July 11, 2014

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

July 11-17, 2014 C A N

U S E

Dana Point Celebrates Nation’s Independence PAGE 12

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 28

The President’s Choice Local restaurateurs recount Nixon’s visits and favorite dishes E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

During the time President Richard Nixon called San Clemente home, he, his family and his staff were known to frequent local eateries, including El Adobe de Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano and Olamendi’s Mexican Restaurant in Dana Point. Here, Nixon and wife Pat are pictured outside El Adobe. Photo: Richard Nixon Foundation

Army Veteran Makes Cross-country Trek for Nation’s Fallen DP LIVING/PAGE 14

Large Downtown Development Goes Before Commission Monday EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Local Volleyball Team Wins Junior National Championship SPORTS/PAGE 16

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DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Residents got a short glimpse of a proposed project from Sunday, July 6 through Tuesday, July 8 as cranes moved between three locations displaying the proposed height of a mixed-use Lantern District development. The project, which would build up seven plots on either side of Amber Lantern between Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado Avenue, would

Cranes with bright flags draped between them display the height of a proposed project in Dana Point’s Lantern District. The development would utilize seven plots and house 28,000 square feet of retail, 111 residences and two levels of subterranean parking. Photo: Andrea Papagianis

house 111 residential units, two levels of underground parking and some 28,000 square feet of retail space.

Mixed-use Proposal Goes to Commission THE LATEST: A mixed-use downtown project proposal that would build 28,000 square feet of retail space, 111 residences and have two levels of subterranean parking will go before the Planning Commission on Monday, July 14 for public input.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern.

Over the course of 72 hours, residents and passersby got an idea of what the project’s scope would be. Eight cranes moved from three locations, marking the project’s three phases, displaying building heights of four stories high fronting on both Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado Avenue.

The project would combine seven noncontiguous plots on either side of Amber Lantern that currently house a Shell gas station, Bella Bazaar, The Coastal Arcadian and a two story building where Thai This, a realty company and other businesses are housed.

The developer, Majestic Housing & Development LLC, is requesting a permit to allow mechanical equipment measuring 42 inches above the height limit. Additionally, the developer has requested a permit allowing roof decks with railings extending above the height limit; a variance allowing four-story structures and a parking variance for 56 parking spaces.

The project comes before the commission just weeks after the City Council, in a 3-2 vote, approved allocating $7.7 million to the second phase of the Town CenterLantern District infrastructure project.

While many spoke in favor of the spending, others expressed disappointment in the lack of public information surrounding the meeting, which did not list the potential allocation on the agenda.

WHAT’S NEXT: Plans are available for reDana Point Times July 11-17, 2014

view at the Planning Department counter at City Hall through Monday. Interested parties who cannot make it to the meeting can still submit their comments to Denise Jacobo at djacobo@danapoint.org.

—Andrea Papagianis

Closures Coming for Ortega Interchange THE LATEST: While motorists have had to endure narrow lanes and slowed traffic during the Interstate 5/Ortega Highway interchange project, major long-term closures are still looming.

Four long-term closures are scheduled for Caltrans’ $86.2 million project, which broke ground in February 2013, in order to reconfigure on- and off-ramps and approaching streets.

Starting in early- to mid-August, the northbound I-5 off-ramp at Ortega will be closed for three weeks to allow construction crews to realign the ramp and accommodate a new loop on-ramp. The new northbound off-ramp will be available for use in early September.

The southbound on-ramp at Ortega will be closed for six weeks, starting in late August or early September. During that time, crews will realign and widen the ramp.

In mid-September, Ortega Highway, starting from the bridge to Del Obispo Street, will be closed for three weeks.

Crews will be realigning Ortega to curve into Del Obispo. No pedestrian access or westbound traffic will be allowed over the bridge during this time.

For four weeks, traffic from El Camino Real to Del Obispo will be reduced to one lane in each direction as crews continue to realign the area and relocate utility structures.

WHAT’S NEXT: The project is expected to be completed in late summer or early fall of 2015, according to Caltrans. While work on the southern half of the bridge

is complete, work will now begin on the northern side FIND OUT MORE: For more on the project, visit ortega.dot.ca.gov.—Brian Park

Man Struck by Propeller in July 4 Accident THE LATEST: A 22-year-old man suffered severe injuries Friday, July 4 after he fell from his boat in the Dana Point Harbor and was struck by another vessel’s propeller, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the main Harbor channel, said Capt. Steve Concialdi, spokesman for the Orange County Fire Authority. The man fell out of a dinghy and into the water during one of the busiest days at the Harbor.

While he was swimming the man ran into the propeller of another boat. He suffered severe lacerations to his face, head and chest, Concialdi said.

The man was taken to a trauma center in Mission Viejo in serious condition.

WHAT’S NEXT: Officials have not released the man’s name. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the incident.

“Alcohol does play a large factor in a lot of our calls from car accidents to boat accidents and adult drowning,” Concialdi said.

“That is why we highly recommend that people never drink and drive, while operating a boat or while swimming.”—AP

Dana Point Collaborating to Aid Area Homeless THE LATEST: Local leaders, residents and area non-profiteers are working together to aid the homeless population in south Orange County. And while no plan to build an emergency shelter is in place, the steps being taken could mean more organizational collaboration.

On July 8 members of Dana Point’s homeless task force gathered for a monthly

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meeting with county housing experts, law enforcement officers and homeless shelter organizers to discuss local options.

“This is not just a city problem, it’s a county one,” Deputy Rob Pequno, with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, told those gathered.

Pequeno, who serves as a homeless liaison officer in Lake Forest, shared success stories of getting to know the homeless residents of his city and the items, from bus passes to toiletries, he is able to provide though a partnership with the Fullerton-based nonprofit Coast to Coast Foundation.

Other speakers included Jens Christy, a pastor from Capo Beach Church, who discussed past emergency shelter issues; Dawn Price with Laguna Beach’s Friendship Shelter, who talked about the program’s success in getting people off the streets and into permanent housing; and Karen Williams, the president and CEO of 2-1-1 Orange County, who said we could soon see a rise in senior homelessness.

WHAT’S NEXT: Task force members are working with Dana Point Police Services to identify the area’s steady homeless population and document their personal needs. They hope to have a list compiled before their next meeting on Aug. 5.—AP

DP City Council Takes Summer-long Break THE LATEST: The Dana Point City Council may not meet again until September, Mayor Lisa Bartlett confirmed during the July 1 council meeting. That is unless something pressing comes up.

As in years past, meetings of the fivemember body will go dark throughout the summer months. If they are needed, for emergency decisions or because appeals to the council are filed, meetings will be held.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for September 16.—AP www.danapointtimes.com

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President’s Choice

name “Richard M. Nixon.”

“Those were special years,” Jorge Olamendi said of the year’s he served the man he calls a friend. “It was really nice, because we saw the different times in his life, from the most powerful man in the world, falling down and then getting back up.”

Nixon returned to San Clemente after resigning the office of the presidency on Aug. 9, 1974. With the help of Brennan, daughter Julie and husband David Eisenhower, grandson of Dwight D. Eisenhower, moved to a home nearby, located off of Capistrano Beach’s Beach Road.

It was Brennan and other staffers who introduced the president to Olamendi’s, just down the road from the Nixon-Eisenhower home.

“I went there on my own and discovered what I thought was a great place,” Brennan said. “I told the president that.”

While living in San Clemente, former President Richard Nixon enjoyed local Mexican fare

BY JIM SHILANDER, BRIAN PARK AND ANDREA PAPAGIANIS, DANA POINT TIMES

N

ov. 8, 1960 was one of the most chaotic days of Richard Nixon’s life.

The vice president of the United States saw the presidential election go to John F. Kennedy by one of the narrowest of margins in history. More than 68 million ballots were cast, and when all were counted, Nixon lost by some 113,000 votes. The Electoral College vote read: Kennedy 303, Nixon 219.

Cries from Republicans rang, urging Nixon to contest the results. It’s something he didn’t do, but that night, after watching election coverage from a suite at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Nixon, along with his military aide, Air Force Maj. James Hughes, took a drive.

Nixon’s post-resignation chief of staff, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jack Brennan, relates the story: “They drove down to the Mexican border, just to get away from the anxiety,” Brennan said. “They stopped at the El Adobe for lunch.”

That lunch began a relationship that would last throughout Nixon’s presidency.

It also set the stage for a long-contested local rivalry over which south Orange County Mexican restaurant was the president’s favorite.

A MEXICAN EATERY, ALL THANKS TO RICHARD NIXON Nixon’s time in San Clemente helped put the city, and the area, on the map.

President Nixon moved his personal home to San Clemente in 1969. La Casa Pacifica, a mansion situated above Upper Trestles, became the Nixon family’s parttime residence and was dubbed the “Western White House” during his presidency from 1969 to 1974.

With the president at Casa Pacifica, staffers set up temporary homes at the San Clemente Inn. Secret Service members were housed in a hotel across from the restaurant where Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant now stands. Nixon, and his staff, first moved into San Clemente, around St. Joseph’s Day, and the traditional return of the swallows to San Juan Capistrano, Brennan recalled.

“We toured the Mission and went to the El Adobe,” Brennan said of the restaurant owned then by Ed Cornwall, who invited the president in for lunch. “(Cornwall) capitalized on President Nixon being there,” Brennan said. “They got an awful

Dana Point Times July 11-17, 2014

After enjoying a meal at El Adobe de Capistrano, Richard Nixon and his son-in-law, David Eisenhower, give their compliments to the chef and pose for a photo. Photo: Courtesy of Richard Nixon Foundation

lot of publicity … We went there several times.”

Steve Nordeck became managing partner of El Adobe de Capistrano in 2002, after he was called on by owner Richard O’Neill, the late patriarch of the Rancho Mission Viejo landowning family.

Nordeck, a former mayor of Manhattan Beach, has managed a handful of restaurants in his post-politics career. All of them, he notes, have come with some historical charm. Most of the stories he’s heard of Nixon’s affinity for El Adobe have come from others, including the tale of when the restaurant truly became a Mexican eatery, thanks to Nixon.

“Let’s say you own the El Adobe and I called you and said, ‘I’m with President Nixon and he’d like a Mexican dinner. Are you going to tell him you’re not a Mexican restaurant,” Nordeck said. “From that day on, El Adobe was a Mexican restaurant.

That was because of President Nixon.”

El Adobe was Nixon’s and his staff’s go-to choice for catering special events.

When Soviet Premier Leonid Brezhnev visited the Western White House in 1973, Brezhnev’s staff stayed at the San Clemente Inn, El Adobe catered and the menus were translated into Russian.

IT’S A GREAT HONOR TO SERVE THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA Maria Olamendi doesn’t remember the first time Nixon walked through the doors of her family’s restaurant, but his last visit is one she’ll never forget.

It was early 1994, around six months after Nixon’s wife of 53 years, Pat, passed away the day after their anniversary.

Nixon would follow his wife in death less than one year later. They were both 81.

Months before his death, Nixon visited Olamendi’s one last time. He looked

“

Those were special years … we saw the different times in his life, from the most powerful man in the world, falling down and then getting back up.

—Jorge Olamendi

”

frail, Maria recalled, but his appetite was hearty. Nixon ordered a quesadilla and a No. 15—a combination plate complete with a chile relleno, enchilada, taco, tamale and a side of rice and beans. He didn’t stop there, dessert soon followed.

“Every time he came he ate something different,” Maria said. “But he liked the Pollo a la Veracruzan, it’s a chicken breast cooked in a tomato sauce with olives and jalapeños.”

Looking at the Olamendi’s menu today, the item’s description includes a nod to the former president. “It was Don Jorge’s great honor to prepare and serve this dish especially for President Nixon,” it reads.

Maria and husband Jorge Olamendi opened their family eatery in 1973. Located off El Camino Real in San Clemente, Olamendi’s, coupled with The Bird Cage bar, was a local hot spot. The restaurant moved locations three years later to a Coast Highway locale in Capistrano Beach where it’s remained for the last 37 years.

Situated below large, gold frames displaying pictures of Richard Nixon with Pat and daughters Julie and Tricia, the former president’s staff and moments shared between Nixon and Jorge Olamendi, sit two round tables, stamped with the presidential seal. Both tables proudly bear the

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NIXON’S POST-PRESIDENTIAL RETURN TO NORMALCY As the dust settled on the Watergate scandal, Nixon withdrew to his San Clemente home. Out of office, the Nixons attempted a return to normal life.

Nixon stayed at Casa Pacifica most mornings but typically spent his afternoons golfing at Shorecliffs Golf Club, Brennan said. Surrounded by Secret Service agents, Brennan and Nixon took to the links, where other golfers took note and waited for an opportunity to shake Nixon’s hand.

“Everyone was very pleasant too, which was good for his morale,” Brennan recalled. “We played often and we played very, very rapidly.”

While her husband was on the course, Pat found refuge in her garden. She also made frequent trips to local shops, and the couple made the occasional trip out to eat, especially when Julie lived nearby.

Some of those outings included stops at El Adobe and Olamendi’s. Nordeck believes the Secret Service preferred El Adobe and Olamendi’s because there were plenty of dining areas away from windows.

Like many restaurants that have ever hosted a president, El Adobe marks Nixon’s seat, in the interior balcony, with a special plaque. On the menu, the popular “President’s Choice,” features several items Nixon was known to enjoy: chile relleno, chicken enchilada, shredded beef taco with rice and beans.

As a son of California, Nixon liked Mexican food but no more than any average person, Brennan said.

“He was from Southern California, and it’s the best Mexican food in America,” Brennan said. “That’s why he’d usually say ‘Let’s get Mexican food.’”

On Nixon’s last visit to the restaurant, Maria Olamendi stopped him and said, “Thank you so much for coming to our place.” She recalls he paused and replied, “You don’t need to thank me. I love the food.” He exited the building but returned moments later to personally thank the staff in Spanish. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS

Help Fill Backpacks for Pendleton’s Students Saddleback Church in San Clemente is asking for the community’s help in filling 800 backpacks with school supplies for students from Camp Pendleton-based U.S. Marine Corps families.

Items collected during Operation Backpack will be handed out at the Bounce Back to School party held at San Onofre Elementary School on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

That event will feature inflatables, carnival games, music and food. The organization’s goal is to collect items for each student at the school.

A backpack can be purchased for $25 at Saddleback Church, located at 1311 Calle Batido, any Sunday through July 27. The cost includes a reusable water bottle, lunch bag and funds to support the back-toschool event. To learn more, visit www.saddleback.com/sanclemente.

The church has a close connection to the area’s military community through a specialized ministry. In addition to the backpack drive, the church also hosts baby showers, barbecues, beach parties and other events for families stationed at Camp Pendleton.

Raising Funds Through Sale of Old Dolphin Photos Do you have old high school photos lying around? Or maybe hidden in a box at Mom’s house? Well a parent-run nonprofit organization that supports Dana Hills High School has compiled and uploaded more than 3,000 memories, uncovering old class, team and club photographs to add to your collection.

The Dolphin Force Foundation is taking part in a first-of-its-kind fundraiser through Class Photo Fund to raise money for academic and athletic programming at Dana Hills. Through the crowd-sourcing platform, visitors can purchase archived photos, from Dana’s 40-year history, for $2.50 per download with $2 going directly toward benefitting students.

Visit www.classfundphoto.com and click on the “Find Photos” button to search your class year. The service is built into Facebook and allows users at check out to opt into posting photos directly to their timeline.

Local Chemist Places Fifth in National Contest Brendan Gibson, an eight-grader from St. Edward the Confessor Parish School who was crowned state champion in May, placed fifth at a national, academic competition challenging young, aspiring chemists.

“Brendan is an outstanding student,” said Fran Pijor, a science teacher at St. Edwards. “This is one of those teaching moments that I will always remember.”

After beating out local and state contestants in the You Be The Chemist Challenge, Brendan traveled to Philadelphia where he competed against the nation’s top young scholars on June 23. Nearly 25,000 students participated in this year’s challenge, of which 30 qualified for the national match.

In this quiz-bowl style academic contest, students are quizzed on chemistry concepts, scientific theories and chemical safety awareness. Participants battled through 10 thrilling rounds before Audrey Gallier, a sixth-grader from Brookfield, Illinois, was named the winner. Gibson took home fifth place.

“Each of these students has worked incredibly hard to make it to this level of the competition, and their enthusiasm for studying chemistry and its real-world applications is inspiring,” said John Rice, executive director of the competition’s founder, the Chemical Educational Foundation.

Dana Point Times July 11-17, 2014

To help raise funds for Dana Hills High School, parents are compiling old team, club and class photos like this picture of the 1988 cross country team.

Pictures will be made available for purchase through Class Photo Fund . Proceeds will help support school programs. Courtesy photo

Tickets Now Available for Rotary’s Lobster Fest It’s that time of year again; time for lobster that is.

Tickets are now on sale for the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Lobster Fest. The event’s fifth installment will hit Doheny State Beach on Saturday, August 16 at 4 p.m.

Proceeds raised at the event benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Dana Point 5th Marine Support Group and other local charities. Last year’s event sold out, so organizers are urging interested parties to buy early and save.

Early bird pricing is $75 per person.

That rate is available until Thursday, July 31. After that the price rises to $85 and jumps to $100 at the door. Ticket costs include a steak, lobster and seafood dinner.

Seats at tables with complimentary beer,

wine and cocktails are available for $150.

There will be a no-host bar, silent auctions and live music and dancing throughout the evening.

To purchase tickets, visit www.danapointlobsterfest.org. And to find out more about the Rotary Club, go to www.monarchbeachrotary.com.

SCWD’s Burnett Moves to Wastewater Authority Board members of the South Orange County Wastewater Authority have named Betty Burnett, former counsel and assistant general manager for South Coast Water District, as the agency’s general manager.

“We had many exceptional candidates to choose from, but were greatly impressed

by Betty’s work on the South Orange County Regional Watershed Management Plan and the new Aliso Creek Water Reclamation Facility,” said Scott Goldman, SOCWA Board Chairman.

Burnett started at SCWD in 2001 as in-house counsel. She later added duties of the director of administration and assistant general manager, and served as interim general manager from October 2012 to September 2013. The district’s current general manager, Andrew Brunhart, was hired in November.

SOCWA collects, treats and disposes of wastewater from more than 500,000 homes and businesses in south Orange County, including those in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Find out more at www.socwa.com.

Coldwell Banker Accepting Food Drive Donations A local moving company and brokerage firm have joined forces once again this summer to combat hunger and feed children throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties.

Now through Friday, August 15 nonperishable food donations are being accepted at the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office located at 27111 Camino de Estrella in Capistrano Beach. All donations will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and will help feed the more than 1 million children in Southern California that lack access to stable food sources.

The local Coldwell branch is competing against other offices to collect the most food. This second annual drive is sponsored by eco-luxury mover, NorthStar Moving. The winning office has the choice of a paid for lunch or a $1,000 donation to the food bank in their name.

Community Meetings SATURDAY, JULY 12

Farmers Market

9 a.m.–1 p.m. Grab locally-grown produce at this weekly market at La Plaza Park. For information on obtaining a booth, call organizer Steve Crossen at 949.573.5033.

SUNDAY, JULY 13

Concert in the Park

2:30 p.m.–6 p.m. Tributes to rock legends Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond take the stage. Pack chairs, blankets, a picnic and the family for this free event at Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern.

MONDAY, JULY 14

Quarterly Siren Testing

All day. Starting Monday and ending Thursday, July 27 the area’s emergency siren system will be tested. Testing may be heard throughout the city over multiple days. Remember this is only a test.

For more information, visit www.danapoint.org/siren or call 949.248.3579.

Planning Commission Meeting

6 p.m. Planning commissioners host a public hearing on a project that will add 28,000 square feet of retail, 111 residences and two levels of subterranean parking at Amber Lantern, between Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado Avenue. Find the commission’s agenda at www.danapoint.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club

7 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Join members of the volunteer-centered club for breakfast and a meeting each Wednesday at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern. Learn more at www.monarchbeachrotary.com.

Farmers Market & Craft Fair

3 p.m.–7 p.m. Shop organic produce and one-of-a-kind goods during this weekly outdoor market at Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave. Call Steve Crossen, 949.573.5033, for more on becoming a vendor.

THURSDAY, JULY 27

Dana Point Coastmasters Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

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7 a.m. Hone in on your public speaking abilities each Thursday at the OC Sailing & Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place.

Visit www.coastmasters.org to find out more. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY SEAN ROBB AND ANDREA PAPAGIANIS

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher.

The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

SPONSORED BY

Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com

Monday, July 7 DISTURBANCE La Plaza, 24600 Block (5:45 p.m.) A fight between two men spilled into the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce offices when one ran through the front door and out the back.

KEEP THE PEACE Pequito Drive, 34000 Block (4:01 p.m.) Authorities were alerted to a neighbor dispute where the caller said a neighbor continually harassed her by placing dog poop on her driveway.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Pacific Coast Highway/Coast Highway (11:05 a.m.) A CR&R trash truck hit the bottom of a train overpass south of the DoubleTree Suites.

The truck driver remained on scene.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (10:30 a.m.) Two women took two bathing suits from Hobie Surf Shop.

They were seen leaving the location in a red Ford Escape.

CITIZEN ASSIST Dana Point Harbor Drive/ Pacific Coast Highway (10:17 a.m.) The caller located his stolen bicycle locked to a bike rack. He contacted California State Parks officials who directed him to the Sheriff’s Department. The caller stood by for deputy assistance.

Sunday, July 6 DRUNK IN CAR Monarch Bay Plaza, 0 Block (10:28 p.m.) The driver of a black sedan, whom the caller believed to be drunk, drove over a curb in the Gelson’s Market plaza and proceeded to sit in the car.

CITIZEN ASSIST Pointe Sutton, 32700 Block (9:36 p.m.) A man approached the caller’s vehicle and threatened her by knocking a large rock on the car window. The incident occurred earlier in the day, around 4 p.m., on White Sands Street.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Calle Naranja/Calle Juanita (3:58 p.m.) A man sporting camouflage shorts and numerous Dana Point Times July 11-17, 2014

bandages on his body was going in and out of the bathroom at Sunset Park. The man did this several times.

Man Sentenced in ‘Spiritual Cleansing’ Rape Cases

DISORDERLY CONDUCT-PROSTITUTION Pacific Coast Highway/Dana Point Harbor Drive (8:27 a.m.) A man with a shaved head and wearing dark clothing was believed to be “pimping” a blonde woman in her 20s in the McDonald’s parking lot.

BY JIM SHILANDER, DANA POINT TIMES

A

San Clemente man was sentenced to 45 years to life in state prison Thursday, July 3 for the rape of two women he had met online he had enticed with the promise of “spiritual cleansing.”

Alberto Flores Ramirez, 39, was found guilty by a jury in April on two counts of forcible rape and forcible oral copulation, and single counts of sexual penetration by foreign object by force and attempted forcible oral copulation.

There was also a sentencing enhancement for sex crimes against multiple people.

Ramirez met his first victim, a 33-year-old woman, through an online dating website in 2012, according to a press release from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The pair met at a McDonald’s in Santa Ana on April 3 of that year. Ramirez told the woman he could help bring her children from Mexico by performing a “spiritual cleansing” to rid her of “negative vibes,” the release said.

Ramirez drove the woman to a Santa Ana motel, where he told her to remove her clothes. He proceeded to rub raw eggs on the woman before performing

Friday, July 4 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Aurelio Drive, 34000 Block (9:39 p.m.) Three men were throwing beer at pedestrians and cars passing by.

FIREWORK VIOLATION Street of the Blue Lantern, 33600 Block (8:40 p.m.) Subjects released Chinese lanterns into the air. The caller was concerned about dry brush in the area.

FOUND CHILD Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (6:35 p.m.) A 5-year-old girl wearing bright yellow shorts and riding a red bike was looking for her mother. The caller was standing by with the child until authorities arrived.

PETTY THEFT Doheny Park Road, 34100 Block (2:38 p.m.) The caller witnessed a man checking the handles of nearby vehicles.

When the man found an unlocked door, the caller said he would take items from inside, close the door and walk away.

Thursday, July 3 DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street/Pacific Coast Highway (7:53 p.m.) A cook and server at Denny’s were reportedly involved in a verbal argument. The caller requested deputy assistance because no manager was on duty and he believed the incident was upsetting customers.

DISTURBANCE Alta Vista Drive, 24400 Block (6:41 p.m.) A drunken caller, who threw his roommate out the day before, said his roommate had returned and was sitting in the living room. No weapons were reported, the caller just wanted the roommate to leave.

Wednesday, July 2 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY La Paloma, 0 Block (11:06 p.m.) The caller witnessed 10 people jump over a complex’s pool fence and believed they didn’t live in the area. A second call was received 28 minutes later. The caller said the group returned to the pool after deputies left.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Golden Lantern, 34600 Block (8:34 p.m.) A drunken male wearing a blue hoodie, grey pants and red shoes reportedly slammed a waitress against the wall. The man was outside with restaurant employees at the time of the call.

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE A proposal to amend San Clemente’s current policy to remove public trees affecting private views will go to a specially created subcommittee after a 4-2 vote of the Beaches, Parks & Recreation Commission.

City Council members sent the proposal for consideration to three city commissions and committees last month. The proposed change would allow residents, who found a city tree blocking a view, to petition for its removal and replacement at their own cost.

Residents on both sides of the debate appealed to the commission.

Critics of the proposal said it would hurt all residents’ ability to enjoy trees and infringe on the public’s collective views.

They also noted the lack of a city-wide tree ordinance. Supporters noted the city had, in some instances, helped create the problem by planting trees that grew far above heights allowed by covenants or homeowners associations in the area.

Many also said they worried the eucalyptus trees in Verde Park and near the reservoir created a safety hazard and the city should do what it could to restore views and better manage its trees in the future.

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various sexual acts, according to the release.

After assaulting the woman, he drove her back to her car. She then called 9-1-1 and reported the incident to authorities.

One week later, Ramirez was arrested after arraigning a meeting with the victim.

Media coverage of the case brought another victim forward. That woman, 49, met Ramirez through Facebook in February 2012. The two chatted online and via text. He offered to perform a cleansing in order to help the woman’s romantic life. The woman traveled from Las Vegas to Orange County to meet with him. Ramirez had told her to purchase ammonia and eggs.

The two met at the same hotel in Santa Ana where Ramirez later met the other woman, though the Nevada woman had a friend who accompanied her. That friend waited outside the motel room.

Ramirez told the woman to remove her clothes and then rubbed a mixture of eggs and ammonia on her while she lay on the bed, causing her to become dizzy. She was then sexually assaulted.

The woman was able to leave with her friend but did not report the assault until she saw coverage of the case. DP

Commissioners were split in favor of investigating the issue further, though members who voted in favor admitted they had concerns about creating a change.

Chairman Steven Streger appointed Commissioners John Bandaruk, who was in favor of the proposal, and Thomas Wicks, who opposed it, to serve on a subcommittee.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO Tesla car owners can now grab a coffee at Hidden House Coffee or a quick bike at Mission Grill after Tesla Motors opened its newest public charging station in downtown San Juan Capistrano Thursday.

The supercharging station includes seven stalls and is located at the Union Bank parking lot, 31971 Camino Capistrano. The station is open 24 hours a day and can charge specially equipped Model S’s in about 30 minutes.

Tesla company officials joined city leaders on Wednesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Tesla Motors has close to 100 supercharging stations in the country, but its newest in San Juan is the first and only station in Orange County. The next closest station is located in Hawthorne, at the SpaceX company headquarters.

In December 2012, Fuji Electric opened a 25kW charging at the Marriott Residence Inn in San Juan. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

THERE ARE STILL WAYS TO MAKE TOWN CENTER RIGHT JILL RICHARDSON, Dana Point

I have to express my disappointment in the way the Town Center is looking.

There is a lot less trees and greenery and much more concrete and traffic lights on Pacific Coast Highway (from Copper Lantern to Blue Lantern). It saddens me that the beautiful trees with yellow blossoms that provided shade to many people on that side street are gone. The exterior space of all the shops is now diminished to allow for more cars, not public art, or bike racks or benches, just cars.

What will the public benefit from the $7.7 million for phase two that was just approved? More concrete?

I urge every decision maker to: Keep all the trees on Del Prado Avenue and throughout Dana Point. We don’t need one more palm tree. We need a variety of trees on our city streets.

Provide other ways of getting around our city then cars. What happened to free trollies this summer? The trollies in Laguna Beach are packed with visitors and locals all enjoying the freedom of not having to deal with traffic. Dana Point is losing out.

Have bike stations where people can rent a bike, explore our beautiful city and be able to drop off a bike at another location. Boulder, Colorado has a great example. Also, have artistic bike racks.

We need them. Also, get public input, hold open forums and open up the communication so we can all enjoy this city.

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Andrea Papagianis, 949.388.7700, x112 apapagianis@danapointtimes.com In a 3-2 vote June 17, the Dana Point City Council approved allocating $7.7 million to phase two of Lantern District street improvements along Del Prado Avenue. The rendering pictured shows what the city hopes the street will look like upon build out. Courtesy rendering

HONEST CITIZENS: HELP CLEAN UP FILTHY POLITICS DICK RUDOLPH, Dana Point

In the last couple of issues of the Dana Point Times, letters in Soapbox have featured writers bemoaning the lack of transparency and respect for the citizens of the community demonstrated by the council members and their votes.

We all know the antics at the federal and state government levels, where outrageous acts and statements made by the power elite, when met with resistance and criticism, are supported and endorsed by the media and even other government agencies who, respectively, throw mud, assassinate the character of others and cast aspersions on critics, then bring legal and/or regulatory pressure against them.

Both groups are sending a message to the public that the immoral and illegal activities of the elite are not to be questioned, or else, so just shut up.

Do you ever wonder what message is received by the power elite? My belief is

that whenever someone who speaks out against them and is promptly put down, it sends them the message that they can do no wrong. Whoever has the temerity to attempt a stand against their actions becomes a societal outcast, therefore, the elite can freely continue their nefarious ways without hindrance.

All levels of government and other public institutions (schools are a glaring example) are now operating as if their employers, the tax paying public, are irrelevant and can be safely ignored.

Although letter writing and attending meetings may help stem this tide, it is not enough to convince the elite to change their ways. They must be defeated and cast out at all levels, from small towns all the way to Washington, D.C. and every organization in between.

There are plenty of honest citizens to take their place and clean their filthy houses.

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, email 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.

ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne

OPERATIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

GUEST OPINION: by Al Jacobs

Straight Talk: All That Glitters

Rise of precious metals marketing calls the bluff of Americans

I

n case you hadn’t noticed, the marketing of precious metals is becoming a frantic exercise.

Not an hour elapses that some talk radio host isn’t making a pitch for the “only precious metals firm he trusts.” And you can’t ignore the full hour infomercials where the anointed authority predicts that gold will rise to $5,000 per ounce by year’s end. The fact that it has fallen from $1,900 into the $1,200s over the past three years is merely offered as justification that “you must buy now while it’s a bargain.”

Nonetheless, the incessant monotone goes on, as each marketer attempts to outdo his competitors with some special Dana Point Times July 11-17, 2014

inducement for the buyer. One pitchman claims a free informational brochure, “a $40 value,” is available to all. Another assures the listeners they’ll have access to the firm’s top experts, as they contemplate whether a precious metal investment is for them.

But most hilarious is the offer of a “1gram bar of silver” to whoever inquires. At first blush, this sounds generous. A little calculation reveals that at 31 grams to the ounce, and silver now near $21 per ounce, a 1-gram bar is worth 68 cents.

It’s clear; the precious metals marketers are combing the bushes in search of dimwits. Will they find enough of them Page 8

to keep the charade going? To paraphrase that incomparable iconoclast H. L. Mencken: “No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.”

Al Jacobs, a longtime Dana Point resident and a professional investor for nearly a half century, distributes a monthly newsletter in which he shares financial knowledge and experience. It is available at www. onthemoneytrail.com. DP

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Amanda Huffman, Catherine Manso, Madison May, Sean Robb, Jenna Ross, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 7, Issue 28. 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.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

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

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

Friday | 11 ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m. Climb aboard for this 90-minute harbor cruise. Tickets are $49. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

MATT STEPHENS 6:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Taste blends from the West Coast’s finest wineries, vibrant small plates and live music. DaVine Food & Wine, 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

FRIDAY FILM: THE BOYS 7 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library presents the documentary The Boys, about award-winning songwriters and siblings Robert and Richard Sherman. $2 donation supports the library. La Sala Auditorium, San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1752, www.sjcfol.org.

Saturday | 12 BACKYARD SKILLS: CHICKENS 1 p.m. Learn how to swap vegetable waste for fresh, organic eggs and fertilizer at The Ecology Center. Talk will focus on chickens, coop maintenance, pest prevention and permit requirements. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

JERSEY BOYS 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This jukebox musical tells the story of four young boys whose harmonies formed a sound fans couldn’t get enough of, that of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Tickets start at $29.25.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org.

EDITOR’S PICK

Stop by South Shores Church on Saturday, June 12 to support members of the Camp Pendleton-based 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. Photo: Andrea Papagianis

Dana Point Times July 11-17, 2014

BAT WALK 7:15 p.m.–9:15 p.m. Take an evening stroll to find out about Orange County’s mysterious habitants. Ages 10 and up. $15 for adults and children. $10 for supporters. RSVP required. Call for directions.

The Reserve/Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

Sunday | 13 THE ART OF COOKING 1 p.m.–2 p.m. Award-winning chef Zov Karamardian shares summertime recipes and samples of her food to kick off the Festival of Arts’ popular weekly cooking series. Free with paid festival admission $10. 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2:30 p.m.–6 p.m. Pack up the family and put on your blue suede shoes as Elvis Presley-impersonator, Raymond Michael, hits the stage. Hot August Night, a tribute to Neil Diamond, also performs. Free.

Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

PYRATE ADVENTURE SAIL 4:30 p.m. Learn the truth about “pyrates” aboard the Ocean Institute’s schooner Spirit of Dana Point on this adventure at sea. Cost is $40 for adults and $23 for children. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

MATISYAHU AND TRIBAL SEEDS 6 p.m. Matisyahu, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with the reggae-rap hit “King Without a Crown,” performs at the OC Fair. Tribal Seeds and The Lions also perform. Tickets start at $23.50. Pacific Amphitheatre, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com.

Monday | 14 PREVENT CONFLICTS WITH COYOTES 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Learn how to protect your family and pets by reducing coyote attractants. Orange Public Library, 407 5th Marines Benefit Car Wash • JULY 12 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Help support the nation’s “Fighting Fifth” Marines as Col. Jason Bohm, commander of the 5th Marine Regiment, and members of the Headquarters Company prepare for a Middle East deployment in September. Proceeds will supply a company sendoff event for Marines and their families. South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point, www.danapoint5thmarines.com.

E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.288.2400, www.humanesociety.org.

MOVIE MONDAY: SPICE WORLD 8 p.m. Join Baby, Ginger, Posh, Sporty and Scary in this hilarious modern version of The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night, where ’90s phenom heroines, the Spice Girls, prepare for their first live performance at the Royal Albert Hall. Free. Set-up beings at 5:30 p.m. with short-animated films. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Arts Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org.

Tuesday | 15 PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 11:15 a.m.–noon. Stories, songs and crafts for kids 3-6. Free. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org.

Wednesday | 16 FARM TO FORK: CAMP COOKING 6 p.m. Join chef Kerri Cacciata on an exploration of The Ecology Center’s orchard, vegetable and herb gardens before creating a seasonal campfire/barbecue meal. $40 for members, $50 for non-members. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

SUMMER LECTURE SERIES 6:30 p.m. Veterinarian Mark Secor offers a practical course on emergency first aid for horses. Rancho Sierra Vista Stables at Mission Equine Hospital, 31441 Avenida De La Vista, San Juan Capistrano, www.sjcec.org.

Thursday | 17 KIDS’ FREE GARDENING WORKSHOP 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. This fun outdoor, handson learning experience will promote environmental awareness and the joy of being in nature. Reservations required. Children ages 7 to 11. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

JOINT-CHAMBER MIXER 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Join the Dana Point and San Clemente chambers of commerce at Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club. $12 for members, $20 for non-members. 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, 949.496.1555 or 949.492.1131, www.danapointchamber. com or www.scchmaber.com.

COMICS UNZIPPED 8 p.m. A hilarious line-up of comedians take the stage at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. $5 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. 24701 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Page 10

Photo: Magnolia Pictures

At the Movies: Life Itself Gets This Reviewer’s Thumbs Up

O

ne year after his death, famed movie critic Roger Ebert is honored with the documentary Life Itself. The picture remembers the writer’s presence as a man who watched flicks in the theater just like ordinary moviegoers and told us if the movie was good, bad or in between. His first published review was for the 1967 classic Bonnie & Clyde, and his harshly negative review for the comedy dud North (1994) became famous in its own right. Now his legacy carries on in print and on screen.

Ebert began his career at his college newspaper, before quickly becoming the Chicago Sun-Times movie reviewer at age 25. By the late 1970s, Ebert and rival critic Gene Siskel were asked to host a local show called “Sneak Previews” for Midwestern audiences. The show would become PBS’ syndicated “At the Movies.” The two coined the use of the terms “thumbs up” and “thumbs down,” to critique movies for two decades. Ebert also found time to pen the script for cult favorite, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970) and more than a dozen books on film criticism.

As discussed in the film, 2002 marked the start of 11 years of serious health issues for Ebert. Life Itself is directed by Steve James of Hoop Dreams (1994) and genuinely shows audiences a fan of cinema with a passion that kept him moving for 70 years. Despite his ailments, the critic dedicated himself to writing to his last day. Roger Ebert lived the life many movie lovers wish they could and James pays tribute to it.

—Megan Bianco 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 DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Dana Point Celebrates the Fourth of July

Following trends of years gone by, activity on beaches up and down the California coastline surged this Independence Day, one of the busiest beach days all year. Here, hundreds of beachgoers enjoy the sand and surf at Doheny State Beach. Photo: Andrea Swayne DANA POINT TIMES

T

he city of Dana Point celebrated Independence Day in style during its annual music-synchronized Fourth of July fireworks display last Friday. Thousands of residents and out-of-towners gathered at local parks, beaches and spots in the Dana Point Harbor to view the colorful display high above the Pacific’s waters. DP

Kendall May, of Dana Point, reaches out to grab a firework during the city of Dana Point’s annual display.

Each year, the city partners with KSBR 88.5 FM to synchronize the display to music and local parks, beaches and the harbor fill up with guests, catching a glimpse of the shore. Photo: Madison May Six pilots, steering colorful planes, perform aerial maneuvers over the Dana Point Harbor on the Fourth of July. The show was one of two crowds experienced that day, as an evening flyover, by the Condor Squadron, also flew along the coast from Newport to San Clemente. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Courtesy photo

SCENE { IN DANA POINT }

Surrounded by their closest

friends and fam-

ily members, Charla Loewe and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael

Lynch said “I Do” in an intimate, waterfront ceremony at Proud

Mary’s Restaurant on Friday, June

27. To salute the couple’s nuptials, Lynch’s fellow Marines presented

an honorary arch of sabers that the Beachgoers, boaters and shoppers flocked to the Dana Point Harbor on Friday, July 4 to enjoy sunshine, watersports and Independence Day festivities. This aerial photograph shows dozens of vessels, from dinghies to stand-up paddleboards, cruising down the Harbor’s main channel.

Photo: Tony Tribolet

newlyweds passed through, while the bridesmaids looked on.

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love by Tom Blake

Things You Shouldn’t Take Back Divorcee needs to purge clutter by ditching angry man

I

t warms my heart to hear from couples who meet and fall in love later in life.

When I heard from Ann (not her real name) this week, my initial hope was that she and her new man would be together forever. Ann, 60, divorced for 12 years, said, “A year and a half ago, I met a divorced man, 62, online. He is nice looking and his profile seemed sincere. We met for coffee. He was very charming and easy to talk to and we seemed to have a lot in common.

“I have a great time with him. We both wanted to be committed. Our relationship became serious. We got engaged in March and he gave me a ring. I have never felt this way before. He loves being with me and reminds me how beautiful I am. I feel very special with him.”

I thought: So far, so good, how nice that Ann is sharing her love story with me. But then, she described two issues that bother her.

Ann said, “One of my concerns: he is not neat. His car is messy and his house is cluttered. It doesn’t bother him. I hated going into his car because of the mess.

Eventually, we drove my car.

“When we started talking about marriage, I explained that I can’t live in this clutter and he seemed fine about cleaning it up (I was going to help him). I felt I can overlook this since I don’t mind cleaning.

He wanted to make the change.”

It sounds like they’ve uncluttered that mess.

Ann’s second concern is more serious.

She said, “He has a temper. At times he gets explosive. When we went on our first driving trip last July, it was fun and beautiful at first, but on our way home, I made a comment about his driving. He yelled at me and said I was treating him like a child.

He stopped talking to me and though we had one more day together, he drove me home. We did not speak for a week. Eventually, we made up.

“This behavior has occurred a few times. But what bothers me, it is always

my fault. He doesn’t accept any blame in our arguments.”

Ann described another road trip this year.

“By the fourth day together, we started to snap at each other. I understand that happens ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 when you are together

By Tom Blake all day for four days. He yelled at me in a public park. People around us were staring. When I tried to be nice, he ignored me and was rude. He did not speak for eight of the 11 hours on our trip home.

“At his home, the same behavior continued. I was angry, decided to go home and gave him back the engagement ring. Do I want to live with a man who yells and then gives me the silent treatment? I have a 16-year-old daughter. Will he be yelling at me when she is there?

“In discussing our previous marriages, he blamed his wife and he didn’t like the way he was treated by her. I’m confused and wonder if I was the cause of these arguments? His anger scares me. Any advice would be helpful.”

My response to Ann: Your relationship is dysfunctional. Arguing, yelling and the silent treatment aren’t the way to live. It will only get worse. Stop taking road trips together. Oh, and the house will be messy and cluttered, unless you always keep it clean. Don’t accept the ring back.

A singles age 50-plus meet and greet event is scheduled for Thursday, July 31 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point. For questions, call me at 949.248.9008.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at www.findingloveafter50.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.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

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 Dana Point Times July 11-17, 2014

Pete Hammer, of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, presents Mike Viti with a donation and a challenge coin on July 2 at an event honoring the former Army captain’s cross-country trek for fallen servicemen and women. Photo: Amanda Huffman

Trekking for Nation’s Heroes Army veteran makes cross-country journey for fallen warriors

BY AMANDA HUFFMAN, DANA POINT TIMES

A

United States Marine salutes the nation’s colors.

Today, the Marine’s clear view of the Pacific Ocean, out past the San Clemente Pier, is blanketed with grey skies, but the bronze statue stands tall and proud.

Embracing the overcast skies, residents, veteran and active duty servicemen and women and their families gathered at Park Semper Fi to honor America’s fallen warriors and meet one man hoping to ensure the nation, as a whole, never forgets their sacrifices.

Mike Viti is no stranger to military service. A Pennsylvania native, Viti graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2008.

Upon his West Point graduation, Viti was commissioned as a field artillery officer. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.

For his service, Viti was awarded the nation’s fourth highest individual military award—the Bronze Star. It’s an honor bestowed on men and women who perform heroic acts while serving in combat zones.

Viti completed his service in 2013 as an Army captain.

Now, the 28-year-old veteran is paying his respects to the men and women who gave their lives. He’s hiking for heroes. Over the course of nine months, Viti is hiking 4,414

miles, or some 7,100 kilometers, in honor of each military member who gave their life in the Global War on Terror.

“These 6,815 heroes, to date, will not be forgotten,” Viti told the small, intimate crowd that came together in San Clemente on July 2. “They will be our generation’s heroes.”

Viti embarked on his journey, dubbed “Mike’s Hiking for Heroes,” on April 26 from DuPont, Washington—the halfway point between Tacoma and Olympia.

Throughout May, Viti completed the Oregon leg of his trip before entering California. On July 2, he made his way into south Orange County, stopping at San Clemente’s memorial park before heading south to San Diego.

His journey, he hopes, will raise awareness of the sacrifices made by service members and funds to erect monuments in their hometowns. He’s also made meeting with and helping Gold Star family members—those who lost a family member in combat—a top priority.

At each stop Viti makes, he speaks to every Gold Star family he can. And after he speaks before crowds, like he did in San Clemente, Vito asks family members to stand with him so their fallen loved one can be recognized.

“That, to me, is worth every sacrifice I make for this because it’s truly meaningful,” Viti said.

With the help of his team, local Gold Star families added three names to an American flag Viti is carrying across the nation. It’s a flag, filling up with handwritten names that Viti invited local Boy Scouts to fold. And one that he’ll carry across the nation between now and December 13, where he will end his hike at the 115th playing of the Army-Navy football game in Baltimore, Maryland.

Track Viti’s cross-country journey at www.mikeshikingforheroes.com. DP

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

Page 14

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE BED FRAME Metal bed frame. Adjustable for all sizes. $35/ obo. New condition. 949.533.9761 HARLEY HANDLE BARS Chrome, 8-inch, T Bars (drag specialties).

Slight curve back. $70. Can send pictures.

Text or call 949-633-3860 for more info.

TV STAND FOR SALE 3 levels black glass. Hides cords. Great condition. Please call or text for more info and pitcures. $90 (949) 633-3860

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. No phone calls please.

SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733

SURF STUFF MENS WETSUIT Quiksilver full suit, barely used. Size medium $75. Call or text 949.533.9761.

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@danapointtimes.com

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week?

Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times July 11–17, 2014

Page 15

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Local Volleyball Club Shines at Junior National Championships

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he 949 Volleyball Club spent last week squaring off against some of the best junior club teams in the nation at the USAV Boys Junior National Championships in Houston. After five days of competition, it was the local team, which draws players from Dana Point and San Clemente, that was standing atop the winner’s podium.

After running through pool play and the knockout bracket, the 949 Volleyball Club 16 Black faced the SCVC 16 Quicksilver on July 4 to decide which team would take home the national title. Despite losing the first set, the 949 squad was able to come away with a two-set victory, 22-25, 25-13, 15-13.

The 949 16 Black proved to be the most efficient unit in the 36-team field, winning 10 matches while losing only one en route to the title. The team led the field in matches won (10) and sets won (21).

The 16s Black run to the tournament title was a long time coming, according to

949 program director Justin DeBlasio.

Last season, this particular group of players did not have a lot of experience playing alongside one another. But after months of practicing, and the addition of setters Sam Kobrine and Jonathan Minsberg to the roster, the team came together in recent weeks.

With Kobrine and Minsberg in the rotation, the team was able to run a 6-2 offense, which allowed the talented setters to hit at the net, then rotate back to set from the back row, a tactic that proved to be successful.

“Kobrine and Minsberg are such steady players and competitors with high volleyball IQs. It helped the rest of the offense be successful,” DeBlasio said. “Last year this team was left off the podium stand.

They came back with a chip on their shoulder and a sense of purpose. They put it together when it mattered most.”

The team includes: Tyler Alter, Nico Bradshaw, Ryan Dove, Jacob Freeman, Kobrine, Brandon Lundstrom, Mitchell

The 949 Volleyball 16 Black team won the 2014 USAV Boys National Championship on July 4. Courtesy photo

Mednick, Zack Mills, Minsberg, Jack Schubert and James Thomas.

The 16 Black wasn’t the only success-

South County Players Named to All-State Baseball Teams

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Fish Count

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

S

T

everal south Orange County high school baseball players were named to the 2014 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Baseball first, second, third, underclass and small-school teams on July 7.

Dana Hills senior Louis Raymond was named to the second team. Raymond hit .321 on the year and excelled on the pitching mound. The University of San Francisco commit helped pitch the Dolphins to the Sea View League title behind a 10-4 record and a 2.07 ERA in 2014.

San Clemente battery mates Kolby Allard and Lucas Herbert were named to the All-State Baseball Underclass teams.

Allard, a junior pitcher, led the Tritons with a 1.32 ERA this season and was named to the first team. Herbert, a junior catcher, was a presence in the middle of the Tritons lineup, where he batted .284 with 16 RBIs. Herbert was named to the second team. Both players are committed to UCLA. JSerra Catholic senior pitcher and first baseman Parker Joe Robinson was named to the first team in the multi-purpose category. Robinson, a Texas commit and this season’s Trinity League Player of the Year, batted .378 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 2014. On the mound, Robinson went 4-2 with 47 strikeouts in 41 2/3 Dana Point Times July 11-17, 2014

Dana Hills’ Louis Raymond was named to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Baseball second team. Photo: Steve Breazeale

innings.

JSerra’s Brady Shockey was one of only two sophomores named to the underclass team.

Capistrano Valley Christian seniors Parker Coss and Eric Fukuda were named to the small-school first and second teams, respectively. DP Page 16

ful 949 team at the tournament, as the program’s 17 Black finished fifth overall and the 14s finished 10th. DP

here have been some eye opening catches off the coast of Dana Point Harbor lately, like the 21.13-pound sheephead caught by Laguna Niguel resident Randy Beebe last week. In her monthly update email, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching general manager Donna Kalez indicated that anglers have been reeling in barracuda, bass and halibut at the end of June and into July.

“We have not seen local summer fishing like this for over 15 years,” Kalez said.

Here is the most recent fish count out of Dana Wharf.

7/9 219 anglers; 7 boats: 213 barracuda, 208 bonito, 153 calico bass, 53 sand bass, 24 blue perch, 6 rockfish, 4 opaleye perch, 4 sheephead, 2 sculpin, 1 yellowtail.

7/8 264 anglers; 8 boats: 203 calico bass, 78 barracuda, 55 bonito, 42 sand bass, 39 blue perch, 32 rockfish, 16 sheephead, 4 white fish, 3 yellow fin, 2 vermillion rockfish, 1 opaleye.

7/7 162 anglers; 7 boats: 161 calico bass, 42 barracuda, 35 sand bass, 24 bonito, 15 rockfish, 2 sculpin, 1 sheephead, 1 halibut, 1 blue perch.

7/6 318 anglers; 12 boats: 140 calico

Mike Myers, left, holds up a 34-poud halibut caught by Bill Schuler. Courtesy photo

bass, 37 rockfish,, 30 sand bass, 10 barracuda, 3 blue perch, 3 halibut, 1 dorado, 1 sargo, 1 sculpin, 1 sheephead. DP

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DP LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com

ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING

Nona AssociatesRaymond J. Nona A.I.A

26901 Camino de Estrella, 949.496.2275, www.raynona.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

34202 Camino Capistrano Capistrano Beach, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com

Dana Point Times July 11–17, 2014

GRAPHIC DESIGN

IMAGES/Creative Solutions

117 Del Gado Road, 949.366.2488, www.imgs.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!

PLUMBING

Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com

POOL SERVICE & REPAIR

Palisades Pool Service & Repair

949.542.7232, allenesommo@cox.net

PSYCHOTHERAPY INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, pat.powers@cox.net

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

449 Avenida Crespi, 949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

LOCKSMITH

Dana Point Lock & Security

949.496.6916, www.danapointlock.com

Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

Corinne Rupert PhD, PsyD, MFT

Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

Kenny’s Music & Guitars

24731 La Plaza, 949.661.3984, www.kennysmusicstore.com

PET GROOMING

Dawgy Style

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 112, 949.496.3315, www.alphadoggroomshop.com

Page 17

33971 Selva Rd. Ste. 125, 949.488.2648, www.danapointpsychotherapy.com

Dream Team Properties, Mike Rosenberg, Broker 949.481.1788, www.FindMyOCHome.com

UPHOLSTERY

Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors

34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, 949.240.9569 www.jeddys.com

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Two Local Surfers Crowned NSSA National Champs

GROM OF THE WEEK

Heath Hawkins

Griffin Colapinto and Jett Schilling win National Scholastic Surfing Association national titles

Jett Schilling of San Clemente earned his first national title in the Open Mini Grom U10 shortboard division at NSSA Nationals, June 26-July 3 at the Huntington Beach Pier. Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

Griffin Colapinto, from San Clemente, became the 2013-2014 NSSA National Open Juniors shortboard champion. Photo: Kurt Steinmetz

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

he said.

“It felt amazing and I would be super stoked to win another next year,” Colapinto said. “Winning helps me a lot with my confidence for the future when I’ll be doing bigger competitions. I’m not really trying to rack up a certain number of titles; I just want to surf well.”

For Jett Schilling, his Open Mini Grom 10U shortboard victory marked an important first in his amateur career.

“I have always watched the NSSA Nationals thinking I could do it, so I just tried really hard,” Schilling said. “When I found out I won, it felt super good.” DP

I

t’s a wrap. The 2013-2014 National Scholastic Surfing Association season concluded July 3 with two local surfers receiving national titles. For one it was a first. For the other, it was one more to add to his list of amateur career victories.

Griffin Colapinto—who last season earned national titles in NSSA Explorer Boys and Surfing America USA Championship Boys U16—wrapped up the season taking top honors in the NSSA Open Juniors 15+ shortboard division. The win was just another step toward building his amateur title portfolio and his confidence,

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 70-72 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 8-12’+ fair Catalina: 20-25’ fair-good Immediate: Fading South swell will provide 2-4’ surf. Light wind in the morning will give way to a light to moderate sea breeze in the afternoon.

Longer Range Outlook: Minor swell mix for the weekend, with a medium size SW swell lining up in the long range. Check out Surfline for more details!

Dana Point Times July 11-17, 2014

RESULTS NSSA National Open Championships, June 26-July 3, Huntington Beach, Pier Local finishers only. MEN 16+: 2. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente. JUNIORS 15U: 1. Griffin Colapinto, San Clemente.

BOYS 12U: 3. Jett Schilling, San Clemente. MINI GROMS 10U: 1. Jett Schilling, San Clemente.

NSSA National Explorer Championships, June 26-July 3, Huntington Beach, Pier GIRLS 14U: 6. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente.

For full results, visit www.danapointtimes.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS July 12: WSA Menehune Surf Fest, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street July 20: California State Games, Camp Pendleton, Del Mar Jetty August 2-3: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 1, San Onofre State Park, Trail 6 August 23-24: NSSA Explorer, Event No. 1 and No. 2, Pacific Beach, Crystal Pier September 6-7: NSSA Explorer, Event No. 3 and No. 4, Huntington Beach, Pier

Page 18

Heath Hawkins, 13, of San Clemente is spending the summer before his freshman year doing what he loves—skimboarding, surfing and downhill skateboarding. We caught up with Heath at T Street to get to know the recent Vista Del Mar Middle School graduate.

DP TIMES: What is your favorite board sport and how did you get into it?

Heath Hawkins: Skimboarding. I’ve been doing it for about three years. My friend Josh Greene introduced me to it. At first tried it out on a little wooden skimboard at Calafia. I really liked it, so for Christmas I asked for a Victoria foamy, the next step up. Then I started going to Laguna a lot and got a new board. Once I learned to really catch waves, I decided to keep going and see where I could take it.

DPT: Where do you hope to take it?

HH: I’ll try to go pro. But if that doesn’t happen, I’ll always have fun with the sport.

DPT: Why skimboarding?

HH: It’s the whole finless thing for me.

Without fins you can do spins and stuff.

I feel like it’s a mix of all the board sports

Heath Hawkins. Photo: Abby Mulligan

and I just find it super fun.

DPT: Have you placed in any contests lately?

HH: A few months ago I placed third in the intermediate division at the Green Eggs and Am Balboa, stop No. 1 in Newport.

DPT: Tell me about your other favorite board sports.

HH: My favorite place to surf is Cotton’s. With downhill skateboarding, I love the feeling of going fast, breaking free and sliding. And I really like skurfing too. You put a skimboard on top of a longboard and paddle out. Then you catch the wave on the longboard and then ride it in on the skimboard.—Andrea Swayne