April 3, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

April 3–9, 2015 C A N

U S E

INSIDE: Special South County Real Estate Guide PAGE 11 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 14

Church Expansion Gets Green Light Planning Commission approves South Shores Church project after seven years of hearings and plan modifications E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

South Shores Church’s plan to expand its Crown Valley Parkway campus in phases over 10 years was unanimously approved by the Dana Point Planning Commission on Monday. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Chicken Debate Returns to City Council Agenda EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

MemorialCare Delays Hospital Decision EYE ON DP/PAGE 6

www.danapointtimes.com

Grom of the Week: Chandler Sieverts of Dana Point DP SURF/PAGE 22

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DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Chicken Debate Returns to City Council Agenda THE LATEST: The city of Dana Point issued a Notice of Public Hearing for the April 7 City Council meeting to discuss a proposal to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code to allow the keeping of chickens in all single-family residential districts.

Approval would require a Zone Text Amendment and a De Minimis Local Coastal Program Amendment. A LCPA is required for amending the city’s Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code because the proposed change affects properties within the Coastal Overlay District and is “de minimis” because it. proposes no change to land, water or any other allowable use of the properties. According to city staff, if approved, chickens would be considered an “accessory use” to parcels zoned as single-family residential.

An environmental review has been conducted on the proposal and the city intends to adopt a Negative Declaration, the notice said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting is set for Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers at 33282 Golden Lantern.

Those wishing to comment will be given an opportunity to speak at the meeting.

Comments may also be sent to the city in writing, addressed to: Attn. City Clerk, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 203, Dana Point, CA 92629. Written comments should reference the hearing title, “Zone Text Amendment ZTA14-0001; De Minimis Local Coastal Program Amendment LCPA14-001,” and include the hearing date.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, contact the City Clerk at 949.248.3505.

—Andrea Swayne

Water Restrictions Going Into Effect State-wide THE LATEST: After months of severe drought, Gov. Edmund “Jerry” Brown announced Wednesday that the state would be putting in place mandatory water reductions in cities across the state in order to cut water usage by approximately 25 percent.

Dana Point Times April 3–9, 2015

The order will replace more than 50 million square feet of lawns into droughttolerant landscape in partnership with local governments, direct the creation of temporary statewide rebate programs to replace old appliances with more efficient models and to require golf courses, campuses cemeteries and other high-water users to cut their use of water.

WHAT’S NEXT: Local water agencies will also be told to adjust rate structures to implement “conservation pricing.” New homes and developments will also be prevented from irrigating with potable water unless water-efficient drip irrigation systems are in use. – Jim Shilander

SONGS Panel to Meet April 16, New Members Added THE LATEST: When Southern California Edison’s Community Engagement Panel meets again April 16 at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, it will have several new members.

Following the resignation of Residents Organized for a Safe Environment founder Gene Stone from the panel effective March 1, the utility has named Glenn Pascall, of the Sierra Club, who had previously served as Stone’s alternate, to the panel to fill a seat as a representative of the environmental movement. In his resignation letter, Stone said he hoped the body would be given more authority by the state to make policy.

In addition, new representatives have been named for Dana Point (Mayor Carlos Olvera), San Juan Capistrano (Mayor Pro Tem Pam Patterson) and from Camp Pendleton (Tom Caughlan). San Clemente City Councilman Tim Brown serves as vice chair of the body.

WHAT’S NEXT: Currently, the meeting is slated to focus on security, according to an Edison spokesperson. The meeting will also include follow-up discussion regarding storage issues from its meeting Jan. 27. – JS

Border Patrol Agents Seize More than $1 Million in Drugs THE LATEST: U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Interstate 5 checkpoint south of San Clemente arrested two men Wednesday, one north of the checkpoint and the second one at the checkpoint. Together, the two men had more than $1.3 million worth of hard narcotics.

The first arrest occurred when agents on patrol observed a suspicious vehicle

Border Patrol agents seized more than $1 million in hard drugs in two separate stops Wednesday, March 25.

Photo: Courtesy of the U.S. Border Patrol

heading north and initiated a vehicle stop at Crown Valley Parkway at approximately 1:30 p.m. The driver of the 2008 Toyota Camry was a 44-year-old U.S. citizen who indicated he was traveling to the San Fernando Valley. Agents requested and received permission to conduct a K-9 sniff of the sedan. The K-9 search resulted in a positive alert. Agents searched the vehicle and allegedly found multiple bundles of narcotics hidden inside a false compartment. The packages contained 1.21 pounds of black tar heroin, 17.20 pounds of China white heroin and 22.38 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and have an estimated street value of $573,720.

Hours later, a second arrest took place at the I-5 checkpoint. The driver, a 25-yearold U.S. citizen, arrived at the checkpoint driving a 2001 Toyota Solara and was referred to secondary inspection. At secondary, the driver consented to a K-9 sniff of the vehicle that resulted in a positive alert. Agents searched and allegedly discovered 69 packages of methamphetamine in the rear quarter panels of the vehicle.

The methamphetamine weighed a total of 82.36 pounds and has an estimated street value of $823,600.

WHAT’S NEXT: The narcotic bundles from both events have a total estimated street value of $1,397,320. The two men and narcotics were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration. The vehicles were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

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Last fiscal year, San Diego Sector seized more than 2,880 ounces of heroin and more than 1,790 pounds of methamphetamine. – JS

OC Water Agencies to Test Emergency Notification System THE LATEST: Orange County’s regional mass notification system, AlertOC, will be conducting a test on April 7 at 3 p.m. when a test message—via call, text or email— will be sent to more than two million OC residents who are registered for the service and are customers of 27 participating cities and local water agencies, authorities said in a press release.

The drill is designed to replicate a largescale emergency requiring the simultaneous notification of thousands of residents.

In conjunction with the message, residents will be reminded that the state remains in a serious drought situation and water conservation efforts are required.

WHAT’S NEXT: Residents not currently receiving alerts are encouraged to register cell phone numbers, email address and alternative phone numbers.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information or to register, visit www.AlertOC.com. To learn more about saving water, see www. ocwatersmart.com. –AS www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Church Expansion Gets Green Light Planning Commission approves South Shores Church project after seven years of hearings

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

S

ince 2009, South Shores Church has been pursuing approval of an expansion plan that would more than double its size. With a packed house at the Community Center gymnasium—a vast majority of the seats filled with people showing support for the project by wearing bright green T-shirts—the Dana Point Planning Commission on Monday approved conditional use, coastal development and site development permits and the final Environmental Impact Report for the project.

Project opponents, most living in adjacent neighborhoods, have long criticized the project; fearing impacts of such a large and lengthy project would include excessive noise, traffic, debris, pollution and runoff, as well as concerns related to the stability of the slope below the 6-acre site at 32712 Crown Valley Parkway.

The campus currently has a chapel, sanctuary, administration building/fellowship hall, a preschool and a 28-space parking lot. Plans will require the demolition of three of the church’s existing buildings— not to include the sanctuary building—and the construction of four new ones along with a new parking structure.

The original 2009 proposal included a preschool/administration building, a Community Life Center, two education buildings and a 421-space, two-level, semisubterranean parking structure. In total, the church was planning a 46,817-squarefoot increase in size to 89,362 square feet.

The 10-year-long construction schedule was also a source of concern.

A public scoping meeting was held in March of 2010 for the then-in process Draft EIR being prepared by LSA Associates. In 2011, the deadline for the EIR completion was extended to 2013 to allow adequate time for the extensive geotechnical evaluation of the site, according to city officials. Further extension of the deadline brought the final EIR’s official completion date to March 2015. City staff reported to commissioners that the final EIR identified no significant impacts.

During the public review period for the project, in addition to comments at public meetings, city staff reported receiving 118 letters—61 letters raised concerns, 53 were in support of the project, two from state agencies (the Office of Planning and Research and the California Department of Dana Point Times April 3–9, 2015

The Community Center Gym was packed with South Shores Church expansion plan supporters in green shirts Monday night when the Planning Commission approved permits and the EIR for the project, which has been in the works for seven years. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Fish and Wildlife), one from Orange County Public Works and one (or possibly a few more from the public) were duplicates.

After years of studies, workshops, hearings and comments/concerns raised by commissioners and the public, as well as the preparation of the final EIR, the Planning Commission on Monday was considering the applicant’s Revised Alternative plan—scaled-back version of the originally requested square footage, with the addition of a shared parking (shuttle) program and parking management plan and a reorganization of the order in which the five phases would be completed. The plan still included a decade-long time frame but it was noted that, with break periods, the actual construction time would altogether add up to approximately six years, spread out during the 10-year duration.

The final EIR includes 16 mitigation measures, all conditions of approval, according to the city attorney. The Revised Alternative plan changes include a reduction of square footage from the originally proposed 89,362 square feet down to 70,284 square feet, lowering the height of the CLC building by 15 feet—a total reduction of approximately 25 percent— larger setbacks for the CLC, meditation garden, temporary play area and parking structure, along with a reduction of other impacts in areas such as air quality, water quality, noise, greenhouse gases, land use and visual impacts. The building of the parking structure was moved from phase 4 to phase 2 and operational adjustments to further mitigate parking deficits during construction.

Following presentations by city staff and the applicant, 22 members of the public spoke—10 in favor of the project and 12 against.

Attorney Roger Butow had been advocating since the beginning against the project on behalf of “Voices of Monarch Beach” in opposition of the project they referred to as a “mega church” criticized it as environmentally and geologically Page 4

dangerous.

Butow said he believed the project to be illegal due to environmental impacts to the surrounding land including a pair of detention basins. He expressed frustration at not being able to find information regarding ownership of the basin at Point Monarch and said he intends to have this lower basin declared a vernal pond, the upper basin area is a functional wetland and both are deserving of protection.

A few speakers later, Mark McGuire, speaking on behalf of the church, countered Butow’s comments, confirming the two basins were built by the church and that Butow could try to have them declared as anything he likes, but his efforts will be for naught.

“The one is a construction basin, not a wetland,” McGuire said. “The second basin, down at Point Monarch, became a wetland … The California Coastal Commission has confirmed it is a basin to catch water from the condos and the church… It was not built as a wetland but now functions as a wetland.”

Following public comments, commissioners asked questions of staff and church representatives based on lingering concerns, such as the thoroughness of geotechnical and engineering studies, a potential for light pollution on the top parking deck and the addition of more drought tolerant landscaping. Each then made final comments and declared their support of the project.

“I think one of the things the Planning Commission always appreciates is when an applicant takes away variance requests and this applicant has given up certain things to make this project fit,” said Commissioner Norm Denton. “It should be approved as proposed.”

The commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the project.

Opponents of the plan have the right to appeal the decision to the City Council. DP

EYE ON DP

Community Meetings FRIDAY, APRIL 3

City Hall Offices Closed

In observance of the Easter holiday, Dana Point City Hall offices will be closed. 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3501, www.danapoint.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

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 April 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.

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

City Council Meeting

6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club

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

THROUGH MAY 4

SCWD College Scholarship Applications Being Taken

The South Coast Water District is now taking applications for its annual scholarship program for graduating high school seniors in the district’s service area. For more information, including required pre-application verification of residence within the SCWD service area, call 949.499.4555 ext. 3139, or visit www.scwd.org/scholarships.

UPCOMING: TUESDAY, APRIL 14

Veterans’ Assistance

1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. The Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 provides free veterans’ assistance on the second Tuesday of every month at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo, 949.275.3142, www.vfwpost9934.org.

Dana Point Times April 3–9, 2015

DP Sheriff’s Blotter

A woman calling from the front desk of a hotel reported subjects in room 275 were smoking in the room, damaging screens and attempting to look into the rooms next door to them. The subjects were asked to leave at noon.

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

Wednesday, April 1 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (3:37 a.m.)

Police received two calls about a transient at Denny’s who was making patrons uncomfortable.

Tuesday, March 31 DISTURBANCE Del Prado, 24500 Block (11:44 p.m.) An employee of Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar reported a drunken man who was refusing to leave the business even though it was closed.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Del Prado, 24800 Block (5:37 p.m.) Rita’s Italian Ice contacted police about a man who had been exposing himself to employees and patrons. The subject was in his 40s, 6 feet tall and had been committing the lewd acts all afternoon.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (12:36 p.m.) Police conducted a patrol check for a man who was “kicking everything” at a Shell station.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (noon)

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY EVAN DA SILVA

Honda Dealers to Host Adoption Event, PPF a Fundraising Dinner SoCal Honda will host a Helpful Honda Pet Adoption event Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the San ClementeDana Point Animal Shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente.

Honda personnel will be on hand to provide complimentary leashes, water bowls, face painting and more as well as making a donation of supplies from SoCal Honda.

Discounted adoptions fees will be offered.

For more information about Honda, see www.facebook.com/socalhondadealers and to see adoptable animals, visit the Pet Project Foundation website at www. petprojectfoundation.org.

DISTURBANCE Galleon Way, 33400 Block (6:36 a.m.) Police responded to a woman who said her son was disturbing the peace, “being mean” and calling her names.

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL Pacific Coast Highway/Street of the Crystal Lantern (2:02 a.m.) A crew working on a street light in front of McDonald’s was accused of “making too much noise with their machines.”

Monday, March 30 PETTY THEFT REPORT Calle Hermosa, 26800 Block (5:57 p.m.) A caller’s vehicle was broken into. A checkbook and other miscellaneous items were stolen. The caller reported one of the checks had been cashed for $265.

WELFARE CHECK Brookview, 0 Block (4:02 p.m.) A man wearing a grey shirt, shorts and flip flops was apparently passed out at the bottom of the stairs. The man had a red towel draped over him and a couple of beer cans were next to him.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Marina Vista Drive, 33100 Block (12:57 p.m.) A man and his dog were attacked by another dog.

The man’s finger was bitten off and his dog was injured. The man was transported to the hospital. Animal Control was tasked with handling the investigation.

TRAFFIC STOP Star Ridge/Callita Drive (12:51 p.m.) Police found a large amount of vintage stamps in the trunk of a car.

The driver was on probation in San Diego

The Pet Project Foundation has also planned an April 22 fundraiser at Board & Brew, in Plaza Pacifica at 979 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. Mention the Foundation when ordering and a portion of your meal price will be donated to PPF, the nonprofit, all volunteer organization that supports the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter.

State Parks Foundation Seeks Volunteers for San Mateo Cleanup This year’s California State Parks Foundation’s Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup will be focused across 27 of the state’s parks on Saturday, April 18.

San Onofre State Beach and the San Mateo Campground will be the focus locally. A group of 75 volunteers are needed to work on renovation of the campfire center, including the planting of native and drought

Page 5

County. The stamps were taken for safe keeping and the driver was released pending further investigation.

RECKLESS DRIVER Del Obispo Street/Stonehill Drive (12:47 p.m.) An elderly woman was “stopping and going really fast” while being unable to maintain her lane. The elderly woman proceeded to “flip off” the caller and turn into the Albertson’s parking lot.

Sunday, March 29 DRUNK IN PUBLIC Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24900 Block (9:25 p.m.) Police cited a woman for public intoxication after she claimed she had only one beer and blew a 0.231% on a breathalyzer test. The woman had been walking around, yelling at customers.

DISTURBANCE Del Prado Avenue, 24700 Block (12:51 a.m.) A man and a woman were heard yelling at each other in a parking lot. The two were apparently fighting over illegal drugs. The woman kept saying “dude” over and over and shouting that the man had hit her.

DRUNK DRIVING Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (12:02 a.m.) A man, who smelled like alcohol and was driving a grey Volkswagen Passat, passed out in the drive-thru.

Friday, March 27 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Hermosa, 26800 Block (2:57 a.m.) A man reported finding a man lying on the sidewalk on the side of his house. When he asked the man what he was doing there, the man sat up, looked at him and then lay back down. The caller believed the man also has items plugged into electrical sockets at the property.

tolerant vegetation, trash removal, sanding and painting all bench seating, painting screen doors and interpretive displays, and installing outdoor speakers and lighting.

Presenting sponsor, Pacific Gas and Electric will also be bringing in its workforce to help.

Check-in time is 8:30 a.m. and the work will be done from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

San Mateo Campground is located at 830 Christianitos Road, San Clemente. From Interstate 5, take the Christianitos exit and head inland about a mile and a half to the park entrance on the right hand side.

To volunteer, visit calparks.org/earthday or call 888.987.2757. Space is limited, so advance registration is required. Parking fees are waived for Earth Day volunteers.

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. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

MemorialCare Delays Hospital Decision Free-standing emergency room legislation cited as reason for choice

BY JIM SHILANDER, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he board of MemorialCare announced Thursday that it is continuing the feasibility study about the future of its San Clemente campus— Dana Point’s nearest hospital—to wait for legislation to progress in both houses of the state legislature that could allow the hospital to move forward with its plans while maintaining emergency services.

MemorialCare announced a feasibility study in August for a proposal to transform the current hospital facility, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center San Clemente Campus, into an outpatient medical pavilion that would result in the razing of the current facility with the current emergency room transformed into an urgent care facility as a new pavilion is being built. However, community groups and the San Clemente City Council voiced opposition to the proposal, as did councils in Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and other neighboring cities.

San Juan’s city council passed a resolution opposing the hospital closure on Jan. 20 and Dana Point on March 3.

“When we began the feasibility study to transform the San Clemente campus, a freestanding emergency department was not a possibility. Since then, State Senator Patricia Bates and State Assemblyman William Brough have introduced legislation to allow for a freestanding emergency department in San Clemente,” a letter sent to hospital staff stated. “As a result, the Saddleback Memorial Board of Directors has agreed to continue the feasibility study to determine whether we can maintain emergency services as part of our proposal to transform the campus.

We will continue to pursue and support legislative and regulatory opportunities that would allow us to maintain emergency services on the San Clemente campus.

We will offer more information as it becomes available in the coming months.”

The letter acknowledges the difficulties the hospital says it faces moving forward.

“There is a growing demand for high quality, convenient and affordable outpatient centers, and less of a need for inpatient hospital beds. We face significant challenges operating our small hospital in San Clemente because of very low patient volumes, and these volumes continue to shrink. We also understand that the Dana Point Times April 3–9, 2015

Opponents of the proposal to transform Saddleback Memorial Medical Center’s San Clemente campus at a rally in February. The operator has delayed a decision on the potential transformation of the facility into an advanced out-patient pavilion to allow for legislation that would allow the hospital to maintain an emergency room.

Photo: Jim Shilander

emergency services we offer are used and valued by the community.”

Hospital administrator Tony Struthers said there is currently no timeline for the end of the study.

Tuesday, Struthers, who is scheduled to make a presentation to the San Clemente City Council regarding the current status of the hospital on Tuesday, April 7, said the focus for the hospital is now on the legislative path.

“The board felt strongly that there were still too many unanswered questions,” Struthers said. “Especially as it related to the emergency department legislation.

There’s not really any more information to make a final decision, so we’re going to continue the process that we’ve had ongoing since September. I think this is just part of the process. Nothing’s really changed.”

Struthers said the hospital is now looking to coordinate efforts at improving whatever chances the Bates/Brough legislation has to be successful. This could include partnering with other groups on lobbying efforts, or with the city itself.

“The people I’ve talked to in the community really feel strongly about that, maintaining emergency services,” Struthers said.

Struthers said any disruption to current services offered at the hospital would be “ill-advised” given the legislative push.

“We truly are looking at all options, and truthfully, this is an option that wasn’t available to us until February when this legislation was introduced. Now we want to support them where we can,” he said.

Brough said the bill has been referred to the Assembly’s Health Committee. In

consultation with colleagues, Brough said he had been given the impression that it would be better to pursue a singular waiver for the San Clemente hospital as opposed to pursuing statewide legislation to allow for “stand-alone” emergency rooms, though such legislation is being proposed. Under current state law, an emergency room must be attached to an in-patient facility to operate.

Dr. Gus Gialamas, one of the leaders of the Save San Clemente Hospital nonprofit that led the opposition to the proposal, said he was pleased.

“We welcome the delay,” Gialamas said.

“I applaud Steve Geidt (Saddleback’s chief executive officer) to have the wisdom to move his board toward exploring other options.”

Gialamas suggested one such proposal could be a smaller-footprint hospital facility proposed by his group. A cost analysis of the group’s proposal will be released soon, he said.

“This is the first step in the right direction,” Gialamas said.

Dr. Steve Cullen said he was pleased to have anything that helps to keep the hospital open moving forward, but said he still has concerns about the future of the facility.

“It seems pretty clear that MemorialCare is open to saving the emergency room but has given up on the (in-patient) hospital completely,” Cullen said. “The emergency room has always been our first priority and if we had to choose one or the other, we’d rather have the emergency room.”

Cullen said he is interested in putting together a committee of MemorialCare

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staff to determine ways of increasing the patient census of the in-patient hospital.

MemorialCare has cited a declining census at the hospital as one of the reasons for the proposal to transform the hospital.

San Clemente’s city leaders said they welcome the additional time.

“It sounds like good news,” City Manager James Makshanoff said. “We’ll continue to work with them.”

Makshanoff said any potential lobbying efforts in Sacramento, which could be undertaken in partnership with other south county cities that expressed opposition to the hospital’s closure, would need to be brought before San Clemente’s City Council. Councilman Tim Brown, who has previously discussed potential partnerships, said he’d been asked about pursuing such an effort by residents.

The city has also explored potentially rezoning approximately 10 acres, currently zoned for open space along Avenida La Pata, to allow for a hospital. At a meeting last month, City Attorney Scott Smith said he did not believe the council would have to ask voters for approval of such a move, though councilmembers expressed confidence it would pass if it did go before voters.

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Baker said he welcomed the emphasis on continuing emergency services.

“I’m encouraged by this,” Baker said.

Mayor Chris Hamm said he has mixed feelings. He joined Baker in expressing pleasure with the company’s emphasis on emergency services, but said the board should have rejected the proposal outright, given the community’s negative reaction to it. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP DEL PRADO BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: THAI THIS

Thai with a Twist Chef’s sharp humor, family tradition make for unique dining experience

BY THE CITY OF DANA POINT, SPECIAL TO THE DANA POINT TIMES

“C

lean this. Cut that. Smash this,” Jib Roungchun recalls his mother saying in their native tongue as she directed his movement through the kitchen. “You are going to eat this. You are going to learn,” she said.

So instead of going out, the young Roungchun got to work, dutifully completing her traditional Thai dishes. He paid close attention to detail—attention to her vegetable selection, to the way she cleaned meat and produce and, possibly the most important element, to her chosen

Thai This owners, Chef Jib Roungchun and wife Noi Tanomkret, serve up dishes that are traditional Thai with a twist. Photo: Brian Park

assortment of spices.

Today, those flavors of Bangkok are infused with more from Hong Kong, the Philippines and Chef Jib’s home of 35 years, California, where, alongside wife Noi Tanomkret, he has created some of south Orange County’s favorite—and most cleverly named—dishes.

Guests at Thai This find customary Thai dishes with a twist, along with a heavy dose of Roungchun’s sense of humor. On the menu items like Burning Lips, Oink-

ing Around and Piggy Pork—accompanied by the daring question “Who’s afraid of the big, bad wolf?—make up the Go Hog Wild, or pork, selections.

Roungchun immigrated to the United States in 1980 after more than a decade traveling the Pacific. From the small village 50 miles north of Bangkok where he was educated in his family’s recipes, Jib moved to Thailand’s capital. He took with him a wealth of knowledge, passed down from generations of women who had

personally cooked for Thailand’s royalty.

After a decade in Bangkok, Roungchun spent four years in both Hong Kong and the Philippines, perfecting his recipes.

When he came to the states, Roungchun held different food industry jobs before landing a position at Royal Thai Cuisine in Newport Beach. Over the course of eight years, Roungchun rose in the restaurant’s ranks from busboy to manager before he embarked on his own culinary venture.

His first restaurant opened its doors to San Clemente in 1990. Roungchun followed with a Mission Viejo location in 1991, Dana Point in 1992 and seven other locations thereafter.

Two award-winning eateries remain— Thai This in Dana Point and Thai Juan On in San Juan Capistrano.

For an introduction to some of Chef Jib’s chosen flavors, peruse the Appathaizer menu and bid Sgt. Pepper “Ahoy” with the Yellow Submarine—shrimp delicately wrapped in a crispy pasta shell and served with a sweet and sour sauce. Then take a step back to the Bangkok of “yesteryear” with Nue Tuen, or Jib’s Yesterday named soup, a spiced, slow-cooked beef soup with lettuce and tomato. Sample Jib’s flavorful red and yellow curries, like the Red Devil—beef stewed in coconut milk with potato, onion and peanuts—and don’t forget the Alcoholiday menu’s innovative selection of cocktails. DP Thai This, 24501 Del Prado Avenue, 949.240.7944

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: By Heather Johnston, Executive Director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce

A Boon to Beauty Chamber seeking nominees for State of the City Beautification Awards

T

his year will mark the 200th birthday of Richard Henry Dana Jr., our city’s namesake and the man who put Dana Point on the map. It’s fitting that our beautiful city would be the setting for his narrative, Two Years Before the Mast, and continues to exhibit the majesty that Dana transcribes in his memoir.

Each year, the Dana Point Chamber honors businesses who continue to preserve the beauty of Dana Point. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Beautification Awards are given to businesses who invest in the improvement—whether historical preservation, landscape or exterior improvements—of the city of Dana Point. Recipients of the award are honored at the State of the City Address

hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

The address will be given by Mayor Carlos N. Olvera, a historian of Dana Point and previous president of the Historical Society. Mayor Heather Olvera will focus on our Johnston illustrious history, the current economic climate and the many reasons why we all love Dana Point.

This year’s event will be held on May 15 at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for our annual Beautification Awards to honor businesses in Dana Point and Capistrano

Letters to the Editor

many other things. Don’t forget chickens are carnivores, eating fleas, mosquitos, grasshoppers, slugs, ticks (think Lyme disease), mice, baby rats, etc.

5. Property values will decrease. FACT: Seven out of 10 cities on Forbes Magazine’s “Most Desirable Cities” list for 2010 allow backyard chickens. There is not one documented case that a home property value decreased due to a family flock of chickens next door. In truth, some realtors and home sellers offer free coops with every sale. This emphasizes the values of green neighborhoods, and residents who value local, healthy food supply and respect the environment.

6. Coops are ugly. FACT: Micro-flock coop designs can be totally charming, upscale and even whimsical.

7. What will neighbors think? FACT: You can’t control what neighbors think.

But experience shows that once people understand the advantages and charms of chickens, most prejudice and fear evaporates.

Requiring neighbors’ consent is a civil liberties violation and an offensive to the American way. You don’t need neighbors’ consent to breed pit bulls, have guns, rev motorcycles or have a house-load of kids. So why should keeping a family flock of chickens need to be approved by neighbors?

MYTHS ABOUT BACKYARD CHICKENS NANCY WEAGLEY, Capistrano Beach

A Dana Point City Council meeting agenda will soon include the proposed ordinance change to allow the keeping of up to six chickens at single family residences.

In researching the topic, I found the following information on the Internet—with permission to copy and use the facts. The information was adapted from the book, City Chicks, by Pat Foreman.

Hopefully, the following abbreviated “7 Myths about Backyard Chickens,” article will clarify all the misconceptions concerning these “pets with benefits.”

1. Urban chickens carry diseases. FACT: The Centers for Disease Control states there is no risk of avian flu transmissions to humans. Also, salmonella is a food handling sanitary problem, not an avian problem.

2. Chickens are noisy. FACT: Laying hens—at their loudest—have about the same decibel level (65 decibels) as human conversation.

3. Waste and odor. FACT: A 40-pound dog generates more doggie-do daily (about 0.75 of a pound) than 10 chickens (0.66 of a pound of daily poo).

4. Chickens attract predators, pests and rodents. FACT: Predators and rodents are already living in urban areas. They are attracted by wild bird feeders, pet food, bird baths, trash waiting for pick-up and Dana Point Times April 3–9, 2015

Civic Chicks are Valuable Assets Often overlooked is the value of chickens as bio-recyclers. They can divert tons of “waste” from the trash collections.

Chickens will eat just about any kitchen waste including “gone-by” leftovers that have seasoned in the refrigerator. Combine their manure with grass clippings and Page 8

Beach who have made efforts to renew, or reconstruct our city and continue to preserve the Dana Point beauty that Richard Henry Dana Jr. once wrote of.

The most recent Beautification Award winners include Stillwater Spirits and Sounds, Maddie James Seaside Learning Center and Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern.

For information on how you can nominate a worthy business, please contact the chamber at 949.496.1555 or email us at admin@danapointchamber.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

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

Pet of the Week: Layli Meet Layli, a 3-year-old declawed Siamese looking for a new home. Sweet and very affectionate, Layli loves to be petted and her favorite place to be is in your arms.

She would do well in a quiet home where she can get all the attention she desires.

If you would like to know more about Layli, please call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente.

leaves to create compost and topsoil.

Chickens are charming, amicable and entertaining beings that bring so many advantages to local agriculture and home gardens. They are truly pets with benefits.

May the flock be with you!

I hope you found this informative. You can find the complete article at www. chickensandyou.com/7_Myths.html.

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 14. 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.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624.

Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Saturday | 04 ROTARY PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s Pancake Breakfast will be held during the Dana Point Easter Egg Hunt at Sea Canyon Park. Tickets will be sold the day of the event and cost $6 for adults and $3 for kids 12 and under.

Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee. Proceeds will benefit the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club’s many local organizations. Visit www.monarchbeachrotary.com or call 949.842.0594 for more information.

Friday | 03 ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

Saturday | 04 DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET & CRAFT FAIR 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday. On the first Saturday of the month, hours are extended to include a craft fair.

949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

DANA POINT NATURE TOUR 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This two-hour docentled walk explores the ecology and natural

EDITOR’S PICK Families get up close with animals at the event’s petting zoo last year. Photo: Madison May

SATURDAY, APRIL 4: CAPO BEACH AND DANA POINT EGG HUNTS 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Hop on down to Pines Park in Capistrano Beach or Sea Canyon Park in Dana Point for the city’s annual Easter Egg Hunts. The events begin at 9 a.m. with a marionette show, games, a petting zoo and a visit by Easter Bunny. The Egg Hunt begins promptly at 10 a.m. for ages 10 and under. Bring an empty basket to collect the plastic eggs and candy. For more information, call the city of Dana Point Community Services & Parks Department at 949.248.3530 or visit www.danapoint.org.

history of the Headlands. Tours occur the first Saturday of the month. RSVP required to wqintern@danapoint.org or 949.248.3527. Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

low’s Inn with steak night and happy hour prices. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

LIVE OAK REVIEW 9 p.m. Live music at StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

SPRING BREAK CAMPS AT OCEAN INSTITUTE 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Neptunes (ages 6-8) will interact with animals in the lab, conduct experiments in underwater adaptations and observe sea lions in the wild. Oceanographers (ages 9-12) will explore what it is like to be a marine scientist, with a tidepool walk and lab activities including a fish dissection. Both camps include a twohour cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer.

Cost is $75 for non-members. Members receive a discount. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Sunday | 05 SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday on Avenida Del Mar. Rain or shine.

Monday | 06 CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at The Swal-

Tuesday | 07

SCHOOL’S OUT MOVIE AT DP LIBRARY 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Join the library for a special movie to celebrate Spring Recess. This event is for children of all ages with a parent or caregiver. Call the library for the movie title. No pre-registration required.

Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Wednesday | 08 OIL PAINTING WITH VICKI DE SILVA 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy oil panting lessons with artist Vicki De Silva at San Clemente Art Supply & Custom Framing. Call for details and pricing. 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

Thursday | 09 KID’S CLUB AT DP LIBRARY 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Join the library for hands-on activities and experiments in the community room. This event is for children ages 5 to 8. No pre-registration required.

Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Page 10

At the Movies: Many Stories Result in ‘Wild Tales’

Photo: Courtesy of Sony Pictures

BY MEGAN BIANCO

W

hile film fanatics raved about Poland’s Ida and France’s Force Majure as the best foreign films of 2014, Argentina’s Wild Tales didn’t disappear into obscurity as others might have. After being nominated for Best Foreign Film last month, Damian Szifrón’s richly satirical feature gets a wider release this spring. Szifrón managed to sign on Spanish film legend Pedro Almodóvar as a producer for his cinema debut and fans of Almodóvar will definitely enjoy this one.

Wild Tales is a collection of six short, unrelated stories of surreal, ridiculously bad luck and coincidence. Within the two-hour runtime, viewers experience an ill-fated plane ride, a waitress who meets the man responsible for her father’s death, a man terrorized by a psychotic driver in the middle of nowhere, a working class family man being ripped off by a car towing company, a rich family trying to cover up their son’s drunk driving homicide and a wedding replete with violence and manipulation.

The cast includes Argentinian actors Darío Grandinetti, María Murell, Ricardo Darín, Erica Rivas and Diego Gentile. Wild Tales is in the same vein as Woody Allen’s Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex (1972) or the multi-directed Paris, je t’aime (2006), where some segments work instantly and others don’t. Here, five of the shorts are expertly crafted with wit and dark humor that keep the viewers’ eyebrows raised or nervously laughing.

There may not be happy endings every time, but they certainly are entertaining and quick to the point. DP

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

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An entertainer’s dream offering an updated gourmet kitchen, formal dining room, large living room, separate family room, private library, and a game room featuring a full bar. The master suite offers the perfect retreat with a fireplace, sitting area, a private deck, a spa-like bathroom, and a walk-in closet. Perfect for anyone looking for a truly remarkable place to call home, this estate is located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, several sports courts, parks, and a large pool. Available for long or short term rentals.

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PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

Ocean Institute Iterations A look back at the institute’s rise and evolution

A

photo of Dana Cove with the footprint of the Marine Studies Institute—now the Ocean Institute—shown outlined in the water, appeared in the Oct. 21, 1969 issue of the San Clemente Sun-Post introducing the public to the new and ambitious project.

The new sea wall had been completed and the newly built pier was busy with activity as cars were arbitrarily parked on the area at the base of Cove Road, originally at waters’ edge, which was filled in to create a parking lot. Three acres, then water, were set aside and planned for in-fill for the institute site, by the Orange County Board of Super visors. The dream: a multi-stor y building designed for students in all grade levels in which to undertake the study of marine life. It was to include an aquarium and museum.

With the placing of a new signpost in March 1970 by a Joint Powers IT’S HISTORY Agency, the three-day

By Carlos N. Olvera dedication program was slated to begin May 1, 1970. Dr. Andreas B. Rechnitzer was announced as the head of the new organization, with a $3 million, five-year fundraising goal.

In 1973, it was estimated that construction of the 46,000-square-foot building was two years off. It was expected to not only compare with, but exceed some of the aspects of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Woods Hole. This concept was conceived by Phillip Grignon, then-head of the science department at the Capistrano Unified School District. Grignon was also founder of the Festival of Whales a few years before.

By April 1974, a revitalized fundraising effort was initiated to ensure

groundbreaking in September. Pledges of $400,000 were sought to secure the ground lease for the facility. A tri-level model of a 7,000-square-foot structure was put on display at the Laguna Federal Savings in Laguna Beach.

In October of 1976, frustration set in due to the inability to raise the required funds. This forced the OC Board of Super visors to apply for the $400,000 from State Lands Commission funds or “take” from the Dana Point Tidelands Fund. Thus far only $200,000 had been pledged by the four college districts that were “told” to contribute $25,000 for the next two years.

Still struggling in early 1977, federal funds were sought to no avail. The lease for the land had expired and was subsequently turned over to the consortium of the college districts. In an effort to hurriedly put the land to use, a camp ground was proposed and a first phase of a 9,000-square-foot headquarters building was to be built. The name had now been changed to the OC Marine Institute. Drawings for the delayed center, now at $4 million, were ordered in September 1977 but construction was estimated to be off for at least a year. It was then learned that $750,000 in taxpayer funds would be needed. In 1978,

Orange County Marine Institute in about 1990.

Photo: courtesy of Joe Lovullo

The Lantern Bay Realty building at 34179 Golden Lantern was moved to become offices of the Orange County Marine Institute in 1987. Photo: Courtesy of Joe Lovullo

the revised fund needs was $612,000 where only $600,000 had been pledged.

But what about operating funds? None were planned for and the county said “no” to those, saying it would not support operating expenses. The project’s price tag then rose to $5.5 million and rumors were that at the ver y least a shell of a building would be built. As the building became smaller the name was suggested to be changed to the Dana Point Institute with an intention to be built for general public use. Neither idea happened.

The year 1979 brought a rejection of the only bid because it was $300,000 over the $517,000 anticipated. This brought the design down to 4,800 square feet and one stor y, and out for bids again. That brought another single bid of $270,000 over the estimate. It too was rejected. Finally the OC Board of Supervisors dipped into the Tidelands Fund for a $145,000 “loan” to be repaid “if and when” funds became available.

Groundbreaking took place on Jan. 26, 1980, with Philip Grignon, then ser ving as CUSD assistant superintendent,

in attendance at the rear of the crowd, overheard softly saying, “finally,” according to news reports.

The failure to be a world-class research institute dream was laid at the feet of the politicians and should have been in the hands of “permanent, nonpolitical agencies,” said news reports.

It was opined that the dream became so inviting that all the public agencies involved “just couldn’t keep away.”

In August 1980, Stanley L. Cummings became the first director of the Orange County Marine Institute. In 1987, Lantern Bay Realty, Inc. donated their old office as the first building. The name was changed to Ocean Institute in 1999—to avoid confusion with Camp Pendleton Marine Base—and it became a nonprofit organization.

The current President/CEO Dan Stetson has recently announced that after 22 years at the Institute, nearly 11 as CEO, he will step down “to semi-retire” within the next few months.

Carlos N. Olvera is chairman of the OC Historical Commission, and mayor of Dana Point. DP

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

The initial buildings of the OC Marine Institute are shown here in about 1989 with the original office in the foreground. Photo: Courtesy of Joe Lovullo

Dana Point Times April 3–9, 2015

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 17

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

www.danapointtimes.com

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Locals Only Business Listings

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DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS

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GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE March 28th from 7am to 11am 26805 Calle Real, Capistrano Beach

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com Deadline 5 p.m. Monday. No phone calls please.

HELP WANTED MARKETING & ADVERTISING INTERN Picket Fence Media (San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times and The Capistrano Dispatch) is seeking a polished and enthusiastic advertising intern to start immediately. Enrolled college marketing and communications student required. Must be available Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoons, one to two days a week. Great phone manner and attention to detail a must. Knowledge of sales and eye-for-design a plus. This is a non-paid internship and a great opportunity to obtain some hands-on work experience and college credit (if available through your school). Send resume listing school and work experience to Susie Lantz at slantz@sanclementetimes.com.

No phone inquiries without resume.

PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT/ OFFICE ASSISTANT Days needed are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Entry level position. Must be tech savvy and a team player. Please call 949-241-6633 Dana Point Times April 3–9, 2015

Page 19

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Speeding Down the Path Dana Hills baseball’s senior Luke Williams is running his way into the record books

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen Luke Williams reaches base, the tempo of the game shifts to his preferred speed.

The senior shortstop can take a slow, casual two-step lead, inviting the opposing pitcher to notice the large gap between him and the first base bag. Williams knows either a pick-off attempt or a hurried fast ball to the plate is likely coming next.

Williams can take a sizeable lead then dart to his right during the pitcher’s delivery, plant his foot and scurry back. A fake, aimed at disrupting the hurler’s concentration and tempo.

Other times he will time his jump and just flat out run, testing the link between pitcher and catcher to see who is faster.

As other teams in Orange County have learned this season, Williams more often than not comes out on top in that battle.

“I like to cause a lot of havoc on the basepaths … Every time I get on first I just try to steal a bag, help the team,” Williams said.

The Cal Poly San Luis Obispo-bound Williams has been making an impact this season with his keen batting eye and above average base stealing ability. He recently broke the Dana Hills High School career record in stolen bases and has been successful on 18 of 19 attempts this year.

Dana Hills senior Luke Williams broke the school record for career stolen bases in 2015.

Photo: KDahlgren Photography

“

I like to cause a lot of havoc on the basepaths … Every time I get on first I just try to steal a bag, help the team.

”

— Luke Williams

His career stolen base total now stands at 48. He’s stolen three bases in one game five times and in 2014 set a school record for most runs in a season with 36.

Williams began to notice his speed and athleticism while playing in Little League.

From the moment he can remember being able to steal a base, he was honing the craft.

As he entered high school Williams did not stick to just baseball. He played for the Dolphins football team and is currently on the track and field team, where he competes in the 100-meter dash and the

Luke Williams uses his speed on the basepaths to distract opposing pitchers. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

4x100 relay. Both sports, Williams said, helped him build up his trademark speed and keep him in shape year-round.

The Dolphins are a veteran team that likes to run and be aggressive in doing so. That’s why, at the start of the season, head coach Tom Faris essentially gave the top of the batting order a permanent green light on when to steal. As a team, they have stolen a combined 55 bases on

Scoreboard DANA POINT TIMES

Youth Basketball

The Capo-Dana Nets. Photo: Courtesy

Dana Point Times April 3–9, 2015

The Capo-Dana NJB sixth-grade boys AllStar team, The Nets, placed third at the NJB National Tournament on March 29, signaling the highest finish ever for a Capo-Dana team at the event.

The Nets were formed less than six weeks ago and had one week to practice before entering a tournament schedule that included appearances in the NJB Area and Sectional championships.

The team played four games in two days at the national tournament and advanced to the event’s semifinals.

In the third-place game, The Nets trailed

Page 20

63 attempts, better than an 87 percent success rate.

There are times when the coach has to reel his players in and tell them not to try and steal, but for Williams, Faris said the “go” sign is on around 90 percent of the time.

“He’s got such a big baseball sense of the game that I trust that he’s going to go when it’s appropriate for him to go. He’s not a guy that’s just going out to get stolen bases to break a record or to rub it in,” Faris said. “He knows when he can take a base so you know what? I don’t have to give him a sign anymore.”

As of April 2, Williams on-base percentage stood at a healthy .500, meaning he reaches base half the time he is up to bat.

With Williams on base that often, his presence alone is enough to affect the quality of pitches his teammates see behind him.

Against Roosevelt High in the final game of the Anaheim Lions Tournament on April 1, Williams led off with a walk in the bottom of the first inning. With No. 2 hitter Zach Wolf at the plate, Williams crept out and got a big lead, then darted back to first on a throw over. The next pitch offered to Wolf was rushed and left up in the zone and right down the middle. Wolf didn’t miss and laced a single into center field.

Marrick Crouse and Shawn Kany would later bring Williams and Wolf home and just like that, the Dolphins had a 2-0 lead.

“It’s good when they’re thinking about you because then they’re thinking about you and not thinking about the hitter,” Williams said. “Sometimes they won’t throw strikes or they’ll leave one up. We call it the one-two punch, me and (Zach Wolf).”

In the game against Roosevelt, Williams added his name to the Dolphins record book not by a feat of speed, but with his bat.

Williams hit two home runs, including a grand slam, a double and recorded a school-record eight RBIs in a 14-2 win.

That day the game came to Williams the way it has all season, at his desired speed.

DP

Los Gatos by 11 points with 1:59 remaining. The Capo-Dana defense forced two turnovers and converted them into points and took advantage of their foul shots down the stretch, eventually taking a two-point lead with two seconds remaining to seal the victory.

Team team includes: Logan Jenner Graycen Greer, Trey Pate, Jacob Marano, Marco Vega, Kai Pourzanjaani, Austin Jenner, David Lee, Devin Carrion and Jordan Shaw. The team’s head coach is Damian Carrion, who was assisted by Wayne Vega.

WE WANT TO RUN YOUR SCORES, RESULTS AND SPORTS ANNOUNCEMENTS. E-mail sports@danapointtimes.com or drop off the information to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. www.danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Dolphin Report

and Laguna Hills on March 30 and March 31, respectively, pulling off overtime wins in both matches.

With the win over the Hawks and Diablos, the Dolphins (5-5, 3-0) have now won three Sea View League games in a row. Their first league win came against San Juan Hills on March 27. Senior Logan Perry had three goals and two assists and junior Colton Brown tallied three more goals in the win over the Stallions.

The Dolphins were set to play Beverly Hills on April 1. Results were not available at press time. Dana Hills’ next league match will be on the road against Mission Viejo on April 16.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Dolphins Golf Edges Past Tritons The Dana Hills boys golf team came out on top in two closely contested South Coast League matches against rival San Clemente on March 31 and April 1.

The first meeting between the two teams was held at the Tritons (5-3, 2-2 league) home course, Bella Collina Golf Club. Both teams broke the coveted sub-190 scoring mark, but Dana Hills (7-2, 2-0) was able to pull off the win, 182-188. Matt Fry led the Dolphins by shooting a 34 (-2) on the front nine.

The teams met the next day at El Niguel Country Club and both finished with scores of 204. The match went to the sixth-man tiebreaker and Dana Hills was determined the winner. Dana Hills’ Tanner Podres and the Tritons Austin Briggs each shot 36 (E) to earn match medalist honors.

Dana Hills is now set for a pivotal two-

From L to R: Matt Fry, Matt O’Leary, Tanner Podres, Clay Feagler and the Dana Hills boys golf team defeated rival San Clemente twice this week. Photo: Steve Breazeale

match series against Tesoro April 14-15.

The Dolphins and Titans have been the perennial frontrunners in the South Coast League for several years.

Dolphins Volleyball Set for First Battle with Tritons The Dana Hills and San Clemente boys volleyball teams were set to continue their historic rivalry in a South Coast League match on April 2. Results were not available at press time.

Both the Dolphins (15-2, 2-0) and Tri-

tons (10-1, 1-0) have had successful starts to their seasons and are coming off threeset sweeps of league foe Trabuco Hills.

The only blemish on the Dolphins resume this year is a loss to reigning CIF-SS Division 1 champion Huntington Beach in the semifinals of the Orange County Championship tournament on March 21.

Dolphins Lacrosse Wins Back to Back Games The Dana Hills boys lacrosse team went down to the wire against Mission Viejo

Boys Track and Field Defeats Diablos The battle for the South Coast League dual meet track and field championship usually comes down to Mission Viejo and Dana Hills. This year, the Dolphins got the better of the Diablos following a 77-59 victory on March 26.

The Dolphins were set to compete in another dual meet, against Aliso Niguel, on April 2. Results were not available at press time.

Results for the girls track and field team’s meet against Mission Viejo were not available at press time.

Dana Hills will compete at the high-profile Trabuco Hills Invitational on March 3.

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Swell Shots

Local surf photographer shares images from recent swell

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, WITH PHOTOS BY JACK MCDANIEL

W

ith a strong south swell providing the main energy—bringing waves in the solid 10-foot range, with occasionally larger sets—through the weekend and into the first part of this week, local surfers, from tween-aged groms to seasoned pros, flocked to Lower Trestles. The swell showed up on Friday, March 27 and peaked Sunday.

San Clemente-based photog Jack McDaniel—official photographer for Surfing America Prime and the WSA series—was on the beach capturing the action.

We caught up with him on Tuesday, as the swell was beginning to subside, to talk about some of his favorite images and get background of the shots. Here are a few of his top picks:

It’s always great to see any of the Gudauskas brothers going out. What they do for the community and especially the groms is awesome. Dane Gudauskas’ size and power definitely helped him out in this large swell.

Kalani Robb is a regular now down at Lowers. He was ripping the large swell at ease and it seemed dodging groms and other surfers caught in the never-ending conveyor belt of sets was the most challenging part of his session.

Hagan Johnson was one of the youngest and smallest to paddle out during the largest day. However, like Griffin, he has been known to charge and amaze on a regular basis. Here he catches a nice inside right and throws a super steezy tail slide.

GROM OF THE WEEK

forward to starting his college career at Saddleback and then transferring to a UC school to major in either education or business. He is planning on paying for the bulk of college tuition himself and is currently looking for a summer job to start saving for it, and for a car.

“I think paying my way will make me want to try harder and be more mature,” Chandler said. “I want to be a math teacher or own a business someday.”

He misses Kauai and his friends there but is happy and thankful for the friends he’s made here, and for having new opportunities not available on such a small island.

“I’m really grateful for everything I have and I’d like to thank my parents for that,” Chandler said. “Most importantly, I’d like to thank Jesus for blessing me with the life I have. I like to be outspoken about my faith because it gives more people a chance to know God.”—Andrea Swayne

CHANDLER SIEVERTS

C

handler Sieverts, 15, was born in Dana Point, moved to Kauai, Hawaii at 5 and has been back in his hometown now for about a year and a half.

A sophomore at Dana Hills High School, he shortboards for the surf team, competes in Soul Surf Series contests and is looking forward to entering WSA events next season.

Chandler likes surfing and the surfing lifestyle because it’s fun and makes for great times with friends. He also enjoys the individual aspect of the sport—being fully in control of his own performance—even when competing as part of a team.

He is an A and B student and is looking Dana Point Times April 3–9, 2015

I’ve been shooting Griffin Colapinto since he was a mini grom. He’s dropped jaws since day one and hasn’t slowed down.

He boosted this one quite a bit ahead of the wave. Luckily, it developed a nice bed of foam to land in.

David Economos is one of the phenomenally talented group of younger groms coming up locally. I was a little concerned for some of the younger kids paddling out. It was seriously huge at Lowers Sunday when I shot this. David took off on this huge wall of water. The camera angle actually flattens the size a bit. The sick thing is he didn’t just ride it straight while holding on for dear life. He did a huge wrap to finish the wave off (see inset shot).

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 64-65 degrees F Water Visibility & Conditions: 6-8’+ Poor-Fair Friday: A new/modest SSW swell tops out on Friday. Meanwhile, a modest blend of WNW swell and NW windswell will mix in. Many spots throughout the region will offer surf in the kneewaist occasional chest high zone, while summer standouts and combo spots produce occasional waves/peaks up to shoulder high. Peaky combo for the beachbreaks. On Friday, we’re watching for offshore NE-ENE flow for at least the morning.

Longer Range Outlook: The SSW swell that tops out Friday will hold fairly steady on Saturday, then ease over Sunday into next week. Meanwhile, modest NW windswell will continue to show. Next week is looking to be rather small at this time. Check out Surfline for more details, daily updates, and the longer range outlook!

Chandler Sieverts. Photo: Andrea Swayne

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