April 8, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

April 8-14, 2016

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INSIDE: The Green Issue SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 9, ISSUE 15

It’s So Easy Being Green The annual Green Issue is packed with information on products, events and practices for a more eco-friendly life P U L LO U T S E C T I O N Arthur Garces, 3, plants seeds with the help of John Lacouture of Ecoscraps during the Groheny Festival, April 2 at Doheny State Beach. Ecoscraps uses food waste from stores and restaurants to produce soils and fertilizers. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Water District Forges Ahead with Desal Project EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Majestic Project Demolition to Begin Next Week EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Mongoose Cup Returns to Baby Beach April 9 SPORTS/PAGE 18

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING Parents Protest New CUSD School Schedule THE LATEST: On April 1, organizers of the group Save Our Summer protested the new school calendar adopted by Capistrano Unified School District that would start school Aug. 15 and end earlier in June.

The protest effort called for children not attend school on Friday to gain attention from the district’s Board of Trustees. The reason for the opposition centers on arguments that the calendar makes scheduling for student testing and parent scheduling difficult. There have also been claims by the group that the new schedule includes the hottest months of the year, causing the dis-trict to spend an inordinate amount of energy and money on air conditioning.

About 60 people attended the South Coast Water District’s March 31 public scoping meeting for its ocean desalination plant project, one of the first steps toward completing the environmental impact report for the project.

SCWD expects the plant to be completed by 2020. Photo: Andrea Swayne

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week

South Coast Water District Forges Ahead with Desal Plant Project THE LATEST: The South Coast Water District held a March 31 special meeting in Dana Point on moving ahead with its proposed ocean desalination plant project.

The scoping meeting provided an overview of the project and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process and collected public input for preparation of the draft Environmental Impact Report.

The 30-day public review period for preparation of the draft EIR concludes April 12.

The desal plant—to be located on the district’s 30 acres near San Juan Creek with three wells on Doheny Beach—was first proposed in 2003 as a means to create a more secure and more locally controlled water supply. A successful pilot plant slant well test was performed from 2008 to 2013.

Originally an effort by a group of five agencies, the cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, Moulton Niguel Water District and Laguna Beach County Water District have since left the project, however all remain interested in the pricing of its future water production.

According to initial estimates, the plant is expected to carry a final price tag of at least $90 million. SCWD, now the lone agency on the project (with technical assistance from MWDOC) is continuing to explore funding options via potential Dana Point Times April 8-14, 2016

WHAT’S NEXT: Supporters in favor of changing the schedule said they intend to continue to pro-test the new schedule at future CUSD meetings. —Eric Heinz

partnerships, grants and more.

SCWD serves Dana Point and South Laguna as well as small portions of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to Andrew Brunhart, SCWD general manager, completion of the 5-million-gallon-per-day plant is planned to be completed in 2020 and will provide about 75 percent of SCWD’s demand.—Andrea Swayne

Majestic Project Demo to Begin Next Week THE LATEST: The mixed-use Majestic project, approved by City Council in October 2014, has been acquired by Raintree Partners, a multi-family real estate investment and development company located in Laguna Niguel, city officials said.

The project, originated by Majestic Housing and Development, calls for 32,500 square feet of retail space and 109 residential units, to be built on seven lots, in three phases.

Check said the company has plans to begin offering the planned condominium units as rentals.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to Jason Check, Raintree Partners managing director, the company has been completing offsite utility work and expects to begin demolition of lots’ existing buildings on the week of April 11.

“We are continuing to work closely with city staff to address community concerns about the project,” Check said. “We are a local Laguna Niguel-based company and we don’t want to build something that won’t be well-received. We are exploring the possibility of eliminating the planned roof decks and associated elevator towers, as well as coming up with ideas to further active Amber Lantern.”—AS

Dana Point State of the City Set for May 6 THE LATEST: The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will host the annual State of the City Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 6 at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort.

Mayor John Tomlinson will deliver the State of the City Address, which will focus on current and future business development in Dana Point and more.

The chamber will present the annual Dana Point Business Beautification Awards to recognized businesses that have excelled in new commercial constriction, revitalizing the current exteriors and landscaping or have worked to preserve historical sites for business purposes.

The cost of the event is $60 for Dana

Point Chamber members and $75 for nonmembers. Sponsorship opportunities for the event start at $275.

WHAT’S NEXT: To nominate a business for a Beautification Award, visit the Dana Point Cham-ber of Commerce website at www.danapointchamber.com. Nominations close April 17. —Eric Heinz

New Music Festival Comes to Dana Point THE LATEST: The Ohana Fest, a new music festival coming to Doheny State Beach Aug. 27 and 28.

The event, produced by Laguna Hillsbased Synergy Global Entertainment, will feature notable headliners, including Eddie Vedder, Lana Del Rey, Elvis Costello, City and Colour, Corinne Bailey Rae and more.

“In addition to offering a full day in the sun with a diverse music lineup, Ohana Fest will donate a portion of proceeds to the San Onofre Parks Foundation,” the announcement on the festival’s web-site stated.

Ohana Fest was created to support the efforts of maintaining coastal access throughout Orange County state beaches.

Festival general admission allows roaming throughout Doheny State Beach. VIP passes will be limited and include one-day festival entry, VIP Lounge and more. Attendees must be 21 and older to attend the VIP Lounge.

Kelly Slater, world champion professional surfer, and Eddie Vedder and will host the Ohana Luau at 7 p.m. on Aug. 26 at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. Roast master Jeff Ross will host a live auction for charity with limited-edition items.

WHAT’S NEXT: Weekend passes go on sale at 10 a.m. today, April 8. For more information, in-cluding a full event lineup, visit www.theohanafest.com. —EH

The building at Del Prado and Amber Lantern that was the former home of Thai This restaurant is among the structures now fenced off and slated for demolition to make way for the Majestic/Raintree project.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

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EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

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

Sunday, April 3 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Del Rey/Camino Capistrano (8:40 p.m.)

An unattached white camper was parked on the street since morning. The caller was concerned, due to past drug activity surrounding abandoned campers in the area.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Crown Valley Parkway (7:19 p.m.) A caller reported hearing a group of men in their 20s in Lamborghinis talking about racing up PCH. Deputies were unable to locate any “Lambos” or racing.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Via Canon, 26300 Block (6:56 p.m.) An older model RV was parked in front of the caller’s residence. The caller suspected drug dealing after seeing people going in and out of the vehicle and a dark gray sedan leaving the area.

DISTURBANCE-FAMILY DISPUTE Cheltam Way, 33400 Block (6:36 p.m.) A woman’s drunken uncle broke her brother’s car window and ran. The brother was chasing the uncle at the time of the call.

DISTURBANCE Malaga Drive, 33900 Block (10:32 a.m.)

A “loud bounce house” was disturbing the peace.

subject described as a 50- to 60-year-old man with brown hair, wearing a black wetsuit and carrying a surfboard. No further information was given.

DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24200 Block (10:24 a.m.) A man who was not handicapped was seen parked in a handicap spot. The caller, a man with a handicap, was in an argument with the subject.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Pacific Coast Highway/Malaga Drive (1:46 p.m.) What started as a dog running in and out of traffic became a larger traffic hazard when people began running in and out of traffic trying to catch the dog.

CITIZEN ASSIST Mariner Drive, 23600 Block (2:31 a.m.)

A caller returned home to find “things moved around.” The caller suspected a roommate who had recently moved out.

CITIZEN ASSIST Seven Seas Drive, 32700 Block (1:57 p.m.)

A woman phoned police regarding an issue she has with a representative of an association telling her realtor what color “for sale” signs must be used.

Saturday, March 2 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Selva Road/Malaga Drive (12:33 a.m.)

A man with a flashlight was seen looking inside vehicles and then removing things from a white work truck. A 32-year-old man who works at a grocery store was taken to Central Men’s Jail and held on $90,000 bail.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Del Prado Avenue, 24800 Block (11:16 p.m.) A man reported “floating spheres” in his camper, which he said his brother somehow turned on and off. The brother also shorted out the caller’s battery, the man said.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Street of the Golden Lantern, 34600 Block (10:22 p.m.) A woman, who was reportedly disturbing the peace, punched and broke a window. The 31-year-old housewife was arrested and released the next day after posting bond.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Street of the Crystal Lantern (6:05 p.m.) A transient encampment was being set up inside a fenced-off lot with construction equipment inside.

The caller said this has been an ongoing issue with transients jumping the fence, and requested patrol checks be made throughout the night.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Buccaneer Street, 32900 Block (10:08 p.m.) People were being loud in front of a halfway house.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (6:21 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for a man in his 30s with a beard, a light blue sweatshirt, dirty jeans and a large bottle of whiskey stuck down the front of his pants.

DISTURBANCE Camino Del Avion, 24000 Block (5:45 p.m.) A man said he was trying to pay his bill at a restaurant and they would not accept his credit card.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Doheny Park Road, 34000 Block (11:24 a.m.) A man called police when his neighbor, a woman in her 50s wearing blue pajamas, kept walking back and forth in front of his residence. The man said he wanted her to leave but didn’t want to talk to her “because she keeps trying to file false police reports on him.”

Dana Point Times April 8-14, 2016

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Niguel Road, 33800 Block (10:10 p.m.) A woman was dancing and screaming at the location.

PETTY THEFT Pacific Coast Highway/Street of the Violet Lantern (3:27 p.m.) Someone made a “beer run” and then fled the scene with the stolen brews in a silver Lexus with no license plates.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway/Ritz-Carlton Drive (3:01 p.m.) A caller reported a suspicious

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (11:28 a.m.) A caller reported seeing a man trying to get a Toyota 4Runner open with a palm branch. The subject had locked his keys in the car.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Stonehill Drive/Niguel Road (10:41 a.m.)

A caller reported seeing a number of vehicles driving on the grass at Sea Terrace Park to get to the new houses under construction in the area. Deputies found no violation, as multiple signs indicating the route as a temporary accessway into the development were posted.

ASSAULT Dana Point Harbor Drive, 25300 Block (3:45 a.m.) A man told deputies he did not want to press charges after being pinned down and punched in the face by his brother.

Friday, April 1 PATROL CHECK Malaga Drive/La Cresta Drive (10:24 p.m.) A caller requested a patrol check of the area after hearing, along with neighbors, someone testing home door handles every few nights. Nothing was heard on the night of the call, but the caller was hoping that any suspicious subjects in the area would be deterred by police presence.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Pacific Coast Highway, 34600 Block (10:09 p.m.) Three men in a white van were trying to sell drugs to passersby.

DISTURBANCE Calle Juanita, 27000 Block (7:21 p.m.)

Young men were yelling at each other in the street outside of a group home.

DISTURBANCE Marina Vista Drive, 33100 Block (6:03 a.m.) The caller and the caller’s roommate were in an argument after the roommate “got in the informant’s face.”

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Community Meetings MONDAY, APRIL 11

Planning Commission Meeting

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 12

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

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13

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.

TBID Special Meeting 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

The Tourism Business Improvement District meets at City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14

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.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 23

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 raised 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 in Dana Point. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

A kelp bass swims through the Wheeler North Reef. The amount of fish at the reef has not met its goals since 2009, and a proposal to expand the reef or make improvements to it could be brought to the California Coastal Commission within the next year. Photo: Courtesy of UC Santa Barbara

Under the CCC Wheeler North Reef fish numbers not reaching mitigation goals

BY ERIC HEINZ, DANA POINT TIMES

A

n optimistic outlook of the numbers of fish inhabiting the Wheeler North Reef (located off the coast of San Clemente) from a 2014 study conducted by UC Santa Barbara was diminished in its own 2015 study, which was presented during a workshop Monday at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

The reef is an artificial construct financed by Southern California Edison as part of a mitigation requirement from the operations of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

As required by the California Environmental Quality Act, provisions of the agreement must restore a certain amount of aquatic plant and animal life around the reef. The goal is to have an annual count of about 28 tons of fish inhabiting the reef.

In 2014, the study found the reef was up to 24.4 tons—the highest since its construction in 2009—but in 2015 the amount had dropped to little more than 17.7 tons. The 2014 study noted warmer waters at the time may have attributed to the amount of fish inhabiting the Wheeler North Reef.

A proposal discussed during the workshop was to increase the size of the reef to reach the goals. Representatives of SCE said they are in the midst of speaking with the California Coastal Commission, which oversees the implementation of the reef, to propose an extension or size increase of the reef.

The cost of the increase and degree of the implementation would depend on what SCE decides to propose.

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Steve Schroeter, research ecologist with UCSB, gave part of the presentation of the reef on Monday.

“The current reef is no more than three feet off the bottom, and high relief would make it 6 to 9 feet off the bottom,” Schroeter said. “One of the speculations (in 2014) of the possible (increase) of fish was the high rise in water temperature, which fostered more southerly fish … and in fact the fish that were accounted for were sheep head, a more southern species, and large sand bass.”

Schroeter said the fish counts have fluctuated over the years.

“We couldn’t guarantee this was a trajectory,” Schroeter said. “If you look at the time series, the numbers have gone up and down and back up. The data we’ve been collecting since 2000 shows the requirements that would bring the fish count to 28 tons.”

Kate Huckelbridge, Ph.D., of the California Coastal Commission Energy, Ocean & Federal Consistency Division, said there could be a proposal seen by the commission by next year to extend the reef.

“If (the data) shown of the existing reef is not meeting the conditions of the permit, which is what we’ve seen for the last couple of years, and we do not think it will ever meet the goals … the commission can require them (SCE) to do the remediation,” Huckelbridge said. “Our executive director can send a letter to SCE to require it, but if they don’t agree to what the commission proposes, they can have (their concerns) heard by the commission.”

Southern California Edison must have 36 total years of mitigation goals met in order to meet the requirements. All the requirements must be met in order to fulfill the agreement. Despite the fish amounts not meeting the mitigation goals, all other requirements, such as kelp, covered substrate of the artificial reef, fish diversity and limits of invasive species, have been met all years of testing since 2009. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP of lawsuits pitting the Coastal Commission and Surfrider Foundation against the city.

The city would eventually lose the battle in court. In August 2015, during the final of four cases, San Diego Superior Court Judge Randa Trapp ruled the city’s 2010 nuisance abatement ordinance was an illegal attempt at circumventing Coastal Act requirements.

For now, gates at the two of five access ways from Strand Vista Park to Dana Strand Beach are locked open.

After consideration by the Coastal Commission on April 15. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Strand Settlement on the Horizon

Compromise reached between city and coastal commission staff for Strand

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

Y

ears of legal battles over access gates at the two of five paths to Dana Strand Beach in Dana Point that pass through a high-dollar, gated neighborhood may come to an end this month.

California Coastal Commission staff is recommending the commission issue a settlement agree-ment, ending six years of litigation over gates and nighttime closure hours at the Mid-Strand and CentralStrand access ways, leading from Strand Vista Park down to Strand Beach. The commis-sion will consider the agreement at its April 15 meeting.

“We will support this settlement agreement for signature at the April Coastal Commission hearing, and, if passed, consider it a victory for our long-fought battle for beach access at Dana Point Strands Beach,” said Angela Howe, Surfrider Foundation legal director in a statement.

According to the Coastal Commission staff report, the Settlement Agreement and Settlement Cease and Desist Order, signed with the city of Dana Point on March 30, is the result of four months of negotiations between the city and commission staff to resolve the matter amicably.

Adoption of the agreement would end pending litigation between the Coastal Commission and the city, as well as a

Dana Point Times April 8-14, 2016

Surfrider v. City of Dana Point case and resolve the commission’s Nov. 3, 2015, Notification of Intent to Commence Cease and Desist Order and Administrative Civil Penalties Proceedings (NOI), ordering the gates open and closure hours removed.

The city responded to the November 2015 NOI by offering a compromise, to change hours to from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. The offer was rejected by the commission and the city removed all closure hours at the two gates, which have since been locked open.

Despite the rejection, City Council unanimously directed city staff to continue efforts to work with the commission to find a compromise that would end litigation.

“I applaud the Coastal Commission for working so closely with the city to resolve this once and for all,” said City Manager Doug Chotkevys. “It is also important to note that the majority of our current City Council had nothing to do with the Headlands and one of their first directives to me was to get this behind us and to develop a good working relationship with the commission.”

HISTORY In 2009 the city began locking gates at the two paths with closure hours set at 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. in the fall/winter months and 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. in spring/summer.

Although the gates were originally included in the development Headlands development plan draw-ings, gates were not included in the permit text. The Coastal Commission deemed the presence of gates and establishment of closure hours contrary to the Coastal Act and Local Coastal Program, ordered the gates removed and told the city it would have to apply for a Coastal Development Per-mit.

The city disagreed, issuing an emergency nuisance abatement ordinance in 2010 it said gave the city right to set hours as a public safety/crime prevention measure. And so began the lengthy string

THE OPPOSITION During the battle, citizens opposed to the city’s fight to keep the gates, expressed not only anger at what they perceived as hindered public beach access but also the belief that the city was pursuing the action for the benefit of Headlands Reserve LLC developer Sanford Edward and criticized the associated legal spending.

A public records request in March showed a total billing for legal fees associated with the matter at just over $947,100.

The 2002 Subdivision Improvement Agreement between Headlands Reserve LLC and the city, al-so obtained through a public records request, indemnifies the city and obligates the developer to cover its legal fees for litigation, including administrative actions. Two other agreements, the Ac-quisition Agreement and Development Agreement also have clauses requiring the developer to reimburse the city for legal fees associated with the development.

“

Dana Point is committed to ensuring coastal access for California residents and all visitors of Dana Point.

That is why it required that Strand Beach, previously a private beach, be made a public beach as part of its approval of the Headlands development.

—Doug Chotkevys

”

A separate records request pulled April 5, confirmed that the city has billed Headlands Reserve for reimbursement of legal fees in the amount of approximately $949,100.00. Headlands Reserve has paid just over $635,350.00, leaving a balance of about $313,748.76 yet to collect.

While city staff has acknowledged that gates and closure hours were undoubtedly of benefit to the developer’s home sales, it continued to maintain the move was intended to balance homeowners’ rights and public safety. The city also held that development of the area dramatically increased pub-lic access to the beach, which

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was nearly inaccessible before.

The other three access ways include the North Stairway and South Switchback trails, ungated and open 24/7, and a funicular (inclined elevator) with the gated Mid-Strand and Central Strand paths in between. The parking lot at Strand Vista Park stretches the entire area between the north and south pathways and the beach below is approximately 700 yards in length.

“Dana Point is committed to ensuring coastal access for California residents and all visitors of Dana Point,” Chotkevys said.

“That is why it required that Strand Beach, previously a private beach, be made a public beach as part of its approval of the Headlands development. Moreover, it required five access points be developed for the public to access Strand Beach, including a funicular that operates at no charge to the public. The current dispute only relates to the hours of operation of two of these access points, and it is important to understand that Strand Beach has been available to the public at all times when it is open ever since the council required that it be dedicated for public use.”

THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT The settlement includes an agreement to “modify the local CDP to include approval of designated hours of operation for the Strand Access Areas as follows: Strand Vista Park, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., South Strand Switchback Trail, 24 hours/day, Strand Beach Park/Strand Revetment trail, 24 hours/day, Central Strand Beach Access, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Mid-Strand Beach Access, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.” Gates are to remain locked open at all times until a decision is reached by the commission. Should the commission approve the amended hours, the city agrees to apply for a CDP for the gates and the commission agrees to process and hear any appeal in an expeditious manner.

The agreement also includes $300,000 in other mitigation measures which includes additional sign-age, bike racks, benches, enhanced trails and other improvements to increase coastal access. An agreement by the city to ensure that disadvantaged students from Title 1 schools have better access to ocean education opportunities via a $25,000 yearly contribution to the Ocean Institute is also written into the settlement.

“The Dana Point City Council is a fierce defender of private property rights, however, the law is clear that property near the coast must not infringe on the public’s right to access our coastline,” Chotkevys said. “We feel strongly that our settlement agreement with the Coastal Commission up-holds both the rights of the public to access the beach as well as the rights of private property own-ers.

“The electorate gave us this City Council and this City Council was unanimous in its resolve to end the litigation in such a way that it set the table for a very collaborative relationship with the Coastal Commission.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Amtrak Service Limited This Weekend Metrolink will have limited service on its Antelope Valley, Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines on the weekend of April 9 and 10, due to multiple track and maintenance pro-jects.

There will be no Metrolink service south of the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo station for the Or-ange County and IE-OC lines, and there will be adjusted service on the Antelope Valley Line.

Metrolink will be replacing rock along the beach to secure the tracks following heavy rains south of San Clemente as well as conducting a scheduled railroad tie replacement project near Laguna Niguel. The San Clemente community near the tracks will experience some daytime noise this weekend as work is completed.

“As a result, all trains on Metrolink’s Orange County and IE-OC lines will only operate to and from the Laguna Niguel/ Mission Viejo station,” a Metrolink press release stated. “Metrolink will not provide buses or alternate transportation south of Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo during this weekend closure.”

On the Antelope Valley Line, Metrolink will complete scheduled track work near the Vincent sta-tion.

Amtrak trains will not operate south of Irvine on Saturday or Sunday, but Amtrak will provide bus service for Amtrak passengers between Irvine and San Diego.

For more information on Amtrak service, visit www.amtrak.com.

For details on Metrolink’s schedules, visit metrolinktrains.com.

Family Assistance Ministries Offering Free Income Tax Preparation Family Assistance Ministries is offering free income tax preparation for those who make $60,000 or less through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.

The program is available at FAM’s Resource Center, located at 1030 Calle Negocio in San Clemente, on Saturdays through April 16 from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information and to set up an appointment, call 949.492.8477.

Host Families Sought for Exchange Student Program AFS-USA Intercultural Programs exchange students from all over the world Dana Point Times April 8-14, 2016

are coming to the Unit-ed States to study in high schools and live with host families.

AFS host families learn about other cultures across the globe with every student exchange. Students coming to Orange County for the 2016-2017 school year will begin arriving in August.

Families interested in hosting one of these students should visit www.afsusa. org/host-family.

To learn about some of the available students, click on the “Meet the Students” link on the website. More students are being added every week.

Congressman Darrell Issa Announces 2016 Congressional Art Competition The Office of Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-49) will be accepting artwork through Friday, April 29, from the 49th Congressional District for entry into the Annual Congressional Art Competition.

The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity for high school students from across the country to submit artwork ranging from drawings and paintings, to photography and computer generated designs for national recognition.

The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year and the artist is presented with two roundtrip tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines, to Washington, D.C. to attend an exclusive reception inside the U.S. Capitol Building.

“We have a lot of gifted students here in San Diego and Orange counties,” Issa said in a press release. “The Congressional Art Competition is a great experience for the amazing artists in our district to showcase their talents to visitors from all over the nation. I can’t wait to see this year’s winners.”

Artists may submit any original, twodimensional piece of art as long as it is no larger than 28 inches by 28 inches by 4 inches deep—including the frame—and weighing no more than 15 pounds. A variety of mediums are welcome including paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor; drawings in pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink and markers; prints, such as lithographs, silkscreen and block prints, com-puter generated art and photography.

Mixed media work is also allowed, providing it includes more than two mediums.

For more information, including instructions on how to enter the contest, visit www.issa.house.gov or call Sunana Batra at 760.599.5000.

The full direct link to the art contest is: http://www.issa.house.gov/studentcenter/congressional-art-competition.

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

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DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor HOME OF THE BRAVE AND LAND OF THE FREE RIDE ART BURNEVIK, Dana Point

Patriotism requires national pride and a sovereign nation. Those are the quintessential precursors to a great nation and a free society. This pride must be imbued in the population and safeguarded from the bottom up and the top down. If the lack of allegiance and attention to our flag in the Festival of Whales Parade in the heart of the California conservative enclave known as Orange County is a concern (see the letter by Terry Goller, “Patriotism at Parade Severely Lacking,” in last week’s DP Times), consider the ignorance and infectious hostility propagated in our indoctrination centers, formerly known as public schools and colleges both private and public throughout the country where a decaying sense of “American Values” is the intended outcome.

While the president of the United States is doing the wave with a communist dictator who kills and tortures all political resistors and poses for a family photo with a massive mural of the murderous fascist Che Guevara in the background, what message do we think it sends to an already indoctrinated, weak-minded class of citizens and illegal aliens? When the POTUS practically worships communist dictators and sees no “optics issue” posing with an ISIS-style “socialist hero” who burned books, killed gays and was a racist against blacks, no wonder America is lost in liberal outer space. Unfortunately, it’s not an unintended consequence; rather, it is a play-by-play implementation of the Saul Alinsky rule book on how to destroy America, not requiring any thinking on the part of Obama.

Patriotic Americans have been asleep at the wheel and in denial. Our unsecured borders are allowing illegals into our country and rewarding them with a free ride while our working class has to obey the laws and pays the cost of insane liberalism in dollars, common sense and multi-culturalism. We are sitting by and allowing a corruption of the 14th Amendment, not originally intended to support an absurd birthright invasion, rather to protect the offspring of the emancipated slaves; yet no one wants to question this stupidity for fear of being accused of racism against Chinese, Syrians, Canadians, Russians, Latinos or any other group that plays Americans as idiots willing to give away citizenship and sovereignty like some cheap carnival trinket.

We are no longer the melting pot where Dana Point Times April 8-14, 2016

becoming an American meant something.

It’s no longer the home of the brave and the land of the free. It’s more like the home of the naive and the land of something for free: citizenship.

“So what’s so special about America anyway,” a fool may ask. Once the patriots have been eliminated, the answer to the question will be what the government tells you to think in a new national First Amendment “safe zone” for morons, renamed Amerika.

COUNCIL/CITIZEN RELATIONS HIT A NEW LOW PAUL HINMAN, Dana Point

As a longtime resident of Dana Point, I’ve seen my share of political battles and disagreements between various City Councils and residents. A certain amount of disagreement and challenge is appropriate and should be welcomed in the public forum. Unfortunately, the current council challenge to a bona fide citizens’ initiative concerning the Town Center (now Lantern District) Plan has brought council/citizen relations to a new low.

The 2008 Town Center Plan brought together hundreds of citizens and city officials who anticipated a vibrant, pedestrianfriendly, primarily commercial area with restaurants, shops and some residential and office use. Unfortunately, the first development to be considered, the Majestic Project, caused a huge public outcry because it contemplated four stories instead of three, added increased residential density and elevator towers up to 59 feet and drastically reduced parking standards.

In a bold move, Councilmen Carlos Olvera, Steven Weinberg and Bill Brough overturned a Planning Commission recommendation to cast the three votes required for approval. That project has now been resold to apartment developer, Raintree (Partners) and is moving forward, likely as rental units, and not condos.

A group of citizens called Dana Point Residents for Responsible Development were shocked by the council’s approval of the Majestic project and saw it as a developer giveaway that would create high density and parking issues that they felt would change the coastal village atmosphere of Dana Point. They got organized and put in countless volunteer hours walking neighborhoods to amass 4,200 signatures, and were successful in putting their initiative, Measure H, The 2015 Town Center Initiative, on the upcoming June ballot. Measure H is designed to put firm, three-story and 40-foot height limits on development, and requires existing parking standards to be preserved.

Instead of letting the ballot go to the voters for a straight yes or no vote, the council voted, on Feb. 2, to create their own competing initiative, now called Mea-

sure I. The council’s initiative proposed no new laws and only served to confuse voters at the polls, (especially with its name, “The 2016 Town Center Initiative and Public Parking Improvement Initiative”).

This is a classic David and Goliath story. Measure H was a truly grassroots effort, with volunteers and ordinary citizens working to preserve an ideal version of Dana Point. The council measure not only disregards the electoral process and citizens’ rights to literally “fight City Hall,” but it shows contempt for the 4,200 citizens who signed the citizens’ initiative.

In the coming weeks you’ll see signs saying, “Yes on H, no on I,” as well as, “No on H, yes on I.” Confusion will reign and Goliath may indeed triumph, and that will be a sad day for the citizens of Dana Point.

Get informed; read the ballot literature; and be sure you know what you’re voting for or against. The nature and tenor of your town, including parking standards and types of development, will be largely determined by your votes on June 7. I urge you to vote yes on citizens’ Measure H and no on council Measure I. EDITOR’S NOTE: Regarding the 58-foot height measurements allowed in the Majestic project: There were no height variances granted to 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. Also allowed without a variance, is screening for rooftop mechanical equipment and rooftop perimeter walls, both at 42 inches. 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, except for elevator towers, perimeter walls and mechanical equipment screening) 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.

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

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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 15. 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.

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The Green Issue

Organic Diversion Photo: CR&R

Recycling kitchen scraps, yard waste into energy Vegetable peelings, discarded meat bones and uneaten leftovers are full of life.

San Clemente residents will soon give these items a new purpose.

Kitchen scraps and yard waste become energy starting July 1. Organic waste, from egg shells and banana peels to chicken bones and pizza slices, will divert the landfill and instead be recycled into fertilizer and fuel.

Organic materials account for onethird of all waste in landfills.

Its diversion is key to meeting California waste reduction goals, calling for a 75-percent diversion from landfills by 2020. With a current directive of 50 percent recycling, Californians will have to salvage an estimated 20 million tons of additional waste annually, according to CalRecycle, the

state’s recycling department.

The Costa Mesa Sanitary District launched Orange County’s first residential organics recycling program in June. Today, according to a UC Irvine study, two thirds of Costa Mesa’s single-family households are recycling food scraps. Residents now use a two-bin system. One bin for green waste, the other for trash. Without food, trash bins are mostly filled with recyclables, said CR&R Waste & Recycling Service sustainability specialist Lawrence Jones.

In February alone, the district collected more than 600 tons—or 1.2 million pounds of food waste, Jones said. Those recyclable organic materials are now skipping the landfill and instead being composted in Victorville.

Costa Mesa’s food and yard waste will soon be sent to Perris where the Stanton-based CR&R is finishing a more than $25 million anaerobic digesting facility. Here, microorganisms will break down biodegradable material inside an oxygen-free chamber.

The matter will then be processed into fertilizer and biogas. The fertilizer will eventually be sold to farmers to grow crops, while the fuel will power CR&R’s fleet of collection trucks.

Other municipalities could soon follow Costa Mesa’s lead. San Clemente’s organic recycling service rolls out this summer with Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano expressing interest in implementing the two-bin system. •

In Seas n It’s always spring in California. At least when it comes to our year-round farmers markets. Three days a week, each week of the year, regional growers tout fresh produce at open-air markets in the community. These markets are always in bloom.

San Juan Capistrano Wednesdays: 3 p.m.–7 p.m.

Shop seasonal produce, fresh flowers, specialty foods and more at this weekly market in San Juan’s historic downtown.

Yorba Linda Street at Camino Capistrano. www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

Dana Point Saturdays: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Merchants from across Southern California sell an array of produce, flowers and foods at La Plaza Park. Each first Saturday features a craft fair. Pacific Coast Highway north of Golden Lantern. www.danapoint.org.

San Clemente Sundays: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

This weekly market features dozens of vendors selling seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers and specialty foods and goods each week along San Clemente’s downtown Avenida Del Mar. Whether you’re headed to your local grocer or farmers market, be sure to shop the season. In season now: artichokes, asparagus, beets, mushrooms, spinach, cherries and tangerines. Watch for stone fruits to hit stands soon—peaches, apricots and plums peak in May. •

The Green Issue

Finding Treasure in Trash

San Juan Capistrano 6-year-old starts his own recycling business, aspires to drive his own garbage truck one day STORY AND PHOTOS BY ALLISON JARRELL

If there’s one thing 6-year-old Ryan Hickman loves, it’s sorting.

So when, at the ripe age of 3, his parents, Damion and Andrea, let him come along to return some water bottles at a recycling center, he was thrilled to help.

“He likes to sort pretty much anything, and he liked putting the bottles in the machine,” Damion said. “He probably got two or three bucks, and he was so excited about it. And of course then he got to sort his change, so that meant more sorting.”

For an average 3-year-old, that probably would have been the end of the story. But when Damion returned home from work the next day, Ryan was waiting for him in the driveway. He told his dad that he wanted to show him his new business—or “bidness” in toddler talk.

“I asked him what it was, and he kind of waved down the street and goes, ‘tahdah!’” Damion recalled. “Ryan and Andrea had gone around giving all the neighbors trash bags—he wanted everyone to start saving cans for him.”

That was the beginning of Ryan’s Recycling Company, established in 2012 in the family’s San Juan Capistrano home. first-grader at mbuehl lementary School, Ryan has already earned more than $8,000 by collecting cans and bottles from about 0 customers in five different neighborhoods. His biggest client is the El Niguel Country Club.

Of course, being a 6-year-old entrepreneur comes with some hurdles. Ryan’s parents, grandmother and aunt all help drive him around to collect his recyclables and often make multiple trips to pick up a few carloads at a time. The family’s backyard acts as Ryan’s sorting facility, where he has about eight large trash cans that he sorts containers into— bottles and cans, plastics and glass, they

all have their place. Ryan’s family visits the recycling center every third Sunday, and on the weekends he can often be seen sorting to prepare for those visits with his work gloves on and sporting a blue CR&R hat.

The young businessman said even though he has to dump the occasional “yucky liquids” from some of the collected containers, it’s all worth it—every nickel goes into a savings account and toward his dream of owning his own garbage truck one day. Since he’s got about 10 more years until he can learn to drive, Ryan figures that gives him at least a decade to earn the $70,000 needed to purchase a used truck, or $120,000 for a brand new one.

“Ryan’s one of those really unique kids who has a passion, said his first grade teacher Suzanne Devaney. “He just sees things that need to be done and he does them.”

Since the company’s inception, Damion, a graphic designer, has created business cards for Ryan as well as Ryan’s Recycling T-shirts, which sell for $13 apiece. All the proceeds from the shirts are donated to the acific arine ammal Center—so far they’ve contributed about $1,000.

In a YouTube video posted last July, Damion asks Ryan if other people should start recycling to help save the earth. mm no, Ryan says nonchalantly.

“I got it all handled.”

His answer has changed a bit since then. Ryan said he thinks people should start recycling not only to earn some extra cash, but “because it helps the world, too.” He worries that birds at the beach may eat the trash and “get sick or die.”

“He’s very passionate about it, and he likes to get everybody else passionate about it as well,” Andrea said. “I think he’s rubbed off on all of us now. You find yourself walking past a can on the ground and needing to pick it up instead of walking away and leaving it there.”

For more information on Ryan’s Recycling, visit www.dhdwear.com/ Ryans-Recycling. To see Ryan talk about his recycling efforts, search for “Ryan’s Recycling Company” on YouTube. •

The Green Issue organic food anywhere—from front yards to patios and roof tops to window sills— during container gardening basics class.

D ISC O V E R N A TU R E

The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

Caspers Guided Nature Hike: Sunday, April 17; 8 a.m.–9:15 a.m. Join the park ranger on a 1-mile hike through Bell Canyon’s pristine sycamore and oak savannas. Rain cancels the hike. Hike is held each Sunday. $5 parking fee.

R E C Y C L E GO O D S

33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com.

Community Shred Day: Saturday, April 16; 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Shred documents at Monarch Bay Plaza for free.

Healing Yoga in the Garden: Monday, April 25; 10 a.m. Restore and balance your body during this 60-minute, gentle practice among the trees with Yoga Trippin’ and Goin’ Native. Yoga is held each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point, www.monarchbayplaza.com.

Bulky Item Drop-off: Saturday, May 7; 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Bring e-waste, green waste, appliances, furniture and other items for collection by Goodwill Industries. Shredding services also available at two drop-off locations.

31661 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, www.goinnative.net.

Headlands Nature Tour: Saturday, May 7; 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Explore the region’s ecology and natural history on this 1.5-mile, docent-led tour of the Dana Point Headlands. Walk is held the first Saturday each month.

Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, 949.248.3527, www.danapoint.org.

California Native Plants: Tuesday, May 10; 9 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Learn the historic, pre-mission uses of California native plants during this 2-mile hike over steep, uneven terrain. Parking is $3.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.923.2235, www.ocparks.com.

Eco Garden Expo at Los Rios Park April 23 and 24. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Green Scene

Local events to celebrate Earth Day, explore Mother Nature

Mission Garden Tour: Wednesday, May 18; 10 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Tour Mission San Juan Capistrano’s elegant gardens filled with roses, perennials, herbs, succulents and more. Held every Wednesday.

GE T SM A R T

San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, www.sanclementegardenclub.com.

Imaginology: Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead: Friday–Sunday, April 15–17. Discover careers in agriculture, the arts, science and technology at the OC Fair’s hands-on, educational e ploration of robotics, fishing, storytelling, farming and more.

OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, www.ocfair.com.

Grow Your Own! Spring Festival: Saturday, April 16; 10 a.m. Build terrariums, learn how to pickle, get dirty in the garden, pick strawberries, enjoy live music and food to celebrate the season.

The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

Ocean Institute Earth Day: Saturday, April 23; 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Explore marine

GIV E B A C K Civic Beautification: Second Tuesdays, 8:45 a.m. Do your part to maintain San Clemente’s public gardens by joining the San Clemente Garden Club for monthly maintenance at the Pier Garden, Jo Read Memorial Garden, Park Semper Fi and Rose Garden at City Hall. www.sanclementegardenclub.com.

26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.org.

Garden Fest: Saturday, April 9; 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. Peruse the garden flea market while learning about water-smart programs and butterfly habitats at the San Clemente Garden Club’s annual event.

Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point; Palisades Elementary School, 26462 Via Sacramento, Capistrano Beach, www.danapoint.org.

Imaginology at the OC Fair & Event Center April 15–17. Photo: Courtesy

life and native plants, build a butterfly garden, learn about protecting the environment and take part in a harbor cleanup. E-waste will be collected.

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Earth Day San Clemente: Saturday, April 23; 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Visit Parque Del Mar at 8:30 a.m. to lend a hand in cleaning up Main Beach. Earth Day festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with music, crafts, displays and more for the whole family.

Parque Del Mar, San Clemente Pier, www.scwatersheds.com.

Eco Garden Expo: Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24; 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Get equipped, inspired and empowered to make eco-friendly gardening choices to save time, water and money.

Los Rios Park, 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

Backyard Beekeeping: Saturday, May 7; 1 p.m. Learn how critical the honeybee

Earth Day at the Ocean Institute April 23.

Photo: Courtesy

is to our ecosystem and food supply, the equipment needed to start beekeeping, hive tips and more. Cost is $40.

The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

The Magic of Composting: Saturday, May 14; 8:30 a.m. Gain knowledge to naturally return kitchen scraps and yard waste to the earth during this fun workshop. Cost is $10. Register by May 13.

Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

Casa Wellness Wednesdays: Garden Workshop: May 18; 7 p.m. Join Casa Romantica’s garden director Lisa Chumura in this hands-on gardening workshop. Each guest takes home their own handmade craft. Cost is $35.

415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Container & Patio Gardening: Saturday, May 21; 1 p.m. Pick up tips to grow

Earth Day Restoration, Cleanup: Saturday, April 16; 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Help place native plants, install signage and remove trash from Doheny State Beach. Also, do your part to maintain San Onofre State Beach’s San Mateo Campground by cleaning trails, planting native trees, weeding, painting and more. Bring work gloves, shovel and reusable bag.

Register at www.calparks.org/earthday.

Mother Earth Beach, Creek, Park Cleanup: Saturday, April 23; 9 a.m.– noon. Help clean Doheny State Beach and San Juan Creek. Bring work gloves and reusable bag. Parking fee waived.

Meet at lifeguard headquarters.

25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.6172, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

ROOTS Restoration: Saturday, May 27; 9 a.m. Each fourth Saturday take part in the California Coastal Commission’s restoration project to preserve Upper Newport Bay. Remove invasive plants and perform site maintenance. Register at www.coastal.ca.gov.

2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, 949.923.2290.

Los Rios Garden Angels: Thursday, April 21; 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

Volunteers meet each Thursday at the Montanez Adobe to maintain native plants and the endangered Monarch butterfly. Bring gloves and clippers.

Los Rios Park, 31745 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

The Green Issue

Shine On Local lights up e-commerce solarpowered mason jar business

Photo: Moonshiner Co.

All it takes is a little light.

Six to eight hours of direct sunlight, that is, to power up a Moonshiner Co. solar mason jar.

Launched earlier this year, this Dana Point-based e-commerce business is just lighting up.

Moonshiner’s marquee product, a 32-ounce mason jar with a solar panel lid, lasts up to 12 hours with one full charge.

This clean, renewable energy source is decorative and portable—an ideal light for an outdoor table, be it in a backyard, campsite, wedding venue or on a boat. It goes where its users go.

“The opportunities to use a solar— powered mason jar are endless,” said Moonshiner Co. co-founder Mike Nusenow. “It is all up to our users’ imagination.”

Tied to a backpack and hung from a bike, Nusenow has taken his Moonshiner from Yosemite to the Dana Point Harbor, with ideas for where the solar-powered

Energy Efficient

Low- to no-cost ways to cut energy usage Simple changes can make all the difference to an energy bill.

This summer, and all year round, make a few adjustments. It doesn’t have to be solar panel installation or replacing every appliance in the house—just a couple alterations here and there will go a long way. You can cut your energy usage and utility bill while helping to increase Southern California’s energy security.

Bump it up: Cooling costs can be cut by 12 percent by raising the air conditioner from 72 to 78 degrees.

Make a switch: On not so hot days, use ceiling and portable fans to stay cool and comfortable.

Power down: Unplug devices like TVs, computers and game consoles

jars can go darting left and right.

It all started with a trip. When cofounder James Sampson traveled home to South Africa he came across a variation of the solar-powered jar. Not seeing anything like it in the states, he brought the idea back. The idea came at the right time for Nusenow. Ready to end his fourhour daily commute, and with a baby on the way, the chief marketing officer at the Los Angeles-based Hudson Jeans, wanted to make a change.

The one-item, start-up was born.

For now, Nusenow is working to get the solar jars in front of consumers. The pair eventually wants to expand Moonshiner products and the company’s global reach.

Looking at what other brands have done internationally, Nusenow said Moonshiner could one day assist individuals worldwide.

Check out Moonshiner Co’s solar-powered mason jars on Instagram, Pinterest and at www.monshinerco.com. •

that draw power when turned off.

Change out: When it comes time to replace lightbulbs, opt for energyefficient options.

Block it out: Lower blinds, install shade trees, awnings or trees to block direct sunlight from windows.

Eat cool: Avoid using the stove top and oven. Instead dine on cold and outdoor grilled meals.

Freshen up: Keep the air conditioning filter clean for optimal efficiency and save on cooling costs.

Shine on: Dim or turn off lights during the day and take advantage of natural light.

Cool down: Setting the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees should be sufficient for most uses.

Visit www.sdge.com for more year-round energy saving tips and to view current rebate programs on lighting, pool pumps, appliances, water heaters and more. You can also download your home’s energy data using SDG&E’s Green Button where you can connect with a third-party app that will help you make choices about saving energy and lowering your bill. See more at www.sdge.com/green-button.

Growing Organic

Tower gardens, raised planters make organic gardening accessible

BY ERIC HEINZ

Southern California’s climate lends itself to gardening all year round. From the patio to the backyard, local businesses are taking the guess work out of organic growing, so residents can make the most of their spaces while supplying fresh fruits and vegetables for the family.

Organics Out Back Chris Garcia, owner of Organics Out Back, has centered his business around environmental awareness, sustainability and accessibility.

Garcia’s grandmother, Frances, had a green thumb. With her teaching—a bit of trial and error, too—Garcia mastered the garden. He’s transformed his passion for gardening into a career—installing raised, edible organic gardens with function and aesthetics in mind.

Chris Garcia, owner of Organics Out Back, stands next to a chicken coop with a raised garden on top in his backyard. Photo: Eric Heinz

Paul Carter stands with multiple Tower Gardens. The gardens are able to grow more produce at a faster rate due to their planting design. Photo: Courtesy

“People in the last couple years are really concerned about what’s going into their bodies,” Garcia said. “With our growth climate, we’re really spoiled here. We can grow just about anything. We tell people it’s good to eat seasonally because you get different nutrients from different plants.”

The main thing gardens need is good soil. That along with a good root system produces good food, he said. Garcia encourages clients to use composting and worm bins to make their organic gardens flourish. He also designs gardens with his client’s needs and abilities in mind.

“The reason we do raised boxes is it’s easier on your back and you don’t have to amend the soil as much,” Garcia said of his raised gardens, designed with chil-

dren, the elderly and disabled in mind.

The company also works with local schools to create gardens and collects extra vegetables from client gardens to donate to area charities.

“I know money can be tight, and the organic food and vegetables can get pushed to the side,” Garcia said. “Organic food at the grocery store is much more expensive than the others, but the health benefits of the ones we grow in our gardens are much healthier.”

Tower Gardens In an effort to lead a more healthful life and share his love for organic gardening with others, local surfboard shaper Paul Carter recently became a Tower Gardens

representative.

The tower gardening system, made by Juice Plus, is designed to grow vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers vertically using aeroponics—a water-only technology used by NASA—and in 30 percent less time than a traditional, in-ground garden.

The tower format, too, means a garden can be grown anywhere from a small balcony, front porch or backyard.

“They grow 30 percent quicker and yield, using 90 percent less water,” Carter said. “The roots are getting watered directly and it’s consistent every 30 minutes. There’s no herbicides or pesticides.”

Fruits and vegetables are ripe in about four to five weeks, Carter said.

Constructed out of a plant-based plastic, the towers are an opaque white color to help keep them cool. The whole irrigation is on a timer. Water, and a special mineral blend, is kept in a reservoir at the bottom of the tower and pumped up.

It then trickles down through the plastic cylindrical tower.

Any kind of vegetable or fruit can be grown in them so long as the climate permits. Each tower costs about $550 and comes complete with all materials needed, but Carter said his tower paid for itself through its produce. Off of five towers, Carter is able to gather 45 pounds of produce in one harvest.

Carter has been traveling to San Diego and other parts of Southern California to teach people about the tower gardens, but his passion is to teach people to eat healthy. •

The Green Issue

Carbon-Conscious Kids

R ead and R euse

Sparking curiosity, encouraging kids to e plore, uestion and wonder Curiosity is at conservations core ow do you spark a child’s innate sense of e ploration and discovery t’s a uestion icki Wiker, oheny State each park interpreter, asks every day.

Wiker is head of the parks interpretive programs. rom coastal clean ups and field trips to arth ay events and native planting pro ects, Wiker engages the community, and its youngest residents, encouraging them to give back, learn about and e plore the local ecosystem. ducational activism at its finest. try really hard to foster a genuine love and understanding in children at an early age so they can embrace a regard and reverence for the other arth and all of her precious creatures, plants, trees and everything that goes with nature, Wiker said. t oheny, Wiker and a team of oheny State each nterpretive ssociation volunteer docents work to engage kids in a fun, hands-on way. t starts in oheny’s visitors center where five large fish tanks and a tide-pool simulator give guests an up-close view of waters ust outside the center’s walls.

California state marine fish, the irabaldi, spiny lobsters and other sea life swim among reefs and kelp forests, mirroring the region’s underwater realm. a idermy creatures from land and sky line the center’s walls and shelves. isplaying historic artifacts give visitors a glimpse at the region’s rich past. he walls of the center, too, engage guests. man is painted in a mural above the tide pool. e’s washing his car in the driveway. Runoff is portrayed traveling down his drive and into the storm drains. rom there, the soaps and oils are seen entering an estuary before flowing into the ocean. simple task with a big impact e posed. t’s those connections Wiker strives to make with young park visitors, who can discover marine diversity in intertidal ones, learn about the life cycle of regional birds, take a field outing to e plore a time when ative mericans lived harmoniously with nature, use their senses to travel around the butterfly garden and learn about the importance of keeping the ocean environment

One Man’s Trash

resh, unky finds hat s what you ll discover ood causes and volunteers, too As the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. No telling what you’ll find. ou can keep your unused items out of the trash by donating to stores in the local second-hand shopping scene—where recycling and purchasing second-hand benefits the tri-city, second-hand environment and nonprofit missions. win-win. ere goods uyer s guide are a few options

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olunteers at this nonprofit storefront, located on the Rodeo rive of thrift stores accept donations onday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays starting at noon. ll donations, and purchases, help provide homeless individuals and families a pathway to success. www.ihopeoc.org.

w ay s t o st ret c h t he l i f e o f y o ur new sp ap er

1

Children interact with oheny State ark naturalist interpreter icki Wiker at the inaugural roheny estival. hoto ndrea Swayne

healthy. try to get kids at a young age to embrace the earth so it becomes a lifelong commitment and dedication to our precious planet, Wiker said. oheny State each hosted the inaugural roheny estival on pril 2. roheny is the brainchild of evan iller, who conceived the idea as a student of the horticulture program at Saddleback College. he free event is family-friendly and horticulturally focused, with educational workshops, guest speakers, games, gardening and cooking demonstrations and live music. f all goes well, iller hopes roheny will become a twice-annual event in spring and fall with classes tailored to growing seasonal crops. went to a lot of classes and events and noticed they were missing the music element and the family element, iller said. t really all starts with the children, so decided to put something together that could engage the whole family. o to www.dohenystatebeach.org for the latest park events, including the upcoming beach cleanup and planting pro ects to mark arth ay. nd be sure to check back for information on summer events like grunion runs and oheny Surf estival. •

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t a ienda, used items serve a greater purpose. Sales of clothing, furniture, housewares, electronics, ewelry, sporting goods and other gently-used items benefit oshua ouse—a one-year, no-cost, faith-based recovery program providing men a safe environment to rebuild their lives. www.latiendathriftstore.com.

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With two locations, the ighthouse Charitable oundation ma imi es its reach and offerings. onations and profits of this faith-based organi ation’s thrift store go to ictory ouse, a one-year men’s residential ministry in Capistrano each. www.lcfonline.com.

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hrifty finds await at this S C store front where donations and proceeds help support Orange County children with autism. he nonprofit, which started in 2012, has a second location in aguna each. t provides advocacy support for autistic children. www.milesforautism.org. •

Clean indows: It may seem counterintuitive, given the ink newspapers can leave behind on your hands, but old newspapers may outperform cloth in the streak-free window and mirror contest. ake window cleaning a step greener and switch out commercial glass cleaning products with a water and vinegar combo. ust take one part of each, mi , spray and wipe away with yesterday’s news.

2

ipen ruit: We’ve all been there, at the grocery store searching for a ripe avocado to fill tonight’s guacamole craving. f you can keep your stomach at bay, buy the non-ripened piece of fruit and try this wrap it in newspaper. uch like the brown paper bag trick, newspapers are porous allowing air to move in and out while still concentrating the levels of ethylene gas that helps induce ripening.

3

Crush dors: Smelly shoes, musty towels and stinky fridges beware. here’s a newspaper in town. o deodori e food and drink containers—such as lunch-bo es, coolers or water bottles—ball up newspaper, seal it and let it sit overnight. lso, place crumpled up newspaper in wet cleats or running shoes to dry them out and get rid of unpleasant odors. ewspapers also work well in the refrigerator’s fruit and vegetable drawers.

4

Compost aterial: ewspaper is a carbon-rich material. t’s also has a high lignin content—a substance found in the cell walls of plants—according to the Cornell Waste anagement nstitute. t can be slow to decompose. ut, if combined with nitrogen-rich materials such as grass clippings, coffee grounds and kitchen scraps, newspapers can provide a rich addition to your garden compost.

5

i t rap: Show your thoughtfulness by wrapping life’s biggest moments up in ocal ews ou Can se. irthday, engagement, retirement, shower, wedding and holiday gifts are best when wrapped in colorful photos and the latest city news from The Capistrano Dispatch, San Clemente Times and Dana Point Times—wrapping paper that’s e ually environmentally friendly and informative.

6

Seedling Pots: ou’ll need a can for this one—full, empty, whatever you’ve got. ake half a sheet of newspaper folded in thirds and wrap it around the can. Secure with tape. hen, fold one newspaper end over the can. ape it. Slide the can out and viola— you’ve got a perfect home for seedlings and and succulent clippings. ush the pro ect’s greenness by using compost to keep seedlings moist until they’re ready for planting. •

The Green Issue

Watershed Well-Being

Q&A with Jenna Voss, Environmental Engineering Specialist, OC Public Works

oheny State each. hoto

South Orange County lies within the San Juan Creek Watershed, an area of land draining all streams, rainfall and melted snow to a common outlet—in the region’s case, Doheny State Beach.

We talked to watershed expert Jenna Voss, an environmental engineering specialist with OC Public Works, to discuss the health of our watershed.

Picket Fence Media: Can you give us an overview of our watershed and how it relates to our communities?

Jenna Voss: The San Juan Creek Watershed encompasses about 160 square miles and includes portions of Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. San Juan Creek begins in the Santa Ana Mountains area of the Cleveland National Forest and flows to the acific Ocean at oheny State Beach. A large portion of the watershed is public or open space, including Caspers Wilderness Park and Laguna iguel Regional ark. he rest is largely residential and commercial, with some remaining pockets of agricultural use.

San Juan Creek is an important surface water resource; however, the creek also overlies the San Juan Groundwater Basin—a slow-moving, underground river.

Water from San Juan Creek and its major tributaries provides some of the water supply drawn from the basin. f you live or work in one of the watershed cities, you’ll notice San uan Creek flows during the winter months and runs mostly dry in the summer; this is both because flow decreases without rainfall and because the water in the creek is flowing underground.

Is our watershed healthy? What outside factors play into our watershed’s health?

Watershed health—the overall water uality, channel condition and available habitat—is impacted by several natural and man-made factors. For example, there are naturally occurring salts in San Juan Creek Watershed from geologic deposits that enter the creek through high groundwater. hey can increase the amount of salts and decrease overall water uality. Other issues, such as indica-

ndrea Swayne

tor bacteria, are influenced by wildlife and human activity. he county, cities and local stakeholders have conducted source investigations, started a comprehensive program to prevent sewage spills and implemented several projects to combat high bacteria levels. As a result, bacteria levels during high-recreation summer months have significantly improved, as shown by the nonprofit group, eal the ay, in their each Report Card, that awarded oheny an ’ grade during the summer.

Wet weather bacteria levels, however, are still a major challenge for San Juan Creek as rainfall and the associated runoff carries bacteria from the entire watershed area into the creek and out to the ocean.

Residents can help do their part and pick up pet waste and yard clippings prior to rainfall to help prevent downstream bacterial growth, as well as ensuring their trash is properly disposed of, limiting the availability of food to pests or wild birds which can similarly contribute to bacteria levels.

How can we safely interact with and enjoy our watershed?

These are several recreational areas near San Juan, Trabuco and Oso creeks that provide residents a way to en oy their watershed. iking trails near the headwaters in Cleveland National Forest provide opportunities to see the most natural condition of San Juan Creek and its tributaries. f you want to stay closer to home, there is a bike path along San Juan Creek and there are organized creek cleanup events held throughout the year. ou can also en oy San uan Creek at its terminus at oheny State each or one of our other local beaches. aily water uality samples are collected at the beaches from pril through October. ny postings for exceedances of bacterial standards at beaches can be found at www.ocbeachinfo.com. • o read more of oss’ comments on natural and human impacts and how you can support a healthy watershed, visit www.sanclementetimes.com.

The Green Issue

California Greenin’

New eco-laws ban microbeads, call for renewable energy growth

BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS

California’s lawmakers passed a slew of new environmental laws in 2015 aimed at expanding the state’s renewable energy and banning ivory sales, routine feeding of antibiotics to livestock and microbeads in personal care products. Here’s a snapshot of the state’s newest eco-laws:

Renewable Energy

Heralded as groundbreaking climate change legislation, the Clean Energy and Pollution and Reduction Act of 2015, a.k.a. SB 350, mandates that California receive 50 percent of its electrical power from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, by 2030. The bill also doubles energy-efficiency goals for homes, factories and offices. While intense oil industry lobbying killed a provision to reduce state gasoline use by half, SB 350 delivered a zero-emission vehicle boost by creating incentives for utilities to install more electric vehicle charging stations statewide.

Plastic Microbeads

California joined eight states in banning the sale of facial exfoliators, body washes, toothpastes and other personal care products containing microbeads. The bill, which will take effect in 2020, was preempted by federal legislation requiring companies to stop using beads in their products by July 2017. The Microbeadfree Waters ct of 2015 cruised through both the House and Senate.

Sale of Ivory

AB 96 closed major loopholes in California’s existing ivory ban that allowed the sale of ivory imported before 1977—a measure skirted by illicit dealers through ivory distressing. The bill eliminates two of the nation’s largest ivory markets—Los

Angeles and San Francisco—by making the sale or intra-state importation of ivory illegal. Sales of ivory inlayed in a musical instrument imported before 1975 or in a more than 100-year-old antique are excluded from the ban.

Livestock Drugs

Three measures garnered legislative approval to ban and regulate the use of antibiotics in California livestock. In an effort to prevent the emergence of an antibiotic-resistant superbacteria, Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 27 into law, banning the routine use of antibiotics for livestock. The law also requires antibiotics be veterinarian prescribed for an individual animal. SB 361 requires veterinarians to participate in continuing education regarding antibiotic use and SB 770 regulates medicated feed.

Bills covering water conservation, the state’s Air Resources Board, marijuana industry and oil pipelines were also passed. AB 1288 expands the state’s clean air agency from 12 to 14 members. Three bills—SB 266, SB 643 and AB 243—address inconsistencies in the marijuana industry. Among other things, they direct state agencies to craft environmental regulations for cannabis growers. Also, a duo of bills, SB 295 and SB 414, increase oil pipeline inspections and AB 1 and AB 1164 prohibit localities from fining residents for brown lawns or forbidding drought-tolerant landscaping like artificial turf. •

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 | 08 BRIAN FLAMMER 7:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m. Live music at Harpoon Henry’s, 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.2933, www.windandsearestaurants.com/harpoonhenrys.

ELI LOCKE 8:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m. Live music at The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

GONE COUNTRY 10 p.m.–1 a.m. Country music and dancing at the Point Restaurant. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Saturday | 09 THE MAGIC OF COMPOSTING 8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Learn to transform kitchen scraps and yard clippings into “black gold” for your garden at this informative workshop. Backyard composting bins and vermicomposting (composting with worms) kits will be available for purchase. Dana Point residents attending the workshop will receive a $50 voucher toward the purchase of a composting bin.

Registration by April 8 required. To register call 949.248.3530 or sign up online using code “8771.” Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, janderson@danapoint.org, 949.248.3571, www.danapoint.org.

REPTILIAN BOARD WALK 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a peek into the secret world of native reptiles and some of the other elusive creatures that inhabit

the local coastal hills, weather permitting.

Most of the program will not take place on an established trail; participants will be walking through tall grasses with uneven surfaces underneath. $10 for adults, $5 for children. Ages 8 and up. Ladera Open Space-East, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

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. 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.

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.

SPECIAL SPRING STORYTIME 11 a.m.–noon. Children and families enjoy stories, songs and activities about springtime. No pre-registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

FRUIT TREE ORCHARD DESIGN & CARE 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Join The Ecology Center for a workshop that explores the basics of creating and caring for an abundant and healthy backyard fruit tree orchard suited for Southern California’s climate.

All attendees will receive informational handouts to complement the subjects covered in the workshop, as well as their own free small starter fruit tree. $30 for members, $40 for non-members. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

EDITOR’S PICK

California Wine Festival. Photo: Courtesy

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 AND SATURDAY, APRIL 16: CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL 6:30 p.m.–9 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Saturday. Experience California wine tasting at its finest and enjoy hundreds of the region’s premium vintage wines, microbrews, delicious food samples and lively music. Wines are paired with a variety of fresh gourmet appetizers such as artisan breads, cheeses, olive oils and more. On April 15 experience the Sunset Reserve & Rare Wine Tasting at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa on the hotel’s Vue restaurant lawn. April 16 features the Beachside Wine Festival at Lantern Bay Park. Saturday’s event includes a tasting tour from north to south, hosted by Jackson Family Wines educator Pedro Rusk. The tour has spots for only 50 VIP guests and will feature five unique Pinot Noirs from Oregon to Monterey County. VIPs will be allowed to enter at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $69 to $185 and include wine, food samples and an 18 oz. keepsake wine glass. The California Wine Festival is offering a 10 percent discount to DP Times readers. Enter promo code “CWFCOAST” at online checkout. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Vue restaurant lawn, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point; Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.californiawinefestival.com. reservations are recommended. To purchase tickets, call 949.489.8082 or visit www.comedyintheoc.com. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Harbor. Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. See more events online.

Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

LIVE OAK REVIEW 9 p.m. Live music at StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Monday | 11

Sunday | 10

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse hosts a lineup of four comedians on the second Saturday of each month. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $17.50;

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

CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Trips available every day of the week. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary depending on the vessel. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

(Cont. on page 14)

On Stage at the Coach House: Lindi Ortega DANA POINT TIMES

C Lindi Ortega. Photo: Courtesy

Dana Point Times April 8-14, 2016

anadian-born singer-songwriter Lindi Ortega released her latest album “Faded Gloryville” in August 2015 and is bringing her powerful voice to the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on April 10.

Tickets for Lindi Ortega are $15. The show is set to begin at 7 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m.

On “Faded Gloryville” Ortega uses her signature voice and country music-tinged arrangements to paint vivid pictures and scenes.

“I think my records in general are engaging because I write about things that we all face in the human condition. I just think people relate to music that comes from a real place and I always write from that perspective,” Ortega said.

Page 13

“Faded Gloryville” is Ortega’s fourth full-length album. Ortega has been nominated for two Polaris Music Prizes and two Canadian Country Music Awards.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. Dinner reservations with priority seating are also available. For tickets and more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 13)

Tuesday | 12 TACO TUESDAYS AT SUNSETS 4 p.m. Tacos for $2 and $3, margaritas and tequila for $5, Mexican beers for $4 and a DJ starting at 7 p.m. Sunsets Bar & Grill Capo Beach, 34700 Pacific Coast Highway, Capistrano Beach, 949.276.8880, www.sunsetsbar.com.

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; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Wednesday | 13 SCIENCE NIGHT: THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Learn about current science-related topics in a family-friendly format. This month’s event features Susie Vanderlip, presenting “everything you’ve ever wanted to know about monarch butterflies” in a fun and engaging educational program. Science Nights generally include hands-on activities, speakers and/or displays. For more information,

call or email dpnaturalresources@danapoint.org. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.248.3527, www.danapoint.org.

Thursday | 14 HCG MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM CLASS 6 p.m.–7 p.m. Learn how to lose up to 30 pounds in 30 days with HCG. Free class discusses the use of prescription HCG for safe, medically supervised, fast and effective weight loss. Space is limited. Call to register. Helene Pulnik, ND, Pacific Coast Naturopathic Health, 24865 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.416.4670, www.naturopathicwellness.com.

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’ AT SCHS 7:30 p.m. The San Clemente High School Drama Department will perform a version of the Addams Family. Performances run April 14 to 16 and 21 to 23. Tickets are on sale now, between $10 and $15. 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.492.4165, www.schsdrama.com.

UPCOMING: SATURDAY, APRIL 16 ARMED SERVICES YMCA POKER RUN 10 a.m. Registration for the inaugural Armed Services YMCA Poker Run begins at 10 a.m., with the ride beginning at

11 a.m. The event starts at Biggies in San Clemente—stops include Hell’s Kitchen, Doffo Winery and Rainbow Oaks. $25 per rider, $15 for additional rider. There will be prizes and raffle items at the finish. Proceeds benefit Camp Pendleton military families. For more information, call 760.385.4921 or email stabrum@camppendletonasymca.org. To register, visit www.camppendletonasymca.org.

HOW TO DRAW NATURE WORKSHOP 1:30 p.m. Sharpen your observation skills as you learn techniques for capturing nature’s beauty during a two-hour workshop at Tree of Life Nursery. Bring a sketchbook; other supplies provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is available; walk-ins are welcome. Admission is $25 for adults, $20 for children. Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.728.0685, www.californianativeplants.com.

DANA POINT SYMPHONY 7:30 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony Orchestra presents event No. 2 of its fourconcert 2016 season with conductor Dean Anderson and featuring Francisco Fullana on violin. Program includes Saint-Saens’ “Introduction Rondo Capriccioso,” Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite” and Saint-Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals.” Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, seniors and military. Buy tickets online or at the door

on a first-come, first-served basis. Spring ticket special: buy tickets online before April 14 and use the code “SPRING” for a 10 percent discount. St. Edward’s Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, www.danapointsymphony.com.

UPCOMING: SATURDAY, MAY 7 ELEGANT AND ENCHANTING GARDEN TOUR 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Rose Society of Saddleback Mountain presents their 25th Elegant and Enchanting Garden Tour. The theme for this year’s tour is “California Gardens/ California Dreamin’” and features four unique and innovative private gardens— two in San Juan Capistrano and two in San Clemente. Proceeds provide scholarships for college students studying horticulture. Advance tickets are $25 and may be purchased at www.rosesrosesroses.org or 949.837.2141. Advance tickets may also be purchased at Dana Point Nursery, 34100 Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point. A complimentary $10 gift certificate will be included with each ticket purchased at the nursery. On the day of the tour, tickets may be purchased for $30 at 3 Maracay in San Clemente, one of the featured homes.

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

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

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

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

ASSISTED LIVING HOME FOR ELDERLY

Assisted Senior Home

949.248.9415, www.assistedseniorhome.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

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

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

LIST LOCALS ONLY

USE LOCALS ONLY 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

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

We Can’t Let the Terrorists Win

E

ach year, my partner Greta and I take a vacation together—a tradition we’ve kept since meeting in June 1998. We feel getting away is good for our relationship; it rekindles the flame and gives us time to focus only on each other while away from the day-to-day demands of life in south Orange County.

Now that we are retired, we want to travel as much as we can, while we can.

We feel blessed to be able to do so.

This year, we leave for Europe on April 12. To go abroad takes advance planning.

We have booked our accommodations and airplane flights, purchased Rail Europe passes and made train reservations, bought trip insurance and acquired euros. We are all set to go.

However, we can’t ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 help but think back to

By Tom Blake the same time of year in 2004, when we were leaving for Spain.

Our itinerary back then was to fly to Madrid and hop a train from Madrid’s Atocha Train Station to go to the Costa del Sol for a week. While there, we planned to take the premier train to Barcelona and back. Then, we’d return by train to Atocha. By February, we had finalized all of the reservations and had paid for our Rail Europe train tickets and hotel accommodations. We were excited and couldn’t wait to leave.

But on March 4, 2004, our excitement turned to trepidation. Ten terrorists’ bombs ripped through three Spanish train stations, including Atocha, killing 191 people and injuring more than 1,800. The tracks we would have been on were the ones where the bombs hit.

Our first reaction: This could have happened to us. It’s too dangerous to go to Spain. We asked Rail Europe to refund our money and canceled our Madrid hotel accommodations.

But we didn’t cancel our airplane reservations. We agonized over our decision.

In a 2004 newspaper column, I asked my readers, “If you were in our shoes, would you be on a plane to Madrid a week from Friday?” More than 250 responded. “Go for it” was the overwhelming sentiment.

We went, but traveled in Spain by rental car, which was probably more dangerous than traveling by rail.

On the night we arrived in Madrid, we watched in horror on Spanish TV as the terrorists blew themselves up in their apartment.

So, here we are in 2016. We fly to Germany and then take the train across Belgium to Paris, where we will spend 18 days. We have several day trips by train planned. In May, we travel by train to Italy. With the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels, we found we are in a similar situation as we were in 2004. Should we go?

We have looked at each other and said, “What do you think?” We have asked friends and family and they encourage us to go.

We have concluded that if we don’t go, we let the terrorists win. Yes, we understand there are risks involved. But there are risks involved every time we get on the Interstate 5 freeway. We will be as careful and as diligent as we can be.

We will let you know how it’s going from over there.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and who has authored several books on middleaged dating. His latest book can be found at www.smashwords.com. See his website at www.findingloveafter60.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. DP The age 50+ singles Meet and Greet is scheduled for Thursday, April 26, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli. No admission charge. Live music. Call 949.248.9008 for information.

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

SCENE { I N DANA P O I NT }

The Taste of Dana event at Dana Hills

High School on March 31 attracted more

than 1,000 people for a fun evening of food, music and

prizes. Guests sampled cuisine from more than 20 restaurants, enjoyed live music by students and bid on a large

selection of silent auction items. Proceeds from the event will go toward Grad Nite, a safe and sober graduation celebration for the school’s class of 2016.

Photo: Andrea Swayne

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.

Pet of the Week: Carter

C

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

Dana Point Times April 8-14, 2016

arter is a happy dog who loves to play! At only a year-and-half old, Carter is very lively and athletic and would appreciate someone who can keep up with his active lifestyle. When play time is over, Carter shows off his cuddly side and often wants nothing more than to sit in your lap and cover you with kisses.

If you would like to know more about Carter, please call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente. DP Page 16

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

ger than the next closest competitor.

The Dolphins distance runners dominated in the 3,200-meter run. Senior Mason Coppi won the event with a time of 9:39.61, Jake Ogden (9:50.65) finished second and Jack Landgraf (9:56.72) took third. The Dolphins had five runners in the top-5.

Ogden also won the 800-meter run.

The Dolphins will compete at the Arcadia Invitational this weekend before returning to league competition against Trabuco Hills on April 14.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Tennis Falls to Rival Tritons

Baseball Pulls Off Historic Win Over Cougars, Falls to Chargers For the first time in eight years, a Dana Hills baseball team travelled to Capistrano Valley and defeated the Cougars on their home soil.

The Dolphins picked up an 8-5 South Coast League victory over the Cougars on April 5 behind a complete game, 10-strikeout performance by junior pitcher Hans Crouse. Senior catcher and BYU commit David Clawson belted a two-run home run and Max Mircovich hit a decisive threerun double in the sixth inning to put the Dolphins ahead for good.

The game was a back-and-forth battle between the two rivals that featured three lead changes.

Dana Hills (8-7, 2-2 league) lost to firstplace El Toro in a league game on April 6.

The Chargers were fueled by a three-run third inning that secured a 5-3 win.

Dana Hills will travel to play San Juan Hills in a nonleague game on April 11. The game is part of a season-long exhibition tournament between the South Coast and Sea View Leagues.

Shawn Kany (left) and the Dana Hills baseball team defeated Capistrano Valley on the road for the first time in eight years on April 5. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

Boys Lacrosse Offense Firing on All Cylinders The Dana Hills boys lacrosse team has scored 46 goals in its last three games, which have resulted in three straight victories. Over the three-game stretch, the Dolphins outscored their opponents 46-2.

Dana Hills (11-1, 3-0) solidified its standing at the top of the Sea View League on March 30 following a 16-2 win over San Juan Hills.

Dana Hills has been very efficient in Sea View League competition. In three league matches, the Dolphins have outscored their opponents 38-6. Dana Hills has league victories over Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills and San Juan Hills.

The Dolphins were scheduled to play a

nonleague game against Viewpoint on April 8. Results were not available at press time.

Dana Hills will host El Toro in a league contest on April 12. The Chargers finished first in league last season.

Track Teams Sweep Wolverines The Dana Hills boys and girls track and field teams defeated Aliso Niguel in a South Coast League dual meet on March 31. The girls team defeated Aliso Niguel 78-58 and the boys team won 81.5-54.5.

Several Dolphin athletes had standout performances at the meet.

In the girls discus throw, Dana Hills sophomore Rosalie Ballo won the event with a throw of 116-02, nearly 10 feet lon-

Defending South Coast League champion and CIF-SS Division 1 runner-up San Clemente breezed its way past the Dana Hills boys tennis team 15-3 in a league contest on March 31.

The Tritons singles players dominated the day, winning all nine possible points.

The Dolphins overall record fell to 6-5 on the season and 3-2 in league play.

Softball Carries Win Streak into League Opener The Dana Hills softball team will carry a two-game win streak into South Coast League competition. The Dolphins (10-8) rattled off back-to-back wins over Trabuco Hills and Tesoro on March 29 and March 31, respectively.

Dana Hills will open league play against defending league champion Mission Viejo on April 12.

At the plate, the Dolphins continue to be led by seniors Samantha Williams and Hailey Hoklotubbe. Williams is batting a blistering .485 through 18 games and Hoklotubbe is batting .415.

Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup Returns to Dana Point DANA POINT TIMES

T

he seventh annual Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup to benefit the Sport of Kings Foundation will take place April 9 at Baby Beach in the Dana Point Harbor. The event will feature some of the top paddleboarders in the nation competing in several events throughout the day.

Proceeds raised at the Mongoose Cup will benefit the Sport of Kings Foundation, a non-profit that helps those in the surfboard manufacturing industry with life threatening and debilitating illnesses.

Mongoose Cup organizers anticipate over 200 SUP competitors to descend upon the harbor to take part in the Sport of King races, one-mile time trial, ‘Luck of the Draw Relays’, prone paddleboard sprints and more. There will also be a waterman Dana Point Times April 8-14, 2016

expo area and SUP yoga demonstrations.

“The Mongoose Cup provides a great opportunity to immerse in paddleboard sports revelry, competition, culture and community,” Mickey Munoz said in a press release. “Come out with the whole family to learn new paddling skills and techniques, checkout the latest in paddling and surfing products, and enjoy the camaraderie of racing with friends and pros alike.”

Event registration opens at 7:30 a.m. An awards ceremony will be held at 3:45 p.m. followed by an after party at Waterman’s Harbor Restaurant.

For more information on the Mongoose Cup or to register for an event, visit www.sportofkingsfoudnation.com or email event coordinator Barrett Tester at barrett.tester@gmail.com. DP

Competitors make a turn around a buoy during the 2015 Mongoose Cup. Photo: Mike Muir

Page 18

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DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS

Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com AUTOS FOR SALE

MUST SELL!! SEATS 7!

2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER 4x4 Silver with black interior. Bluetooth CD player with lan hookup. New Bilstein shocks. K&N air filter. In great shape. $13,500 949-633-3860

FOR SALE QUANTUM ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR Value $3,000 for sale for $800 OBO Call 949-496-9541 CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available - all shapes, sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too!

Mike 949-240-1545.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE Cancer Research Fundraiser April 9th.

8:00/3:00. Manzanita Drive, Dana Point.

NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE SALE Saturday April 9th 8am-1pm. Above San Clemente High School. Exit Pico, turn right on Avenida Presidio. Follow Signs to Huge Neighborhood Garage Sale.

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

HELP WANTED SEASONAL PART-TIME BOAT YARD & MAINTENANCE HELP NEEDED (Dana Point Harbor) Weekends & holidays mandatory. Good customer service & handyman type skills. Email Ken@danaharbor.com PART TIME OFFICE HELP NEEDED (Dana Point) Weekends & Holidays mandatory. Good customer service & computer skills. Email resume Laurie@danaharbor.com

SERVICES

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

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

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

Phone Chris -949 510 6645 Dana Point Times April 8-14, 2016

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

GROM OF THE WEEK

NICHOLAS “NICO” COLI

N

icholas “Nico” Coli, 13, of San Clemente returned Tuesday night from a spring break trip with Soul Surf to Oahu, Hawaii.

Traveling to try out new surfbreaks is a big part of what Nico wants to do on his quest for a professional surfing career. So when offered the opportunity to check out Oahu’s great waves with fellow groms, he jumped at the chance.

“It was the first time I’ve been to Hawaii and it was awesome,” Nico said. “It was so great to surf Pipe, Off-the-Wall, Haleiwa, Gas Chambers and Rocky Point. I am so stoked I got to go.”

When asked what his favorite surfbreak was a few weeks ago, he said, “Lowers.”

The same question on Tuesday brought a new answer: “Lowers and Pipe.”

Nico will spend the few final days of spring break getting ready for his Western Surfing Association event April 9–10 in Oceanside.

“I really need to focus as much as I can, watch the waves and make sure I choose the right board for the conditions,” Nico said. “I just need to put in the time. The more time you surf the better. It doesn’t matter if you started at age 3 or 10, the more hours you put in, the better you will be. So that’s what I’m doing. I am really hoping things go well for me the rest of the season in all of my events.”

In addition to WSA, Nico also competes in the National Scholastic Surfing Association Southwest Open Conference and Surfing America Prime. He is currently ranked No. 9 of 86 in WSA Boys U14, No. 10 of 29 in NSSA Southwest Open Boys and No. 9 of 26 in Surfing America Prime Boys U14.

“Right now I am really working on my

2015/2016 Big Wave World Champion Greg Long of San Clemente pulls into a massive barrel at Jaws during the Pe’ahi Challenge. Photo: WSL

A Big Wave Wonder

Greg Long up for two WSL Big Wave Awards

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

S

an Clemente-based professional big wave surfer Greg Long is among this year’s nominees for the Surfline Best Overall Performance and Pure Scot Barrel of the Year awards at the upcoming World Surf League Big Wave Awards, set for Saturday, April 23, at the Grove Theater in Anaheim.

As the 2015/2016 WSL Big Wave World Tour champion, Long is considered on the “short list” for a win at the 16th annual WSL Big Wave Awards.

The Best Overall Performance Award is given to the male surfer with the most outstanding performances in the most venues, who also “demonstrates a high level of excellence in water safety leadership.” The award is voted on by a panel of judges and carries a prize purse of $15,000 for first place, $5,000 for second and $2,000 for third.

The Barrel of the Year Award carries a $10,000 prize for the winner and $4,000 to the photographer who captured the shot.

Long is nominated for a massive barrel ride in December at the Pe’ahi Challenge in Hawaii. Shots of Long taken by four photographers—Erik Aeder, Kelly Cestari, Richard Hallman, Paul Karaolides and Sofie Dana Point Times April 8-14, 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS April 9: Mickey Munoz Salt Life Mongoose Cup, Dana Point Harbor, Baby Beach

Greg Long is shown here accepting the 2014 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Award for Ride of the Year. Long is nominated for two WSL Big Wave Awards this year: Best Overall Performance and Barrel of the Year. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Louca—are in contention Other categories include, the Ride of the Year, Paddle Award, Biggest Wave Award, Women’s Overall Performance and Wipeout of the Year.

Long was the Ride of the Year award winner in 2014, at the then Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards.

For more information, including a full list of nominees, visit www.worldsurfleague. com. DP

Nico Coli. Photo: Soul Surf

air game,” he said. “Besides surfing a lot I am also training at DSC, working on core strength, balance and breath holds. I want to start doing pro junior events and traveling more. My ultimate goal is to win a world title someday.”

Nico is also dedicated to keeping up with his school work and is an A and B student in the seventh grade at Shorecliffs Middle School. When not surfing or studying, he enjoys hanging out with friends, skateboarding and fishing.

The highlight of his surf season so far, he said, was landing a big air at the Pismo Beach WSA event in November.

“I didn’t think I was going to land it, but I did,” Nico said. “It was pretty sick. I got an 8.50 right when I really needed a good score in the quarters. It was cool because in the photo my foot was completely off of my board but it landed right back in the right spot. I ended up losing in the semis. I was kind of mad and disappointed. It happens.”

Nico gives credit for his surfing success to the help of his supporters and would like to thank his sponsors—Hurley, Lost, Positive Vibe Warriors, Syck Trix, 1LAW, DSC and Filtrate—and his coach, Dave Post.

“I also want to thank my mom and dad for taking me to contests and coaching me,” he said. “They are awesome for always supporting me, believing in me and being there for me, win or lose.” —Andrea Swayne

SURF FORECAST

April 9-10: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, makeup from March 12-13, Oceanside, South Harbor Jetty

Water Temperature: 58-60 degrees F

April 16: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 7, San Clemente, T Street

Water Visibility and Conditions: 4-8’ Poor-Fair

April 16-17: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 7 and No. 8, Carlsbad, Ponto April 23-24: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 9, with make-up heats from event No. 6 and No. 7, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach April 23-24: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 9 and No. 10, Huntington Beach, 9th Street May 7-8: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 6, Camp Pendleton, DMJ May 14-15: WSA West Coast Championships, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach May 19-22: NSSA West Coast Championships, Huntington Beach, Pier

Outlook: Small combo of SSW and NW swells continue into the back half of the week with more knee-chest high surf at best exposed spots. Conditions start to fall apart going into the weekend as onshore winds rise up and a chance for rain for the region. Stay tuned and check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

June 4: Soul Surf Series, Championship, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach

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