December 11, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

December 11–17, 2015 YO U

C A N

U S E

Online Voting for Best of Dana Point Ends Dec. 20 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 50

Setting Up for Success Dana Hills Success Club President Cassie Braunstein has continued legacy of bringing inspiration to peers E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Cassie Braunstein (left), Dana Hills High School Success Club president, greets recent guest speaker Tanya Brown, author, motivational speaker and sister of Nicole Brown Simpson. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Texas Couple Arrested

Tuesday after Car Chase, Gunfire at Doheny Beach EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Former DP Marina Manager Sentenced for Embezzlement, Misappropriation EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Rachael Tilly of Capo Beach WSL Longboard World Champion DP SURF/PAGE 18

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING home improvement projects on his vacation house in Hawaii, authorities said.

Dunn was arraigned in November 2014, pleaded not guilty and was released from custody on a $200,000 bond.

According to the 2014 arraignment press release, the charges against Dunn carried a maximum sentence of 11 years and four months in state prison.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to OCDA spokesperson Roxi Fyad, Dunn is expected to begin serving his jail time on Jan, 29, 2016, at 7 p.m.—AS

OC Sailing & Events Center RFP Updated

The County of Orange has extended deadlines and changed the administration process for the open RFP for management of the OC Sailing & Events Center at Dana Point Harbor. Photo: Andrea Swayne

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Texas Couple Arrested Tuesday after Car Chase, Gunfire at Doheny Beach THE LATEST: A couple from Texas was arrested Tuesday night in Dana Point after fleeing from California State Park rangers and firing at least one gunshot, authorities said.

Rene Joseph Bolduc, 41, and Teresa Nanette Kirkland, 46, were arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and obstruction and delay of a peace officer, said Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Park rangers approached the couple shortly before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday on Dana Point Harbor Drive near Doheny State Beach. The couple fled in their vehicle and fired at least one shot from their vehicle.

Rangers called the OCSD for backup following the gunshot.

The vehicle Bolduc and Kirkland were in crashed and rolled at Doheny State Park and the two suspects exited the vehicle on foot and attempted to hide from officers.

OCSD deputies found Bolduc in the water near the jetty and Kirkland hiding among a collection of lifeguard towers grouped together for the off-season on the beach, Hallock said.

According to the OCSD Sheriff’s Blotter entry, several rounds of ammunition were found inside the couple’s vehicle.

Bolduc and Kirkland were arrested, transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and booked into Orange County Jail.

Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

THE LATEST: An update to the open Request for Proposals (RFP) for the management of the OC Sailing & Events Center at Dana Point Harbor was released by the County of Orange on Dec. 8.

Changes include a new date for the pre-proposal site inspection meeting, Dec. 17, an extension of time for questions and proposal preparation and the addition of Bidsync.com to administer the RFP process, the update said.

WHAT’S NEXT: It is unclear whether the suspects fired the gun directly at officers and what their motive behind attempting to run may have been. An investigation is ongoing.—Andrea Swayne

Former DP Marina Manager Brian Dunn Sentenced for Embezzlement, Misappropriation THE LATEST: A Capistrano Beach (Dana Point) man was convicted and sentenced Dec. 2 for embezzlement and misappropriation of funds while employed as a marina manager at Dana Point Harbor.

Brian Cleveland Dunn, 63, pleaded guilty to one felony count of misappropriation of public funds and one felony count of grand theft by embezzlement, with sentencing enhancements of aggravated white collar crime, property damage and property loss, a Dec. 4 press release from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said.

Dunn is sentenced to one year in jail, three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution to Vintage Marina Partners, the company contracted by Orange County to run the Embarcadero Marina—the commercial core—at Dana Point Harbor.

Dunn began working as the general manager of Vintage Marina Partners in 2004.

Between 2008 and 2012, Dunn charged the county more than $130,000 by submitting falsified invoices for Harbor landscaping materials purchased at a 100 percent markup from Organic Tree Landscaping— a business he started in 2008.

Prior to his plea, Dunn paid restitution to the county in the amount of $132,787, the release said.

Dunn also made more than $440,000 worth of unauthorized purchases with the Vintage Marina Partners company credit card between 2007 and 2011 for personal expenses, such as clothing, travel and

WHAT’S NEXT: All proposers must now register on Bidsync.com and enter “RFP OCDPH 10-2015” in the search box.

Questions from proposers are now due on Dec. 28. Questions and answers will be available on Jan. 7, 2016. Proposals are due no later than 4 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2016 and the county’s review of written proposals is set for Jan. 25, 2016. Optional oral interviews and final presentations will be conducted with the most highly-qualified applicants on Feb. 3, 2016.

A final lease approval by the Orange County Board of Supervisors is expected

by March 2016.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.ocdph.com.

—AS

Fish and Wildlife Department Cracks Down on South OC Lobster Poachers THE LATEST: Seventeen citations were issued and 25 violations were found following a four-day lobster poaching detail by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in San Clemente and Dana Point, authorities said.

According to a Dec. 7 press release from CDFW Law Enforcement Lt. Chris Stoots, the investigation was prompted by a flurry of reports by lawful lobster anglers of misconduct by others the department began receiving following the Oct. 3 lobster season opening.

Page 3

The reports of poachers taking undersized lobsters at the San Clemente Pier and Dana Point Harbor jetties were received via the CDFW’s Californians Turn in Poachers and Polluters (CalTIP) hotline, a confidential witness program.

Charges include possession of undersized lobsters, lobster report card violations, possession of undersized kelp bass and barred sand bass, and failure to have a lobster measuring device in possession.

Thirty-three undersized lobsters, two kelp bass and three barred sand bass were returned to the ocean during the two-weekend operation.

WHAT’S NEXT: Those cited are facing fines up to $1,000 and up to six months of jail time for each offense, the release said.

Witnesses are encouraged to call CalTIP at 888.334.2258 or send an anonymous tip via text message to “CALTIP” followed by a space and then the message “tip411” (847411). A CalTIP smartphone app is also available for download at www. wildlife.ca.gov/enforcement/caltip. —AS

CUSD Effectively Rejects Charter School Petition THE LATEST: On Wednesday night, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted 3-3-1 regarding whether to deny a petition to establish the Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (OCASA) charter school within the district. Former board president Lynn Hatton-Hodson was not in attendance, resulting in a split vote.

CUSD staff’s recommendation to the board was to deny the petition due to issues including an “unsound educational program” and legal concerns.

WHAT’S NEXT: The board discussed several options before and after the vote, including scheduling a special meeting for all seven trustees to attend and vote again, establishing a memorandum of understanding and approving the petition with conditions or leaving the vote as is and effectively rejecting the petition.

The board chose the latter option, and if no further action on the petition is taken within 60 days, the vote will be considered a “constructive denial,” according to staff.

The three trustees who voted against denying the petition—Vice President Jim Reardon, John Alpay and Gary Pritchard—noted that OCASA has the option to send its petition to the county. All three agreed that the county will likely approve the petition, which they said would eliminate any oversight the district would have had in the process.—Allison Jarrell www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Setting Up for Success Dana Hills Success Club President Cassie Braunstein has continued legacy of bringing inspiration to peers

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he word “success” defies a singular definition, as it can mean many different things depending on whom you ask. But no matter how you define it, everyone can use a little extra motivation.

With that in mind, Dana Hills High School student Cassie Braunstein has continued the mission her sister Eliza Braunstein and Allie Gersten started in 2011—the Success Club.

The idea was originally hatched during a family road trip when the discussion became centered on an observation by the eldest Braunstein sister, concerned by friends who had a lot of potential but were failing to take advantage of it. With an idea and a teacher willing to support the club as faculty advisor, the Success Club was launched.

The club format was designed around the premise that by bringing in a wide variety of successful people as guest speakers, students could glean what they need from their stories—inspiration, motivation and practical strategies for success.

And it worked. The club quickly became one of the most popular on campus.

It didn’t hurt that the lineup of guests included professional athletes and rock stars, but even those with less glamorous sounding jobs, such as CEOs of large corporations and entrepreneurs who started from scratch, attracted a large turnout.

The timing was right for Cassie Braunstein to take the lead in 2012, her freshman year, after her sister graduated that spring.

Now a senior, Braunstein is relishing her final months at the helm, endeavoring to finish the year strong, bringing an exceptionally interesting and inspirational lineup of guest speakers to club meetings.

We caught up with Braunstein in October at the first Success Club meeting of the year when the guest speaker was Tanya Brown, author, motivational speaker and sister of Nicole Brown Simpson whose ex-husband O.J. Simpson was tried for her 1994 murder.

The bleachers in the gym held a crowd of about 250 students to hear Tanya Brown’s story of overcoming struggles with an eating disorder, depression and her sister’s murder, to become the successful author and highly sought after Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

Cassie Braunstein (right) Dana Hills High School Success Club president, greets recent guest speaker Tanya Brown, author, motivational speaker and sister of Nicole Brown Simpson. Photo: Andrea Swayne

motivational speaker she is today.

Brown is the author of two books, Finding Peace Amid the Chaos: My Escape from Depression and The Seven Characters of Abuse: Domestic Violence: Where It Starts & Where It Can End. “I chose Tanya as the first speaker because being a high school student is hard, and she knows that and wrote a book about making it through,” Braunstein said. “Being a senior, we’re all doing college apps and I knew she’d inspire us all and help us realize that we can make it through.”

Brown talked about her time as a student at Dana Hills and beyond, and how ignoring her issues with low self-esteem by “putting on a happy face” eventually caught up with her, manifesting into some of the darkest days of her life. She encouraged the students to not ignore their feelings and issues and to reach out for help.

Brown told the story of how she pulled herself back from prescription drug abuse, suicidal feelings and a stint in a hospital psych unit to finally earn her college degree and finding success in her career.

She not only shared her warts-and-all tale, but also offered specific strategies she used in her climb.

Brown also talked about the issue of domestic abuse and how education is the key to breaking the cycle, both for the abused and the abusers. She also introduced the creation of the Nicole Brown Simpson Scholarship Fund in honor of her sister. The fund, part of her Hugs Not Hits campaign to fight domestic abuse, will be offered exclusively to Dana Hills students.

Club member Madison McCullough said she felt the talk was very inspiring and relatable.

“Because, as high school students we go through so much, it was great to hear such an honest first-hand story. And she’s awesome,” McCullough said. “The Success Club is really helpful and Cassie is amazing for taking the time out of her busy classes to organize it. I think it’s working.”

Brown, a 1987 Dana Hills graduate, said she was delighted to kick off the club’s year.

“I really just wanted to reach out and share my story in hopes that I can make a difference in the community me and my sisters grew up in,” Brown said.

Taking the Lead Braunstein said her position as Success Club president didn’t just happen by default.

“When I was at Niguel Hills Middle School, my mom would take me to some of my sister’s Success Club meetings during lunch and I saw how engaged the students were with the speakers,” Braunstein said. “I knew that I wanted to try and have that same impact on my fellow students when I got to high school.”

But Braunstein was quick to point out that she doesn’t do it on her own, and has a great team of peers behind her.

This year’s club officers, Josh Barsus, vice president; Michael Bradley, photographer and secretary; senior officers Riley Zachary, Tyler Ash, Daniel Gordee, Tamara Jafar and sophomore officers Abby Griffin and Cassandra Lanbros are key to the club’s success.

She also credited her faculty advisor Ken Workman who teaches P.E. and College and Career Planning (CCP), for offering the support necessary to keep the

Page 4

club’s wheels in motion.

Also in his fourth year with the club, Workman said he believes the club has provided a valuable resource for students.

“I think the Success Club is amazing,” Workman said. “Bringing in people who have a passion for what they’re doing and have made it, with no guarantee of success, by working hard and following their talents and passions, and hearing about their journeys first-hand, is such an amazing gift for kids. Cassie has done an amazing job as leader. It’s not an easy task to get guest speakers. You have to knock on a lot of doors and be persistent, and with that, she’s done an amazing job.”

Braunstein’s list of past guest speakers includes Quiksilver founder Bob McKnight, Wahoo’s Fish Tacos founder Wing Lam, Kind Campaign co-founder Lauren Paul, and most recently, Anaheim Ducks play-by-play announcer Steve Carroll.

Accompanying Lauren Paul was her husband, actor Aaron Paul, who, Braunstein said, caused quite a ruckus on campus.

“I think kids are more likely to go to meetings and engage when we bring in interesting speakers who have something in common with the student’s plan for their future,” Braunstein said. “If a speaker catches the attention of or inspires even one student in the room, then I would say the meeting was a success.”

According to Braunstein, the speakers enjoy the experience too.

“Steve Carroll told me he wants to return to host a sort of ‘Ducks insider’ type of program,” she said. “He even gave the Success Club a shout-out, live on the air during the Ducks game last Wednesday.”

Braunstein said that although she only has half of the school year left with the club, she still has a long list of speakers on her wish list.

“I’d like to bring in a Ducks player, Ryan Sheckler, a few more authors and Magic Johnson,” she said. “We’ve been trying to get Magic Johnson for six years. He said ‘yes’ two years ago but then after he bought the Dodgers he was really hard to pin down with his busy travel schedule.

We’re not giving up on him though.”

Braunstein said she thinks the Success Club’s highest value shows when kids who are “borderline about to give up” get the chance to meet someone who, through telling their stories, help students realize “we have our whole lives ahead of us to do something like they did.”

On the inevitability of having to hand over the reins to someone new after graduation, Braunstein said it makes her sad to think about it.

“I’m not ready yet,” she said. “But I am happy to know that I will be leaving this as a legacy and I can’t wait to start something similar to the Success Club in college.

I’ve experienced the impact it has on high school students and know that as a college student I will continue to value these opportunities. No matter where you are in life, it can be tough and it’s always nice to meet someone who inspires you.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Community DP Sheriff’s Blotter Meetings

p.m.) Someone made a “beer run” at Ralphs. The thieves stole two 30-packs of Budweiser and made their getaway in a white Nissan Maxima.

COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

TBID Special Meeting

1 p.m.-3 p.m. The Tourism Business Improvement District meets at City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

Recycling Event at Dana Hills High School 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Residents can

drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the school parking lot for students to collect and sort for recycling.

Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs.

For more information, email president@ dhhsptsa.com. Dana Hills High School is located at 33333 Golden Lantern.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

Planning Commission Meeting

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15

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, 1707. toastmastersclubs.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, 949.429.1794, 3944816. toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16

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.

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.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Dana Point Harbor/Puerto Place (11:32 p.m.) A seal or sea lion was in need of assistance.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Sacramento, 26400 Block (2:29 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a man “saying profanities” and harassing a woman’s son and other students. The woman said the man was walking aggressively and hunched over. He was described as being in his 50s and wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and jeans.

WELFARE CHECK Beach Road, 35000 Block (1:15 p.m.) A man in his 20s, who appeared to be on drugs, was seen dancing around near the basketball courts.

Sunday, December 6 MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONS Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (6:39 p.m.) A woman called deputies regarding an RV parked on Stonehill between Del Avion and Camino Capistrano near Creekside Park for four days with a couple living inside, coming and going at all hours.

Deputies made contact with the RV owner earlier who said the battery was dead. The caller was uncomfortable with the RV being parked behind her residence and had been calling police every day. The vehicle was cited on Dec. 4 when the couple was arguing.

Youth Board Holiday Home Decorating Contest Judging 5 p.m. The Dana Point

DECEMBER 24-JANUARY 1, 2016

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Via Mentone/Pacific Coast Highway (2:22 p.m.) A man called police to report seeing a baseball bat sitting on the seat of a black BMW. He thought it was suspicious.

Youth Board meets to judge entries in their annual holiday home decoration contest. The board, made up of resident high school students, will be transported to the homes courtesy of Dana Point Police Services deputies.

City Hall Offices Closed

Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

PETTY THEFT Del Prado Avenue, 24900 Block (1:20

Saturday, December 5 DISTURBANCE Street of the Copper Lantern, 34000 Block (11:33 p.m.) A man called complaining that his ex-girlfriend was refusing to leave after the two had an argument. Both he and the woman had been drinking.

Monday, December 7

WELFARE CHECK Camino del Avion, 32300 Block (5:18 p.m.)

A patrol check was requested for a man who appeared to either be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, stumbling near Chase Bank. The man was described as being in his 30s and being “all tatted up.”

The man had two dogs with him, one of which was a pit bull.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

DISTURBANCE Tennis Villas Drive, 0 Block (11:16 a.m.)

A woman called police about an argument she had with a male neighbor who was “antagonizing” her.

DISTURBANCE Cordova Drive, 24700 Block (10:08 p.m.)

A man wearing a black tuxedo with a red bowtie and carrying a cane was trying to pick fights with people and refusing to leave. The man who called in the complaint was “a little evasive” possibly due to a party happening at the location. He told police other people at the location know the subject but he does not.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Green Lantern, 34400 Block (8 p.m.) A customer tried to “feel up” an employee. The subject—described as a man in his 50s with gray hair, prescription eye glasses and wearing a blue shirt and khaki pants—was sitting inside a red Kia Soul with dealer plates in the parking structure at the time of the call.

CITIZEN ASSIST Pointe Sutton, 32700 Block (2:17 p.m.) A woman was knocking on residents’ doors looking for her husband at the Harbor Pointe Apartment complex and refusing to leave.

Friday, December 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Vista de Dons, 27500 Block (11:25 p.m.)

A man called police after he and his wife received a call from the babysitter who said a woman from the sober living home across the street entered their kitchen trying to charge her cellphone.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (11:20 p.m.) A small white sedan with no license plates was stopped in the middle of the road. The woman at the wheel was passed out.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Vista de Dons, 27600 Block (7:18 p.m.) A 15- to 16-year-old girl with bluish tinted hair knocked on a man’s door asking to use his phone. The man didn’t let her inside because he has two large dogs but offered to let her use her phone, she was

Page 6

gone when he came back with it. The man said the girl didn’t appear impaired and left on foot.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Trinidad Drive/Santiago Drive (2:24 p.m.)

A man with black hair and a mustache was seen on the other side of the fence near the water tanks by the dog park. The caller said the man was not in uniform and didn’t appear to belong there. The subject was also staring at the caller and acting nervous, the caller said.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (10:19 a.m.) A male transient was sleeping on a couch in the third-floor hallway at the Best Western Marina Shores hotel and refusing to leave.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Del Obispo Street, 33600 Block (7:44 a.m.) An employee at the Dana Capistrano Animal Clinic called deputies to report an ongoing problem with transients.

Thursday, December 3 SHOTS HEARD-NO SUSPECT INFORMATION Ritz Cove Drive, 0 Block (2:09 p.m.) A woman “enjoying lunch on the balcony of the Ritz” thought she heard what sounded like three gunshots within 30 minutes and wanted deputies to look into it.

CITIZEN ASSIST Via Sacramento, 26500 Block (10:16 a.m.)

A patrol check was requested when, according to the caller, people were in a backyard burning something in a chiminea that smelled like chemicals.

Wednesday, December 2 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pointe Trinity, 24700 Block (8:18 p.m.)

A man was heard banging on walls and screaming, “Die, b**ch, die” and “You sell your own drugs.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Old Golden Lantern/El Camino Capistrano (5:32 p.m.) A man in his 30s or 40s and riding a skateboard was seen looking in mailboxes.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Street of the Silver Lantern, 33800 Block (4:31 p.m.) A woman caught a male property manager—in her residence to fix a leak—taking pictures of her young daughters in their room.

Tuesday, December 1 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Domingo Avenue, 25900 Block (2:53 p.m.)

A woman contacted deputies to report a man parked near Capo Valley Christian School. The woman said the man does this on a regular basis and she doesn’t like it. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

News Next Door

COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

Recycling Event at Dana Hills High School Dec. 12

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE

On Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. residents can drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the Dana Hills High School parking lot, near the tennis courts and pool, for students to collect and sort for recycling.

Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs.

Collections are held monthly throughout the school year. Future events will be held Jan. 9, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, Feb. 20, March 5, March 19, April 2, April 23, May 7 and May 28, rain or shine. Dana Hills High School is located at 33333 Golden Lantern in Dana Point.

For more information, email president@ dhhsptsa.com.

Volunteers Sought for Capt. Dave’s 20th Anniversary Party with a Purpose Dec. 22 Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari is celebrating its 20th anniversary in conjunction with its annual meal packing event on Dec. 22, from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street.

The purpose of the Christmas-themed event is to contribute to Kids Around the World’s goal of packing 200,000 meals for hungry families in Rwanda.

The event will include a raffle, Christmas music, hot chocolate, Santa and a few elves, candy canes, prizes and Mrs. Capt.

Dave’s triple-fudge brownies.

All ages are welcome.

For more information, visit www.dolphinsafari.com.

Dana Point Symphony Holds Holiday Season Pass Sale The Dana Point Symphony Orchestra is having a sale on season passes for its fifth anniversary season in 2016.

Enter promo code DECKTHEHALLS when purchasing tickets online at www. danapointsymphony.ticketleap.com for a limited time and receive a $5 discount.

Concert tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors or students and military with a valid ID. A regularly priced season pass is $60.

The DPSO’s four-concert season begins in February with performances on Feb. 27, April 16, May 7 and June 11.

Concerts are held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 33826 Calle La Primavera in Dana Point.

For more information, including the full Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

Dana Point Yacht Club members hosted the club’s 10th annual Lunch with Santa on Dec. 5, for Camp Pendleton Marines’ children. Photo: Courtesy of DPYC

The Dana Point Symphony, under the conduction of Dean Anderson, is offering a limited time discount on season passes for the upcoming 2016 season.

Photo: Courtesy of the DPSO

music program and musician bios, visit www.danapointsymphony.com.

Dana Point Yacht Club Hosts Lunch with Santa for Children of Camp Pendleton Marines Dana Point Yacht Club was filled with laughter and cries of joy on Saturday, Dec. 5, hosting 52 children of Camp Pendleton, 5th Battalion Marines and their families for the club’s 10th annual Lunch with Santa.

More than 25 DPYC members volunteered to work as “elves” decorating, hosting, making crafts and photographing the kids with Santa in the club’s effort to share the magic of Christmas.

The highlight of the day was a visit from Santa, played by Staff Commodore Pat Shoemaker. Each child received a gift selected especially for them based on their Christmas wish list.

The “elves” worked hand-in-hand with

each family to personalize the experience and the kids were delighted that Santa knew all of their names and those of their siblings, favorite activities and whether they had been naughty or nice. Each family received a hand-crafted wooden train made by DPYC’s chief toymaker, Bill Taylor, as well as a Target gift certificate generously donated through contributions from club members.

Over the last decade, Dana Point Yacht Club members eagerly await this annual event, vying for the chance to dress as elves and get up close and personal with these wonderful young families. Everyone gets involved, from Commodore Gary MacCleverty, who photographed the event to Vice Commodore Bob Perdue, who acted as emcee. Members donate time, creativity and charitable donations to make this celebration. A brunch, complete with kid-friendly choices and enough dishes to allow the hungry Marines to come back for seconds and thirds was prepared by Chef Felipe and donated by the club.

“The magic of this event is being able to honor and share the Christmas spirit with those who serve our country,” said Melissa Perdue, DPYC social chair.

In the past 10 years, more than $30,000 in donations and 4,000 volunteer hours have been invested in this event. —Report submitted by reader Toni Nelson 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.

Page 7

San Clemente Man Missing in Utah Michael Cavallari, 30, of San Clemente, has been considered missing since Nov. 27 when the Grand County, Utah, Sheriff’s Department found his 2014 Honda Civic crashed and abandoned off-road in a fissure just off of Floy Wash Road, approximately 5 miles south of exit 175 on Interstate 70 in the southeastern Utah desert, authorities said.

According to a Grand County Sheriff’s Department press release, information received from San Clemente law enforcement led investigators to believe the vehicle was driven by Michael Cavallari. Credit card transaction receipts also led investigators to a convenience store in Monticello, Utah.

“Upon reviewing the security footage from the convenience store, the driver of the vehicle was positively identified as Michael Cavallari,” the release stated.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Blotter, Cavallari was arrested in Dana Point on Nov. 23, on the 32400 block of Crown Valley Parkway after a caller reported seeing him with a large gun in his possession. Cavallari posted bond and was released from jail on Nov. 25.

The Grand County Sheriff’s Office is handling this matter as an active missing person investigation.

Cavallari is the brother of Kristin Cavallari Cutler, known for her role in the popular reality television series “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Michael Cavallari is asked to contact the Grand County Sheriff’s Office at 435.259.8115 or visit www.grandcountysheriff.org. —Eric Heinz/Andrea Swayne

Michael Cavallari. Photo: Courtesy

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor FED UP WITH SOBER LIVING HOMES KEVIN LEWIS, Capistrano Beach

My wife, son and I are longtime south Orange County residents, and for the last four years we have lived in Capistrano Beach.

I’m as tired as anyone with the emergence of so many sober living homes in San Clemente and Dana Point, but on Friday, Dec. 4, my tolerance hit its max, and my involvement in ridding them from my neighborhood is going to dramatically increase.

About eight months ago, a woman by the name of Grace bought the home across the street from me, and immediately rented it to Sanctuary House Recovery, which is now running a sober living home in the house Grace owns. We are so disappointed as homeowners and parents to know that this “home” is directly across the street from ours. Sanctuary is running a business; this is not a home.

On Friday, Dec. 5, my wife and I went to a friend’s house for a holiday party and left behind our 23-month-old son with our 27-year-old babysitter, Haley. Right before 8 p.m., Haley was upstairs in our son’s room putting him to sleep. She heard a knock on our door and our dog started to bark for approximately five minutes.

Normally our dog stops barking after a minute or two, but he kept barking quite aggressively. The barking then prevented our son from being able to go to sleep, so Haley decided to pick him up and go see what was wrong. As she left the bedroom, she stood at the top of our staircase, looked down the stairs, and there standing in my living room was a highly intoxicated girl with blue hair. Haley didn’t know if we knew her, so she kindly asked what this girl was doing in our home. The girl started yelling at Haley that she needed to charge her cellphone.

Haley, with our son still in hand, told her to leave immediately and the owners of the home would be back at any minute.

The girl didn’t know how to leave and she started to walk towards our shared side fence to get to the neighbors’ house. This was all happening right in front of my son, who the next day was telling us how “the dog was barking and really mad” when we asked him if he had fun with Haley.

The intruder left after about four to five minutes and proceeded to go up our street to hassle more neighbors in need of a phone charge.

We filed a police report that night and contacted the manager of the home the following day, who then confirmed that it was a girl from his house who “snuck out” after her dad dropped her off at 6:45 p.m.

By Monday morning, the operators of Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

the facility were claiming they had no recollection of any girl with blue hair having checked into their facility on Friday night and denied knowledge of the incident in my home, effectively lying to the police.

I have tried to be OK with the constant cigarette smoke, cussing and generally unappealing aspects of living next to a bunch of drug/alcohol-addicted teenagers, but at this point, I have to get to the bottom of why this is allowed.

Why does Capo Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente want this present in our neighborhoods? I get that this is state run, allowed and supposedly permissible, but I think raising the awareness of the problem associated with these homes is exactly what we need to do to start getting this eradicated.

KAUFMAN REBUTS NELSON’S RESPONSE TO ‘RE-BID THE TBID’ LETTER HAROLD KAUFMAN, Dana Point

Unfortunately Ms. Nelson’s basic premise (in last week’s rebuttal to my Nov. 6 opinion piece, “It’s Time to Re-bid the TBID”) that the four big hotels in Dana Point are voluntarily funding the TBID is completely wrong. As a requirement of the TBID, the hotels are being assessed $3 per room night. Although they originally chose to form the TBID, with its creation, the assessment is not optional. It is mandatory.

Just like the TOT, they have no choice.

The only way the hotels would not have to pay the assessment is if the City Council disbands the TBID or if the TBID votes to disband.

Since it is an assessment, it does belong to the citizens of Dana Point; however, the City Council required that the money collected by the assessment be used to “… enhance tourism related businesses throughout the city of Dana Point …”

As to her comments about the CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) published by the city each year, the CAFR excerpt shows what it said about the TBID (page 69 for 2015):

This excerpt from the city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for 2015 shows TBID revenues and expenditures. Source: City of Dana Point

Perhaps she can tell from this report where the revenue was spent. I sure can’t.

Just what does “Community Development” mean?

As I have stated many times, I am in favor of the TBID. Using an assessment instead of raising the TOT was a brilliant idea since it did not require getting twothirds of the voters to agree to a tax.

Using the money to promote tourism in Dana Point is a fantastic idea—one that I heartily support—but let’s promote tourism for all of our tourist-related businesses, not just the four hotels. Let’s take a long-range approach instead of a “what have you done for me lately” approach.

Having City Council members and representatives from the Harbor Association and the Chamber of Commerce and the smaller hotels on the TBID will provide oversite, bring all of the affected parties to the table and make it better for everyone.

WATER DISTRICT LAND GOES TO INAPPROPRIATE NON-WATER USES RICHARD GARDNER, Capistrano Beach

As if there isn’t enough happening right before our very eyes in this city, consider what’s happening at the South Coast Water District. On Nov. 17 the water board approved the boat and RV storage on the 30 acres of publicly owned land between the railroad and the San Juan Creek. It was a 3-2 vote; Erdman and Dietmeier opposed the motion.

Several years ago, the county asked if the water district could temporarily store 500 boats on the 30 acres. The district, which was already storing hundreds of new vehicles from the nearby car dealerships, had the room.

On the surface one would ask, “What’s the problem?” The water district will spend about $3.25 million out of reserves to grade and prepare the first 5 acres for boat and RV storage. The return on this investment will be only about $10,000 after five years. An earlier staff report concluded this was a non-starter.

Several important questions were raised by Director Erdman. Besides using ratepayer reserves to finance a temporary boat/RV storage lot, is the water district authorized to own and manage a facility that is not a core activity or even allowed in the California Water Code?

The South Coast Water District should provide groundwater treatment, recycled water facilities and desalination on the 30 acres. If there is extra public land that is not needed for these core water projects, then the public projects should go through the planning process to provide the best public uses. If 5 or 10 acres of land were available, what would you like to see in our community?

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

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

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING PICKET FENCE MEDIA Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Evan Da Silva Debra Holm Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 50. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

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

Page 8

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

At the Movies: ‘Youth’ Is Not So Youthful

EDITOR’S PICK

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 11 ‘A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents A Child’s Christmas in Wales, a nostalgic story of Christmas day—from its quiet, magical beginning full of thrilling expectations, to bedtime, replete with the joy of a perfect Christmas. Shows run through Dec. 20. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

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

Saturday | 12 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 8 a.m.-11 a.m. This ultimate Santa experience includes a breakfast buffet, a keepsake photo with Santa, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, a holiday movie for the children and much more. Cost is $55 for adults and $35 for children ages 5-12. Valet parking is available for $5. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.lagunacliffs.com.

Boats adorned with twinkling lights lit up Dana Point Harbor at last year’s Boat Parade. Photo: Allison Jarrell

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11: DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Watch at water’s edge or take in the view from aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari or Ocean Institute harbor cruise as boaters from all around Orange County decorate their vessels with sparkling lights and add costumes, music and animation to fit with each year’s theme and vie for prizes including Judges Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Most Original and more. This year’s theme, “A Galactic Holiday,” promises a variety of Star Wars and related themed boats. Viewing is free from anywhere in the harbor. Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5794, www.danapointharbor.com.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park every Saturday.

949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

WREATH MAKING WITH NATIVE PLANTS 10 a.m.-noon and 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Celebrate the season with your own handmade wreath fashioned out of California native plants. Workshop cost is $35 per wreath.

Limit two wreaths per person. Registration is recommended as space is limited. Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www.californianativeplants.com.

HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE MAKE-AND-TAKE 10 a.m.-noon. Join local nonprofit Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens for a delicious and informative class taught by Jeff Stern, founder of Oso Goloso Chocolate. Learn the basics of working with chocolate, and take home a fresh batch of chocolate bark. Topics covered include the origins of chocolate, how chocolate is made and how to temper and work with chocolate. $60 class fee includes a half pound of chocolate to take home. Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, 31661 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

On the Stage at the Coach House: Judith Hill

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

A

fter lending her voice to back up some of the most acclaimed American musicians of all time, soul and funk singer-songwriter Judith Hill is stepping out on her own.

On the heels of her debut album, Back in Time, Hill is making her way to the West Coast for a limited number of tour dates. Hill, who has been a backup vocalist for Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Michael Jackson, will appear at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Dec. 17.

Hill will be performing songs from her debut album, which dropped earlier this year. Hill says the title of the album, Back in Time, is a callback to her roots.

Hill grew up in a house full of musicians. Her mother played keyboard and her father played bass.

“My family is very soulful … My room Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

Judith Hill. Photo: Courtesy

was the vocal room for many amazing singers that would record at the studio at the house,” Hill said. “So I was constantly surrounded by soul.”

Hill’s mother and father will be playing alongside her on stage during the upcoming West Coast tour.

Back in Time was produced by pop

icon Prince, who reached out to Hill after hearing her give an interview naming him as a major influence. During the recording process, Hill, Prince and her studio musicians would get together and riff, which Hill said made for an interesting, distinct sound that can be heard on the album.

“It started at jam sessions with the band. We jammed on songs that I wrote and came up with some really cool arrangements and just tracked it live in the studio,” Hill said. “It’s a very organic, livemusic-sounding record.”

Tickets for Judith Hill are $25. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. For tickets and more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse. com. DP

Page 10

Photo: Fox Searchlight

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

fter winning numerous Best Foreign Picture awards two years ago with The Great Beauty, Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino’s follow-up would have high expectations no matter what the film was. Rather than stick to his native Italy, Sorrentino heads to Switzerland with some A-list film actors for the ensemble drama Youth. With his usual abstract images and bizarre context, Sorrentino’s latest feature is a mixed bag of emotions for not only the characters, but also the audience.

Set at a European spa resort, elderly English composer Fred Ballinger (Michael Caine) and his daughter Lena (Rachel Weisz) check in after Fred’s doctor recommends a masseuse following a prostate exam. His American friend and respected movie director Mick Boyle (Harvey Keitel) is also there to help his screenwriters get through writer’s block, while young actor Jimmy Tree (Paul Dano) is vacationing before performing in a costume drama.

Jane Fonda makes a flashy 10-minute appearance as Mick’s longtime muse.

Youth prides itself on being satirically self-aware with dialogue like “television is the future” and having a cameo by popstar Paloma Faith, but essentially the tone and delivery of the dialogue and performances end up pretentious and too serious. For all the hype Caine and Fonda are receiving, Keitel and Weisz are actually the more intriguing people in the movie; and Dano had potential to be interesting but is mostly wasted as human exposition for Caine’s character. Sorrentino is a gifted filmmaker, but this season might not be as fruitful as last time. DP www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT HO HO HAUL AWAY SAIL 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Go sailing with Santa aboard the tall ship Spirit of Dana Point. Take a turn at the helm, watch the crew fire the ship’s gun and spend some time making a holiday keepsake. Treats will be served.

Non-member tickets are $50 for adults, $33 for children 4 to 12. For members, tickets are $46 adults, $31 children. No children under 4. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

CHORAL CONCERT: CHRISTMAS AT THE SHORES 4:25 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. South Shores Church hosts its 25th annual choral concert featuring the 75-voice sanctuary choir with orchestra and tableaux, under the direction of Robert T. Perry. Tickets $10.

Show also runs Dec. 13 at 2:55 p.m. and 5 p.m. 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point, 949.496.9331, www.southshores.org.

‘LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS’ AT SOCSA 7 p.m. South Orange County School of the Arts students present the popular musical about the wacky, fun-filled world of Seymour and his man-eating plant Audrey II. Tickets are $12 to $15 and available online or at the door. Show also runs Dec. 11 and 13 at 1 p.m. Dana Hills High School, Porthole Theater, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, www.socsarts.org.

Sunday | 13 ‘A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS’ 10:30 a.m., noon, 7:30 p.m. Saddleback College presents A Charlie Brown Christmas. Show also runs Dec. 11 and 12 in the Studio Theatre. This holiday play with live music is based on the annual television special including the classic song, “Christmas Time is Here.” Tickets are $8–$15.

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu.

MATT STEPHANS 4 p.m. Live music at Waterman’s Harbor, 34661 Golden Lantern Street in the Dana Point Harbor, 949.764.3474, www.watermandp.com.

LUKAS NELSON AND PROMISE OF THE REAL 7 p.m. Lukas Nelson (Willie Nelson’s son) and Promise of the Real perform live at the Coach House with Insects vs Robots and Robert Jon & The Wreck. $17. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

Monday | 14 MOMMY MOVIE MONDAYS 10 a.m. Moms and dads are welcome to bring their baby along to the theater every Monday at Krikorian Theaters. 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7610, www.kptmovies.com.

Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

Tuesday | 15 COOKIE DECORATING 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Cookie decorating for all ages in the Library Meeting Room.

No pre-registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

SOCSA HOLIDAY CELEBRATION CONCERT & BOUTIQUE 5 p.m. All South OrEDITOR’S PICK ange County School of the Arts departments and the Friends of SOCSA Booster Club collaborate to present a holiday concert performance and art show by students and gift boutique to benefit school programs. The boutique, featuring a wide selection of vendors, opens at 5 p.m. Seating for the concert begins at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Complimentary beverage and dessert items will be served at intermission. Tickets, available for purchase online or at the door, are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.

The event also runs Dec. 16. Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, www.socsarts.org.

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.

Wednesday | 16 PAINTING AND VINO 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sip wine while participating in a painting class. 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 | 17 SOUTH COAST QUARTET SINGS CHRISTMAS AT CHAPAROSA GRILL 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Let Christmas favorites performed by the South Coast Quartet get you into the holiday spirit while you dine.

Reservations accepted but not required.

Chaparosa Grill, 30271 Golden Lantern, Ste. D, Laguna Niguel, 949.363.9888.

BRANDON WILDFISH 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

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

Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com Page 11

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Litter with Leaves

Redefine fall garden maintenance by utilizing fallen leaves in your yard

A

s a kid growing up in Central California, our classic 1950s neighborhoods were designed with colorful avenue trees and distinctive large trees that would simulate an East Coast landscape.

Our East Coast relatives used to laugh at us saying that California didn’t have any seasons—everything stayed green all year long. Not so, said my father after raking up piles of yellow, orange and red leaves produced by our deciduous “maple” tree—really a Liquid Amber tree. Every fall, year after year, my father, instead of bagging the leaves up to be hauled away, would pile the DIRT THERAPY leaves in the garden.

By Marianne Taylor I’m sure our neighbors thought he was lazy, crazy or both!

These majestic deciduous trees in our landscape produced massive leaf litter, which my father learned to work with in lieu of fighting it. Instead of the traditional scraping of leaves off the lawn and gardens, bagging them and sending them to waste management, my father would gently rake the leaves and place them in the garden beds and under the trees. Little did I know as a young child that this act of “leaf” kindness was not out of laziness but provided beneficial nutrients to the plants while serving a purpose for living and nonliving things in the ecosystem. As I have learned, there is no waste in the natural world.

Unfortunately, we see leaf litter as a problem in our community, when it actually plays a rather important ecological role.

Believe it or not, leaves are secretly at work in the garden and in our parks. Leaf litter produces carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and other inorganic compounds as it decomposes and replenishes the soil. During the decomposing process, life is occurring in the fungus, which is comprised of tiny harmless critters that attach themselves to the plant roots, helping the roots thrive.

Leaves provide homes to a variety of living things, from bacteria to the largest

macro invertebrates. Leaf mulch helps retain moisture and regulate temperature for organisms living under the leaf litter during winter—some critters use the leaves as a blanket. This is the perfect home to invertebrates; butterflies laying their eggs on the leaf litter use it as a nursery. Caterpillars oftentimes seal themselves within the leaf as a blanket. Birds use the leaf litter to forage for worms, insects and snails.

By raking up these leaves, you may be disturbing these small habitats of beneficial insects that could be fluttering around your garden next spring.

Although removing leaves is a daily occurrence in suburban and urban homes and community parks, we can make some alternative choices to not remove the leaves. We can leave the litter in the garden as mulch, allowing nature to do its part in providing a healthy ecosystem.

Here are some tips to consider: 1. Check with your community regarding rules for raking leaves when they fall.

2. Gently rake leaves into larger piles.

3. Use leaves as mulch around large trees, shrubs and garden beds.

4. Layer leaf litter in your compost pile.

5. Utilize leaf mold (decomposed leaves) for soil drainage and enrichment.

Your efforts will help fragile ecosystems thrive while promoting healthy soils, and the byproduct is a more spectacular spring garden.

And by depositing leaves in the garden, you’ll have more time to invest in play this fall. My dad had it right after all—father does know best.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director 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. CD 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

Dana Point Hosts Annual Winter Festival and Tree Lighting (From L to R): Wyland Rellaford, 5, and Crewe Rellaford, 4, of Dana Point, show off their painted faces with their friends Grady Alder, 4, and Finn Alder, 5, of Dana Point, at the city’s annual Winter Festival and Tree Lighting, Saturday, Dec. 5, at La Plaza Park.

Visit www.danapointtimes.com for a photo slideshow from the event.

Photo: Allison Jarrell Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

Page 12

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

An Ocean Farewell to an Austrian Friend

I

n May, while on vacation in Graz, Austria, my life partner Greta and I had dinner with a couple we had never met.

This meeting came about because Ken, 78, San Clemente, had emailed, “I have been enjoying your articles in the San Clemente Times. I was interested to see you will be in Graz, Austria, soon. I will be in the Graz area from May 1 until May 9.”

Ken explained that he would be visiting Maria, his woman friend, who lived near Graz. The four of us agreed to have dinner at a restaurant that Maria recommended.

Ken and Maria were so pleasant and comfortON LIFE AND able to be with that time LOVE AFTER 50 flew by that night as we

By Tom Blake all shared experiences about how we met and became couples, where we had traveled and to where we were traveling next. We were surprised that Ken’s home was on the same street in San Clemente as Greta’s home, a block away. Maria said she had visited Ken in San Clemente several times and loved it nearly as much as her native Austria.

Two days later, Maria and Ken drove us through southeastern Austria. Maria was the ultimate tour guide and hostess, taking us to the Burg Riegersburg castle and then driving a couple of hours to a favorite restaurant of theirs called Schloss Kaepfenstein.

To conclude our day with Ken and Maria, we were honored to be invited to Maria’s home with its magnificent backyard gardens. Greta and I had made wonderful new friends in Austria and would never forget the warm hospitality extended to us that day.

Ken and Maria planned to be in San Clemente in July, and Greta and I wanted to be as gracious to them as they had been to us. However, Ken informed us that Maria

was having some heart issues and needed to remain in Austria. They planned to be in San Clemente in September or October.

Ken and I exchanged emails. On Nov. 1 he wrote: “Maria and I are traveling. We will be back in San Clemente around Nov. 15.”

And then on Nov. 26, an email from Ken arrived that devastated us: “I am very grieved to inform you that Maria died from a heart attack a week ago.”

A memorial service for Maria was held Dec. 3. Approximately 20 of us, including Maria’s two sons, Christian and Klaus, and their wives boarded the OCeans Adventures Catamaran at dock six in Dana Point Harbor. It was a beautiful, blue-sky day.

Professional bodybuilder, actress and motivational speaker Lauren { IN DANA POINT } Powers (left) stopped by the Harbor with friends last Friday for the annual Holiday in the Harbor Open House. In keeping with the theme of this year’s Boat Parade of Lights, “A Galactic Holiday,” costumed Star Wars characters were part of the evening’s attractions. This Storm Trooper was played by Coffee Importers owner Jim Miller. Photo: Andrea Swayne

SCENE

Ken Halvorsrude and Maria Moser.

Photo: Courtesy of Tom Blake

The boat headed toward San Clemente.

The engines were shut down within a quarter mile of the San Clemente Pier, and a beautiful, simple service began.

A wreath of eco-friendly red roses was released off the stern. In addition, each of us were provided with an eco-friendly rose to release as well.

Everyone watched the roses float away; not a word was spoken for minutes. A majestic seal swam up to the flowers.

An Amtrak train heading south blew its whistle, as if to pay its respects.

I was very impressed with the sensitiv-

ity and respect the two OCean Adventures crew members showed toward the family and the care they took to protect the ocean.

On the way back to Dana Point, the crew stopped the boat so we could enjoy a large pod of common dolphins that seemed to be honoring Maria as they swam by.

As the boat headed home, Greta and I agreed how privileged we were to have met and enjoyed this incredible woman from Austria who loved San Clemente and who so embraced life. She will be in our hearts forever.

Sudoku

T

hree-month-old little Donald is ready for a new home. Brought to the shelter as a tiny kitten, Donald and his siblings are now back from foster care and hopeful about finding their forever homes before the holidays. With an adorable face like his, he would make a great addition to the family!

If you would like to know more about Donald or any of his kitten friends, please call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with them at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente. DP

Last week’s solution:

Dana Point Times December 11–17, 2015

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Pet of the Week: Donald

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middleaged dating. His latest book can be found online at www.smashwords.com/books/ view/574810. See his website at www. findingloveafter60.com (Yes, after 60, time rolls on.) To comment: tompblake@gmail. com. DP

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

Page 13

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

at both the 2015 CIF State Championships and CIF-SS Championships, were in the hunt throughout the race, clocking in at fourth place at the one-mile mark, sixth at the two-mile mark and fi fth with just over a quarter of a mile to go. The Dolphins closed the gap over the final stretch to seal the third-place finish.

Senior Mason Coppi was the Dolphins highest finisher, clocking in at 15:30.2.

Coppi placed 19th overall. Jake Ogden (15:49.6) placed 48th, Jack Landgraf (15:57.9) placed 61st, Brandon Hough (16:02.6) took 77th, John Turner (16:35.3) placed 131st, Colin Stein (17:09.9) placed 178th and Thomas Wilfert (17:19.1) took 185th. –Steve Breazeale

Dolphins Soccer Continues Tough Slate The Dana Hills girls' basketball team is off to a 5-2 start to its season. Photo: Courtesy

Dolphin Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE AND MICHAEL MATOSSIAN

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

Unified Effort Has Dolphins Girls Hoops Off to Hot Start “One Team, One Purpose” is the new motto of the Dana Hills High School girls basketball team under second-year head coach Anne Honey.

When Honey took over in 2014, the program was in disarray. In 2013, the team finished 5-21 overall and went 0-8 in league play. During Honey’s first year as head coach, some improvement could be seen as the team finished 9-17 overall and won two league games.

This year, the team got off to a 5-2 start and recently had a nice showing in the Corona Del Mar Tip-Off Tournament, finishing fi fth in a field of 14 teams.

“We were really happy with that (placement),” Honey said. “Our only loss was to Corona Del Mar, and they have four girls over six feet (tall).”

One of the things Honey wanted to bring to the Dolphins’ program was a strong emphasis on teamwork. Honey has helped build a connection amongst her players through team classroom study sessions and team activities off the court.

“Bonding really builds our trust,” junior Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

captain Elise Parsaee said. “(We) trust each other on the court and it helps us to be unified.”

A key part of the team’s hot start has been the leadership, and play on the court, of senior captain Maddy Bloom. The senior is averaging 21 points and three steals a game for a team that is predominantly underclassmen. Bloom has also adopted the role of on-court mentor.

“When we are in a game and I see (other players) getting stressed out, it is really important for me to talk to them and remind them to take deep breaths and remember how we do things,” Bloom said.

The bond between the players has made for a better product on the court.

The Dolphins are riding a four-game win streak and are only four wins away from matching last season’s win total.

Rising sophomore guard Peyton Romo is rounding out the stat sheet, averaging 9.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game. Junior Alex Williams leads the team with eight rebounds per game and is chipping in just over four points per contest.

Dana Hills looks to continue its hot start as it faces off against Rancho Alamitos on Dec. 10th.—Michael Matossian

After battling through a tough 2-1 loss against San Clemente on Dec. 2, the Dana Hills boys soccer team took on Laguna Beach on Dec. 4 and came away with a 1-1 draw.

The Dolphins were scheduled to take on Anaheim on Dec. 9. Results were not available at press time.

The Tritons, Breakers and Anaheim were all playoff teams last season, and the Tritons are currently ranked No. 6 in the CIF-SS Division 1 rankings.

Dana Hills will travel to play San Juan Hills on Dec. 11 and will host Edison on Dec. 16.—SB

Scoreboard DANA POINT TIMES

YOUTH FOOTBALL The South Orange County Patriots youth tackle football team defeated the Cowboys 22-14 in the midget division championship game on Dec. 5.

The game was closely contested the whole way. The score was tied 8-8 after the first quarter and the teams were even, 14-14, heading into the fourth quarter.

The Patriots broke the standstill following a 50-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Grant Olbricht to Mitch Messier. Running back Dean Westerberg

Dolphins Draw With Oilers The Dana Hills girls soccer team traveled to play Huntington Beach, the No. 5-ranked team in CIF-SS Division 1, on Dec. 4 and drew with the Oilers 0-0.

The Dolphins were scheduled to play Upland on Dec. 8 and Los Alamitos on Dec. 10. Results were not available at press time. Dana Hills will host El Toro on Dec. 17.—SB

Water Polo Topples Lions The goals have been coming in flurries for the Dana Hills girls water polo team just four games into the season. In the Dolphins’ season-opening match against Santa Margarita on Dec. 2, Dana Hills saw a 6-3 lead shrink as the Eagles mounted a second-half comeback en route to a 14-13 victory.

Dana Hills was led by Sydney Baba’s seven goals. Maia Borisoff chipped in three.

The Dana Hills offense erupted for a season-high in goals against JSerra on Dec. 8. Dana Hills had six players score at least twice and the Dolphins emerged with a 23-12 win.

Baba again led the team, this time with eight goals, and Alex Peros tallied six goals.

Dana Hills was set to play Agoura in a nonleague game on Dec. 10. Results were not available at press time.—SB

punched in the two-point conversion for a 22-14 lead.

The Patriots went 5-3 during the regular season, which earned them a trip to the championship game.

YOUTH BASEBALL Registration for Dana Point Youth Baseball’s 2016 spring season is now open to players ages 4-14. The spring season will begin with evaluations in early January and run through May. Cost varies with division, based on age.

Registration will close on Jan. 3.

For more information or to register, visit www.dpyb.org. DP

Dolphins Boys Cross Country Takes Third at Nike Cross Nationals The Dana Hills boys cross country team earned a third-place podium finish at the prestigious Nike Cross National race on Dec. 5. The race, which looped runners through Glendover Golf Course in Portland, Ore., featured the top cross country programs in the country.

The Dolphins, who finished runners-up

The South OC Patriots youth tackle football team won the midget division championship on Dec. 5.

Photo: Courtesy

Page 14

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

Locals Only Business Listings

LIST LOCALS ONLY

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

USE LOCALS ONLY In print and online 52 weeks a year.

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

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

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 Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Represent.xyz

949.274.0590, www.represent.xyz

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

34202 Camino Capistrano, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com

HANDYMAN

Beach City Handyman

33292 Bremerton St., 810.569.7295, gnarlyconceptdesign.com

HAULING

ICE CREAM

MASSAGE

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

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

Crystal Clyde Intuitive Bodywork

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

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

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

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

Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

Page 16

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 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 LOCAL HOUSEKEEPER OR OFFICE CLEANING Reliable, affordable, meticulous.

Excellent references. 949-573-8733

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 December 11-17, 2015

Page 17

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

A Surf Dream Realized Rachael Tilly of Capo Beach crowned WSL Women’s Longboard World Champion

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

F

or Rachael Tilly, the third time was the charm. On Tuesday she earned the title she’s been working toward since the age of 6: being crowned the women’s longboard world champion at the World Surf League 2015 Jeep Women’s World Longboard Championship in Riyue Bay Wanning, Hainan, China.

This year’s event was her third trip to China as an event qualifier for the Capistrano Beach professional longboarder, and, at age 17, Tilly has become the youngest women’s world longboard champion ever.

“I am over the moon right now,” Tilly said in a post-event WSL interview. “…

I can’t believe it’s even real. I have been to the contest twice before and not made many heats, but after winning the North American title, I had more confidence this year and I guess it paid off.”

Rachael Tilly hoists her world champion trophy on the podium at the conclusion of the World Surf League 2015 Women’s World Longboard Championship in China on Tuesday. Photo: WSL

After her North American title win at Huntington Beach in November, Tilly said something felt different about going into the China event as a champion. She said she was feeling really good about the momentum the win created, and her competition strategy—including wave selection and patience—had matured since her unsuccessful run for the world crown in 2014. She attributed the year’s progress to increasing her contest surfing time in

Western Surfing Association events and competing with her San Clemente High School surf team.

Tilly faced Hawaiian Crystal Walsh in the final and emerged victorious after the two put on an entertaining back-and-forth show that included beautiful, stylish, classic longboarding with power and technical skill.

Having traveled to China sans her usual travel partner, her mom Laurie, Tilly’s family was tuned in online at their Capo Beach home when the announcement was made.

The rush of emotion “felt like getting hit by a truck but loving it,” Laurie Tilly said.

Tilly’s dad and coach Glen agreed, saying he was so happy that her years of hard work and dedication led to her reaching her goal of becoming the youngest women’s world champ.

“We have always focused on working on the fundamentals of good surfing through the years,” Glen Tilly said. “Our motto has always been ‘we win together, we lose together’ but she went over there by herself, pulled it off on her own. We are all so proud of her.”

After being handed her world championship trophy cup, Tilly recalled the sendoff she got from her parents at the airport when she was leaving for China.

“The last thing my parents said before I got on the plane was to bring back the trophy so we can all share a bowl of cereal in it,” Tilly said. “And when I get home, that’s what we’re going to do.” DP

GROM OF THE WEEK

SURF FORECAST

ALEX GUILD

Water Temperature: 63-66 degrees F

A

surfer since the age of 6, Alex Guild, 9, of San Clemente has become one of the area’s best groms.

With his fourth-place finish at last weekend’s Western Surfing Association Championship Tour event at the San Clemente Pier, he has earned the No. 4 rank, among a field of 27, in the U10 shortboard division.

Alex recalls his first surf lessons with his dad while visiting his grandparents’ house at Avila Beach and said surfing has been a favorite pursuit ever since.

“My whole family surfs, and I want to thank them all for everything they do to support me,” Alex said. “They are always really nice, cheering me on when I make a heat and cheering me up when I don’t.”

Becoming a professional surfer is definitely a goal and, due to his love of other sports—soccer, basketball and Jiu-Jitsu—he fits in early morning, before-school surf sessions nearly every day.

Now a fourth-grader at Concordia Elementary, Alex is a bright student who likes school and maintains good grades.

“I really want to become a pro surfer but I also want a back-up job,” he said. “I want to

Dana Point Times December 11-17, 2015

Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’ Fair Outlook: New round of WNW swell kicks in for Friday, along with stormy weather, for shoulder-high to overhead surf with poor conditions. Waves ease over the weekend as conditions get better. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Alex Guild. Photo: Andrea Swayne

be a surgeon. You have to go to college for some extra years and I’m willing to do that.”

The talented goofyfooter feels like his backside game is the strongest part of his surfing. Lately, much of his practice time has been devoted to working on landing airs.

“I want more practice where I can get barreled too. I need work on heavy barrels,” he said, adding that he hopes to travel in search of hollow waves.

“I’ve been to Scorpion Bay and Las Gaviotas in Mexico but I really want to surf Skeleton Bay someday too,” he said.

Alex loves surfing and living the grom life in San Clemente.

“Everyone in my neighborhood is nice, there are a bunch of kids to surf with and we have really good waves to wake up to every morning at Lowers and T Street,” he said.

“And surfing is awesome because there are no limits, like in soccer. There’s no ref telling you you can’t do something. You can do anything you want and I just love that.”

—Andrea Swayne

Page 18

Evan Geiselman Recovering from Near Drowning in Hawaii Evan Geiselman, a pro surfer from Florida now living in San Clemente, nearly drowned at Pipeline on Sunday after a wipeout and three-wave hold down.

Videos of the incident posted to social media showed bodyboarder Andre Botha rescuing an unconscious Geiselman and beginning to administer CPR while still in the water. According to reports from friends and updates on social media, a full recovery is expected.

RESULTS First place and local finishers only. KEY: San Clemente=SC, Dana Point=DP WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 5, December 5-6, San Clemente, Pier MICRO GROM BOYS U9: 1. Petey Romaniuk, Huntington Beach; 3. Charlie Stevens, SC; 5. Loyal Cash Kenworthy, DP. MICRO GROM GIRLS U10: 1. Bella Kenworthy, DP; 2.

Ezra McPhillips, SC. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 1. Cannon Carr, SC; 4. Alex Guild, SC; 5. Charlie Stevens, SC; 6. Makai Bray, SC. BOYS U12: 1. Hayden Rodgers, Laguna Beach; 2. Brayden Burch, SC; 6. Ryder Salberg, SC. BOYS U14: 1. Hagan Johnson, SC; 2. Kai McPhillips, SC; 5. Brayden Burch, SC; 6. Luke Blackwill, SC. BOYS U16: 1. Hagan Johnson, SC; 4. Noah Hohenester, SC. BOYS U18: 1. Brock Piro, Oxnard; 3. Hagan Johnson, SC; 5. David Economos, SC. GIRLS U12: 1. Bryce Ava Wettstein, Encinitas; 3. Ryann Daly, DP; 6. Reese Hartnett, SC. GIRLS U14: 1. Olivia Pessanha, San Diego; 6. Izzy Hopkins, DP. GIRLS U16: 1.

Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas. GIRLS U18: 1. Kiersten Noonan, Encinitas; 3. Erika Hunting, SC. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Rhyn Chambers, SC; 2. Jimmy Wynne, SC; 4. Luke Blackwill, SC; 5. Caden Evans, SC; 6. Aidan Sautner, SC. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 1. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas; 6.

Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach. GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Sive Jarrard, Carlsbad. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Liv Stokes, Aliso Viejo; 2. Ocean Tsutsui, SC. MEN 18-29: 1. Cody Canzoneri, SC. MASTERS 30-39: 1. Ryan Aguilar, SC. SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1. Rick Takahashi, San Diego; 6. Jason Senn, SC. WOMEN 18+: 1. Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach. LEGENDS 50+: 1. Chas Wickwire, Seal Beach; 2. Jeff Jessee, SC. OPEN MEN: 1.

Cody Canzoneri, SC; 2. Lucas Taub, DP. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach; 2. Jayme Linnes, SC. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Keili McEvilly, Carlsbad; 3. Lexi Morgan, SC. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1. Lance Albright, Huntington Beach. ADAPTIVE SURFERS: 1. Jeff Munson, Corona Del Mar.

UPCOMING EVENTS 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-by-the-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 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

www.danapointtimes.com