October 30, 2015

LO C A L

October 30-November 5, 2015 N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

Turkey Trot Registration is Open SPORTS/PAGE 16

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 44

Gene Burrus Passes Away at 88 City mourns the loss of longtime youth baseball, parade, senior center bingo announcer, community volunteer E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

Gene Burrus is shown here in 2012 during the renaming of Mustang Field to the Gene Burrus Ballfield at the Dana Point Community Center.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

County to Seek PublicPrivate Partnership for Harbor Revamp EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Starbucks Reconfigures Drive-thru for Safety, Traffic Flow EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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Dana Hills Water Polo Goalie Leads County in Saves SPORTS/PAGE 16

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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sonal beliefs. One parent from Las Flores said she wanted the trustees to better understand parents who choose “alternative vaccination schedules” for their children.

“Most of us aren’t aimlessly following a B-list celebrity or a debunked medical study,” she said. “Most of us have very principled reasons for our choices, and they’re based in logic, ethics and morality.”

Dr. Bob Sears of Dana Point was also in attendance and said “unvaccinated kids do not pose danger to other vaccinated kids.”

He added that mandated vaccines will not protect students from one of the most common illnesses in schools—whooping cough.

Five things Dana Point should know this week Starbucks Drive-thru Remodel Nears Completion THE LATEST: Following a unanimous vote by the Dana Point Planning Commission on Oct. 12, construction to reconfigure the drive-thru at Starbucks on Pacific Coast Highway in the Lantern District is well underway.

The business worked with the city to design a revision of the drive-thru in order to alleviate the daily queue of cars stretching out into the northbound lanes of PCH. The cars often caused a hazard when the length of the line exceeded the length of the dedicated turn lane into the parking lot/drive-thru and drivers, insistent on staying in the line, would opt to let their vehicles block the right lane rather than parking and walking into the establishment for their morning coffee.

WHAT’S NEXT: With the new configuration, drivers will be required to access the drive-thru lane by turning on to Granada Drive, then on to the alleyway, where the new entrance will be located.

The drive-thru lane will then make a horseshoe-shaped loop—first straight toward PCH and then turning right, past the menu board/window, heading back toward the alley and then exiting via a new lane between the building and the alley. Cars will no longer be allowed to enter from PCH. Note: The large Canary Island palm tree once growing where the new exit lane is being created was relocated to the Beach Road/Coast Highway intersection.

The project is expected to be completed

by Nov. 2.—Andrea Swayne

County to Seek PublicPrivate Partnership for Harbor Revitalization THE LATEST: The Orange County Board of Supervisors, in consideration of the longawaited OC Dana Point Harbor revitalization plan, has announced it will seek out a public-private partnership with a developer that would build and operate certain portions of the improvements slated for the project.

Lisa Bartlett, Orange County Supervisor, Fifth District, announced in an Oct. 22 press release, that a Request for QualifiDana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2015

The Starbucks store on PCH in the Lantern District is in the process of revising its drive-thru to prevent a hazard to drivers caused by cars in the queue sticking out into traffic lanes. Photo: Andrea Swayne

cations, or P3, for such a partnership is expected to be brought before the board within the next four months, and will be followed by a Request for Proposals being issued to a pre-determined selection of companies deemed qualified.

In January the California Coastal Commission voted to allow the revitalization plan—in the works for nearly 20 years—to move forward. Design of the first phases of the plan has been completed by the OC Public Works Department.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to Bartlett’s statement, the chosen developer would be granted a master ground lease by the county and would manage/operate the improvements throughout the duration of the lease.

The developer would also be charged with leasing and collecting rent from business operators in the Harbor and pay rent to the county based on the income of such leases.

The release also states that Supervisor Bartlett’s office and the Harbor Department will hold periodic public meetings to update stakeholders on the progress of the plan.—AS

Dead Man Found Tuesday on Capistrano Beach Identified THE LATEST: The dead man who was found washed ashore Tuesday on Capistrano Beach has been identified, authorities said.

According to Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the man has been ID’ed as Ricky Lynn York, 48. York was a known transient.

York’s body was found at 11:51 a.m.

Tuesday on Capo Beach, in front of the Beach Road neighborhood, just upcoast of Poche Beach at the Dana Point/San Clemente border.

WHAT’S NEXT: The cause of death is still under investigation, pending toxicology reports, Hallock said.—AS

Parents Discuss Vaccination Law at CUSD Meeting THE LATEST: A group of concerned parents addressed the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Wednesday night regarding the SB 277 vaccination bill for the 2016-2017 school year.

Amanda McKay, a CUSD parent of three, presented the topic to the board as a citizen’s request agenda item, in which someone is given three minutes to address the board on an issue of their choosing. McKay was followed by 11 speakers—including one parent in favor of the new law—who largely sought to explain to the board their reasons for opposing mandated vaccinations, as well as discussing implementation for the 20162017 school year.

In June, Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 277 into law, eliminating vaccine exemptions in schools statewide with the exception of noted medical issues.

“The Legislature, after considerable debate, specifically amended SB 277, to exempt a child from immunizations whenever the child’s physician concludes that there are ‘circumstances, including but not limited to, family medical history, for which the physician does not recommend immunization …’” Brown wrote in a letter to the California State Senate. “Thus, SB 277, while requiring that school children be vaccinated, explicitly provides an exception when a physician believes that circumstances—in the judgement and sound discretion of the physician—so warrant.”

While the law is already passed, many parents spoke Wednesday night about the importance of exemptions such as per-

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WHAT’S NEXT: The item was information only, so no board action was required after the presentation. Trustee Jim Reardon, backed by Board President Lynn HattonHodson, requested the board receive the source documentation cited during the speakers’ presentations, including documentation backing up allegations that parents are receiving notices mandating their children be vaccinated in order to participate in the current school year, rather than by 2016-2017, per the law.—Allison Jarrell

SONGS CEP to Meet Nov. 5 THE LATEST: Southern California Edison announced on Oct. 29 that the San Onofre Community Engagement Panel will “review a study of the economic benefits of decommissioning the San Onofre nuclear plant” during its next quarterly meeting.

The SEC is made up of a variety of stakeholders from area cities. Dana Point is represented on the panel by Mayor Carlos Olvera.

According to a press release, the study will look at local, state and national economic impact of decommissioning the nuclear plant.

Representatives from SCE, majority owner of the shuttered San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, will provide an update on decommissioning plans.

Reports from various state and regional news outlets have quoted experts in recent weeks regarding the economic impact of decommissioning and whether the $4.4 billion in the SONGS decommissioning fund will be enough to cover the costs of completely removing the current facility.

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5 at the QLN Conference Center, located at 1938 Avenida Del Oro in Oceanside. Staffed information booths will be open from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a public comment period and the meeting will be live-streamed via www.songscommunity. com.—Eric Heinz www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE Bike/Pedestrian Path Projects Near I-5 Discussed During the Oct. 20 San Clemente City Council meeting, the council voted to allocate funding to a study to look at the construction of Interstate 5 interchanges.

The grant would be submitted under the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program from CalTrans. The cost of the study is estimated to be $200,000 with the city’s responsibility of paying $23,000 of the cost.

The study would look at increasing accessibility for bicycles and pedestrians around the underpasses of avenidas Pico, Vista Hermosa, Palizada, Mendocino, Calafia and Camino de Estrella at the San Clemente-Capistrano Beach border, as well as the area of South El Camino Real near I-5.

During the council meeting, Councilman Bob Baker said he was taken aback by the cost of these studies, which he said would probably show what the council already knows—cost of improvements and how long they’ll take.

Baker said the study would give the council the full, intricate details of the

project but questioned whether the cost would be worth it.

Other council members said they would like to see the details of the study even if the cost does seem lofty.

The action was split into two decisions: to fund the study and to authorize the city manager’s office to execute an evaluation of the grant, which passed 3-2 and 4-1 respectively.—Eric Heinz Group Continues New School District Talks On Tuesday, a group of parents and concerned citizens, known as the newly formed Citizens for San Clemente Unified School District, hosted a meeting at the San Clemente Community Center regarding the schools within the city forming a new school district.

Talk about forming a San Clemente school district started in early August when the city provided citizens a road map of the necessary steps organizers would need to take under the California Education Code.

The meeting Tuesday centered on what parents would like to see from a new school district rather than what would need to be done. Many who attended said they would like to see more financial accountability, more accessible mental and psychological health services for students, retention of quality teachers, better test scores and academic achievement, a smaller bureaucracy within a school district and

Women’s Business Conference Set for Nov. 4 in Irvine

D Wendy Redlew Shrove writes audience members’ suggestions and what they would like to see within their own school district during a meeting on Tuesday at the San Clemente Community Center.

Photo: Eric Heinz

other things they feel Capistrano Unified School District has not provided students.

A major talking point from City Councilman Tim Brown was the cost of deferred maintenance of CUSD facilities. It was mentioned during the August meeting as well as the Tuesday night meeting by Brown that CUSD still has $800 million in deferred maintenance costs.

Another meeting of Citizens for SCUSD is planned but has yet to be scheduled.

Organizer Wendy Redlew Shrove said the group’s next step is to form a charitable organization and commission a feasibility study, as well as finding an attorney to “help us get underway.”—EH

iane Harkey, County Board of Equalization member, and UC Irvine are hosting a free conference, Connecting Women to Power, on Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the UCI Student Center, 311 W. Peltason Drive in Irvine.

Check in will begin at 8 a.m.

The conference will feature a number of breakout sessions and 36 women speakers who are experts and leaders in the fields of business, government and nonprofit organizations.

Speakers will include Christine N. Simmons, Los Angeles Sparks president; Trisha Nguyen, national manager of operation support and services for Panda Express; Katie Burbank, Yelp community director and Linda Voss, Red Cross Orange County CEO, among others.

Registration by phone or online is required. For more information or to RSVP, call 1.888.847.9652, or visit www.boe.ca.gov/cwp. DP

EYE ON DP

Gene Burrus, ‘The Voice of Dana Point,’ Passes Away at 88 City mourns the loss of longtime youth baseball, parade, senior center bingo announcer, community volunteer

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he sights and sounds of “home” play a large part in making lifetime memories. And the people, places and events responsible for them are integral to the fabric that makes up a city, place or neighborhood. So when we lose an iconic figure to death, the loss is felt well beyond the circle of the deceased’s family and close friends, extending outward to include an entire community.

Dana Point has suffered such a loss—in the void left and the voice silenced—when Gene Burrus, 88, passed away on Oct. 21 from melanoma.

Burrus is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gladys, his sister-in-law Tona (Arizona) and numerous nieces and nephews, one of which Gladys is now living with.

Gene “The Voice of Dana Point” Burrus’ became one of the city’s most beloved figures, with his golden voice, personality and generosity, since “retiring” to Dana Point in 1986 with his beloved wife.

As announcer for Dana Point Youth Baseball for more than a decade and the Dana Point Festival of Whales Parade for nine years, as well as his more than 15 years of volunteer service—three to five days a week—at the Senior Center, acting as the unofficial greeter, master of ceremonies, bingo caller and overseer of food distribution to qualified residents in need, Burrus more than earned his nickname, along with the respect and admiration of friends and fans of all ages.

Thousands of area children will remember his voice fondly as he called the playby-play at their baseball games, making them feel as exciting and important as the big leagues. Scores of Festival of Whales Parade-goers and participants recall the big introductions every band, float and community group, large or small, got as they marched down Pacific Coast Highway. And to his large and ever-growing group of senior friends, his time at the Senior Center created a welcoming, fun and active home-away-from home for all.

Among his many community recognitions, Burrus was honored as Ambassador of the Year for South County Senior Services in 2006, Mustang Field at the Dana Point Community Center was renamed the Gene Burrus Ballfield in his honor in 2012 and he was named the Citizen of the Year for 2013 by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

“Gene was one of the best salesmen for the city of Dana Point, whether supporting our youth or seniors,” said Kevin Evans, director of Community Services & Parks.

“He always had a welcoming smile and a Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2015

Gene Burrus was known as much for his dapper duds as for his golden voice. Photo: Courtesy of Rene Cortez

Gene Burrus and a few Dana Point Youth Baseball players get a look at the monument dedicated in his honor in 2012 at the re-naming of Mustang Field to the Gene Burrus Ballfield. Photo: Andrea Swayne

handshake for everyone at the Community Center, inviting people into the place he considered an extension of his home and was supportive and appreciative of what the City Council, city staff and Senior Services does for our residents. He dedicated his life to serving others and is sorely missed.”

Burrus showed his dedication to and appreciation for the city and its efforts with more than eight years of perfect attendance at City Council meetings, where he often spoke in praise of Dana Point’s efforts to provide services to residents. In 2004 City Council honored him with a certificate of recognition for his community service and in 2006 issued an official proclamation naming him “The Voice of Dana Point.”

Rene Cortez, Dana Point Youth Baseball director of communications for more than 30 years, worked side-by-side with Burrus during his years as announcer.

“Over the last season or two (Burrus stopped announcing in 2012) when I’d go down to the ballpark and watch the games, it struck me as unfortunate that the players moving up to the Mustang division would never have the opportunity to hear Gene Burrus announce their games,” Cortez said. “Many of us have fond memories of Dana Point Youth Baseball’s announcer.

Mine extend beyond the ballfield into the Senior Center where he persuaded me to volunteer—into his home as I became friends with him and his wife, and then into my heart as I became part of their

first visit to the city.

In 1933, while on a vacation to visit family members in Southern California, Burrus’ father took a photograph of the family’s visit next to the Dana Point sign.

That photograph showing a 6-year-old Burrus is now among the tile murals on the Dana Point pedestrian bridge at the entry to the city at PCH and Dana Point Harbor Drive.

In 1945 Burrus joined the Navy and then in 1951, following his time in the service, attended the Radio and Engineering School in Burbank for an education in broadcasting.

Burrus began his career in 1952 at radio station KRUX in Glendale, Ariz.

His career in radio and television took him from California to Arizona and back, working at stations such as KCMJ in Palm Springs; KCOP, Los Angeles; and KOCM, Newport Beach.

And in the 10 years leading up to his retirement, he served as the Armed Forces Radio announcer for the Tournament of Roses Parade, earning him another nickname—The Voice of Armed Forces Radio.

The photo of Gene Burrus as a child with his family on vacation to Dana Point in 1933 is now one of the tile murals decorating the Dana Point pedestrian bridge. Photo: Courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society

family. My admiration and love for this gentleman can only be expressed in this thought: If a person could choose their father, there is no one I would wish to fill those shoes except Gene Burrus.”

Before the dedication of the Gene Burrus Ballfield, he was recognized by the league with the creation of the Gene Burrus Fund, enabling children in financial need to participate.

LIFE BEFORE DANA POINT Burrus was born in Arizona in 1927 and although he didn’t become a Dana Point resident until retirement, it was not his

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A CELEBRATION OF LIFE A celebration of Gene Burrus’ life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 22 at noon on the Gene Burrus Ballfield at Del Obispo Community Park, adjacent to the Dana Point Community/Senior Center at 34052 Del Obispo Street in Dana Point. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

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, October 27 DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (4:22 p.m.) A drunken woman who appeared to be homeless was screaming and bothering customers at McDonald’s.

The caller said the woman was demanding money and hitting cars when she didn’t get it.

CITIZEN ASSIST Breezy Place, 33400 Block (4:04 p.m.) A woman called and said her neighbor’s dogs are always off their leashes and it “impedes her manner of movement outside her house.”

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL Atlantis Way, 23200 Block (3:25 p.m.) A woman said her neighbors are removing asbestos and blowing it toward her.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Copper Lantern (12:55 p.m.) Police received

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

Annual Dana Point Library Book Sale Set for Oct. 30 and 31 The Dana Point Library Bookstore will host its annual book sale on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the library, 33841 Niguel Road in Dana Point.

A variety of books in like-new condition will be for sale. Inventory includes a number of children’s books, cookbooks, puzzles and games ideal for holiday gift giving.

There will be cookies for the children.

All funds raised go toward supporting the Dana Point Library.

Historical Society Field Trip to Rancho Santa Fe Set for Nov. 14 The Dana Point Historical Society is taking reservations for a field trip to Rancho Santa Fe—“the town the rail built”—scheduled for Nov. 14 from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tickets are $35 and include bus transDana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2015

up and when deputies tried to call back, the phone went to voicemail.

reports of a man beating up a woman on the sidewalk near the West Marine store and knocking her belongings into the street. The man was also seen harassing another man earlier at Taco Bell.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Las Palmas, 26600 Block (5:48 a.m.) A woman was heard screaming that someone had left her injured on the freeway. The caller said the woman was heard but not seen.

FOUND CHILD 24300 Block De Leon Drive (9:38 a.m.) A 2-year-old boy wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt and a diaper was found in a caller’s backyard.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34700 Block (1:39 a.m.) A large group of people were fighting in a parking lot. The caller said no weapons were seen but subjects were heard saying they had guns in their trunks.

A 22-year-old man who said he works as a plumber was arrested and released about an hour later after posting bond.

Monday, October 26 BATTERY REPORT La Cresta Drive, 25000 Block (9:54 p.m.) A drunken man said he was assaulted by his friend who had left the scene in a gold BMW convertible on her way to San Diego two hours prior to the report.

BURGLARY REPORT Del Obispo Street, 33600 Block (4:21 a.m.) A woman reported she and her husband were cleaning the Albertsons shopping center parking lot when they noticed the front door of a nail salon had been shattered. The caller said she didn’t see anyone inside.

Sunday, October 25 DISTURBANCE Puerto Place/Dana Point Harbor Drive (11:03 p.m.) A drunken man told deputies he had been beaten up by subjects from three different cars in the parking lot. He said “there’s a lot of them and they don’t live here.” The caller hung

portation and a two-hour guided tour of the village. Following the tour, attendees will have time to get lunch on their own at the inn. The return bus ride will include a visit to Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park.

The trip is limited to 50 people. Reservations are being taken via email at museum@danapointhistorical.org. Please provide name, email and phone number for contact.

The $35 fee should be mailed or delivered to the Historical Society Museum at Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 104, Dana Point, CA 92629.

The bus will leave promptly at 9 a.m. from the Strand Vista Park parking lot off of Pacific Coast Highway and Selva Road.

Though Rancho Santa Fe began as a failed attempt to grow lumber for railroad ties, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railways transformed the area into a community of “gentlemen estates.” Santa Fe officials hired the best engineers, architects, landscape architects and agronomists to create a utopian community. It was not long before Rancho Santa Fe became home to many Hollywood celebrities. The community has retained its 1920s architectural style and sense of place, inviting visitors to learn its stories.

For more information about the field trip destinations, visit www.ranchosantafehistoricalsociety.org and www.carlsbadca. gov; search “Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park.”

Saturday, October 24 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway/Monarch Bay Plaza (8:51 a.m.) A transient woman who has been living in the bushes in the area and is known to smoke pot and get drunk, was reported for littering. She had a big black lab and a pit bull with her.

Friday, October 23 TERRORIST THREATS REPORT Golden Lantern, 32500 Block (5:02 p.m.) A female Bank of America customer said she would “shoot everyone up in the bank,” but she wasn’t going to because “she has to go buy a gun.”

Christ Lutheran Celebrates Golden Anniversary Christ Lutheran Church, 35522 Camino Capistrano in San Clemente, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 8, with a “blessing of the animals” and a neighborhood gathering from noon to 2 p.m., preceded by a dedication and church service at 10:30 a.m.

“Pet owner or not, the event is open to the community,” said Judy Franz, Church Council president. “We will have treats for both pets and people and really hope to meet our neighbors.”

The congregation has been celebrating the golden anniversary with service projects to commemorate the milestone.

“We signed up over 50 donors for our two blood drives this year. We try to collect at least 50 pairs of socks and underwear for the homeless each month and 50 pounds of food each month for Family Assistance Ministries,” said Pastor Brenda Bos. Recently, members of the church also wrote 50 postcards to veterans for their past service and performed 50 random acts of kindness.

For more information, call 949.496.2621.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

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Community Meetings FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

Canned Food Drive 6 a.m.-7 p.m. from

Oct. 26 through Nov. 9, Dana Hills High School hosts their annual collection of canned foods. This year’s collection will be donated to Family Assistance Ministries. For more information, call 949.295.1481. Donations should be dropped off at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

South Orange County Toastmasters Meeting 7 p.m.-8:40 p.m. Practice be-

coming a more confident communicator on Tuesdays at Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, 949.280.9777, 3944816. toastmastersclubs.org,

Dana Harbor Toastmasters 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Fine tune your public speaking skills each Tuesday at the Capistrano Beach Church, 26975 Domingo Avenue, Capistrano Beach, 949.492.7181, www.1707.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

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.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Dana Point Youth Board Meeting

4 p.m. at Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9

Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m. at Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Veterans’ Assistance 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.

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

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

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

PLEASE CLEAN UP THE SLOPES OF PALISADES DRIVE

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

EVA M. WESSELL, Capistrano Beach

HOW TO REACH US

The city has pruned the bushes between the gazebo and Pacific Coast Highway on Palisades Drive, pleasing traffic and pedestrians with a better view. But there is a price to pay.

Unfortunately, the enhanced vistas have also laid bare more of the downward slopes to the businesses below and, with it, the accumulation of decades of trash, either from careless walkers on Palisades or from the businesses themselves.

Local residents often attend to the trash accumulating along the roadway above, but the steep hillside makes it dangerous trying to reach the rest.

Besides, trash collecting citizens might encounter trespassing complaints, since property boundaries are not posted.

Perhaps the city could take charge of the problem by notifying those responsible for the long-postponed cleanup.

DOWNTOWN DANA POINT NEEDS TO BE MORE BICYCLE-FRIENDLY JILL RICHARDSON, Dana Point

As an avid bike rider, I’m wondering when bike lanes will be put into place on Del Prado Avenue between Copper Lantern and Golden Lantern. There are currently no bike lanes traveling south or north on Del Prado in that section. This is surprising, since the town center area off Del Prado is supposed to be much more walking/bike friendly.

In addition, the bike lanes on Pacific Coast Highway are much more dangerous. There is very little room for bikers’ safety when car doors open or cars park, and a much smaller space between traveling cars and bikers.

As a biker, I challenge decision makers to create Dana Point as a bicyclist haven.

I want to encourage all of those involved in designing our city going forward to read www.activelivingresearch.org.

RETURN HARBOR PARK TO COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT MARK HOWE, San Juan Capistrano

As a (very) longtime marine sciences instructor at Saddleback College and in the Dana Point Harbor, I can help folks understand how the old Dana Point Youth and Groups facility (now the OC Sailing & Events Center) came to be such a drain on the county.

When the DPY&G facility came to be in 1983, it was humming with activities that Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2015

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

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com Members of Mariners 936 Sea Scouts held a candlelight march on Oct. 21 to protest the county’s efforts to privatize the management of the OC Sailing & Events Center where they are based. Photo: Andrea Swayne

allowed it to pay its own way. Saddleback contributed boats, Saddleback and others contributed instructors, each of the various groups contributed their share of maintenance or money and the county maintained an office that marketed and coordinated programs and collected money. This consortium arrangement could draw from the community at large and even considerable amounts of grant money from the state boating and waterways agencies.

Then a few years ago the center was transferred from the county Parks Department to the newly-formed Dana Point Harbor Department which had no interest in any of that—only the part about collecting money.

Programs deteriorated gradually as coordination became non-existent. Some organizations did better than others as they picked up the slack, but county revenues decreased because they were no longer marketing and coordinating. So the DPHD began raising rates and failed to understand why groups simply bailed rather than paying more for less.

Saddleback bailed when the county wanted $80 per hour “overtime” for a maintenance worker to watch television in the office until we were done with class.

That made no sense since we had always been required to put away our own chairs, tables, trash and lock the doors. Sometimes the worker didn’t even hang around.

Other groups, like the Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety programs, bailed for similar reasons. And DPHD never could understand the logic that without programs there can be no income stream.

We, the Consortium of Stakeholders of the OC Sailing & Events Center, would love to see the center returned to the Parks Department. After all, what we do is similar to what parks do—education, recreation and youth activities.

We do not trust the Harbor Department because they have at various times assertively stated that there will be no guaranPage 8

tees that our programs will survive.

We have no objection to discussing fair contribution but if a new developer says the new rates will be the commercial going rate and that is beyond what one of us is able to pay, that stakeholder is gone. If one of us falls, we may all fall and as they say in the Sea Scouts, “Where one of us goes, we all go.” We have united so that we won’t be picked off one at a time.

To see who we are and what we are doing, please go to: www.chn.ge/1RNinSo.

SIGN THE PETITION TO WITHDRAW COUNTY’S RFP FOR PRIVATIZATION OF OC SAILING & EVENTS CENTER MELISSA FOX, Irvine

Since the creation of the Dana Point Harbor in the early ’70s, the Harbor Park has been a mecca for use by all the citizens of Orange County. The Harbor Park at the west end of the Harbor consists of Baby Beach, two adjacent parking lots and three Cape Cod buildings surrounded by docks. Hundreds of persons daily use the Harbor Park campus to have access to swim, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, paddle outriggers and sail. Instructional programs in maritime skills are provided by the Mariner Sea Scouts, Saddleback College, the Outrigger Club, Westwind Sailing, JSerra Sailing and Dana Hills High School. The rooms of the of the OC Sailing & Events Center are used by every conceivable community group, including Sea Scouts, religious groups, Alcoholics Anonymous, Jazzercise, weddings and community celebrations.

A few years ago the administration of the Harbor Park was removed from the County Beaches, Harbors and Parks Department and placed under the thennewly-created Harbor Department. Now it appears that the Harbor Department is proposing to privatize the buildings in the park for commercial use. If this is allowed

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 City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor, > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING PICKET FENCE MEDIA

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point) Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 44. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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SOAPBOX to happen, the park would be destroyed and the people of Orange County would lose a valuable access to the use of the Harbor.

The Dana Point Harbor Department refuses to include protections within this request that would prevent the private company from driving out these community-focused organizations through increased rates, or misguided management practices. The refusal to include these protections threatens the continued existence of these organizations and their ability to provide educational and recreational opportunities.

Please sign our petition and the tell the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the city of Dana Point and the California Coastal Commission that you want them to: 1. Direct the Dana Point Harbor Department to withdraw its intention to seek proposals on privatizing the OC Sailing & Events Center; and 2. Direct the Harbor Department to work in harmony with these organizations, in order that they may better serve our community.

The petition can be found at www.chn. ge/1RNinSo.

RFP FOR OC SAILING & EVENTS CENTER WILL START DISSOLUTION OF HARBOR PARK JIM “SkIP” WEHAN, Dana Point

I have been the skipper of the Sea Scouts in Dana Point Harbor for 40 years in the Harbor Park. If Lisa Bartlett (county 5th District supervisor) issues a Request for Proposal, it will start the dissolution of the park that opens the Harbor to everyone regardless of ability to pay. Her contention is that since the RFP is only applicable to a parcel in that park, it will not affect the rest of the park. I contend that the parcel in question, which is used for community meetings and classroom instruction, weddings, sailing lessons and Sea Scout activities as well as storage of Sea Scout vessels and equipment, is the heart and soul of the park.

I also question the validity of the $300,000 subsidy. To date we have only been able to see a four-line financial statement.

Parks are not meant to be profit makers.

Even so, let us see the total income and expense sheet for the total Harbor Park, not just one isolated part.

Lisa Bartlett claims that there is a large amount of misinformation going around. I disagree. It is clear that the RFP is the first step in the removal of the northwest corner of the Harbor from its historic role as a place where those who do not own boats might have free or relatively inexpensive access to the Harbor.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2015

GUEST OPINION: The Bartlett Bulletin by Lisa Bartlett, Orange County Supervisor 5th District

Improving South County Mobility

O

n Dec. 10, 2013, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to authorize execution of the construction contract for the La Pata Avenue Extension THE BARTLETT Project. This $126.5 milBULLETIN lion project will provide

By Lisa Bartlett a critical link between the communities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Commuters traveling this route should expect a 20-to 30-minute reduction in their travel time after all improvements are completed. This project provides distinct benefits to South County residents, including: • Improved public safety – redundancy to I-5 freeway for emergency vehicles • Enhanced air quality – reduction of congestion • Enriched economy – faster transport of goods and services, north-south connector The La Pata Avenue Extension Project is the most significant county roadway improvement remaining in south Orange County.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE There are three phases to this project: • Gap connector (currently underway) • Widening of the existing La Pata stretch from Ortega to just south of Vista Montana • Extension of Camino Del Rio The project celebrated its one-year construction anniversary in April. The first phase of the project, the gap connector, is 75 percent complete and on schedule to be completed in fall 2016. The remaining two phases are scheduled to begin in spring 2016. The project reached a major milestone in August: the completion of the excavation and relocation of approximately 800,000 cubic yards of refuse within Prima Deshecha Landfill. In the next few months, earthwork and the bridge at the Prima Deshecha Landfill entrance will be completed. The county and construction crews have been working diligently to enhance connectivity for our South County communities.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT Due to the uniqueness of this project and number of invested stakeholders, it is fully financed via a combination of funding sources from Rancho Mission Viejo, Communities Facilities Districts (CFDs), Measure M, State Proposition 1B Funds, La Pata Road Fee Program, OC Waste & Recycling, County Road Fund (state gas tax) and utility reimbursements. The total estimated cost for all three phases of the La Pata project is $126.5 million.

This project has been years in the mak-

Above: The new roadway will go under the Prima Deshecha landfill entrance bridge (left). A waste excavation pit (center) is being prepared for backfill.

The La Pata roadway can be seen in the background as it makes its way to San Clemente. Left: An access road for trash trucks to commute across the landfill will go through this tunnel. Photos: Courtesy

ing and is the result of the collaboration of many stakeholders, including the city of San Juan Capistrano, the city of San Clemente, The Ranch and OCTA, all of which have worked very hard to make the vision of this project into reality.

WHAT’S NEXT? During the next few months, the La Pata gap connector phase will progress, as crews continue to conduct earthwork, bridge construction and paving, as well as sidewalk, traffic signals and landscape activities. La Pata Avenue is anticipated to open and help ease your drive by fall 2016.

I am very pleased to be part of this project and I look forward to improving mobility within South County and the region at large.

I-5/Ortega Highway Interchange Project Dedication In other South County transportation news, I’m also pleased to report that Caltrans, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), and the city of San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, Oct. 1 marked completion of the $77.2 million I-5/Ortega Highway Interchange Improvement Project, which makes the new bridge transition seamless for daily commuters, lessens vehicle emissions and gets people where they need to go sooner.

The two-and-a-half-year project to modernize the interchange includes: • A reconstructed Ortega Highway bridge over the I-5 Freeway, increasing

Page 9

the number of lanes on the bridge from four to eight, including turn lanes and through lanes • Realignment of Ortega Highway west of I-5 through the downtown area of San Juan Capistrano • A new northbound loop on-ramp and widened north and south I-5 on- and offramps to improve traffic flow The interchange is a major connection between Orange, San Diego, and Riverside counties.

This project highlights a “bridging of history,” as San Juan Capistrano’s Spanish architectural style is reflected in colored concrete on the new bridge, as well as textured retaining walls that were hand painted. The city of San Juan Capistrano also played a key role in the project’s initiation by preparing the environmental document, from which its City Council approved the selected alternative in January 2009.

The $77.2 million project was primarily funded with $42.7 million from the State Transportation Improvement Program, $24.1 million from the Corridor Mobility Improvement Act and $2.8 million from the Regional Improvement Program (Proposition 1B), a 2006 voter-approved bond. An additional $2.5 million was provided by Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements; $3.2 million was received from the County of Orange and $1.8 million from the city of San Juan Capistrano.

To date, more than $18 billion in Proposition 1B funds have been put to work statewide for transportation purposes.

I was pleased to participate in the dedication ceremony and wish to thank the city of San Juan Capistrano, Caltrans, OCTA and the area business community for coming together to deliver this worldclass project. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

At the Movies: ‘Crimson Peak’ is Horror-able

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 30 CHARITY HAUNTED HOUSE 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31 haunted house to benefit Family Assistance Ministries. Free with donation of canned goods. 1601 Via Ameno, San Clemente, 618.975.3910, 2goodhearted@gmail.com MIKE HAMILTON 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Music at Salt Creek Grille.

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

Saturday | 31 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.

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Noon-3 p.m. Enjoy a celebration of life and family at the San Juan Capistrano Library’s annual Day of the Dead event with children’s crafts and artwork. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m. Flock of 80’s performs until 6:30 p.m., followed by Three Chord Justice at 8:30 p.m. A Halloween costume contest begins at 9:30 p.m. with prizes. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

BY MEGAN BIANCO

T

he most hyped horror movie of the month and of the year is Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak. Three years in the making, the gothic horror flick is one targeted at a specific audience that appreciates an era of horror where scary monsters and melodrama blend together.

Del Toro’s latest Hollywood blockbuster takes cues from all sorts of inspiration, from Hitchcock’s Rebecca (1940) to Kubrick’s The Shining (1980), and is led by popular character actors Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain and Tom Hiddleston.

In 1831 Buffalo, New York, aspiring novelist Edith Cushing (Wasikowska) begins a relationship with English heir/entrepreneur, Thomas Sharpe (Hiddleston).

Thomas is new in town and hoping to expand his clay mining machine with his sister and partner, Lucille (Chastain), attached to his hip. Soon he proposes to Edith and convinces her to move back to his family’s estate, which is full of eeriness and mystery, along with the Sharpes’ own secrets.

Charlie Hunnam co-stars as Edith’s best friend and local doctor. Despite his suc-

Sunday | 01 PAPERMOON GYPSYS 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Live music every Sunday at the Point Restaurant. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

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

Monday | 02 HARPOON HENRYS HAPPY HOUR & MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Half-price draft beer.

Watch the Colts vs. Panthers at 5:30 p.m.

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

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

EDITOR’S PICK

Tuesday | 03 HALF-PRICED WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Dana Hills High School football players—in special jerseys emblazoned with the names of guest military veterans—shared a pre-game meal with the vets before last year’s Honor the Valor game. Photo: Tony Tribolet/www.xpsphoto.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6: HONOR THE VALOR FOOTBALL GAME 7 p.m. The Dana Hills High School football team will face El Toro at their Honor the Valor benefit football game and fundraising event. The team hosts a pregame dinner and postgame presentation of game jerseys to the 70 veterans to be honored at this fourth annual event. In its first three years, the event has raised more than $75,000 for local veterans’ organizations but without major sponsorship this year, its continuation is in jeopardy.

Donations, to help cover the price of the dinner, special camouflage jerseys sporting the names of the guest veterans and donations to local veterans groups, can be made to the 12th Man Club, online at www.gofundme.com by searching the words, “Dana Hills Charity Football Game.” The 5th Marine regiment will conduct static displays and a flyover is scheduled to take place during the National Anthem. Tickets are $10 at the stadium. Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6666, www.dhhs.net.

Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2015

TACO TUESDAYS AT SUNSETS 4 p.m. Tacos for $2 and $3, $5 margaritas and tequila and $4 Mexican beers.

Sunsets Bar & Grill Capo Beach, 34700 Pacific Coast Highway, Capistrano Beach, 949.276.8880, www.sunsetsbar.com.

Wednesday | 04 READ TO A DOG 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Children can practice their skills by sharing favorite tales with certified therapy dogs in the children’s area of the library. No pre-registration required.

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

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Photo: Courtesy

cess with Hellboy (2004) and Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), Del Toro hasn’t really found a market in the U.S. with his films, and with Crimson Peak he might have stopped trying. Peak has vibrant costumes and set design but also graphic gore and ghosts, mixing targeted audiences. Even with the spooky effects, it’s less about shocking the viewer or blowing minds and more about paying homage to a cult genre. Movie fans who enjoy Coppola’s Dracula (1992) or Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow (1999) will like Crimson Peak best. DP

LECTURE: THE LOVELY LIFE OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for stories, video, photos, and insights about Monarch butterfly life cycles. Ages 8 and up. Admission is free. Space is limited, and participants must be registered by 2 p.m. Nov. 4. The RMV Presentation Center, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

Thursday | 05 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 7:30 p.m. Saddleback College’s Department of Theatre Arts presents a contemporary take on William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Show runs through Nov. 8. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 5, 6 and 7, and 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 8. Tickets are $10–$15. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu/arts.

GONE COUNTRY 10 p.m.-midnight. Country music and dancing every Thursday at the Point Restaurant, 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.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

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

It’s Time to Prepare for El Niño

Readying our homes, gardens and neighborhoods

M

y father, who was raised on the East Coast until settling in Southern California after World War II, often joked that California has four seasons: earthquake, fire, flood and mudslides. Well, his assessment is not far off from the truth.

After El Niño hit Ventura County in the winter of 1966, I witnessed, at 11 years old, the punishing effects of the winter rains as our family car filled with rainwater and floated down the street.

This El Niño storm devastated coastal homes, marinas, bridges and surrounding hillside areas throughout Southern California.

Climate experts believe that there is a 95 percent chance of El Niño weather conditions lasting throughout the remainder of this year. While we’re finally going to get some DIRT THERAPY relief from one condiBy Marrianne Taylor tion—the drought—it’s time we prepare our home, gardens and neighborhoods for this wet winter.

What exactly is El Niño? It’s the name given to a shift in trade winds over the Pacific Ocean, which causes a rise in ocean temperatures. These trade winds normally blow sun-warmed ocean water toward Australia and Indonesia, while allowing deeper, colder water to rise to the surface.

During an El Niño year, these winds decrease or stop so that the warm waters remain and the cold water don’t rise to the top, creating warmer water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and along the equator, causing humidity and rain.

If the experts are correct, El Niño is expected to be a strong weather pattern this winter. The time is now to prepare your home, garden and neighborhood before the rains arrive.

Preparing Your Home: Clean your rain gutters of debris to ensure water flows smoothly into storm drains. Be sure to check the gutters again for capturing and diverting water when the storm arrives. Installing rain barrels now is ideal for saving winter water for summer use. Fix leaking windows and check your weather-stripping around the doors. Make sure that water can’t get inside house.

Walk around your house and check the stucco for large cracks. While you’re at it, inspect your roof and check for aging and damages. From the ground level, look up and see if there is sagging. Be sure to schedule pruning your trees; you don’t Dana Point Times October 30–November 5, 2015

want heavy limbs crashing on your roof.

You may need to call a professional to do a roof inspection. With the first heavy rain, check your interior walls for leaks so they can be repaired quickly. You don’t want another problem—mold.

Consider purchasing flood insurance.

Purchase sand bags. Take photographs inside and outside of your house in the event you need to file an insurance claim.

Keep an itemized list of your furnishing, electronics and personal valuable belongings. Create a family evacuation plan.

Preparing Your Garden: Lay mulch to absorb the heavy rainfall; bare soil can’t permeate the rainwater and causes runoff, clogged drains and hillside erosion. Mulch will slow down the water and help retain the moisture in the soil. By increasing the layer of mulch in your gardens, you can turn off your sprinklers this winter.

With cool nights and warm days, fall is the ideal time to plant native plants. Get your plantings in now. With heavy winds and rains, young plants get stressed and may perish.

If you live on a hillside be sure to check the bare slope and cover it with biodegradable jute landscape fabric, which will hold the dirt in place. This is also a good time to plant native plants in the jute for erosion control. The fabric will disappear as the plants grow. Check out Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano—they have a large selection of California native plants.

Preparing Your Neighborhood: If you live in areas at risk, be diligent and have a plan. Schedule a neighborhood preparedness meeting, and encourage neighbors to develop a plan dealing with localized flooding, wind damage and power outages, as well as arrangements to evacuate.

Although we’ve been in a drought for the last four years, this deluge of rainwater from El Niño is needed to fill up our nearly empty reservoirs. We Californians must continue to conserve water and be mindful of our use. Every drop counts.

For more, see www.water.ca.gov/floodsafe.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Find out more at www.goinnative.net. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Michael Slade and Skylar Clifford were named Dana Hills High School { IN DANA POINT } homecoming king and queen at the homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 23.

For a photo slideshow from the halftime show, visit www.danapointtimes.com. Photo: Gibby/Zone57

SCENE

Pet of the Week: Reginald

T

his handsome pup goes by the name of Reginald, though his closest friends call him Reggie. Before coming to the shelter, Reggie had it hard in life but now his biggest hope is to find a loving friend who will give him all the affection he desires. Could you be his dream come true?

If you would like to know more about Reginald, 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.

Reginald. Photo: San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter

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 13

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

www.danapointtimes.com

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

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LIST

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View online at www.danapointtimes.com Call at Debra Wells for pricing at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

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

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

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

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100!

Write-up of 50 words with logo.

Four weeks in print and online.

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

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

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Represent.xyz

949.274.0590, www.represent.xyz

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

34202 Camino Capistrano Capistrano Beach, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2015

GRAPHIC DESIGN

IMAGES/Creative Solutions

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

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

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 14

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

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 www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com AUTOS FOR SALE 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER 4x4 Silver with black interior. Bluetooth CD player with lan hookup. New Bilstein shocks. K&N air filter. In great shape. $15,500 949-633-3860

FOR SALE HARLEY HANDLE BARS Chrome, 8-inch, T Bars (drag specialties).

Slight curve back. $70. Can send pictures.

Text or call 949-633-3860 for more info.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. No phone calls please.

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

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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

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous.

Excellent references. 949-573-8733

SPORTING GOODS

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@danapointtimes.com

PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Folds up for easy storage. Great workout at home. $75. 949.533.9761

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week?

Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times October 30–November 5, 2015

Page 15

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

King of the Cage

DP Turkey Trot Registration Open Registration for the 38th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is still ongoing and will be open until Nov. 23 at midnight.

The race will take place on Nov. 26 and is open to all ages. There will be a 5K, 10K, combo 5K/10K and a kids gobble wobble fun run. Mail-in registration forms must be received no later than Nov. 15. For more information or to register, visit www.turkeytrot.com. DP

Goalie Riley Zachary sets the tone for the Dana Hills High School boys water polo team’s trademark defense

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

R

iley Zachary loves disrupting an opposing team’s offense.

As the goalie for the Dana Hills High School boys water polo team, Zachary has the ability to set up the Dolphins defense, communicate to his teammates where the attack is coming from and, more often than not, bring it to a crippling halt.

The Dolphins are 18-6 on the season and have a commanding lead in the South Coast League, where they are the three-time defending champions. A large part of their success is a result of the team’s efforts on defense and a unit anchored by Zachary.

The senior currently leads Orange County in saves with 313 as of Oct. 29. If the Dolphins continue their winning ways, Zachary is on pace to lead the county in the category for a second consecutive year. The end result might be similar (Zachary had 416 saves last season and is on pace to match or surpass that number) but Zachary’s 2015 campaign has been remarkably different in terms of efficiency.

“One thing I’m impressed with this year is his save percentage is way up,” Dolphins head coach Matt Rosa said. “Last year, my goal for him was to have more saves than goals (allowed). But the percentage of goals against (in 2015) is really good. I’m confident his save percentage this year will be far and away the best in school history.”

Rosa estimated Zachary’s save percentage is currently hovering around 60 percent, an impressive number given the scoring nature of the sport.

With Zachary in goal, Rosa and his staff have been able to be more flexible on defense than in year’s past. On any given play, the Dolphin defenders can overload to one side of the pool, keying in on a certain offensive threat, knowing that the player they are leaving open as a result will have a hard time getting anything past Zachary.

With the defense swarming the ball, the Dolphins have been able to force turnovers at a high rate. Senior Bennett Williams leads the team with 47 steals, Jack McLaughlin has 41 and Kai Hanson has 34. As a team, Dana Hills has recorded 266 steals.

Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2015

Dana Hills High School senior goalie Riley Zachary leads Orange County with 313 saves as of Oct. 29.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

I’m impressed “withOnethisthing year is his save per-

centage is way up. Last year, my goal for him was to have more saves than goals (allowed). But the percentage of goals against (in 2015) is really good. I’m confident his save percentage this year will be far and away the best in school history.

”

—Dolphins head coach Matt Rosa

Dana Hills has held opponents to seven goals or less in 14 matches this year and have outscored their South Coast League opponents by a combined 72-30 margin in five games.

Zachary’s effort in goal, along with his teammates’ defensive effort, makes for clean-looking stat sheets, but the goalie’s impact can also be felt on offense.

When addressing his team’s strengths at the start of the 2015 season, Rosa saw how fast and athletic his field players were. The team was not especially strong in a half-court offensive setting, where game play slows down and the offense waits for plays to develop. Rosa, instead, wanted his players to push the tempo and develop a ruthless fast-break, counter attacking style.

With Zachary knocking down shots on goal, he has become the primary player

in charge of igniting the counter attack.

Zachary has worked hard at honing his outlet passing ability, which has led to plenty of fast-break goals for the Dolphins top offensive players like Williams, who Zachary has played with since the two were 12 years old.

“With (Williams), we’re kind of like the dynamic duo. I’ll block and he’ll shoot,” Zachary said. “It’s always been like that.

We’ve been on the same club team since we were 12. We have a good connection.”

Zachary, who already has the school record for most assists by a goalie in a season, has 19 so far this year.

Zachary grew up playing water polo with his older brother, Brody, who is two years older. Brody Zachary, now a goalie for the Chapman University water polo team, was the Dolphins starting goalie during Riley’s freshman and sophomore years. Riley saw how his brother, who was slightly undersized at the time, made up for it by playing with an explosive style. Riley adopted the way his brother exploded out of the water toward the ball, rather than sitting in net and occupy space with length.

His explosiveness, experience and ability to read opposing shooters are Zachary’s strengths in goal. One intangible, however, is his competitive nature. On game days, as his coach and teammates can attest to, there is a heightened sense of things, as the goalie takes to the water, locked in and ready to play.

“I’m in the goal and I can see everything. So I like to be able to orchestrate everything and really keep a clear head and see everything and tell people where to go,” Zachary said. “I like being the general and I like being the captain of the defense.

I think it’s fun to ruin an (opposing team’s) play.” DP

Page 16

Dolphin Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

Dolphins Volleyball Set for Showdown With Stallions A 3-1 loss to San Clemente on Oct. 28 sets up a final South Coast League match against San Juan Hills for the Dana Hills girls volleyball team on Nov. 2.

A win will give the Dolphins (6-15, 4-3) a solo third-place finish in league.

Dolphins Football Falls to Titans 68-7 The Dana Hills High School football team lost to visiting Tesoro 68-7 on Oct. 23. The Titans entered the contest as the No. 3 ranked team in the CIF-SS West Valley Division and were led by senior quarterback Devon Modster’s three touchdown passes and two touchdown runs by Vinnie Vladic.

The Dolphins (0-8, 0-2 league) scored on a 71-yard touchdown run by O’Shea Smith in the fourth quarter.

The Dolphins will travel to play San Juan Hills (7-1, 1-1), the West Valley Division’s No. 6 team, on Oct. 30.

Dana Hills sophomore Charlie Bortnick, right, runs the ball against Tesoro on Oct. 23.

Photo: Gibby/Zone57

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

UPCOMING EVENTS

Candice Appleby, San Clemente, sweeps Stand Up World Series with win No. 4 at Turtle Bay. Photo: Waterman League/Hank Photo

Appleby Sweeps SUP

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

C

andice Appleby of San Clemente made it four-for-four, Oct. 16-18, at Turtle Bay on Oahu’s North Shore, in the last event of the Waterman League Stand Up World Series. After conquering the first three events of the four-event series that took her to Spain in June, Japan in September and the US Open of SUP in Huntington Beach earlier this month—and

throwing in an unrelated win at the inaugural Pacific Paddle Games, Oct. 10 and 11 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point— Appleby continued her winning streak at the SUP World Series final at Turtle Bay. Her battle for overall top honors was hardfought, taking the win over Fiona Wylde (Oregon) by a tight six-second margin, for the clean sweep (no SUP pun intended).

DP

October 31-November 1: NSSA Open, Event No. 4, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach November 7-8: NSSA Open, Event No. 5, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach November 14: Jacks Surfboards Every Wave Counts Surf Contest, San Clemente, T Street November 14-15: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 4, Pismo Beach, Pier November 21: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 3, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street November 21-22: NSSA Open, Event No. 6, Newport Beach, 54th Street November 22: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 1, Huntington Beach, 9th Street December 5-6: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier December 12-13: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 3, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach December 19: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 2, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty December 19-20: NSSA Open, Event No. 7, Cardiff-bythe-Sea, Seaside Reef December 20: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 2, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty January 9-10: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 4, Santa Cruz, Steamer Lane January 16-17: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 6, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty January 23: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 3, Huntington Beach, Pier January 24: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 3, Huntington Beach, Pier February 6-7: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 5, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 69-71 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’+ Fair Outlook: Fun size SW swell continues for the end of the week, as WSW swell and NW swellmix ease. Light to locally moderate+ offshore flow develops for the mornings with onshore flow still due each afternoon. A new round of NW swell is due later in the weekend as fun SW swell persists. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

February 6-7: NSSA Open, Event No. 8, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach February 13-14: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 7, Huntington Beach, Pier February 20: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 4, Oceanside, Pier February 21: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 4, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street February 27-28: NSSA Open, Event No. 9, Ventura, C Street March 5: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier March 6: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier

DP SURF GROM OF THE WEEK

CARSON KROPFL

C

arson Kropfl, 10, of San Clemente, has been surfing for four years and so far this season has shown a remarkable step up in his competition skills.

Carson surfs in the Western Surfing Association Championship Tour, the National Scholastic Surfing Association and last weekend competed in his third Stoke-oRama at T Street, where he earned his first perfect 10-point wave and the third-place trophy in the Boys 10U division. At his first NSSA Explorer event ever, earlier this month in Carlsbad, Carson was a double finalist, earning a fifth-place in Menehune and sixth in Mini Groms.

Carson said he owes his expanding skill set not only to his dedication to practicing at least three times a week, but also to the coaching help he’s received over the years by Chris Connolly, Collin Crook and Neco Padaratz, among others. “P.T. (Peter Townend) has given me some pointers too,” he added.

Carson also wanted to give a shoutout to his parents to thank them for their support.

“Thank you mom and dad for getting me this far and taking me to contests,” he said.

“I love you.”

Stoke-o-Rama first-place finishers (front row, L to R) Makai Bray (8U), Nico Coli (Boys 12U), Sierra Downer (Girls 12U) and Brayden Burch (Boys 12U) gather for a photo with Dane Gudauskas (bacon) and Tanner Gudauskas (elf) and their giant Vans shoe trophies. Joey Madison (shark) was the costume contest winner.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

Goin’ for Broke at the Stoke Gudauskas brothers’ fourth annual Stoke-o-Rama a surfing, fundraising success

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

A

group of 125 local groms ages 12 and under gathered with surfboards and Halloween costumes, giving it their all at the Gudauskas brothers’ fourth annual Stoke-o-Rama surf contest, Saturday, Oct. 24, at T Street.

The lineup, up by 25 surfers from years before due to increased interest, is a free, locals only surf event presented by San Clemente-based pro surfers Dane, Patrick and Tanner Gudauskas and family, to bring youth together to enjoy a fun day of surfing while raising money to support the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks & Recreation Foundation. Each year, the Gudauskas brothers make a $10,000 donation—taking care of the kids’ entry fees— to the city’s Junior Lifeguards program along with donations from the community.

With great waves—glassy and overhead for even the tallest of the groms—and beautiful summer-like weather all day, the beach was crowded with families of the

RESULTS Rip Curl GromSearch National Championship, October 24, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles BOYS 16U: 1. Nolan Rapoza ($500) 16.54; 2. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente 12.10; 3. Cody Young 11.50; 4. Luke Gordon 10.53. GIRLS 16U: 1. Summer Macedo ($500) 16.37; 2. Gabriella Bryan 10.96; 3. Alyssa Spencer 10.80; 4. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente 9.13. BOYS 14U: 1. Eithan Osborne ($500) 16.17; 2. Cole Houshmand, San Clemente 14.57; 3. Tyler Gunter 13.67; 4. Bo Raynor 11.80. BOYS 12U: 1. Eli Hanneman ($500) 18.66; 2. Ocean Macedo 16.67; 3. Kade Matson, San Clemente 12.17; 4. Robert Grillho III 7.03. BANZAI BOWLS MANEUVER OF THE EVENT: Jake Marshall ($500).

SEARCH GPS FASTEST SURFER AWARD: Kade Matson, 18.8 mph.

Dana Point Times October 30-November 5, 2015

competitors as well as a selection of former Stoke-o-Rama competitors who have aged out of the competition.

“Every year Stoke-o-Rama somehow has the magic for conditions and today is no exception,” Dane Gudauskas said. “It’s super fun—especially the 8 and under—seeing all the families come together. I think the camaraderie is getting stronger every single year and seeing the kids cheering for each other, smiling and having a great time is perfect.”

Makai Bray, who won the Pops & Pups 8U division, agreed.

“This day is awesome and it feels great to win,” Bray said. “I’m so stoked I got a big shoe! My best wave was my last one. I got four cutties and a big hit.”

The “big shoe” Bray spoke of, was a giant Vans high top sneaker, provided by the event sponsor as first-place trophies.

Bray’s enthusiasm was matched by his fellow competitors—pretty much across the board, win or lose—in both surfing and the costume contest.

NSSA Open, Event No. 3, October 17-18, Cardiff-by-theSea, Seaside Reef MEN: 1. Jordy Collins, Carlsbad 16.90; 2. Kade Matson, San Clemente 15.50; 3. Nathan Carraba, San Clemente 11.97; 4. Austin Neumann, Pismo Beach 9.66. JUNIORS: 1. Kade Matson, San Clemente 13.97; 2. Jett Schilling, San Clemente 11.90; 3. Micah Crozier, Encinitas 9.57; 4. Sebastian Mendes, San Clemente 9.37. BOYS: 1. Levi Slawson, Encinitas 15.00; 2. Jett Schilling, San Clemente 14.46; 3. Dane Matson, San Clemente 12.40; 4. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente 10.50. MINI GROMS: 1. Lucas Owston, Oceanside 13.36; 2. Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach 11.90; 3. Cole McCaffray, Cardiff 10.27; 4. Luke Butterfield, Encinitas 7.57. WOMEN: 1. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla 10.70; 2. Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente 9.24; 3. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente 8.23; 4. Steffi Kerson,

Carson Kropfl. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Now in fifth grade at Concordia Elementary, Carson said he loves school and takes getting good grades very seriously.

“It’s important to get good grades in school if you want to go to college, get a good job and have a really good life,” he said. “My favorite subject is math. And I am excited to try out for the Shorecliffs (Middle School) surf team next year.”

In addition to surfing and school, Carson enjoys golfing, skateboarding and “a little bit of gymnastics,” he said.

Carson said the surf bug took hold of him after watching local surfers having fun and wanting to join in.

“I wanted to surf because it looked really fun and I just wanted to try something new,” Carson said. “My favorite sessions are at T Street when it’s almost high tide, really glassy and barreling with 4- to 5-foot waves. I love surfing. It feels amazing, kind of like you’re in space. — Andrea Swayne

Stoke-o-Rama Results POPS & PUPS 8U: 1. Makai Bray 2. Charlie Stevens 3. Nathan Stacey 4. Kai Finn 5. Kingston Watts 6. Otto Graham

BOYS 10U: 1. Brayden Burch 2. Ryder Fish 3. Carson Kropfl 4. Dane Matson 5. Cannon Carr 6. Azure Trujillo

BOYS 12U: 1. Nicholas Coli 2. Hagen Johnson 3. Taj Lindblad 4. Myles Biggs 5. Bane Corbett 6. Raiki Nishida

GIRLS 12U: 1. Sierra Downer 2. Sawyer Lindblad 3. Makayla Moss 4. Nicole Economos 5. Reese Hartnett 6. Megan Mills

With this year’s event being so close to Halloween, Dane Gudauskas—dressed as a giant piece of bacon—told the crowd the addition of a costume contest was inspired, not only by the calendar, but also by the annual Timmy Dowell Classic memorial surf contest.

“The greatest part of the Timmy Dowell is the camaraderie, like in this event, and the killer costume contest,” he said. “So we thought, why not carry on the spirit of Timmy here today, and you guys rocked it.”

First place in the costume contest went to Joey Madison, dressed as a great white shark.

Tanner Gudauskas—who dressed as Santa’s elf for the costume contest—said this year’s event owed more than perfect weather and waves to its success.

“This year we worked with Jake Dowell as the contest director so for us it’s a little bit of a different flavor,” he said. “He has been a huge help in running it and I feel like this has been our best year yet. We’re stoked.” DP

Ventura 5.36. GIRLS: 1. Rachel Presti, Florida 14.70; 2.

Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente 12.60; 3. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente 11.70; 4. Ella McCaffray, Cardiff 8.27. PERFORMERS OF THE EVENT: Kade Matson, 13, claimed his first win of the season in Open Juniors and backed it up with an impressive runner up finish in Open Men; Tiare Thompson, 14, with a string of three consecutive victories is undefeated so far this season in Open Women.

Biggs; 3. Jack Hopkins; 4. Ryder Salberg; 5. Noah Brown; 6. Jimmy Wynne. BOYS U16: 1. Gunner Day; 2. Curran Dand; 3. David Economos; 4. Max Beach; 5. Jaric Fink; 6.

Elijah Tomlinson. BOYS U18: 1. David Economos; 2. Matt Economos; 3. Jackson Hinkle; 4. Jack Collins; 5. Blue Engleking; 6. Ryan Mcnally. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Gus Day; 2. Ethan Mudge; 3. Jaric Fink; 4. Cole Thompson; 5. Jimmy Wynne; 6. Jackson Todd. BEATER DIVISION OPEN: 1. Ethan Mudge; 2. Kai McPhillips; 3. Jack Collins; 4. Jimmy Wynne; 5. Diesel Rathgeber; 6. Liam Murray.

GIRLS U18: 1. Nicole Economos; 2. Reese Harnett; 3.

Makala Ross; 4. Alexandra Economos; 5. Ella McGuire; 6. Riley Nattrass. GIRLS U18: 1. Zoe Mortensen; 2. Malia Mauch; 3. Reese Harnett; 4. Sierra Downer; 5. Julia Guild; 6. Reese Dewey. GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Malia Mauch; 2.

Abby Wynne; 3. Megan Spink; 4. Jenna Fomenko.

San Clemente Surf Classic (San Clemente and Capo Beach locals only), October 18, San Clemente, T Street BOYS/GIRLS U10: 1. Maddox Bray; 2. Kingston Watts; 3.

Remy Todd; 4. Alex Guild; 5. Charlie Stevens; 6. Cannon Montoya. BOYS U12: 1. Ryder Salberg; 2. Niko Ripley; 3. Myles Biggs; 4. Bane Corbett; 5. Joey Madison; 6.

Tyrone Fomenko. BOYS U14: 1. Kai McPhillips; 2. Myles

Page 18

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