July 24, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

July 24-30, 2015

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Inside/Outside Refine Your Space: A Guide to Home Improvement SPECIAL PULLOUT VOLUME 8, ISSUE 30

Artistic Celebration

Dana Point artists exhibiting at Laguna Festival of Arts E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

Belle Tuckerman of Dana Point says her career as an aesthetician has helped guide her as an artist. Tuckerman is one of two Dana Point residents exhibiting at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach. Photo: Jim Shilander

City Council Approves Lantern Village Parking Plan EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Final Results from the 39th Annual Ocean Festival SPORTS/PAGE 12

www.danapointtimes.com

Friends and Colleagues Looking to Create Hobie Alter Statue EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Council Approves Lantern District Parking Plan THE LATEST: The Dana Point City Council voted 3-2 to approve a revised parking plan for the Lantern District that would encourage the development of more shared parking, either through new development or shared parking agreements with current businesses. Residents, however, voiced concern that the plan would ultimately provide too little parking for the Lantern District effort to be successful and that residents would end up footing the bill.

Consultant Patrick Siesman of Nelson Nygaard said the city’s existing parking in the area was more than adequate to handle increases, sitting 44 percent empty at peak hours. The reason, he said, was that much of the area’s parking was divided into “parking fiefdoms” in shopping centers or offices with signs indicating people might be towed if they went elsewhere. This led to a patchwork effect with empty parking lots in some places and “spot shortages” or spillovers into residential areas in others.

Dana Point, he said, had inherited its current parking regulations from the county. Those regulations were not designed with a pedestrian environment like the Lantern District in mind.

The city had recently opened up a trial lease with the owners of the Meridian building, 24582 Del Prado Avenue, which would allow for three-hour public parking at the facility and allow employees to park in its underground facility. This shared parking agreement was a potential model for future ones.

Siesman proposed requiring developers build two parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of space and that such parking would be available to the public, or be required to pay $40,000 per space in in lieu fees, which would be placed into a fund to allow for purchase or lease of additional parking areas. The standard also placed a requirement of one space for per 1,000 square feet of residential space.

Resident Buck Hill said Nelson Nygaard had been making a living telling cities they didn’t need more parking, only needing to improve “management” and that residents he’d spoken with found some of the ideas presented in the proposal “crazy.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Council members were Dana Point Times July 24-30, 2015

Friends and employees of Hobie Alter are proposing the construction of a statue honoring the surf legend in Dana Point. Photo: Courtesy

urged by staff to approve some version of the proposal, to begin the process of getting the measure in front of the California Coastal Commission, which could take up to 18 months. As a compromise, the council approved a version that eliminated any credit for on-street parking for development, which could potentially increase the amount of in-lieu fees paid by developers, as well as increasing residential requirement to two spaces per 1,000 square feet of space.

FIND OUT MORE: For more visit www.danapointtimes.com.— Jim Shilander

Council Approves City Manager Pay Increase THE LATEST: By a 4-1 vote, the Dana Point City Council voted to approve a revised contract for City Manager Doug Chotkevys that includes a 2.9 percent salary increase, bringing his total compensation, including benefits, to $279,753.

That increase, according to city staff, still puts Chotkevys below the median salary for city managers in Orange County, despite being fourth in the county in seniority among 22 cities with the position.

Resident Steve Stewart spoke against the increase, saying that Chotkevys had not been a good steward of the city’s finances in the last several years, citing a decline in the city’s capital reserve funds over the last seven years.

Mayor Carlos Olvera countered by noting that the city had previously run through city managers regularly since it incorporated until Chotkevys came to the city and provided stability.

WHAT’S NEXT: Chotkevys thanked the council for the vote of confidence. The contract calls for him to be evaluated every six months. City staff stated that the city’s general fund remained in a good financial position.—JS

Effort Underway to Create Hobie Memorial Statue THE LATEST: Friends and admirers of the late Hobie Alter are working to provide a permanent memorial to the late surf and outdoor sports icon.

Robbie Roberson, a longtime Dana Point resident and employee of Alter’s told the Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission July 15 that the impact Alter had, not just on the ocean sports world, but on Dana Point was enough to deserve a tribute in the city.

Lance Jost, the sculptor who hopes to build the project, told the board that his proposed sculpture would include a 6-foot to 6-and-a-half foot tall base, the sides of which would include photographs of Alter’s contributions to different aspects of ocean sports. The sculpture sitting on top of it, he said, would be of Alter riding a Hobie Cat, his world-famous sailboat, on a wave. Jost said the sculpture would be done in bronze but natural acids would be used to help bring out color.

WHAT’S NEXT: Roberson said he and others are currently working to raise funds for the project. During the presentation, the group included three potential locations, including near the current Hobie store on Pacific Coast Highway, near the new Lantern District along Del Prado sign, or near the pedestrian bridge on Pacific Coast Highway, in order of preference.

—JS

San Juan Commission Approves Skatepark Size, Location THE LATEST: The San Juan Capistrano Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission agreed unanimously

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on July 20 to expedite a recommendation to City Council to approve a proposed 20,000 square foot skatepark in the northwest end of the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, located near the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Del Obispo Elementary and Marco Forster Middle School.

The Monday night approval increases the previous skatepark proposal by 8,000 square feet; a 12,000 square foot design was approved by the commission on June 15.

Presentations of different layout and design options were made before the commission Monday night by Nathan Banda and Aaron Spohn, a Los Angelesbased skatepark advocate and designer.

Capistrano Grind, which is working on becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been researching grant opportunities and will begin fundraising soon. Banda said the estimate for designing and constructing such a park ranges from $700,000 to $900,000. While the city of Dana Point has previously shown interest in providing some funding for the project, Banda told the commission that “with or without Dana Point, we’ll raise the money.”

WHAT’S NEXT: For updates and upcoming events, follow Capistrano Grind Skate Park on Facebook. Questions can be emailed to nathankbanda@yahoo.com.

—AJ

Bank Robber “Snowbird Bandit” Arrested in RSM THE LATEST: Orange County Sheriff’s Department Officials said in a Thursday press release that Randolph Bruce Adair, 70, also known as the “Snowbird Bandit,” was arrested at about 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Adair is suspected to be responsible for five bank robberies in the last four months in Dana Point, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch.

His most recent robbery was Tuesday in Rancho Santa Margarita.

The OCSD press release stated Adair is a retired Los Angeles Police Department detective. Several family members of Adair contacted sheriff’s deputies, saying they recognized him from “recent media reports,” the release noted. The Orange County Bank Robbery Apprehension Team was led to Adair with the help of family members to a parking lot.

WHAT’S NEXT: Adair has been arrested for robbery and an outstanding warrant and was booked into Orange County Jail.

Although he is being held on a $205,000 bail bond, investigators intend to pursue federal charges against Adair, the release stated. —Eric Heinz www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter

COMPILED BY ALISON SHEA 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, July 20 SHOTS HEARD—NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Danamaple, Block 24900 (10:43 p.m.)

Three loud pops that sounded like gun shots were heard coming from the park behind the caller’s home.

DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road, Block 34200 (9:26 p.m.) Police were called because a group of four people were disturbing the peace by getting into a physical fight. One male was found on the ground and no weapons were seen.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino Capistrano, Block 34200 (6:09 p.m.)

At the Harbor Walk police were called for a male who hopped the wall near the dumpsters and was holding a stick and aiming it as if it were a gun.

TRESPASSING Ritz-Carlton Drive, 0 Block (5:16 p.m.) A caller says there was a woman sitting in a wheelchair outside the front door who refused to leave.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Granada Drive/Pacific Coast Highway (7:25 a.m.) A man was seen wandering in the area urinating on things and wearing only boxer shorts.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Silverstrand, 0 Block An unknown subject broke into the caller’s car and was discovered there sleeping.

STOLEN VEHICLE Cortes Drive, 24400 Block (3:12 a.m.) A man said he was at Hennessy’s and when he came out his car was gone.

Saturday, July 18 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES La Serena Drive, 34100 Block (11:01 p.m.)

A loud explosion was heard from a neighbor’s house and smoke was seen coming from a window of that house.

DISTURBANCE Ritz Cove Drive, 0 Block (4:55 p.m.) Four male teenagers were seen egging vehicles as they drove by.

Friday, July 17 INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Calle La Primavera/Selva Road (10:17 p.m.) A man was lying on the side of the road and he looked like he was sleeping.

DISTURBANCE Niguel Road/Pacific Coast Highway (8:51 p.m.) The caller said they had been hit by an egg near the park.

Sunday, July 19

DISTURBANCE Marine Vista Drive, 33000 Block (7:15 p.m.) The caller reported that their 14-year-old son was very rude and was kicking things and they could not deal with it.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Pacific Coast Highway/Street of the Copper Lantern (6:55 p.m.) Animal control was called for a golden retriever inside a car that was panting heavily. All the windows of the car were rolled up.

DISTURBANCE Camino Del Avion/Street of the Golden Lantern (12:58 p.m.) In the Ralphs complex, a man was attempting to get signatures for a political cause and was described by the caller as being “aggressive” and was said to “not take no for an answer.”

Community Meetings SATURDAY, JULY 25

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.

MONDAY, JULY 27

Tea Time Book Club 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Join us every 4th Monday of the month at the Dana Point Library at 10:30 am. for Tea and book chats. Tea Time Book Dana Point Times July 24-30, 2015

Club is an informal book discussion group open to all interested readers. Tea will be served, so feel free to bring your favorite cup. Registration is not required. 33841 Niguel Rd, Dana Point, 92629, www.ocpl. org, 949.496.5517.

Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m.

Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint. org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

Capo Beach Farmers Market 11 a.m.4 p.m. Visit the area’s weekly market where locally-grown, organic produce and regional artisans are featured. It is located in the newly paved parking lot on the corner of Doheny Park Rd and Domingo Ave. www.danapoint.org.

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EYE ON DP

Arts in the Spotlight

October Celebrates Dana Point’s Arts and Humanities As part of a nationwide effort, the City of Dana Point will be participating in October’s National Arts and Humanities month, with a number of events planned that will focus on what’s already going on in the community, including at area schools.

“The idea is to highlight all the great work that’s already being done,” Arts and Culture Commission chair Berenika Schmitz said.

The commission is reaching out to both arts organizations, other nonprofits and businesses to schedule arts and humanities related events for the month, which would be compiled into a single schedule available to the public. The commission has set a deadline of Sept. 1 for events to be included in the program.

As Dana Point artists make first Laguna show, city to provide more exposure in October

BY JIM SHILANDER, DANA POINT TIMES

A

pair of Dana Point artists—one a sculptor, the other a photographer—have each taken a circuitous route to their first Laguna Festival of Arts exhibitions this summer. And both are looking to make the most of it.

SKIN TO SCULPTURE Belle Tuckerman says being an aesthetician, working with skin, helped to encourage a passion for sculpture.

“It’s very easy to get involved with faces.

I’ve worked with them all my life,” she said. “Bodies, as a massage therapist, I’ve worked on all my life. And as a kinesthetic learner, you learn through feel. It was so easy to move into three-dimensional art as a result of that. I’ve been preparing to this all my life.”

It’s also influenced her choice of subject matter, she said. Many of her subjects are faces, often with “extreme features” or a mixture of different physical attributes from different faces together.

She says she also prefers to keep to her own imagination.

“I almost never have a model, they just come out of my head,” Tuckerman said.

“I don’t want to be bound by that person who’s right there. That’s going to restrict me. When I’m working, I may do something and all of a sudden say, ‘I don’t like that.’ I can cut it up and change it. I want that freedom.”

That also contributes, she says, to increasing her range, including animals and abstract work. Still, she said, she regularly returns to her “first love,” faces.

Tuckerman moved to Dana Point in 1980, opening a business on PCH and Silver Lantern called Body Mind, which she said was the “world’s first day spa,” where she developed a technique she dubbed the “facelift massage.” She ended up developing products and teaching the technique, as well as authoring a book. Eventually, she moved her practice to Laguna Beach before becoming an artist full time.

Tuckerman was a regular attendee of the Pageant of the Masters and Festival but had always shown her own work elsewhere.

“I’d never thought to apply because I was always busy doing other things,” she said.

“I was also busy with other art shows.”

Her learning process, she said, has primarily come from mentorships, studying directly with other artists. Her first teacher was in her 70s when she started Dana Point Times July 24-30, 2015

Above: Photographer Michael Duggan said he typically searches for everyday objects with a hidden complexity to them. Below: Belle Tuckerman discusses her work with attendees at the Laguna Arts Festival. The event runs through Aug. 31. Photos: Jim Shilander

“

Up there, it’s an everyday scene, but when I see it, I look at the curves and I marvel at someone who made those iron rings or tied all those knots.

—Michael Duggan

”

and is now 100.

Tuckerman has recently exhibited in galleries in New York, Newport Beach and a number of others around Southern California. She has also worked with teachers at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, as well as in Manhattan Beach and Scottsdale, Az. “I’ve been very lucky to have found those people and to work with them,” she said.

FINDING COMPLEXITY Michael Duggan has lived a well-traveled life. And his photography, he says, attempts to bring some of the everyday

objects from the places he’s visited to make them more real.

“Most of these are scenes you’d see just walking around,” Duggan said. “But I love graphical images, I love shadows, I love light, diagonals, textures. So when I’ve got a camera on my shoulder I’m walking around, going around corners, looking for things.

I’ve got shots from all over the world, but often you wouldn’t recognize where they are.

But there’s something unusual about it.”

Sometimes, he said, what he shoots might be a typical scene in one place, like a fishing net splayed against a dock in Nova Scotia, but he sees something different.

“Up there, it’s an everyday scene, but

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when I see it, I look at the curves and I marvel at someone who made those iron rings or tied all those knots,” he said.

“There’s a sense of what it’s used for, but it also has to appeal graphically and look great on the wall.”

Duggan said he hopes people take away an appreciation for such objects they might find around them as a result. In the future, he said, he hopes to travel to Japan for a photo study on woodworking techniques used for temples there. Duggan, who is also a woodworker, said the wood working there is more sophisticated than what’s found anywhere else in the world.

“There’s a graphical content to that kind of a study that appeals to me and gets people to think ‘What’s going on there?’

They get intrigued by the graphical image and then start to wonder what’s really happening within that,” Duggan said.

Having lived and worked across the United States, Duggan said he’s finally found a home in south Orange County.

He’s lived in Dana Point for three years.

“I love it here,” Duggan said. “It’s the place to be.”

Having been taking pictures for more than 40 years, Duggan still regularly uses film and digital cameras. Film, he said, typically shows up better when blown up on the wall, but digital can be easier to work with.

Duggan said he’s enjoyed his inaugural experience at the festival. Like many exhibitors, he also works a full time job, teaching dentistry to international students hoping to pass their exams in the United States. Still, he comes down to Laguna Beach six days a week in the afternoons and evenings.

“I knew it was going to be a great summer. It’s just fabulous,” Duggan said. “The people have been fantastic. There’s a lot just loving art and having great conversations. I’m rotating a lot of pieces through and am getting a lot of feedback on what moves people.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor THANK YOU FOR REIGNITING THE DOHENY VILLAGE PLAN TONI NELSON AND PATRICIA O’KEEFE, Capistrano Beach

Capo Cares is very pleased to thank City Council and staff for agreeing to our requests for moving forward on the Doheny Village Plan and making plans for much needed interim improvements in the area by passing several motions at last Tuesday’s council meeting. It is clear that we have been heard and that council not only took our requests seriously, but have already taken many concrete steps toward revitalization of this unique part of Capistrano Beach. As Councilman Scott Schoeffel puts it, Doheny Village is the very “soul” of Dana Point, and we are very grateful the process is underway to get the plan back on track.

We were delighted to meet with Interim Economic Development Manager, Cindy Nelson, on two occasions and wish to thank her for listening carefully to the concerns of residents and business owners and sharing her considerable expertise.

It’s clear that Ms. Nelson understands the distinctive character of Doheny Village and acknowledges our hopes that both its history and surfing heritage will be preserved and enhanced as plans are devel-

oped. It’s a pleasure to work with someone who clearly shares our passion for what promises to be an exciting transformation.

Staff has made tremendous progress on cleaning, lighting and landscaping, and we are looking forward to much needed additional changes on Doheny Park Road and along PCH. Our sincere thanks go to Brad Fowler and Matt Sinacori. We understand that some of these changes will take some time, but change is coming and residents and business owners are very pleased. We hope the city will continue to work with property owners to encourage further improvements of private lots as we await longer-term changes.

We are very pleased that Chief of Police Lt. Russ Chilton has commenced bi-monthly public Coffee Chats at Donut World, where concerned citizens can engage the chief in open discussion about crime and nuisances in the area. We thank the Chief and our hard-working sheriff’s deputies as they increase bike and other patrols to create an obvious and consistent police presence. Business owners and residents await the day when we can take back our neighborhood and walk anywhere in the village without fear of witnessing or being subject to unsavory behavior.

We are particularly pleased, as noted in the minutes of the June 16 meeting, that City Manager Doug Chotkeyvs proposed directing anticipated budget surpluses to funding for the Doheny Village Plan. It’s vital that we have the funds necessary to keep the Doheny Village Plan on track.

We applaud the effort of council and staff

to ensure this plan continues to move forward expeditiously, with the necessary commitments in terms of manpower and funding to make this dream a reality.

We’re off to a great start, and citizens of Capistrano Beach and all of Dana Point offer our sincere gratitude. Thank you, residents and business owners, for your support throughout this process, and thank you, City Council and staff, for reigniting this plan.

POLICY OVERHAUL NEEDED FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT MATTHEW HUNT, San Clemente

Dana Point Times July 24-30, 2015

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

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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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 > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

The Nameless, Faceless Voter

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phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

I commend Capistrano Unified School District Trustee Jim Reardon’s proposal at the district’s June 24 meeting. The board considered instituting a whistleblower protection policy to give district employees protection against retribution when bringing forward criticisms of the district’s practices.

Nevertheless, I have to add that my applause is lacking enthusiasm. While such a policy is needed in any large agency, it doesn’t come near to patching the hole that the debacle of Colonel Mike Halt’s firing and subsequent “reelection offer” exposed.

CUSD needs a thorough checkup and with such scrutiny should be a plan to revise its system of employee review.

GUEST OPINION: Straight Talk by Al Jacobs

ith electioneering time once again upon us, presidential hopefuls are gearing up for the big campaign. Certain classes of voters are not actively solicited as their loyalties are already established. The poor will vote for the purveyors of the most generous handouts. Fanatics on various issues respond only to the dogma spewed by their spokesmen. The wealthy, with their interests established, are mostly immune to campaign rhetoric. So from where will the mass of contested votes be drawn? From the middle-class; middle-income citizens whose preferences are uncertain.

As expected, every announced candidate is a champion of the middle-class.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio claims that what makes America unique are the “millions and millions of people who aren’t rich.” Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders preaches about “working families” and “people working full time.” Texas Senator Ted Cruz lauds the “hard-working

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

men and women across America.” And not to be outdone, Hillary Clinton bemoans the fact that “For a typical working American, their income has not been rising anywhere near as fast STRAIGHT TALK as it should be.” They

By Al Jacobs are all climbing over one another to champion the cause of Mr. and Mrs. Average Citizen.

Despite verbal pandering at every level, there’s little an incumbent office holder can or will do for the average constituent. It’s from this vast middle-class which government derives its resources; the average Joe and Jane financially sustains the bureaucracy. When “tax loopholes” are closed, it’s from the middle-income pocket that the revenue flows. If deductions or tax credits are created, they rarely benefit the horde of commoners which make up the bulk of the population. And when the benefits are

handed out, those nameless, faceless ciphers are the forgotten members of society.

So a question must be asked: How does the political hierarchy get away with it?

Why do middle-income voters permit themselves to be abused? Don’t they realize they’re the source of election victories and can demand that officeholders govern in their best interests? Apparently they do not, which validates the philosophy of character Fred Sanford, the junk yard proprietor from the 70s TV series Sanford and Son, when he declared: “The people want junk . . . and I give ‘em junk!”

Al Jacobs, a professional investor for nearly a half-century, issues a monthly newsletter in which he shares his financial knowledge and experience.You may view it on www.roadtoprosperity.net. DP

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, Amanda Huffman, Katherine Nowicki, Jacob Onofrio, Dana Schnell, Alison Shea, Ryan Song, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 30. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

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

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

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Friday | 24 SOUTH COUNTY SENIOR SUMMIT 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Orange County Supervisor Lisa A. Bartlett and State Senator Patricia Bates will host a discussion about “The State of Aging in Orange County.”

Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served. Registration begins at 8 a.m.

Laguna Woods Village, Clubhouse #3, 23822 Avenida Sevilla, Laguna Woods, 714.480.6450, www.bates.cssrc.us.

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

OPEN CASA: MAXWELL CARRAHER 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Casa Romantica showcases Maxwell Ivan Carraher, a native of Los Angeles whose sculptures strive to enlighten intrinsic ideas and fundamental emotions that occur inside all people. The showcase runs July 23-26 and admission for all ages is free. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Saturday | 25 RELAY FOR LIFE 10 a.m.-10 a.m. One day. One night. One community. One fight. A 24-hour relay event held July 25-26 at San Clemente High School benefitting the American Cancer Society. 700 E Avenida Pico, 949.567.0613, www.facebook.com/RelayForLifeSanClemente.

BLUE WHALE DISCOVERY CRUISE 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join marine biologists from the Ocean Institute on a search for the world’s largest mammal, the blue whale. Travel to the feeding grounds of the great blues aboard the high-tech Sea Explorer. $35 for adults, $22 for children ages 4 to 12. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

MATT STEPHENS & SHADES OF J 3:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine. Matt Stephens plays from Dana Point Times July 24-30, 2015

At the Movies: A Diary of Amy Winehouse

File Photo

SUNDAY, JULY 26: THE 29TH ANNUAL DANA POINT CONCOURS 9 a.m. Peruse more than 400 beautiful cars at this Porsche celebration in Lantern Bay Park, presented by the 365 Club of Southern California. Judging begins at 9 a.m., lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. and an award presentation takes place at 1 p.m. 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, www.356club.org.

3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Shades of J follows from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. 34673 Golden Lanten Street, Dana Point Harbor, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

AVENTURA COMEDY SHOW 7 p.m. Comedian Lowell Sanders—a national comedy club headliner currently touring with Tim Allen—and host/ opener Joey Bielaska—will present a comedy show with the Aventura Sailing Association to benefit Olive Crest for the prevention and treatment of child abuse.

Meet and greet starts at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include two house drinks. Appetizers will be available for purchase. Aventura Sailing Association, Dana Point Harbor, 24707 Dana Drive, 949.493.9493, www.aventurasailing.com.

Sunday | 26 ON IMPULSE AT CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE: SIMPLY SIMON 2 p.m. The On Impulse Acting Troupe continues their summer season at the Cabrillo Playhouse with a hilarious afternoon of Neil Simon comedy scenes. Tickets are $20. Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

DANA POINT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy music performed

by The Petty Breakers, a Tom Petty tribute band, and Turn the Page, a Bob Seger tribute band, at the city’s annual summer concert series. The two groups take the stage at Lantern Bay Park. Admission is free. 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

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

Monday | 27 OPEN LIFE DRAWING WITH LIVE MODELS 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Get practical experience drawing from a nude model. Cost is $12 per class. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

AUSSIE FUNK JAM 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Teens 12 to 17 can experience a one-of-a-kind musical and cultural experience at the Dana Point Library.

The didgeridoo is an Australian Aboriginal instrument with a funky sound that’s as exotic as its name. In this upbeat workshop, you will learn to play the “didge.”

Space is limited to the first 40 teens.

Arrive 15 minutes early for an admission ticket. Tickets are given on a first-come, first-served basis. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

Tuesday | 28 TAPPED OUT TUESDAY 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Draft beer is half price on Tuesdays at Salt Creek Grille. Monarch Bay Plaza, 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

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ollowing Brett Morgan’s Cobain: Montage of Heck, Asif Kapadia’s Amy is the second documentary this year to cover the life of a modern music legend who tragically died at age 27. Amy Winehouse was not only a successful musician in her time but also paved the way for future popular songstresses like Adele and Lana del Rey, and the ranks of her fans continue to grow only four years after her premature death.

Amy follows the jazz singer from childhood to her last days with archival footage and audio commentary from the people in her life, showing a young girl with a big talent, honest personality and some vulnerability that Photo: Courtesy consume her art and personal life. Like the superstar cliché, Winehouse lived by sex, drugs and rock & roll but not without her share of close friendships and toxic relationships as her two albums became critical hits.

Kapadia’s decision to not actually show the interview footage of the people in Amy’s life, and just focus on the old footage and photos of her life, recordings and shows, takes the audience right into the memory of Winehouse, like a virtual diary. By hearing Amy speaking and singing, we can hear mostly her side of the story and be reminded of how much of an effect her songs and persona were on pop culture. For fans of Winehouse or music documentaries, Amy is the one to see this summer. DP

Wednesday | 29 SALSA NIGHT 8 p.m.-12 p.m. $5 House Margaritas every Wednesday night at Brio Tuscany Grille, 24050 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant.com.

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

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

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Making Moves Judi’s DanceFit Studio makes difference for students

BY KATHERINE NOWICKI, DANA POINT TIMES

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assachusetts native Judi Scudder has been involved in fitness most of her life. Scudder began taking ballet lessons as a child and graduated from Hartford Ballet College and worked as a New England Patriots cheerleader for three seasons beginning in 1980. About a year after her college graduation, Scudder started the New Bedford Ballet studio in Massachusetts, which is still operating and now a nonprofit organization. For the last two years, Scudder has been running Judi’s DanceFit Studio in Capistrano Beach.

“Our classes are tailored to older women, sometimes with physical problems,” Scudder said. “They enjoy the music, the experience and they stay much healthier.”

The majority of clientele are female, but Scudder said there are a few daring men who attend classes as well.

“Personally, I’ve noticed that I have more energy now,” said client Cindy Sneathen.

“I’ve started jogging and I notice that I’m not out of breath, and I’ve lost about 25 pounds.”

Sneathen brings a FitBit activity tracker and typically records 5,000 to 6,000 steps per class.

“Dancing is fun anyway, and this increases energy,” added client Dee Mavalvala. “I think any age group can do it.

I’ve had major back surgery and I can do a lot. It’s a great workout.”

Instructor Natalie Brown has been at Judi’s DanceFit for one year and teaching

Judi’s Dance Fit owner Judi Scudder.

Photo: Katherine Nowicki

Dana Point Times July 24-30, 2015

Instructor Alicia Arroyo leads a class.

Photo: Katherine Nowicki

Zumba for four.

“We’re like a family here, which is what I like. We’re concerned about the members and try to please them as best we can,” Brown said. “We try to make it fun.

It’s my everything; it’s our everything.”

“Our sense of community really sets us apart,” Scudder said. “People here get to know and care about each other. Nobody feels like a number.”

Judi’s Dancefit shares space with Club Salsa, which mainly operates in the evenings. In addition to classes offered Monday through Saturday, Judi’s DanceFit offers theme classes such as “I love the 80s” once a month and volunteers hold brunch at the studio the first Friday of every month.

“I have been certified to teach Zumba for five years and teaching it for four, and over the years I’ve seen that it stands the test of time,” Scudder said. “It keeps people coming back.”

Scudder is also interested in aspects of health and fitness not directly related to exercise. In some ways Scudder’s DanceFit is a lifestyle. Every Sunday, she emails clients a list of updates for the week as well as a recipe or other health-related tips.

“I’ve been helping people get fit for a long time,” Scudder said. “I started moving into fitness after I graduated from college and people started asking me for advice. My background is primarily in ballet so it’s second nature to me. There’s a misconception that exercise is all or nothing and it’s really not. I want to block out that myth. You don’t have to run six miles every day to be healthy. Every bit of consistent exercise makes a difference.”

Clients are appreciative of the studio’s efforts.

“This class is just wonderful for women our age,” said client Karen Grigg. “It means so much to all of us.”

“People keep coming in here and telling me we’re the best keep secret,” Scudder said. “I don’t want to be a secret anymore.”

Judi’s DanceFit Studio, located at 34202 Camino Capistrano in Capistrano Beach, is open Monday through Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For a complete list of weekly classes, call 714.717.7187 or visit www.judisdancefit.com. DP

Italian athlete Graziano Carrozzo, 50, declares his love for competing alongside Italian officer Stefano Lucarelli.

Photo: Jacob Onofrio

Torch Run Makes Way through Dana Point

BY JACOB ONOFRIO, DANA POINT TIMES

S

unday morning, four teams of law enforcement officers from all over the world took part in the Dana Point leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, a grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle dedicated to raising awareness for the Special Olympics and World Summer Games.

Each team of officers was led by one Special Olympics competitor as they made their way from the Dana Point Community Center to Doheny State Beach Park where a ceremony was held to honor the athletes. A crowd of spectators gathered in support of the runners and Mayor Carlos Olvera presented a special city award

to Graziano Carrozzo, a 50-year-old Special Olympics competitor from Italy.

“The power of sports is just amazing,” Team Captain John Newnan said. “These are amazing individuals who have many gifts and talents that, prior to involvement with Special Olympics, often times go unrecognized. This gives (the athletes) the opportunity to build a lot of skills they wouldn’t have otherwise.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg will make various scheduled stops in both Orange and Los Angeles counties and conclude with a final stop in Santa Monica on July 24.

For more information about the organization, teams, and athletes visit letrfinalleg.org. DP

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

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

Page 8

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

www.danapointtimes.com

Home improvements, inside and out, can be daunting.

We are here to change that. Right in our backyard, are a pool of experts who can make home transformations—both small and large—a simple, enjoyable task with a big impact. Throughout the pages of our inaugural Inside/Outside issue you’ll find tips directly from local know-it-alls in landscape architecture, interior design, general contracting and more, who have shared their in-the-field experiences and expertise to help you refine your personal spaces.

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or a wanting-a-changer, our latest special project has tools for you to tackle tasks around the home to make your dream space a reality.

Home Improvement Made Simple // 3 Quick Do-it-yourself Projects to Liven Up Your Space 2 When it comes to freshening up a home, small changes can have a big impact. You don’t have to break the back either. Are you ready to revolutionize your bedroom? Or give your front porch a surgical-free facelift? Here are a few simple weekend projects that can provide the breath of fresh air your space needs.

Adding color to a room, be it with curtains, pillows or rugs, is a great way to lighten it up. You don’t have to commit to a painted focal wall. Instead play with various textures and shades of the color palette. Accent pillows can add a nice pop to your couch during the spring and in a guest bedroom come fall.

Nothing has to be permanent. Search for versatile pieces you can use around the house.

Sometimes making an exterior change can provide inspiration for revamping the rest of your home. Start by creating a warm and welcoming feel to your entrance. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint, switch out the door’s hardware and clean up the light fixtures. Even upgrading your house numbers can make a difference. Have some fun with it and pull in color by adding potted flowers and succulents.

Holes in the wall can be patched up and painted over—so, don’t be afraid to switch up your artwork and photo galleries. Incorporate varying frames, of different shapes, sizes and color. Remember, you create the rules. Blend personal photographs with a flea-market find, mass-produced print and your child’s latest artwork. Then, switch it up every so often by changing out pieces and pics. This is your gallery, curate.

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3

Flow from Inside Out

STYLE-SPIRTATION FOR CREATING THE IDEAL INDOOR, OUTDOOR SPACE Indoor-outdoor spaces provide the perfect opportunity to extend your living space. To help us find the ideal balance between style and comfort, from inside to out, we recruited San Clemente-based home and lifestyle designer Paula Oblen, who opened her house to share her design philosophy—one that seamlessly incorporates boutique-hotel inspired elements with the personal touches of home.

BY PAULA OBLEN, HOTELEMENTS PHOTOS BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS

DESIGN TIP Be true to your style. Toss rules aside. Mixing together styles you love is what makes the space

feel personal. Let your individual style lead your design style—if you love bohemian and modern, like I do, sprinkle in a bit of both.

When designing a space, think about creating an experience. Take a step back, throw out the rules and embrace a carefree, playful and comfortable approach to design.

Believe me. This casual vibe will shine through, creating a space both you and your guests will love to live in.

People don’t live in model homes. The perfect compliment is when a guest wants to remove their shoes and sink into your home. When it happens, you’ll know you’ve achieved the ultimate space.

DESIGN TIP Get creative with plants. Whether

succulents or colorful perennials, add life to your space with plants. Think about varying heights to add depth and interest to a space.

Simple plant or succulent cuttings from your yard make the space feel effortlessly put together.

DESIGN TIP Illumination is essential. Lighting is

key to creating the perfect ambience in any indoor-outdoor space. Incorporate candles. A simple votive can work wonders in a metal hurricane or glass cylinder. Use simple lighting to accentuate elements you want to bring attention to like plants, architectural elements, pathways or pools.

DESIGN TIP Do the unexpected. Bring design el-

ements you love inside … outside.

Infuse texture with throws, pillows, trays, objects and elements. Outdoor pillows are a great way to add color and comfort and our awesome California weather affords us the opportunity to throw a few indoor pillows outside.

DESIGN TIP Create a seamless transition. A well-de-

signed outdoor space should feel like an extension of your home. Think about how the space will flow. French doors create a clear and unobstructed view.

With the addition of textured, sheer drapery that catches the breeze, open doors add a light, airy feel to the room.

DESIGN TIP Create a neutral furniture foundation.

Look for a neutral outdoor furniture collection with deep setting. Modular pieces are versatile and can be easily rearranged to mix things up.

For the past 20 years, Paula Oblen has expressed her passion for style and design through residential projects drawing inspiration from boutique hotel spaces. Often finding herself gazing around a lobby or guest room, she would ask: How can I bring this feeling home? That question combined with notes scribbled on a cocktail napkin ultimately fueled the idea for Hotelements. Hotelements, 1001 Avenida Pico, Suite. C-219, San Clemente, 949.697.3944, www.hotelement.com.

iStockphoto.com

Avoid Construction Pitfalls // Take the Chaos Out of Your Next Home Improvement

BY NOLAN HARRIS, RIVERIA CONSTRUCTION

You interviewed contractors for a home improvement project, collected bids, signed the contract and paid a deposit—now comes the easy part. Think again.

From the customers, family and friends I talk to about home improvement, I find a large number have had a bad experience with the construction process or their contractor. Why is this? I believe there are three things that lead to homeowner headaches and put a strain on the customer-contractor relationship: a poorly defined scope of work, lack of a realistic or detailed construction schedule and an unexpected amount of customer involvement in the process.

Not to worry. There are easy ways to make the construction process simpler.

Go beyond the price.

When collecting bids we are all tempted by the lowest price. Look for a detailed proposal that includes all items you expect the contractor to provide. If something appears to be missing, ask. A good contractor will know and identify potential areas where extra work may be needed.

Let’s say you want to remove a window and install a set of doors. Did the contractor include the cost of rerouting electrical wiring around the door? Is the interior trim included? How about paint?

Where costs addressed for protecting your hardwood floors?

Small projects come with simpler price tags.

On large projects a contractor should be able to provide a rough estimate to help with your budgeting. Once you have selected a contractor, it is fair to expect the exact scope of work to be defined with associated pricing. Accurate job costing takes a lot of time—for an average size addition that could be well over 40 hours for the contractor.

Most contractors I know are good people, but we tend to be overly optimistic when it comes a project’s timing. Before construction, ask for a schedule. For the

window-to-door project, that could be a verbal confirmation of the door’s arrival or when demo, stucco and drywall could be completed.

On a larger project, such as a kitchen remodel or an addition, a written construction schedule is critical. This helps the homeowner know when decisions need to be made, when materials provided by the owner need to be on the job and when to schedule that end of project party.

Home projects take time.

Schedule time during the day when work is being performed to look over the project. Get to know the people working on your home. Expect weekly meetings with the contractor. The investment of your time is equally important as the investment of money to get the results you want.

In order to ensure a successful project, take the time to come up with a solid plan. Then, take that plan and follow it—it’ll help you avoid the surprises and chaos that remodeling can bring.

Nolan Harris settled in San Clemente 14 years ago and began Riviera Construction, a general contracting company specializing in residential remodels and outdoor living spaces. Nolan enjoys surfing with his family and watching his boys play soccer.

127 Avenida Aragon, San Clemente, 949.412.5325, www.rivieraconstruction.com.

Owners of this contemporary San Clemente beach home reached out to Paradise Design, Inc. to give the home some needed curb appeal.

Designers removed the traditional lawn and got creative with the yard’s tight constraints. Large steel planter boxes and ceramic pots were installed to create a formal entry and an at-grade drip system was put in to maintain the low-water needing ground coverage.

EcoScapes: Designing for Our Future

CONSUME LESS, CONSERVE MORE WATER WITH A SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE The installation of low to no water landscapes isn’t a new practice.

But recently, here in the severely drought-punished region of Southern California, residents and municipalities are turning away from lawns and tropical landscapes and embracing ones closely tailored to the state’s desert environment. Whatever we choose to call it—xeriscape, water-conserving, drought-tolerant or sustainable—low water yards are trending.

We talked to Don Kansteiner, a landscape designer with the San Clementebased Paradise Designs Inc. to get insight on sustainable landscaping and water-saving measures in the yard.

What is sustainable landscaping? What can be done to make a yard sustainable?

As a landscape designer, I too have

been behind as far a sustainable landscapes go. Being open minded is the first step in the application or transition to sustainable landscapes. It is a practice that has been in place pretty much forever, but was lost in the throes of new, new, new and new.

In terms of residential landscapes, there are many improvements that can be made to create a sustainable yard: the use of permeable materials, native or adaptable plant installation, improvement of soil conditions, rain water capture and reuse, material sourcing from local suppliers, reuse of recycled materials, use of small turf areas and irrigation system improvements.

Did you know using native plants improves insect and bird cultures? Throw away your hedge trimmers. Design and allow plants to grow into their full cycles. This creates healthier plants and contributes to the other life cycles that depend on plants.

How can sustainable elements be incorporated without an entire landscape overhaul?

Hot topics now are turf and irrigation.

Irrigation can be improved to reduce water loss and increase water efficiency with better application and management. This can be done with sub surface and drip systems, or by using matched precipitation nozzles on existing systems.

The use of native grasses, or low-water use ground covers can reduce maintenance and its related impact—fuel and chemicals—and can provide a new look that actually changes with the seasons.

Synthetic turf has its place, but I am struggling a bit with its long range impact. As a comparative, I am using less and less plastic bags and bottles every day.

With our state’s water crisis, how can outdoor water usage be trimmed immediately?

A quick example: I live in an older home where it takes almost 3 gallons of water to get hot water to the shower. I now put a bucket in the shower, capture that water and use it in my courtyard planters, herb pots and curbside planter. By doing this two times a day, I will save 2,100 gallons over a year and repurpose it to the garden.

In most cases, an irrigation audit and

system review with recommended improvements by a landscape contractor is a great place to start finding the “leaks” in your garden.

Are there long-term measures that can be taken in the yard to conserve this natural resource?

There are too many to mention and more are being discovered and created.

It all starts with a design that includes the practice of sustainable landscape right from the beginning. This takes an open mind and a new way of looking at the landscape for a lot of us.

We do live in a desert here in Southern California, and the yards are not all large, but the impact is huge by the sheer numbers of houses. I love the “Think Globally, Act Locally” slogan when it comes to sustainable landscapes.

Who knows, we might even help the bees and the butterflies.

Don Kansteiner designs landscapes for Paradise Designs—a full-service landscape design, construction and maintenance company owned by brothers Tom and Jeff Garton. Started in a Dana Point garage 25 years ago, Tom and Jeff built Paradise on family. They’ve since shaped a team of designers, project coordinators and crew members who create their clients’ paradise. Paradise Design, Inc. 1395 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente, 949.498.2155, www.paradisedesigns-inc.com.

Give Waste New Life // Skip the Landfill and Recycle Construction Debris When taking on a large home project, be it landscaping or remodeling a kitchen, it is vital to consider where materials come from and where they go. Recycling what you can both inside and out has its benefits—it means less waste, lowered costs and more diversion from area landfills.

When demolishing a wall, kitchen or entire house you’ll likely find local requirements to divert recyclable construction and demolition debris from county landfills. Such waste, according to a 2008 waste characterization study, makes up 29 percent of California’s waste stream. All south Orange County cities have ordinances on the books to keep recyclable

materials out of the trash.

Contractors and homeowners completing a residential project in Dana Point of more than 150 square feet must obtain a permit and haul at least 75 percent of construction waste to a recycling facility. San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano also have a permitting process but only require at least 50 percent of waste to be recycled at city-certified facilities.

Tearing out a kitchen? Appliances, drywall, flooring and wood can be transported to the Prima Deshecha Material Recovery Facility. Redoing the roof or giving the front yard a facelift? Tierra Verde Industries will take your landscaping materials,

lumber and wood shingles.

Heavier materials such as asphalt, concrete and rock can be recycled at Greenstone Materials, Inc. where 100 percent of disposed materials are crushed, tweaked, scalped, screened and recycled for a new life and purpose. These recycled products become a top choice for materials to be used underneath structures, pavement, concrete, paving stones and even landscape bedding.

Before embarking on that next house overhaul, look into ways to reduce the project’s footprint by salvaging debris and utilizing recycled materials when possible.—Andrea Papagianis

Greenstone Materials, Inc. in San Juan Capistrano recycles asphalt, concrete and rock and gives it new life for home, road and landscaping projects.

Courtesy photo

Pipe Problems // Answers Straight from the Plumbing Expert Dripping faucets, clogged drains, running toilets and water leaks are unavoidable.

At some point in time, we all encounter plumbing problems.

To answer a few questions about do-it-yourself fixes and preventing costly pipe issues, we asked Clay Robinson, a technician at Chick’s Plumbing.

Here’s what he had to say.

How can a homeowner prevent costly plumbing repairs?

Have your home inspected once a year by a licensed plumber and stay on top of any plumbing problems that are brought up. Have preventative maintenance done to anything that may

need it—area drains, mainlines, water filtration systems, filter changes, etc.

Are there do-it-yourself or quick fixes for dripping faucets, low-water pressure, running toilets, and clogged/slow drains?

For faucets, replace cartridges and stems once a year. There really are no quick fixes though. To maintain good water pressure, clear aerators that are typically found at the tip of faucets. When it comes to running toilets, dye test them. Put food coloring in the tank. If you see the color in the toilet bowl after about 5 to 10 minutes, the flapper and/ or fill valve may need to be replaced. If the toilet is 10 years or older, you should replace it. To prevent clogged and slow drains, set up a maintenance program with a plumber that you trust for them to come out every 4 to 6 months to snake and/or jet your line.

Clay Robinson

When problems arise, when is it time to call a professional?

Anytime you see or hear water running when all the fixtures are off, call a plumber. If you feel warmth coming out of your floor, and you don’t have a radiant heating system, then you should call a plumber.

Chick’s Plumbing has provided quick, reliable and quality service to south Orange County residents and businesses for more than 35 years. From 24/7 emergency repairs to kitchen and bathroom remodels, Chick’s technicians are fully equipped to handle every plumbing need. Chick’s Plumbing, 34172 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach, 949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com.

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LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

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34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

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DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

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34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

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Crystal Clyde Intuitive Bodywork

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Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

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32840 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. E, 949.584.2462, www.crystalclyde.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

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34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

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24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PET GROOMING

Dawgy Style Groom Shop

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

PLUMBING

Chick’s Plumbing

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

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Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE 7-PIECE OUTDOOR DINING SET Glass table top; sling style chairs w outdoor durable fabric- excellent condition; $250 OBO; call 949-533-1655 if interested (Laguna Niguel)

HELP WANTED LINE COOK Responsibilities include: Prepare menu items in accordance to set standards. Ensure cleanliness of kitchen, coolors and storage. Basic cooking skills. Food handler certification. Apply in person. Tijeras Creek Golf Club, 29082 Tijeras Creek, Rancho Santa Margarita.

WEEKEND HOUSEKEEPER Las responsabilidades incluyen: servicios de limpieza, baños, pisos de casa club, trapear, aspirar... ventanas, basura. Sábado y domingo 7:00-3:30 aplique en persona. Apply in person. Tijeras Creek Golf Club, 29082 Tijeras Creek, Rancho Santa Margarita.

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Scoreboard DANA POINT TIMES

WATER POLO The Orange County Water Polo Club’s boys 14U team recently qualified for the 2015 National Junior Olympics, which will take place in Orange County from July 25 to Aug.2.

The Dana Point-based club joins 95 other teams from across the country vying for the top spot. The tournament’s finals will take place at the Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine.

The team includes: Tommy Kennedy, Preston Sanders, Ty Matson, Adam Engelke, Aiden Sullivan, Ryan Farrier, Will Clark, Colton Gregory, Cole Borlin, James Stanton, Alex Lunt and Kai Cameron. The team is coached by Justin Kroeze.

BASKETBALL The San Juan Capistrano-based USA 80 senior basketball team successfully defended their national championship at the 2015 National Senior Games in Minneapolis on July 15. The team, which draws players from around Orange County, is made up athletes who are all over the age of 80.

The USA 80 team sent six players to the competition to compete in a 3-on-3 round robin tournament. In pool play, the USA 80 squad lost to a team from Texas twice, which earned them a lower seed in the knockout rounds.

The San Juan team eventually squared off against the team from Texas again, but were able to flip the script and leave with a two-point victory. In the championship match, the two teams met for a fourth and final time and USA 80 pulled off a 12-point victory for the championship.

“We’re very humbled to be able to do this and have the support of the community and each other,” team player-manager Bob Messersmith said.

The USA 80 senior men’s basketball team won the gold medal at the 2015 National Senior Games in Minneapolis on July 15. Photo: Courtesy

Messersmith said the team plans on fielding another group for the 2017 National Senior Games, when they will be playing in the bracket for people 85-yearsold and up.

VOLLEYBALL The 949 Volleyball Club had a successful run at USA Volleyball’s Boys Junior National Championships in Columbus, Ohio June 28 to July 5.

The local club sent three teams to the tournament and all three earned medals.

The boys 15U team defeated a team from Puerto Rico in the finals to claim the gold medal in the open division. The 15U team went a perfect 11-0 at the tournament, defeating Huntington Beach and Manhattan Beach in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

The club’s 17 Black team placed third in their open division and the 17 White team won gold in the club division.

The 15U gold medal-winning team includes: Nathan Bowman, Brandon Browning, Sam Burgi, David Chou, Kevin Kobrine, Andrew McSweeney, Patrick Paragas, Diego Perez, Patrick Vorenkamp, Ian Warner, Griffin Webb and Patrick Wynn. The team is coached by Kari Pestolesi and McKay Smith.

Browning, Kobrine and McSweeney were named to the all-tournament team.

Paragas, a setter from Corona Del Mar High School, was named the tournament MVP.

The OC Water Polo Club’s boys 14U team will compete in the National Junior Olympics later this month. Photo: Courtesy

Dana Point Times July 24-30, 2015

Page 12

San Clemente Ocean Festival Results DANA POINT TIMES

T

he 2015 edition of the San Clemente Ocean Festival was definitely a unique one, with many of the annual water festival’s first-day events cancelled and re-scheduled to take place July 19 due to weather. Nevertheless, many of the area’s top lifeguards, swimmers, surf groms and stand-up paddleboarders flocked to the beach just north of the San Clemente Pier to take part in the annual competition.

Here is a breakdown of the top finishers from several of the event’s larger competitions, separated by age and gender. For full results, visit www.oceanfestival.org.

ONE-MILE OCEAN SWIM Top Men’s Division: 1. Yann De Fabrique 2.

Shane Asbury 3. Hanno Rosner and Kaikea Wilinski Top Women’s Division: 1. Isabella

Siering 2. Nerice Smith 3. Kailey Makuta SPORT OF KINGS Men’s Division: 1. Giorgio Gomez 2. Dave Boehne 3. Jeramie Vaine Women’s Division: 1. Shae Foudy 2. Alex Higginson 3. Lexi Alston RESCUE RELAY Co-ed Division: 1. Christina Boring/Unknown 2. Danika Thompson/Ian Kos 3. Jeffrey Kennedy/Sara Kennedy Men’s Division: 1. Guy Kinsey/Zachary Richter 2. Shane Asbury/Joel Simondson 3. Patrick Jacobson/Hayden Hemmens Women’s Division: 1. Carter Graves/Tracy Didinger 2. Laurel Kistler/Jenna Solberg 3. Nerice Smith/Kira Kinsey DORY RACE #1 1. James Bray/Dane DeBoer 2. Mitch Kahn/ Rob Pelkey 3. Chris Coy/Camden Holden DP

San Clemente Ocean Festival contestants navigate the surf during a paddleboard competition. Photo: Eric Heinz

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Groms Make Statement

GROMS RULE WINNERS Boys 10U: 1. Dane Matson, 2. Ryder Fish, 3. Cannon Montoya, 4. Azure Trujillo, 5. Nate Pierce, 6. Kai Cassano Boys 11-14: 1. Hagan Johnson, 2. Luca Aza, 3. Max Beach, 4. Elijah Tomlinson, 5. Hayden Millerick, 6. Kai Burleson Girls 12U: 1. Alaina Heater, 2. Emily Racine, 3. Makenna Doan, 4. Savannah Batchelor, 5. Reese Hartnett, 6. Julia Guild Girls 13-17: 1. Bethany Zelasko, 2. Alaina Heater, 3.

Chloe Bedford

Tough conditions lead to powerful surfing

BY JIM SHILANDER, DANA POINT TIMES

D

espite rain and high surf, plenty of young surfers made their way to the San Clemente Pier for the annual Groms Rule surf contest.

Organizer Jack Sutter said the conditions, while challenging, were perfect for the event. There was also the expansion of the field, allowing more young women, up to 17 years old, to be a part of the event.

Groms of all ages braved challenging conditions Sunday at the San Clemente Pier. Photo: Eric Heinz

“The kids found it a challenge and just hit it,” Sutter said. “It went quite well.

Everyone was really happy.”

The bigger surf was especially perfect for younger surfers who were pushed out by their parents, Sutter said. Although, there was one case where the surf may

have been too much of a good thing.

One young surfer, Jett Rocket Prefontaine, got pushed into a 6-foot bomb, Sutter said, leading to a wipe out where Jett’s board hit him in the head. He was taken to the hospital for to have the wound closed and then came back to the beach to let people know he was OK. Sutter gave him a special award for the toughness he displayed. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 69-72 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 4-7’Poor-Fair Friday: More SSE swell shows Friday, for knee-waist high surf, (2-3’). Light/variable early morning winds trend light to moderate onshore from the WSW/W in the afternoons.

Outlook: SSE swell peaks for the weekend with thigh-chest high surf, (2-3’+). Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

OF THE WEEK Local Surfers Get Familiar GROM GUS DAY Feeling From Shark Video G

Viral video from J-Bay event makes mark

BY JIM SHILANDER, DANA POINT TIMES

L

ast Sunday’s events in South Africa, the ominous appearance of a great white shark behind Mick Fanning during the J Bay Open finals became a sensation throughout the world. But it hit home for area pros like the Gudauskus family, not just because they know Fanning well, but also because it was something they knew could happen any time.

“It’s always on your mind when you’re out there but it was amazing to see it unfold in real time,” Patrick Gudauskas said.

“We were awestruck.”

Gudauskus said he and his brothers have had close encounters in the past with sharks but never as close as what Fanning went through.

“We were super surprised, but it really hit home,” he said.

Mick Fanning Of Australia is attacked by a shark during the Final of the JBay Open on Sunday July 19, 2015. Photo: Screengrab © WSL

Gudauskus said the family had sent out a message of support to Fanning, whose been doing plenty of interviews about his encounter, along with fellow finalist Julian Wilson. He expects he’ll catch up with both of them at the upcoming US Open in Huntington Beach, where he and brother Tanner will be competing. DP

us Day, 14, of San Clemente, claimed his third victory in as many years at the Call to the Wall Longboard Coalition club contest, July 18 and 19 in Malibu.

His wins in the previous two years were in the U14 Grom Boys Longboard division. This year, Gus won the Jr. Men 14-17 division, as well as placing runner-up in Jr. Shortboard U15.

As a member of the Windansea Surf Club, and a top points earner, Gus made a great contribution to his team’s overall contest win.

“The waves were at about 2 feet, good for longboarding, and I had a few friends—like Kai Takayama and Barrett Miller—I was surfing against, so it was really fun,” Gus said. “They were surfing really well and getting good waves so I just tried to get the best waves I could and the longest nose rides possible.”

In the semis, Gus caught a bomb set for a perfect 10-point ride, catapulting him into the podium round.

“I was super stoked to make it to the finals,” he said. “I just tried to surf it like when I’m free surfing and have fun with it.”

An independent study student, Gus is

Gus Day. Photo: Courtesy

looking forward to starting the ninth grade in the fall and continuing to improve his grades.

His other interests include playing guitar and drums and making music as a member of a band called After School Special with a group of friends. The band has played a few gigs at friends’ parties and will be performing at Catalyst Surf Shop on El Camino Real Thursday as part of a movie premier event there.

“I want to thank my sponsors Quiksilver, Electric, Lost Surfboards, Blackline, Sea7 Technology, my parents and my brother Gunner for their support,” Gus said, “And I want to give a shout out to the Gudauskas brothers, the Positive Vibe Warriors.”

—Andrea Swayne