March 14, 2014 by Dana Point Times

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, SPORTS, EVENTS AND MORE M A R C H 1 4 -2 0 , 2 0 1 4

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VOLUME 7, ISSUE 11

Competition, Camaraderie Key to Recovery Wounded Warrior Trials strengthen, heal servicemen and women E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

The Wounded Warrior Battalion East seated volleyball team joins hands Tuesday night before their match against Colombia. More than 350 veterans and active duty servicemen and women from across the globe competed at Camp Pendleton over the last week. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

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USS Coronado Makes Surprise Visit to Dana Point Coastline

High-flying Shows Fill Harbor with Classic Music, Theatre

Dana Hills Graduate Charged in Shooting Deaths of SJC Couple

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

D a n a Po i nt

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, MARCH 15

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Fresh produce, flowers and more are available at this weekly La Plaza Park market, Photo by Andrea Papagianis 34111 La Plaza. Visit www.danapoint.org or call 949.573.5033 to find out about renting a booth.

History Tour 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m. The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, hosts a two-hour, walking tour exploring the history of the area. To register, call 949.248.3527.

the library at 949.496.5517 for more information. City Council Meeting 6 p.m. The city’s five-member governing body meets at City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern. Stay with www.danapointtimes.com for a look at the night’s discussions. Dana Harbor Toastmasters Meeting 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Participants can practice public speaking skills in a friendly environment each Tuesday at the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road. Go to http://1707.toastmastersclubs.org for more.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18 Preschool and Toddler Story Times 10:15 a.m., 11 a.m. Dana Point children’s librarian Ericka Reeb hosts two story times each Tuesday for preschoolers, toddlers and their caretakers. Call

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With... 1

…the San Juan Murders?

THE LATEST: The 19-year-old son of a divorced couple found shot to death in their home in an upscale San Juan Capistrano neighborhood has been charged with killing his parents, authorities announced Friday, March 7. Ashton Colby Sachs was taken into custody in San Diego County on March 6, nearly a month after his parents, Bradford Hans Sachs, 57, and Andra Resa Sachs, 54, were found dead in their home, at 32271 Peppertree Bend. The couple’s 8-year-old son was also shot and critically injured in the incident, suffering paralysis. Two teenage daughters were inside the residence at the time but were unharmed. The DA’s Office’s release indicated that Ashton Sachs also shot at and attempted to murder one of the sisters but missed. The Sachs had five children, including another son. WHAT’S NEXT: Ashton Sachs is believed to be the only suspect in the case, according to homicide investigator Justin Montano. He had been attending college in the Seattle area since the fall of 2013. He graduated from Dana Hills High School in 2012. Orange County Sheriff’s Department investigators have yet to determine a motive in the killings but recently recovered a weapon they believe was used in the double homicide. He is currently being held without bail at Central Men’s Jail. FIND OUT MORE: Stay with the Dana Point Times for updates.—Brian Park

…the SCHS Lockdown?

THE LATEST: While last week’s lockdown at San Clemente High School was lifted without Dana Point Times March 14-20, 2014

incident and nothing suspicious was found, officials and school administrators are still dealing with the aftermath. A bomb threat was discovered by the school’s resource officer Friday, March 7 on the anonymous mobile-social networking application, Yik Yak, said Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Lt. Jeff Hallock. Officials initially deemed the threat “credible.” The school was placed on lockdown and students were not allowed to leave their classrooms. The OCSD Hazardous Device Squad searched the campus and found nothing out of the ordinary. The lockdown was lifted at 1 p.m., four hours after the threat was discovered on Yik Yak, which has caused similar disturbances across the nation. The app allows users to send comments anonymously and location services bring comments to a user’s feeds from others nearby. According to Yikyakapp.com, the only information asked for is the commenter’s location. “No profile, no password, it’s all anonymous,” the website says. The site goes on to say, “Anonymity is powerful, for better or for worse.” The originators of the threats have not been identified, Hallock said. WHAT’S NEXT: The app has since been shut down on campus, said SCHS principal Michael Halt. FIND OUT MORE: Track breaking news on Twitter @DanaPointTimes.—Jim Shilander

…the Assembly Race?

THE LATEST: With the filing deadline passed, the race to fill Assemblywoman Diane Harkey’s 73rd District seat is shaping up as four Republicans and one Democrat met the March 7 cutoff. The Republican candidates are Dana Point

City Councilman Bill Brough, Capistrano Unified School District Trustee Anna Bryson, former Laguna Niguel Mayor Paul Glabb and Rancho Santa Margarita Councilman Jesse Petrilla. College professor and public-interest lawyer Wendy Gabriella is the race’s only Democrat. The 73rd District represents Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and four other cities in south Orange County, along with the unincorporated areas of Ladera Ranch and Coto de Caza. WHAT’S NEXT: Harkey is termed out of her seat. She is running for the state Board of Equalization’s 4th District, a seat currently held by Michelle Steel, who will also term out of office. Statewide primary elections are Tuesday, June 3. The two top-vote earning candidates in the 73rd District will advance to the Nov. 4 general election. All registered voters are permitted to vote in the primary election for any candidate regardless of their political affiliation. FIND OUT MORE: Register to vote at www.sos.ca.gov or www.ocvotes.com/registration.—Andrea Papagianis

…False Killer Whales?

THE LATEST: Whale watchers and a fifthgrade class visiting from Irvine had a chance encounter Wednesday as a pod of false killer whales made an appearance of Dana Point’s coast. These typically warmer water cetaceans have been seen in these parts before, but their sightings are rare, said Mike Bursk, a captain with the Ocean Institute. Bursk, a 15-year Ocean Institute employee, missed a similar sighting five years back. This was his first spotting of the creatures. At first sight, Bursk identified the pod as pilot whales, but with confirmation from other watching vessels they were recog-

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nized as false killer whales. The mammals are in the dolphin and whale family, and despite their color difference are often mistaken as killer whales, said Capt. Dave Anderson, of Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari. “They are truly a unique cetacean,” Anderson said of the large, gray ocean mammals. “They are gregarious and curious … but seem to be more vocal than killer whales.” WHAT’S NEXT: The false killer whales splashed about the water and swam up to nearby vessels, Anderson and Bursk confirmed. Anderson said this was only the third time he’s encountered the whales, often seen in warmer Hawaiian waters. FIND OUT MORE: Check out photos on www.danapointtimes.com.—AP

…the La Pata Gap?

THE LATEST: There is no definitive groundbreaking date for the La Pata extension project to connect San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, but county officials said Tuesday it should begin this spring. Officials from Orange County Public Works and other agencies met with members of the public at San Juan Hills High School to present information on the project and answer questions. The project will be done in three phases. The first will close the 2.27 miles between San Clemente’s Avenida La Pata, near Calle Saluda, to La Pata Avenue near the Prima Deshecha landfill in San Juan. WHAT’S NEXT: Another open house will be held Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the upper campus at San Clemente High School, 700 Avenida Pico. FIND OUT MORE: Follow updates on www.danapointtimes.com.—JS www.danapointtimes.com

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Competition, Camaraderie the Keys to Recovery Marine trials and games provide Wounded Warriors with new opportunities, healing By Jim Shilander Dana Point Times

pl. Richard Stalder’s life changed before he ever deployed. As he prepared to move out with his unit, Stalder received the same predeployment immunizations as his fellow U.S. Marines. But his body did not react well and he was unable to deploy. “I was in a combat battalion and not being able to deploy and watching my brothers leave without me put me in a big dark place for a long time,” Stadler said. The young Marine retired in 2012. Now at 23, Stalder still suffers from full body tremors, unstable gait and fainting episodes. Because of his physical instabilities, he relies on a cane for walking and often uses a wheelchair—a vehicle Stalder now employs on his road to recovery. While stationed at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Stalder became involved with the Wounded Warrior Regiment. The regiment provides non-medical care and strategic planning for Marines and sailors attached to or who served in support of Marine units that are ill, wounded or injured. Servicemen and women who are being treated for wounds received in battle, injuries incurred while training or who are suffering from mental scars related to their time in combat all fall under the regiment’s scope. Also, Marines who are fighting terminal or other illnesses receive care. The regiment doesn’t differentiate between causes, it simply exists to support Marines, keep them in the military for as long as possible and help them transition back into civilian life, among other services. There are two battalions of the regiment, with the western division being housed at Camp Pendleton. For Stalder, the regiment introduced him to a new way of life and gave him something to be proud of. Over the last week, he joined more than 350 wounded, ill and injured active duty and veteran Marines, as well as military counterparts from nine allied nations, to compete in the fourth Marine Corps Trials at Camp Pendleton. The trials are the first step for many Marines to compete in the Warrior Games, a worldwide, Paralympic-style event held in Colorado Springs, Colo., at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Here, Marines and veterans under the Wounded Warrior regimental scope have the opportunity to train for events including wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball, track and field, shooting, recumbent cycling and swimming. Regimental commander Col. Willard Buhl said the importance of these events goes well beyond Camp Pendleton, the Dana Point Times March 14–20, 2014

Competitors from the United States and Colombia share a laugh before a seated volleyball game Tuesday night. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

participants and their families. “This is important to the Marine Corps, and this is important to the world,” Buhl said. “This is about recognizing the sacrifices of the heroes of the 9/11 generation and keeping them in the public’s mind and hearts. Each and every one of these men and women are healing right now, and so are the caregivers, the volunteers and the leaders who are enabling them to heal.” The events provide an opportunity for Marines to get out of their barracks and military hospitals, to feel special and a part of something larger than themselves. It gives them the chance to return to the military brotherhood and sisterhood they’ve known, and it reestablishes some of that camaraderie they may have lost, Buhl said. “Most of the Marines in the Wounded Warrior Regiment are on their way back to society,” Buhl said. “This regiment generally starts our Marines on a positive path to a healthy life in the years ahead.” For Stalder this rings true. “I was told I needed to come down here and try some of this out,” Stalder said of joining the regiment and training for the games. “I did, and I haven’t been in a dark place … in a long time. I have brothers here now. I have something to look forward to. I have something I’m actually good at.” Stalder, who got the nickname “Shaky Jake” due to his tremors, said the competitions also provide him with a welcome respite from the stares and questions he sometimes gets on the outside, in his civilian life. “Nobody looks at me funny here. When

I go out to a restaurant and I’m in my wheelchair or I’m hobbling with my cane, they look at me funny, they wonder what’s wrong,” Stalder said. “Here, I don’t have to worry about that. It’s a good feeling.” Inspiring Across the World Veteran Artem Luzukin lost both legs above the knee after stepping on an improvised explosive device on June 22, 2011, in Afghanistan. But he hasn’t let his injuries hold him back. Months after the incident, Luzukin began training in seated volleyball and wheelchair basketball. “It helped me cope and put my anger and frustration toward a different direction,” Luzukin said. While he competed in past years, this year Luzukin focused on his training and improving his skills. Even without contending in this round of trials, Luzukin sees the significance his involvement in the contests and training camps plays in his physical and mental states of recovery. “I honestly didn’t realize just how important this program was until I actually got to the trials,” Luzukin said. “It’s an epic program. There’s allies from different countries. I’m talking to other guys and hanging out with them. A lot of guys came to seriously compete and win, but a lot came for the camaraderie.” Luzukin said the events help him reconnect with others going through the same situation. “When you retire, you go back home … you’re isolated,” he explained. “It kind of keeps you back in the loop with everyone

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Lance Cpl. Kendall Bane (left) and retired Lance Cpl. Mark Seifert compete in the airsoft rifle contest Monday. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

and keeps you occupied. These people will help you … and you can keep yourself busy throughout the year.” At last year’s trials, Luzukin had the chance to meet the United Kingdom’s Prince Harry. That royal visit to Colorado inspired Harry to create a similar style event in Britain, known as the Invictus Games. The announcement came last week where, according to the Associated Press, Harry joked the event was “such a good idea by the Americans that it had to be stolen.” The games are set for London’s www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP Olympic Park this fall. A number of British Royal Marines were among members of the armed forces Allies competing at Pendleton this year, which also included contingents from Georgia, Colombia, the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, Germany, Australia and Canada. A Crucial Step Jenae Piper, an active duty member of Battalion West, came to the unit last year just as the trials began. She was unable to compete. This year, she medaled in shooting and cycling. Piper also competed in seated volleyball. “Everyone was talking about it, and I was like ‘What is all this?’ I want to do something,” Piper said. “I felt like an outsider last year because I was so new and everyone had their own groups and their own teams. Being a part of it makes a huge difference, mental more than physical for me.” Having not fired a weapon in the Marine Corps since 2010, Piper said she was pleased with her performance and with her gold and silver medal wins in the airsoft pistol and rifle contests. Being her first year of competition, Piper said there is plenty of room for improvement. For many, the trials and Wounded Warrior Games simply serve in their recovery process, to strengthen their physical

abilities, build confidence and reestablish military relationships. For others, the games serve as a stepping stone for high competitions—mainly the Olympic counterpart, Paralympic Games that take place just behind the summer and winter contests every four years. While most don’t make it that far, the competitive nature of most Marines should never be underestimated, said Lt. Col Dan Huvane, who serves as a public liaison for the Wounded Warrior Regiment. “It’s no easy thing,” Huvane said. “It’s a long road with a number of different steps to become Paralympians, but for a few at least, that’s something they can do. Marines have a competitive instinct.” For most, however, it’s about providing a spark that keeps them going through their recovery. “Many have called it a crucial step in their recovery,” Huvane added. Buhl said the effort is remarkably important. And the games are a modest symbol of our nation’s overall responsibility to these men and women who volunteer for service. “We as a nation have to understand that whenever we send our young men and women to war of any kind, or often just into harm’s way, they’re not going to come back the same,” Buhl said. “They’re volunteers, but we have a responsibility to them as a nation to care for them … We owe them for the rest of their lives.” DP

Clockwise from top: Wheelchair basketball teammates get advice from their coach. Cpl. Richard Stalder (right) and Lance Weir (center) take the podium Monday. Janae Piper is awarded with a gold medal in the Wound Warrior air-rifle contest. Photos by Andrea Papagianis

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NEWS BITES

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO SONGS Community Panel Holds First Meeting in San Clemente To address community questions surrounding the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station’s retiring process, plant majority owners have established a community engagement panel made up of elected officials from nearby cities and counties, military personnel, environmentalists and other stakeholders. The group’s first meeting will be held Tuesday, March 25, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville. Lisa Bartlett, Tim Brown and Sam Allevato, the mayors of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, respectively, were named to the panel in February. They are joined by Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees President John Alpay and Orange County Supervisor Pat Bates. Southern California Edison, the plant’s majority owner, announced the shutdown of SONGS in June 2013 in light of doubt surrounding the fate of the nuclear plant since its two steam generators, Units 2 and 3, were taken offline in January 2012, after a small radiation leak was detected in the latter unit. Visit www.songscommunity.com to find out more information.

Town Center Lantern District Focus of Upcoming Coffee Chat A drive down Pacific Coast Highway shows physical signs of change coming to

Dana Point’s downtown. As construction crews replace sidewalks, add medians and bus pullouts and upgrade gutters and traffic signals, the one-way PCH inches toward becoming a two-way roadway. Overall improvements are anticipated to last through October. It’s all part of the city’s Town Center Lantern District improvements slated to make Dana Point more pedestrian-friendly and to encourage growth in the downtown area. Brad Fowler, the city’s director of public works, will be the Dana Point Civic Association’s guest at the community forum-style chat Friday, March 21. Fowler will give a construction update and answer questions. The Civic Association hosts Coffee Chat on the third Friday of each month. Chats begin at 8:30 a.m. at Coffee Importers, 34531 Golden Lantern at the Dana Point Harbor. Guest speakers and discussion topics vary to include issues and items of interest to Dana Point residents. The event is always free, open to the public and complimentary coffee is served.

Marking the Day of the Trees The San Clemente Tree Foundation presents an Arbor Day event for families Saturday, March 15 at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will include children’s story time, crafts, as well as presentations by Dr. Voyteck Zakrzewski of the Ontario Provincial Ministry of Natural Resources in Canada and by Jodie Cook, director of gardens at

Bartlett to celebrate Dana Point’s 25-year cityhood and touch on the future of economic and business development within the community. Additionally, the chamber will honor community members and businesses owners who have done their part to improve the town. Nominees are now being accepted for the annual “Beautification Awards.” The St. Regis is located at 1 Monarch Beach Resort. For more information about the event, contact the chamber at 949.496.1555 .

Job Fair Seeks Senior Caregivers

Dana Point Mayor Lisa Bartlett readies to taste entries in the annual clam chowder cook-off at the Festival of Whales Saturday. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Casa Romantica. The first 100 visitors will receive a 15-gallon tree.

Mayor Bartlett to Give State of the City Address April 29 Dana Point Mayor Lisa Bartlett will deliver the annual State of the City Address during a lunch event hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, April 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa. Tickets are available for $75 for nonchamber members and $60 for members. Sponsorship opportunities for businesses are available starting at $250. The event will feature an address by

Seniors looking for work can learn about part-time caregiving opportunities on Monday, March 17 at the Seniors Helping Seniors job fair in Laguna Woods. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clubhouse Six, located at 5365 Algarrobo. Seniors Helping Seniors provides in-home care, housekeeping, personal care, transportation and over-night supervision and more. The company recently expanded into Orange County and is seeking senior workers to join their team providing care for the area’s elderly population. For more information, contact Sue Erskine at sue@homecarebyseniors.com or 800.481.2488. Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. Forward a picture along, too! We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Candy Drug Smuggling Attempt Stymied

U.S. Border Patrol agents recover more than $160,000 in candied drugs DP Sheriff’s T Blotter SPONSORED BY

Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com

Where’s the Blotter? Updates to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Blotter for the city of Dana Point were unavailable as of press time. We expect the Blotter to return next week. Dana Point Times March 14–20, 2014

wo men were arrested March 5 at the Interstate 5 checkpoint outside San Clemente for attempting to smuggle drug-laced candy products, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release. Authorities believe the candies were meant for children. At approximately 1 a.m., the men arrived at the checkpoint driving a 2012 Chrysler sedan, the release said. Agents referred the driver to a secondary inspection. Both men are U.S. citizens and said they had medical marijuana in a prescription bottle inside the vehicle. However, when agents searched the vehicle they discovered three sealed boxes containing candies laced with tetrahydrocannabinol—or THC—the chief intoxicant in marijuana. Agents also discovered 15 marijuana

e-cigarette cartridges, three marijuana cigars and 12.68 pounds of bulk marijuana inside the vehicle, according to the release. A second search that day resulted in another arrest. At about 4 p.m., agents encountered a 24-year-old U.S. citizen driving a 1999 Volkswagen Golf. A canine sniff raised an alert, as did the man’s difficulty answering questions, the release said. California National Guard members performed an inspection, which revealed anomalies in the vehicle. Upon inspection of the vehicle, agents discovered eight wrapped bundles, six of which tested positive for methamphetamine. The other two tested positive for cocaine. All three men were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered lollipops and hard candy laced with THC on March 5 at the Interstate 5 checkpoint near San Clemente. Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection

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EYE ON DP

USS Coronado Makes Visit to Dana Point Coastline

Shooting Suspect Charged with 10 Felony Counts

Navy’s newest, most advanced vessel under the command of Dana Point native

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

day before one of the U.S. Navy’s newest advanced warships was welcomed to its home port of San Diego, whale watchers, commercial fishers and private boaters, as well as spectators on land, caught a rare glimpse of the USS Coronado near Dana Point. The vessel arrived in San Diego on Monday, March 10, but passed by south Orange County a day prior. A reason for the visit has not yet been confirmed, but one of the vessel’s two commanders has local ties. Cmdr. John Kochendorfer, a Dana Point native, and his crew brought the 419-foot, fast-maneuvering combat ship home this week, just over a month after sailing from Mayport Naval Station in northeastern Florida. The ship has a draft of 14.4 feet. Draft is measured from the waterline to the ships lowest point. The advanced vessel—known as a littoral combat ship—is designed for near-shore operations to combat submarine, mine and surface warfare. The USS Coronado was built in Mobile, Ala. Along its journey, where crews checked equipment and systems, and completed certification training, the USS Coronado visited ports at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Colombia, Panama and Mexico. “I couldn’t be more proud of my crew as they’ve conquered every obstacle in their way and thrived,” Cmdr. Kochendorfer said in a Navy press release. “From day one when we departed Mobile, the crew has performed superbly and sailed

Cmdr. John Kochendorfer, a Dana Point native, stops for a picture March 10 as one of the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced vessels, the USS Coronado, arrived in its home port of San Diego. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy, by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward

Coronado with expert seamanship. They’ve proven that they can accomplish anything.” An LCS is outfitted with two rotation crews of 40 sailors and can hold up to 35 mission crew members. A formal commissioning ceremony is scheduled Saturday, April 5 at the Naval Air Station on the ship’s namesake Coronado Island. The vessel is the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Coronado. To request a ticket to the upcoming commissioning event, visit www.coronadocommissioning.net. DP

The USS Coronado made an appearance near Dana Point Sunday. The littoral combat ship, designed for coastline warfare operations, is under two commands, one of which is headed by Dana Point native, Cmdr. John Kochendorfer. Photo by Shannon O’Neill

Dana Point Times March 14–20, 2014

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Man accused of shooting Dana Point resident, leading authorities on chase rosecutors filed 10 felony charges Tuesday against a suspect accused of attacking a Dana Point man with a crossbow, fire extinguisher and gun before leading multiple agencies on a more than five hour manhunt near the San Onofre nuclear plant this weekend, officials confirmed. Julian St. John, 49, from Orange is being held in Santa Ana on a $2 million bail, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors filed charges for attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and evading officers while driving recklessly, among others. St. John is accused of being involved in a Sunday morning incident that left one man injured and sent Orange and San Diego County deputies, U.S. Border Patrol Agents and U.S. Marine Corps officials on a manhunt near the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. The ordeal began around 10 a.m. Sunday after deputies responded to a shooting in a Monarch Beach neighborhood. According to the DA, St. John entered the victim’s home and shot a loaded crossbow at the resident’s head. St. John is then accused of hitting the victim’s head with a fire extinguisher multiple times before chasing him into the backyard. Prosecutors have accused St. John of pulling out a firearm and shooting the victim in the hand. The victim then ran into a bathroom and locked himself inside. St. John is accused of firing a shot into the bathroom. Deputies responded to a home in the 35000 block of Crete Road and discovered a man with non-life threatening wounds, said Lt. Jeff Hallock, an Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesman. Paramedics arrived on scene minutes later and treated a 56-year-old man who was shot in the hand and suffered lacerations to his head, said Orange County Fire Authority spokesman Capt. Steve Concialdi. He was transported to an area hospital

Julian St. John, 49, of Orange was arrested in connection with a Sunday shooting in Dana Point. Photo courtesy of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department

and is expected to survive. The victim was alert and talking to authorities on scene. An investigation immediately ensued and with the victim’s help authorities identified St. John as the suspect. Hallock said a preliminary investigation revealed the two men knew each other. The suspect fled the scene in the victim’s Mercedes Benz SUV, authorities said. Deputies located the vehicle near San Clemente and attempted to pull the driver over. A failed stop resulted in a southbound pursuit on Interstate 5 with the suspect traveling at a high rate of speed. The chase ended off of Baslione Road near the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. St. John is accused of driving through a security gate and fleeing on foot. Authorities recovered the stolen SUV and a weapon inside believed to be involved in the shooting, Hallock said. A multi-agency search followed with authorities calling off the active search around 5:30 p.m. St. John was apprehended hours later, at about 2:30 a.m. Monday, by California State Parks rangers. St. John’s arraignment was set for Wednesday morning. If convicted, St. John faces a maximum sentence of 52 years to life in state prison. DP —Andrea Papagianis

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 7, Issue 11. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park

> Lisa Cosenza (San Clemente) > Michele Reddick (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Catherine Manso, Madison May, Tawnee Prazak, Jenna Ross, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent

Letters to the Editor REINTRODUCING OUR CHILDREN TO HUMANITY, HUMILITY ANN WORTHINGTON, Dana Point

It was wonderful to read about Dana Hills High School’s recent “What If” Week. Not only was it timely in light of the recent Yik Yak incidents, but also important from a human relations standpoint. In a world that seems destined to be filled with cyber bullying and cruelty, it’s imperative that our children also experience positive, supportive and meaningful interaction. As parents, none of us are “alone” in our struggles, and we certainly don’t want our children to feel alone either. Thank you Dana Hills for bringing humanity back to school.

KIDS PARTAKING IN GRUNION RUN BRINGS PURE JOY JIM AND CAROLE WELING, Capistrano Beach

The short article in the Dana Point Times dated March 7-13, 2014 entitled “Runnin’ in the Grunion” was pure joy. How wonderful to see those children participating in their very own kids’ 1K. We do not know who had this great idea but it is one of the best. We extend our many thanks.

Anonymous notes scribbled on brightly colored Post-its lined the halls of Dana Hills High School during the student led “What If” Week initiative are accompanied by responses letting students know that they are not alone. Courtesy photo

DO WE NEED ANOTHER HOTEL? SURE, WHY NOT? ALEC GRIFFITH, Dana Point

In response to Steven Moss’ letter (“Do Our Dana Point Officials Get It,” Dana Point Times, March 7-13, Vol. 7, Issue 10), once again, the vocal minority seeks to impede a good project by raising bogus

issues and talking trash about Mayor Lisa Bartlett. Our mayor is terrific and this kind of slimy innuendo reveals a basic ignorance by the writer. By the way, what ever happened to the concept of American property rights that allow a property owner to exercise the right to responsibly use the parcel they have invested in? I guarantee you that Mr.

Moss would be the first one to start howling if anyone tried to tell him he wasn’t allowed to use his property as he desired. Do we need another hotel? Why not? An attractive hotel at the gateway to Dana Point—instead of the seedy urban blight that exists there now—is a great idea that the vast silent majority in Dana Point would happily support. Instead of asking “do we need another hotel,” I would ask Moss why he thinks we need to have another fast food joint and a trash strewn corner for transients to loiter at, because that is what currently greets residents and visitors at the southern entrance to Dana Point. Thank you Mayor Bartlett and keep doing the excellent job you do.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES

‘THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL’ IS THE GRANDEST OF ALL One of the most aesthetically recognizable filmmakers of our time has his own niche of frequent collaborators, colorful set decorations and retro soundtracks. Wes Anderson’s newest feature, titled The Grand Budapest Hotel, is also his grandest, most extravagant, artistic and star-studded film to date. For those wondering where they can find 2014’s first masterpiece, look no further. In 1932, in the fictional Eastern European country of Zubrowka, a teenager named Zero (Tony Revolori) becomes the new lobby boy of the Grand Budapest Hotel and sees firsthand how concierge M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) runs the place. After a month into the job, Zero and his boss are dragged into the investigation of the mysterious death of Gustave’s older lover, Madame D. (Tilda Swinton). The two go on the run from her greedy son Dmitri (Adrien Brody) and Dmitri’s hired assassin (Willem Dafoe) when it’s discovered Gustave is left some belongings in the Madame’s will. Saoirse Ronan, Jude Law, Edward Norton, Léa Seydoux, Jeff Golblum and Anderson regulars Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson appear throughout. The Grand Budapest Hotel is a film that is surprisingly charming and clever yet adult oriented in its art and narrative. The film shows a director who is completely at home in his craft for his fans to enjoy but also manages to attract other viewers. Though the cast may seem too crowded, Fiennes and Revolori shine brightest in this grand affair. —Megan Bianco

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

D a n a Po i nt

THE LIST A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

friday

JOHN TROY AND WINE TASTING 6 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Live classic rock during wine tasting at DaVine Food & Wine. Get a flight of five wines for $20. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

DEREK BORDEAUX BAND 7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Live Motown and R&B covers at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com. MIKE SCARPELLO 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

saturday

LEPRECHAUN HUNT 9 a.m.–11 a.m. St. Patrick’s Day event at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy with activities, history and more. Admission $5-$10. Call for info. 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT OC ZOO 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the animals of the Orange County Zoo, with crafts and more. Admission $2, ages 2 and under free. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847, www.ocparks.com/zoo. 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 (3 to 12), under 2 free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com. BACKYARD SKILLS WORKSHOP: FRUIT TREE CARE 1 p.m.–3 p.m. The Ecology Center hosts a workshop on the basics of fruit tree care and how to design the backyard orchard of your dreams. Tickets $10-$20. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org. Dana Point Times March 14–20, 2014

LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT: TRIO DINICU 7 p.m.–9 p.m. Music by the gypsy jazz trio as part of the ongoing concert series at the Dana Point Community House. Tickets $30. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

sunday

PYRATE ADVENTURE SAIL 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. The Ocean Institute offers a tall ship adventure onboard its schooner Spirit of Dana Point. Cost $23-$40. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m.–7 p.m. Cruise the Dana Point Harbor and enjoy wine aboard a luxury catamaran with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Tickets $49. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

monday

ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 8 a.m.–close. Special event at Swallow’s Inn with food and drink specials all day, plus DJ Patrick. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

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

HART & SOUL 6:30 p.m.– 9 p.m. Live music at Montego Restaurant and Bar. 27211 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.2723, www.montegorestaurant.com.

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

wednesday

Page 13

CASA KIDS STORY TIME 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Stories for kids at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens every

Wednesday. Free admission. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org. FIESTA GRANDE 6:30 p.m. Fiesta Association’s annual event at Swallow’s Inn featuring an array of contests including Best Mustache, Best Beard, Hairiest Man/Smooth Puss, Best Dressed Western Man/Women and more. Cost $5 per entry. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, www.swallowsparade.com.

thursday

GARDEN ANGELS 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Volunteers meet every Thursday in front of the Montanez Adobe at San Juan Capistrano’s Los Rios Park to help maintain the garden and more. Bring gloves and wear close-toed shoes. 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

DANA POINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MIXER 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Take the opportunity to network and discuss business with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and drinks at The Surfin’ Cowboy. $12 for members and $20 for non-members. 34235 Doheny Park Road, Dana Point, 949.496.1555, www.danapointchamber.com.

UPCOMING: FRIDAY, MARCH 21

Members of the Dana Hills High School culinary class prep for service at last year’s Taste of Dana. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

18TH ANNUAL TASTE OF DANA 5:30 p.m.– 9 p.m. Help support a sober, fun graduation night for Dana Hills High School’s class of 2014 with food from more than 20 local restaurants, live music, raffles and more. Tickets are $15. Dana Hills, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, www.tasteofdana.com.

*For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

D a n a Po i nt

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

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

Different Across the Border Single man living in Baja wonders where the women are

sually, single people age 60 plus who contact me about not being able to meet potential mates are women. Men typically find potential mates more easily. And yet, a guy named Tom, living not too far from south Orange County, isn’t meeting women. Tom, a former Dana Point resident, said, “I’m a 66 year-old American living in Baja, Mexico. I have a beautiful beach house right on the water 35 miles south of San Ysidro. I’m semi-retired, have a good life and friends, but where are the ladies who could move across the border and live like kings and queens for less than 1/3 of the cost of living in San Diego? And be safer. Really. “I’ve been here for two years—told I’m attractive—yet don’t meet the right ladies, help,” Tom wrote. Among all of the reasons why finding love after age 60 is difficult, one of the most overlooked is where a person chooses to live. When Tom decided to semi-retire to his beach house, assuming he was single at the time, he likely didn’t think about the lack of potential mates in Baja California, Mexico. While he says it’s safer living in Baja than in San Diego, the perception among most people in Orange County is that getting there, which would be by car, is not safe because you have to drive through Tijuana. Most of my friends won’t chance it. And over the past few years, there have been lots of reports of horror stories that have happened down there. My guess is that most single women who decide to leave California go to Arizona, Florida or another stateside mecca for retirees. Also, there are other areas in Mexico, and other countries, considered much safer, where American expats choose to live. Singles living in remote areas of the Dana Point Times March 14-20, 2014

country, or in small towns, or on oil rigs, are in the same situation. There aren’t many potential mates in those areas, and being attractive has nothing to do with it. I picture Tom sitting on his deck, looking out at ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 the magnificent Pacific By Tom Blake Ocean, enjoying a sunset with margarita in hand, but doing so alone. Not much fun. Perhaps Tom will get a few nibbles from single women from today’s article who might be willing to check out the area if he would host them for a visit. But not many, he’ll likely have to meet them somewhere in between. And since he’s been told he is attractive and has a beautiful beach front home, that might just be enough of an incentive for women to give it a whirl. To meet potential mates, Tom may have to venture north of the Border. Perhaps he should attend one of the monthly Meet and Greet gatherings at Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point deli. Lots of lovely women attend these events. The March event is on Thursday, March 27, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Where one lives can be a huge factor in one’s chances of meeting a potential mate. People planning to relocate at this stage in their lives, who hope to meet a mate, should do research beforehand to ensure they aren’t going to isolate themselves from being able to meet a potential mate. To share your thoughts, email Tom at tompblake@gmail.com. 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

A HIGH-FLYING DANA POINT SYMPHONY SEASON OPENER Orchestra, opera, musical theater and aerial ballet meld aboard the Ocean Institute’s Pilgrim Story by Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

s the scene of this year’s Dana Point Symphony season opener unfolded, the Harbor transformed into a dreamlike world where orchestra, opera and musical theater came together. Aerial ballet artists twisted and flipped from the brig Pilgrims’ masts as the symphony performed, giving audiences throughout the weekend a glimpse into the mind of symphony artistic director Berenika Schmitz. The third season opened with bagpipes and ended with standing applause. The happenings in between were all part of Schmitz’s reimagining of a traditional symphonic orchestra. Down came the concert hall walls and with them any preconceived notions of the classic or traditional. “It is a new frontier for orchestras in the United States,” Schmitz said. “I think this is the way I want go to and hopefully the audience does too.” For Friday night’s opener on the docks of the Dana Point Harbor, the air was clear and crisp with hues of blues, greens and purples lighting up the tall ship and performers from the Los Angeles and San Diego operas, Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles and students from Dana Point’s own South Orange County School of the Arts. “It was such a great performance, and everyone was having fun,” said SOCSA junior Christopher Tusan, who said he enjoyed in the opportunity to work with professional artists from varying backgrounds.

Page 14

The players remained, but the scene changed slightly for Saturday’s matinee as stand-up paddleboard races joined the mix. Kayakers, stand-up paddlers and casual afternoon strollers were treated to a unique performance highlighting the ocean journey of Dana Point’s namesake, Richard Henry Dana, Jr., fused with the theatrics of “Pirates of Penzance.” And as racers rounded their final buoys in the Mongoose Cup at Baby Beach, Richard Wagner’s climactic “Ride of the Valkyries” echoed. The blended scene of sport and symphony may not soon be repeated, but Schmitz said she hopes to continue to grow performances and introduce more people to a re-imagined orchestra. DP

Dana Point Symphony conductor Dean Anderson directs the orchestra during Saturday’s performance on the brig Pilgrim. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

You Better Baleen It Was Fun Dana Point Festival of Whales weekend two brings crowds to Harbor By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

here wasn’t a cloud in the sky as the Dana Point Festival of Whales got underway this weekend. Clear skies and smooth waters brought large crowds down to the Dana Point Harbor for the 43rd annual celebration of the California gray whales’ 10,000-mile roundtrip migration from Alaskan seas to Mexican lagoons—and their often sightings here in Dana Point. From carnivals, concerts, stand-up paddleboard clinics and symphony performances to car shows and a clam chowder cook-off, the event drew people from nearby, and afar, for the last two days of the yearly educational and just plain fun festivities. To see more photos of the festival, visit www.danapointtimes.com. DP

Clockwise from top: Hudson Dunlop, 7, of Mission Viejo, checks out his reflection in a hub cap Sunday. Photo by Andrea Swayne Dana Hills High School students David Peel (left) and Nick Savage display their work along professional artists at Art in the Park. Photo by Madison May Fish for Life founder Jim Holden (third from right) is joined by volunteers at his organization’s annual clam chowder cook-off. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

(Above) Ricky Bautista, 15, of Long Beach enjoys the Festival of Whales in Kung Fu Panda style. Photo by Andrea Papagianis (Below) Ian, 7, and Audrey, 9, have fun in the Rotary Club’s Diamond Dig. Photo by Jenna Ross

Dana Point Times March 14–20, 2014

Page 15

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com

GARAGE SALES HUGE RUMMAGE SALE! Something for Everyone! 3/15. NCL Monarch Chapter@Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. 33501 Stonehill, Dana Point 8:30AM – 2PM. Proceeds benefit local charities

OBITUARY

David “Dave” Greene David “Dave” Greene, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. He was born to Lawrence “Jack” Greene and Bernice Sison on June 6, 1922 in Los Angeles. After Dave graduated from Los Angeles High School he launched a career in real estate finance. Later he started his own business, the Greene Mortgage Company, serving central and southern Orange County. Shortly after WWII, he met and married his “soulmate” Joyce, with whom he raised a family in Santa Ana. He and his beloved wife Joyce greatly enjoyed deep-sea fishing and for years were members of the “Thursday Regulars” on the Clemente out of Dana Point Harbor. Dave loved to keep the passengers and crew entertained with his zany behavior. One day, while showing off a family heirloom, a man’s one-carat diamond ring, he hooked a small barracuda, also known as “slime” for its slippery skin. While releasing the undersized fish back into the Pacific, he also “released” his diamond ring over the side. Dave’s other true love, after Joyce, was traveling. He was seldom home from one vacation before planning his next adventure. Later years were spent traveling the seas on family cruise vacations and lounging in his dream home in Three Arch Bay. Dave is survived by his brother-in-law John Taylor, daughter Lucy Greene, son Jonathan Greene and daughter-in-law Gail Greene, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He will be missed and always known as someone who “did it my way.”

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING

DERMATOLOGY

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Nona Associates-Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 949.496.2275 Organics Out Back 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com www.organicsoutback.com

ART INSTALLATION

PRO ART INSTALLATIONS Erik Van Leight, 212 Avenida Victoria, Erikvl81@gmail.com

310.597.9991

AUTO REPAIR Dana Point Auto 949.496.1086 34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, Dana Point, Ca 92629

CAFE - DELI Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING Mills Construction 949.212.7699 Dana Point, www.millsbuilds.com: CA # 973483

PSYCHOTHERAPY

LANDSCAPING

Vorteil Dermatology and 949.276.2600 Aesthetic Science 33971 Selva Road, Ste. 200, www.vorteildermatology.com

949.354.2258

ELECTRICAL

949.488.2648 Organics Out Back 949.354.2258 Corinne Rupert PhD, PsyD, MFT 33971 Selva Rd. Ste. 125, 449 Avenida Crespi, www.organicsoutback.com www.danapointpsychotherapy.com

LOCKSMITH

Dana Point Lock & Security www.danapointlock.com

949.496.6916

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

PSYCHIATRY Dr. Robert Dobrin, M.D. 949-707-4757 Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatry/Behavioral Pediatrics 33971 Selva Rd. Ste, 125

Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL delta G electrical 949.360.9282 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com Dream Team Properties 949.481.1788 CA #657214, www.deltagelectrical.com Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 Mike Rosenberg, Broker 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Capistrano Beach, www.FindMyOCHome.com IMAGES/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 117 Del Gado Road, www.imgs.com

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

INSURANCE SERVICES Patricia Powers 949.496.1900 24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, pat.powers@cox.net State Farm/Ted Bowersox 949.661.3200 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204 www.tedbowersox.com Statefarm/Elaine LaVine 949.240.8944 34080 Golden Lantern, www.elainelavine.net

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

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

UPHOLSTERY 949.496.3315 Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

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

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

949.444.6323

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” Call Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS

OUTDOOR SPOTLIGHT

ROTARY CLUB HOLD CHARITY GOLF TOURNEY AT MONARCH BEACH

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

D a n a Po i nt

The view from the tee box on the No. 3 fourth hole at Monarch Beach Golf Links. Photo by Steve Breazeale

On March 31, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club will host their 22nd annual charity golf tournament at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point. The event will benefit several local charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, the Dana Hills High School football 12th Man Club and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. The day will kick off with a putting contest and lunch, followed by a 12:45 p.m. shotgun start. Contestants play-

ing in the scramble format will wrap up the day with awards and dinner. Prizes that will be given away throughout the day on several of the course’s par-3 holes include $5,000 cash, a seven day Royal Caribbean cruise, a set of Callaway Golf irons and two round trip tickets to anywhere in the continental United States. For more information on the tournament, email the Rotary Club at golf@ monarchbeachrotary.com. —Dana Point Times

Mongoose Cup, World of SUP Knows No Limits Series of clinics and races brings the sport of standup paddleboarding to all By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

s the Mickey Muñoz Mongoose Cup’s fi fth installment began Saturday morning, one thing became clear: The sport of stand-up paddleboarding knows no boundaries. Competitors lined the sand: boards in one hand paddles in the other. The excitement built. With one loud buzz they were off, crashing into the quiet, calm waters off Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor. A wave of teammates rushed to the waterline, each calling out words of encouragement, pushing the paddler toward that top spot. When racers rounded the last of three buoys, action on the beach stirred. Arms waved frantically. Names were yelled. Paddles were raised high above heads in an attempt to get riders’ attention. Dozens of eager competitors waited for that last turn, the final sprint and their turn on the race course.

Dolphin Report

By Steve Breazeale

Follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports for ingame updates, news and more all season long. DOLPHINS BASEBALL IN TOURNAMENT MODE The Dana Hills baseball team is in the midst of a busy tournament schedule, Dana Point Times March 14-20, 2014

The first transition was rocky but by the fourth rider, the teams—made up of competitors of all ages, shapes and sizes—had the hang of things. Relay races Saturday highlighted just how SUP has developed from a waterman’s sport to an all-inclusive activity where all walks of life are represented. Hundreds took part in the day’s events that featured clinics for beginners, contests for all ages and races to benefit our nation’s wounded military men and women. Since starting out five years ago, the Mongoose Cup has grown and advanced right alongside SUP, reaching across financial and physical barriers. This year’s event showcased just how SUP has changed with stand-up paddleboard yoga clinics, adaptive-wheelchair board demonstrations and a few rounds of XSUP, an Orange County-created game that combines SUP with components of lacrosse and soccer. Visit www.danapointtimes.com to see more pictures of the event. DP one that saw them play five games in one week. The Dolphins (3-2) have apparently been up to the task, securing wins over Paramount in the Edison Tournament and wins over Canyon and Pacifica in the Loara Tournament, which is still ongoing. The Dolphins were set to play Santa Margarita on March 13. Results were not available at press time. Senior pitcher Louis Raymond has been sharp in the early going and holds a 1.50 ERA in 14 innings pitched to go along with a 2-0 record. He pitched a complete game shutout against Paramount on March 4.

A rider tests out an adaptive stand-up paddleboard Saturday. Photo by Madison May

The first wave of relay competitors hit the water at the Mongoose Skyler Math, 10, of San Clemente readies for Cup. Photo by Andrea Papagianis her relay race. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

BOYS TENNIS TOPPLES EDISON The Dana Hills boys tennis team evened their record on the season with a close 10-8 win over Edison on March 12. The Dolphins doubles groups won six of nine matches and senior Chase Masciorini swept his singles matches to secure the win.

Dana Hills pitcher Louis Raymond is 2-0 to start the season. Photo by Steve Breazeale

Page 17

DOLPHINS SOFTBALL RALLIES LATE FOR WIN OVER HAWKS The Dana Hills softball team scored five runs over the final four frames to earn a come from behind nonleague win over Laguna Hills on March 12. Senior Olivia Baltazar went 3-4 with one RBI and three runs scored. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK RILEY NATTRASS

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Age: 12, Bernice Ayer Middle School Riley Nattrass is a member of the Bernice Ayer Middle School surf team and the No. 7 ranked surfer in Scholastic Surf Series Girls Shortboard competition. Since learning to surf about three years ago, she has come to embrace both longboarding and shortboarding. “My dad always surfed and I thought it looked fun,” Riley said. “I was right. I like it because I get to be in the water with my friends. And it makes me feel excited and happy.” Contest surfing is something she enjoys because of the team camaraderie and the opportunity to test her skills against friends who surf for other schools. Riley is fluent in Spanish, her favorite subject, and an honor roll student. When not doing school work or riding waves, she also enjoys playing softball for her team, The San Clemente Slime, and tumbling class. Even with her busy schedule, Riley manages to surf at least three days a week. She is currently working on bottom turns and off the lips, as well as walking to the nose on her longboard. She is determined to start Riley Nattrass. Courtesy photo noseriding soon. Her favorite breaks are the San Clemente Pier and the Oceanside Harbor North Jetty. Having taken surf trips with her family to Hawaii and Nicaragua, she has fallen in love with travel and hopes to continue to explore the world’s tropical surf destinations. “It’s fun to explore different waves and when the water’s warm you don’t need a wetsuit. That’s my favorite part,” Riley said.—Andrea Swayne

SC Sweeps, Dana Hills Has One Finalist, Third-place Team Two San Clemente school teams, five surfers take NSSA Interscholastic state titles By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

an Clemente middle and high school teams continued their longtime sweeps in team competition and claimed four of six individual titles at the National Scholastic Surfing Association Interscholastic State Championships, March 7-9 at Church Beach. The San Clemente High School team claimed their sixth consecutive title and Shorecliffs Middle School their 10th. In high school individual competition, SCHS’s Conner Dand took top honors in the men’s varsity division. After scoring a 9.07 set wave early, his back-up wave, a 6.0, didn’t happen until late in the heat. Janice Aragon, NSSA executive director, said Dand’s momentum seemed to build after taking third in round one. “In the final he just took his surfing up a notch and put his talented aerial prowess to work,” Aragon said, adding that his home court advantage was apparent. “Last year I won JV so it felt like a really big accomplishment to win varsity because there were so many great surfers in the event,” Dand said. “I was really happy it went my way.”

RESULTS NSSA Interscholastic State Championships, March 7-9, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach Team and local finishers only. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY TEAM: 1. San Clemente 107; 2. Huntington Beach 81; 3. Dana Hills 74; 4. Carlsbad 63; 5. Mira Costa 56; 6. San Dieguito 45; 7. Edison 42; 8. Newport Harbor 35; 9. Marina 14. HS VARSITY MEN: 1. Conner Dand, San Clemente 15.07; 2. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente 13.67; 4. Josh Benjoya, Dana Hills 8.20. HS VARSITY WOMEN: 2. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente 10.57. HS VARSITY LONGBOARD: 2. Andy Nieblas, San Clemente 11.34.

Dana Point Times March 14-20, 2014

Conner Dand from San Clemente High School was crowned NSSA Interscholastic state champion in the men’s varsity division. Photo by Kurt Steinmetz

Gunner Day and Gus Day from Shorecliffs Middle School claimed NSSA state titles in shortboard and longboard, respectively. Courtesy photo

Dana Hills High School took third in team competition and team member Josh Benjoya came in fourth among varsity men. The middle school individual divisions were a complete sweep by San Clemente surfers. Brothers Gunner and Gus Day from Shorecliffs won the Boys Shortboard and Boys Longboard divisions, respectively. The top shortboarder

in the girls division was Alexxa Elseewi from Bernice Ayer Middle School. The excitement wasn’t restricted to surfing on Sunday as Orange County Sheriff’s deputies, park rangers and authorities from Camp Pendleton pursued a shooting suspect who was on the run after a 10 a.m. incident in Dana Point. The suspect led police on a chase through the park that even-

tually led to his apprehension on Monday. Aragon said, despite the manhunt, the contest ran smoothly and on time. “A huge shout-out goes out to the sheriffs, state parks and their staff for keeping a watchful eye on the situation,” Aragon said, “and also to all of the teams, coaches, competitors and spectators for obeying the orders of the authorities.” DP

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs, A 132; 2. Bernice Ayer 57; 3. Shorecliffs, B 55; 4. Sowers, A 51; 5. Marco Forster 43; 6. Dwyer, A 36; 7. Dwyer, B 26; 8. Sowers, B 14. MS BOYS: 1. Gunner Day, Shorecliffs 15.24; 2. Curran Dand, Shorecliffs 14.93; 3. Crosby Colapinto, Bernice Ayer 11.17; 4. Jaric Fink, Bernice Ayer 9.07; 5. Noah Atwood, Shorecliffs 8.07; 6. Ryan Martin, Shorecliffs 6.70. MS GIRLS: 1. Alexxa Elseewi, Bernice Ayer 10.53; 2. Bethany Zelasko, Shorecliffs 10.27; 3. Cameron Duby, Marco Forster 8.00; 4. Samantha Sibley, Shorecliffs 5.97; 5. Lily Benjamin, Marco Forster 5.63. MS LONGBOARD: 1. Gus Day, Shorecliffs 18.17; 2. Ricky Foder, Marco Forster 14.50; 3. Jared Bernier, Bernice Ayer 7.37; 5. Finn Beard, Shorecliffs 7.26.

COLLEGE TEAM: 1. SDSU, Black 124; 2. Saddleback 114; 3. Point Loma 96; 4. UCSD, A 92; 5. Mira Costa, Red 71; 6. UCSB, A 64; 7. CSUSM, A 52; =8. USC 51; =8. CSULB 51; 10. UCLA 45; 11. CSUCI 44; 12. UCSD, B 28; 13. UCSB, B 24; 14. SDSU, Red 16; 15. CSUSM, B 15; 16. CSULB, A 8. COLLEGE MEN: 1. Jack Boyes, Point Loma 13.17; 2. Shaw Kobayashi, Saddleback 12.50; 3. Jeremy Carter, Saddleback 10.73. COLLEGE WOMEN: 1. Chandler Parr, UCLA 12.20; 2. Danielle Wyman, Saddleback 12.16; 3. Marissa Shaw, SDSU 11.00. COLLEGE LONGBOARD: 1. Sam Zaiser, SDSU 12.17; 2. Casey Powell, USC 11.77; 4. Dennis White, Saddleback 9.10.

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 61-63 degrees F Immediate: West/northwest swell winds down and smaller/inconsistent southwest swell mixes in, for knee-waist-chest high, (23’+) waves at the exposures. Light+ NE winds turn to light+ westerly winds in the afternoon. Longer Range Outlook: West/northwest swell eases going into the weekend, along with smaller southwest swell. New northwest swell due by the end of the weekend. Check out Surfline.com for all the details!

For full results, log on to www.danapointtimes.com.

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