December 1, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

December 1–7, 2017

YO U

C A N

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INSIDE: Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 10, ISSUE 48

Dana Hills Winter Sports Preview

DHHS athletes gear up for new seasons S P O R T S / PAG E 2 2

www.danapointtimes.com

L to R: Evan Edelstein, Kasra Diba, Hayden Fisher, Bobby Reynolds and the Dana Hills boys soccer team will compete for the Sea View League title this season. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Runners, Residents, Volunteers, Sweat it Out During Dana Point Turkey Trot DP LIVING/PAGE 21

Zephyr South Cove Community Open to Public Dec. 9 EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

Surfside Inn Pedestrian Overcrossing Closed Until March EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point Point Dana

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Surfside Inn Pedestrian Overcrossing Closed until March THE LATEST: On Nov. 29, the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks across from the Capistrano Surfside Inn in Capistrano Beach began retrofitting construction.

All pedestrian traffic will be routed to the on-street crossing approximately a quarter-mile south of the bridge.

A statement from OC Public Works said they will perform the retrofit in order to, “extend the service life and safety of the remaining Surfside Inn Pedestrian bridge over the railroad track. The work will consist of replacing the existing fence and anchor bolts, patching deteriorated concrete, installing cathodic protection and new paint.

Scaffolding installation is estimated to occur between Dec. 4-13 during night work hours of 9p.m. - 4a.m. Work will halt from Dec. 14-27. Bridge rehabilitation will continue on Dec. 28 until approximately March 12.

Shannon Widor of OC Public Works said future plans for the Surfside Inn Pedestrian Overcrossing do not include rebuilding a permanent bridge over Pacific Highway.

During the summer of 2016, the deteriorated portion of the bridge that crossed over Coast Highway was removed and replaced with a traffic signal intersection.

WHAT’S NEXT: A construction alert from OC Public Works also stated that the construction schedule is subject to change due to weather and other factors. More information can be found at www.ocpublicworks.com.—Daniel Ritz

Dozens Gather for Homeless Task Force Meeting on Nov. 27 THE LATEST: In a meeting on Nov. 27 at Dana Point City Hall, the Dana Point Homeless Task Force met to discuss the evolving issue of rising homelessness in the city.

In the public meeting, more than a dozen members of the public shared their Dana Point Times December 1-7, 2017

Construction on the Surfside Inn Pedestrian Overcrossing is expected to last through March 2018. Photo: File

tion made to City Council to approve a contract that would increase a now part-time homeless liaison from Mercy House, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and support services for a variety of homeless populations, to a full-time city position.

concerns about the inaction of the Homeless Task Force, overseen by Mayor Pro Tem Paul Wyatt, despite recent rises in homelessness.

Toni Nelson, founder of Capo Cares, a community organization in Capistrano Beach, received a round of applause after her public comment concerning the “feeding” within Doheny State Beach.

“We are just asking, that you (Welcome-Inn, host of the feeding) extend the same compassion to the residents of Dana Point, as you do to the homeless,” Nelson said.

Nelson continued, re-emphasizing the tripling of the chronically homeless community within Dana Point since 2015.

“In the same period, we’ve seen a steady increase in complaints from our members related to homeless and transient activity,” said Nelson.

Rich Haydon, south sector superintendent for the South Coast California State Park district, said he supported what Welcome-Inn was doing for the homeless, but was in unison with Nelson.

“I appreciate what you are trying to do. We all do, but this isn’t working,” said Haydon.

Mayor Pro Tem Wyatt ended the discussion without resolve.

The Homeless Task Force revealed at the meeting that upon their request to city staff, there will be a recommenda-

WHAT’S NEXT: Mayor Pro Tem Paul Wyatt announced that in light of the upcoming holiday season, the Homeless Task Force will not meet again until January. As of print deadline of Nov. 30, a date was unavailable. More information on this meeting can be found on www. danapoint.org.—DR

Crown Valley Construction, Mercy House Contract to be Discussed at Council on Dec. 5 THE LATEST: After canceling their second meeting in November due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Dana Point City Council will meet for the first time in almost a month on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

On the agenda is unfinished business such as the awarding of a contract for the construction of the Crown ValPage 3

ley Parkway Median Rehabilitation and Arterial Resurfacing Project, and the continuance of a discussion concerning the possibility of a “No Smoking in Public Places Ordinance.”

Also on the agenda is a recommended action to City Council by staff to increase homeless outreach services by ratifying and amending a contract with Mercy House that will increase their total contract to $80,000 and extend that term through Dec. 31, 2018.

The city of Dana Point currently contracts with Mercy House for homeless outreach services 1.5 days per week at an average monthly cost of $2,600.

In a Homeless Task Force Meeting on Oct. 25, Task Force members discussed the engagement of Dana Point’s homeless population and “indicated that the gap in outreach services during the week needs to be addressed.”

On Nov. 1, a request for a proposal was issued to eight local service providers soliciting for homeless outreach activities.

Proposals were evaluated by a team of five city staff on criteria including agency background and expertise, program approach, capacity for data collection and reporting, the use of current resources and connections to outside resources and reference checks.

(Cont. on page 4) www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) A document from the city states, “With their extensive experience with the city, Mercy House scored very well with their approach to the provision of full-time outreach services for Dana Point. Staff is recommending the existing contract with Mercy House be amended to include full-time outreach services.”

Included in this agenda item is the recommendation to initiate negotiations with Family Assistance Ministries “for targeted outreach services providing overnight support and homeward-bound relocation assistance.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The agenda for the upcoming City Council Meeting on Dec. 5, including links to additional staff reports and other pertinent information, can be seen at www.danapoint.org. –DR

Owners Appeal Vicious Dog Ruling After Attack in Sea Canyon Park THE LATEST: In an administrative hearing at the San Clemente City Hall on Nov. 29, Dana Point residents Kevin and Sue Walshe appealed the verdict declared by the Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA) that their dogs were “vicious” after the pets attacked another Dana Point resident and his dog on July 28.

A Dana Point resident testified that he was walking in Sea Canyon Park at approximately 7:15 a.m. when the Walshe’s three dogs, of mixed breeds, escaped from their yard across the street from the park and reportedly ran as a “swarm” to attack him and his Terrier mix, Bennie.

Bennie died later that week from a secondary infection.

Recreating that day’s event during testimony, the Dana Point resident who was attacked by the Walshe’s dogs emphasized the importance of public safety, and inability of the Walshe’s to stop their dogs once the attack had been discovered.

The Walshe’s claim that the dogs ran free from the yard after gardeners left a gate open. Both of the Walshe’s confirmed those gardeners were terminated immediately, and that the day’s event was a “perfect storm.”

The Walshes testified that they are historically responsible dog owners, and rulings necessitating one single dog handler per dog were futile.

WHAT’S NEXT: After review, a written statement will be issued by the administrative hearing officials determining the status of the dogs and the appropriate nature of any restrictive conditions. This story will be updated as details become available at www.danapointtimes.com.

—DR

City of Dana Point Winter Festival to Take Place on Dec. 2 THE LATEST: The city of Dana Point annual Winter Festival and Tree Lighting event will be held from 12-5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at La Plaza Park.

Activities throughout the day include a visit from Santa, carnival games, a craft fair, face painting, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, Santa’s Village Workshop, a mini express train, a petting zoo and pony rides.

A new addition to this year’s event will be the Laguna Community Concert Band, which will consist of two components. The larger contingent, a 50-piece band, will play holiday tunes from 3-4 p.m., with the Swing Society beginning to play just before the tree lighting from 4:15-5:15 p.m.

The annual tree lighting will occur between 5:15-5:30 p.m.

WHAT’S NEXT: Most activities at the Winter Festival and Tree Lighting event are free, but sales from baked goods, barbecue food items and beverage purchases will benefit the Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars post #9934 and Dana Point Relay for Life. —DR

A brush fire in San Clemente ignited on Nov. 25 on Knob Hill, which overlooks Avenida Pico and San Clemente High School. The fire charred 7 acres before firefighters contained it. Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Donchak

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

ter in Newport Beach. He is currently being held on $3 million bail. As of press time, U.S. Border Patrol has not released information regarding where Garciasosa is from.

—Eric Heinz

SAN CLEMENTE

Man Pleads Not Guilty to Charges of Meth, Cocaine Possession worth $500,000 Ulises Garciasosa, 32, was arrested on Nov. 21 after U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered 93.7 pounds of methamphetamine and 15.6 pounds of cocaine in his vehicle at a gas station on the 2300 block of S. El Camino Real.

“About 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 21, U.S. Border Patrol contacted the suspect at a gas station in San Clemente. The suspect consented to a search of his vehicle,” a press release from Orange County Sheriff’s Department stated.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the find. The drugs confiscated from Garciasosa’s car have a wholesale value of about $500,000.

Garciasosa was booked on three felonies for transporting meth, possession for sale of a controlled substance and using a compartment to conceal a controlled substance.

Garciasosa is scheduled for a pretrial on Tuesday, Dec. 5 and a preliminary hearing on Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Harbor Justice Cen-

Brush Fire Chars 7 Acres in San Clemente A brush fire ignited at about 12:15 p.m. on Nov. 25 in San Clemente on what is regarded as Knob Hill at Calle Del Cerro and Avenida Pico, charring 7 acres of dry shrubbery before it was contained by firefighters.

Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) officials said crews remained on scene for a few hours, and investigators combed the area to determine the cause.

OCFA Capt. Steve Concialdi said 50 firefighters responded to the scene and OCFA and Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) helicopters dropped water on the fire, which was obtained from a pond at Bella Collina San Clemente.

No injuries nor threats to structures were reported. OCSD officials said Calle Del Cerro was reopened at 2:30 p.m., but the right lane of the eastbound side of Avenida Pico and the bike lane were still occupied by fire engines at that time.

The cause of the fire was still under investigation as of press time on Nov. 30. —EH

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Mermade Market Returns Dec. 7 Mermade Market, a hand curated marketplace, returns to Dana Point from Dec. 7-9. Mermade Market is a three-day, free, heavily curated, biannual show where 95 percent of vendors can be located inside the old church building above Dana Point Harbor.

Mermade Market considers itself different than other artisan shows around Southern California because it offers a central location where shoppers looking for hand-crafted items can come in, grab a basket (and some taffy), and shop without the vendors there.

There will be food trucks outside the venue as well as live music.

Mermade market began as a project of two Dana Point residents. Their goal is to maintain a refreshing rotation of vendors from the region. The market will be located at 24642 San Juan Ave, Dana Point. More details can be found on www.mermademarket.com.

Operation Homefront Military Youth Child of the Year Deadline is Dec. 4 Youth ages 13 to 18 in military families have a chance to receive a $10,000 cash prize, a trip to Washington, D.C. and other donated gifts in the Military Child of the Year Awards competition. Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit, will accept nominations for the 2018 Military Child of the Year Awards as well as applications for the 2018 Military Child of the Year Award for Innovation through Monday, Dec. 4.

The annual awards recognize seven outstanding young people. The six recipients of the awards will represent a branch of the armed forces-the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard-for their scholarship, volunteerism, leadership, extracurricular involvement as a child of military personnel.

The Award for Innovation is presented

by Booz Allen Hamilton and goes to a military child who has designed a bold and creative solution to address a local, regional or global challenge. The Military Child of the Year Award for Innovation recipient will work with a Booz Allen Hamilton team to develop a plan to scale the recipient’s project.

Anyone may nominate a favorite military child for a service branch Military Child of the Year Award. Parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, clergy, neighbors, grandparents and anyone who knows a child’s talents may nominate, according to the release.

Dana Point Times December 1-7, 2017

SATURDAY, DEC. 2

WINTER FESTIVAL AND TREE LIGHTING AT LA PLAZA 12 p.m. Barbecue food items and beverages available to purchase benefiting VFW Post #9934 and Dana Point Relay for Life. For questions, call the City of Dana Point Community Services Department at 949.248.3530. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point.

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.

SUNDAY, DEC. 3 The public is welcome to observe the first model homes and learn more about the long awaited South Cove condominium community on Dec. 9. Photo: Courtesy

www.livesouthcove.com.

Visit www.militarychildoftheyear.org and click the nominate tab. Youth interested in the Innovation Award do not need to be nominated and may apply directly online.

All awards will be presented at the 10th annual recognition gala April 19 in Washington, D.C., during which senior leaders of each branch of service will present the awards.

Capistrano Eagles to Host Annual Food Drive Benefitting Serra’s Pantry

Grand Opening for Zephyr’s South Cove Set for Dec. 9 South Cove, Zephyr’s condominium community featuring 168 luxury residences in the heart of Dana Point, will host its grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The public is invited to view model homes, and learn more about the community and residences available for purchase.

Located at Del Obispo and Pacific Coast Highway—directly across the street from Doheny State Beach—South Cove features three models: “Aliso” flats, “Trestles” townhomes and “Strands” twin homes, each ranging from one to three bedrooms with 883 to 2,341-square feet.

Pricing for the first-phase releases ranges from $570,990 to $1,555,990.

“The excitement and interest around South Cove has been tremendous,” said Zephyr Chief Operating Officer Chris Beucler. “As the first project of its kind to be built in Dana Point in more than 25 years, the community is filling a void for buyers who want to live in this beautiful seaside town and have immediate access to Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor’s restaurants and shops.”

For more information about South Cove and available residences, visit

The Capistrano Eagles Motorcycle Club is set to hold its semiannual community food drive on Saturday, Dec. 16 from noon to 5 p.m. benefiting Father Serra’s Pantry and San Juan Capistrano families in need.

The drive will be held at the Swallows Inn, located at 31786 Camino Capistrano, and includes live music performed by Family Style.

The most needed items include nonperishable food such as canned meats, fish and poultry; canned fruit; canned soup; dry pasta and beans; and personal hygiene products.

Serra’s Pantry is a nonprofit group of 80 volunteers at Mission Basilica Church who work to provide food and other household items to 85 low-income families in South Orange County.

The motorcycle club has been a longtime supporter of the pantry, hosting food drives twice a year for over two decades. The holiday food drive helps keep the pantry stocked through the winter months.

For more information on the drive, call the Capistrano Eagles at 949.422.3717 or the Swallows Inn at 949.493.3188.

To find out more about Father Serra’s Pantry, visit www.serraspantryoutreach. org. The pantry is located at 31611 El Camino Real in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

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

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YAPPY HOWL-IDAY CELEBRATION 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Santa Claus will make a special appearance for the Yappy Howliday Celebration. This festive gathering of canines and their companions provides Fido with the opportunity to be photographed with the “Big Dog” himself—Santa Claus. 1 Ritz Carlton Dive, Dana Point.

MONDAY, DEC. 4

CITY OF DANA POINT TREE LIGHTING AT PINES PARK 4-6 p.m. Including a visit from Santa and a holiday dog costume parade, the City of Dana Point will light their Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. at Pines Park.

Donations are welcome and will support Family Assistance Ministries and the Spark of Love Toy Drive. For more info, call the City of Dana Point. 949.243.3530.

TUESDAY, DEC. 5

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

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 and breakfast begin at 7:00 a.m., with a program from 7:30-8:30 a.m. Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

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DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Daniel Ritz, 949.388.7700, x113 dritz@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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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, Victor Carno, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 10, Issue 48. 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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Dana Point Times December 1-7, 2017

Letters to the Editor SMOKING SHOULD BE BANNED IN DANA POINT ARMON ASHOUBI, Dana Point

I’ve been involved with the Surfrider Foundation for over two years, and I am the current president. I’ve been a part of many beach cleanups since my freshman year, and I can confidently assure everyone that the item we find most when we’re cleaning are used cigarettes. The same cigarettes that, if left on the beach, makes its way to the water to release toxic chemicals into the waterway. When consumed by smaller animals such as fish, these toxins are involved in the food chain. In fact, laboratory studies show that the chemicals from one smoked cigarette butt are enough to kill half the fish present that are in the range of the cigarette. Aside from finding them on the sands of our gorgeous beaches, they appear in our school too.

Nearly every day as I’m walking to class, I notice cigarette butts on the ground, somewhere they don’t belong. High schoolers shouldn’t be exposed to this, and neither should the animals in the sea. Enough is enough. People litter, and that’s a fact. We can’t control the actions of each individual smoker and make them properly dispose of their cigarettes. It’s time to take a new approach on this matter. The ban of public smoking in Dana Point would make our beaches cleaner, more attractive, and safer for life in our beautiful ocean. A survey based on 1,091 Dana Point citizens concluded that 75 percent of our city do support the citywide ban on smoking. It’s time to better our environment.

CLARIFYING THE IN-HOUSE ATTORNEY ISSUE JAY SOWELL, Dana Point

At the October meeting of the Financial Review Committee (FRC), a city staff report presented to the FRC showed that Dana Point could reduce legal costs considerably by hiring an in-house attorney instead of continuing to contract out all of the city’s routine legal work. Committee members appointed by Councilmen Muller, Tomlinson and Viczorek, in a 3-2 vote, recommended instead to renew the current contract for attorney services with the outside law firm of Rutan and Tucker, LLP. The City Council should reject that recommendation. Here’s why: The Rutan and Tucker contract has not been reviewed since 2002. It would be irresponsible of the City Council not to conduct a comprehensive study of other options.

There is strong evidence that the city is

currently overpaying: 1) Comparable cities spend $345,000 to $475,000 while our 2018 budget calls for spending $869,000 plus litigation costs which, according to the staff report, could add hundreds of thousands more.

2) Dana Point is paying $253 per hour for non-retainer legal costs. Other cities’ costs in the staff report range from $182 per hour for the city attorney in Mission Viejo to $235 per hour in Laguna Beach.

3) We are spending 3.6 percent of our annual budget on legal fees, while other local cities average 1.6 percent.

4) Realistic estimates of the annual budget needed to maintain an in-house attorney’s office range from $448,000 to $510,000.

The 2018 budgeted amount for legal fees is $869,000 before litigation costs, and Dana Point’s yearly payments to Rutan and Tucker have recently exceeded $1.2 million.

Dana Point’s loss after six years of litigation with the California Coastal Commission and the Surfrider Foundation cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees and settlements, while Rutan and Tucker was billing at over $500 per hour.

No matter the outcome, Rutan and Tucker benefits substantially from litigation. An in-house attorney would be working only for Dana Point’s best interests.

City Council should decline to renew the contract with Rutan and Tucker until the Council has thoroughly considered all options to reduce legal costs, including hiring an in-house attorney, renegotiating the Rutan and Tucker contract, or using a different outside law firm. Councilmen Muller, Tomlinson and Viczorek should support Mayor Lewis and Pro Tem Wyatt and do what is right for the citizens of Dana Point.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: AI COULD ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS TONY HAYS, San Clemente

Innovations are about to change existing forms of transportation. Almost all of them appear to be ignored by traffic forecasters for the potential extension to the 241 Toll Road. One of these innovations is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to control traffic signals. At the first level of AI implementation, radar sensors and cameras facing toward oncoming traffic are linked to traffic signals.

AI evaluates all the oncoming traffic from each road and makes a judgment as to which should take priority. Traffic density on roads is uneven, so there is a reasonable chance that no cars will have to stop at the signal.

Traffic signals in Pittsburgh are already being upgraded with this capability and it will soon spread to the rest of the country.

The next level of AI implementation is to link all the traffic signals in a city or metropolitan region. These would be linked in the cloud, with AI making judgments about scheduling signals so that waves of traffic will be able to flow smoothly through a city

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without having to stop.

In South Orange County, a significant percentage of freeway traffic is local. With synchronized arterial traffic signals, it will be just as quick to take surface streets.

This will free up freeway capacity and the bottleneck through San Clemente will be eased. Equally important, once AI-controlled traffic signals are installed, users of the existing toll road will be able to drive down Antonio Parkway just as quickly as if a toll road extension had been built. Arterial roads can then link this traffic to I-5.

If built, the toll road extension could be a giant and expensive white elephant.

LET’S BE SMARTER WITH OUR TRANSPORTATION EVA O’KEEFE, San Clemente

According to Pacific Research Group, almost $2 billion has gone to the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) from taxpayers for development fees, cleanup and maintenance of the Toll Roads and bailouts for their underperforming bonds.

Add the TCA debt maturity of $11 billion for 51 miles of roads and the costs equate to about $215 million per mile. Congratulations, Orange County, you now own the most expensive road in the country, which comprises 63 percent of the debt of all the Joint Power Authorities in the county.

What if the money used to build toll roads would go to other infrastructure projects around Orange County? It could be used for light rail lines or more affordable and frequent train stops and conversion to true artificially intelligent (adaptive) traffic lights. These lights have been tested in Pittsburgh and other cities and have resulted in 40 percent less idle time, a 21 percent cut in emissions and 25 percent less travel time. I attended a symposium where the CEO of the TCA spoke a few months ago, and even he said that he’d like to see more rail service when he goes to dinner in LA. He was not calling for a toll road to LA. Transportation is getting smarter.

Let’s be smarter about how we use our transportation dollars in the future by investing in cutting-edge technology, not an overpriced toll road that doesn’t serve the people of Orange County. #NOMI—not one more inch, stop the 241 at Oso!

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. www.danapointtimes.com

DP

GETTING OUT

Dana Dana Point Point YOUR

SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

EDITOR’S PICK

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

Friday | 01 STUDENT ART HOLIDAY SALE 5-8 p.m. Celebrate the 38th Annual Student Art Holiday Sale at Saddleback College by shopping through a wide variety of student-made art. Enjoy oneof-a-kind sculptures, jewelry, paintings and ceramics for a reasonable price.

The sale will go on until Dec. 5 and start at on Dec. 2. Admission is free. Saddleback College Art Gallery, Room 201.

280000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4500. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

A FEAST OF LIGHTS 7:30 p.m. For over 25 years, the Saddleback College Music Department has put on A Feast of Lights, and this year is no different. Join the choral ensembles and symphony orchestra in their three-day holiday program featuring both new and classic holiday favorites. Show times are at 2 and 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. Saddleback College, McKinney Theatre. 280000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4656. www.saddleback.edu/arts.

LIVE THEATER: ‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents to you the classic Christmas Eve tale of an average man led by his guardian angel to see what life would have been like had he never been born. Show times are every weekend until Dec. 17.

Friday and Saturday show times begin at 8 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $27. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.533.0258. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Saturday | 02 TALEGA RUN CLUB 7:30 a.m. Whether you are about to tackle your first 5K or you are just keeping your cardio and running prowess in top form, be sure to stop by Peet’s Coffee in Talega. Every Saturday a group of runners of varying skill level take a brisk three-mile run around a pre-determined course. Admission is free. 801 Avenida Dana Point Times December 1-7, 2017

SATURDAY, DEC. 2: FREE BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA 10 a.m. – 2.pm. Santa and his helpers listen to Christmas wishes during this free 20-minute harbor cruise on Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3. Bring your camera and enjoy the tradition Dana Wharf has offered families for generations. A $5 donation to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club is suggested. 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern. www.danawharf.com/christmas-boat-parade.

Talega, San Clemente. 949.588.5054. www.facebook.com/2XUSanClemente.

THE ECOLOGY CENTER PORCH SALE 10 a.m. The Ecology Center encourages all to shop consciously this holiday season by inviting members of the public to enjoy their thoughtfully curated shop items for a discounted price. Receive a handmade canvas tote with any purchase.

Admission is free. The Ecology Center.

32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

NATURAL DYE WORKSHOP Noon. Kristin Morrison is putting on a workshop at The Ecology Center showcasing the art of natural dyeing. Learn about the history of natural dyeing, while using plants from the garden to dye your very own project. The Ecology Center.

32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE AT SAN CLEMENTE ART GALLERY 4-9 p.m. The jewelry and sketch artists

of the Art Association will be stopping by the San Clemente Art Gallery to showcase their latest hand-crafted pieces. Stop by to pick up your own one-of-a-kind creation or get some holiday shopping out of the way. Admission is free. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.542.2924. www.paintsanclemente.com.

TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION 4:15-5:45 p.m. Celebrate the holidays at the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at the Historic Town Center Park in the city of San Juan. Enjoy live music, shopping and refreshments beginning at 4:15 p.m., with the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Festivities continue at Mission SJC, Los Rios Historic District and Zoomars Petting Zoo. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911.

Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org for a complete schedule.

TEA AND TALK 7 p.m. Join the author of Growing Up Global, Homa Sabet Tavanger and cultural activist/songwriter, Eric Dozier, in a night of tea and educational workshops Page 8

that teach how to equip children with a vital global perspective. All parents, educators and anyone who cares about social justice and equality are welcome to come and show their support while learning about important issues. Seating is limited, so send in your RSVP to www. eventbrite.com. San Clemente Baha’I Center. 3316 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.791.9192. www.bahaicenter.com.

SANTA’S VILLAGE BY THE SEA 5 p.m. The San Clemente Community Center invites you to join them on Avenida Del Mar to bring in the holiday season. Holiday activities begin at 5 p.m. at Casa Romantica, and then move to the Community Center for the annual snow hill. Activities will conclude after the city tree lighting on the corner of Avenida Del Mar and Calle Seville at 8 p.m.

San Clemente Community Center.

100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

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

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8) CHRISTMAS AT THE MISSION 5:30-8 p.m. Held in conjunction with the city of San Juan Capistrano’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and communitywide holiday celebration, Mission San Juan Capistrano offers a snow play area for kids, Santa’s Workshop with cookie decorating, photos with Father Christmas, food vendors, holiday shopping and live music performed by the Dickens Carolers, chamber singers, orchestra musicians and mariachis. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children age 4-11. Cans of food are welcome for the Serra Pantry Food Drive.

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

Sunday | 03 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.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE AT SAN CLEMENTE ART GALLERY 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The jewelry and sketch artists of the Art Association will be stopping by the San Clemente Art Gallery to showcase their latest hand-crafted pieces.

Stop by to pick up your own one of a kind creation or get some holiday shopping out of the way. Admission is free. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.542.2924. www. paintsanclemente.com.

BEND & BREW 11 a.m.-noon 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 fellow yogis and beer drinkers. $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HOLIDAY CONCERT 3 p.m. Open to the entire community, Community Presbyterian Church’s Holiday Concert will feature the church’s professional music staff performing an array of instrumental and vocal favorites, and, to acknowledge the Advent season, the concert will conclude with a group carol. The concert will be suitable for families and children of all ages. All proceeds from the free-will donations will be used to support the Community Presbyterian Church community concert series. 32202 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1502. www.sjcpres.org.

Monday | 04 FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic Dana Point Times December 1-7, 2017

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

At the Movies: ‘The Man Who Invented Christmas’ Is a Familiar Tale

Tuesday | 05 BEND & BREW 6-7 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.

HOLIDAY MAKE AND TAKE WORKSHOP 7-9 p.m. Costa Lifestyle Medicine invites you to get a jumpstart on your holiday gifts with their homemade gift workshop.

Invite your friends to join in an evening of learning to craft your very own ornaments, bracelets and sprays. Pre-made gifts are available for purchase and admission to the workshop is $10. Costa Lifestyle Medicine. 181 Avenida Vaquero, San Clemente. 949.276.7393. www.coastalifestylemedicine.com.

Credit: Kerry Brown / Bleecker Street

Wednesday | 06

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

W

e’ve all seen the type of biographical period piece reflected in The Man Who Invented Christmas. It’s the type where Hollywood takes the creator of a classic tale and makes a whole feature on his or her struggle and journey to pen said classic tale. We saw it with Finding Neverland (2004), In the Heart of the Sea (2015) and Goodbye Christopher Robin last month. This week, we get a biopic appropriately released during the holiday season.

In 1843 London, England, novelist Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) is now five years past the mega success of his epic Oliver Twist, with three flops following it. He’s got not only writer’s block creatively, but a wife (Morfydd Clark), four children and a fifth baby on the way. On top of that, his estranged

CASA KIDS: STORY TIME 10-11 a.m. Casa Romantica welcomes children ages 1-7 for a picture book reading every Wednesday in their courtyard. A question and answer session and a dance will be held after each story. Admission is free. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

OLD CAPISTRANO CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET 3-6 p.m. Stop by and check out some locally grown, organic produce and artisan goodies at a farmers’ market that has been going strong for over 15 years. Free admission. Historic Town Center Park. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.4700. www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to make and taste three cocktails.

Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

FREE COMEDY AT BLOOM’S IRISH SPORTS BAR 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Bloom’s Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.218.0120.

Thursday | 07 GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join volunteers, students and teachers at Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens to care for and maintain native plants and butterflies. No experience is necessary (they’ll teach you), but you should bring gloves and clippers. No class if it rains. Admission is free. Los Rios Park.

31790 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano. www.goinnative.net.

Page 10

parents (Jonathan Pryce and Aleah Lennon) are also visiting. He needs to come up with a new, surefire hit as quickly as possible. Christopher Plummer appears as Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge character in his subconscious.

The Man Who Invented Christmas is pretty much a family-friendly telling of Dickens’ life while writing A Christmas Carol, though there are a couple of dark moments. Technically, there really isn’t anything wrong with Bharat Nalluri’s film, but it is a bit paint-bynumbers and basic. Stevens borders between charming and campy, and the title—also the same as Les Standiford’s biography used as the basis—is a little misleading. Unless you’re a fan of Dickens or Christmas movies in general, stick with Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) or The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992). DP

SESSIONS AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Listen to live music when artists from around the world perform together.

StillWater Spirits and Sounds. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. www.danapointstillwater.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

holiday

Happening s Saturday, Dec. 2 Winter Festival and Tree Lighting 12-5 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit with a day of activities for the whole family. There will be a craft fair, face painting, cookie decorating, a petting zoo, a visit to Lego Santa’s Village Workshop and be rounded out with a tree lighting ceremony. Most activities are free. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

Holiday Boutique at San Clemente Art Gallery 4-9 p.m. Art Association artists will be stopping by the San Clemente Art Gallery to showcase their latest pieces. Admission is free. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

949.542.2924. www.paintsanclemente.com.

Tree Lighting Celebration 4:15-5:45 p.m. Celebrate the holidays at the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at the Historic Town Center Park. Enjoy live music, shopping and refreshments. Festivities continue at Mission SJC, Los Rios Historic District and Zoomars Petting Zoo. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911.

Visit www.sanjuancapistrano.org for a schedule.

Santa’s Village by the Sea 5 p.m. Stop by the San Clemente Community Center on Avenida Del Mar to bring in the holiday season. Holiday activities begin at 5 p.m. at Casa Romantica, and then move to the Community Center for the annual snow hill and tree lighting. San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

Christmas at the Mission 5:30-8 p.m. Held in conjunction with San Juan

Capistrano’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and community-wide holiday celebration, Mission San Juan Capistrano offers a snow play area for kids, Santa’s Workshop with cookie decorating and holiday card making, photos with Father Christmas, food vendors, holiday shopping and live music. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 4-11. Cans of food are welcome for the Serra Pantry Food Drive. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

Christmas at the Casa: Holiday Open House 5:30-7 p.m. The Casa’s annual holiday open house will feature live music, kids crafts, refreshments and more. Casa Romantica.

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

Merry Movie Night 5 p.m. Get excited for the Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights with a holiday film at Baby Beach the weekend before. The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m., but the movie starts at 5 p.m. 34445 Ensenada Pl, Dana Point. www.danapointharbor.com.

Sunday, Dec. 3 Yappy Howl-iday Celebration 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bring your pup to this festive edition of the monthly Ritz-Carlton hosted event.

Canned food donations are encouraged and any treats or dog toys will be donated to an animal rescue organization. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

Elves on Trails 5K and Half Marathon 7 a.m. Stay on track with your fitness

goals through the holiday season with this breathtaking run through Caspers Wilderness Park. Come dressed in your elf outfit or other holiday attire to make it an experience.

33401 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano. www. rockitracingoc.com.

Boat Rides with Santa 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Join Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching for a day on the water with Santa Claus. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794. www. danawharf.com or www. danapointharbor.com.

Monday, Dec. 4 Capistrano Beach Tree Lighting 4-6 p.m. Stop by Pines Park for the Capistrano Beach Tree Lighting event for holiday music, cookies, a dog holiday costume parade and photo opportunities with Santa.

34941 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point. 949.248.3536. www.danapoint.org.

Garden of Lights 5-9 p.m.

The San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is transformed into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights illuminating the flora of the 37-acre garden oasis. There will be nightly entertainment as well as food, beverages and familyfriendly activities such as horse-drawn wagon rides, marshmallow roasting.

Visit www.sdbgarden. org for participating days for the holiday festivities. Admission is $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children ages 3-12. Free admission for active duty military personnel Sundays through Thursdays. 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas.

(Continued)

holiday

Happening s (Continued)

Tuesday, Dec. 5 Holiday Gift Faire and Party 6-9 p.m. Skip the mall and shop small with Pure.Love.Yoga. Local artisans and crafters will be onsite at the studio with items for purchase.

Live music and wine will be available for guests to mingle, jingle and shop.

415 E. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. 949.492.5048. www.pureloveyogasc.com.

Holiday Dinner Cooking Class 6:30-9 p.m. Join Antoine’s Café for a lesson in holiday cuisine preparation as students learn how to prepare kabocha squash and fennel soup with smoked paprika and candied pecans; herbed beef tenderloin with cranberryport wine sauce; chocolate and brandy soufflé tarts and more. The class costs $60 per person. Reserve online at www.antoinescafe.com/ cooking-class-san-clemente or call 949.492.1763.

218 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

Holiday Sip and Shop at Barnoa 4-9 p.m. Stop by Barnoa Wine Company for holiday gift shopping and wine tasting. 831 Via Suerte, Ste. 106, San Clemente. www.barnoawinebar. com. 949.388.4378.

Thursday, Dec. 7 Dana Point Symphony Holiday Concert 7:30 p.m.

Laguna Niguel Presbyterian Choir and Dana Hills High School Orchestra will join the Symphony to perform holiday favorites from the Nutcracker and Rossini: Messe di Gloria. General admission is $20; seniors, students and military tickets are $15. Concerts are held at St. Edward the

Confessor Catholic Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point. 949.542.6282. www.danapointsymphony. com.

Friday, Dec. 8 43rd Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Arrive early for a premier spot to watch the 43rd Annual Boat Parade to celebrate the season. This year’s event will include familyfriendly activities throughout the Harbor. Trolley service will be available for all four days of the parade starting at 3:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. 24650 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. www.danapoint.org.

Saturday, Dec. 9 Holiday Ice Skating 4-8 p.m. The city of San Juan Capistrano invites you for a weekend on ice at the Riding Park for their first annual Holiday Ice Skating.

Skate rentals are $5 per person and all proceeds benefit the underserved youth of San Juan Capistrano. 30753 La Pata Avenue, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.5911. www. sanjuancapistrano.org.

Saturday, Dec. 16 Cookies with Mrs. Claus at Zoomars 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Zoomars Petting Zoo to decorate Christmas cookies with Mrs. Claus.

Seats are limited so calling in advance is recommended. Entry is $15 per person.

31791 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano. 949.831.6550. www.zoomars.com.

Hanukkah Party 7-9 p.m. The Monarch Beach Resort will be hosting a Hanukkah party

with “Lighten-Up” comedy show starring comedian Brian Kiley. RSVP for the comedy show is required.

Tickets are $36 and can be purchased at www.chabadoflaguna.com. 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point.

949.499.0770. www. monarchbeachresort.com.

Sunday, Dec. 17 Gingerbread Academy 10 a.m.-noon; 1-3 p.m.

Feeling crafty? Join the Monarch Beach Resort pastry team in decorating gingerbread houses like one of the pros. The price for the event is $109 per family and includes one house, the fixings, access to the holiday treat bar and a glass of sparkling wine.

1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point. 949.234.3423. www.monarchbeachresort. com.

Menorah Lighting at the Outlets 4-5 p.m. The Outlets at San Clemente will be hosting a free, family-friendly event to celebrate Chanukah with the Chabad Jewish Center of San Clemente. Activities will include balloons, hot latkes, doughnuts and gelt. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, Ste 190, San Clemente. 949-535-2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

Breakfast with Santa at H.H. Cotton’s 10 a.m.noon. Scarf down breakfast with Santa at the Avenida Del Mar restaurant. Photo opportunities will be available. Donate an unwrapped toy too to benefit children at Mission Hospital. Email erin@hhcottons.com for more information. RSVP for breakfast today. 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.429.3321. www.hhcottons.com.

Cool Picks

gift ideas for everyone on your list

Bestie Spa Day Gift Certificate Any Denomination

Bow Wow Beautiful Pet Spa 364 Camino De Estrella San Clemente • 949.702.3130 bowwowbeautiful.com

Holiday Gift Baskets, Balsamic Vinegars, Olive Oils and Wine We Olive & Wine Bar 31760 Camino Capistrano, Ste. B, San Juan Capistrano 949.441.7279 weolive.com/san-juan-capistrano

Audio-Technica Turntable AT-LP60 turntable

$99.99

Moldy Toes Records 221 S. Ola Vista, San Clemente 949.444.8275 facebook.com/moldytoesrecords

Estate Red Velvet Lined Onyx Jewelry Box 6 ½” L x 4 ½” W x 2 ¼” D

$165.00

Designs By Nature 400 South El Camino Real, A San Clemente • 949.498.8358 designsbynature.com

Lay-A-Way and Best Selection in O.C.

$179- $249

Holiday Offer $8 a unit for Dysport ® or $10 a unit for Botox ®

Buy My Bikes 32303 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano 949.493.5611 buymybikes.com

Riviera Laser Studios 34189 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 201 Dana Point • 949.370.3177 rivieralaser.com

Haro BMX 12” 16” 20”

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY FROM THE ARCHIVES

GUEST OPINION: Book Talk by Dan DeNeve

Hannah Captures Sense of War in Emotional Story ‘The Nightingale’

A

lthough I am late to read, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah lived up to everything I had heard and read about it. Published two years ago, I can’t recommend this book enough.

Set in Paris, France during WWII, the book centers around two sisters and their father in Nazi-occupied France. The relationship between the three is strained, especially since the father has never been the same after coming home from the Great War. After WWI, the father’s wife dies, and unable to raise his daughters alone, the girls are sent to one orphanage and boarding school after another. Vianne, the older sister, copes, finds love at 14 and marries later in life. Isabelle though, rebels, eventually causing a rift between her and Vianne. Despite the horrors of war, it is during WWII that Isabelle finds her place in life. Isabelle realizes what she needs to do for the war effort, and finds love during that time. Vianne, on the other hand, has to contend with a husband who has gone off to war. Like her sister, Vianne finds her meaning in the war. Additionally, throughout this story is one character’s present-day situation and how WWII has impacted it.

In the supporting characters, we find all the usual traits: heroism, sacrifice, honor, dignity, trust, stealth, and even treachery, when neighbors turn on one another just to stay alive or keep their families from dying of hunger.

I have to say this book moved me in a way most books don’t. I couldn’t put the

book down and I couldn’t wait to get back to it. Furthermore, Hannah drew me in and the story was believable throughout.

Every human characteristic is displayed for better or for worse. Even philosophical questions of how far one would go to bend their values and social norms to accomplish a greater good are addressed by the characters.

It has been said that war is hell, and Hannah captures that sense in a profound, moving way in this story. While giving us an emotional story, Hannah is able to force the reader to question what they would have done, or even how they would think, in the place of The Nightingale’s characters.

BOOK TALK For me, this book was

By Dan DeNeve very bittersweet. Dana Point Library owns a copy of this book.

The Seaside Book Club meets at the Dana Point Library every fourth Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Registration is not required. For a list of featured titles, call the library at 949.496.5517. Copies of the current title are available at the library service desk. DP

Photo: Orange County Harbor District

ENTERTAINMENT AT DANA POINT HARBOR DEDICATION, 1966 Folk musicians at a “Rock Placing Ceremony,” dedicating the beginning of construction of the Dana Point Harbor, Aug. 29, 1966.

Every week, the Dana Point Times will feature a historic picture. Online, the Dana Point Times will create a gallery of this month’s photos. To submit your historical photos, please provide information about the scene along with your name for credit to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

Last week’s solution:

Dana Point Times December 1-7, 2017

Trick and Treat. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

Pets of the Week: Trick & Treat

B See the solution in next week’s issue.

rothers Trick and Treat are quite the dynamic duo. This guinea pig pair is sure to brighten your day with their cute coos and adorable squeaks. Trick and Treat are both very sweet and would love to go home together.

If you would like to know more about Trick and Treat, call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with them at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

Page 19

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: On the Ocean by Leslie Kretschmar

Winter Months See Plenty of Visitors Just Passing Through

California’s cool, nutrient rich coastal ecosystem is the perfect place to observe resident whales like the minke whale, or migratory species such as the humpback and Pacific gray whale. Photo: Courtesy

F

or many people, spending the winter months in California is a dream. This also applies to certain whale species.

Despite our year-round mild climate, the ocean off our coast is generally quite cold due to currents moving southward from Alaska. The perfect combination of our chilly water, climate patterns, coastal upwelling and plenty of California sun contributes to our having some of the most productive waters in the world.

Phytoplankton and zooplankton thrive in these conditions and their presence drives the entire ocean food chain. The abundance of these tiny marine algae and microscopic critters provide plenty of sustenance for a great diversity of fish, whales and dolphins that call our small section of the ocean their home.

Just like people though, some opt to live here permanently while others only stay for a brief period during their migrations. And it is not only the ocean currents that move southward from Alaska. For many whales, November to March mark the months where thousands travel from their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic to warmer waters. Although Maui, Hawaii is a hotspot winter destination for humpback whales, many travel to Mexico to mate, give birth and nurse their young. This is great news for California whale watchers, as we can often witness these behemoths as they pass our coastline.

Pacific gray whales follow the humpbacks’ lead and are known to make the longest migration of any mammal on earth.

They travel between 10,000 to 12,000 miles round trip, annually, between the Artic seas and the warm lagoons of Baja, Mexico.

These whales tend to stay close to shore during their migration and some biologist believe they take their navigational cues Dana Point Times December 1-7, 2017

from the visualization of our coastline’s landmarks and by listening to near shore wave action. Another hypothesis is that whales respond to the earth’s magnetic field using small particles of magnetite (iron oxide) in their brain. Iron oxide particles act like a built-in compass for the whales. February through April is peak season to see gray whales migrating past Dana Point. During these months, many cow/calf pairs are making the return trip to the Arctic, and you don’t have to venture off shore far to witness them. Most of the mothers stay close to land with their young. This strategy helps the pair avoid predators that may be in deeper waters, such as pods of orca.

Not all whales and dolphins come and go from our waters. Some are year-round residents who make regular appearances.

Common and bottlenose dolphin, along with minke and fin whales, can be seen locally, year-round. While several other seasonal visitors include blue whales (in the summer months) and risso’s dolphin and Pacific white sided dolphin during the winter time.

Ultimately, the ocean holds many gifts for us to discover. So, no matter what the season, whale and nature lovers in California will surely see something interesting.

Leslie Kretschmar grew up in the Midwest, fascinated by the ocean. She attended college at Montana State University and Oregon State University studying Organismal and Marine Biology. Her passion for the sea brought her to the Ocean Institute in 2007 and she is now the Director of At Sea Programs onboard the Institute’s 65’ research vessel: Sea Explorer. 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

Page 20

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SPECIALTY BEAUTY

Amazing Lash Studio

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

DP LIVING

Turkey Wrap(up) 40th annual Turkey Trot brings more than 10,000 runners to Dana Point

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

A

pproaching Thanksgiving dinners and record-setting high temperatures had no impact on the enthusiasm and performance of runners at Dana Point’s 40th annual Turkey Trot on Nov. 23.

Commencing at exactly 7 a.m., the 10K race set the day’s blistering pace as the top four runners finished in less than 30 minutes.

Harry Mulenga, from Tucson, Arizona, who finished second in the men’s 10K race, said he was thoroughly enjoying his Thanksgiving in Dana Point.

“I love this course. I ran a sub-30, which I am happy about, but my goal is 28 minutes,” said Mulenga. “I look forward to trying that here next year.”

Following the 10K race was the 5K. With more than 4,000 participants, the 8:30 a.m. wave was completely sold out.

Seven of those participants were local family members of Helen Phillips from Sioux City, Iowa. At 90-years-old, Phillips participated in her first 5K with four generations of her family.

Wrapping up the afternoon was the fan-favorite “Gobble Wobble,” where three waves of children, divided by age, ran a one-mile race.

As the day wound down and the final

The 40th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot on Nov. 23 brought smiles to more than 10,000 faces this year. Photo: Daniel Ritz

wobblers finished the race, Katie McGann, the special events and sponsorship coordinator for the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, said the most important thing to keep in mind when organizing a large scale event is to remember why it’s

happening in the first place.

“It’s hard sometimes,” McGann said, “but sometimes you have to remember that this is all in the spirit of Thanksgiving and family and friends, and we’re all here to have fun.” DP

40th annual Turkey Trot Ratings Men’s 10K 1. Gebrekidan Abadi, Aurora, 29:22 2. Harry Mulenga, Tucson, Arizona, 29:43 3. Nicholas Hilton, Oro Valley, 29:52

Women’s 5K Wave #1 1. Ashley Bell, Irvine, 17:04 2. Katie Izzo, Seal Beach, 17:44 3. Hanna Hermansson, San Pedro, 17:51

Women’s 10K 1. Belainesh Gebre, Flagstaff, Arizona, 33:35 2. Ashlee Powers, Newport Beach, 34:26 3. Grace GrahamZamudio, Newhall, 34:34

Men’s 5K Wave #2 1. Luis Emilio Morales, Fountain Valley, 16:19 2. Esteban Prado, Santa Ana, 16:42 3. Andrew Brown, Costa Mesa, 00:17:39

Men’s 5K Wave #1 1. Brandon Hough, Dana Point, 15:16 2. Jose Penaloza, Garden Grove, 15:48 3. Dale Neumann, Capistrano Beach, 16:07 (Clockwise From left) The 8:30 a.m. 5K race completely sold out with more than 4,000 runners. A young runner sets her eyes on the finish line of the Gobble Wobble.

Belainesh Gabre, from Flasgstaff, Arizona, took first place in the Women’s 10K. Photos: Daniel Ritz

Dana Point Times December 1-7, 2017

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Women’s 5K Wave #2 1. Eileen Stressling, Huntington Beach, 17:47 2. Holly Hobson Gery, Lake Forest, 19:15 3. Summer Wilson, Irvine, 20:06

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point Point Dana

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Hills Winter Sports Preview DHHS athletes gear up for new seasons

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he high school winter sports season is underway. In our annual preview, we get you caught up on all of the Dana Hills High School programs as they head into the new year.

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

GIRLS SOCCER First-year coach Zaid Malkosh has brought a lot of change to the Dana Hills girls soccer team this offseason. Malkosh, who spent the past two years coaching the Dolphins’ lower-level teams, wants the 2017 version of the Dolphins to play with a new style and a new mindset.

Dana Hills had a unique season last year. The Dolphins won seven games but also recorded seven ties and played in seven games decided by one goal. Dana Hills mustered up just 24 goals in 20 matches.

Malkosh brings with him a whole new style of play, one he says emphasizes a controlled attack and team defense.

Malkosh wants the Dolphins to attack from the flanks and utilize their skill in the middle of the field on offense. Leading the charge will be senior midfielder Sarah Tarhan and sophomore midfielder/forward

Reed Romo, left, and Ben Carr headline a versatile and physical Dana Hills boys basketball team. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Victoria Barnet.

Acacia Vanlandingham, Jillian Hutchinson and Camryn Toole are all skilled players that will score goals in bunches, Malkosh said.

Malkosh arranged the Dolphins’ schedule to be heavy with games in December, rather than frontload and start early in November. This has given the team time to focus on the new system.

“The culture that was set up here was

Sophomore midfielder/forward Victoria Barnet makes a run during a Dana Hills girls soccer practice.

Photo: Steve Breazeale

Dana Point Times December 1–7, 2017

great, we just want to build up on it now,” Malkosh said. “We hope the change will succeed.”

The Dolphins will play in the Aliso Cup Tournament in December to prepare for South Coast League play.

BOYS BASKETBALL Coach Tom Desiano believes versatility will be the key to the Dana Hills boys basketball season this year. Plus, the coach added, the Dolphins’ return a sizeable experience and work ethic.

The Dolphins return three starters from last year’s group, including guards Devin Garland and Reed Romo and 6-foot-4-inch wingman Ben Carr.

Sophomore Harrison Weise and senior Cole Slagle are returners that saw some minutes last year.

The Dolphins are not loaded with height (Weise is the team’s tallest listed player at 6-foot-5-inches), which Desiano says helps them be versatile on the court, especially on defense. The Dolphins will be active in switching on defense and ask every player on the court to be ready for any matchup.

“Sometimes our 5-foot-10-inch guard has to cover a 6-foot-6-inch post player, that’s just the nature of our system,” Desiano said. “But they’re aware of what we’re trying to do. Now I believe they’re confident.”

The Dolphins started the season off with a convincing 60-33 win over Loara in

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the Godinez Grizzly Invitational on Nov. 27. The Dolphins got contributions from everywhere as Carr scored 20 points, including four 3-pointers, Wiese scored 17 and Slagle poured in 10.

The Dolphins were set to play three more tournament games over the next week. Dana Hills will compete in the Garden Grove Tournament in two weeks and the Rancho Mirage Holiday Classic during the holiday break.

GIRLS BASKETBALL This is the season that the Dana Hills girls basketball team has been looking forward to for some time.

Coach Anne Honey took over the program three seasons ago, inheriting a young team that has now spent the last few years growing and morphing into a contender.

In Honey’s first season at the helm, in 2015, the Dolphins won nine games, four more than the previous season. In 2016, Dana Hills won 16 games.

Last year, the Dolphins had a landmark year and won a program-best 20 games.

With a large group of returning players, including the team’s leading scorer Peyton Romo and impact junior and college recruit Maya McArthur back in the mix, Dana Hills will be looking to maintain momentum.

(Cont. on page 24) www.danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS the tough South Coast League each of the last three seasons.

Senior utility Ally Meredith and junior two-meter attacker Julia Reznicek will be key to the Dolphins’ success, coach Carrie Pierce said.

On offense, the team will be powered by senior attack Cate Hill and Lauren Bellavia.

Returning junior goalie Kaylyn Pierce and two-meter defender Mariana Garcia, a newcomer to varsity, will anchor the defense.

“The girls have been putting in the work to ensure they’re ready,” Pierce said.

“They’ve been challenging themselves in the weight room three days a week and in the pool with conditioning and leg strengthening. They’re a super-close group.”

Dana Hills will compete in CIF-SS Division 3 this season. They will see a lot of Division 3 programs at the Brenson Cup Tournament this weekend, which will be the Dolphins’ season debut.

Senior Erick Carreno (white shirt) will look to win valuable points in the 106-pound weight class for the Dana Hills High School wrestling team. Photo: Steve Breazeale

(Cont. from page 22) The only blemish on the Dolphins resume the past two seasons is back-to-back runner-up finishes in league and early postseason exits.

“We’ve been building and it’s been good, but the last two years we’ve taken second in league and lost both first-round playoff games in overtime,” Honey said.

“So we have unfinished business that has been on our mind big time.”

Romo, who averaged 15 points per game as a junior, and McArthur, a dynamic 6-foot-1-inch player that did not play last year due to eligibility requirements, are joined by returners Maicie Saia, the team’s point guard, Olivia Chambers, Camille Deol, Megan Honey and Dani De La Fuente.

Dana Hills is off to a 3-0 start to the season, with wins over Avalon, Cypress and Tustin, which came in the Corona del Mar Tip Off Tournament.

L to R: Dani De La Fuente, Ellen Dickinson, Megan Honey, Peyton Romo and Abby Casillas make up a strong group of seniors that will lead the Dolphins’ girls basketball team. Photo: Steve Breazeale

WRESTLING There was very little turnaround on the Dana Hills wrestling team this offseason, which bodes well for an experienced group that is eying a deep march into the postseason.

Dana Hills returns six seniors and a mix of underclassmen that should contend for the Sea View League title. Coach Reza Abedi anticipates a handful of his players to place at the CIF tournament, which would qualify them for the CIF-SS Masters competition.

Senior Levi Jones, a top-12 finisher at CIF last year, might move down a weight class, from 152 pounds to 145, but has the ability to wrestle competitively at both, Abedi said.

Senior Kian Abedi is another top-12 CIF finisher from last season who returns to the roster.

Junior Miguel Rodriguez is moving up a weight class to 126 pounds and senior Erick Carreno will look to pile up points competing in the 106-pound class. Abedi believes it will be hard for competitors in

Dana Point Times December 1-7, 2017

the 106-pound class to match Carreno’s experience and skill.

Sophomore Sadie Camacho advanced all the way to the CIF State Championship tournament last year, and figures to do the same this year once she recovers from an injury.

GIRLS WATER POLO Six players, including four key starters, return to the Dana Hills girls water polo team this season. The Dolphins have been competitive over the years, placing third in

Page 24

BOYS SOCCER The Dana Hills boys soccer team underwent some change this offseason. Firstyear coach Mark Torrianni was brought in to lead the varsity team midseason one year ago and will now lead a new crop of players into the new year.

Torrianni has taken on more players than usual on the varsity squad, doubling up every position with at least two players that are capable of playing at the spot. The Dolphins also have 14 seniors on the team but underclassmen are pressuring them for playing time, Torrianni said.

The group started the year off right with a 2-1 victory over Laguna Beach at home on Nov. 29.

Returning senior midfielder Bobby Reynolds will be key to the Dolphins’ success. Reynolds has the ability to drop back and play strong as a defender and ignite the offense, Torrianni said.

Jesus Duran and sophomore Michael Bogdonovich return as able defenders.

Kasra Diba, freshman forward Bryce Allen and junior wing Parker Moore will lead the charge up top.

One trend Torrianni is hoping his team can end is their play in league competition. The Dolphins went winless in the Sea View League last year.

“We’ve had a long history here now of not winning in league. We tear it up in preseason and it seems the wheels fall off (in league),” Torrianni said. “So that’s been our focus, to have them carry that momentum all the way through the year.”

WE WANT TO RUN YOUR SCORES, RESULTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN “SCOREBOARD.” E-mail sports@sanclementetimes.com, fax 949.388.9977, mail or drop off the information to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 by each Monday at 5 p.m.

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DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Typically made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyesters, or designer carpet. Showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point: 24662 Del Prado, Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants also available. All shapes and sizes and kinds of flooring. We sell tile too! Call Mike at Lantern Bay Carpets: 949.240.1545

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE..25102 DANAPEPPER 8am-12pm. Clothes, furniture, paintings, knick knacks, kitchen/restaurant equipment, flippers, tools, glassware, walker, coolers, and much more! Dec 2/17

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

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

OTHER STUFF NOVENA TO ST. CLAIR Light a white candle, ask St. Claire for 3 things. One should be for the impossible, one about money, one about your job. Say nine Hail Marys for nine nights. Promise Publication. She will answer whether or not you believe. Thank you St. Claire for favors granted.

(JB) 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.

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Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

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Page 25

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DP DP SURF

Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Welcome to the Big Leagues

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-63 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Small to locally fun size surf to close out the week, with NW/WNW swell and small SSW swell blend good for waist high (3’+) sets at top exposures. Morning winds are calm to light offshore the next few days, with just light onshore flow each afternoon. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Griffin Colapinto qualifies for 2018 WSL Championship Tour with big result at Hawaiian Pro

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

eading into the Hawaiian Pro, the first stop in the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing on the North Shore of Oahu, Griffin Colapinto stood a pretty good chance at qualifying for the 2018 WSL Championship Tour. He was comfortably nestled in the top 10 of the ratings. All he had to do was make a few heats and a lifetime of hard work and dedication would have paid off.

He may have exceeded his own expectations.

Blitzing through heat after heat, by the time the final day rolled around last week, Colapinto was still moving and grooving, looking every bit like a favorite to win the whole contest. The 19-year-old San Clemente native found himself in a stacked final, facing Filipe Toledo, a San Clemente transplant who’s considered by most to be the best small-wave surfer in the world, Brazil’s Wiggolly Dantas and two-time Hawaiian Pro winner Tahiti’s Michel Bourez. Toledo got going early in the final, leaving his competitors to play catchup. Colapinto went all in.

Trailing by less than a point in the dying

Griffin Colapinto of USA is photographed in semifinal heat 1 and advanced to the finals of the 2017 WSL Hawaiian Pro at Haleiwa, Hawaii. Photo: Courtesy of WSL/Tony Heff

seconds of the final, Colapinto uncorked a Hail Mary 360 air to try to steal the win away from Toledo. The crowd held its collective breath, but ultimately, Colapinto came unstuck, ceding the victory to Toledo (it was the first time in the history of the contest that a Brazilian won it). Topping the podium is always the goal, but for Colapinto, a runner-up finish was just as good. For his effort, he was able to climb the WSL ratings and qualify for the 2018

Championship Tour.

“I’m almost lost for words, I don’t know.

I’ve gone through so much hard work, so much hard work with my parents,” said Colapinto as the reality of the situation began to sink in. “My parents have invested so much time in me and I have to thank them a lot because we committed (to professional surfing) when I was 15. I also set goals and I’ve nailed them on the spot, so I’m so proud of that.”

His second-place finish at the Hawaiian Pro stands as his best result of the year on the Qualifying Series. He also finished second in the World Junior Championships last January.

“This will give me a lot of confidence, especially since I’m going to be on tour next year, beating guys like that on tour,” Colapinto said.

He’ll be joined on tour next year by San Clemente’s Kolohe Andino. The season starts in earnest next March with the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast of Australia. DP

Tide’s Out for the Hurley Pro

coming up next year. In addition to the Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro at Lowers getting clipped, the Fiji Pro, held on the island of Tavarua, is also going away.

Meanwhile, the WSL has announced that 2018 will see the first Championship Tour contest in a man-made wave. Instead of a stop in San Clemente, next year’s tour will be heading to the Kelly Slater Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California, in the Central Valley. The WSL has also added a stop at Keramas in Bali.

“The 2018 calendar has some of the most significant changes we have implemented in many years,” explained WSL Commissioner Kieren Perrow. “While we sadly depart from some locations and say thank you to the communities who have supported us, we are also excited with the return to Indonesia and to hold the first ever Championship Tour event in a wave system at Surf Ranch. As the sport evolves, we will continue to explore opportunities to enhance the schedule,

collaborating with our stakeholders—surfers as well as partners.”

While word of the Lowers contest falling off the schedule may come as good news to some of the more dedicated locals that frequent the lineup on a daily basis, it also comes as a disappointment for the children and surf fans in the area who have enjoyed watching the world’s best surfers compete right in their backyard. The only WSL Championship Tour event on the American mainland will now be held 300 miles north of San Clemente in a landlocked farming community.

There is a rumor swirling that the Trestles contest will be absorbed into the WSL’s Qualifying Series next year, but that schedule has yet to be released. Either way, the loss of Trestles on the Championship Tour schedule comes as a big disappointment for area surfers who are inspired by the performances of surfers like Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Filipe Toledo and, of course, Kolohe Andino. DP

H

WSL releases 2018 Championship Tour schedule and Lowers isn’t on it

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

F

or the better part of the 21st century, Lower Trestles has been featured prominently on pro surfing’s Championship Tour schedule. But last week, the World Surf League (WSL) released its 2018 calendar and Lowers is noticeably absent.

In fact, there are a couple of big changes Dana Point Times December 1-7, 2017

Photo: Courtesy of WSL/Keoki Saguibo

Page 26

GROM OF THE WEEK

LIAM MURRAY

Liam Murray, on the sand in Newport with first-place hardware in hand. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

O

ne of the problems with being a surfer growing up in San Clemente is that standing out can be a challenge. With so much talent in the water, from world tour athletes like Kolohe Andino and now Griffin Colapinto, to national champs like Kade Matson and Kirra Pinkerton, making a name for one’s self in this town ain’t easy. But 16-year-old Liam Murray’s been too busy to notice.

The San Clemente High School surfer has been ripping lately. Most recently, he came away with a commanding victory at the NSSA contest at 54th Street in Newport Beach. Surfing in a stacked final, he faced Lowers cohorts Nico Coli and Taj Lindblad, as well as Japanese surfer Keitaro Fujinuma, but was able to hold on for a critical win.

Last month, Murray also made it deep into the WSL’s Live Like Zander Pro Junior in Barbados, which was ultimately won by San Clemente’s own Pinkerton and Cole Houshmand.

And when the lanky regular-footer isn’t out throwing bit rotators at Lowers and monkeying around with his friends, you may find him raising cane on a dirt bike.

Let’s just put it this way: naturally talented, the kid’s not afraid of going fast and going big. Needless to say, he’s going places. DP www.danapointtimes.com