August 21, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

August 21-27, 2015

YO U

C A N

U S E

IlluminOcean Light Show Cancelation Could Bring Litigation PAGE 4 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 34

2015 Dolphins Football Preview

Dana Hills football team enters new season with new look, new head coach S P E C I A L P U L LO U T

Junior Charlie Bortnick (right) and the Dana Hills High School football team regroups for the 2015 season and a run through the South Coast League.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

San Juan Capistrano Skatepark Location Approved EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Dana Point Recreation League Roundup SPORTS/PAGE 22

www.danapointtimes.com

Gud Vibes: Local Pro Surfers Form Foundation to Support Youth DP SURF/PAGE 26

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DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

In September, there will be some filling work for the bridge abutments and pile driving work during the daytime, Zlotnik said.

Zlotnik said there aren’t any lane reductions on Pico or on the freeway during the day and that the 54-hour closures would be overnight.

“To undertake a project of this scope and scale and be able to do it without any regular lane closures is a pretty significant undertaking,” Zlotnik said. “It’s an inconvenience sometimes, but we have to keep the bigger picture in mind.”—Eric Heinz

Five things Dana Point should know this week San Juan Capistrano Skatepark Site Approved THE LATEST: For years, skateboarders in the cities of San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point have longed for their own place to skate, and on Tuesday night that dream moved much closer to becoming reality.

The San Juan Capistrano City Council voted unanimously at its Aug. 11 meeting to approve a site for a 20,000-square-foot skatepark at 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.

While movements for a skatepark in both San Juan and Dana Point initially began just short of a decade ago, over the last several months a group called Capistrano Grind has been working tirelessly with San Juan nonprofit Great Opportunities to increase outreach, host a design workshop and present options for a San Juan skatepark to the city’s Youth Advisory Board and Parks, Recreation, Senior and Youth Services Commission. On July 20, the latter commission approved the group’s proposal for the skatepark, so long as it would not interfere with the park’s current sports fields.

Dana Point resident Brandon Phillips, founder of the “Skatepark of Dana Point” group, attended Tuesday night’s meeting in San Juan. He urged the council to invest in the area’s youth by approving the park’s location while maximizing “usage, safety and the financial income” of the park.

Phillips, who has worked in the skate industry and is currently a surf and skateboard coach, said in an interview that Dana Point officials “realize the need” for a skatepark but are “very unwilling to open up property” in Dana Point. Over the years, Phillips said he’s seen the youth of Dana Point “so let down by the city that they stopped writing letters and showing up to City Council meetings.” He believes the skaters in Dana Point will be “ecstatic” about the next step for the San Juan park.

WHAT’S NEXT: Capistrano Grind has secured financial backing from local sponsors and is applying to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The latest sponsor to join the group is San Clemente’s Sheckler Foundation, founded by pro skater Ryan Sheckler.

In order to reach their $1 million goal to Dana Point Times August 21-27, 2015

Civic Association Coffee Chat Returns in September

Residents, organizers and skaters applaud the unanimous decision of the San Juan Capistrano City Council on Tuesday to approve the skatepark location at the northwest end of the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

design and construct the park, Capistrano Grind organizer Nathan Banda said they’ll apply for a private grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation, create an online Indiegogo fundraising campaign and ask for in-kind donations, in addition to other fundraising events.

While the city of Dana Point has previously shown some interest in the project, Banda told San Juan city officials in July that the group will raise the money “with or without Dana Point.” In an interview Thursday, Dana Point City Manager Doug Chotkevys said city officials have not committed to contributing financially to the skatepark because they have not yet been approached by the city of San Juan Capistrano.

For more information, follow Capistrano Grind Skate Park on Facebook, visit www.capistranogrindskatepark.org or call 949.545.8860.—Allison Jarrell

Coffee with the Chief Set for Aug. 25 THE LATEST: Dana Point Chief of Police Lt. Russ Chilton has scheduled his next “Coffee with the Chief” for Aug. 25, as part of the ongoing coffee klatch meetings he committed to earlier this summer in response to concerns about law enforcement in the area.

The informal meetings, held in the heart of the Doheny Village area of Capistrano Beach, are meant to help residents and business owners connect with him and his deputies, ask questions and brainstorm solutions, he said.

Coffee with the Chief is free to attend, open to the public and will kick off at 9 a.m. at Doughnut World, 34130 Doheny Park Road in Capistrano Beach.

WHAT’S NEXT: Chilton said he is working on pinning down a regular schedule for these meetings, in order to provide better continuity and therefore, higher attendance.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned for more information regarding a set schedule for Coffee with the Chief.—Andrea Swayne

Overnight Work on Interstate 5 Continues THE LATEST: Road work on Interstate 5 has caused some congested late-night traffic between San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente in the last few weeks, most of which has been brought on by concrete slab replacements in the San Clemente area between Vista Hermosa and Camino De Estrella, Joel Zlotnik, an Orange County Transportation Authority spokesperson, said.

“If you were to drive the freeway between Vista Hermosa and Camino de Estrella you would notice some new concrete,” Zlotnik said. “For crews to do that safely, they need to bring the freeway down to one lane.”

Most of the construction takes place between 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m., according to the closure times on the OCTA website. Zlotnik said the goal is to finish the current portion of the highway project by Friday.

WHAT’S NEXT: Zlotnik said people can expect to encounter the typical construction that’s taken place since the beginning of the I-5 expansion in the area. The on- and off-ramps to Avenida Pico could experience some 54-hour closures in order to speed the construction process.

Page 3

THE LATEST: After going dark in August, the Dana Point Civic Association’s Third Friday Coffee Chats will resume on Friday, Sept. 18, featuring guest speaker Assemblyman Bill Brough.

The chat will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the outdoor seating area at The Coffee Importers, 34531 Golden Lantern in the Dana Point Harbor.

WHAT’S NEXT: Coffee Chats are regularly held on the third Friday of each month.

Guest speakers and discussion topics vary to include issues and items of interest to Dana Point residents. The event is always free and open to the public. Complimentary coffee is served, courtesy of The Coffee Importers.

The guest speaker for the Oct. 16 chat will be Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett.—AS

Camp Pendleton Fire Contained THE LATEST: A vegetation fire that started 1 p.m. Aug. 13 at Camp Pendleton about two miles south of San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station on the east side of Interstate 5 was reported under control by Monday, according to the United States Marine Corps Public Affairs Office.

The fire burned more than 1,800 acres of vegetation in the hills near the highway off Horno Canyon Road.

No people were injured and the fire posed no threat to buildings, Media Chief Sgt. Christopher Duncan said.

Duncan said this was the fourth wildland fire the base has experienced in a little more than one month. The biggest fire before last week’s was no greater than 800 acres in that time.

Both Camp Pendleton Fire Department and the Orange County Fire Authority responded to the fire.

WHAT’S NEXT: At this time, the cause of the fire is undetermined, Duncan said.

—EH www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Lights Out IlluminOcean holiday light show cancelation continues to draw criticism, possible litigation with show contractor impending

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

F

ollowing last week’s confirmation of the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) decision to cancel this year’s IlluminOcean holiday light show at the Dana Point Harbor, residents and members of the local business community continue to protest, urging the city to somehow reverse the decision.

Initial reaction by the community and representatives of area business organizations—the Dana Point Harbor Merchants Association and Dana Point Chamber of Commerce—was based on allegations the TBID canceled the event because it did not directly profit them by filling their hotel rooms long-term.

The belief was fueled when comments to that effect attributed to Matt McNally of Agency|51 Advertising, the TBID’s public relations and advertising agency representative, were published last week in the Orange County Register.

Attempts to reach McNally this week have gone unanswered and TBID members—general managers of the city’s four largest hotels—have declined to comment at this time.

IlluminOcean, promoted with the slogans “40 Nights of Holiday Lights,” and “See the lights. Explore the sights. This year and every year, only at Dana Point IlluminOcean,” brought an estimated 250,000 visitors during its run at the Dana Point Harbor from Thanksgiving through the New Year, a boon to local businesses and also drawing wide praise from residents and visitors.

The City Council voted to approve the creation of the TBID—a public/ private partnership—with members, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach—in 2009 as a means to collect a $3-per-night, self-assessed fee from hotel customers to be used for branding and promoting the city as a destination.

Historically, most cities earmarked a percentage of Transient Occupancy Taxes, or TOTs, to be used for marketing via a visitors’ bureau or similar program. Over the last decade, with the economic downturn, cities began increasingly keeping all of their TOTs and TBIDs came into existence as a means for funding destination marketing. Cities collect the fees and hold the funds, the Dana Point Times August 21-27, 2015

This IlluminOcean display was situated at the corner of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive during last year’s 40-day holiday light display at the Harbor. The event has been canceled for the upcoming holiday season. Photo: Nathan Wright

TBID creates marketing plans and the awarding of big contracts must win City Council approval.

Although neither the TBID nor the city have yet to officially comment on the reasons behind the decision to discontinue the event, the most recent mention of IlluminOcean on a City Council agenda came during the closed session portion of the July 21 meeting, seemingly indicating there’s more to the story. On that agenda, the matter was listed as “Conference with legal counsel—initiation of litigation” for a claim against Utopia regarding IlluminOcean.

Utopia was the company contracted by the TBID to put on the $1 million light show last year which included more than 22 large-scale ocean-inspired lighted sculptures, 23 miles of LED light strands and offered free attendance to the public.

When asked if there is any correlation between the item’s appearance on the agenda and the decision to cancel the event, and whether one could assume the city and/or the TBID was unhappy with the services rendered by Utopia at last year’s inaugural holiday light show, City Manager Doug Chotkevys answered thusly: “I think there is a very good correlation but I can’t go into the specifics due to the impending litigation and the city and TBID’s concerns about Utopia not performing as was expected and promised in the agreement between all parties last year,” he said.

When presented to City Council, the first year included an initial investment of Page 4

$1 million for reusable lighting sculptures with the intent of expanding by adding new features each successive year.

“With the lighting sculptures not being able to be reused, I understand it would be a huge investment—I’ve heard $600,000 to $1 million—to basically start over from scratch,” said Heather Johnston, Chamber of Commerce executive director. “I believe the city really tried to save it, even utilizing a third-party to look at whether the displays could be salvaged. I understand that, but we’re sorry to see the event won’t be coming back. It created such a buzz and I know some local hotels have already begun booking tour groups to come and see it. It was fantastic for Dana Point businesses.”

Based on last year’s success, from the public and business communities’ point of view, Johnston said IlluminOcean was just the kind of signature event the city needed as a part of any TBID’s long-term marketing efforts to promote a city as a destination.

“They invested the first year in hopes that it would be something to rebuild on for years to come,” she said. “And since it’s not, that money should go a long way toward marketing Dana Point as a destination—on programs that would benefit the city as a whole, year-round.

For businesses just eking by, IlluminOcean was like a bright light at the end of the tunnel.”

Jim Miller, president of the Dana Point Harbor Merchants Association and owner of The Coffee Importers at the Harbor,

likened the decision to taking one step forward and two steps back.

“I support the TBID and think TBID is an important part of what we do here in the city, I just feel like they short changed us, despite other things they’ve done.

They made a commitment with IlluminOcean as an ongoing attraction and they reneged on it,” Miller said.

Miller acknowledged the problem of money due to the revelation that last year’s displays are essentially unusable but still believes the show should go on.

“Every time you start a new event there will be problems, Miller said. Whatever happened behind the scenes should be secondary. The public loved it. If the TBID thought it wasn’t a five-star event, well the public thought it was 10-star and that should be what counts. In my book it hit a home run, so why was it not a good business decision to move forward with it? If you really believe in what you’re doing, you have to stick with it and make it work.”

The decision, he feels, makes it seem as if the TBID wasn’t really committed to making the event an ongoing effort in the first place.

“Let’s say I want to build this $1 million gazebo at my hotel and it’s going to be the best gazebo ever. And then the contractor doesn’t build it correctly, the roof is crooked or whatever, I wouldn’t trash the whole gazebo. I’d fix it and make it right,” Miller said. “Continuing the show was a bad business decision for whom? It will affect the city in a big way.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY JACOB ONOFRIO

Sailboat Racer Sue Senescu to Lecture at Aventura Sailing As part of the upcoming Women’s Sailing Association -Orange County’s next general meeting set for 7 p.m. on Sept. 1 at Aventura Sailing Association, local sailboat racer, Sue Senescu will present a discussion titled, “Why Race?: Racing 101.”

Senescu is well-known throughout Southern California and beyond as an avid racer and owner of a Class 40, Yippie Kai Yay, which was custom built for offshore racing in the Pacific.

She will talk about why sailors make the leap from cruising to racing, the science of racing, and the teamwork and trust that comes from working together as a crew. She will share some ideas on how to plug into the local racing community and teach the basics of what it takes to enter the world of racing. This will be a great opportunity for those who’ve never raced but always wanted to, as well as for seasoned racers to learn what it takes to be on a winning boat.

WSA-OC is currently recruiting and training a race team to compete in local regattas throughout Southern California. This will be a great meeting to attend for those interested in learning more about the team.

WSA-OC membership is open to both women and men and the public is invited to attend as prospective members.

Aventura Sailing Association is located at 24707 Dana Drive in Dana Point Harbor.

For more information, visit www.wsaoc. org or www.facebook.com/wsaoc or email info@wsaoc.org.

I’m a Shoe Angel Presents Cruise 4 Shoes I’m a Shoe Angel Inc. will host their first annual Cruise 4 Shoes on Friday, Aug. 28 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., to raise money to provide shoes to kids in need. The fundraising event is being presented in partnership with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern at the Dana Point Harbor.

Taking place aboard the Dana Pride, the event will include appetizers, a glass of famous “Pride Punch,” a cash bar and live music by Audio Threat.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at I’m a Shoe Angel’s Facebook page or at www.imashoeangel.com/ events/cruise-4-shoes.

All proceeds will help I’m a Shoe Angel give local kids an opportunity to pick out their own brand new shoes.

I’m a Shoe Angel was founded in 2013

by Judi Briere, and has since then been an active force in providing new shoes for less fortunate children across Or-

Community Meetings SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

Emergency Preparedness Expo

10 a.m.-2 p.m. The city of Dana Point presents its annual expo featuring dozens of exhibitors and emergency vehicle/equipment displays. Learn how to protect your family in an emergency with tips and information from public safety agencies/first responders, utilities, community groups and more. Fun, and important information, for the entire family. Free. Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club

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

Lantern Village Association Annual Meeting 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Learn about

goings on around the neighborhood and how residents and businesses can work together to make the Lantern Village a more beautiful place. The meeting will include dinner, a presentation by LVA Board members and a Q&A with a city representative. Free to LVA residents and business owners with association membership. Annual LVA dues are $25. Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, www.lanternvillage.org.

MONDAY, AUGUST 24

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Planning Commission Meeting

City Council Meeting

6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org. ange County. For the past two years, the organization has been working with BIG 5 Sporting Goods in servicing the Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, and has

6 p.m. at Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org. begun servicing the Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area.

For more information, see www.imashoeangel.com and www.danawharf.com. DP

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Tuesday, August 18 DISTURBANCE Brookview, 0 Block (12:21 a.m.)

Deputies received a second call (the first call came in at 11:45 p.m.) reporting loud music, loud voices and “loud, obnoxious intercourse” at the location.

Monday, August 17 DISTURBANCE Josiah Drive/Leah Drive (2:51 p.m.)

Two 12- to 14-year-old boys were in the park shooting each other with pellet rifles.

WELFARE CHECK Del Obispo Street/Camino Del Avion (12:04 p.m.) A shirtless and shoeless man wearing a black sweater around his neck and shoulders, black shorts and carrying a shaving kit was seen wandering in traffic lanes. The man also had a hospital band on his wrist and EKG contacts affixed to his legs.

Sunday, August 16 VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Selva Road/Colegio Drive (6:31 a.m.)

Deputies responded to a call reporting vandalism in the area. A 23-year-old man who said he works in sales was arrested and booked into Central Men’s Jail on $31,500 bail. He is still in custody.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Street of the Golden Lantern, 33800 Block (1:19 a.m. and 2:19 a.m.) A caller reported a loud party was creating a disturbance. An hour later the caller phoned again saying the party started up again after deputies responded to the first call.

Friday, August 14 9-1-1 HANGUP Street of the Violet Lantern, 34000 Block (3:52 a.m.) A man said he is a “captain for the Orange County Transportation Authority with a seven-minute ETA” and then the phone disconnected.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (1:07 a.m.) A man was asking for police at the ampm store. The caller did not want to ask the man why he needed the police because the subject looked “weird.”

Page 8

Thursday, August 13 DISTURBANCE Scenic Drive/Cove Road (7:35 p.m.)

Five teens were seen off trail, throwing rocks off the cliff. The caller believed the kids had arrived in a white Toyota 4Runner parked on Scenic Drive.

DISTURBANCE Stonehill Drive/Street of the Golden Lantern (4:34 p.m.) Two men were seen getting ready to fight. The caller said the altercation was possibly due to a road rage incident.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Dana Point Harbor Drive/Pacific Coast Highway (3:33 p.m.) A caller reported seeing two men and a woman entering a storage closet across from the office at the Dana Point Harbor Inn. PATROL CHECK Pacific Coast Highway/Niguel Road (1:28 p.m.) Blue luggage was left by the bench at a bus stop.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (7:16 a.m.) A man who appeared to be homeless was sitting in front of the doors at McDonald’s smoking, using foul language and throwing popcorn on the ground.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (6:40 a.m.) Albertson’s employees detained two women caught trespassing on the roof and were holding them until police arrived.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Capistrano by the Sea/Village Road (4:30 a.m.) A patrol check was requested for a man in a red car seen driving around with no lights on. The caller said the man didn’t look like he was delivering newspapers and suspected the subject was looking in mail boxes.

Tuesday, August 11 DISTURBANCE La Plaza, 24600 Block (2:46 p.m.)

A caller phoned police a second time (the first call came in at 1:44 p.m.) to report the skateboarders had returned.

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Street of the Blue Lantern, 24400 Block (2:07 p.m.) A caller was upset when neighbors had a contractor unloading in the driveway and the process was encroaching on the sidewalk.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Golden Lantern/La Plaza (1:44 p.m.) People were skateboarding in the park.

TRESPASSING Doheny Park Road, 34200 Block (11:50 a.m.)A drunken customer passed out on el patio (the patio) at El Patio restaurant and was refusing to leave. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor ILLUMINOCEAN: TBID OWES IT TO RESIDENTS WAYNE VIA, Dana Point

I look forward to reading the Dana Point Times each Friday. I can find concerts, movies in the park, city meetings and events. This morning (DP Times, Aug. 14-20) I found disappointing news.

My favorite event of this past year, IlluminOcean, has been canceled by the Tourism Business Improvement District.

They said it was because of money, but they seem to have forgotten that the money they receive is from taxes that come from hotel guests and weekly rental.

Residents have to put up with crowded restaurants, busy streets and few parking spaces all year because of the tourists, with the only benefit being the Christmas decorations.

I enjoyed IlluminOcean so much that I wrote a five-star review for it on TripAdvisor.

I know they probably figure they will get a higher class of clientele by advertising in fancy magazines and sponsoring expensive promotions, but why can’t they

give a little bit back to the residents of Dana Point?

SAVE THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS!

DONNA TAYLOR LOTHRINGER, Dana Point

Is this city crazy? The IlluminOcean holiday light show was one of the best things to ever happen to our city—especially during the winter months when it is historically quiet here. It brought people from all over the city, county, state and beyond.

I have lived in Dana Point for 49 years ... watched the Harbor be built ... the city evolve into more than a spot in the road between San Clemente and Laguna Beach.

This show was a one-of-a-kind show, in all of Orange County. We spoke to people in the Harbor from all over. They spent money in our city which translates into tax dollars and profits for our business owners in a historically slow time of year.

We had family members and friends from out of state travel to Dana Point this year just to see the lights. They stayed in hotels, ate in our local restaurants, purchased gas and much more.

Our city council granted this TBID to collect tax dollars to promote Dana Point, not just their hotels but our entire city. This was a successful event that

set our city apart from all the others—a destination unlike any other.

This is just plain unacceptable that the city would continue to allow them to manage these funds and disappoint thousands and thousands of people and lose the opportunity to make our city stand out among the rest of the coastal cities.

Maybe we should just let Laguna Beach do it. Well we’d better not.

STAND UP AND SAVE THIS EVENT! MATTHEW MILLER, Dana Point

I can’t believe (the TBID) canceled the 2015 IlluminOcean. My family and I are actually sad.

After such a successful first run last season, I was so certain it had become a new Dana Point tradition. My wife and I took our young kids by the Harbor almost nightly and we patronized the businesses. It was always crowded and busy but we didn’t care because it was so charming. Our kids loved it, and we thought it was romantic. We bragged about our city at work and invited friends in neighboring cities to bring their kids and join us at the Harbor.

How disappointing that the TBID can’t continue what they started, and expand it. There are so many great festivals/concerts/activities in the summer. It would have been nice to have a strong anchor event in the winter to liven up our town.

Is there a way the city could co-sponsor or help partially fund this, or compel the TBID to follow through with their commitment to put this on again? Let’s all come together and demand that the lights come back!

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

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

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

RESTORE ILLUMINOCEAN LIGHT SHOW

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

WAYNE RAYFIELD, Dana Point

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

As a longtime supporter of most everything involving Dana Point, I am compelled to join Heather Johnston and Jim Miller in expressing great displeasure in the cancelation of the IlluminOcean Holiday Light Show. (See “Eye on DP,” Aug. 14-20 issue of the DP Times.)

As Heather pointed out, the event was not only good for the businesses in the Harbor and city, but brought the community together as well. It was a “win-win” for all and the decision to cancel the event should be challenged.

As Jim points out, this decision can’t be motivated by the event’s cost; the TBID has plenty of money by all reports.

I fervently hope that City Council will step forward and challenge the TBID on this. One must ask, “Just who is running the city anyway?” I fail to see that the TBID members care about the greater community’s interests when they take actions like this.

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, Jacob Onofrio, Dana Schnell, Alison Shea, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 34. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

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

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

Page 10

www.danapointtimes.com

2015 DOLPHIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Dolphins Reenergized Young Dolphins roster enters 2015 with new look and new head coach

By Steve Breazeale The offseason for the Dana Hills High School football team was one filled with change.

Following a season that saw the Dolphins win one game and go winless in the competitive South Coast League, former head coach Todd Rusinkovich resigned. When looking for a replacement, the school’s administration did not have to look very far. Phil Skinner, who has been an assistant coach with the program since 2006, was named the new head coach.

Skinner and his coaching staff have had to go through a wide array of obstacles in order to get the team ready for the upcoming season. A large amount of seniors graduated from last year’s team and a key defensive player, linebacker Corey Selenski, transferred to nearby JSerra Catholic.

On top of that, Skinner wanted to implement a new, up-tempo offense. The young Dolphins team that returns 12 players with experience from last year had to hit the ground running.

“The kids have really risen to the challenge … There’s obviously learning curves every time you’re the new head guy. They’ve not only met the expectations, they’ve exceeded them,” Skinner said.

Skinner wants his offense operating in double time. From the time the play ends, the Dolphins are looking to get their next play off in 17 seconds or less. It’s a system the coaching staff feels best suits their personnel and style.

The Dolphins are not the biggest team on paper but have multiple weapons with speed at their disposal. Among the fastest players on the team is senior running back Connor McCloud, who was a bright spot on offense last year.

McCloud played in nine games, carrying the ball 64 times for a team-high 512 yards and three touchdowns. He was also a threat on special teams as a kick returner, averaging just over 20 yards per return. McCloud will remain in that role this season and will return to man one of the team’s starting cornerback spots. “(McCloud) is a special player. He’s got those cuts. He’s quick and he has the feet and the legwork to make some people miss,” Skinner said.

Joining McCloud in the backfield will be sophomore quarterback Corey Cisowski.

Skinner said the Dolphins will use several different packages on offense and when the play calls for a man under center, Cisowski will be that pocket passer. Junior Charlie Bortnick, who will play receiver and safety, will also get time at quarterback in different

Dana Hills High School football players run through a tackling drill during practice. Photo: Steve Breazeale

packages.

One major change from last year will be an emphasis on special teams, according to Skinner. The first-year head coach’s practice plan regularly has a large chunk of it devoted to special teams, where players like McCloud and junior David Dylan Arrone will be unleashed as returners.

One word that kept popping up at Dolphins training camp was “aggressive”.

Skinner used it while describing the special

“I think they work very well together. With that, we’re able to disguise coverages and play little games with that,” Skinner said.

“We try to get takeaways, so they have the green light. They’re going to go for the ball; they’re going to ball hawk a little bit. Playing safe is one thing and playing aggressive is another. I like them going after it.”

The Dolphins schedule remains a daunting one this season, with tough early games slated against rival San Clemente and

“We try to get takeaways, so they have the green light. They’re going to go for the ball; they’re going to ball hawk a little bit. Playing safe is one thing and playing aggressive is another. I like them going after it.”

—Phil Skinner

teams, the offense and especially when describing the team’s secondary, which returns three players with experience.

McCloud, Bortnick and junior cornerback Ryder Lynch all patrolled the secondary together last season and have built up a bit of chemistry as a result. Skinner has been encouraging the trio to use their athleticism and gamble a bit in hopes of making a game-changing play.

Dana Point Times | Dolphin Football Preview | Page 3

reigning CIF-SS Southern Division champion Garden Grove. Things will only get tougher when Dana Hills heads into South Coast League play and a league-opening tilt against Mission Viejo on Oct. 9.

For a good amount of players on the Dolphins roster, this will be the first time they play against the caliber of teams that lurk in the South Coast League. For the young returning players, like Bortnick, that quality of

Dana Hills senior running back Connor McCloud looks to lead the offense in 2015. Photo: Steve Breazeale

opposition is all they have known. Bortnick’s first varsity game was against the Diablos as a sophomore last season. Bortnick, along with his other young and experienced teammates, are using that knowledge to fuel their drive in 2015.

“We’re pretty experienced. We’ve played against the best teams that we’re going to play (this year). We know what’s happening and we just have to get all of the other guys on the same page,” Bortnick said.

Dana Hills will open their season on the road against Tustin on Aug. 28. www.danapointtimes.com

2015 DOLPHIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW

FIVE

to watch

OFFENSE

1 Charlie Bortnick

2 Connor McCloud

Head coach Phil Skinner pegged Bortnick as a crucial player for the Dolphins, given his ability to play multiple positions. Where Bortnick will make an impact on offense will be at wide receiver as well as at quarterback, where the coaching staff plans to unleash his speed and athleticism. Bortnick will also play defensive back.

McCloud is positioned to be the Dolphins’ most potent offensive weapon this season. The senior tailback stands at only 5 feet 7 inches tall but possesses breakaway speed.

McCloud, who will also be the team’s leading kick returner, will likely increase his output of 64 carries, 512 yards and three touchdowns from one year ago.

The sophomore quarterback has impressed the Dolphins coaching staff over the offseason to the point that he has earned the job as the team’s starter. When the Dolphins deploy an offensive package that requires a man under center, Cisowski will be the guy. Skinner said Cisowski has already stepped into the leadership role the position demands.

1 Christian Cortez

2 Evan Hershman

Christian Cortez will start on both sides of the ball for the Dolphins and will be deployed at defensive end. Skinner said Cortez has a knack for finding the football and isn’t afraid of contact.

Hershman spent a lot of time in the weight room this offseason, according to Skinner. At 5 feet 7 inches, he will not be the tallest linebacker in the league, but Skinner said Hershman makes up for it by being a big hitter.

3 Gavin Pappagalo 4 Jacob Herttua

WR/QB (No. 7) Jr.

RB (No. 5) Sr.

3 Corey Cisowski QB (No. 14) Soph.

4 Jakub Podgorski 5 Ryder Lynch OL (No. 63) Sr.

At 6 feet tall and weighing 300 pounds, Podgorski will be among the biggest and more experienced linemen up front pacing the way for the Dolphins offense.

Skinner said Podgorski is a “XXL-sized” player and will by a physical presence at the line of scrimmage.

WR (No. 1) Jr.

Lynch will be another one of the Dolphins players who will start on both sides of the ball. Lynch has speed and athleticism and has settled in to the role of being one of the Dolphins’ top receiving options. Lynch will also roam the secondary as a safety on defense.

DEFENSE

DL (No. 90) Sr.

LB (No. 17) Sr.

Dana Point Times | Dolphin Football Preview | Page 4

DB (No. 87) Soph.

Pappagalo, a sophomore, is poised to be a playmaker on both sides of the ball this season. On defense, Skinner said Pappagalo has the ability to elevate and snag interceptions, which fits in with the aggressive style of play Skinner wants his defense to be known for.

He will also be featured at wide receiver.

DL (No. 77) Jr.

Herttua is the team’s resident pass-rush specialist. At 6 feet 4 inches tall and 210 pounds, Herttua has the size necessary to disrupt at the line of scrimmage. Skinner said the junior has been working on learning new pass-rush moves throughout training camp.

5 Juan Moreira LB (No. 52) Sr.

Moreira played for the Dolphins as a sophomore and moved away for his junior year. Now that he is back in town, the senior has returned to the program and settled in at the middle linebacker spot. Moreira will be tasked with being a defensive leader at his pivotal position.

www.danapointtimes.com

2015 DOLPHIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Dolphin

2015/2016 TEAM ROSTER

TALK

#

Name

Position

Height

Weight

Grade

1

Ryder Lynch

CB,WR

6

185

11

2

Jacob Phillips

WR/DB

5’10

150

11

3

Julian Casillas

RB/TE/LB

6

175

10

5

Connor McCloud

RB/DB

5’7

160

12

6

David DylanAronne

RB/LB

6

190

11

7

Charlie Bortnick

WR/DB/QB

5’10

180

11

9

Zack Schuman

WR/LS

5’10

160

11

10

Nick Schuman

QB/LS

5’10

140

10

11

Evan Snibbe

WR

5’11

150

10

12

Luke Salari

WR/DB

5’8

145

11

14

Corey Cisowski

QB

6’2

185

10

17

Evan Hershman

WR/LB

5’7

180

12

21

Jayden Smith

RB/DB

5’9

145

10

23

Blake Rubio

WR/LB

5’8

140

10

24

Joe Wilske

WR/DB

6

160

10

25

Erik Hoostal

WR/LS

6

135

11

26

Jake Haynes

WR/DB

5’6

120

10

28

Joe Rice

RB/LB

5’9

180

11

31

Evan Oliver

WR

5’7

140

11

32

Jack Oliver

RB/LB

5’6

180

10

34

Jacob Rowley

RB/LB

5’7

180

11

40

Erik Jaksch

WR/DB

6

165

10

43

Andrew Davis

RB/LB

5’10

145

10

44

Eddie Wood

TE/DL

6’2

210

12

Dana Hills junior Charlie Bortnick will play receiver, quarterback and safety for the Dolphins this season. Photo: Steve Breazeale

46

Cameron Stairs

TE/DL

5’10

200

11

49

O’Shea Smith

QB

6

245

12

Q&A with junior jack of all trades Charlie Bortnick

51

Harry Solakian

OL/DL

5’8

200

12

52

Juan Moreira

OL/LB

6’1

180

12

Watching Charlie Bortnick practice with the Dana Hills football team can be a dizzying experience. The junior wide receiver, safety and quarterback rarely leaves the field and when he does, it’s only for a water break.

Bortnick emerged last season during South Coast League play, where he earned his first starting job at safety when the Dolphins played Mission Viejo. In four league games Bortnick recorded 18 tackles and recovered a fumble. With the Dolphins lacking in the experience department this season, Bortnick’s role has been changed drastically.

The Dana Point Times caught up with Bortnick at a training camp practice this week to get his thoughts on the upcoming season and how the team has adapted to the offseason changes.

not knowing what was going to happen with the program … We’re looking better, still rebuilding but it should be good. This year we should have a better season than last.

54

Christopher Gabriel

RB/LB

5’9

185

11

55

Diego Avila

OL/DL

5’8

220

12

61

Davis Degroote

OL/DL

5’10

165

10

62

Tommy Bortnick

OL/DL

5’9

195

10

63

Jakub Podgorski

OL/DL

6

305

12

65

James Gault

OL/DL

6

230

12

66

Christion Pouchie

OL/DL

5’10

225

11

68

Marcus Cobb

OL/DL

6’2

270

11

CB: It’s harder to learn a new offense, but I think everyone is picking that up … It’s fast but we’ve been conditioning, trying to get our stamina up. It’s fitting pretty well.

(Up-tempo offense) is kind of in right now.

Oregon has had some success with it as well as some other college teams and it’s even moving up to the NFL right now. It can’t hurt if it’s working (there).

71

Hunter Steele

OL/DL

6’1

210

10

75

Dylan Patton

OL/DL

6’5

265

12

76

Dan Jelladian

OL/DL

6

220

10

77

Jakob Herttua

OL/DL

6’4

210

11

78

Mikah Kott

OL/DL

5’10

260

10

79

DJ Moynahan

OL/DL

6’2

270

11

84

Eric Fellenzer

TE/K/P

6’4

200

10

85

Brandon Oswald

WR/DB

5’11

160

10

Dana Point Times: After going 1-9 last year, what does the returning group of upperclassmen want to accomplish this season?

DPT: What is it going to take for this team to compete with the top programs in the South Coast League?

87

Gavin Pappagalo

WR/DB

6’2

180

10

88

Paul Topps

TE/LB

5’11

180

11

90

Christian Cortez

TE/DL

6’2

205

12

CB: Just hype from the fans, the community and a lot of positive energy … Just getting the mental mindset and being mentally and physically tough.

91

Tristan Bonetto

OL/K

6

250

12

95

Gerson Plata

DL

5’10

225

12

97

Daniel Wright

TE/LB

5’10

200

12

98

Noah Baker

OL/DL

6’7

290

12

99

Zed Sayo

OL/DL

5’11

225

12

Charlie Bortnick: Redemption. We wanted to get back into it and win more games.

Everyone was kind of down and our coach left so we were all in a little bit of disarray,

Dana Point Times | Dolphin Football Preview | Page 4

DPT: Coach Skinner has incorporated an up-tempo offense. How has the team adapted to learning the new playbook and style?

www.danapointtimes.com

2015 DOLPHIN FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEASON SCHEDULE AND GAME PREVIEWS GAME ONE

AUGUST 28

Tustin Location: Tustin Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Winter Welz League: Empire 2014-2015 record: 6-5 (3-2 league) 2014-2015 vs.DHHS: Win, 20-14 Season Outlook: Tustin head coach Winter Welz appears to have righted the Tillers’ ship following a disappointing 2013 season. In his first full year at the helm, Tustin went 6-4 overall and returned to the playoffs. A big reason for the Tillers’ success was the emergence of soon to be senior quarterback Alema Pilimai, a 6-foot-4-inch dual threat out of the backfield. Pilimai has offers from both BYU and Oregon State.

Junior running back Derek Soto also returns. Tustin was the No. 3 team out of the Empire League last season and could better their position this year given their depth.

GAME SIX

OCTOBER 2

Cypress Location: Cypress Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Rick Feldman League: Empire 2014-2015 record: 8-3 (4-1 league) 2014-2015 vs.DHHS: Win, 34-16 Season Outlook: Under the guidance of first-year head coach Rick Feldman, Cypress finished second in the Empire League and advanced to the playoffs. The team had several standout playmakers in 2014 but many of them were seniors. The young Centurions return senior receiver Josh Gutierrez and junior receiver Isaiah Parra. Cypress will have a difficult league schedule and will have to battle with Tustin and reigning league champion Valencia if they want to return to the playoffs for a third straight year.

GAME TWO

SEPTEMBER 4

Corona del Mar Location: Dana Hills Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Dan O’Shea League: Pacific Coast 2014-2015 record: 10-2 (5-0 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 37-0 Season Outlook: Corona del Mar’s defense helped power them to a Pacific Coast League title and an appearance in the second round of the CIF-SS Southwest Division playoffs in 2014. The Sea Kings’ defense held opponents to 14 points or less nine times last year, including four shutouts. Many of those defensive standouts, like Parker Chase, are gone. The team’s offense, however, should look similar to last year’s version.

Junior Chase Garbers and senior Peter Bush both saw significant playing time at quarterback last season but Bush eventually transitioned into the role of wide receiver to make way for Garbers.

GAME SEVEN

OCTOBER 9

Mission Viejo Location: Mission Viejo Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Bob Johnson League: South Coast 2014-2015 record: 12-2 (4-0 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 34-7 Season Outlook: After starting out their 2014 campaign with back to back losses, Mission Viejo flipped the switch and barnstormed their way to the South Coast League and CIF-SS West Valley Division titles.

Mission Viejo will have several key players returning in 2015, like senior quarterback Brock Johnson, offensive lineman Zack Aylor and defensive lineman Carter Hartmann.

The Diablos will also have Colin and Brenden Schooler, two new transfers, on the roster. The brothers helped Trabuco Hills win the CIF-SS Southwest Division last year and both were All-CIF selections.

Dana Point Times | Dolphin Football Preview | Page 7

GAME THREE

SEPTEMBER 11

San Clemente Location: Dana Hills Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Jaime Ortiz League: Sea View 2014-2015 record: 12-2 (4-0 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 49-21 Season Outlook: San Clemente comes into the season with 12 returning starters from last year’s Sea View League championship team. The Tritons also appeared in the CIF-SS Southwest Division title game, where they fell to Trabuco Hills. With seven starters returning on offense, including the running back tandem of senior Vlad Dzhabiyev and junior Brandon Reaves, the Tritons are poised to continue putting up a lot of points on the scoreboard.

San Clemente is still searching for its quarterback to replace Sam Darnold, who is now at USC. Junior Jack Sears, who has an offer from Utah, figures to be the starter.

GAME EIGHT

OCTOBER 23

Tesoro Location: Dana Hills Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Matt Poston League: South Coast 2014-2015 record: 9-3 (3-1 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 52-12 Season Outlook: Tesoro continued their success under head coach Matt Poston in 2014, highlighted by a second-place finish in the South Coast League and an appearance in the second round of the CIF-SS West Valley Division playoffs. The Titans depth in 2015 has them positioned for another playoff push.

On offense, the Titans return two of their star playmakers, quarterback Devon Modster and running back Anthony Battista. Modster, a University of Arizona commit, threw for 2,602 yards and 24 touchdowns while throwing only nine interceptions.

Battista is a fast, workhorse-type back who carried the ball 183 times for 845 yards last season.

GAME FOUR

SEPTEMBER 18

Aliso Niguel Location: Aliso Niguel Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Kurt Westling League: Sea View 2014-2015 record: 4-6 (1-3 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: DNP Season Outlook: The bright spot in Aliso Niguel’s 2014 campaign was the youth on the roster getting valuable playing time at important positions. The Wolverines took their lumps and went 4-6 overall last season, defeating one-win Laguna Hills for their lone Sea View League victory. Several players return for Aliso Niguel this season, including senior quarterback Nick Chapman. Chapman had a strong connection with graduated senior Remy Wasserbach last season and will need to find that same chemistry with a new crop of wide outs in 2015.

GAME NINE

OCTOBER 30

San Juan Hills Location: San Juan Hills Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Aaron Flowers League: South Coast 2014-2015 record: 4-7 (1-3 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: The Stallions were tasked with performing on a big stage last year after being moved up from the Sea View League to the South Coast League for the first time in program history. The wins were hard to come by, but the team was able to scrape together a strong enough resume to earn a bid into the CIFSS West Valley Division playoffs.

Standout senior quarterback and Nebraska commit Patrick O’Brien will be the Stallions’ lynchpin to success this season.

O’Brien, who competed in the Elite 11 quarterback competition this offseason, is a dual-threat quarterback with a big 6-foot4-inch, 215-pound frame and a strong arm.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE

GAME FIVE

SEPTEMBER 24

Garden Grove Location: Garden Grove Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Ricardo Cepeda League: Garden Grove 2014-2015 record: 13-1 (5-0 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 14-12 Season Outlook: Garden Grove had a stellar defense last season and returns many of the pieces that led them to a CIF-SS Southern Division championship.

Returning to the mix on defense is Malik Bilal, who had 81 total tackles and two sacks last season. Returning seniors Daniel Orellana had 94 tackles and defensive lineman Nathan Garcia contributed 45 tackles and five sacks.

The Argonauts will have to find a new quarterback but if last year was an indication, returning senior running back Jordan Antunez will get a lot of carries and power the offense.

Antunez rushed for 1,747 yards, averaging eight yards per carry, and 19 touchdowns as a junior.

GAME TEN

NOVEMBER 6

El Toro Location: Dana Hills Time: 7 p.m.

Coach: Mike Mayoral League: South Coast 2014-2015 record: 8-4 (2-2 league) 2014-2015 vs. DHHS: Win, 35-7 Season Outlook: Prolific is the best word to describe the El Toro offense of 2014. Starting quarterback Trey Tinsley threw for 3,855 yards and 33 touchdowns as the Chargers offense averaged 327 yards receiving and 120.1 yards rushing per game.

Tinsley, along with all of his top receivers, has graduated, leaving the spot up for grabs.

El Toro will play tough games early in their schedule (La Habra, Corona del Mar) before heading into the stacked South Coast League.

Mike Mayoral, the Chargers longtime defensive coordinator, replaced Rob Frith as head coach over the offseason.

www.danapointtimes.com

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

Friday | 21 Mike haMilton 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille each Friday with Mike Hamilton.

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

FloCk oF 80’s 9 p.m. Live music at StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Saturday | 22 Boys & girls CluBs oF Capistrano Valley ruMMage sale 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

South Orange County Women’s Network Group will host the third annual Rummage Sale at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to the club’s Christmas giveaway. 1 Via Positiva, San Juan Capistrano, 949.433.3663, www.southocwomensnetworkgroup.org. 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.

15th annual ranCho Mission Viejo rodeo 1 p.m. Enjoy a weekend full of old-time family entertainment at the richest two-day rodeo in the nation, with saddle bronc, bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping. Gates open at 1 p.m. on Saturday with the rodeo starting at 4 p.m.

On Sunday, gates open at 11:30 a.m. with a 4 p.m. rodeo. Saturday evening ends with a concert and dance. $30 per day for adults, $10 for children 4-12 and free for kids 3 and under. Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.842.3782, www.rmvrodeo.com. harBor MusiC Cruise: soniC gold 8 p.m. Enjoy live music aboard the 95-foot vessel Dana Pride while cruising the Dana Point Harbor and watching the sunset. Boat features a full bar. Saturdays through Oct. 17. Must be 21 or over, with proper ID. $19. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Dana Point Times August 21-27, 2015

At the Movies: Throwing Back ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

J

Photo: Courtesy

Friday, august 21 • iron ButterFly at the CoaCh house 8 p.m. Iron Butterfly, the band responsible for the quadruple platinum album In-A-GaddaDa-Vida, performs live at The Coach House with openers Four Sue and Full Blown Karma. Tickets are $20. Dinner reservations are also available and come with reserved priority seating, in front of general admission seating and closer to the stage. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Tuesday | 25

roCkBella 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Live Music at Brio Tuscany Grille, 24050 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point, 949.443.1476, www.briorestaurant. com.

Sunday | 23 dana point suMMer ConCert series 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Live music by December 63 (Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons tribute) and The Fabulous Ultra Tones (disco) at the city’s annual summer concert series.

Bands take the stage at Heritage Park.

Admission is free. Attendees may take the free Dana Point PCH Trolley from other areas in Dana Point to the concert.

Heritage Park, 34400 Old Golden Lantern, 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. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

Wednesday | 26 Capo BeaCh FarMers Market 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit the area’s latest weekly market where locally-grown, organic produce and regional artisans are featured.

Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave., 949.573.5033, www.danapoint.org.

Thursday | 27

paperMoon gypsys 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Live music at the Point Restaurant. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Brian FlaMMer 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Live music at Harpoon Henry’s with half-price wines by the glass.

34555 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, 949.493.2933, www.windandsearestaurants. com/harpoonhenrys.

Monday | 24 art-a-Fair 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Discover 125 distinguished artists at this juried fine art festival in Laguna Canyon, which runs through Aug. 30 with live music, food and art workshops.

The festival is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Adults $7.50, seniors/military $4.50, children under 12 free. 777 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.4514, www.art-a-fair.com.

oining Starsky & Hutch (2003), The A Team (2010) and of course, Mission: Impossible (1996), Guy Ritchie’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is the latest in popular 20th century television shows getting film adaptations.

Though the movie might initially appeal to fans of the 1964-1968 TV show, the cast consists of fresh faces and some of today’s most colorful costumes and art direction, sure to grab the attention of younger viewers as well.

In 1963 Europe, CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) are an unlikely duo. The two are paired up to track down a small town mechanic named Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander), whose scientist father has been abducted by Alexander (Luca Calvani) and Victoria Vinciguerra (Elizabeth Debicki), a couple who use their shipping company as a cover to trade nuclear weapons.

Hugh Grant and Jared Harris appear as Solo’s and Kuryakin’s superiors. Sherlock Holmes (2009) director Ritchie has been criticized for his use of “style over substance” his whole career, but with U.N.C.L.E. he uses it to his advantage.

The Cold War-era tale is flashy and glam but not so campy as to reach the “cheesy” breaking point. The cast delivers appropriately tongue-in-cheek retro spy flick performances—particularly Cavill and Debicki. Nearly all the actors successfully pull off ’60s personas and fake accents without being overwhelmed by effects. For fans of the original series, and those craving some retro eye candy, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is big enough on style to outweigh any lack of substance in the story.

trinitas Wine 5-Course Wine dinner DaVine Food & Wine hosts a special 5-course wine tasting dinner featuring Trinitas wines. Call for more information. DaVine Food & Wine, 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www. davine-wine.com.

Page 19

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

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

© 2015 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. And Ratpac-Dune Entertainment LLC

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Four Kids and a Dog by Elizabeth Bottiaux

Time Flies When Your Kids are Having Fun

I

watch his little chest rise and fall. Finally, he begins his much anticipated deep, rhythmic breathing. Sleep. My 4-year-old has drifted off to dreamland. I devise the escape route.

Holding my breath, I tighten my stomach muscles and, using extreme caution, roll slowly to the left. The twin bed squeaks and squawks. It threatens to blow my cover. Landing stealthily on my knees, onto the plush carpet, I get low and army crawl to the door. I’m nearly there. Silence and relaxation in my bedroom just down the hall beckon me. I long for our child-free, post-bedtime master bedroom oasis. No kids fighting, complaining, whining...

“Mama?”

My exit strategy has failed. I’ve been caught. It’s all over. Back to square one.

Rookie mistake, and I’m no rookie. Didn’t wait for deep sleep. That’s key for any successful departure.

“Where are you going?”

Inside I’m screaming, crying, begging, pleading for dear mercy. For the love of all that is holy, sweet child, “What?! What, child?”

He’s the baby of the family, and what they say is true. All of it. I never laid in bed with the older kids and coaxed them into dreamland. No way. Yet here I am, doing what I always preached about not doing. There’s just something about knowing they’re your last baby.

My mostly mellow little man morphs into a wild, high-strung, bouncing on the bed, running all around bundle of bedtime energy. While his older siblings melt into bed, without a huge amount of hoopla, he’s launched into his antibedtime campaign.

Well, I’m tired of funding it.

Begrudgingly, I flop down on his bed— again. Big brother is already fast asleep, across the bedroom. The sisters are silent, probably asleep too.

I wriggle over to him. His little peepers are fluttering; fighting to stay open. We gaze at each other. It’s hard to stay mad.

He lays his little boy hand on top of mine and smiles at me.

Right there.

That’s why I’m a whimp. That little moment when he sucks me in. Then I know, I know that these fleeting moments aren’t forever. They’re like dust in the wind, evaporating droplets of water, temporary.

Sometimes it’s hard to hold that perspective. There are so many things they do that annoy the niceness out of me. The everyday shuffle can be agonizing. I used

Dana Point Times August 21-27, 2015

to get annoyed when those little old ladies in the grocery store would say, with knowing smiles, “Enjoy this time.

It goes fast.”

My kids are growing up. There won’t always be a colossal mound of FOUR KIDS AND A DOG stinky laundry piled in

By Elizabeth the laundry room. Those Bottiaux mysterious unnamed elves who make messes all throughout our home will evaporate. Toilets will be flushed. Remote controls and other devices won’t have batteries removed by little boys with daddy’s screwdrivers. My hair brush will be in its correct drawer.

My high heels will be parked in my closet instead of on the feet of little girls playing dress up. Our home will be strangely silent.

The Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club hosted its 6th annual Dana Point Lobster { IN DANA POINT } Beach Fest at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, Aug. 15. For their $100 to $150 ticket purchase, the 500 attendees were treated to appetizers, drinks, a steak and lobster dinner prepared by the San Pedro Fish Market, live music and dancing under the stars. This year’s proceeds will go toward supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Make-A-Wish of Orange County and the Inland Empire, Dana Point 5th Marine Photo: Andrea Swayne Support Group and other charities.

SCENE

“

Parenthood is only one season of life. It’s not always going to be this way.

I know this, and yet it’s hard to grasp during those tough days. We need those simple, small moments that make all the other chaos worth enduring.

Pet of the Week: Granite

N

eed “somebunny” to love? Granite is a wonderful little rabbit ready for adoption. About 9 months old, Granite is extra sweet and likes to cuddle when he finally takes a break from his hopping. He’s a smart and curious little bunny and loves to explore. His favorite pastime is ripping cardboard boxes to shreds. Granite has excellent litter box habits and would make a great addition to an indoor home where he would be welcomed as the special bunny he is.

”

Parenthood is only one season of life.

It’s not always going to be this way. I know this, and yet it’s hard to grasp during those tough days. We need those simple, small moments that make all the other chaos worth enduring.

Next time I lie with him could be my last. Soon he won’t want me to snuggle with him, burrow my nose into his silky hair and tell him I love him. I’ll take today’s blessings and turn them into tomorrow’s memories.

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years. She publishes a blog, www.fourkidsandadog.com, about family life in our tri-city area. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC 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 SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

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

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 20

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

www.danapointtimes.com

& DP SPORTS OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Just Can’t Kick Enough is one of several kickball teams that will take part in the City of Dana Point parks department’s recreation league tournament this week. Photo: Courtesy

Dana Point Recreation League Roundup DANA POINT TIMES

T

The City of Dana Point community services and parks department’s summer recreation sports league season is heading down the home stretch and the playoffs are on the horizon. Here is a breakdown of the kickball and softball action so far.

MONDAY KICKBALL• Hairless Harriets and The District, the teams that led the rest of the Monday mixed kickball standings for most of the season, squared off against each other in the final game of the regular season on Aug. 17. Hairless Harriets pulled off a 7-3 win and enter the postseason tournament as the No. 1 seed.

The tournament starts on Aug. 24.

Hairy Larry’s will face Blue Ball Crushers and Ron Swanson’s P&R will battle Pitch Please in the opening rounds.

WEDNESDAY KICKBALL • Despite winning their final five games of the regular season, Grass Kickers could not overcome their game one loss to eventual league champion Luxe Restaurant in the

Scoreboard DANA POINT TIMES

SOCCER The Pacific Soccer Club Blue Fire girls U14 team appeared in yet another tournament championship match on Aug. 16 at the West Coast Futbol Classic. The local club won their age division at the tournament for the second consecutive year.

On Aug. 15, the team defeated San Diego Fusion 2-1 in the opening match, shutout Encinitas Express 3-0 in their second game and beat Inland Empire LegDana Point Times August 14–20, 2015

Page 22

Wednesday mixed kickball league. Luxe Restaurant finished the season undefeated at 3-0-1 overall. The five-team leagues’ playoffs begin Aug. 26, where One Kick Wonders will play Evolution Hospitality in the opening match.

Third-seeded Just Can’t Kick Enough will play Grass Kickers on Sept. 2.

MONDAY SOFTBALL • The recreation department’s lone softball division saw its champion, Dead Pull, go wire to wire for the regular season championship. Dead Pull’s offense carried them through to the final two games of the regular season, where they were nearly upset by lowerseeded playoff teams. On Aug. 10 Dead Pull beat CrossFit DP 16-13 and on Aug. 17 Dead Pull narrowly edged S&L Catering 10-9 to wrap up a perfect 6-0 season.

Feel the Heat lost to the eventual champions 14-6 back on July 20, but that would remain the only loss on their resume. Feel the Heat finished 5-1 overall and earned a bye, along with Dead Pull, into the second round of the playoffs. DP

ends 2-0 to earn a berth in the championship match.

In the finals, PSC Blue Fire and FC Golden State were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation and the game went to penalty kicks. PSC Blue prevailed in penalties and won their division.

The PSC Blue Fire girls U14 team includes: Anika Nielsen, Rylee Knapp, Samantha Arrollado, Maile Bartow, Emma Lentz, Emmalisa Randrup, Piper Naess, Jasmine Custer, Kate Calderas, Kate Hess, Kennedy Barlow, Hana Castimanes, Sofia Santoro, Payton Pierce and Gabby Reilly.

The team is coached by Gary Hartung. DP www.danapointtimes.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

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

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

IMAGES/Creative Solutions

117 Del Gado Road, 949.366.2488, www.imgs.com

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MASSAGE

Crystal Clyde Intuitive Bodywork

HAULING

Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

ICE CREAM

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

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

34202 Camino Capistrano Capistrano Beach, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com Dana Point Times August 21-27, 2015

GRAPHIC DESIGN

24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, pat.powers@cox.net

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com Page 24

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

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

949.444.6323, www.offshoreconstruction.org

949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com www.danapointtimes.com

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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. $100. 949.533.9761

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

HELP WANTED DANA POINT MARINA INN Laundry person, Housekeepers, Admin Assistant, Front desk, Reservations agents.

Pay based on experience. Apply in person.

24800 Dana Point Harbor Dr. HELP WANTED We are looking for an experienced RDA or RDAEF for our Perio practice located in San Clemente who is a team player. Must have implant experience. Please fax resume to; 949/361-4868 BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF CAPISTRANO VALLEY JOB OPENING: PROGRAM AIDE Position Description: Part-time Program Aide position to work with youth ages 6 - 18 at our Branch in San Juan Capistrano. Hours will be 2:00pm – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Duties will include planning and implementing activities in one or more of the following areas: education; social recreation; arts and crafts; and physical education. Requirements: High school diploma; Experience working with children, particularly in planning high yield youth activities; Communication skills to deal with children and with the general public (bilingual in Spanish a plus); CPR and first aid certified. If you are interested or to get more information about the position, please contact Lynn Watson, Office Manager, at 949.240.7898 ext. *10 or by email at lwatson@bgccapo.com.

SERVICES HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More.

Phone Chris – 949 510 6645 WOOD DECK REPAIR WIZZARD Wood Rot Repair Certified Specialist, Wood Decks, Balconies, Patio Covers + Outside Stairs Repaired / Replaced, New Decking Systems, All work Guaranteed.

Phone Chris -949 510 6645 Dana Point Times August 21-27, 2015

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@danapointtimes.com

Page 25

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Gud Vibes

San Clemente-based pro surfers the Gudauskas brothers launch Positive Vibe Foundation to give back to the surf community, spread positivity

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

P

ositivity, good vibes and determination are three traits San Clemente professional surfers, and brothers, Dane, Patrick and Tanner Gudauskas have come to be known for in the community as well as the greater surfing world. With the recent creation of their new foundation, Positive Vibe Warriors, the brothers are ready to expand their support of surf-stoked youth worldwide.

Having created the Stoke-o-Rama surf event—free for local kids—in partnership with the Friends of San Clemente Beaches Parks & Recreation Department, the brothers saw an opportunity to do more and, inspired by their own experiences, decided to share their message of good will, good times by sharing ‘Gud’ vibes with an everincreasing circle of friends. Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation is the next step in realizing this dream, they said.

“Growing up around contests, we were always inspired—making friends and meeting loads of new people. We got to know kids from many different places and have made lifelong friends from those events,” Dane Gudauskas said. “The ocean has always been a place of camaraderie for us—a place to get to know like-minded people and hang out with them. It’s given us a good foundation of friendship.”

These childhood experiences are what Gudauskas said originally prompted the creation of the Stoke-o-Rama event at T Street to benefit local kids. Having worked

Dane Gudauskas holds a Positive Vibe Warriors T-shirt, created by him and brothers Tanner and Patrick as part of their new foundation aimed at expanding their support of young surfers worldwide. Photo: Andrea Swayne

successfully with the Friends of San Clemente Foundation over the last four years, the brothers wanted to grow it and take it to other places in the country and beyond.

They created their new foundation to help support this growth.

“We saw the camaraderie Stoke-o-Rama created and wanted to expand on that,” Gudauskas said. “Not to the point of creating a league or anything like that, but to get communities excited about the youth surf culture in their areas and create a great environment and energy because that’s what we felt was important in our childhood and one of the reasons we feel San Clemente is real special.”

As has been the case with the original Stoke-o-Rama, they will continue to focus on youth water safety programs, such as Junior Lifeguards, a program that has been benefiting from their event during its four years of operation, as well as swimming lessons to help kids qualify for Junior Guards.

“If you can’t pass a swim test, you can’t get into Junior Guards,” Gudauskas said.

“We want to provide this for kids whose families can’t afford lessons, or Junior Lifeguards.”

The Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation

will work in conjunction with Stoke-o-Rama events. Vans and other companies will continue to support the contests and the events will be utilized as fundraisers for PVF which will then donate 100 percent of the proceeds directly back into the communities where the events are held. Funding for Positive Vibe Warriors is completely donation-based, from events, PVW merchandise sales and independent donations.

Last year the brothers raised $12,000 for the Friends of San Clemente Foundation through the event sponsors, money that went directly to provide scholarships to the city’s Junior Lifeguard program for children in need.

In other cities, the programs benefitting from PVW and Stoke-o-Rama events might be different as the needs of communities vary, Gudauskas said.

“We want everyone who wants to, to be a part of it,” Gudauskas said. “It’s not an exclusive club. Everyone has the opportunity to be a Positive Vibe Warrior.”

The Gudauskas brothers walk the walk both locally and abroad. With smiles on the beach, win or lose, as well as offering kids free entry into the annual Stoke-o-Rama, they have become role models for young

GROM OF THE WEEK

has become one of her passions and sparked an interest in dreaming about the possibility of surfing professionally someday.

“I want to take my surfing to the next level,” Nicole said.

She also has plans to take school just as seriously. Having earned the highest marks possible in elementary school, Nicole is looking forward to earning ‘A’ grades in middle school and beyond. She will be starting sixth grade at Shorecliffs Middle School next week, a move, she said, has her thinking of high school and beyond.

Part of her plan for higher education includes going to college in Santa Cruz, “because it’s near the beach and the good waves make the cold water worth it,” she said.

NICOLE ECONOMOS

N

Nicole Economos. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Times August 21-27, 2015

icole Economos, age 11, of San Clemente, has been surfing since the age of 9 and has no plans of stopping, “ever,” she said.

This year, along with her twin sister Alex, Nicole has added Girls U12 shortboard competition in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour series, after enjoying Soul Surf Series events last season.

Having been inspired to take up the sport by her brothers, she took to it quickly. Surfing

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surfers in the area.

Positive Vibe Warriors can be found online at www.positivevibewarriors.com as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

Along with merchandise sales, the website includes a blog featuring inspirational “warriors,” people who have overcome tremendous adversity in a positive way.

“We want people to be able to share their stories because they could help others find inspiration in their own lives,” Gudauskas said. “It could be anything. We want to hear it. If people want to share, they can reach out to us.”

“We’re hoping to have a global impact,” Gudauskas said. “Hopefully people will enjoy wearing Positive Vibe Warriors merchandise and representing the message.

That would be all we could ask for. We truly believe it has the potential to create a lot of good energy. The surf community is small in the big scheme of things but it’s growing globally. If this brings the surfing community together even a little bit more than it was, then that would be pretty cool.”

Read the full story, online at www.danapointtimes.com. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 68-71 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 6-10’ Poor-Fair Catalina: 10-20’ Fair-Good Friday: NW windswel that brought knee-to waist-high waves and plus sets at top spots on Thursday. Weakens into the 1-3’ zone. Winds are light/variable early in the day, trending onshore through the mid morning and giving way to a moderate Westerly sea-breeze in the afternoon.

Outlook: Small scale Southerly swell and minor NW windswell for the weekend with 1-2-3’ waves.

Favorable morning winds continue. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

An active multi-sport athlete and budding artist, Nicole also enjoys skateboarding, gymnastics drawing and painting.

“I love surfing because it you can really do whatever you want on the waves,” Nicole said. “Being in the ocean feels really good too.

I love the feeling of doing turns and just being free to choose what to do on every wave.”

Nicole counts her family’s relocation to San Clemente as one of the best things that has ever happened to her.

“I really like the vibe here and being able to walk to the beach is awesome,” she said.

“Where we used to live it was super hot and there was no beach nearby. Now I can go every day if I want to. And I want to.”

—Andrea Swayne www.danapointtimes.com