March 11, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

March 11-17, 2016

YO U

C A N

U S E

R.H. DANA ELEMENTARY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS EYE ON DP/PAGE 5

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11

Festival Fun from Day 1 Dana Point Festival of Whales kickoff weekend a success, more fun ahead D P L I V I N G / PAG E 1 0

Attendees of the 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales are treated to a show by a humpback whale during a whale watching expedition aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching boat on March 5. Photo: Carla Mitroff

MemorialCare to Close San Clemente Hospital May 31 EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Hobie Memorial Foundation Receives Nonprofit Status EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Jeffrey Adam Memorial Regatta Raises Funds at Festival of Whales SPORTS/PAGE 12

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

sustaining minor injuries. Carratt was arrested July 8, 2015.

WHAT’S NEXT: Carratt was also ordered to pay restitution and his license will be suspended for three years after he is released. —EH

Five things Dana Point should know this week

Assemblyman Bill Brough to Speak at Next Coffee Chat

MemorialCare to Close San Clemente Hospital May 31 THE LATEST: After an 18-month effort to keep MemorialCare’s Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente open, officials announced last week they will close the campus on May 31.

In a statement released by Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, administrator Tony Struthers said the health care provider will continue to examine possibilities of providing forms of urgent care to area residents, but the hospital services will cease May 31.

“At this point, we will continue to provide ongoing medical and emergency services,” Struthers said in an email March 3, adding the services will continue for at least 90 days.

Struthers said the hospital—Dana Point’s nearest hospital, located at 654 Camino De Los Mares—will continue to meet with local officials and agencies to plan “a transition of services.”

MemorialCare officials have said since August 2014 the current hospital model is not feasible to keep open because of declining inpatient numbers. Inpatient services traditionally are large sources of funding for hospitals.

MemorialCare has owned the San Clemente hospital since 2005.

Struthers said the hospital was averaging 11.6 inpatients a day before the closure. A total of 16 inpatient surgeries were done in February, less than one per day, and outpatient surgeries totaled 56 in that month. That was not enough to sustain the hospital, he said.

WHAT’S NEXT: Struthers said no decision has been made regarding the sale of the San Clemente campus.

“At this point we have had some inquiries but nothing beyond that,” he stated in an email.

CEO of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center Stephen Geidt said MemorialCare is “exploring all options.”

Some employees from the San Clemente hospital are currently or will be retained within the MemorialCare system, while others have sought employment elsewhere.

During a protest rally on March 9, San Dana Point Times March 11-17, 2016

THE LATEST: The next Dana Point Civic Association’s Coffee Chat, set for Friday, March 3 will feature guest speaker California 73rd District Assemblyman Bill Brough.

Brough will update the audience on issues in his district, which includes Dana Point.

The Coffee Chat will run from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at The Coffee Importers, 34531 Golden Lantern in the Dana Point Harbor. All are welcome.

Brough is a Dana Point resident and former Dana Point city councilman.

Supporters of the Save San Clemente Hospital Foundation protest March 9 in front of Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

Clemente Mayor Bob Baker, Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Ward and Councilman Chris Hamm all vowed to keep emergency medical services present in San Clemente and would do what it takes to keep a hospital open. —Eric Heinz

Hobie Memorial Foundation Receives Nonprofit Status, Continues Fundraising Efforts THE LATEST: The Hobie Memorial Foundation, the group championing the addition of a Hobie Alter memorial sculpture to Dana Point, received its 501(c)(3) status on Feb. 23, according to foundation representative Donna Jost.

Robbie Roberson, a former employee of the late Hobie Alter, launched the effort in July 2015, presenting his idea for creating a memorial to commemorate Alter’s impact on ocean sports and Dana Point, having put the city on the map with the creation of the coast’s first surf shop.

Sculptor Lance Jost has proposed a sculpture depicting Hobie Alter riding a Hobie Cat, the world famous catamaran he designed, atop a base including photographs of Alter’s many contributions to ocean sports.

WHAT’S NEXT: Contributions to the effort are now tax deductible. The tax deduct-

ible status was granted to be effective retroactively for donations made since Sept. 17, 2015.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information on the Hobie Alter Memorial, visit the foundation’s website at www.hobiememorial.com. —Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Man Sentenced in Drunken Driving Fatality THE LATEST: On March 4, Dominic Devin Carratt, 20, of Dana Point was sentenced to four years in state prison for causing a rollover car crash that killed a bicyclist on April 29, 2014, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Carratt pleaded guilty on Feb. 9. He was convicted of felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or more causing bodily injury with a sentencing enhancement.

The incident occurred on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point near the intersection of Shoreline Drive. Carratt was speeding southbound when he struck a bicyclist, 39-year-old Haitham Gamal, dragging him 500 feet before crashing his vehicle at the intersection of Golden Lantern Drive.

Carratt and the passenger he was riding with were taken to a hospital after

Page 3

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

Guest speakers and discussion topics vary to include issues and items of interest to Dana Point residents and questions/ comments from the audience are welcome.

The event is always free and open to the public. Complimentary coffee is served, courtesy of The Coffee Importers.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned to the DP Times for monthly notices announcing Coffee Chat speakers and topics.—AS

OCEMS, Emergency Medical Services Committee to Hold Meeting on SC Hospital Closure THE LATEST: The Orange County Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Medical Care Committee will hold a public hearing regarding the impending closure of the hospital and emergency department at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente. The hearing will explore the different effects of the hospital’s closure.

WHAT’S NEXT: The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. on April 29 at the Commission Hearing Room, County of Orange Hall of Administration, 333 West Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana. —EH

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY CAMERON SADEGHI

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.

Sunday, March 5 INVESTIGATE PERSON DOWN Del Obispo Street/Stonehill Drive (6:26 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a man seeing lying in a parking lot.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Seabrook Drive, 0 Block (3:52 p.m.) A caller saw a man looking into windows in the complex.

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL Mariana Drive/Calle La Primavera (3:18 p.m.) People were racing dirt bikes up and down the street.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Street of the Golden Lantern, 32500 Block (12:29 p.m.) OCFA responded to a call regarding a woman, possibly on drugs or alcohol, who appeared to be “out of it.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Las Vegas Avenue, 25700 Block (10:49 a.m.) A man believed to be a transient attempted to start a fire next to the on ramp.

DISTURBANCE Orilla Road/Street of the Amber Lantern (7:09 a.m.) A caller complained about residents of a sober living home “shouting and being loud.”

VANDALISM REPORT Dana Vista Drive, 33600 Block (6:50 a.m.) A caller said a female neighbor came home the previous night extremely drunk and damaged the caller’s fence.

DISTURBANCE Quail Run, 25600 Block (12:51 a.m.)

A patrol check was requested for people

seen “dumpster diving.”

Friday, March 4 DRUNK IN PUBLIC Pacific Coast Highway/ Ritz Carlton Drive (11:02 p.m.) Deputies transported a drunken juvenile home to his father.

DRUNK DRIVING Del Obispo Street/ Stonehill Drive (9:26 p.m.) Two drunken middle-aged women in a white Scion were heard saying “we need more wine.”

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/ Ritz-Carlton Drive (9:36 p.m.) A caller reported 20 juveniles trying to start a fight in the parking lot.

TRESPASSING Corniche Drive, 0 Block (7:45 p.m.) Four juveniles jumped the fence to the pool area and refused to leave.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Ocean Hill Drive, 33400 Block (2:32 p.m.)

A man in a blue sedan with stuffed animals in the back, met up with another man in a red jeep. The caller believed they were either using or dealing drugs.

Business Beat

Planning Commission Meeting Canceled The next meeting is set for

Monday, March 28, 6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www. danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

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

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

Dana Harbor Toastmasters 7 p.m.-

8:30 p.m. Fine-tune your public speaking skills each Tuesday at Capo 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-

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

DANA POINT TIMES

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club

NOW OPEN

Dana Point Times March 11-17, 2016

MONDAY, MARCH 14

coming a more confident communicator on Tuesdays at Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, 949.429.1794, 3944816. toastmastersclubs.org.

News from Dana Point’s business community

CRAFT HOUSE 34094 Pacific Coast Highway, 949.481.7734, www.eatatcrafthouse.com Craft House owner Blake Mellgren, originally from Laguna Niguel, developed a keen interest in the cooking while working in the restaurant business during college at Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles. While completing his undergraduate degree, Mellgren worked at Chez Melange in Redondo Beach, a job he kept for two years after graduation.

He then moved to New York and while completing a restaurant management program and worked at The Modern with Danny Meyer. Mellgren returned to the area a little over two years ago and began the process of designing the menu and the building for Dana Point’s newest addition to the culinary landscape.

The Craft House approach to food, Mellgren said, is offering “creative yet approachable” food made with quality ingredients and served in a sophisticated but comfortable atmosphere. The menu includes starters such as a duck confit poutine and butternut squash gnocchi.

Main dishes include steak, pork, seafood

Community Meetings

Craft House owner Blake Mellgren (at center holding the scissors) celebrated the grand opening of his new Lantern District restaurant with his staff, city and chamber of commerce officials on March 9 with an official ribbon cutting. Photo: Andrea Swayne

and chicken entrees as well as vegan choices and desserts. The bar will feature a selection of local craft beers, boutique wines and handcrafted cocktails.

“Don’t miss our traditional New England style clam chowder. Topped off with five to seven steamed clams, I’m pretty sure it will be a big hit,” Mellgren said. “Our meatloaf—ground beef, ground pork, ground bacon, Cajun spiced—will likely be another favorite. It is served with braised greens, a hominy puree and a tomato gravy on top.”

Mellgren said he and his staff are focused on keeping the quality of his cuisine top-notch by using local purveyors as much as possible and sourcing the best qualify ingredients, including natural meats and wild caught seafood.

Mellgren said he is very happy with the location of his restaurant at the northern entry to the city’s downtown Lantern District.

“We got so lucky on this location,” Mell-

gren said. “We knew that the streets and streetscapes in the Lantern District would be changing during the recent infrastructure construction and that we’d have a traffic light out front but we had no idea the Lantern District archway sign would be such a prominent site from our patio.

At sunset, the view of the sign and looking down toward the mountains is absolutely beautiful. I think this is the best location in the city.”

The restaurant will be open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“We will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays to start out but will add Tuesdays sometime in the next couple months,” Mellgren said. “Once a month we will do a special beer, wine or whisky dinner and are looking to add brunch in the summertime.”

DP

Page 4

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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

Coastmasters Toastmasters Club

7 a.m.-8:30 a.m. Practice your public speaking skills every Thursday at the OC Sailing & Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place, Building B, 6658.toastmastersclubs.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

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—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. Dana Hills High School is located at 33333 Golden Lantern in Dana Point.

www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

A Year 50 Fete R.H. Dana Elementary hosts golden anniversary celebration

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

his month marks the 50th anniversary of R.H. Dana Elementary School, and the occasion was shared on campus March 4 by students, teachers, staff, parents and city officials, past and present.

Principal Christina Portillo led the celebration, including introductions of former students and faculty, current staff, PTA, parents, Historical Society, city and school district officials in attendance.

To put the school’s five decades into perspective, Portillo said the 15-acre campus was purchased at a cost of $359,500 and construction costs were only $550,000.

When the school opened in 1966, it was surrounded by 30 acres of grazing land with an expansive ocean view, she said.

Susan Holliday, Capistrano Unified School District assistant superintendent of education services gave the welcome speech, followed by comments by Mayor John Tomlinson and CUSD trustee Amy Hanacek.

“This (celebration) marks another year of doing the important work … of educating children to be tomorrow’s productive citizens, scholars and leaders,” Hanacek said. “In short, to be like Richard Henry Dana, a man who was not only a courageous adventurer but was counsel for sailor and slave and an advocate of the poor and unpopular. I think he would be very proud of his namesake school and of the dedicated staff, teachers and especially these vibrant young students celebrating their school’s 50th anniversary and their own bright futures.”

The school’s first kindergarten teacher, Helen Pierce, who taught from 1966 to 1988, spoke recalling her time spent deducating R.H. Dana’s youngest students.

Pierce also brought yearbooks from her time at the school, put on display in the multipurpose room for the birthday cake reception following the program.

Pierce fondly recollected being allowed to design the kindergarten room. She

R.H. Dana Elementary School’s first kindergarten teacher, Helen Pierce, spoke at the school’s 50th anniversary celebration on March 4.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Times March 11-17, 2016

called out some of her fellow teachers by name, as well as family names of former students.

“Some of the names I remember are Renfro and Brown,” she said. “Bruce Brown, remember him? He did the ‘Endless Summer’ movies … Wertz … Ortega … Swintek … Dunning … Gonzales … there were lots more….”

Pierce said she started teaching because she and her husband were working toward paying off the down payment on their house.

“I said ‘I can do that for about three years and then I’ll be back with the family,’” she said. “Well, I never did get back. I taught for 32 years altogether, counting other places I taught before. And believe it or not, I’ve been retired longer than I taught. I love this school and all the teachers here and thank all of you for being a part of our community here in Dana Point.”

Pierce was followed at the podium by one of her former kindergarten students, South Coast Water District Board of Directors Vice President Rick Erkeneff, who attended R.H. Dana through fifth grade.

Erkeneff shared fond memories of his time there and encouraged the students to live their dreams.

Entertainment was provided by current students who presented a “Dancing through the Decades” performance with third and fourth grades taking the 1960s, kindergarteners taking the 1970s, first grade the ’80s, fourth and fifth grades the ’90s and second and third grades the 2000s. As a surprise for the kids, a group of teachers also performed a dance.

.

A group of R.H. Dana teachers surprised the students with a dance number of their own Photo: Andrea Swayne

Historical reenactor Bob Minty performs as R.H. Dana Jr. as Principal Christina Portillo looks on.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

Looking on from the audience were other former students and teachers.

Among them was Michael DeBellis, who, beginning in 1971, spent 15 years as the school’s music teacher. DeBellis said the program was a nostalgic look back at his time there, and still expressed concern for the students of today.

“The school looks pretty much the same

but at that time there were no houses around the campus. I remember looking out from the playground and seeing nothing but Catalina out there,” DeBellis said.

“I hope the kids will always have music as part of their education. I just found out one of my former students is in the San Diego Symphony. Kids need music. It’s good for them.”

Portillo also thanked Dana Wharf Whale Watching owners Don Hansen and Donna Kalez for their March 2 anniversary gift of a whale watching adventure for the entire student body, an event she said was the first time many of the students had ever seen whales in the wild.

“We all had such a great time. From the dancing to the guest speakers to the unveiling of our new mural, this event was a fabulous celebration of our past,” Portillo said. “Looking ahead, we will focus on continuing to build our science and technology programs … bringing in more special guests and programs to offer more hands-on exploratory activities … continuing to do our best to educate our city’s children for the future.” DP

Students present a dance performance at the R.H. Dana Elementary golden anniversary celebration.

The mural on the handball court in the background was painted in honor of the occasion by local artist Ashley Keene. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Historical reenactor Bob Minty spoke in costume and in character as R.H. Dana, highlighting the accomplishments of the school’s (and city’s) namesake in standing up for those who are unjustly treated and encouraging the students to work toward righting the wrongs of the world. His speech included an interactive component that had students mesmerized and eager to yell out “that’s not fair” in response to injustices Minty told them Dana had fought to correct. Following his presentation, Principal Portillo joined Minty in a jig.

In honor of the anniversary, a mural painted by local artist Ashley Keene on the school’s handball court was unveiled with a ribbon cutting.

Former R.H. Dana student Rick Erkeneff was reunited with his kindergarten teacher, Helen Pierce, and music teacher Michael DeBellis in the school’s multipurpose room at the cake reception following the celebration.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

Page 5

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor IN RESPONSE TO OLVERA’S INITIATIVES OPINION PIECE STEVE STEWART, Dana Point

Carlos’s deceptive guest opinion in the Feb. 19 edition of this paper deserves a response. While it was wrong on many levels I will just hit the high points.

First: Why did he cast a vote against the deceptive new city initiative during the council meeting Feb. 2 and then turn around and write an article praising that very same initiative on Feb. 19? If it was wrong on Feb. 2, why is it right now? Or did he just make a mistake when he voted “no” in the first place? He should have explained his contradictory actions in his article.

Carlos dissembles about the real purpose behind the 2015 Town Center Initiative in his article. He knows that the 2015 Initiative is on the ballot because over 4,200 Dana Point residents are fighting back.

They want building height in Town Center limited to 40 feet and three stories, as called for in the 2008 Town Center plan. They

want buildings that combine retail/commercial space with residential use and adequate levels of parking for all. Instead we are getting buildings that are overwhelming residential, the prime example being the three enormous Majestic buildings, each with elevator towers up to 58 feet in height and four stories, putting 109 condos and their residents on 2.2 acres in down town. Generous parking variances were granted to the developer to make the deal even sweeter. Voters are righteously upset that Carlos and other councilmen voted to ignore our Town Center Plan and override their own Planning Commission when they approved plans for these buildings in 2014.

After Carlos was elected mayor, he led a vote to fire the objecting Planning commissioners and appoint his own hand-picked commissioners. Now he and three other current city council members are offering their own deceptive initiative to nullify the intent of the 2015 Initiative endorsed by so many voters. Why? If their initiative is approved they will have carte blanche to do whatever they want in Town Center, now renamed the Lantern District.

Voters should also know that in 2014, Carlos voted with councilmen Steven Weinberg and Bill Brough to spend over $20 million of city funds on street improvements for Del Prado and PCH, claiming the road

work and streetscape expenditure would help create a vibrant commercial district.

Their rationale was that if we just changed the streets, businesses would come to PCH and Del Prado. Instead traffic is now arguably worse and we are getting a condo district instead of tax revenue generating business. On top of that, the development impact fees generated from projects built in the Lantern District will ultimately pay back only 15 percent of the money that the city spent on the Lantern District streets.

How will we ever get our misspent $20 million investment back? We won’t. What did we get for our money? Condos and traffic.

Please vote “no” on the city’s ballot measure on June 7 and remember to let Carlos know how you feel about his decisions when you vote at the polls this November.

EDITOR’S NOTE: To clarify the 58-foot height measurements allowed as part of the Majestic project: There are three elevator/ utility shafts (one on each of three buildings) that measure 54, 57 and 58 feet. The Town Center Plan and building code, without variances, allow for elevators to provide ADA access to the rooftops. The elevator towers rise 14, 17 and 18 feet, respectively, above the 40-foot maximum building height.

The towers take up less than 500 square feet (less than 1 percent) of the 70,000 square feet of roof space. According to plans, all three towers are set back at least 5 feet from the street-front sides of the buildings and are situated so as not to block ocean views from adjacent properties. Also allowed without a variance, are screening for rooftop mechanical equipment and rooftop perimeter walls, both at 42 inches. There were no height variances granted to the Majestic project.

Regarding the four-story buildings: The areas of the project that have four stories contain four levels of residences within the 40-foot height limit and are the same height (40 feet) as the three-story sections. The three-story sections will house 18-foot retail spaces on the ground level, topped with two stories of residential.

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.

CORRECTIONS: In last week’s issue, a story about the Harbor sand dredging project contained mistakes. The amount of sand pumped onto Baby Beach was 7,000 cubic yards. Sand from the next phase of the project will be pumped onto Capistrano Beach.

Last week’s “It’s History” column also included a mistake. During editing, in an effort to clarify a passage, the word “she” was incorrectly changed to “Janet Overton,” a 1988 murder victim. Caroline Draper is the correct name of the woman who was, in an unrelated case, convicted of the attempted murder of her third husband. Draper was the second wife of Janet Overton’s murderer Richard Overton. Janet Overton was his third wife. We apologize for the error.

Page 6

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 Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Evan Da Silva Debra Holm Cameron Sadeghi Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 9, Issue 11. 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 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 11 HOOS’GOW DAY 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Hoos’Gow Day is an annual tradition that brings a taste of the Wild West back to downtown San Juan Capistrano. The “sheriff” and the “deputies” of the Fiesta Association are dressed in their traditional black and white Western garb while they roam the town in search of city slickers. If you’re not wearing Western clothing, the deputies just might “arrest” you and throw you in the hoos’gow, leaving you no choice but to make “bail” by purchasing a Fiesta Association souvenir. Downtown San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

FROG JUMPING CONTEST 3 p.m.-4 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s third annual frog jumping contest will include music and prizes at the Mission Grill. 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

Saturday | 12 WHALE WALK AND TALK 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Learn about the area’s largest mammal visitor on this 1.5-mile walk through the Dana Point Headlands conservation area on the second Saturday of the month. Tours will also run March 13. Hear about California gray whale migration patterns, different whale species and learn how to spot, watch and identify whales. Bring binoculars or borrow ours.

RSVP to dpnaturalresources@danapoint. org or 949.248.3527. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

At the Movies: Where’s the Fun in ‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot’?

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

SATURDAY EDITOR’S PICK AND SUNDAY, MARCH 12 AND 13: DANA POINT FESTIVAL OF WHALES 10 a.m. Visit Dana Point Harbor, March 12 and 13, for the second half of the twoweekend event, featuring education and entertainment celebrating the annual migration of California gray whales. Events for weekend two include whale watching, an art show and sale, Diamond Dig, live music, classic cars, lectures and activities, a clam chowder cook off, vendors, games and more. The Whale of a Concert on the Water, on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., features local bands playing atop at floating stage at Baby Beach, a barbecue and spirits garden. All activities take place at Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern. For more information, including parking, shuttle and a full events listing, visit www.festivalofwhales. com or check out the official event guide at www.danapointtimes.com.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

58TH ANNUAL SWALLOWS DAY PARADE & MERCADO STREET FAIRE 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The Fiesta Association’s 58th Swallows Day Parade begins at 11 a.m., with the Mercado Street Faire running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976, www.swallowsparade.com.

Sunday | 13 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.

I

t’s ironic that two completely different comedies released last weekend, Paramount’s Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and Disney’s Zootopia, both had themes of social commentary. Using anamorphic characters as metaphors, it’s not a surprise the latter is an instant hit with audiences and critics. But Foxtrot is a completely different R-rated racial satire based on real events of reporter Kim Barker (or Baker in the movie) and not doing nearly as well.

From 2003 to 2006, Baker (Tina Fey) goes from office news scripter to international correspondent in Afghanistan to cover the military’s involvement on the Middle East battlefield. Leaving behind her boyfriend, Chris (Josh Charles), and life as she knows it, Kim is in for a big surprise with the huge differences between Afghanistan and New York she will have to experience for the next three years.

WTF is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, of Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011).

Tuesday | 15 OPEN MIC NIGHT 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, 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.

FREE COMEDY 9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar and Restaurant,

Photo: Paramount Pictures

Even with Fey’s old mentor Lorne Michaels as a producer on WTF, there is almost nothing legitimately funny to be found in the film. WTF tries to show Kim as endearingly out of her league by being ignorant about everything from Afghani culture to the U.S. military, but instead comes off as insufferable. The cherry on top is Christopher Abbott and Alfred Molina, two white actors, whose portrayal of the main Afghan characters is cringe-worthily distracting.

WTF was never going to be a masterpiece or classic, but when a kids’ movie with furry animals has better execution at a racially conscious plot, there’s a problem. DP with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.

Thursday | 17 THIRD-THURSDAY MIXER: ST. REGIS MONARCH BEACH 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. The Dana Point Chamber hosts this monthly networking event where attendees meet contacts and discuss business over hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Admission is $12 for chamber members and $20 for prospective members. St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.496.1555, www.danapointchamber.com.

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

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

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

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

Giant whale balloons are always a highlight of the parade. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Festival Fun from Day 1

Dana Point Festival of Whales kickoff a success

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales kicked off Saturday and Sunday, March 5 and 6, with whale watching, marching on the main drag, carnival games and cardboard carnage.

The customary opening parade down Pacific Coast Highway on Saturday brought thousands out to watch marching bands, dignitaries in classic cars, giant balloons and more. Following the parade, eventgoers enjoyed the carnival atmosphere at La Plaza Park during the annual Street Fair and Whales and Tails Wag-a-thon while dozens of teams were furiously building boats out of cardboard and duct tape, in hopes of winning the inaugural Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash in the Harbor at Baby Beach.

A heavy rain fell early on Sunday morn-

The “Titanic 2.0,” captained by Nate Shapero, was the winner of the Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash in the 13 to 17 age category. Photo: Andrea Swayne

ing, resulting in the cancelation of a few events, such as the Rotary Club Diamond Dig (re-scheduled for March 12) and Ocean Awareness Day, but for those who stuck it out, the sky cleared and the sun was shining by about 10:30 a.m. The Sand Sculpting Contest went on as planned, teams working quickly to make the most of the three-hour time limit to create prizeworthy sand creations at Baby Beach.

The two-weekend festival continues March 12 and 13 at the Harbor. For more photos and information, including the official event guide, visit www.danapointtimes. com and www.festivalofwhales.com. DP

Pet of the Week: Sasha

T

Sasha. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter

Dana Point Times March 11-17, 2016

en-month-old Sasha is a sweet little kitten looking to win your heart. A wonderful lap kitty, Sasha enjoys being pet and brushed. Her other hobbies include bird watching and taking cat naps in the sun. Take her home and you’re sure to have a friend for life.

If you would like to know more about Sasha, 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. DP Page 10

The Dolphin Regiment Marching Band from Dana Hills High School performs in the Festival of Whales Parade.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

Sand Sculpting Contest winners, “Team Octopus,” gathered for a celebratory group photo.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Hills High School students, Sarah Barton and Claire McAndrews, with the display of a whale rib cage made of plastic bottles. Photo: Andrea Swayne

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 949.485.4979 info@bodymindspiritiop.com www.bodymindspiritiop.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

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Represent.xyz

949.274.0590, www.represent.xyz

Dana Point Times March 11-17, 2016

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

Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

ICE CREAM

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

MASSAGE

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 BOUTIQUE

Naked Dog Bistro

424 Forest Ave., LB, 949.715.9900, www.NakedDogBistro.com

LIST LOCALS ONLY

USE LOCALS ONLY

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

949.444.6323, www.offshoreconstruction.org Page 11

In print and online 52 weeks a year.

View online at www.sanclementetimes.com.

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

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

on March 8. On March 9, the Dolphins exacted revenge following a 189-191 win in a rematch with the Patriots.

The Dolphins are scheduled to host San Diego powerhouse Torrey Pines at El Niguel Country Club on March 15.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

Dolphins Softball Dominates in 17-0 Win Over Beckman

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

Dolphins Baseball Loses Close Contests in Loara Tournament After reaching the finals of the Loara Tournament in 2015, the Dana Hills baseball team has had a hard time gaining traction in the 2016 version of the event.

Dana Hills opened the tournament with a 4-2 win over Canyon on March 4, but dropped its next two games to Woodbridge and Villa Park, respectively.

Woodbridge overcame a 5-1 deficit heading into the sixth inning, bringing home two runs in the top of the sixth, three runs in the seventh and one run in extra innings to take a 7-6 victory.

Villa Park’s junior pitcher Jack Stein blanked the Dolphins on March 8. Stein allowed only four hits, struck out six and walked none in a complete game shutout victory.

The Dolphins (1-2) were set to continue play in the Loara Tournament against El Dorado on March 10. Results were not available at press time.

Dana Hills will play in one final tournament game on March 12 before opening South Coast League play on the road against Tesoro on March 18.

Dolphins Volleyball Proving It Can Handle Tough Schedule Playing against three Trinity League opponents early in the season could make for a tough stretch for a young team. But the Dana Hills boys volleyball team, which returns only a handful of starters from last season, did not flinch when tasked with playing Servite, Santa Margarita and Orange Lutheran last week.

The Dolphins (6-2) defeated all three teams, picking up three-set sweeps over Servite and Orange Lutheran on March 1 and March 8, respectively. Santa Margarita gave the Dolphins their most closely contested game this season, but Dana Hills emerged with a five-set victory, 18-25, 25-23, 14-25, 25-22, 15-6.

Newport Harbor, the sixth-ranked team in CIF-SS Division 1, toppled the Dolphins in three sets in a nonleague match on March 9.

Dana Hills will open the Foothill Tournament against Woodrow Wilson on March 11.

Dana Point Times March 11-17, 2016

Jake Shiflett and the Dana Hills boys lacrosse team earned a 10-6 win over Skyline of Utah on March 4.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Boys Lacrosse Gets Big Win Over Out of State Team The Dana Hills boys lacrosse team picked up a solid win in their season opener on March 4. Playing host to Skyline out of Utah, the Dolphins emerged with a 10-6 victory.

Skyline was the fourth-ranked team in the state in 2015, according to Dana Hills head coach Chris Iltis.

The Dolphins were scheduled to host Murrieta Mesa and Mater Dei in nonleague games on March 9 and March 10, respectively. Results were not available at press time.

The Dolphins, who return five of their top-7 players from last season, won backto-back matches against Laguna Beach on March 1 and March 3, shooting team scores of 185 and 188, respectively. Tanner Podres recorded three birdies in the Dolphins opening match against the Breakers at El Niguel Country Club, finishing with a score of 34 (-2) to earn medalist honors.

Dana Hills lone loss on the season came in a 190-189 defeat at the hands of Beckman at Tustin Ranch Golf Course

The Dana Hills softball team’s lineup was not fooled by the Beckman pitchers during a nonleague game on March 8.

The Dolphins combined for 24 hits and a season-high 17 runs in a dominating 17-0 victory.

Dolphins pitcher Serafine Parrish made sure the Beckman hitters went quietly.

The junior pitcher allowed just two hits while striking out a season-high 14 batters in the complete game shutout. Parrish has been fooling batters all season and is averaging 10 strikeouts per game.

Parrish struck out 13 and picked up the win in a 6-2 Dolphins victory over Northwood on March 1. Dana Hills (2-2) then suffered consecutive losses to Rosary Academy and Los Alamitos on March 2 and March 3, respectively.

The Dolphins were scheduled to host rival San Clemente in a nonleague game on March 10. Results were not available at press time. Dana Hills will play in the Northwood Tournament on March 12.

Tennis Team Has Up and Down Start to Season The Dana Hills boys tennis team wasted no time in earning first-year head coach Mike McCall his first victory on March 1, as the Dolphins stormed past Tesoro 10-8 in their season opener. The Dolphins singles rotation of Marek Michulka, Michael Perez and Tyler Bloom won eight of a possible nine combined points to help push the Dolphins to victory.

But following the season-opening win, Dana Hills suffered back-to-back losses against Woodbridge and Northwood on March 2 and March 3, respectively.

The Dolphins were scheduled to travel to play San Juan Hills in a nonleague match on March 10. Results were not available at press time.

Golf Team Goes Low in Nonleague Victories Four matches into the 2016 season and the Dana Hills boys golf team has yet to shoot above the 190-stroke mark, a coveted number to be under in high school golf.

The Jeffrey Adam Memorial Regatta raised over $5,000 for local youth sailing initiatives on March 5.

Photo: Courtesy

Jeffrey Adam Memorial Regatta Raises Funds at Festival of Whales DANA POINT TIMES

M

ore than 30 boats captained by sailors ranging in age from eight to 60 took part in the Jeffrey Adam Memorial Regatta as part of the Dana Point Festival of Whales on March 5.

The regatta, named after former Dana Point Harbor Sea Scout and youth sailboat racer Jeffrey Adam, raised over $5,000 for the Dana Point Harbor Youth Foundation, according to event organizers. The regatta was renamed in Adams’ honor in 2012 after the 22-year old died of a rare blood infection.

Page 12

The regatta featured several classes of boats. The first-place winners included: Chris Steinker (420 Fleet), Lily Moranto (CFJ Fleet), Kris Hublitz (Laser Fleet), Ted Carter (Laser Radial Fleet), Riley Lenthal (Sabot A Fleet), Anna Schwartz (RS Tera Fleet) and James Heller (RS Vision Fleet).

The money raised at the event will go toward scholarships for local children, helping to pay for sailing travel expenses and competition fees and supporting local high school sailing teams. For more information about the DPHYF, visit www.dphyf.org. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE QUANTUM ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR Value $3,000 for sale for $800 OBO Call 949-496-9541

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

HELP WANTED SEEKING PART-TIME COPY EDITOR Picket Fence Media is hiring a part-time copy editor. Responsibilities include line editing for print, web and social and working with a team of editors on deadlines for weekly community newspapers. The job is based in Capistrano Beach, CA, and is for 15-20 hours per week (Monday-Thursday) at a negotiated hourly rate. Prior newspaper/magazine/media experience required. Qualified candidates should email agarrett@sanclementetimes.com and put “COPY EDITOR” in the subject line.

LOST/FOUND PHOTO SLIDES FOUND IN SAN JUAN Found: 2-18-16 at10:30 am Location: San Juan Creek Road, in front of Plant Depot (SJC) Item Found: Box containing Kodak Carousel Transvue 80 slide tray, with slides. There is a label on it that says, “1993-96 Family.” Also written on it is, “Patterson Family, 1993, 94, 95, 96.”

Call Don at 949.798.9952

POSITION WANTED LOOKING FOR LIVE-IN POSITION As Caregiver or Nanny, Professional Experience, I have excellent references, Will consider room and board in exchange for part-time assistance. 949-324-2028

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

WANTED VINYL RECORDS & MUSIC MEMORABILIA WANTED! VinylRecordBuyer.com 310-7567854 Mike Best Prices Paid Guaranteed!

Dana Point Times March 11-17, 2016

Page 13

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Sharing the Stoke One Stick at a Time

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59-61 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 4-8’ Poor-Fair

Gudauskas brothers collect used surfboards for Jamaican groms

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

F

or surfers across the globe, the love for the sport not only crosses geographical borders but cultural boundaries as well. This “universal stoke” is something San Clemente-based pro surfers, the Gudauskas brothers, have aimed to share with the next generation of surfers worldwide. Their latest venture has their efforts focused on helping the groms of Jamaica grow as athletes in the sport.

Dane, Patrick and Tanner Gudauskas set out nearly five years ago to share the stoke of surfing, ocean awareness, water safety, the joy the ocean has brought to their lives as surfers and a passion for protecting the environment. They launched their annual Stoke-o-Rama surf event, a free, locals-only event for kids and a fundraiser for the city’s Junior Lifeguards program and have so far raised nearly $40,000 through the events.

Soon their mission would expand to include groms all over the world. To support this larger effort, the brothers created the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation in 2015.

Since then, they have sponsored a surf team from Norway for the 2015 International Surfing Association World Championship, expanding the Stoke-o-Rama to Hawaii.

Along the way they discovered an emerging surf community in Jamaica, full of stoked groms with plenty of potential but lacking in the quality equipment necessary

RESULTS NSSA Interscholastic State Championship, March 4-6, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach COLLEGE TEAM: 1. Point Loma-A, 141; 2. UCSB-A, 135; 3. Cal Poly SLO-A, 107; 4. Saddleback, 92; 5. Mira CostaRed, 85; 6. UCSD-A, 72; 7. SDSU-Black, 62; 8. CSUCI, 57; 9. USC, 51; 10. UC Santa Cruz, 46; 11. CSUSM-A, 43; 12. Mira Costa-White, 36; 13. UCLA, 32; 14. USD, 31; 15.

Santa Barbara City College, 28; 16. Cal Poly SLO-B, 27; 17.

Point Loma-B, 24; 18. CSUSM-B, 21; =19. SDSU-Red, 10; =19. UCSD-B, 10. COLLEGE MEN: 1. Austin Finley, CSUCI; 2. Jack Boyes, PLNU; 3. Jeremy Carter, PLNU; 4. Cody Sherman, SDSU; 5. Michael Ciaramella, UCSD; 6. Kirk Weissinger, PLNU. COLLEGE WOMEN: 1. Rachel Tominaga, UCSB; 2. Frankie Seeley, UCSD; 3. Avalon Johnson, Cal Poly SLO; 4. Allie Frost, USD; 5. Lulu Erkeneff, UCSB; 6. Sara Locke, PLNU. COLLEGE LONGBOARD: 1. Mason Klink, Saddleback; 2. Austin Sonnier, UCSB; 3. Sean Harrison, Mira Costa; 4. Chase Stavron, CSUCI; 5. Casey Powell, USC; 6. Nico Espinosa, SDSU. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY TEAM: 1. Carlsbad, 95; 2. Dana Hills, 91; 3. San Clemente, 86; 4. Huntington Beach, 78; 5. San Dieguito,

Dana Point Times March 11-17, 2016

Tanner Gudauskas discusses surfboards with a Jamaican grom. Gudauskas and his brothers Dane and Patrick, through their Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation are collecting used boards in support of the up-and-coming young surfers of Jamaica. Photo: Grant Ellis

to reach their surfing goals. And Positive Vibe Warriors Jamaica Surfboard Drive was born.

“The cost for resources, foam and resin, is really high and there aren’t many shapers there, so we decided on helping to get boards to match the kids’ enthusiasm and ability,” Dane Gudauskas said. “We hope it encourages them to reach their potential. They have such a strong love for it and we want to give them the opportunity to succeed.”

There are some great people there already doing great things and helping to feed that enthusiasm, Gudauskas added, mentioning Billy “Mystic” Wilmott as an example. But with only a relative few rideable boards, often with multiple repairs and missing fins, the kids don’t have the equipment they need to take their skill to the next level.

The PVW Jamaica Surfboard Drive will collect used surfboards of all shapes and sizes, as long as they are water tight, at Jack’s Surfboards shops through March 31.

The nearest donation site is in Dana Point at 34320 Pacific Coast Highway.

In April, the Gudauskas brothers will fly the boards to Jamaica. All Jamaican groms and kids interested in learning to surf will be invited for a “day of stoke.”

In addition to surfboard donations, the brothers have created a special line of accessories, “Positive Vibrations,” for sale on their website and are also accepting monetary contributions to the cause. Donations are tax deductible and proceeds will benefit the Jamaican Surfing Association, to help with infrastructure and ISA goals.

“One day we hope to see the talented Jamaican groms on a world stage, but more than that, we enjoy connecting youth with the ocean in a positive way,” Gudauskas said, adding that the surf community has been responding generously since the drive started at the beginning of the month.

“It’s exciting to see people react to the drive in such a positive way,” Gudauskas said. “To see people rallying as a surfing community around a cause to help others is inspiring. It’s really cool to see that community spirit still exists.”

For more about the program, see www.positivevibewarriors.com. DP

62; 6. Edison, 61; 7. Newport Harbor, 42; 8. Point Loma, 33; 9. Mira Costa, 28; 10. Marina, 19. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY MEN: 1. Griffin Foy, Huntington Beach; 2.

Lucas Taub, Dana Hills; 3. Curran Dand, San Clemente; 4. Ethan Grant, Carlsbad; 5. Ryan Salazar, Huntington Beach; 6. Connor Dawson, Edison. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY WOMEN: 1. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Hills; 2.

Sidney Tisdel, Carlsbad; 3. Malia Faramarzi, San Dieguito; 4. Peyton Slater, Carlsbad; 5. Juli Hernandez, Edison; 6.

Kyra Williams, Mira Costa. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY LONGBOARD: 1. Trevor Anderberg, San Dieguito; 2. Nick Melanson, San Clemente; 3. Ben Goldstein, Carlsbad; 4. Jeremy Guilmette, Huntington Beach; 5. Ian Gottron, Dana Hills; 6. Brendan Snow, Edison. HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM: 1. San Clemente, 109; 2.

Huntington Beach, 81; 3. San Dieguito, 70; 4. Mira Costa, 51; 5. Newport Harbor, 33; 6. Marina, 19. HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR VARSITY MEN: 1. David Economos, San Clemente; 2. Jaren Harrell, San Clemente; 3. Chad Clifton, San Clemente; 4. Sage Guinaldo, Huntington Beach; 5.

Niko Traubman, San Dieguito; 6. Luke Young, Huntington Beach. HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR VARSITY WOMEN: 1.

Lauren Friedrich, Mira Costa; 2. Chloe Griffin, San Dieguito; 3. Amelie Vergnolie, Mira Costa; 4. Olivia Bloom, Huntington Beach; 5. Kristina Hehl, Huntington Beach; 6.

Shannon Wylot, San Dieguito. HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR VARSITY LONGBOARD: 1. Peter Neal, Mira Costa; 2.

Ethan Mudge, San Clemente; 3. Max Seiresen, Huntington Beach; 4. Chase Adelsohn, Newport Harbor; 5. Brett Costantino, Marina. MIDDLE SCHOOL TEAM: 1. Shorecliffs-A, 146; 2. Thurston, 78; 3. Shorecliffs White, 56; 4.

Shorecliffs Blue, 51; 5. Manhattan Beach, 49; 6. Sowers, 44; 7. Bernice Ayer, 31; 8. Marco Forster, 29; 9. Dwyer, 26.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS: 1. Hagan Johnson, Shorecliffs; 2. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 3. Myles Biggs, Shorecliffs; 4. Nico Coli, Shorecliffs; 5. Sebastian Mendes, Shorecliffs; 6. Max Beach, Shorecliffs. MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS: 1.

Megan Seth, Manhattan Beach; 2. Ryann Daly, Marco Forster; 3. Makayla Moss, Shorecliffs; 4. Ashley Weaver, Manhattan Beach; 5. Summer Balentine, Sowers; 6. Reese Hartnett, Shorecliffs. MIDDLE SCHOOL LONGBOARD: 1. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 2. Sam Nelson, Thurston; 3.

Cole Thompson, Bernice Ayer; 4. Sophia Cendro, Dwyer; 5. Jack Keefe, Shorecliffs; 6. Rycker Grindstaff, Sowers.

PERFORMERS OF THE EVENT: Shorecliffs Middle School claimed their 11th consecutive state title. The San Clemente High School Junior Varsity team claimed its second consecutive state title. Carlsbad High School took its first state title since 2000. Point Loma Nazarene University earned its second consecutive state title.

Page 14

Outlook: Mid period W swell builds in on Friday, as fun size SW swell pulse continues. Surf in the waist - head high zone with bigger sets at winter standouts. Conditions look dicey with light onshore flow in the morning, and quickly picking up to moderate levels for the afternoon. Chance of scattered showers. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

GROM OF THE WEEK

RACHAEL TILLY

Rachael Tilly. Photo: WSL/Kirstin

W

ith less than a month left of official “gromhood,” Rachael Tilly, 17, of Capistrano Beach was presented with her 2015 World Surf League Women’s World Longboard Championship trophy at the annual WSL Awards, March 7, on the Gold Coast of Australia.

Tilly was honored along with last season’s other WSL professional surfing champions: Men’s World Longboard Tour champion Piccolo Clemente (Peru), shortboard World Championship Tour winners Adriano de Souza (Brazil) and Carissa Moore, and WSL Big Wave World Tour champion Greg Long of San Clemente.

Tilly’s title made her the youngest WSL world champion ever.—Andrea Swayne www.danapointtimes.com