September 12, 2014

LO C A L

September 12–18, 2014

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

Tall Ships Festival a Success Sans Sailing PAGE 13

VOLUME 7, ISSUE 37

Back to School is Back Again

Students have much to look forward to in the new school year E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

Christina Portillo, principal at R.H. Dana Elementary School, helps kids board the school bus after school on Tuesday.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

PCH in Town Center Changing to Two-way Traffic EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Planning Commission Votes No on Strand Beach Parking Fees EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Dana Hills Girls Golf Beats Trabuco Hills Twice in Season Openers SPORTS/PAGE 17

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING gates however a time frame for their installation has not been announced. —AS

Planning Commission Now Considering Two Proposed Town Center Developments

Beachgoers make their way through Strand Vista Park, overlooking Dana Strand Beach. On Monday, the Dana Point Planning Commission rejected a request from the county to establish pay parking at the beach.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Two-way Traffic Returning to PCH THE LATEST: Two-way traffic will return to the stretch of Pacific Coast Highway running through the Town Center-Lantern District next week, Dana Point city officials said.

The city engineering department has nearly completed work on traffic signals in the area and began testing the system Thursday and Friday, according to Brad Fowler, the city’s public works director.

The conversion of PCH to accommodate two-way travel, is one of the first milestones of streetscape improvement plans that are part of the city’s revitalization project aimed at making the town center into a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use district.

WHAT’S NEXT: Restriping is scheduled to begin on Sunday, Sept. 14 and if all goes well, the first phase of the two-way opening will begin on Monday, he said.

The first section of road to make the change will be between Copper Lantern and Golden Lantern, tentatively followed, on Wednesday, Sept. 17, by the stretch of road between Golden Lantern and Amber Lantern.

The plan is to complete the re-direction, all the way through to Blue Lantern, by Monday, Sept. 22, Fowler said.

FIND OUT MORE: To subscribe to receive email updates, send an email to ssharke@ danapoint.org.—Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times September 12–18, 2014

Planning Commission Rejects Pay Parking at Strand Beach THE LATEST: The Dana Point Planning Commission considered a county request for the addition of pay parking at Strand Beach on Monday.

The County of Orange submitted a coastal development permit application to add eight pay stations in the parking lot at Strand Vista Park at 34111 Selva Road, overlooking Strand Beach.

After hearing from Susan Brodeur, a senior civil engineer with OC Parks and public comments, commissioners voted 4-0 to reject the county’s request to install machines that would charge visitors $1 per hour to park.

The commission also heard a request for a permit to remove existing spike barrier strips and install automated barrier gates at the entrance and exit to the lot.

The gates would automatically open at 5 a.m. and close at midnight.

This request was approved 3-1, with an added condition that should the gates malfunction, they must remain open until repaired.

Norm Denton cast the lone “no” vote, citing doubt regarding whether the proposal was made in order to fix an actual problem, since the metal gate now present at the park has been rusted in an open position for many years.

Brodeur said both proposals were made in hopes of making the parking lot consistent with other county beach lots, to encourage greater turn-around among visitors and in response to concerns from the community.

Commissioner Susan Whittaker, recused herself from both discussions due to the proximity of her residence.

WHAT’S NEXT: The commission’s vote will allow the addition of automated entry/exit

THE LATEST: The Dana Point Planning Commission heard a presentation for a new development project proposed for the Town Center-Lantern District and continued discussion on another for which a public hearing has been open since July.

The older of the two—a plan proposed

by Majestic Housing and Development— was brought back for a third time, after discussion was continued at the last Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 11.

Majestic representative Peggy Tabbas addressed concerns raised at the previous meeting. Among the issues addressed and added to the plan were dedicated, off-street loading/unloading and trash pickup zones that would not interfere with parking. She also presented new plans for increased public courtyards and changes to building aesthetics.

Aesthetic changes included more landscaping in the form of climbing vines and trees, warmer colors, Spanish/Mediterranean styling for one of the project’s buildings and wall art she called similar to the tile murals found on the pedestrian gateway bridge at PCH near Dana Point Harbor Drive.

Although Majestic’s requested height variance for the buildings was removed, their request for a variance to allow four stories remains. A height variance to accommodate elevator shafts that Commissioner Norm Denton said must be addressed, was not discussed.

Residents expressed continued frustration with the short time story poles were erected for public review and consternation with Majestic’s continued pursuit of variances.

The new proposal for a GTR Property Development project at Golden Lantern and PCH calls for just over 9,800 square feet of retail and restaurant space and 35,370 square feet of residential space with 39 residential rental units.

GTR’s George Ray told commissioners his project asks for two variances. The first is a requested curb cut to accommodate entry into the project’s underground parking via a right turn from PCH. The second is a variance to allow for four stories due to constraints on the construction of the project’s three levels of subterranean parking, below three residential levels.

The plan calls for the level to be 6 feet above ground, therefore making it technically considered a story. It is not architecturally possible to simply dig 2 feet deeper,

Page 3

Ray said.

Commissioners’ comments about the new project, although more complimentary than those regarding the Majestic project, confirmed that both applicants have more work to do and should make a greater effort to comply with set Town Center Plan guidelines.

WHAT’S NEXT: The public hearing was continued to the commission’s next meeting scheduled for Sept. 22, 6 p.m. at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St.—AS

Capistrano Unified Names New K-8 School in Rancho Mission Viejo THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District has selected a name for its new K-8 campus in Rancho Mission Viejo: Escencia School.

Escencia is the name of Rancho Mission Viejo’s second village, which is currently being developed and will be the future site of the school. In Spanish, it means “essence.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The school is scheduled to open in 2016 and will serve 1,200 to 1,600 students.– Brian Park

Major Closures Begin at Interstate 5/Ortega Highway Interchange THE LATEST: For the next two months, motorists traveling through San Juan Capistrano will be better off avoiding Ortega Highway.

As part of the California Department of Transportation’s $86.2 million Interstate 5/Ortega Highway project, the first in a series of major closures at the interchange began Monday, Sept. 8.

Starting that day, the northbound I-5 offramp will be closed for two weeks. That is followed by a six-week closure of the southbound on-ramp and another threeweek closure of Ortega Highway, between the southbound ramps and Del Obispo Street.

In November, Ortega Highway will be reduced to one lane in both directions between Del Obispo Street and El Camino Real, and eastbound traffic will stop at Del Obispo Street, before the bridge.

The project began February 2013 and is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2015.

WHAT’S NEXT: The successive closures are anticipated to be completed around Thanksgiving, according to Caltrans spokeswoman Liz Philippon.—BP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Back to School is Back Again

Beach, the school will soon welcome a new play structure and equipment including wheelchair swings, roll-up musical boards and sand diggers.

“We’re hoping it will be installed within the next month,” Dore said. “We’re excited because it means more of our students will be afforded the opportunity to enjoy our playground. It means that all students can join in the fun together.”

Other improvements to the school’s outdoor recreation area include the repainting of the playground’s very popular “tricycle track.”

Students have much to look forward to

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

A

little over a week into the new school year, Dana Point’s public school students are still putting the carefree days of summer behind them, once again getting used to rising early, doing their homework and engaging in school activities. It’s a time of transition but also a time of excitement, meeting new friends and learning new things.

Although many of Dana Point’s Capistrano Unified School District students attend school facilities outside of the city limits—at San Juan Hills and San Clemente high schools, Marco Forster and Shorecliffs middle schools and a few neighboring elementary schools—we decided to check in with those within the Dana Point boundaries to learn a bit about what students can look forward to this year and find out how the first days of school are going.

DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL Dana Hills High School Principal Jason Allemann welcomed just over 2,700 students to campus on the first day of school, Thursday, Sept. 4, with the help of one of the largest Associated Student Body organizations in the district—possibly even in the county and state—at over 95 students.

“It was great to see all the ASB kids in their Dana wear greeting their classmates on Thursday, clapping and cheering,” Allemann said, explaining that the past few years have been a time of searching for ways to optimize the school’s student leadership program and transition it from exclusivity into an inclusive leadership group.

“We’ve really made a push at challenging kids who would otherwise not be in a traditional ASB setting to get involved and its really shows,” he said. “It has transitioned our school culture on campus to the point that student events now feel more like a collegiate atmosphere. It’s cool to see students and families out in the community sporting their Dana wear too.

People are really excited about things that are happening here.”

The entire community is looking forward to is the annual homecoming game Sept. 26, when the Dolphins football team will take on Garden Grove. With such a talented and dedicated student body, Dolphins halftime shows never disappoint.

“The cool thing about our homecoming process is that before school even starts, our student body gets involved in planning and rehearsals for the event. The Tuesday before school started, I was leaving campus at about 4:30 p.m. and saw a group of

Dana Point Times September 12–18, 2014

Jason Allemann, principal at Dana Hills High School, visits with students (L to R) Louie Bowling, Colin Clark, Harper Donovan and James Krajeski after school on Wednesday. Photo: Andrea Swayne

at least a hundred freshmen learning their dance routing for the show,” Allemann said. “It’s something that the entire community gets excited about.”

In the classrooms, Allemann noted that as a district, CUSD will be adopting new technology initiative for this and future years.

“It means that more technology will be in the hands of our students,” he said. “We will have more access to Chromebooks and Google learning opportunities and our teachers will receive related training.”

R.H. DANA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL At R.H. Dana Elementary, Principal Christina Portillo is also excited about the district’s new technology initiatives and is pleased to announce that this year, all of her fifth-graders will have Chromebooks to use.

The push for teaching technology via one-on-one devices expanded from last year’s grade four instructors teaching the use of Chromebooks and Google software.

With new digital literacy standards being adopted across the district’s K-12 classes, Portillo feels the changes are making a positive difference.

Also making a difference, last year the school’s upper grade teachers applied for and were selected to receive a National Science Foundation Escape Grant—a partnership with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and UC Irvine—and will be participating in a four-year study.

Every summer for the next three years, fourth- and fifth-grade teachers will be trained on the new sciences standards and learn how to teach those standards through the incorporation of fine arts, such as music, movement, dance, painting, Portillo said. “For example, students may learn about the meaning of velocity through dance—moving fast and then slow,” she said.

The program will also bring grant partners, such as professional theater and dance companies, to visit the school as teaching artists.

The new school year also brings the Page 5

addition of a second science lab.

“Last year we opened a new science lab for the whole school and it was a great success. This year we thought we would like to expand that program so that we now have a primary lab for our kindergarten through second-grade students and an upper grade lab for grades three through five.” It’s a change, Portillo said, that makes for more focused instruction by allowing teachers to better tailor the lab experience to the students.

All in all, the school year has started on a positive note, she said.

“So far so good. The first day went really well. We had a great parent meeting and quite a few parents came to our PTA meeting,” Portillo said. “Everyone seems to know where to go, where to park and everything seems to be running smoothly.”

R.H. DANA EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS FACILITY Sharing a campus with R.H. Dana Elementary, R.H. Dana Exceptional Needs Facility, tailored to students with special needs, also has some great new additions to report.

Principal Judy Dore is preparing for the installation of new, universally accessible playground equipment.

Thanks to a $20,000 donation last year from the Assistance League of Laguna

PALISADES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Palisades Elementary School welcomes a new principal this year. Curt Visca has been with CUSD since 1987 and the 20142015 school year will be his 21st year as top administrator at an elementary school.

He is already well known at Palisades, having taught summer school and served as summer school principal previously. Visca comes to Palisades following a seven year stint as principal at Ambuehl Elementary School in San Juan Capistrano. He is married with three children and has been a resident of San Clemente since 1987.

He is also known among the community as the talented cartoonist and host of “It’s Curtoon Time” which has been appearing on television via the local Cox Communication channel since the late 1980s.

Visca has instituted the addition of “The Wave Morning Show,” a popular show broadcast over the school’s PA system and performed by students. (The school mascot is an ocean wave.)

Every day a student is chosen to lead the school in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the telling of a joke, a weather report or a “this day in history” fun fact.

Visca has also instituted the “Wave of the Day” program among staff and faculty.

When students are “caught” doing good, they are awarded a certificate, complete with cartoon artwork created by the principal himself.

“Teachers set the tone in the classroom but as a principal we are the ones who set the tone for the school,” Visca said.

“Academics are of utmost importance but these are just a few ways I enjoy introducing the fun-factor in hopes of giving children another reason to love school.” DP

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY STEVE SOHANAKI

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, September 8 DISTURBANCE Alcazar Drive, 34000 Block (12:55 a.m.) A caller told police there was a drunken man upstairs howling like a coyote and being loud.

Sunday, September 7 DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24300 Block (7:45 p.m.) A man at the beach was heard yelling, “I’m going to cut your head off.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 32800 Block (7:13 p.m.) An older man with a grey beard, a black cap and Bermuda shorts was smoking cigars near the propane tanks at the Chevron gas station. When the man was informed of the danger, he said, “I don’t care if I blow up the neighborhood” and then lit up another cigar.

DISTURBANCE Westborne Drive, 25300 Block (5:38 p.m.) A caller reported seeing a man driving a black car up and down the street while a woman was screaming in the passenger seat.

DISTURBANCE Dana Strand Road, 34300 Block (4:49 p.m.) A drunken man wearing

a black wetsuit and holding a blue bodyboard was threatening lifeguards.

CITIZEN ASSIST Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24200 Block (2:27 p.m.) A caller told police there was someone riding a stolen bicycle in the city. The caller said the bike must be stolen because the rider “can’t afford a bicycle like that.” The caller also claimed to have photographic evidence to show police that the bike was “out of the rider’s finances.”

Friday, September 5 INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Pacific Coast Highway/34300 Block (8:57 a.m.) A caller reported seeing a man, possibly drunk, repeatedly falling on his face while trying to ride his bike.

Thursday, September 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Dana Point Harbor Drive, 25000 Block (9:34 p.m.)

A man on a skateboard holding a Slim Jim was seen in a parking lot possibly trying to break into cars.

PATROL CHECK Malaga Drive, 33800 Block (8:19 p.m.) A caller told police a neighboring family just arrived with 15 to 18 bags of clothing and thinks they may have broken into a store.

DISTURBANCE Amber Lantern Street, 34100 Block (4:31 p.m.) A woman said her fiancé has been growing 200 pot plants in her apartment and she “can no longer take it.”

Wednesday, September 3 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino de Estrella/Calle Sol (9:11 p.m.) A woman told police she heard a young girl and a man in the side stairwell near the former Sears location. The caller wasn’t sure whether the girl was enjoying herself or being forced to do something.

Election News:

Civic Association to Host Second Candidate Forum

T

he Dana Point Civic Association has scheduled the second of its three planned public forums with candidates of upcoming elections.

The next forum, set for Friday, Sept. 19, will feature the five candidates vying for two open seats on the South Coast Water District Board of Directors—Bob Moore, William “Bill” Green, Richard Gardner, Norm Denton and Dennis Erdman.

Board members are elected to four-year terms and have no term limits. Elections are staggered so that every other November, two or three director seats are open for election.

This November, two seats are being vacated by Moore and Richard Runge. Runge has decided not to run.

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The forum will be held at The Coffee Importers, 34531 Golden Lantern in the Dana Point Harbor, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. All are welcome. The event is free to attend and free coffee will be served courtesy of The Coffee Importers.

SCWD candidates will present their election platforms, answer questions submitted in advance by the public and then stay for a meet and greet with attendees following the forum.

Questions must be submitted online

by Sept. 14 via the DPCA’s survey page at www.surveymonkey.com/s/bkb58sk.

The next forum, on Oct. 17, will feature Dana Point City Council candidates.

—Andrea Swayne

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: By Brandon Phillips, Founder of the Skatepark of Dana Point Initiative

Positive Change Requires Great Leadership

A

s we quickly approach this upcoming election, the citizens of Dana Point will be bombarded with political graffiti. The newspaper ads, the mailers and the pop-up signage, so patriotically designed, will litter high-traffic street corners and neighborhoods. Candidates will spend thousands of dollars to promote themselves, in hopes that they might earn your vote. Lucky for us, we are a well-educated community, capable of looking past the graffiti and deep into these candidates’ platforms and character to find good leadership for our special city.

Dana Point is facing great change. I think we can all agree that the only thing consistent in life is change. Why change comes about and how it affects future generations are of utmost importance. As it is, our City Council’s collective mindset is that Dana Point is lacking identity, thus bringing about radical developmental changes in hopes to boost tourism, revenue and to emulate our neighboring beach communities. But Dana Point has long been identified by surfers, skateboarders, merchant sailors, missionaries, ranchers, fisherman and precious natural resources, its identity coming from its abundance of talented and eclectic citizens and standing out amongst

Letters to the Editor

DON’T DISMISS DECOMMISSIONING PROCESS EDWARD (TED) L. QUINN, Dana Point

In response to Roger Johnson’s letter to the Editor from Aug. 22, (“Edison Plan Does Not Properly Address the Issues”) I completely disagree with his position except in one point, as I will outline below.

I don’t understand his disrespect for local and national hardworking representatives in our government as well as the review process for Southern California Edison’s draft documents, which only began a few weeks ago.

As a member of the San Onofre Community Engagement Panel, I am disappointed in Mr. Johnson’s quick dismissal of the process and the integrity of all those involved. Good technical engineering and project management comments are welcomed in the process by the CEP. Fearmongering attacks are a detriment to the process and certainly to Mr. Johnson.

The documents from Edison are the Draft Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report, the Draft Environmental Dana Point Times September 12–18, 2014

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

our neighbors to the north and south.

Agreed, progress is vital to a growing city, but progress without strong leadership and vision leads to discontentment and certain failure.

When major projects are proposed that threaten the quality of life so many generations have valued, we begin to notice these projects directly benefit only a small group. Negotiating height variances, blocking public access to beaches, denying the progression of parks and open space are only some examples of poor leadership and a disconnect between representatives and residents. When individual ideals and standards outweigh the citizens’ collective voice, we start to become a broken community.

Town Center, Harbor Revitalization and Doheny Village top most of the candidates’ lists and for great reason. But there are other projects that will have immediate impact on the city and its residents. For example: The Majestic project, the proper use and development of the 30 acres of land along San Juan Creek and the high demand for a quality built skate park.

These proposals will require a city council that empowers the community’s voice as the deciding factor. This will ensure future

generations are given the same privileges, experiences and opportunities that were established by our elders. The candidates are going to be faced with some of the toughest decisions while under the most critical observation any council of Dana Point has experienced in a long time.

It is time progress meets character and change meets vision as we develop our new “identity.”

As Dana Point’s mission states: “We are committed to providing an efficient and effective government which is open and responsive to the needs of the community and works for the benefit of all.”

This statement should always reflect our City Council, Planning Commission and Water Board’s decision making.

I encourage you to spend time getting to know the candidates’ platforms and character in preparation for the upcoming election.

Connect at www.facebook.com/ danapointskatepark or send an email to skateparkofdanapoint@gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Picket Fence Media Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

Impacts Evaluation and the Draft Decommissioning Cost Estimate, which were just issued for review by the CEP and posted on the public SCE webpage less than three weeks ago.

As a member of the CEP, we are in the middle of our review and will have a public meeting on Aug. 28 in Oceanside to address the CEP and public comments to these documents. The schedule is also under review and the emphasis in the schedule is to move the fuel from the spent fuel pool to dry cask storage as soon as possible.

The charge by Mr. Johnson that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved casks are unsafe is blatantly untrue. The NRC cannot, under its federal mandate, approve the installation of an unsafe cask. His statement also questions the installation of other casks by the same NRC approved manufacturer around the United States, which have provided safe operation for the plants and public around those plants.

The challenge that I make to Mr. Johnson is to work within the process and provide comments thru the CEP to the three documents that are currently under review.

I agree with Mr. Johnson that the role of the federal government should be to accept transfer of the spent fuel and move it to a centralized storage facility as soon as practicable, as noted in the President’s Blue Ribbon Panel report, dated Jan. 26,

2012. We have recommended within the CEP that we request the support of all local and national political representatives of Southern California to petition the Congress to address this important issue in the near term.

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com 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

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

PLEASE HELP WITH THE NEIGHBORS

Special Projects Editor, > Andrea Papagianis

RAPHAEL ABRACOSA

ART/DESIGN

I am a third grade student at Marian Bergeson Elementary School in Laguna Niguel. I am a resident of Dana Point.

I am writing this letter because our neighbors (names removed) who live at (house number on the 24000 block removed) Cortes Drive, use their water sprinklers too much. Also, their trees are really big and they hang over our fences.

It is scary because my friends and I like to play at our backyard but we stopped because we are afraid that the branches will break and fall on us, as it happened in the past.

I have seen inspectors from the city come to their house but nothing was done because they are very uncooperative.

They refuse to follow the guidelines of the drought and refuse to trim their trees.

Please do something. Thank you.

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING PICKET FENCE MEDIA Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Allison Aplin, Megan Bianco, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 7, Issue 37. 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

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.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

At the Movies: ‘The Trip to Italy’ is Delicious

EDITOR’S PICK

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 12 AROMATHERAPY YOGA 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Elevate your senses at this gentle yoga class featuring essential oils. Donation based. Funds donated will be given to the Cancer Research Center.

Sun Salute Yoga, 24582 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.371.6097.

Saturday | 13 CELEBRATE THE OC’S 125TH IN SJC A full day of activities celebrating Orange County’s 125th birthday. The day begins at 10 a.m. as around 1,000 participants will hold hands around the Mission. Other events include a welcome ceremony at Historic Town Center Park at 1:30 p.m., wagon rides at the train depot and familyfriendly activities at Mission Grill, the Historical Society and ZOOMARS Petting Zoo. Musical performances and the 1880s reenactment group Spurs and Satin will perform around town. 949.201.9881, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

VETERANS MEMORIAL CAR WASH 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 hosts a carwash fundraiser to benefit the MAG-39 Marines and their families, as well as the fallen veterans tribute at Dana Point Veterans Memorial Park. Marines will be washing cars. A continental breakfast will be served courtesy of Coffee Importers and StillWater Spirits & Sounds will provide a barbecue lunch.

There will also be police and fire displays.

Donations only. South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Pkwy., Dana Point, 949.248.1419, www.vfwpost9934.org.

Greg Long. Photo: Edwin Morales

TUESDAY, SEPT. 16 AND WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17: TO THE EDGE AND BACK, A BIG WAVE JOURNEY 5 p.m. The San Onofre Parks Foundation presents a lecture by professional big wave surfer Greg Long at the Historic Cottage at San Clemente State Beach. A gallery viewing and reception, with a hosted bar and appetizers, begins at 5 a.m. followed by the lecture at 7 p.m. Long, the 2013-2014 Billabong XXL Ride of the Year winner, presents a tour of the world of riding gigantic waves, predator encounters, remote exploration, high seas adventure and more, woven into a true-life saga celebrating a remarkable journey through life. Tickets are $10 in advance at www.greglong2.eventbrite.com or $15 at the door. 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, 949.366.8599, www.sanofoundation.org.

Tuesday | 16

31852 El Camino Real, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

DANA HARBOR TOASTMASTERS 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Fine tune your public speaking skills each Tuesday. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave., Capistrano Beach, 949.492.7181, www.1707.toastmastersclubs.org.

Thursday | 18

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY TOASTMASTERS MEETING 7 p.m.-8:40 p.m. Practice becoming a more confident communicator. Occurs every Tuesday. Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point.

949.280.9777, 3944816.toastmastersclubs. org.

Sunday | 14

Wednesday | 17

QUILTERS: A MUSICAL 2 p.m. Tickets $20, $15 for students.

Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

CAPO BEACH FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.–7 p.m. Visit the area’s latest weekly market where locally-grown, organic produce and regional artisans are featured.

Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave., 949.573.5033, www.danapoint.org.

Monday | 15 COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Live music, steak night and happy hour prices at The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Dana Point Times September 12–18, 2014

YAPPY HOUR 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Follow Fido to happy hour at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel for this monthly cocktail party. Four-legged friends can enjoy complimentary biscuits while lapping up beef and bacon flavored water. Their human counterparts can purchase burgers, brews and wine. Funds raised will help support Canine Companions for Independence which provides service dogs to the disabled and the nation’s veterans. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, www.ritz-carlton.com.

UPCOMING: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES CONCERT SERIES 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The final show of the series featuring Steely Dan tribute band, Steely Jam. Also includes food, beer and wine, local businesses with information and product tables and fun activities for kids.

Free to attend. Historic Town Center Park,

COASTAL CLEANUP DAY 8 a.m.-noon. Volunteers are needed for the 30th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day events at Dana Point Harbor. The bi-annual underwater cleanup is seeking certified divers to scour the harbor floor for debris.

Volunteers are needed on foot for the cigarette butt roundup. And, new this year, on-the-water cleanup participants are being sought to remove floating debris from aboard kayaks and dinghies. For more info and to volunteer, call 949.493.6222 for the underwater cleanup, 949.463.7970 for the on-the-water cleanup and 949.499.4499 for the cigarette butt roundup.

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Photo: Ciro Meggiolaro

F

our years after traveling and experiencing fine dining and conversation throughout Britain in The Trip, comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon are back again for a second assignment in The Trip to Italy.

Originally airing as a 12-part miniseries on British television, Michael Winterbottom edited his episodes into two films for the rest of the world to view. The first film was already an amusing odyssey across England, and now it’s even more entertaining and clever in Italy.

As was the case in the previous adventure, Coogan and Brydon play slightly fictionalized versions of themselves, where they have the same names and careers, but their relationships and personal trials are scripted for the screen. And just like the first Trip, Rob and Steve (but mostly Rob), pass time by doing humorous and often accurate impressions of other celebrities. Along the way, the married Rob is tempted by a female tour guide (Rosie Fellner).

Part of what makes Trip to Italy even better than the first movie, is the fact that this setting is even more appropriate and actually feels like a trip, rather than a tour of the comics’ home country. We see them feel and act like tourists on vacation, enjoying delicious food and gorgeous scenery. Coogan and Brydon are completely at home with each other as comedy partners and play off each other amusingly. For a taste of Italy and a good laugh, The Trip to Italy is a perfect getaway. —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

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

Dating Old Flames and Losing Weight While some things have changed, double standards have not

A

few days before Labor Day, Anita (not her true name), age 52, a widow of two years, emailed, “What is your perspective on rekindling old relationships?” Anita had been on a career networking website when she came across an old boyfriend she had not talked to in 25 years.

Anita said, “We have exchanged a few emails and have agreed that we would like to catch up. I asked him to call so we could chat but he said he would rather we meet in person. He wants to meet on Labor Day at a Dana Point bar.”

Anita had concerns about meeting him.

Why wouldn’t he talk on the phone? Was he hiding something? Was he married?

Why meet on Labor Day? She was also concerned because of her weight. The reason she broke up with him 25 years before was he was into fitness and bodybuilding and had always tried to get her to lose five pounds and to dye her hair. She was a fit personal trainer then and found his demands unacceptable.

“

Anyone who has been a caregiver and a nurturer... can understand how easy it is to put others’ needs ahead of our own. Taking the time to care for ourselves often becomes an after-thought.

—Anita

”

Anita said, “In the past decade, I have gained 20 pounds. Anyone who has been a caregiver and a nurturer, as I was for my husband for seven years, can understand how easy it is to put others’ needs ahead of our own. Taking the time to care for ourselves often becomes an after-thought.

“In thinking of meeting him, my first inclination was to starve myself in a desperate and unrealistic attempt to lose those 20 pounds. In an ideal world, he will have matured and maybe even put on a few pounds himself and even acquired a receding hairline or something.”

Anita added that she was worried that he’d think she was “just a fat, middle-aged Dana Point Times September 12-18, 2014

housewife; I am terrified of being rejected and hurt again,” she said. “How realistic are single men over 50 when it comes to a woman’s weight and physicality?”

She wanted to know my thoughts about her meetON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 ing her old boyfriend.

By Tom Blake My reply to Anita: “My guess is he hasn’t changed. He won’t talk on the phone? How weird. He wants to meet at a bar and not for coffee? On Labor Day? Red flags. You are setting yourself up for a disappointment.”

She decided to meet with him anyway.

After the proposed encounter, she wrote. “On Labor Day, I showed. He didn’t. I can’t say I’m disappointed because I was having serious doubts.”

My perspective: Dating old flames can work. After all, you shared common interests oh-so many years ago. However, there are lots of questions and challenges.

Who moves if someone has to relocate?

What about children? Finances? There are a plethora of issues. I am aware of situations where old flames have successfully reunited. However, for every old flame success story, there are many, many, more that don’t work.

Answering Anita’s question about weight: Men do care about a woman’s weight, even if the men have let themselves go. It’s a double standard. For Anita, as a former personal trainer, she knows the importance of getting in shape and losing some pounds, not because of what men want but because it’s necessary for her health. That’s the important thing—her health. And, it will help her self-esteem dramatically.

The singles age 50-plus meet and greet gathering for this month is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli, Dana Point. Call Tom at 949.248.9008 for details.

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

The crew of the tall ship Irving Johnson worked high above deck Friday to secure the vessels sails following a decision to cancel the evening’s sunset sail kickoff of the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival at the Ocean Institute in the Dana Point Harbor. The combination of high tides and a hurricane swell prompted the decision, which carried through the weekend. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Tall Ships Festival Sails On Minus Sailing

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he 30th annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, hosted by the Ocean Institute at the Dana Point Harbor, went on despite the cancellation of all sailing excursions last weekend.

The combination of high surf caused by Hurricane Norbert near Baja California and a super moon high tide prompted the captains of the participating vessels to cancel the festival’s traditional kickoff, the sunset sail parade on Friday, Sept. 5. Mock cannon battles scheduled for the following Saturday and Sunday were also canceled.

“Passenger safety is our main concern,”

said Christy Sweeney of the Ocean Institute.

“Also, the tall ships would be at risk for damage in these conditions.”

Despite the cancellations, thousands attended the festival’s landside activities, which included authentic encampments by pirate reenactors, the Port Royal Privateers, music, food, arts and crafts and other activities celebrating the state’s rich maritime history.

A news release from event organizers said cruise ticket holders will be receiving full refunds by mail.

For more information, visit www.tallshipsfestival.com. DP

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 13

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

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE 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.

GARAGE SALES RUMMAGE SALE The Capistrano Terrace Mobile Home Park will be having a rummage sale through out the park with multi families joining in. September 13 & 14 Saturday and Sunday from 8am-2pm 32802 Valle Road just before the Volkswagen dealership.

GARAGE SALE SEPTEMBER 13TH Saturday morning 9AM. The sale will happen at: 33431 Nottingham Way, Dana Point

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com Deadline 5 p.m. 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 September 12–18, 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

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

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY

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

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the Dana Hills High School fall sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

Dolphins Golf Sweeps Mustangs The Dana Hills girls golf team easily swept aside Trabuco Hills on consecutive days to start their season and improved to 2-0.

In their season opening match, Dana Hills was led by Tori Hummel in a 216-236 win at El Niguel Country Club on Sept.

2. Hummel earned medalist honors after carding a 37 (+1) on the front nine.

Hummel led the squad again in the second match at Dove Canyon Country Club on Sept. 3, shooting a 37 (+1) on the front nine in a comfortable 215-227 Dana Hills victory.

The Dolphins were set to host Newport Harbor in a nonleague match on Sept. 11.

Results were not available at press time.

Dolphins Volleyball Opens Tournament Season The Dana Hills girls volleyball team will begin their 2014 preseason tournament campaign with an appearance at the Dave Mohs Tournament on Sept. 12. The tournament features several high-profile programs throughout Orange County and will be the Dolphins first true test of the season.

Dana Hills was set to Edison in a nonleague match on Sept. 11. Results were not available at press time.

Dolphins Football Looking to Bounce Back Against Tritons Whenever the San Clemente and Dana Hills High School football team’s square off, it is an event. The players, coaches and fans have grown accustomed to making the yearly drive to exit off either Avenida Pico in San Clemente or take PCH up to Golden Lantern in Dana Point. It’s a regional rivalry game that, until recently, the Tritons have dominated. Last season the Dolphins beat San Clemente for the first time since 2009.

It is always a game both teams want to win and this year is no exception.

When the two teams square off on Sept.

12 at San Clemente High School, the Dolphins (0-2) will be looking for their first win of the season. So far, Dana Hills has dropped consecutive nonleague games to Tustin and Corona del Mar, respectively.

The Dolphins battled back out of an early deficit against Tustin, failing to score on a last-ditch Hail Mary in the fourth quarter, and were shutout 37-0 by the Sea Kings, the reigning CIF-SS Southwest Division champions, last week.

It’s been a tough two games for Dana Hills. A win against San Clemente would certainly put them back on track.

San Clemente (2-0) comes into the contest red hot, having knocked off Garfield and Huntington Beach in consecutive weeks to start their season.

The Tritons have been led by senior quarterback and USC commit Sam Darnold and the team’s versatile running backs, Vlad Dzhabiyev and Brandon Reaves. San Clemente’s defense is also rounding into shape, after holding Hun-

From L to R: Hieu Vo, Jimmy Bass and Bobby Fet show off their catch aboard a Dana Wharf Sportfishing boat.

Courtesy photo

Dana Wharf Fish Count COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

D

ana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching captain Brian Woolley does not see an end to the highvolume fishing out on the waters near Dana Point anytime soon. In his monthly fishing report, Woolley said that boats are still pulling in bluefin and yellowtail in the 10-30-pound range. Dorado, bonito and different types of bass have also been in the mix.

Here is the latest fish count out of Dana Wharf.

9/10 8 boats; 206 anglers: 257 yellowtail, 49 yellowfin, 21 calico bass, 15 skipjack, 6 bonito, 5 dorado, 5 sand bass, 2 sculpin.

tington Beach to zero points in the second half of last week’s game.

Dana Hills proved they could compete with San Clemente, even with Darnold under center, in the past. Last season, the two teams exchanged blows in the first half of a closely contested game that saw the Dolphins lead 14-13 at halftime.

But just before the half, Darnold broke his foot, an injury that sidelined him for the game and the rest of the season. The Dolphins cruised to a 38-13 victory.

San Clemente wants to extend their winning streak to three games and assert their position among the teams to beat in the area. The Dolphins are looking to get in the win column and jumpstart the remaining portion of their nonleague run.

The game is set to begin at 7 p.m.

Cross Country Ready for Laguna Hills Invitational The Dana Hills football team and running back Brian Scott (right) defeated San Clemente 38-13 last season, earning their first victory over the Tritons since 2009. The two teams will play again on Sept. 12.

Photo: Tony Tribolet/www.xpsphoto.com

Dana Point Times September 12–18, 2014

The Dana Hills boys and girls cross country teams will start their season at the Page 17

9/9 6 boats; 180 anglers: 78 yellowtail, 66 yellowfin, 41 calico bass, 35 skipjack, 9 rockfish, 3 dorado, 2 sand bass, 1 bonito.

9/8 7 boats; 116 anglers: 248 yellowtail, 194 yellowfin, 37 skipjack, 9 calico bass, 1 dorado, 1 strip marlin.

9/7 9 boats; 231 anglers: 89 yellowtail, 72 yellowfin, 45 bonito, 32 calico bass, 9 skipjack, 6 rockfish, 5 sand bass, 2 sculpin, 1 dorado.

9/6 11 boats; 383 anglers: 324 yellowtail, 214 calico bass, 141 bonito, 101 yellowfin, 36 sand bass, 6 dorado, 4 skipjack.

9/5 9 boats; 135 anglers: 243 yellowtail, 105 yellowfin, 56 calico bass, 10 dorado, 4 skipjack, 4 sand bass, 1 sculpin. DP

Laguna Hills Invitational at Laguna Hills High School on Sept. 13. The Dolphins will get their first look at divisional rivals El Toro and San Clemente at the event.

On Sept. 27 the Dolphins will host the Dana Hills Nike Invitational.

Boys Water Polo Falls to Friars The Servite and Dana Hills boys water polo teams were deadlocked at seven goals apiece heading into the final quarter of their Sept. 9 nonleague matchup at Servite High School. The final quarter was a low scoring affair but the Friars were able to pull off a 9-8 victory.

The Dolphins’ Marko Asic, Nick Jansen and Jack McLaughlin each had two goals and goalie Riley Zachary had 18 saves in the loss.

Servite’s Max Weber had a game-high five goals.

The Dolphins were set to face San Marcos on Sept.11. Results were not available at press time. www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

A Celebration of Surfing and Art

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 68-72 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 8-12’ Fair Catalina: 12-15’+ Fair-Good

Local artist, surfer invites public to create art through vision and voice

Thursday and Friday: Fun dose of SSW swell blends with small early season NW swell. Better breaks will offer waves in the waist-chest high (3-4’) zone, as best combo and summer magnets run shoulder high+ (4’+) at times. Shape is broken up for the beachbreaks and conditions clean in the mornings with light/variable winds. Each afternoon a light to locally moderate Westerly sea-breeze develops, looking stronger Friday.

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

S

urfing and art have been intertwined from the start. From the handsculpted wave sliding vessels and the artwork that often adorns them, to a compulsion by surfers to document their love of the ocean and waves in some visual form, these two creative pursuits have long been linked in the surfing world.

Surf art is a genre in itself and, although athletic in nature, surfing is often also referred to as an art—its practitioners drawing lines, fueled by the imagination, across the glassy faces of waves in glorious displays of self-expression.

For San Clemente-based artist and surfer Drew Brophy, sharing both passions with the world is not only a job or hobby, it is one of his missions in life. So, for Brophy, who travels often and extensively to earn a living as a visual artist, the opportunity for some “down time” at home offered a chance to reconnect with the community while both sharing and gathering inspiration.

Beginning on Sunday, Sept. 7 and running through Friday, Sept. 12, Brophy has been inviting the public to join him in creating surf art, through vision and voice, celebrating what’s great about San Clemente and surfing the local breaks.

He has been posting up at a variety of surf breaks and surf shops in the area each day to paint a three-panel mural and inviting the public to participate by helping him

Drew Brophy, a San Clemente artist and surfer (shown here at San Onofre welcoming the participation of a beachgoer) hopes to inspire and be inspired by the community through a weeklong surf art project at local surf breaks and surf shops. Photo: JoniePHOTO

lay ink to canvas and sharing their thoughts on a very simple, yet poignant question: What is surfing to me? And for the nonsurfers: What is San Clemente to me?

“I paint all over the world and it seems like I’m always too busy to do something locally,” Brophy said. “I really wanted to do something here to celebrate art, surfing and our great community. I had some time and felt like this would be the perfect week for it, in conjunction with the North Beach Art Walk.”

He kicked off his week Sunday at the pier, and then painted on Monday at San O, Tuesday at Lowers, Wednesday at BC Surf Shop on El Camino Real and Thursday Icons of Surf, also on El Camino Real.

On Friday, all of the week’s works and the question responses he gathered while painting them, will be on display at San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, beginning at 1 p.m. A “Paint with Drew” make and take event for children

GROM OF THE WEEK

SAWYER LINDBLAD

Age: 9, Concordia Elementary “I like surfing because I love being in the ocean and the feeling of being on a wave,” said Sawyer Lindblad, who’s been surfing since the age of 4 under the tutelage of her father. Sawyer is making her first foray into surf series competition this season in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour. At the WSA season opener, Aug. 3 at San Onofre Trail 6, she took top honors in the Girls U10 division. “It’s really fun surfing against different people. It makes me try harder because I really want to win and keep getting better,” Sawyer said. Her Dana Point Times September 12–18, 2014

Sawyer Lindblad. Photo: Courtesy

other hobbies include tennis and skateboarding. In school, Sawyer is a third-grader who works hard to earn good grades and especially enjoys reading and writing. This

from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. will invite youth to create art with supplies donated by Fredrix Artist Canvas and Posca.

“The two things I was good at as a kid were surfing and art but I was told that neither was important and that I couldn’t do them forever. I didn’t accept that and now that’s basically all I do,” Brophy said. “I just want to inspire people to enjoy art, to try it and discover the joy it can bring to life.”

To read some of the responses he gathered, visit www.drewbrophy.com.

The North Beach Art Walk runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the second Friday of the month. It begins at Artwistic Creations with a block party in the Holley’s Tire Service parking lot, 1225 N El Camino Real, and continues south to Avenida Pico, with receptions, parties and exhibits at the galleries, restaurants and other businesses along the way. Find out more at www.facebook.com/ NorthBeachCommunityAssociationSanClemente. DP

summer she went on a surf trip to the big island of Hawaii and had a great time surfing at Pine Trees. Sawyer said her next surf trip will likely be there as well, because her grandpa lives there. But if she could choose anywhere in the world for her next surf trip, she’d choose Australia. Her favorite local break is Riviera and some of her favorite people to surf with are her dad, her uncle, her brother Taj and her friend Ryder Biolos.

“When I grow up I want to be a teacher or an interior decorator. I watch design shows on TV and it looks really fun because you get to be creative and make homes look pretty,” Sawyer said. “I want to try to be a pro surfer too, so right now I’m doing the WSA and practicing with my dad as often as he’ll take me. It’s so much fun and it makes me feel really happy. Winning the first WSA felt really good too.”—Andrea Swayne

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Longer Range Outlook: Fun blend of easing SSW and NW swells on offer through the weekend, good for 2-3’+ sets at the better exposed breaks of the region. Solid new SW swell due in next week. Check out Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook!

What’s Up? Camp SUP

S

alt Life, a lifestyle apparel brand, has teamed up with SUP magazine to present Camp SUP, September 13 and 14 at Doheny State Beach. Camp SUP is a two-day event aimed at introducing new people to the sport of stand-up paddling, encouraging paddlers to improve their skills and to provide participants the opportunity to try out the latest gear from leading SUP brands. The event is free and open to all ages.

Both days begin at 8 a.m. and will include demos and clinics by some of the sport’s top athletes, such as Nikki Gregg, Gillian Gibree, Dave Boehne and Connor Baxter.

On Saturday there will be a timed 4-mile fun paddle race (also for all ages and abilities) at 11 a.m. Times will be posted following the race and broken down into age groups/board lengths, but the emphasis is on fitness and fun. The entry fee is $65. A portion of the proceeds from the race will be awarded to the winning philanthropic event in stand-up paddling, as being decided at the annual SUP Awards.

The beer garden opens each day at noon, kicking off the live-music-filled afternoon beach party which runs until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, including directions, a detailed schedule and fun paddle signup instructions, visit www. supthemag.com/camp-sup. —AS www.danapointtimes.com