6 TH ANNUAL BEST OF DANA POINT ISSUE F E B R U A RY 7–1 3 , 2 0 1 4
LO C A L
N EWS
YO U
C A N
U S E
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 6
Dana Point has voted, and your favorites have been chosen. Now, it’s time to check out the restaurants, shops, services, city events and recreational spots you picked as 2013’s Best of Dana Point. Photos by Andrea Papagianis, Brian Park and Madison May
www.danapointtimes.com
Officials Hope $275 Million I-5 Project will Whip Backups
Gene ‘the Voice of DP’ Burris Named Citizen of the Year
Battle of the Paddle Leaves Doheny for Salt Creek Beach
EYE ON DP/PAGE 28
SPORTS/PAGE 40
DP SURF/PAGE 42
Clockwise from top: The southernmost port in Orange County, Dana Point Harbor, once again came away with the Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners title. Photo by Andrea Swayne From all things needed to surf or stand-up paddleboard and wear for the entire family, Hobie Surf Shop has it all. Photo by Andrea Papagianis Brio Tuscany Grill’s menu takes patrons to Italy and back with its selection of antipasti, traditional dishes, specialty cocktails and wines. Photo by Andrea Papagianis Bike Religion’s local shop caterers to cyclists of every skill level and now boasts a premium coffee bar where bikers can refuel for rides. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
IN THIS ISSUE Eateries Watering Holes and More... Best... Appetizers Bagel Bar Breakfast Burger Coffee Donut Happy Hour International Eats Margarita Menu for Healthy Choices Overall Restaurant Pizza Romantic Evening Sandwich Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth Sushi Taco Venue for Live Music Wine Selection
8 5 10 5 7 5 5 10 8 10 7 10 8 8 7 7 8 7 12 10
At The Shops Best... Bike Shop Clothing Home Décor and Furnishings Jewelry Place to Buy Flowers Store to Buy Gifts for Adults Store to Buy Gifts for Kids Surf Shop Tackle Shop
14 12 14 12 14 12 12 14 14
Services on the To-Do List
Getting Outside Best...
Best... Alternative Health Care Provider Barber Shop Car Repair Customer Service Dental Health Care Provider
Dry Cleaner 20 Grooming/Pet Care 20 Gym 18 Hair Salon 17 Jeweler 22 Lodging 22 Manicure & Pedicure 17 Medical Health Care Provider 18 Spa for Massages, Facials, etc. 18 Yacht/Boat Maintenance & Repair 22 Yoga/Pilates Studio 20
18 17 22 17 18
Beach City Event Harbor Recreation/Excursion Park Place to Take Out-of-Towners Surf Break Wedding Venue Whale Watching Yacht Club
24 24 27 24 24 24 27 27 27
THE REGULAR ISSUE
EYE ON DP
28-30
Top 5 Sheriff’s Blotter Chamber Installation 1-5 Widening
28 30 30 30
SOAPBOX
32
GETTING OUT
34
LIVING
36-37
SPORTS
40
SURF
42
LO C A L N EWS YO U C A N U S E
www.danapointtimes.com | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | Page 3
Eateries, Watering Holes and More … BEST BREAKFAST
Golden LANTERN RJ’S Café 25001 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.218.5757, www.rjscafe.com
RJ’s Café is not only a friendly spot, it’s also pristine, reasonably priced and delicious. Try their cream cheesestuffed French toast, fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and feta avocado scramble. “You can even build your own omelet,” said Joni Convoy, a waitress with RJ’s for five of their 11 years across from the Dana Point Harbor. A stellar breakfast and lunch menu is served from sunrise at 6:30 a.m. until quitting time at 3 p.m., seven days a week.—Robyn Wyman-Dill
Above: Dippity Donuts owner Siv Chou (right) and Chelina Im display frosted and decorated concoctions straight from the fryer. Photo by Andrea Swayne Left: Baristas at The Coffee Importers top exclusive espresso blends with decorative foam art. Photo by Brian Park
BEST DONUT
SILVER LANTERN The Coffee Importers
Golden LANTERN Dippity Donuts
34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com NOMINEES: A’s Burgers • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Denny’s • El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar • Harbor House Café • Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jack’s Restaurant • JC Beans Coffee House • OverVue Lounge • Pain Du Monde • Proud Mary’s • Stacks Pancake House • The Brig Restaurant • The Harbor Grill • The Shwack Beach Grill • Tavern on the Coast • The Real Deli • The Wine Bistro • Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Vue • What a Dish Café & Catering • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: RJ’s Café; Silver: The Coffee Importers
BEST CUP OF COFFEE Golden LANTERN The Coffee Importers 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
For Jim Miller, owner of The Coffee Importers, it’s no secret what makes a good cup of joe: quality coffee beans. For more than 30 years, Miller has bought his coffee, including a proprietary espresso blend, from a private roaster in San Francisco, who selects the best
33621 Del Obispo Street, Suite C, 949.240.6064
beans from around the world. “I serve a good product, and I have well-trained baristas who know how to make coffee,” Miller said.—Brian Park
Freshness, selection and friendly service have kept customers—spanning three generations in many cases— coming back for 27 years, said owner Siv Chou. “We not only make all of our donuts fresh every day, we also have full breakfast and lunch menus,” she said. Open from 4:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends, early birds arrive daily before the sun for donuts still warm from the fryer.—Andrea Swayne
SILVER LANTERN JC Beans Coffee House
SILVER LANTERN The Coffee Importers
34114 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.496.4700, www.jcbeans.com NOMINEES: AM/PM • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Casanova Ristorante • Crank & Grind • Denny’s • Gemmell’s Restaurant • I Love Bagels • McDonald’s • OverVue Lounge • Pain Du Monde • RJ’s Café • Starbucks • The Brig Restaurant • The Harbor Grill • The Real Deli • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Wine Bistro • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Vue • What a Dish Café & Catering 2012 WINNERS: Gold: The Coffee Importers; Silver: JC Beans Coffee House
34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
SILVER LANTERN Donut World 34130 Doheny Park Road, 949.496.2454 NOMINEES: Gelson’s Market • JC Beans Coffee House • Pain Du Monde • RJ’s Café • Subway • The Real Deli • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Dippity Donuts; Silver: Donut World
BEST BAGEL Golden LANTERN The Coffee Importers 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
Whether they’re served with smoked salmon or taken with regular cream cheese, Dana Point residents flock to The Coffee Importers for their fresh bagels. The popular Harbor-side stop serves more than 20 types of bagels, which can also be made into a full menu of bagel specials and breakfast “Sunrise” sandwiches. A popular choice is the California Bagel, an open-faced bagel with cream cheese, tomato slices, red onions, avocado and a dash of lemon pepper.—BP
SILVER LANTERN I Love Bagels 32545 Golden Lantern, Suite B, 949.443.3300 NOMINEES: JC Beans Coffee House • Harbor Delicatessen • Pain Du Monde • Ralphs • RJ’s Café • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Real Deli • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli 2012 WINNERS: Gold: The Coffee Importers; Silver: I Love Bagels
Topped with cream cheese, tomato, avocado, onion and a lemon pepper sprinkle, the California Bagel at The Coffee Importers is a crowd favorite. Photo by Brian Park www.danapointtimes.com | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | Page 5
BEST TACO Golden LANTERN Taco Surf 34195 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.661.5754, www.tacosurf.com
Inspired by the surf and food of Baja California, Taco Surf began as a father-and-son team’s dream to share their love of Mexican cuisine. With six locations across Southern California, it’s easy to see—and taste—why the restaurant is a local favorite. Fresh tortillas, salsas and proteins make for a satisfying meal. Want the most popular taco? Try the Ensenada shrimp taco, made with grilled shrimp and signature Baja sauce.—BP
SILVER LANTERN The Shwack Beach Grill 24502 Del Prado Avenue, 949.218.2731, www.theshwack.com NOMINEES: A’s Burgers • Aurora’s Taqueria • Bésame Mexican Grill • Buena Vista Market • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Chart House Restaurant • Chronic Tacos • Del Taco • El Patio Café • El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar • Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant • OverVue Lounge • RJ’s Café • Taco Bell • The Harbor Grill • The Surfin Cowboy • Vue 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Taco Surf; Silver: El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar
BEST BURGER Golden LANTERN The Shwack Beach Grill 24502 Del Prado Avenue, 949.218.2731, www.theshwack.com
With fresh, quality ingredients piled high with a personal touch, it’s no wonder Tutor and Spunky’s Deli has been voted your favorite local sandwich spot four years running. Here, 25-year employee Rosalinda Ceballos shows off a sammie. Photo by Brian Park
BEST SANDWICH Golden LANTERN Tutor and Spunky’s Deli 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 116, 949.248.9008, www.tutorandspunkys.com
SILVER LANTERN A’s Burgers
Tutor and Spunky’s has emerged as the Dana Point crowd favorite for best sandwich and for good reason. This lunchtime spot is a four-time Golden Lantern winner, offering a wide range of sandwich selections and a staff filled with longtimers who will customize each sammie to your liking. Among their more popular offerings is the sack lunch, which features a 7-inch sandwich, potato chips, a fresh baked cookie, pasta salad, an apple and a soda, all for $14.95.—Steve Breazeale
SILVER LANTERN The Coffee Importers 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com NOMINEES: A’s Burgers • Beach Hut Deli • Bonjour Café • Bubba Kahuna’s Pizza & BBQ • Dana West Yacht Club • DaVine Food & Wine • Dana Point Yacht Club • Gelson’s Market • Harbor Delicatessen • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Jon’s Fish Market • Monarch Beach Market • Pain Du Monde • Proud Mary’s • RJ’s Café • Subway • The Brig Restaurant • The Harbor Grill • The Point Restaurant and Bar • The Real Deli • The Shwack Beach Grill • Turk’s Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Tutor and Spunky’s Deli; Silver: Subway
BEST MENU FOR HEALTHY CHOICES Golden LANTERN The Coffee Importers 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
After a day out stand-up paddleboarding in the Harbor or running along the coastline, health-conscious Dana Point residents love to nourish themselves at The Coffee Importers. For breakfast, Phil’s Power Pancake satisfies flapjack lovers but also comes packed with fruits, nuts and seeds. For lunch, try a gourmet veggie wrap or any one of their six salads. Whatever the choice, everything is made to order, using only the freshest ingredients. —BP
SILVER LANTERN Subway 34255 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.443.9825; 33489 Del Obispo Street, 949.429.5581; 32545 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3300, www.subway.com NOMINEES: Beach Hut Deli • Chart House Restaurant • Dana West Yacht Club • DaVine Food & Wine • Denny’s • El Pollo Loco • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Harbor Delicatessen • Jack’s Restaurant • Juicilicious Juice Bar • Luciana’s Ristorante •
And the three-peat winner for best burger is … The Shwack Beach Grill. All burger patties are hand-shaped and freshness is guaranteed. There “isn’t even a freezer in the building,” owner Max Fisher said. Made-fromscratch sauces and add-ons, like sautéed mushrooms, cheese, avocado, bacon and a fried egg, make it nearly impossible to resist the mouthwatering Shwack burger.—Cathy Manso 34344 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.496.4460 NOMINEES: Burger King • Carl’s Jr. • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana West Yacht Club • Dippity Donuts • Donut World • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Harbor House Café • Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • McDonald’s • OverVue Lounge • Proud Mary’s • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Sunsets Capo Beach • Tavern on the Coast • The Brig Restaurant • The Harbor Grill • The Point Restaurant and Bar • The Surfin Cowboy • Turk’s Restaurant • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: The Shwack Beach Grill; A’s Burgers
Jim Miller, owner of The Coffee Importers and Scoop Deck, has served premium ice cream, bagels and coffee to Harbor patrons for 30 years. Photo by Andrea Papagianis Mahé • Organic Tree Juice Bar • OverVue Lounge • Proud Mary’s • RJ’s Café • Stacks Pancake House • Tavern on the Coast • The Brig Restaurant • The Harbor Grill • The Little Kitchen Asian Café • The Real Deli • The Shwack Beach Grill • Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Vue • What a Dish Café & Catering • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: GOLD: The Coffee Importers; Silver: Subway
BEST SPOT TO CURE A SWEET TOOTH Golden LANTERN Scoop Deck at The Coffee Importers 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
The Scoop Deck at The Coffee Importers has more than 25 flavors of ice cream, sherbet, sorbet and soft-serve yogurt to choose from—enough to satisfy the biggest sweet tooth. Have a scoop or two in a cup or a cone, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try a specialty sundae or choose from classic fountain options, like milkshakes, malts and ice cream floats.—BP
SILVER LANTERN It’s All About the Cake 24921 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Unit B100, 949.240.7100, www.itsallaboutthecake.com NOMINEES: Baskin-Robbins • Casanova Ristorante • Chart House Restaurant • DaVine Food & Wine • Denny’s • Dana Point Yacht Club • Gelson’s Market • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Harbor Delicatessen • Harbor House Café • JC Beans Coffee House • Jack’s Restaurant • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Luciana’s Ristorante • Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant • OverVue Lounge • Pain Du Monde • Rita’s Italian Ice • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • Stacks Pancake House • The Chocolate Soldier • The Real Deli • The Ritz-Carlton • Vue • Yogurtland 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Scoop Deck at The Coffee Importers; Silver: The Chocolate Soldier
Hand-shaped, never-frozen patties are all you’ll find at The Shwack Beach Grill, where topping choices raise these burgers to a new level. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
www.danapointtimes.com | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | Page 7
BEST APPETIZERS Golden LANTERN Brio Tuscany Grille 24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com
Explore the hills of Tuscany and the shores of Amalfi with Brio’s antipasti menu. Travel to Positano with the aromatic shrimp scampi and clams Amalfi. Or taste the northern Italian countryside with fresh buffalo mozzarella, Prosciutto di Parma, Tuscan olives, grilled artichoke hearts and roasted bell peppers with the montagna sampler. These first-course offerings are sure to transport you to whatever Italian locale your heart desires. Pair with wine or one of Brio’s many martinis.—Andrea Papagianis
The lunchtime crowd at Gen Kai Sushi lines this local sushi bar’s counter where chefs prepare intricate rolls, fresh sashimi and the pocketfriendly Happy Meal combination box. Photo by Brian Park
rolls menu. For a good value try the lunchtime favorite, Happy Meal combination box, for just $12.—RWD
SILVER LANTERN Mahé 24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.240.6243, www.eatatmahé.com
SILVER LANTERN Wind & Sea Restaurant
NOMINEES: Choya Japanese Cuisine • Dana Kai Sushi • Ichibiri Japanese Restaurant • Maki Yaki Japanese Restaurant • Ralphs • Sushi Kiyo 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Gen Kai Sushi; Silver: Mahé
34699 Golden Lantern, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com
SILVER LANTERN Harpoon Henry’s Seafood
Restaurant
BEST
34555 Golden Lantern, 949.493.2933, www.windandsearestaurants.com NOMINEES: 180blü • Bubba Kahuna’s Pizza & BBQ • Cannons Seafood Grill • Casanova Ristorante • Chart House Restaurant • Dana Point Yacht Club • DaVine Food & Wine • El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Harbor House Café • Hennessey’s Tavern • Ichibiri Japanese Restaurant • Jack’s Restaurant • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Mahé • Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant • OverVue Lounge • Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • Stella’s Serious Italian Restaurant • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Stonehill Tavern • Stuft Pizza • Tavern on the Coast • Thai This • The Harbor Grill • The Little Kitchen Asian Café • The Point Restaurant and Bar • The Real Deli • The Ritz-Carlton • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Surfin Cowboy • The Wine Bistro • Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Salt Creek Grille; Silver: Brio Tuscany Grille
BEST PIZZA Golden LANTERN Beach Cities Pizza 34155 Golden Lantern, 949.496.0606, www.beachcitiespizza.com
Exotic pizzas—like The Makaha with sweet pineapple and ham, and The Doheny with bean sprouts, spicy peanut ginger and sesame sauce—have earned this cozy pizzeria with the surfboard decor and whimsical mural walls continuing success. With a second storefront, Beach Cities II, in the heart of Dana Point’s downtown, there are two “best pizza on earth” parlors serving a full menu, pizzas in three sizes, wine and beer.—RWD
Coined “The Best Pizza on Earth,” Beach Cities Pizza, and its sister BCPII, sling pies topped with homemade sauce, Wisconsin mozzarella and Boar’s Head deli meats. Photo by Brian Park
SILVER LANTERN Stuft Pizza 24821 Del Prado Avenue, 949.240.6444, www.stuftpizza.com NOMINEES: Agostino’s By The Sea Ristorante Italiano • Angelina’s Pizzeria • Brio Tuscany Grille • Bubba Kahuna’s Pizza & BBQ • Casanova Ristorante • Domino’s Pizza • Harbor Delicatessen • Jack’s Restaurant • Kokomo’s Pizza • Luciana’s Ristorante • Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza • Pizza Hut • Round Table Pizza • Slice of New York • Stella’s Serious Italian Restaurant • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • The Point Restaurant and Bar 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Stuft Pizza; Silver: Beach Cities Pizza
BEST SUSHI Golden LANTERN Gen Kai Sushi 34143 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.240.2004, www.sushiorangecounty.com
At lunchtime, this 30-year-old restaurant that feels like a slice of Japan gets packed with patrons lining up for an open table or seat at the sushi bar. The amount of choices on their fresh sushi and sashimi menu is staggering. And don’t forget, there is also the hand and specialty
BEST INTERNATIONAL EATS Golden LANTERN Thai This Restaurant 24501 Del Prado Avenue, Suite B, 949.240.7944, www.thaithis.com
Chef Jib Roungchun and Noi Tanomkret show off two of Thai This’ beloved dishes. Photo by Brian Park
Chef Jib Roungchun of Thai This said he’s proud to have created a gathering place for Dana Point residents to enjoy his food. “People say it’s the Cheers of Dana Point. I appreciate all the support,” Roungchun said. “Every night, it’s 80 percent locals. I know almost all of them and almost all of them know me.” Local favorites include the yellow chicken curry and “Endorfin,” a spicy basa sole fillet.—Jim Shilander
Page 8 | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | www.danapointtimes.com
RESTAURANT FOR A DATE/ ROMANTIC EVENING
Golden LANTERN Luciana’s Ristorante 24312 Del Prado Avenue, 949.661.6500, www.lucianas.com
Love is in the air at Luciana’s Ristorante. It has been for 30 years, as the Vallera-Luhan family restaurant has served as a popular date-night spot for local lovebirds. High-quality Italian favorites highlighted with handmade pastas, rolled just like matriarch Mary Vallera has for decades, and an impressive wine list please the palate. But it’s the restaurant’s intimate ambiance that truly speaks to Dana Point’s heart.—BP
SILVER LANTERN Chart House Restaurant 34442 Green Lantern, 949.493.1183, www.chart-house.com NOMINEES: 180blü • Agostino’s By The Sea Ristorante Italiano • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Brio Tuscany Grille • Cannons Seafood Grill • Casanova Ristorante • Crank & Grind • Dana West Yacht Club • DaVine Food & Wine • Denny’s • El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant • Jack’s Restaurant • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Mahé • OverVue Lounge • Peking Dragon Restaurant • Raya • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grill • Stella’s Serious Italian Restaurant • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Stonehill Tavern • Subway • Tavern on the Coast • The Coffee Importers • The Harbor Grill • The Little Kitchen Asian Café • The Real Deli • The Wine Bistro • Vue • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Luciana’s Ristorante; Silver: Chart House Restaurant
SILVER LANTERN Gen Kai Sushi 34143 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.240.2004, www.sushiorangecounty.com NOMINEES: A’s Burgers • Agostino’s By The Sea Ristorante Italiano • Angelina’s Pizzeria • Aurora’s Taqueria • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Brio Tuscany Grille • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Casanova Ristorante • Chart House Restaurant • Choya Japanese • El Patio Cafe • El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Harbor Delicatessen • Harbor House Café • Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant • Jack’s Restaurant • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Luciana’s Ristorante • Mahé • Maki Yaki Japanese Restaurant • Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant • Peking Dragon Restaurant • Salt Creek Grille • Shanghai Charlie’s • Stella’s Serious Italian Restaurant • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Taco Surf • Thai Dara • The Harbor Grill • The Little Kitchen Asian Café • The Real Deli • The Shwack Beach Grill • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Thai This Restaurant; Silver: Peking Dragon Restaurant
BEST HAPPY HOUR Golden LANTERN Harpoon Henry’s Seafood
Restaurant
34555 Golden Lantern, 949.493.2933, www.windandsearestaurants.com
BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT Golden LANTERN The Harbor Grill 34499 Golden Lantern, 949.240.1416, www.harborgrill.com
This unpretentious mesquite grill restaurant delivers quality food, consistency and excellent service. A family-owned and operated restaurant since 1984, their Thursday oyster nights, Cajun blackened seabass, scallops with serrano chili and lobster ravioli with basil cream, keep customers coming back for more. Another hallmark is a stellar selection of 32 red and white wines by the glass and sleek martini drinks—like the Pinapolitan. They even have an herb garden on-site.—RWD
SILVER LANTERN Luciana’s Ristorante 24312 Del Prado Avenue, 949.661.6500, www.lucianas.com NOMINEES: Agostino’s By The Sea Ristorante Italiano • Angelina’s Pizzeria • Beach Cities Pizza • Bonjour Café & Bistro • Brio Tuscany Grille • Bubba Kahunas Pizza & BBQ • Cannons Seafood Grill • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Casanova Ristorante • Chart House Restaurant • Dana Point Yacht Club • DaVine Food & Wine • Dana West Yacht Club • El Patio Cafe • El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Gen Kai Sushi • Harbor House Café • Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jack’s Restaurant • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Jon’s Fish Market • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Mahé • Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant • OverVue Lounge • Peking Dragon Restaurant • Proud Mary’s • Raya • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grille • The Shwack Beach Grill • Stacks Pancakes House • Stella’s Serious Italian Restaurant • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Stonehill Tavern • Subway • Taco Surf • Tavern on the Coast • Thai This • The Brig Restaurant • The Coffee Importers • The Harbor Grill • The Little Kitchen Asian Café • The Point Restaurant and Bar • The Real Deli • The Surfin Cowboy • The Wine Bistro • Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Vue • What a Dish Café & Catering • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: The Harbor Grill; Silver: Brio Tuscany Grille
Enjoy a drink as the sun sets over Dana Point Harbor at Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant. Staff here is ready to please you with their happy hour prices. Offerings range from half-price draft beers on Mondays and half-price glasses of wine on Thursdays to specials on appetizers, such as Caesar salads and calamari strips. Even entrees, like the filet mignon sliders and chicken tacos, are under $10 six days a week.—CM
SILVER LANTERN DaVine Food & Wine 34673 Golden Lantern, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com NOMINEES: Cannons Seafood Grill • Casanova Ristorante • Chart House Restaurant • Dana Point Cigar & Wine • Dana West Yacht Club • enoSTEAK • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Jack’s Restaurant • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Laguna Cliff’s Marriott Resort & Spa • Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Mahé • Monarch Beach Market • OverVue Lounge • Ralphs • The Harbor Grill • The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel • Salt Creek Grille • Serious Italian Restaurant • Stella’s Serious Italian Restaurant • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Stonehill Tavern • Tavern on the Coast • Thai This • The Harbor Grill • The Point Restaurant and Bar • The Real Deli • The Wine Bistro • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: DaVine Food & Wine; Silver: Brio Tuscany Grille
BEST MARGARITA
SILVER LANTERN Wind & Sea Restaurant 34699 Golden Lantern, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com NOMINEES: 180blü •Aurora’s Taqueria • Brio Tuscany Grille • Cannons Seafood Grill • Casanova Ristorante • Chart House Restaurant • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching • Dana West Yacht Club • DaVine Food & Wine • El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar • Gen Kai Sushi • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jack’s Restaurant • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • The Jolly Roger • Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Mahé • OverVue Lounge • RJ’s Café • Salt Creek Grill • St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort • Stella’s Serious Italian Restaurant • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Sunsets Capo Beach • The Surfin Cowboy • Taco Surf • Tavern on the Coast • Thai This Restaurant • The Harbor Grill • The Point Restaurant and Bar • The Real Deli • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Wine Bistro • Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Brio Tuscany Grille; Silver: Salt Creek Grille; Silver: Wind & Sea Restaurant
BEST WINE SELECTION Golden LANTERN Brio Tuscany Grille 24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com
A cultural shift in house wine offerings can be seen across the restaurant spectrum, said Brio owner Enzo Scognamiglio. “Restaurants now-a-days are serving what they are proud of, and I am proud of my house wine, it’s a premium product,” he said of the Shadow Ridge blend made exclusively for Brio. Reds and whites from across the globe find home on Brio’s menu next to specialty shots, martinis and after dinner drinks like the Enzo, a mix of Italian favorites, Sambuca and espresso.—AP
Traditional, mango and strawberry margaritas make for a perfect pairing with Dana Point Harbor views at El Torito Mexican Restaurant. Photo by Brian Park
Golden LANTERN El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar 34521 Golden Lantern, 949.496.6311, www.eltorito.com
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a tasty margarita while watching a sunset. This Harbor-side restaurant is a perfect place to do just that. Serving anejo, reposado and silver Mexican tequila, El Torito’s popular happy hour Cuervo Gold house margarita for under $4 faces a challenger Monday nights when the Cadillac margarita is half price at just $2. All good reasons to drop in. —RWD
SILVER LANTERN Brio Tuscany Grille 24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com NOMINEES: Aventura Sailing Association • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana West Yacht Club • Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant • OverVue Lounge • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Taco Surf • Tavern on the Coast • The Harbor Grill • The Point Restaurant and Bar • The Ritz-Carlton • The Surfin Cowboy • Turk’s Restaurant • Vivo Rooftop Lounge • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar; Silver: Taco Surf
BEST BAR Golden LANTERN Turk’s Restaurant 34683 Golden Lantern, 949.496.9028
Fish swimming in an overhanging skylight, dark wooden booths, a copper-top bar, throwback cash registers and a jukebox that spins classics all through the day and night have helped Turk’s top the Best of Dana Point list year after year. Play some Johnny Cash, grab a seat at the bar and order up a round. The drinks are stiff, the beers are cold and the meatloaf is better than mom ever made.—AP
SILVER LANTERN Brio Tuscany Grille 24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com
$1 from every order of the Red Curry Grilled Scallops at The Harbor Grill benefits the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. Photo by Brian Park Page 10 | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | www.danapointtimes.com
NOMINEES: 180blü • Aventura Sailing Association • Blue Dolphin Restaurant & Billiards • Cannons Seafood Grill • Casanova’s Ristorante • Chart House Restaurant • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana West Yacht Club • DaVine Food & Wine • El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar • Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant • Hennessey’s Tavern • Jack’s Restaurant • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Mahé • OverVue Lounge • Proud Mary’s • Salt Creek Grille • Stella’s Serious Italian Restaurant • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Taco Surf • Tavern on the Coast • The Harbor Grill • The Point Restaurant and Bar • The Ritz-Carlton • The Surfin Cowboy • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Turk’s Restaurant; Silver: Brio Tuscany Grille
BEST VENUE FOR LIVE MUSIC Golden LANTERN StillWater Spirits & Sounds 24701 Del Prado Avenue, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com
Live music and entertainment isn’t an afterthought at StillWater—it’s the main event. Nearly every night of the week, local and traveling musicians belt out their tunes to the fun-loving crowds that fill up the venue. From folk and blues to classic rock and reggae, StillWater is the place to catch a show while enjoying Prohibition-style cocktails and great food.—BP
SILVER LANTERN Brio Tuscany Grille
Wee Loft co-owners Annette Garcia and Erin Kelly have stocked their shelves with fun and educational toys for 24 years. Here, Garcia takes part in a job perk, playing trains with young customers. Photo by Andrea Swayne
24050 Camino Del Avion, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com NOMINEES: 180blü • Aventura Sailing Association • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana West Yacht Club • Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching • DaVine Food & Wine • Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant • Hennessey’s Tavern • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Mahé • OverVue Lounge • Salt Creek Grille • Stella’s Serious Italian Restaurant • Taco Surf • The Point Restaurant and Bar • The Rib Joint • The Surfin Cowboy • The Wine Bistro • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: StillWater Spirits & Sounds; Silver: Brio Tuscany Grille
At the Shops … BEST JEWELRY
Golden LANTERN Harbor Jeweler 34515 Golden Lantern, 949.276.2424
Creating unique designs for five generations, and with 30 years of experience onboard, Harbor Jewelers is a bastion of good quality precious and semi-precious stone jewelry. Their collections, ranging from sterling silver pieces as low as $50 to custom designed diamond earrings priced at $20,000, are highly feminine, delicately crafted and simply beautiful pieces. The shop also carries vintage watches for men.—RWD
SILVER LANTERN White Pelican Gallery 34475 Golden Lantern, 949.240.1991 NOMINEES: 2nd Hand Treasures • Art Sea Gallery • Bella Bazaar • Doheny Clothing Exchange • Girl in the Curl Surf Shop • Golden Galleon Boutique • Hobie Surf Shop • JunQies Vintage Boutique • JW Jewelry Design Inc. • Marinelli Fine Jewelry • Mille Fleurs • OC Beads • Swiss Connection Fine Jewelry and Watches • Upstairs Store • Woody Hut 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Swiss Connection Fine Jewelry and Watches; Silver: White Pelican Gallery
BEST STORE TO BUY GIFTS FOR KIDS Golden LANTERN The Wee Loft 32585 Golden Lantern, Suite K, 949.489.9202, www.theweeloft.com
“It’s all about keeping a wide variety of fun things to play with. From classic and educational toys to the very latest and greatest, we try to stay up on what our customers want,” said owner Annette Garcia, adding that she and co-owner Erin Kelly feel very privileged to have been a part of the Dana Point community for 24 years. This is a sixth Golden Lantern win for The Wee Loft.—AS
SILVER LANTERN Ocean Institute (tie) 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org
SILVER LANTERN The Gift Chateau (tie) 34507 Golden Lantern, 949.493.9811, www.danapointharbor.com NOMINEES: 2nd Hand Treasures • Art Sea Gallery • Bike Religion • Girl in the Curl Surf Shop • Hobie Surf Shop • Hogan’s Bait & Tackle • Jack’s Surfboards • JunQies Vintage Boutique • Killer Dana Surf Shop • Upstairs Store • Woody Hut 2012 WINNERS: Gold: The Wee Loft; Silver: The Gift Chateau
BEST STORE TO BUY GIFTS FOR ADULTS Golden LANTERN 2nd Hand Treasures (tie) 34272 Doheny Park Road, 949.218.7962, www.2ndhandtreasurescapobeach.com
Unique finds fill every nook and cranny of this Capistrano Beach shop. Each step inside this second-hand treasure chest is an experience filled with intricate knick-knacks, vintage artwork, crystal barware and costume jewelry. Each day’s findings are different too. “I love that about it,” said Helen Mahshi, who owns 2nd Hand with husband, Ziad. “You never know what is going to come in.” Take a peek, there is a treasure inside for everyone.—AP
Golden LANTERN Hobie Surf Shop (tie) 34174 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.496.2366, www.hobiesurfshop.com
Sixty years ago, Hobie Alter’s father tired of a dirty garage. For $1,500 he purchased a Pacific Coast Highway storefront and moved his son’s balsawood boards out. The year was 1954, and California welcomed its first surf shop. Now, the lifestyle made famous by Hobie continues to resonate in the shops bearing his name. Filled with colorful swimwear, boardshorts, T-shirts and boards from skim to surf, Hobie Surf Shop is a one-stop, have-all shop for beach adventurers.—AP
Page 12 | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | www.danapointtimes.com
Above: Vintage finds mix with designer pieces at Doheny Clothing Exchange. Photo by Andrea Papagianis Left: With more than 30 years onboard, Harbor Jewelers crafts feminine, delicate pieces. Photo by Brian Park
SILVER LANTERN Bella Bazaar 34135 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.429.6200, www.bellabazaar.com NOMINEES: Art Sea Gallery • Bike Religion • DaVine Food & Wine • Dana Point Hardware • Doheny Clothing Exchange • Downstairs Store • Golden Galleon Boutique • Harbor Jewelry • Hogans Bait & Tackle • Jack’s Surfboards • JunQies Vintage Boutique • Killer Dana Surf Shop • Laura Seeley Studio • McCool Flowers • Ocean Institute • The Coop at Coastal Arcadian • The Gift Chateau • Upstairs Store • Woody Hut 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Bella Bazaar; Silver: Intimate Obsessions
BEST CLOTHING Golden LANTERN Doheny Clothing Exchange 34276 Doheny Park Road, 949.240.4800
Pamela Vandergrift and Caia Curiale make up Dana Point’s mother-daughter, fashion guru team. The pair has spent years studying Southern California cultural trends and has cultivated a local fashion hub in the heart of Capistrano Beach. They buy, sell and trade men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories—both new and used. There is always something new at the shop, and Curiale makes a point to share fresh looks on the company’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.—AP
SILVER LANTERN Hobie Surf Shop 34174 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.496.2366, www.hobiesurfshop.com NOMINEES: Bella Bazaar • Bike Religion • Boutique Chez Nevine • Girl in the Curl Surf Shop • Golden Galleon Boutique • Infinity Surfboards • Intimate Obsessions • Jack’s Surfboards • Killer Dana Surf Shop • Monarch Silks Fine Boutique • Top Brass • True Desire Women’s Fashions 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Doheny Clothing Exchange; Silver: Hobie Surf Shop; Silver: Killer Dana Surf Shop
BEST HOME DÉCOR AND FURNISHINGS Golden LANTERN 2nd Hand Treasures 34272 Doheny Park Road, 949.218.7962, www.2ndhandtreasurescapobeach.com
This is not your typical home décor store. New treasures are always waiting to be discovered, as inventory in this shop changes daily. Didn’t find what you were looking for? Don’t worry. Owners Ziad and Helen Mahshi keep a wish list. Need a tall, blue dresser? They’ll hunt for it. Antique, contemporary and classic furniture fills their showroom along with vases, paintings and curios to complete any look. And an added bonus: the prices are reasonable.—AP
SILVER LANTERN Bella Bazaar
Clockwise from Left: Three-days a week florists at Browne’s Flowers go to market, ensuring their arrangements are the freshest around. Photo by Andrea Swayne Killer Dana Surf Shop is the place to go for suits, shorts and all surf or stand-up paddleboard gear. Photo by Andrea Papagianis Stephanie Hogan and father, Bill, run your favorite spot for rods, reels and bait: Hogan’s Bait & Tackle. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
34135 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.429.6200, www.bellabazaar.com
SILVER LANTERN Hobie Surf Shop
SILVER LANTERN McCool Flowers
NOMINEES: Art Sea Gallery • Downstairs Store • Jeddy’s Upholstery & Interiors • JunQies Vintage Boutique • McCool Flowers • The Shed at Coastal Arcadian • Timeless Teak • Upstairs Store • Woody Hut 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Bella Bazaar; Silver: 2nd Hand Treasures
34174 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.496.2366, www.hobiesurfshop.com
31271 Niguel Road, Suite A, Laguna Niguel, 949.488.7988, www.mccoolflowers.com
BEST SURF/SUP SHOP Golden LANTERN Killer Dana Surf Shop 24621 Del Prado Avenue, 949.489.8380, www.killerdana.com
An epicenter for ocean sports, you feel like you’re inside a wave when cruising this well-stocked specialty sporting goods store. Maybe that’s what owner Chris Anderson intended when he set up his Killer Dana enterprise. As a one-stop shop for stand-up paddleboarders and surfers alike, services include everything from equipment sales and rentals to repairs and consignments. Staff also provides personal instruction for beginners to advanced riders.—RWD
NOMINEES: Dana Point Jet Ski & Kayak • Girl in the Curl Surf Shop • Infinity Surf Shop • Jack’s Surfboards 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Killer Dana Surf Shop; Silver: Hobie Surf Shop
BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOWERS Golden LANTERN Browne’s Flowers 31456 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.661.4748, www.brownesflowers.com
Owners Susan and Jim Browne have offered a wide selection of flowers, expert arranging and topnotch customer service since 1991. “We have the best quality flowers with the longest shelf life, seven to 10 days, and outrageously talented designers,” Susan said. “Our style and service sets us apart.” This full-service florist goes to market three days a week, so customers will always have the freshest blooms to choose from.—AS
NOMINEES: Albertsons • Dana Point Nursery • Gelson’s Market • Ralphs • The Beach Flower • The Flower Girl 2012 WINNERS: Gold: McCool Flowers; Silver: Browne’s Flowers
BEST BICYCLE SHOP Golden LANTERN Bike Religion 34150 Pacific Coast Highway, 855.433.8806, www.bikereligion.com
Since opening 18 months ago, Bike Religion has become a landmark for riders throughout Southern California and was voted your favorite two-wheel focused shop in this category’s inaugural year. “San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano have always been a Mecca for cycling,” said store manager Stephen Partida. With thousands of cyclists traveling through each year, Bike Religion hopes to reach more riders—both new and experienced— to build up a larger, local cycling community.—AP
SILVER LANTERN Cycleogical 34102 La Plaza, Suite A, 949.542.4777, www.cycleogical.net NOMINEES: EZ Green Bikes • Hole in the Fence • Pedego Electric Bikes 2012 WINNERS: New Category
BEST TACKLE SHOP Golden LANTERN Hogan’s Bait & Tackle 34320 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite G, 949.493.3528
Hogan’s Bait & Tackle offers everything from beginner rods and reels to gear for those going after the big catch. Aside from offering a wide range of fishing gear, this family-run shop also spools line and repairs broken or damaged equipment. They also have live bait and do in-house rigging. Customers can buy used equipment at the shop as well.—SB
SILVER LANTERN Jig Stop Tackle and Tours 34186 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.496.3555, www.jigstop.com
Helen and Ziad Mahshi keep a constant flow of offerings moving through 2nd Hand Treasures. Photo by Andrea Papagianis Page 14 | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | www.danapointtimes.com
NOMINEES: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Hogan’s Bait & Tackle; Silver: Jig Stop Tackle and Tours
BEST HAIR SALON Golden LANTERN Artistry Hair Salon 33971 Selva Road, Suite 105, 949.240.1773, www.artistryatinahagersalon.com
On any given day, every chair in Tina Hager’s salon is filled—a testament to excellence in service. This destination salon has continued to exceed clients’ and Hager’s expectations since opening in 2004. With more than 20 years’ experience, Hager has compiled a staff of highly-trained stylists who specialize in precision haircuts and intricate colorings. Hager also developed Thairapy, a line of sulfate-free products made from organic-based ingredients, providing the best color protection on the market.—AP
SILVER LANTERN Salon Revelation 34129 Violet Lantern, 949.248.8595, www.salonrevelation.net NOMINEES: Azalea Salon & Boutique • Brenda’s Hair House • Daniel Paul Salon • Ego Salon • Howard Jones Salon • J.T.C. Salon • Luca Shea The Salon • Magical Shears Hair Salon • Martha’s Beauty Salon • Paragon Salon & Studio • Reflections Hair Design • Salon De La Mer • Salon Rouge • Spa Gaucin at St. Regis • Sundara Salon • The Captain’s Chair • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Revelation; Silver: J.T.C. Salon
Sports Barber owner Alex Renziperis trims up a client’s hair at this haven for men, where haircuts are accompanied by hot towel treatments, TV, sports talk and beverages. Photo by Brian Park
Services on the To-Do List BEST OVERALL CUSTOMER SERVICE Golden LANTERN Tutor and Spunky’s Deli 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.248.3851, www.tutorandspunkys.com
Tutor and Spunky’s is the definition of a locally run business. Owner and operator Tom Blake has kept his doors open since 1988 with much of the original staff on hand to this very day. At Tutors, Blake’s longtime employees, and the newer ones too, are likely to know your name and your usual order. In some cases, sandwiches even bear a customer’s name, or those of Tutor’s staff—like the Rosa’s Best with turkey, avocado, bacon and provolone cheese.—SB
BEST BARBER SHOP olden LANTERN Sports Barber 34221 Golden Lantern, 949.493.6081, www.sportsbarberdp.com
“Everyone is on a first-name basis,” Sports Barber owner Alex Renziperis said, attributing his “friendly, barbershop setting offering salon style services” with keeping business thriving after 23 years. His hair technicians are masters of many styles with precision cuts set at $28. Along with speedy service, cable TV, refreshments and food (StillWater Spirits & Sounds is just below), clients also enjoy Alex’s fishing stories.—RWD
SILVER LANTERN The King’s Club Barber Shop 34085 La Plaza, 949.496.4644, www.thekingsclubbarbershop.blogspot.com NOMINEES: Aloha Barber Salon • Artistry Hair Salon • J.T.C. Salon • Martha’s Beauty Salon • Salon Revelation • Salon Rouge • The Captain’s Chair 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Sports Barber; Silver: The King’s Club Barber Shop
Tina Hager’s Artistry Hair Salon is a destination spot for clients from all over the world. Here, Hager (right) works on an up-do. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
SILVER LANTERN The Coffee Importers 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com NOMINEES: 2nd Hand Treasures • 949hometeam • Art Sea • Artistry Hair Salon • A’s Burgers • Beach Cities Pizza • Beach Hut Deli • Bella Bazaar • Bike Religion • Blue Lantern Inn • Brio Tuscany Grille • Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari • Carlos Mexican Restaurant • City of Dana Point • Cox Communications • Crank & Grind • CVS Pharmacy • Cycleogical • DaVine Food & Wine • Dana Point BodyCentre • Dana Point Chamber of Commerce • Dana Point Grooming and Pet Spa • Dana Point Hardware • Dana Point Jet Ski & Kayak Center • Dana Point Marina Inn • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching • Dawgy Style Groom Shop • Doheny Builders Supply • Doheny Clothing Exchange • Ed Reiner Diving Company • Edward Jones, Tammy McKennon • El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Bar • Evergreen Realty • FedEx • Gelson’s Market • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Gift Chateau • Girl in the Curl Surf Shop • Golden Galleon Boutique • Harbor House Café • Hogan’s Bait & Tackle • Infinity Surfboards • Jack’s Surfboards • JC Beans Coffee House • JunQies Vintage Boutique • Killer Dana Surf Shop • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Mahé • Massage Envy Spa • Outbound Yacht Services Inc. • OverVue Lounge • Pacific Cleaners • Pacific Western Bank • Proud Mary’s Restaurant • Raymar Cleaners • RJ’s Café • Royal Cleaners • Salon Revelation • Salon Rouge • Salt Creek Grille • Ship To Shore Insurance • Sign Lingo • South Coast Fire Protection • St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort • State Farm, Elaine LaVine • State Farm, Ted Bowersox • StillWater Spirits & Sounds • Sun Salute Yoga • Sunsets Capo Beach • Surterre Properties • Taco Surf • Tavern on the Coast • The Brig Restaurant • The Harbor Grill • The Little Kitchen Asian Café • The Real Deli • The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Surfin Cowboy • The UPS Store • The Wee Loft • The Wine Bistro • Timeless Teak • Turk’s Restaurant • Vintage Marina Partners • Wind & Sea Restaurant • Woody Hut 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Tutor and Spunky’s Deli; Silver: The Coffee Importers
BEST MANICURE AND PEDICURE Golden LANTERN Posh Nails 24040 Camino Del Avion, Suite 8, 949.496.7674
Posh is more than a name. From the moment you take a seat in their ultra-comfy, top-of-the-line spa pedicure chairs, it becomes clear this shop is aptly named. Owners Alice Doan and Jenny Nguyen have been in business for just over six years and this year have earned their sixth Golden Lantern award. “We love to spoil our customers and work hard to keep a very sanitary shop,” Doan said.—AS
SILVER LANTERN Salon Rouge 34255 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 117, 949.489.1565, www.salonrougedanapoint.com
Posh Nails owners Alice Doan (left) and Jenny Nguyen garnered a Golden Lantern nod for the sixth year. Photo by Andrea Swayne
NOMINEES: Artistic Nails & Hair Removal by Ilena • Bella Terrace • Dana Skin & Nails • Design Nails Spa • Howard Jones Salon • J.T.C. Salon • Le Visage European Day Spa • Mylee Salon • Paradise Nails • Salon Revelation • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Tic Tac Nails • Top Nails & Hair 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Posh Nails; Silver: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
www.danapointtimes.com | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | Page 17
BEST DENTAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER Golden LANTERN Jeffrey R. Kindseth, D.D.S. (tie) 24721 La Plaza, 949.661.2152, www.danapointdentalcare.com
Dr. Jeffery Kindseth, has been in Dana Point for the last 14 years. His practice is focused on providing friendly and quality service. At age 10, he underwent jaw surgery and extensive orthodontics to fix a severe underbite. The experience fueled Dr. Kindseth’s interest in dentistry and has helped him empathize with patients. Patients respond to his honesty and loyalty. He’s been through it. Dr. Kindseth provides general, preventative and cosmetic services.—JS
BEST SPA FOR MASSAGES, FACIALS, ETC.
Golden LANTERN Gerald Franke, D.D.S. (tie) 24861 Del Prado Avenue, 949.661.6255, www.drgeraldfranke.com
Golden LANTERN Dana Point BodyCentre
Dr. Gerald Franke has been a working dentist for nearly 30 years. In addition to years of experience in cosmetic, general and family dentistry and teeth cleaning services, Franke has advanced training in both porcelain veneers and Invisalign, the invisible braces brand. Franke is also a specialist in comfort care, helping customers who have had previous bad experiences overcome anxieties.—JS
24629 Del Prado Avenue, 949.487.0891, www.danapointbodycentre.com
Prior to opening Dana Point BodyCentre 17 years ago, owner Sue Ferrier was a holistic-health practitioner. Today, Ferrier and her therapy staff approach their spa services with a holistic philosophy—focusing on the mind and body—to ensure their clients’ well-being. “We help our clients improve their quality of life,” Ferrier said. A calming atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable staff make this Dana Point favorite a home away from home. So come on, get comfortable.—AP
SILVER LANTERN Massage Envy Spa 32585 Golden Lantern, Suite C, 949.545.0444, www.massageenvy.com NOMINEES: Dawn Day Spa • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Pure Clover Skin Spa • Rescue Skin Care and Waxing Studio • Riviera Beach & Spa Resort • Skin Diva Day Spa • Spa Alana • St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort • White Lotus Day Spa 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Massage Envy Spa; Silver: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
BEST MEDICAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER Golden LANTERN Anne Luhan, M.D. 34052 La Plaza, Suite 102, 949.388.4800, www.elitemedizin.com
Aiding under-served communities along the U.S.-Mexico border not only helped Dr. Anne Luhan fine tune her trauma and wound care skills, it also put her on a path to treating underdiagnosed issues. She opened her practice
SILVER LANTERN Hannah Lewis, D.D.S. 24655 La Plaza, Suite E, 949.496.5713, www.danapointsmiles.com
In less than one year, Dr. Anne Luhan has captured the hearts of our voters, her patients and the Best Medical Health Care Provider inaugural award. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
in May and has quickly become Dana Point’s top doc. Luhan’s practice is focused on varicose veins, which contrary to popular belief, are not simply cosmetic, but can cause pain, blood clots and skin ulcers.—AP
SILVER LANTERN Larry Snyder, M.D. 34052 La Plaza, Suite 101, 949.496.7881 NOMINESS: Dana Point Physical Therapy • Dana Point Urgent Care • Danuta Delnitz, M.D. • Judy Bourget, M.D. • Maya Bidichandani-Kaura, M.D. • Laguna Dana Urgent Care • Pacific Acupuncture Center • Rose Hearing Aid Center • Shilpa Gaikwad, M.D. • Therapy Solutions • Thomas Oliveria, D.O. • Usha Idnani, M.D. • Xu’s Chinese Healing 2012 WINNERS: New Category
NOMINEES: Anne Fingal, D.D.S. • Carmen Freiberg, D.D.S. • Dana Cosmo Dental • Frank Godino, D.M.D. • Herbert Malmon, D.D.S. • Ian Rodd, D.D.S. • Jeff Briney, D.D.S. • H. Joseph Andrews, D.D.S. • Kelly McDonough, D.D.S. • Judy Tiffany, D.D.S. • Mark Cruz, D.D.S. • Steven Magulies, D.D.S. 2012 WINNERS: New Category
BEST
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Golden LANTERN Lucich Chiropractic 24721 La Plaza, 949.240.7423
Chiropractor Burton Lucich has been alleviating all sorts of aches and pains in weary bodies since 1996. He works his magic hands to find and fix troublesome spots along the spine to restore the body to full function. Through energy therapy, Lucich’s patients can rest comfortably on specially charged mats that increase circulation and help alleviate sporadic or chronic pains and ailments. —BP
SILVER LANTERN Pack Physical Therapy 24582 Del Prado Avenue, Suite C, 949.443.0713, www.packphysicaltherapy.com NOMINEES: Angela Goldstein, N.D. • Dana Point Bodycentre • Dana Point Physical Therapy • Ocean Ranch Chiropractic • Pacific Acupuncture Center • Susan Jeffries, L.Ac. • Xu’s Chinese Healing 2012 WINNERS: New Category
BEST GYM Golden LANTERN Fitness Together 34255 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 107, 949.488.0005, www.fitnesstogether.com
Customization is the key at Fitness Together, where longtime trainers tailor health programs to fit individual client needs. Staff at this intimate gym is dedicated to helping clients meet their goals in a comfortable setting. “You don’t find many gyms where there is only one-onone training,” manager Amy Elder said. Whether you are looking to drop pounds or are training for an Ironman triathlon, Fitness Together is onboard with your goals.—AP
SILVER LANTERN Rado’s Fitness 24470 Del Prado Avenue, 949.48807700, www.radosfitness.com
Since 1996, chiropractor Burton Lucich has been healing Dana Point residents’ aching backs and other ailments, using both manual and energy therapy. Photo by Brian Park Page 18 | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | www.danapointtimes.com
NOMINEES: FIT Club Outdoor Bootcamp • Gracie Barra Martial Arts School • Jazzercise Dana Point • Kardia Life Fitness Center • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Palestra Gym • So Cal Boot Camp • Tennis Club at Monarch Beach • The Dragon Institute 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Vivos Fitness; Silver: Fitness Together
BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO Golden LANTERN Sun Salute Yoga 24655 La Plaza, Suite A, 949.371.6097, www.sunsaluteyoga.com
Masters of relaxation and mental clarity must be pleased Sun Salute practitioners are taking yoga to a higher ground. “We believe every student benefits greatly from a relationship with their instructor,” said owner Troy Cox. This boutique studio offers small classes every day. Specials include donation classes and a 30-day unlimited package for first-time visitors.—RWD
SILVER LANTERN I Heart Yoga in the Park Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Road, www.iheartyogainthepark.com NOMINEES: Jazzercise Dana Point • Kardia Life Fitness Center • Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala • PCH Pilates • Pilates on the Point • Rado’s Fitness • Reform Pilates Studio • Spa Gaucin at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Sun Salute Yoga; Silver: PCH Pilates
BEST DRY CLEANER Golden LANTERN Raymar Cleaners 34085 La Plaza, Suite B, 949.496.2640, www.raymarcleaners.com
With the celebration of their 50th anniversary coming
The Dana Point Grooming and Pet Spa team strikes a pose. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
this year, Raymar Cleaners has become a perennial favorite of Dana Point residents. Customers have praised the cleaners for fast and friendly service. In addition to dry cleaning, the shop offers tailoring, sewing, mending and alterations, as well as shoe repair, allowing for onestop shopping.—JS
BEST GROOMING/PET CARE Golden LANTERN Dana Point Grooming and Pet Spa 34102 La Plaza, Suite B, 949.429.7297, www.ocgroomer.com
24502 Del Prado Avenue, 949.489.8426
These full-service groomers really know their pets and make sure that they are treated with love while under their care. “Everyone who works here loves what they do,” says owner Tamara Muslin. Their friendly environment—open six days a week, Monday through Saturday—ensures tails continue to wag. Since taking over operations eight years ago, Muslin and her staff have continued to provide a high-level of care for your family’s best friend.—RWD
SILVER LANTERN Royal Cleaners (tie)
SILVER LANTERN Dawgy Style Groom Shop
34119 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.661.0988
34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 112, 949.496.3315
NOMINEES: Celebrity Cleaners • Crown Cleaners • Dana Point Cleaners • Monarch Bay Cleaners • Pacific Cleaners • Sparklean Laundry • Sunny Fresh Cleaners • Thread Cleaners 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Raymar Cleaners; Silver: Pacific Cleaners
NOMINEES: Beach Dogue • Estrella Pet Grooming • Golden Lantern Animal Hospital • Grooming by Jane • OC Happy Tails Dog Grooming • Paws for a Tail 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Point Grooming and Pet Spa; Silver: Dawgy Style Groom Shop
SILVER LANTERN Elite Cleaners (tie)
Page 20 | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | www.danapointtimes.com
BEST JEWELER Golden LANTERN Harbor Jeweler 34515 Golden Lantern, 949.276.2424
“We do all the work ourselves,” says master jeweler Richard Voskeritchian—his last name actually means goldsmith in Armenian. After generations of perfecting the art of jewelry and expert watch repairs with a pedigree that includes a grandfather who worked on New York’s Fifth Avenue for Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, you can believe that the work done on premises is always of the highest standard. —RWD
SILVER LANTERN Marinelli Fine Jewelry 32932 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 12, 949.443.4030 NOMINEES: Art Sea • Jean-Jacques Mamie • JW Jewelry Design Inc. • Monaco Jewelers • White Pelican Gallery 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Swiss Connection Jeweler and Watches; Gold: Marinelli Fine Jewelry; Silver: Harbor Jeweler
BEST YACHT/BOAT MAINTENANCE REPAIR Golden LANTERN Ed Riener Diving Company 34571 Golden Lantern, 760.721.1928, www.edrienerdiving.com
Since 1978, Ed Reiner Diving Company has been cleaning hulls and maintaining yachts, with a small team of three divers who have decades of experience under their belts. The company prides itself on being able to fix a customer’s boat in a timely fashion, while at the same time helping the client cut costs. Video surveys of yachts are conducted and given to the customer before work is started, showing exactly what kind of maintenance needs to be done and why.—SB
SILVER LANTERN Dana Point Shipyard 34671 Puerto Place, Suite A, 949.661.1313, www.danapoint-shipyard.com NOMINEES: Aqua Tech Yacht Services • Dana Harbor Marine Service • Dana Point Jet Ski & Kayak Center • Dana Point Yacht Maintenance • Dick Simon Yachts • Dolphin Divers • John Ross Marine Diesel & Mechanical Repairs • Marine Care & Repair • Mariner’s Yacht & Ship Brokerage • Mission Hull • Nordhavn • Outbound Yacht Services • Ricardo Vega Marine • Tony Cozad Yacht Services • West Marine 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Ed Riener Diving Company; Silver: Dana Point Shipyard
A perennial favorite on the Best of Dana Point list, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa has once again captured the Golden Lantern for Best Lodging. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
BEST LODGING
BEST CAR REPAIR
Golden LANTERN Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
Golden LANTERN Dana Point Auto Service
25135 Park Lantern, 949.661.5000, www.lagunacliffs.com
34342 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.496.1086
“We train our staff on the 15 points of excellent customer service,” said food and beverage manager Kevin Egan. That standard, executed with a relaxed grace, is what makes visitor stays a pleasurable experience at the resort and keeps guests returning every year and conferences re-booking early. With employees taking pride in their jobs, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott feels like home with one family housed in beautifully-appointed décor and an added kids’ pool-splash zone.—RWD
This year marks Rich Deffenbaugh’s 45th year in business. One could say he’s seen it all. He started at 22 and is still involved in the day-to-day. Deffenbaugh’s shop is a local staple, around since surfing greats Hobie Alter, Corky Carroll and Lorrin “Whitey” Harrison established Capo Beach’s surfing roots and used his services. “Awards are nice,” Deffenbaugh said, “But just being able to stay in the community for this long means a little something anyway.”—AP
SILVER LANTERN Dana Point Marina Inn
SILVER LANTERN Rubens Imports (tie)
24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 800.255.6843, www.danapointmarinainn.com
34134 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.493.5050, www.rubensimports.com
NOMINEES: Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel • Blue Lantern Inn • Dana Point Harbor Inn • Doheny State Beach Campgrounds • DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach • Holiday Inn Express • The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel • St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa; Silver: The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
34137 Pacific Coast Highway. 949.496.2090, www.danapointshell.com
SILVER LANTERN Dana Point Shell (tie) NOMINEES: AAMCO Transmissions • Dana Point Foreign Car Service • Old Town Garage • Performance Haus Volkswagen 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Point Auto Service; Silver: Rubens Imports
Page 22 | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | www.danapointtimes.com
Richard Deffenbaugh’s Dana Point Auto Service has been taking care of your cars for 45 years. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Getting Outside BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS Golden LANTERN Dana Point Harbor 34624 Golden Lantern, 949.923.2255, www.danapointharbor.com
Dana Point Harbor is the must-see attraction inside this city’s limits. It has everything you’d want to take a first-time visitor out to see. There are multiple activities to take part in, like fishing, whale watching, stand-up paddleboarding or even a good old-fashioned walk around the water and out to the jetty. There are dozens of shops and restaurants to choose from, each with their own signature offerings.—SB
Above: Views, soft sands and walking trails have made Dana Strand a usual suspect on the Best of Dana Point list. Photo by Andrea Swayne Left: Young buccaneers ready for the annual Diamond Dig at the Dana Point Festival of Whales. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
SILVER LANTERN Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale
Watching Safari
SILVER LANTERN Heritage Park
24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com
34400 Old Golden Lantern, 949.248.3557, www.danapoint.org
NOMINEES: 180blü • 2nd Hand Treasures • Artistry Hair Salon • Aventura Sailing Association • Beach Cities Pizza • Bella Bazaar • Bike Religion • Brio Tuscany Grill • Bubba Kahuna’s Pizza & BBQ • Cannons Seafood Grill • Chart House Restaurant • Dana Point BodyCentre • Dana Point Headlands Nature Preserve • Dana Point Jet Ski & Kayak Center • tide pools • Dana Point Yacht Club • Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching • Doheny Clothing Exchange • Doheny State Beach • El Torito Mexican Restaurant • Gemmell’s Restaurant • Harbor House Café • Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant • Hogan’s Bait & Tackle • Jack’s Surfboards • Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern • Jon’s Fish Market • JunQies Vinatge Boutique • Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa • Luciana’s Ristorante • Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar • Mahé • Marinelli Fine Jewelry • Monarch Bay Club • Ocean Institute • OverVue Lounge • Peking Dragon Restaurant • RJ’S Café • Salon Rogue • Salt Creek Beach • St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort • Dana Strand Beach • The Coffee Importers • The Harbor Grill • The Kings Club Barbershop • The Real Deli • The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel • The Shwack Beach Grill • The Surfin Cowboy • Turk’s Restaurant • Tutor and Spunky’s Deli • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Point Harbor; Silver: Ocean Institute
BEST BEACH Golden LANTERN Dana Strand Beach Access from Strand Vista Park on Selva Road
Ample free parking and multiple paths to the beach, including a funicular inclined elevator, are but a few things that have made Dana Strand a constant favorite. Soft sand, restrooms and the elevator make it ideal for families with kids. Paved pathways, atop the bluff overlooking the ocean and along the beach below, also make it an ideal spot for walkers.—AS
SILVER LANTERN Doheny State Beach (tie) 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.6171, www.parks.ca.gov
SILVER LANTERN Salt Creek Beach (tie) 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, 949.923.2280, www.ocparks.com
NOMINEES: Baby Beach • Creekside Park • Doheny State Beach • Dana Point Headlands Nature Preserve • Pines Park • Salt Creek Beach Park • Sea Canyon Park • Sea Terrace Community Park • Strand Vista Park • Sunset Park 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Heritage Park; Silver: Lantern Bay Park
BEST CITY EVENT Golden LANTERN Dana Point Festival of Whales (tie) 949.496.5794, www.festivalofwhales.com
the waves here. Due to its notorious shore pound, this combination point/beach break is recommended for experienced surfers. Its three sections—The Point, Middles and Gravels—offer up a variety of challenges. Salt Creek picks up good surf from nearly all swell directions providing one of Orange County’s most reliable opportunities to score time in the green room.—AS
SILVER LANTERN Doheny State Beach 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.6171, www.parks.ca.gov NOMINEES: Killer Dana • Dana Strand Beach 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Salt Creek Beach; Silver: Doheny State Beach
BEST PARK Golden LANTERN Lantern Bay Park 25111 Park Lantern Road, 949.248.3557, www.danapoint.org
NOMINEES: Baby Beach • Capistrano Beach Park/Hole in the Fence • Monarch Beach • Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area/tide pools behind the Ocean Institute 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Strand Beach; Silver: Salt Creek Beach
BEST SURF BREAK Golden LANTERN Salt Creek Beach 33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, 949.923.2280, www.ocparks.com
Fast, hollow, fun and steep are words used to describe
Playground climbers, picnickers, fitness gurus, concert goers, pick-up gamers, wedding guests and yogis alike find their haven at this city park overlooking the Pacific. Situated on a bluff-top, Lantern Bay Park offers panoramic views of the Southern California coastline, making it a favorite spot for weddings, birthday parties, summer concerts, group fitness classes and more. Whatever the reason for visiting, take a moment and enjoy the view.—AP
Page 24 | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | www.danapointtimes.com
Each spring, thousands flock to Dana Point to experience one of the longest, most treacherous mammal migrations, that of the California gray whale. And each year, for the last 43, the Festival of Whales has celebrated that journey. From whale watching excursions and clam chowder cook-offs to the annual parade and diamond digs, the Festival of Whales rallies the community and highlights all that is great about this city by the sea.—AP
Golden LANTERN Summer Concerts in the Park (tie) 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org
For 23 years Dana Point has played host to concert gigs, offering the community cost-free fun. Last year’s eight-week Sunday run kicked off with a bang—more than 4,000 came to DP’s favorite Lantern Bay Park for a little country and rock. Concertgoers danced through the summer with tributes to Elvis, ABBA, Jimmy Buffett and U2. So, throw on that beloved Chicago T-shirt, pack dinner and the family and pay homage to music’s greats.—AP
SILVER LANTERN Dana Point Turkey Trot 949.496.1555, www.turkeytrot.com NOMINEES: California Celtic and World Highland Games • California Wine Festival • Dana Point Food Wine & Music Festival • Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling • Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights • Dana Point State BBQ Championships • Dana Point Symphony • Doheny Blues Festival • Doheny Days Music Festival • Doheny Surf Festival • Elephant Parade: Welcome to America • Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular • I Heart Yoga in the Park • Movies in the Park • Ocean Institute Jazz Festival • Shakespeare in the Park • The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle • The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Tree Lighting • Toshiba Tall Ships Festival • Wag-A-Thon • Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook Off 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Concerts in the Park; Silver: Dana Point Festival of Whales
BEST HARBOR RECREATION/EXCURSION Golden LANTERN Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale
Watching
34675 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com
It is halibut season at Dana Wharf, which means until the end of March, sports fishermen will be dueling for not only the biggest halibut catch but also a first-place cash prize from the sixth annual Halibut Derby. A family owned and operated company that strives to make your experience unforgettable, Dana Wharf’s half- and fullday excursions come fully equipped with knowledgeable crews and expert skippers onboard daily trips out to sea, and other special events for the entire family.—RWD
SILVER LANTERN Dana Point Jet Ski & Kayak Center 34671 Puerto Place, 949.661.4947, www.danapointjetski.com NOMINEES: Aventura Sailing Association • boat racing • boating • Catalina Express • Curlew Charters Inc. • Dana Point Jet Ski & Kayak Center • Dick Simon Yachts • fishing • geocaching • Harbor Boat Rentals • kayaking • Ocean Institute • stand-up paddle boarding • people watching • Fury Sportfishing • riding a bicycle around Dana Point • sailing • scuba diving • Toshiba Tall Ships Festival • tide pools • Twilight Cruise • walking • Westwind Sailing 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching; Silver: Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
BEST WHALE WATCHING Golden LANTERN Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale
Watching Safari
24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com
Everything about this eco-tourism outfit makes people
Melissa Christensen, 4, is busy at work, perfecting her wildlife portrait skills, aboard Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching’s vessel Dana Pride with tips from renowned environmental artist Wyland. Courtesy photo
happy. It’s no wonder. They take whale watching to a new level. High-tech catamarans are equipped with eye-to-eye underwater viewing pods so passengers can experience the thrill of “being one” with dolphin, whales and other marine wildlife year-round. Above deck, eye-spy nets suspend watchers within a few feet of the action. Sights and sounds—thanks to underwater hydrophones—are broadcast live so those staying ashore can watch the trip live from home. How’s that for an adventure?—RWD
SILVER LANTERN Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale
Watching
34675 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com NOMINEES: Aventura Sailing Association • Ocean Institute 2012 WINNERS: New Category
BEST WEDDING VENUE Golden LANTERN Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa 25135 Park Lantern, 888.476.2405, www.lagunacliffs.com
With panoramic views of the San Clemente and Dana Point coastlines and practically daily sunny sky occurrences, this bluff-side resort is a perfect setting for a wedding to remember. Outdoor ceremonies and receptions look out onto Lantern Bay Park’s grassy knolls and juniper trees, revealing the Pacific Ocean’s blue waters below. Ballrooms can also be decorated to suit every couples’ desires. Serviced by a professional, friendly staff, private banquet rooms and exceptional cuisine, Laguna Cliffs simply exceeds every bride and groom’s dream.—RWD
SILVER LANTERN Dana Point Yacht Club 24399 Dana Drive, 949.496.2900, www.dpyc.org NOMINEES: Aventura Sailing Association • beaches • Cannons Seafood Grill • Chart House Restaurant • Heritage Park • Lantern Bay Park • OC Sailing & Events Center • Ocean Institute • Palisades Gazebo • Pines Park • Sampson Overview Gazebo • St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church • St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort • Strand Vista Park • The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel • Wind & Sea Restaurant 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa; Silver: Dana Point Yacht Club
BEST YACHT CLUB Golden LANTERN Dana West Yacht Club 24601 Dana Drive, 949.661.1185, www.dwyc.org
Dana West Yacht Club office manager Kimberly Persons said the club’s recent remodel helps to nurture an already friendly atmosphere. “We have themed party nights with all sorts of entertainment including karaoke, bands and DJs,” Persons said. But the most appealing aspect of the club is the “friendly and welcoming environment,” she added. The club participates in a number of charity efforts, dedicated to helping members of the military and those impacted by cancer. Dana West also sponsors junior sailing camps, and is always welcoming new members.—JS
SILVER LANTERN Dana Point Yacht Club 24399 Dana Drive, 949.496.2900, www.dpyc.org
Aboard the Lily, a whale research/rescue safari catamaran, Capt. Dave Anderson can give his passengers a whale’s eye view of both whales and dolphin. High-tech underwater viewing pods also allow passengers to check out the view beneath the waves. Photo by Brian Park
NOMINEES: Aventura Sailing Association 2012 WINNERS: Gold: Dana Point Yacht Club; Silver: Dana West Yacht Club
www.danapointtimes.com | DP Times Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards | Page 27
EYE ON DP
1
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING
DP
D a n a Po i nt
CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 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. Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Seasonal produce is on the ticket at the weekly outdoor
market at La Plaza Park, located at 34111 La Plaza Street. Call 949.573.5033 to find out about renting a booth.
munity Center’s gym, 34052 Del Obispo Street.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10
VFW Veterans Assistance 1:30 p.m.–3 p.m. Dana Point VFW Post 9934 offers free veterans’ benefits assistance at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street. Call 949.248.1419, visit www.vfwpost9934.org or email Post 9934 service officer Bob Fowler at rfwlr61@yahoo.com to find out more information.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m. The Planning Commission will continue its public hearing on the proposed Doheny Hotel, a two- to five-story building with over 250 rooms at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive. The body will meet at the Dana Point Com-
DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS
What’s Up With... 1
…Coast Highway Boulders?
THE LATEST: A boulder fell from the bluffs along Coast Highway between Dana Point and San Clemente, causing a lane closure and slight delays Friday, Jan. 31, officials said. Authorities received notice at 11 a.m. of a 3- foot by 5-foot boulder impacting traffic in the northbound lane, Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Lt. Jeff Hallock confirmed. The city of Dana Point responded to the slide and had the boulder cleared within the hour, Public Works and Engineering Director Brad Fowler said. WHAT’S NEXT: Natural rockslides in the area happen from time to time, Fowler said. Concrete barriers along the roadway are in place to block small rock slides, but occasionally that system experiences a failure. No injuries were reported in either incident. FIND OUT MORE: Track breaking news on Twitter @DanaPointTimes. —Andrea Papagianis
2
…SONGS Decommissioning?
THE LATEST: Last week, the two majority owners of the shuttered San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station announced a number of principles they hope will make the decommissioning process more open to the community. Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric announced an immediate goal to expeditiously move used nuclear fuel, from the plant’s Dana Point Times February 7–13, 2014
two reactors, into dry cask storage. According to federal officials, this form of storage is considered safer and less vulnerable to natural disasters than the fuel’s current storage in cooling pools. Currently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission recommends nuclear fuel spends at least five years in such pools. The announcement asked the federal government to step up efforts to find a national nuclear waste repository. Plans for a national storage facility in Nevada were defunded in 2010, leaving waste stored on plant sites indefinitely. WHAT’S NEXT: Edison and SDG&E also committed to establishing a community engagement panel that will include elected representatives, military personnel, environmentalists and other stakeholders. Dana Point Mayor Lisa Bartlett, Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates and Capistrano Unified School District Trustee John Alpay were among those named to the board Thursday. SCE announced its SONGS shutdown in June 2013 in light of continued doubt surrounding the fate of the nuclear plant since its two steam generators were taken offline in 2012, after a small radiation leak was detected. FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.danapointtimes.com for updates.—Jim Shilander
3
…the July 4 Hit-and-run?
THE LATEST: The Orange County District Attorney’s office has not yet filed charges in the July 4 hit-and-run accident that killed Marthann Demchuk, a 76-year-old woman from Monrovia, near Camino Capistrano and Pacific Coast
Highway, officials said. Demchuck was walking with her 13-year-old grandson along Coast Highway in the bicycle lane when the two were struck by a van, Orange County Sheriff’s Department authorities confirmed at the time. Demchuk was pronounced dead at the scene. OCSD turned the case over to the DA’s office, but no charge filing has been made, department spokesman Lt. Jeff Hallock said Tuesday. WHAT’S NEXT: A Dana Point woman was arrested in the immediate aftermath and was investigated for driving under the influence and hit-and-run. FIND OUT MORE: Stay with the Dana Point Times for updates.—JS and AP
4
…a Business Break-in?
THE LATEST: Authorities are investigating an early Monday burglary at The Surfin’ Cowboy, where intruders smashed a window, officials said. The alarm came in at 4:48 a.m. in the 34200 block of Doheny Park Road, said Chief of Dana Point Police Services, Lt. Lynn Koehmstedt. Units were on scene within four minutes, but no one remained in the business, he said. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department crime lab also responded to the scene to gather evidence. Surfin Cowboy owner Jim Beran said authorities have the surveillance video.
5
…the Doheny Hotel?
THE LATEST: The contentious Doheny Hotel proposal will once again go before the Planning Commission, at a continued public hearing Monday, Feb. 10. The hearing begins at 6 p.m. in the Dana Point Community Center gym, at 34052 Del Obispo Street. On Dec. 9, more than 100 people packed the same room and raised concerns over the project’s size, density and the impacts a more than 250-room hotel, at Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive, could have. The commission continued the meeting after the hotel’s developer, Beverly Hills Hospitality Group, presented an adapted proposal it believed addressed community and commission concerns about parking, traffic, density and commercial deliveries for the first time. The project’s Environmental Impact Report includes an alternative utilizing a Lantern Bay Park slope to add parking spaces. The changes suggested using a portion of parkland to ease hotel entrance access and to add a loading dock. If approved, the changes would need City Council approval for a 30-foot easement, because the land was deeded by Orange County for park use.
WHAT’S NEXT: No suspects are in custody. The investigation is still underway.
WHAT’S NEXT: Currently, the proposed hotel site includes a Jack in the Box, vacant store and 46-room hotel. All buildings would be demolished. Plans for the hotel include conference rooms, restaurants, rooftop lounge amenities and an underground parking structure.
FIND OUT MORE: Follow the story on www.danapointtimes.com.—AP
FIND OUT MORE: Stick with us at www.danapointtimes.com.—AP
Page 28
www.danapointtimes.com
EYE ON DP
Officials Hope I-5 Improvement Project Whips Backups $275 million Interstate 5 widening project kicked off at CUSD headquarters By Jim Shilander Dana Point Times
C
ounty, city and transportation officials kicked off the Orange County Transit Authority’s $275 million Interstate 5 widening project at Capistrano Unified School District’s headquarters Wednesday, Jan. 27 in San Juan Capistrano. The kick-off event promised the three-year project would “whip traffic congestion.” Officials urged residents to be patient during construction, as the county agency and Caltrans try to alleviate the area’s bottleneck effect that causes major-weekend backups, by adding high-occupancy vehicle lanes from San Juan Creek Road to Avenida Pico. As part of the project, the Pico interchange in San Clemente will be
reconstructed and widened. The project’s first phase will be between San Juan Creek Road and Pacific Coast Highway, before moving further south. Staging and engineering work will be done first said OCTA spokesman Joel Zlotnick. Any lane closures will largely be confined to overnight hours, he said. Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates, who represents much of south county, said the project represents “a promise kept,” referencing the highway spending guaranteed by Measure M—the half-cent sales tax for county transportation projects. “The work here will benefit all of Orange County,” Bates said. “I-5 is the backbone for the transportation system here in south Orange County. It is the main street that serves more than 600,000 residents.”
Lori Donchak, a San Clemente councilwoman and OCTA board member, said as a regular I-5 commuter she is more than familiar with the traffic issues affecting the area. “There are a lot of people looking forward to the improved efficiency and safety that this corridor is going to afford,” Donchak said. Donchak pointed out that, unlike elsewhere in the county, traffic is worse on the weekends, particularly during the summer, due to travelers coming to enjoy the area’s attractions or making their way between Los Angeles and San Diego. San Juan Mayor Sam Allevato said the city hopes to take lessons from the I-5/Ortega Highway Interchange Project as a model for working with businesses in the city. “We’ve learned from the Ortega project to work closely with busi-
Chamber Welcomes New Leadership Board Installation marks new year, goals for Dana Point Chamber of Commerce By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times
L
eading in a new year for local business, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce installed its new leadership board and chairperson Jan. 30 night at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and recognized members of the community for their service and dedication. Lauralyn Loynes, associate publisher at Picket Fence Media, was named the chamber’s new chairwoman. Outgoing chairwoman of the board Terry Ross handed over the gavel, while highlighting the chamber’s achievements in 2013. Last year, the chamber maintained over 400 members, Ross told the hundreds gathered at the annual event. It was the organization’s steady growth, leadership and commitment to the community at large that Ross attributed to its success. Dana Point Auto is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year and was recognized as Business of the Year. Richard Deffenbaugh’s auto shop is the chamber’s longest running member—he joined in the early ’70s. Over the years, Deffenbaugh has been active on the chamber’s board of directors and served as chairman of the chamber’s education committee this year. The committee provides scholarships for local students. For his involvement in the local Dana Point Times February 7-13, 2013
nesses and residents and with Caltrans and OCTA,” Allevato said. “We’re all partners in this. I think this project will expedite traffic through town. It’ll make folks’ commute a lot easier and less stressful.” Bates said while the process may be painful for a time, the finished project is something she is hopeful about. “I equate it to getting your kitchen remodeled,” Bates said. “You still have to cook and do all that, and it’s very painful, but once you walk into that brand-new kitchen, it’s a wonderful thing. Even with the little discomfort you suffered.” Zlotnick said the agency would try to provide as much information as possible during construction, including sending out weekly email updates, as they have during the Ortega project. DP
DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY
Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com COMPILED BY CATHY MANSO All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.
Monday, February 3
Dana Point Chamber of Commerce 2014 Board of Directors. Courtesy photo
scene Gene Burrus, the voice behind Dana Point’s youth baseball games, was named Citizen of the Year. Aside from his dedication to the community’s youth, Burrus is also devoted to helping fellow seniors at the Dana Point Community Center. Donia Moore was named chamber Ambassador of the Year. Moore is an active member with both the San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano chambers of commerce, and volun-
teers with the Ocean Institute, Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and is a San Juan Rotarian. The 2014 Board of Directors was also sworn in by Mayor Lisa Bartlett. Board members include: Mits Arayama, Marcos Costas, Deffenbaugh, Michael Fox, Loynes, Jorge Luhan II, Gary Macrides, Eric Medor, Mike Powers, Ross, Enzo Scognamiglio, Scott Seaver, Kim Tilly, Alan Wickstrom and Christy Teague. DP
Page 30
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Niguel Road, 33800 Block (5:35 a.m.) A caller reported a man with a gas can, walking behind the Dana Point Library. The caller believed he was “camping out” and might start a fire.
Sunday, February 2 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Street of the Silver Lantern/Selva Road (6:44 p.m.) Dispatch received notice of a motorcycle “doing wheelies” and a black truck circling the neighborhood. For more of the Blotter, log on to www.danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com
SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.
Andrea Papagianis, 949.388.7700, x112 apapagianis@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING
DP
DS aannCalePmoe ni te nt
34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com
HOW TO REACH US
PRINT AND ONLINE
Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION
Dana Point Times, Vol. 7, Issue 6. 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.
PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett
ART/DESIGN
OPERATIONS
EDITORIAL
Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith
Finance Director > Mike Reed
ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING
Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett
Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes
Accounting Manager Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines
Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne
RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS
City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis
Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com
Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale
BILLING Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@danapointtimes.com
City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park
> Michele Reddick (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Locals Only Business Listing Manager
SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Cathy Manso, Madison May, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent
GUEST OPINION: Wavelength’s by Jim Kempton
The Importance of the £50 Shirt A Story of the Surf Industry’s infancy and its lasting worldwide appeal
“I
’ll give you 50 pounds for that shirt.” I was hurrying toward the Sloane Square subway entrance on Kings Road in London, rushing to catch the last train back to my university dorm in Sussex. It was summer, warm by English standards, and I was wearing a vintage silk Hawaiian shirt I’d bought at a thrift store in San Diego for 50 cents. It was a beautiful print, one of the old Japanese iridescent dyes, with hula girls, ukuleles and a sketch of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in colors they don’t even make anymore. But 50 British Pounds? That was $125 American. “You must be kidding,” I responded. To understand how much money that was in 1974: Arthur Frommer’s Europe on $5 Dollars a Day was the most popular travel book on the best seller list. But as students we scoffed at it. If you spent $5 dollars a day living here we’d say, you must be a tourist. A cozy room in the coastal town of Newquay where I surfed every weekend cost $1.25 a night—that included a big English
breakfast. “I’m not kidding mate,” he said emphaticlly. “Give it to me right now and the 50 quid is yours.” There were plenty of notions running WAVELENGTHS through my head. By Jim Kempton His offer was nearly a month’s worth of spending money. My MBA thesis was due soon at university and I had a test in the morning on how to open new markets. My train was leaving in less than 10 minutes and I was late already. I’d have to ride home on the train with no shirt on. And this funny long-haired Brit wanted to buy something that made no sense to me. “Why?” I had to ask. “You’re a surfer,” he asked. “From California, right? Surfing, California— it’s what happening, mate. Nothing is cooler than surfing and California.” That summer I’d surfed the coast of France, where corduroy lines pumped out of the Atlantic with power and consistency. Beautiful young French girls
would cluster at the water’s edge just to check out these American lunatics with their strange looking space sticks. Rental on a beach house for a month was less than the price he was offering for my shirt. “Well I don’t have another shirt,” I pointed out. “What am I going to wear on the train ride home?” The Cockney dandy took the 50pound note out of his wallet and held it out. My plight was of absolutely no concern to him. He wanted the shirt. Later, I would learn that he was the manager for a number of the top bands in Britain and that in years to come I would sell Hawaiian shirts to dozens of rock stars in the British pantheon of pop music. But at the moment I was just a 19-year-old surfer trying to figure out how the world worked and how to work the world. It was a seminal moment. Several truths became simultaneously apparent. Number one: Surfing and the California beach culture was something way bigger than I realized. It wasn’t just a bunch of us West Coast kids who
were onto the secret thrill of this wave riding thing—it was the whole world. Number two: This was my MBA thesis, and this was the new market that needed to be opened. Number three: There was a business to be made selling surf stuff—and I was going to do it. Lastly and most immediately satisfying—I was going to surf waves in Biarritz again— for a month—free. I caught the two-hour train ride all the way back to my dorm room. Without a shirt. Jim Kempton spent his next five years traveling to Europe, Australia and Hawaii selling Aloha shirts and other surfing related products to the fledgling surf shops springing up around the globe. In those same years, Quiksilver, Billabong and Ocean Pacific became brands that would lead to a global surf industry. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@ danapointtimes.com.
GETTING OUT
3
YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER
DP
D a n a Po i nt
THE LIST A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK
friday
BACKYARD SKILLS WORKSHOP 1 p.m.-3 p.m. The Ecology Center shows how to eliminate preservatives and plastic wrap while making homemade, all-natural sourdough bread. Tickets $20 members, $30 non-members. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.
07
LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT 7:30 p.m.9:30 p.m. Pete Huttlinger, former John Denver lead guitarist and national guitar champion, performs at the Dana Point Community House. Tickets $30. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com. LOS LONELY BOYS 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $35. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.
saturday
HUNT FOR HEARTS IN NATURE 9 a.m.-11 a.m. The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy hosts a walk along Gato Trail hunting for heart-shaped natural objects. Adults $10, kids $5. Call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.theconservancy.org.
08
AT THE MOVIES: ‘LABOR DAY’ IS A LONG WEEKEND ‘Tis the season for Valentines, candy and dates. For Hollywood that means releasing a lot of romantic films this month. One of the most hyped has been Jason Reitman’s adaptation of Joyce Maynard’s novel Labor Day. Popular during the film festival circuit last year, the star-studded drama was finally widely released last weekend. But it seems to be a bit of an oddball flick, considering the resumes of Reitman and leads Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet. In a Massachusetts town in 1987, a young boy named Henry Wheeler (Gattlin Griffith) lives with his depressed mother Adele (Winslet) after family patriarch (Clark Gregg) leaves them for his secretary. When an escaped criminal named Frank Chambers (Brolin) uses the Wheeler’s house as a hiding place, secrets are revealed about Adele’s depression and Frank’s © Paramount Pictures past. Within Labor Day weekend, the three start acting like a family and cooking food together. Frank’s unexpected knack for recipes shows through. James van der Beek, J.K. Simmons and Tobey Maguire co-star. The most interesting thing about Labor Day is that Reitman chose to shoot the film as a thriller more than a straight melodrama. The downside is that Brolin and Winslet are two very odd choices to play an angst-ridden couple in a romance, to the point of being miscast. Reitman is a great filmmaker of satire and drama, but his love stories could use a bit more polish.—Megan Bianco
Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts. LAGUNA BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL 8 p.m. As part of the week-long music festival, The Laguna Playhouse presents a world premiere by Gabriel Kahane and a music ensemble. Tickets start at $25. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787, www.lagunaplayhouse.com. MIKE WALLACE 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com. NATE HANCOCK 8 p.m. Dinner and music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.
sunday
PET DENTAL CLINIC 9 a.m.-1 p.m. February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Pet Treasures and Wagadoodle Pet Salon are offering special dental exams. Call for appointment. Cost $145. 653 Camino De Losa Mares, Suite 100, San Clemente, 949.492.7297, www.theyellowbone.com.
09
MARINE MAMMAL CRUISE 10 a.m. Board the Ocean Institute’s R/V Explorer for the opportunity to see fish, dolphin, 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.
monday
WHALE WATCHING WITH UNDERWATER VIEWING PODS Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari offers 2.5-hour trips daily. Call for departure times. Tickets $59 adults, $39 kids, under 2 free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.
MOMMY MOVIE MONDAY 10 a.m. Special showing The Monuments Men at Krikorian Premier Theatres. 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7610, www.kptmovies.com.
SADDLEBACK JAZZ DAY 7 p.m. Day-long event and performances leading up to shows by the Saddleback Big Band and Tony Malaby in the McKinney Theatre. General admission $10. 28000 Marguerite
COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Mondays at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.
Dana Point Times February 7-13, 2013
10
Page 34
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
DANA HARBOR TOASTMASTERS MEETING 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Practice public speaking in a safe and fun environment Tuesdays at the Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.728.8969, http://1707.toastmastersclubs.org.
11
THE WIZARD OF OZ 7:30 p.m. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $29. Shows through Feb. 23. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2121, www.scfta.org.
wednesday
COMMUNITY ART NIGHT 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Art event Wednesday nights at Bull Taco with kids’ arts, crafts and more. 1527 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.1739, www.bulltaco.com.
12
SALSA NIGHT 8:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Live band and DJ with plenty of dancing at Brio Tuscany Grille each Wednesday. 24050 Camino del Avion, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.
thursday
GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet Thursdays in front of the Montanez Adobe in San Juan Capistrano to help maintain the garden. Bring Gloves and wear close-toed shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.
13
*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
3
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
DP
D a n a Po i nt
SUDOKU by Myles Mellor Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:
SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
Pooper Bowl Raises Funds for Palisades Annual fundraiser supports field trips, assemblies and technology By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times
eeping with a pre-Super Bowl tradition, Palisades Elementary School hosted its annual “Pooper Bowl” and carnival Saturday, a day prior to kick-off at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Carnival games took over the schoolyard, as kids and adults hopped across the finish line in sack races, lobbed rings at soda bottles, picked colorful-animal designs to adorn their faces, walked for a chance to win a coveted-cake prize and learned safety lessons from Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies. The main event though, was modeled after a Super Bowl game where participants purchase a square and win money when the quarter ending score corresponds. The Pooper Bowl, as it is called at Palisades, involves a
K
grid—laid out atop a grass field—and a horse. Two winners took home $250 after the day’s mascot pooped on their square. “It is a super-pooper weekend,” said Palisades Principal Steve Scholl. The unusual game has drawn thousands of parents, students, staff and community members over the years to raise funds for curriculum, field trips, electronic learning programs, physical education and assemblies at the Capistrano Beach elementary school. “This is so important to our whole school because the parents love to be involved and love to contribute in some form to their children’s education,” Scholl said. The event was put on by parents at the school. Donations were made from numerous local businesses including Killer Dana and Hobie surf shops, The Surfin’ Cowboy and Brawner Boards. Kung Fu students at Sunrise Tai Kwon
Pictured (L to R) Lorenzo Lutizetti, Maleah Casillas, Haven Canullo and London Watkins show off their cotton candy. Photo by Madison May
Do performed demonstrations and the band MCD, made up of Palisades’ alumni, played hits throughout the day. “I heard so many positive comments from kids, parents, neighbors and even
the sheriff’s department, which had a booth,” said Denise Villar, president of the Palisades PTA. “It really takes the combined efforts of so many … and believe me, no part was too small.” DP
A Club, Revelation Collaboration The Kings Club Barbershop picking up the pieces after fire
C
lassic American-style barbers with perfectly-manicured beards and dressed to the nines may be an unusual scene inside a beauty salon, but since a fire ripped through The Kings Club Barbershop that’s exactly the site seen at Salon Revelation. On Sunday, Jan. 19, an electrical fire cut through Mike Swenson’s La Plaza located shop, causing an estimated $225,000 in damages. Flames quickly took over the barbershop, but Orange County Fire Authority crews had the two-alarm blaze under control within Dana Point Times February 7-13, 2013
20 minutes. “It has all been crazy,” Swenson said. “The barbershop obviously means a lot to us, but it means a lot to other people too, which is cool.” The damage was extensive, but by Wednesday that week, Swenson and tenured barbers Scott Young and Matthew Schnitzer were back up and running, thanks to nearby S Revelation alon owner Dayna Dallas. “My heart went out to them,” Dallas said. “I know that as a community we all need to pull together in times of crisis
… and these guys need to be able to provide for their families.” The community’s support continues with a benefit event Saturday, Feb. 22 with Hobie Surf Shop, near La Plaza Park. Festivities include food, raffles, haircuts and live-music performances by Young’s band Vinnie and the Hooligans and Live Oak Review. The event to raise money for Kings Club repairs runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. For a clip, snip or shave with The Kings Club Barbershop, call 949.496.4644. DP
Page 36
Mike Swenson, owner of The Kings Club Barbershop, snips longtime Dana Point Nursery owner Harry Otsubo’s hair. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
www.danapointtimes.com
DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: It’s History by Carlos N. Olvera
Fill’er Up and Check the Oil, Please Dana Point Auto owner of 45 years donates historic beacon
S
till standing, but in a renewed edition, the ARCO gas station at 34342 Pacific Coast Highway has history behind it. The Richfield Oil Corporation was a West Coast industry leader in the 1920s, with its first station opening in Los Angeles in 1917. Quality was high and profits were up. This was the impetus for a new marketing strategy called the “Great Richfield Way,” announced in July 1928. Richfield laid out a $10-million plan for a string of neon-lighted towers with air beacons on highways from the Mexican to Canadian borders. The first three were erected in Palm City, Beaumont and Capistrano Beach (September 1928) on what was called Roosevelt Highway. The highway was renamed in 1941, and later alternate U.S. Route 101. The goal was to have service stations in Spanish-American architecture throughout Southern California to establish a starting point for communities, with a one-story hotel, café, stores and homes. The style changed to English-Norman with steep-roof design going north, beginning in Mount Shasta. The station closed in 1964 but still stands today as a residence on U.S. Highway 99. It too had a beacon, but its top is now adorned by an Osprey nest. A total of 36 were built with the first lighted on Dec. 17, 1928, on the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the Wright Brothers. The beacon atop a 125-foot tower— with 8-foot government mandated red neon letters—would rotate as a navigational aid to planes and motorists alike. If not near airfields, as was the case with the local tower, a constant 24-inch directional beacon pointed the way to the nearest one. The Richfield Oil Corporation went into receivership due to the Depression and merged with Consolidated
Oil Corporation. The company was renamed ARCO with the merger of Atlantic Refining Company in 1966. Today it is owned by British Petroleum. When a lease for IT’S HISTORY Carlos N. Olvera the station came available, a newly married young man name Richard Deffenbaugh and his wife Geody bought the lease in 1969. Deffenbaugh was from Fullerton and had surfed in Dana Point since 1962. This was an ideal opportunity to work and surf. His father worked for Richfield and encouraged him to get this very popular station. He went to the Richfield training school for owners and soon set up shop.
From 1928 to 1971, a 125-foot tower welcomed Pacific Coast Highway drivers to the Richfield station in Capistrano Beach. Photo Courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society
Dana Point Auto owner Richard Deffenbaugh donated the Richfield Tower beacon to the Dana Point Historical Society. Courtesy photo
Next to the station was a Flake’s Bros. Hamburger stand, located where A’s Burgers is now. In the ’70s the state widened Pacific Coast Highway, which required Richfield to move the 125-foot tower. The cost to do so was prohibitive and it was taken down. Deffenbaugh kept his eye on that flashing beacon. The tower’s dismantling became a news sensation. Local Los Angeles television station, Channel 2, sent out
Connie Chung and Deffenbaugh had his 15 minutes of fame. Simply called Dick’s Richfield, he has owned the station for 45 years. While there, many well-known individuals would stop at this coastal paradise location, either to or from San Diego and Los Angeles. Customers included Lon Cheney, Ester Williams and Fernando Llamas. Steve McQueen also stopped off. He was in the back of a pickup looking for the closest hospital, after breaking his leg in an off-roading motorcycle incident. On Jan. 22, Deffenbaugh donated the Richfield Tower beacon to the Dana Point Historical Society at their annual meeting. During his presentation, Deffenbaugh related many of his memories over the past 45 years, annotated by his wife. A longtime friend,
Paul Tanaka, of the San Juan Capistrano Tanaka Farm, manufactured a stand to support the beacon. It is now on display at the Dana Point Heritage Museum, along with its history. Carlos N. Olvera is Vice Chair of the OC Historical Commission, and a Dana Point Councilman. EDITOR’S NOTE: Richard Deffenbaugh’s Dana Point Auto Service was named Business of the Year by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 27. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com
SPORTS
5
& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE
DP
D a n a Po i nt
DANA HILLS ATHLETES SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT
SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
Feb. 5 marked the first day that high school student-athletes from certain sports could sign their National Letters of Intent, indicating their college of choice. At Dana Hills High School, 21 students joined friends, fellow students, family and staff in a celebration of their academic and athletic achievements. Here is a list of the Dolphins athletes who committed, categorized by sport, along with their college. Tennis: Chase Masciorini (Univ. of California Santa Barbara) and Katie Olson (California University of
Pennsylvania). Soccer: Megan Matchett (Univ. of San Diego), Brittany Mueller (North Dakota State Univ.), Lea Weissenberger (Bethany Lutheran College) and Meghan Dickmann (Northern Arizona Univ.). Swimming: Britton Forker (Michigan State Univ.). Diving: Lauren Pierce (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) and Nicole Dutton (San Diego State Univ.). Water Polo: Haley Scott (Virginia Military Institute), Molly Wilbur (Univ. of California Santa Barbara),
Spencer Likins (Univ. of California Santa Barbara) and Grady Williams (Stanford University). Volleyball: Christian Hessenauer (UCLA), Eric Matheis (UCLA) and Tia Scambray (Univ. of Washington). Softball: Olivia Baltazar (Towson Univ.), Danielle Ingraham (Univ. of Virginia) and Lindsey Cassidy (San Francisco State Univ.). Baseball: Louis Raymond (Univ. of San Francisco). Track and Field: Emma Kao (USC). —Steve Breazeale
The Voice of Dana Point City honors longtime volunteer and public address announcer Gene Burrus By Steve Breazeale Dana Point Times
ene Burrus sits down at a small table inside a tucked-away room in the Dana Point Community Center. It’s a place he knows very well, having volunteered his time inside the building for the past 14 years. It is 11 a.m. and he’s just made the rounds greeting a group of seniors that gather every morning to have coffee and eat lunch. As he sits down and pulls a chair up to the table, he grabs a copy of an old photograph out of his jacket pocket. The photo is a popular one. It is a picture of the Burrus family, standing in front of the old City of Dana Point welcome sign, circa 1933. The picture is now a mosaic on the pedestrian bridge that crosses Pacific Coast Highway. Burrus, 86, was six years old at the time and on vacation with his family from Phoenix. Burrus knew the city by the sea was special then and he feels the same way now. After a career of broadcasting his signature voice out to thousands of people through a career in radio and television, Burrus returned to Dana Point in 1986 with his wife, Gladys. Since then he has volunteered countless hours at the community center and served as the voice of Dana Point Youth Baseball and the Festival of Whales Parade. He’s even got a ballfield named after him. On Jan. 30, in front of hundreds of people at the Laguna Cliffs Marriot Resort & Spa, Burrus was honored as the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year. “When you volunteer, you do it for
G
Dana Point Times February 7-13, 2014
two reasons. Number one is to be of service. And also, it does something for you too … which is a wonderful experience,” Burrus said. As his 87th birthday approaches, Burrus is gearing up for another season of announcing Bronco, Pony and Mustang baseball games. He makes it out to four or five games a week and prepares the same way he did while working for his first radio station back in Glendale, Ariz. in 1952. He shows up early, takes notes and makes sure he can pronounce every player’s name correctly. If there’s one thing that Burrus is, it is a professional. After serving just under two years in the United States Navy at the end of World War II, Burrus returned home and immediately pursued his broadcasting passion. He earned his radio announcing and engineering certificates and set to work, doing commercials, interviews and even hosting his own country music radio hour. Burrus entered the world of television in 1958, when they did not have teleprompters or advanced studio equipment. If he had to film three commercials in one day, Burrus would memorize the scripts in a hurry and move on to the next project. It was difficult at first, but he turned it into a science. That work ethic and skill behind the microphone and presence in front of an audience has stayed with him to this day. “We’re just lucky that we found him and he lives here and has the background that he has,” former Dana Point Youth Baseball board member Rene Cortez said. “He’s always early prepping. That’s just his natural way.” Cortez, along with former board
Gene Burrus addresses the crowd after being named Citizen of the Year by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
member John Bott, originally “discovered” Burrus 10 years ago when they were searching for someone to announce baseball games. Bott ventured into the senior center one day and was introduced to the man who would soon become a household name for Dana Point ballplayers and their families. Burrus has watched generations of players grow up through Dana Point Youth Baseball. Gene and Gladys never had children of their own, which makes the time they spend with the youngsters special. Because his announcing booth sits next to the dugouts, Burrus is in prime position to listen to the players banter during games. They talk about movies, video games and things they did at school before being snapped back into focus by their coaches. Burrus admits he grins ear-to-ear when he sees it
Page 40
happen. “The players are like grandchildren to my wife and I. An extended family, that’s the way I feel about them … there’s a close-knit group here,” Burrus said. Burrus’ other family is in the senior center. Once a month, Second Harvest Food Bank delivers 96 bags-worth of non-perishable food to the center to be delivered to those in need, and Burrus is in charge of organizing it all. He makes sure the volunteers know what to do and that the bags are ready to hand out to the seniors who need extra help. His golden voice is also lent to the bingo room and senior dances, where he does the announcing. When Burrus showed up 14 years ago, there was no flag-raising ceremony in the morning. He quickly changed that. On days he is there, he makes sure something is said around the flagpole about the fighting men and women, past and present. “He’s brought the senior center to where it is today,” Dana Point senior center director Vanna Murphy said. “People listen to him. He has that voice. It’s why they call him ‘the Voice of Dana Point.’ When Gene gets on the microphone, they respect him so much and believe in him and everything he does.” Burrus has traveled all over the United States, lending his voice to any who would listen. In Dana Point, he was discovered by the likes of Murphy, Bott and Cortez, but they never would have found him had he not entered the doors of the senior center, looking to help others. DP www.danapointtimes.com
DP SURF
6
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
DP
D a n a Po i nt
GROM OF THE WEEK KEITH CHRISTL Age: 14, Bernice Ayer Middle School Eighth-grader Keith Christl is in his first year longboarding for the Bernice Ayer Middle School surf team. He is currently the No. 3 ranked surfer in Scholastic Surf Series Orange County Middle School boys longboard competition. Keith is considering trying out for the San Clemente High School surf team next year but may opt to instead compete in baseball, water polo or both. He has been playing baseball since he was 7 and considers it his best chance at an athletic scholarship. “I want to play in high school and try for a scholarship,” he said. “My dream is to play for Stanford.” A straight-A student, he plans to continue Keith Christl. Courtesy photo taking academics seriously as well, as he is really looking forward to college. Keith started surfing when he was 6 and was riding mostly shortboards by the age of 10. He rediscovered a love for longboarding and returned to it about two years ago. “I like it because it’s more stylish and smooth and more about really riding the wave,” he said. “Hanging on the nose is more fun to me.” Whether sports, academics or other interests, Keith credits his family for helping him to succeed. “I’m lucky to have a family that really supports everything I do. My mom and dad take me everywhere, encourage me to try new things and help me with everything,” he said. “My brothers Luke and Sean both surf on the team with me and cheer me on. They really encourage me to do better.”—Andrea Swayne
Battlefield Moves from Doho to Creek Battle of the Paddle SUP event organizers announce relocation to Salt Creek Beach By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times
A
Doho tradition came to an end Feb. 2 as organizers of the seventh annual Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle announced its move from Doheny State Beach to Salt Creek Beach in 2014. In November, following last year’s stand-up paddle event, competitors were notified that dates for 2014 were yet to be set, a change of venue was possible. The SUP community anxiously awaited an announcement, and although rumors swirled, talk remained relatively quiet. That was until posts on SUP related blogs and athlete Facebook pages—alluding to a disagreement between Battle organizers from Rainbow Sandals and State Beach authorities—began popping up last week. Rich Haydon, park superintendent for Doheny State Beach, declined to go into detail but said although the California State Parks likes the event in general and considers it noteworthy, unaddressed concerns as well as the Battle’s large size contributed to the move. He said issues at last year’s event “rose to a level where they needed to be satisfactorily addressed in order for the Battle of the Paddle to continue at Doheny in 2014.” “We’ve had concerns after every event in the last five years with regard to making it better, and our concerns were not addressed. And, quite frankly, the event has probably outgrown Doheny under its current format,” Haydon said. “Without our requested changes in areas of public safety and general operations, it has become untenable. We do, however, wish them future success in their endeavors.”
Dana Point Times February 7-13, 2014
Competitors line up at the start of a race at the 2013 Battle of the Paddle. Photo by Andrea Papagianis
Rainbow Sandals owner Jay “Sparky” Longley said he is disappointed. “There were many issues over the years we couldn’t come to agreement on. We felt like they were nitpicking, and every year it was something else. We feel like we run a great event,” Longley said. “The straw that broke the camel’s back was when we were told that if we kept the same event manager we couldn’t have the Battle of the Paddle at Doheny.” Event manager Barrett Tester acknowledged times when he didn’t exhibit the most polite demeanor in responding to issues but said he has since apologized verbally and in writing. “Were there a few issues? Yes. But it was very surprising how far south things went. As much as they complain that we have not addressed their concerns regarding the event, neither have they addressed ours,” Tester said. “The whole thing is upsetting but we want to turn the situation into a positive and have the best event possible in our new,
bigger venue.” State Parks estimates last year’s event brought 18,000 attendees over two days and filled the 1,240-space parking lot. Even with more than 1,270 competitors and 171 exhibitors, Battle organizers said the event is a money maker for the state park but not for Rainbow Sandals. Due to expensive permit fees, and despite registration fees, exhibitor fees and sponsorship, the company estimates having spent nearly $1 million over the last six years. “We don’t do this for the money,” Longley said. “We do it for the community and we’re happy to be keeping it here in Dana Point, the SUP capital of the world.” Pat Huber, marketing director for Rainbow Sandals said the split ultimately amounted to a mutual decision. “Aside from any disagreement, the facts are we need a bigger venue,” he said. “Salt Creek has more available parking and a stadium arena feel, mak-
Page 42
ing for better viewing. The hill and the point add a view from above, rather than just from the beach.” Huber said plans for parking include lots at Salt Creek, Strand Vista Park and Dana Hills High School. Shuttle services to and from the beach will be included. Acknowledging that Salt Creek is generally regarded as a surf break and larger swells can make for very challenging conditions, Huber said the change of venue keeps pace with the increasing skill level of competitors and will bring a welcome challenge, especially the elite racers. “You could see it plainly at last year’s event. We had more people finishing with closer times than the years before. Even the talent among the kids has increased,” Huber said. “We are well aware that conditions can be very challenging at Salt Creek on a big day and are most concerned with running a safe event. We have alternative courses planned for the kids and open divisions, in the event the swell is too big.” The 2014 event is scheduled for Oct. 4 thru 5. DP
SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59-61 degrees F Visibility/Conditions: 6-10’+ , Poor-Fair Immediate: Small west-northwest swell continues. Better breaks run ankle-knee-thigh high (1-2’+), with some better sets for standout winter focal points to waist high (3’). Conditions are semi clean with light east-southeast to southeast flow in the morning, giving way to a light+ southwest to west sea-breeze in the afternoon. Size may increase slightly with less favorable conditions as a low passes by the region bringing moderate+ onshore flow. Long Range Outlook: Slow through the weekend, as old west-northwest swell mix fades out and some new west-northwest swell joins in. Winds look favorable for the mornings, with moderate afternoon onshore flow due. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!
www.danapointtimes.com