LO C A L
N EWS
July 25-31, 2014
YO U
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Edison Eyes September for Decommissioning Report PAGE 3
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 30
En Route to Wellness Boys & Girls Club members journey to a healthier, happier lifestyle E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6
Members of the Boys & Girls Club of San Clemente work together to hoist up the historic Schooner Curlew’s mainsail. Youngsters embarked on a journey Tuesday, July 22 to a healthier lifestyle, led by longtime Orange County pediatrician Edward Taub. Photo: Andrea Papagianis
Nonprofit Strikes Cord, Equips Kids with Instruments DP LIVING/PAGE 13
Oldest Trophy in Sports Visits Local Yacht Club SPORTS/PAGE 17
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Dana Point Nears Construction End on Pacific Coast Highway EYE ON DP/PAGE 3
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nonprofits to provide year-round services. Locally, organizations such as Family Assistance Ministries, Welcome Inn, iHope and Friendship Shelter provide critical services like meals, short-term shelter, counseling, clothing and showers. Last year, the Santa Ana City Council approved zoning for a 200-bed shelter, which under California Senate Bill 2, could be built by right.
Five things Dana Point should know this week Edison Eyes Sept. for Decommissioning Report THE LATEST: Since Southern California Edison announced it would cease operations of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in June 2013, one thing has stayed certain: the twin domes between San Clemente and Oceanside would remain a fixture for years to come. Questions still linger, such as what will the decommissioning process look like, how much money will ratepayers be on the hook for and how safe is the current storage of spent, or used, nuclear fuel. Leaders and stakeholders from Orange and San Diego counties, who have been brought together by Edison, the majority owner and operator of the plant, are now grappling with those questions. Through a series of public meetings and workshops, the community engagement panel has hosted nuclear experts, from manufacturers to officials from the federal government’s nuclear oversight body, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, attempting to put the pieces together. At a workshop July 17, panelists and community members heard from Bruce Watson, the NRC’s chief of reactor decommissioning. While Watson was able to provide insight into the general decommissioning process, the exact specifics of San Onofre’s mothballing is uncertain. Without Edison’s submittal of its postshutdown decommissioning activities report (PSDAR), the timeline, cost and environmental impacts are still unknown. But Edison has plans to make these items a little clearer in the coming months. The utility could submit its PSDAR by September, according to Tom Palmisano, the chief nuclear officer at SONGS, nearly nine months before the NRC requires it. WHATS’ NEXT: The panel will host a public meeting on the PSDAR and decommissioning cost estimate on Thursday, Aug. 14. The meeting will be held at the Quantum Learning Center, located at 1938 Avenida del Oro in Oceanside, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.—Andrea Papagianis
Eight Pull Papers for November Council Election THE LATEST: Eight residents have visited City Hall and pulled papers to fill three Dana Point Times July 25-31, 2014
This week the city of Dana Point began median work on Pacific Coast Highway. The work on the northern end of downtown is one of the final construction aspects of phase one of the city’s Town Center/Lantern District infrastructure project. When work is complete, in late-August or early-September, PCH will be made into a two-way road. Photo: Andrea Papagianis
seats on the Dana Point City Council that will become available in November as two council members seek higher office and one terms out of his seat. Mayor Lisa Bartlett and Councilman Bill Brough are running for the Orange County Board of Supervisors 5th District and California Assembly’s 73rd District, respectively. Councilman Steven Weinberg is term-limited, leaving Councilmen Carlos Olvera and Scott Schoeffel on the city’s five-member governing body. So far, eight potential council candidates have pulled nomination papers, according to City Clerk Kathy Ward. They include: Denise Erkeneff, Nancy Jenkins, Joe Muller, Jody Payne, Chuck Rathbone, John Tomlinson, Richard Viczorek and Alan Wickstrom. WHAT’S NEXT: The nominating period closes Wednesday, August 13 at 5:30 p.m. All candidates must collect at least 20 signatures from registered Dana Point voters. Those signatures will then be verified by the Orange County Registrar. FIND OUR MORE: Learn about the city’s election at www.danapoint.org. Scroll over the tab labeled “City Government” and click on “City Clerk.” On the left side of the page, click on “Elections.”—AP
within the next few months, said project engineer Hamid Torkamanha. The shortest, but most complex portion of the project, the reconstruction of the Avenida Pico interchange, will not begin until early 2015. That portion is the smallest distance-wise, but will see the project’s greatest challenge as the I-5 bridge over Pico will be demolished and reconstructed. The bridge will be demolished in two phases, allowing four lanes of traffic to remain traveling in each direction, though lane widths will be reduced to 11 feet and shoulders reduced to two feet. Bids for that project phase will be advertised soon, but it will take several months for bids to come in and for a contract to be awarded, Torkamanha said. WHAT’S NEXT: OCTA hopes to have the bridge project started by the time the developer of the Marblehead Coastal residential property completes construction on Avenida Vista Hermosa west of Interstate 5 where it currently terminates. A representative from the developer, Taylor Morrison said the road could be open by January or February 2015.—Jim Shilander
County Buys Santa Ana Site for Year-round Shelter
Pico/Interstate 5 Widening Project Updated THE LATEST: Officials from the Orange County Transportation Authority updated a construction timeline for the widening of Interstate 5 through San Clemente. The project’s first phase, which will include a continuous-access high-occupancy vehicle lane between San Juan Creek Road and Avenida Pico on both sides of the freeway, is underway from San Juan Creek Road to Pacific Coast Highway. The second phase, between PCH and Avenida Vista Hermosa, is scheduled to begin
THE LATEST: Orange County supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday, July 15 to purchase a Santa Ana industrial site to house a year-round emergency shelter— filling a void for homeless services and helping the county move forward with its 10-year plan to end homelessness. In 2013, there were approximately 4,300 homeless people living in Orange County, with an estimated 12,300 people experiencing homelessness at some time throughout the year, according to a staff report. Currently, the county operates an overnight seasonal emergency shelter program with 400 beds during the coldest months, but relies on a patchwork of
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WHAT’S NEXT: The $3.6 million purchase, for a 23,000-square-foot building located at 1217 E. Normandy Place, now enters a 90day escrow period where structural, sewer line, roof, safety and hazardous materials inspections will be conducted before the sale is complete. The county will then seek contractor bids to run the shelter. An estimated $2.3 million will be spent on renovations. Costs estimated with running the shelter are $2.6 million, according to a staff report. Funding would come from a mix of county, state and federal sources.—AP
Pacific Coast Highway Nears Construction End THE LATEST: A drive down Pacific Coast Highway as it snakes through Dana Point will soon be a bit different as the city enters its final construction stages to return the street to a two-way roadway. Median work on the northern end of downtown has commenced, meaning the city of Dana Point is nearing completion of its first phase of the Town Center/Lantern District infrastructure project. With phase one coming to an end, the South Coast Water District picks up work on Del Prado Avenue to install new sewer and water lines. SCWD will also install a recycled water line for La Plaza Park. By the end of August or early September, median work and repaving on PCH is expected to be finished, at which time twodirectional traffic will be reinstated, said Brad Fowler, the city’s director of public works and engineering. The city will then move to finish work on the north end of Del Prado Avenue, which will remain a one-way street for a time. While the City Council has approved spending $7.7 million to complete infrastructure work on Del Prado, including installing new bus pullouts, parking spaces and medians, a contractor has not yet been selected and no construction timeline has been set. WHAT’S NEXT: The water district’s work is expected to last through December. FIND OUT MORE: Track construction using the water district’s hotline at 949.499.4555 ext. 6 or visit www.scwd.org. Also, sign up for construction alerts by emailing ssharke@danapoint.org.—AP www.danapointtimes.com
EYE ON DP
DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ALLISON APLIN 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.
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Saturday, July 19 FIREWORK VIOLATION Dana Strand Road, 34300 Block (9:17 p.m.) People were setting off fireworks in the Strand Vista Park parking lot. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Perth Bay, 23700 Block (12:41 a.m.) The caller reported hearing footsteps on the roof multiple times throughout the night.
Thursday, July 17 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24500 Block (1:29 p.m.) Officials heard second-hand information that a man was doing drugs in the D Dock men’s restrooms. The caller said there were “a lot of syringes on the floor.” DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 33500 Block (10:55 a.m.) Authorities were alerted to a woman potentially using a fake ID. A female could be heard crying in the background and saying, “Please don’t call.”
News Next Door
WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS
SAN CLEMENTE The City Council has approved a program aimed to remember and honor. The Celebrate, Acknowledge, Remember and Enhance program, or C.A.R.E., will provide an opportunity for families and loved ones to create public remembrances for individuals or groups. Councilwoman Lori Donchak called C.A.R.E. “a wonderful program.” The program will replace the existing city memorial bench program that was previously on hold, due in part to a lack of ocean-view space. With City Council approval, the program will streamline the process for acquiring memorial space, create an aesthetic consistency and replace or restore aging equipment. In phase one implementation, the approved bench design will feature one plaque on one side of the arm rest, with text engraved along the side of the seat, and the approved picnic table design will also have text engraved along the seat. City Council members also conceptually approved a tile mural and customized stair risers, which Page 4
PETTY THEFT Mainsail Drive, 25200 Block (4:13 a.m.) The caller detained a man who attempted to breaking into his vehicle. The man was being held down by the caller. DISTURBANCE La Plaza, 34100 Block (7:47 p.m.) An apparently drunken homeless man, holding onto a 40-ounce beer container, was standing in the middle of the plaza and yelling. ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Santa Clara Avenue, 24600 Block (5:12 p.m.) Animal control officials were called after an informant overheard a dog being beaten. The caller reported hearing a subject screaming and a dog yelping like it was “being killed.” CITIZEN ASSIST Doheny Park Road, 34000 Block (8:28 a.m.) An old tenant kept returning to the caller’s home at night trying to get in. The caller said she hadn’t called when the man was there earlier because she didn’t want to bother authorities.
Wednesday, July 16 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Del Obispo Street, 33800 Block (3:17 p.m.) Numerous men, whom the caller believed to be gardeners, were gathered around a man in his 30s who was handing something out to them. This is an ongoing problem. The caller was sure the payment was not for gardening services and believed that it may have been a drug deal. DISTURBANCE Street of the Park Lantern, 25100 Block (1:58 p.m.) Orange County Fire Authority personnel were en route to the caller’s location after reports of smoke and fire. The caller said campers, whom they believed were transient, were lighting fires. will be implemented in phase two.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO San Juan Capistrano’s business community and city leaders gathered at El Adobe de Capistrano Restaurant on Thursday, July 10 to install the Chamber of Commerce’s new leadership board and celebrate outstanding members of the community. Travel agent and tour manager Ann Ronan was named the chamber’s new board chair. The chamber’s new board consists of former chair Carolyn Franks from Zoomars Petting Zoo, Larry Thomas from Independence Bank, John Gillotti from Mission Grill, Jim Carter from American Horse Products, Ann Dahlem from St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, Joshua Jacobsen from Computer Tech Express, Lorinda Sloss from Sloss Insurance Services and Debra Wells from The Capistrano Dispatch.Mission Grill and Fluidmaster were named Businesses of the Year. Gwen Vermeulen, who has been the secretary for the Historical Society for nearly 40 years, was named Woman of the Year. Dick Paulsen, vice president of the Open Space Foundation, was named Man of the Year. www.danapointtimes.com
EYE ON DP
NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF
Ocean Institute Volunteer Eyes Heroes’ Prize Frank Capolupo inspires children to learn more about the ocean and how it impacts their lives. As a volunteer, Capolupo has dedicated his time to educating young stewards about the importance of the environment that surrounds him. The San Juan Capistrano resident is now vying for prize money in the Cox Conserves Heroes program to help continue education programming at the Ocean Institute. Capolupo began volunteering at the Ocean Institute in 2009. In 2011, he was named the organization’s volunteer of the year. Three years later, Capolupo is competing against two other volunteers who also help preserve or enhance outdoor spaces in Orange County. Other finalists include Evan Brown, a volunteer with Earthroots Field School, and George Sutherland, who works with the South Coast Chapter of South Unlimited. From now through Wednesday, Aug. 6, members of the public are being asked to vote for the three finalists. The winner of will take a $10,000 grand total back to their organization of choice.
Visit www.coxconservesheroes.com and select “Orange County” to vote. This year’s hero will be announced in midAugust.
San Juan Hosts Dog, Cat Vaccine Clinic The city of San Juan Capistrano is hosting a low-cost vaccination clinic for dogs and cats on Wednesday, July 30. The clinic will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the back parking lot of City Hall, located at 32400 Paseo Adelanto. The Society for California Veterinary Vaccine Care will administer the vaccines. Dog vaccines include the four-in-one DHPP for $19 and the Bordetella vaccine for $14. Cat vaccines include the threein-one FVRCP for $18 and the leukemia/ FELV vaccine for $21. Rabies vaccines for both animals are $7 each. The Purevax rabies vaccine for cats costs $20. Identification microchips are also available for $28. Payments should be in cash. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers. For more information about the clinic, call the city at 949.234.4565. For more petrelated information, contact Orange County Animal Care Services at 949.249.5160 or visit www.ocpetinfo.com. Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.
Community Meetings SATURDAY, JULY 26
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 27
Summer Concert Series
2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Gather friends, family and food and head over to Sea Terrace Park for a rock-filled afternoon. Filling the air with horn-infused jazz, blues and rock will be DC Babylon & Hanging Gardens Band. Then, the U2 tribute band, L.A. Vation, takes the stage. This event is free. View upcoming shows at www.danapointconcertseries.com.
located at 33282 Golden Lantern. Visit www.danapoint.org for a look at the commission’s agenda. TUESDAY, JULY 29
Dana Harbor Toastmasters
7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Fine tune your public speaking skills at Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave. Call 949.492.718 or visit www.1707.toastmastersclubs.org to find out more. WEDNESDAY, JULY 30
Rotary Club Meeting
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 about the organization 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.
MONDAY, JULY 28
THURSDAY, JULY 31
Planning Commission Meeting
Dana Point Coastmasters
6 p.m. The city’s five-member, which oversees local development and zoning codes, meets at City Hall, Council Chambers,
7 a.m. Hone in on your public speaking abilities each Thursday at the OC Sailing & Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place.
EYE ON DP
En Route to Wellness
Boys & Girls Club members journey to a healthier, happier lifestyle STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS, DANA POINT TIMES
H
ave fun. Eat healthy. Always exercise. Those are a few points Edward Taub wants young students to take away from their journey. With names logged onto the Schooner Curlew’s manifest, a mix of print and cursive showing their age, seven young members of the Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area, located in San Clemente, strapped into life jackets and anxiously awaited direction from their captain. They sat atop forest green cushions and clung to cable railings as the historic sailing vessel inched its way out the Dana Point Harbor into open waters off Doheny State Beach. Sightings of sea lions and stand-up paddleboarders evoked the same excitement as these young sailors headed to sea, many for the first time. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this,” said 8-year-old Oscar Vasquez. “What happens if we see sharks?” With reassurance from a club mentor that sharks don’t like the taste of humans, Oscar was ready. It is little life lessons like that, about overcoming fear or working as a team and caring for one’s health that Taub, a longtime Orange County pediatrician, hopes these kids remember. Taub has practiced medicine for 50 years. A young man, 25 years old and fresh out of medical school in New York, Taub began an internship at an Orange County hospital. He saw the sunshine and never left. Five decades, eight books and thousands of patients later, Taub is no longer practicing but he’s still reaching out to children and families, helping to ensure they lead healthy and happy lifestyles. After Taub started his medical practice, he quickly discovered a trend. His youngpatients were stressed. “About 80 percent of the problems I was seeing with kids were from stress,” Taub said. So he worked out a program to teach kids about healthy eating, exercise and stress management. “Eighty percent of my 80 percent of stressed patients got better. That was the beginning of the wellness movement.” It was the 1970s and Taub took his charts and findings to Dr. Jonas Salk, the American medicine and virology researcher behind the polio virus vaccination. As Taub recalls, Salk looked over the results and said, “Dr. Taub, you are going to create a wellness vaccination.”
Dana Point Times July 25-31, 2014
Members of the Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area give a hearty pirate’s “Argh” after an afternoon sailing adventure aboard the Schooner Curlew where they learned about health and wellness thanks to ship doctor and longtime Orange County pediatrician Edward Taub.
Lily Powley, 8, a member of the Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area uses her strength to hoist a sail high into the sky Tuesday, July 22. For Powley, and six other club members, the experience sailing the Curlew was one about camaraderie, healthy eating, exercise and stress relief.
Oscar Vasquez, 8, is soaking wet but all smiles after being splashed by ocean water on a sailing excursion. Vasquez, along with brothers Christian, 10, and Donathew, 12, and other Boys & Girls Club members got a lesson on sailing and health on Tuesday, July 22.
He’s spent the last 40 years doing just that. “Did you come prepared for your wellness vaccination,” Taub asked the club members, ranging from eight- to 12-yearsold, wearing shock on their faces as they looked at one other and their leaders, their eyes telling the whole story and asking, “We are getting shots today?” It’s not a literal vaccination though. The news no shots will be handed out came with a collective sigh of relief and lots of laughs. This vaccination involves no needles. It’s purely verbal, filled with tips and tricks to achieving a healthy lifestyle, not inactive viruses. Last summer, Taub shared an outreach idea. He wanted to take kids out onto the open sea for an afternoon of sailing with a dose of wellness mixed in. Taub, a former lieutenant commander in the U.S. Coast Guard and ship doctor for Windstar, Holland America and Carnival Cruise Lines, joined the Schooner Curlew’s crew 10 years ago, coming aboard as the ship’s doctor.
Why not utilize the ship he thought. Taub received a phone call soon thereafter from billionaire philanthropist John Tu, the founder of Kingston Technology, the world’s largest manufacturer of memory products, according to Forbes magazine. Tu liked the idea and asked how he could help. He provided a grant. With funding in hand, Taub, along with son Marc, the emergency room director at Saddleback Memorial in San Clemente, reached out to Curlew owner Bob Harrison and the Boys & Girls Club of San Clemente. Voyage to Wellness was born. One year and more than a dozen trips later, numerous club members have been given the opportunity to hit the open sea where they work together to raise massive sails, get splashed by ocean water as the ship cuts through waves and, most importantly, where they learn lessons they can carry throughout their lives. “What’s this,” Taub asked holding a bright, red bell pepper in his hand. “A pepper,” the kids yelled out in
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unison. “And where does this pepper get its energy from,” he asked. There was a short silence before one child raised his hand, “The sun,” he hesitantly said. “That’s right,” Taub said, applauding the young boy’s answer. Then he held up a carrot, a head of lettuce, an avocado and various colorful fruits and vegetables. Each time the young students and Taub repeating the question and answer volley. Then he held up a bag of M&M’s. They were stumped. He asked them if the candy was healthy, they replied with a collective, “No.” “A lot of low-income, at-risk youth battle obesity because a lot of parents just don’t have the means or education to buy the right things to cook,” said Andy Brosche, director of operations at the club. “If kids are at the mercy of their parent’s refrigerator … they might not make the right choices. But hopefully this trip, combined with what we teach at the club and what they learn at school it’ll click.” Each voyage, Taub and Curlew crew members highlight nutritional ways to live healthy, like eating fruits and vegetables, drinking water over soda, getting adequate rest, exercising daily, meditating, and showing respect and kindness to parents, teachers, others and themselves. Then, to top it all off with one of Taub’s most important rules to living a healthy and happy life, they have a little fun. Stacked from shortest to tallest the seven club members and three club staffers onboard grabbed hold of a rope and awaited the captain’s OK. With a thumb up, the group yelled out “hoe,” as crew member Roger Hudson screamed “heave.” Inch by inch the Schooner Curlew’s sail raised and they set out on their journey to wellness. Find out more about Voyage to Wellness at www.voyagetowellness.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com
DP SOAPBOX Dana Point
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
Letters to the Editor EVERYTHING, YES EVERYTHING, IN BUSINESS IS NEGOTIABLE DAN HEREDIA, Dana Point
In February 1988 I opened my first business, a retail lingerie store (Fatal Attraction Lingerie & More) on Pacific Coast Highway and Crystal Lantern, paying $2.25 a square foot. Five years later and facing the first recession, I moved the store to the Blue Lantern Plaza, paying .95 cents a square foot, plus I was given tenant improvement money. Dana Point at the time was an entrepreneur’s dream. Not only could you start a business, you could also reside in the little beach town and raise a family like I did. I became active from the beginning with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and a couple of years later with the city of Dana Point and the different commissions that were created to address the problems facing the mom and pop business district. With the power of networking and marketing my business survived for 16 years before selling in 2006. One of the reasons to sell was because the yearly increase of the lease. During these 16 years, I attempted to buy vacant lots or buildings which to this day remain vacant—and I notice more vacant buildings and store fronts. The owners of these properties hung on for the right price. Some of the owners I originally contacted have passed on. Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, especially if someone decides to open a retail business let alone a restaurant. Two decades later, big money is coming into town with over-developed projects, which, if approved, will make this once small quaint beach town and harbor look like Hermosa, Redondo, Huntington and Newport Beach if the city isn’t careful. I hope the city’s economic development
The Bulletin
The Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times and The Capistrano Dispatch are pleased to introduce “The Bulletin,” our new online community bulletin board. Post your events, photos and videos or join a discussion on news, issues and items of interest in and around the tri-city area. With boards titled Events, Dining, In the Community, Health & Fitness, Sports and Surf, The Bulletin is one more way to connect with the people that make our community special. Dana Point Times July 25-31, 2014
manager realizes that whatever retail and restaurant plans for the future in relationship to any development, that the leases are reasonable and affordable so the mom and pop businesses can return and prosper. Otherwise, Dana Point may become the white elephant of south Orange County. As the saying goes in business; everything is negotiable.
SHOULD CYCLIST HAVE SAID THANK YOU? ABSOLUTELY NOT ED NEELY, Dana Point
Really? Bicyclist Brian Larsen is hit by a Gatorade bottle thrown at him by some frick’n jerk in a truck that passes him. Fortunately, he has the wits about him to video the truck on his cell phone. He turns the video over to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and now the deputies are threatening to charge Brian with “using words in public that could incite a violent reaction” because, on the tape, he can be heard “yelling a profanity.” Unbelievable. What would the “average” person do after being hit by a bottle that could have caused a serious accident with major injuries? Maybe Brian should have shouted out a big “Thank You” or maybe draw upon deeply held religious beliefs and trumpeted, “I forgive you.” No, I’m sure most of us would have tossed some profanity toward the idiot who threw a bottle and hit us. I did. While riding my bike along Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, someone riding in a car that passed, hit me with a cup full of ice. Unfortunately for me, I fell off my bike, didn’t have witnesses nor the speed to be able to pull out a cellphone and video the car. But you can be sure there was a string of hot, angry words launched against the perpetrator. You can be sure “thank you” and “I forgive you” were not among them.
A MAJESTIC LANTERN DISTRICT DECEPTION BETTY HILL, Capistrano Beach
The Majestic Project, the major topic of the July 14 Planning Commission meeting, is a 111 unit (320 car) condominium complex on only 2.2 acres between Del Prado Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway that claims to promote the goals of the Town Center Plan. This, while asking for significant variances for height (over 40 feet) and the number of stories (four), would violate the most important and core requirements of the Town Center Plan for which residents are paying millions for just for sidewalks, street improvements and landscaping. If approved, this project would set a precedent for creating a densely-populated, condo district with thousands of conPage 8
dos and cars rather than the pedestrian friendly, “small town village atmosphere” that the Town Center Plan requires and which would appeal to all Dana Point residents and visitors. At the meeting, Dana Point residents overflowed the council chambers and vigorously objected to the lack of information to Dana Point residents about the project and its hasty presentation to the Planning Commission. The city’s presentation did not highlight pertinent issues or provide complete disclosure to the public and commissioners but advocated a sweetheart deal for the developer with no concern for residents. The project’s generic appearance, density, traffic congestion and parking were the residents’ other major concerns. Majestic and Town Center property owners expect the city of Dana Point to knuckle under to their outrageous demands for the sake of “progress” in Town Center. For example, since Majestic Housing & Development LLC will not provide all required parking on its site, Majestic has demanded that Dana Point assume a long term obligation to provide necessary parking elsewhere in Town Center. Without a parking plan in place, the city has no idea of the parking location or cost. This demand alone could cost the city $1.5 million. The city is also granting this developer free rights to the area above and below two alleyways to enhance the project. The city of Dana Point must not sell out its residents. If a major change of the Town Center Plan is required to attract development, residents must be fully included in all discussions and decisions regarding such changes. The Planning Commission has decided to continue the project to its Aug. 11 meeting. To avoid the perceived deception that occurred leading up to the July 14 Planning Commission meeting, the city must provide residents with more timely information about the project well before the next meeting. 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.
CORRECTIONS: In last week’s story, titled “A City in Transition,” the writer incorrectly stated that the Planning Commission unanimously approved Orange County’s development permit for the Dana Point Harbor revitalization project. In fact, Commissioner Norm Denton voted against granting the permit due to the conceptual approval of a 50,000-square-foot, 400-boat, dry-storage structure. The Dana Point Times regrets the error.
34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com
HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Andrea Papagianis, 949.388.7700, x112 apapagianis@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE
Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS
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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
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City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander 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, Amanda Huffman, Catherine Manso, Madison May, Sean Robb, Jenna Ross, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent
Dana Point Times, Vol. 7, Issue 29. 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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The List
Grill each Sunday with multi-instrumentalist Mike Hamilton. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.8055, www.mikehamiltonmusic.com.
EDITOR’S PICK
What’s going on in and around town this week
CONCERTS IN THE PARK 2:30 p.m.–6 p.m. Grab the family and head to Sea Terrace Park for an afternoon filled with horn-infused jazz, blues and rock from Southern California’s own DC Babylon & the Hanging Gardens Band. Then ready for the sounds of one of rock’s greatest bands as L.A. Vation, a tribute to the Dublin-born U2, takes the stage. Free. Pacific Coast Highway and Niguel Road, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.
COMPILED BY STAFF
Friday | 25 ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m. Climb aboard for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. See more events at www.danawharf.com. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603. OF MICE AND MEN 8 p.m. The On-Impulse Acting Troupe and Emmy-nominated producer/director Pamela Peak present the touching story of George and Lennie, two migrant laborers and unlikely friends, during the Great Depression. Tickets $15. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.
Saturday | 26 BACKYARD SKILLS: BEEKEEPING 1 p.m. Learn tips and gather information on becoming a backyard beekeeper. For those participating in the hands-on component, bring a bee suit or wear jeans, a long sleeve T-shirt and boots. $20 for members, $30 for non-members. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org. JAZZ ON THE GREEN 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Down to the Bone, a jazz/ funk fusion band, performs. Free with festival admission of $10. Reserved seating $25. Festival of Arts Grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 800.487.3378, www.lagunafestivalofarts.org.
Restaurant Spotlight: The Olives Branch
One family’s passion for fine Lebanese cuisine
BY SAMANTHA HAMMER, DANA POINT TIMES
S
erving fresh, authentic healthy foods is a passion for owners Nabil Chmait and son Omar Chmait, who opened the doors of San Juan Capistrano’s The Olives Branch in November 2012. Bringing family recipes and traditions from their homeland of Lebanon has made a remarkable addition to the local restaurant scene and earned a slew of loyal customers. The Olives Branch chefs were trained Dana Point Times July 25-31, 2014
Monday | 28 Pick up regionally-grown, fresh produce each Wednesday at the Capo Beach Farmers Market. Vendors will homemade jewelry, salsas, gelato and more are there too. Weekly market and craft fair runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Photo: Andrea Papagianis
Capo BeaCh Farmers market • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Visit this weekly market where locally-grown, organic produce and regional artisans are featured. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave., Dana Point, 949.573.5033, www.danapoint.org.
KID’S PICK BIOLUMINESCENCE CRUISE 7 p.m.–10 p.m. This nighttime cruise provides a unique opportunity to learn about and witness the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark. $35 for adults, $22 for children ages 4 to 12. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.
FAMILY STORYTIME 11 a.m.–noon. Volunteers with the National Charity League Sunshine Readers lead kids through storytime at the San Juan Capistrano Library. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, www.ocpl.org. MOVIE MONDAY: CABARET WORTH 8 p.m. Set in 1931 Berlin, THE DRIVE under the ominous presence of the Nazi Party, Cabaret tells the tale of a young night club singer, Sally Bowles, played by Liza Minnelli. Free. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. Set-up beings at 5:30 p.m. with shortanimated films leading up to the night’s feature. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Arts Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org.
Tuesday | 29
MIKE HAMILTON Noon–4 p.m. Enjoy live music at Mission
GHOST THE MUSICAL 7:30 p.m. Relive the iconic moments from the Oscar-winning, love-story Ghost in this new brand of Broadway musical that follows Sam, a man trapped between two worlds who refuses to leave love Molly
in the fine Lebanese cooking techniques and recipes of Ghania, Omar’s mother. The menu features homemade cuisine crafted with only the finest and freshest ingredients and an open-kitchen concept allows guests to watch these talented chefs at work. “We love San Juan Capistrano,” Omar said. “We are honored to serve our customers authentic family recipes brought down from generations of family restaurateurs.” A favorite choice among the restaurant’s many traditional Lebanese appetizers is the fresh fried eggplant, a delicate treat that is lightly fried and topped with diced tomatoes and tahini sauce. Another must try is the spinach fatayer, a homemade pastry shell filled with sautéed spinach, onion and olive oil. Entree specialties include beef, lamb,
chicken and fish creations. Crisp fresh salads, homemade soups, rice bowls, a la carte selections and freshly made desserts are served daily. Lunch specials are priced from $5.99 to $7.99. A children’s menu and catering are also offered. Beer, wine and hand-crafted cocktails can be enjoyed in the dining room or in the traditional and romantic Moroccan cocktail lounge that inspires pure
Sunday | 27
when he finds out she’s in grave danger. Tickets start at $25. Runs through August 10. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, www.scfta.org. THE TASTE All day. The Los Angeles Times presents its annual food and wine festival that’s. Runs through Thursday, Aug. 31. Ticket prices vary. Weekend passes $299. Paramount Pictures Studios, 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, events.latimes.com/taste.
Wednesday | 30 EARL THOMAS AND THE RHUMBOOGIES 7:30 p.m.–11 p.m. Don’t miss this night of blues as Iva Lee’s welcomes Earl Thomas and The Rhumboggies, one of the West Coast’s premier bands from the 1980s, to the stage. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.
Thursday | 31 ART TALK: TWO BY TWO Noon–1 p.m. A panel of Festival of Arts artists discuss the benefits and challenges of working together. $4-$7. Festival of Arts Grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 800.487.2787, www.lagunafestivalofarts.org. TIM JOHNSON 6:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Taste blends from the West Coast’s smallest, finest wineries accompanied by vibrant small plates and live music. Wine tastings run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Thursday. DaVine Food & Wine, 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com. For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com
PRICE RANGE: $6 - $30 HOURS: Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. The lounge has extended hours. RESERVATIONS: Accepted but walk-ins are welcome ENTERTAINMENT: Music and dancing at 8 p.m. each Saturday
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comfort and relaxation. 31105 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite C13, San Juan Capistrano, www.theolivesbranch.com. www.danapointtimes.com
DP DP LIVING Dana Point
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
Drumming up Excitement Charity collects donated instruments and provides free live music
Former resident utilizes Dana Point, Orange County as backdrop to mystery series
BY DANIELLE JUNCAL, DANA POINT TIMES
A
rturo Echarte has struck a chord with the Dana Point community. Through the charity Acoustic for a Change, Echarte and his wife Susan Echarte provide free, live music for special events and collect donated instruments for local organizations and children. Using an online form, Echarte connects organizations and youth in need to local instrument donors. The results can be quite serendipitous. Echarte recently received an email from a caseworker at Laura’s House, a domestic violence shelter, with an inquiry about an instrument. A young girl at the shelter had fled from an abusive household with her mother but had to leave her guitar behind. The caseworker reached out to Acoustic for a Change to give the girl a chance to reconnect with music. “The girl really wanted a guitar, and she has mentioned that her favorite color was blue,” Echarte said. “It was great because I had received a blue guitar days before. It was incredible.” A lifelong music lover and guitarist, Echarte was inspired to start a nonprofit about seven years ago because he believed there was a higher purpose for his musical endeavors. While living in Florida, he began playing acoustic guitar at charity events and networking to recruit musicians equipped to play many different genres. Acoustic for a Change now has a coast-to-coast network consisting of hundreds of musicians who can be contacted for events. Echarte brought the idea for Acoustic for a Change with him when he moved to Dana Point, creating a nonprofit movement that spans East to West. Since he introduced Acoustic for a Change to Orange County, he has connected with organizations like Laura’s House, Mariachi for All, area Boys & Girls Clubs and Saddleback Church. Receiving everything from pianos to clarinets, Echarte will accept any type of instrument and find it a good home. Larger instruments can be picked up by the organization in need, but often times Echarte will use his own home as a drop site for donations. Even more obscure instruments like xylophones and lutes have been donated, and Acoustic for a Change can place them with organizations, like Mariachi for All, which educates area youth on the cultural traditions of mariachi music. “I just want someone to actually use these instruments,”
A Perfect Murder, Mystery Setting
BY SEAN ROBB, DANA POINT TIMES
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Arturo Echarte, alongside wife Susan, has committed to bringing music to children through the nonprofit, charitable foundation Acoustic for a Change. Not only does Echarte collect donated musical instruments and place them with organizations and children in need, he also donates his own musical talents to special events. Photo: Danielle Juncal
Echarte said. “The life of an instrument lasts longer at an organization because it can be passed on between many different people.” Echarte truly believes that the recipients of donated instruments will benefit from having music in their lives. “Students and kids need to have a well roundedness and the arts bring a deeper dimension to their experience in life,” he said. To donate to or to contact Acoustic for a Change, go to www.acousticforachange.org. DP
any people associate Dana Point with being one of the top beach cities in the country. Maria Grazia Swan sees the city as the perfect setting for a murder mystery. Swan is an award winning, national best-selling author who has written numerous murder mysteries and novels that take place here in Orange County. Her new book, Murder Under the Italian Moon, the first novel of the Lella York series, describes the life of a Dana Point housewife who suddenly becomes engulfed in a mystery of murder and romance. “Murder Under the Italian Moon was actually inspired by a true story that took place in Dana Point, but I switched up the roles of the characters a little bit,” Grazia Swan said. The novel recently won a HOLT Medallion award of merit in the category for novels with strong romantic elements. The idea to use Orange County as a setting came to Grazia Swan when she was writing her first novel during a creative writing class at Saddleback Community College. Since then, she has used differMaria Garzia Swan. Courtesy photo ent locations through the county such as the Dana Point Harbor, Balboa Island and different restaurants in, and around Dana Point. “There is really nothing like Orange County,” Grazia Swan said. “I’ve had reviews from fans and other authors complementing me on the vivid details I had of Dana Point.” A second novel in this series, Death Under the Venice Moon, will be released on July 28. To find more information about Maria Grazia Swan be sure to check out www.mariagraziaswan.com. DP
DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake
An Unwelcome Visitor
Unwanted problems arise when a woman from the past reenters a taken man’s life
A
Southern California woman emailed me saying that her romantic relationship is worthy of a soap opera. Kathryn (not her real name), said, “I have been going out with my boyfriend for three and a half years. We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship. He is the best boyfriend ever. I have never met anyone like him. He goes out of his way to be helpful and sweet to me.” Kathryn, 69, was married for 33 years. Her husband passed away 13 years ago. Her boyfriend, also 69, was briefly married. He lived with a woman for 12 years. They broke up four years ago. Two years ago, Kathryn and her boyfriend took golf lessons together and have been golfing ever since. He enjoyed the community where she lives so much he bought a home there. Here’s where the plot thickens. Kathryn explained that recently the 54-year-old daughter of the same woman her boyfriend lived with called him, after four years of no contact. When he told her about the community and the golf course, she mentioned that she had always wanted to learn to play golf. He invited her to come to their community to learn. Kathryn said, “Her first visit was golf. The second was golf and dinner. The third was golf, dinner and swimming in the community pool. Then, tennis was mentioned. On one occasion, she brought her robe and slippers and stayed overnight.” On that night, her boyfriend stayed with Kathryn. She added, “I am asked to go along on parts of these golf/dinner/swimming outings. I feel like a chaperone or worse,part of the crowd. He is happy and flattered to be in her company but is disturbed that, after several weeks of us entertaining her, I do not wish to continue the charade. “She is more educated than I. He believes this means I should respect her. I feel he is disrespecting my feelings and me in general. From the start, I’ve believed
she has an agenda. To suddenly be best friends after four years is suspicious. “I do not understand why he is forcing her on me. I have not been rude and have attempted to accept her into our lives ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 since he means a lot to By Tom Blake me, but I am baffled as to the point of all this. He is dismayed that I cannot accept her. She is not someone I would become friends with. I consider her pushy and somewhat vulgar in her language. She should be able to express herself without expletives. “I am thinking of ending the whole thing, which would hurt; but not as much as watching him ‘respect’ someone I feel is up to something. Wouldn’t she be concerned that this would be upsetting to her mom?” Kathryn said they have both invested large amounts of money into two trips to foreign countries together—one in August for two weeks and another for all of November. “This could turn into a messy situation,” she said. Kathryn added, “I have tried reasoning with him, but he insists she is just a friend. I am past being polite and am just plain angry, not to mention hurt. “Am I overreacting? Am I being unreasonable?” I told Kathryn I would not like what is happening either. Looking to meet new people? The next singles age 50 plus meet and greet gathering is Thursday, July 31, at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli in Dana Point from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend. For questions, call Tom at 949.248.9008. 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 Page 14
See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
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DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY
DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet
CLASSIFIEDS
Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE TV STAND FOR SALE 3 levels black glass. Hides cords. Great condition. Please call or text for more info and pictures. $90 (949) 633-3860 COBRA FISH & DIVE KAYAK Like New for $500 ($1000 new), sedoiron@ gmail.com, 2 seats, wtrprf storage, yellow, 12’6” long, 36” wide, 70 lbs & carries 600 lbs. Very stable & can carry dive equipment.
GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE Stop by this garage sale on Saturday, July 26 at 26326 Via California St. for great finds and good deals. Items for sale include: luggage, rollerblades, crystal, iPods, iPads, carpet vacuum and carpet shampoo, golf clubs and golf balls, tennis rackets, cosmetics, clothes and more. Sale runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com Deadline 5 p.m. Monday. No phone calls please.
GARAGE SALE CAPISTRANO BEACH Saturday July 26 7am-2pm 34821 Calle del Sol. Collectables, Beach decor, Hawaiiana, Surf stuff, Name brand Mens/Womens clothes, Pictures, Furniture just great stuff HUGE MOVING SALE. COLLECTOR CLEANS HOUSE. Household, clothes, toys, books, surf, retro, collectibles and more. Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. 8-noon. 307 Poco Paseo, San Clemente.
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 25–31, 2014
Page 15
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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 25–31, 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
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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
Locals Only Buisness Listings
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USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.danapointtimes.com Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@ thecapistranodispatch.com
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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
Capo Girls Softball Wins State Championship in Historic Fashion BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES
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he Capo Girls Softball 14U AllStar team paved their way to the American Softball Association C State Championship game by using small ball tactics. Bunts, hit and runs and hitting for contact has been their trademark in a season that has seen them claim seven consecutive tournament wins and compile an overall record of 59-4. But when they took the field for a game against rival Garden Grove in the championship game of the coveted state championship on July 19, Capo Girls Softball head coach Dan Massucco decided to abandon small ball and have the local team swing for the fences. Garden Grove defenders were creeping in on defense, allowing space behind them to be exploited, which is what the Capo bats took advantage of. They put on an offensive display and held a three-run cushion heading into the final inning. Pitcher Nicole Arico, who pitched the game with Super Glue holding a broken nail on her throwing hand together, got out of a bases loaded situation in the seventh inning and the Capo team went on to win, 7-4. Garden Grove had eliminated the Capo team in the district championships weeks earlier, which made the state re-match between the two that much more gripping. “I told the team to forget the bunts and let’s play ball (in the state championship). We started hitting the ball and it exploded,” Massucco said. “To take state, which was goal all along, was great. But to beat the team that beat you at districts was
The Capo Girls Softball 14U All-Stars won the ASA C State Championship on July 19. Courtesy photo
a good feeling.” It is the first time in the program’s history that a 14U team, which draws players from San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Ladera Ranch, San Clemente and Laguna Niguel, has won the state tournament. They will now head to the ASA Fast Pitch Girls National Western Championships in Medford, Ore. on July 29. In the buildup to the tournament, following their runner-up finish at districts, the team brought in high school softball pitchers from San Juan Hills and Dana
Hills high schools to face in batting practice. They also ramped up their pitching machines to 70 mph, faster than what they were expecting to face in the state tournament. All of the tinkering and practice resulted in the Capo hitters recognizing how to locate their favorite pitch to hit. They also had their expertise in bunting and speed to rely on. “They had a lot of confidence going into the state hitting the ball. That punch back kind of gave us that momentum going into the finals. We believed we were the better
team,” Massucco said. “Our strategy really created chaos and made us two dimensional.” The San Juan Capistrano community has rallied around the team during their historic run. At a weekly Coffee Chat meeting at Mission Grill in San Juan Capistrano three weeks ago, several team members showed up to get ideas on how to fundraise for their trips. Massucco says travel to and from tournaments is not cheap, estimating that each player’s family has to pay between $700 to $1,000 for expenses. After hearing of the team’s success and desire to raise money, Coffee Chat attendees immediately grabbed a cup and passed it around for donations. The team came away over $300. Mission Grill also hosted a Capo Girls Softball fundraising night and donated a large portion of the proceeds to the team. For most of the players on the team, the regional tournament on July 29 will be the final time they play alongside one another before heading off to different high schools. “I would love to say I want a top-10 finish, or to win, which would be amazing. But at the same time, I want them to have fun one last time,” Massucco said. “Regardless of what happens it’s been a remarkable, banner year.” The Capo Girls Softball 14U All-Star team includes: Riley Dungan, Caitlyn Sung, Alexis White, Angelica Gonzalez, Taylor Hopper, Nicole Arico, Claire Steines, Grace Collier, Kyra Massucco, Alyssa Peterson, Alyson Salas, Mariah Bohl, Elibeth Flores and Regan Salas. DP
America’s Cup Trophy Visits Dana Point BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES
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he Dana Point Yacht Club received one of the most prestigious, and oldest, trophies in all of sport on Saturday, July 19. The 163-year-old Auld Mug, awarded to the winner of the America’s Cup sailing race, stood center stage in the club’s reception area, flanked by Marines, for visitors and members to admire and take photos of. In 2013, the Golden Gate Yacht Club’s Oracle Team USA completed an historic comeback in the 35th installment of the legendary race, erasing an 8-1 deficit and ultimately defeating Emirates Team New Zealand 9-8. Norbert Bajurin, the commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, was on hand in Dana Point to showcase the trophy and give a brief history of the event and describe how Oracle Team USA pulled off
Dana Point Times July 25-31, 2014
the victory. The trophy dates back to 1851, when the vessel America out of the New York Yacht Club, defeated a British vessel in a race around the Isle of Wight. The race was soon renamed after the American ship. The top part of the trophy, which stands at about four feet in height, is the original piece of hardware that was handed to the winner over a century ago. Bajurin described how several years ago, while on display, the trophy was intentionally damaged as a form of political protest. During the presentation, Dana Point Yacht Club commodore Dave Griffin awarded Bajurin with an honorary membership to the yacht club. Those in attendance were also able to view and set sail on an exact replica of the original America boat. DP
Dana Point Yacht Club commodore Dave Griffin, left, poses with Norbert Bajurin, commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club, with the America’s Cup trophy. Photo: Steve Breazeale
Page 17
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DP DP SURF Dana Point
DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 66-68 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: Local: 15-20’ fair+ Catalina: 20-25’ fair-good Immediate: Modest surf prevails off a blend of rising northwest windswell and continued southerly swell-mix. Look for that to provide knee-waist high (2-3’) surf for many breaks, as standout exposures go chest high at times. Light wind in the morning will give way to a moderate+ west/northwest flow in the afternoon. The top eight finishers in the Girl’s 11-14 division celebrate their accomplishments. Photo: Jim Shilander
Longer Range Outlook: Decent round of northwest windswell fades and a new south/ southwest to south groundswell builds as we head into the weekend. That should keep up modest to fun-zone surf then, with the cleanest conditions on offer for the mornings. Check out Surfline for more details!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Christopher Racine completes a wave during his final heat. Photo: Jim Shilander
Brayden Burch celebrates his win in the boys 10 and under division. Photo: Jim Shilander
Groms Rule on SC’s Beaches
Contest a highlight of Ocean Festival proceedings BY JIM SHILANDER, DANA POINT TIMES
G
roms Rule Surf Contest organizer Jack Sutter got a bit of a closer look than he’s used to at this year’s edition of the Ocean Festival contest Sunday. One of the younger participants, Maxim Bregman, 10, had seen his push-in helper take ill. So, to keep him in the contest, Sutter decided to do it himself. “I had to push him in, which was a lot of fun,” Sutter said. “Unfortunately, he didn’t advance, but he had a big smile. Everybody kept things lighthearted and fun.” Sutter said this year’s contest was greatly
helped by kids and parents being flexible. Times of heats were rearranged throughout the contest and number often dictated larger heats than normal. “All the parents agreed to let more kids surf, so everybody got a shot,” Sutter said. This year’s contest included 62 participants two of which were 5 years old. Other organizers included contest directors Rachel and Tim Wendel; checkin volunteers Tanita Ross-Cady and Alex Smith; talliers Jennifer Roberts and Lauren Johnson and judges Randy Hall, Wyatt Brady and Heather Bondiek. DP
August 2-3: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 1, San Onofre State Park, Trail 6 August 9-10: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 1, Camp Pendleton, DMJs 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 September 20-21: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 2, Ventura, Surfers Point September 20-21: NSSA Open, Event No. 1, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty September 27-28: NSSA Open, Event No. 2, Huntington Beach, Pier
Groms Rule Surf Contest Results Boys 10 and under: 1. Brayden Burch 2. Myles Biggs 3. Christopher Racine 4. Jimmy Wynne 5. Ethan Monroe 6. Cole Cramer Girls 10 and under: 1. Hana Johnson 2. Reese Dewey 3. Julia Guild 4. Sierra Downer 5. Emily Racine 6. Aliana Heater Boys 11 to 14: 1. Hagan Johnson 2. David Economos 3. Ethan Mudge 4. Shane Hardy 5. Jackson Hinkle 6. Noah Brown Girls 11 to 14: 1. Bethany Zelasko 2. Makeena Doan 3. Erica Hunting 4. Sea’ana Egizi 5. Michaela Metzger 6. Isabel Cast 7. Rachel Hartnett 8. Juliet Whitehead
Alaina Heater. Photo: Andrea Swayne
GROM OF THE WEEK
Alaina Heater
Alaina Heater, 10, from Melbourne Beach, Florida, has been spending her summers in San Clemente for four years. For the last three, a highlight of her time here has been competing in the San Clemente Ocean Festival Groms Rule Surf Contest, where she has made it to the finals every time. This year, in the Girls 10U push-in division, Alaina decided to buck the trend and catch her own waves. She came in first place in round one earning her a pass straight to the final. The mushy conditions posed an extra challenge and although a push-in coach would have made catching waves easier, Alaina said she was OK with her sixthplace finish due to having surfed solo. “I was a little bit disappointed but I’m happy that I did it by myself,” Alaina said. “I was kind of worried about the other girls getting pushed in and kept thinking, ‘Stay focused and paddle harder.’ But I had fun and I don’t regret not getting pushed in.” Alaina has her heart set on becoming a pro surfer someday and credits her time in San Clemente with playing a part in her love for the sport. “I feel really at home in San Clemente and I’m grateful that my parents bring me here every summer,” Alaina said. “I love surfing in San Clemente because the waves are great and I love the scenery around here. The weather is nice and the people are too.”—Andrea Swayne