October 3, 2014

LO C A L

N EWS

October 3-9, 2014

YO U

C A N

U S E

Battle of the Paddle Comes to Salt Creek, Oct. 4-5 PAGE 26 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 40

Coastal Living Celebrated

Dana Point Historical Society Home Tour to showcase Niguel Shores homes, raise funds E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

The Niguel Shores home of Jan and Dick Grabham is one of six on the 14th annual Dana Point Historical Society Home Tour, set for Sunday, Oct. 5. Photo: Andrea Swayne

City Council Candidates to Appear at Public Forum EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Dana Hills’ Williams Talks Commitment to Cal Poly SLO SPORTS/PAGE 24

www.danapointtimes.com

Meet the Newest Hobie Surf Shop Team Members SURF/PAGE 26

POLLING HAS BEGUN: VOTE FOR THE BEST OF DANA POINT AT DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING watershed.

County monitors then put up a pair of coyote decoys, which proved effective at frightening the birds away from the beach.

WHAT’S NEXT: The city of San Clemente and county will continue to monitor the beach. Projects may be in the offing to enhance pedestrian access by repairing the catwalk under Pacific Coast Highway at the water treatment facility there.—Jim Shilander

SONGS Decommissioning Event Provides Look at Dry Cask Storage

A pair of coyote decoys helped keep seagulls away from Poche Beach last week after a gap in the San Clemente and Orange County falconry programs. Photo by Jim Shilander

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week

City Council Candidate Forum Set for Oct. 9

THE LATEST: Dana Point voters will have a chance to get to know the nine candidates running for City Council at a public forum set for Thursday, Oct. 9 The League of Women Voters of the Capistrano Bay Area, in partnership with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the Dana Point Civic Association, and the Dana Point Times, will be hosting the forum.

The event is set to take place at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHAT’S NEXT: Questions will be taken from forum attendees on the night of the event.

Members of the League of Women Voters will moderate. —Andrea Swayne

Statewide Plastic Bag Ban Signed THE LATEST: While Dana Point’s two-year old single-use plastic bag ban remains controversial, the state of California this week enacted the nation’s first statewide ban.

Tuesday, Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation banning single-use plastic bags statewide, after many localities, including Dana Point, and counties, including Los Angeles County, instituted local bans.

The state ban includes a similar “grace period” to allow small businesses more Dana Point Times October 3-9, 2014

time to comply with the new law.

Larger grocery stores will have to comply by 2015, followed by pharmacies and convenience stores in 2016.

Without single use plastic bags, shoppers would be required to pay a small fee for use of paper bags or to use re-usable bags.

WHAT’S NEXT: Following the signing, an effort was already underway to overturn the ban at the ballot box in 2016.

– Jim Shilander

Poche Back off Unsafe Beach List THE LATEST: After briefly appearing on the county’s Ocean Recreation Water Quality Warnings and Advisories last week, San Clemente’s Poche Beach is back off the list this week.

San Clemente Assistant City Engineer Tom Bonigut said high levels of bacteria were discovered at the beach, which is run by the County of Orange and sits on the San Clemente/Dana Point line near the Beach Road community of Capistrano Beach, during a brief period between the end of San Clemente’s falconry program, and the beginning of the county’s efforts.

In that period, hundreds of birds moved back into a pond and the surf nearby, leading to the increase in bacteria levels.

The city of San Clemente manages water quality at the beach due to urban runoff from the city being collected at a channel there from the Prima Deshecha

THE LATEST: The future of the spent nuclear fuel stored at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station was a topic of major interest Monday at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center during an informational event hosted by Southern California Edison on the decommissioning of the plant.

The most popular table at the event, in terms of interest, was one focused on the long-term storage of spent fuel at the site, which included a model of a spent fuel assembly and the storage process for placement in the casks.

Gene Stone, a member of Edison’s Community Engagement Panel and leader in the local environmental movement said he was most concerned about the storage options the utility is considering.

His deepest worries focused on the lack of ability to monitor the casks for leaks using current technology, as well as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s regulations for such casks, which he said do not reflect a reality of long-term storage at nuclear plant sites.

proved a Coastal Development Permit for the Commercial Core Project, a portion of the $140 million Harbor Revitalization Plan in the works for more than 15 years.

That approval was quickly followed by an appeal, filed by Bruce Heyman, president of Boaters 4 Dana Point Harbor.

In June, City Council denied the appeal and Heyman took the appeal to the California Coastal Commission. Two members of the Coastal Commission also appealed the permit.

Boaters were concerned that boater amenities, such as parking and storage could be negatively impacted by the project.

The plans call for the addition of 30,000 square feet of new retail and include the demolition of 13 buildings, reconstruction of seven, a 35,000-square-foot park, infrastructure and landscape improvements. Approval, in concept, is also being requested for a dry stack boat storage facility.

Regarding amendments to the Coastal Development Permit being presented at the hearing, the city’s official Notice of Public Hearing reads as follows: “Revisions to the project are intended to supplement the existing documentation and to allow the California Coastal Commission to determine that no substantial issue exists, thereby allowing the city’s discretionary approval of the permit to become final.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Citizens wishing to be heard, for or against the project, will have an opportunity to speak at the hearing.

Written correspondence may also be sent to the attention of the City Clerk at City Council at 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Ste. 203, Dana Point, CA 92629.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, visit the city’s website at www.danapoint. org. —AS

WHAT’S NEXT: The CEP will meet again in San Juan Capistrano next Thursday, Oct. 9, to discuss emergency planning and preparedness. Another special meeting, to be held Oct. 14, will be a public forum focused on issues of spent fuel storage and will include cask vendors. Both events will be held at the San Juan Community Center, located at 25925 Camino del Avion.—JS

Public Hearing Set for the Appeal of Harbor Commercial Core Coastal Development Permit

THE LATEST: The city of Dana Point has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 7 for the appeal of a permit for landside revitalization of the commercial core at Dana Point Harbor.

In May, the Planning Commission ap-

Page 3

Dana Point Harbor revitalization landside plans would see the demolition of 13 buildings currently housing local retailers and eateries. Those buildings are slated for replacement with seven new structures and a 35,000-square-foot park. Rendering courtesy of Orange County

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?

••• Send your suggestions to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Coastal Living Celebrated

The 14th Annual Dana Point Historical Society Home Tour to showcase Niguel Shores abodes, raise funds for historical preservation

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, THE DANA POINT TIMES

D

ana Point’s history is often told beginning in the early 1800s when pirates anchored off the coast to raid the Mission San Juan Capistrano, or the story of the city’s namesake Richard Henry Dana Jr. arriving aboard the brig Pilgrim during the bustling hide trade era and later dubbing it “the most romantic spot in California” in his journal Two Years Before the Mast. But plenty has happened in the years since, adding to the colorful heritage the Dana Point Historical Society works in earnest to preserve.

In support of its efforts, the society hosts the Dana Point Historical Society Home Tour, a much anticipated event among the community. This year’s tour, set for Sunday, Oct. 5 and dubbed “Coastal Living Niguel Shores Style,” will mark its 14th year. The tour will feature homes in the Niguel Shores neighborhood, a gated community developed between 1970 and 1977 in the Monarch Beach area of Dana Point.

Although a large part of the society’s efforts are directed toward protecting historic buildings and archiving the city’s story within the walls of its museum at City Hall, it also aims to foster an appreciation of the city’s heritage by highlighting the people and neighborhoods that have made vital contributions to Dana Point, said Barbara Force Johannes, the group’s president.

“A majority of Monarch Beach residents, including those of Niguel Shores, voted to become part of the city of Dana Point when it incorporated in 1989,” Johannes said. “Its inclusion is a significant part of the city’s history. To feature homes in Niguel Shores is emphasizing a more recent, but just as important, part of city history.”

Past tours have included the city’s older districts and structures—homes built in the early 1900s by the city’s first developer S.H. Woodruff—as well as the wide variety of houses built in the years after.

“We try to alternate the areas of the city we emphasize each year,” Johannes said.

“And we celebrate them as an important part of the greater whole—each contributing its own unique lifestyle, and flavor.”

Dana Point Times October 3-9, 2014

The kitchen island in Jan and Dick Grabham’s Niguel Shores home seems to float above the floor. The home is one of six, in the neighborhood, to be featured at the 14th annual Dana Point Historical Society Home Tour on Oct. 5. Photo: Andrea Swayne

The home tour is the Historical Society’s largest fundraising event of the year and has earned the support of a loyal group of sponsors. The first, founding sponsor Dan Raphael of Coldwell Banker in Capistrano Beach donated the seed money that started the tradition.

Raphael, a nearly 40-year resident, said at the time he was searching for a way to get involved in something that would benefit Dana Point.

“Over the years the Historical Society has does a lot of good, from preserving the heritage of our beautiful coastal city to offering scholarships to area youth,” Raphael said. “Sponsoring the tour has given me an opportunity to give back to the community. I feel honored to contribute.”

The tour will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will include six Niguel Shores homes.

Attendees will tour a Spanish-style home with a curving staircase with tiles on the risers and an artistic wrought iron railing, a very modern home decorated in a minimalist yet elegant style, a classic casual beach house, a rustic home inspired by the owner’s admiration of historic barns, a home remodeled in the Tuscan farmhouse style and a soft contemporary ranch style that seamlessly bridges indoor and outdoor spaces.

Registration and parking will be at the Dana Point Historical Society Museum at City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

There will be free coffee and shuttle bus transportation to the homes.

A post-tour reception will be held at the museum following the tour.

Tickets are $35 each or, if purchased in advance, two or more are $30 each, or $25 each for members.

Tickets are available at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, 24681 La Plaza, or at registration on the day of the event.

For more information, contact the Historical Society at 949.248.8121, dphistorical@hotmail.com or visit online at www.danapointhistorical.org.

Page 4

Jan Grabham stands in one of her favorite spots in the home she shares with her husband Dick. Photo: Andrea Swayne.

A FEATURED HOME One home on the tour is that of Jan and Dick Grabham, who bought in Niguel Shores three and a half years ago. The couple was living in Houston at the time and looking for a second home.

Originally from Indianapolis, the high school sweethearts have lived all over the world—from Baton Rouge, La. and Tulsa, Okla., to Antwerp, Belgium and Jubail, Saudi Arabia—thanks to Dick’s career as a chemical engineer at Exxon.

Their Dana Point home has become the ideal spot for the couple to enjoy retirement and host the families of their three children, which include five grandchildren.

The couple said the search for their retirement home at the beach took nearly four years—renting beach houses in the area—until they found their perfect spot in Niguel Shores.

The home was purchased from Steve Unger, who tore down the old home on the site and rebuilt in 2007 and 2008.

“I am thrilled to have this house on tour.

It is an exceptional architectural gem,”

said Mary Crowl, co-chair for the home tour. “The architecture in this house is so distinctive.”

Designed by architect Renato Trotta, the house is “soft contemporary” to the delight of Jan, who had always associated the word contemporary with “cold.”

“I am usually not a fan of contemporary.

I’m more of a country French person,” Jan said. “I was looking for something more in the Cape Cod style but when I saw this home I knew Dick would love it. It wasn’t cold contemporary. I’ve tried to make it feel warm.”

With Jan’s eye for decorating and a few “ins” in the interior design world, she succeeded, filling the house with an inspired mix of designer furnishings that are both beautiful and comfortable.

The couple had a long list of things they were looking for—gated community, one story, low maintenance, room for family, ocean view, etc.

“This one hit 19 out of 20 items on our wish list,” Dick said.

With six bathrooms, four bedrooms, a study that converts to a guest room and plenty of outdoor space, it met the couple’s wishes perfectly, they said.

Nicknamed the “floating house,” the walls and many of the built in features of the home appear to float above the natural gray quartzite floors that span the home’s 4,100 square feet and also extend to through the outdoor spaces.

Speaking of outdoor spaces, the house has a central courtyard with a 50-foot by 18-foot swimming pool and a large patio with a fireplace overlooking the Pacific.

Between the two spaces, the main living room and hallway are lined with walls of glass and sliding glass doors that open to create a huge indoor/outdoor living space.

The sleek modern kitchen, with its “floating island” and the master bedroom also open to the outdoors.

Stone accents are present throughout, including two massive polished slabs— with veins of cobalt blue lapis lazuli and gold tones—flanking the living room fireplace. Smooth river rocks also accent the quartzite walkways along the entry into the courtyard, surrounding the sunken hot tub just off of the master and in the outdoor bathroom near the pool where the sauna and steam shower are located.

The design also lends itself to the collection and display of the Grabhams’ passion for collecting art.

Regulars at the annual art festivals in Laguna Beach, the couple has a growing collection of works by local artists including Vladimir Sokolov, Kathy Jones, Susan Wade and more, as well as prints by Miro, Chagall and Tom Everhart.

As well-suited to the Grabhams as the house is, one of the best things about Niguel Shores living, they said, is not found within their home’s walls.

“We love living here too, because the people are really friendly and down to earth,” Jan said. “We found a real sense of community that we didn’t find in other places we looked.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY CATHERINE MANSO

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

Wednesday, October 1 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Dana Point Harbor Drive (11:25 p.m.) A woman with her pants down around her ankles fell over a curb behind the Jack in the Box. “Carloads of guys” were seen stopped nearby.

DISTURBANCE Buccaneer Street, 32900 Block (11:25 p.m.) A neighbor of a halfway house heard someone yelling, “Go ahead and cut yourself.”

Tuesday, September 30 DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road/Camino Capistrano (4:38 p.m.) A driver reportedly attempted to run over a man in the Costco parking lot.

RECKLESS DRIVING Del Obispo Street/Stonehill Drive (12:14 p.m.) Officers were told of two drivers operating dark colored SUVs, chasing one another down the road.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Vista Del Mar, 26700 Block (10:19 a.m.) A caller phoned police to report “super loud vulgar music” being played in the area.

Monday, September 29 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/ CIRCUMSTANCE La Cresta Drive, 24200 Block (7:08 p.m.)

Dispatch received notice of a man screaming and throwing things while on the roof of a kindergarten building.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Golden Lantern, 34600 Block (3:59 p.m.) A woman in her 50s was sitting on a bench near a business, cursing and yelling.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Calle Verano, 26900 Block (3:59 p.m.) The Orange County Fire Authority was dispatched when smoke was seen coming from the windows of a residence.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIES Pacific Coast Highway, 32900 Block (2:54 p.m.) A car drove into a CVS pharmacy.

DISTURBANCE Stonehill Drive/ Del Obispo Street (8:34 a.m.) A man who appeared Page 5

to be about 35 years old and carrying a backpack was seen slapping a woman he was walking with.

Sunday, September 28 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Del Gado Road, 27500 Block (9:59 p.m.) A caller complained about the loud volume of an action film being played on a resident’s patio.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/ CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway, Del Prado (4:08 p.m.)

A caller believed a woman inside Taco Bell was on drugs because she was crying.

WELFARE CHECK Wave Crest Lane, 24700 Block (10:12 a.m.) Sheriff’s deputies received a call about a garage door being left open and unattended for two days.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34700 Block (12:56 a.m.) A fight broke out in a parking lot. No weapons were seen.

Thursday, September 25 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Street of the Golden Lantern, 32500 Block (5:54 p.m.) A 5-foot-6-inch-tall man offered Jamba Juice employees a drug called Klonopin and then locked himself in the restroom.

DISTURBANCE La Cresta Drive, 24600 Block (1:47 p.m.) A drunken woman got into a physical altercation with another woman out on the street.

Community Meetings FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

Polls Open for Best of Dana Point Awards Voting for the Dana Point Times

2014 Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards open. Log on to www. danapointtimes.com to vote for your favorites among the city’s eateries, shops, services and activities. The poll will close on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 11:59 p.m.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6

Planning Commission Meeting

6 p.m. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7

City Council Meeting

6 p.m. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, 949.248.3501, www.danapoint.org.

www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Candidates on the Issues

The nine City Council hopefuls sound off on issues facing the city, both related and unrelated to development projects

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s part of the Dana Point Times ongoing election coverage, the nine candidates vying for a trio of open seats on the Dana Point City Council were asked a series of five questions regarding issues facing the city.

Following are the answers to the first two, presented in reverse alphabetical order. The remainder will run weekly, through Oct. 24.

The three open seats on the five-member council are being vacated by Mayor Lisa Bartlett, who running for the Fifth District seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors; Councilman Bill Brough, who is a candidate for the California Assembly 73rd District seat and Mayor Pro Tem Steven Weinberg, who is terming out.

Question one: What are a few of the most important issues the city is currently facing—not including Town Center/Lantern District, Doheny Village and Harbor revitalization—and how would you address them?

Alan Wickstrom Balanced Budgets We must continue to be good stewards of the people’s money and I will be fiscally responsible, maintaining balanced budgets with healthy reserves and provide for future capital improvements. Dana Point is a five-star city and I will ensure your money is wisely spent providing the best quality of life for residents and visitors.

Homelessness With continued community policing and our Homeless Task Force in place we should explore including other stakeholders and study successfully drafted homeless ordinances to tackle this serious problem.

Parking As Dana Point grows, parking is an issue all over town. Much like San Clemente has done, our city should work with owners to pave vacant lots and provide free public parking. The recently approved Capo Beach Church pilot parking program to pave the vacant lot at Doheny Park and Dana Point Times October 3–9, 2014

Domingo is a step in the right direction.

Skatepark and Senior Center We need to upgrade our facilities serving our youth and seniors in keeping with our five-star service to the community.

We need to upgrade our Senior Center to keep up with the growth of our aging population. I will strive to see a skatepark built, working with residents to determine the best location.

Richard Viczorek I believe Dana Point has been very well governed and as a result, we are fortunate to live in a city with very few pressing problems. We do, however, face an election where a majority of the City Council will be newly elected and entrusted with maintaining the successful progress of the city and our quality of life.

And in reality, many of the issues the City Council will be confronted with over the next four years are not yet known at this time.

As a result, the true issue facing the voters is the responsibility to elect individuals to the City Council who have the leadership traits, character and governing philosophy to best lead the city into the future. I subscribe to the maxim that “the government that governs best, governs least.” In addressing issues as a city councilman, I will ensure that our decisions are justified as being within the core functions of city government. As a lawyer, I also will analyze and implement policy according to the rule of law. And as a Marine officer, you can be sure I will always act in the best interests of the entire community, not my own.

John Tomlinson The most important issue facing our community today is the rebuilding and strengthening of our local economy, which is still reeling from effects of the Great Recession. We need to focus on supporting and improving local business, thereby bringing more jobs and more money to our community. Improvements in the local economy not only financially benefit our residents, but also provide more resources to the city. The more resources the city has, the more it can improve public safety, our streets and parks, as well as providing interesting and enriching community programs.

In my opinion, we can support local business and spur job growth by streamlining and reducing the numerous and often times onerous ordinances and regulations at the city, state and federal levels.

I will fight for Dana Point on every level, in an effort to bring prosperity and wellbeing to all residents. I am a firm believer in working together to build consensus and create partnerships where everyone participates and has a voice.

(Cont. on page 8) Page 7

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 7) Chuck Rathbone Traffic congestion is becoming a major problem, in part due to construction activities.

However, the city continues to offer activities that also generate traffic issues. We need to begin to find alternate parking locations and a trolley system that can move within the city. Policy 4.6 of the Town Center Plan states “Create additional public parking which would include one and preferably two facilities prior to beginning roadway construction.”

It was identified many years ago that this was important, yet no major progress has taken place. With the future plans and construction that will impact this city, it is imperative that a concerted effort be made to mitigate this growing problem.

Another concern is the condition of certain areas of the city. I would like to have a priority list that looks at ALL areas of the city to improve and enhance the look of Dana Point, not just the high traffic locations that are more visible to the visitors.

Out of sight, out of mind does not work for me.

Jody Payne A community that doesn’t feel safe is no community at all.

Residents or visitors walking in Dana Point, whether on the Headlands trail, the bike path to the beach, or Town Center sidewalks can feel as confident at 10 p.m. as they do at 10 a.m. That is a powerful and positive statement about our city. Protecting the well-being of our citizens by supporting strong local law enforcement will be one of my top priorities.

Public safety is our foundation. But what will we build on that foundation? Our next City Council will be charged with creating the best Dana Point we can possibly be.

We need a team of visionary pragmatists who can define Dana Point as a worldclass destination while maintaining the cozy, small-town feel we all cherish.

We should promote quality tourism rather than quantity. Packing every parking space while our shops, restaurants and hotels are not full seems counterproductive. The key is attracting more visitors who check-in, eat out and spend money at our businesses, without imposing unreasonable burdens on our residents. Offering top-tier attractions rooted in music, arts and culture, will benefit our residents, visitors and businesses in countless ways.

Joe Muller We need to work to make the city more business friendly to attract small business and retain small businesses.

This can be done my Dana Point Times October 3-9, 2014

limiting commercial fees and no new taxes.

Harold Kaufman The first Youth Board in 2001 recommended that the City Council provide a skateboard park for kids. I led the fight to create the Youth Board and I think it is time we accept that recommendation.

I will work with the South Coast Water District to identify land on their 30 acres that can be used for a skateboard park.

I have already spoken to current board members and candidates for the board and all are in favor of working together on this possibility. I will also work with Water Board members to collect and recycle our dry season run-off.

The city needs to continue on the path of fiscal conservatism. 2015 begins a new two-year budget cycle. I will work to see we operate the city in the most efficient manner and at the lowest cost possible, while still making sure we provide the services our residents want. I will propose the compensation for council members be reduced by eliminating the car allowance and the health insurance allowance. I will do the same for Planning Commission compensation. I will propose that the employee retirement program be changed from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan, in order to limit the future liability of the city.

Nancy Jenkins There are several issues: Parking is a problem in much of the city.

Having worked at all the events in our parks this summer for the Dana Point 5th Marines, there is not adequate parking. When a concert is held in Lantern Bay Park, the parking lots for the Harbor fill up and chase away customers. Street parking is also full. Plus, the overflow at the high school experienced inadequate shuttle service.

I support the addition of strategically staged parking structures and paved lots, and the proposed summer trolley shuttle.

The city has leased the lot next to El Patio Cafe, where the Farmers Market will relocate. I believe a public/private partnership, running busses from central locations, would be viable.

I also support tying in the beautiful medians with palm trees that run from Monarch Beach through main Dana Point, with a similar treatment for the median running from the Coast Highway/Doheny Park Road intersection to the signal at Las Vegas. Right now it is unsightly asphalt.

Next, we need to work with the state and county to develop a landscaping and maintenance plan for Coast Highway and Doheny Park Road, including palm trees and painting the pedestrian bridge.

Page 8

Ryan Divel With the big three straight off the table; this is where the candidates should separate.

I have made it known from day one that our kids are my driving force for this election bid. Not just mine, but “OURS.” They represent “Generation Next” and need to be mentored and guided; otherwise we’re going to be a lackluster and confused town in the years ahead. Our city needs to step up its outreach, with support for local clubs that give a positive influence, as well as create new ideas for parental support, activities and amenities.

My first focus, (which quickly became the bandwagon campaign topic), a safe skatepark, will be just a primary step.

Again, I need to reiterate WHEREVER we can collectively decide to put this prize, it will be beneficial for generations of happy kids and parents to come. I will work to incubate and grow new ideas for our youth to participate in. Activities are a driving force to occupy our youth and divert their attention from the downward spiral of drug abuse. We need to put in the effort to help them, so in return, they motivate themselves to grow and help us!

“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”—Franklin D. Roosevelt •••

Question two: With major development projects in the city either underway or being considered—Town Center/Lantern District, Doheny Village and Harbor revitalization—and the strong opinions about them being voice by the public and the sitting City Council, which project(s) are of the greatest concern to you? As a council member, how would you balance the desire to add responsible developments with the need to preserve the city’s character?

Alan Wickstrom Two proposed projects concern me: The Majestic Development and Doheny Hotel.

Both continually seek many variances that do not conform to our city’s master plans. One example is our Town Center Plan, which limits building height within the Lantern District to 40 feet with three stories. Outside this area, the maximum height allowed, is 35 feet. When elected, the residents of Dana Point can put their trust in me to enforce all master plan policies. PERIOD.

The balance of responsible private development while preserving our city’s small town character is really quite simple—approve plans that meet or exceed our city’s master plans that include the finest architectural quality, environmentally responsible design and fall within our city’s master plan guidelines and policies.

PERIOD. As a 28-year resident, my passion is retaining our small town charm. It’s why we live here. It is why people visit Dana Point. I have the vision and fiscally responsible business sense to navigate our city through this very important juncture.

Please visit AL4DP.com/issues to read my complete campaign platform that also includes my vision for Doheny Village.

My devotion is to “keep Dana Point beautiful” and I appreciate your trust in me with your vote on Nov. 4.

Richard Viczorek As your city councilman, I would approach each development project on a case-by-case basis. I support maintaining Dana Point’s positive momentum and modernizing our city. However, I will never forget that I represent all of the citizens, not any particular group, and I will always strive to balance every viewpoint and make decisions in the best interests of the entire community. In doing so, I believe the key to responsible development is to execute it according to the rule of law.

For example, the Town Center plan is the main “law” concerning land use and development in that area. It was drafted and adopted after long and extensive input from all stakeholders and residents. Coming together as a community to develop the Town Center plan was the best way to balance the competing interests of our city. We should do the same for Doheny Village and develop a plan specific to that area in a similar manner. We are moving forward as a city and I am optimistic for our future. Let’s continue to work together to improve our community, while always making sure to respect and take into account the various viewpoints of everyone throughout our city. www.voteviczorek.com John Tomlinson All of the current projects and those in the future are of a major concern to me. I believe that community development is a shared responsibility between the city and the developer of a project.

Zoning laws enacted by the city provide a guideline for both parties to determine what is appropriate for a particular site.

I have developed properties in the city of Brea and understand how the process works. The development process, if done properly, can result in homes, offices and stores that the community truly considers www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP an asset. Developments should benefit the community, the owner and those who live and work at the development. Today’s buildings are more environmentally friendly and efficient than their predecessors. Drought tolerant landscaping, water saving fixtures, LED light fixtures and energy efficient appliances all help to conserve precious natural resources.

I think that it is completely possible to retain the character and heritage of Dana Point while at the same time allowing reasonable community development. My experience as a sensible community developer and a loyal resident of Dana Point are a perfect fit for this City Council position.

Chuck Rathbone Majestic, Doheny Hotel and Union Bank all concern me because they are the first major commercial developments that this city has seen in a while. Two are within the Town Center Plan and one is not. However, all three are requesting variances of some type, and if granted, will set the tone for future requests. I am opposed to variances that would benefit the developer financially at the expense of the residents and negatively impact the coastal community character that we all desire to keep and appreciate. That is why we need a special architectural design consultant and expert in the TCP guidelines to help retain the image of what we all call “Paradise.”

These consultants would specialize in zoning requirements and design to assist the planning department when working with the developer and their proposed project. We need continuity with the TCP and surrounding areas, and the added support can go a long way in achieving the balance between adding new commercial/ mixed projects and staying within the constraints desired by the people to retain the image of a coastal community.

Jody Payne Dana Point’s downtown should be beautiful, shoppable, walkable and parkable. It must reflect the small-town beach community we love. The Town Center Plan (TCP), developed over 10 years and 37 public meetings, is the product of that vision. Three stories and 40-foot height limits are key elements. Unfortunately, before the first project has been built, vested interests want to throw all that away. They want to create a taller, denser, more urban environment with four, even five stories.

The residents of Dana Point don’t want urban.

The City Council has committed to spend almost $20 million taxpayer dollars for sidewalks and palm trees along Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado Avenue.

The goal? To spur private development to Dana Point Times October 3-9, 2014

Development in the Town Center/Lantern District is a common concern of City Council candidates. Photo: Andrea Swayne

rush in and spend millions creating the pedestrian-friendly, coastal village atmosphere envisioned in the TCP. My greatest concern is now that all Town Center project infrastructure has been secured, future city councils may significantly relax the TCP’s core requirements, or simply change them altogether, to accommodate developers. Firm, fair and consistent application of our TCP zoning will guarantee developers, landowners and residents know exactly what to expect.

The Town Center Plan is a good for Dana Point; now we need to implement it.

Joe Muller The Lantern District succeeds if we stick to the Master Plan.

We need to ensure everything is included.

Cutting line items off the original plan will only make the district look incomplete.

That, in turn, will make it more difficult to attract new and interesting businesses that are so badly needed for the district to be a success.

Harold Kaufman In the 30 years I have lived in Dana Point, its character has changed.

I think it started to change when the Harbor was built and “Killer Dana” no longer existed. Dana Point is no longer a sleepy little beach town. It is a first-class tourist destination and it needs a business district that will serve our residents and our tourists. We want resident-serving businesses along with restaurants and other amenities so we can enjoy our town center. We shouldn’t limit ourselves to T-shirt shops and pizza places. It is very important that

we finish the Lantern District as designed and, with the aid of our development director, attract the businesses we want.

We need to complete the specific plan for Doheny Village the same way we did the Lantern District, with a subcommittee of business owners, property owners and residents all involved. That may take a little longer, but we will get a plan we all can buy into, just as we have in the Lantern District.

Of course the Harbor is important, but to the extent we have already approved their plans, all we can do is to influence the county to make sure the business owners are treated fairly and residents and tourists are welcome.

Nancy Jenkins My role as a councilmember is to ensure that ongoing projects move forward according to approved plan and that any city expenditures are vetted and justified by staff with input from the public. For new projects within a specific plan area, they must adhere to the approved code, as well as incorporate the aesthetic elements that represent our city’s character. These would be considered “responsible.”

I support the Harbor revitalization but my main concerns are the Town Center Plan and Doheny Village Specific Plan, both of which involve significant city investment. The Town Center Plan went through extensive public and planning review to define standards and characteristics that create a more dynamic, interesting and walkable area. However, I am concerned that approved/proposed projects may conform to the code, yet fail to meet the spirit of the plan. Also, the Town Center plan calls for “public parking Page 9

in central locations,” and these need to be considered and developed.

The proposed hotel at the Harbor entrance has drawn outrage for height, density and massing, and may be “the right project in the wrong location.”

I am also prepared to fast-track the Doheny Village master plan and other improvements in Capistrano Beach, which have been neglected for too long.

Ryan Divel “I’m for responsible development in the Town Center.”

Sound familiar? If you look at the actual Town Center Plan, the language is vague. The creators couldn’t envision what the developers have penciled out.

Majestic’s project is too dense for the space. Never mind how ugly it looks, I feel their focus on studio and single bedroom apartments will congest the main arteries of our town. Parking will be an issue—a MAJOR issue. But the developers are trying to maximize on their investment as per the standards set forth in the TCP. Common sense tells me we have to try and work with Majestic, not as enemies, to express the current residents’ concerns and hopefully develop a compromise we can all live with.

The Harbor is extremely important as well and everyone should agree it is THE main focus of our town. It’s what makes us a unique community. Being a county-based project, we have less control but need to be deeply involved to make that diamond shine as bright as possible.

The Doheny Village plan under development is very important for our future, but let’s finish cooking our breakfast and lunch before we decide on what to eat for dinner. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor BLOATED DOHENY HOTEL PLAN SHOULD HAVE BEEN SHOT DOWN STEVE STEWART, Dana Point

I attended the Sept. 16 Dana Point City Council meeting, along with at least a hundred other Dana Point residents. Most were there to oppose the bloated Doheny Hotel project, planned for the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Harbor Drive. The Dana Point Planning Commission previously rejected the project plans by a 4-0 vote but the developer appealed that decision to the city council, seeking a reversal. The hotel plans require numerous height and other variances and even a contribution by the city of parkland adjacent to the hotel. It is massively over scaled to the size of the parcel on which it would sit and is located at a critical intersection.

The hotel developer and his Dana Pointbased consultant, Robert Theel, seem to think that our zoning laws and policies are a floor from which a project can be scaled upwards until the limits of greed and gullibility are reached. Unfortunately council members Steven Weinberg, Bill Brough and Carlos Olvera, voted 3-2 to continue the appeal hearing and consider a revised version of the project at the Oct. 7 council meeting. They should have rejected the appeal outright, upheld the planning commission decision and sent a message that our zoning laws and the planning commission review process have meaning and must be respected.

That brings us to a decision by this same majority of council members, in the same meeting, to approve contracts to spend another $7.7 million on completion of the Town Center/Lantern District project.

Weinberg, Brough and Olvera previously budgeted these funds to the project by a 3-2 vote on June 17. They could have let the next city council decide how and when to spend these funds. They didn’t. Instead the $24 million streetscape project rolls on and there is no commercial development underway to justify the money already spent or to fund paying it back. The same vacant lots in Town Center that have been empty for 85 years are still empty. The original plan called for spending funds gradually and scaling city investment to growth.

Instead, this crew has doubled down, bet the pot and residents will be stuck with a big investment in sidewalks and palm trees if things don’t work out. And they haven’t so far.

The same three council members, two of whom, Weinberg and Brough, are leaving office this year, have endorsed candidates in this year’s council election. Those curDana Point Times October 3–9, 2014

rently endorsed candidates are Joe Muller, Alan Wickstrom and Harold Kaufman. If you disagree with the council decisions described above, expect more of the same from the new guys, if you elect them.

‘DO OR DIE’ FOR RESIDENTS BETTY HILL, Capistrano Beach

At the Sept. 16 City Council meeting, the appeal of the Doheny Hotel project was discussed for several hours. Residents spoke against many aspects of the project including the variances requested for height and setbacks, the unattractive hotel elevations, the high density of the hotel and the use of .76 acres of Lantern Bay Park land. The City Council didn’t approve the project, but Councilmen Steven Weinberg, Carlos Olvera and Bill Brough placed residents in a last chance “do or die” situation.

While the City Council suggested that more changes were required, it voted 3-2 to give this developer one last chance for approval at the Oct. 7 city council meeting.

But this really isn’t a last chance for the developer, who will always have the option of going back to the Planning Commission with a revised project. In reality, this is a “do or die” proposition for residents, who will barely have a chance to see any changes and no opportunity to appeal.

The appropriate action, supported by Councilmembers Lisa Bartlett and Scott Schoeffel would have been to send this project back to the Planning Commission for review, as they are the most knowledgeable about the details of the project.

Residents deserve more consideration.

SOUTH SHORES ‘MEGA CHURCH’ PLAN THREATENS MONARCH BEACH TODD V. GLEN, Dana Point

This letter is written on behalf of the Voices of Monarch Beach (VoMB) membership, as a co-founder and member of the steering committee.

The City of Dana Point released the Draft Environmental Impact Report regarding the massive South Shores Church project at 32712 Crown Valley Parkway on Monday, Sept. 15, 2014: www.danapoint. org/index.aspx?page=281.

Under the 45-day notification protocols mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act, comments to the DEIR must be submitted to the city by Oct. 30.

VoMB is a group of Salt Creek corridor residents who want to preserve the enjoyment of our beautiful community and the nature that surrounds it. It is on record as opposing the project as proposed.

VoMB believes this physically invasive conversion to a “mega-church”—more than doubling its present size—is blatantly non-compliant and disharmonious with existing ordinances and land use plans.

In early 2010 VoMB, joined by another Page 10

South Orange County non-governmental organization, Clean Water Now, forced the church into withdrawing the project from consideration while before the city’s Planning Commission. The city then rescinded the original CEQA documentation, a mitigated negative declaration disingenuously drafted by one of the church’s own building committee members.

VoMB contends the enormous increase from the existing 42,545 square feet to an 89,362-square foot area constitutes an outrageous intensification of the site’s usage.

Poorly planned access and egress conditions will increase traffic congestion and aggravate existing problems at the intersection of Sea Island Drive. It jeopardizes compliance with the Orange County’s Congestion Management Plan and might negligently create or exacerbate existing hazardous conditions.

The project’s scale, mass and obtrusive new pre-school/administration building are just a few of the site’s major design flaws. So-called “necessary improvements” will obliterate vistas from this designated scenic roadway presently enjoyed by vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian users.

In 2009 VoMB proposed an alternative not offered in the just-released DEIR. VoMB was willing to support a reasonable rehabilitation of the existing facilities, an approximated increase of about 25 percent, in one phase, taking only two to three years at most. This proffered renovation plan, which included a collaborative posture and supportive community role

by VoMB, was summarily rejected by the project applicant.

VoMB will be appearing at three venues in early October to express the aforementioned and other specific concerns regarding the DEIR and master plan.

VoMB and fellow protectionist, Clean Water Now, will appear at the public comments segments of these hearings.

Written petitions and oral testimony will be submitted.

Tuesday, Oct. 7: Dana Point City Council, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 8: Regional Water Quality Control Board, Mission Viejo City Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive, 9 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 13: Dana Point Planning Commission, South Shores Church Master Plan Study Session, 6 p.m.

More information about VoMB can be found at www.voicesofmonarchbeach.org.

Contact us at 949.481.5488 or webcontact1@cox.net.

Mission Statement: To ensure the preservation of our cherished community by maintaining a strong and informed voice in its future.

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 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 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

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor, > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN 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 Megan Bianco, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Steve Sohanaki, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 7, Issue 40. 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.

www.danapointtimes.com

Real Estate

EXPERT’S CORNER ONE THING IS CERTAIN

29 Gavina, Dana Point Incredible, Panoramic Catalina Island, San Clemente Island & Unbelievable Ocean views! Exceptional opportunity in the highly sought after ‘Estates at Monarch Beach.’ Spectacular residence in guard gated community with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, large bonus room, library/den and indoor sauna! All new carpet, interior & exterior paint. Gorgeous Limestone floors, french doors, built-ins, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, bidet & more. Living room & separate family room areas, each with their own fireplaces. Fantastic floor plan with main floor bedroom & full bath. Large master suite with fireplace, walk in closet and sitting area. Comfortable master bath with dual sinks, soaking tub & stall shower, perfect for relaxing. Gourmet kitchen with center island, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and breakfast nook area. Separate formal dining room. Light and bright, open and spacious floor plan. Elevator makes the house wheelchair accessible. 3 car attached garage with new epoxy flooring. Super rear yard and covered patios to sit back and enjoy the good life. This is a must see!

We all come to the end of our life at some point. With an aging population and the greatest transfer of wealth in the world’s history taking place, anyone who owns real estate in Orange County should consider putting their assets into a living trust. A living trust is a legal document that may serve as a substitute for a will.

With a living trust, your assets (e.g. real property, bank accounts, stocks, etc.) are put into the trust, administered for your benefit during your lifetime, and then transferred to your beneficiaries when you die. Most people name themselves as the trustee in charge of managing their trust’s assets, keeping you in control of your assets during your lifetime. You can also name a successor trustee (a person or an institution) who will manage the trust’s assets if you ever become unable or unwilling to do so yourself. There are people who just do this for a living, called Professional Fiduciaries.

If your assets are not in a living trust when you die, they often are subject to probate. Probate is a court-supervised process for transferring assets to the beneficiaries listed in one’s will. “Probate is very much like a lawsuit to most people.

Putting your loved ones through that as your last act is not what most people have in mind, which is why many people take the time to properly set up a trust.” says John Stifter, Attorney in San Clemente.

In California, probate can be very time consuming - tying up the assets for months - and expensive, with fees and

costs often adding up to 6% of the gross value of the estate, in addition to any taxes that may be owed. If the heirs live out of state, as is often the case, the process becomes even more cumbersome. A proper living trust avoids probate fees and costs, allowing the trustee to distribute the assets according to your directions without court supervision or involvement, saving your heirs time and money.

Even with a living trust, challenges may arise for the trustee. In particular, bills for the estate need to continue to be paid, but there may not be adequate cash in the estate, requiring the liquidation of assets.

This can be a complicated scenario, especially when there are multiple beneficiaries with different needs. What if there are three children of the deceased and one of them wants to keep their parents’ home, but the other two prefer to have the money from a sale? What becomes of the personal belongings? What if the home requires work to be done prior to sale (what home doesn’t)? Who determines that? Who clears the property out? Who will get the greatest yield from the sale of the property? Who manages all this?

It is important to select a team of experienced professionals to help address all these matters. It starts with a good estate attorney, but may also require a real estate professional who is geared up for this type of transaction and can make a difficult, emotional transition much less traumatic and more financially beneficial.

DAVE CSIRA Broker Associate 949.500.3283 dave@csiragroup.com www.csiragroup.com 33522 Niguel Road, Monarch Beach

Gabe Smith REALTOR #01704776

Harcourts U.S.A. 949.533.4490 Gabe.Smith@harcourtsusa.com www.GabeSmithRealEstate.com

SOUTH COUNTY REAL ESTATE GUIDE PUBLISHES THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. For advertising inquires or to book your ad space for the November 7 edition, contact Michele Reddick at 949.388.7700, ext. 103 or mreddick@picketfencemedia.com

Real Estate

EXPERT’S CORNER

TOP 5 TIPS for Sellers Today’s sellers may face challenging condition in many markets, but that doesn’t mean choosing to sell is a bad idea. There are many reasons to sell and most are good ones. Here are ten tips to get you on your way to getting your home sold.

1. Hire a Professional.

This is no time to be navigating the rough waters of the real estate market on your own. You want someone who can help you accurately price your home, bring in potential buyers, handle contracts, and market your home to the masses.

2. Fully Disclose.

Are you selling because your current home needs more work than you can handle? Are there infestation problems you’d rather not talk about? You must disclose all of these facts to potential buyers. If they find out after the fact that you withheld information you could be in a whole heap of trouble.

3. Be Realistic about Pricing.

It is much wiser to price a home correctly from the start of the selling process than to have an overpriced home sitting on the market for months only to have to do a price reduction, over and over again. You get more traffic on a well-priced home and newly listed home.

4. Detach Emotions.

Sellers may have the inclination towards adding sentimental value to a home.

They see the memories and work they’ve put into a property and think every buyer should recognize this. This kind of attachment will make it harder to make smart and timely decisions about offers.

5. Be flexible.

It’s no secret that today’s market can be challenging for many sellers. Some markets have seen sharp price declines and shallow buyer pools, this means you need to be flexible on both price and terms, don’t compromise on your bottom line, but understand that you must be willing to negotiate.

Gabe Smith REALTOR #01704776

Harcourts U.S.A. 949.533.4490 Gabe.Smith@harcourtsusa.com www.GabeSmithRealEstate.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

At the Movies: ‘The Maze Runner’ Captures Teen Audiences

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

Friday | 03 BLESSINGS BORN: BRICK BY BRICK 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Hearts 4 Africa fundraiser to build a maternal hospital in Uganda includes traditional Ugandan dancing, an hors d’oeuvres and dessert buffet and the opportunity to bid on items such as windows, bricks and sinks to collectively help build the Hearts 4 Africa Maternal Hospital and Healthcare Clinic in Iganga, Uganda. Tickets are $30 for two seats.

Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave., Dana Point, 714.315.8589, www.hearts4africa.net/auction.

MIKE HAMILTON 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Enjoy live music at Salt Creek Grille each Friday with guitarist, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Hamilton. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.mikehamiltonmusic.com.

Saturday | 04 RAINBOW SANDALS GERRY LOPEZ BATTLE OF THE PADDLE 7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 and 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5. Stand-up paddlers, prone paddlers and SUP surfers from the sport’s elite ranks to open divisions and kids gather for competition and entertainment. Event includes a SUP expo, beer garden, Kids Zone and more.

Salt Creek Beach, 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. For more information see www.battleofthepaddle.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

A competitor prepares some of his prize-winning barbecue for attendees of a past Dana Point State BBQ Championship. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Times October 3–9, 2014

SURTERRE MEGA OPEN HOUSE Oct. 4 and 5. In an effort to help homebuyers streamline their search, Surterre Realty is hosting a mega open house event showcasing more than 100 properties in a variety of styles and prices. For more info, see www.surterreopenhouseevent.com.

A

fter the breakthrough of The Hunger Games franchise in 2012, it seemed natural that the next go-to genre for the younger audiences be futuristic dystopian with brave young adults saving the day. Since then, The Host, Warm Bodies, Beautiful Creatures and now The Maze Runner have tried to rally on the same success as Suzanne Collins’ series and adaptations. While the previous attempts have been found underwhelming, Wes Ball’s film interpretation of James Dashner’s Maze Runner has brighter possibilities.

The story begins with a boy named Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) waking up in a forest with the only inhabitants being boys around his age. They have been stripped of their memories, with the exception of their names, and now must adapt to living in the wild environment or attempt to escape through a deadly maze. On his side are Newt (Thomas Sangster), Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) and Minho (Ki Hong Lee), while the group leader Gally (Will Poulter) is suspicious of the new recruit.

MUSIC HARBOR CRUISE 8 p.m. Enjoy live music aboard the Dana Pride while cruising the harbor. Boat features a full bar. Occurs each Saturday. $15. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Sunday | 05 THE VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Shop and stroll along Avenida Del Mar, in the heart of historic downtown San Clemente on the first Sunday of every month, where close to 70 gifted artisans sell their hand-crafted art and fine crafts. 949.395.7008. www. villagesanclemente.org.

DSBIA WILDLIFE SUNSET CRUISE 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association’s annual Wildlife Cruise is a reward to current members and as a membership incentive for those who join on or before the day of the event.

Check-in at the Dana Wharf Sports Fishing docks for a sunset ride aboard the Dana Pride. Drinks and galley grub will be provided. Membership forms are available online and at the check-in. Memberships cost $25 for the annual individual, individual life is $100; family annual, $35; family life, $135; and the senior 63+ annual is $10. RSVP to Mike Ahumada at mike@ mikeahumada.com as boat capacity is limited. For a membership application to complete before the cruise, visit www.dohenystatebeach.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4: DANA POINT STATE BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Taste some of the best barbecue around as over 100 teams compete in Dana Point. There will also be beverages and musical entertainment. Admission is free. Barbecue tasting tickets are $2 each and benefit Dana Point VFW. A portion of beer sales will benefit the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. Free parking is available along Niguel Road, Stonehill Drive and at Salt Creek Beach on a first come, first served basis. Free parking and shuttle service from Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, to the venue and back will be offered from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sea Terrace Park, Pacific Coast Highway and Niguel Road, Dana Point, www.danapointbbqchampionships.com.

Monday | 06 HELP WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, STRESS, ANGER 10:45 a.m. Recovery International provides help with gaining control over distressing emotions and tools to improve coping skills. Meetings held every Monday. Donation requested. El Toro Library, 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, 949.380.0809, www.lowselfhelpsystems.org.

CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

Tuesday | 07 HALF-PRICED WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Wednesday | 08 MATT PAGANO 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Page 19

Photo: Ben Rothstein TM and © 2014 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

The Maze Runner, not surprisingly, has similar themes and even similar sequences to The Hunger Games, as well as with a familiar typical Lord of the Flies environment. While Thomas is like a male Katniss of sorts, O’Brien doesn’t have the presence or skill to lead a film on his own just yet. The Maze Runner does hold the viewer’s attention for two hours with its action scenes, despite some stale dialogue. But the viewers who are going to enjoy it the most are the teenagers these tales are aimed at. —Megan Bianco

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.

Thursday | 09 VALIANT WOMEN TRUNK SHOW 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Enjoy guilt-free shopping in support of Mission Hospital Breast Health Center and Breast Health Wall of Honor.

Trunk show retailers—Harvey original seatbelt purses, Brighton Collectibles, Power of Pink bracelets and many more offering designer clothing, jewelry and accessories—will donate 20 percent of sales to the hospital. Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano, 949.365.3893, natalie.hart@stjoe.org.

LIVE! AT THE MUSEUM 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Trombonist Kurt Ferguson and Friends perform as part of the concert series at the Laguna Beach Art Museum.

Free for members, non-members pay $7, $5 for students and seniors. Reservations available online at www.lagunaartmuseum. org or call 949.494.8971 ext. 203. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach. For more info, call 949.715.9713 or visit www.lagunabeachlive.org.

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 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

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT Sun Salute Center Dana Point Locals Offer: Seven Days Unlimited Classes $18: mention ad to redeem. Real Yoga, Real Studio, Real affordable, Real You. The Safe Place to Practice.

Fitness Classes, Gentle w/ Essential Oils, Stretching For the Non Yogi, Donation Classes for Charities.

Certified Teachers from a Registered Nurse to fitness experts. Personal attention each class. New Location: 24582 Del Prado #G, 949.371.6097, www.sunsaluteyoga.com Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!

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

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

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

Locals Only Buisness Listings

LIST LOCALS ONLY

USE

Corinne Rupert PhD, PsyD, MFT

LOCALS ONLY

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

In print and online 52 weeks a year.

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

View online at www.danapointtimes.com Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@ thecapistranodispatch.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FITNESS EQUIPMENT PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Folds up for easy storage. Great workout at home. $175.

949.533.9761

GARAGE SALES RUMMAGE SALE The Capistrano Terrace Mobile Home Park will be having a park wide rummage sale through out the park with multi families joining in. October 4 & 5 ,Saturday and Sunday from 8am-2pm. 32802 Valle Road just before the Volkswagen dealership. 949-493-1747

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

SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous.

Excellent references. 949-573-8733

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

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 October 3–9, 2014

Page 21

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Dolph Mansion Demystified

W

hen Dana Point became a city in 1989, it was the time to state what was important to the residents. The first governing document was the General Plan. In the land use element is mentioned the historic Dolph House—considered to be the city’s first residence—inserted by this author when acting as chairman of the Planning Commission in 1990. Subsequently, the Dana Point Historic Register was established and the Dolph Mansion, by name, was listed as eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.

The original blueprints are dated Jan. 26, 1914. The architects were A.R. Walker and J.T. Vawter of Los Angeles, and the home was built for Miss Blanche Dolph.

Walker and Vawter were also the designers of a home in Los Angeles, now No. 980 on the list of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments.

Dolph, the daughter of Edward S. Dolph, was born in 1849 in Scranton, Penn., where the family first settled in 1795, coming from Connecticut with the name De Wolf—the French equivalent of the English Dolph. The family made their fortune in the coal industry.

Dolph was an avid traveler, missionary and philanthropist, who made her first visit to California in 1879. She also made missionary trips to China and India. In 1889 she played with the Seventh Regiment Band, as solo cornetist, in Los Angeles at the Armory Hall as she did previously at the YWCA in 1886. In 1914 she decided on building a home in what she called “San Juan Capistrano.” The land was described as a barren, windswept hilltop with a

panoramic ocean view, a place Dolph thought ideal to erect a home for herself and her accompanying secretary.

In 1926 she and two others organized the Community Presbyterian church in San Juan IT’S HISTORY

By Carlos N. Capistrano.

Olvera Based on her eastern experiences, she wanted lawns and flowers for her nearly 10-acre home of some 6,000 square feet, with six bedrooms and six bathrooms. For the water supply, concrete cisterns were built to catch rainwater and a small pumping station was erected to bring water from San Juan Creek across several hundred feet and then up to the mesa and the home site. The brown clay soil only bore cactus, seacoast chaparral and flowing muster weed but demanded a garden, fruits and berries. One night, it was said, the gardener forgot to turn off the pump and soon all the grapes blossomed, oranges and pears were plenty and olives were ready for pickling.

Dolph also bought property in Aliso Canyon, as did her sister Florence. But by 1925, the state was planning on extending Coast Boulevard from Laguna Beach to Serra, now known as the Doheny Village area of Dana Point. This involved a condemnation suit against several land owners in the area which prevailed but access to the coastal land proved valuable.

In late 1926 Dolph sold a 200-foot strip of ocean frontage for $150 per foot, a record price. The land, said to be the most scenic on the coast, went to a Hollywood motion picture director.

In 1936, at the age of 87, Dolph died and was buried in Santa Ana, in a lot she bought in 1913. Her estate was valued at $500,000. Property in Pennsylvania with a value of $300,000 and annual income of $5,000 was also added. Her sister Florence filed for administration of the estate due to the absence of a will. A will was later filed

by Lucilla McGaughey, her assistant, and O. Howard Lucy, her friend of 25 years.

Florence got a rug and a picture for her

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Dana Point Times October 3–9, 2014

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

Page 22

The Dolph Mansion is known as the city of Dana Point’s first residence. Photo: Courtesy Carlos N. Olvera collection

efforts. Just prior to her death, Dolph donated two acres of Aliso Canyon to the Girl Scouts of Laguna Beach.

An end result of the estate was the gift to the Community Presbyterian Church of Laguna Beach of $5,000, which relieved the church of its indebtedness.

By 1962 the property was acquired and named Capistrano-by-the-Sea Hospital, considered a most unusual facility, with 60 rooms, each with a patio and ocean view.

Music was piped into each room. Today, the property has been reduced to a 1-acre,

opulent, private, restored family residence with a peek-a-boo view of the ocean from one closet window. The home is now surrounded by the Bal Harbor development.

Carlos N. Olvera is vice chairman of the Orange County Historical Commission and a Dana Point City Councilman. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

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

the Breakers 25-20, 25-22, 25-20.

Junior outside hitter Ayla Fresenius paced the offense, tallying 18 kills and five blocks. Juniors Cicely Bunker ad Emily Likins had eight and seven kills, respectively.

Dana Hills (4-7) was set to open South Coast League play with a match against Tesoro on Oct. 2. Results were not available at press time.

Dolphins Golf Swept by Tritons

Rival San Clemente swept the Dana Hills girls golf team in consecutive matches on Sept. 23 and Sept. 25 to take a lead in the South Coast League standings.

Dana Hills senior Tori Hummel earned co-medalist honors by shooting a pair of 36’s (E) at both El Niguel Country Club and Bella Collina Golf Club, but the Dolphins were bested in both matches.

Dana Hills (7-3, 0-2) picked up a nonleague win over Aliso Niguel on Oct. 1.

Dolphins Volleyball Wins Battle with Breakers

The Dana Hills girls volleyball team will enter league play on a high note after defeating visiting Laguna Beach in three sets in a nonleague match on Sept. 30.

The Dolphins won the match against

Wilber was struck by another vehicle at the corner of Stonehill Drive and Selva Drive in Dana Point.

Wilber, who was going through an intersection at the time, was t-boned by a vehicle trying to make a turn, causing the quarterback’s car to flip over “at least two times” and slide on its roof for dozens of yards before coming to a stop.

Wilber emerged from the wreck unscathed, save for a few minor scratches.

Wilber felt good enough to suit up for the Dolphins game against Garden Grove the next day.

“I slid about 20 yards past the intersection and ended up upside down. My side door was completely caved in. The window

was shattered,” Wilber said. “But I knew that my team needed me. I had to put that aside and worry about my team. It was my last homecoming game. I wanted to participate in that.”

Tennis Loses First Game to University

The University High School girls tennis team swept the singles format against Dana Hills on Oct. 1 en route to a convincing 13-5 nonleague victory.

The Dolphins (4-1, 2-0 league) doubles team of Emilia Gorczyca and Dana Mackensen won all three of their sets in the team’s loss.

Coppi Paces Dolphins X-C to Win

Ayla Fresenius and the Dana Hills girls volleyball team beat Laguna Beach on Sept. 30. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Wilber Reflects on Accident

While driving to a team dinner on Sept.

25, Dana Hills senior quarterback Cole

Dana Hills senior quarterback Cole Wilber with his car on Stonehill Drive. Courtesy photo

Junior Mason Coppi bested the field at the Dana Hills Nike Invitational with a time of 14:33 to earn the individual title and help lead the Dolphins to a first-place overall finish at their home event on Sept.

27.

Dana Hills had five runners, including Coppi, log times inside the top-35, a group that included Alex Smith (19th), Kobi Greenberg (28th), Colin Stein (32nd) and Brandon Hough (34th).

Junior Sienna Serrao was the highest finisher for the girls team, coming in 20th overall. The girls team finished fourth at the event.

Q&A: Dana Hills Baseball’s Luke Williams Senior ballplayer breaks down his commitment to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

L

uke Williams had his fair share of impressive college suitors to choose from this offseason. The versatile senior turned heads in 2013 when he batted .326, reached base at a .488 clip and hit four home runs. He also tallied 12 RBIs and stole 26 bases while playing catcher.

The 6-foot, 170-pound Williams was approached by several high-profile college programs in California, but ultimately decided on Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Sept. 18.

We caught up with Williams to talk about his recruitment and get his thoughts on joining a collegiate program on the rise.

Dana Point Times: You had several elite programs approach you with offers, why did you ultimately decide on Cal Poly?

Luke Williams: SLO was the first school that really expressed interest in me. UCI came into the picture and so did University of San Francisco and UCLA. It was a tough decision. I narrowed it down to (UCLA and Cal Poly) and SLO just felt

Dana Point Times October 3-9, 2014

right. I felt the most comfortable.

DPT: How hard was it to choose between those two and what were some of the deciding factors?

LW: It was a really tough decision. It took me about two or three months. It was probably one of the toughest decisions I’ve come through.

Location was a big part. SLO is a college town. Half of the population is students so that was a big part. I kind of wanted to get far away from home. Not far, like out of state, but far enough where I can’t go back home.

DPT: Cal Poly had a breakout season last year and made the College World Series.

How does it feel knowing you’ll be a part of a team on the rise?

LW: I’m very excited. They should have another good year this year. They have a lot of returners. Coach (Larry) Lee is a really good coach and I talked to him multiple times, so I’m excited.

DPT: They recruited you as a shortstop, which you didn’t play at all your junior season. How did that happen?

LW: I grew up playing shortstop. I’ve

played it for most of my life. A couple coaches moved me to outfield to utilize my speed and last year we didn’t have a catcher so coach (Tom Faris) put me in there. With that factor, (Cal Poly) thinks I have a good opportunity to play my freshman year.

DPT: You played a key role on last year’s football team but decided to focus solely on baseball in 2014. Tell me why.

LW: That was a very tough decision. It was a tough summer. I’ve played football since I was eight years old. It’s always been a passion of mine. I felt like my future was baseball and my best opportunity to succeed was in baseball. I didn’t have a commitment yet, so I felt like I needed to focus on baseball more than football.

DPT: How do you think you will fit into Cal Poly’s system?

LW: They have a hitter’s ballpark and the wind blows to left field. I feel like I can hit pretty well so I think I can fit in there.

They’re starting to get a lot of speed and athleticism. Once my class gets there we’ll be able to steal some bases and be an athletic team. DP

Page 24

Dana Hills senior Luke Williams will play for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo next year. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Salt Creek is Ready for Battle

The Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle debuts at its new location this weekend

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 68-70 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 6-10’ Fair Catalina: 15-20’+ Good THURSDAY and FRIDAY and SATURDAY: Long period southwest swell that built slowly on Thursday and peaks Friday/Saturday. Many breaks in the region see 4-5’ surf, with top spots seeing max sets up to 7-8’. Sunny skies, warm weather and light offshore morning wind prevails.

Elite racers make a dash to the finish line at a past Battle of the Paddle. Photo: Pat Huber

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he 7th Annual Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle will be held in Dana Point, at Salt Creek Beach on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4 and 5.

From 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, stand-up paddlers, prone paddlers and SUP surfers from the sport’s elite ranks to open divisions and kids will gather for competition and entertainment.

Previously held at Doheny State Beach, Salt Creek, 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, is a new venue for the event.

The Battle of the Paddle includes a SUP expo, beer garden, Kids Zone, yoga area, live music, Polynesian dancing and more.

Elite racers will compete for a share of the more than $25,000 prize purse. Hand crafted trophies will be awarded in other divisions.

Free event parking is available at the Salt Creek Beach lot, the Strand Vista Park/Selva Road parking lot and at Dana Hills High School.

Shuttle buses will run every 20 minutes, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days of the event.

GROMS OF THE WEEK

BLUE ENGELKING & KEATON ROSE Blue Engelking, 15, and Keaton Rose, 12, are the newest members of the Hobie Surf Shop Surf Team. Both of these stoked, mainly soul surfers, signed contracts last week and couldn’t be happier about being chosen to represent the iconic brand.

Blue, a sophomore at San Clemente High School, spends most of his time in the water atop a shortboard but is also skilled in longboarding and stand-up paddling.

“I was super stoked to be chosen. It’s an honor to be on the Hobie team,” Blue said.

“It makes me feel good to know the team managers have faith in me to help promote the brand and represent the Hobie lifestyle in a positive way. That means a lot.”

Blue’s other interests include playing the guitar and golfing. He also enjoys helping people and, through his church, went to Mexico this summer to help build a home for a deserving family. He is a college-bound ‘A’ and ‘B’ student who hopes to attend the California Maritime Academy to earn a degree in marine transportation.

Keaton is a sixth-grader at Bernice Ayer Middle School and also an ‘A’ and ‘B’ student.

Mainly a shortboarder, he has done a few contests—Christian Surfers and Stokeo-Rama events—but says that, like Blue, Dana Point Times October 3–9, 2014

Keaton Rose (left) and Blue Engelking sign their contracts after being chosen to join the Hobie Surf Shop Surf Team. Photo: Tracey Engelking

competition is not his main focus.

Keaton also enjoys playing on his club baseball team, swimming and playing water polo. When he grows up, he’d like to be a missionary or a marine biologist.

This year he traveled to El Salvador with his church, to share his faith with the youth there in an effort to help them escape the influence of gang life.

“It’s pretty amazing to be on the Hobie team because I like their style,” he said. “It’s about the way a person lives—have fun, be yourself, have our own style. The best part of being a surfer is being laid back and stoked about life.”

It’s a safe bet these two talented surfers and all-around good people will have no problem living up to their obligations of acting as brand ambassadors, getting good grades and being positive stewards of surfing, in and out of the water.

Congratulations, boys. –Andrea Swayne Page 26

All registered participants are encouraged to drop-off their race boards at the event site Friday, Oct. 3. Rainbow Sandals will have 24-hour security available throughout the weekend to secure the equipment, event officials said.

Race day board drop-off will be located off Ritz-Carlton Drive inside the north Salt Creek Beach parking lot. Rainbow Sandals will transport boards from the drop-off area to the event board corral.

For registration and more information, including a full schedule of events, see www.battleofthepaddle.com. DP

Longer Range Outlook: Southwest swell holds through the weekend before slowly easing for the first full week of October. Check out Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook!

UPCOMING EVENTS October 11-12: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 3, Mission Beach, San Fernando Street October 11-12: NSSA Open, Event No. 3, Cardiffby-the-Sea, Seaside Reef