October 27, 2017

LO C A L

October 27–November 2, 2017 N EWS

YO U

C A N

Inside: Crib to College, Ways to Prepare for Education

U S E

SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 10, ISSUE 43

Living by Giving Local nonprofit Just Like Me Foundation continues to redefine what is considered as special needs E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Lyndcee Barragato has been dreaming up ways to enrich the social lives of special needs students since she was attending Dana Hills High School. Years later, her dream has finally come true. Photo: Christine Vaughan

Local Las Vegas Victim Released from Hospital; Continues Recovery at Home EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Homeless Task Force Takes Action Toward Care Coordinator EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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Surfboard Building Contest Puts a Premium on Creativity and Sustainability DP SURF/PAGE 30

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Homeless Task Force Moves to Research Homeless Care Coordinator THE LATEST: During their meeting in City Council Chambers at City Hall on Oct. 25, the Dana Point Homeless Task Force passed a motion to ask city staff to research details in order to consider a full– time homeless care coordinator.

This motion was made after Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 Post Commander Wayne Yost noted the possible financial benefits of having a full-time expert on city staff.

Currently, Dana Point contracts Stephanie Ogas of Mercy House two days a week.

Larry Haynes, executive director of Mercy House, gave a presentation showing a total of 64 homeless individuals in Dana Point, described 46 individuals as qualified for permanent supportive housing and 17 individuals eligible for rapid rehousing.

Haynes said permanent supportive housing is, “expensive but proven to work,” and said that Mercy House has a track record of a 95 percent retention rate.

According to Mercy House’s statistics, the current cost to house these eligible individuals would be approximately $680,000.

Several committee members mentioned that although the cost seemed like a large financial commitment, continued medical and law enforcement costs for these individuals would quickly supersede that quantity.

WHAT’S NEXT: The next Homeless Task Force meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 27, from 3-5 p.m at City Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

—Daniel Ritz

Local Las Vegas Victim Released from Hospital; Continues Recovery THE LATEST: Dana Point resident Natalie Grumet, who was injured in the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, is now at home continuing her recovery after being released from the Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo on Oct. 20.

Natalie is being cared for at home by her husband Jason, who told the Dana Point Times on Oct. 24 that he is, “there to support Dana Point Times October 27–November 2, 2017

Natalie in every way and to make sure she is comfortable.” Jason said that Natalie’s ability to speak and communicate will improve as her tracheotomy tube heals, which he suspects could be as early as next week.

Jason said that Natalie is in much better spirits after returning home, taking multiple short walks every day.

WHAT’S NEXT: Multiple medical professionals will be making frequent visits to the Grumet’s home to provide ongoing care during Natalie’s recovery. Her stepmother Lori Weisel also told the Dana Point Times that medical professionals estimated a two-year recovery period. Dana Point Times will continue to update this story as details become available. —DR

Mediation Fails for School District, Teachers Union; Next Step is FactFinding

Adam Coffey, 8, left, a Montessori Academy student, and Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden stand atop the library in Washington, D.C. Photo: Courtesy of the Library of Congress

THE LATEST: After more than a year of negotiations, the Capistrano Unified School District and the Capistrano Unified Education Association have still not reached a contract agreement, according to CUSD and CUEA officials.

After the third mediation session between the parties concluded on Oct. 17, the mediator announced that she would send CUSD and CUEA on to fact-finding.

Contract negotiations between CUSD and CUEA officially stalled back in June.

At that time, CUSD and CUEA agreed to jointly file for impasse certification with the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), and a mediator was assigned to help resolve the negotiations.

Since the mediator and parties were not able to reach an agreement, the process now continues to fact-finding, where a three-person panel will review the arguments and proposals and ultimately issue non-binding recommendations.

If the fact-finding process does not result in an agreement, CUSD would be able to impose its last, best and final offer, and CUEA teachers would maintain the right to strike.

In the school district’s Oct. 17 press release, Ryan Burris, CUSD’s chief communications officer, defended the district’s last two offers with statements about the “uncertainties of future state funding,” and the “very broken Local Control Funding Formula that was created in Sacramento.”

According to countywide school district salary settlement reports listed on CUEA’s website, CUSD’s teachers make roughly $4,700 less than the average teacher in Orange County.

CUEA officials said their bargaining goals have remained the same since negotiations began in August 2016—they want

“permanent increases to the salary schedule,” and “a sustainable plan to mitigate the negative impact of increasing employee health and welfare contributions.”

WHAT’S NEXT: A date has not yet been released for the upcoming fact-finding session.

For more information on the status of the negotiations, visit capousd-ca.schoolloop.com/cuea and www.cuea.org.

To view the specifics of CUSD’s two last best and final offer options, find the online version of this story at www.danapointtimes.com. —Allison Jarrell

Montessori Academy’s Adam Coffey, 8, Convinces Library of Congress to Initiate Children’s Program THE LATEST: For a consummate reader like Adam Coffey, 8, having to wait until he’s 16 to peruse material at the Library of Congress was an injustice.

Adam decided the only way he’d have access to the voluminous treasures of information would be to do it himself, so he wrote a letter to Carla Hayden, Ph.D., the 14th Librarian of Congress. Hayden, who was impressed with Adam’s curiosity, invited him to be a “Librarian of Congress” for a day, where he was able to tour the library as well as other D.C. landmarks such as the Smithsonian Museum.

He even helped Rep. Darrell Issa, San Clemente’s congressman, vote on the House floor.

“He had checked out a book here, Secrets of Our Nation’s Capital, at our local library and found out that you had to be 16 to get a readers card, and he said, ‘Who made this rule? Why can’t I use the materi-

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als?’” said Melissa Coffey, Adam’s mother.

Adam is a Davidson Young Scholar who reads at a 10- to 12-year-old level and attends Monarch Bay Montessori Academy in Dana Point.

Melissa said Adam checks out books from public libraries all around South Orange County—which is out of necessity, as he constantly maxes out the limit of books per month at each.

“We have to make the rounds,” Melissa said. “We have two library cards, and we’re usually checking out between 50 and 100 books.”

Melissa said he probably reads 10 to 20 of those books a week.

WHAT’S NEXT: Adam will help design the new version of the Library of Congress card for children to obtain when the program begins, of which he will be card holder No. 1. —Eric Heinz

Financial Review Committee to Continue City Attorney Discussion THE LATEST: During its meeting on Oct. 26, the Financial Review Committee will continue ongoing discussions concerning the financial implications of changing to an in-house City Attorney Service model from its current contract model.

Dana Point appointed Patrick Munoz of Rutan and Tucker, LLP, as City Attorney in 2002.

WHAT’S NEXT: The full report of the Financial Review Committee’s meeting on Oct. 26 and its findings is available in this story online at www.danapointtimes. com. —DR www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Living by Giving Local nonprofit Just Like Me Foundation continues to redefine what is considered as special needs

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hile then-Dana Hills High School student Lyndcee Barragato was the president of the school’s Best Buddies program—one that assists students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to form friendships—she decided to ask one of the Best Buddies students to attend the Winter Formal dance with her and called his mother for permission.

Initially assuming it was a “cruel joke” about to be played on her son, Barragato was taken aback by the mother’s reaction and had to reassure her about the seriousness of her proposal.

“The mother became overwhelmed with emotion that someone would care enough to include her son in such an experience that special needs students were often unable to enjoy,” Barragato said.

Not only did she bring the student as her own date, but she organized a group of 13 special needs students to attend the formal dance by contacting parents and organizing the meeting. She independently managed the funds by exchanging her birthday and Christmas and ascertaining supplemental financial support from the city of Dana Point to purchase a limousine to transport the students.

It was from the success of the Winter Formal dance organization that inspired Barragato’s idea for the Just Like Me Foundation—an expansion of the Best

The Just Like Me Foundation is the brainchild of Lyndcee Barragato, 22, a Dana Hills High School graduate currently studying communications at California State University-San Marcos. Photo: Christine Vaughan

Buddies’ program to nourish the social skills of special needs teenagers and provide fulfilling experiences for them.

“I started the Just Like Me Foundation because these kids (with special needs) are just like me. They’re special, but they aren’t all that different,” the now 22-yearold, full-time student at California State University-San Marcos and president of the nonprofit organization said while hosting a pumpkin painting event at the Dana Point Community Center on Oct. 20. “We all want the same things; I decided I wanted to help them achieve those.”

Humble beginnings As a sophomore at Dana Hills High School in 2011, Barragato had the opportunity to be a teacher’s assistant for

Volunteers go paddleboarding in the Dana Point Harbor with Just Like Me participant Olivia.

Photo: Lyndcee Barragato

Dana Point Times October 27–November 2, 2017

2017 Capistrano Unified School District Teacher of the Year Rob Harris.

As his assistant, Barragato says she was responsible for aiding the students with their classwork, helping grade papers, participating in class activities and interacting with students. She said that although this class took place three times a week, she quickly found herself in the classroom every day.

“After spending only a short amount of time with the kids and realizing how amazing they were, everyone knew where to find me. Room 311, the happiest place on campus,” Barragato said.

She claims this time was transformative for her, teaching her the positive nature of community and the importance of giving back.

Years in the making The Just Like Me Foundation was granted its 501(c)(3) status on Feb. 22 after more than five years in the making.

Officially, the Just Like Me Foundation consists of what the organization refers to as the “core-four”. The core four includes Barragato, her best friend and vice president Sarina Shakouri, Sarina’s mother Allie Shakouri and Barragato’s mother Lori, as well as a board of directors.

“Although our backgrounds are diverse, we have come together to serve the special needs community,” Barragato said. “All of us work together to organize events, recruit volunteers, set-up fundraisers and communicate with participants and parents.”

A large portion of Barragato’ s current focus is on expanding their network of volunteers to match the growing interest in Just Like Me Foundation’s event

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participation as well as networking with other nonprofit groups.

“A group called Adaptive Freedoms Foundation from Honolulu, Hawaii, assisted Just Like Me earlier this year in taking our kids to the Dana Point Harbor for a day of paddleboarding,” Barragato said. “The kids were even greeted by a baby grey whale.”

Busy days ahead On Saturday, Oct. 28, the Just Like Me Foundation will be hosting its first annual BOOgie Night Halloween Dance from 7-9 p.m. at the Dana Point Community Center, located at 34052 Del Obispo St. They are expecting more than 60 participants with special needs to attend the event.

The gymnasium will be decorated with lights and decorations and live music will be provided by DJ Willpower (who also has Down syndrome).

Hosting three or four events a month has admittedly been a financial challenge for the nonprofit. Funded entirely by donations, the Just Like Me Foundation has organized a few fundraisers in the past with some success, and is looking to expand such events further.

Currently, participants pay a reduced portion of the costs of events with the Just Like Me Foundation, but Barragato hopes that one day all of her events will be free of charge. Another long-term goal of hers is to involve the students in giving back to the community too.

“These kids can give back, not just be given to,” Barragato said. “My mantra is serve the world by serving others, and I want to pass that along to them.”

Learn more about the foundation at www.justlikemefoundation.org. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY DANIEL RITZ

Friends of the Dana Point Library Christmas Book Sale on Nov. 4, 5 The Friends of the Dana Point Library are having their annual Christmas Book Sale on Saturday, Nov. 4 and Sunday, Nov. 5 from 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day.

All books are in like-new condition and there will be puzzles and games for sale as well.

The money raised by sales will help support the library’s monthly needs and high priority items. In the past, the Friends have donated money for the main room’s skylights and for new furniture throughout the library and community room. The Christmas Sale is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

The sale will be held in the community room adjacent to the Dana Point Library at 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. More information on the Friends of Dana Point Library can be found on http://friendsdanapoint.org/the-bookstore/.

Free Dental Care for Local Veterans on Nov. 10 Shoreline Dental Studio will offer a day of free dental care for local veterans on Friday, Nov. 10, in partnership with Smiles for FREEdom.

Smiles for FREEdom is a nationwide nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that was started in Reno, Nevada to aid, assist and encourage local dental offices to provide free dental services to veterans and service men and women in our Armed Forces.

Veterans can call Shoreline Dental Studio at 949.498.4110 to set up an exam and screening appointment. Appointments will be scheduled based on each patient’s needs. Shoreline Dental Studio is located at 122 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, CA 92672.

Thrive Fest in San Juan Capistrano to Benefit Watermark for Kids on Oct. 28 The Fountains at Sea Bluffs is sponsoring an event called “Thrive Fest” to benefit Watermark for Kids at the San Juan Capistrano Historic Town Center Park on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

The Fountains at Sea Bluffs’ Thrive Fest will offer an educational petting zoo featuring an armadillo, kinkajou, hedgehog, Dana Point Times October 27–November 2, 2017

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27

ACTION ASSOCIATES 7:30 a.m. Members of the networking group meet every Friday at RJ’s Café for networking. Membership is $45 per month and includes breakfast. Guests must RSVP before the meeting at actionassoc@gmail.com. 25001 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

Proceeds from The Friends of Dana Point Library’s annual Christmas Book Sale go toward major repairs and high priority maintenance of the Dana Point Branch of Orange County Libraries. Photo: Andrea Papagianis-Camacho

baby alligator, boa and ferret. There will be live music plus a variety of booths and food trucks selling corn on the cob, baked potatoes, carnitas and more. Kids can get their hair professionally cut for $3 and their faces painted for $2.

A percentage of proceeds from sales of food, baked goods, jewelry, crafts, face painting, kids haircuts, succulents and raffle tickets will benefit Watermark for Kids. The nonprofit is dedicated to helping deserving local kids thrive and instill such values as discipline, gratitude and service.

The San Juan Capistrano Historic Town Center Park is located at 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. For more information, contact Georgia Edmundson at 949.234.3000, or visit www.watermarkforkids.org.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 28 Residents are encouraged to discard their unneeded prescription medications by participating in the 14th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to take place on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors this biannual event, which aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs.

According to the DEA, Americans turned in 450 tons of unused prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites at the last take back day in April. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abuse controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

“With the U.S. in the midst of a devastating opioid crisis, we need to do everything we can to ensure that unneeded prescription drugs are properly disposed of,” said Senator Patricia Bates (R-Laguna

Niguel) in an email endorsing the awareness day. “That’s why I encourage Californians to clean out their medicine cabinets of unnecessary medications and dispose of them safely at a collection site. Doing so will help reduce the chances of the drugs falling into the wrong hands.”

Local drop locations include 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano; 24035 El Toro Road, Laguna Hills; and 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo. For a complete list of drop off sites in South Orange County and more information on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day including past event statistics, visit www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov

Sheriff’s Department Offering Workshops on Crime Prevention Presented by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Stay Safe OC’s Partners in Crime Prevention Workshop series is geared toward helping the community learn valuable information about crime prevention and relevant safety topics. OCSD has teamed up with the cities of San Juan Capistrano, Aliso Viejo and Laguna Hills to hold the new series.

The first workshop on holiday safety is set for Monday, Nov. 6, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Laguna Hills Community Center, located at 25555 Alicia Parkway. Reserve seats at www.staysafe-1sw17.eventbrite.com.

The second workshop on fraud and cyber crimes is set for Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Aliso Viejo City Hall Council Chamber, located at 12 Journey, Suite 100. Reserve seats at www.staysafe2sw17.eventbrite.com.

The workshops are for adults only due to the nature of the content.

The sheriff’s department is expecting high attendance. Due to limited seating, reservations are required.

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

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

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 31

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 chidren’s (adult or minor) poor choices. 119 Avenida De La Estrella, San Clemente. www.bilysc.org.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

MONARCH BEACH SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. every Wednesday. The Rotary Club welcomes anyone interested in making a difference in the local community and ever changing world to join them in their weekly meeting. Doors open at 7 a.m., with a program from 7:30- 8:30 a.m. Marriot Laguna Cliffs Resort, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2

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 MAYOR DEBRA LEWIS CITY OFFICE HOURS 3-5 p.m. Mayor Debra Lewis is scheduling office hours in 15-minute increments at City Hall at 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. If you would like to meet with the Mayor, please contact Gail Enriquez at genriquez@danapoint. org or call 949.248.3501.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin By OC Supervisor Lisa Bartlett 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

Harbor Revitalization on its Way to Realization

A

s your Orange County Supervisor, as well as a longtime resident and former Mayor of Dana Point, I am pleased to announce the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization plan is finally underway.

Twenty years in the making, the revitalization project will transform our beloved harbor into an extraordinary new crown jewel the entire county can enjoy and be proud of. The public-private partnership committed to this project represents the best of the county and our community, and the fact that all our hard work and determination is now paying off feels wonderful.

Built in 1968, Dana Point Harbor has been in need of infrastructure and facilities improvements for quite some time. Two decades ago, former Supervisor Tom Wilson created the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Task force, helping the county craft a comprehensive plan that looked to the future.

He and his successor, former Supervisor Pat Bates, provided the leadership that led to the Board of Supervisors approving the revitalization plan in 2006, and successfully secured the entitlements for the commercial core that allowed work to begin.

Since I took office as your 5th District Supervisor, we have witnessed three important milestones: In 2016, the county

Letters to the Editor IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO SAVE THE FARM SANDRA ACKERMAN, Capistrano Beach

First, I would like to thank the Dana Point Times for the lovely article about Mike Darnold in the Sept. 29-Oct. 5 edition. I know Mike from a very different time. In 1983, Ron Coleman, the fire chief at the time, some city leaders and veterinarians were tired of the lack of service provided by O.C. Animal Services. Ron, convinced that San Clemente could do a better job caring for its animals, discontinued the contract with Orange County and opened up shop here. The savings from that canceled contract went toward one Dana Point Times October 27–November 2, 2017

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

Big changes are finally set to begin in the coming months for the Dana Point Harbor. Photo: File

approved the public-private partnership (P3) model, which allowed us to reach out to the private sector for expertise; In July that year, we broke ground on street improvements around the harbor; and Last week, with community and business support, we selected Dana Point Harbor Partners for the P3.

Dana Point Harbor Partners comprises three co-managing partners made up of Burnham Ward Properties (commercial core portions), Bellwether Financial Group (marina and dry stack storage) and R.D. Olson Development (hotel component).

Because the county THE BARTLETT BULLETIN does not have expertise

By Lisa Bartlett in constructing and operating marinas, commercial cores or hotel development, the P3 model will result in a higher-quality project in a more expeditious timeframe.

This is an important point because, prior to the approval of the P3, the county anticipated shouldering the full cost and responsibilities of the project. I look

forward to working with our public sector partners and expect this project will serve as an important model for the region.

The source of funding for the project is also significant, as the $20 million subsidy for Dana Point Harbor Partners comes from Tidelands Fund 108. These are dedicated funds earmarked exclusively for Dana Point Harbor, consisting of rents and leases of land (such as restaurants) on or adjacent to the state tidelands in Dana Point Harbor.

We all have an important role to play in the revitalization of our harbor and are firmly committed to seeing it through to fruition. Projects such as this are often called a “labor of love.” And it is certainly love – from our community, the county and the developers – that is turning this dream into a reality.

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett represents the 5th District on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, which includes the cities of Dana Point. DP

animal control officer, one truck, insurance and utilities for the shack we started in. There were about 50 volunteers, all very willing to roll up their sleeves and do what it took to care for lost or homeless animals.

It didn’t take long for us to realize that if we didn’t raise some money all of our good work and intentions were for naught.

That’s where Mike Darnold came in. At the time, Mike had a pottery shop in San Juan and we talked every time I went in there. I told him what we were up against and he offered to give me things from his inventory to start fundraising with.

That was just the beginning of the many times he donated to us, and his generosity allowed me to realize that people really did care about homeless animals. It was rough in the beginning, but here we are 34 years later, having found countless animals homes forever through what is now a very

well run San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. I have many people to thank on this long and lovely journey. I thank Mike for giving us a much needed boost. I thank the city leaders for their confidence in the volunteers. A huge thank you goes out to the Pet Project Foundation, the volunteer group that works day-in and day-out raising funds for these animals.

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

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY 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.

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 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 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 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

Tal Wilkenfeld. Photo: Courtesy

On Stage at the Coach House: Tal Wilkenfeld

BY ALLISON JARRELL, DANA POINT TIMES

T

al Wilkenfeld, a renowned Australian singer, songwriter, bassist and guitarist, is stopping by The Coach House on Wednesday, Nov. 8, for a show that is sure to be filled with enough rock ‘n’ roll to satisfy fans of the genre.

The 30-year-old musician got a remarkably early start on her career. After coming to New York City in 2006 as a teen, she found herself playing with the Allman Brothers onstage before releasing her instrumental debut, Transformation, touring with Chick Corea, and eventually joining Jeff Beck’s world tour. Wilkenfeld also played at Eric Claption’s 2007 Crossroads Festival in Chicago—a performance that became one of her defining breakout moments.

The List

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

Friday | 27 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 from 10 a.m.-noon. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

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.

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Wilkenfeld relocated to Los Angeles and recorded with artists such as Prince, Macy Gray, Jackson Browne, Joe Walsh, Ringo Starr and Brian Wilson. Encouragement from Jeff Beck and her collaboration with Jackson Browne motivated Wilkenfeld to transition to singing and songwriting as well.

Most recently, Wilkenfeld released her first single, “Corner Painter,” and opened for The Who during their The Who Hits 50! Tour. She’s now headlining her own tour and will be performing in cities across California this fall.

Doors open at 6 p.m. on Nov. 8, and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.

The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano. For tickets or more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse.com. DP

SPOOKY SEAS 6-9 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a night full of fright as guests navigate through the labs and ships. The haunted adventure begins on the Brig Pilgrim then through the boathouse and into the Ocean Education Center. The haunted tour is suitable for ages 8 years and older, and the activities in the Education Center are for any age. Tour and activities are $5-10.

The Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

LIVE MUSIC: ‘WE SING HOPE: CHORAL MUSIC TO UPLIFT THE SOUL’ 7:30 p.m. The Saddleback College Choral ensembles will sing music by Brahms, Rutter, Gjeilo, Runestad, Haydn and music from the Broadway hit show Dear Evan Hanson. Tickets are $10-15. They may be purchased at the ticket office or online at www.saddleback.edu/arts. Newport Harbor Lutheran Church. 798 Dover Drive, Newport Beach. 949.582.4656.

(Cont. on page 10) www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

EDITOR’S PICK Spooktacular Movie night at the Dana Point Community Center on Friday, Oct. 27, will offer smiles and free treats before a moonlight movie. Photo: Robin Gray

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27: HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR MOVIE 3-9 p.m. Come dressed up in a costume and join in the spooky fun. There will be free popcorn, treats and hot chocolate. From 3-7 p.m. there will be cookie decorating, carnival games, a Halloween haunt marionette show, magic show, costume parade and a moonlight movie. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

(Cont. from page 9) LIVE THEATRE: ‘THE TROJAN WOMEN’ 7:30 p.m. The theatre department at Saddleback College presents a tragedy by Greek playwright Euripides, an innovative and artistic portrayal of the aftermath of the Trojan War. The play runs through Nov. 5. Tickets are $10-15. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket office or online at www.saddleback.edu/arts. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4656.

from Gillette’s curre production of Sherlock Holmes gather at his manor for a séance, mayhem and murder.

Tickets are $20. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

tive Center every fourth Saturday of the month. The program is designed to teach kids about the natural world around the Headlands. Programs are hands-on and generally geared toward elementary school-aged kids. RSVP online at www. fodph.org. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point.

Saturday | 28

LIVE THEATRE: ‘CHARLY’ 8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse presents the amazing story of a man with the mentality of a 5-year-old that becomes a genius in just a few weeks through an experimental surgery, previously only tried on a mouse. The play runs through Nov. 12. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.pamelapeakproductions.com/ charly-2017. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

8TH ANNUAL OC RIDE FOR AIDS 7 a.m. AIDS Services Foundation Orange County is excited to announce it will be hosting its 8th annual OC Ride for AIDS in a fully supported one-day ride (not a race) through some of Orange County’s most breathtaking scenery. There are three routes to choose from, including routes for 30, 62 or 100 miles. The start and finish will be hosted by Bill Barber Memorial Park in Irvine. $50 registration fee, and each rider is required to meet a minimum fundraising goal of $125. Bill Barber Memorial Park. 4 Civic Center Plz, Irvine. www.ocasf.org.

LIVE THEATRE: ‘THE GAME’S AFOOT’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents a hilarious, quirky alternative to your standard holiday entertainment. Actors

DANA POINT HEADLANDS CHILDREN’S PROGRAM 10 a.m. Join the monthly children’s programs at the Dana Point Nature Interpre-

Dana Point Times October 27–November 2, 2017

FAMILY SCIENCE WORKSHOP 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for one of two color changing slime workshops. Explore how heat can affect pigment with your own thermochromic slime. Ideal for ages 7-12. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Workshop includes all supplies and admission to the Ocean Institute for the day. Tickets are $3-12. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.oceaninstitute.org.

CANDY CRAWL 1-4 p.m. Join the Outlets at San Clemente for free Halloween fun and safe trick-ortreating. Collect treats from stores while supplies last. There is a costume contest, live music and balloon animals. Treats are for costumed guests only, but leave your masks behind. The event is free to attend.

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Bring your own trick-or-treating bag.

101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

SPOOKY SAN CLEMENTE 4-7 p.m. The San Clemente Community Center presents a family fun Halloween celebration. Join them for scary fun and hours of freight. There will be a haunted house, games, a maze, pumpkin crafts, candy crawl, and Hotel Transylvania will be playing on the lawn. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.sanclemente.org.

BOOGIE NIGHT HALLOWEEN DANCE PARTY 6:45-9 p.m. The Just Like Me Foundation presents “BOOgie Night Halloween Dance Party.” The dance party will be from 7-9 p.m. There will be drinks and deserts provided. Bring your costume and dancing shoes. RSVP by Oct. 25 to Lyndcee@ justlikemefoundation.org to attend.

Dana Point Community Center.

34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point. www.justlikemefoundation.org.

(Cont. on page 23) www.danapointtimes.com

CRIB to COLLEGE

Welcome

This year’s Crib to College includes a plethora of stories tailored to inform and appeal to students of all ages, parents, academic instructors and community members. Teens and parents with teenagers will be able to soak in the teachings of South Orange County experts on the topics of mental health, what new drivers need to know about insurance coverage, learning how to be a financially sound student in preparation for college and more.

Taking Your Foot Off the Brake Rules, insurance coverage information parents and new drivers should know about

BY ELAINE LAVINE

Learning to drive is a classic rite of passage for any young person, but along with the excitement and the freedom of driving come new responsibilities. Adding a teen driver will likely lead to changes in your household, as well as changes to your auto insurance policy.

Because teens are high-risk drivers, adding a teenager to your auto insurance policy will lead to an increase in your overall premium.

Why? The facts are telling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds in the United States.

Below are a few tips to keep your teen safe and to keep the costs down: • Safe driving discounts. Enroll in the Steer Clear® Driver Discount Program. Your teen will need to log their supervised practice drives, sign a parent/teen agreement, do a pre-and-post program assessment, and meet with your State Farm® agent.

• Good student discounts. In some states, some insurance companies actually offer discounts for students who maintain a

high grade point average. Consistently earning high grades is one of the most effective ways your teen can save you money on your auto insurance.

• Driver safety training. It’s important to make sure your teen is aware of the new risks and new costs associated with driving, as well as the importance of maintaining a clean driving record. Traffic violations will often lead to even higher premiums. Know and enforce your state’s Graduated Driver Licensing laws.

If additional driver safety courses are available in your area, encourage your teen to enroll in them. In some states, attending classes beyond what’s required to earn a driver’s license can lead to additional savings.

See the State Farm Teen Driving resources for more information about teen driver safety and tools for new drivers and their parents at www.statefarm.com.

Elaine LaVine is an insurance agent for State Farm of Dana Point. She is an expert on driver safety, auto insurance and program assessment.

She can be reached at elaine. lavine.a493@statefarm.com.

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FUNDING YOUR FUTURE Pair your ingenuity and hard work to get through school without racking up the debt

BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS-CAMACHO

This is a cautionary tale. Not one meant to scare, but one aimed to prompt action—careful planning coupled with dedicated execution. Stay your course, stay engaged and you can get through this. College that is. Hopefully without a heap of debt under your feet as you start into the world.

Let’s start off with a couple of facts: (these are all about undergraduate education) • Community colleges across California have the same state-mandated enrollment fee: $46. That’s $46 per unit. So if you take a full course load—or 12 units—that comes to $552 in course fees.

• Students enrolled in the California State University system pay the same base tuition fee: $5,742. This figure is for in-state students attending school full time (six or more units a semester).

• California residents attending a University of California campus full time

pay the same in system-wide tuition and fees: $12,630. You can add about $1,000 in campus-specific fees to this number.

This is just tuition costs. And these, as you may soon learn, are subject to increasing without much notice. There are other things that come along too. You’ve also got to take into account housing, books, supplies, transportation and the ever important necessity, food—coffees, snacks and late-night cravings included.

It’s overwhelming. But you aren’t alone.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, some 20.4 million students are attending American colleges and universities this fall—that’s about 5.1 million more college students than in 2000. It’s safe to say there are a few people in the same boat, navigating the college-funding waters.

One more fact before we get to the goods. The nation’s outstanding studentdebt is on the rise. As of Dec. 31, 2016,

the Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimates that American students carry a massive $1.31 trillion in outstanding student loan balances. Upon graduation, nearly half of student loan borrowers owe at least $20,000. That’s double the share from a decade ago, according to a recent report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

While loans may be inevitable, you can try to keep the amount you borrow on the low end.

Because here’s the thing: Everyone should be able to affordably access a quality education.

Here are a couple ideas to help you win funds and keep your costs down: (be sure to share your newfound knowledge) • FAFSA. Learn the acronym. Apply, apply every year.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education gives out more than $120 billion in the form of federal grants, loans and work-study funds to some 13 million college students. It’s the largest provider of student financial aid, and, the money received doesn’t have to be repaid. This year, NerdWallet found that some $2.3 billion in financial aid went unclaimed due to some 36 percent of high school graduates not applying for FAFSA. Use NerdWallet’s FAFSA Guide to ease the application process. Once you have everything in order, it takes about 30 minutes to complete. The 2018-2019 application opened on Oct. 1.

What are you waiting for?

• Apply for scholarships. Lots of them.

Never underestimate yourself. There is a scholarship, or 10, for everyone.

And scholarship applications are being

accepted year round. You just have to look for them. Lucky for you the internet makes this fairly simple. We’ve even found a couple sites to help you out. Sign up for Scholly (www.myscholly.com). Web or mobile app, Scholly has you fill out eight parameters then delivers a verified, personalized list of scholarships. It also has management tools to help you track deadlines and progress. Also check out U Can Go 2 (www.ucango2.org). Here you’ll find a running list of scholarships, sorted by deadline dates and into categories.

• Look at alternative-housing options.

While campus housing is fun and a great place to meet new people, it’s often expensive and not for everyone. If you are attending school close to home, maybe stay a little longer. You can save on housing and food while focusing on school and getting involved on campus. Take the time to join organizations, volunteer and apply for a campus job. Or, look for off-campus housing. It’s often less expensive when you are splitting costs with roommates.

A couple of other things to consider.

Textbooks are expensive. If you can, avoid purchasing new books. You may be able to cut costs by sharing a book with a friend or roommate and by looking for a former class taker to purchase a book from. Book stores often buy books back for little to no money, so it could be a win-win for you and the seller. Also, think about skipping campus food. It’s pricey and not all that good. Sure, there may be a salad bar, but the French fry smell from around the corner is enticing. In the dorm or off campus, think about splitting groceries with roommates and eat your meals at home.

To Homeschool or to Not? Weighing the pros and cons of home education for your child or teen

BY JEANNINE WILLS-KOFFORD, M.D.

Homeschooling is an increasingly popular educational opportunity for our children. In California, 2.8 percent of students are now homeschooled, and that number is increasing every year. Interestingly, it was the choice of many of our forefathers before the 1850s, when homeschooling and apprenticeships were more the norm. Many founding fathers and great Americans were home-educated, including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln and the Wright brothers. George Washington preferred to spend his time dancing and horseback riding than in a schoolhouse. Famously, Thomas Edison’s public school expelled him at age 7 for being “feeble-minded.”

In our day, parents are recognizing the academic and social freedom afforded to our children with home education.

There are many reasons to homeschool: academic excellence, academic challenges, religious freedom, vaccination laws, health issues and bullying. Whatever the reason, there has never been more options.

There are three main ways to homeschool: with California

state curriculum under the supervision of your local school district, private hybrid homeschooling through a private or charter school where the student attends class a few days a week and the curriculum is supervised, or independently with a curriculum of the parent’s choosing. The third option offers the most freedom for your child, but involves more work for the parent. In California, you must file a private school affidavit annually between Oct. 1-15 should you choose the independent option. A fourth option is private tutoring by a credentialed California teacher.

A great resource to visit is Homeschool Legal Defense Association at www.hslda.org to get started with the legalities and local resources. Also, visit the Christian Home Educators Association of California website for an extensive list of private school satellite programs at www.cheaofca.org.

The most often asked question is, “What about socialization?” Think of what parents do before their child enters school: play dates, moms’ groups, sports and church groups.

Those things all may continue, offering a rich social experience for your child. Home education offers many more opportunities for “socialization outside the box.” There are more, not fewer, opportunities for community involvement

and participation such as volunteering and interacting with positive role model adults and older or younger children.

Another often asked question is, “What about college?”

Today, homeschooling is a well-recognized and legitimate educational option. Even Ivy League universities accept home-educated students, provided their college entrance exam scores are strong. Many colleges recognize homeschool students are unique and creative thinkers. Over twothirds of homeschoolers eventually graduate from college.

Homeschoolers also consistently outperform traditionalschooled students on standardized testing.

Still not sure? To summarize, below is a list of pros and cons associated with homeschooling: Pros: Family bonding time; academic advancement; time to address academic challenges; unique and custom coursework not offered in public or private schools; cost effectiveness; travel; field trips; free days; exploring the outdoors; low stress levels; no bullying; no drugs; opportunities for specialization in art, theater, music and sports; community participation.

Homeschooled students learn to manage their time, and by their junior or senior year of high school, they assume more responsibility for their own education.

Cons: Requires a high level of parental participation and organization; time management; potential educational gaps (which also could occur in traditional school settings).

For whatever your reasons, dive in and enjoy the rich diversity of educational experiences available to your child as a home educator. Education in our modern tech savvy world can be as diverse and unique as your own children.

Jeannine Wills-Kofford, M.D., is a single mom as well as an aesthetic physician and physician trainer at Riviera Laser Studios in Dana Point.

She has homeschooled her two sons Marcus,13, and Joshua,10, for years. Their many homeschool adventures include medical missions to India, Kenya and Nicaragua, and field trips to the Smithsonian Museum and New Orleans World War II Memorial.

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Get Active Within the Community!

Fall and Winter 2017 Events Calendar for Children and Teens October Big Kat Youth Wrestling Club Become a life champion in a sport where life lessons happen on the mat. Any youth in kindergarten through eighth grade can join.

Winter season starts Oct. 30. Recreation is $70 per month; elite competition is $80 (two months due at registration). Register at www.bigkatwrestling.com. Meet at Capistrano Valley High School Wrestling room.

26301 Escolar, Mission Viejo. 949.307.4390.

Youth Painting Classes Von Lortz Sidestreet Gallery, San Clemente’s original painting gallery, offers painting classes for youth and adults. Youth classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:305:30 p.m., and every first and third Saturday of the month from 9-11 a.m. 205 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.7244. www.sanclementeartclasses.com.

The Arts Project of Orange County The Arts Project is a one-stop shop for all things art. The studio offers classes in theatre, music, dance, vocals and art for all ages and levels. Spots are still open for this season’s production, Annie. Email the director for acting or crew opportunities at emily@theartsprojectoc.com or call the front desk. The ensemble performs Dec. 14-16. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente.

949.276.2787. www.theartsprojectoc.com.

Ballet/Tap Combo Class A beginning combination class of ballet and tap, using popular children’s music for ages 3-4. Classes begin Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 and run through Dec. 11 and 12. Monday’s class is from 10-11 a.m. or on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m. It’s $60 for residents and $63 for non-residents. The class meets at SCAC Friends Meeting room, San Clemente Aquatics Center. 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. Registration is available through www.san-clemente.org.

November Youth Basketball League Join youth basketball for boys and girls 6-9 years of age. This is a low-key instructional basketball league, emphasizing teamwork, respect and fun. Practices begin early November 2017. $50 for residents of Dana Point and Capistrano Beach; $65 for non-residents. For information, contact Kolleen Wallace at kwallace@danapoint.org.

949.248.3530. www.danapoint.org.

Club Literacy Book Bunch Book Bunch at Club Literacy is available for first through third-graders. Children are en-

couraged to become great readers and writers through powerful literature. There will be a lot of journal writing, providing learners with techniques that will propel them to achieve the highest standards in school. The class meets on Mondays from 4-5:30 p.m. starting Nov. 6. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 105, Dana Point. 949.717.6624. www.clubliteracy.com.

December Danman’s Music School Danman’s has eight private teaching studios and a recording studio. Parents can purchase single lessons, a package of four or more, academy program lessons and semi-private lessons. There are 20 or more qualified music teachers that give lessons on the guitar, piano, bass, drums, voice, violin, flute, banjo, ukulele, clarinet, viola, cello and more. 24699 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.496.6556. www.danmans.com.

South Coast Conservatory South Coast Conservatory offers recreational pre-academy dance classes for children ages 2-7, and academy classes for those ages 8-17 in ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, tumbling and musical theatre. 400 Camino De Estrella, Suite C, San Clemente.

949.682.7977. www.scconservatory.com.

Beach Cities Rock Club For those who want to learn to rock, Beach Cities offer affordable instrument and singing lessons. They are open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. 73 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente.

949.463.1968. www.beachcitiesrockclub.com.

January Teen Winter Ceramic Classes Hand-build and work on the wheel to make cool projects and have fun. It’s an 8-week session starting Jan. 18 and runs through March 15 for teens ages 12-17. Class meets Thursdays from 4-6 p.m. Fee is $199 and a $35 materials fee. 31878 Del Obispo Street Suite 106, San Juan Capistrano.

949.412.9241. www.theceramicstudio.com.

Musical Theatre at Acting Academy for Kids The Musical Theatre series is an educational experience for children ages 5-16. The students are taken through the musical theatre process from start to finish. No previous experience is required, and everyone gets a role. The next season begins Jan. 2018. Z Playhouse. 35 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente. 949.427.0072. www.actingacademyforkids.com.

CRIB to COLLEGE

An In-Depth Look…

at some local schools and exclusive programs

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools The dreams we have for our children are based on hopes for a lifetime of success, happiness and purpose. At Capistrano Valley Christian Schools, we believe the foundations of those dreams are built on a rich academic program coupled with an emphasis on spiritual and moral development.

Our students learn through a program that values and develops critical thinking, innovation, creativity and foundational skills to prepare them for life after graduation. Visit our website and get a sense of the dynamic learning environment we have created in order to prepare our students for success in all their future endeavors.

CVCS has been serving students from junior kindergarten through high school for more than 40 years. 32032 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5683. www.cvcs.org.

Goodwill of Orange County Our Mission: Goodwill is in the business of helping people who are facing barriers to get and keep jobs, which provides purpose, pride and dignity. We believe the power of work changes lives.

Through our retail stores, our e-commerce platform, shopgoodwill.com, and our business services, we create jobs and provide job training and education, helping people and our local community to thrive.

Thank you for making our mission your mission.

410 N. Fairview, Santa Ana, CA 92703, 714.547.6308, ocgoodwill.org.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish Academy Nurture ~ Encourage ~ Empower OLF Academy cultivates faith-filled learners whom daily demonstrate spiritual and academic excellence, 1:1 technology acquisition, and dedication of service to their

community. Visitors to our campus witness an engaged learning environment that is centered on family values. Fully accredited, OLF is blessed with exceptionally dedicated teachers and is proud to be Home to San Clemente’s Teacher of the Year. OLF’s academic rigor is complemented with enriched course offerings such as Spanish, Music/ Piano, Art, Academic Decathlon, Choir, P. E. and Drama and a distinctive offering of Junior High electives. Our students cultivate a zest for life-long learning, develop effective communication skills, and advance as globally responsible citizens. OLF’s exceptional Transitional Kindergarten is specifically designed to provide 4 and 5 year old children the “developmental gift of time.” Utilizing a cross-curricular approach to instruction, all students experience daily differentiated opportunities in which to explore, investigate, and integrate their academic abilities.

Participation in the PAL Sports League, and providing After School Day Care, Programs and Homework Help round out OLF Academy.

105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, 949.492.7320, www.olfschool.net, kwindes@olfschool.net.

Santa Margarita Catholic High School With academic tracks tailored to meet the needs of varied learners; more than 85 clubs and activities; competitive, characterbuilding athletics; and an award-winning arts program—all in a nurturing, Christcentered environment—Santa Margarita students are empowered to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and morally. Santa Margarita has the distinction of being the county’s only Catholic International Baccalaureate high school and is ranked as the top Catholic high school in Southern California

by The Washington Post. The school’s beautiful 42-acre campus includes a Digital Media Studio, Eagle Athletic Center, Academic Services Center, modernized Library Media Center, Olympic-sized pool and Sacred Heart Chapel. Recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School, Santa Margarita’s Oneto-One Tablet PC Program provides an immersive educational experience preparing students for college and beyond. The Class of 2017 received $42.1 million in scholarship offers with 99 percent of the class attending college. Visit SMCHS at 22062 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita. Info: www.smhs.org.

St. Anne School Nurture with care. Teach with creativity. Embrace life. Treasure faith. These are the guiding principles that shape St. Anne School, a private, independent Catholic school that welcomes preschool through grade 8 students of all faiths. St. Anne’s mission is to develop future generations of creative thinkers, innovative problem solvers, effective communicators and emerging leaders, guided by the Catholic faith, to influence our local and global communities for the greater good.

The St. Anne experience promotes a love of learning through rigor¬ous academic, artistic and athletic programs. With the guidance and dedication of faculty, students gain a solid foundation rooted in problem solving, collaboration, creative expression, leadership, faith, technology and global citizenship.

We invite you to see for yourself all that St. Anne has to offer. Join us for our Admission Open House on Thursday, January 11 from 9-11 a.m. RSVP to admissions@st-anne. org, or call 949.276.6753.

32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel, 949.276.6700, www.st-anne.org.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School Members of the St. Margaret’s Episcopal School community will tell you what an extraordinary and special place it is, unlike any other. Some will tout the leading preschool through grade 12 academic program that nurtures and challenges every student to his

or her full potential. Others will avail you of stories of dedicated and expert faculty who know and love every student, going above and beyond every day. Some are awestruck with the world of opportunities available to every student from vibrant performing and visual arts, to a thoughtful physical education program focused on sportsmanship, teamwork and the scholar-athlete that culminates with 24 varsity sports.

St. Margaret’s says the true answer resides in the school’s Episcopal identity, shared mission and deep commitment to nurturing the intellectual and spiritual growth of every student, who they are today and who they are becoming for tomorrow.

This focus on a “transformational Tartan experience,” is vitally important work, and it fosters a spirit of excellence and innovation in every aspect of the St. Margaret’s experience.

St. Margaret’s is a premier, independent college-preparatory school educating 1,234 students in preschool through grade 12. The school’s reputation for the depth and quality of its education brings more than 150 colleges and universities to campus annually to recruit its graduates. California Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Chicago, Dartmouth College, Emory University, Harvard University, New York University, Northwestern University, University of Notre Dame, Princeton University and Stanford University are some of the fine institutions that welcomed St. Margaret’s graduates from the Class of 2017 this fall.

St. Margaret’s is situated on a picturesque 22-acre campus with world-class technology-rich learning environments, including dedicated performing and visual arts centers, library, 18 maker spaces and studios for science, computer science, engineering, robotics and media art, technology labs, athletics fields, gymnasiums and campus commons.

St. Margaret’s students and 2,200 alumni are recognized for their integrity, character, compassion, responsibility and the courage to lead and serve others.

31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, 949.661.0108, www.smes.org

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STARTING THE

Mental Health DISCUSSION EARLY

BY JIM TAYLOR

An average of one per day. That is the estimated number of people who die by suicide in Orange County. It is probable that number is higher, maybe even much higher given the overall stigma casting a shadow on not just suicide but mental health issues in general. Religious and societal pressures can cause suicides to go unreported as a cause of death. This stigma is very present in death and it can be worse in life.

But what about our children?

According to the latest statistics regarding suicide and self-harm from the Orange County Health Care Agency, San Clemente is included in the cities with the highest teen suicide rate. At the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) annual conference held in Irvine this year, it was revealed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now tracking suicides in 8-10-year-olds.

In an informal survey conducted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention with eighth-graders in Pennsylvania, a rhetorical question was asked.

“Give me an example of an adult you would talk to if you were struggling.”

The students were silent. When asked why they wouldn’t even tell their parents if they might have thoughts of suicide, the response was, “because your parents want you to do well, so I’d be ashamed to tell them.”

Even in children there is shame in admitting a mental issue.

How to encourage teens to reach out when they need help Why? Stigma.

There is no shame in telling someone you have the flu. People don’t get embarrassed if they have cancer. Somehow, we need to alleviate and ultimately remove the barriers society has put in place to discourage people—and our children—from discussing something that can be harmful or even fatal.

So how do we do it?

• Talk about what happens in the news.

When a story surfaces on the news about a suicide, talk about it. At times, people who cannot conceive the thought of taking their own lives will denigrate the victim. Yes, victim. Saying things like the individual was a “fool,” “how could they do this to their family” or sweeping it under the carpet with the “they were sick” comment doesn’t help.

To a person without suicidal thoughts this bounces off of them. However, to a person currently struggling, it reinforces the idea that their thoughts are sick, hurtful to others and selfish. Talking about suicide casually in conversation without labeling can work wonders in letting someone know that per-

haps they can be helped.

• Words are powerful and so are the way they are phrased. Most people in the suicide prevention arena do not use the phrase that someone “committed suicide” as though the person committed a crime.

We say, “died by suicide.” Even the Associated Press has included this in their style guidelines, and the California Department of Education utilizes this phrase on their Youth Suicide Prevention page. The Suicide Hotline has been renamed to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline too. Simple changes like these can start to promote positive change.

• Attend a workshop or orchestrate one.

Many suicide prevention organizations, including AFSP, have presentations and seminars on the subject, including training on how to speak to someone who appears to be struggling. They also discuss how to provide resources to those who need them most, and ultimately, get them to a healthcare professional who can help.

• Get involved with a mental health or suicide prevention organization. Even just showing up at an event and being present

makes a huge difference. There is comfort in knowing you are not alone. Almost 2,000 people attended the Out of the Darkness Walk in Fountain Valley last September.

This was an event to shine a light on suicide, to get people talking about suicide and to lessen the stigma associated with it.

• Give them a safe environment to talk.

If you have the slightest suspicion that your child may be depressed or if they are becoming more withdrawn, talk to them about it in a positive way. People get sad and some people get more than sad. The thought that a person has something wrong with them mentally, and that possible illness is a societal taboo, only compounds the problem. If they feel safe talking about it they will. You need to make them feel safe before they will open up.

The mental health world is changing for the better, but it is a slow change. This year, Governor Brown signed AB 2246 which requires California schools to adopt suicide prevention policies for students in grades seven through twelve. We can keep the momentum going by changing the way we think about mental health issues, reduce and eliminate the stigma, shine a light on the problem and save lives.

Jim Taylor is the Chairman for the Orange County Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He can be reached at 949.510.6531.

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Innovative Minds Nurturing the entrepreneurship drive in children and teens

BY RYAN DAHLEM

Freshman Advantage Saddleback College smooths the transition to higher education

BY JAMIE CARGO

Leaving high school for college can feel as scary as entering the haunted house down the street. But don’t worry, Saddleback College is here to illuminate the path to your success.

Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) and Saddleback Valley Unified School District (SVUSD) high school students can start by taking Counseling 100 for free in the spring. Saddleback College brings professional counseling expertise to the high schools, where students can learn about concurrent and dual enrollment opportunities. The college plans to expand its concurrent enrollment soon by offering a variety of college courses at each area high school.

The class of 2018 can also get in on the Freshman Advantage program, designed for new incoming freshman of any age who will be attending Saddleback College in Fall 2018. Eligible students can enroll in classes before the majority of continuing students.

Counseling 100 and Freshman Advantage help students receive priority registration and get the classes they need to hit the ground running during their first semester in college.

Maybe you haven’t found a career you love yet. At Saddleback, you can choose from over 300 associate degrees, certificates and occupational skills awards in 190 program areas taught by a faculty renowned for its expertise, experience and commitment to student success.

Give back as you learn Over the summer, students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) began creating upper limb assistive devices for those in need through the e-NABLE hand project, a group of volunteers

from across the globe that use 3D printers to create free prosthetics.

The Saddleback College team recently advanced to creating its own design by integrating Arduino Uno technology with a sensor that detects electrical activity of muscles to control robotic hand movements of the device. Using a 3D CAD design software, students engage in group projects led by engineers from San Clemente’s Swift Engineering Inc., and faculty and staff from Saddleback College. Students get real world experience involving physics, engineering, manufacturing, mathematics and computer science, which will help them explore potential majors and careers.

“The students are learning as much from each other as they are from us,” said Katlin Choi, the grant project manager. “They learn project management aspects such as how to brainstorm and make decisions as a team and how to take a lead role for a particular project component as well as the content of the project.”

Mechanical engineering major Chris McDonald found the project challenging and fulfilling.

“I’m surprised by the complexity of this project and that it’s almost impossible to replicate the natural hand,” he said. “Being able to apply the knowledge I’ve learned in a way that helps out someone else is very rewarding. I want to make an impact in this world and doing a small project like this is one step closer to doing that.”

Bryce Martin, a second-year mechanical engineering major, discovered a career path, saying, “I found through helping in the project that I want to pursue an internship next summer with a company that designs and manufactures prosthetics.”

The students in turn inspire the faculty.

Larry Perez, chair of the Computer Science Department, said, “I’m very excited to be part of this project working alongside our students promoting (STEM) awareness in the spirit of the maker movement.”

Jamie Cargo serves as the public information officer at Saddleback College, which provides dynamic, innovative and student-centered postsecondary education and training to the greater South Orange County community. For more information, please visit www.saddleback.edu.

The concept of entrepreneurship has certainly evolved as it applies to young people in recent years. For many parents, entrepreneurship evokes memories of running a neighborhood lemonade stand with the thrill of tending a cash box while learning the basics of a balance sheet.

Today, however, the barriers of entry to starting a business are so low that a young person with access to the internet and a desire to change the world can set out to do just that.

Children and teens should be encouraged to develop an entrepreneurial mindset that can be applied not only in the alluring world of start-ups, but more importantly, in how they approach bringing ideas into reality, whether it be a new app or considering where they may attend college. Here are five areas of focus for developing an entrepreneurial mindset: 1. Be a “need finder,” not a “problem solver.” While it is tempting to begin by developing a solution to an assumed problem, the best entrepreneurs are experts at finding true needs. To identify needs, talk to people. Conduct ethnographic interviews with them about their daily experiences and listen for true needs that would make their lives better if solved. That is the beginning of a compelling product or solution.

2. Learn the design thinking process (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test). Innovators have been implementing this process for years and it has yielded a variety of game-changing inventions, from the computer mouse to the stand-up toothpaste tube. Empathizing with your potential “end-user,” defining needs from their point of view, “ideating” solutions through brainstorming, prototyping rough versions of your solutions to test with your end-users for feedback, and then iterating your prototype based on feedback accelerates the design process and moves you toward innovative solutions more quickly. This method is best described by the Stanford d.school where you can take a free design thinking workshop.

3. Don’t go it alone. Entrepreneurs know the value of networking within an ecosystem and the creative power of “radical collaboration,” as described

by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, Stanford University d.school professors and authors of “Designing Your Life.”

Creativity is contagious and idea sharing

breeds better ideas. Young people should connect with one another about their creative ideas and seek mentors who can share valuable lessons from paths already traveled and provide inspiration to take new risks.

4. Failure is part of the process. Thinking like an entrepreneur means acting on an idea that often involves taking risks.

Things rarely succeed on the first try.

That’s okay! Think back to the design process—it’s time to iterate and test again. “Failure is not the opposite of success,” said Jason Goldberg, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School alumnus ‘13 and entrepreneur. Jason is the founder and president of VYRL, an exchange-based ecosystem for influencers and brands, and has partnered with St. Margaret’s on a high school entrepreneurship course.

“Failure is a means of learning important lessons to be applied later.” This can be difficult for young people who have been insulated from failure in other aspects of their lives. A helpful mantra used by many entrepreneurs is to “fail forward.”

5. Start with your passion! Young people sometimes have a difficult time identifying a passion. Instead, ask them, “If you had an extra hour each day, what would you do with it?” Entrepreneurs invest an incredible amount of time in their projects, and your passion is a good place to start need-finding through research and talking to people. “I had a passion for video games growing up,” Goldberg said. “So, my first companies were in that space. That’s when I realized I could own the servers the players were playing on.”

Encouraging young people to develop an entrepreneurial mindset has benefits that extend far beyond founding the next big invention or start-up. Believing one can bring an idea into reality, and possessing the skills to do so, will not only affect the way they see the world, but also their outlook on themselves and what is possible in their futures.

Ryan Dahlem is the Assistant Head of School for Strategic Initiatives with St. Margaret’s Episcopal School and is leading the development of an entrepreneurship program based in innovation and design thinking methodology. Mr. Dahlem has participated in design thinking workshops including the Educator’s Workshop for Entrepreneurial Studies and Innovative Learning Conference, and teaches an entrepreneurial studies course at St. Margaret’s.

CRIB to COLLEGE

Nourishment for the Soul

Creative programs offer teens a self-expression outlet; prepares them for future beyond school

BY RACHAEL GARCIA

Many parents assume that creativity is an inherent talent that their kids are either born with or not. But creativity can be more of a skill than inborn talent, and it is a skill parents can help their kids foster.

This is something Heather Linberg of Rancho Santa Margarita, did for her daughter Ava Domini. Domini, a 14-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist whom has performed solo at the House of Blues Anaheim, Los Angeles and New Orleans, among other venues, was exposed to different instruments at a young age.

Ava Domini. Photo: Courtesy

“I would leave instruments out for her to experiment with when she was a toddler, just as I would leave vegetables out so that Ava would learn to grab for them rather than unhealthy snacks when she was hungry,” Linberg said.

Constant exposure lead to skill, passion and a healthy outlet for Ava to express herself.

At eight years old, Domini learned how to play a whole song in her first 45-minute guitar lesson which lead Linberg to find in-house instructors and after school programs where her daughter could strengthen her skills.

Linberg believes it’s important that Ava interacts with other kids who share the same interests and dedication. She did a lot of research and one of the places she found was Community Outreach Alliance (COA).

COA is a nonprofit organization based in San Clemente that offers fun and healthy activities to the community to help curb the use of drug and alcohol abuse among teens.

They also offer acoustic guitar lessons, piano lessons and an improv comedy night.

Domini attends COA’s open mic nights for teens, where she connects and networks with other teens who also use creative outlets to express themselves.

“Whenever I’m emotional, happy or sad, being able to express myself through playing or writing a song helps cleanse my feelings,” Domini said.

Orange County High School of the Arts Some teens crave a different high school experience, rather than just after school programs, where other teens and instructors

who are dedicated to creative outlets surround them. In such cases, these teens can apply for admission to the Orange County High School of the Arts (OCSA).

Olivia Ross of Ladera Ranch was a gymnast and a violist getting ready to start high school at San Juan Hills. Her mom Valerie Ross had always encouraged her to participate in enrichment programs.

“I always wanted something more fulfilling for Olivia, something that she can take with her throughout her life,” Valerie said.

Olivia was passionate about both of her extra-curricular activities, but gymnastics was taking up all of her time. She decided that she wanted to focus all of her attention on the viola. The very day she quit gymnastics, she decided to apply to OCSA. “OCSA is a positive environment where the passion for arts is contagious and everyone can be themselves,” Olivia said.

Students at OCSA score 20 percent higher than the state average on the SATs and ACTs. Forty-six percent of OCSA alumni go on to have math and science careers, and 54 percent continue with careers in music.

Olivia’s mom Valerie noticed that whenever she goes to productions, the student body that participates in the music program is passionate about life, education and music.

“The level of dedication spills over into all areas of their lives. It definitely helps them prepare for the future beyond high school.”

OTHER CREATIVE PROGRAMS IN THE TRI-CITY AREA The Ceramic Studio in San Juan Capistrano: Offers ceramics classes for children ages 2 to 17. They are located at 31878 Del Obispo, Suite 106, and can be reach at 949.412-9241 or at www.theceramicsstudio.com.

Tspoons Cooking Classes in San Juan Capistrano: Offers child and teen cooking classes and camps. They are located at 31770 Camino Capistrano, Suite D and can be reached at 949.218.5218 or at www.tspoons.com.

Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano: Provides instrumental instruction in guitar, drums, piano and all rock instruments, as well as vocals, songwriting, theory, sight-reading, engineering and recording. They are located at 32124 Paseo Adelanto, Suite 5 and can be reached at 949.456.1081 or at www.losriosrockschool.com.

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10) INTERNATIONAL OBSERVE THE MOON NIGHT 7-9 p.m. International Observe the Moon Night is an annual worldwide public event that encourages observation, appreciation and understanding of our moon. Enjoy an evening outdoors as you gaze above and learn about the moon and the constellations. Reserve astronomers are all volunteers who enthusiastically share their telescopes and expert sky knowledge.

Bring warm clothing, a flashlight with red cellophane, binoculars and a beach chair if you prefer. $10 for adults, $5 for kids.

Participants must be registered by 4 p.m. on Oct. 27. The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy, located off Ortega Highway.

Call for directions. 949.489.9778. www. rmvreserve.org.

SWALLOW’S COSTUME CONTEST 9 p.m. Come out to Swallow’s Inn for a Halloween costume contest. Prizes for first, second and third place will be given out. Music by The Road Kill Kings. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949. 493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 29 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.

HALLOWEEN TERRIFYING 10-MILER, SPOOKY 5K & 10K, SUPER HERO KIDS RUN 8-11 a.m. Renegade Racing will host the Terrifying 10-Miler and Spooky 5K and 10K at Salt Creek Beach Park. The kids can join the Super Hero ¼ mile kids run.

All participants are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costume. There will be costume contests, kids pumpkin painting contests, a pumpkin patch, expo booths and more. Salt Creek Beach Park. 33333 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. www. active.com/dana-point-ca.

BEND & BREW 11 a.m. Bend & Brew is held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. The cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

KUNDALINI WORKSHOP 1:30-3:30 p.m. Learn about the fundamentals of Kundalini Yoga and immerse yourself in a total energy shift with yoga instructor and Reiki master, Desiree Lee. Tickets are $45. 34485 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

Dana Point Times October 27–November 2, 2017

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 | 30 PUMPKIN SPLASH AT THE OLE HANSON BEACH CLUB 3-6 p.m. Join the Ole Hanson Beach Club for a pool-side pumpkin splash with spooky music and pumpkin games. Free event for all ages. 101 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.431.2959. www.olehanson.com/ events.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR 4 p.m. Spend a ghoulish afternoon with some not-so-spooky activities and crafts.

Kids in costumes will receive a special treat. The event is for those 12 and under.

No registration is required. Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

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

Photo: David Appleby/Fox Searchlight Pictures

At the Movies: Oh, Pooh: ‘Goodbye Christopher Robin’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

PJ STORYTIME 5:30 p.m. The whole family is welcome to join the library for an evening of stories.

Wearing pjs is encouraged. Cookies and water will be provided at the end. Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/ dana.

T

he term “Oscar bait” has lost nearly all of its meaning the past few years, with most just using the phrase for films they don’t like. Oscar bait is usually attributed to dramatic costume dramas with sweeping music scores, or weepy dramas, or romantic “dramadies,” and so on. Of course, not all of these types of films are complete schlock, but the stereotype still exists and is proven all the same. The latest victim of this trope might be Goodbye Christopher Robin.

In WWI, playwright Alan A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) serves in the war and ultimately suffers long-term posttraumatic stress disorder back home. His wife Daphne (Margot Robbie) doesn’t understand his suffering and frustration, but soon they welcome a son into the

Tuesday | 31 BEND & BREW 6 p.m. Bend & Brew is held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. The cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

TODDLER STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Join the Library for stories, activities and songs for children under 3 years old. “Stay and play” with puzzles and toys after story-time. Registration is not required. 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. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Wednesday | 01 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. Registration is not required.

Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/ libloc/dana.

LOBSTER WEDNESDAY 4 -9 p.m. Treat yourself to some delicious lobster. Whole or half-lobster basted with garlic sauce and grilled to perfection.

949.496.4470. 34224 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point. www.carloscantinadp.com.

Thursday | 02 LOS RIOS GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens volunteers, students and teachPage 23

family named Christopher “Billy” Robin (Will Tilston and Alex Lawther). While stuck without Daphne or nanny Nou (Kelly Macdonald) for a weekend, Alan is inspired to write a children’s book while playing with Billy.

Director Simon Curtis tries another hand at biopics after My Week with Marilyn (2011) with Goodbye Christopher Robin.

It isn’t terrible or insufferably schmaltzy, but it is still flawed, unfortunately. The first act has some surprisingly rushed editing, and the tone of the film is rather bleak for a piece on the author of Winnie the Pooh. Granted, the real family’s life did have serious moments, but this is a film that probably would’ve benefitted from some sugar coating along the lines of Saving Mr. Banks (2013). Christopher Robin is informative, but not entirely enjoyable. DP

ers 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.

LADIES NIGHT 8 a.m.- noon Step out with the girls for a night of fun. $5 martinis. Local bands and DJs.Music starts at 7.30 p.m.

24050 Camino Del Avion Dana Point. www.briorestaurant.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.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY FROM THE ARCHIVES

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

Searching for Famed Penguin Glen Miller

I

n the 1940s, the song “Tuxedo Junction” was the name of a No. 1 hit by bandleader Glen Miller. In a four-year period, Miller had 23 number-one hits, more than Elvis or The Beatles. On Dec. 15, 1944, during World War II, while Miller was in Europe entertaining our troops, his plane disappeared over the English Channel.

In 1984, the San Francisco Zoo opened a temperature-controlled enclave to house 69 magellanic penguins that had come from the Patagonia area of Chile. The zoo named the aquarium, “Tuxedo Junction,” as the penguins looked to be wearing natural formal wear.

To help the zoo pay for “Tuxedo Junction,” the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper sponsored a contest to name each penguin. For $50, readers could send in a penguin name, and if the name sent in was chosen to be one of the top 50 names, a plaque with the penguin’s name and the person’s name would be put up at the aquarium.

I entered the Chronicle’s contest. My penguin’s name: Glen Miller. It was one of the 50 winners.

Now, 33 years later, my partner Greta and I are on a cruise through Patagonia, the most southern part of the world above Antarctica. We have traveled through Chilean fiords, seeing multiple glaciers and snow-capped mountains.

On Saturday, our ship docked in Punta Arenas, Chile, which is two hours away by boat from Magdalena Island, where the Chilean Natural Monument, “Los Pingüinos,” (the Penguins), is located.

Greta and I decided to take a tour there to search for penguin Glen Miller, or at least one of his relatives or descendants.

Only 30,000 people visit there each year.

We boarded the ferry boat Melinka, for the two-hour ride to Magdalena Island, where 120,000 mating magellanic penguins reside from October to February.

We were bundled up—winter coats, gloves and Greta even wore earmuffs (with little

Tom Blake takes a selfie with a penguin in Ushuaia, Argentina. Photo: Courtesy

Dana Point Times October 27–November 2, 2017

penguins on them). The temperature was 40 degrees Farenheit. But on the Straights of Magellan, where the island is located, the wind chill was near 25.

As the Melinka approached the island, there was a buzz among the passengers.

We could see penguins walking around on the land. People were excited. We had been briefed by the boat’s personnel to stay on the designated paths and to not touch or feed the penguins.

“Just let them do their thing,” we were told. “Do not use the flash on your camera under any circumON LIFE AND stances, as it affects their LOVE AFTER 50 vision.”

By Tom Blake Greta and I stepped ashore. I said, “How are we going to find Glen Miller among 120,000 penguins?”

She said, “A better question is, ‘How are we going to get close enough to one so we can get a photo of you standing near it?’”

That photo-op happened within minutes. I was convinced that Glen Miller’s cousin was staring at me. Greta snapped the photo. Our mission in traveling to the southernmost part of the world had been accomplished.

Our stay on the island was one hour.

With numb fingers from the cold, we snapped lots of penguin pictures, as we walked a half-mile up a hill to the monument lighthouse.

Before we knew it, we were back on the boat returning to Punta Arenas. The fivehour journey was well worth our time.

And what became of Tuxedo Junction at the San Francisco Zoo? It’s now the largest captive magellanic penguin colony in the world and is called Penguin Island.

Many penguins have been born there and shipped to other zoos.

Greta and I felt very blessed to visit their native land.

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

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Archives

DANA POINT HARBOR UNDER DEVELOPMENT This photo, taken in 1967, shows the Dana Point Harbor under construction.

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. This week’s photo was provided by the Orange County Archives.

Pet of the Week: Piper

A

lways ready to greet you at the door with a friendly meow, Piper is a particularly attentive kitty looking to find her forever human. She is 3 years old and has a mellow, happy personality. With her pretty green eyes and sweet disposition, Piper would be a good match for almost any household.

If you would like to know more about Piper, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente. DP

Piper. Photo: Courtesy

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

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

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

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

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.

2012 HONDA RUCKUS SCOOTER Excellent condition and barely used (323 miles). All black. $1700; cash only.

Email norbincalif@gmail.com if interested.

YOKOHAMA GEOLANDER A/T TIRES Set of four used Yokohama Geolander A/T tires with roughly 10k miles on them. $250 for the full set. Cash only. Email norbincalif@ gmail.com if interested.

CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet.

Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available. Mike 949-240-1545.

VIEW LOT - RUNNING SPRINGS ARROWBEAR PARK - 5,500 SQ FT. Close to Snow Valley, Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead. $25,000 or trade for equal value.

949-345-5157

GARAGE SALES FORSTER RANCH COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2017 8am-12pm. X st’s Camino Vera Cruz and Camino De Los Mares.

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

HELP WANTED NOW HIRING Americas Rehab Campuses is hiring for the following positions for two 6-bed residential programs in Dana Point with a continuum of PHP, IOP and Outpatient: RN, LVN, Therapist, BHT. Please contact Gina at 520-526-1001 or gramirez@azrehabcampus.com.

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.

Dana Point Times October 27–November 2, 2017

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

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www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Seasonal Comfort: Homemade Apple Cider

O

A giant kelp forest stretches toward the surface in one of its many life stages. Photo: Julianne E. Steers

GUEST OPINION: On the Ocean By Julianne E. Steers

Giant Kelp’s Habitat Journey

“H

ave you ever seen a forest without any birds, without any trees, without any bees? Have you ever seen a forest under the sea?” –Banana Slug Band Even on sunny days, our temperate coastal waters may appear to be encircled by a foreboding, often steely gray sea. However, there are those rare magical calm days when surrounding seas take on a more inviting hue.

A look beneath the surface reveals a wealth of hidden treasures. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the great forests of kelp that are perfectly adapted to thrive in their tumultuous environment. In fact, these waters bring renewed supplies of nutrients to our grand algae. Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) crafts our kelp forests’ densely packed seaweeds up to 100 feet high with an anchorage on the sea bed and blades that float. Held upright by gas-filled floats at the base of their leaf-like blades, kelp fronds grow straight up to the surface, where they spread across the top of the water to form a dense canopy. This provides one of the most biologically productive marine habitats in the ocean, a rich environment for thousands of other marine creatures.

Key to the forest’s survival, and over 800 species it supports, is the ocean’s water quality. Our sea is cyclical.

During other parts of the year, it undergoes ebbs and flows of temperatures and compositions. Spring and summer bring the briny coastal warms, whereas fall instigates a cool spike, kicking off the reproductive cycle and making for a continued cool winter, optimal for growth.

When autumn swells dislodge samplings of our glorious

algae forests and they float unbridled in the currents supported by hundreds of bladders of ballast, the next journey of key habitat begins. As a kelp paddy, a few strands of algae or more can provide safe harbor for a huge school of fish. Not to mention, it’s also an anchorage for critters as they transition life stages from free-floating larvae to settling down as growing adults, such as barnacles and snails and much more in between.

The next unique habitat is built on shore. Seaweed pushed forth by waves ON THE OCEAN and left above the tide line is called Julianne E. Steers wrack. Kelp wrack has many benefits as an ecological niche in our coastal system that supports several tiers of marine life feeding from it. It branches out the food chain.

Shorebirds, such as oystercatchers, thrive on ungroomed beaches where kelp attracts insects and other small animals, which serve as food for the shorebirds.

Our Dana Point shorelines remained unkempt, like a teenager’s room, but in this case the mess is good.

Whether anchored in the sea or washed ashore, giant kelp enhances, supports, and allows life to flourish. 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

Local Capistrano Icons Come Together To Discuss Latest Book Release

Photo: Daniel Ritz

Dana Point Times October 27-November 2, 2017

Joe Dunn (Left), author of the new book Indian: The Life of Osage Waterman Wayne Penn-Schafer, proudly discussed his latest work alongside Schafer at Dana Point City Hall on Oct. 25 in front of an enthusiastic local crowd.

Page 26

h, the joy of fall—the crisp morning air, the golden lighting, the leaves changing, kids back in school.

It’s a time to nest and reconnect to the kitchen, home recipes and seasonal comfort foods.

One of my favorite fall recipes and a crowd-pleaser is homemade apple cider from fresh apples and cinnamon— a non-alcoholic refreshing spiced cider welcoming the change of season. It takes me back to my agrarian childhood in Ventura County, where local family farms outnumbered housing tracks. Each fall, my mom managed to come home with a large box of apples filled to the brim with several varieties inside. Nothing went to waste. Apples that weren’t eaten for lunch and snacks were used for cider making just in time for Halloween.

Your house will smell delightful in no time once you start your apple brew on the stovetop.

DIRT THERAPY Okay, let’s get started.

By Marrianne I recommend using a variety of apples Taylor from local farms or organic sections in the grocery stores. Choose a variety of apples—Gala, Granny Smith, Red and Yellow Delicious and Jonathon.

For a sweeter cider, use a ratio of three sweet to one tart; for less sweet, two sweet to one tart. Granny Smith and Jonathon apples are tart and semi-tart. It takes about onethird of a bushel to make one gallon of cider.

This recipe makes a quart of cider—adjust measurements as needed for larger servings.

Homemade Apple Cider Ingredients: • 10 apples, cut into 4-6 slices • Half cup sugar or Splenda • Four cinnamon sticks, or one tablespoon ground cinnamon • Half tablespoon ground cloves • One quart of water, or enough to cover apples Instructions: 1. Wash your apples, cut away bruises and stems, and cut apples into quarter pieces leaving skin for color, flavor and nutrients.

2. Place sliced apples in a large stockpot. Add enough water to cover the fruit by at

least 1 inch.

3. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves and sugar.

4. Add enough water to cover the fruit by at least 1 inch.

5. Cook over medium high heat and bring to a simmer.

Lower to a medium low heat.

6. Cover and cook for two hours, stirring occasionally.

7. Mash the fruit to release the liquids.

8. Allow the cider to cook for one more hour.

9. Strain the cider slowly through a fine mesh sieve in a large pot or pitcher. Discard the solids.

10. Strain the cider one more time to remove any more solids.

11. Serve the cider warm.

Homemade apple cider from scratch is like drinking a big cup of comfort. Enjoy!

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. 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

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

place effort.

Dana Hills dominated, clipping secondplace California High 37-137. Senior Jack Landgraf won the individual title with a time of 14 minutes, 48 seconds. Simon Fuller (14:54) placed fourth, Carrick Denker (15:05) placed sixth, Eddy Wagenseller (15:20) finished 12th and Caleb Niednagel (15:21) took 14th. Sagan Svoboda (15:26) and Garrett Hough (15:32) rounded out the scoring with 17th- and 24th-place finishes, respectively.

The Dolphins will compete at the South Coast League finals at Irvine Regional Park on Thursday, Nov. 2.

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.

Red-Hot Dolphins Volleyball Heads to Playoffs One would be hard-pressed to find a team in Orange County with more momentum than the Dana Hills girls volleyball squad.

The Dolphins (24-4, 8-0 league) have won 15 matches in a row, a streak they will take into next week’s CIF-SS Division 1 Championships.

Dana Hills went undefeated on their way to claiming the Sea View League title this season. Dana Hills lost just three sets in league play and recorded five straight-set sweeps. Dana Hills was never pushed to five games in eight league matches.

The girls volleyball playoff brackets were scheduled to be released on Oct. 26.

Results of the draw were not available at press time.

Dovsek Qualifies for Individual Tourney, Golf Team Heads to CIF Battling brutal conditions, which included 106-degree heat and 20 mph winds, Dana Hills senior captain Averee Dovsek narrowly missed the cut at the CIF-SS Southern Individual Regional tournament at Dad Miller Golf Course on Oct. 24.

Dovsek shot 3-over-par and was squarely in the hunt to qualify after finishing her opening nine, but the back nine proved to

Water Polo is Playoff Bound

L to R: Isley Grguric, Lauren Wahlstrom, Katie Jacobsone, Averee Dovsek and the Dana Hills girls golf team will compete in the CIF-SS Southern Team Regional tournament next week. Photo: Courtesy

play tougher and she carded an 80 (+9) to finish two strokes outside the cut line to advance to the next stage of the competition.

Dovsek, who is committed to play collegiately at Hofstra University next year, qualified for the postseason tournament by placing seventh overall at the South Coast League finals tournament at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club last week.

As a team, the Dolphins’ season is still ongoing.

Behind a strong 9-5 overall record and a second-place finish in the South Coast League, the Dolphins qualified for the CIFSS Southern Team Regional tournament at Mile Square Golf Course on Monday, Oct. 30.

Tennis Team Shares League Title, Readies for Postseason In a dramatic back-and-forth battle, the Dana Hills girls tennis team won a decisive

The Dana Hills girls volleyball celebrates a three-set sweep over rival San Clemente on Oct. 6. Photo: Courtesy

Dana Point Times October 27–November 2, 2017

match against San Clemente, 10-8, on Oct. 13, which proved to be the key in a coSouth Coast League championship season.

Two weeks later, Dana Hills (15-4, 7-1) ended up co-league champions with the Tritons (16-3, 7-1) for a second consecutive season. San Clemente beat Dana Hills in the first match between the two teams.

Dana Hills finished the regular season ranked seventh in the CIF-SS Division 1 polls and will await the release of the playoff brackets on Monday, Oct. 30.

Landgraf, Dolphins Take First at Riverside X-C Invitational If their effort at the Riverside Invitational on Oct. 21 is any indication, the Dana Hills boys cross country team is trending toward a strong postseason run.

Racing on the same course they will compete on for a CIF-SS Championship next month, Dana Hills turned in a first-

A 5-3 record in the South Coast League ensured the Dana Hills boys water polo team a third-place finish in the standings.

The placement guaranteed the Dolphins a berth in next week’s CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs.

The Division 2 bracket will be released on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Football to Host Wolverines The Sea View League contest between the Dana Hills and Aliso Niguel football teams on Friday, Oct. 28, carries a lot of postseason implications for both teams.

The Dolphins (3-5, 1-1) are in need of a win in order to remain in the playoff hunt, while the Wolverines (4-4, 0-2) will be playing with their backs against the wall for the remainder of the season. Both teams have two games remaining on their schedule and are chasing first-place Capistrano Valley (9-0, 3-0) and secondplace El Toro (5-4, 2-1) for one of the Sea View League’s three guaranteed playoff berths.

Dana Hills opened league play with a 10-0 shutout win over Laguna Hills on Oct. 13. El Toro shutout the Dolphins 40-0 on Oct. 20. Aliso Niguel is coming off back-to-back losses to El Toro and Capistrano Valley.

The Dana Hills girls tennis team won a share of the South Coast League title this season. Photo: Courtesy

Page 28

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY GROM OF THE WEEK

SAWYER LINDBLAD

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POPINT TIMES

I

Shaper Shane Swindler stands next to his repurposed SUP board that he recycled and converted into a shortboard with its own trailer. He took third place at the Upcycle Contest on Oct. 20 for the effort. Photo: Courtesy of Vissla

The Art of Upcycling Unique surfboard building contest puts a premium on creativity and sustainability

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen it comes to making the ocean a little bit bluer, for three years now the Upcycle Contest, sponsored by surf company Vissla, has put sustainable, recyclable surfboard construction in the spotlight where it deserves.

Partnering with the Surfrider Foundation, the objective of the contest was “to take something that might be considered waste and create something that can be used in the ocean.”

This year, the festivities fittingly took place at the beautiful The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano on Oct. 20. On hand was a collection of ingenious surfboard builders from around the world who have made a concerted effort to make boards using discarded and recycled materials. Judging the contest was former Dana Point Times October 27–November 2, 2017

shaper and Vissla founder Paul Naude, as well as Dana Point-based designer Donald Brink and Ecology Center owner Evan Marks. What started as a grassroots movement of eclectic creatives has blossomed into something special, as the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail continues to reach new levels. Organic hors d’oeuvres were prepared by a host of local chefs and refreshments were supplied courtesy of ONEHOPE Winery and Docent Brewing. Meanwhile, Naude, Brink and Lane had the unenviable task of picking a winner.

In 2016, France’s François Jaubert won the Upcycle Contest with a board made out of recycled cardboard. Jaubert, who’s based part-time out of San Clemente, returned this year with a board built from old wood pallets and recycled styrofoam.

He shaped the fins out of cardboard and fiberglass scraps he scrounged from a surf shop in Biarritz.

Meanwhile, Shane Swindler took a stand-up board he acquired when he purchased a boat and converted it into a stylish little shortboard, complete with a trailer to cart the board down to the beach.

The board was made using the core of the SUP, while Swindler was able to construct the trailer with the perimeter of the blank, as well as wood from a “1913 building and old aluminum golf cart wheels.”

The real showstopper of the evening came in the form of a surfboard made using 10,000 cigarette butts. Industrial

designer Taylor Lane spent over a year gathering every discarded cigarette butt he could from the beaches up and down California. He then applied his experience engineering posture-perfect backpacks and self-sustaining wall gardens to build one very unique surfboard.

Billing his project, the “Roach Tail,” Lane figured out a way to use over 10,000 cigarette butts to make the core and fins of a surfboard. He then utilized EPS foam and fiberglass cut-offs from a nearby surfboard factory, as well as styrofoam he picked up at a local fish market, to shape and build a fully functional keel-fin, swallow-tail fish.

Lane then laminated the board using soybased Entropy Resin.

In the end, Lane’s Roach Tail topped them all. Jaubert and Swindler finished second and third, respectively. For their efforts, all three designers were awarded a Vissla shopping spree.

“Everyone should be extremely proud of their work, this contest continues to demonstrate what happens when creativity and sustainability come together,” Naude said.

Ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness of this nature deserves to be celebrated.

When Vissla’s Upcycle Contest first started it was just something different, today, it’s turning into a full-blown movement.

Thanks to a bounty of extremely creative entries, the contest continues to push sustainable surfboard construction in a very positive direction, and that’s something we should all be able to get behind. DP

Page 30

f Taj Lindblad isn’t careful, his little sister’s going to knock him right off the podium. Surfing in the NSSA Southwest Conference contest at Seaside Reef a week ago, young Sawyer Lindblad battled her way to a third-place finish in the Open Girls division and a very respectable second-place finish in the Open Super Girls. The contest results come in the wake of a busy summer and fall for Lindblad. She’s been participating and training with the U.S. National Development Surf Team, which has provided her with ample competitive experience and could be a pathway to bigger and better accolades in the future. She’s also recently picked up the support of women’s surfwear brand Roxy, adding their iconic logo to the nose of her board. With luminaries like world champions Lisa Andersen and Stephanie Gilmore leading the way for her, it makes sense that she’s “beyond stoked” to join the Roxy team.

A graceful, fluid goofy-footer with a potent forehand hack, between Sawyer and her brother Taj, San Clemente has a dangerous brother-sister duo that’s already good and seems to get better with every heat they surf. DP

Sawyer Lindblad. Photo: Courtesy

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 67-69 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Easing and smaller surf prevails for Friday and into the weekend, with most breaks topping out around waist high (23’+), while best breaks are a little better.

Pleasant fall weather and light wind also prevails.

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