May 8, 2015 by Dana Point Times

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

May 8-14, 2015 C A N

U S E

INSIDE: Doheny Blues Festival Event Guide SPECIAL PULLOUT VOLUME 8, ISSUE 19

Battle Will Not Rage On Rainbow Sandals, Gerry Lopez announce cancellation of 2015 Battle of the Paddle SUP event E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 8

Last year’s Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle at Salt Creek Beach will be the last, event organizers announced. Photo: Tony Tribolet/XPSPhoto.com

Dana Hills High School Teacher Arrested for Child Molestation, Pornography EYE ON DP/PAGE 8

Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling Results SPORTS/PAGE 23

INSIDE: Check Out Our Mother’s Day Gift Guide PAGE 5

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and using their money to fund a “lavish lifestyle” that included Las Vegas trips and Rolex watches. WHAT’S NEXT: If convicted, LaVoie faces a maximum sentence of 24 years and four months in state prison. Opening statements were set to begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5 in Department C-34 at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana. The case number is 06HF0973 and is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Megan Wagner of the Major Fraud Unit. —Andrea Swayne

Five things Dana Point should know this week SCHS Principal Michael Halt Ousted THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District announced Wednesday that San Clemente High School principal Michael Halt will not finish the school year at the school and that Halt will not return for the 2015-2016 school year. Deni Christensen, the school’s assistant principal for guidance, will finish the year as interim principal. “The District has rigorous standards for principals and other administrators as well as a fair and relevant system for evaluating their performance, the release stated. “Principals or administrators who are not meeting the district’s rigorous standards are provided assistance to improve their performance… The district does not take the decision to non-reelect administrators lightly. ... Due to the privacy interests of employees, we are unable to comment further regarding specific employees.” WHAT’S NEXT: Current Aliso Niguel High School Principal Chris Carter, a San Clemente resident, was announced as the new permanent principal, effective at the end of the school year. Christensen will then take over at Aliso Viejo for the 2015-2016 school year. Halt issued a statement Wednesday evening, saying, in part: “It has been both an honor and a privilege working at San Clemente High School, and I have loved living and learning in this community. The students and staff at SCHS are second to none, and I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together; our record of success speaks for itself.” FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.danapointtimes.com. – Jim Shilander

City Council Hears Staff Update on Lantern District Project THE LATEST: City staff presented an update report on Lantern District construction at the Dana Point City Council meeting on Tuesday, including news that Del Prado Avenue construction is on schedule and traffic speeds are calming along Pacific Coast Highway. Brad Fowler, director of Public Works Dana Point Times May 8-14, 2015

Historical Society to Bestow Founders Day Honors, Name Patriarch Mel Pierce will be named Dana Point Historical Society Patriarch at the organization’s May 13 meeting. Pierce is shown here with his Lorrin “Whitey” Harrison-made redwood and balsa board at the foot of Cove Road, circa 1938. Photo: Courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society

and Engineering, told the council street construction on Del Prado is on schedule and is expected to meet the previously announced September completion. Contractors are currently working on the ocean side of Del Prado, installing irrigation, underground electrical, lighting, tree and landscaping and the South Coast Water District is finishing up with recycled water mains for La Plaza Park area irrigation. The city has been taking vehicle speed counts on PCH during the past six months since the road was changed to two-way traffic and has found that speeds have calmed by about 6 mph on average, which is in line with the Lantern District Plan (Town Center Plan), he said. “Circulation will continue to improve when two-way traffic is returned on Del Prado,” Fowler said, adding that staff expects that a temporary increase in traffic on PCH—of about 40 percent—will also decline upon completion of Del Prado. A large palm tree was recently removed on Granada near Starbucks in order to change access to the coffee shop to Granada and alleviate queueing on PCH of vehicles waiting to enter the drive-thru. The city is also speaking with J.C. Beans Coffee House, for this same reason, he said. Tax receipts at Del Prado restaurants are down by approximately 6.4 percent for 2014 over 2013, he said, but once the street is complete, PCH will continue as more of a thoroughfare and Del Prado as a destination, which is expected to remedy the decrease in sales. WHAT’S NEXT: Next they will move on to the three planned medians, repave the entire street, followed by returning the street to two-way traffic, Fowler said. And the archway that will connect the entry monument bases at the north entryway to Del Prado will be installed by mid-June.—AS

DP Man to Face Trial for Defrauding Investors THE LATEST: A trial began Tuesday for a Dana Point man accused of stealing more than $800,000 from people he talked into investing in a phony clothing re-sale scheme, authorities said. Shaine Joseph LaVoie, 46, is charged with 12 felony counts of grand theft, 10 felony counts of using an untrue statement in the purchase or sale of a security, and one felony count each for theft from an elder, forgery and writing a non-sufficient funds check, as well as sentencing enhancement allegations for property loss over $150,000 and aggravated white collar crime over $500,000, a May 4 news release from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said. LaVoie—who in 1992 co-founded Ezekiel Clothing Co. but left the company in 2003—is accused of convincing investors to buy into a fraudulent $1 million quickturnaround, high-profit deal involving the purchase of a shipment of designer jeans being sold to a Japanese buyer. LaVoie solicited money from friends and acquaintances between February and November of 2004, promising them their investments in the off-season closeouts would turn a 100 percent profit in less than three months. When investors began asking for their money, LaVoie allegedly lied to them, saying an issue with customs had delayed the shipment, the statement said. He then started a Ponzi scheme—luring in new investors—to pay early investors and forging documents to trick investors into believing his scheme was bona fide and licit. LaVoie stopped returning calls from the dozen victims he is accused of stealing $800,000 worth of investment funds from

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THE LATEST: The Dana Point Historical Society will present its annual Founders Day Honors and name the society’s patriarch at a special May 13 meeting. Buck and Judy Henderson will receive Founders Day Honors for their contributions to the community and Mel Pierce will also be named the society’s patriarch, honoring him as a role model for his contributions and loyalty as a resident of Dana Point since 1930. WHAT’S NEXT: The event is set for Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m. at the Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue. Admission is free and the public is welcome. Refreshments will be served. FIND OUT MORE: For more information, call the Historical Society at 949.248.8121.—AS

Water District President, Parks and Rec Director to Speak at Next Coffee Chat THE LATEST: The Dana Point Civic Association’s Coffee Chat on Friday, May 15 will feature guest speakers Kevin Evans, Director of Community Services and Parks for Dana Point, and Wayne Rayfield, South Coast Water District Director and board president, on a variety of issues related to the city’s parks and recreation department and water issues. The chat will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at The Coffee Importers, 34531 Golden Lantern in the Dana Point Harbor. All are welcome. WHAT’S NEXT: Coffee Chats are held on the third Friday of each month. Guest speakers and discussion topics vary to include issues and items of interest to Dana Point residents. The event is always free and open to the public. Complimentary coffee is served, courtesy of Coffee Importers.—AS www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE AND JIM SHILANDER

Friends of the Dana Point Library Thanks Volunteers On Wednesday, April 29, the Friends of the Dana point Library sponsored a luncheon to thank its many dedicated volunteers—46 attended. Following lunch—donated by Brio Tuscany Grille, a business member of the Friends organization—attendees were

Julie Shields, Kat Quinn and Lisa Buchner were among attendees at the Friends of the Dana Point Library volunteer appreciation luncheon on April 29. Photo: Courtesy of Cubby Rayfield

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.

Tuesday, May 5 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Tesoro Street/Taxco Drive (3:41 a.m.) Police conducted a patrol check for a man on a skateboard who was going through each house’s trash can. DRUNK DRIVING Del Obispso Street/Camino Del Avion (2:52 a.m.) A silver BMW with a rear spoiler occupied by two women was swerving over multiple lanes and into the bike lane. DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast highway/Dana Point Harbor Drive (12:07 a.m.) A “rambling” woman at Jack in the Box informed police she was being stalked by a drunken homeless man. When operators asked for her name she said “follow my signal” and hung up.

Monday, May 4 FOUND PROPERTY Pacific Coast Highway/ Dana Point Harbor Drive (11:02 p.m.) Dana Point Times May 8–14, 2015

treated to a talk by Kathryn Slattery, author of the book, Immigrant Soldier, the Story of a Ritchie Boy. The event was so enjoyable and such a success that the Friends hope to make the event an annual happening, organizers said.

Vector Control Board Asking for Mosquito Vigilance The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District is urging residents to report tiny black and white, day-biting mosquitoes. On April 21, OCMVCD responded to complaints of day-biting mosquitoes in Anaheim. A thorough investigation was conducted and the presence of yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) was confirmed. The yellow fever mosquito can transmit dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The yellow fever mosquito is recognizable by its bright silver lyre-shaped marking and white banded legs. They can live both indoors and outdoors, and primarily bite humans. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs in small artificial or natural containers that hold water around the home such as indoor plants, vases and flower pots, or tree cavities. Aedes aegypti is not native to Orange

A man working at Chevron reported a customer who he had refused to sell cigarettes to. The customer did not have proper identification and left his narcotic offender identification card behind. CITIZEN ASSIST Beach Road, 35000 Block (7:26 p.m.) A man at the guard shack said someone took a photo of his vehicle and then left. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Street of the Golden Lantern, 33200 Block (7:07 p.m.) A woman told police she found human bones in an empty lot off of Blue Lantern. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Village Road, 35300 Block (5:23 p.m.) A man who was soliciting, knocked on the caller’s door and was seen writing down notes when the caller didn’t answer. SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Christina Drive, 33000 Block (5:41 p.m.) Police conducted a patrol check for a man wearing a camo hat, sitting in a green pickup truck with an American flag hanging out the window.

County. This tropical and subtropical mosquito now found worldwide was first identified in California’s central valley and central coast in June of 2013, and last year in Los Angeles County. No other yellow fever mosquitoes have been discovered in the surrounding neighborhood. For more information, please contact the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District at 714.971.2421 or 949.654.2421, or visit www.ocvcd.org.

Hospice Care Seeking Volunteers Hospice Care of California is seeking volunteers to help lift the spirits of the terminally ill. For more information contact Kelsi Garcia, volunteer coordinator, at 714.577.9656 or kelsi.garcia@hospicecom.com. The group is also looking for veterans who are interested in participating in its Vet-to-Vet program. This program is designed to meet the special needs of veteran patients who are terminally ill. Have something interesting for the community? We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

who was disturbing a maintenance worker at the Riveria Beach Spa Resort. The informant believed the man was under the influence of illegal drugs, as he could be seen dancing around and flipping-off a surveillance camera.

Sunday, May 3 PATROL CHECK Dana Point Harbor West Jetty (7:16 a.m.) Two subjects were standing on top of the jetty as high surf was sending waves over their heads. Neither were in distress.

Saturday, May 2 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle La Primavera/Mazo Drive (10:07 a.m.) A man in his 30s driving a red, 50s model, fourdoor station wagon walked up the caller’s driveway. The man was not known in the area and had also done this the day before. WELFARE CHECK Terra Vista/Street of the Golden Lantern (3:18 a.m.) A 17-yearold girl outside of CVS said she was left behind by her friends and pushed to the ground by her boyfriend. The boyfriend had taken her car keys 30 minutes earlier at an unknown location in Dana Point.

9-1-1 HANGUP-WIRELESS Pacific Coast Highway, 34700 Block (4:30 p.m.) Five calls were received from a mobile phone. Nothing could be heard during the calls and the phone was not answered when called back. DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34600 Block (1:01 p.m.) Second-hand information was received about a homeless man

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34700 Block (2:03 a.m.) A bouncer reported two men hit a patron and then ran away. One had blond facial hair, a light blue shirt and a military identification card and the other had brown hair and was wearing a plaid shirt and blue jeans.

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Community Meetings FRIDAY, MAY 8

American Red Cross Blood Drive

10 a.m.-4:15 p.m. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in the Dana Point Library parking lot accepting donations. Sign up at www.redcrossblood.org using sponsor code DPL. Identification is required. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www. danapoint.org. SATURDAY, MAY 9

Bulky Item Disposal and Recycling Event 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The city is

holding a bulky item cleanup day at Dana Hills High School and Palisades Elementary School. Large appliances, business machines, green waste, ewaste, furniture and other large items can be dropped off for free instead of taking them to the landfill. Goodwill Industries will accept items for donation. Document shredding services will also be available, on site at Dana Hills and via secure collection bins at Palisades. Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern and Palisades Elementary, 26462 Via Sacramento. For more information call 949.248.3571 or log on to www.danapoint.org.

MONDAY, MAY 11

Planning Commission Meeting

6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint.org. TUESDAY, MAY 12

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.

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Dana Point State of the City Address and Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2015 State of the City Luncheon in partnership with the City of Dana Point. The event features an address by Mayor Carlos Olvera on the future of economic and business development in our city, as well as the annual Beautification Awards. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000, www.danapoint.org. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Battle of the Paddle Canceled Rainbow Sandals, Gerry Lopez announce last year’s stand-up paddling event will be their last BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

he Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle is stopping short of reaching its eighth anniversary, event officials announced on May 1. Only a month after last year’s Battle of the Paddle at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, organizers set an October date for this year’s event, but the stand-up paddle community learned last week it won’t be happening. In a letter addressed to the SUP and paddleboard community and sent out via email blast, Rainbow Sandals owner Jay “Sparky” Longley and Gerry Lopez announced that there will be no Battle of the Paddle for 2015 and Rainbow Sandals will no longer be hosting the event. “The BOP has enjoyed incredible growth since its inception, however, the economics of producing the event have become overwhelming and unsustainable for Rainbow Sandals, Inc.,” Longley and Lopez said in the statement. “Please know that the BOP has been an amazing journey and experience for everyone involved.” The letter goes on to thank past competitors, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, safety personnel and local permitting agencies for their support over the past

nine years for “making the BOP one of the greatest water sporting events ever.” Longley said Wednesday that although the cancellation was largely due to a lack of funding, time also played a major role in the decision. “It takes so much time, up to six months to set it up, and so much staff, we decided that, along with the cost, it got to a point where we can no longer sustain it,” Longley said. “We’ve been trying to find major sponsors for eight years and people would say they wanted to but then either weren’t able or willing to put up the money.” Longley said he is not bitter but the time commitment and the $400,000 his company has been putting up to run the event has just become too much to bear. One of the biggest draws of the event, he said, is the “richness” of it, everything from the prize money to T-shirts, meals and free sandals which have all contributed to making the Battle of the Paddle brand top-notch among SUP events worldwide. Longley also said he would be willing to discuss licensing options with anyone interested in using the name to continue the tradition. There is someone interested in Texas,

Last year’s Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle at Salt Creek Beach will be the last, event organizers announced. Photo: Tony Tribolet/XPSPhoto.com

and possibly in New Zealand, Australia and Mexico, he said. The Brazil event—Rainbow Sandals sends personnel to help run the event but neither funds nor produces it—will run for the third year this year. Rainbow has also produced two past events in Hawaii but will no longer be funding/producing that event either. “Anyone can do a SUP event, but

whether they do it with the richness that we have done it, is another story,” Longley said. “Gerry and I originally started it just for fun but then it grew to be too costly and nobody wanted to step up with funding. If someone would like to use the name for their event it would have to live up to past Battle of the Paddle standards and richness.” DP

Dana Hills High School Teacher Arrested for Child Molestation, Child Pornography Possession BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

Spanish teacher at Dana Hills High School was arrested on Monday for alleged child molestation and possession of child pornography, officials said. Ezequiel Barragan, 48, of Aliso Viejo was arrested, booked into Orange County Jail held on $500,000 bail after a United Postal Service agent contacted the Orange County Child Exploitation Task Force regarding an ongoing investigation of Barragan’s alleged involvement with child pornography. During the USPS investigation, evidence of Barragan having had sexual relations with a male juvenile over the last two years was uncovered, Lt. Jeff Hallock, public information officer for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, said in a Monday night news release. Barragan has a 20-year history of involvement with coaching youth baseball at various leagues and schools in the Orange County area and has acted as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Orange County children,

Dana Point Times May 8–14, 2015

a position investigators said gave him access to a number of male juveniles over the last several years, Hallock said in the release. According to a statement released Wednesday by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Barragan is charged with four felony counts of performing lewd acts on a child under the age of 14, three felony counts of lewd acts on a child between Ezequiel Barragan. Photo: the ages of 14 Courtesy of the Orange and 15, and one County Sheriff’s Department felony count of possession of child pornography, with a sentencing enhancement for substantial sexual conduct with a child. Barragan is accused of meeting John Doe—who was/is not a student at DHHS—through his involvement with

CASA and sexually assaulting the victim between Aug. 14, 2012 and Feb. 7 when the child was between 13 and 15 years old. He is also accused of possessing child pornography—including pictures of 12- to 16-year-old boys posing with their genitals showing—between April 9 and May 4, the DA’s statement said. If convicted, Barragan faces a maximum sentence of 16 years and eight months in state prison. Barragan’s arraignment was set for Wednesday, May 6 at Central Jail in Santa Ana. Deputy District Attorney Vanessa Woods of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case. Parents of Dana Hills students were notified via email Monday night of the arrest of Mr. Ezequiel “Zeke” Barragan. The email, sent by Capistrano Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Julie Hatchel said the district had been notified of the arrest and will cooperate fully with law enforcement. “The well-being of our students is our number one priority. We recognize this news may be alarming and upsetting to

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students, staff, parents and community members. Counselors and school psychologists will be available at school tomorrow to support students and staff who need to speak with trained professional,” Hatchel said in the email. The CUSD email also included the following resources from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Mayo Clinic for parents as support in speaking with their children: www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/ keeping-children-safe/talking-about-difficult-topics/ www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/ childrens-healthy/in-depth/helping-children-cope/art-20047029 “Barragan has been relieved of his duties pending investigation,” Hatchel said on Tuesday morning. Anyone with information regarding additional victims is asked to call the OCSD at 714.647.7418 or 714.647.7000. Tips may also be left anonymously on the OC Crime Stoppers line at 855.TIP.OCCS (855.847.6227) or online at occrimestoppers.org. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: By Wayne Rayfield and Rick Erkeneff, South Coast Water District Directors

Pessimism Undue, Data Incorrect in Mayor’s Water History Article

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

HOW TO REACH US

e do not share—nor does the data support—the pessimism expressed by Mayor Olvera in his most recent “guest opinion” column regarding conservation’s role in reducing water use. From 1990 through 2014 Orange County’s population grew by 705,982 people (22.5 percent) while in the same period potable water use declined by 35,103 acre feet per year (-6 percent). This remarkable result was achieved through a combination of conservation and increased water use efficiency Locally, one has only to look around at the businesses and residences in our community to see what is being done. In December we asked people to restrict outdoor irrigation to one day a week; since then potable water use in our service area has dropped by 10 percent. People are voluntarily replacing thirsty lawns with California native plants; HOAs are actively engaged in converting from potable to recycled water for irrigation. Resorts like the Montage, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis are implementing water-saving actions inside and out and eliminating tens of thousands of square feet of turf while also using more reclaimed water. These steps and others are showing positive results and many remain “works in progress.” We don’t mean to suggest that conservation is the only solution but it is a vital arrow in our quiver to combat the drought. For the sake of historical accuracy we would like to fill in some gaps and correct a misconception or two in the Mayor’s helpful recount of the history of water in Southern California.

Letters to the Editor ERKENEFF’S FINGER WAGGING UNWARRANTED CARLOS N. OLVERA, Dana Point

On Tuesday night Rick Erkeneff, director of South Coast Water District, took to public comments during the City Council meeting to take a political pot shot at my history of water use in Dana Point opinion piece (“It’s History: Bringing Water to Our Desert Historically Difficult”) in last week’s issue of the Dana Point Times. He said he had “a bit of a wag of the finger” Dana Point Times May 8–14, 2015

The column refers to the formation of Tri-Cities Water District as setting the stage for the formation of the Capistrano Beach (County) Water District. Actually, that District was formed in 1948, predating the May 12, 1959 creation of Tri-Cities. The Tri-Cities pipelines were instrumental in the growth of south Orange County between 1960 and 1990. Further, the statement that Tri-Cities was dissolved in 1997 and became part of the South Coast Water District is inaccurate. In 1994, on the heels of the Orange County bankruptcy, the Orange County Grand Jury recommended that Tri-Cities and several other water districts be consolidated. Tri Cities dissolved in 1999, and became a new Joint Powers Authority known as the Joint Regional Water Supply System (JRWSS). JRWSS is owned by seven member agencies including the cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano and five water agencies—El Toro, Irvine Ranch, Moulton Niguel, South Coast and San Diego County Water Authority (for Camp Pendleton, San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station and San Onofre State Park). JRWSS facilities include 30 miles of transmission mains (including a 5-foot diameter line in Irvine) that bring imported water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to almost 250,000 people in our area and two reservoirs in San Clemente with a capacity of 60 million gallons. South Coast crews under contract with the JRWSS operate the facilities. As mentioned in the column, South Coast Water District was created in 1932. It was formed as a county water district to serve a relatively undeveloped area for me and made the assumption I said water conservation is not necessary because it doesn’t work. In my article I (Reg. Professional Engineer, No. M 26443) stated that “Conservation did not work in the past; it will not work in the future. We have always had more people than water.” A hundred years of history has shown there has never been an adequate local water supply for the influx of residents. We have nearly exhausted our local water producing wells. We are being choked off our imported water source. We have three water districts sucking water off the same straw. Erkeneff took one sentence from the article, out of context, and ran with it. Reading that statement in context with the entire article, it is obvious that I was in no way advising people not to conserve. Conservation is an important part of an

along the south Orange County coast including the areas of Three Arch Bay and Capistrano-by-the Sea. In 1976 the South Laguna Sanitary District and South Coast consolidated and South Coast then began providing wastewater conveyance. In 1999, Capistrano Beach Water District, Dana Point Sanitation District and South Coast consolidated into the South Coast Water District we know today. In 2008, South Coast began augmenting its water supply with a well in the San Juan Creek Basin. Over time that well has produced up to 10 percent of the District’s potable water supply. Because of the drought-induced stress in the basin, the District voluntarily shut down this well in September of 2014. The District is actively seeking additional ways to increase our local water supply; one such initiate is ocean water desalination. We would like to thank the residents, businesses and cities in our service area for steps already taken and now underway to save our precious water. Conservation is working. Remember that starting June 1 we all must reduce potable water consumption by 24 percent compared to 2013 usage, per state requirements. (Recycled water is exempt.) SCWD stands ready to help. For questions or suggestions, contact Rayfield at 949.922.0744 (wrayfield@mac.com), Erkeneff at 949.231.9673 (rerkeneffscwd@ gmail.com) or SCWD at 949.499.4555, www.scwd.org. 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

overall response to drought and water supply shortage. I was, however, pointing out the fact that conservation by itself, has never and will never, be enough. Dana Point residents must learn conservation and storage of water. My article was history. This is reality. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” - George Santayana, 1905.

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.

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phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

CITY EDITOR Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@danapointtimes.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > 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 Mother’s Day illustrations by Freepik.com

Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 19. 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

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 08 MERMADE MARKET 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 7-9. The semi-annual Mermade Market handmade-only craft bazaar features original crafts including fine art, gifts, jewelry, décor, candles, textiles and more. Event is free to attend. Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, www.mermademarket.com. MIKE HAMILTON 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille. com.

Saturday | 09 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. WHALE WALK AND TALK 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Learn about the area’s largest mammal visitor on this 1.5-mile walk through the Dana Point Headlands conservation area. Hear about California gray whale migration patterns, different whale species and learn how to spot, watch and identify whales. Bring binoculars or borrow ours. RSVP to wgintern@danapoint.com or 949.248.3527. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

Capistrano Beach, San Clemente and Laguna Hills. Proceeds provide scholarships for college students studying horticulture. Proceeds go toward supporting students wishing to study horticulture in college. To date RSSM has provided more than $45,000 in scholarships. Advance tickets are $25 and may be purchased at www.rosesrosesroses.org or 949.837.2141. On the day of tour, tickets may also be purchased at 27786 Hidden Trail in Laguna Hills, one of the featured homes.

Tuesday | 12

SPECIAL SPRING STORYTIME 11 a.m.-noon Enjoy stories, songs and a craft about spring at the Dana Point Library. The event is held in the community room and is geared toward children and families. No pre-registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Wednesday | 13

RUBEN GONZALEZ 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine. 34673 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point Harbor, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

Sunday | 10 MOTHER’S DAY NATURE WALK 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Celebrate Mother’s Day in beautiful natural surroundings on a fun discovery walk down Gato Road. Ages 8 and up. Moderate difficulty. $10 for adults, $5 for kids, free for supporters. Participants must be registered by 4 p.m. May 8. Talega Trail in San Clemente (The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy), call for directions, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org. MOTHER’S DAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Vue Restaurant is offering a Mother’s Day brunch featuring a special menu and champagne. Adults dine for $69.95, children ages 6 to 12 are $24.95. For reservations or more information, call 949.487.7577. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.lagunacliffs.com/vue/index. STILLWATER ACOUSTIC MUSIC SHOWCASE 5 p.m. Comedian Rita Rudner will host a showcase featuring five of the hottest young singing acts in the area at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. Admission is free. For a reservation, call 949.661.6003 or visit www.danapointstillwater.com. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

ROSE SOCIETY TO PRESENT ANNUAL ELEGANT AND ENCHANTING GARDEN TOUR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain presents their annual Elegant and Enchanting Garden Tour. The theme for this year’s tour is “Garden as Inspiration to Create” and features five unique and innovative private gardens in Dana Point Times May t8-14, 2015

Monday | 11 COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at The Swallow’s Inn with steak night and happy hour prices. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188.

POCKET SKETCHING: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES FOR WATERCOLOR JOURNALING 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Learn tools, tips and techniques for watercolor journaling with artist Kath Macaulay. Some painting experience is required. Students must bring their own materials. Cost is $325. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

DOWNTOWN SJC FARMERS MARKET 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Fresh flowers, produce and specialty foods from around 40 vendors in downtown San Juan Capistrano, on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Yorba Street. Occurs every Wednesday. www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

Thursday | 14 YAPPY HOUR 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Follow Fido to happy hour at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel for this monthly cocktail party. Four-legged friends can enjoy complimentary biscuits while lapping up chicken, cheese, beef and bacon flavored water. Their human counterparts can purchase burgers, brews and wine. Funds raised in the 2015 Yappy Hour season will help support Canine Companions for Independence which provides service dogs to the disabled and the nation’s veterans. Event also runs on June 11, July 9, Aug. 13 and Sept. 10. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, www.ritz-carlton.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

Ty Taylor and Vintage Trouble perform at last year’s Doheny Blues Festival atop the Sailor Jerry stage, one of three venues at the two-day music festival. Photo: Andrea Swayne

UPCOMING: SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, May 16-17 • Doheny Blues Festival Surf melds with blues as Bonnie Raitt, Paul Rodgers, Boz Scaggs and more take the stage at this two-day music festival at Doheny State Beach. Performances spread across three stages with food, beer and wine vendors throughout. $5 shuttle service from Dana Hills High School. General admission $60 single day; $115 both days. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.360.7800, www.dohenybluesfestival.com.

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Photo: © Marvel 2015

At the Movies: ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ a Slow Start to Summer

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

ne of the biggest difficulties in filmmaking is creating a sequel equally as good as the original. With the second Avengers film out this month, Age of Ultron, the expectations were particularly high after Marvel’s huge hit Guardians of the Galaxy last year. With the all the hype of the trailers, new cast members and darker themes, Joss Whedon’s second effort for the superhero series surprisingly falters and feels rushed. After saving the world in the first feature, the Avengers (Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner and Mark Ruffalo) are back together to track down twins Pietro and Wanda Maximoff (Aaron Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen) who were given light speed and telekinesis as the result of a sketchy science experiment. At the same time, Tony Stark (Downey) and Bruce Banner (Ruffalo) design and build an AI called Ultron (James Spader) thinking it will help get rid of Earth’s flaws. Instead, Ultron becomes sentient and completely turns on them with its own evil agenda. Cobie Smulders and Paul Bettany return as Agent Hill and Vision. One obvious misstep in Ultron is Whedon’s attempt at building an abundance of backstory for characters in an already heavy ensemble. Johansson’s Black Widow and Ruffalo’s Hulk are given a much too melodramatic and juvenile romance. Renner’s Hawkeye has a family that adds nothing to the plot and the CGI and actors’ accents are very obvious. In the final analysis, movie fans may want to avoid Ultron and re-visit the first Iron Man or see Ex Machina. 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

Gettin’ Down on the Doheny Blues Orange County’s favorite music event, the Doheny Blues Festival, returns to Dana Point for the 18th annual summer kick-oﬀ—May 16 and 17 at Doheny State Beach. Recognized as one of the nation’s best blues festivals, this weekend-long event will feature 24 artists performing on three, alternating stages—the best of blues, rock & soul music. Music fans from far and wide travel to Dana Point to enjoy two days of incredible music, an international food court, microbrew tasting, wine lounge, vendor village and much more. And, if you live locally, we have a free bike valet. Where else can you be steps from the beach and enjoy 24 sets of diverse music? The answer: Nowhere but Doheny State Beach on May 16 and 17. We’ll see you there!

Bonnie Raitt

More than just a best-selling artist, respected guitarist, expressive singer and accomplished songwriter, Bonnie Raitt has become an institution in American music. Born to a musical family in Los Angeles, the 10-time Grammy winner, who Rolling Stone named one of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time,” was raised in a climate of respect for the arts and a commitment to social activist—Bonnie has donated her time and music to numerous projects. Her most recent release, Slipstream, sold over a quarter-million copies and earned a Grammy for Best Americana Album.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT

SATURDAY, MAY 16 DOHENY STAGE

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

SAILOR JERRY STAGE

BACKPORCH STAGE 11:30

Candye Kayne

Shari Puorto Band

11:30 am - 12:20 pm

Eric Lindell

11:30 am - 12:20 pm

& Company with Anson Funderburgh

Mud Morganfield

12:30 - 1:45 pm

with the Kim Wilson Band 1:50 - 3pm

DOHENY STAGE

12:00 12:30 1:00

Los Lobos

1:50 - 3:00 pm

3:10 - 4:30 pm

2:00

Taj Mahal Trio

From France

4:40 - 6:00 pm

2:30 3:00

1:40 - 2:50 pm

5:00

7:00 7:30

with Mitch Kashmar, Jai Malano & Friends 7:45 - 9:15 pm

Breakfast Set: Ben Powell 8:45 - 10:15 am

Paul Rodgers

Music fans worldwide have dubbed Paul Rodgers “the voice” and John Mellencamp called him “the greatest rock singer ever.” Rodgers has sold over 90 million records leading three bands to international success—Free, Bad Company and The Firm—in addition to his successful solo career. A lifetime blues fans, in 2014 Rodgers released his ode to American soul music, The Royal Sessions, which was recorded in the same studio that created legendary hits from Otis Redding, Al Green and Booker T & The M.G.’s.

T DOHENYBLUESFESTIVAL.COM

Otis Taylor Band with special guest Brandon “Taz” Niederauer 12:30 -1:35 pm

11:15 am - 12:30 pm

Lurrie Bell 1:40 - 2:50 pm

with the Guilty Ones

Boz Scaggs

3:00-4:10 pm

4:15 - 5:45 pm

Valerie June 4:15 - 5:45 pm

6:00

6:15 - 7:30 pm

7:45 - 9:30 pm

Carolyn Wonderland

5:30

6:30

Igor Prado Blues Revue From Brazil

BACKPORCH STAGE

Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin

3:30

The Mavericks

Paul Rogers

11:15 am-12:30 pm

4:00

Nico Wayne Toussaint

4:30 - 6:00 pm

and The Nationals

The Rebirth Brass Band