SCREEN RETURN Britain has James Bond, America has Jack Ryan. Not exactly as big of an international icon in pop culture as the former, but we’ll take what we can get. The character penned by Tom Clancy has produced not only a whole series of popular books but also successful hits with Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck playing the role for more than two decades. Now, 12 years since Affleck’s turn as Ryan, comes Star Trek’s Chris Pine to give it a shot in Kenneth Branagh’s Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. After being seriously injured while serving in Afghanistan, Ryan settles down in Manhattan with girlfriend Cathy (Keira Knightley). While working as a government analyst, Ryan discovers © MMXIV Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. possible terrorist activity within the Russian Federation and United Nations. CIA agent Thomas Harper (Kevin Costner) recruits him to go to Moscow to put a stop to the vengeful Viktor Cheverin (Branagh). Jack Ryan has four movie stars to make this film entertaining eye candy and a fun 90-minute ride. The only problem is characters are stuck behind some pretty stale dialogue and sloppy editing. Pine has proven he is a fine action hero, and Knightley has an impressive American accent, but both have to work alongside an underdeveloped relationship and Cathy is merely a poorly written love interest for Knightley. Branagh, while one of the best Shakespearan directors of cinema, might not be the best choice for action/adventure.—Megan Bianco
SATURDAY AT THE SWALLOW’S 2:30 p.m.6:30 p.m. Flock of 80s performs at The Swallow’s Inn. Hollywood Hillbillies hit the stage at 8:30 p.m. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.
DANA HARBOR TOASTMASTERS MEETING 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Practice public speaking skills in a safe and fun learning environment every Tuesday at the Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.728.8969, http://1707.toastmastersclubs.org.
wednesday
SURFRIDER BEACH CLEANUP 10:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Surfrider South OC chapter welcomes the public for a beach cleanup at Aliso Beach County Park, Laguna Beach. www.surfrider.org/southorangecounty.
NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET WEAVING 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Experience the art of basket weaving, a Native American tradition, at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Free with admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.
FREE FISHING FOR KIDS Noon. A fishing lesson and more for kids at Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO FARMER’S MARKET 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba in San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700.
sunday
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WHALE WATCHING WITH UNDERWATER VIEWING PODS Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari offers 2.5-hour trips daily. Call for departure times. View whales and dolphins eye-to-eye underwater aboard a hi-tech catamaran sailboat. Tickets $59 adults, $39 kids (3 to 12), under 2 free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.
monday
COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.
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SMOKEY KARAOKE 8 p.m. Your turn to get onstage at BeachFire. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.
tuesday
OPEN CASA EXHIBIT 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Now on display: Casa Romantica’s art exhibit titled “The Mystery of the Ordinary” featuring the work of neo-realist artist Michael Ward. On display through Feb. 23. Admission $5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.
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COGNAC MIXOLOGY EVENT 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Master mixology lesson featuring three high-end cognacs at The St. Regis lobby lounge. Event also includes live music, delicious drinks and light bites. Call for reservations. Cost $45. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 800.722.1543, www.stregismb.com.
thursday
VIOLIN RECITAL Noon-1 p.m. Saddleback College presents American-Chinese Violinist Melody Chang who began studying the violin at the age of 4 and is currently with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. McKinney Theatre. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.
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DOG SCHOOL 6:30-7:30 p.m. Five-week dog obedience school starts today at Paws Pet Resorts. Cost $150 for all classes. 1285 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente, 800.964.7297, www.pawspetresorts.com. COMEDY UNZIPPED 7 p.m. Stand-up comics from the Improv, Laugh Factory and Comedy Central land at StillWater Spirits & Sounds for a live comedy show. Free. 24701 Del Prado Avenue, 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
4
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
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SUDOKU by Myles Mellor Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:
SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION
D a n a Po i nt
See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake
Making Friends, Finding Love Good friends as important as a good mate
E
ach January, I get emails from lonely singles similar to one I received this week from a south Orange County woman. She wrote, “I was married for 45 years and am a widow of eight years. I would love to find someone to spend the rest of my life with, someone who needs me as much as I need him. “I am attractive, slender and live in a country-club atmosphere that I dearly love. I am 78, in very good health, active and wanting to live again, but I don’t know how to go about it. My female friends have husbands and not much time for me. I don’t know where to find ‘girlfriends’—someone to have lunch or go to a movie with. I hope you can give me some ideas.” I responded: You are living again, by being active and enjoying your country-club atmosphere. Focus first on making new female friends. At your age, that’s a heck of a lot easier than meeting a man to share your life with. The ratio of single women to single men at 78 is about 6-to-1. Besides, you can live a great life without a man. Even if you meet a man, there is no guarantee that the relationship will be a picnic. Expand your boundaries and circle of friends beyond the ones in your neighborhood. However, don’t give up that aspect of your life. Who knows? A married man can become a widower unexpectedly. Try these six activities to make new girlfriends: 1. Check out www.meetup.com, a website that lists all kinds of activities in Orange County. You could find an activity or two that you enjoy and most certainly would make new friends. 2. Senior centers throughout south Orange County are places to meet other seniors. You might check out the centers’ agendas and give one or two of them a try. 3. Internet dating is an option for Dana Point Times January 24-30, 2014
seniors, via sites such as www.ourtime.com. However, there are lots of scammers out there trying to prey on lonely older women, so I would be very careful using the Internet to date at your age. ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 4. Widow and widower By Tom Blake clubs are good places to meet other widowed people who can understand your situation. You can also find them on the meetup.com website. 5. Try a Meet and Greet gathering at Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli, on the last Thursday of each month, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It’s a great place to meet new friends. This month’s gathering is on January 30. Visit www.tutorandspunkys. com to find out more. 6. Attend a Woman Sage salon meeting. This organization meets monthly in Costa Mesa next to the Performing Arts Center in The Center Club, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Woman Sage salons feature lectures by local authors, discussion groups and dinner. The next salon is Tuesday, February 11. On that night, I will be on a panel there discussing dating after 50. If you attend, please say “Hello.” For reservations and information, visit www.womansage.org. Regardless of what activities you pursue, doing so will take time, energy, a little money and enthusiasm. Whether or not you meet a man, I can’t say, but you will be making lots of new female friends and enriching your life. That’s a great way to start. To share your thoughts, email Tom at tompblake@gmail.com. DP
Lt. Brick Christensen thanks well-wishers for attending his send-off event Sunday. Christensen is moving from San Clemente to Washington, where he will work in the Navy’s Congressional liaison office. Photo by Jim Shilander
LT. CHRISTENSEN GOES TO WASHINGTON
T
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
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o family, friends and well-wishers, including a member of Congress, who attended a farewell party Sunday at 207 Chop House in San Clemente, the future is clear: Lt. Brick Christensen is going places. Christensen, 26, a UCLA graduate, has lived in San Clemente since 2008 when he was stationed in San Diego aboard ship. This past December, Christensen received a coveted new assignment working in the Navy’s congressional liaison office in Washington D.C. Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) was at the event to wish him well. “You get to work with members of Congress and learn more about how the government works and to teach them about how the Navy works,” Christensen said.
Both Congress and the Navy, he said, often have misconceptions about the other, which could lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. It is an information gap Christensen hopes to fill as he accompanies Congressional committee members on foreign trips. Christensen said he’s wanted the post for a long time. He applied for it last year, but had not heard either way until December, when he’d nearly resigned himself to not receiving the post, he said. Just as he’d begun looking into other assignments, he received word on the congressional appointment. He got it. The appointment is supposed to last between two and three years. After that, Christensen said, he hopes to return to his fleet, San Diego and to south Orange County. DP —Jim Shilander www.danapointtimes.com
DP LIVING
Award Season Escapism Globe, SAG awards honor unlikely contenders By Megan Bianco Dana Point Times
I
t’s the same thing every year when the award shows start airing. Red carpet commenters ask, “Who are you wearing?” and awardees speeches take the time-honored route of thanking the Academy. For a set of ceremonies so subjective and self-involved, it’s interesting how we tune in to watch what happens year after year. Why do we care what a group of people decide is their choice for Best Motion Picture or Best Actor and Actress? Maybe because, just like the movies they honor, awards shows provide a break from our everyday lives, where we can become immersed in something less stressful and more amusing. For three hours we escape into the Hollywood glitz and glamor to see who will take the predictable and unpredictable award nods. Take Jennifer Lawrence. She recently won Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globes for American Hustle. She’s
Amy Adams (center) took home the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy on Sunday, January 12 for her role in American Hustle. © Sony Pictures
got one Oscar down, is the lead character of the current most successful movie franchise and has that best friend quality everyone seems to love about her. As she’s shown in a few acceptance speeches, at 23 she’s still surprised at her own success. Her wins is even more surprising than last year’s Oscar for her role in Silver Linings Playbook, as many people have been
praising and applauding her co-nominees Julia Roberts and Lupita Nyong’o for their career changing work in August: Osage County and 12 Years a Slave, respectively. Things took a halt for Lawrence’s accolades last week though, when Nyong’o snagged the award from the Critics’ Choice Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Just when we thought
Lawrence might have an easy route to the Oscars, a new talent in town earned herself a crown. Two eye-grabbing and soul-wrenching dramatic performances passed aside for a hilarious, scene stealing performance by Lawrence, begs the question: Is all the decision making process based on favoritism? Or is this just another example of how unfair it is to group five completely different performances together and call one the best? It’s no surprise Cate Blanchett won the Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice and SAG for Best Actress, for her role in Blue Jasmine, as she is one of the most acclaimed and talented actresses of her generation. Also unsurprising is Jared Leto’s continuous win for Best Supporting Actor in Dallas Buyers Club, which has garnered him universal praise for his portrayal of a transgendered woman. The most pleasant surprises of the Golden Globes were Leonardo DiCaprio’s win for Best Actor in a Comedy with The Wolf of Wall Street, and Amy Adams for Best Actress in a Comedy with American Hustle. The voters throwing a bone to the latter for being a nominee year after year, but never a winner. While Adams is a delight on screen, one does wonder for a second if this was a make-up win. Though Adams managed to sneak into Emma Thompson’s predicted spot at the Oscars, it will be hard for her to beat Blanchett for the big award. DP
SPORTS
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& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE
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D a n a Po i nt
Dolphin Report
By Steve Breazeale
CLENDENEN SHOWS VERSATILITY IN WIN OVER TRITONS Dana Hills senior Jack Clendenen is not your typical point guard. At 6 feet 5 inches tall, watching an opposing guard mark him as he brings the ball up the court is often comical, given the height difference. But when Clendenen is on his game, working the Dolphins formidable inside-out offense, the team excels. That was the case in the Dolphins 54-36 win over Sea View League rival San Clemente on Jan. 22. Clendenen only scored two points in the win but dished out a game-high six assists, effectively breaking down the Tritons (10-10, 1-2 league) zone defense and propelling the Dolphins (16-4, 3-0) to their third win in their last four games. With the Tritons running a zone
OUTDOOR SPOTLIGHT
DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING FISH COUNT
Now that rockfish season has ended, it seems like sculpin is the fish that is biting most off the coast of Dana Point Harbor. There have also been a good amount of sanddabs and calico bass being caught in the month of January. The sixth installment of the Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Halibut Derby is still underway and Stephen Green’s 40-pound, 11-ounce fish is the one to beat. The next closest fish weighs in at 11 pounds, 12 ounces. Here is the latest fish count out of Dana Wharf. 1/22 • 2 boats, 26 anglers; 120
defense, the Dolphins opened the game shooting 3-pointers and built an early lead. As San Clemente, playing without reigning league MVP Sam Darnold, mounted an answer, the Dolphins started going inside. Clendenen continually found center James Taylor down low, throwing multiple no-look passes to the 6-foot-8-inch big man, who helped fuel a 14-3 Dolphins run in the second quarter. Taylor finished the half with 10 points. “That’s something we’ve been able to keep consistent is me and James working high-low. It’s probably something we work the most on in practice,” Clendenen said. The Tritons were able to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line in the third quarter and pulled within five points while the Dolphins offense went cold. With the Dolphins leading 38-32 early in the fourth, Clendenen again ignited an exciting play with his timely passing. With the ball at the top of the key he threaded a pass to Taylor in the paint, who found a cutting Eric Matheis who laid it in for an easy layup faster than one could say tic-tac-toe. The Dolphins eight-point lead would only grow from there. Taylor finished the game with 16 points
Hannah Nakatsuka and the Dana Hills girls soccer team are looking for their first league win of the season. Photo by Steve Breazeale
Dana Point Times January 24-30, 2014
sanddabs, 29 sculpin, 2 sand bass. 1/21 • 2 boats, 58 anglers; 103 sculpin, 56 sanddabs, 4 blue perch, 2 mackerel, 2 sand bass, 1 calico bass, 1 halibut. 1/20 • 2 boats, 77 anglers; 130 sculpin, 53 sanddabs, 19 rock sole, 5 calico bass, 2 sand bass. 1/19 • 4 boats, 93 anglers; 7 calico bass, 5 blue perch, 5 sculpin, 3 sand bass. 1/18 • 225 sculpin, 206 sanddabs, 12 rock sol, 2 sand bass, 1 calico bass. 1/17 • 2 boats, 45 anglers; 130 sculpin, 15 sanddabs, 9 calico bass, 3 blue perch, 3 sand bass. — Dana Point Times
Hue Vo of San Juan Capistrano shows off two red snappers. Photo courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching
contribute with goals. Haley Scott netted a game-high five goals, Kayla McGowan and Kelcie Pourzanjani both scored four and Samantha McGowan scored once. The Dolphins were set to play against El Toro on Jan. 23. Results were not available at press time. The two teams were deadlocked for the second spot in league entering the match.
Senior Jack Clendenen and the Dana Hills boys basketball team defeated San Clemente 54-36 on Jan. 22. Photo by Steve Breazeale
and 17 rebounds. Matheis scored 16 points. The team’s effectiveness can be tied directly to towering “point-forward” Clendenen and his ability to get their inside-out attack going. “He’s our point guard yet he’s 6-foot-5. It’s a great advantage to have a kid that’s so unselfish and he can see the floor,” head coach Tom Desiano said. “Because of that we like to get the ball in his hands at times and let him do his thing.” DOLPHINS WATER POLO IN TITLE RACE With wins over Trabuco Hills and Laguna Hills the Dana Hills girls water polo team finds themselves sitting in second place in the South Coast League standings. The Dolphins (11-7, 2-1) lone loss in league came at the hands of rival San Clemente on Jan. 9. The Dolphins most recent win came against the Hawks on Jan. 21. Dana Hills won 14-8 and had four different players
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GIRLS BASKETBALL PREPS FOR TITANS The Dana Hills girls basketball team is in the midst of a six-game losing skid. They opened league play with three consecutive losses to Tesoro, Trabuco Hills and Mission Viejo, respectively. The Dolphins (5-16, 0-3) were set to play San Juan Hills on Jan. 23. Results were not available at press time. A Jan. 30 rematch against Tesoro will mark the Dolphins' second run through league play. BOYS SOCCER LOOKING FOR LEAGUE WIN AGAINST MUSTANGS In search of their first league win of the season, the Dana Hills boys soccer team will travel to play Trabuco Hills on Jan. 24. The Dolphins (4-9, 0-3) slow start to Sea View League play is a surprising one, considering the team rattled off nine total goals in two matches before opening league against San Juan Hills. In three league games, the Dolphins have been outscored 8-2. DOLPHINS GIRLS SOCCER SET FOR MATCH WITH WOLVERINES The Dana Hills girls soccer team has had their share of close losses this season. Seven of their matches have been decided by one goal, including a loss to rival San Clemente in their league opener on Jan. 9. The Dolphins (4-7, 0-3) were set to take on Tesoro in a South Coast League match on Jan. 23. Results were not available at press time. Following the loss to San Clemente, Dana Hills suffered back-to-back league losses to Aliso Niguel and Mission Viejo on Jan. 14 and Jan. 16, respectively. www.danapointtimes.com
DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY
DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet
CLASSIFIEDS
Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com
FOR SALE QUEEN PILLOW TOP MATTRESS - BRAND NEW Brand name, queen pillow top mattress, still sealed in MFRs original plastic. Sacrifice for $159. Call me ASAP at 949-682-5351
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.
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
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SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
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D a n a Po i nt
GROM OF THE WEEK Crosby Colapinto
Age: 12, Bernice Ayer Middle School We caught up with San Clemente surfer Crosby Colapinto while taking a break from surf practice on the North Shore of Oahu this week. Having spent four days getting as much time in the water as possible, an incoming swell expected to bring waves in the 50- to 60-foot range on Wednesday had Crosby thinking about what to do with the rest of his time on the island. Fishing and hiking top his list of alternative activities, he said. This trip was especially successful, as he approached it with more confidence than ever following this month’s Surfing America Prime event at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. There, Crosby won the Boys U14 division on January 11, taking on waves in the range of 8 feet. Then the next day battled his way through 10- to 12Crosby Colapinto. Photo by Jack McDaniel foot surf to the quarterfinals in U16, emerging even more seasoned and self-assured. “I was super stoked. Last year I only did OK in the final and I was really looking forward to the contest,” Crosby said. “It was awesome to get my first win at Steamer. It gave me more confidence and made me a better competition surfer.” His results at The Lane bumped up his SA Prime rankings to No. 7 in U14 and No. 18 in U16. “I really want to be a pro surfer when I’m older,” Crosby said. “I know it’s going to be difficult but I’m going to keep working hard to reach my goal.”—Andrea Swayne
Behind the Lens: Sheri Crummer By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times
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hrough more than five decades of surfing, a talent for capturing the magic of wave riding in pictures developed in San Clemente resident Sheri Crummer. Surfing since the age of 7, the ocean has always been a part of her life. “My mom bodysurfed when she was pregnant with me, so my love for the ocean must have been innate,” she said. “It was definitely passed down to me from my mom.” As a kid, Crummer spent as much time as she could honing her surf technique, almost to the point of obsession, she said. Her second love growing up was baseball. In the early 1980s while living in Oceanside, Crummer was injured while playing and found herself sidelined from both sports. “I couldn’t do either and was kind of moping around doing nothing,” she said.
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Sheri Crummer spends a morning at the San Clemente Pier doing what she loves—photographing surfers. Photo by Andrea Swayne
“My roommate handed me a camera. I went to the south jetty at the harbor and shot my first roll of film of the surfers there. When I saw the photos I knew it was something I wanted to do.” A few years later she invested in her first camera gear and began taking photography classes at Saddleback College. Early on she was featured in a few photography shows and worked on a photojournalism project covering Operation Desert Storm. And, in the early ’90s she turned down an opportunity to be under the mentorship of Guy Motil, publisher of
Longboard Magazine. “My confidence was lacking. I didn’t think I was good enough, so I passed,” Crummer said. “I think about that from time to time and can’t help but wonder what could have been. No regrets though.” By that time she had built a successful amateur surfing career in Western Surfing Association and Women’s International Surfing Association. She had some success in pro contests such as the Converse and Margaritaville longboard events. Crummer also competed in the ISP (International Surfing Professionals)— the precursor to the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals)—where her best season ended with her being ranked No. 17 in the world in women’s shortboard. During that time, big titles were elusive but as a prolific competitor she racked up a long list of victories. The constant shooting and competing led to a bit of a burnout. Restless and looking for a new adventure, she left the coast behind in about 1994 and set out to see the rest of the country. From the Pacific Northwest and desert Southwest to the East Coast, Crummer tried a variety of jobs from transporting cars cross-country to banking. The pull of the ocean took hold once again and in 2002 she returned to the West Coast, competitive surfing and surf
photography. She added judging to her repertoire and became the three-time U.S. longboard women’s champion in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Then, at the age of 62, was runner-up in 2012, and then again in 2013. A longtime WSA board of directors member, she became the association’s official photographer in 2005. She is now the Scholastic Surf Series photographer, web master, social media director and a regular on the judging panel. She has also been the official photographer of the San Clemente Ocean Festival for four years. Crummer’s work was most recently published in Foam Symmetry Magazine out of New Zealand, in the form of a twopage spread featuring WSA and Surfing America Prime surfer Frankie Seely. In addition to her regular gigs, Crummer has become sought after for private photo sessions with the area’s most promising groms, as well as seasoned adults. Her love for experiencing the magic of wave riding, from both atop a surfboard and behind the lens, has remained a passion Crummer hopes to continue for the rest of her life. “I love both and enjoy incorporating my surfing and judging abilities into my work,” she said. “Through the lens I can capture the perfect moment in time and share the stoke. If my photos evoke emotions, whatever they may be, then I was a success.” DP