October 13, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

October 13–19, 2017

YO U

C A N

U S E

Dana Point Beats the Heat at Oktoberfest PAGE 16 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 41

Honoring Their Valor Dana Hills football program to host military tribute game S P O R T S / PAG E 2 0

Jayden Smith shakes the hand of a military veteran during last year’s Honor the Valor game at Dana Hills High School. Each year, Dana Hills football players hear guest speakers and interact with local veterans as part of the game. Photo: Alan Gibby, zone57

A Developer Is Recommended For Harbor Revitalization EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Positive Vibe Warriors Send the Stoke to South Africa Through Surfboard Drive DP SURF/PAGE 22

www.danapointtimes.com

Orca Whales Seen Outside Dana Point Harbor EYE ON DP/PAGE 5

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES IN THE BEST OF DANA POINT AT DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

DP EYE ON DP

Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING The construction is set to conclude in 2019—lasting about 18 months—with work hours of 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. County officials said in order to “maximize safety and accelerate work,” the San Juan Creek Trail will be closed on both sides beginning through June 2018.

During that time, pedestrians can use the adjacent Creekside Park walkway. Bicyclists will be directed to follow a detour from Stonehill Drive to Del Obispo Street to Mariner Drive.

County officials added that construction of an underpass north of Stonehill Drive will take place toward the beginning of the project, so that ideally, public access for that stretch will only be closed for a few weeks.

“We’re making every effort to keep that open so people can use that as an access point to get back on the paved bikeway,” said Shannon Widor, strategic communications officer for the county.

The Dana Point trolley system improved ridership from 2016, and continued to meet Orange County Transportation Authority minimum standards. Photo: File

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Dana Point Trolley Exceeds Requirements THE LATEST: The city of Dana Point recently released trolley ridership information for the 2017 summer season spanning June 9 to Sept. 4.

The trolley totaled over 78,000 riders, with the Harbor Shuttle exceeding 10,000 riders, this season. The trolley averaged just fewer than 18 riders per hour, and the Harbor Shuttle averaged just under nine riders per hour. Together, the two programs averaged over 13 riders per hour, exceeding the Orange County Transportation Authority’s minimum requirement of 10 riders per hour. Given the success of the program, the Orange County Transportation Authority will allow two grants that currently fund the program to continue.

Compared to the 2016 season, recorded as June 17 to Sept. 5, total ridership increased by almost 4,000 riders. The average boarding per hour declined from 16 percent in 2016, but was impacted by five running trolleys in the Dana Point program in 2017, versus four trolleys in 2016.

WHAT’S NEXT: City of Dana Point staff will be reviewing the trolley statistics in detail alongside community feedback before presenting results for discussion to City Council in November. —Daniel Ritz Dana Point Times October 13–19, 2017

San Juan Creek Levee Project Begins, Trail Closures Imminent THE LATEST: Residents and visitors who utilize the San Juan Creek Trail to trek to Doheny State Beach or travel inland to San Juan Capistrano will soon have to use detours due to trail closures from the San Juan Creek Levee Improvement Project.

The infrastructure project includes improvements to the levees along a 1-mile stretch of the San Juan Creek flood control channel. Led by the County of Orange, the $33 million project aims to enhance flood protection. The project area spans San Juan and Dana Point, “running along San Juan Creek from Stonehill Drive to approximately 2,100 feet upstream on the west side of the levee and 6,000 feet upstream on the east side of the levee,” according to San Juan city staff.

The project involves “installation of sheet piles with steel anchor columns and tension cables, construction of a reinforced concrete pile cap, construction of reinforced masonry block flood walls, installation of modified guard cable fencing” and “reconstruction of the asphalt bike trail along the west side of the channel.”

“The contractor has begun their site preparation work and installation of the staging facility on Lower Rosan,” officials with the city of San Juan Capistrano said on Oct. 12.

County officials said they anticipate construction for the levee project will begin next week if all goes as planned. Currently, pre-construction preparations are underway, such as posting public information signs and trimming trees.

“The bike trail along the west levee will be closed for most of the construction, and detour signs will reroute bicyclists and pedestrians off the trail in work areas,” city officials said.

WHAT’S NEXT: For more information on the levee improvement project, or to view bike path detour maps, visit www.ocflood. com or www.sanjuancapistrano.org/ Departments/Public-Works/TemporaryBike-Path-Detours. —Allison Jarrell

Beloved Community Member, Contracted City Employee Passes Away THE LATEST: Michael Nicolas Crawford, 52, a city of Dana Point contracted employee and beloved community member, passed away peacefully on Oct. 6 due to a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on January 18, 1965 in San Antonio, Texas, Crawford most recently resided in Dana Point where he worked as a street sweeper, was beloved by colleagues, the residents along his route, as well as city officials.

Crawford was an avid fisherman finding peace along the banks of the streams and lakes of the Eastern Sierras. He also enjoyed hiking, camping and being outdoors.

He is survived by his mother, Soazig Crawford; his sisters Marie-Laure (JeanYves) Lambert, Veronique (Billy) Ashby and Marie (Michael) Arriaga; 3 nephews and a niece; aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father Cletus.

Andrew Jacoby, Director of Operations at Cleanstreet, the street sweeping company under contract with the city of Dana Point, said he and his colleagues were “distraught” when they received the news of Crawford’s passing.

“He was dedicated to his work, and took great pride in it,” Jacoby said. “I really think he loved his job, and we all loved him, because he loved the community.”

A statement from city staff in an email said that, “he will be sorely missed by all.”

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WHAT’S NEXT: Details concerning final arrangement for Crawford were unavailable as of press time. Updates to this story can be found on www.danapointtimes. com. —DR

Boaters Association Announces Support for Recommended Harbor Developer THE LATEST: The Dana Point Boaters Association (DPBA) announced its support of the selection of Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) as the development team to rebuild and operate the Dana Point Harbor on Oct. 4.

This announcement came in light of the County of Orange’s recommendation of the development team.

“We believe (DPHP) to be the superior team financially and operationally, with the greater capacity to carry out this massive project to a successful conclusion,” James Lenthall, President of the Dana Point Boaters Association said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The County of Orange Board of Supervisors is expected to vote concerning the recommended Harbor Revitalization developer during their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The agenda for this meeting can be found in this online article at www.danapointtimes.com. —DR

Litigation Concerning Sober Living Homes Among Items on Next City Council Agenda THE LATEST: City Council will discuss existing litigation concerning multiple sober living homes as well as a variety of code enforcement issues at its next meeting on Oct. 17.

In addition to the closed session, Council will also hold a public discussion to approve and authorize a joint exercise of powers agreement relating to the California municipal finance authority.

Other updates to be discussed include Doheny Village Development, the Sea Level Rise Study, a zoning code clean-up update, the historical inventory update and the FEMA mapping update.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7. at 5 p.m. at Council chambers, located at 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210. To see a copy of the full meeting agenda for the upcoming Tuesday, Oct. 17 meeting, visit this story online at www. danapointtimes.com. —DR www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

‘Unrest’ Film Sheds Light on Misunderstood Disease Ocean Institute to host award-winning documentary on chronic fatigue syndrome

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

O

n Sunday, Oct. 15, the Ocean Institute will be hosting a screening of the award-winning documentary titled, Unrest, in an effort to bring awareness to chronic fatigue syndrome, an often misunderstood disease that has affected an estimated 30 million people worldwide as well as a Dana Point resident.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or ME/CFS, goes undiagnosed in an estimated 85-90 percent of its cases.

It’s multi-system devastation attacks the neurological, immune, endocrine and energy metabolism systems. However, it’s not uncommon to be overlooked for other diseases, and in turn, is one of the reasons it struggles to raise funding needed for continued research.

Unrest follows newlyweds Jennifer and Omar in their search for answers.

Often confined to her bed by her illness, Jennifer is moved to connect with others around the globe. Utilizing Skype and social media, she unlocks a rarely recognized community with intimate insights into the lives of four other families also suffering from ME/CFS. Unrest first premiered in January at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, where it won a Special Jury Prize for editing. It has since been screened at other high profile festivals such as South by Southwest, CPH:DOX, HotDocs, River Run, the Nashville Film Festival and Sheffield Doc/Fest. It will be released for general audiences later this fall.

Amelie Hicks, of Dana Point, battles chronic fatigue syndrome, the central focus of the documentary film ‘Unrest’. Photo: Courtesy

The need for local advocacy as well as international awareness was voiced by Dana Point resident Amelie Hicks, who began suffering from ME/CFS after the birth her second child in the summer of 2015.

Currently without the biological markers necessary for clinical diagnosis, ME/ CFS can be described as a diagnosis by elimination. Keegan Hicks, Amelie’s husband and an operating partner at Harbor Dana Point Times October 13–19, 2017

After decades of deterioration, the Dana Point Harbor might finally be receiving a much needed facelift when the Board of Supervisors votes Oct. 17. Photo: Tony Tribolet

County Announces Candidates for Harbor Revitalization Keegan (left) and Amelie Hicks hope to raise awareness of this Dana Point local’s debilitating disease through a showing of an award-winning documentary called ‘Unrest’ at the Ocean Institute on Oct. 15.

Photo: Courtesy

Staff makes recommendation for approval to Board of Supervisors

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

Grill, explained that sufferers often find there are a wide variety of symptoms being treated by specialists as independent and unique ailments as opposed to one comprehensive disease.

Linda Tannenbaum, president and CEO of the Open Medicine Foundation, is currently conducting the End ME/CFS Project and the ME/CFS Severely Ill Big Data Study with the goal of finding sensitive and distinctive molecular biomarkers. After her daughter fell ill with ME/ CFS at 16, Tannenbaum started Open Medicine Foundation in an effort to raise the necessary funding to properly research the debilitating disease.

Keegan said that although a federal government advisory group called the National Academy of Medicine recognized ME/CFS in 2015 as a “serious disease,” it currently receives minimal federal funding.

Joining forces with the Open Medicine Foundation, Keegan called on his longstanding relationship with the Ocean Institute to present Unrest in an effort to enlighten the public.

“Thanks to research groups such as the Open Medicine Foundation, we are working toward a cure,” Keegan said.

“But fundraising in the private sector isn’t enough, it isn’t sustainable.”

More details on Unrest can been seen on www.unrest.film Interested parties can RSVP for the showing of Unrest at the Ocean Institute on Sunday, Oct. 15 by emailing keegan@harborgrill.com . Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the movie begins at 5 p.m. There will be a question and answer session following the moving. DP Page 5

A

fter decades of consideration and metamorphosis, the County of Orange Board of Supervisors is expected to select a master developer for the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization project on Tuesday, Oct. 17. This selected developer would be responsible for re-developing and operating the Dana Point Harbor for the next 66 years.

County of Orange staff has recommended Dana Point Harbor Partners LLC (DPHP) as the primary developer and Dana Point Partners LLC (DPP) as the alternate developer for the lease, development and management of certain portions of Dana Point Harbor.

The recommended developer, DPHP, is comprised of three development partners (marina, hotel, retail) that will own the entirety of the project and enter into one contract with the county.

DPHP has requested a subsidy of up to $20 million from the Harbor reserve to construct the commercial core parking structure and the hotel podium parking structure, and has agreed to fully commit to the project within 120 days of commencement of contract negotiations. They are forecasting lease payments to Dana Point Harbor in the amount of $47,130, 352 over the initial 10 years, and $117,190,251 over the first 20 years of the contract.

DDP is also comprised of three development partners (marina, hotel, retail) that have proposed segregated leases that “are not financially crossdefaulted.” DDP has also proposed a

four-year period to commit to the project, with an option for any individual partner to step away within those four years. This does allow the possibility of the county being required to restart the revitalization process over in part, or in full.

One key point of DDP’s proposal is that they are estimating lease payments to Dana Point Harbor of $70,574,294 over the first 10 years and $175,629,386 over the first 20 years of the contract.

DDP is also requeting a Harbor reserve subsidy of up to $45,000,000, more than twice that of DPHP. Based on differences such as these, the county, “…concluded that both teams are highly qualified and experienced, but found DPHP would be more likely to ensure timely commencement and completion of the projects” development and generate consistent revenue to the county and to provide funds for both ongoing operations within Dana Point Harbor and growth of reserve funds for future capital renovation and improvement.”

The county’s Board of Supervisors is expected to determine a developer at their Tuesday, Oct. 17, meeting. There is the possibility that the decision can be deferred, but upon a decision being determined by the county, the chief real estate officer or a designated consultant can begin negotiations and settlements with developers.

A staff report announcing the recommendation and breaking down the two applications can be seen in this online article at www.danapointtimes.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Community Meetings SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m. There will be fresh produce and treats for sale at the farmers’ market.

La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. 949.279.3122.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17

COUNTY OF ORANGE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING 9 a.m. The County of Orange Board of Supervisors meets in the Hall of Administration, Board Hearing Room, First Floor, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (Directions). Agendas are usually available the Wednesday morning before regular Tuesday meetings. www.ocgov.com/gov/bos/agenda CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. There will be a City Council meeting at Dana Point City Hall, located at 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. The agenda for this meeting can be seen on the city’s website at www.danapoint.org.

Two orca whales were seen breaching beside the Ocean Institute’s Sea Explorer on Oct. 6. Photo: Tom White

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY DANIEL RITZ

Dr. April Cubbage to Speak on Gender Inequality at AAUW Meeting The San Clemente-Capistrano Bay branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will meet on Saturday, Oct. 21. The guest speaker is April Cubbage, Ph.D, a sociology and gender studies professor at Saddleback College, who will speak on the topic of gender inequality. Dr. Cubbage is also the chair of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program and co-coordinator of Online Education for Saddleback.

Prior to teaching full-time at Saddleback, she taught at both Riverside Community College and at the University of California Riverside. She has also worked with numerous local nonprofit organizations, focusing on domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy and assisting victims of crime. Her research interests lie in gender inequality and the social construction of gender.

The meeting location is Café Mozart, 31952 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Cost for the breakfast meeting is $20 Dana Point Times October 13–19, 2017

per person and the event starts at 8:45 a.m.

The deadline to pay is October. 15. For more details, go to www.sccb-ca.aauw.net.

Senator Patricia Bates to Speak at Dana Point Civic Association Coffee Chat Next Friday, Oct. 20, the Dana Point Civic Association Coffee Chat will feature Senator Patricia Bates as the guest speaker. Senator Bates will be providing an update about current issues that affect those who live in California and South Orange County.

Coffee Chat will be held at Coffee Importers in the harbor, 34531 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Complimentary coffee will provided by Coffee Importers for all attendees.

Orca Whale Pods Sighted Near Dana Point, Laguna Beach on Oct. 6 Boaters near Dana Point and Laguna Beach were in for a treat as rarely seen orca whale pods were spotted traveling south to north along the South Orange County Coast on Oct. 6.

Mike Bursk, captain and manager of

the Ocean Institute’s Sea Explorer, was out on the water during one of the Ocean Institute’s daily educational tour, with a group of fifth-graders and their chaperones, when the call came in from captain Alex Shaw, of Newport Coastal Adventure, who was offshore of Aliso Beach in south Laguna. In total, two pods were seen, or a total of 10 whales.

Bursk said his group aboard “quickly dropped academic pursuits” and set off to see the orcas that were relatively close.

Bursk, a career captain and watermen, said that he has only seen orcas six times in his life, and that his students and chaperones “couldn’t wait to see them.”

According to Bursk, orcas are a highly unpredictable species in terms of movement and it’s rare that they were spotted approximately two and a half miles off of the coast. Largely nomadic, the pods occasionally seen along California’s coast often prey upon the region’s abundant pinnipeds.

The CA51 pod sighted on Oct. 6 generally spends most of its time in the waters surrounding Monterey, and was last seen in Southern California in 2015. It has been even longer for the other pod seen on Oct. 6, CA 216, which was last spotted off the coast of Dana Point in 2013.

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

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TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING 3- 5 p.m. The Traffic Improvement Subcommittee will meet at Dana Point City Hall council chambers. The agenda is available on the city’s website at www.danapoint.org.

MONARCH BEACH SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes anyone interested in making a difference in the local community and everchanging world to join them in their weekly meeting. Doors and breakfast begin at 7:00 a.m., with a program from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CAÐ 92629. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

COASTMASTERS (TOASTMASTERS) 7-8:30 a.m. Join the members of the Coastmasters every Thursday to improve speaking and leadership skills.

34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing and Events Center. www.coastmasters.org

www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Mayor Lewis Appoints New Financial Review Committee Member Avoiding potential budget deficit is Joseph Jaeger’s first priority

BY DANIEL RITZ AND RACHAEL MATTICE, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n lieu of Toni Nelson’s resignation, Mayor Debra Lewis has appointed Joseph Jaeger as the newest member of the Financial Review Committee (FRC) at the Oct. 3 City Council meeting.

Jaeger was considered for this position based on his initial interests to assist the city staff manage city finances, an interest he expressed to the mayor prior to the committee’s official formation.

In an email correspondence, the mayor said at the time of Jaeger’s initial interest, she was impressed with his skill set, but had already made her selection for the newly formed Financial Review Committee and would keep him in mind for future openings.

The FRC’s clear mandate is to recommend financial policies to City Council, and Jaeger said he is excited about his role as a member of the FRC in order to help the community that he loves.

Jaeger, a Dana Point resident since 2011, is a retired financial professional who most recently served as the chief operating officer for Pacific World Corporation in Aliso Viejo. In this role, he oversaw

and was responsible for finance, accounting, treasury, information technology, human resources, manufacturing, distribution, risk management and a variety of legal manners.

Jaeger was also the chief financial officer for a publicly held Joseph Jaeger, after a company, playing a long career in finance, leadership role at will officially join the Physicians Formula.

Financial Review Mayor Lewis also Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 24. Photo: Courtesy said when she and Jaeger met prior to the formation of the FRC, they discussed her concerns about the city’s looming budget deficit.

“Having worked through the Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR) over the previous two years with Toni Nelson, she had convinced me Dana Point was headed for fiscal trouble if we didn’t make some budgetary changes,” Lewis said. “My meeting with Joe was before the city acknowledged the looming budget

“

We are deficit spending and looking at potentially running through the city’s reserves. We need to address

”

this now, before it truly becomes an issue.

deficit of nearly $2 million in 2020.”

Avoiding this potential budget deficit is Jaeger’s first priority.

“First and foremost, if I were to outline my financial views on the city, it starts with looking forward at years like 2020,” Jaeger said. “We are deficit spending and looking at potentially running through the city’s reserves. We need to address this now, before it truly becomes an issue.”

To avoid running through the city’s reserves, Jaeger said the city needs to increase its revenue and decrease its costs, citing the results of the recently released Wohlford Consulting Cost of Services Study that shows a current overall annual subsidy of over $2,250,000 from the general fund for fee-related services.

“If we address this now, at the end of this next economic cycle, we hope that the

—Joseph Jaeger

city has adequate resources,” Jaeger said.

He also voiced the city of Dana Point’s transient occupancy tax (TOT) rate as another one of his main concerns. This has been a topic of discussion in both City Council and Financial Review Committee meetings. At 10 percent, Dana Point’s TOT is less than surrounding cities such as Laguna Beach, and city staff have been asked to conduct further research on the topic.

In addition, Jaeger also said that he is ready to make improvements in the way the city releases its financial information.

Jaeger will be officially chaired as a member of the Financial Review Committee at their next meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m. in council’s chambers within City Hall, located at 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point. DP

EYE ON DP

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

School District Officials Say CUSD Students Were Not Given Potentially Contaminated Flutes

After alerting parents on Sept. 29 that students may have received musical instruments possibly contaminated with “bodily fluids,” the Capistrano Unified School District sent a second email to parents on Oct. 5 sharing some better news.

The Flutes Across the World music program that is currently under investigation by the California Department of Justice was not hosted recently at any CUSD school sites, according to an email from CUSD’s chief communications officer Ryan Burris. This means that CUSD students did not come into contact with any flutes that may have been tainted with a program presenter’s semen.

The Flutes Across the World presenter is currently under investigation is not a district employee.

“While we have not been provided any further details about the investigation from the California Department of Justice or federal law enforcement agencies, we have checked in with all of our school sites

and our music staff to identify whether any of our schools sponsored the ‘Flutes Across the World Program,’ which appears to be the music program that was most concerning to law enforcement,” Burris said. “Based on feedback from our current principals and our current music teachers, this program has not been hosted recently at any of our school sites. In addition, we have not been notified by any families that the (possibly contaminated) flutes were found in their child’s possession.”

Burris said he appreciates parents’ patience as the district looked thoroughly into the issue.

“Many families asked which specific schools may have hosted this particular program, and we are glad to report this outcome,” Burris said. –Allison Jarrell SAN CLEMENTE

Wheeler North Reef Expansion Planned

At the Oct. 3 San Clemente City Council meeting, representatives from Southern California Edison (SCE) presented plans to expand the Wheeler North Reef off the coast of San Clemente from 100 acres to 200 acres. The plans have been formulated because the reef is not experiencing the volume of fish needed to meet SCE’s mitigation requirements of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS).

Most of the requirements have been

met for years, but the fish have not come along.

Patrick Tennant, SCE senior manager of mitigation and restoration section, said the reef, which is artificial, should attract the standard 28 metric tons of fish when counting takes place, and the reef has met about half of that.

“It would go north of the (current) reef, and the goal is (to make it) more linear along the ocean edge where the most fish are found,” Tennant said. “The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process will dictate the final design and the State Lands Commission will be the lead CEQA agency.”

The placement of the reef expansion is planned to grow north of its current location, which is just north of the nuclear power plant.

Council member Steve Swartz, who is in his first term on Council, asked whether the reef would increase the shark presence in San Clemente, which was a large concern this summer.

Tennant said they haven’t seen an increase of sharks.

Consulting won’t take place until December, Tennant said. Eventually the project would have to be approved by the California Coastal Commission, which monitors the reef for relative and absolute standards. If everything goes according to plan, the reef expansion could start as early as summer 2018. —Eric Heinz

SAN CLEMENTE

Light Up the Pier to Take Place on Oct. 13

For the second year in a row, the organization Pier Pride will host a fundraising event to continue its efforts in establishing a trust for maintenance of one of the city’s most iconic structures.

On Friday, Oct. 13, supporters of the organization will create a dazzling display as the sun sets to celebrate the many things of the Pier.

“At sunset, line the rails of the Pier and light your cell phones in unison to symbolize your commitment to preserving this uniquely San Clemente experience,” a press release from Pier Pride stated.

During the event, Casa Romantica will host a donors party at the gardens, located at 415 Avenida Granada, which has a perfect view of the twinkling cell phone flashlights.

Maintenance of the Pier is about $450,000 on average and used to be aided by the state’s redevelopment agency funding, until the program was discontinued in 2012.

Later this month, Pier Pride will host a fundraiser on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Chipotle Mexican Grill, a fishing derby on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Pier and another fundraiser at Blaze Pizza on Wednesday, Oct. 25.

For more information, visit www.pierpride.org or on Facebook. —Eric Heinz

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Council’s Corner By Joe Muller 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

How Do We Save Our Beaches?

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Daniel Ritz, 949.388.7700, x113 dritz@picketfencemedia.com

H

ere we are at the end of our first large swell of the fall surf season.

While surfers and beachgoers enjoyed the beauty of these large waves, we need to discuss the damage they can and did cause to our local beaches.

We had some beaches that were unusable due to the high surf and downed trees. Now, I realize this is part of living near the coast, but we also need to understand if we don’t start planning we could lose beach amenities and infrastructure. We have witnessed this over the past couple of years where erosion has damaged our coastal parking lots and picnic areas.

COUNCIL'S All of this comes back CORNER to how we can protect

By Joe Muller our beaches. Not only do they represent our rich history, they are a vital resource of our visitor-serving economy.

Last month, I attended the League of California Cities Conference where the Coastal Cities Issues Group met for the first time. The California Coastal Commis-

GUEST OPINION: Straight Talk by Al Jacobs

Off to Mars

M

y compliments to Elon Musk – Tesla, Inc. CEO, SpaceX chief executive and all-around entrepreneur. He’s a most remarkable visionary.

His recent address to the International Astronautical Congress in Adelaide, Australia, announcing his intention to begin spaceship construction within nine months, with regular flights of cargo and crews to Mars commencing within the next several years, certainly attracted attention. His conception of establishing a self-sustaining colony of at least a million people on the planet, thereby making humans a multi-planetary species is inspiring.

You might note, persons who choose to live on the Red Planet will find it somewhat less inviting than the French Rivera … or the island of Tahiti. Being that it’s some 48 million miles farther from the sun than Earth, it’s a good bit cooler.

Dana Point Times October 13–19, 2017

SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Large summer storms may be great for the surf, but our beaches are paying the price. Photo: Courtesy

sion (CCC) gave the primary presentation regarding sea level rise. The discussion centered on the “Draft Residential Adaptation Policy Guidelines” being developed by the CCC. Part of this document addressed communities with high bluffs and infrastructure near the beach.

This is the category Dana Point falls into. Basically, we have nowhere to recess.

Immediately inland from the beach we have either train tracks, Pacific Coast Highway or high bluff tops. When I asked about a solution to our situation, the CCC representative responded that the CCC doesn’t have a solution for this and wants to work with all stakeholders to address the problem. It seemed to me the CCC is recognizing the people of California love their beaches and are not willing to let them disappear without fighting to protect the current status and the future viability With temperatures ranging from a high of about the freezing point of water to lows approaching −200°F, it’s considerably less hospitable than our South Pole, where the all-time record low on June 23, 1982, reached only −117°F. Obviously, Mars is not a place you’ll enjoy leisurely Sunday strolls. For that matter, since its thin atmosphere is mostly carbon dioxide, you’ll not find it very breathable either. Exactly how the inhabitants Mr. Musk envisions will reside there can possibly function—or what they’ll STRAIGHT TALK do for a living—somehow

By Al Jacobs escapes me.

Despite the challenges, the Mars project may thrive as well as Tesla. How a company which never produced a commercially viable vehicle, nor earned a dime in net revenue, propelled itself into the automotive forefront is a tribute to exalted promotion—a Musk specialty. Most certainly government, with its granting of credits and preferences is the key to this

of these coastal resources.

It is time to bring the stakeholders together to get this discussion started. I am going to start the dialogue with California State Parks, Orange County Parks, California Coastal Commission, Surfrider Foundation, Caltrans and Orange County Transportation Authority. The goal is to ultimately host a public forum to get input from all concerned parties and try to develop a plan to preserve all of the beaches in our beautiful town.

If you want to participate and stay informed on what is happening regarding this effort, please go to www.facebook. com/savecapobeach. 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

achievement, with non-emission vehicles having joined the list of governmentsubsidized programs. As Amtrak and the United States Postal Service demonstrate, a losing operation can drag on unprofitably for years, subject only to political considerations.

To survive, both Tesla and the Mars undertaking must at some point actually generate a profit. Humbug can only exist on public relations hype and contrived obsession for so long. It must ultimately produce a saleable product before the public loses its fascination. As the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher declared, “Eventually you run out of other peoples’ money.”

Al Jacobs, a professional investor for nearly a half-century, issues a monthly newsletter in which he shares his financial knowledge and experience. You may view it on www.roadwaytoprosperity.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

Page 10

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 EDITORIAL Group Managing Editor > Rachael Mattice City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point) > Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Jake Howard Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 10, Issue 41. 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 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

FACEBOOK.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • INSTAGRAM@DANAPOINTTIMES TWITTER.COM/DANAPOINTTIMES • LINKEDIN PICKET FENCE MEDIA

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

Friday | 13 ADULT COLORING CLUB 10 a.m. Bring out your inner artist during the Dana Point Library’s adult coloring club. Supplies provided. The class occurs every Friday 10 a.m.-noon. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

LIVE THEATER: ‘DRACULA’ 2 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents Dracula, an exciting show for all who love thrills in the theater. Undeniably entertaining and exhilarating, this play is appropriate for all ages, but still has enough scary moments to keep even jaded grown-ups on the edge of their seats. Tickets are $27-$37. Shows run through Oct. 22. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www. caminorealplayhouse.org.

LIGHT UP THE PIER 6-8 p.m. Join Pier Pride for its 2nd annual Light Up the Pier event and show your Pier Pride! At sunset, line the rails of the Pier and light your cell phones in unison to symbolize your commitment to preserving this unique San Clemente experience.

San Clemente Pier. 615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. www.pierpride.org.

LIVE MUSIC: RADIO REBELS 9 p.m. Listen to live music at StillWater Spirits and Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. www.danapointstillwater.com.

Saturday | 14 GOIN’ NATIVE FALL FEST 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens presents its first ever Fall Fest, where attendees can eat, drink, plant and learn. There will be food trucks on site, as well as craft beer and wine. The event includes children’s games and crafts, a petting zoo, speakers, exhibitors and live bluegrass music. Admission is $5. Kids under 5 are free. Bring one canned-food item and receive one pumpkin (while supplies last). Reata Park and Event Center.

28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

LIVE MUSIC: KESTON & THE RHYTHM KILLERS 9 p.m. Listen to live music at Hennessey’s Dana Point Times October 13-19, 2017

San Juan. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.441.4777. www.hennesseystavern.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

ARTISAN GUITAR ENSEMBLE 2-3 p.m. Max Mendoza, Andre Giraldo and Daniel Ramirez’s goal is to share their own musical expression and bring a high quality musical experience into the lives of others. San Clemente Library.

949.492.3493. www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc.

LIVE MUSIC: FLOCK OF 80S 7 p.m. Listen to live music at StillWater Spirits and Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. www.danapointstillwater.com.

WHALE WALK AND TALK 9 a.m. The walk focuses on the offshore visitors that can be seen from the Dana Point Headlands. It’s designed to introduce participants to the whale seasons.

The walk occurs the second Saturday of the month and is about 1.5 miles long. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point.

949.248.3527 to RSVP. www.danapoint.org.

VINTAGE SURFBOARD COLLECTORS CLUB 6 a.m. The Vintage Surfboard Collectors Club will be hosting their annual Surfing Heritage and Culture Center parking lot meet. They’ll have vintage boards from every era, paper goods, skateboards and other collectibles. You might just find the missing piece for your collection. The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center. 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente. 949.388.0313. surfingheritage.org.

OCT. 12-15: CARNIVAL COLOSSAL AND FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL The San Clemente Friends Foundation presents a four-day festival of family fun, including more than 17 rides, games and food trucks, a one-day Special Needs Resource Fair from 2-5 p.m. on Oct. 12 and two days of competition by the International Highland Games Federation. The opening on Saturday and Sunday will be with Michael McLeavy singing both the Scottish (British) and American National Anthems. The carnival runs through Oct. 15. Ride tickets are $3.75-$5. The carnival will be hosted at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.276.8866. www.sanclementeparksfoundation.org.

ON THE MENU

CHICKEN KABOB PLATE AT CAFÉ MINT

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

ROBB HAVASSY’S ‘SURF STORY VOL. 2’ 6-9 p.m. Join the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center for an exhibition and book signing for Robb Havassy’s Surf Story Vol. 2, which features art, photography and surf craft. This is a free event so come exchange surf stories and get your book signed. The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center. 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente.

949.388.0313 x 0. surfingheritage.org.

LIVE MUSIC: WHICH ONE’S PINK? 8 p.m. Listen to live music at the Coach House. Celebrate 40 years of Pink Floyd’s Animals album. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Tickets are $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. www. thecoachhouse.com.

DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION ARTS FESTIVAL 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The third annual art festival will run on Saturday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 15, along the Harbor boardwalk. 34531 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.danapointfinearts.org.

Photo: File

W

alking into Café Mint in San Clemente, curious but relatively unfamiliar with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, new owner Ed Abdallah greeted us and asked, “Well, what do you like?”

That answer is often chicken, and Abdallah steers customers to Café Mint’s chicken kabob plate, which is a best-seller off his menu and one he considers to be his most “defining” dish.

The dish is comprised of a hearty portion of tender, lightly-spiced and kosher-rated chicken sitting on a bed of seasoned Mediterranean rice. A Lebanese salad divides the plate, adding a light, refreshing balsamic relief from the chicken’s robust flavor and is accentuated by a homemade garlic sauce.

Rounding out the meal is homemade hummus concocted onsite.

“No canned stuff here. We spice (the hummus), we soak it, we grind it and we boil it every single morning,” Abdallah said.

Authenticity is the name of the game for Abdallah. With only a few local options for high-quality Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food, he looks forward to introducing what he considers a special cuisine to San

Clemente through a relaxing, family-friendly, neighborhood-restaurant feel. Café Mint features dishes from various countries, including Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Israel, Turkey and Greece.

In addition to recently added outdoor seating, Cafe Mint offers pickup as well as catering options.

Also, Café Mint is currently researching an “off-the-menu Wednesday special,” where one new international meal will be featured weekly. Details are to be determined, but Abdullah suggests that patrons visit Café Mint to take part in the testing.

Café Mint 1011 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, CA 92673 949.940.0224, www.cafe-mint.hub.biz

(Cont. on page 15) Page 12

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. on page 12)

Wednesday | 18

SECOND STAGE STAND-UP 7:30 p.m. This month’s special anniversary show features Ron and Tom, Georgia Kelley, Danny Villapando and headliner, James P. Connolly. Admission is $17.50.

Purchase tickets at comedyintheoc.com or call 949.489.8082. Camino Real Playhouse.

31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. www.caminoplayhouse.org.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Join the library for stories and activities for children 3-5 years old. “ Stay and play” with puzzles and toys after storytime. Dana Point Library.

33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

LIVE THEATER: ‘ARSENIC AND OLD LACE’ 7 p.m. South Orange County School of the Arts presents the classic, dramatic comedy of Arsenic and Old Lace. The Brewster family and their “habits” will leave you laughing with fear. The show continues at various times through Oct. 21. Dana Hills High School. 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.socsarts.org.

LIVE MUSIC HARBOR CRUISE 8-9:30 p.m. Every Saturday join Dana Wharf for a live music harbor cruise.

Tickets are $25 per person. 21 and older.

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

888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

Sunday | 15 FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES 30TH ANNUAL HUNGER WALK Noon. Bring your friends and family out to support Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) in its goal to feed the hungry in South Orange County. All proceeds go toward helping collect resources in the local areas. Join FAM for the Finish Line Party after the walk. For more information and registration visit their website. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.492.8477. www.family-assistance.org.

GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park.

Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

TRAVEL CLUB 2-4 p.m. If you love to travel, learn new things, explore new places and meet fellow adventurers, head to the travel club. Guest speaker and travel consultant Chuck Weghorst of Saddleback College will offer travel tips and take on questions. Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

LIVE MUSIC: ARNIE NEWMAN BAND 5 p.m. Listen to live music at StillWater Spirits and Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. www.danapointstillwater.com.

ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m. Join Dana Wharf for a 90-minute evening cruise aboard the luxury catamaran. The cruises run Friday and Sunday evenings. Tickets are $49. Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching. 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

Monday | 16 YOGA IN THE PARK 5:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga for yoga in the park every Monday, Tuesday and Dana Point Times October 13-19, 2017

Photo: Courtesy of Atomic Fiction

At the Movies: ‘Blade Runner 2049’ Adds to Concept’s Legacy

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

T

hirty-five years after its initial release, and after four different cuts of the film re-edited and released in the past three decades, Ridley Scott’s visual masterpiece Blade Runner has now added a sequel.

But rather than return, Scott has let indieturned-studio filmmaker Denis Villeneuve take the reins on the second installment penned Blade Runner 2049. Original star Harrison Ford returns, and Ryan Gosling joins as the new lead.

In 2049 Los Angeles, artificial intelligence known as “replicants” outnumber humanity, and the newer replicant models are joining the LAPD to kill off older replicant models.

These hunters are known as blade runners.

The best of them is K (Gosling), who learns that a human and an older replicant model

Wednesday. Bring a mat, water bottle and suggested donation of $8. Classes also occur every morning at 10 a.m. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school 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 | 17 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 and Whale Watch-

might have miraculously created a child, and the possible father might be former blade runner Richard Deckard (Ford).

Robin Wright, Jared Leto, Ana de Armas and Mackenzie Davis include some of the big-name cast. Over the years, the original 1982 film has developed a big following and left an impact on the film community, so Villeneuve had a lot to live up to. Fortunately, the Canadian filmmaker is talented and smart enough to treat the new movie as his own and not try to pander older fans. The new characters feel original, yet fit right in with the old. Everything from the direction to the performances to Roger Deakins’ cinematography to Hans Zimmer’s score excites on the giant screen. 2049 is unique cyberpunk, neo-noir eye candy for this October. DP

ing. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

READ TO A DOG 3 p.m. Children can read to therapy dogs at the Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

WRITE ON! WRITERS’ GROUP 5-7 p.m. If you ever thought of writing, head to the library to share work and improve. The group meets the first and third Tuesday of every month. Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

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.

Page 15

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.

Thursday | 19 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin’ Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachers at the Montanez Adobe inside Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano. Help care for and maintain native plants and butterflies while enjoying a little dirt therapy and friendship. Every Thursday. No experience needed. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

UPCOMING EVENTS: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 BOO CRUISE 5 p.m. Join Special Fishies Aquatic Freedom and Education for their Boo Cruise event. Cruises take off every 20 minutes. There is a costume contest and raffles on each trip and on land. Entertainment will surprise those waiting in line. $5 per person. Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 714.352.9714. www.specialfishies.org.

MEET THE AUTHORS EVENING 6:30-9 p.m. Three Dana Point authors will share their publishing experiences and tips from the viewpoint of both new and seasoned authors with Q & A time. This event is open to the public and free to attend.

Light refreshments will be served. Dana Point Women’s Clubhouse. 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point. For reservations please contact J. McLain at 949.235.2840.

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.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY FROM THE ARCHIVES

Photo: Peter Sanford via Orange County Archives

Pieter Meister (right), kept the crowd entertained and on their feet as he roamed Sea Terrance Park during Oktoberfest on Oct. 7. Photo: Daniel Ritz

SURFING, CANOEING AT DANA COVE Ron Drummond and his dog are pictured canoeing at the Dana Cove in July 1966. Later that same summer, the Army Corp of Engineers broke ground on the two massive breakwaters that would turn away swell from “Killer Dana.”

Prost!

Oktoberfest rocks Sea Terrace Park

Every week, the Dana Point Times will publish a historical photo. Online, DP Times will create a gallery of the month’s photos. To submit your historical photos, please provide information about the photo along with your name for credit to dritz@picketfencemedia.com.

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

D

espite the unseasonably warm weather, a large crowd gathered complete with traditional dress to celebrate the annual Dana Point Oktoberfest at Sea Terrace Park on Oct. 7. The Bavarian folk festival included live music from Kalifornia Kraut and the Warsaw Poland Brothers and an overflowing amount of traditional German cuisines.

German dances and traditional games such as musical chairs kept the crowd entertained all day long, peaking with the fan favorite sausage toss game.

Pieter Meister, the events emcee, brought the crowd to frenzy as they watched close to 25 teams attempt to not break—or drop—their traditional German sausage as they increased the distance between partners.

In the end, it was Kelly Cronin and Kaitlyn Rizzo of Dana Point who emerged victorious, including a breathtaking dive to

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:

German dancers accompanied the all-day live music as the modern met the traditional on stage at Dana Point’s Oktoberfest. Photo: Daniel Ritz

seal the win.

To see the full photo gallery from Dana Point’s Oktoberfest, visit this story online at www.danapointtimes.com. DP

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Pet of the Week: Rusty

S Left: Kelly Cronin and Kaitlyn Rizzo of Dana Point celebrate their win in the sausage toss. Photo: Daniel Ritz Right: Heathyr Smyth, of San Clemente, had her hands full at Dana Point’s Oktoberfest at Sea Terrace Park.

Photo: Johann Lansot

Dana Point Times October 13-19, 2017

ix-year-old Rusty is a sweet little guy who wants nothing more than to be by your side. Great on leash and easygoing, Rusty would be a good companion for someone who is looking for a low maintenance dog. Could this gentle soul be the one for you?

If you would like to know more about Rusty, 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 16

Rusty. Photo: Courtesy

www.danapointtimes.com

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

Finding Wi-Fi in Foreign Countries as a Newspaper Columnist

M

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

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

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

SPECIALTY BEAUTY

Amazing Lash Studio

32932 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 9, 949.484.7676, www.AmazingLashStudio.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

y partner Greta and I have just completed the first week of a 34-day cruise from San Diego, traveling south around Cape Horn in South America to Rio. During the first week, the ship stopped at four ports in Mexico.

We love Mexico, all cities are unique and dramatically different. However, on this trip, the four cities had one thing in common: the temperature was 87 degrees in each city.

Going ashore meant carrying lots of bottled water and staying in the shade as much as possible. The humidity was high as well.

As a newspaper columnist, the biggest challenge on ocean cruises is finding locations where the Wi-Fi is dependable. Yes, there is satellite Wi-Fi on the ship, but it is sporadic and the reception is poor. Sending photos or attachments is nearly impossible.

The cost of using the ship’s Wi-Fi is expensive.

If you use the “pay-asyou-go,” option, the cost is 75 cents per minute.

However, it may take four to five minutes to ON LIFE AND connect, and then again LOVE AFTER 50 to disconnect. And you

By Tom Blake can lose the signal at any time. The shipboard Wi-Fi might become a last resort for me later during the cruise, especially in remote areas near Cape Horn and Antarctica.

The alternative is to find Wi-Fi locations in port. As sad as it sounds, you go ashore and first look for a McDonald’s or Starbucks, which have Wi-Fi. In Cabo San Lucas, our first stop, the ship anchored offshore and passengers going ashore rode on the ship’s tenders, small boats that took them to the dock. I found a Starbucks a mile away while walking in that incredible heat. The Wi-Fi signal was only so-so, but I did manage to get about an hour online.

Things were different in Puerto Vallarta, our second stop. The ship docked about five miles from the city center. I opted to ride a public bus into the city with the locals—at a cost of about 50 cents each way.

What a fun experience, although the bus was like an oven and traveled all the way on cobblestone streets.

After strolling around the old city for a while, I found a Starbucks near the main cathedral. Not only was the Wi-Fi signal strong and instantaneous, the air conditioning was functioning perfectly. I got caught up on my internet chores and enjoyed an ice-cold passion tea.

The bus ride back to the ship was about the same as coming into the city. On the downward side of a couple small hills, it

seemed the bus had no brakes—it sounded like metal on metal. We hit several cobblestone street potholes. I kept reminding myself, “This is part of the experience.” Back on the ship, rest assured that I ordered up a cold, frosty cerveza.

Since we had been in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta before, Greta opted to avoid the heat and stayed aboard, enjoying the air conditioning and the delicious food the ship provides.

Our third port was the beautiful city of Huatulco, my favorite in all of Mexico. The ocean water is crystal clear, and the beach in the heart of town is a five-minute walk from the ship. Greta joined me as we sat in a shaded outdoor restaurant with our feet in the sand, enjoying a decent Wi-Fi signal.

The last stop was at Puerto Chiapas, 10 minutes inside the southern border of Mexico. Reaching the city of Tapachula, population 500,000, required a 40-minute shuttle bus ride, arranged by the ship. The cost was $10 roundtrip for each of us. And the air conditioning worked perfectly!

Our first order of business was to donate clothing to the victims of the recent nearby earthquake. We had two bags that we had brought with us, and the lady who was accepting donations was grateful.

We had no idea where to find Wi-Fi in that bustling city, where very little English is spoken. So, we strolled along the streets enjoying the local flavor and came upon Café Central 33, which advertised on the front window that it was a “Ciber” café.

There were no other customers in the café.

We went inside. Two very nice women were there. We ordered coffee and used Wi-Fi for one and a half hours. The cost of 50 Mexican pesos, including coffee, was about $4. In our somewhat limited command of Spanish, Greta and I were able to communicate with the women. They were thrilled that two Americans were in their little café and visiting there turned out to be one of those unexpected wonderful moments when you travel in a foreign country.

We left Tapachula with a warm feeling for the beautiful people there.

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.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@gmail. com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point 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 Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Offshore Construction

877.774.1492, www.offshoreconstruction.org

Page 18

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE DRONE FOR SALE DJI Phantom 3 Advanced For Sale By Owner Asking Price $1,000. Items included: DJI Phantom Advanced 3 Drone, DJI Controller, Polar Pro Controller Anti-Sun Shade, DJI Charger, 5 DJI Batteries!!! LoweProDrone Bag/Backpack. Multiple Sets of DJI Propellers. Please call (949)350-1312.

GARAGE SALES SEASCAPE VILLAGE GARAGE SALE Mira Costa at Paseo Gallita/Camino Alondra/ Paseo Flamenco in San Clemente. Saturday, October 14th, 8a-2p.

GIANT COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Once a year extravaganza where 200 homeowners are invited to sell their stuff. Saturday, October 21, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Almost everything you can think of for sale! Follow the signs to the very end of San Juan Creek and take a right on Camino Chico and drive into the development. Gates open at 7. Drive on in and see what you can find as participating homeowners put out their good stuff on their driveway for easy browsing!

HUGH ESTATE SALE OCT. 14 AND 15 7am to noon. Camping gear, glassware, tools, furniture, ceramics, antiques and garden tools. Great bargains. 28361 Paseo Establo, San Juan Capistrano.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Mission Park at Ortega Hwy. and Via Cordova. Sat. Oct. 14th, 8 am to 1 pm.

Debbie Brewington, 949-212-0733.

HELP WANTED LEAD COOK NEEDED Please apply in person (with your resume) @ Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Position available immediately. Experience necessary.

OTHER STUFF THE SCHENKENBERGER’S NEED SOME HELP Steve Shenkenberger, husband and father of five young boys, was riding his mountain bike on Super Bowl Sunday when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Laguna Niguel. The family is need of donations for ongoing medical expenses and childcare. Please consider donating at www.gofundme.com/ the-schenkenbergers-medical-bills.

WANTED STAMPS! Buying Large U.S and International Postage Stamp Collections. Nick (619) 672-0434 Dana Point Times October 13–19, 2017

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

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Retired Army Capt. Frank Legare poses with Dana Hills football captains Corey Cisowski, Tommy Bortnick, Jayden Smith and Gavin Pappagalo. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Honoring Their Valor Dana Hills football program to host annual military tribute game

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

S

everal Dana Hills football players closed their eyes for a moment, envisioning the picture being painted by retired Army Capt. Frank Legare, a slim, sharply-dressed grey-haired man speaking to them from a chair on the empty stage of the school’s Porthole Theater.

Legare spoke in a soft tone, but with such detail that the stories he told transported the Dolphin players through space and time to the jungles of Vietnam.

During one of his two tours of duty in the former warzone, Legare said, his unit was charged with moving through a dense bamboo forest. Their mission was to push

the enemy, located on the other side of the forest, backwards, into a strategic position where the Americans would have them surrounded.

The day before the mission, the bamboo forest had been bombed, sending a countless number of dust particles into the air which never settled, making the jungle seem more dense and more difficult to see through. The threat of getting separated from the rest of the group was a very real, and dangerous, possibility.

“The forest was dirty and filthy,” Legare told the players.

What eventually got Legare and his unit safely to the other side of the forest, he said, was the very reason he was there on Tuesday night speaking to the football program.

“We needed to be together as a unit when we came out on the other side of that forest,” Legare, a San Clemente resident, said as he finished his story.

It was teamwork and unity that won out that day in Vietnam, he explained. That was one of the many messages he wanted to preach to the assembled Dolphin players some 50 years later.

The words hit home in the hearts of

the Dolphins, who will honor 52 veterans, including Legare, as part of the program’s annual Honor the Valor game on Friday, Oct. 13 at Dana Hills High.

The Dolphins will not be wearing their names on the back of their jerseys when they take the field to play Laguna Hills.

Instead, each player has been assigned a military veteran to represent and they will wear that person’s name on their back.

The jerseys were donated for the event by the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group. Each player will get to meet with their veteran at a pregame dinner and will present their game-worn jersey to them after the game.

“It raises the stakes so much. We’re not playing for just each other. We’re playing for the name on our back so that we can honor the veterans,” senior center and defensive lineman Tommy Bortnick said.

“They’ve done so much for us.”

Legare, who played offensive line in high school, was the first in what was a series of guest speakers invited to speak to the Dolphins this week. Veterans spoke to the Dolphins at the end of each practice leading up to the game.

The topics discussed varied, but many of the themes were practical for both life and football.

Legare stressed the importance of being a leader and surrounding oneself with quality people.

Legare, who was stationed at Arlington National Cemetery and was a White House aide to President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of a two-decade-plus career, touched on teamwork being crucial to any endeavor.

“His stories related to us so much,” senior Jayden Smith said. “He told us that everyone has a job, everyone has something they have to do so everyone survives. That really relates to how we have to perform our best (on the field) so we can succeed.”

In the Honor the Valor’s six-year history, over $75,000 has been raised and donated to local military organizations.

The game is set to begin at 7 p.m. For more information on the game, visit www. dhfootball.com. DP

Dolphin Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, 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 to Defend OC Titles Last season, the Dana Hills boys and girls cross country teams pulled off a rare double-podium sweep at the Orange County Cross Country Championships.

This weekend, they will return to the high-profile meet as the defending champions and among the programs to beat.

However, the course the Dolphins will be running on from Friday, Oct. 13 to Saturday, Oct. 14 will be entirely new to them. The Orange County Championships moved to Oak Canyon Park after being contested for over 30 years at Irvine Regional Park.

Senior Jack Landgraf is the defending Orange County champion, and has been leading the Dolphins early in the season.

The boys team is ranked third in the latest CIF-SS Division 1 polls and is the highest ranked Orange County squad.

The girls team is ranked seventh in the CIF-SS Division 1 polls. The only Orange County team ranked higher is El Toro (No. 5).

Volleyball Continues Torrid Stretch The number 13 is not an unlucky one for the Dana Hills girls volleyball team apparently, as the Dolphins swept past Capistrano Valley in three sets on Oct. 10 in Sea View League play.

Dana Hills (22-4, 6-0 league) has now won 13 matches in a row, a streak that dates back to Sept. 21.

Water Polo Drops Second in a Row to Wolverines

Left:Military servicemembers conduct the coin toss at last year’s Honor the Valor game. Photo: Alan Gibby/zone57 Right: Army Capt. Frank Legare (Ret.) speaks to the Dana Hills High School football program about his experience serving in the military. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Dana Point TimesOctober 13-19, 2017

Page 20

The Dana Hills boys water polo team suffered back-to-back South Coast League losses last week, including an 8-7 defeat at the hands of first-place Aliso Niguel on Oct. 5.

Two days prior to playing the Wolverines (18-0, 5-0), the Dolphins (6-9, 2-2) lost to rival San Clemente (14-9, 2-1) at home.

Dana Hills was scheduled to play El Toro in a league contest on the road on Oct. 12. Results were not available at press time. The Dolphins will enter the second round of league competition next week. www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF

Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 64-69 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: Local: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Catalina: 15’ Fair Outlook: Small to modest blend of swells through this weekend with knee-waist-chest high surf at best exposures. Morning winds are light.

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

GROM OF THE WEEK Positive Vibe Warriors is sending more than 680 surfboards, pictured here on Oct. 7 at San Clemente High School, to underprivileged children in South Africa.

Photo: Courtesy of Positive Vibe Warriors

So Stoked!

Dane, Pat and Tanner Gudauskas make positivity a priority in San Clemente

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

“N

othing makes me happier than seeing people glowing with the stoke, it’s a magical feeling,” reveled Dane Gudauskas less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the annual Stoke-O-Rama at T-Street.

Dane and his brothers, Pat and Tanner, have been busy lately. Running a surfboard drive through their nonprofit Super Groms: Houshmand, Matson claim Grom Search National Titles For groms these days, it seems like there’s a contest every weekend. But some are bigger than others. Last weekend in Santa Cruz, a crew of south Orange County’s rising talent made its way up north to compete in the Rip Curl Grom Search National Finals. Featuring the best up-and-coming kids from around the country, Cole Houshmand continued his winning ways by taking out the Under 16 division. Hot on his heels was Kade Matson, who won the Under 14 division and finished fourth in the Under 16 division. For the ladies, Samantha Sibley found her way to a runner-up spot in the Under 16 Girls.

By winning the Under 16 Boys division champions, Houshmand now has

Dana Point Times October 13-19, 2017

foundation, the Positive Vibe Warriors, the fundraiser came to a conclusion last week.

In the end, the boys had collected more than 680 surfboards, along with hundreds of fins, wetsuits and other surf gear from around the country. The boards and surf gear were loaded into a giant shipping container last Saturday and will now begin its journey to South Africa. The “Can’t Steal Our Vibe” campaign was designed to benefit Surfers Not Street Children and Waves for Change, which use surfing as a tool to reach underprivileged youth in the townships and hardscrabble communities in South Africa.

“You know what’s amazing about all those boards?” inquired patriarch Tom Gudauskas. “Each one of those boards was shaped by hand. Every shaper you can think of is represented here. From Terry Martin, to Midget Smith, to Bill Stewart, to (Matt) Biolos, to Xanadu, almost every

shaper is here. Not only that, but all the glassers and sanders that helped build these boards. Then think, at one time or another, somebody loved every one of these boards. That’s a lot of love. And now they’re getting shipped to South Africa where they’re going to begin a new life.”

As if all this weren’t enough, keeping the vibe alive, the Gudauskas boys ran it back the next day, hosting their annual Stoke-O-Rama at T-Street. With more than 120 local groms hucking themselves into the heavy south swell, Dane was on the mic hooting, frothing and yelling things like, “How was that Haleiwa fade, folks!”

“I love beach marshaling!” beamed Tanner.

To say what the Gudauskas boys have accomplished is inspiring is an understatement. The stoke level in our local waters has never been higher. DP

the opportunity to enjoy an all-expensepaid trip to compete in the Grom Search International Final against the top eight qualifiers from around the world, set to go on the Search at an undisclosed location in spring 2018.

later, he graduated with an education degree from Stanford University, then returned to Orange County to marry his sweetheart, Nancy. Raising three sons, Larry, John and Jeff, Polte worked as a full-time teacher/coach at Fullerton College. Following retirement in 1990, he moved to San Clemente to be closer to his beloved ocean. Over the years, he competed in over 200 open-water swims, mostly first-place finishes in his age group. In the fall of 2016, he was diagnosed with liver cancer. The “old man of the sea” fought a courageous battle, but ultimately fell victim to time and disease at 90 years old. He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life for Ernie Polte will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m. at the La Ventura event center, located at 2316 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente.

Celebrating the Life of Ernie Polte Beloved father, mentor and friend, Ernest A. Polte, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Sept. 29. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on Feb. 5, 1927, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1945 and shipped to the Pacific toward the end of World War II. After an honorable discharge, Polte settled in Southern California where he began lifeguarding at Los Angeles County beaches. In 1949, he set two national junior college swimming records. Two years

Page 22

MAX BEACH

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

D

on’t let anyone tell you hard work doesn’t pay off. Sixteen-year-old Max Beach has worked his tail off to get to where he’s at, around the Dana Point community and beyond. Surfing under the tutelage of coach and former world No. 2, Brad Gerlach, Beach’s goofy-footed approach continues to mature and develop, and the results are starting to show.

With a fifth-place finish in the Rip Curl Grom Search National Championship in Santa Cruz—held at Steamer Lane, one of his favorite spots—Beach then sprinted down the coast of California to compete in the weekend’s National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) contest at Ponto in Cardiff. Rinsing off the road grime in a rising swell, he got right to work. With the year’s best southern hemisphere pulse running and wave heights pushing well overhead, Beach pulled off a memorable win in the Explorer Junior division.

“Your dedication and sense of humor make you a joy to work with. Keep focused, stay humble and the sky is the limit,” Gerlach said of Beach.

Our sentiments exactly. Keep up the epic work, Max. DP

Max Beach. Photo: Courtesy of WSL/Kurt Steinmetz

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