November 6, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

November 6–12, 2015 YO U

C A N

U S E

INSIDE: Special South County Real Estate Guide PAGE 11 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 45

Will Litigation Over Strand Access End? City Council offers compromise to Coastal Commission regarding gates at Dana Strand, cites precedent E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6 Dana Point City Council voted on Tuesday to move forward with a Coastal Development Permit, nearly identical to one recently approved in Malibu by the California Coastal Commission, for the regulation of hours of operation at Strand Beach. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Police Search for Hit-and-Run Driver EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

City Council Certifies Town Center Initiative EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

Police are searching for the man in this Mercedes M-Class SUV who witnesses say hit the man on the ground in the Rite Aid/Ralphs parking lot at Golden Lantern and Del Prado in Dana Point at about 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, and then sped off. Photo: Neil Donovan

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week City Council Certifies Town Center Initiative THE LATEST: Following the Orange County Registrar of Voters’ Oct. 15 certification of the Town Center Initiative, Dana Point City Council voted on Nov. 3 to order an informational report from staff before choosing whether to adopt the initiative ordinance or set it for special election.

The council had three options, including to a.) adopt the ordinance immediately, b.) order a special election, or c.) order a staff report before making a decision. The vote to choose option “c” effectively postpones their decision for no more than 30 days (to Dec. 1) in order to receive answers to their questions regarding the initiative’s impacts. This choice was referred to by Councilman Rick Viczorek—who made the motion to vote for option c—as the most obvious and common sense choice.

His fellow councilmen agreed and the body voted 5-0 to proceed thusly.

The vote also served as their certification of the initiative, required by law to happen at the first city council meeting following verification by the county registrar and authorized a payment of $13,672—from general fund reserves—to the registrar to cover the cost of the verification of signatures.

In March 2013, resident Betty Hill, on behalf of the Dana Point Residents for Dana Point Times November 6–12, 2015

Responsible Development, or DPRRD, filed a notice of intent with the city and began collection petition signatures. On Sept. 15, a total of 4,240 signatures were filed, exceeding the minimum requirement of 3,080, or 15 percent of the 20,398 registered voters in the city.

According to Hill, the DPRRD was moved to start a petition feeling the city’s actions were running contrary to the Town Center Plan’s stated intent—to create a pedestrian-friendly village with a mix of shops, restaurants, residences and ample parking—and spending and variances, they said, were “favoring developers and detrimental to residents” in the areas of density, height, views, traffic and parking.

The initiative ordinance includes a number of amendments to the Town Center Plan the DPRRD believes will “close developer loopholes that undermine the Plan’s intent … and strengthen protections for Dana Point Residents.” Such changes include a strict three-story/40-foot height limit for buildings.

WHAT’S NEXT: At the next meeting, Dec. 1, council, after reviewing the report, will decide whether to adopt the initiative or set it for a special election.

Cost estimates for a stand-alone special election, according to the city agenda report, fall between $109,272 and $120,597.

To read the full initiative, visit www. danapointtimes.com. —Andrea Swayne

Police Search for a Hitand-Run Driver Who Struck a Pedestrian Saturday in DP THE LATEST: A driver hit a man walking in a shopping center parking lot on Oct. 31 in Dana Point and then fled the scene, authorities said.

According to Deputy Larry Costa, who responded to the call, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department began receiving calls at 5:10 p.m. Saturday reporting a hit-and-run of a pedestrian in the Rite Aid/ Ralphs parking lot at Golden Lantern and Del Prado Avenue.

“A man driving a Mercedes SUV hit a man walking in the parking lot near the Rite Aid store and then despite efforts of witnesses to get the man to stop, fled the scene,” Costa said, adding that a man and woman who were among the witnesses attempted to follow the car but the suspect eventually eluded them.

The victim was treated by paramedics for abrasions to his right arm and despite complaints of pain to his back and left hip, refused ambulance transport to a hospital.

The car was described as a Mercedes SUV M-Class, dark silver, charcoal metallic, bluish-silver or dark blue metallic in color and likely a 2011 or similar model.

Witness Neil Donovan of Dana Point—who was among the 9-1-1 callers— snapped a photo of the scene with his cell phone.

“Two of us (witnesses) thought we had finally gotten the driver to stop when he said ‘OK, OK’ and started to pull into a parking spot,” Donovan said. “But the whole time he kept looking behind him like he was going to back up and then inching forward so we had a feeling he was going to try to run. We tried to open the doors but they were locked and then all of a sudden he gunned it and took off.”

The suspect eventually eluded the couple who gave chase in their car, somewhere around PCH and Selva Road, Costa said. Deputies’ attempts to intercept the suspect with sheriff’s units coming from the north were unsuccessful.

The car had paper plates in the window and a Fletcher Jones Newport Beach placard in the front plate holder.

“The investigation is ongoing and we expect that the dealership could be of assistance,” Costa said. “Witnesses should be reminded to avoid putting themselves in harm’s way but as for the witnesses in this case, they did a great job—providing a good photo and detailed descriptions of the incident, the suspect and the vehicle.”

Anyone with information about the suspect should call the OCSD at 714.647.7000, or visit www.occrimestoppers.org.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.danapointtimes.com for the full story.—AS

Avenida Pico I-5 Ramps Closed through Weekend THE LATEST: As part of the Interstate 5 South County Improvements Project, two periods of I-5 ramp closures are scheduled at the Avenida Pico/I-5 southbound

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interchange between Nov. 6 and Nov. 20, Orange County Transportation Authority officials announced.

WHAT’S NEXT: The southbound I-5/Pico off-ramp to will be closed from 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, to 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9. The southbound I-5/Avenida Pico on-ramp will be closed from 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, to 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 23.—AS

Community Forum with Superintendent on Nov. 12 THE LATEST: The Capistrano Unified School District is hosting a “Conversation with the Superintendent” community forum on Nov. 12 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The forum, which is open to all parents and community members, will take place at Capistrano Valley High School’s Performing Arts Center, located at 26301 Via Escobar in Mission Viejo.

During the hour-long meeting, Superintendent Kirsten Vital will answer questions and discuss the district’s Wildly Important Goals, or WIGs. The dialogue will also include California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results as well as a review of a sample Student Score Report.

WHAT’S NEXT: Following the forum, the next regularly-scheduled CUSD Board of Trustees meeting is set for Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in the district offices, located at 33122 Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano.

FIND OUT MORE: To see the board’s agenda, visit www.capousd.org.—Allison Jarrell

County Releases OC Sailing & Events Center RFP THE LATEST: The County of Orange has released a Request for Proposals for the operations and management of the OC Sailing & Events Center “buildings, west docks and all associated programs as permitted in the Harbor’s approved Land Use Plan,” according to a community notice issued by OC Dana Point Harbor on Oct. 29.

The RFP requires proposals to include low-fee and scholarship programs offering recreational and educational opportunities for all ages, such as those currently provided at the facility.

WHAT’S NEXT: Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on Dec. 11.

FIND OUT MORE: The RFP can be found online at www.ocdph.com. Questions and proposals should be directed to Alice Fields, at alice.fields@oc.gov. —AS www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Community DP Sheriff’s Blotter Meetings

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Pacific Coast Highway/ Street of the Golden Lantern (9:43 a.m.) A man holding a large knife was seen talking to himself and walking northbound on PCH.

Sunday, November 1

COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9

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

day of Dana Hills High School student government 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.

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.

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 11

Veterans Day City Hall offices closed.

Veterans Day Service 10 a.m. Dana

Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and Ladies Auxiliary, along with the city of Dana Point, recognize veterans for their service to America.

Strand Vista Park, 34201 Selva Road, Dana Point, 949.248.7696, www.vfwpost9934.org.

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club

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

Dana Point Times November 6–12, 2015

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

Monday, November 2 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Aurelio Drive, 34000 Block (9:29 p.m.)

A woman called police when another woman in her 30s or 40s knocked on her door asking to stay for the night.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Blue Lantern, Block 33500 (7:27 p.m.) A man said his neighbor just yelled at him for parking his car in front of her house.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Buccaneer Street, 32900 Block (5:56 p.m.) A woman told deputies her daughter was approached by a tall man wearing a hoodie and long pants asking to buy drugs.

COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

Next Recycling Event at Dana Hills High School Set for Nov. 7 From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, residents can drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the Dana Hills High School parking lot at 33333 Golden Lantern in Dana Point, for students to collect and sort for recycling.

The drop-off area is located near the tennis courts and pool. Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA to support student programs. Collections are held monthly through the school year.

Future events will be held Nov. 21, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, Feb. 20, March 5, March 19, April 2, April 23, May 7 and May 28. For more information, email president@dhhsptsa.com.

Because not everyone can go home for

Thursday, October 29 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Del Prado Avenue, 24700 Block (10:15 p.m.) A woman called in a noise complaint saying the music was being played past the permitted time at StillWater and that she’d take it up with the police chief and city manager.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street/Pacific Coast Highway (3:27 p.m.) A shirtless man in denim shorts, carrying a skateboard and possibly under the influence of drugs, was running in front of cars and kicking them as they drove by. A 45-yearold man, who said he works as an athlete, was arrested and bail was set at $370,500.

PETTY THEFT REPORT Marina Vista Drive, 33100 Block (8:56 a.m.) A woman who works for a physician said she had all of her employer’s patient records in her unlocked car and they were stolen. The caller said she didn’t lock her vehicle because “it was her birthday.”

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34700 Block (1 a.m.) Five or six people were fighting in the parking lot at Sunsets Bar & Grill. No weapons were seen.

NEWS BITES

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Selva Road/Dana Strand Road (5:39 a.m.)

A man told deputies people who have jumped him in the past were stalking him, copying his every movement and then running away. The man was unable to provide a description of his stalkers and would not stop walking to talk to a deputy.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 34200 Block (6:58 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a female transient with a “baby face” who was seen smashing a skateboard on the ground at the gas station.

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL Bedford Lane, 34000 Block (8:31 a.m.) Loud construction noise was reported. The caller was not sure of the exact address but told deputies it is the residence with all the construction trucks parked in front of it.

BURGLARY REPORT Mariner Drive, 23600 Block (1:52 p.m.) A woman reported seeing handprints on her glass doors and window sills and someone had cut the wires to the alarm system.

Sponsor a Marine for Thanksgiving

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Pacific Coast Highway/ Del Obispo Street (11:12 p.m.) A subject was warned by deputies to stop camping on the pedestrian bridge and blocking access to pedestrians.

Friday, October 30

Thanksgiving, the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group is taking contributions for its annual Sponsor a Marine for Thanksgiving Dinner program.

The Nov. 26, Thanksgiving Day dinner will treat Camp Pendleton-based Marines and Sailors, as well as wounded warriors and their families to a free holiday dinner, raffle prizes and entertainment hosted by Waterman’s Harbor restaurant.

The cost to sponsor a Marine or family member is $35 per person.

Tax exempt donations are being taken online or via checks mailed to: Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, Attn: Thanksgiving for Marines, P.O. Box 471, Dana Point, CA 92629-0471.

To contribute online or for more information, visit www.danapoint5thmarines. com/2015-thanksgiving.

Outlets at San Clemente Shopping Extravaganza to Benefit Local Nonprofits The Outlets at San Clemente is set to host its inaugural charity fundraiser, “Shopping Extravaganza,” from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 5, to benefit 18 local nonprofit organizations.

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Wednesday, October 28 CITIZEN ASSIST Harbor Point Drive, 25700 Block (4:42 p.m.) A woman told deputies a man had yelled at her two days prior, upset because she was washing her vehicle in the driveway. The man took pictures of her washing the car and said he was going to send it to the association because he believed she was polluting the ocean.

Tickets are $35 and include a catered lunch, wine and craft beer tasting, entertainment, exclusive shopping discounts and the opportunity to win a share of $50,000 in prizes.

Tickets are available online at http:// outletsatsanclemente.ticketmob.com/ event.cfm?id=109584.

When purchasing tickets, buyers can choose the nonprofit they would like their admission fee to benefit.

The participating nonprofits are: Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area, CASA for Children, City of Hope, Dana Point Symphony, Family Assistance Ministries, Girls Incorporated of Orange County, Goodwill of Orange County, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Kids Around the World, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club, The ALS Association Orange County Chapter, Tilly’s Life Center, Wellness and Prevention Foundation and Western Youth Services.

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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EYE ON DP

Will Litigation Over Strand Access End? City Council offers compromise to Coastal Commission regarding gates at Dana Strand, cites precedent

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

D

ana Point City Council changed the direction of its efforts to keep hours of operation at two of the five access ways to Strand Beach leading through the Headlands at Strand development by voting unanimously on Tuesday to approve a Coastal Development Permit it feels adequately balances public access with public safety and interests of neighborhood residents.

The council, with their vote, also directed city staff to change posted open hours at the two gated pathways, along with the un-gated North Strand access way, South Strand Switchback trail, the revetment trail along the beach, the funicular and at all other parks and trails that are a part of the Headlands Development and Conservation Plan (including Hilltop Park, Harbor Point Park and the Nature Interpretive Center) from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, effective Wednesday morning.

HISTORY The dispute between the city, the Coastal Commission and the Surfrider Foundation over the gates and restriction of hours at the Mid-Strand and Central Strand paths, set off more than five years of litigation.

In 2009 the city built gates and began locking them from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.

October through April and 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. from May through September. The Coastal Commission deemed the action as contrary to the Coastal Act and Local Coastal Program and ordered the gates be removed and told the city a CDP was necessary.

The city disagreed and in 2010 issued an emergency nuisance abatement ordinance it contended gave the city the right to set hours at the gates as a protective measure against crime and vandalism in the neighborhood.

The dispute eventually led to a Sept. 17 decision by a San Diego Superior Court judge in favor of the Coastal Commission, calling the city’s nuisance ordinance an illegal attempt to avoid Coastal Act requirements.

Dana Point Times November 6–12, 2015

Dana Point City Council voted on Tuesday to move forward with a Coastal Development Permit, nearly identical to one recently approved in Malibu by the California Coastal Commission, for the regulation of hours of operation at Strand Beach. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Throughout the legal battle, the Surfrider Foundation has continued to oppose the gates and hours, as it feels such restrictions amount to a slippery slope that could potentially set precedent allowing municipalities statewide and beyond to restrict beach access.

And the city has continually maintained that the restriction of access through the neighborhood during nighttime hours is necessary to public safety and does not restrict the public’s access to the beach, as the two paths north and south of the neighborhood are ungated and open 24/7.

NEW DIRECTION At Tuesday’s meeting, City Attorney Patrick Munoz said that although the city has long disagreed with the Coastal Commission’s position that a CDP is necessary, after losing in court in September the city, in an effort to avoid further litigation, has agreed to apply for one. It is believed, he said, that the proposed hours in the CDP will be acceptable as they mirror another CDP—he referred to as precedent setting—approved last year by the commission in Malibu.

Mayor Carlos Olvera asked Munoz why the city hadn’t processed a CDP in the first place.

Munoz responded by saying that at the time it was believed that the commission would, under no circumstances, have approved gates and the city strongly believed nighttime closure was necessary. He also cited a higher level policy concern that the commission‘s position would have precluded the city adopting nighttime closure in its other coastal

zone parks.

“The law has changed … our choices now are to appeal and keep fighting this fight or to put litigation behind us,” Munoz said. “People have said that the city is trying to somehow create a private enclave for wealthy homeowners. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We are trying to balance public safety needs with public access.”

City Manager Doug Chotkevys agreed, saying his wish is that the CDP will be successful in balancing everybody’s rights. “The Malibu CDP tells me we can do that,” he said.

Public speakers for and against gates and restricted hours were nearly 50/50.

Dana Point resident and Surfrider Foundation member Denise Erkeneff said the Mid-Strand and Central Strand access ways were mandated by the original development plan as the shortest paths to the beach and brought a list of examples of beach access hours approved across the state by the Coastal Commission.

Erkeneff also said the legal fees associated with the litigation, which she contends could reach over $21 million, include not only trial costs but a potential for retroactive enforcement costs.

Resident Buck Hill asked where the real benefit to the city is in regard to the gates.

“Who’s the beneficiary?” Hill asked, adding that the developer has likely been selling lots based on the expectation of locked gates. “The city attorney has benefited wildly, even though he lost all his cases, but what good has this done for the citizens of Dana Point?”

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Cristine Lindenfelser, a Headlands at Strand property owner, said she has been reluctant to build on her land due to the ongoing litigation and that she simply expects the right to safety and security the closures provide.

Lynn Taylor, a Lantern Bay Estates resident, said she also supports the city staff recommendation to restrict access during nighttime hours.

“I walk the Strand morning and evening and have never felt restricted,” she said. “There are two paths that can be accessed 24/7 and I think, if anything, those should be restricted … Nobody needs to be on the beach after dark.”

Councilman Joe Muller, who is in his first year on the council, said he agrees with the new CDP and made a motion to approve it, with the added caveat that the hours be changed effective Nov. 4.

“Maybe the past council did overreach ... but everything the developer did does make sense,” Muller said. “We’re not making sense here… I understand (as a surfer) why we need access early in the morning … I don’t get why people think we need access 24/7.”

Councilman Scott Schoeffel asked Munoz that with City Council having heard the disposition of the trial court loud and clear, if the CDP is responsive to that and to correspondence received by the city from the Coastal Commission.

Munoz answered with an affirmative “yes.”

“I am concerned with ending this litigation and am hoping this will be the first step,” Schoeffel said.

Directly following the close of the meeting, Mayor Olvera signed a letter addressed to Dr. Charles Lester, Coastal Commission executive director. The letter was immediately forwarded to Lester informing him of the council’s decision to move forward with a CDP “similar, if not identical” to the recent Malibu CDP. The letter also included a reminder that when the commission originally approved the LCP and HDCP in 2004, the plan called for the city to determine hours of operation on the area’s public trails and also included a depiction of gates in the plan diagrams.

The Mayor’s letter, in part, reads: “While we may not necessarily agree with the recent Statement of Decision regarding the city and Coastal Commission litigation … I believe that we will both agree that it is time to put the litigation behind our two agencies and focus on the future … The city’s hope is that our two agencies can move forward with a spirit of conciliation and deal with these issues in a constructive manner that carefully balances the need to protect our sensitive resources and to protect the privacy rights of private owners while honoring the public’s right to access. We believe that the CDP approved tonight does just that, and we look forward to working with the Coastal Commission in a collaborative manner in the future.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

Letters to the Editor

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

OPPOSE CHRISTIAN INTRUSION AT BLUES FESTIVAL

HOW TO REACH US

JIM SLARK, Dana Point

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 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

The Doheny Blues festival last year provided some great music, but unfortunately it included a presentation that I have seen at other blues festivals—Christian intrusion.

I expect to be able to attend such festivals that occur on public grounds without having to be exposed to Christian proselytizing, which Christian music in public events is.

Imagine for an instant the music and event were Muslim, introduced into the event without warning, the uproar that would occur. Yet it’s OK for these public events to include Christian proselytizing.

I wrote an email to Rich Sherman, president of Omega Events Inc., which apparently puts on the festival, complaining about the inclusion of proselytizing events.

His response was that one god word may have been included, get over it, and if you don’t like it don’t attend. Sorry, that’s old nonsense, akin to “your country, love it or leave it.” Trite.

I suggested in a response to his reply that he lied, preferring to believe he chose to lie about the extent of the intrusion rather than to point out that the intrusion was a major musical event with Christian music being sung by the artist while a parade of believers wound among those listening. This was a major planned presentation by the artist, including the ceil-

ing pointers who were chosen to deceive us. Sherman chose to float the idea it may have been only a word or two, but as event director he either knew of the intrusion or he should have known.

I have offered a suggestion that may help resolve the deceit being applied. If a presentation is to include Christian music, then identify that intrusion for what it is, plain proselytizing, and label the event as a Christian tool by demanding that any advertising of that event and artist should contain an indication, such as a cross, to be included on the advertising. That way those of us who are offended that they are included in the event by deceit can plan ahead, or plan our time elsewhere. That way we who are offended can attend the events without being deceived and Sherman can get his revenue, and those of us who are offended by the deceit can avoid the aggravation and deceit.

TOWN CENTER INITIATIVE SUCCEEDS BETTY HILL, Capistrano Beach

Thanks to thousands of Dana Point residents, the Dana Point Residents for Responsible Development, or DPRRD, 2015 Town Center Initiative qualified for a special election. If adopted, it would provide a responsible, fair and consistent basis for future development. The Town Center Initiative contains the entire Town Center Plan, which was approved by the city and the California Coastal Commission. It supports the plan’s intent and requirements and the difficult community compromises that went into it. They share the same goal: to create a business district in a village atmosphere with shops, offices, restaurants and parking needed

for its success.

Following are a few of the many reasons why residents support the Town Center Initiative: It provides added protections for residents and eliminates several contentious issues that have arisen over the height limit and the number of floors allowed. The approval process for new projects would be significantly improved, benefiting all parties involved. As members of the City Council or Planning Commission change over time, the plan would be followed.

The success of the initiative effort is because Dana Point residents really care about the future of their city. They want to be treated honestly and fairly and not see their concerns ignored in favor of developers’ profits. Town Center will take years to develop, probably over a decade. The city has already spent $21 million of city funds on the infrastructure of the Town Center Plan. Now the city should stick to the plan, making sure that development leads to the desired result. That’s the purpose of the Town Center Initiative.

Thank you for supporting the Initiative.

For more information, see www.facebook.com/danapointresidents or www. savedanapoint.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Town Center Plan has officially been renamed the Lantern District Plan, just as the name of the downtown area of Dana Point has now been changed from Town Center to the Lantern District.

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.

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

GUEST OPINION: By Harold Kaufman, Dana Point, former City Councilman and Mayor

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

It’s Time to Re-bid the TBID

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Tim Trent

T

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point) Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 45. 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

Dana Point Times November 6–12, 2015

he Tourism Business Improvement District, or TBID, was established in 2009 at the behest of the big four hotels in Dana Point. They said they would self-assess their guests $3 per occupied room night subject to the Dana Point transient occupancy tax and asked the city of Dana Point to set up a business improvement district that would accept the funds.

According to the ordinance that established the TBID, the funds collected could only be used for purposes as described in the City Council Resolution of Determination to Establish the TBID. Confused?

According to the City Council resolution adopting the TBID, “… a business improvement district is expected to enhance tourism related businesses throughout the city of Dana Point…”

The membership of the TBID was limited to hotels that had more than 190 rooms.

Thus the members of the TBID are the Doubletree Hotel, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort, Ritz-Carlton and the St. Regis.

According to the staff report that was presented to the City Council in Harold Kaufman 2009, “… other than administrative support through the formation and collections, there are no costs associated with establishment of the Dana Point Tourism Business Improvement District.” The self-assessment was expected to result in $750,000 to $1 million per year in revenue and “…the City would collect the assessments, on behalf of the TBID, as a separate line item on the monthly transit occupancy transmittal forms, and will subsequently transmit the funds to the TBID to spend on activities approved in

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the approved annual report…”

The members of the board of the TBID are the general managers of the big four hotels. So the result is that the big four hotels have assessed their guests $3 per night; the money is collected by the city and given to the TBID whose board decides how to spend the money.

In their September 2010 report to the City Council the TBID reported they had received $632,850 in revenue and spent $92,057 in expenses. Since that report, each subsequent report has not shown what had been received and spent but instead only spoke about what they thought they would receive in the next year and what they thought they would spend. They never again told the City Council what the actual revenue and expenses were. Worse, each year they (Cont. on page 8) www.danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX It’s Time to Re-bid the TBID (Cont. from page 7) show $600,000 for event marketing but never discuss what that means. And each year, they show their marketing consultant is to receive $210,000 for agency services and support.

So although the TBID board members show how they intend to spend their money, they never show how they actually spent it. They do not tell the city how much revenue they raised, so there is no way to know what the balance is in the TBID account—or if they do, it is not made available to the public.

Now, before you tell me that they are collecting their money so they do not have to tell us how much they raised or how it is being spent, let me tell you that by having the money come through a TBID it allows the hotels to not pay taxes on the income and to have the TBID pay for things like familiarization tours for travel agents and generate room income for their owners, rather than having to incur the expense of such marketing efforts. It’s better for their bottom line and it makes their owners happy.

In the five years the TBID has been collecting revenue I have seen two deliverables—the Elephant Parade and IlluminOcean, the Holiday light show last year.

The Elephant Parade was fun and seemed to be a success. I am not sure they raised much money for The Asian Elephant Foundation and I do not know how many “heads in the beds” or number of overnight stays it generated for the big four. And I do not know how it affected other businesses in town, but it was fun.

IlluminOcean was impressive. We (the local citizens) were told the TBID spent $1 million on the display and that they intended to spend $300,000 to $500,000 each year after so it would grow into a really spectacular display that we would love to see and bring our friends and families to experience.

It was very successful, at least from the viewpoint of the locals and near-locals. It was great for the merchants in the Harbor.

Some of them had the best December they ever had and were looking forward to having it again this year.

Unfortunately, IlluminOcean did not put enough “heads in the beds,” and it was managed poorly. Two of the displays could not be used again and the TBID decided not to repeat it. To me, that was the straw the broke the camel’s (or elephant’s) proverbial back.

Instead of living up to the original statement in the City Council resolution “… to enhance tourism related businesses in the city of Dana Point…” the TBID board is only interested in what is good for them and their owners, and that is wrong. They seem to look at the TBID as their own piggy bank to be used for their own profit.

Before you point out the obvious, that they are self-assessing the $3 per room, let me reiterate that they have asked the city for help in collecting and disbursing it so they do not have to pay income taxes Page 8

on the income or incur the expense of the marketing effort.

If they do not want to do things that benefit the business community in general in the city, then let them collect the selfassessment and spend it without the help of the city.

You may think that I think the TBID is a bad idea. I do not. I think the TBID is a great idea. I am glad there is an entity that can be used to promote tourism for Dana Point. In fact it was proposed long before the big four came forward. It was originally proposed (but not in the same form) by Jerone Herese when he was the GM at the Marriott. Unfortunately, we could not get the three votes we needed to implement it.

I do think the makeup and the operation of the TBID needs to be changed and suggest that the board be made up of two members of the City Council, a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, a representative of the Harbor Merchants Association, a representative of hotels with more than 190 rooms, a representative of hotels with less than 190 rooms, a citizen from Monarch Beach, a citizen from Dana Point and a citizen from Capistrano Beach.

I think each of the hotels with more than 190 rooms should continue to collect $3 per night and the hotels with less than 190 rooms should collect $1 per night.

I think the revenue should only be used for events and projects that will promote tourism and could include things like the bicycle race, movies in the park, summer concerts, symphony performances at the hotels, art walks, car shows, advertising in travel magazines and on travel websites, branding and brand support in social media, and so on.

I also think some of the revenue could be put aside for capital improvement projects that promote business and enhance the visitor experiences like renovation of Doheny Village and Beach Road.

Your next argument is that if the big four cannot control how the money is spent, they will stop their self-assessment and the TBID will have no revenue. That is entirely possible. But if that happens I suggest the City Council put a measure on the ballot that will raise the TOT by $3 per room night for hotels with 190 rooms or more and $1 per night for hotels with less than 190 rooms. The big four could hardly complain that such an assessment would hurt their business since they are collecting exactly that now and have been since 2010.

It is time the City Council (not the staff) takes control of the TBID so it will better benefit more of the businesses in the city.

It is time to end the big four’s control of the piggy bank only for the benefit of their owners.

The TBID is a great idea but it needs to benefit all of Dana Point. 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

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 06

SCOTT ROBERTSON 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Live music at Harpoon Henry’s. 34555 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, 949.493.2933, www.windandsearestaurants.com/harpoonhenrys.

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

HONOR THE VALOR FOOTBALL GAME 7 p.m. Dana Hills High School football’s Honor the Valor benefit football game and fundraising event with a pregame dinner and postgame presentation of game jerseys (with veterans’ names) to the 73 veterans to be honored at this fourth annual event. Donations can be made to the 12 Man Club online at www.gofundme. com. Search, “Dana Hills Charity Football Game.” Dana Hills High School stadium, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6666, www.dhhs.net.

Saturday | 07 DANA POINT NATURE TOUR 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This 1.5-mile, two-hour docent-led walk explores the ecology and natural history of the Headlands area.

Tours occur on the first Saturday of each month. Tour capacity is a maximum of 10 people. RSVP required to wqintern@ danapoint.org or 949.248.3527. Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday. La Plaza Park is located on

cludes the Diamond Drop, an opportunity for guests to donate gems and jewelry in support of the cause. Tickets are $250 per person and proceeds benefit the Wounded Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence. For tickets or more information, go to www.thediamondball. org. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, www.ritz-carlton.com.

Photo: Courtesy of the city of Dana Point

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12: SHARKS: THE MYTH OF THE MONSTER 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. The city of Dana Point hosts a free Science Night event for all ages. Jim Serpa, retired Doheny State Beach supervising ranger, will discuss current events, local sightings and the natural history of sharks in and around Orange County. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

Pacific Coast Highway just north of Golden Lantern. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

GOLDEN FUTURE 50+ SENIOR EXPO 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free lifestyle, health and active aging expo with guest speakers, workshops, health and wellness screenings, a job and volunteer fair, beauty and makeovers, vendors, samples, giveaways, live entertainment and more. Pre-register for a quick pass ticket to avoid the entry line. Angel Stadium of Anaheim, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, 818.763.4197, www.goldenfutureseniorexpo.com.

TURKEY STORYTIME 11 a.m.-noon. Stories, songs and activities about turkeys for children and families in the library meeting room. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

DOG DAY AFTERNOON LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m. The Ark of San Juan Companion Animal Rescue hosts a fundraising luncheon. Well behaved dogs on leash are welcome. Dog treats provided by Healthy Pet Kitchen of Dana Point. People, and dogs, get a menu choice with prepaid registration. Tickets are $50 per person. Event also includes live entertainment by Just Dave, an opportunity drawing and a wine auction. L’Hirondelle Restaurant, 31631 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.0034, info@ arkofsanjuan.org, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

THE DIAMOND BALL 5:30 p.m. Registration begins at 4:45 p.m.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel hosts a gala evening with a silent and live auction, a four-course dinner presented by the resort’s executive chef, music and dancing.

Wines from Mutt Lynch Winery will be paired with each course. The event also in-

MIKE WALLACE 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

‘PUTTING IT TOGETHER’ OPENING NIGHT AT CABRILLO THEATER 8 p.m. With the music of Stephen Sondheim, “Putting it Together” weaves a lyrical story around the emotions and relationships of guests at a Manhattan cocktail party, discussing their feelings about marriage and life. Opening night is Friday, Nov. 6 and the play runs Thursday through Sunday through Dec. 6. Tickets are $30. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrillomusictheatre.com.

POWDER AND POOF! 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Female impersonator show. Dinner Reservations recommended starting at 6 p.m. for best seating. Adele’s at San Clemente Inn, 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, 949.481.1222, www.adelesanclementeinn.com.

DJ AND DANCING 9:30 p.m. Dance the night away as the DJ spins the tunes every Friday and Saturday night. The Point Restaurant, 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

(Cont. on page 15)

At the Movies: ‘Room’ Worth a View

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

E

very award season has an underdog, and this year it appears to be quickly forming into Brie Larson. Formerly a child actor, Larson is regarded in the film community for her work in dramas such as Short Term 12 (2013) and recognized by the general public for such comedies as 21 Jump Street (2012). Now she’s rightfully gaining her highest acclaim yet for her performance in Lenny Abrahamson’s adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s Room.

Dana Point Times November 6–12, 2015

The story follows the surreal tale of Joy (Larson) and her 5-year-old son Jack (Jacob Tremblay) who are confined to a 10-foot by 10-foot empty shed that Joy has turned into as much of a home as possible. The only other person Jack has seen in his life is a man named Nick (Sean Bridgers) who brings them food and supplies. That is until one day Joy suddenly has had enough of their seclusion.

Joan Allen and William H. Macy appear as Joy’s parents. Room is a film that depends

almost entirely on its lead actors because so much of the film takes place in a single space. Larson proves her acting versatility and Tremblay delivers one of the best debut performances by a child with little to work with other than Larson as his co-star and his own emotions. Irish director Abrahamson is a curious choice after the indie comedy Frank last year, but his direction is subtle and aids in showing the fear and pain on the characters’ faces. Room is a deep subject, but deserves the acclaim. DP

Page 10

Photo by George Kraychyk courtesy of A24

www.danapointtimes.com

34032 Cambridge, Dana Point Spectacular Panoramic, Coastline and Whitewater Views awaits you from every level of this spacious 4 bedroom and 4.5 bath residence adjacent to Dana Point Marina! Situated in an idyllic Cul-de-sac location, this Coastal New England architecture offers privacy along with expansive windows to enjoy views the moment you enter into the home. A large wrap around deck with access from Kitchen and Living Room extends to allow for an indoor/outdoor living and relaxing experience. Main level boasts a large living room and dining area with cathedral ceilings and fireplace. Updated Kitchen with granite counters and breakfast bar opens to an additional dining area or family room. The spacious Master retreat on its own level features a fireplace, walk-in closet, large bathroom and sitting area overlooking the lengthened dramatic bay windows. The lower level has 2 bedrooms, own baths, separated by Bonus Room with built in window seat, leading to a private Spa with wrap around patio area. Walking distance to Community Pool, Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor! $1,675,000 Gabe Smith REALTOR #01704776

Harcourts U.S.A. 949.533.4490 Gabe.Smith@harcourtsusa.com www.GabeSmithRealEstate.com

GETTING OUT

EDITOR’S PICK South Orange County School of the Arts at Dana Hills High School presents “A Piece of My Heart.” Photo: Courtesy of SOCSA

(Cont. from page 10)

Sunday | 08 BIRD SAFARI 7:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a bird count with docent and bird expert Diane Etchison.

Learn to identify an array of birds while combing The Reserve for resident and migrant species. Participants will drive from site to site to look, listen and count the birds. Ages 8 and up. Adults $10, children $5. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.923.2210, www.rmvreserve.org.

CASPERS NATURE HIKE 8 a.m.-9 a.m. Join OC Park rangers every Sunday morning for an easy 1-mile hike on the nature trail, which takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. Admission is free, parking is $5 per vehicle. Participants should meet at the Old Corral day use area. Rain will cancel the hike. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

Monday | 09 OPEN PAINTING STUDIO WITH COSTUMED MODELS 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Explore colors, anatomy and more while painting a costumed model. Cost is $15 per class, or purchase a one-month block for $12.50 per class. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

Tuesday | 10 FALL BRIDAL BASH 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Come see the latest in wedding planning and designs, and meet some of Orange County’s most talented wedding professionals. Enjoy light bites including street tacos, ceviche tostadas Dana Point Times November 6–12, 2015

NOVEMBER 12-14: ‘A PIECE OF MY HEART’ AT SOCSA 7 p.m. South Orange County School of the Arts students present the award-winning play

by Shirley Lauro that follows several women’s enlistment, service and recovery from the Vietnam War. Tickets are $12 to $15 and available online or at the door. Show also runs Nov. 13 and 14.

Dana Hills High School, Porthole Theater, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, www.socsarts.org.

and empanadas and a signature margarita drink special. RSVP to 949.248.3700 ext.

303. Marbella Country Club, 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano, www.marbellacc.net.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at the Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument, bring your voice. The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

TACO TUESDAY WITH DJ BAIT 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Every Tuesday at The Swallow’s Inn. $1 street tacos 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., $2 Bud/Bud Light drafts, $2 shot/drink specials, $5 Abreojos margaritas and shots, $2 regular tacos. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Wednesday | 11 PAINTING AND VINO 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sip wine while participating in a step-by-step painting class taught by a professional artist. All supplies provided. $45. Register at www.paintingandvino.com.

StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Thursday | 12 CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

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

Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com Page 15

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Dia de los Muertos

Photo: Allison Jarrell

Dancers from the Ballet Folklorico Corazones Alegres of Dana Point performed in observance of Dia de los Muertos on Nov. 1 at the Los Rios District in San Juan Capistrano. The Day of the Dead celebration was hosted by Las Catrinas, a shop on Los Rios Street that offers handmade items from around the world. In addition to the Ballet Folklorico performances, the afternoon included the display of homemade altars, face painting and refreshments in front of the shop.

Pet of the Week: Luna

L

ovely Luna is a 3-year-old rottweiler looking for her “furrever” home.

This happy dog loves to meet new people and would make for a loyal companion. If you’re looking for a fun and active dog with tons of love to give, Luna might just be your perfect match.

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

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 Dana Point Times November 6–12, 2015

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

Page 16

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: It’s History by Carlos N. Olvera

Making History Concrete

W

alking along Del Prado Avenue, you will now see a sidewalk stamp commemorating the newly-completed Lantern District infrastructure construction. This type of stamping on city sidewalks dates back about 100 years. But the idea can be traced back nearly 2,000 years, to the Romans. There they were put on wet red bricks before firing. Today, those historic date stamps provide a chronological history of Roman construction. In the more recent past—in California dating back to 1890—such stamps have done the same, showing the names of the construction companies responsible for municipal projects.

As you walk the streets of well-established cities, you will see a large variety of stamps— usually found on upscale developments where the contractors proudly showed their name and displayed an ornamental design.

After all, it was free advertising.

In the ’30s, many projects were done under the auspices of the federal Works Projects Administration (WPA) and the stamps allowed inspectors easy visual access to the names of the builders.

These stamps may be found on the sidewalk surface or the vertical edge adjacent to the street. On stamps placed in this vertical location, the bottom of the stamp may be hidden due to additional layers of new asphalt building up over the years.

Then there were the impromptu designs carved—probably under the cover of darkness—into the freshly-poured slabs left behind at the end of a hard day’s work.

Many individuals became immortalized this way, with initials and a date scratched into wet cement with a nail or twig.

But as time passes, streets are widened, damaged sidewalks are repaired and history is lost.

The city of Dana Point has taken a different approach during the last five years.

When construction requires replacement of these date stamps—on sidewalks or at the curb’s edge near an intersection—they must be cut out, saved and replaced in the new concrete. Several were rescued when Dana Point upgraded its intersections to

meet ADA standards.

To preserve the history of the Lantern District area, a story board will be erected in the district showing the construction companies and the boundaries of their work. Constructors consisted of: C. G. Willis & Sons Charles Golden Willis founded his construction company in 1927.

The company did work throughout Southern California including the Pershing Square parking garage in Los Angeles in 1951.

Western Construction This company began in 1921 as part of S.H. Woodruff’s initial construction project of Windsor Square in Los Angeles, with P.J. Lechner as general manager.

Western Construction IT’S HISTORY then went on to build HolBy Carlos N. Olvera lywoodland (Hollywood) and then another project in Phoenix.

S. W. Gleim Originally a contractor from Pocatello Idaho, 1917 to 1927, Gleim moved his construction business to Los Angeles after a divorce and working for the U.S. Army Corps Engineers.

Also unique to the Lantern District is the sidewalk scoring. Modern sidewalks are usually done in a single pour and scored about every 3 feet. However, during our historic revitalization of the Lantern District, they were scored in 2-foot squares. The city required this very subtle marking in keeping with the district’s historic character.

Sidewalk stamps from the Doheny construction years can also found in Capistrano Beach. They are dated 1930 by the Petroleum Securities Co. There must be more. So get out there and explore. Take a walk and please share with me what you find.

Carlos N. Olvera is chairman of the OC Historical Commission and mayor of Dana Point. DP

The newest stamps in the city were placed during the recent Del Prado Avenue construction.

Photo: Courtesy of the Olvera Collection

When the historic street lanterns were placed in 1929, each had its own foundation. Many of them still exist. Photo: Courtesy of the Olvera Collection

Dana Point Times November 6–12, 2015

A variety of sidewalks stamps can be found in Dana Point, including Capo Beach, providing a historic record of infrastructure construction. Photos: Courtesy of the Olvera Collection

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

This drawing shows the construction companies and the boundaries of their work in the Lantern District area.

Photo: Courtesy of the city of Dana Point

Page 17

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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

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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 November 6–12, 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 18

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

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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

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE: SAT., NOVEMBER 7 7:30am to 9:30am. 34112 Callita Dr. Dana Point, CA 92629. Holiday Decorations, Wheelchair Transporter, Books, Snow Chains, 12’ Folding Metal Ladder, Small Appliances, Computer Electronics, Sporting Goods, Cloths etc.

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 MCCOOL FLOWERS IS HIRING! Front of the store retail position. Must have good communication skills, computer and phone skills. Hours are 9am to 3pm. Call 949-488-7988 or come by.

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

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 November 6–12, 2015

Page 19

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

The Dolphin won the match 13-5 and got a solid performance out of their doubles teams, which won seven out of nine possible points. The doubles tandem of sophomore Dana Mackensen and senior Jacklyn Melkonian swept all three of their sets. The Dolphins went 6-3 in singles play.

The Dolphins entered postseason play as the South Coast League’s No. 1 representative after winning a coin flip over San Clemente to determine the top seeding.

Dana Hills and San Clemente both earned a share of the league title, which prompted the coin flip.

Dana Hills will travel to play Marlborough, the No. 2 team out of the Mission League, in the second round on Nov. 6.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the Dana Hills High School fall sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

Dolphins Football Set to Host Honor the Valor Benefit Game For the fourth consecutive year, the Dana Hills High School football program will hold its Honor the Valor benefit football game on Nov. 6. Proceeds raised at the event will go directly toward local military veteran organizations such as the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and the Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934.

Roughly 70 combat veterans are scheduled to be in attendance to take part in a pre-game meal and postgame ceremony, which is the highlight of the night. Each Dolphin player will be wearing a custom camouflaged jersey with a veteran’s name on the back of it. At the end of the game, the veterans will take the field and receive their game-worn jersey from a Dolphin player.

In the event’s three-year history, Honor the Valor has raised over $75,000.

The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment will conduct static displays and there will be a flyover during the singing of the National Anthem.

Cost to attend the game is $10 per person. To learn more about the Honor the Valor benefit game or to donate, visit www. dhfootball.com.

The Dolphins (0-9, 0-3 league) are still searching for their first win of the season and will host El Toro (4-5, 0-3) in their final South Coast League game of the year at 7 p.m..

The Chargers will be led by junior quarterback Dawit Wilson, who has thrown for 2,159 yards and 23 touchdowns. Wilson is also the team’s leading rusher and poses a threat to any defense with his ability to scramble out of the pocket. Wilson has rushed for 349 yards and two touchdowns.

El Toro’s defense was stingy in allowing points during its nonleague schedule, but has been vulnerable in league play. In six nonleague contests, the Chargers allowed an average of 16.5 points per game. In South Coast League play, where the level of competition is much higher, El Toro has allowed an average of 36.6 points per game.

Dana Point Times November 6–12, 2015

Golf Team Places 18th at CIF-SS Southern Division Championships

Dana Hills’ Eddie Wood runs the ball against Tesoro on Oct. 23. The Dolphins will host their Honor the Valor benefit game on Nov. 6. Photo: Gibby/Zone57

The Dolphins have been struggling to score points this year and are averaging 140 passing yards and just 36 rushing yards per game.

Water Polo Wraps Up Fourth Straight League Title, Eyes Playoffs The Dana Hills boys water polo team was scheduled to play its final South Coast League match of the season against Mission Viejo on Nov. 5. Results were not available at press time. Whatever the outcome, the Dolphins are guaranteed their fourth straight league title.

The Dolphins (20-6, 7-0), who defeated San Clemente 13-9 on Nov. 3, have put together a stellar season and will likely finish the year as the No. 2 team in the CIF-SS Division 2 polls.

The Dolphins will play Agoura, the No. 8 ranked team in Division 1, in a nonleague match on Nov. 7 as a final tune-up before postseason competition. The match will not count against the Dolphins in their CIF-SS rankings.

Dana Hills advanced to the semifinals of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs last season and are poised to make another deep run in 2015 given their performance against other top teams in the area.

The Dolphins have played 12 matches against programs that finished inside the final Division 1 and Division 2 top-10

rankings, going a combined 8-4 in those 12 contests. When boiling those games down to just Division 2 opponents, the Dolphins win percentage is even higher. In seven matches against top Division 2 talent, the Dolphins have won six.

Cross Country Teams Win League Title The Dana Hills boys and girls cross country teams swept the team titles at the South Coast League finals meet on Nov. 3 at Irvine Regional Park.

Senior Mason Coppi claimed the individual crown with a time of 14:43 and was joined at the finish line by senior Jake Ogden (14:45) and sophomore Jack Landgraf (14:47), who finished second and third, respectively.

The Dolphin girls team piled five runners inside the top-10 to take the league title. Senior Camille Perkins and Kathryn Kaloroumakis placed third and fourth, respectively. Sienna Serrao placed sixth and Lauren Soto and Jennifer Daly placed ninth and tenth, respectively.

Tennis Wins Playoff Opener Over Barons The Dana Hills girls tennis team had no problem getting past Fountain Valley in the opening round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on Nov. 4.

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After placing second in the South Coast League, the Dana Hills girls golf team headed to Lakewood Country Club on Nov. 2 to compete in the CIF-SS Southern Division Championship. Only the top-3 finishers in the 20-team field would advance to the CIF-SS Team Regionals and the Dolphins could not string together enough low rounds, settling for an 18thplace finish.

The Dolphins shot a collective 469.

Junior Joan Soewondo carded the lowest score for Dana Hills after shooting an 81 in the 18-hole event. Soewondo finished in a tie for 26th.

Dana Hills had another successful regular season that featured only two losses.

Unfortunately for the Dolphins, who coasted into South Coast League play with a perfect 7-0 record, the two losses came at the hands of league rivals San Clemente and San Juan Hills. San Clemente won the league title and the Dolphins placed second.

Volleyball Places Third in League Back to back losses to San Clemente and San Juan Hills on Oct. 28 and Nov. 2, respectively, put the Dana Hills girls volleyball team in third place in the South Coast League.

The Dolphins (6-16, 4-4) defeated both Capistrano Valley and Tesoro twice in league play but lost both of their scheduled matches against the Tritons and the Stallions.

The South Coast League awards three playoff seeds to its top three finishers, which means the Dolphins will compete in the upcoming CIF-SS Division 1AA playoffs. The playoff brackets will be released on Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

GROM OF THE WEEK

RAGAN BERG

W

e found 11-year-old Ragan Berg on the beach at T Street between heats at the Stokeo-Rama last month and sat down for a chat to get to know her a bit better. Here’s what she had to say on a variety of topics: School: I’m in fifth grade at Concordia Elementary and my favorite subject is math.

Middle School: I’m going to try out for the surf team. I think it will be really cool to practice with the team before school.

Practice: I like to go at least three times a week, usually with my friends Carson and Sierra. Right now I’m really working on my turns. And you have to paddle really hard so I need to keep building up my strength for that.

Coaching: My dad taught me to surf about three years ago and Collin Crook is my coach now.

Shortboard or Longboard: Sometimes I longboard at San O but I like shortboarding best.

Contests or Free Surfing: I like both.

Contests get me really competitive and that helps me get better but surfing with my friends is good too. We have fun but we push each other too.

MaryLou Drummy is presented with the 2015 Surfing America Midget Smith Judging Award by ISA World Jr. Championship contest director Erik Krammer on Oct. 18, before the podium presentation of the gold medal to team USA. Photo: Surfing America/Jack McDaniel

Drummy Honored for Lifetime Dedication to Surfing Surfing America presented MaryLou Drummy with the 2015 Midget Smith Judging Award

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

M

aryLou Drummy of San Clemente, a former professional surfer, judge and the executive director of the Western Surfing Association, was honored with the 2015 Surfing America Midget Smith Judging Award on the final day of the International Surfing Association World Junior Championship, on Oct. 18 in Oceanside.

At the podium—before the awards presentation began and team USA was presented with their gold medals—Contest Director Erik Krammer introduced the award as an honor bestowed every few years by Surfing America—the national governing body for surfing in the United States—to a judge who has gone above and beyond to help improve competitive surfing.

He called Drummy to the stage addressing her as someone who, like Smith, has

Drummy] “has[MaryLou pushed the level and

created new boundaries for women’s surfing and women judges across the planet.

”

—Erik Krammer

Dana Point Times November 6–12, 2015

led a life dedicated to the sport of surfing.

“She has pushed the level and created new boundaries for women’s surfing and women judges across the planet,” Krammer said. “She has over 35 years of judging experience at all levels from events such as the WSA, ASP North America, the OP Pro, ECSC and the ISA Games in Japan in 1990. In the ’80s and ’90s, she was one of the only female judges on these panels, further opening the door for women within surfing events and since then has done everything possible to dedicate her life to competitive surfing in the United States.”

The career of the award’s namesake, the late surfer, shaper and judge, Jeffrey “Midget” Smith, extended more than 20 years as head judge for many major events, ASP and ISA included. Pushing the boundaries of judging criteria in the ’80s and ’90s, his work has contributed greatly to the sport. He was also Drummy’s life partner of more than 20 years.

“I am so grateful to have been recognized with this award,” Drummy said. “To be chosen for this award in Midget’s name was such an honor and to be presented with it on the podium at the ISA World Juniors with the USA team winning gold was the icing on the cake.”

Past awardees include Jack Shipley, Craig Hoshide, Kurt Page, Chip Hall, Mike Martin and Cliff Schlabach. DP

RESULTS NSSA Open, Event No. 4, October 31-November 1, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach MEN: 1. Kade Matson, San Clemente 16.07; 2. Kei Kobayashi, San Clemente 15.93; 3. Josiah Amico, Ventura 8.84; 4. Parker Cohn, Newport Beach 6.75. JUNIORS: 1.

Kade Matson, San Clemente 17.33; 2. Tommy McKeown, Oxnard 14.37; 3. Jett Schilling, San Clemente 14.07; 4.

Taro Watanabe, Malibu 3.50. BOYS: 1. Jett Schilling, San Clemente 16.84; 2. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente 15.23; 3.

Sebastian Ojeda, La Jolla 13.33; 4. Levi Slawson, Encinitas 8.86. MINI GROMS: 1. Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach 17.00; 2. Dane Matson, San Clemente 15.13; 3. Cole McCaffray, Cardiff 8.33; 4. Jake Chandler, Pacific Palisades 3.70. WOMEN: 1. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla 14.67; 2.

Malia Osterkamp, San Clemente 13.94; 3. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Point 9.60; 4. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad 9.53. GIRLS: 1. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad 14.23; 2. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla 12.53; 3. Olivia Pessanha, San Diego 9.17; 4. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente 6.80.

Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Division 1, Event No. 1, October 17, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs 239; 2. Thurston 197; 3. Bernice Ayer 141; =4. Marco Forster 87.5; =4. Niguel Hills 87.5; 6.

Vista Del Mar 74; 7. Don Juan Avila 45. BOYS: 1. Taj Lindblad, Shorecliffs; 2. Kiko Nelsen, Thurston; 3. Max Beach, Shorecliffs; 4. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 5. Sean Dougherty, Niguel Hills; 6. Sam Nelsen, Thurston. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 2. Cole Thompson, Bernice Ayer; 3. Jimmy Wynne, Shorecliffs; 4. Zachary Henderson, Thurston; 5. Riley Kraatz, Bernice Ayer; 6.

Sam Nelsen, Thurston. GIRLS: 1. Grace Fink, Thurston; 2. Tess Booth, Thurston; 3. Malia Mauch, Shorecliffs; 4.

Jayme Linnes, Vista Del Mar; 5. Zoe Mortensen, Shorecliffs; 6. Ryann Daly, Marco Forster. GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Malia Mauch, Shorecliffs; 2. Alexis Morgan, Shorecliffs; 3. Alex Higginson, Bernice Ayer; 4. Autumn Ferguson, Vista Del Mar; 5. Grace Gilles, Thurston; 6. Mason Gray,

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Ragan Berg. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Hobbies: Golfing and skateboarding.

Music: I like music but I really don’t know what kind. I have been taking guitar lessons for about a year. Maybe I’ll be a musician and a surfer when I grow up.

Family: I really thank my mom and dad for helping me with everything.

Surfing: It looked so fun to ride the waves and I just really wanted to do it.

It feels like you’re going really fast, like you’re in a racecar or something. I don’t know how to explain it; it just feels really good.—Andrea Swayne

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 68-70 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’+ Fair Outlook: Blend of modest SW swell and minor NW windswell prevails through the weekend.

Size for most areas continues to top out around waist high, with larger sets for standouts around the more favorable tides. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Niguel Hills. COED BODYBOARD: 1. Evan McMillen, Niguel Hills; 2. Trevor Taylor, Don Juan Avila; 3. Liam Gillon, Marco Forster; 4. Pablo Moser, Niguel Hills; 5. Andrew Shutts, Thurston; 6. Spencer Collins, Thurston.

Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Division 2, Event No. 1, October 17, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs 124; 2. Bernice Ayer 68; 3. Marco Forster 49; 4. Dana Point 37. BOYS: 1. Myles Biggs, Shorecliffs; 2. Niko Ripley, Shorecliffs; 3. Raiki Nishida, Shorecliffs; 4. Jaxon Ripley, Shorecliffs; 5. Jack Harris, Bernice Ayer; 6. Gavin Wilchek, Shorecliffs. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Jackson, Todd, Shorecliffs; 2. Ty Connelly, Shorecliffs; 3.

Liam Short, Marco Forster; 4. Jack Harris, Bernice Ayer; 5. Nathan Langer, Bernice Ayer; 6. Carson Wall, Marco Forster. GIRLS: 1. Bryn Kurt, Marco Forster; 2. Makayla Moss, Shorecliffs; 3. Stila Fresenius, Dana Point; 4. Cora Nordheim, Dana Point; 5. Julia Guild, Shorecliffs; 6. Grace Fermelia, Dana Point. GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Hana Catsimanes, Shorecliffs; 2. Cora Nordheim, Dana Point; 3. Kaia Siegel, Bernice Ayer; 4. Karley Osorio, Marco Forster.

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