LO C A L
N EWS
May 15-21, 2015
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Dana Point Symphony: Meet Your Musicians PAGE 13 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 20
It’s Time to Park It Planning Commissioners move proposed Lantern District Parking Plan forward to City Council E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4
www.danapointtimes.com
As construction in the Lantern District continues, Planning Department recommendations to revise parking policies originally set out in the Town Center Plan/Lantern District Plan are being considered. Photo: Andrea Swayne
CUSD to Consider Authorizing Investigation into Firing of SCHS Principal EYE ON DP/PAGE 3
Dolphins Spring Programs Heading Into Playoffs SPORTS/PAGE 17
Grom of the Week: Taj Lindblad Makes First Prime Final DP SURF/PAGE 18
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DP EYE ON DP Dana Point
LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING the case, Michael Colantuono. On April 20, the 4th District Court of Appeal ruled San Juan Capistrano’s tiered water rates unconstitutional. The court decided that San Juan’s 2010 tiered water rate system did not sufficiently show that each tier was based on usage and the actual cost of water delivery. The decision, according to SCWD officials, will eventually lead them and water districts to examine their own pricing structures. A “petition for rehearing” was then filed May 5 by attorney Michael Colantuono. According to a city statement released after the May 8 closed session meeting, the City Council believed “that the petition exceeded their authorization, which was limited to correcting the record.”
Students and parents hold up signs with messages of support for former SCHS principal Michael Halt while standing outside of the CUSD board room during Wednesday night’s meeting. Photo: Allison Jarrell
What’s Up With... Five things Dana Point should know this week CUSD to Consider Authorizing Investigation into Firing of SCHS Principal THE LATEST: Hundreds of students, parents and faculty members were in attendance at Wednesday night’s Capistrano Unified School District meeting, many wearing the color red to support former San Clemente High School principal Michael Halt, who was removed from his position in March and left the school campus earlier this month. Dozens of students and parents stood outside the board room Wednesday, wearing “I Like Mike” buttons and stickers and holding signs with messages of support for Halt---“Listen to Your Voters” “We Want Our Principal Back” “Shame on You CUSD” and “Reinstate Mike Halt.” Parents, staff and students are largely still wondering why Halt was let go from his post as SCHS principal—the district’s policies prevent district personnel from publicly discussing personnel matters. Because Halt came from outside the district, he was subject to a two-year probationary period before a decision could be made on his future employment with CUSD. A release sent by the district indicated a decision had been made prior to March 15 to not return Halt to the post for next year. The CUSD board extended WednesDana Point Times May 15-21, 2015
day’s public comment period, allowing all speakers to address the board for three minutes each. Over the course of two hours, students, staff and parents addressed the board with requests to invite Halt to graduation and to reinstate him as principal. “When I graduate, I want to shake hands with Mr. Halt,” said SCHS senior Grant Meyer. “Not because he’s my principal, but because he’s my friend.” WHAT’S NEXT: Discussion of Halt’s removal was not on the agenda Wednesday night, leaving board members unable to take actions beyond agendizing items for future meetings. Following public comment and a couple board comments, trustee John Alpay requested to agendize an “independent investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding Michael Halt’s personnel matters.” Alpay requested the discussion take place early at a special meeting, but did not receive a second to support the motion. The discussion was agendized for the May 27 regular meeting. FIND OUT MORE: For the full story, visit www.danapointtimes.com.—Allison Jarrell/Jim Shilander
San Juan Rescinds Water Rate Petition THE LATEST: Dana Point’s main water utility, the South Coast Water District, and water districts statewide were watching closely as the San Juan Capistrano City Council voted in closed session May 8 to withdraw their petition for a rehearing of the tiered water rates case, Capistrano Taxpayers Association v. City of San Juan Capistrano. The petition had been filed three days prior by the city’s attorney for
WHAT’S NEXT: While the petition for a rehearing has been rescinded, the city has yet to say whether they will appeal the April 20 decision. SCWD General Manager and Board of Directors President Wayne Rayfield said that although the district’s rates are set through 2016, a careful examination of pricing is on the horizon. —AJ/Andrea Swayne
Local Hoteliers Get Look at Human Trafficking THE LATEST: Members of the new Interstate 5 Freedom Network gave local hotel operators a look at a dark part of the world Thursday at the Holiday Inn in San Clemente, providing the first in a series of educational events that spotlighted human trafficking in Orange County and what hotel operators and employees could look for to spot the practice. Speakers included officials and educators from the Department of Homeland Security and the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force. “There’s been a shift from the brothel to hotels,” Brenda Wells, who helped organize the event, said. “Hotel managers can be the eyes and ears. It’s where the people are.” Camille Coronel, a training coordinator for the task force, said with the passage of Proposition 35 in 2012, which provided tougher sentences for human and sex trafficking, the issue has come more the forefront. Orange County, she said, is considered a prime location for the trafficking business because of its number of tourist attractions which brings so many to the area. WHAT’S NEXT: Kyla Smith, who works at the Dream Center in Los Angeles, an organization that hosts outreach programs for human trafficking victims, said she has seen women having to prostitute themselves at all sorts of hotels, from small local motels to high end resorts. Hotel operators, she said, should look out for
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people coming in without luggage or who leave all sorts of items behind in the hotel. Hotel operators asked what they could take to help potential victims while avoiding drawing the ire of gangs or others who might operate trafficking rings. Coronel said there are subtle ways of informing the task force and other law enforcement about what might be happening. The group will be meeting again later this month. – Jim Shilander
Adopted Marine Unit’s Helicopter Missing in Nepal THE LATEST: Six Camp Pendleton-based Marines remain missing after delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nepal. The six, from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, along with two service members from Nepal, were aboard a UH-1Y Huey, which went missing Tuesday while assisting victims near Charikot, Nepal. The mission was a part of Joint Task Force 505, which is spearheading relief operations, according to a Department of Defense press release. WHAT’S NEXT: Two additional helicopters from the unit, as well as a pair of tilt-rotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 flew almost two dozen sorties in search efforts. A Nepalese ground force is also participating in the effort. Both HMLA-469 and Second Battalion, Fourth Marines—San Clemente’s adopted unit and part of the 5th Marine Regiment, supported by the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group—have been stationed in the Pacific since last year, primarily participating in training efforts with allies.–JS
Last Chance to Apply for Arts Commission THE LATEST: Friday is the last day the city of Dana Point will be accepting applications for three open seats on the Arts and Culture Commission, a five-member panel that serves as an advising body to the City Council on issues related to the artistic and cultural aspects and aesthetics in the city. Applicants must be residents and registered voters of Dana Point. WHAT’S NEXT: Last minute applications must be dropped off in person at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 203 by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15. FIND OUT MORE: For more information or to obtain an application, visit the Office of the City Clerk at Dana Point City Hall, call 949.248.3501 or download an application at www.danapoint.org. —AS www.danapointtimes.com
EYE ON DP
It’s Time to Park It Planning Commissioners move proposed Lantern District Parking Plan forward to City Council BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES
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ana Point’s three newly-chosen planning commissioners presided over their first-ever meeting on Monday, deciding to move the Planning Department’s proposed amendments to the Town Center/Lantern District Plan parking program forward for City Council consideration, adding conditions that two issues receive further study. The trio of new commissioners voted in favor of sending the proposal forward by a vote of 3-0 with the two veteran commissioners—April O’Connor and Liz Claus— both recused due to the close proximity of their residences to the Lantern District. City staff gave an abbreviated version of the presentation explaining the proposal presented at the last Planning Commission meeting on April 27, the final meeting for the three outgoing members of the five-person panel. At that meeting, Commissioners Gary Newkirk, Susan Whittaker and Norm Denton—with O’Connor and Claus recused—voted to continue the public hearing to Tuesday, allowing for the three new commissioners to decide on the next step for staff’s parking plan proposal. The trio of new commissioners—Eric Nelson (vice chairman), Scott McKhann and Danni Murphy—were all present at the April 27 meeting and confirmed having studied the proposal and surrounding issues in advance of the Tuesday’s meeting, heard public comments and asked questions of staff before agreeing the proposal should move to City Council for a decision. The proposal charged planning commissioners to consider zoning text amendments only to existing Town Center Plan policies 3, 4, 6 and 7. Policy 3: Adopt parking requirements appropriate to a mixed-use district. Policy 4: Establish an on-going monitoring and evaluation process. Policy 6: Adopt bike parking standards appropriate to a mixed-use district. Policy 7: Adopt signage standard to identify parking facilities. Policies No. 1 and No. 2, to lease or purchase existing private parking lots and make them available to the public as shared parking, and to implement a coordinated way-finding program, respectively, do not require local coastal program amendments and are therefore currently in various stages of implementation, the city staff report said. Policy No. 5, the
Dana Point Times May 15–21, 2015
As Lantern District construction moves forward and specific issues related to the coming make-up of the area come into clearer focus, so must parking policies set out in the original Town Center Plan, say city officials. Photo: Andrea Swayne
implementation of on-street paid parking in the Santa Clara Avenue residential neighborhood would require a Coastal Development Permit and a Municipal Code amendment. As a continuation of a public hearing, public comments from the April meeting would stand, but a number of commenters added their thoughts, for and against the proposal. Mike Powers, owner of Greenfield Communications, a fiber optics communication company located on Violet Lantern, spoke in favor of the plan, saying he believes that many speaking out against it are doing so due to misinformation. “It’s great to see things happening in Dana Point,” Powers said. “There’s a buzz and I love it but the last piece is a parking plan. This plan is really thoughtful and I encourage the passing of this plan.” Cindy Fleming said she is concerned particularly with preventing spillover parking in residential areas and with all the cities up and down the coast with mixeduse areas, the average parking ratio is 2.8 spaces per 1,000 square feet of built space and with the city considering a 2/1,000 ratio said she encouraged the 2.8/1,000 rate be the minimum. Ursula Luna-Reynosa responded, clarifying that the 2.8/1,000 ratio mentioned in the consultant Nelson Nygaard’s report and the proposed resolutions is not the average. “That (2.8/1,000) was an outlier,” LunaReynosa said. “Data showed an average at
1.1 to 1.8 spaces per 1,000 (square feet of built space) and there were also outliers on the other end of spectrum, some even under 1 (per 1,000 square feet).” Resident, Roxanna Watrous called the proposed plan “unfeasible” while the current standards are, adding that the city should be actively pursuing the types of businesses and shops citizens want. “I can’t image any restaurant willing to move into the district if they are only allowed two spots,” Watrous said. “A walking district won’t work unless you can get women’s high heels right on the promenade. Let’s keep the standards in place.” Sandy Iverson agreed, saying developers are being “handed everything on a silver platter” and that with the spaces taken away on PCH “the worst is yet to come.” Luna-Reynosa said the recommendations were not made in order to placate developers, but based on occupancy rate studies. “A parking management problem feels like a parking supply problem,” LunaReynosa said. “More supply will not necessarily fix spill over problem areas.” Enzo Scognamiglio, chairman of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors spoke on behalf of the chamber, in favor of moving the proposal along. The Chamber of Commerce, he said, wishes to express support for this parking management plan. “We need better management of existing parking in the Lantern District and this plan is the first step,” he said.
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Mary Hartmann, owner of Girl in the Curl Surf Shop in the district on Pacific Coast Highway, told commissioners her store and the others in the area already have a severe parking problem that is impacted not only with customers but surrounding businesses’ employees. “I’m not opposed to the progress but I want Dana Point to keep its beachy charm,” Hartmann said. “Please, let’s keep Dana Point cool.” The vote to move proposals forward eventually came after commissioners added conditions that staff to prepare further study of the proposed 80 percent “trigger point” built into the plan for re-evaluation of Lantern District parking policies when publically available parking capacity reaches 80 percent, as well as a re-study of the proposed one parking spot per 1,000 square feet of residential space requirement for two-bedroom and larger units. With existing parking requirements based on bedroom count and the new recommendation based on square footage, McKhann suggested that number be changed to .7 parking spots per bedroom for two-bedroom and larger units. “I’m OK with one per 1,000 for studios and one-bedrooms,” McKhann said. “But I think it should be reevaluated for multibedrooms.” Nelson agreed but suggested they instead ask for further study instead of using a specific number. The plan will be added to an upcoming City Council agenda for consideration. DP www.danapointtimes.com
EYE ON DP
Community Meetings 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 the city, as well as the annual Beautification Awards. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000, www.danapoint.org. SATURDAY, MAY 16
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 May 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, MAY 19
City Council Meeting Canceled The next meeting is scheduled for June 2, 6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint.org. WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
Traffic Improvement Subcommittee Meeting 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Dana Point City
Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint.org.
THURSDAY, MAY 21
Youth Board Meeting 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Dana Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint.org.
MONDAY, MAY 25
Memorial Day City Hall Offices Closed Planning Commission Meeting Canceled The next meeting is scheduled
for June 8, 6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint.org.
Dana Point Times May 15–21, 2015
Dana Point Business of the Month: Art Sea COMPILED BY ROBERT SEDITA, MANAGEMENT ANALYST, DANA POINT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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he city of Dana Point has chosen Art Sea as the Business of the Month for May 2015. Art Sea, located in Dana Point Harbor, is owned by Mark Hanson who purchased the shop from his friend and original owner 15 years ago. Being a long time Dana Point resident and working in the retail industry for Guess for over 10 years, Hanson jumped at the chance to purchase the business. About a year later, Hanson purchased the shop next door from his friend as well, and although the two stores are separate, they are joined by an open doorway so customers can easily stroll through both shops. Upon purchasing Art Sea, Hanson made some minor changes and also expanded the selection of jewelry and art. Currently, Art Sea offers a wide selection of beautiful jewelry, not just items from local artists, but from all over the world, including designs from Spain, Germany and Israel. Hanson works hard to make sure his selections are of the highest quality and that there’s something for everyone and at
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.
Monday, May 11
every budget. In addition to jewelry, Art Sea carries brass and bronze sculptures including the work of renowned wildlife artist Brian Arthur. A selection of ceramic, wood, glass and metal sculptures, art, wind chimes and photo tiles showcasing beautiful images from around Dana Point and the surrounding area, are also offered. Hanson and his staff pride themselves
on their customer service and offering the best products in both quality and price. Their customer service, quality, price and selection attracts residents and tourists, as well as customers from across Orange County and the shop has become a popular go-to spot in Dana Point for jewelry, art and sculpture. Art Sea 34503 Golden Lantern, 949.240.2321
OPEN DOOR Calle Real, 26900 Block (7:11 p.m.) The door to the home of a current prison inmate was found wide open after it had been secured many days before. The caller was concerned someone may have been inside and knew no one was allowed to enter the home.
DISTURBANCE Galleon Way, 33400 Block (3:32 a.m.) A caller told police his brother had been keeping him and his mother awake. The brother was on probation for illegal drug use and had been on meth for five straight days prior to the call. His parole officer told him he was not permitted to stay at their home.
DISTURBANCE Leah Drive/Josiah Drive (6:51 p.m.) A woman calling from Dana Crest Park said another woman in the park had her two dogs off their leashes and was directing them towards her children. INDECENT EXPOSURE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (5:18 p.m.) A woman reported a man in his 40s who was urinating in public and had begun “putting on a show” in the parking lot.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Callita Drive, 34000 Block (9:47 p.m.) A patrol check was conducted for a 5-feet5-inch-tall man who was possibly on a skateboard going through trash cans in the neighborhood. A woman told the man to leave. He responded by saying, “That’s all I want to hear out of you.” SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (7:38 p.m.) A manager told police there was a man wearing board shorts and a pink shirt gathering wood. He said there was a fire behind the business last Saturday and he believed the man may be returning to do the same thing again. PETTY THEFT Crown Valley Parkway, 32600 Block (7:20 p.m.) Ten minutes prior to the call, a woman living in Monarch Coast Apartments claimed her brown chihuahua was stolen from her patio. She said the dog was too small to jump over the fence.
Art Sea owner Mark Hanson (center) accepts recognition as Dana Point Business of the Month for May by Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Johnston and Mayor Carlos Olvera at the May 5 City Council meeting. Photo: Andrea Swayne
DISTURBANCE Caracas Street, 24400 Block (2:11 p.m.) A rehab facility required assistance with a patient who was detoxing and had become delusional. The patient was reportedly out of control, angry and “raging” and would not stop talking. VANDALISM REPORT Crown Valley Parkway, 32400 Block (10:51 a.m.) A resident of Monarch Apartment Homes said the tires on her daughter’s Nissan Altima had been slashed. CITIZEN ASSIST Street of the Golden Lantern, 33200 Block (10:40 a.m.) A woman calling from inside her grey Toyota Corolla reported she bought two stolen phones from a person the day before. She learned they were stolen after she checked online and saw they had been reported missing.
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Sunday, May 10 INJURED ANIMAL Dana Point Harbor (4:43 p.m.) An adult female sea lion was sick near the dock. PATROL CHECK Dana Point Harbor Pier (12:48 a.m.) A subject was using hoop nets off the pier to catch lobster out of season.
Saturday, May 9 RESCUE Dana Point Harbor West End (6 p.m.) Upon returning to shore, a kayak was found empty, with its original occupants missing.
Friday, May 8 VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Camino Capistrano, 35100 Block (9:33 a.m.) A previous home owner took a weed-whacker to the realtor’s sign posted on the property. WELFARE CHECK Olinda Drive, 33800 Block (1:15 a.m.) A 1-year-old baby had been screaming for an hour and a half. The caller said the screaming “didn’t sound right.” www.danapointtimes.com
DP SOAPBOX Dana Point
VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS
Letters to the Editor
34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com
CITY BEAUTIFIES PROMINENT CORNER IN CAPO BEACH
HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR
TONI NELSON AND PATRICIA O’KEEFE, Capistrano Beach
As residents and members of Capo Cares, we are pleased to see that the city of Dana Point has enhanced the two corners on the northern side of Palisades Drive at Pacific Coast Highway, replacing weeds, dirt and tumbleweeds with an attractive landscaped area featuring drought-tolerant plants, decorative boulders and weed-preventing stones. Central to the landscape is a huge and beautiful Canary Island palm tree that required some extensive acrobatics to safely engineer into place. At one point, passersby were treated to the sight of a large truck balancing on its back wheels while it assisted a crane maneuvering the massive tree into place. Due to the dire drought conditions in the city and the lack of a sprinkler system at that site, it was necessary to plant agaves, succulents and other droughttolerant species that, once established, will thrive on very little water. Public Works has arranged for a water truck to come by periodically to ensure the plants are well attended. In addition, two Cub/Boy Scout troops have kindly volunteered to maintain the landscaping once the project is completed. Our sincere gratitude goes to City Manager Doug Chotkevys and Public Works Director Brad Fowler who responded to Capo Cares’ request for improvements at that well-traveled intersection. Last year, when Capo Cares surveyed local residents asking them to name their key concerns in the neighborhood, lack of attractive landscaping was near the top of the list. Many residents specifically named this
Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE
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Capistrano Beach residents from the community organization Capo Cares, give kudos to the city for its recent transformation of the landscaping at the corner of Coast Highway and Palisades Road. Photo: Andrea Swayne
corner that is popular with those who walk and bike at the beach on a regular basis. Thank you, City Hall, for listening and responding with an attractive landscape. Capo Cares is a grassroots non-partisan advocacy group comprised of Capistrano Beach residents. Our sole purpose is to improve aesthetics, safety and quality of life in our beautiful coastal community. To join, send an email to Capocares@gmail. com. Please “like” our Facebook page and share with your neighbors: www.facebook. com/CapoCares.
CRITIQUE MAYOR’S TOWN CENTER VOTING RECORD STEVE STEWART, Dana Point
It is interesting to see that Mayor Carlos Olvera is concerned about his public image regarding water conservation (per his letter to the editor in last week’s issue of the Dana Point Times). Unfortunately he does not show the same concern for how Dana Point residents and voters view his City Council
votes. In 2013 and 2014, he voted to spend $20 million of our city reserves on Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado road and streetscape construction related to the Town Center Plan. That did not improve driving conditions on PCH, in fact, quite the contrary. In October 2014, he voted to grant egregious height and parking variances to the massive Majestic project, overriding the Planning Commission and our existing zoning standards for height and parking. Anyone who has seen the height and volume elevations for this project knows how out of scale and inappropriate this project will be for our city. Let us all hope it isn’t built. Soon he will have to vote on requiring developers to supply adequate parking for their Town Center developments. Expect parking responsibility to be transferred from the developers to the taxpayers. If approved, the economic value lost by our city due to those parking concessions may well exceed the amount dumped into PCH and Del Prado, not to mention the inconvenience to all of us who might need to park in the Town Center area. Dana Point residents need to wake up and realize what a hole we are digging for our city as a result of these decisions. Mayor Carlos Olvera is concerned about what you think about his water position. Let him know how you feel about the rest of what he is voting for.
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. Page 6
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
Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 20. 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
Wednesday | 20
EDITOR’S PICK
What’s going on in and around town this week
NATIVE AMERICAN BASKET WEAVING 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn about the traditions and culture of basket weaving at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Free with admission. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.
COMPILED BY STAFF
Friday | 15 MIKE HAMILTON 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.
Saturday | 16 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. DANA POINT HISTORY TOUR 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This docent-led walking tour explores the history of the Headlands area and covers approximately 1.5 miles. Tours run on the third Saturday of the month and have rotating themes. Maximum tour capacity is 10 people. RSVP to wgintern@danapoint.com or 949.248.3527. Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org. 11TH ANNUAL DREAMMAKERS EASTER SEALS FUNDRAISER 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A free event that includes live music and entertainment, silent and live auctions and a dollar-a-dip Chinese food buffet. All donations benefit Easter Seals Southern California Disability Services. Dana Point Harbor, OC Sailing and Events Center in the Dana Cove Room. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point, 949.584.1117, event@esscdreammakers. com, www.easterseals.com/southerncal. DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL May 16-17. Bonnie Raitt, Paul Rodgers and more take the stage at this two-day
Ocean Institute. Photo: Andrea Swayne
SATURDAY, MAY 16: THE SEA STAR STROLL AND NEW EXHIBITS OPEN HOUSE 8 a.m. A 1.2-mile fundraising walk benefitting the Ocean Institute. This year’s walk will also celebrate the grand opening of the institute’s new public expansion. An open house festival for participants will follow the stroll, featuring live music, refreshments, crafts and self-guided tours through the institute, the tall ship brig Pilgrim, and the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center. Adults $30, children $20. Registered participants receive a medal, an event T-shirt and entrance to the open house. Register at www.seastarstroll. com. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org. music festival at Doheny State Beach with food, beer and wine vendors throughout. $5 shuttle from Dana Hills High School. General admission $60. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.360.7800, www.dohenybluesfestival.com. REFLECTIONS ON WATER 5 p.m.-8 p.m. The Cove Gallery is hosting a reception and silent auction with artists donating a minimum of 50 percent of sales to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Bidding begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 7:15 p.m., followed by an announcement of winners at 7:30 p.m. Cove Gallery, 1492 South Coast Highway, Ste. 8, Laguna Beach, 949.494.1878, covegallery@verizon.net, www.covegallerylaguna.com.
of the week. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.
Monday | 18 MOMMY MOVIE MONDAYS 10 a.m. Moms and dads are welcome to bring their baby along to the theater every Monday at Krikorian Theaters. 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7610, www.kptmovies.com.
Tuesday | 19 TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL STORYTIMES 10 a.m-10:30 a.m. Stories for children 18-35 months, and 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for ages 3-5 at the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.
Sunday | 17 CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Trips available every day
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 | 21 TWEEN SCENE AT DP LIBRARY 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Hands-on experiments and activities for kids ages 9-12. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org. SELLY SELIGSON 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. FASHION SHOW: GIRLS NIGHT OUT 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend a free fashion show hosted by Crank & Grind, featuring clothing, jewelry and accessories by local designer Marisa Kenson. The event is 21 and over, and includes champagne and appetizers. Crank & Grind, 34150 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.945.4016, www.mkcollab.com.
For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com
At the Movies: For Romance and Drama Stay ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES
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Photo: Fox Searchlight
Dana Point Times May 15-21, 2015
or a book written in 1874, the tone and morals of Thomas Hardy’s story, Far from the Madding Crowd, feel remarkably modern. Carey Mulligan chose the feminist-themed period piece as her return to lead film roles after spending a year on stage with “Skylight.” Her collaboration with director Thomas Vinterberg and screenwriter David Nicholls fortunately succeeds. Bathsheba Everdene (Mulligan) receives her uncle’s entire estate and cash assets upon his sudden death and decides to dedi-
cate her life to keeping the house and farm running. In her new role, Bathsheba has no interest in getting married but coincidentally, three suitors fall in love with her and propose marriage at various times in her young life—the silent and strong Mr. Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), the mature and responsible Mr. Baldwood (Michael Sheen) and the lusty and wild Sgt. Troy (Tom Sturridge). Acclaimed Danish filmmaker Vinterberg is an unconventional choice to head the film, but his style gives the feature a unique and artsy quality.
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Mulligan has the difficult task of portraying Bathsheba as stern, but also endearing, and does so with her sophisticated delivery and a sweet smile. She gives a great performance as a lady who struggles to find out if it’s possible to have an independent calling along with a love to share it with. Though the summer movie season has started with sci-fi blockbusters as top choices for moviegoers, Far from the Madding Crowd is currently the best choice for those looking instead for romantic drama. DP www.danapointtimes.com
DP DP LIVING Dana Point
PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY
Meet Your Musicians: Dean Anderson Dana Point Symphony Orchestra conductor talks musical influences, preferences, performances BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES
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n celebration of the 2015 “One World” season of the Dana Point Symphony Orchestra, the DP Times has been featuring a series of question and answer articles and and artist bios to introduce Dana Point audiences to some of the musicians of the DPSO. This week we are talking with Music Director and Conductor Dean Anderson. Anderson, music director for the Dana Point Symphony and Symphony Irvine, has been living and working as a music director in Southern California for more than a decade. He is also the director of orchestral studies at La Sierra University. Anderson’s collaborations include performances with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Concertmaster Martin Chalifour and Principal Trombonist James Miller. As guest conductor of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony in 2011, Anderson became the first professional American conductor to lead the orchestra. He has also led the Grumo Festival Orchestra, Hong Kong Chamber Orches-
CONCERT NO. 2 OF 4, MUSIC OF FRANCE The second concert of the Dana Point Symphony Orchestra’s “One World” season is set for Saturday, May 30, 7:30 p.m. at St. Edward’s Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera. The symphony, under the direction of Dean Anderson, music director and conductor, will perform an evening of music from France, featuring Yang Bartolotti on violin. The program includes: • Ravel, “Bolero” • Ravel, “Tzigane” • Debussy, “La Mer” Concerts are held once a month through July. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students, seniors and military. A season pass is $60. Tickets are available online at www.danapointsymphony.com, and on a first come, first served basis at the door before the performance. Concert No. 3 is scheduled for June 13, featuring music from Vienna, and No. 4, on July 11, will showcase American music. Dana Point Times May 15-21, 2015
Meet Dean Anderson, music director and conductor, Dana Point Symphony Orchestra. Photo: Courtesy of DPSO
tra, Siam Sinfonietta and Yakima Chamber Orchestra. Anderson studied conducting at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Currently, under the mentorship of Neal Stulberg, he is earning a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Orchestral Conducting at UCLA. DANA POINT TIMES: Why did you start studying music? DEAN ANDERSON: I was immediately attracted to the sound of the violin as a child. I first heard “Eine Kleine Nacht Musik” by Mozart when I was 5 and I just had to be able to play that music myself. DPT: Who has influenced your musical style the most and why? DA: My musical style is constantly evolving but I have always been influenced by conductors from the mid-20th century—Herbert von Karajan, Eugene Ormandy and Leonard Bernstein. They brought such unique interpretations to their performances. Bernstein was able to make the music work in slower tempos, bringing out deeper emotions in the smallest phrase. I admire Ormandy’s lush orchestral tone in all of his recordings. DPT: Why do you like performing with the DPSO? DA: I like the fresh energy and musicianship of the orchestra members. They always have a great attitude during rehearsals. While they bring such a high level of artistry to the performance, they are also flexible and always ready to try new things outside their comfort zone. DPT: What are your three all-time favorite songs, symphonic or otherwise? DA: “Mahler Symphony No. 2,” Ella Fitzgerald singing “I Got Rhythm” and “Let it Be” by the Beatles. DPT: Describe your musical career in 10 words or less. DA: A thrilling journey that never ends with talented, marvelous artists. DP Page 13
DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: Reading with Wright by Chris Wright
Vive la France
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mericans think they are exceptional and so do the French. The French think of themselves as the exceptional Europeans. I’ve been a Francophile since I studied the language for six years in high school and college. And that was before I knew how good their cuisine tasted. So imagine my disappointment after getting lucky enough as a midshipman to get two summer cruises to the Mediterranean and not setting foot in a French port. Some 40 years later I’ve still not set foot upon French soil, though that will change in 2017. But for now I have my movies and books at our local library. Here are some interesting old and new books and movies about and from France. Remember we have DVDs at the library too. READING The Day I Saw Your WITH WRIGHT Heart is a 2012 film that By Chris Wright will have you laughing and crying during its 98 minutes. A father with two grown daughters is about to have a baby with his second and younger wife. His daughters are having a hard time accepting the new arrival. Add to that element the fact that dad maintains close and continuing relationships with one daughter’s long list of ex-boyfriends (without her knowledge too) and we are headed for a major family blow-up. Napoleon: A Life, a new biography of Napoleon by Andrew Roberts was released in the fall of 2014. It’s 926 pages and one wonders if that space can do the man justice. Recently released private letters show Napoleon in a different and perhaps more favorable light. His maxims are routinely touted by American generals. Don’t be intimidated by that page count. Attack it now. Toujours l’audace. Graham Robb wrote The Discovery of France: A Historical Geography in 2008. This book can be a chore to get through
PJ Adams. Photo: Courtesy
but it’s worth the effort. It’s filled with lots of interesting and bizarre facts about France. Did you know that the invention of the bicycle decreased inbreeding in France? It gave men and women more mobility to go further from their villages to seek spouses. French was actually the minority language in France for a long time too. The creation of the modern nation-state of France was not the smooth and homogeneous process I had thought. A local San Clemente author selfpublished her guidebook to Paris and if you are looking for a street-by-street guide then this book is not for you. If you want insight into the French soul and national identity, you must read this book. There are short chapters on everything from dating to school to shopping. Intoxicating Paris: Uncorking the Parisian Within by PJ Adams is worth the read. You can visit her
website at www. pjadamsbooks. com. Her most recent book, Intoxicating Southern France: Uncorking the Magic in the French Riviera, Provence, Languedoc, Dordogne and Bordeaux came out in March. If you want more insight into the country and its people you must read Stephen Clarke’s books about living and working in France. Clarke is an Englishman and his humorous and amusing stories will entertain and educate you. With titles like A Year in the Merde, you know it will be good. Finally, I’m recommending a 2014 book by a Frenchman. Alain Baraton’s The Gardener of Versailles: My Life in the World’s
M
eet Tinkerbell, an adorable rat terrier mix with a great personality. Six-yearold Tinkerbell gets along well with other dogs, but her favorite place in the world is in your lap. With a playful energy and lots of fun tricks, she is quite the bundle of fun. Once you meet her, she’s sure to steal your heart. As part of a “packed and ready” promotion, Tinkerbell will be sent to her new home with a dog crate full of goodies. If you would like to know more about Tinkerbell, 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.
BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:
Dana Point Times May 15–21, 2015
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
Pet of the Week: Tinkerbell
Sudoku 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
Grandest Garden is a very interesting and personal guide to Versailles’ beauty. Baraton is a big celebrity in France and this is his first book translated into English. There are no pictures in it—because he’s old school and wants you to experience the place in person. It’s also interesting to read about the battle between the old and the new and technology and the natural world taking place within the confines of the garden. There are a few chapters that could have been deleted and it jumps around but it’s still worth the read. Two recent favorites about food and eating are My Paris Kitchen by David Lebovitz and Mastering the Art of French Eating: Lessons in Food and Love from a Year in Paris by Ann Mah. Mah lived the dream, residing in France, having been assigned there through her husband, at government expense. You’ll be ready to move to France after reading this tale of food and love—love for the way food is made, served and consumed (too crass a word) in France. Lebovitz’ cookbook contains beautiful photos of the streets of Paris along with exquisite shots of the dishes he shares recipes for, as well as some intimate and charming vignettes about life in Paris. It’s more than a cookbook. Every recipe has a story. It’s pure joie de vivre—no passport required, just your library card. Happy reading. Bon voyage. For more information about locations and upcoming events across the Orange County Public Libraries system, visit the website at www. ocpl.org. The site also provides access to online databases, digital copies of popular magazines, pdf copies of historical sheet music, eBooks, audiobooks, jobseeker resources and more. Chris Wright is not sure if he lives to read or if he reads to live. He has been a public librarian with the OC Public Libraries since 2006 and currently works at the Dana Point branch. DP
See today’s solution in next week’s issue.
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DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY
DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet
CLASSIFIEDS
Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FITNESS EQUIPMENT PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Folds up for easy storage. Great workout at home. $130. 949.533.9761
GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 16. Selva & Chula Vista and Blue Lantern & De La Luz. Gates open 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 120 homes in the community! Antiques, collectibles, housewares, furniture, clothing, miscellaneous items too numerous to mention.
PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE
COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DANA LIGHT Saturday, May 16. Selva & Chula Vista and Blue Lantern & De La Luz. Gates open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. 120 homes in the community! Antiques, collectibles, housewares, furniture, clothing, misc. items too numerous to mention.
Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@danapointtimes.com
DANA LIGHT HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 16, 2015. Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Blue Lantern and De La Luz, which is just south of Stonehill HAMPTON HILL HOA COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2015 Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Off of Del Obispo just South of Stonehill CASITAS DEL RIO HOA COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 16, 2015. Hours: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Corner of Camino Del Avion and Alipaz
GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com Deadline 5 p.m. Monday. No phone calls please.
SERVICES LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous. Excellent references. 949-573-8733
Dana Point Times May 15-21, 2015
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www.danapointtimes.com
DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point
STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE
Boyd Raises Funds for Nepal Relief Effort DANA POINT TIMES
D
ana Point resident Dusty Boyd, founder of The Everest Life, is raising money for a village in Nepal that was left devastated in the aftermath of the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that shook the region on April 25. The Everest Life is a nonprofit that helps Sherpa and Nepali villagers build up their infrastructures. Boyd leads a company twice a year to Nepal, where they help build schools, farmland and help with irrigation methods. In an email on April 30, Boyd said he lost a Sherpa, who had summited Mount Everest three times, in the earthquake. The Sherpa was unnamed but Boyd said he left behind a wife and two children. Boyd says the village The Everest Life helps has been reduced to 90 percent rubble. Boyd has set up a gofundme account online titled “Sherpa Village’s Hands-On Rebuild” and has raised $15,179 in 16 days. The projects goal is to reach $18,000. “I am hopeful empathetic people will support someone willing to get in the
Members of the 5th Marine Regiment participating in the 2013 Combat Golf Tournament. (From L to R): SSgt. Ryan Reshke, GySgt Pat Yandell, SSgt. Andrew Bristow and Sgt. Jonathan Decker. Photo: Andrea Papagianis
Scoreboard
Dana Point resident Dusty Boyd, left, is raising money for a village in Nepal affected by the magnitude 7.3 earthquake. Photo: Courtesy
DANA POINT TIMES
earth with the damaged people, and ensure 100 percent of their funds go to the Sherpa people,” Boyd, who has summited the world’s highest peaks, said in the email. “If not for these Sherpa people I would certainly have perished years ago. They are the kindest, strongest, self-reliant people I have ever known.” For those interested in learning more about Boyd’s cause or to donate, visit www.gofundme.com/dustytosherpas. DP
Golf
The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group is set to host their sixth annual Combat Golf Tournament on June 1 at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo. The funds raised at the tournament will go toward the support group’s efforts in assisting the 5th Marine Regiment and their families as well as the group’s adopted Wounded Warriors. The tournament is close to selling out, according to organizer Pete Hammer, but there is still room to sign up.
Cost for the tournament is $195, which includes 18 holes of golf, lunch, dinner and prizes. There will also be a helicopter ball drop and a raffle. The Combat Golf Tournament offers participants a unique experience with on-course games. There will be obstacle courses to avoid on the fairways, penalty-costing “mine fields” and a hole where golfers must tee off wearing marine-issued helmets and flak jackets. Those who do not wish to golf can still sponsor a local Marine to play in the tournament. For more information, to register or to sponsor a Marine, visit www.danapoint5thmarines.com/2015-combat-golf or email info@danapoint5thmarines.com
LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING
Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com
AUTO REPAIR
Dana Point Auto
34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086
CAFE - DELI
Coffee Importers Espresso Bar
34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
COFFEE SHOP
Coffee Importers Espresso Bar
34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
DANCE/FITNESS
Club Salsa Dance Studio
34202 Camino Capistrano Capistrano Beach, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
IMAGES/Creative Solutions
117 Del Gado Road, 949.366.2488, www.imgs.com
ICE CREAM
Coffee Importers Scoop Deck
34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com
INSURANCE SERVICES
Patricia Powers
24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, pat.powers@cox.net
BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT
YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100! Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online.
State Farm/Ted Bowersox
Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com
Statefarm/Elaine LaVine
PET GROOMING
34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com 34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net
MUSIC INSTRUCTION
Danman’s Music School
24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com
Dawgy Style Groom Shop
34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 112, 949.496.3315, www.dawgystylegroomshop.net
PLUMBING
Chick’s Plumbing
949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com Dana Point Times May 15-21, 2015
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REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL
Dream Team Properties, Mike Rosenberg, Broker 949.481.1788, www.FindMyOCHome.com
SCHOOLS
Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org
UPHOLSTERY
Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 34212 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit C, 949.240.9569 www.jeddys.com
WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT
Offshore Construction
949.444.6323, www.offshoreconstruction.org
Locals Only Business Listings
LIST LOCALS ONLY
USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online 52 weeks a year. View online at www.danapointtimes.com Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@ thecapistranodispatch.com www.danapointtimes.com
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
Dolphin Report 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.
Despite Loss, Dolphin Baseball Punches Ticket to Playoffs
It was not the best timing to have a hiccup of a game for the Dana Hills baseball team. The Dolphins, who needed a win over El Toro on the final day of the season to wrap up second place in the South Coast League and avoid a wild card play-in game or a match against a top seed, were instead handed a lopsided 8-2 loss. Dana Hills (24-7, 6-6 league) settled for third place in league, behind first-place Capistrano Valley and Aliso Niguel. The Dolphins were bailed out of a worstcase scenario, where they would miss the playoffs entirely, thanks to Capistrano Valley defeating Aliso Niguel 2-1 on May 13. The Dolphins, Aliso Niguel and Tesoro all finished league play with a 6-6 record, but Dana Hills and Aliso Niguel each held the season tiebreaker over Tesoro, which left the Titans on the outside looking in at fourth place. The top three teams from the South Coast League will represent the group in the postseason. For a moment it looked like the Dolphins had a good chance against El Toro, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning behind an RBI double and an RBI single from David Clawson and Shawn Kany, respectively. But El Toro (17-14, 5-7) responded by sending eight batters to the plate in the bottom of the third, collecting RBI hits from Tyler Lasch, Andy Krear and Josh Zamora. The one-run cushion would be all Char-
Dana Hills catcher David Clawson, right, holds on for the tag-out of El Toro’s Brandon Helmick in the second inning on May 13. Photo: KDahlgren Photography
gers starting pitcher Kaleb Fossum needed. The senior left hander turned in a complete game effort, allowing six hits, three walks while striking out five. He worked quickly and displayed a quick-pitch, slide-step maneuver that held the Dolphins baserunners on and agitated the Dolphins batters. Crouse pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up 11 hits and seven runs. The Chargers were especially effective in getting to Crouse and the Dolphins defense with two outs. El Toro scored a total of six runs in two-out situations. The eight runs allowed was the most the Dolphins had given up all season. “It was the worst game we played all year, from top to bottom,” Dana Hills head coach Tom Faris said. “You play the worst game of the season on the last day of the season it’s not going to help (going) into the playoffs. The good thing is it will be erased and we
can start fresh. It’s a brand new season.” Dana Hills entered their final three-game stretch coming off back to back league losses. But the Dolphins pulled off an extra inning win over Capistrano Valley and a 1-0 victory over the Chargers on May 12. The CIF-SS Division 1 playoff brackets will be released on May 18 at 9 a.m.
Dolphins Volleyball Advance to Second Round of Playoffs
The Dana Hills boys volleyball team breezed past JSerra Catholic in the opening round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on May 12, earning a clean three-set sweep, 25-13, 25-10, 25-23. Dana Hills (29-3, 8-0) was scheduled to play Los Alamitos out of the Sunset League in the tournament’s second round on May 14. Results were not available at press time. The winner will go on to play the winner of the Palos Verdes/Loyola match in the quarterfinals on May 16. Loyola is the No. 2 overall seed. The Dolphins could have earned a much higher seed in the postseason had it not been for two late-season losses to Campolindo and Westlake in the Redondo Union Classic tournament on May 2. The Dolphins entered the tournament with only one loss on their resume. Dana Hills, ranked No. 7 in the final coaches poll of the season, and Los Alamitos played each other this season during the Orange County Championship Tournament on March 21. The Dolphins swept the Griffins in two sets.
Softball Closes Out Season with Consecutive Wins
The Dana Hills softball team closed out
Dana Hills sophomore Hans Crouse was tagged with the loss against El Toro. Photo: KDahlgren Photography
Dana Point Times May 15–21, 2015
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their 2015 season with back-to-back wins over Capistrano Valley and El Toro on May 11 and May 13, respectively. The Dolphins (13-12, 2-6) earned a convincing 5-0 win over the second-place Cougars. Dolphins junior Samantha Williams went 4-4 at the plate, drove in one run and scored three times. The Dolphins bats collected 12 hits. Sophomore pitchers Carlee Russo and Serafine Parrish combined to throw a six-hitter. Dana Hills’ final game of the season came down to the final at-bat. The Dolphins trailed El Toro 8-6 heading into the seventh inning but scored three runs for a walk-off win. Williams went 3-5 with an RBI and freshman Tori Sickmeier went 2-3 with an RBI and two runs scored in the win. The Dolphins quickly found themselves in a hole after giving up four runs in the first inning and started to chip away by scoring four in the second and two in the fi fth before their seventh-inning comeback. Dana Hills finished fourth in the fivemember South Coast League.
Feagler Places Fourth at CIF Golf Individual Regional
Dana Hills’ Clay Feagler shot a 2-underpar 70 at Skylinks Golf Course in Long Beach as part of the CIF-SS Southern Individual Regional on May 11, finishing in a tie for fourth place. Feagler, who was the Dolphins top golfer all season, was the reigning Southern Individual Regional champion and was attempting to defend his title. Feagler matched his winning score of 70 from last year, but it was not enough to catch Marina High School’s Patrick Pockels, who shot a 67 (-5). www.danapointtimes.com
DP DP SURF Dana Point
DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:
SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY
Surfers in Their Prime
UPCOMING EVENTS May 14-17: NSSA West Coast Championship, Huntington Beach, Pier May 30-31: WSA West Coast Championship, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach May 30-31: 16th Annual Cosmic Creek Surf Festival, luck-of-the-draw retro board contest and free Saturday concert, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach. Sign up at Killer Dana Surf Shop, 24621 Del Prado Avenue in Dana Point.
Surfing America Prime series regular season wraps up at HB Pier
June 12-14, 16-20: Surfing America USA Championships, San Diego, Cardiff Reef (June 12-14) and San Onofre State Park, Lower Trestles (June 16-20).
BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES
S
urfing America Prime series invitees took their last shot of the season at accumulating points toward qualifying for the upcoming Surfing America USA Championships in June. May 9 and 10 marked event No. 6 of six in the 2014-2015 season in 2- to 4-foot surf on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier and competition was fierce. The event was also the first time a Prime event was run using four-man priority system, introduced at this final event with hopes of giving surfers a chance at becoming familiar with it as priority rules will be introduced at this year’s championship. “The kids were stoked on using the fourman priority and the surfing was top-notch once again… a perfect finish to another stellar year for Surfing America Prime. Next up USA champs at Lowers,” said Ryan Simmons, Surfing America junior team coach and Prime series announcer. Local surfers took nine of 20 podium spots at the event. Standouts included Colt Ward of San Clemente, who took his fourth win of the year in the Boys U18 division. With two of the six series event scores dropped, Ward’s turned in the perfect season. Conner Dand (San Clemente) was runner-up in the division. In Girls U18, San Clementeans Samantha Sibley and Malia Osterkamp claimed the third and fourth spots,
GROM OF THE WEEK
TAJ LINDBLAD
T
aj Lindblad, 12, of San Clemente, marked an important milestone in his surf career Saturday when he made it into his first ever Surfing America Prime series final in the U14 division and a fourthplace finish in the event. “I am super stoked,” he said. “I have been working hard and finally did it. It felt great because I was worried about qualifying for next year so I was really happy to make that first heat.” He kept the momentum going throughout the event and on one of his best waves of the day, Taj was able to link his ride through from the outside earning a 6.8-point wave. “On my best wave in Round 1, I did a cutback and a hit on the outside and then Dana Point Times May 15–21, 2015
SURF FORECAST Boys U18 finalist at the podium of event No. 6 of the six-contest series, May 10 at the Huntington Beach Pier were (L to R) Eithan Osborne (fourth place), John Mel (third), Conner Dand (second, San Clemente) and winner Colton Ward of San Clemente. Ward’s win was his fourth of the season, making for a perfect series, as only the top four of six results count. Photo: Jack McDaniel
SURFING AMERICA PRIME EVENT NO. 6 RESULTS BOYS U18: 1. Colton Ward, San Clemente, 16.24; 2. Conner Dand, San Clemente, 10.00; 3. John Mel, Santa Cruz, 8.43; 4. Eithan Osborne, Ventura, 5.17. GIRLS U18: 1. Tia Blanco, Oceanside, 17.96; 2. Meah Collins, Costa Mesa, 12.73; 3. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente, 8.90; 4. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente, 8.80.
BOYS U16: 1. Eithan Osborne, Ventura, 14.64; 2. Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach, 14.03; 3. Braden Jones, Arroyo Grande, 12.37; 4. Sage Burke, Newport Beach, 10.64. GIRLS U16: 1. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad, 9.93; 2. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Point, 9.37; 3. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente, 8.67; 4. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla, 7.54. BOYS U14: 1. Noah Hill, Venice, 14.93; 2. Crosby Colapinto, San Clemente, 14.00; 3. Kade Matson, San Clemente, 12.26; 4. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente, 6.87.
respectively. Sibley was a double finalist also taking the No. 3 spot in Girls U16, behind runner-up Bethany Zelasko of Dana Point. Three of four places in Boys U14 were earned by San Clemente surfers— Crosby Colapinto (second), Kade Matson (third) and Taj Lindblad came in fourth, making his first-ever podium appearance in the Prime series.
Top youth shortboard surfers from across the country will meet at the Surfing America USA Championships, June 16 through 20 at San Onofre State Park, Lower Trestles. Adult shortboard, longboard and SUP divisions will compete June 12 through 14 at Cardiff Reef. Prime regular season champions will be crowned at the USA Championships. DP
made it to the inside and did a couple more hits,” he said. “I really liked the four-man priority format at this contest because you don’t have to worry about people being on the inside of where you are; you can just go. It’s fun.” Taj also competes in NSSA and SSS events as a part of the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team. School is a priority for Taj, as good grades translate into being allowed more time surfing. This year, the bright sixth-grader earned a 4.0 GPA in the first quarter, 3.83 in quarters two and three, and is giving it his best to finish out the year with another 4.0. Taj has been surfing since he was a toddler and a professional career has been on his radar since he started competing. “My dad put me on a little foam board when I was 2 and used to hold my hand while I rode whitewash,” he said. “That’s
when I started, but I really got into it when I was about 7 and started surfing every day. I really liked the feeling of it, being free. Now, I put a lot of hard work into it because I really want to do the WSL qualifying series.” Taj would like to thanks his sponsors, Quiksilver, Oakley, Lost Surfboards and Modom Traction, along with his family and coach Neco Padaratz for their support. Travel: Taj went to Hawaii twice this year and will travel to Nicaragua with the Quiksilver team in June for training and photos. Training: “I’m really working on bending my knees more, doing more powerful turns and getting more vertical.” Life in SC: “I love living in San Clemente because there are so many pro surfers here and watching and surfing with them helps me to improve. It’s cool to bump into them around town too, like at the grocery store and stuff.”
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Water Temperature: 59-62 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: Local: 6-8’+ Poor-fair Catalina: 12-18’ Fair+ Thursday and Friday: The SSW swell that topped out Thursday afternoon, holds steady through Friday with chest-head high+ surf at many of the better exposed breaks throughout Orange County. Standouts will produce some overhead sets, with occasional waves up to 2-3 feet overhead at the summer magnets during the best tides. Wedge will see larger waves. Lightest wind will be found in the mornings each day, along with cloudy skies, before moderate onshore flow rises up into the afternoons with clearing skies. Outlook: The SSW swell will fade through the weekend and into next week. Meanwhile, NW swell energy will be minor. More Southern Hemi swell due next week. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.
Taj Lindblad. Photo: Jack McDaniel
Equipment: “I am riding a 4’10” V2 high performance shortboard and a grovel board that’s a 4’8” V3 Rocket by Matt Biolos.” —Andrea Swayne www.danapointtimes.com