February 26, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

February 20-26, 2015 YO U

C A N

U S E

Grom of the Week: Tyrone Fomenko PAGE 14 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8

An Odd Bird

Dana Point man spots a bird rarely seen in North America; birders, scientists take notice E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

Todd Leetch of Dana Point spotted this masked booby, a bird usually found in tropical waters and a rare sight in North America, on the jetty at Doheny State Beach. The find ignited the interest of local birders and scientists. Photo: Todd Leetch

Planning Commission Says ‘No’ to Residential Hens EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Kimble Photography Recognized as Business of the Month DP LIVING/PAGE 10

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Dolphin Teams Prepare for Playoff Openers SPORTS/PAGE 12

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DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING Fire Chief Details Emergency Call Issues Relating to Hospital

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Planning Commission Votes Against Recommending Hens in Residential Neighborhoods THE LATEST: On Feb. 9 the Dana Point Planning Commission voted 3-2 to not recommend to City Council a proposal for allowing the keeping of up to six hens per home in residential areas. Commissioners Norm Denton and Gary Newkirk, lodged the two “no” votes, signaling their approval of moving the proposal ahead by recommending it to the council.

Planning staff presented a report prepared in response to a movement started in April of 2014 to change city municipal codes and zoning ordinances to allow the keeping of chickens in residential back yards. After neighbors objected to Capistrano Beach resident Nancy Weagley’s back yard birds, the chickens were ordered to be removed and a group of residents formed in support of changing the laws.

Changes made to the proposal since the commission first heard the issue included set back requirements and a plan for the administration of licensing, among other issues.

More than 20 residents spoke during the public comments portion of meeting, and opinions were balanced for and against allowing the keeping of hens.

Arguments for the change included a wish to have greater independence, nutrition and the positive experience the keeping of chickens provides to a family. Opponents sited concerns such as noise, smell and the possibility of the birds’ droppings adding to urban runoff and contributing to ocean water contamination.

Commissioner April O’Connor said she might have been convinced to recommend the proposal had the research followed the policies of other cities in setting a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet. The staff report proposed no minimum lot size.

WHAT’S NEXT: The issue will appear on a future City Council agenda for consideration.

FIND OUT MORE: To read the full report, see www.danapointtimes.com.

—Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times February 20-26, 2015

Sandy Cacero, 24, and Christopher Herrera, 27 were arrested on Feb. 11 following an assault and robbery at the Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel in Dana Point. Photos: Courtesy of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department

Investigators Looking for Additional Victims of Robbery Suspects THE LATEST: Sandy Cacero, 24, and Christopher Herrera, 27, were arrested on Feb. 11 after both were involved in a robbery at a Dana Point hotel, authorities said.

According to a joint statement released Feb. 13 by Orange County Sheriff’s Department public information officer Lt. Jeff Hallock and Cpl. Anthony Bertagna, PIO for the Santa Ana Police Department, Cacero and Herrera were placed in custody Feb. 11 in the city of La Palma, following a dual investigation by both departments.

On Feb. 11, Orange County Sherriff’s investigators responded to a robbery at the Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel at 34280 Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point. Investigators suspect the two arranged a meeting with the victim at the hotel, via an online classifieds website.

The two physically assaulted, pepper sprayed and stole the victim’s cash, cell phone and tablet before fleeing in a white 2013 Nissan Maxima, the statement said.

In a separate incident, Santa Ana detectives began an investigation into a Santa Ana hotel robbery attempt on Jan. 6 when authorities said Herrera attempted to rob a man in a Double Tree Hotel. Authorities believe the incidents are related and that Herrera and Cacero have worked together before with the help from other women.

Herrera was arrested for robbery and the use of tear gas (pepper spray) and is being held at $250,000 bail. Cacero was arrested for robbery and released Feb. 12 after posting bail.

WHAT’S NEXT: Those with additional information about the suspects or who may have been a victim, are asked to call the OCSD at 714.647.7000. Anonymous tips will also be taken at occrimestoppers. org.—Evan Da Silva/AS

THE LATEST: Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Kirk Wells gave the San Clemente City Council a look at information on calls for medical service, in light of a proposal to change the current Saddleback Memorial Medical Center-San Clemente campus by potentially eliminating the emergency room and ultimately reconstructing the facility as an advanced urgent care facility and outpatient care center.

Wells told the council on Tuesday that there had been an increase in the number of calls for emergency medical services in 2014, resulting in approximately 1,700 trips to area hospitals, of which 72 percent were taken to San Clemente—Dana Point’s nearest hospital and emergency room—with another 26 percent being taken to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. A majority of those choosing to bypass the San Clemente hospital do so as a result of family or patient choice, Wells said, with another 20 percent requiring direct transport to Mission as a trauma center. Averaging transport times found a nine-minute difference in transportation to the San Clemente hospital and Mission hospital—7.5 minutes compared to 16.5.

WHAT’S NEXT: MemorialCare officials and advocates for the current hospital configuration spoke at the meeting as well.

Hospital administrator Tony Struthers said MemorialCare remains open to a legislative fix to allow for a freestanding emergency room to be in place at a potential new facility. He also said the company’s development partner had reached out to a number of specialists and found strong interest in the proposed advanced urgent care facility.

Advocates for the current facility noted the increased times Wells spoke about as reason to keep the emergency room open.—Jim Shilander

Hospital Group Makes Its Own Facility Proposal THE LATEST: Proponents of the current Saddleback Memorial Medical Center-San Clemente campus have put forward their own proposal for the future of the site— one they hope will allow for the continuation of emergency services uninterrupted while out-patient services are expanded.

Dr. Gus Gialamas of Save San Clemente Hospital announced the proposal during Tuesday’s San Clemente City Council meeting. A resident, he said, had agreed to donate $250,000 toward the design of a new facility, which would add a multi-level

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parking structure to the current footprint.

Under the proposal, a portion of the current hospital facility would be kept open as an emergency room while a threestory, 60,000-square-foot hospital building would be built on the south end of the current emergency room. In a second phase, the remaining portions of the current hospital facility would be demolished and replaced with a two- to three-story medical office building which Gialamas said could house the outpatient surgical, imaging and other services desired by MemorialCare.

WHAT’S NEXT: Gialamas said the proposal had the potential to be a “win-win” for the community and the company, adding that he hopes to meet with company officials to discuss the proposal. Hospital administrator Tony Struthers said officials had met informally with members of the advocacy group, and that while Tuesday’s meeting was the first time they were seeing the proposal, he said he felt it relies too much on continuing in-patient services, which are becoming cost prohibitive, given the falling in-patient census of the hospital.—JS

CUSD Addresses Immersion Program Concerns THE LATEST: Dozens of parents in red attire attended last week’s Capistrano Unified School District board meeting to ask questions about how school of choice policy will impact the district’s two-way Spanish language immersion program.

Worried parents who spoke at the Feb. 11 meeting said they were specifically told by PTAs and other district staff that open enrollment will change the two-way program by limiting the number of spots available. Parents were told that because the program is expanding from San Juan Hills High School to San Clemente High School, each school would have only 35 spots. With more than 100 eighth graders coming in from middle schools, the concern was that some students would not be able to participate in the K-12 program’s high school courses.

But CUSD board members and staff said the information parents had received was incorrect, and former board president John Alpay said there was “obviously a communication issue.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Assistant Superintendent Michelle Le Patner said the district’s intent is to “build out” the two-way immersion program by maintaining the program at San Juan Hills and enhancing it in San Clemente. Le Patner said courses will be added to accommodate all students in the program.—Allison Jarrell www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY EVAN DA SILVA

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

Tuesday, February 17 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24800 Block (11:51 a.m.)

A caller reported a suspicious man sitting in a vehicle in the back parking lot of the Dana Point Marina Inn. The caller believed the man may have had drugs on him due to statements he made to the caller’s girlfriend.

Monday, February 16 WELFARE CHECK Camino Capistrano, 34200 Block (6:56 p.m.) A caller requested a welfare check on an elderly woman who lives in the laundry room in the back of the apartment complex.

KEEP THE PEACE El Contento Drive, 34000 Block (6:02 p.m.) Secondhand information was received that a man’s 30-year-old children were arguing at his home over possession of a van, which has been part of an ongoing inheritance issue.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Azores Road, 32300 Block (4:25 p.m.) A caller reported a man in a silver Toyota Corolla who had been lingering in neighborhood recently.

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY EVAN DA SILVA

Sun Salute Yoga to Host Tai Chi Instructors’ Certification Workshop Tai Chi for Health is presenting its first Tai Chi for Strength and Balance instructors’ workshop Saturday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, March 1. The program is designed for instructors looking to provide a tai chi program to help their own students improve balance and gait through strengthening muscles that stabilize weight-bearing joints. Advanced tai chi students seeking to become instructors and physical therapists are also encouraged to attend.

The workshop will be held at Sun Salute Dana Point Times February 20-26, 2015

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES La Cresta Drive, 25100 Block (11:37 a.m.) A man called police about a package that looked like a woman’s purse and was left on his front porch. The caller said he was having problems with his ex-wife and did not want to touch the package.

phone had been hacked.

INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Crossroads of Seville Place/San Marino Place (10:31 p.m.)

A caller reported a man lying down in the middle of the street. The caller blocked the man off while remaining in his vehicle until police arrived.

DISTURBANCE Via California, 26300 Block (9:43 a.m.) A caller reported four men with skateboards were being loud and breaking his sprinklers. He said the subjects live at the probation house right across the street.

WELFARE CHECK Crossroads of Stonehill Drive/Street of the Golden Lantern (3:08 a.m.) A patrol check was requested after a woman reported a man who tried to flag her down as she drove by him. The caller did not see a vehicle near him or obvious signs of distress and was too afraid to stop.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (1:09 a.m.) A caller from the Best Western Plus Marina Shores front desk reported a woman who was out in front of the hotel refusing to leave. The woman kept saying that she would leave “in the morning as soon as the press got there.”

The caller informed police that the Orange County Fire Department was there earlier responding to a medical assist call for the woman but the call was unfounded.

Sunday, February 15 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Selva Road/Pacific Coast Highway (11:59 p.m.)

Three subjects in Niguel Shores were on the bridge going over Pacific Coast Highway for 15 minutes skateboarding, taking pictures and laying down on the ground in front of property cameras.

CITIZEN ASSIST Street of the Golden Lantern, 33200 Block (11:06 p.m.) A woman in a black SUV called police thinking her

Yoga Studio in Dana Point and led by Troyce Thome. Thome has been a Master Trainer for Dr. Paul Lams Tai Chi programs and for the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi program from 2002 to 2012. Cost of the class is $225 which includes a manual and DVD. To register, contact Troyce Thome at tthomer@gmail.com or call 949.842.2992.

Donations Needed for ‘Meals for the Brave’ Campaign The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group will be providing meals for wounded warrior athletes competing in the Marine Corps trials at Camp Pendleton from March 2-11. More than 370 wounded, ill and injured service members from 10 countries compete in eight

SHOTS HEARD-NO SUPSECT INFORMATION Dana Woods/Danaoak (9 p.m.) This was the last of three calls made from the area between 8:42 p.m. and 9 p.m. about hearing possible gunshots. One caller reported a single shot heard from an unknown location. A second caller heard a loud gunshot or fireworks accompanied by a flash of light near the community pool area.

A third caller, a “hysterical” woman, reported multiple gunshots and was unable to give crossroads and instead continued repeating “Dana Woods.” Another woman was heard in the background saying the sounds were possibly from fireworks. The line disconnected immediately after.

DISTURBANCE Embarcadero Place, 34500 Block (4:40 p.m.) Subjects were in a heated verbal argument at the boat ramp.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (1:03 p.m.) Three teen girls, who had allegedly stolen a T-shirt at Hobie Surf Shop, were overheard saying they were headed to Killer Dana Surf Shop next.

VANDALISM REPORT Caracas Street, 24300 Block (7:22 a.m.) A woman reported her tires were slashed.

DISTURBANCE Pointe Stirling, 32700 Block (1:12 a.m.) A man who was in an argument with his roommate called police but didn’t want to give police a description of the other party because he was in front of him at the time of the call. No weapons were seen and it is unknown if alcohol or drugs were involved.

sporting events—such as archery, cycling, wheelchair basketball, seated volleyball and more—during the nine-day event. The group will provide food to competitors in three events and will including breakfast and a barbecue for the March 8 cycling event and boxed lunches for the March 10 track and field event.

Estimated costs to produce the meals are $7,500 to $10,000. To cover the expenses, the group started the “Meals for the Brave” campaign, which the public can donate to via PayPal in increments of $15.

To donate, volunteer, or for more information, call 949.373.5375 or visit www. danapoint5thmarines.com.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

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Community Meetings FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20

American Red Cross Blood Drive

10 a.m.-4:15 p.m. With major coastal storms hitting the Northeast this past week, conditions have made it difficult for blood and platelet donors in these areas to donate. Donations will be taken at the Dana Point Library.

Avoid waiting in line by scheduling an appointment at 800.RED.CROSS. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.danapoint.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Recycling Event at Dana Hills High

9 a.m.-11 a.m. Residents can drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the school parking lot for students to collect and sort. Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs. Future events will be held March 7 and 21, April 4 and 25, May 16 and 30 and June 6. Events will be held rain or shine. For more information send an email to president@ dhhsptsa.com. Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Planning Commission Meeting Canceled Dana Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint.org

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

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/.

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.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

City Council Special Meeting/ Joint Meeting with the Planning Commission 6:30 p.m. Dana Point City

Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint.org.

www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

An Odd Bird

& Sage Audubon Society, the society’s Orange County chapter.

“I was acquainted with Joel from the bird count every year at Doheny and thought he could help,” Estrada said.

“Once local birdwatchers got wind of it, they began converging along the jetty to try to get a look.”

Weintraub also shared news of the discovery with Thomas Benson, secretary of the California Bird Records Committee which maintains and reviews documentation for rare birds in the state. Benson promptly assigned the sighting an official record number and asked Estrada to connect him with Leetch to find out more about the bird, one of the species on the

CBRC’s review list.

Benson said the masked booby is found throughout many of the world’s tropical regions and occurs in California only as a very rare visitor.

“There are a little over 20 records of it in California since 1977, with an additional 20 or so records of birds that were either masked booby or nazca booby—the two are extremely similar in immature plumage, although masked booby is the more expected of the two species,” Benson wrote in an email, adding that previous records of masked booby in Orange County include: Corona del Mar in 2002; Dana Point in 2002 and again in 2011.

“From 2000 to 2009 masked boobies

occurred in California at a rate of about one per year,” Benson said. “From 2010 to 2014 … at a rate of about 1.5 per year.

On the day after Leetch’s sighting, Weintraub went to the Harbor to look for the bird.

“I saw it dead on the outer jetty,” Weintraub said. “Word of mouth spread throughout the birding community and Kimball Garrett, ornithology collections manager at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County expressed an interest and suggested that the bird be taken to the wildlife rehab center in Huntington Beach as they have a special freezer where specimens are often kept before transport to museum.”

A volunteer from among local birding enthusiasts, Bob Hodgin, paddled out to the jetty to retrieve the bird on Jan. 30 and found the bird in great shape as a specimen for study.

Weintraub said he was disappointed that animal rescue personnel never had a chance at trying to help the bird, but he is happy that its body will contribute to the study of ornithology.

“Had the bird lived, we would have seen an even greater influx of birders arriving to try and see it,” Weintraub said. “It caused quite a lot of excitement as it was.

And it was nice to see the gathering of so many interested people and such a great example of citizen science at work.”

As for the conclusions that may or may not be drawn by the small, but significant increase in sightings in the last few years, Leetch offered a layman’s observation of what he thinks may be happening.

“We’ve had some of the best fishing on record this year and with the warm water, I think that may have had something to do with his presence,” Leetch said. “They’re catching marlin and wahoo, fish that are rare in this area, so it figures that it’s likely the reason a bird also rare to the area was here. These birds follow the food (fish), and the food follows the warm water, so it just makes sense. See it was really cool and something very special.” DP

the opportunity to add another species to their lists. On a more scientific level, it provides additional data on when and where this species occurs outside of its normal range, which helps us infer patterns of movement and distribution in this species.

DPT: I have heard that the bird was found dead and taken to the Natural History Museum in L.A. What will happen with it there?

TB: The bird was prepared as a study skin

by Kimball Garrett (Bird Collections Manager) and placed in the museum’s research collection. All the information gathered during the preparation process, as well as the bird itself, is now archived and available for future research.

DPT: Have other instances of rarely seen birds been reported in this area recently?

TB: Birding (or birdwatching) is a popular hobby and rare birds (the degree of rarity

varies) are reported frequently. Two of the rarer birds that have been reported in the area recently include a Little Gull seen on a Jan. 10 boat trip several miles off shore and a Winter Wren at Huntington Central Park from Dec. 30 through the present.

DPT: How do you feel about the sighting?

TB: This is a great sighting. It reinforces what we already know—based on a very small sample size—that masked boobies occur very rarely in Orange County in the winter, and three of the four occurrences (including this record) have been at Dana Point. It also shows that even an amateur birder can document very rare birds for the scientific record if he/she takes the time and effort to do so.

DPT: Does your organization invite sighting reports from the public, and if so, how would someone contact you?

TB: The CBRC encourages all observers

to submit documentation of CBRC review species to the secretary (currently me) at secretary@californiabirds.org. The list of California review species can be seen at www.californiabirds.org/review.asp.

DPT: Why is it important to keep track of birds in the area?

TB: Keeping track of birds in the area has a number of benefits. In a narrow sense it helps us understand changes in status and distribution of particular bird species (i.e., whether species are increasing or declining in an area). In a broader sense these changes may be related to other ecological factors, which give us a better understanding of environmental processes that might affect a number of other organisms.

DPT: Is birding a popular in our area?

TB: Yes, and recent polls and studies indicate that it is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States.

Dana Point man spots a bird rarely seen in North America; birders, scientists take notice

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

S

urfing instructor and avid fisherman Todd Leetch sees a lot of birds in his day-to-day work and recreational pursuits at Doheny State Beach, in and on the waters off the coast of Dana Point. On Jan. 27, this keen observer of local wildlife knew he had seen something special—an unusual bird standing on the rock jetty along Puerto Place—but had no idea how much interest his find would generate.

“I was driving along the jetty at Doheny Beach to check the surf when I saw a large bird with its head tucked under its wing. I was curious and decided to take a closer look,” Leetch said. “It let me get really close and then it popped its head out and just looked at me and didn’t fly away.

I had my dogs with me which I thought should have spooked it.”

The bird was something Leetch had never seen before, so he snapped a few photos of it with his cell phone camera and then shared them on Instagram asking for help with identifying it. Instantly the feedback started rolling in.

“Its body looked similar to a seagull and nearly as big as a pelican,” he said. “I couldn’t believe how many people were interested in it.”

As word spread via social media, Denise Estrada, special events permit coordinator at Doheny State Beach, shared Leetch’s information online. She then called Joel Weintraub— moderator of the Orange County Birding website and the man responsible for coordinating the local National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count for the past 26 years, with the Sea

We spoke with Benson to find out more about the unusual visitor to Dana Point. Here is some of what he had to say about the masked booby sighting and the importance of birding and its contribution to science.

DP Times: What is the significance of such a rare sighting in this area?

Thomas Benson: At a personal level, such a rare sighting gives many birders the opportunity to see a species they might not have seen before, without having to travel long distances to where the species normally occurs. Within the hobby, the more dedicated and/or obsessive birders keep various lists of birds seen (county, state, year, etc.) so such a rare bird provides them Dana Point Times February 20-26, 2015

Todd Leetch of Dana Point spotted this masked booby, a bird usually found in tropical waters and a rare sight in North America, on the jetty at Doheny State Beach. The find ignited the interest of local birders and scientists.

Photo: Todd Leetch

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www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor A PATRIOT’S RESPONSE JIM KEMPTON, San Clemente

After reading the letter by Jim Bieber about my column, “Patriot Aims,” (DP Times, Feb. 13-19) I felt I needed to at least address the inaccuracies. Any of the sources anyone would like me to supply as evidence, I can easily provide. (Since I have a wild unfounded suspicion Jim Bieber won’t take my word for it.) As Patrick Moynihan stated so well, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but not their own facts.”

Mr. Bieber does me a grave injustice when he intimates that I am somehow less of patriot then he and those who take his position. I have watched American soldiers die in hospitals, spent years volunteering my time and my company’s time, resources and personal assisting Wounded Warrior programs. Unlike some I choose to support my country without the need to beat my chest with some delusional sense of patriotism, belittle others or turn a blind eye to the effects of war.

Nowhere in my story is there one word of blame for our courageous soldiers or one apology for terrorists. I am as committed to justice for terrorists as he is. Some facts if he read the book: this was not a shield; both woman and child were throwing the bomb. Men, women and children defending their country from an illegal invasion are not terrorists or shields.

As for imaginary equals, I need no great lengths: Dozens of well documented accounts honor American women as combatants from Bunker Hill to Gettysburg to WWII WASP pilots; children were used as spies, flag carriers, bugle and

drum corps and were killed in action by the hundreds.

If Mr. Bieber thinks our Christian Western values give us moral superiority over Islamics, I suggest he read some history: Western Civilization is rife with women and children as enemy combatants; from the Christian Children’s Crusades, to the drafting 12-year-old Hitler Youth members into suicide ranks. In WWI every Western nation used young boys (and even girls) to serve as combatants—and they died by the thousands. As for the example of WWII: The Dutch or French didn’t use their children as shields, but the German Christians of the Third Reich’s return of the Holy Roman Empire sure did. They held children in almost every town Americans stormed, and we killed them with our shelling by the thousands. Look it up.

Nobody called them “Christian Western” Nazis.

As for us being the same as the terrorists: Nowhere do I say that nor do I think it. But if Andersonville, Wounded Knee, No Gun Ri Korea, Mai Lai and Abu Ghraib mean anything, we are not the angels without wings that Mr. Bieber would like to imagine.

War is a horrible, destructive, terrorizing experience. My purpose was to consider the other point of view (as Jesus implored us) instead of demonizing anyone who sees our actions as anything but perfect. Most importantly though it has been the unintended consequences of reckless political invasions that have done damage to our great nation while forcing our brave troops into often untenable positions.

LANDSCAPE FAUX PAS? BARBARA MERRIMAN, Dana Point

An investigation should immediately happen to discover who the genius was that removed beautiful, healthy daylilies along the sidewalks in the Harbor’s East Basin and replaced them with bottlebrush.

The daylilies were a recent addition and it

was surprising to see them removed. That “genius” should then be held accountable for the costs associated with this mistake.

I know the Harbor Department is trying to maintain a palette of drought-resistant plants and bottlebrush is on the list. But really? Even an amateur gardener, as I am, knows a few things about this ugly plant.

1. Right now, the plants are in their infant stage, yet are already attracting bees—something they are known for.

Are they (the Harbor Department) planning on having EMTs standing by with EpiPens?

2. Each plant has a sprinkler head that was installed with it. If they are droughttolerant, why is this necessary?

3. The other undesirable characteristic of these plants is that when the nettles drop from the blooms, they create a black, tar-like substance that will unfortunately decorate our sidewalks and grounds around the plants and be tracked everywhere.

I walk along that sidewalk almost every morning and watched the installation. It involved a significant amount of employees and materials and a whole new sprinkler system!

It is a mistake and needs immediate correction.

GRATEFUL FOR THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS INGA-BRITT MAY, Dana Point

I just want to thank the four gentlemen who noticed my car with its hood up on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the post office.

I was not able to start my car after picking up my mail. I had my friend’s little dog with me in the car—she keeps me company in my office on Saturdays.

Well, I had left my cellphone in the office, so now what to do?

A gentleman had parked next to me and asked if he could be of help. Oh yes.

He lent me his phone so I could call AAA for help. When he knew I was going to be taken care of, he left.

While I was standing by my car waiting for the AAA truck to come, three other men came by—one was in his 20s.

It felt so good that people cared. Thank you!

AAA came and started my car.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 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.

Dana Point Times February 20-26, 2015

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City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell 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, Evan Da Silva, Kevin Dahlgren, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 8. 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 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List COMPILED BY STAFF

the week. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary depending on the vessel. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

Friday | 20

Tuesday | 24

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. See more events online. Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at the Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument, bring your voice, The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

MIKE HAMILTON 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille with the sweet rhythms of Reggae.

32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Saturday | 21 DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

WYLAND’S ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 9 a.m.-noon, Saturdays through April 25.

Kids are invited to an art lesson, for a $5 donation, presented by Wyland via video feed, followed by a free two-hour whale watching trip. Free trip must be taken the same day and child must be accompanied by an adult who has pre-purchased a whale watching ticket. Dana Wharf Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

DANA POINT HISTORY TOUR 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This two-hour docentled walking tour explores the history of the Headlands area. Tours run on the third Saturday of the month. RSVP to

The Spirit of Dana Point. Photo: The Ocean Institute

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21: ADVENTURE TALL SHIP SAIL 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Board the Ocean Institute’s schooner Spirit of Dana Point and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas on a tall ship. Join the crew to help raise the sail, handle lines and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tall ship. Tickets are $21-$40 and include admission to the institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org. wgintern@danapoint.com or 949.248.3527.

Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

CRAM BROS 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

KIDS PET PARADE 11 a.m. Families are welcome to bring their furry friends to the annual Kids Pet Parade in Los Rios Park. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the parade begins at noon. Entrants will receive one free entry to the ZOOMARS petting zoo, ribbons will be given to all 1st-4th place winners and the Special Judge’s Choice Winner will appear in the Swallows Day Parade on March 21. $5 entry fee per category. 31747 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. For more information call 949.240.6770 or visit www.swallowsparade.org.

Sunday | 22 SERRA CHAPEL TOUR 11:15 a.m. In honor of Father Serra’s 300th birthday celebration, tour the Serra Chapel, the oldest operating church in California. Admission $2-$3. Price is in addition to museum admission for non-members.

26801 Ortega Highway, 949.234.1320, www.missionsjc.com.

Monday | 23 PJ STORYTIME 7 p.m-8 p.m. Reading event for children off all ages, pajama wearing encouraged but not required at the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Trips available every day of

Wednesday | 25 SIERRA SAGE NATURE WALK 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Join the Sierra Sage chapter of the Sierra Club and enjoy the beautiful, natural scenery of The Reserve.

Participants must be registered by 4 p.m. on Feb. 24. Adults $10, children $5, free for supporters. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, call for directions, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

Thursday | 26 OLIVIA ROHDE 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Taste blends from the West Coast’s smallest, finest wineries accompanied by vibrant small plates and live music. Wine tastings run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and Saturday 2 p.m.-9 p.m. DaVine Food & Wine, 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com

At the Movies: ‘Leviathan’ a Talker and a Thinker

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

O

ne of the nominees for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars this weekend is Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Leviathan from Russia. Despite good reviews and accolades in Europe and America, the film and director have drawn much controversy in its home country. Leviathan is Zvyagintsev’s take on the Bible’s story of Job set in the context of Russia’s current economics and ethics, so it’s no surprise higher officials aren’t happy with the feature.

Dana Point Times February 20-26, 2015

In the small, dreary town Pribrezhny, middle-aged, bitter, unemployed Kolya (Aleksey Serebriakov) asks his old friend Dmitri (Vladimir Vdovichenkov) to be his attorney in a sudden case against the mayor of the town. Mayor Vadim (Roman Madyanov), with a claim of eminent domain, wants to seize Kolya’s land and tear down his house for his own interests. Meanwhile, Kolya’s wife Lilya (Elena Lyadova) is having an affair with Dmitri and is still struggling to gain acceptance from her stepson Roman (Sergey Pokhodaev).

Despite having been lent a small amount of funding from the state, Leviathan depicts the Russian government in a very dark and harsh light and uses clichés for characteristics. The movie has upset Russians, from government officials to local journalists, accusing Zvyagintsey of being a hypocrite or traitor.

But from a strictly cinematic perspective, Leviathan is well constructed and doesn’t really choose sides, by putting everyone on screen in a bad light. For those who are interested in bleak melodrama, and don’t mind subtitles, Leviathan is worth a look. DP

Page 8

Photo: Sony Pictures Classics

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DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Reading with Wright by Chris Wright

Snipers and Mystery

T

he Orange County Public Libraries’ annual literary festival, Literary Orange, is closing in fast, but first a word about snipers. Perhaps by the time you read this, controversy over the film American Sniper and remarks by celebrities will have abated. If you want to know what snipers do exactly and what they contribute to the battlefield, then check out these books.

Perhaps the best book and my favorite is Trigger Men: Shadow Team, SpiderMan, the Magnificent Bastards, and the American Combat Sniper by Hans Halberstadt. This book published in 2008 is not for the faint of heart. It’s graphic and a good read that gives you an appreciation with no apologies for the dirty business of killing. It has an introduction by Marine sniper and author Jack Coughlin.

A new book out by Bing West about Marine infantry in Afghanistan, One Million Steps, tells the tale of one platoon from 3/5 (That’s 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. There is a support group for the regiment, 5th Marines, in Dana Point) deployed to Helmand Province. This platoon had snipers attached to them. The contribution of these snipers to the fight cannot be overstated. If you want to read a good military fiction series then you must read Jack Coughlin’s and Donald A. Davis’ Kyle Swanson sniper series. It’s “Tom Clancy light” with lots of action but without the verbosity. It even has a strong female character who is Kyle’s defacto boss at times. There are seven books in the series with book eight, Night of the Cobra, due out in August 2015.

Literary Orange is only two months away and one of the genres readers love the most is mystery. We are only having one mystery panel this year and it features three authors. Kirk Russell lives in the Bay Area and has two series out. One, the John Marquez series, features a California game warden. You really gain an appreciation for what game wardens do and the battle

Sudoku

not only against poachers but the battle of the state budget for funds to protect our resources. Marquez must wear out vehicles as he is all over the state staking out abalone poachers or organized crime syndicates from abroad. There’s also a subplot involving Marquez’s past as an agent for the Drug Enforcement Agency. Russell also has a new series out featuring Ben Raveneau, a homicide detective in San Francisco. There are three books in this series.

Our next author was mentioned in this column in April 2014, Kwei Quartey. Dr. Quartey has three books in his Darko Dawson series set in Ghana. We have all three at the Dana Point branch. Dr. Quartey is an internal medicine practitioner who blogs frequently and he has had a lot to say READING about ebola recently.

WITH WRIGHT Laguna Beach resident

By Chris Wright Suzanne Redfearn’s debut novel, Hush Little Baby, fits in nicely with the theme of the mystery panel, “You Can Run but You Can’t Hide.” It’s a suspenseful story of a woman with her children fleeing an abusive husband. Sounds like another Gone Girl to me. I’m going to have to add it to my reading list.

Register for Literary Orange online at www.literaryorange.org or you may pick up a registration form at the library.

For more information about events, access to online databases, ebooks, audiobooks and more, visit www.ocpl.org.

Chris Wright is not sure if he lives to read or if he reads to live. He has been a public librarian with the OC Public Libraries since 2006 and currently works at the Dana Point branch. 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

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 9

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

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

SOCSA Students Shine at Musical Theater Competition

Nineteen SOCSA students competed in the Musical Theater Competition of America this month in Anaheim.

Seven received vocal soloist recognition. Photo: Courtesy DANA POINT TIMES

S

even students from the South Orange County School of the Arts at Dana Hills High School received vocal soloist recognition at the Musical Theater Competition of America on Feb. 7 and 8 in Anaheim.

Emerson Taylor, junior, and Sarah Tweed, freshman, received first-place awards. Freshman Emmy Fry took second-place honors, junior Siena Brown took third, and Taylor Evan, freshman, earned a fourth-place award. Only two soloists were selected as the Outstanding Male and Outstanding Female Vocalists,

Kimble Photography owners Marvin Kimble (left) and Janni Kimble are presented with Business of the Month honors by Mayor Carlos Olvera. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Business of the Month:

and those honors went to senior Chris Tusan and sophomore Ashley Patrick.

Siena Mehta, Sophie Lindborg and Emerson Taylor were chosen from over 350 performers at a professional level “cattle call” facilitated by industry experts to receive special training and then be featured in a production number.

A total of 19 students, led by SOCSA instructor Samantha Sanford, competed in solo, duet, and ensemble categories and attended workshops and performance reviews by industry professionals at this national event. DP

Kimble Photography COMPILED BY ROBERT SEDITA, MANAGEMENT ANALYST, DANA POINT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

T

he city of Dana Point has named Kimble Photography the business of the month for February.

Owner Marvin Kimble’s love for photography started as photojournalism during his undergraduate education, where he did photography for the school’s daily paper.

After graduating, Marvin went on to do photography work for a number of organizations including the U.S. Ski Team, Snowbird Ski Resort, local papers, publications and more. In 2009 Marvin decided it was time to start his own photography business and Kimble Photography was born.

Kimble works as the lead photographer and his wife Janni works as the assistant photographer and also does the creative imaging and image editing.

Kimble Photography serves all of South Dana Point Times February 20-26, 2015

Orange County and also travels to other destinations to meet their clients’ needs.

In addition to local clients, they have many customers from other parts of California and elsewhere, both inside and outside of the United States, who come to beautiful Dana Point to be photographed.

Kimble Photography provides an array of services including engagement, bridal and wedding photography, family and children portraits, maternity portraits, event and action photography, business headshots, as well as advertising, commercial and product photography. Kimble Photography prides itself on being able to capture special moments. It’s their goal to make sure those memories stay with their customers for a lifetime.

For more information on Kimble Photography please call 949.257.5509, email info@kimblephotography.com or visit www.kimblephotography.com. DP

PET OF THE WEEK: LEGOLAS

M

eet Legolas, a curious bunny hoping to hop his way into your heart. This 5-year-old little charmer enjoys treats and a good scratch behind the ears. When he’s not out enjoying the sun in his exercise pen, Legolas loves to people watch. Come and visit him and you just might be won over by his cute little button nose. If you would like to know more about Legolas, please call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente. DP

Page 10

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LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

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

Dana Point Times February 20-26, 2015

DRAPERY

JACKIE LEE ASID-CID 949-493-6694

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

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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

Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

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

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

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

PET GROOMING

Dawgy Style Groom Shop

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 112, 949.496.3315, www.dawgystylegroomshop.net

PLUMBING

Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

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

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

Page 11

UPHOLSTERY

Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 34212 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit C, 949.240.9569 www.jeddys.com

Locals Only Business 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

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

Dolphin Report: By the Numbers COMPILED BY STEVE BREAZEALE

Through the use of stats and numbers, we break down the standout performances of the Dana Hills High School winter prep sports season.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

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

11

Points allowed by the Dana Hills girls basketball team in a 65-11 victory over Pomona Catholic on Dec. 27. The Dolphins held Pomona Catholic scoreless in the first half of play.

Soccer Takes on Edison in First Round of Playoffs Following a 3-0 loss to Aliso Niguel on the final day of the regular season, the Dana Hills girls soccer team secured a third-place finish in the South Coast League and a berth in the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships.

Dana Hills (13-13-2, 4-3-1 league) was set to begin their playoff run on Feb. 19 on the road against Edison. Edison (12-4-5, 4-2-4) clinched a playoff spot by finishing second in the Sunset League. Results were not available at press time.

Dana Hills battled with rival San Clemente for the No. 2 and No. 3 spot in league down the stretch. The Dolphins were able to win two in a row, over Capistrano Valley and Mission Viejo, before drawing with the Tritons on Feb. 9 and falling to the Wolverines. The Tritons, however, went 2-0-2 over that same stretch and wrapped up solo second place.

Dolphins Water Polo Opens Postseason With Schurr The Dana Hills girls water polo team was set to open their CIF-SS Division 2 playoff bid on Feb. 19 with a road game against Schurr out of the Almont League.

Results were not available at press time.

Dana Hills (17-12, 5-3) won three out of their last five games down the home stretch of the regular season, highlighted

17

Total points awarded to Dana Hills boys soccer senior forward Paul Romero this season.

Romero led the team with seven goals and had three assists.

15

Number of games played by the Dana Hills girls soccer team that were decided by one goal. The Dolphins had a 9-6 overall record in games with a one-goal differential.

5

Shutout victories recorded by the Dolphins girls soccer team this season, which includes a 2-0 win over league opponent Capistrano Valley on Jan. 29.

70

Dana Hills’ Paige DeFiori, left, and Aliso Niguel’s Allie Griffith run down a ball during the final game of the season on Feb. 11. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

by a 13-10 upset victory over rival San Clemente on Feb. 11. The win solidified the Dolphins third-place standing in league and ruined the Tritons hopes at a league title.

Dana Hills played a final regular season tune-up game against Pacifica on Feb. 12. The Dolphins’ Sydney Baba erupted for 10 goals in a 20-7 victory. Just about every Dana Hills player on the roster got involved on the stat sheet. Maia Borisoff scored three goals and notched four assists, Madison Baba scored three times and had five assists and goalie Blaire Borisoff had 12 saves, two assists and three steals.

Schurr (23-6) had a successful year

playing in the Almont League. The Spartans were led this season by senior Jolene Viramontes (58 goals, 22 assists) and sophomore Jassmine Kezman (67 goals, 14 assists).

Goals scored by Dana Hills girls water polo standout Madison Baba on the season, a mark that led the team. Baba also had 16 assists and 53 steals.

Dolphins Hoops Close Out Season against Wolverines The Dana Hills girls basketball team ended their season with a 49-40 nonleague loss to Aliso Niguel on Feb. 13.

Dana Hills finished the year with a 9-17 overall record and placed fi fth in the sixmember Sea View League.

Dana Wharf Fish Count DANA POINT TIMES

Here is the latest fish count out of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

Feb. 18: 2 boats; 44 anglers; 78 sculpin, 30 sand dabs, 6 yellowtail.

Feb. 17: 2 boats; 66 anglers: 53 sculpin, 9 calico bass, 3 sand bass, 3 halfmoon perch, 1 sargo Page 12

Dana Hills’ Madison Baba led the girls water polo team with 70 goals on the season. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Feb. 16: 4 boats; 131 anglers: 22 yellowtail, 5 sculpin, 4 sand bass, 3 calico bass, 2 halfmoon perch Feb. 15: 6 boats; 136 anglers: 20 yellowtail, 14 sand bass, 13 sculpin, 5 calico bass, 3 halibut Feb. 14: 3 boats; 91 anglers: 86 sculpin, 23 calico bass, 10 sand dabs, 6 sand bass, 3 yellowtail Feb. 13: 3 boats; 84 anglers: 39 sculpin, 38 sand dabs, 6 calico bass, 3 sand bass Feb. 12: 2 boats; 62 anglers: 68 sculpin, 3 calico bass Feb. 11: 2 boats; 63 anglers: 40 yellowtail, 7 calico bass, 2 sand bass, 1 sculpin www.danapointtimes.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. $150.

949.533.9761

FOR SALE VINTAGE SURFBOARD 1985 STEWART/T&C SURFBOARD’ -$250.

949.933.0122 QUEEN MATTRESS SET $75 Two years old. New condition. Call or text for info or pictures. 949.533.9761 HARLEY HANDLE BARS Chrome, 8-inch, T Bars (drag specialties).

Slight curve back. $70. Can send pictures.

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

BED FRAME Metal bed frame. Adjustable for all sizes. $35/ obo. New condition. 949.533.9761

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

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 February 20-26, 2015

Page 13

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

RESULTS First-place and local finishers only. For full results, see www.sanclementetimes.com. Key: San Clemente=SC, Dana Point=DP, Capistrano Beach=CB, San Juan Capistrano=SJC. WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 7, February 14-15, Huntington Beach, Pier. Partial results. Due to a fog delay, the following seven division finals will be made up at the next event, March 15 at Oceanside Harbor: Micro Grom Girls SB U10, Boys/Girls U10, Boys U12, Girls U12, Boys U14, Girls U14 and Girls U16.

Kolohe Andino of San Clemente won the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing on Feb. 15 at Manley Beach.

Photo: WSL/Matt Dunbar

Kolohe Andino Wins Hurley Australian Open of Surfing

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

K

olohe Andino of San Clemente was crowned champion of the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing on Saturday, Feb. 14 (Sunday, Feb. 15 Australia time) at Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Andino turned in high-scoring and highflying performances throughout the World Surf League Qualifying Series event.

With a near perfect 9.73-point wave and a 7.33 back up, he defeated runner-up Mateia Hiquily of Tahiti, 17.06 to 10.13.

“This has been a great event, but I’m not going to take my foot off the gas at all

and I’m going to keep getting ready for Snapper,” Andino said, in a post event WSL interview. “I had a couple of heats where my back was up against the wall and I was able to fight through, which is good mental prep for Snapper. I hadn’t really heard of Mateia before, but I was super impressed by his surfing at this event. He was lighting these waves up. … ” Going into the contest Andino’s preseason No. 11 ranking gave him the event’s No. 2 seed.

The win earned him $25,000 in prize money. DP

MICRO GROM BOYS U9: 1. Makai Bray, SC; 3. Maddox Bray, SC; 5. Shane Stacy, DP. BOYS U16: 1. Ben Seaberry, Huntington Beach; 3. Ethan Mudge, CB; 6. Curran Dand, SC. BOYS U18: 1. Kei Kobayashi, SC. GIRLS U18: 1.

Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas; 4. Cameron Duby, San Juan Capistrano. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Koby Gilchrist, Encinitas; 2. Patrick O’Connor, SJC; 4. Johnathan La Pointe, San Juan Capistrano; 5. Riley Branom, DP. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 1. Tim Wright, Carlsbad; 4. Kaimana Takayama, SC; 5. Kevin Skvarna, SJC. GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Betsey Lee, Topanga; 3. Malia Mauch, SC; 4. Lexi Morgan, SC. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1.

Frankie Seely, Topanga; 3. Cameron Duby, SJC; 5. Teresa O’Connor, SJC; 6. Izzy Hopkins, DP. MEN 18-29: 1. Evan Sandison, Laguna Niguel. MASTERS 30-39: 1. Michael Graney, Carlsbad. SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1. Erik Krammer, Oceanside. WOMEN 18+: 1. Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach. LEGENDS 50+: 1. Rusty Phillipy, Cardiffby-the-Sea; 2. Jeff Jessee, SC; 3. Masaki Kobayashi, SC. OPEN MEN: 1. Kei Kobayashi, SC. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Nick Anderberg, Encinitas; 2. Kaimana Takayama, SC; 5. Ricky Fodor, DP; 6. Cody Canzoneri, SC. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Katelyn Springer, Newport Beach; 5. Lexi Morgan, SC. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1. Dave Schaefer, Hermosa Beach. ADAPTIVE SURFERS: 1. Charles Webb, Oceanside.

NSSA Open, Event No. 7, January 24-25, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach MEN: 1. Braden Jones, Pismo Beach. JUNIORS: 1. Parker Cohn, Newport Beach; 3. Kade Matson, SC. BOYS: 1. Levi Slawson, Encinitas; 2. Kade Matson, SC. MINI GROMS: 1. Cole McCaffray, Cardiff; 2. Brayden Burch, SC; 3. Bane Corbett, SC. WOMEN: 1. Tia Blanco, Oceanside; 2. Samantha Sibley, SC; 4. Allie Frost, SJC. GIRLS: 1. Bethany Zelasko, DP; 3. Alexxa Elseewi, SC. NSSA Open, Event No. 6, December 20-21, Cardiff-bythe-Sea, Seaside Reef MEN: 1. Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach. JUNIORS: 1. Liam Gloyd, Carlsbad; 2. Cole Houshmand, SC; 3. Jett Schilling, SC. BOYS: 1. Riaru Ito, Japan; 3. Kade Matson, SC. MINI GROMS: 1. Brayden Burch, SC. WOMEN: 1. Malia Osterkamp, SC; 4. Samantha Sibley, SC. GIRLS: 1. Bethany Zelasko, DP; 2. Kirra Pinkerton, SC; 4. Alexxa Elseewi, SC.

UPCOMING EVENTS February 21: SSS Orange County Middle School, Event No. 4, Oceanside, Pier February 28-March 1: NSSA Open, Event No. 8, Ventura, C Street February 28: SSS Orange County High School, Event No. 5, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street March 14-15: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty

NSSA Explorer, Event No. 8, February 7, Huntington Beach, 9th Street

March 21-22: NSSA Open, Event No. 9, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty

JUNIORS: 1. Ethan Grant, Carlsbad; 5. Max Beach, SC. BOYS: 1. Billy McCoy, Newport Beach; 3. Max Beach, SC. MENEHUNE: 1. Mick Davey, La Jolla. SUPER GROMS: 1. Brayden Burch, SC; 6. Dane Matson, SC. WOMEN:

April 25-26: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 9, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach

Kolohe Andino put on a string of high-flying, heat-winning performances on his way to winning the Australian Open of Surfing. Photo: WSL/Matt Dunbar

Dana Point Times February 20–26, 2015

1. Kristina Hehl, Huntington Beach; 5. Allie Frost, SJC. GIRLS: 1. Peyton Slater, Carlsbad; 2. Izzy Hopkins, DP. MEN: 1. Andrew Niemann, Huntington Beach; 3. Jeremy Dugan, SC. SENIORS: 1. Trevor Nielson, San Diego. SUPER SENIORS: 1. Rick Fignetti, Huntington Beach. DUKE: 1. Rick Fignetti, Huntington Beach; 2. Kyle Twitchell, SC. LONGBOARD: 1. Jaric Fink, SC. KNEEBOARD: 1. Sean Noone, Alisa Viejo.

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April 25-26: NSSA Open, Event No. 10, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles

GROM OF THE WEEK

TYRONE FOMENKO

T

yrone Fomenko, 10, of San Clemente has been surfing for about a year and a half and in that short time, he has decided he wants a professional career in the sport and realized the positive effect being a surfer has on his life.

“Even though my dad was a pro surfer, I really wasn’t that into it at first,” Tyrone said. “And then I tried it because all of my friends were doing really good in it. I like free surfing and hanging out with my friends but I really like the contests. I feel like in the beginning I wasn’t doing too good in contests but I’m getting the hang of it now.”

In the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour Boys U12 Shortboard division, Tyrone is the No. 18 ranked surfer in the field of 64 and has continued to progress with each event.

A fourth-grader at Concordia Elementary School, he gets good grades—3s and 4s on a scale of 1-4, 4 being the best—and especially enjoys math and the work it takes to be good at it.

He also appreciates the work it takes

Tyrone Fomenko. Photo: Andrea Swayne

to improve his surf skills and is putting in as much practice time as he can, toward chasing his dream of becoming a pro surfer.

“I’m working on my bottom turn/top turn combo and I go to T Street every day pretty much,” he said. “My main support is from Cole, my shaper, and my family for taking me to the beach and contests. My dad coaches me and my mom and sister are really supportive. I want to tell them thanks for that.”

When asked to put into words what surfing means to him, he said it is more than just “super fun.”

“It’s my way of life and I like going as much as I can, every day, maybe twice a day if I’m lucky,” Tyrone said. “It’s my favorite thing to do because I feel calm in the water and it brings out the best in me.”—Andrea Swayne www.danapointtimes.com