April 4, 2014

LO C A L

N EWS

April 4–10, 2014

YO U

C A N

U S E

SOCSA Takes a Look ‘Inside Lester’ DP LIVING/PAGE 13 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 14

Remembering Hobie Alter Surf and sailing legend brought fun to the masses E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 7

Hobie Alter “flies” his invention, the Hobie Cat sail boat. The boat was one of many of Alter’s creations that helped to change the face of surfing, sailing and other action sports. Photo: Richard Graham, Courtesy of SHACC

Utility Settlement Leaves Ratepayers with $3.3 Billion Bill EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Doheny Visitor’s Center to Reopen after Seven Years EYE ON DP/PAGE 6

Dolphin Report: League Title Races Heating Up SPORTS/PAGE 17

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DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

La Pata Extension Breaks Ground Friday THE LATEST: The long-awaited completion of Avenida La Pata, the road connecting San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, will finally break ground Friday.

The project, which has been in the county’s transportation plans since the 1960s, will connect the road from its current terminus near Calle Saluda in San Clemente and the Prima Deshecha landfill in San Juan Capistrano. The sections are 2.27 miles apart. The groundbreaking will be held at 10 a.m. at Avenida La Pata and Calle Saluda.

Five things Dana Point should know this week Spokesman Marcus Walton to Leave CUSD THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees bid farewell Wednesday, March 26 to spokesman Marcus Walton, who has accepted a similar position with a school district in Northern California.

Walton, who was hired as the district’s chief communications officer in August 2010, will be the new communications director at West Contra Costa Unified School District, headquartered in the city of Richmond.

Superintendent Joseph Farley, who brought Walton to the district and will be retiring at the end of the school year, made the announcement during last week’s school board meeting. He highlighted some of Walton’s work, including creating Capo Talk, a weekly email update of district news, as well as establishing the district’s presence on various social media.

As spokesman for the district, Walton worked with local media and communicated with parents during emergency situations. In cases where students are confined to classrooms as a security measure, Farley said Walton advised the phrase “lockdown procedure,” no longer be used, in favor of “shelter in place.”

OCFA firefighters clean up after knocking down a house fire on the 32900 block of Bluffside Drive in Dana Point Tuesday. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Settlement Leaves Ratepayers with $3.3 Billion Electric Bill

Orange County Health Officials Confirm 21 Measles Cases in 2014 THE LATEST: Orange County has confirmed 21 cases of measles in 2014, with most coming within the last few weeks, according to a press release from 5th District Supervisor Patricia Bates. This marks the highest number of cases being reported by any county in California, the release said.

In a report from the county’s Health Care Agency the Board of Supervisors received word March 25 that only three such cases were reported over the past five years.

WHAT’S NEXT: Walton thanked Farley, trustees, his fellow staff members and the community for their support of public education.—Brian Park

THE LATEST: Southern California electric ratepayers won’t pay some $1.4 billion but are still on the hook for $3.3 billion in replacement power due to the shutdown of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. It is part of a potential agreement reached Thursday between the plant’s owners and utility advocacy groups.

Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, The Utility Reform Network and California Public Utilities Commission’s Office of Ratepayer Advocates have worked out a tentative agreement on who will pay—customers and utility shareholders—and how much they will pay of the estimated $4.7 billion for the purchase of auxiliary power and expenses related to faulty equipment.

SONGS was shutdown in January 2012 after a radiation leak and abnormal wear in new steam generators was detected. Citing rising costs and restart uncertainty, Edison chose to retire the plant in June 2013.

The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees recognizes Chief Communications Officer Marcus Walton March 26. Walton will leave the district for a similar position in Northern California.

Photo: Brian Park

WHAT’S NEXT: Through utility bills starting in February 2012, some of the $3.3 billion for replacement power has been collected. Under the proposed agreement this could continue through January 2021.

The agreement does however let ratepayers off the hook for the more than $1 billion associated with damaged steam generators.

During a call with investors and the media Thursday, Ted Craver, president of Edison International, said the settlement provided a “balanced outcome.”

The settlement allows Edison to pursue claims against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the steam generator’s manufacturer, Craver said. Edison and Mitsubishi entered into arbitration last year. The utility is seeking up to $4 billion in damages, including losses to shareholders.

—Jim Shilander and Andrea Papagianis

Dana Point Times April 4–10, 2014

WHAT’S NEXT: HCA said it expects the outbreak to spread, but is taking measures along with the California Department of Public Health to address the issue.

The county agency recommends vaccinations as the best prevention measure.

Measles can be acquired by a non-immune traveler exposed to the disease outside the United States, according to an HCA report.

Five of the 21 cases have been children, none of them immunized. Five have been healthcare workers who became ill after exposure to measles cases, according to HCA. The health care agency is taking precautions to prevent outbreaks in health care facilities and schools and is urging unimmunized children, school/daycare staff and healthcare workers who are exposed to the measles to stay home for up to 21 days following exposure.

The agency is also asking residents to call their health care providers before going to a medical office.

FIND OUT MORE: Learn more about the measles by visiting, www.ochealthinfo.com and www.cdc.gov.—AP

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WHAT’S NEXT: The project will be completed in three phases. The first will close the gap between the two cities. The second and third phases will include road widening projects in San Juan and San Clemente, respectively. The second and third phases are currently not funded.

The final total cost is slated at $73 million.

County officials said last month that the project will commence in earnest this spring, beginning at the landfill and moving south toward San Clemente.—JS

Woman Rescued by Neighbors in Dana Point House Fire THE LATEST: A 67-year-old Dana Point woman was rescued by neighbors Tuesday after becoming trapped on a secondfloor balcony in a house fire, authorities said.

Neighbors propped a ladder up to the balcony and helped the woman climb down to safety, said Paul Satras, fire captain for the Orange County Fire Authority.

A 61-year-old man, who also lives in the home, had already made his way out, Satras said.

OCFA crews received the call at 10:39 a.m. reporting heavy smoke and fire coming from the back, second-floor corner of a home on the 32900 block of Bluffside Drive, said Division Chief Kris Concepcion.

The two residents were out of the home when firefighters arrived at 10:44 a.m., and the fire was contained by 10:55 a.m., Concepcion said.

Both victims were treated on-site for minor burns and smoke inhalation, and then transported to Mission Hospital.

Fire authority officials estimate the blaze caused approximately $400,000 in damages, including property loss.

WHAT’S NEXT: The cause of the fire is still under investigation.—Andrea Swayne www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY BRIAN PARK

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.

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Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com

Tuesday, April 1 RECKLESS DRIVING Del Prado/Golden Lantern (9:09 p.m.) A white El Camino was seen speeding, doing donuts in the intersection and driving on the wrong side of the road. It was last seen heading toward the Harbor on Golden Lantern.

PATROL CHECK Del Prado, 24500 Block (8:09 p.m.) A family and their dog were living on the ground floor of a parking structure. The caller said they were scaring customers at a nearby business.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Aurelio Drive, 34000 Block (3:18 p.m.) A woman called after discovering a man carrying

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY CATHERINE MANSO

Ocean Institute Offering Holiday Cruises Looking forward to spring and summertime holidays, the Ocean Institute announced it will offer family cruises for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Independence Day. All cruises are limited to children ages 4 and up.

The tall ship Spirit of Dana Point will sail twice on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11. A brunch sail, complete with the meal combining breakfast and lunch, is available for adults at $55 and children for $33.

This three-hour cruise sets sail at 10 a.m.

An afternoon sail is also set for the holiday celebrating moms. The ship leaves at 2 p.m. Cost is $38.50 for adults and $21.50 for children.

On June 15, a pair of sailing trips aboard the Spirit of Dana Point celebrates dads.

The first brunch-time sail begins at 10 a.m. Cost is $45 for adults, $35 for children and includes brunch. The ship will depart again at 2 p.m. for an afternoon adventure where the crew will fire the cannon and tell stories of “legend and lore.” Cost is $38.50 for adults and $21.50 for kids.

The R/V Sea Explorer will embark on a Dana Point Times April 4–10, 2014

a gas can and Target bag walking in her backyard. When she confronted the man, he said he was on medication and was confused. However, the woman said he didn’t seem confused. The man was last seen heading westbound on Aurelio Drive toward the park. He was described as being 35 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, 160 pounds with black hair. He was wearing a gray or green jacket with dark blue or black pants and green sandals.

WELFARE CHECK Pacific Coast Highway/Del Obispo Street (12:37 p.m.) A woman calling from a payphone was concerned about a homeless man in a wheelchair who was last seen vomiting behind the Carl’s Jr. The woman said the man was “really nice” but no one wanted to help him because he smelled like feces. The woman also said the man was a severe alcoholic.

Monday, March 31

DISTURBANCE Santa Clara Avenue, 24500 Block (3:04 p.m.) A caller said a man who was living beneath a wooden bridge had gotten bold and blocked his path. The caller said the man usually had a guitar with him and now had a girlfriend, as well.

Sunday, March 30 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Bedford Lane, 34000 Block (7:41 p.m.) A father reported that his 9-year-old son had been approached by a car occupied by three people while he was walking the dog. The father said the people in the car offered his son candy and attempted to lure him into the car.

Saturday, March 29

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE La Plaza/Golden Lantern (6:30 p.m.)

A woman called from a gas station payphone complaining about a “dangerous” woman with bite marks on her hand.

Dispatch reported that the caller was rambling and sounded drunk.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE La Cresta Drive/Violet Lantern (2:56 p.m.)

A suspicious man wearing sunglasses was seen playing “air drums” in the bushes.

DISTURBANCE Calle Los Alamos, 26600 Block (12:35 p.m.) A Spanish-speaking caller said there was a man who came in “like a coyote,” threatened people and ran away.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Capistrano/Camino De Estrella (3:27 p.m.) A caller said a shoeless man in his early 20s had just walked up to a house, nighttime 4th of July cruise from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wine, appetizers and desserts will be provided. Fireworks will be seen. Cost is $50 for adults and $40 children.

For more information call 949.496.2274 or visit www.ocean-institute.org.

Daughters of the American Revolution honors Local Students The San Clemente Island Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution distributed awards to students who displayed dependability, leadership, patriotism and service to their community at Sarducci’s in San Juan Capistrano on March 12.

Danya Hu, of Dana Hills High School

Pictured (L to R) Brianna Samonte, Emily Adams, Danya Hu and Nicolas Salvini were recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Courtesy photo

picked some flowers and taken out a flask.

The caller thought the man may have been drinking alcohol. When authorities made contact with the man, they found the flask was filled with water.

was among students who received the DAR Good Citizen Award.

Hu is a National Merit commended scholar, a nationally-ranked fencer, a medal winning pianist, violinist and writer.

She tutors, plays music for nursing homes, writes for her school’s newspaper and hopes to someday teach and make a difference for others. Hu has medaled in more than 50 fencing tournaments throughout her high school career and has been recruited by Columbia University.

Emily Adams from Capistrano Valley High School, Nicolas Salvini from San Clemente High School and Brianna Samonte from San Juan Hills High School also received the Good Citizen Award.

For the past 60 years, DAR has recognized high school students for their outstanding efforts More than 500 students received recognition in California this year, along with 16,000 students nationwide.

The nonprofit DAR was founded in 1890 as a service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism and preserving American history. The more than 170,000 members nationwide volunteer more than 250,000 hours a year, and the organization maintains one of the nation’s largest genealogical libraries. The local chapter includes 120 members from all across south Orange County.

Have something for News Bites? Send info to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

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Community Meetings SATURDAY, APRIL 5

Community Recycling Event 9 a.m.– 11 a.m. Residents can drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, in the rear parking lot. No glass. Funds collected are distributed to student programs.

SUNDAY, APRIL 6

Nature Tour 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m. 1.5 mile walk from the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center explores the ecology and history of the region. RSVP to wqintern@ danapoint.org or call 949.248.3527.

Start at 32558 Scenic Drive.

TUESDAY, APRIL 8

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 St. Call 949.248.1419, visit www.vfwpost9934.org for more.

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE

The San Clemente Planning Commission voted last week to continue discussions on rezoning the Rancho San Clemente Business Park as a potential site for a homeless shelter.

The city also identified a possible shelter site at the shopping center on Camino de Estrella.

According to the city’s staff report, nearly all of the cities in Orange County with shelters have management plans that often require on-site security. Residents and business owners from the business park voiced concerns that there have been a number of trespassing incidents. However, Dawn Price, director of the Friendship Shelter in Laguna Beach, said the shelter, which has been open since 1988, does not act as a magnet for crime.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Bill Ramsey, a mainstay in the city of San Juan Capistrano’s planning department for 24 years, announced he will be retiring, effective May 2. Ramsey currently serves as assistant director of development services.

During his time at City Hall, he has served as secretary to a number of city commissions and committees. As a project manager, he helped oversee a comprehensive update of the Los Rios Specific Plan in 1999, as well as helping with the Whispering Hills EstatesRancho San Juan and Distrito La Novia-San Juan Meadows projects. “As one of our most tenured employees of 24 years, Bill’s knowledge, expertise and true passion for San Juan Capistrano will truly be missed,” City Manager Karen Brust said in a statement. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Preserving the Ecosystem, Educating the Public Long-awaited visitors’ center remodel complete, reopens to public April 12 and entering estuaries before flowing into the ocean. It is something Ed Neely, a member of the Doheny State Beach t’s been a long time coming. Seven Interpretive Association, hopes is not lost years to be exact. on guests.

But after countless hours of prepa“That is a negative connection we want ration and thousands in donations, the people to be aware of to start thinking aquariums at the Doheny State Beach visiabout how they can prevent those things tor’s center are active, park store shelves from happening,” Neely said. are stocked and the long-awaited remodel It’s all about making connections, said is officially complete. Doors will open to Park Interpreter Vicki Wiker, who overthe public for the first time since 2007 on sees Doheny’s seasonal and volunteer proSaturday, April 12. gramming. “This is where activism comes The center will be home to the largest into play,” Wiker said. “It is first planting public aquarium in the state park system. that seed, watching it bloom and creating Five large tanks and a tide pool simulathat spark and that tor bring sea life of passion within our nearby coastal waters This is where activism visitors.” within the reach of The center’s doors visitors. Just behind comes into play. It is first were closed in 2007 the glass, a moray eel, due to rampant mold Garibaldi fish, lobsters planting that seed, watchand dry-rot. and an array of fish Over the last seven swim among coral and ing it bloom and creating kelp reefs, mimicking that spark and that passion years, the DSBIA has raised funds through the world just beyond within our visitors. volunteering, donathe center’s walls.

Lining opposite –Vicki Wiker tions and membership dues to complete walls are animals the center’s revamp. Founded in 1982, from land and sky, making this center an DSBIA is a nonprofit that coordinates educational hub for Southern California’s with the state park to conserve Doheny’s wildlife and ecology. A mural overlooking beaches, facilities and natural refuge, as the visitor center’s tide pool, which bursts well as the historical, cultural and social with rushes of water every few minutes, stories of Doheny. visually depicts the interconnectedness of “Without our cooperative association we man and sea. would not be standing here today,” Wiker A man is shown washing his car. The said during a tour of the visitor’s center. runoff—soaps and oils—are seen travelNeely is humble though, directing ing down his driveway, into storm drains STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS, DANA POINT TIMES

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A moray eel eats lunch at the Doheny State Beach visitor’s center. Aquariums and a tide pool will soon open to the public, giving visitors and up close look at creatures living off the Southern California shore.

Dana Point Times April 4–10, 2014

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Ed Neely, of the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, and Park Interpreter Vicki Wiker, of California State Parks, have worked diligently to reopen the visitor’s center at Doheny.

credit to others. Without the support of sponsors and donations throughout the years, the center wouldn’t have been possible. The city of Dana Point, Rainbow Sandals, Utopia Entertainment, Southern California Edison, Omega Events and the Surfrider Foundation are among donors that made the center possible, Neely said.

These mark a series of partnerships he hopes to continue.

“This is the end of this big long project but now when we cross the finish line there is a whole new spectrum of events for us to look forward to,” Neely said.

For now the Doheny State Beach visitor’s center, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. And during April, the center will be open on Wednesdays.

This is only the beginning, Wiker said.

As the visitor’s center will be staffed by unpaid docents, more volunteers are needed to keep the center open daily. Wiker is currently seeking adult volunteers to participate in the docent program. She asks that every docent be willing to learn and available to work one day a month. To find out more about becoming a docent, email Wiker at vicki.wiker@parks.ca.gov. DP

Chris Gallina, a California State Parks aquarist, shows off a spiny lobster. The lobster is among sea life featured in five aquariums at the visitor’s center, where the area’s wildlife and history is showcased.

EYE ON DP

Farewell to a Pioneer of Fun

accessible toys than what was available on the market,” said longtime friend and fellow waterman Henry Ford.

Hobie Alter passed away March 29 leaving an undeniably significant mark on board sports and sailing culture

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

S

ince the late 1940s, if an outdoor activity was fun and “happening” in southern California, it was happening somewhere near Hobie Alter. More than 65 years after he first began dabbling with making a better surfboard, it is safe to say his recent death will never erase the indelible mark he left on board sports and sailing culture. Nor will his memory fade in the hearts of family and friends.

Hobart “Hobie” Alter, pioneer of the modern surfboard, proprietor of Southern California’s first surf shop and inventor of the Hobie Cat sailboat, died Saturday, surrounded by family, in his Palm Desert home. He was 80.

Since being diagnosed with cancer five years ago, friends said Alter had also been battling a host of other health challenges.

Even before official word of his death was posted on the Hobie company website, social media posts, text messages and phone calls alerted the surf and sailing communities of his passing and set off the exchange of fond memories. Friends and admirers converged online, in the shops and on the sand, “talking story” about the man credited with revolutionizing surf and sail.

For many in south Orange County, remembrances included talk of interactions with Alter during one of his last public appearances. In December, he came out to a celebration for the release of his biography by Paul Holmes, Hobie: Master of Water, Wind and Waves, at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente. The event was attended by many surf industry icons, as well as Alter’s friends and fans who came to reminisce about the legend’s long and storied life.

BUILDING A BETTER BOARD As chronicled in Holmes’ book, Alter’s revolutionary changes to the surfing and sailing industries began when he started shaping balsa wood surfboards in his family’s Laguna Beach garage in 1950.

“I was just getting into surfing and some friends told me Hobie was the guy to go to for a board. I went to his garage and we struck up a 60-year friendship,” said friend, fellow surfer and co-worker Wayne Schafer. “Every board I’ve ever had has been a Hobie.”

Alter’s father grew weary of the sawdust mess in 1954 and helped the budding

Dana Point Times April 4–10, 2014

Hobie Alter. Photo: Leo Hetzel, Courtesy of SHACC

shaper open his Dana Point shop on Pacific Coast Highway. A shortage of balsa wood prompted Alter’s early experimentation into new materials and the transition to foam and fiberglass began.

Alter and his friend and co-worker Gordon “Grubby” Clark developed a polyurethane foam that, when covered with a fiberglass shell, led to lighter, more high performance surfboards. The new method and materials also streamlined production and lowered costs.

Clark was staying with Schafer at Schafer’s Poche Beach home on Beach Road at the time. Recovering from back surgery, Clark was bedridden when Alter asked for his help, knowing Clark had studied math and chemistry in college.

“That’s how it all started, right here in my beach house,” Schafer said, while reminiscing in his home surrounded by walls covered with black-and-white photos of his surf adventures. “Grubby had nothing to do besides lying in bed reading and looking at TV, so he agreed to help.”

Clark gave Alter a list of books to bring him from the library, and he began reading and studying the chemical properties of foam to use for surfboard blanks.

“One night I was invited to a little shop Hobie and Grubby had rented in Laguna Canyon,” Schafer said. “We went at midnight because their experiments were top secret.”

Schafer recounted how he helped the two pour cement into a broiler, purchased from a used marine dealer in San Pedro and then cut in half. The cement was poured over a surfboard form to make a mold, Schafer said. Steel fasteners were fabricated to Alter’s specifications at the local metal shop for use in holding the mold lids closed.

“The cement and metal were necessary because when the foam expanded it kept blowing their wooden molds apart,” Schafer said. “I remember it vividly, how I was sworn to secrecy. ‘Wayne we can’t talk about this,’ Hobie would say.”

But later, when Alter began churning out the new surfboard technology, people did talk. Word got out and Alter’s little shop put the Dana Point/Capistrano Beach area on the map as a surfing mecca.

Throughout his career, Alter’s ideas and innovations continued to shape and advance the surf industry. The invention of removable surfboard fins and his company’s early involvement in surf apparel led the Hobie brand to its place among the most successful surf industry brands of all time.

A CAT THAT COULD ‘FLY’ In 1967, a love of sailing led Alter to apply his foam and fiberglass recipe toward building a lighter and more affordable sailboat that could be launched from the beach and handled by a single sailor. The result was the Hobie Cat, which according to the Hobie website, remains the world’s best-selling catamaran.

Not only has the Hobie Cat remained wildly popular since its 1968 launch, the Hobie catamaran class of multi-hull sailboats is, to this day, the largest. And the Hobie regattas that kicked off around the same time the boats were introduced continue to draw thousands of participants each year.

The Hobie Cat craze took off worldwide, said Schafer, who helped Alter launch this new sailboat to the masses.

“We bypassed the yacht clubs and created our own class. This catamaran was for the average joe,” Schafer said.

“Even without advertising, we scrambled to keep up with demand, but we had such fun doing it.”

Alter’s continuous search for the next great plaything led him to make other design innovations including skateboards, a fly-fishing pontoon seat called a Float Cat and a remote controlled high-performance glider he called the Hobie Hawk.

“Hobie always wanted toys to have fun with, but he wanted better and more

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SHARING OPPORTUNITIES AND STOKE The group of friends and collaborators surrounding Alter since the 1950s reads like a who’s who of legendary board shapers and creators of the surfing and sailing lifestyle—Corky Carroll, Mickey Muñoz, Dewey Weber, Phil Edwards, Walter Hoffman, Phillip “Flippy” Hoffman and many more. Alter was always surrounded by members of his generation’s close-knit tribe of watermen.

One such compadre, Dick Metz, Alter’s friend of 65 years and business partner of more than 55 years, describes Alter as “unusual in so many ways.”

“He would set his focus on something and put everything he had into it. It was like that with the Hobie Cat,” Metz added.

“When it was too windy and cold to surf he set sights on making a boat so we could all go sailing. Then he just built it from scratch.”

Alter was remarkably inventive, creative and intensely focused, Metz said of the man whose formal education ended with high school. “He didn’t have schooling for it and I often wondered how he knew how to do so many things. From designing things to building the machinery to fabricate his designs, it was like he was from another world.”

After graduating from college, Metz was bartending at the Sandpiper in Laguna when Alter offered him the opportunity to manage his Hobie retail business, which by that time had grown to include 20 stores.

“I’d probably still be tending bar if Hobie hadn’t come along and offered me that job. He gave so many of us opportunities, and for that I will be forever grateful,” Metz said. “He was a great friend and business partner. I can’t say enough about him and the legacy he leaves behind.”

Although the Hobie brand eventually evolved into many separately owned entities for different product lines, the “Hobie family” Alter created still remains. Alter’s sons, Jeff and Hobie Jr., run Hobie Designs and manage the company’s licensing operations.

“Many of the kids who started working for our stores during summer breaks or right out of high school, have grown into careers with Hobie,” Metz said.

Alter was honored with a Surfing Industry Manufacturers Association Waterman Achievement award in 1993, was inducted into the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame in 1997 and into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2011.

Not so much an inventor as a “perfector,” Alter made a career out of improving existing sporting equipment. If it looked like fun, he was all in.

“Hobie was hell-bent on making things better. And if he was doing it, you could just about bet it was going to be the next big thing,” Ford said. “He did all the work and we had all the fun.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor REVISITING LANTERN DISTRICT SIGNAGE KEITH JOHANNES, Dana Point

A recent Dana Point City Council action needs to be revisited.

The process for the action taken on the March 18 consent calendar item No.16, regarding Lantern District entry feature concepts, was not open to the public.

The current version of the up-coast entry feature at Blue Lantern was reported as developed and approved by a working group, comprised of two council members, city staff, paid consultants, representatives of the development and restaurant communities and the Chamber of Commerce.

It is not listed as an official committee on the city website.

There was no information available to the public before the item was placed on

This rendering shows the City Council-approved poles and banners for Pacific Coast Highway marking the entrance into the Lantern District. Courtesy images

the City Council agenda as a consent calendar item. So, if for no other reason, the gateway features site plan illustrated (above) should be reexamined because of the lack of public input and review. Other problems with the entry feature include the visual imbalance between the Del Prado Avenue and the Pacific Coast Highway entrances to the Lantern District and the confusion it is likely to create.

The Dana Point Town Center Plan calls for a signage and banner program, which creates a unified design reflecting the character of the Town Center, now named

the Lantern District. However, no explanation of other poles with cables, or arches with signs, was mentioned in any other place in the Lantern District.

In fact, there was no coordination with the entrance feature at the Copper Lantern down-coast entrance for which the working group is also reviewing concepts for changing the current “Town Center” sign.

Why authorize the two entry features at the up-coast entry at a stated cost of $655,000 now without an overall plan? A tremendous amount of time was spent by the Town Center subcommittee and Dana Point residents on a plan that emphasized specially treated visual gateways. I do not think we are there yet.

A unified plan honoring the concentration of historic buildings at this couplet is needed as an introduction to the entire Lantern Village.

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.

Absence Breeds Mindfulness Small, thoughtful changes can make all the difference

R

Dana Point Times April 4–10, 2014

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Andrea Papagianis, 949.388.7700, x112 apapagianis@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@danapointtimes.com

GUEST OPINION: Conscious Living by Meryl Gwinn

ecent rains have brought muchneeded relief from our epic drought.

They also posed a sharp illustration of the absence, however intermittent, of a basic need like rainwater. Times like these call attention to life’s important essential elements and hopefully leave you considering personal choices.

Below are some ways we might be more responsible for our health at home: FIRE: Firing up leftovers? Microwaves work by causing water and fat molecules to vibrate, making food hot. Our bodies have a hard time understanding how to respond to these super-fast moving particles, and the nutrients in microwaved food have proven to have a marked negative effect on human blood.

Admittedly this is a controversial subject, and the microwave debate centers mainly on whether electromagnetic waves produce free radicals, which can interact with food, changing its chemical structure.

But why take an unnecessary chance?

If you must, reheat food in the oven or stovetop, or better yet avoid leftovers period. Fresh, living food contributes to an anti-inflammatory diet. Life equals life.

AIR: Don’t voluntarily pollute your home’s air. Switch out paraffin candles with beeswax or soybean. Petroleum-based candles—the most popular kind—emit chemicals like toluene and benzene. Petrol is non-renewable and the object of a consistent history of invasion and disruption

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

of the world’s people and resources. Opt for organic incense or essential oils which are 100 percent pure and medicinal.

Since many common items like hairspray, cleaning products and CONSCIOUS fake fireplaces emit a LIVING certain amount of volatile

By Meryl Gwinn organic compounds, ventilation is key. Open windows and adopt purifying plants like peace lilies or English ivy to help filter stagnant air. Breathe easier and observe respiratory conditions, allergies and asthma improve.

WATER: Our water travels. The Northern Sierras, the Colorado River and local groundwater supply our drinking water.

But mountain springs might flow through sulfur, zinc or arsenic-laden formations and groundwater can pick up industrial contamination. This water is treated at facilities by separation, ferric chloride and bleach to name a few methods, but the end quality, although worthy of EPA standards, may be suspect.

At The Waterhouse in Dana Point—a gem for pure, remineralized water and home filtration systems—I recently tested municipal tap water for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and compared the result to standards reported by the World Health Organization. Over 400 TDS was read.

Healthy water will read around 50 TDS,

evident of necessary minerals, where dead or distilled water will read near zero.

Tap water is a cocktail of some natural occurring elements and about 300 other possible contaminants. Water from a No. 7 plastic water bottle yielded a 600+ TDS reading, which could reflect contaminants leaked from the container. Such contaminants could include bisphenol A, a chemical—believed by many to be a hormone disruptor—common in sports bottles, baby bottles and 5-gallon water jugs.

Chlorine bleach and other chemicals are rapidly absorbed by the skin. Carry and utilize glass in your home and be mindful of how you use one of our most important elements. Visit The Waterhouse at 24671 La Plaza to be enlightened on all things water and water filtration systems.

Although “toxic” may be the buzzword of the century, don’t let cynicism render you inactive. Tiny changes can make all the difference.

Meryl Gwinn has a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and has studied yoga, health, food and humans around the globe.

Gwinn welcomes reader feedback at meryl.gwinn@gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community Picket Fence Media 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 Picket Fence Media. Information included in this column should not take the place of medical advice. Readers are encouraged to speak with a health care provider for questions regarding information about contaminants discussed here. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Page 8

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Lisa Cosenza ( San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Finance Director > Mike Reed

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Catherine Manso, Madison May, Tawnee Prazak, Jenna Ross, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 7, Issue 14. 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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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

Friday | 04 FISH DINNER AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA 4:30 p.m.–8 p.m. Community dinner at McGowen Hall with a no host bar, beer and wine. Cost $7-$13, or $40 maximum per family. Take-out available. 105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, 949.492.4101, www.olfchurch.net.

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS 7:30 p.m. The Theatre Arts Department at Saddleback College presents the musical with shows through April 12.

General admission $15. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

At the Movies: ‘Muppets’ Not Wanted

ASHUN 6 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Soft 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.

As noted in the opening number of the latest Muppets extravaganza, Muppets Most Wanted is the puppet group’s seventh feature film since The Muppet Movie, 35 years ago. For a decade, there seemed to be a dry spell for the popular family performers before Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller brought them back with a bang in The Muppets (2011). Now the revamped hit franchise is back a second time with Stoller and James Bobin penning the less than stellar Muppets Most Wanted. After their ©2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc. successful comeback in the last movie, the Muppets are lured into management by a seedy agent named Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais) who gets them gigs all across Europe. But the agent is secretly working with the “most dangerous frog in the world,” Constantine, a Kermit look-alike. The evil Constantine tricks Kermit into going into prison in his place and then takes over as leader of the “Muppet Show.” Tina Fey and Ty Burrell co-star. Celeb cameos include Christoph Waltz, Salma Hayek, Saoirse Ronan, Chloë Moretz and Tom Hiddleston. As usual, the Muppets promise family-friendly entertainment for all ages, but Most Wanted seems to be fit more for the younger crowd, as evidenced by underwhelming box office numbers.

While a gag or two tickles the adult sense of humor, parents will find themselves sitting through an hour and 42 minutes of entertainment meant for kids. — Megan Bianco

WE ARE EARTH DAY FESTIVAL 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Ecology Center celebrates Earth Day with music, giveaways, food, hands-on activities, handson activities and more to increase Earth Day awareness. Free. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

Sunday | 06 WHALE WATCHING WITH CAPT. DAVE Join Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari for a 2.5-hour trip aboard a high-tech catamaran with underwater viewing pods. Call for departure times.

Tickets $59 adults, $39 kids (2 to 12), under 1 free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

Tuesday | 08

LORD OF THE STRINGS CONCERT 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Richard Smith and Julie Adams, national-guitar champion and award-winning cellist, respectively, play at the Dana Point Community House. Tickets $30. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

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

Saturday | 05

Monday | 07

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET AND CRAFT FAIR 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Fresh produce, crafted goods, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park every Saturday. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

TRAIL CLEARING & WEEDING 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Spend time in the beautiful outdoors and volunteer to clear/ maintain trails at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy. Free.

949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

MIKE WALLACE 7 p.m.–10 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

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

EDITOR’S PICK

File photo

Dana Point Times April 4–10, 2014

NATIVE PLANTING PROJECT and Cleanup • apRIl 12 9 a.m.–noon. Celebrate Earth Day early by showing Mother Nature some attention at Doheny State Beach. Help clear weeds and trash while planting native trees, shrubs and flowers along the way. Bring gloves, your favorite shovel and a reusable bag or bucket. A water bottle re-fill station will be provided. Starbucks will also be providing coffee and light snacks. No need to register, just meet at Picnic Site A. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

SJC WRITERS GROUP 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. San Juan Capistrano Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

DANA HARBOR TOASTMASTERS MEETING 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Practice becoming a more confident communicator in a fun learning environment at the Dana Point Library, every Tuesday. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.441.6179, http://1707.toastmastersclubs.org.

admission $15. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

BILLY WATSON AND ROBIN HENKEL 7 p.m.–10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

Wednesday | 09 RANCHO CAPISTRANO WINERY GRAND OPENING 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Join the SJC Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Rancho Capistrano Winery to the city with an official ribbon cutting. Cost $15-$25. 26755 Verdugo Street, Ste. 100, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

SNAKES 101 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Free lecture at The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy. Call for info and directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

Thursday | 10 ALOHA DOC: PRESCRIPTIONS FOR A SURF LIFESTYLE 7 p.m. Learn to live the “aloha” life with legendary surfer and physician, Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. General

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Photo: Andrea Swayne

UPCOMING: SATURDAY, APRIL 12 doheny Wood 2014 8 a.m.–3 p.m. This annual all-woodie car show at Doheny State Beach highlights iconic cars and the rich surfing history of Capistrano Beach. The free event is presented by the Southern California Woodie Club. Parking $15. Event is free. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.6172, www.socalwoodies.com.

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

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DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

‘Inside Lester’ Charms SOCSA’s three-night performance highlights students’ comedic talents STORY BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS, PHOTOS BY MADISON MAY

L

ester Pelham, the mild-mannered writer behind television’s leading private eye, Tough Molloy, took center stage three nights last week as the South Orange County School of the Arts presented the comedic play, “Inside Lester.”

Played by Jason Bright, Lester has the chance to live out his character’s life in Fred Carmichael’s comedic play as he inadvertently swallows a stolen diamond and sends the cast on fast-paced farce.

Sixty years after first being performed, in 1954 at Carmichael’s Dorset Playhouse in Vermont, “Inside Lester” highlighted student comedy acts, with colorful backdrops, at the Dana Hills High School Porthole Theatre from Thursday, March

27 through Saturday, March 29.

As amateur thieves seek to recapture the diamond, Lester gets his chance to play Tough Molloy in this boisterous comedy. Cast members included: Jared Bass, Kelsey Bragulla, Jessica Geiger, Wei Gordon, Conner Kupferberg, Melissa Nichols, Samantha Tovey and Chris Tusan.

SOCSA keeps the performances coming as the classic musical, “A Chorus Line,” hits the Porthole stage for the first time in school history.

The musical, running from Wednesday, April 23 through Saturday, April 26, provides a glimpse into the world of Broadway auditions. All shows start at 7 p.m. with one matinee April 26 beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for students and seniors, or $15 for adults. Visit www.socsarts.org for more. DP

Jared Bass and Chris Tusan play the funny, sloppy gunmen, Louis and Beck, respectively, in the SOCSA performance of “Inside Lester” Friday, March 28.

Justin Bright and Melissa Nichols play television writer Lester Pelham, who swallows a stolen diamond, and Casa, girlfriend of Pelham’s captor.

Conner Kupferberg (second from left) performs as insurance investigator-turned-crime boss. Also (L to R) Melissa Nichols, Wei Gordon and Justin Bright.

Chris Tusan plays the comedicly amateur gunman Beck in “Inside Lester.” Also pictured (L to R) are Samantha Tovey and Wei Gordon, who are taken captive as Beck searches for a stolen diamond.

Sudoku

Local readers { I N DA NA P O INT } of the Dana Point Times are spotted outside RJ’s Café on Friday, March 31 catching up on the latest news. Pictured (L to R) Melissa Moore, Cassidy Moore, Rod Howorth, Terry Walsh and Lee Walsh.

SCENE

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Times April 4–10, 2014

Wei Gordon plays Maggie Horton, the secretary of Lester Pelham.

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

Page 13

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

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DP LIVING

Local Reggae Band Signs with Record Label

BY BRIAN PARK, DANA POINT TIMES

brought out his inner child, Gerhard believes f it wasn’t for the demise of one band, one of the reasons why the band was able to then San Juan Capistrano-based regmesh so seamlessly was their maturity. gae/rock group Joint Committee may “We’re a little bit older. We’re in our have never been. mid-30s, so we kind of had the partying In 2011, Joint Committee bassist Adam thing out of our systems,” Gerhard said.

Gerhard and lead singer/guitarist Jer“We all just wanted to focus on our music.” emiah Rich were performing with another Even their name, Joint Committee, is a local band, The Badfooters, who were set reflection of their musical harmony, on stage to play a big show, opening for Grammy and in practice, according to the band.

Award-winning reggae roots group Steel “It’s crazy how fast we clicked,” said Pulse at The Coach House.

Rich, reflecting on their first few practices.

But their bandmate’s personal troubles “Everything just clicked—personalities, led to an abrupt end to the group. Not music, everything.” wanting to cancel their show, Gerhard and Although only Gerhard and Lyons hail Rich set out to recruit new musicians, who from San Juan Capistrano—Rich lives in could, at the very least, help them fulfill Dana Point, Loranger in Coto de Caza— their obligation. the band considers the city their home Enter keyboardist Lavay Loranger, who base. Gerhard guesses they’ve played knew Rich through their daytime jobs in around 100 shows, many of them at The the pool supply and repair business, and Coach House in San Juan. They’ve shared drummer Kevin Lyons, who Loranger recthe stage with contemporary reggae-pop ommended and, as artist Shaggy and acit turns out, grew up Everyone’s ultimate goal tors-turned-musicians with Gerhard in San Kiefer Sutherland as a musician is to sign with and Dennis Quaid.

Juan Capistrano.

In one month, the Perhaps the most noa label. I took pictures of four managed to pull table group the band together a collection opened for was The everybody signing the of songs and took Wailers, the legendcontract. I felt like a kid. the stage as Damary backing band to age Control, a nod –Adam Gerhard reggae’s most iconic to their haphazard star, Bob Marley. origin. Two years later, the band is still at “When you grow up listening to reggae, it and has garnered a loyal fan base in the you probably got turned on to it because of process.

Bob Marley,” Gerhard said. “To be able to What began as a quick fix has potentialshare the stage with some of his band memly become a new life in music and validabers, you think, ‘What am I doing here?’” tion for years of practice and performancNow with the support of a record label, es. In February, the band signed their first there is little doubt Joint Committee berecord contract with Lake Forest-based longs on the stage. But according to Rich, Wright Records and are set to enter the the band is not approaching this new stage studio to produce their first label-backed of their careers as if “we’ve arrived.” album, slated for release in the late sum“It was good, but I keep reminding the mer or early fall. guys that this isn’t the goal,” Rich said. “It’s “Everyone’s ultimate goal as a musician just a stepping stone. We still have a lot of is to sign with a label,” Gerhard said. “I work to do, and this is just the beginning.” DP took pictures of everybody signing the contract. I felt like a kid.”

While signing the contract may have

I

“

”

San Juan Capistrano-based reggae/rock band Joint Committee signed their first record contract with Wright Records and are aiming to release an album later this year. Photo: Thomas Valez/Valcorp

Page 14

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: It’s History by Carlos N. Olvera

Rancho Boca de la Playa Plants Capistrano Beach Roots Historic Pablo Pryor Adobe still stands, gives look into area’s deep past

T

o encourage settlement of New Spain, the Spanish had large land grants for cattle ranchers up until the Mexican Independence of 1821. This included Las Californias, the territories of California—both Alta and Baja—which were organized into areas of colonization or missions.

In 1846, the Mexican government granted Rancho Boca de la Playa, “Mouth of the Beach,” which covered the area of San Juan Creek and Stonehill Drive south to the northern part of San Clemente and along the coast. It was conferred by Gov. Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor, to Don Emigdio Vejar for “his personal benefit and that of his family” based on the law of 1824.

After the Mexican-American war, owners were losing their lands due to either fraud or force—contrary to the agreements in the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The California Land Claims Act of 1851 was passed to resolve that. A claim to keep Rancho Boca de Playa by its grantee, Emigdio Vejar, was granted in 1854 and included an appeal, which was dismissed in 1858.

Vejar obtained a IT’S HISTORY United States patent to

By Carlos N. Olvera the land in 1879 signed

by President Rutherford B. Hayes. This is an example of the difficulty land owners went through to keep their property. Like Vejar, many lost their lands due to the delayed legal process or legal fees incurred.

The northwest corner of the property was marked by an old adobe home originally belonging to Vejar. Other boundary points were marked by piles of stones with a stake. They were measured in direction by degrees, minutes and lengths of chain. A surveyor’s chain at the time was 66 feet in length and consisted of 100 links.

During this legal process Vejar sold the Rancho to Juan “El Rico” Abila (Avila) for $6,000 on August 15, 1860. The land was then transferred to Abila’s son-in-law Pablo Pryor and his wife Rosa in 1864 for $1,500. In 1878, Pryor died intestate and Judge Richard Egan of San Juan Capistrano filed a petition to dispose of the estate.

The Rancho was sold to Marcus A. Forster for $29,500 in 1886. Forster was the brother in-law of Rosa having married her sister Guadalupe. Forster was appointed as guardian of the six minor children at

Page 15

Pablo Pryor Adobe/Hide House.

Photo: Santa Ana Public Library

the petition of their mother Rosa A. Pryor and retained their personal property and the family homestead.

Then in 1886, Forster sold a strip of the land to the San Bernardino and San Diego Railway Company for the sum of $1 and “the advantages of the building of a railway across my lands.”

With that followed the development of San Juan By-the-Sea and the development of the first sea side vacation resort in south Orange County, well, for at least two years.

But the upper northwest corner still remains the last vestige of the once 6,600 acre rancho. The home of Vejar is now referred to as the Pablo Pryor Adobe/ Hide House. It is presumed to be the oldest adobe home still standing in California and is believed to have been built in 1790.

It was used for the storage of cattle hides during the hide trade spoken of in Two Years before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Dana Point’s namesake.

The house remains in the hands of their descendants. It is located just below the new Marriott Resident Inn with a historical marker near the hotel’s entrance.

This leads credence to the path of the hide droghers who carried hides atop the bluffs near Stillwater Bay via today’s Pacific Coast Highway where the brig Pilgrim was anchored in deep water off San Juan Point and long boats came to the small cove to recover the tossed hides.

In the end, or the beginning, Rancho Boca de la Playa gave birth to Capistrano Beach, a long time ago.

Carlos N. Olvera is Vice Chair of the OC Historical Commission, and a Dana Point Councilman. 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 DPTimes or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

GARAGE SALES DANA LIGHT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, April 5, 2014. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Blue Lantern and De La Luz, just south of Stonehill.

YARD SALE, SAT. 4/5, 8-2PM Lots of Plants & some pottery. Succulents, cacti, palms & tropicals. 26321 Via California, Capo Beach.

HELP WANTED NOW HIRING COOKS morning and evening positions available.

Experiance and bilingual preferred. Apply in person. Carlos Mexican Restaurant 34224 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point

LOST/FOUND LOST WATCH IN THE DANA POINT AREA. If found please contact Jane at 949-496-6394

OBITUARY

George Chade George Chade, resident of Capistrano Beach for 53 years died on March 26th. Born in Tijuana, Mexico in 1928, George immigrated with his family as a young boy to California. George is survived by his beloved wife, Layla, of 58 years, a son and two daughters, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren and three siblings. Memorial services for George will be on Tuesday, April 8th at 10:30 am in the Mission Basilica Church in San Juan Capistrano.

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 Nona Associates949.496.2275 Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com

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

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

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

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

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

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING Organics Out Back www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICAL

PSYCHIATRY

LOCKSMITH 949.354.2258

Dana Point Lock & Security www.danapointlock.com

949.496.6916

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

delta G electrical 949.360.9282 Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 CA #657214, www.deltagelectrical.com 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 GRAPHIC DESIGN 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com IMAGES/Creative Solutions 949.366.2488 PET GROOMING 117 Del Gado Road, www.imgs.com Dawgy Style 949.496.3315 ICE CREAM 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 112, www.alphadoggroomshop.com Coffee Importers Scoop Deck 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com PLUMBING A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 INSURANCE SERVICES www.atozleakdetection.com Patricia Powers 949.496.1900 Chick’s Plumbing 949.496.9731 24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, pat.powers@cox.net www.chicks-plumbing.com State Farm/Ted Bowersox 949.661.3200 POOL SERVICE & REPAIR 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204 www.tedbowersox.com Palisades Pool Service & Repair 949.542.7232 Statefarm/Elaine LaVine 949.240.8944 Capistrano Beach, allenesommo@cox.net 34080 Golden Lantern, www.elainelavine.net

LANDSCAPING

PSYCHOTHERAPY

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

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

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL Dream Team Properties 949.481.1788 Mike Rosenberg, Broker Capistrano Beach, www.FindMyOCHome.com

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

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATION Offshore Construction www.offshoreconstruction.org

949.444.6323

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

Call Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

Dana Hills Golf Locked in Title Race with Tesoro

BY STEVE BREAZEALE AND KEVIN DAHLGREN, DANA POINT TIMES

Dolphins Track and Field Topples Mustangs In their first dual South Coast League meet of the season, the Dana Hills boys and girls track and field teams picked up convincing wins over Trabuco Hills on March 27.

The boys team won 84-52 while the girls team won 92-44. Both teams had strong performances in both the field and running events.

The boys 1,600-meter run team dominated, with senior Gavin Diem (4:24.44) picking up the win. Teammates Jake Ogden, Mason Coppi and Wyler Svoboda placed second through fourth, respectively.

Jacob Harbin won the shot put by more than three feet after his throw of 51-03.25.

Senior Justin Stafford won the discus with a throw of 161-10.

Senior Michaela King swept both of the hurdle events for the girls team. King won the 100-meter hurdles, finishing in a time of 15.59. She would go on to win the 300 hurdles by more than six seconds.

Kimiko Tanaka, King and Olivia Johnson finished first, second and third, respectively, in the 100-meter dash for the Dolphins.

The Dolphins followed up the dual meet with an appearance in the Beach Cities Invitational in Huntington Beach on March 29. Justin Hunter won the 100 and 200. King swept the 100 and 300 hurdles at the event.

Scoreboard Golf Tourney Benefits Pendleton Marines

The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club held its 22nd annual charity golf tournament to benefit local philanthropic efforts on Monday, March 31 at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point.

Eight Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton and eight wounded veterans

Dana Point Times April 4–10, 2014

Dana Hills’ Tanner Podres and the Dolphins boys golf team are in the hunt for the South Coast League title.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Dolphins Softball Readies for League Play The Dana Hills softball team’s opening stretch in the South Coast League will not be an easy one.

In their first two league games, the Dolphins will face defending league champion Mission Viejo and rival San Clemente. As of April 3, the Diablos held a 13-0 record and were ranked No. 1 in the CIF-SS Division 2 coaches poll. The No. 4-ranked Tritons boast a 9-2 record.

The No. 6 Dolphins (11-3) entered the match against Mission Viejo riding a fourgame win streak. Results for the game were not available at press time.

The Dana Hills bats have been led by junior shortstop Madison Killebrew and senior Danielle Ingraham. Killebrew is batting .550 and Ingraham is batting .450 for the season. Both players have three home runs.

Pitchers Olivia Baltazar and Lindsey Cassidy have been splitting time in the

were honored and teed it up with 100 other golfers for the event, which featured a scramble-format tournament.

Tournament highlights included several putting contests, including a challenge pitting the field of golfers to putt their ball into the cup at the same time, from the same green.

The tournament raised $20,000, which was a 25 percent increase from last year’s event, according to Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club president Alan Wickstrom.

Combat Golf Tournament Set for June

The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group will host the popular Com-

circle and hold a collective 3.39 ERA. The bats have been hot and the pitching has been consistent in the early going.

Both aspects of the Dolphins games will be tested as they face the Diablos and Tritons over the next few days.

Dolphins Volleyball Sweeps League Opener

The Dana Hills boys golf team has battled for the South Coast League title with Tesoro for the past two seasons, with the Titans taking home the hardware in 2013. The two opened league play against each other on March 25, and Tesoro came away with a 186-188 win. Two days later, the Dolphins earned an important season split by defeating Tesoro 190-207 at El Niguel Country Club.

Both teams have gone on to win backto-back league matches against different opponents, making the final stretch run in April not a question of who will beat who, but who will lose first. Both Tesoro and Dana Hills have identical 3-1 league records with four matches to play, and a loss could erase either team’s title hopes.

The Dolphins (10-5, 3-1) earned wins over Capistrano Valley on April 1 and April 2. They finish league play with two matches against Aliso Niguel and two against Trabuco Hills.

Crouse Sharp in Outing Against San Juan Hills Baseball

Following an up-and-down start to their season, the Dana Hills boys volleyball team opened South Coast League play on a high note.

The Dolphins (5-4, 2-0) notched backto-back three-set sweeps over league foe Trabuco Hills and Aliso Niguel in a nonleague match on March 27 and April 1, respectively.

In the match against the Mustangs, the Dolphins breezed to 25-17, 25-12 and 25-20 set wins.

The Dolphins were set to play against Capistrano Valley on April 3. Results were not available at press time.

Dana Hills junior pitcher Marrick Crouse turned in a complete game, onehit shutout in the Dolphins’ 10-0 league win over San Juan Hills on March 28, which put the Dolphins atop the Sea View League standings.

Crouse struck out 11 batters, including a stretch where he struck out nine Stallions in a row.

“I didn’t have my best stuff in the first two innings, but by the third inning I found my curveball for the first time this year. When I have that working I know it’s going to be a good day,” Crouse said.

First baseman Jay Schuyler went 3-4 with an RBI to pace the offense.

The Dolphins will host second-place San Clemente on April 8. –Kevin Dahlgren

bat Golf Tournament at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club on Monday, June 2.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the support group and their efforts in assisting members of the Fighting 5th Marines out of Camp Pendleton and their families, as well as injured veterans.

The tournament will feature dozens of active-duty Marines and wounded veterans and provides golfers with several unique challenges to complete while on the course. Last year, the tournament featured a golf “minefield” on one of the fairway, where contestants had to tee off wearing standard issue helmets and flak jackets.

For more info on the tournament, visit www.danapoint5thmarines.com.

All 100 golfers participating in the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s charity golf tournament attempt to putt their ball onto the green of the par-3 fifth hole at Monarch Beach Golf Links.

Courtesy photo

Page 17

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Out the Door to Ecuador

GROM OF THE WEEK

Samantha Sibley

Local members of the Surfing America USA Surf Team travel to the ISA World Junior Championships

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

F

our local members of the Surfing America USA Surf Team left for Ecuador Monday to represent the United States at the International Surfing Association World Junior Championships, set for April 5-13.

San Clemente-based surfers Griffin Colapinto, Malia Osterkamp and Tia Blanco, along with Jacob Davis of Capistrano Beach, departed from LAX feeling prepared and excited to meet their teammates from elsewhere in California and the East Coast, in Salinas, Ecuador for the event.

The four local athletes were accompanied on the trip by team manager and Surfing America Executive Director Greg Cruse, also from San Clemente. Cruse commended this year’s group, referring to them as a super talented and cohesive team.

“They truly are a team and will work together to keep each other performing at their peak,” Cruse said. “We are super excited to be on our way to Salinas to begin our quest for gold.”

The local contingent will be joined by fellow Californians Kanoa Igarashi

RESULTS Western Surfing Association Championship Tour, Event No. 9, March 29-30, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach MICRO GROM BOYS/GIRLS U9: 2. Dane Matson, San Clemente; 5. Conan Craig, San Clemente; 6. Makai Bray, San Clemente. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 3. Bane Corbett, San Clemente; 5. Brayden Burch, San Clemente; 6. Dane Matson, San Clemente. BOYS U12: 1. Kade Matson, San Clemente; 2. Sebastian Mendes, San Clemente; 3. Kai McPhillips, San Clemente; 4. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente. BOYS U14: 1. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach; 2. Shane Hardy, San Clemente; 3. Noah Hohenester, San Clemente; 4. Kade Matson, San Clemente; 5. Sebastian Mendes, San Clemente. BOYS U16: 1. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente; 2. Curran Dand, San Clemente. BOYS U18: 3. Lucas Taub, Dana Point; 4. Brighton Reinhardt, Dana Point. GIRLS U12: 1. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente; 3. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente; 5. Malia Mauch, San Clemente. GIRLS U14: 4. Cameron Duby, San Juan Capistrano; 5. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente. GIRLS U16: 3. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Point; 5. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente GIRLS U18: 2. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente; 4. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente. BOYS LB U14: 2.

Ricky Fodor, Dana Point; 4. Jimmy Wynne, San Clemente.

GIRLS LB U14: 1. Cameron Duby, San Juan Capistrano.

GIRLS LB U18: 3. Emmy Lombard, San Clemente; 4. Kyla Kelley, Capistrano Beach; 5. Cameron Duby, San Juan

Dana Point Times April 4–10, 2014

Local members of the Surfing America USA Surf Team (L to R) Griffin Colapinto, Malia Osterkamp, Surfing America Executive Director Greg Cruse, Tia Blanco and Jacob Davis, gathered at LAX Monday on their way to Ecuador for the ISA World Junior Championships. Courtesy photo

(Huntington Beach), Nic Hdez (Santa Cruz), Jake Marshall (Encinitas), Nolan Rapoza (Long Beach), and Frankie Harrer of Malibu. East Coast team members are Daniel Glenn from Florida, South Carolina’s Luke Gordon and Maddie Peterson of New Jersey. The team is coached by Ryan Simmons and Micah Byrne.

Shortly after arriving at their destination on Tuesday an 8.2 magnitude earthquake hit Chile, triggering a tsunami alert in Ecuador.

“The tsunami warning definitely got our blood flowing,” said team videographer Justin Jung of San Clemente.

Team members, coaches and chaperones were a bit shaken, but after the “all clear” was given, everyone relaxed and re-set in preparation for the event.

The contest will be broadcast live at www.isawjsc.com. DP

Capistrano; 6. Teresa O’Connor, San Juan Capistrano.

MEN 18-29: 3. Ricky Lovato, San Clemente. MASTERS 30-39: 6. Jimmy Bray, San Clemente. SENIOR MEN 4049: 4. Jeff Jones, San Clemente. LEGENDS 50+: 3. Rick Toohey, Dana Point. 5. John MacPherson, Dana Point.

OPEN MEN: 1. Cody Canzoneri, San Clemente; 2. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente; 5. Randy Gilkerson, San Clemente. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente; 6. Kloee Openshaw, San Clemente. OPEN MEN LB: 4. Cody Canzoneri, San Clemente; 6. Kaimana Takayama, San Clemente; OPEN WOMEN LB: 1. Cameron Duby, San Juan Capistrano; 3. Kyla Kelley, Capistrano Beach; 6. Lexi Morgan, San Clemente. SR. MEN LB 40+: 1. Eric Rendon, San Clemente; 3. Michael Takayama, San Clemente.

Scholastic Surf Series Event No. 4, Orange County High School and Middle School, March 22, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street Team and local finishers only. MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs 251; 2. Thurston 181; 3. Bernice Ayer 125; 4. Marco Forster 110; 5. Vista del Mar 89; 6. Niguel Hills 67; 7. Don Juan Avila 50. MS BOYS: 1. Noah Hohenester, Bernice Ayer; 2. Curran Dand, Shorecliffs; 3. Ethan Mudge, Shorecliffs; 4. Gunner Day, Shorecliffs; 5. Gus Day, Shorecliffs; 6. Noah Atwood, Shorecliffs. MS BOYS LB: 1. Gus Day, Shorecliffs; 3. Keith Christl, Bernice Ayer; 4. Noah Atwood, Shorecliffs; 5. Ricky Fodor, Marco Forster; 6. Jared Bernier, Bernice Ayer. MS GIRLS: 1. Bethany Zelasko, Shorecliffs; 2. Alexxa Elseewi, Bernice Ayer;

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-61 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-8’ poor Immediate: Fading west/northwest swell mix, blends with a modest dose of peaking south/ southwest swell. Decent-size surf in the waistchest-shoulder high (2-3’+) zone prevails at better exposures, as top breaks see plus sets.

Conditions are much improved from earlier in the week with calm to light offshore morning winds, before an afternoon sea-breeze develops.

Longer Range Outlook: Fun blend of new southwest and west/northwest swells is on tap for the weekend, with favorable morning conditions looking likely. Check out Surfline.com for details.

4. Lily Benjamin, Marco Forster; 5. Rachel Hall, Marco Forster; 6. Zoe Mortensen, Shorecliffs. MS GIRLS LB: 1.

Cameron Duby, Marco Forster; 2. Alexa Ross, Vista Del Mar; 5. Kendal Osorio, Marco Forster; 6. Alexxa Elseewi, Bernice Ayer. MS COED BODYBOARD: 1. Noah Hammond, Shorecliffs; 3. Nick Furlotte, Shorecliffs; 4. Gavin Pellkoffer, Vista Del Mar; 5. Jason Parsons, Vista Del Mar; 6. Jeremiah Verhines, Marco Forster. HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Tesoro 54 def. JSerra Catholic 39; El Toro 45 def.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal 31. HS MEN: 1. Will Doudna, St. Margaret’s; 2. Colin De La Pena, JSerra; 3. Liam Galligan, J. Serra Catholic. HS MEN LB: 1. Harrison Hewiss, JSerra; 3. Alex Kamgar, St. Margaret’s. HS WOMEN LB: 4. Bri Hagan, JSerra. HS COED BODYBOARD: 2. Sean Galligan, JSerra; 3. Chriss Prynn, St. Margaret’s.

For full results, see www.danapointtimes.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS April 12-13: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, rescheduled, Oceanside, South Harbor Jetty April 19-20: NSSA Open, Event No. 9, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty April 26-27: NSSA Open, Event No. 10, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles May 10-11: WSA West Coast Championships, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach May 15-18: NSSA West Coast Championships, Huntington Beach, Pier May 31-June 1: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 6, Oceanside, Harbor North Jetty (New date)

Page 18

Samantha Sibley. Photo: Sheri Crummer

Age: 11, Shorecliffs Middle School We caught up with Samantha Sibley Sunday at the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour event at Salt Creek in Dana Point. Despite challenging conditions, she was ripping and the judges awarded her efforts with a solid 8.0 score. She eventually earned a thirdplace finish in Girls U12 shortboard and now sits solidly at No. 3 in the ratings.

Following is a quick Q&A with the talented sixth-grader.

Dream surf trip: “I would start in Hawaii and visit all the islands and surf all the great spots there. Then I would fly to Indonesia and travel by boat to all the islands.”

Favorite after-surf grinds: “My homemade acai bowls with agave and coconut.”

Board and shaper: “I ride a 4’9” Byrne.

It’s really fast and floaty. It’s easy to paddle into waves and at the same time it’s high-performance and easy to turn.”

Sponsors: “Jack’s Surfboards and my mom and dad.”

Favorite school subject: “I like history because I like learning about our past. I just find it really interesting.”

Music: “Katy Perry. I really like her.”

Television: “Ridiculousness.”

Book: “Divergent. I loved the book but the movie was a big disappointment.”

Surf heroes: “Lakey Peterson because she’s young and really determined. She never gives up. I also like Lisa Andersen. She’s really nice.” —Andrea Swayne www.danapointtimes.com