October 21, 2016

LO C A L

N EWS

October 21-27, 2016

YO U

C A N

U S E

Oktoberfest Returns to Dana Point PAGE 3 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 43

Closing Shop?

A longtime Del Prado auto repair business may have to close its doors for good E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 7

Tom Volkmann, owner of Dana Point Foreign Car Service, received a letter from the city attorney stating he is in violation of his conditional use permit. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

City Council Agrees to Enter Mediation with Headlands Reserve EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Council Gives Green Light for Police Services Renovation EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Annual Dana Wharf Sportfishing Halibut Derby Approaches SPORTS/PAGE 17

VOTE FOR THE 2016 BEST OF DANA POINT AT WWW.DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week

Dana Point Holds Annual Oktoberfest THE LATEST: German food, beer and music took over Sea Terrace Park on Saturday, Oct. 15, during the city’s annual Oktoberfest.

All afternoon long, event-goers enjoyed authentic German food, live entertainment from the Bavarian Beer Garden Band and Warsaw Poland Bros., and competed in a variety of games and contests.

The master of ceremonies was Meister Peter Melton, who led games of sausage toss, musical chairs, the Chicken Dance and more.—Kristina Pritchett

Planning Commission Discusses PCH Pedestrian Bridge Closing THE LATEST: During its Oct. 17 meeting, Planning Commissioners discussed the impending closure of the surfside pedestrian bridge over the railway for six weeks due to repairs and maintenance.

The pedestrian bridge, which was built more than 30 years ago, originally crossed over Pacific Coast Highway as well as the railroad tracks, and let people access the beach from hotels and shops. In June, the county demolished the half of the bridge that allowed pedestrians to cross over PCH, as county officials said the cost of repairs would be too high to fix necessary repairs on that portion of the bridge.

After the bridge was demolished, a crosswalk was painted across the road and a traffic light was installed, which city staff said is a permanent fixture at the site.

Senior Planner Sean Nicholas told the Commission the bridge would be closed for safety and efficiency.

The work proposed for the bridge includes structural maintenance, repair to the concrete and walking surfaces and replacement of the chain link pedestrian enclosure. According to the staff report, the chain link will be encased in a grayvinyl cover to reduce the impact of the salt air on the metal.

The agenda item was only an informational item, and the bridge is county property, but staff members wanted to make Commissioners aware of the project.

Commissioner Roy Dohner questioned the efficiency of merely fixing the portion Dana Point Times October 21-27, 2016

Event goers danced to the Chicken Dance throughout the day at the annual Oktoberfest at Sea Terrace Park on Saturday, Oct. 15. Photo: Eric Heinz

of the bridge over the train tracks.

“So we’re going to temporarily fix a bridge, then build a bridge and yet people have to cross the highway, which there are more cars coming than trains. So, it seems like we made it less safe and more costly,” Dohner said.

A couple of Commissioners voiced their concerns that the project would not be completed by Memorial Day, the estimated date of completion given by the County.

Nicholas told the Commissioners the timeline was “a conservative timeline” and that the county is hoping to start sooner than March.

WHAT’S NEXT: The work is currently scheduled to begin in March, once the county receives permits from the California Coastal Commission and Metrolink, and finalizes the construction documents.

Nicholas also told the Commissioners an update for a full replacement of the bridge could come in early 2017.—KP

Council Agrees to Enter Mediation with Headlands Reserve THE LATEST: Dana Point City Attorney Patrick Muñoz announced the city would enter mediation with the Headlands Reserve during the Oct. 18 City Council meeting.

On Aug. 29, the city filed a lawsuit against the Reserve and developer Sanford Edward stating an indemnity agreement was not upheld. Their lawsuit said Edward did not pay for some legal fees and costs incurred by the city while defending legal and administrative claims created by the Headlands project.

When Edward said he saw the city had been overcharging him, he filed an administrative claim, which the city rejected. Earlier this month, Edward filed a counter lawsuit

against the city saying the city “fraudulently billed” the developer more than $600,000.

Muñoz said the Council previously entered mediation over the matter on Aug. 26, which he says “was unsuccessful.”

Muñoz added that the city received a renewed request for mediation, discussed it during closed session and agreed to reenter mediation.

WHAT’S NEXT: “We agree with the Council’s decision to mediate,” Edward said. “We’ve been advocating this from the beginning.”—KP

Council Gives Green Light for Police Services Renovation THE LATEST: Police services has a renovation in its future after City Council approved awarding a contract during the Oct. 18 meeting.

Council members voted four to zero in favor of the renovation, with Councilman Scott Schoeffel abstaining from the vote.

The cost of the project totals $965,960.43.

The project will create two large locker rooms with lockers for each deputy, which will house their uniform and equipment, said Mike Rose, director of disaster preparedness and facilities.

The project also will include shower and bathroom facilities, bunk rooms, an office for the patrol sergeant, an armory, an evidence locker room, a work area for deputies to clean their weapons, a room to conduct interviews, a soft room to meet with families and more storage areas.

The station build out will cost $750,960.43, with $115,000 in new technology and a $100,000 contingency.

The city received four bids, and agreed to go with Optima RPM, Inc. and said their bid was the most “responsible/responsive

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bid” they received.

Originally, the project included renovations of four restrooms in City Hall, but Council members agreed to wait on that project.

The project was first proposed in 2002 but was never put into motion.

In 2015, staff proposed the project once again to allow deputies to work and report directly at City Hall rather than starting their shifts in Aliso Viejo. City Manager Doug Chotkevys said this can take as much as two hours out of patrolling.

Councilman Joe Muller said he believes the renovation will increase the number of officers on the street.

Police Chief Russ Chilton told the Council the cost may seem high, but certain standards have to be met with the equipment being installed, especially when officers are securing evidence.

WHAT’S NEXT: It was not announced when work on the project would begin.—KP

Dana Point Could Get Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center THE LATEST: City Council approved a measure to conduct preliminary research on bringing the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center to Dana Point.

During the Oct. 18 meeting, the Council voted five to zero in favor of a preliminary needs assessment to determine what the city would need to do to accommodate the facility, which they believe would be a benefit for the city.

The center is currently located in an industrial park in San Clemente and attempted to move to Dana Point in the early 2000s to where Sea Terrace Park is located, but the Council chose not to pursue the project at the time.

City staff have been working with founder of the center, Dick Metz, along with representatives in the surfing industry to find a permanent home for the center in the city.

City staff told the Council before a potential location is determined, the amount of space needed for the center must be researched.

The Council agreed to award a contract to Griffin Structures, Inc. to prepare a preliminary needs assessment and budget, which will then serve as a platform to engage in more discussions about a specific location and methods of financing the project.

Councilman Carlos Olvera said he was very much in favor of the center moving to Dana Point.

“I can’t support this project enough,” Olvera said. “This is where it needs to be.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The assessment will take four months to complete at a cost not to exceed $18,500.—KP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Community DP Sheriff’s Blotter Meetings SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

Bulky Item Drop Off

7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Residents can drop off bulky items and shred documents.

Dana Hills High School and Palisades Elementary School. For more information, contact Jennifer Anderson at 949.248.3571 or janderson@danapoint.org.

Farmers’ Market

9 a.m. The Farmers’ Market is set up every Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at La Plaza Park. Pacific Coast Highway and La Plaza, Dana Point.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

Del Prado Car Show

1 p.m. More than 100 classic cars and motorcycles will be on display. Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.469.3000. www.dplanterndistrict.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25

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. 25975 Domingo Avenue, Capistrano Beach. 949.492.7181. www.toastmasters.org.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27

Coastmasters

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

Senior Twilight Dinner

5-7 p.m. A themed dinner and entertainment will be provided at the Dana Point Senior Center. 34052 Del Obispo, Dana Point. For reservations or information, contact Vanna at the Dana Point Senior Center at 949.496.3497.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

City Council

6 p.m. Members of the City Council will meet in Council Chambers. Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

Dana Point Times October 21-27, 2016

and one of the drivers left the scene.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (2:14 a.m.) Police were called for a man in the drive-thru, banging on vehicles and demanding money.

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, October 16 TRESPASSING Street of the Golden Lantern, 33300 Block (6 p.m.) A person with dogs off the leash was seen on the field at Dana Hills High School.

DRUNK IN PUBLIC Pacific Coast Highway/ Street of the Amber Lantern (6:02 p.m.)

A man who was barefoot and holding a bottle of vodka allegedly tried to pick fights with customers.

Friday, October 14 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 32800 Block (6:08 p.m.) A man was taking all the paper towels from the gas pumps and made the caller “nervous.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (4:56 p.m.)

A man was laying on the sidewalk with his legs in traffic.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Crown Valley Parkway, 32700 Block (12:10 p.m.) A white 2003 BMW and another vehicle were involved in an accident.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (10:57 a.m.) Police were called for a woman yelling at customers.

ROBBERY IN PROGRESS Orilla Road, 33800 Block (4:36 p.m.) A caller told police they “got jumped” and may have had a broken nose.

DISTURBANCE Calle Verano/Calle Hermosa (3:59 p.m.) Three juveniles and two adults were skateboarding. The caller told police they almost got hit.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Park Lantern, 25100 Block (12:57 p.m.) Police were called for loud Persian music “disturbing” park-goers.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Mediterranean Drive, 32600 Block (8:43 a.m.)

Police were called for a man who knocked on the front door and then tried to get into the caller’s back gate.

Thursday, October 13 PETTY THEFT Del Obispo Street, 33500 Block (10:16 p.m.) A person walked behind the counter of a business, took cigarettes and ran out.

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL La Paz Avenue/ Street of the Silver Lantern (5:04 p.m.)

Men in a driveway were being loud, using saws and other tools while fixing/dismantling a car.

DRUNK IN CAR Dana Drive, 24300 Block (12:21 p.m.) Police were called for a man drinking vodka in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHCILE Azores Road, 32300 Block (4:20 a.m.) Police were called for driver in a gray Nissan Z driving around the neighborhood.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-NON INJURY Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (12:34 a.m.) A black Ford Mustang and a silver Nissan Versa were involved in an accident.

PETTY THEFT Street of the Golden Lantern, 33200 Block (2:42 p.m.) A caller told police antique guitar strings were stolen.

TRAFFIC HAZARD Acapulco Drive/Street of the Golden Lantern (11:34 a.m.) A vehicle stalled in the traffic lanes.

HIT-AND-RUN PARKED CAR Calle La Primavera, 33800 Block (9:44 a.m.) A gray Hyundai Santa Fe was hit the day before.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Dana Bluff West/Via Verde (12:12 a.m.) Police were called for two separate sedans that were driving back and forth.

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Embarcadero Place, 34500 Block (8:10 a.m.) An arrest was made after police received a call for an RV blocking the entrance.

Saturday, October 15

DISTURBANCE Ritz-Carlton Drive, 0 Block (3:53 a.m.) An arrest was made after a woman caused a scene in the check-in lobby.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Selva Road (10:41 p.m.) Police were called for people being loud in the trees on the side of the hill.

HIT-AND-RUN Beach Road, 35000 Block (12:42 p.m.) Two vehicles were involved in an accident. Police were told the drivers were in a “heated verbal disagreement,”

Wednesday, October 12 DISTURBANCE Street of the Golden Lantern, 34400 Block (8:51 p.m.) A man and a

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woman were seen punching a black SUV. DISTURBANCE Dana Strand Road, 34000 Block (8:22 p.m.) Police were called for numerous people drinking and possibly doing drugs.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONS Dana Strand Road, 34300 Block (5:19 p.m.) Police were called for a man and woman with a dog on the beach. The caller said they believed dogs are not allowed on the beach.

DISTURBANCE Dana Drive, 24600 Block (4:51 p.m.) Police were called for skateboarders near the Richard Henry Dana statue.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Danapepper/ Mar Y Sol (3:41 p.m.) A caller told police they saw four juveniles and were concerned the subjects were smoking around “extremely dry brush.”

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL Pacific Coast Highway/Street of the Crystal Lantern (6:59 a.m.) Police were called for a person jackhammering in the shopping center.

Tuesday, October 11 DRUNK DRIVING Street of the Golden Lantern/Dana Point Harbor Drive (6:10 p.m.) An arrest was made after a driver hit multiple vehicles.

HIT-AND-RUN Sea Island Drive, 32000 Block (11:53 a.m.) A vehicle and pedestrian were involved in an accident.

DRUNK DRIVING Pacific Coast Highway/ Camino Capistrano (7:44 a.m.) A caller told police a driver was smoking marijuana while driving.

Monday, October 10 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Via Verde/ Dana Bluff West (11:22 p.m.) Police received a call about a driver continuously flipping on and off their headlights.

RECKLESS DRIVING Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24200 Block (8:38 p.m.) A caller told police multiple cars had been racing for 10 minutes.

RECKLESS DRIVING El Contento Drive/Manzanita Drive (11:20 a.m.) Police received a call for a vehicle heard driving at a high speed rate in a neighborhood.

PETTY THEFT Del Obispo Street, 33800 Block (11:05 a.m.) A caller told police their bike was stolen sometime the night prior.

STOLEN VEHICLE La Serena Drive, 34100 Block (6:26 a.m.) A car was in the CircleK lot with the keys in the vehicle while it was running.

BURGLARY REPORT Doheny Park Road, 34200 Block (6:17 a.m.) A business front door was pried open. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP EYE ON THE ELECTION 2016

Big Decisions, Part I California voters will determine the fate of several major state ballot propositions this year

BY MATT CORTINA AND VICTOR CARNO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s part of our ongoing coverage of the 2016 election, Dana Point Times selected several ballot propositions to dissect that all California voters will face in November. This week, we’re taking a look at Prop. 63, which would put regulations on ammunition and gun sales, and Propositions 65 and 67, which are competing to determine what to do with money generated by the state’s pending ban on plastic bags.

Next week, we’ll break down Prop. 62, which would repeal the death penalty in California, and Prop. 64, which would legalize marijuana.

For information on all the ballot propositions, or on any of this year’s local or state races, head to www.danapointtimes.com.

PROPOSITION 63

Gun Ammunition Regulations California Prop. 63 proposes background checks for ammunition purchases and will enact a ban on all large-capacity ammunition magazines in the state. There are four main components to grasp in this lengthy proposition, which include guidelines to buying and selling ammunitions, ammunitions theft, removal of all magazines over ten rounds and the court removal of firearms.

In regards to buying and selling ammunition, the initiative is designed to require background checks and Department of Justice authorization in order to purchase any ammunition by way of charging customers up to 50 dollars for a permit. Dealers would also need to apply for a one-year license in order to sell ammunition. In addition, starting in July 2018, legislation prohibits California residents from purchasing out-of-state ammunition without first having the ammunition brought to a licensed dealer. This initiative is seeking to expedite the process by moving the starting date to January 2018.

The Newsom Ballot Measure Committee, which has contributed the most money on either side of the issue, says these background checks and purchase tracking is what is needed to keep citizens safe.

PROPOSITIONS 65 AND 67

Banning Plastic Bags It may seem like a ban on plastic bags is a minor, or else tedious, bit of legislation that California voters will decide in November whether or not to uphold.

However, Propositions 65 and 67 have the ability to make California the first state to enact a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags at grocery and other stores.

At the very least, the fact that there are two propositions dedicated to plastic bag bans requires a bit more explanation.

Put simply, Propositions 65 and 67 are competing ballot measures, which would each ratify a previous state senate bill to ban grocery stores and pharmacies from providing single-use plastic bags to its customers. Smaller grocers and liquor stores would be required to do so the following year. Stores would be able to charge .10 cents per reusable, compostable bag.

However, the two propositions differ in where the money is allocated. If Prop. 67 passes, revenue from the .10-cent sales of bags would go back to the stores to mitigate costs incurred from complying with the new rules. It would also provide the plastic bag manufacturers about $2 million to retain jobs and work toward creating multi-use plastic bags that would comply with what would be the state’s new regulations.

Dana Point Times October 21-27, 2016

Doheny Longboard Surfing Association President Mark Gale cleans up Doheny State Beach after the July 4 holiday. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

If Prop. 65 passes, a measure whose petition drive was funded by the industry group, American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA)—essentially a conglomeration of major plastic bag producers—the money would go to a dedicated environmental fund, instead of back to the grocery stores.

APBA claims the funds, to be pooled in the “Environmental Protection and Enhancement Fund,” would be distributed as grants for wildlife restoration programs, litter removal, clean water initiatives and more. However, environmental groups, including Surfrider, claim Prop. 65’s supposed environmental fund is an effort to delay the ultimate phase-out of plastic bags. Groups claim the environmental fund won’t generate enough money to have any significant environmental benefit.

“More than 32,000 Americans lose their lives to gun violence each year,” the group wrote. “There have been 150 school shootings since Sandy Hook. Yet the NRA has obstructed even the most basic efforts to curb gun violence. But in California, we can defeat the NRA in 2016 by going straight to voters through an historic ballot initiative.”

What seems to be stirring the most controversy about this proposition is the banning of all large-capacity magazines. In 2000, California put a ban on all magazines over ten rounds, with exception made for those who had purchased their magazines before this legislation was enacted. Prop.

63, however, would eliminate this exception and ban all large-capacity magazines from any year.

“These are legally purchased and have been in possession of law-abiding citizens for more than 16 years,” said Sean Anthis, a San Clemente gun owner and Marine Corps veteran. “Under this law, (a person) would have to surrender magazines for a World War II-era rifle … to the state of California. This law only affects law-abiding citizens as criminals will continue to illegally possess and obtain ‘large capacity’ magazines with complete disregard for the law.”

The last two prongs of this initiative outlines theft of ammunitions and the court removal of firearms. Dealers would have to report a missing gun or ammunitions within two days, whereas individuals would have five days to do so. Also, the

theft of a gun would now be considered a felony and punishable by up to three years of prison time. Those who are prohibited by law from having a firearm will now be informed by courts that they must sell, store or turn in their gun. Probation officers will be required to report on what a prohibited individual does with their firearm. —Victor Carno

“Prop. 65 is sponsored by out-of-state plastic companies from South Carolina and Texas. They don’t care about California’s environment, they just want to confuse voters and distract from the real issue: the need to phase out plastic grocery bags,” wrote Mark Murray of Californians Against Waste in the official ballot opposition.

Yes on 65, funded by the APBA, says the original senate bill that banned single-use plastic bags wasn’t any less influenced by outside interests than their measure. They claim the grocery stores stand to gain $300 million in profit by enacting a .10-cent bag fee.

If they both pass, the proposition with the greater number of votes would take effect. If they both fail, the single-use ban on plastic bags would not go into effect.

You may be asking yourself: would that be a good thing?

Consider that more than 13 million plastic bags are used in California every year, and that many don’t fully degrade. And it costs about half a billion dollars annually to clean up plastic bags from the state’s waterways and natural areas, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

And not to teach an elementary school lecture on the importance of recycling, but plastic bags do massive damage to the environment, harming species and habitats, and fouling the state’s shores.

According to the state, less than 3 per-

cent are recycled. More than 150 California cities and towns have already adopted single-use bag ban ordinances So is a statewide ban on these bags the way to fix the problem? Is it better to put that money in an environmental fund or send it back to grocers? Californians will decide. —Matt Cortina

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For Prop. 63 California Democratic Party, U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland, and several law enforcement officials.

Major Contributors for Prop. 63 (as of Oct. 16)

Newsom Ballot Measure Committee: $4,082,017.13 California Democratic Party: $1,137,028 Against Prop. 63 California Republican Party, National Rifle Association, California Police Chiefs Association.

Major Contributors against Prop. 63 (as of Oct. 16)

Coalition for Civil Liberties (California Rifle & Pistol Association): $480,973.67 Stop Prop 63 (Firearms Policy Coalition): $260,304.73 National Rifle Association: $95,000

For Prop. 65 American Progressive Bag Alliance (a plastic bag industry group), California Republican Party Major Contributors for Prop. 65 (as of Oct. 16)

American Progressive Bag Alliance: $6,144,383.26 For Prop. 67 California Democratic Party, Gov. Jerry Brown, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Patagonia, dozens of environmental groups Major Contributors for Prop. 67 (as of Oct. 16)

Environment California: $1,718,020.96 Save the Bay Action Fund PAC: $910,524.49 Yes on 67 (Conglomeration of environmental groups, grocery stores and reusable bag makers): $694,062.81 Californians Against Waste: $63,967.42 www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Closing Shop?

A longtime Del Prado auto repair business may have to close its doors for good

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

T

om Volkmann, owner of Dana Point Foreign Car Service and member of the Dana Point Town Center Subcommittee, received a violation notice over the summer saying he was violating his conditional use permit and the Dana Point Municipal code.

Now, the local business owner is being asked to cease operations after more than 30 years of serving the city unless he remediates what the city claims are violations. However, it’s a catch-22 for Volkmann—the city wants him to stop repairing cars on the property, so if he complies with the order, he’ll own a car repair business that can’t repair cars.

Dana Point Foreign Car Service has been open since 1964 and originally received a conditional use permit from the county. When Dana Point officially became a city, Volkmann said the permit was “grandfathered” in.

Volkmann said on a few occasions since 2002, the city has told him the business was not conforming to the permit, but he said the city has always worked with

Tom Volkmann, owner of Dana Point Foreign Car Service, received a letter from the city attorney stating he violated his conditional use permit. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

him to solve the issue. Now, Volkmann said they didn’t inform him of new issues, but sent him a letter that said he needs to cease auto repair work outside the facility within 30 days, and cease all auto repair work on the property within 90 days.

“If they had just come in and said, ‘Tom, we have issues, you’re not conforming,’ then we would have worked with them,” Volkmann said. “They basically started at the other end with a threatening letter.

That’s not the way a community normally operates.”

He added that previously, about a decade ago, the city told him he was not

conforming and gave him a list of things he needed to fix.

“We did that, and they were fine with what we were offering,” Volkmann said.

The attorney’s letter from the city said Volkmann has not taken the necessary action to bring the business into compliance, and has chosen “to ignore the city’s efforts.” It stated after the county approved of the permit, Volkmann had to be limited to minor repair work and perform that work within the interior of the shop.

Volkmann said he believes a complaint was made from a nearby residence, but could not confirm anything. He also said the

loudest thing in his shop is the radio, and that he disposes of auto fluids efficiently.

City Manager Doug Chotkevys previously said “the code enforcement case initiated many years ago as a result of neighborhood complaints.”

City Attorney Patrick Muñoz said the city declined to comment on anything further.

Next to Volkmann’s shop is Bill Sandberg’s Dana Point Hardware, another small business that has been in the community for years. He said what’s happening with Volkmann is worrisome.

“I think it’s a trend that the city is going to continue on. They didn’t want Tom here or this type of business. I think they’re working their way along; they don’t want laundromats, they don’t want dry cleaners, and they don’t want this because it isn’t a Palm Springs shopping area,” Sandberg said.

Many customers have voiced concerns over Volkmann potentially closing up shop.

“It’s nice to go somewhere you trust; it’s a trust kind of city,” said Norris Lozano, a Capistrano Beach resident. “I hate to see these good local businesses kicked out so the lot can be power washed and put something new in. I hope they don’t do that to him.”

Currently Volkmann is working with an attorney to delay the closing for as long as possible.

“We support five families,” Volkmann said. “All of my employees have been here for years.” DP

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor LACK OF PARTICIPATION FRED STEWART, Capistrano Beach

In regards to the upcoming election, it seems ignorance is bliss. I’m amazed by the lack of participation at the local level. A vote for Issa is a vote for Trump.

The Democratic energy in South Orange County is pathetic.

WHY THE WATER HIKE? LINDA AND RAY SOMMO, Capistrano Beach

Was anyone else blindsided by the enormous increase in property taxes for 2016-17? Wondering why the giant hike?

Wasn't Prop. 13* intended to protect property owners from this? Well obviously the South Coast Water District (SCWD) decided to circumvent the intent of Prop.

13. They have restructured their rates, I was informed by an e-mail in response to my inquiry. Now we are to be charged not only an increased monthly rate, but also an exorbitant yearly rate—check your tax bill at the bottom for what is referred to as Voter Approved and Special Assessments.

I think this is outrageous. If you agree, write to the paper, write to the SCWD. Even some of the District’s own directors admit to overspending in connection with the outreach program in conjunction with the Doheny Desalination Project. Are we destined to pay for the folly that their own board can't agree on? Let’s get something going to overturn this unfair burden on homeowners. *Prop. 13 was a 1978 ballot initiative in California that reduced property tax rates at 1975 property values, and mandated strict guidelines should the state or municipalities decide to increase rates.

DIFFERENT OPTIONS MARV SHERRILL, Dana Point

I noticed on my ballot that the Dana Point City Council and South Coast Water District contests include two questionable candidates. The wife of former City Council member (now Assemblyman) Bill Brough is running for our City Council, while SCWD Director Dennis Erdman’s son is running to join him on the Water Board. I wonder how appropriate this is.

Two years ago, then-Council member Brough voted to approve the Majestic Project (aka: the Raintree Project— where the plan is to build hundreds of apartments on three lots) in spite of the Planning Commission not approving it. We now have to live with that decision—which means that there will be a huge influx of apartments in the Lantern District with Dana Point Times October 21-27, 2016

inadequate parking and the potential for many two-day short-term rentals. I wonder if Mr. Brough’s wife were to win a seat on our City Council, would she continue voting on issues that will “sell out” our city—going against what the majority of residents want for the future of our city?

The passing of Measure H indicated what the majority of citizens wanted.

As for Douglas Erdman’s running for the SCWD, I don’t think that most voters would want to see 40 percent of the Water District votes come from the same family. We’re in an epic drought in Southern California. If two of the five votes on any agenda item come from the same family, they would have the opportunity to discuss the item “off the record” and vote for items that might be best for them but not in the best interest of our entire region. That means only one other vote would be needed to approve legislation that could be counterproductive in our battle to conserve water.

We do not need Bill Brough’s influence back in the City Council, and a single family should not have that much influence on water board decisions.

While I don’t know either candidate personally, it just seems logical that there are other candidates running who would give us a wider range of opinions to make better future decisions for Dana Point.

“will take minutes at the

On Nov. 8, Californians

poll to have a lifetime of

difference in keeping our

”

beaches clean.

VOTE YES ON 67 TO PROTECT OUR OCEAN GREG LONG, San Clemente

As a big wave surfer and the son of a man who has committed his life to San Onofre State Park protection, I care deeply about the health of our coastal playground, by keeping our water clean, our beaches accessible and keeping trash out of our waterways.

On Nov. 8, Californians will take minutes at the poll to have a lifetime of difference in keeping our beaches clean—Vote Yes on Prop 67. This ballot referendum affirms the statewide law banning single-use plastic grocery bags and encourages all shoppers to bring reusable bags to the store. Singleuse plastics bags are part of the plastic pollution epidemic that is facing our ocean today. In fact, scientists have predicted that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by the year 2050. Plastic pollution poses a grave threat to 663 species of marine animals. Not only is plastic bag litter unsightly (and pretty disgusting to surf

with), but it also poisons our environment and threatens our food chain when smaller pieces of plastic are eaten by the fish that we eat. Because plastic bags are always on the “top ten” list for sources of litter, and they can be easily replaced by reusable shopping bags, voting Yes on Prop 67 is a great way to protect our coastal areas and better our community.

DANA POINT SHOULD COME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS STR ORDINANCE SHEVY ATKINSON, Dana Point

Our community should come together to discuss how the city will look if the referendum is successful. What will be put in its place? If it stays, how can it be improved? Can there be an ordinance that creates a win-win?

As result of supporting Ordinance 5.38, which was a compromise, I've received flak from both sides, those that don't like that with the ordinance the city supports HOAs' ability to prohibit vacation rentals and think that people should be allowed to do what they want with their properties and from those that don't think that there should be any vacation rentals in the city at all.

Witnessing the divisive communication pertaining to this issue, the money spent on signature gatherers who, in many cases, lied to our residents, and the overall dialogue I've felt many times I would be better off forgetting about it. However, I was reminded the other day how blessed we are to live in Dana Point, a city where this argument is even possible and that if I have a chance to stand up for what's right, I need to.

To elaborate, my parents built a house circa 30 years ago in Fargo, North Dakota, where I grew up. I was the oldest of five kids and my youngest brother just left to law school, and now the home is too big for my mom. She would love to keep it, and we discussed options, but ultimately it made the most sense to sell it. Planning this year's Christmas, I realized this will be one of only a handful of years that we will probably only fly in and out of Fargo. If my mom's home was in Dana Point, where short-term rentals are allowed, we could have helped her to vacation rent the home.

I would like to have that option when my kids are grown and it's time for me to downsize. It's disappointing that some in our city would like to take this option that our citizens have enjoyed for years away.

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. 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.

Page 8

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 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 Jake Howard Evan Da Silva Debra Holm Tim Trent Victor Carno

Dana Point Times, Vol. 9, Issue 43. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

REPLACE YOUR LAWN WORKSHOP 9:30 a.m. The Tree of Life Nursery celebrates planting season with a series of workshops on growing native species in your yard. The Oct. 22 class concerns plant selection. The workshop is free.

33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. www.californianativeplants.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

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

Friday | 21

FAREWELL TO THE SWALLOWS BARBECUE Noon-4 p.m. The Fiesta Association hosts their “Adios de las Golondrinas” fiesta barbecue at Reata Park. There will be food (barbecue, obviously), music, games and kids’ activities. 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. www.swallowsparade.com.

MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

CARING FOR OTHERS, CARING FOR SELF SEMINAR 2:30-4:30 p.m. A discussion of healthy and successful aging hosted by the Orange County Aging Services Collaborative.

Sen. Pat Bates provides opening remarks.

Outlets at San Clemente, VIP Lounge.

101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. Event is free. 949.757.3775. www.occaringresources.eventbrite.com.

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

‘POE, POE, POE’ 7 p.m. Watch dramatic presentations of the works of Edgar Allen Poe and other horror poets, presented by the Star Center for the Performing Arts. Wearing costumes is encouraged, and a prize will be given to the best dressed. Admission is $30. Dana Point Community House. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point. Contact info@starctr.org for more information. www.starctr.org.

CONCERT FOR VETERANS 7 p.m. Salute the men and women of the U.S. military by attending this performance by the All-American Boys Chorus.

Free admission for veterans and active military, $10 for the general public. San Clemente Community Center. 100 Calle Seville, San Clemente. 714.361.3920 ext.

103. www.taabc.org.

‘FAHRENHEIT 451’ 7:30 p.m. Ray Bradbury’s classic dystopian novel comes to life at Saddleback College via the Department of Theatre Arts. Runs through Oct. 23. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students.

28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo.

949.582.4656. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

‘DIAL M FOR MURDER’ 8 p.m. Deception, murder and passion complicate Frederick Knott’s darkly brilDana Point Times October 21-27, 2016

Photo: File

SATURDAY, OCT. 22: SAN CLEMENTE OKTOBERFEST Noon-9 p.m. A craft beer and music festival featuring music by The Aggrolites, Common Sense, Tunnel Vision, Vinnie and the Hooligans, and The Express Band, a German Oompah group. Serving local craft beer by Pizza Port, Artifex, Left Coast, Laguna Beach Beer Company and Lost Winds Brewery. Food trucks, contests, live music and beer. $15 presale tickets available. Vista Hermosa Sports Park. 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. www.scoktoberfest.com

THE DISH

Loco Moco at Stacks Pancake House

O

n the weekends, and some weekdays, you can usually count on a long line of people outside Stacks Pancake House in Dana Point. There’s usually a long line outside its other location in Mission Viejo, too.

Such a regular commitment of time indicates that something good must be going on inside. To find out, I tried the house specialty Loco Moco.

A bed of steamed rice was piled high with two fried eggs, brown gravy and a split, grilled Portuguese sausage. There’s also the option for a more traditional hamburger patty or Spam, but no matter what you choose, it’s a bold way to start the day. With the yolk running, and the salty gravy mixing with charred sausage and rice of a perfect

liant tale of jealousy and greed, Dial M for Murder. Tickets start at $20. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 22 TALEGA RUN CLUB 7:30 a.m. All ages and running abilities are welcome to this weekly running club. 2XU, an athletic apparel store in San Clemente, supports the club and helps lead the runs.

AUTHOR TALK WITH JOANNA GIANGARDELLA AND MARYANN EASLEY 1-2 p.m. Joanna Giangardella, author of Dancing Skeleton and Girl from the Tower, will discuss her work and sign books.

Award-winning author and educator MaryAnn Easley joins the discussion. San Clemente Library. 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.492.3493. www.ocpl. org/libloc/sc.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Southbound & Company performs live music in the afternoon, followed by Jann Browne in the evening.

The Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

DOHENY HALLOWEEN HAUNT 6:30-8:30 p.m. Games, spooky walks and activities will be held at the Doheny Halloween Haunt. One canned or boxed food item is the requested donation to attend.

Doheny State Beach, Picnic Areas A & B. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.dohenystatebeach.org.

texture, each bite is pure happiness—and that seems to be the goal.

So though I think it remains that people are generally attracted to waiting in line, the food at Stacks is at least worth the wait.

STACKS PANCAKE HOUSE 34255 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

949.429.2222. www.stackspancakehouse.com

Group meets in front of Peet’s Coffee at 801 Avenida Talega, San Clemente.

949.558.5054. www.meetup.com/2XU-SanClemente-Outlet-Meetup.

FREE FAMILY FALL FEST 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens hosts a free family festival, where participants can learn the basics of composting, vertical gardens and more. Kids’ activities, crafts, food, entertainment and more will be available. Reata Park. 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.606.6386. www.goinnative.net.

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VIDEO GAMING CLUB 7-9:30 p.m. Middle school to college age kids are welcome to play video games and ping pong with their peers. The $5 entry fee also covers pizza and snacks. Community Outreach Alliance. 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

LIVE MUSIC: THEO & ZYDECO PATROL 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Theo & Zydeco Patrol at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

‘BEN FRANKLIN’ 8 p.m. Local actor Mel Chadwick performs a one-man show, Ben Franklin, which looks at how the founding father would adapt to life today. Cabrillo Playhouse.

202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente.

949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

(Cont. on page 13) www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT EDITOR’S PICK

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 | 26 Photo: Kristina Pritchett

SUNDAY, OCT. 23: DEL PRADO CAR SHOW 1-5 p.m. More than 200 classic and interesting cars will be on display along Del Prado, with awards given to the best automobiles. This will be the first time the car show will include a motorcycle section. Live entertainment will also be available. Del Prado between Old Golden Lantern and Ruby Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.3000. www.dplanterndistrict.com.

(Cont. from page 10) LIVE MUSIC: SUGARLIPS 8 p.m. Listen to live music from Sugarlips at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente.

206 S. El Camino Real. 949.492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

LIVE MUSIC CRUISE 8-9:30 p.m. Flock of 80’s performs onboard the 95-foot Dana Pride. Full bar includes wine, beer and mixed drinks. Tickets are $22. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

Sunday | 23 WHALE WATCHING CRUISE 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Hop aboard the R/V Sea Explorer to see whales, dolphins and more.

Tickets are $25-$45. The Ocean Institute.

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

Monday | 24 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic

At the Movies: ‘The Accountant’ Needs Oversight

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

B

en Affleck: a man who quickly discovered that his talents lie in filmmaking, but still has to deal with the movie-star status the world gave him.

His new movie as an actor for hire, the lead in Gavin O’Connor’s The Accountant, is a puzzling thing. It’s a crime/thriller,

Dana Point Times October 21-27, 2016

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE 9-11:30 a.m. Bring a friend or come by yourself to learn bridge. People age 9-99 are welcome. South Orange County Bridge Center. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. www.danaharborbridgecenter.org.

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, or 949.369.5482

guitar lessons for Jr. High to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. coamusicarts@gmail.com. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Tuesday | 25 TINY TOTS: PARENT AND ME PROGRAM 9-10:30 a.m. Children ages 2 and 3, and their parents, are invited to The Ocean Institute to explore shapes, colors and textures with the sea star. Runs every Tuesday until Nov. 8. Cost is $30 for one class, $150 for the whole series. The Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

LIVE MUSIC: SHADES OF J 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Shades of J at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

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. www.mollybloomspub.com.

Thursday | 27

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. See more events online. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

YAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN 4-7 p.m. Bring a dog in a costume to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. A $10 donation is requested. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

but its protagonist is an autistic accountant?

What could make accounting interesting enough to fill two hours? I guess it’s supposed to break some stigmas about autism, but instead it does something else.

Affleck portrays a reclusive CPA worker named Christian Wolff, who assists everyday folks by day and also freelances for illegal and dangerous organizations by night. His latest client, Lamar Black (John Lithgow) of Roboticliving, might be his first combination of both. Meanwhile, Treasury agent Ray King (J.K. Simmons) is hot on Wolff’s tail after connecting the pieces of his secret identity; hired assassin Brax (Jon Bernthal) is also on

the hunt for Wolff; and Dana Cummings (Anna Kendrick) is in love with him.

Jeffrey Tambor and Jean Smart co-star.

Affleck is directed by O’Connor, who gave us the sleeper hits Tumbleweeds (1999), Miracle (2004) and Warrior (2011). But The Accountant has a script written by barely decent standards—Bill Dubuque of The Judge (2014). The narrative of how autism is portrayed is too heavy-handed, the expository dialogue surrounding King’s development is sloppy and the plot twist on Wolff’s and Brax’s relationship is very obvious. Despite the efforts with The Accountant, movie viewers would be better off seeing Certain Women. DP

LIVE MUSIC: TERRY VALLES & FRIENDS 7-10:30 p.m. Listen to live music from Terry Valles & Friends at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El

Page 13

Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Friday | 28 MISSION ART WALK 11 a.m. A docent-guided tour highlighting the art collection of rare paintings related to the Mission’s history. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

BOO CRUISE 5-7 p.m. Hop aboard one of serval 20-minute Harbor cruises. There will be a costume contest on every cruise. Rides are $5 per person, and proceeds benefit the local nonprofit, Community Autism Now. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor.

Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. See more events online. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

GHOSTS AND LEGENDS TOUR 6:30 p.m. Get in the Halloween spirit as Historical Society guides lead a “spooky” walking tour of Los Rios Street. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $4 for children. Tours start at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 31831 Los Rios Stree, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.8444. www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

LIVE MUSIC: FAMILY STYLE 7:30-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Family Style at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to Dana Point Times by going to www.danapointtimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Ben Affleck in The Accountant.

Photo: Chuck Zlotnick/ Warner Bros.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Spooky Season South Orange County will offer plenty of Halloween events this year

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s Halloween approaches, South Orange County cities are gearing up for spooky and fun events for kids and adults alike. Below is a list of some of this year’s festivities in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Doheny State Beach Halloween Haunt From 6:30-8:30 p.m., families can celebrate Halloween at Doheny State Beach. There will be arts and crafts, a fun zone and educational booths. There’s no charge for admission, but a donation of one non-perishable food item per person is requested.

For more information about the event, visit www.dohenystatebeach.org. The event will take place at picnic sites A and B. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 Halloween Spooktacular and Moonlight Movie From 3-9:30 p.m., the free event will feature a wizard magic show, a costume parade, a hilarious Halloween haunt marionette show, themed cookie decorating, carnival games and crafts and a screening of Hotel Transylvania 2. There will also be free popcorn, treats and hot chocolate.

The event will take place at the Dana Point Community Center at 34052 Del Obispo, Dana Point.

Boo Cruise Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching will host 20 minute cruises between 5-7 p.m. Every cruise has a contest with fun prizes, and each cruise lasts 20 minutes. The cost is $5 per person and children under 1 year old are free. Proceeds

Families and kids are invited to participate in Dana Point’s Spooktacular event. Photo: Robin Gray

benefit Community Autism Now. 24675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

Haunted House Food Drive On Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29, a haunted house will be set up on Via Ameno from 6-10 p.m. The price of admission is a donation of canned goods, which will be donated to Families Assistance Ministries. 1601 Via Ameno, San Clemente.

Ghosts and Legends Tour From 6:30-7:30 p.m., the Historical Society will lead a spooky walking tour of Los Rios Street. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children. Tours begin at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

31831 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Spooky Seas: Halloween Spooktacular Tour Saturday, Oct. 29 through Monday, Oct. 31 the Ocean Institute will host a Spooky Seas: Halloween Spooktacular Tour. The tour will begin in a mad scientist lab and continue to the Institute’s Historic Maritime Wharf and Brig Pilgrim. The event runs from 6-9 p.m. each night and is $7 for children ages 10-15, $10 for adults or $5 for those not going on the tour. The event is not suitable for children under 10. For more information, visit www.ocean-institute.org/event/spooky-seas. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

SCENE { I N DANA P O I NT }

On Sunday, Oct. 16, artists set up their art along Del Prado between Blue

Lantern and Old Golden Lantern during the Lantern

District Art Walk. Local businesses hosted exhibits, and musicians held live performances throughout the area.

The event was free and open to the public. Photo: Karin Schnell

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

Last week’s solution:

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Pet of the Week: Wile E

T

his handsome lug is Wile E, and he would love to be your new best friend. Though he might be named after a crafty coyote, this goofy guy is as loveable as they come. Wile E, a two-year-old, loves dogs and humans alike and would make a wonderful addition to an active home.

If you would like to know more about Wile E, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP Page 14

Wile E. Photo: San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR RENT ROOM FOR RENT IN A PRIVATE SAN CLEMENTE HOME IN A GATED COMMUNITY. Mostly private bathroom. Seeking a responsible, non-smoking female. Rent is $850/ month and includes utilities (Wi-Fi). If you are interested please contact me at GarrettRN@cox.net.

GARAGE SALES CASITAS DEL RIO HOA COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Corner of Camino Del Avion and Alipaz FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE SATURDAY OCTOBER 29 8AM-12PM X st’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares

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

HELP WANTED CASSANO’S PIZZA IS NOW HIRING Cooks, drivers, servers. Must be a team player, fun friendly environment. Please apply in person 818 South El Camino Real, San Clemente.

OBITUARY

John (Jay) Munnis John (Jay) Munnis passed away of natural causes on Sunday July 24, 2016. John who went by the name of “Jay” is survived by older brother Robert Munnis and his wife of 47 years Phyllis Munnis as well as two nephews Philip Munnis and Jason Munnis. Jay was born in Boston Massachusetts on July 29, 1948. Jay attended Milton High School in Boston. After graduating in 1966, he joined the US Army. Jay did his stint in the Army and was honorable discharged. Afterward he settled in the OC, Orange County California and eventually wound up living his last 20 years in Dana Point, a small coastal town in the southern tip of Orange County. Jay spent most of his career in the music business. Jay was a performer in his early years and then moved into production. Jay worked as Production Manager for the Coach House Concert Hall for many years thru the 80’s and 90’s. In the early 2000’s Jay went to work for Danman’s Music School where he became a Luthier at the music school and was the go to guy for hundreds of musicians and performers in the South Orange County when they needed help fixing their instruments. Jay was also loved by the many students, teachers and parents at the music school. Jay loved the ocean, he loved basketball, and especially he loved to watch the Los Angeles Lakers.

Dana Point Times October 21–27, 2016

Page 15

www.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

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

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

Laguna Hills increased its lead to 31-7 in the third quarter, which prompted the Dolphins to replace Cisowski with backup Brandon Oswald. Oswald would engineer three Dolphin scoring drives, combining to run and throw for 198 total yards. Oswald scored on a short keeper with one minute left in regulation to close out the scoring.

“Oswald stepped up tonight. He proved that he is versatile and could step into many positions when needed,” Dana Hills coach Phil Skinner said.

Dana Hills will host El Toro (2-6, 1-1) in a league game on Oct. 21. The Chargers are coming off a 41-7 blowout loss to firstplace Capistrano Valley last week.

—Victor Carno

BY STEVE BREAZEALE AND VICTOR CARNO, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Cross Country Teams Sweep OC Championships

The Dana Hills boys and girls cross country teams proved they are the squads to beat in the area yet again with a dominating performance at the Orange County Championships at Irvine Regional Park on Oct. 15.

The Dolphins pulled off a clean sweep on the podium, as both the boys and girls team placed first at the high-profile midseason meet.

Junior Jack Landgraf won the Orange County individual title in the varsity sweeps race with a first-place time of 14:53.3. Landgraf finished nearly 12 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher.

Landgraf wasn’t the only Dolphin runner that had a strong showing at the meet.

Four additional Dana Hills runners placed in the top-30 to help power the team to its top finish. Senior Thomas Wilfert (15:07.2) placed third overall, senior Brandon Hough (15:11.4) placed 10th, sophomore Eddy Wagenseller (15:18.7) placed 18th and sophomore Hayden Stein (15:27.2) placed 29th.

The girls squad, much like the boys team, relied on its formidable depth to claim the championship.

Sophomores Leila Keyvan (17:44.2) and Lauren Soto (17:49.8) finished 10th and

Countdown to the Derby Annual Dana Wharf Sportfishing halibut derby approaches

BY FRANKI DARNOLD, DANA POINT TIMES

N

ov. 1 marks the ninth annual Halibut Derby held at Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching.

Those interested in entering the highly competitive derby will have to try and best roughly 500 other anglers vying to catch the biggest halibut of the season, which lasts from November through March.

Dana Point Times October 21-27, 2016

Girls Golf Earns a Share of League Title

The Dana Hills football team came out strong against Laguna Hills in its Sea View League opener on Oct. 14, but lost steam

almost as fast as they gained it in an eventual 46-27 loss.

On the Dolphins’ (1-6, 0-1 league) opening drive, junior quarterback Corey Cisowski connected with senior Ryder Lynch for a 63-yard touchdown pass for a 7-0 lead two minutes into the game, which shocked the Laguna Hills home crowd. But the lead would not last long, as the Dolphins would not find the end zone again until the third quarter.

Laguna Hills (4-3, 1-1) responded later in the first quarter with the help from junior quarterback Ross Leigber. Leigber found his favorite target, receiver Logan Montgomery, time and time again throughout the quarter, and the game.

Laguna Hills held a 17-7 lead heading into halftime.

Montgomery would lead all receivers with 124 yards, and Leigber passed for 153 yards.

Facing a tough battle down the stretch, the Dana Hills girls golf team strung together three consecutive South Coast League match victories to earn a share of the league title.

The Dolphins (16-7, 6-2), needed to win out on its schedule in order to share the league title with San Clemente and Trabuco Hills, and they did. Dana Hills defeated Trabuco Hills and Tesoro twice down the stretch to finish in the three-way tie.

As of Oct. 20, the Dolphins were competing in the South Coast League finals tournament, and had a strong showing on day one of the two-day event. Senior Joan Soewondo carded a first-round score of 69 (-3) at San Juan Hills Golf Club to take the early lead. Soewondo held a seven-shot lead over Trabuco Hills’ Hailey Borja after the first round. Dana Hills’ Averee Dovsek’s 82 (+10) put her in a tie for fourth place, and Lauren Wahlstrom and Isley Grguric both shot 86 (+14) to earn a share of eighth place. The second day of league finals was scheduled for Oct. 20. Results were not available at press time.—SB

“It’s the only fishing contest that we hold every year. … It’s the only one of its kind,” said Donna Kalez, Dana Wharf owner and operator.

There are multiple ways to get in the money, Kalez said, including placing in the top-5 of the season-long derby. The angler that catches the largest halibut will win $1,500 and cement their name at the top of the competition’s leaderboard. The best 25 anglers will get a free fishing trip through Dana Wharf, with another chance to compete for a $500 prize in a “fish-off.”

The derby is also a special event in the community, Kalez said. The halibut derby creates camaraderie among anglers because it is the only event of its kind in the area. Not only are there added opportunities to win money, but the competitive spirit of the fishermen is also built up over the offseason before the derby competi-

tion begins each fall.

“Everybody’s trying new techniques, and they’re going to the tackle stores, and they’re buying new lures because everybody’s trying to figure out the best way to catch a halibut. It’s a lot of fun to watch,” Kalez said.

Last year’s winner, Jerry Boston, reeled in a 23 1/2-pound halibut, which was six pounds heavier than the second-place finisher.

The annual event has brought in more and more anglers each year, Kalez said.

Some anglers even schedule their vacations around the event and bring their families. Kalez also mentioned how the derby attracts lots of tourists, who flock to local tackle shops and help local businesses.

To enter the derby, anglers must join a halibut drift day trip or join an open party local trip. For more information, visit www. danawharf.com. DP

An angler celebrates a big halibut catch during the 2015 halibut derby. Photo: Courtesy

The Dana Hills boys and girls cross country teams placed first in the varsity sweeps race at the Orange County Championship meet at Irvine Regional Park on Oct. 15. Photo: Courtesy

12th, respectively. Senior Kathryn Kaloroumakis (18:01.7) and Sarah Meng (18:08) placed 17th and 24th, respectively. The Dolphins’ top-4 runners crossed the finish line separated by just a 24-second gap.

The Dana Hills boys and girls teams have now recorded first-place finishes at Irvine Regional Park in two different meets this season. Both teams won the South Coast League preview meet at the course on Oct. 5.

Dana Hills will compete at the Riverside Invitational, site of the upcoming CIF State Championships, on Oct. 22.

—Steve Breazeale

Football Can’t Maintain Pace with Hawks in 46-27 Loss

Page 17

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

How’s Your Surf Spot?

GROM OF THE WEEK

OWEN SIMLER

Access to San Onofre and Trestles could be changing in the near future

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

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ot to be an alarmist or anything, but the way things stand right now, the future of both San Onofre and Trestles sure seems like it’s up in the air. For starters, the state’s lease with the Department of the Navy for the San Onofre State Park land expires in less than five years.

That wouldn’t be so bad if talk of the 241 toll road hadn’t sparked up again. Needless to say, if you live and surf in South Orange County, hopefully you’re paying attention.

Let’s start with the lease for San Onofre.

The short story is that in 1971, President Richard Nixon signed a deal with the state of California that turned the 3,000 acres that comprise San Onofre into State Park land. The lease is set to expire on Aug. 31, 2021. The San Onofre State Park butts up against the northern border of the U.S. Marine’s Camp Pendleton, and the two parties have already begun preliminary negotiations to hopefully renew the lease.

Today, San Onofre is one of the top five most visited state parks, drawing an estimated 2.5 million visitors per year. A number of economic impact studies have found that on average, a visitor to the beach in San Clemente will spend over $50 in town.

You don’t need to be an economist to figure out that translates into a lot of dough. It also translates into a lot of happy people.

“California State Parks is interested in continuing to operate the land and will engage in a positive dialogue with the U.S. Marine Corps, using the five years leading up to the lease expiration productively, seeking to reach an agreement during that time,” read a letter that California State Parks sent to the Marine Corps Installations West.

Thus far, the military has not issued a comment on the subject. Given that the relationship has proven to be mutually beneficial for both parties over the course of the past 50 years, it is believed there will be a positive outcome, but it could take some time.

“This is not ‘Save Trestles.’ This is not ‘Save San Onofre.’ The only thing we got from them is that it probably won’t be resolved until the end,” said Steve Long, founder of the San Onofre Parks Foundation, former lifeguard of the State Park for 36 years and father of big-wave surfers Greg

Dana Point Times October 21-27, 2016

Photo: Courtesy

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

G Surfers make their way to Trestles surf break at San Onofre State Beach. Transporation plans in the area could disrupt the integrity and accessability of the area. Photo: File/Brett Shoaf

and Rusty Long. “We won’t have an answer this year. The Parks are stating our position—that (the beach) continues to be accessible to the public as it is today, hopefully.”

Things are considerably hairier when it comes to the reemergence of plans for the 241 toll road. After the plan was halted by decisions from the California Coastal Commission, the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, the San Clemente City Council and an army of upset locals, the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) still isn’t taking no for an answer.

In September, TCA presented a new proposal to the San Clemente City Council.

Then, in an effort to garner public support, earlier this month they hosted a public meeting in San Clemente to discuss the “virtues” of their new proposed routes.

There are currently two options on the table that would impact Trestles directly.

The first would extend the project through Avenida La Pata and connect to Avenida Pico. Another option would involve building the toll road around the eastern portions of San Clemente and then connecting to Cristianitos. The ultimate objective is to connect the 241, which ends at the Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano, to the I-5 south of town. Whatever plan is adopted, if any, it appears it would still cut right through the San Mateo State Park and the watershed that’s created the Trestles area.

For surfers and those that value open space, there can be some solace in knowing the Council’s initial reaction was tepid.

“I feel like I’m on acid watching this. I

mean look at it. This is crazy. Nobody in their right mind would want this to happen,” said Councilman Tim Brown during a council meeting.

It’s probably safe to assume that sentiment is shared by most of the surfers in the area. But even if your heart’s in the right place, complacency never got anybody anywhere. It took a massive, organized effort to defeat the toll road the first time, and it may take similar action to protect San Onofre and Trestles for the generations of surfers to come. At least now you’ve been warned. DP

SURF RESULTS San Clemente Surf Classic Sunday, Oct. 16 at T-Street Beach, San Clemente (All contestants from San Clemente) Girls U18: 1. Sierra Downer; 2. Makayla Moss; 3. Reese Harnett; 4. Rachel Hartnett; 5. Reese Dewey; 6. Nicole Economos; Girls Long Board: 1. Taylor Stay; 2. Julia Guild; 3. Jenna Fomenko; Boys Long Board: 1. Ethan Mudge; 2.

Jimmy Wynne; 3. Caden Evans; 4. Rory Castimates; 5.

Rhyn Chambers; 6. Alex Guild; Boys U14: 1. Myles Biggs; 2. Taj Lindblad; 3. Nico Coli; 4. Ben Brantell; 5. Raike Nishida; 6. Tyrone Fomenko; Boys/Girls U10: 1. Cannon Montoya; 2. Dawson Marks; 3. Nolan Senn; 4. Nash Rice; 5. Kingston Watts; 6. Austin Harper; Boys U16: 1. Ethan Mudge; 2. Liam Murray; 3. Gus Day; 4. Andres Duran; 5.

Myles Biggs; 6. Raiki Nishida; Girls U14: 1. Sierra Downer; 2. Taylor Stacy; 3. Nicole Economos; 4. Reese Hartnett; 5. Carolyn Sachse; 6. Reese Dewey; Beater: 1. Ethan Mudge; 2. Nico Coli; 3. Elijah Tomlinson; 4. Max Beach; 5. Wyatt Ankrom; 6. Joey Madison; Girls U16: 1. Julia Guild; 2. Sierra Downer; 3. Makayla Moss; 4. Alexandra Economos; 5. Asha Boronk; 6. Rachel Hartnett; Boys U12: 1. Ryder Fish; 2. Rhyn Chambers; 3. Alex Guild; 4. Conan Craig; 5. Hendrick Ostercamp; 6. Kai Cassano; Boys U18: 1. Namor Cayres; 2. Luke Blackwill; 3. Jackson Hinkle; 4.

Jake Vandenburg; 5. Max Beach; 6. Elijah Tomlinson

Page 18

rowing up the son of a surfboard builder has its perks. Just ask Owen Simler.

“I got my first board when I was two years old. It was 2’11”, but I just used to carry that one around on the beach,” said Owen, whose father, Cole, is a local foam whittler. “My first real surfboard was a 5’6” I got for Christmas when I was six.”

The lanky 14-year-old is currently an eighth grader at Shorecliffs Middle School and part of the national champion surf team.

“The best part about being on the surf team is how stoked everyone is,” said Owen, who made the final of the longboard division at last weekend’s Scholastic Surf Series event in Oceanside, helping Shorecliff’s win their season opener. “Even if you have a pretty horrible day, somebody on the team could stoke you out.”

As much as Owen enjoys throwing on a jersey and representing his squad, he has been afforded a fresh perspective on wave riding thanks to growing up in the fray of his old man’s shaping business.

“The best thing about surfing is how much it can do for people,” said Owen. “If you are in the worst mood, a good session will turn your day around and make it amazing. Surfing has done so much for everyone, and I am stoked for that.” DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 63-68 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 5-10’ Fair-Good Outlook: Small to locally fun size blend of WNW and SSW swell through the weekend, keeping things rideable but mainly under head high.

Morning winds are light. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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