August 12, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

August 12-18, 2016

YO U

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Shootout for Soldiers a Success PAGE 21 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 33

Open Communications Discussing police and community relationships with Lt. Russ Chilton of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 9

Dana Point Police Chief Lt. Russ Chilton has been with the city for more than 30 years, and says police relationships with the local community are strong. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Councilman Olvera Will Not Seek Re-Election EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

CUSD Board Votes to Place $889 Million Bond on Ballot EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

City Council to Hold Public Hearing on Strands Gate EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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of the Orange County Taxpayers Association, told the board in July that the district’s bond measure met most of the association’s criteria, with the exception of a specific list of projects the board is committed to using the bond’s revenue on.

Several trustees voiced concerns over the lack of a detailed project list and directed staff to work on a more specific list of facilities improvements to be completed. On Aug. 3, Cavecche said in an interview that a revised draft resolution met the association’s minimum criteria for school bonds.

Five things Dana Point should know this week Councilman Olvera Will Not Seek Re-Election; Others File to Run for Council THE LATEST: Councilman Carlos Olvera says he will not seek re-election this November.

With the deadline approaching for those interested in running for City Council to pull and file nomination paperwork, Olvera says he will not be on the November ballot.

“I accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish,” Olvera said. He added that he will still continue with the Historical Commission and plans to spend time visiting family across the country with his wife.

Olvera’s seat, along with Councilman Scott Schoeffel’s, will be up for election this year. Schoeffel is unable to re-run due to serving two terms on the Council.

As of press time on Wednesday, at least two Dana Point residents’ names will be on the ballot to fill the two open Council seats. Penny Maynard and Paul Wyatt have been certified by the Orange County Office of the Registrar, according to City Clerk Kathy Ward.

Ward said city residents Nadia Khalil and Debra Lewis have filed nomination paperwork, but as of press time, they had not yet been certified. Ward said Nick St. George has also pulled nomination paperwork.

WHAT’S NEXT: Because an incumbent will not file nomination papers by 5 p.m. on Aug. 12—the initial deadline for all applicants—the nomination period will be extended to Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 5:30 p.m. —Kristina Pritchett

Skatepark Design Progresses with Workshop THE LATEST: More than 60 residents joined city officials, skatepark design consultant Aaron Spohn of Spohn Ranch and organizers with local nonprofit Capistrano Grind at the San Juan Community Center on Wednesday to collect ideas and feedback on potential features for the city’s future skatepark, which will be located at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park.

Spohn kicked off the workshop with a presentation on park specifics, including opportunities for mixed use space, seating Dana Point Times August 12-18, 2016

Dozens of area youth participated in the San Juan Capistrano skatepark design workshop held at the Community Center on Aug. 10. Photo: Nathan Banda

and spectator areas, different types of skating features, protective fences and ideas for creating an iconic design unique to San Juan Capistrano. Following the presentation, participants had the opportunity to fill out surveys and sketch out ideas to get the ball rolling.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information on skatepark progress and future workshops, contact the city’s Community Services Department at 949.443.6388, follow Capistrano Grind Skatepark on Facebook or email Nathan Banda at nathan@capistranogrindskatepark.org.—Allison Jarrell

Construction Continues on I-5, PCH THE LATEST: Progress is continuing on the Avenida Pico widening, and next week, some significant on- and off-ramp closures will take place.

“Construction on the Avenida Pico segment, (which will start the) traffic switch, marks a significant milestone that will, for the first time, transition southbound traffic onto the new I-5 bridge over Avenida Pico,” said Eric Carpenter, public information officer for the Orange County Transportation Authority.

New pavement will be applied in the area between Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Palizada—just under one mile— during construction. Four lanes of traffic will be reduced to one lane from 10 p.m. on Aug. 19 until noon on Saturday, Aug. 20. Two lanes will be open, however, at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

During the 14-hour construction period the following ramps will be closed: southbound on-ramps at Avenida Vista Hermosa and Avenida Pico, southbound off-ramps at Avenida Pico and Avenida Palizada.

The I-5 South Improvement Project is scheduled to be finished by early 2018.

WHAT’S NEXT: More information on the project can be found at www.octa.net/ i5south.—Eric Heinz

CUSD Board Votes to Place $889M Bond on Ballot THE LATEST: Voters in the Capistrano Unified School District will decide on Nov. 8 whether they want to pay more taxes to help the district leverage state funds to pay for over $800 million in deferred facilities maintenance.

After heated public comment and debate, the CUSD Board of Trustees voted 6-1 Wednesday night, with Trustee Jim Reardon dissenting, to call a school bond election within the newly formed School Facilities Improvement District #2, which encompasses the entire district except for Rancho Mission Viejo.

If 55 percent of voters approve the $889 million general obligation bond in November, residents living within SFID #2 will be taxed $43 for every $100,000 of assessed value on their homes. While staff has estimated that $43 per $100,000 is the maximum tax rate needed to fund the bond, the ballot measure language states that the rate can technically reach $60 per year per $100,000, which Reardon noted could realistically happen if interest rates rise enough over the next 10 years.

How CUSD will spend the potential new funding is still a topic of contention, especially among residents who have criticized the district’s lack of transparency and history of overtaxation in Community Facilities Districts.

Carolyn Cavecche, president and CEO

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WHAT’S NEXT: A letter of opposition to the bond signed by 11 South Orange County elected officials was presented at the meeting. Mission Viejo Mayor Frank Ury and Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Tony Beall spearheaded the effort, asking the district to “determine realistic needs and exhaust all potential sources of funding before [going] back to the taxpayers for more money.”

For their efforts, Board President Amy Hanacek reported that trustees voted 6-1 in closed session to initiate litigation against Ury and Beall, asking the county District Attorney and state Attorney General to determine if the city of Mission Viejo or the city of Rancho Santa Margarita had misused public funds to influence the outcome of an election.—AJ

City Council to Hold Public Hearing on Strands Gates THE LATEST: During the Aug. 16 City Council meeting, a public hearing is scheduled regarding a zone text amendment that would allow the use of fully retractable gates in the Strand community.

In July, the Planning Commission voted to send the recommendation to approve the zone text amendment to the City Council on a five to zero vote.

The amendment would allow the use of fully retractable gates at the mid-Strand beach access point, the central Strand upper access point and the central Strand lower access point.

Commissioners along with city residents who spoke at the Planning Commission meeting said they were in favor of the gates for security reasons.

In April 2016, the California Coastal Commission’s staff recommended a settlement agreement after six years of litigation—the settlement included an agreement to modify the local coastal development program to include designated hours of operations for the access points.

WHAT’S NEXT: If the City Council approves the amendment on Aug. 16, it will go to the California Coastal Commission.

—KP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT

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, July 17 DISTURBANCE Dana Vista Drive, 33600 Block (3:35 p.m.) A woman told police she was being harassed by her neighbor. She said they continuously yelled at her.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIES Pacific Coast Highway/Niguel Road (3:23 p.m.) A Jeep and white Yaris were involved in an accident.

RECKLESS DRIVING Street of the Golden Lantern/Del Prado (2:49 p.m.) Police were called for a driver in a white Mercedes who allegedly was cutting off the caller and flipping them off.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIES Street of the Crystal Lantern/Pacific Coast Highway (11:56 a.m.) A pedestrian and a Honda Accord were involved in an accident.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Blue Sail Drive/Via Lenita (7:38 p.m.) Police received second hand information about a man who has threatened residents in the neighborhood before.

Saturday, July 16

Friday, July 15 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Street of the Blue Lantern, 33700 Block (9:31 p.m.) A caller told police they could see someone in the condo kitty-corner from them. They stated there were no lights on but the flashlights.

DRUNK DRIVING Pacific Coast Highway/ Ritz-Carlton Drive (7:23 p.m.) A caller told police a woman was swerving badly.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Crown Valley Parkway (6:09 p.m.) Police were called about two juveniles throwing rocks at the trolley as it passed by.

PETTY THEFT Big Sur Street, 33300 Block (3:18 p.m.) The caller referenced a GoPro camera.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street, 33500 Block (10:33 a.m.) An employee told police a man was harassing customers.

Thursday, July 14 VANDALISM Pacific Coast Highway, 32800 Block (8:04 p.m.) A man told police his passenger side rear window was smashed with an unknown object while he was parked at the location.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Selva Road/Pacific Coast Highway (5:58 p.m.) A caller told police it looked like someone was trying to break into a red sedan parked on the street.

DISTURBANCE Calle Naranja, 34500 Block (11:21 p.m.) A caller told police a man was grabbing a woman by her arms and “dragged her into a van and a neighbor possibly interrupted it.”

PROWLER Capistrano by the Sea, 0 Block (5:46 p.m.) A caller said they heard noises and footsteps going up the stairs and movement in the upstairs bedroom.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (1:38 p.m.) A blue Honda and a beige Escalade were involved in an accident.

DRUNK DRIVING Pacific Coast Highway/ Crown Valley Parkway (4:11 p.m.) An arrest was made after a woman called about a vehicle almost “ramming” into her.

DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24800 Block (12:20 a.m.) Police were called for two juveniles who were tying fishing line across the promenade.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street/Dana Point Harbor Drive (9:43 a.m.) Police were called for a man throwing items at passing vehicles.

Dana Point Times August 12-18, 2016

RECKLESS DRIVING La Cresta Drive, 24200 Block (5:26 p.m.) A caller said they heard a vehicle doing donuts in the elementary school parking lot.

CITIZEN ASSIST Christina Drive, 33000 Block (2:36 p.m.) A woman told police her daughter and her daughter’s friend took her vehicle without her permission.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Camino De Estrella, 27000 Block (1:56 p.m.) A caller told police a black Nissan Altima was parked in front of the mailboxes for three days.

CITIZEN ASSIST La Cresta Drive, 24200 Block (12:21 p.m.) A caller told police an aide witnessed “a teacher being too rough with students.”

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-UNKNOWN INJURIES Niguel Road/Camino Del Avion (9:35 a.m.) A black BMW and a blue Chrysler were involved in an accident.

RECKLESS DRIVING Niguel Road/Pacific Coast Highway (9:53 a.m.) A caller told police a driver in a white BMW was driving between 90-100 mph and brakechecking people.

RECKLESS DRIVING Crown Valley Parkway/ Pacific Coast Highway (5:39 p.m.) Police were called about a tan Jeep that was occupied by three men. The caller said the car was swerving all over the road and almost hit them.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE San Marino Place, 34100 Block (12 p.m.) A caller told police they saw a man in the alley who may have been breaking into an apartment.

RECKLESS DRIVING Monarch Bay Plaza/ Crown Valley Parkway (5:31 p.m.) Police were called about a woman speeding. The caller said she nearly hit him while he was walking.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Via Orvieto, 22800 Block (11:54 a.m.) Police were called about a 13-year-old girl who said someone was allegedly trying to lure her out of the house.

Tuesday, July 12 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Street of the Amber Lantern (9:39 p.m.) Police were called for a man who exposed himself to the caller.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Seabreeze Terrace, 0 Block (8:33 p.m.) A caller told police their door was broken in at their house. The neighbor told the caller about the door, and that a bathroom door was locked.

DISTURBANCE Beach Road, 35000 Block (5:21 p.m.) Police were called about two men yelling and pointing fingers at a woman.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Stonehill Drive/Cheltam Way (3:26 p.m.) A brown Kia and a silver Nissan were involved in an accident.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 32800 Block (10:35 a.m.) A man was allegedly yelling and harassing customers.

Wednesday, July 13

BURGLARY Blue Fin Drive, 33100 Block (9 a.m.) A woman told police her neighbor’s car window was broken.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Camino De Los Mares/Camino El Molino (7:52 p.m.)

A blue Impala and a gray BMW were involved in an accident.

Monday, July 11

TRESPASSING La Cresta Drive, 24200 Block (6:21 p.m.) Police were called about a person on top of the roof.

TRESPASSING Via Sacrament, 24600 Block (10:10 p.m.) Police were called for two juveniles on the roof of the school.

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Community Meetings TUESDAY, AUGUST 16

City Council

6 p.m. Members of the Dana Point City Council will meet in the Council Chambers. The agenda will be available at danapoint.org. Dana Point City Hall.

33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

Because I Love You (BILY) Meeting

7-9 p.m. every Tuesday. BILY helps parents find solutions to any crisis they are experiencing due to their children’s (adult or minor) poor choices. 119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente. www.bilysc.org.

Dana Harbor Toastmasters

7-8:30 p.m. Fine-tune your public speaking skills each Tuesday at Capo Beach Church, 26975 Domingo Avenue, Capistrano Beach. 949.492.7181. toastmasters.org.

Post and Auxiliary 9934 Meeting

6:30 p.m. Every second Tuesday, the Post and Auxiliary 9934 meet at South Shores Church. Vfwpost9934@cox. net. 949.248.1419. 32712 Crown Valley Parkway, Dana Point.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17

Traffic Improvement Subcommittee

3-5 p.m. Members of the subcommittee will meet in Council Chambers.

Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

Arts and Culture Commission

6-9 p.m. Members of the commission will meet in Council Chambers.

Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.248.3557. ybrenes@danapoint.org.

Sunrise Rotary Club

7-8:30 a.m. Members of the Rotary Club meet every Wednesday morning at Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa. Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18

Coastmasters

7-8:30 a.m. Join the members of the Coastmasters every Thursday to improve your speaking and leadership skills. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing & Events Center. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Business Beat

to screen at this year’s Long Beach Indie International Film Festival,” said Donna Kalez, GM for Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

The film was selected from more than 700 submissions received by the festival for consideration.

The screening will occur at the Cinemark at the Peak Theater in Long Beach on Friday, Sept. 2 at 12:30 p.m. Visit longbeachindie.com for information and passes.

News from Dana Point’s business community

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

RAFFLE DEADLINE THE OCEAN INSTITUTE 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point The deadline for the Laguna Beach Million Dollar Home Raffle Early Bird is Thursday, Aug. 18.

The million dollar raffle benefits the Ocean Institute and participating nonprofit organizations.

Those who purchase tickets by the deadline will have an opportunity to win many additional prizes that include an Australia/New Zealand or Fijian vacation, or $10,000 cash.

Any ticket drawn will be placed back into the ticket drum for the Nov. 5 grand prize drawing of the Laguna Beach home or $1 million in cash; the winner chooses.

Tickets are $150 and only 20,000 tickets will be sold. Buy an early bird ticket, or multiple tickets for additional chances to win.

To purchase tickets, and for additional information, call 949.627.8502 or visit www.ocean-institute.org/homeraffle.

The Laguna Beach Million Dollar Home Raffle early bird deadline is Aug. 18. Photo: Courtesy of the Ocean Institute

FOOD DRIVE CAPTAIN DAVE’S DOLPHIN & WHALE SAFARI 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

During the month of August, Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari will be holding a canned food drive to benefit the Caring Hands Pantry.

Captain Dave’s is looking for canned or non-perishable foods, which can be given at check-in at the Dolphin Deck.

Those who bring in a donation of five or more cans will receive 50 percent off a Captain Dave’s youth tie-dye T-shirt.

For more information, call 949.488.2828 or visit dolphinsafari.com.

Dana Point Times August 12-18, 2016

RECENTLY OPENED

Max Fisher, owner of The Shwack Cantina, stands in front of the newly opened restaurant in San Clemente.

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

RECENTLY OPENED THE SHWACK CANTINA 1527 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente The restaurant may be in San Clemente, but many Dana Point residents know the name. The Shwack Cantina, the second restaurant in the Shwack family, opened its doors along El Camino Real in July.

On Tuesday, customers sat along the bar, and open doors welcomed in the coastal breeze. Out on the patio, brightly colored pillows adorned a bench seat.

Within ten minutes of the door opening, multiple customers walked in to try the new eatery.

Although Max Fisher, owner of the Shwack restaurants, grew up in Dana Point, he knew he wanted to expand his restaurants outside of the city. The location in San Clemente fit the Shwack atmosphere.

“Originally we were looking at a space up in the outlet mall,” Fisher said. “Going through the research, it didn’t fit Shwack’s vibe.”

That vibe—a surfing and family environment—is something Fisher has continued from the Dana Point location.

“It seemed like this would be a good fit, there’s a lot of families around here,” Fisher said.

Fisher said originally, he looked to open a cantina in Dana Point, but it wouldn’t have been under the Shwack name.

“But when we found this space, it made sense,” Fisher said.

Fisher said he enjoys seeing his Dana Point customers in San Clemente, and

knows some regulars from San Clemente who can travel a little less distance.

“They like that it’s different food so they can go to both, and I like hearing that,” Fisher said.

The menu may be different, apart from the Shwack burger, but Fisher said they will continue to have fundraiser nights for organizations around the city.

In the future, Fisher hopes to have four or five locations in the coastal communities. But for now, he’s working full-time at the Cantina.

“I don’t pass up on opportunities,” Fisher said. “If something came up and it’s a good spot, we’d make it work.”

The restaurant opens daily at 11 a.m.

PEARL ZIMMERMAN, MD, MPH INCORPORATED 26933 Camino De Estrella, Dana Point Dr. Pearl Zimmerman recently celebrated the opening of her new office with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a health fair on Aug. 4.

Zimmerman previously opened an office in Irvine last year, but with her San Clemente roots she knew she wanted to be closer to home.

“I really like being in a smaller community,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman officially opened her doors in July, but was welcomed into the community with a ribbon cutting ceremony held by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

Zimmerman has partnered with Dr. William Sears, who has been in the city for more than 40 years. Together, they help patients with clients who may have multiple medical problems.

Zimmerman said her Capistrano Beach location, as well as her Irvine office, is a functional and integrative medicine private practice.

Her services include allergies, cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, women’s health, digestive disorders, emotional wellness and more.

For more information, visit www.pearlzimmermanmd.com or call 949.328.4817.

LOCAL FILM DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING & WHALE WATCHING 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point A film created by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching staff was picked to be featured at an upcoming film festival.

An original film, Sharing the Shores off Dana Point: A Whale & Dolphin Exploration, has been selected to screen at the Long Beach Indie International Film Festival at the end of the month.

The film is a compilation of GoPro footage that gives the viewer a Whale Watching experience with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. It shows the viewer whales, dolphins, sea lions, birds and other wildlife right off Dana Point Harbor.

“We are thrilled to have our film chosen

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Pearl Zimmerman, MD, MPH Incorporated had a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce to officially open the practice. Photo: Courtesy of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Dana Point Police Chief Lt. Russ Chilton discusses policing and community relationships. Chilton has been with the city for more than 30 years. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

Open Communications Discussing police and community relationships with Lt. Russ Chilton of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

A

cross the country, police officers have been shown in the media in videos, photos and social media posts. There have been stories about officers shot and killed during duty, and there have been some about unrest following shootings of unarmed people by police.

Such emotional events have caused many people to pick sides, but events like Aug. 2’s National Night Out, an annual event that brings the community and police together, seek to open the discussion in order to find real solutions.

The Dana Point Times sat down with Lt. Russ Chilton of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in the wake of National Night Out for a Q&A to discuss how he sees local law enforcement working with the community to create better relationships.

Dana Point Times: How long have you been working in the city?

Chilton: I started here as a patrol deputy in 1988, and then I left the city in 2002 when I got elected to City Council. And then I came back as a Field Sgt. in 2011, and then I came back as the Chief in April 2014.

I have a long history with the city, I live here, and I’ve raised my family here.

I’ve been here for more than 30 years.

I’ve seen a lot of changes, and it’s all been for the better. I think the city is going in the right direction.”

Did being on City Council give you a different perspective?

Dana Point Times August 12-18, 2016

It helps me with this job, because it gives you an understanding of that side of the dais.

Has communication between residents and police gotten better in the city?

Absolutely, we have a very good working relationship with the groups in the city.

Are there certain things residents can do to work with police?

What happens a lot of times is that I hear about an incident a few days after the incident occurs, and what we have is under reporting because people feel that they don’t want to bother us. I can’t do much after three or four days, the mere fact is to pick up the phone and call. That’s what we’re here for. Let us determine if the situation (requires police action). If you think it’s suspicious, it may be or it may not be.

What we need to do, if we want a true picture of what’s going on in our community, I can’t go on perception. For instance, a situation will come to my attention where some business people or community members will call. I’d do a call history and not see much phone activity, I look at that data almost daily and that’s really how I take our resources and redirect them into certain areas. It’s kind of hard to get on top of that.

We’ve very fortunate in Dana Point, we have community services—three deputies and a crime prevention specialist—that I have at my disposal to work on certain issues in the community as they arise. Not

every city has that.

We have a very supportive City Council and manager that understand the importance of a safe community.

What types of departments does the city’s police service have?

Our K-9 program is regional, and they’re all over the county. They’re all assigned regionally, so there’ll always be a K-9 available to every city. We have a bomb squad; we have a hostage negotiation team, a dive team, a SWAT team. That’s one of the positive aspects of contracting with the Sheriff’s Department, there are a number of resources you can have at your disposal.

Are there certain areas of the city that police are seeking more of a need for patrol?

No, we’re seeing an uptake in crime citywide. A lot of it is property crime. Anytime you see crime trends, there are many factors associated why crime is going up or why crime is going down. The discussion right now is the passage of Prop 47. When Prop 47 passed, we immediately began to see an increase in property crimes. I can’t say that’s the only reason we’re seeing an increase, but I definitely think it’s a factor that we need to look at.

Taking a look at our property crimes, a lot of the stuff that’s stolen is stolen from unlocked vehicles, opened garage doors.

We have a saying here in Dana Point, ‘Hide it, lock it or lose it.’ That’s really what I want to stress to people, don’t leave your laptops, wallets, money in your cars

Page 9

and lock the doors.

It seems like it doesn’t really matter where you live; you should do that, correct?

You can be in Dana Point, Beverly Hills; even if you’re in a gated community you should still take precautions.

With everything going on regarding officers, has there been support from the community?

What you see on the news is very challenging for law enforcement right now.

Everyone has a smartphone, and before the facts are even put together, it goes global. Everyone is already forming an opinion without having all the facts, which is difficult.

There has been an outpour from the community. Everyone seems to be very pleased with the services. I can’t really say we’re experiencing what other agencies are. I think when you look into these instances at the end of the day, it comes down to a few things: standards and training and community-based policing. We’re very fortunate; the state of California has some of the highest standards for officers in training. When I started this career, 31 years ago, the academy was like 11 weeks long, now it’s six months.

Are we perfect? No, we’re not. We’re part of the human race. You just take care of the issues as they arise.

I’m very proud of the men and women who work in this department.

Have residents been coming by to thank the officers?

Yes, it’s been really nice when you begin to see people from the community who don’t normally have contact with the officers who are so grateful.

Like at National Night Out? It was a good event. That’s a national event to get people out of their homes and into a common area where you can get to know your neighbors.

The reality is, we can’t be everywhere, and one of the cornerstones to community-based policing is a strong neighborhood watch program. I encourage people to take the time to know their neighbors and look out for each other.

Do you see that happening more now in the city?

Yes, I have a wonderful crime prevention specialist; she’s rebuilding the neighborhood watch program.

Interestingly, 30 years ago neighborhood watch was, when I was admin deputy in town, I would go to meetings and potlucks, but the world is different now and people don’t really communicate that way. You’ll see a lot of communication via smart devices, the app right now is Next Door. That’s an app (on which) people are communicating with their neighbors. We all lead a busy life, but we sometimes don’t have time, but we really should slow down and take some time to know the people on your street.

I will always sit down and make the time to speak with residents anytime, anywhere. It all starts with communication. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor RESPONSE TO ‘COUNCIL POISED TO ALLOW SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS IN ALL RESIDENTIAL AREAS’ PEGGY VERKEST, Dana Point

I just finished reading Toni Nelson's Letter to the Editor regarding short-term vacation rentals.

Think about it logically; if someone comes in from another area, do you really think they will want to party in their Airbnb location and disturb the neighbors, or do you think they would rather travel to local venues, such as Hennessey's, Two Left Forks, Wind and Sea, kayak rental, a harbor cruise or another location in the Dana Point Harbor?

As a newly single woman of 53, I am proud to say that I recently purchased my first home in Dana Point after living in Laguna Niguel for the past 20 years. I am so happy to be away from HOAs and CC&Rs! I relish the fact that I can now do what I want with my own residence! And, I realize that my neighbors can as well. I am five minutes from Doheny Beach, and I have a rooftop view of the ocean!

I return to my home state of Michigan every summer, and I would like to be able to share my beautiful home, view and city of Dana Point with other people through vacation rentals while I am away for five weeks.

I have several family members in Michigan who have made great use of short-term

vacation rental sites, such as Airbnb.

I take great offense to people that call users of this great option as transients.

They are simply vacationers who want to see and experience places around the world. And, don't we want to have Dana Point as a new vacation destination?

I also take offense as a "Dana Pointer" to being told I "may wake up one day and have a mini-hotel or two operating next to" me!

This is simply a silly scare tactic.

CRITICAL VOTE ON SHORT-TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE BARBARA WILSON, Dana Point

On Sept. 20, the Dana Point City Council could vote on an ordinance that may drastically change the character of our city.

Dana Point seems to be one of the only cities in Orange County that is considering allowing short-term rentals (less than 29 days) in all residential areas. Other cities are trying to eliminate or limit the proliferation of short-term rentals that are occurring due to Airbnb and other internet advertising, while we’re possibly set to allow it in the entire city.

Many Southern California cities have already taken or are considering actions to limit or prohibit short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods. These include Newport Beach, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. Los Angeles and Santa Monica are addressing similar issues.

Many cities, including San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, are creating broad ordinances that address all forms

of transitory lodging including boarding houses, congregate care facilities and recovery homes. Dana Point’s ordinance will address the sole issue of vacation rentals of 29 days or less and is silent on other short-term residential uses.

The proposed ordinance turns Dana Point’s short-term rental policy over to the control of the California Coastal Commission. We will be giving up local control and our ability to make future changes as the need arises. The Coastal Commission’s powers will extend not just to our coastal zone but to all residential neighborhoods throughout the city (except where CC&Rs and HOAs prohibit short-term rentals).

While we all recognize the need for coastal access, Dana Point already has many accommodations for visitors. Is it really necessary to bring short-term vacationers into our residential areas as well?

Please write your City Council members and attend the September 20 City Council meeting (6 p.m.) to express your concerns about this ordinance. It is important to demand we have a voice in drafting a local ordinance that addresses the proliferation of short-term rentals and ALL forms of transitory lodging in a way that respects the needs of those wishing to enjoy our city but also protects our right to the peaceful enjoyment of our residential To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Kristina Pritchett, 949.388.7700, x113 kpritchett@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Group Managing Editor > Matt Cortina City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

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

La Pata Avenue Extension Project Connecting Communities from the Canyons to the Coast

T

he La Pata Avenue Extension Project is the most significant county roadway improvement remaining in South Orange County. This $126.5 million project will provide a critical link between the communities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Commuters traveling this route should expect a 20 to 30 minute reduction in their travel time after all improvements are completed. In addition, this project provides distinct benefits to Orange County residents, including: • Improved public safety—redundancy to Interstate 5 for emergency vehicles • Enhanced air quality—reduction of congestion • Enriched economy—faster transport of goods and services, north-south connector There are three phases to this project: Dana Point Times August 12-18, 2016

• Gap connector (currently underway) • Widening of the existing La Pata stretch from Ortega Highway to just south of Stallion Ridge • Extension of Camino Del Rio The first phase of the project, the gap connector, is on schedule to be completed this month, just in time for the school year to begin.

The remaining two phases are scheduled to begin this fall.

This project has been THE BARTLETT years in the making BULLETIN and is the result of the

By Lisa Bartlett collaboration of many stakeholders, including the city of San Clemente, city of San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo and Orange County

Transportation Authority, as well as others who have worked very hard to ensure the vision of this project came to fruition.

I am excited to be part of this project and look forward to continuing to improve mobility, air quality, public safety and access to thousands of businesses through collaborative projects like the La Pata Avenue Extension Project within Orange County and the region at large.

For more information, please visit my website at www.SupBartlett.ocgov.com.

Lisa Bartlett currently serves as the chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors. DP

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Amanda Giannelli Evan Da Silva Debra Holm Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 9, Issue 33. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

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.

Page 10

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

200 backpacks with school supplies will be given to kids while supplies last. The event also includes live music, games, face painting, a raffle and food provided by Ricardo’s Place and Papa John’s Pizza. Free admission. Historic Town Center Park, 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.633.9804. hannahswell@me.com.

What’s going on in and around town this week COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 12

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S: THE CHOULULAS 7-11 p.m. The Choululas will be performing at Iva Lee’s Restaurant. 555 North El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente.

949.361.2855.

CASA ROMANTICA SEASON PREVIEW 7 p.m. Executive Director Berenika Schmitz and the Casa Romantica team will unveil the 2016-2017 Casa Captivating Season. An opening wine and cheese reception will be followed by a special preview performance by virtuoso violinist Aya Kiyonaga. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

BALLROOM BASH COMMUNITY DANCE 7:15 p.m. The night starts with a short Foxtrot lesson, followed by food, friendship, and fun. After the lesson, people can dance to Swing, Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Cha-Cha, Rumba and Salsa music. $10 admission. It’s for couples and singles 18 and older. Community Presbyterian Church of San Juan Capistrano, 32202 Del Obispo.

949.498.0233. www.ballroombash.com.

Saturday | 14 KIDS SAFETY DAY 9:30 a.m.-noon. The seminar will cover children’s safety basics and feature six interactive safety stations. Kids are invited to jump into the Life Time pool with a lifeguard to learn key water safety tips at the swim safety station and participate in a helmet fitting while learning about proper safety and bike maintenance at the bike safety stations. The event is free.

Life Time Athletic Laguna Niguel. 25600 Rancho Niguel Road. 949.238.2700. www.lifetimefitness.com.

ECOLOGY CENTER: CHEESEMAKING 1-4 p.m. Join The Ecology Center for a workshop that explores the basics of cheesemaking, from start to finish. Learn what ingredients, techniques, tools and skills are required to culture, drain and ripen cheeses. Participants will make Greek yogurt labneh, goat cheese, ricotta and mozzarella. $40 for members, $50 for non-members. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

MUSIC IN THE PARK 4-7 p.m. Nonprofit Hannah’s Well is hosting a family-oriented outreach event in partnership with local organizations at the Historic Town Center Park to provide free backpacks and other back-to-school supplies for elementary kids. More than Dana Point Times August 12-18, 2016

Sunday | 14 DANA POINT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2:30 p.m. Brent Payne plays from 2:30-4 p.m. Craig Wayne Boyd (Season 7 winner of The Voice) plays from 4:30-6 p.m. Food and drinks available for purchase. Sea Terrace Park. 33501 Niguel Road, Dana Point. www.danapointconcertseries.com.

EDITOR’S PICK Owners and their dogs are invited to Yappy Hour at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 5-8 p.m. Photo: Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

THURSDAY, AUG 18 : YAPPY HOUR 5-8 p.m. Owners and their dogs are invited to the monthly cocktail party at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Those who attend will enjoy a variety of beverages while their dogs can enjoy hand-made dog biscuits. Proceeds from Yappy Hour will benefit the Wounded Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence. The event is free and open to the public. The Ritz-Carlton. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000.

SO CAL BOOT CAMP SUMMER MIXER 3 p.m. Meet the boot camp buddies to mingle, or to hang out at the beach. Boneyard Beach Café, Doheny State Beach. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke every Sunday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400

Monday | 14 The Best Thing We Ate This Week

Penne Pasta with Blush Sauce NYC CAFÉ & CATERING

31888 Plaza Drive, Suite C-3, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.0071, www.nyccafeandcatering.com

Penne pasta with blush sauce, chicken and vegeta

bles.

For local foodies who struggle to Photo: Allison Jarrell. NYC Café & Catering’s blush sauce. choose between pairing their pasta Photo: Debra Wells with a light tomato sauce or a rich, creamy alfredo—your prayers have finally been answered.

Al Shan, owner of NYC Café & Catering in San Juan Capistrano, is now bottling and selling his homemade blush sauce, crafted with local ingredients like onions, garlic and herbs. Initially, the creamy tomato sauce was only available on the restaurant’s dining and catering menus, but after receiving positive feedback over the last eight years, Shan decided to make blush sauce available to the masses.

It isn’t hard to see why the sauce has gained a following locally. It’s rich, but not too heavy, and is full of robust flavors—the cream and garlic balance seamlessly with fresh tomato and herbs. That combination pairs well with pasta, seafood and lasagna, and for those with dietary constraints, Shan’s blush sauce is gluten-free and all-natural with no preservatives.

To pick up a bottle, stop by the café, or check out the San Juan Capistrano Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. on Yorba Street between Camino Capistrano and El Camino Real.—Allison Jarrell Page 14

BUCCANEER ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMP 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The weeklong summer camp begins for children age 7-8. The buccaneers will explore the seas and learn how to sail. There will be hands on activities, including crafts, rowing, story telling, treasure hunts and more. The price for the summer camp is $350, for members $265. Register online at www.oceaninstitute.org or call 949.496.2274 for more information. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

BRIDGE AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1 p.m. If you are an intermediate-level player, join the San Clemente Senior Center. The game is play party/social bridge; partners change every sixth hand.

People can sign up in the office or just show up. Come five to 10 minutes early to claim a seat. Monday and Thursday at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. 949.940.5702. www.san-clemente.org.

FREE GUITAR LESSONS Free group lessons starting from the beginner level. Ages 12 and up. Bring your own www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT guitar. Email coamusicarts@gmail.com to sign up. 1050 Calle Negocio. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Tuesday | 16 HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this two-hour cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life in the wild. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day of the week.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 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 | 17 RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Join the American Red Cross to donate blood. Schedule an appointment to give blood by visiting www.redcrossblood.org or call 1.800.733.2767. Fluidmaster Incorporated. 30800 Ranch Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano.

FRENCH CONVERSATION CLUB 2-4 p.m. Every Wednesday. Look for the table with the French Flag surrounded by a group of people speaking French. No cost to join. Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, 949.369.5482.

ZUMBA AT DANA POINT LIBRARY 6:30-7:30 p.m. South Coast Conservatory instructors will lead a Zumba class. There will be a mix of high and low-intensity moves. The class will be held in the Library Meeting Room, and walk-ins are welcome. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517.

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S: BOO STUBBS 7-10:30 p.m. Boo Stubbs will be performing at Iva Lee’s Restaurant. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente.

949.361.2855.

SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION SUMMER LECTURE SERIES 8 p.m. Sherri Sullivan, Camp Pendleton Wildlife Biologist, speaks on “Bison, Beaver, Bobcats and Beyond,” exploring the diverse wildlife that resides within the vast reaches of the San Onofre zone. The San Onofre Parks Foundation’s Summer Lecture Series will feature special presentations throughout the summer. www.

SanOnofreParksFoundation.org FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

T

om Ducey, originally from San Clemente, and his rock and roll band, Superfused, will perform at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18 at Knuckleheads Sports Bar & Grill, as part of their Orange County tour. Ducey graduated from San Clemente High School, class of 1987.

Ducey performed in bands in the area from 1992 to 1996. He said his style of music relates to the grunge and beach flavors of the mid-90s.

“One of the bands I was in had a guitar player (Paul Weaver) from Wigan, England. I met Paul through the musicians section of LA Reader in 1994,” Ducey said.

“So, we formed a band together and called it B9. We played all over Southern California in 1994 and 1995. When the band broke

up, Paul moved back to England. In 1996, I moved to the Memphis area and returned to the West Coast in 2004, eventually landing in Reno, Nevada, for the past 10 years.

I did not hear from Paul again until a few years ago when he found me on Facebook.”

Weaver and Ducey are now back together to try another band project, and they’ve written songs together with thousands of miles between them, Ducey said.

“We have found a great and talented musician from Los Angeles named Martin Blasick to join our band as bass player,” Ducey said. “Martin helps us complete Superfused in fine style.”

Knuckleheads is located at 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

For more information on the band, visit www.facebook.com/superfused. DP

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S: THE KALAMA BROTHERS 7-10:30 p.m. The Kalama Brothers will be performing at Iva Lee’s Restaurant. 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente.

949.361.2855.

Friday | 19 RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit members of the Red Cross to donate blood. Schedule an appointment to give blood by visiting redcrossblood.org or call 1.800.733.2767. Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

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

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

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

Dana Point Times August 12-18, 2016

DANA POINT TIMES

Thursday | 18

‘Suicide Squad’ Box-Office Death fter nearly a decade of Marvel’s cinematic universe breaking through to mega success, the superhero hype has been dying down a lot the past couple of years. Warner Bros. and DC are finally trying to play catch up, and it’s backfiring terribly. Both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice were negatively polarizing, and their new-

South County Music Scene: Superfused with Tom Ducey

Copyright: © 2016 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. and Ratpac-Dune Entertainment, LLC. Photo: Clay Enos/ TM & (c) DC Comics

Tom Ducey and Superfused will perform at 8 p.m. on Aug. 18 at Knuckleheads Sports Bar & Grill in San Clemente. Photo: Courtesy of Tom Ducey

est addition, Suicide Squad, suffers from many problems itself.

One of the maladies is its script. Suicide Squad has popular villains like Deadshot (Will Smith), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Rick Flagg (Joel Kinnaman), Enchantress (Cara Delevingne) and Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney) recruited by U.S. intelligence officer Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) to bring down the Joker (Jared Leto) and a dangerous, enigmatic entity. This would be an easy enough plot for an R-rated action movie, but because Warner Bros. gave filmmaker David Ayer a PG-13 movie to work around, the film is stuck with never being daring enough and coming across as a corny live-action Page 15

cartoon instead.

Another issue is the editing. Suicide Squad allegedly had up to eight ghost editors and it really does feel like it when you view the film. There is no proper introduction to the feature, and the pacing is off for the entire runtime.

The one saving grace is the underappreciated chemistry between Smith and Robbie. The two previously worked together on the also underwhelming Focus last year, and despite the mediocre content they’ve been given, they clearly enjoy working with each other and are naturals together. Maybe one day we’ll see the pairing put to good use. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Back to School

classes and 8:30 a.m. for SAC preschool.

School will end at 12:25 p.m. with a 12:30 dismissal.

Local schools share updates and information as first day approaches for Dana Point students

Dana Hills High School

Principal Jason Allemann said there are a handful of new teachers this year.

New Teachers in the School Lauren Frazier and Nick Smith are new math teachers.

Emily Wu is will be an English teacher.

Jeanette Boyle will be a gym teacher.

Erika Scharma and Lindsey Haapala are new science teachers.

Susan Krogsdale will be a special education teacher.

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

S

chool is just around the corner for students in the Capistrano Unified School District, including those enrolled in the Dana Point schools.

Whether your student is off to high school or elementary school, starting times and teachers may be different. The Dana Point Times talked to each school to see what information parents should know for the first day.

Palisades Elementary School

Principal Curt Visca said the school will be focusing on “Creativity across the Curriculum” during this upcoming school year.

“Teachers will help bring out students’ creativity in all subject areas,” Visca said.

During the 2015-2016 school year, the school watched science “come to life,” and plan on utilizing the program again with the aquaponics program.

Aquaponics is a system of aquaculture in which the waste produced by fish, or other aquatic animals, supplies nutrients for plants that are grown hydroponically.

Traffic Reminders for Parents Visca said Via Sacramento, on the side of the school, is for loading and unloading the car from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and again from 12:302:30 p.m. Individuals must remain in the car while in the drop-off and pick-up areas.

Students can also be dropped off and picked up along Camino Capistrano and Avenida Las Palmas.

School Start and Finish Times Palisades will have a minimum school day for the first day.

R.H. Dana Elementary School Principal Christina Portillo said teach-

Students enter R.H. Dana Elementary School on the first day of school. R.H. Dana is located at 24242 La Cresta Dr., Dana Point. Photo: File

ers will continue to focus on science and technology with the curriculum that was integrated in the classrooms last school year.

New Teachers in the School Portillo says there are two new teachers on staff this year. One is Megan Parker, who will be heading the school’s learning lab. The other new teacher is Robynne Brown, who will be teaching a fourth/ fifth-grade combination class.

Brown said she’s new to the school but not Capistrano Unified School District, having taught in the district for 25 years.

She said she’s taught at mostly elementary schools, but has also taught students at secondary schools. Brown said she’s really excited about the science and technology curriculum at the school.

“I love science, so this is a perfect match,” Brown said. “It’s nice to have the freedom to embrace the standards and really move forward with the science and technology.”

She said she’s ready to begin the new journey with a new group of students.

School Start and Finish Times School will start at 7:45 a.m. for kindergarten through fifth grade.

It will be a minimum day schedule, and students will be dismissed at 11:50 a.m.

The normal schedule will resume on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 7:45 a.m.

Pet of the Week: Crockett

H

andsome Crockett is every bit the distinguished-looking gentleman.

With striking green eyes and an incredibly sweet disposition, this 9-year-old American Bobtail mix is quite the kitty catch!

If you’re looking for a calm and loving feline friend, you can’t go wrong with Crockett! If you would like to know more about Crockett, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

Dana Point Times August 12-18, 2016

Crockett. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/ Dana Point Animal Shelter.

Page 16

Traffic Reminders for Parents “We would like to remind parents that as a safety reminder, the red curb in front of the school is for a quick drop off/pick up of students,” Portillo said.

Parking is permitted for parents on Chula Vista.

R.H. Dana Elementary ENF School Start and Finish Times School begins at 8:25 a.m. for STEPS

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

Traffic Reminders for Parents Parents are encouraged to drop off and pick up their students away from the main parking lot.

“Parents can go off of Stonehill, the back gates will be opened for students,” said Dana Hills Principal Jason Allemann.

School Start and Finish Times The first day will be a late-start day. The first bell will ring at 8:31 a.m.

Allemann said students are able to come into school earlier.

School will conclude at 2:44 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10. The schedule will be back to block scheduling on Tuesday, Aug. 11. DP

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

The Tale of Two Post-60 Online Dating Experiences

O

nline dating is one of the tools seniors can use for meeting a mate.

Two women contacted me this week, sharing their vastly different online dating experiences. One found success; the other was met with frustration.

Cheryl said, “I would like to share my recent good fortune and experience with online dating. I began corresponding with a widower in October 2015 on the dating site OkCupid, which allows subscribers to write detailed information on their profile and ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 also offers thousands of questions that can be

By Tom Blake answered on a variety of topics. I have been divorced twice.

“When we started corresponding, he had answered nearly 500 questions, and I had answered over 600, and we both had added comments to many of our answers.

So we already knew a lot about each other.

“We remained on the site communicating for a few weeks before moving to personal emails, both agreed to progress slowly and eventually we moved to phone calls and then to Skype. This occurred over a period of several months.

“Early on, I verified information he gave me (checked his website and ‘Googled’ him). Our correspondence enabled us to learn more about each other and gain confidence in our relationship. We are both 69 and live 600 miles apart. When I flew to meet him in April, there were no surprises. We totally enjoyed each other’s company and made a commitment to continue to develop our relationship.

“He drove to my home in July. We spent two and a half weeks together, during which time he met my family, friends and my church family. Everyone ‘approved’ of him! We have been blessed to have found love and have made a commitment to travel ‘the rest of the journey’ together.

“Our correspondence and willingness to be totally open and honest with each other along with both of us wanting a long-term relationship were the keys to our success.”

Cheryl’s point about both of them wanting a long-term relationship is vital to relationship success. Also, she and her man emphasized the benefit of using Skype before meeting in person.

She said, “Skype enables each person to see the other’s facial reactions and enhances the intimacy of the communication. We both feel that Skyping before

meeting in person made us feel much more comfortable with each other when we did meet than if we hadn’t Skyped.

“During my 15 months online, I encountered some suspected scammers, whom I reported to the site. But I also met and/ or communicated with some really nice, caring men. My online dating experience was very positive. I will be moving to live with him in September. He often says, ‘life sings,’ and we feel very lucky to be singing a duet.”

The second woman, Annise, was married 25 years before becoming a widow six years ago. After many online dating attempts, she met a wonderful man who later died in a plane crash.

She said, “I jumped back on the Internet and have met and dated a few interesting and scary fellows, including a lawyer, who wore more jewelry than I, a convicted felon, a recovering alcoholic who is mixed up with lots of baggage, a man who prefers non-English speaking women because they are more subservient and many other characters. Anyway, I’ve been trying!”

She said, “Yikes! What am I doing wrong? Being widowed, I have a better than average appreciation for time; that ‘Life is short’ jingle is brutally true. I would rather spend time in a relationship

than spend time in online dating.”

Despite the tragedies that Annise has endured, she continues to have a sense of humor and zest for life. One of her requirements of the men she is meeting: “He cannot be at war with his ex.”

Internet-wise, the only suggestion I have is she might try other dating websites to avoid meeting so many bizarre characters. Other than that, Annise’s energy, positive attitude, resiliency and determination to never give up looking for a mate are what it takes to find success in senior dating.

Seniors who use the Internet for dating should proceed slowly and must be prepared for any quirk that might surface. But love can be found, as Cheryl experienced.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites at www.findingloveafter60.com; www.Vicsta.com and www.

Travelafter55.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

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

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

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Active-duty military and veterans gather for a photo following a game at Shootout for Soldiers. Photo: Charlie Gressett

Shootout for Soldiers Returns to Dana Hills High School DANA POINT TIMES

T

he annual Shootout for Soldiers charity lacrosse event took place at Dana Hills High School from Aug. 6-7, drawing thousands of spectators and hundreds of players from across the Southland.

The event, which aims to use the sport of lacrosse to engage communities across the nation with local active-duty military and veterans, is a day-long, continuous lacrosse game that features dozens of local teams. Shootout for Soldiers has become famous for providing teams the chance to compete in one of 24 one-hour games.

Some of the highlights of the weekend included games with active-duty military and veterans. There were also wheelchair lacrosse matches for disabled players.

The event raised just over $34,000 and played host to 5,500 spectators and 900 lacrosse players, according to event organizers.

The proceeds raised will directly benefit Shootout for Soldiers’ four national charities as well as two California-based charities: the United States Veterans Initiative and Team Rubicon.

For more information on the event, visit www.shootoutforsoldiers.com. DP

The Shootout for Soldiers charity lacrosse event at Dana Hills High School featured a wheelchair lacrosse game for disabled players. Photo: Charlie Gressett

Dana Point Times August 12-18, 2016

Players take a break from the action during the Shootout for Soldiers event at Dana Hills High School. Photo: Charlie Gressett

Players face off during a Shootout for Soldiers lacrosse game at Dana Hills High School. Photo: Charlie Gressett

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Local Promotes Surfing at International Sports Seminar

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 69-72 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-10’ Poor-Fair Catalina: 10-15’ Fair

Surfing Heritage and Culture Center’s Glenn Brumage talks surfing as sport gets spot in Olympics

BY ERIN HAWKINS, DANA POINT TIMES

G

lenn Brumage has been promoting the sport of surfing not just as a board of directors’ member at the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) in San Clemente, but also abroad.

In June, Brumage was invited by the U.S. Department of State to attend the seventh annual U.S./China Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE) in Beijing, where both nations hold a high-level discussion on topics like sports, culture, education, science, technology, health and women’s issues.

Brumage also attended the second annual U.S.-China Sports Seminar held in conjunction with the CPE. At this international seminar, he spoke to members of the China General Administration of Sports and Beijing Sports University, “on the subject of promoting the sport of surfing and developing an Olympic level surf training center in advance of the 2020 Tokyo games,” according to a press release

by SHACC. The Dana Point Times spoke to Brumage about his experience attending the international seminar.

Brumage said he was selected because he has been working on the ground in China to promote surfing and skateboard-

GROM OF THE WEEK

ELLE EMERY

BY ERIN HAWKINS, DANA POINT TIMES

E

lle Emery is a Dana Point native who has been surfing since she was 6 years old. Now at age 12, she said she surfs every day before or after school with a genuine love for the sport and enthusiasm for competition.

The first time Elle started surfing was at a friend’s birthday party at Doheny State Beach.

“I loved it and wanted to keep going out,” Elle said.

She said she usually surfs at Salt Creek and San Onofre, and loves to ride Infinity Surfboards.

Last year was Elle’s first year competing in the Western Surfing Association (WSA) and was ranked No. 8 in the Girls U14 Division for the Salt Life Championship Tour Dana Point Times August 12-18, 2016

ing for the last eight years.

“I have an understanding of China’s system, their culture, how it’s growing, the people who are most involved in China trying to promote the sport, and that is why they called me back,” he said.

This time last year, Brumage was also in China, and determined that surfing was getting very close to becoming an Olympic sport.

And the work of Brumage and countless other individuals and groups paid off, in part, on Aug. 3, when the International Olympic Committee agreed to add surfing to the sports program in the 2020 Games in Tokyo.

“Surfing had gone through all the hoops they have to go through, and the ISA (International Surfing Association) has done everything they can do and now it’s coming up to a vote,” he said.

Brumage said it was rewarding to hear the news of surfing’s Olympic acceptance.

“The real connection for me is that both with SHACC and with China, I’ve had a lot of contact and worked a lot with the ISA on building this sport,” he said, adding that the ISA has pursued Duke Kahanamoku’s dream of including surfing in the Olympics, which started when he presented the idea at the Stockholm Olympics in 1912.

Series 2015-2016. Her younger brother, Callan Emery, also competes in the WSA in the Boys U12 Division.

Elle also competed in the Scholastic Surf Series (SSS), an addition of the WSA for middle and high school surf teams from San Diego to Santa Barbara. She competed in the Orange County Middle School Division 1 Women’s Shortboard, where she also finished in the No. 8 spot.

One of Elle’s favorite aspects of competing is having the opportunity to surf with her friends.

She took first place in June at the Menehune surf competition at Doheny, and recently earned her first perfect 10 during a semifinal heat at the WSA contest at San Onofre Trail 6 last weekend.

Elle said her favorite pro surfers are Lakey Peterson for her style, and Courtney Conlogue for her powerful turns, but the surfer she looks up to the most is Bethany Hamilton.

This year, she will be going into seventh grade at Marco Forster Middle School.

Her favorite subject to study is science,

Outlook: Surf is looking small for the work week with a continued blend of Southwest swell and Northwest windswell. Morning conditions look best with the lightest winds, then expect light/moderate onshore flow to rise up each afternoon. Better Southern hemi swell lining up for the back half of the month. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Glenn Brumage, of the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center, talked in China about surfing as an Olympic sport and developing training facilities abroad.

Photo: Courtesy.

Brumage believes that surfing becoming an Olympic sport won’t change the sport itself, saying “surfing in its soul will stay close to the beach and close to the ocean.”

But for other countries, surfing being legitimized as an Olympic sport presents an opportunity.

“If you are a kid in China, off in the boonies where there is surf, you see this as an opportunity,” said Brumage.

Brumage explained that China is like the U.S. in the 1950s, and it’s only been in the last 10 to 20 years that China has had advances in social freedom, economic benefits, a middle class and spendable income.

“One of the things you will have in China and in other countries, you’re going to have an Olympic movement that is top down instead of bottom up,” he said.

“They’re going to take the best athletes and say, ‘OK, you have an affinity for swimming and gymnastics; you’d be a good surfer,’ and they will go into a training facility and build training facilites,” said Brumage.

He said that while our surf training facilities in the Unites States are on the beach, we are also behind in building training facilities, pointing to Australia’s governmentfunded facilities.

Brumage said he had the opportunity to discuss what a training facility and program would look like in China, and the specifics they would need to make it happen. DP

Elle Emery. Photo: Jordan Anast

and she loves to do art in her free time.

“I like science because you get to learn about the outdoors, and I love art because when I’m not surfing I like to paint and draw all kinds of things,” Elle said.

In the future, Elle said she hopes to compete in the National Scholastic Surfing

Page 22

Association, as well as finish in the top 5 of the WSA and SSS so she can qualify for independent physical education credit at school.

Elle said if she could travel anywhere to surf, it would be Costa Rica or Indonesia. DP

If you know a grom in Dana Point, San Clemente or San Juan Capistrano that we should feature in our Grom of the Week section, send a name and parent’s contact info to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com