December 22, 2017

December 22, 2017-January 4, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

Inside: Winter Happenings in this Issue of Go.See.Do. SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 10, ISSUE 51

E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 7

Take a look back at some of the stories that defined Dana Point in 2017. Photos: File

It’s Back!

The Best of the Blotter 2017 EYE ON DP/PAGE 8

YMCA Donates Bicycles to Students in ‘Earn a Bike’ Program EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

www.danapointtimes.com

Relive Dana Point’s Best Sports Moments of 2017 SPORTS/PAGE 22

GO TO DANAPOINTTIMES.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point Point Dana

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

The Hawaiian Chieftain will be docked at the Ocean Institute from Dec. 26 until Jan. 1. Photo: Grays Harbor Historical Seaport

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week ‘Lady Washington,’ ‘Hawaiian Chieftain’ to Spend Holiday Season at Ocean Institute THE LATEST: Two of the West Coast’s most prolific tall ships, the Hawaiian Chieftain and the Lady Washington, will be hosted at the Ocean Institute for a month-long series of educational tours and cannon battles.

The Hawaiian Chieftain will arrive in Dana Point on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Grays Harbor Historical Seaport acquired the Hawaiian Chieftain from these private owners and sailed her through the Panama Canal to return it to the Pacific.

The Lady Washington is an exact replica of the original Lady Washington who made unprecedented trading voyages around the Sea of Good Hope and was the first American vessel to make landfall on the West Coast of North America in 1788.

Over the years, the new Lady Washington has made several appearances in major motion picture such as the Pirates of the Caribbean series.

Zachary Stocks, a program development officer at the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Aberdeen, Washington, said these boats offer insight into the “golden era of sailing.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The Lady Washington will arrive mid-January. More information on the tours, sailing excursions and cannon battles can be seen at www.oceaninstitute. org. — Daniel Ritz

New ‘Visit Dana Point’ Executive Director to Begin Early January THE LATEST: Jonny Westom, 36, confirmed via phone this week that he will begin his role as the executive director of “Visit Dana Point” upon returning to work after New Year’s Day. Westom will be relocating from Sonoma County, where he has served as the executive director for Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau since 2015. In April of last year, he was named in The North Bay Business Journal’s 2017 “Forty Under 40” list.

“Visit Dana Point” consists of: The RitzCarlton of Laguna Niguel, Monarch Beach Resort, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa and the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach. Westom verified that he has prior work experience with each of these resort branches.

WHAT’S NEXT: Westom said he was excited to return to Southern California, and sees “great opportunities to enhance “Visit Dana Point” as a brand to travelers.” Read more at www.visitdanapoint.com. —DR

Coastal Commission Hears Surfrider Appeal on Waves Resort; Finds ‘Substantial Issue’ THE LATEST: In their meeting on Dec. 15 at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) heard an appeal from the Surfrider Foundation concerning the Waves Resort at the Strand.

Filed on Oct. 20, this appeal was heard in a “substantial issue-only hearing,” where Surfrider claimed various inconsistencies with the certified Local Coastal Program (LCP), which for present purposes is the Headlands Development and Conservation Plan (HDCP) and the City’s certified LCP where the HDCP is silent.

In a 5-5 vote, tie going to the appellate,

Dana Point Times December 22, 2017-January 4, 2018

the Commission determined that the resort’s coastal development permit did hold a “substantial issue,” and will now be considered at greater length by CCC staff.

ate a fair and equitable settlement, and is holding educators’ salary near the bottom in Orange County, crippling the future ability of the district to recruit and retain an excellent teaching force,” White said.

WHAT’S NEXT: With the Commission determining that the appeal raises a “substantial issue,” a de novo hearing will occur at a future and yet to be determined Commission meeting. To read more about this appeal, and see a schedule for future meetings, visit www. coastal.ca.gov/meetings/agenda. —DR

WHAT’S NEXT: The first fact-finding session for CUSD and CUEA took place on Dec. 12, and both parties agreed to participate in a second session slated for Thursday, Jan. 11. During these sessions, a three-person panel reviews the arguments and proposals of each side and ultimately issues non-binding recommendations. If the fact-finding process does not result in an agreement, CUSD would then be able to impose its last, best and final offer. If the teachers’ union is not satisfied with that offer, district teachers would maintain the right to strike. —Allison Jarrell

Teachers Present United Front at School Board Meeting; Fact-Finding Continues THE LATEST: As the fact-finding process continues for the Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) and the Capistrano Unified Education Association (CUEA), teachers are increasingly making themselves heard at Board of Trustees meetings, and they’re demanding a permanent increase to their salary schedule.

Negotiations between CUSD and CUEA have been taking place in closed session for over a year, and officially stalled back in June. In October, it was announced that mediation had failed.

The CUSD Board of Trustees meeting was at capacity on Dec. 6.

The board received a budget update from Deputy Superintendent Clark Hampton prior to hearing public comment, which largely focused on explaining why CUSD cannot grant the pay raise teachers are asking for. Hampton told the board that compared to other school districts in Orange County, CUSD receives less in funding from the state per student due to the implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which was enacted by the state in 2013-2014.

“I represent more than 2,100 members who feel completely dismissed, unheard and undervalued,” said CUEA President Sally White during public comment.

White shared a list of grievances, including accusations that Superintendent Kirsten Vital has shifted funds and priorities away from the classroom by allocating money to private consultants and buying new equipment, furniture and cars; and “creating additional districtlevel management positions exceeding the pre-recession level of management” despite a decline in student population.

“Superintendent Vital, who earns one of the highest salaries among OC superintendents, has failed to negoti-

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CUSD Adopts ‘Philosophical’ Dress Code Policy, Specific Regulations THE LATEST: On Dec. 6, the Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees voted in favor of adopting a more philosophical dress code policy that includes a gender-neutral focus, while also adopting an administrative regulation (AR) that will accompany the policy and will include a list of dress code do’s and don’ts, as well as details for implementing and enforcing the new policy.

Trustees decided earlier this year to consider updating the dress code when complaints arose at some schools about clothing worn by female students. A group of parents and students spoke out at an October CUSD meeting, voicing concerns that girls were receiving dress code violations from teachers for wearing tank tops and shorts during exceptionally hot weather.

Dec. 6 marked the third reading of the “dress and grooming” policy, and the board was presented with two options—a more generic and philosophical policy modeled after the California School Board Association (with additional language regarding gender neutrality), or a “streamlined” version of a more prescribed policy that was presented in October and created by a dress code task force of district staff and teachers.

After hearing comments from parents and students on both sides of the issue, the board ultimately voted 4-1-2 to adopt a more general policy.

WHAT’S NEXT: Superintendent Kirsten Vital said the board’s feedback will be used by district staff and the task force to craft the AR, which will then be included in discipline handbooks and in faculty training so that implementation and enforcement of the new policy are equitable across the district.—AJ www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Photo: Capistrano Beach Community Association

Richard Henry Dana Elementary School student Dayana Acre receives a brand new bike and graduation certificate on Dec. 8 for her completion of YMCA of Orange County’s “Earn a Bike” program. Photo: Courtesy

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

International Space Station Visible During Ideal Morning, Evening Time Frames This holiday season, the International Space Station (ISS) will be visible during optimum viewing periods. On Monday, Dec. 25, the ISS will be visible for six minutes at 6:15 a.m. The ISS will appear 11 degrees above south-southwest, and disappear 11 degrees above northeast.

All sightings of the ISS will occur within a few hours before or after sunrise or sunset. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explained that this is because the sun reflects off the space station and contrasts against the darker sky. With the horizon at zero degrees, the ISS will reach a maximum height of 54 degrees.

The space station will look like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky, except it doesn’t have flashing lights or change direction. It will also be moving considerably faster than a typical airplane (airplanes generally fly at about 600 miles an hour; the space station flies at 17,500 miles per hour).

A full list of times when the ISS will be visible in the Dana Point sky can be found at www.spotthestation.nasa.gov.

YMCA Donates Bicycles to Students In ‘Earn A Bike’ Program Forty-one students who completed the YMCA’s “Earn a Bike” program at Richard Henry Dana Elementary School received new bikes, helmets and locks on Dec. 8 in a special event celebrating their successful completion of the program. The program aimed to increase the amount of physical activity performed by students, and improve the nutritional content of their diets and the diets of their families in order to lower the rate of childhood obesity and Page 4

type 2 diabetes in the community.

Each program, which had 20-40 students in it, met four times a week to increase physical fitness through exercise and healthy eating education. To continue the healthy habits at home, parents were required to participate by attending two nutrition classes to increase their awareness of family health. Success was measured by the students’ fitness levels and knowledge of healthy eating upon the conclusion of the eight-week program.

The “Earn a Bike” program is designed to increase the amount of physical activity performed by elementary school-aged children and improve nutritional content of their diets in order to lower the rate of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes in the community.

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

Community Meetings SATURDAY, DEC. 23

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. 24

CHRISTMAS CLOSURE The Dana Point City Hall offices will be closed from Dec. 24 until Jan. 1, 2018. www.danapoint.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 31

A WALK THROUGH HISTORY 9-11 a.m. The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center is putting on an educational 1.5 mile walk around the center.

Participation is free. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. 949.248.3527. www.danapoint.org. www.danapointtimes.com

WE BUY U.S. COLLECTION COINS - C U RRE N CY -STA MP S LOCATED IN LAGUNA NIGUEL

CALL 714-609-2706

EYE ON DP

New Harbor Manager, Homeless Task Force, Doheny Blues Festival

South Cove Celebrates Grand Opening South Cove, Zephyr’s condominium community featuring 168 luxury residences in the heart of Dana Point, welcomed more than 1,250 guests during its grand opening weekend on Dec. 9-10.

“We’re thrilled to open our doors to the community,” said sales manager Marcie Cole. “South Cove is the first project of its kind to be built in Dana Point in more than 25 years, and the excitement around it has been incredible.”

Owners will also have immediate access to a new public park that is being built through a partnership between Zephyr and the city of Dana Point. The park, which will border the community, will feature art and installations that pay tribute to the surf culture and celebrated history of the city, with life-size sculptures depicting surfing pioneers like Phil Edwards.

Take a look back at the biggest headlines of 2017 COMPILED BY DANIEL RITZ

A

s 2017 comes to a close, the Dana Point Times took a look back at some of the biggest stories of this past year.

Harbor Developer Named by Board of Supervisors On Oct. 17, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously selected Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) as the primary developer, operator and manager of the Dana Point Harbor for the next 66 years.

The DPHP development team consists of three co-managing members, each responsible for their respective property type. Burnham Ward Properties will oversee the commercial core; Bellwether Financial Group will manage the wet and dry marinas and R.D. Olson Development will manage the hotel sector.

The single master-lease between the county and DPHP was an important element in the Board of Supervisor’s decision. Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett described it during the meeting as “everyone being in the same bucket.”

“The Dana Point Boaters Association is pleased that the Supervisors agreed with us, the merchants, and so many others in our community that Dana Point Harbor Partners is the superior choice to rebuild our harbor and carry it with us into the future,” said James Lenthall, president of the Dana Point Harbor Boaters Association.”

Shannon Levin, the newly appointed manager of the Dana Point Harbor, said she thinks the decision resounds the wishes of the community and that DPHP was the right selection.

“Their management structure, financials and timeline are what the community desires. We are all ready to move on with a long-awaited project,” Levin said.

The county is currently in negotiations with DPHP to finalize the lease.

Take a look back at some of the stories that defined Dana Point in 2017. Photo: Tony Tribolet

Positions of Power

Governing by Committee

New Dana Point Harbor Manager - Shannon Levin Shannon Levin, an Orange County native, was named the Dana Point harbor manager in May and officially stepped into the role in June.

“It’s really important that I know people by name, recognize their face, but let them get to know me too,” Levin said. “We’re all colleagues; we’re all in this together.”

Levin was most recently the harbor supervisor for the city of Newport Beach where she focused on long-range harbor planning, coastal resource management, tidelands revenues and expenditures as well as public access.

“I think, over the last few years, there has been some unrest and some question about stability,” Levin said. “I really want to be that stable, open and fair person that everyone can come to. I’m here, just ask questions. We have the resources to get things done.”

Financial Review Committee On Jan. 17, the city’s Financial Review Committee (FRC) was altered after City Council voted in favor of having city residents serve as “financial watchdogs.”

During the Council’s appointments to the city’s commissions, committees and subcommittees, then-Mayor Debra Lewis said she had some thoughts on the financial review committee.

“I would like to see it revamped as more of a financial watchdog group,” Lewis said.

The FRC currently consists of five public citizens, each appointed by a City Council member. Members of the FRC may remain on committee at the pleasure of their City Council representative, but not to exceed the term of said representative. The FRC is an informational committee that reports to City Council.

New City Manager-Mark Denny On July 18, Mark Denny, former deputy city manager for Dana Point, was appointed as the new city manager.

Denny said he was looking forward to communicating with residents, visitors and businesses in town to continue to make the city successful.

“I think we have a real opportunity to tell more of our story and get folks to understand what it is we do, what it is we’re going to do, what it is we can or cannot do,” Denny said.

Prior to his position as deputy city manager, Denny has held other versatile leadership roles, including chief operating officer for the County of Orange for three years, the director of OC Parks for more than six years and has also worked for private companies.

Dana Point Times December 22, 2017-January 4, 2018

Homeless Task Force On Aug. 15, the Dana Point Homeless Task Force (HTF) approved its new formalized charter and membership.

On Aug. 15, City Council discussed formalizing the group’s purpose and membership to ensure there is no conflict of interest.

Some of the voting members of the HTF include representatives from City Council, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the County of Orange, California State Parks, Dana Point Harbor Association, Planning Commission and South Coast Water District.

Current members such as Families Forward, Family Assistance Ministries and Mercy House have become non-voting members.

“Ultimately, the goal is to bring a resolution to City Council to address homelessness that they can adopt,” said City Council representative and HTF leader Paul Wyatt.

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Historic Anniversaries 20th annual Doheny Blues Festival In May, Doheny State Beach was filled with musical icons in the blues, soul and rock genres during the 20th annual Doheny Blues Festival.

Over the weekend, thousands filled Doheny State Beach to listen to artists such as Joe Walsh, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience, Robin Trower, Chris Isaak, Mavis Staples, Melissa Etheridge and more perform on three stages.

Festival-goers were able to taste different barbecue options, shop in the vendor village and taste their way through a variety of craft breweries.

In 2017, Omega Events launched the Doheny Blues Foundation. It was created to promote awareness of blues music and to provide education about the history, cultural significance and relevance to the present. It will also help educate the youth and foster an appreciation of the blues with a multi-faceted educational approach.

The festival has been an annual event since 1998 and has featured artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gregg Allman, B.B. King and more. The Blues Festival will return in 2018 to a new venue, Sea Terrace Park.

40th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot In addition to the athletic competitions, costume contests and entertaining mascots, the Dana Point Turkey Trot celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and continued to honor the traditional social values of Thanksgiving.

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce carried out its long-standing tradition of donating 100 percent of the event’s proceeds to nonprofit community partners that help strengthen the community through educational and service programs. This year, the Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #9934 and Family Assistance Ministries were selected as the beneficiaries of profits from this nationally-recognized event. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Best of the Blotter 2017 Detailed record of emergency calls gone, but not forgotten COMPILED BY ALLISON JARRELL

All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

January SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Dana Drive, 24700 Block (4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 23) Police were called for a couple having sex in the passenger seat of a vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Camino Capistrano, 34200 Block (8:38 a.m., Monday, Jan. 16) A woman told police a man was standing in the area and starring at a tree. She said it made her feel too uncomfortable to get out of the vehicle and go to work.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Ocean Hill Drive/Sea Bright Drive (9:53 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 15) Police were called for a vehicle full of people that the caller believed to be “up to no good.” The caller couldn’t provide a description of the vehicle other than it was a sedan.

February SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Granada Drive, 34000 Block (8:35 p.m., Saturday, March 25) A man told police he had just woken up and felt delusional. He said he thought his landlord drugged him and stole his money.

CITIZEN ASSIST Victoria Boulevard/Sepulveda Avenue (8:32 p.m., Friday, March 24) A man told police his ex took his car without permission and crashed it into his other vehicle.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano, 35100 Block (11:53 p.m., Saturday, March 25) A man told police someone threw an egg at him from a passing vehicle and that he was injured from the “egg shrapnel.”

April DISTURBANCE Sand Piper Lane, 100 Block (9:31 p.m., Saturday, April 15) Police were called for juvenile skateboarders who reportedly were being loud and yelling at vehicles passing by. The caller said then one of the girl’s moms asked them to quiet down, the girl yelled back and cursed at her.

TRAFFIC HAZARD El Encanto Avenue, 34000 Block (9:10 a.m., Monday, April 17) Police were called for a skateboard ramp in front of the location. The caller was concerned the street will not be cleaned because of the ramp.

May DISTURBANCE Dana Drive/Island Way (4:20 p.m., Friday, May 19) A woman told police a man walked by and kicked her dog.

RECKLESS DRIVING Shoreline Drive/Coast Highway (11:04 a.m., Monday, May 22) A dump truck driver was reportedly making illegal Uturns all day.

June

March PETTY THEFT Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (4:08 a.m., Tuesday, March 28) A man told police someone stole his Pringles.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Sherwood Way, 24800 Block (1:01 a.m., Tuesday, June 6) Two men were reportedly walking back and forth across the street naked and laughing.

Editor’s Note On June 12, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department stopped including detailed summaries for each of its sheriff’s blotter entries. Residents can still access the sheriff’s blotter at OCSD’s website, but can only view the type of calls the department is responding to, as well as the date, time and location of each call.

In lieu of the detailed blotter entries, OCSD officials announced in June that a transition to an interactive crime map was in the works. OCSD said the new software, called Crime Mapping, would provide residents with the same information the current blotter does—type of call, date, time and approximate location—but would not include details like before. That software has yet to be implemented.

Members of the public who are seeking detailed information about specific blotter entries are now required to submit email requests to OCSD’s records department at prarequests@ocsd.org.

Dana Point Times December 22, 2017-January 4, 2018

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DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Straight Talk by Al Jacobs

Why Many of Us Are Broke

I

was inspired by a letter to the editor that posed a question that deserves to be asked – and answered.

It first lauded our nation for its prodigious wealth of $97 trillion, next calculates the net worth for the median household as being $78,100 and summarizes with the query “Why is it so darn hard to make the car payment?”

The question is meant to be rhetorical.

Every household should be able to meet its expenses with no problem. However, I’ve been told that over 50 percent of Americans could not come up with $400 if an emergency befell them. Evidently something is wrong.

I have an answer to that question, but first a testimonial. In 1963, after serv-

ing more than a dozen years in the U.S. Navy, I settled with my new bride in San Jose, California, where I began a job as a real estate salesman, earning commission only. As our total assets amounted to less than $3,000, my wife needed to find a job – and transportation to get her there. A newspaper ad offered a 1954 Chevrolet for sale at $350. After checking the vehicle out, we negotiated the price down to $300, in cash. Though it was ugly, it ran well and provided the transportation she needed.

Now for my response to the question: Why is it so hard at times to make the car payment? It’s for the same reason so many people cannot comfortably meet financial obligations. We often fail to arrange our affairs so STRAIGHT TALK that we regularly spend

By Al Jacobs less than we earn. In terms of transportation, the motor vehicle constitutes the average American's single most important fixation. There’s no product more forcefully promoted or representing such a substantial portion of disposable income than one's vehicle, and the potential for

Letters to the Editor

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

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 Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@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

Voices of Dana Point CONVERSATION TOPICS AMONGST COMMUNITY MEMBERS

“As we near the end of 2017, I am amazed that there are still elected officials that appear to be stuck in the 20th Century looking for clarity on why exposing the non-smoking public and animals to secondhand smoke is a concern whether indoors or surrounding others outdoors.

Smoking is a health problem. Smoking is safety problem. Smoking is a fire risk problem. Cigarette butts are a litter problem. Cigarette butts are an environmental problem. Do I need to continue?”

Comment by smokefree on “Council Conducts First Reading of Smoking Ban Ordinance” on www.danapointtimes.com.

ARE DANA POINT VEHICLE COSTS EXCESSIVE? CAROL WILSON, Capistrano Beach

In response to Steve Stewart’s letter to the editor in the Dec. 8-14 edition of the Dana Point Times in regards to leasing cars, I find it shocking that for 64 employees, the city is paying for 34 vehicles—nine of which are used for police services—and 13 car allowances.

That equates to 62 percent of staff having access to a vehicle or car allowance. Of the city vehicles currently owned, 14 vehicles are driven less than 5,000 miles per year.

Our new lease agreement approves a new lease every five years regardless of mileage, and that is just irresponsible. One may be led to ask, if nine of these vehicles are used for police services, why aren’t they under the Orange County Sheriff’s Department contract?

I was really hoping we could count on our new city manager to take a proactive approach to get budget issues under control and build up our seriously depleted city reserves. How will it be in a year or two when city employees lose their jobs

financial dilemma is all too real. The solution: 1. Don’t buy anything you can’t pay for without borrowings of any sort. 2. If a new car isn’t within your budget, search for a serviceable used one. 3. If continuing to use your present vehicle costs less than buying a replacement, don’t make the change.

Despite all the consumer guidance in America, too many people are engaged in thoughtless and self-destructive behavior. How you conduct your affairs as a consumer relates to what’s important in your life. With limited resources, embrace thrift and discipline. As your net worth increases, you may modify your conduct.

But these must be deliberate choices.

Don’t let the marketers preempt your decisions.

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

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

Dana Point Times December 22, 2017-January 4, 2018

motion was made to accept it without any prior discussion. Dana Point is starting to look a lot like DC.

Page 9

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.

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

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)

because we couldn’t cut the easy things?

Or will services to Dana Point residents be cut? I sincerely hope that our city will reevaluate how many vehicles we have and if some could be shared, or if entering into a long-term lease is really the best thing for the city. This is year-end and there are great deals to be had, whether they lease or buy. Could we have leased those directly for less money?

It was quite interesting at the December Council meeting how a few Council members spent 25 minutes debating if Council member Lewis’s addition to previous Council minutes should be allowed or not.

Then, the minute leasing came up and a

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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

Dana Point Times, Vol. 10, Issue 51. 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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GETTING OUT

Dana Dana Point Point YOUR

SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

Friday | 22 HENNESSEY’S AWESOME UGLY SWEATER CHRISTMAS PARTY 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Break out those ugly Christmas sweaters for a day of holiday themed food and libations at Hennessey’s Tavern.

Mistletoe martinis and hot apple pie will be available throughout the day. A $25 gift certificate will be given to the person with the ugliest Christmas sweater. Admission is free. 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.441.4777. www.hennessystavern.com.

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

949.496.5794. www.danawharf.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT OVERVUE 8-11 p.m. A rotating lineup of musicians performs at OverVue Lounge at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott every Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy a performance on Friday from the Tom Mitchell Duo and Saturday from Rod Frias. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. 949.661.5000. www.lagunacliffs.com.

Saturday | 23 GARDEN OF LIGHTS: SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDEN 5-9 p.m. Once the sun sets, the San Diego Botanic Garden will become lit by over 125,000 lights. This winter wonderland is complete with snow, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts and food. The Garden of Lights is open every day excluding Christmas and Christmas Eve. Admission is $15 dollars during the week and $20 Friday through Sunday. Active duty military members are admitted free of charge Thursdays through Saturdays. 230 Quails Gardens Drive, Encinitas. 760.436.3036. www.sdbgarden.org.

Sunday | 24 CHRISTMAS EVE AT EL ADOBE 11 a.m.-9 p.m. El Adobe de Capistrano invites members of the public to enjoy a Dana Point Times December 22, 2017-January 4, 2018

special Christmas menu created by Chef Carlos. 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1163. www.eladobedecapistrano.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

GINGERBREAD EXTRAVAGANZA 4 p.m. Every year Ritz-Carlton puts on a Gingerbread Extravaganza, but this year Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Haage showcases a “today’s attention on climate” themed extravaganza. Clean and sustainable energy will be represented through Californian landscapes created entirely out of gingerbread and sweets.

The extravaganza will be on display until Jan. 2. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

Monday | 25 CHRISTMAS DAY HOLIDAY BUFFET Noon-4 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton invites all to enjoy a holiday buffet with friends and family. Admission is $125. Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000. www.ritzcarlton.com.

Tuesday | 26 ELF CRAWL 2017 2 p.m. Dress like an elf and receive discounts at five local eateries in San Juan Capistrano. The crawl starts at Ricardo’s Place at 2 p.m. and ends at Five Vines Wine Bar. Kids and dogs are welcome from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. 32082 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.4700. www.sanjuanchamber.com.

Every Wednesday, learn how to make and then enjoy your favorite cocktails at Waterman’s Harbor. Photo: File

TUESDAY, DEC. 26: 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.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are welcome to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. www. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

Wednesday | 27 CANNON BATTLE SAILS 2-5 p.m. Climb aboard your favorite tall ship and learn the history that helped shape Dana Point, all while reenacting cannon battles with other visiting tall ships. Register online until the end of January to reserve your spot on your favorite tall ship. Admission is $65 for adults and $55 for children four and older.

See website for dates and times. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org/event.

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.

Thursday | 28 TAP TAKEOVER AT PUBLIC 74 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Bell’s Brewery and San Juan Capistrano’s PUBlic 74, invites members of the public to a night of specialty beers and food pairings. Admission is free.

PUBlic 74. 27211 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.2723. www.publicrestaurants.com.

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Friday | 29 LIVE MUSIC: WATERMAN’S HARBOR 4-7 p.m. Join Waterman’s Harbor for live music with Hans & Janine every Friday.

Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

Saturday | 30 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 Talega, San Clemente. 949.588.5054. www.facebook. com/2XUSanClemente.

(Cont. on page 19) www.danapointtimes.com

Time to Wine Down Local wineries bring a taste of wine country to OC

BY VICTOR CARNO

New Year, New Travel Plans Become a tourist at home, and abroad

BY ANN RONAN

With the New Year coming up, what new travel experiences do you crave? Local gems you’ve missed, family vacations not too far from home, or an adventure to an exotic destination you’ve never visited? The best trips are transformational experiences— you come back from them informed and changed.

Right in your backyard Put on fresh eyes and be a tourist right in your own town. Take a walking tour and be surprised at the juicy bits of information you’ll pick up. Did you know there once was a jail in the basement of the El Adobe Restaurant in San Juan Capistrano? Take an Architectural Walking Tour any Saturday or a Historical Walking Tour on Sunday from the train station and be entertained by stories about the colorful characters who made San Juan Capistrano such a quirky town.

Wander a bit further by creating a train adventure to San Diego—it’s a walkable city and there’s plenty of ride share options for tired feet. Hop on the Old Town Trolley to get an overview of the city while experiencing “transportainment,” a fun combination of transportation and entertainment. The New Children’s Museum in downtown connects kids to the arts and creativity. It’s filled with bubbles, blocks, clay, paints and interactive games that tempt kids to indulge their imagination.

Grownups (21+) can eat and drink their way through downtown San Diego with a “Bite Tour.” The tour starts in the historic Gaslamp Quarter and is sprinkled with local gossip about celebrities and politicians who lived here. Pizza, gourmet Indian, handmade desserts and a rooftop view will delight all of your senses.

Experience a new culture Winter is the best time to visit Thailand with great weather, affordable, yet luxurious, accommodations and airfare under $1,000 from LAX. All this has made Thailand the number one international destination for the

second year in a row.

Good natured, friendly people give Thailand the nickname “Land of Smiles.”

You’ll immediately find yourself relaxing and smiling along with them.

Pristine white beaches beckon you to dive in and snorkel or, for the more adventurous, Thailand has some of the most beautiful rock climbing routes. When you are ready to reluctantly climb out of the turquoise sea, fill up on the endless options of mouth-watering cuisine, including beautifully blended spices in curries, noodles and stir-fried meats.

Your trip will be filled with mind opening experiences of an exotic culture centered on Buddhism with magnificent temples and palaces, a long history and fascinating archaeological sites. You’ll come home with a new appreciation for cultures far different than ours.

Ann Ronan is a San Juan Capistrano travel consultant with a passion for making memorable travel simple. She offers her clients a unique combination of specialized knowledge, firsthand experience and strong personal contacts in the travel industry. She can be reached at ann@sjctravel.com or at 949.702.3977. Visit her website at www.sjctravel.com.

Find out more San Juan Capistrano Architectural Walking tours: Saturday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. weekly. Donation $5. Group tours available by appointment at 949.489.0736.

Orange County is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of wineries and vineyards, but rest assured, a trip to Paso Robles or Temecula isn’t necessary to experience an aerated, full bodied wine with an oaky finish and heady legs. For those who don’t speak wine, that just means “good wine.” Cut the travel time and highfalutin terminology with wineries right here in our backyard.

Take a tour through these highly rated Orange County wineries as you venture up the coast this winter, or at any other time of the year.

Rancho Capistrano Winery

26755 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.6682, www.ranchocapistranowinery.com.

With a record of 10 “Best of San Juan Capistrano” People’s Choice Horseshoe Awards wins, Rancho Capistrano Winery in San Juan Capistrano is an ideal place to start your wine tour through Orange County. Head winemaker Kylie Huffman and Chef Adrian de La Torre combine to make a powerful one-two punch of both great wine and great food.

“We originally intended to have some food just to keep it weird, but our food menu kept growing and growing by popular demand,” Owner Kyle Franson said.

“I’m partial to our truffle mushroom flatbread, paired with a smoky Tempranillo.”

Stop by any day of the week for a $15 wine tasting that includes a flight of five wines. With over 50 different wine selections and growing, it won’t be hard to find a wine suitable for any palate.

Laguna Canyon Winery

2133 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.715.9463, www.lagunacanyonwinerey.com.

Brothers Marlowe and Darren Huber brought 20 years of winemaking experience from British Columbia to Laguna Beach in 2003. Since they opened the winery in Laguna Beach 15 years ago, they

have continued to provide award-winning, artisan wine to Orange County locals and tourists alike. With five award-winning wines from the 2017 Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, the Huber brothers offer a wine tasting experience that rivals any.

Fan favorites include their savory Sonoma Valley syrah and “Purple Paws,” a fruit-forward red blend that donates a portion of proceeds to a homeless animal shelter. Wine tastings are $2 per taste and are offered every day of the week except Mondays.

Orange Coast Winery

869 W. 16th Street, Newport Beach, 949.645.0400, www.orangecoastwinery.com.

As you make your way up the coast, you would be remiss to pass over Orange Coast Winery. With a graduate degree in food science, co-owner Doug Wiens knows exactly what goes into a superior wine.

“Superior wine starts with excellent vineyard management,” Wiens said when discussing his approach to providing his customers with wine connoisseur-grade vino.

Debbie Wiens, co-owner of Orange Coast Winery and wife to Doug, brings the ambiance and personality to the business. Together, they produce over 16 different wine selections ranging from dark cabernet sauvignons to tropical viogniers.

As the holiday season is upon us and winter approaches, Wine Club Administrator Courtney Marton recommends their Endless Summer Big Wave ($59 a bottle) red blend to accompany any holiday meal.

“The Big Wave is a blend of cabernet franc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon and really pairs well with any hearty meat and potatoes meal.”

Orange Coast Winery offers tastings for $20 and includes six wines. A variety of whites, reds and sparkling wines are available to try too.

San Juan Capistrano Historical Society Walking tours: Sunday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. weekly. Donation $2. Group tours available by appointment. 949.483.8444.

The New Children’s Museum: 200 West Island Ave, San Diego. Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sunday noon-4:00 p.m.

Cost is $13 per person.

Bite Downtown San Diego Tour: Saturday and Sunday at noon. Lasts three hours over a two-mile route with visits to five or more restaurants. $47 per person. www.bitesandiego.com Thailand: Travel agents can quickly put together the best priced packages for you and suggest activities depending on your interests. Visit www.tourismthailand.org.

Rancho Capistrano Winery head winemaker Kylie Huffman (right) and Chef Adrian de La Torre (left) combine to make a powerful one-two punch of both great wine and great food. Photo: Victor Carno

SOUTH COUNTY DINING

Soup’s On! Try warming up with these three soups

BY ALLISON JARRELL

It’s no secret that Southern California doesn’t suffer from unbearably cold winters. But even the most warm-blooded of West Coasters can find themselves a bit chilly when the temperature dips below 50 degrees at night.

For those cool winter evenings, why not warm up with some soup? Below are three offerings from South Orange County restaurants that feature a fresh take on classic recipes.

Sundried Tomato SOUP

Sundried Tomato American Bistros & Catering, 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 821 Via Suerte, San Clemente, 949.661.1167, www.sundriedtomatobistro.com.

When Sundried Tomato restauranteur Rob Quest first opened what began as a catering company, he debuted a sundried tomato marinade with some of his dishes.

Eventually, the popular marinade was tested as a soup and was such a big hit, that it inspired Quest to open a restaurant of the same name.

“The tomato soup has been embedded in the history of the restaurant since 1993,” said general manager Saul Cruz.

“It’s kind of our trademark.”

Cruz said the marinade base of the soup needs 24 hours before being mixed in with an array of herbs, olive oil, garlic and balsamic vinegar. The marinade is then blended with a few other ingredients to create the creamy soup that local patrons know and love.

Sundried Tomato serves its namesake soup in cups or bowls, as part of a “half and half” meal accompanied by a salad or sandwich, and even as a sauce in some of their pasta dishes.

BEEF Pho

Pho Thanh Binh, 107 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente,949.369.3879.

Paul Bui, owner and chef of Vietnamese restaurant Pho Thanh Binh, is a firm believer in understanding and appreciating the history and culture behind the food we eat.

Bui is passionate about sharing the history of traditional pho—a Vietnamese noodle soup—and explaining the differ-

ences between regional recipes and how the quality of the ingredients makes or breaks authentic, delicious soup.

“Traditional pho is made with beef or chicken,” Bui explained. “But I came here, and lots of clients wanted seafood and vegetable pho.”

Bui accommodated the new requests, while also staying true to his roots over the last few years. The type of pho he serves is from North Vietnam and usually consists of beef or chicken, rice noodles, some onion and cilantro, and beef broth.

He also serves his generously-sized bowls of pho with toppings one would commonly find in South Vietnam—bean sprouts, basil, lime and jalapeños.

A bowl of Bui’s seemingly-bottomless pho is more than enough to satisfy even the most intense of hungers. But if you have room left, finish the experience with a sweet Vietnamese iced coffee.

Kabocha Pumpkin Soup

The Little Kitchen Asian Café, 24831 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.276.7799, www.thelittlekitchenasiancafe.com

For over six years, The Little Kitchen Asian Café in Dana Point has been changing its patrons’ perceptions of what a Chinese restaurant can and can’t serve— one bowl of pumpkin soup at a time.

“Initially, we weren’t too confident, because typically you don’t find pumpkin soup in a Chinese restaurant,” Lian said.

“But we wanted to bring something different to the table.”

The Kabocha Pumpkin Soup has been on the restaurant’s menu since day one, and the risk definitely paid off. Restaurant operations manager Chris Lian said the simplistic recipe has become a favorite among regulars, which is meticulously made every morning.

The signature pumpkin soup features California-grown Japanese pumpkins, some cream, a little butter and a dash of sugar.

Even though the recipe is fairly simple, creating the soup is anything but. Lian said prepping the pumpkins takes quite a bit of time—from removing the outer skin and scraping out the insides, to steaming the firm pumpkins for a couple hours until they’re soft enough to blend.

The tedious process is the reason why the soup is only offered after 4 p.m.

The Little Kitchen also offers traditional Chinese soups—wonton soup, egg drop soup and a hot and sour soup.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, in California?

Escape to these nearby hubs for a winter wonderland experience

LAKE TAHOE

BY RACHAEL MATTICE

Tis the season for savory feasts, family gatherings and reflecting on goals. Winter in Southern California is moderate and can often still equate to bathing suit weather, even with the strongest of prayers from four-season lovers. For those cursing the sun, sporting heavy-duty sweaters and sipping hot tea while dreaming of white flurries falling from the sky, there are several winter wonderland destinations to visit while staying within state lines. These cozy mountain towns offer romantic getaways, kid-friendly activities and adventurous outings for a Jack Frost-filled winter of fun.

Southern California

Central &Northern California

Idyllwild, Wrightwood, Lake Arrowhead

Mammoth Lakes, Lake Tahoe, McCloud

Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours by car Length of Stay: Weekend Southern California is home to a few snow-filled stops that are convenient for a weekend getaway. Idyllwild, a quaint community nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, is home to sweet cedars and a population of under 4,000. Locallyowned shops and restaurants fill the streets, making it the perfect stop for a hot cup of cocoa, building a snowman or taking photos of the scenery.

For those looking to downhill ski or snowboard, mountain communities like Wrightwood are preferred. Located only 15 miles off of Interstate 15 in the San Gabriel Mountains, visitors enjoy common activities such as camping, fishing, hiking and skiing. Wrightwood is home to access points such as Mt. Baden Powell, the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and Angeles National Forest, the latter offering plentiful opportunities for sledding and other snow play.

Lake Arrowhead is the largest unincorporated community of the three Southern California “hot spots” within the San Bernardino Mountains and offers several resort hotel accommodations for rest and relaxation. Rent a cabin from the trendy Saddleback Inn and Grill and enjoy rustic décor and a warm fireplace after a day of exploring.

Travel Time: 5.5, 8.5, 10.5 hours, respectively, by car Length of Stay: Three or four days The majestic Mammoth Lakes is a popular year-round hub, but fills up quickly for the winter months. Crosscountry skiing, snowboarding, snow biking, snowcat tours, snowmobiling and ice climbing are in abundance in this winter playground.

Northeast of San Francisco lies Lake Tahoe and surrounding Truckee and Squaw Valley villages. Conditions are ideal for skiing and swooshing through white powder while laid-back travelers might find comfort in the nearby casinos or with horse-drawn sleigh rides in South Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is also home to many artists and rejuvenation stations like Fifth Element Healing Center and Atelier for those looking to attend regular gallery showings or a wellness retreat.

McCloud is a small town accessible through the Mt. Shasta Cascade region of California, connecting visitors to nearby McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Much like many of the other winter destinations, this Northern California secret includes breathtaking views for snowboarding, skiing and even dog sledding, but offers a lot of reasonable prices and packages.

When the Weather Outside is Frightful Stay inside, learn and explore OC museums

BY VICTOR CARNO

While it is a blessing to have surf and sun here in South Orange County yearround, there are days where the temperature drops below 72 degrees and the cardigan makes its annual debut. On such a day, a museum is a fun and educational way to spend a cold, rainy day. Not all museums are endless hallways of avantgarde pieces you have to pretend to understand; there are plenty of museums in the area where you can learn about aerospace engineering or our rich history in surfing and Native American artifacts.

Here are a few must-see museums in the tri-city area and in the greater Orange County area to explore this winter.

• Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum and

Acjachemen Cultural Center 31806 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.751.7258, www.sanjuancapistrano.net

A work of art in and of itself, the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum and Acjachemen Cultural Center is one of the last plaza adobes to house soldiers and local Native Americans who worked at the Mission San Juan Capistrano in the 18th century. Originally described as the “House of Hope,” the Blas Aguilar Adobe features a native plants garden along with artifacts that portray the interactions between European settlers and the village of Acjachema in the 1760s. After years of closure and renovations, the museum was reopened in 2017. Visit Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

• Crevier Classic Cars 365 Clinton St, Costa Mesa, 714.426.0238, www.crevierclassiccars.com.

Unlike most museums, Crevier Classic Cars is not a curated compilation of exhibits, but rather an active community of gearheads. The space acts as a storage facility for classic, ultra-rare and exotic cars. Almost every vehicle is privatelyowned by a member or is on sale.

“We are really a club. We have a pool table, a bar and members store their cars here,” General Manger Jeff Vitz said.

Besides being an active community, Crevier offers car enthusiasts a trip down automotive history lane, offering the public a place to host events amongst the engineering marvels. Visit any day of the week; admission is free.

• Discovery Cube Orange County 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823, www.discoverycube.org.

The Discovery Cube Orange County has been making science fun for over 35 years with hands-on science exhibits for children of all ages. The museum has over seven interactive exhibits including the shake-shack and the hurricane tube always on display for guests, but new exhibits are continually rolled out. Right now, guests can enjoy a new exhibit featuring a virtual helicopter tour over the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

The Discovery Cube is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are $17.95 for adults or $12.95 for children.

Surfing Heritage and Culture Center 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, 949.388.0313, www.surfingheritage.org.

The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) is a nonprofit organization with three simple goals—to preserve, present and promote the sport of surfing. Home to four original Duke Kahanamoku boards, SHACC prides itself on preserving even the earliest surf artifacts and photographs. “We have everything from bins of surfing video games, to wet suits, to the complete The Endless Summer collection, including its artwork, posters and film cameras,” said Barry Haun, curator for SHACC. “We even have boards that belonged to Kelly Slater and Andy Irons.” If photography piques your interest, SHACC has over 100,000 images displayed throughout the museum.

SHACC is closed on Sundays, and admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

Hot Yoga Where to try it: Orange County Yoga Studio, Bikram Yoga San Clemente www.ocyogastudio.com, www.bikramsc.com

Heating Up

Photo: Meera Michelle Photography

Sweat your way to total body wellness this winter with these exercises

BY RACHAEL MATTICE

The changing of the seasons and shorter days of winter often draw people inward, hiding from outside activities, problems, emotions and regular behaviors. People choose to stay in and watch movies rather than meet friends, or choose to indulge in comfort food rather than embrace the colder temperatures as an opportunity to head to the gym. Adding warmth back into routines during the dark months can make a dramatic impact on mood and energy. Exercise that cultivate heat such as yoga, cycling and high intensity interval training (HIIT) are a few examples that can invigorate oneself out of hibernation and back to wholeness, whether that be physically, mentally or emotionally.

The well-known Bikram Choudhuryfounded yoga practice traditionally follows a sequence of 26 poses and breath work in a heated room. A mixture of strengthening and stretching specific muscles, ligaments and joints, the deep cleansing, total body exercise leaves the practitioner soaked in sweat by the end of the class.

The extensive heat in traditional Bikram or hot yoga classes—which can be tried out at Bikram Yoga San Clemente—may not be suitable for everyone, which is why some yoga businesses such as Orange County Yoga Studio focus on different disciplines that cultivate heat from within.

“Our flow and ashtanga classes—both focus on linking breath and movement—are energizing,” said John Manacmul, co-owner and instructor at Orange County Yoga Studio and former instructor at San Clemente’s Asana FIT studio. “Many yoga postures are effort-driven and physically demanding, including standing poses, inversions and backbends. Our teachers carefully sequence to warm up their students and prepare their bodies for more advanced postures. Even in our align class offerings— which emphasize the precision of asana alignment and use of props—students will

find themselves building a lot of internal heat by working and refining specific actions associated with a variety of poses.”

Cycling/Spin Where to try it: CB CycleBarn, CTL Cycling Studio www.cbcyclebarn.com, www.ctlcyclingstudio.com

Cycling classes offer the ultimate cardio therapy, yielding massive heat-produced sweat puddles. Fast-paced and typically accompanied by music dripping in heavy bass, an hour-long cycling class can burn hundreds of calories, leaving the exerciser steaming and in need of an extra pair of clothes just to drive home.

High Intensity Interval Training Where to try it: PedalBox Gym, Total Training www.pedalboxgym.com, www.totaltrainingfit.com

For those who find themselves restless from a routine-based program, high intensity interval training (HIIT) is the metaphorical box of chocolates—a variety of strength, cardio and circuit training that changes themes every day. This high calorie-burning technique alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity that are guaranteed to leave muscles on fire.

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 10) SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Millertime Boogie, followed by Hollywood Hillbillies at 8:30 p.m. Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 31 HENDRIX NIGHT LIVE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Ring in the New Year at the newly opened Hendrix Restaurant and Bar. Enjoy food, drinks, and live performances from Addie Hamilton, Sonic Boom and local favorite Stone Jones.

Tickets start at $25. Hendrix Restaurant and Bar. 32431 Street of the Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel. 949.248.1912. www.hendrixoc.com.

Monday | 01 KOI FISH FEEDING 12:45 p.m. Every day, visitors are welcomed to help Mission San Juan Capistrano feed their koi fish in both courtyards. Fish food is free for Mission Preservation Society members and $1 for non-members. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.

COUNTRY DANCING AND ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR 7 p.m.-Midnight. Stop by the Swallows Inn for country dancing with DJ Patrick and a happy hour that lasts all day.

Enjoy a steak dinner for $13 when you are finished with the dance floor. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Tuesday | 02 OCEAN EXPLORER WINTER DAY CAMP 9a.m.-4 p.m. Children six to 12 are welcome aboard the historic tall ship, Spirit of Dana Point, for a day of exploring Dana Point’s marine ecosystem.

The Ocean Explorer Day Camp goes on Wednesday and Thursday as well. Tickets are $85 per day. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.oceaninstitute.org.

HAPA J’S TACO TUESDAY 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Join Hapa J’s for a taco Tuesday that reaches beyond your average chicken or carne asada tacos. Enjoy seared ahi poke, kalbi short rib and kalua pig tacos in addition to the more traditional selections. 2016 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.276.6675. www.hapajs.com.

at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

KARAOKE AT GOODY’S 8 p.m. Karaoke every Tuesday night at Goody’s Tavern in San Clemente.

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

Wednesday | 03 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.

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 story time. Registration is not required.

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

On Stage at the Coach House:

Donavon Frankenreiter

BY ALLISON JARRELL, DANA POINT TIMES

R

enowned musician and surfer Donavon Frankenreiter will be catching a “Big Wave” back to his Orange County stomping grounds for a show at The Coach House on New Year’s Eve. Frankenreiter is no stranger to South Orange County—he grew up surfing in San Clemente, and by the age of 15, he found himself surfing professionally and being sponsored by the likes of Billabong and Hobie Surfboards.

Frankenreiter also developed his love of music at an early age and was inspired to try his hand at the guitar as a teenager.

After forming the band, Sunchild, in the mid-1990s, Frankenreiter released a solo EP in 2002 and went on to eventually produce his first album under Jack Johnson’s label in 2004.

Since then, Frankenreiter has successfully cultivated his laidback, breezy acoustic style, releasing six albums including his latest, The Heart, which marks his second decade as a solo recording artist.

His newest album includes tracks like,

Photo: Courtesy

“Big Wave,” “Sleeping Good Tonight,” “The Way You Catch the Light,” and “When the River Bends,” that explore love, loss, faith, joy, freedom and selfexamination.

“All these songs are as close to me singing from the heart as I can,” Frankenreiter said in a press release. “It’s a complete record; the songs are intertwined. I had to call it ‘The Heart,’ that was the theme of the record.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 for the show, which begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano. For tickets or more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www. thecoachhouse.com. DP

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

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

Photo: Lucasfilm Ltd. © 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd.

At the Movies: Johnson Keeps ‘Star Wars’ on Track

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

Thursday | 04 TABLE TENNIS FOR SENIORS 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All seniors 55 or older are welcome to join the Table Tennis Club at the Shorecliff Terrace Mobile Home Park. Any skill level is welcomed and entry is free. 3000 Calle Nuevo, San Clemente. 949.481.2275. jnl5555@yahoo.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform Dana Point Times December 22, 2017-January 4, 2018

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.

S

tar Wars: Episode VIII— The Last Jedi surprisingly became the most divisive and polarizing movie to end 2017.

After J.J. Abrams revived the franchise with the very successful, but very creatively safe, Episode VII— The Force Awakens (2015) and then Gareth Edwards gave us the barely decent side film Rogue One (2016), San Clemente’s own Rian Johnson had a lot on his shoulders to keep the series afloat for fans. The result currently in theaters is fascinating, to say the least.

Picking up where The Force Awakens left off, Rey (Daisy Ridley) is still courting Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to mentor her into becoming a Jedi and connecting with the Force. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is trying to recruit Rey to turn her potential

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over to the dark side. Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) is having to deal with Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) ignoring her orders; and Finn (John Boyega) meets Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) who can be a great help to the Rebellion.

What most people were likely expecting was for the second film in this new trilogy to be like Episode V— The Empire Strikes Back (1980): darker and deeper. It is safe to say that Johnson’s new feature is not along the lines of Empire. It is completely its own thing and is the least “Star Wars-y” film made in terms of tone. Some will like the overt comic relief, some might not. Some might not like the character developments. For the first time ever, I’m recommending a Star Wars movie to viewers who aren’t fans. DP www.danapointtimes.com

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DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY FROM THE ARCHIVES

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

December is an Emotional Month for Many

T

he month of December can be an emotional time for people of all ages, particularly for those over 50. Sometimes the emotions are sad, sometimes happy. With a new year coming, people reflect more than usual about what’s in store for them in the months ahead.

This December, I think of my friend Melinda in Santa Rosa, California; it’s been a tough year for her. In January, her husband Dale passed away unexpectedly.

Then, in October, the home she and Dale purchased in 2016, was destroyed in the Napa-Sonoma Counties wildfires.

And we can’t forget the thousands of Californians statewide who have also lost their homes in the recent wildfires. You can imagine how emotionally difficult December is for them.

And I think of Sue, my Jackson, Michigan, high school classmate, who this year married Phil, another classmate friend of mine, in a storybook scenario, only to have him pass away four months later. I spoke with her this week. “A day at a time,” she said, “I am going to be okay.”

ON LIFE AND Then there is Mary LOVE AFTER 50 Lou, of San Clemente,

By Tom Blake who in September had double total knee replacement surgery.

She said, “Now I am three months out from the surgery and still recovering. I can now walk without pain, and without any aids such as a walker or cane. It is truly a miracle.”

And despite sore new knees, Mary Lou is putting a positive spin on her life by working in her business, where she tutors students who are preparing to take the bar exam.

Mary Lou said, “I am on the cusp of a new phase in my life. Who knows? I might meet someone. I miss having a man in my life. Your recent newsletter message of hope, change and new beginnings struck a chord with me because of all the good things that can come out of the pain.”

December can be challenging for relationships. Perhaps, because a new year is looming, people who are unhappy in relationships decide it’s time for a change, or it’s time to move on, hoping to start in a new direction on their own. Often, the partner, spouse, or significant other has no idea these thoughts are brewing within

Dana Point Times December 22, 2017-January 4, 2018

their mate’s head.

I speak from experience. On Christmas Eve of 1993, while I was in Northern California visiting my 83-year-old mom, I did not know that my wife of six years was cleaning out our house, taking furniture and belongings she wanted and moving out of my life. What a shock. That was an emotionally sad December for me.

Now, this December, 24 years later, I am very grateful that what happened to me led to a writing career and to a wonderful life with my partner Greta.

A similar experience happened to a woman I consider to be a dear friend, although we’ve never met in person. Liping, who hails from China, contacted me in 2007 when her husband had left her.

Her December that year was an emotional downer.

We’ve kept in touch, on and off, since.

This week, I asked her for an update on her life.

Liping wrote, “When I read your recent newsletter, I cried; it brought back memories of 2007 when my ex went back to China and left me and my teenage son in the USA without any clue or warning, and then a difficult divorce followed in 2008.

“In 2013, I met David via Craigslist. We have been married four years. We share a lot of the same interests. He likes hiking, reading and doing crafts. He has two daughters and he is a wonderful, loving father to them.

“So, this December, I am so glad and lucky to have found him. I am very happy and peaceful.”

For people going through an emotional December that might be on the sad side of the fence, remember that out of adversity comes opportunity and the chance for a better life. I found it. Liping found it. And, Melinda, Sue and Mary Lou will find it.

And you will, too.

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, The Capistrano Dispatch 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 The Capistrano Dispatch or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@thecapistranodispatch.com

Photo: Laguna Beach Panhellenic Club

DANA POINT YACHT RACE, 1929. Developer H. Sidney Woodruff presents a cup to the winner of a Dana Point regatta, 1929. This is just one sample of the many items included in the time capsule placed at Dana Point Harbor during the harbor’s “rock placing” (groundbreaking) in 1966. The capsule was opened during a special ceremony in Aug. 2016.

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.

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:

Page 20

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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THE COACH HOUSE www.thecoachhouse.com TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930 12/22 EDDIE MONEY 12/23 RAT PACK TRIBUTE CHRISTMAS 12/27 ANDREW MCMAHON IN THE WILDERNESS Acoustic 12/28 ANDREW MCMAHON IN THE WILDERNESS Acoustic 12/29 12/29 THE BABYS THE BABYS 12/30 SUPER DIAMOND

(Neil Diamond tribute) 12/31 DONAVON FRANKENREITER 1/5 COCO MONTOYA 1/6 PONCHO SANCHEZ 1/7 DOUG STARK presents COMEDY 1/11 THE SUBDUDES 12/31 1/12 TOMMY CASTRO DONAVON AND THE PAINKILLERS Stompin’ FRANKENREITER

Ground Record Release tour 1/13 DESPERADO

(Eagles Tribute) 1/14 KRIS KRISTOFFERSON 1/19 LITTLE RIVER BAND 1/20 Guitar Legend DICK DALE 1/5 1/21 HERMAN’S HERMITS COCO

starring PETER NOONE MONTOYA 1/23 MICHAEL NESMITH

& First National Band 1/24 JOHN HIATT & The Goners

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with THE FENIANS 3/18 JIM MESSINA 3/23 BEATLES vs STONES 2/16 3/24 CARL PALMER’S ELP LEGACY THE 5th DIMENSION 3/25 MARTIN SEXTON 4/4 ARLO GUTHRIE 4/14 MELISSA MANCHESTER 4/15 LOS LONELY BOYS 4/20 DIXIE DREGS 4/21 Y&T 4/22 WISHBONE ASH 5/8 MADELEINE PEYROUX 2/17 5/16 BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS 6/7 An Evening with ULI JON ROTH 866.468.3399 Like Us on

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STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Point Sports & Outdoors Year in Review

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he 2017 calendar year was filled with memorable Dana Point sports moments. From the thrills of the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling and the Pacific Paddle Games to witnessing locals shine on the national stage, it all made for a memorable year.

Here is a look back at some of the defining Dana Point sports moments of 2017.

JANUARY Girls Basketball Team Has Historic Season The Dana Hills High School girls basketball team had its best season in program history, compiling a 20-7 overall record.

The highlight of the season was a 12-game win streak that lasted six weeks. The Dolphins lost just twice in the month of January.

FEBRUARY Dolphins Sign National Letters of Intent Dana Hills High School had 12 studentathletes sign their National Letter of Intent during a signing day ceremony on campus on Feb. 1, indicating their college of choice.

MARCH Baseball Makes Cinderella Run The Dana Hills High School baseball team put on a show competing in the National High School Baseball Invitational in Cary, North Carolina. The high-profile tournament featured the best teams in the nation, and the Dolphins advanced to the tournament’s championship game, where they lost to regional rival Orange Lutheran.

Clockwise: A Dana Outrigger Canoe Club team competed in Lima, Peru in the South American Canoe Championships. Photo: Courtesy The Dana Hills High School boys swim & dive team won its first-ever CIF-SS Division 1 title in 2017. Photo: Courtesy Hans Crouse was taken 66th overall in the 2017 MLB Draft. Photo: Kevin Dahlgren

MAY

AUGUST

OCTOBER

Swim Team Captures CIF Title An all-around performance powered the Dana Hills High School boys swim and dive team to its first ever CIF-SS Division 1 title. The Dolphins won three relay events and senior Jake Greenberg was crowned the Division 1 diving champion.

Shootout for Soldiers Returns to Dana Point Shootout for Soldiers, a 24-hour charity lacrosse exhibition that benefits activeduty and military veterans, was held at Dana Hills High School. The event, which is becoming an annual tradition, hosted thousands of lacrosse players over a twoday stretch.

Boys Cross Country Wins County Title The Dana Hills boys cross country team successfully defended its title by winning the Orange County Cross Country Championship’s sweepstakes race for a second consecutive season.

SUP Trio Paddles from Catalina to DP After 11 hours, local stand-up paddleboarders Ron Hoffmeyer, Jeff and Austin Hughes completed a 40-mile open ocean paddle from Avalon Beach in Catalina to the Dana Point Harbor.

Dana Outrigger Heads to South America For the second straight year, a small group of Dana Outrigger Canoe Club paddlers competed in the South American Canoe Championships. The local team was the only American team in attendance.

NOVEMBER

JUNE Crouse Taken by Rangers in MLB Draft Hard-throwing right-handed pitcher Hans Crouse was taken 66th overall by the Texas Rangers in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft on June 12. Crouse spent 2017 pitching in the rookie-ball Arizona League.

APRIL

JULY

Dana Point Grand Prix Returns For the 11th time, the eyes of the criterium bicycle racing world turned its attention to Dana Point, as the best riders in the country competed in the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling.

949 Volleyball Wins Gold The 949 Volleyball Club, which draws players from town, took home four medals at the USA Volleyball Junior National Championship tournament, including two gold-medal efforts.

Dana Point Times December 22, 2017-January 4, 2018

SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER

Doheny Hosts Pacific Paddle Games Doheny State Beach welcomed the standup paddleboarding world as host of the Pacific Paddle Games. The annual event is the largest gathering of the SUP community on the sport’s calendar.

X-C Team Closes Season Strong The Dana Hills boys cross country team ended its season competing in the highprofile Footlocker Western Regional meet.

Three Dolphin runners placed in the top75 at the race.

Page 22

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

Dolphin Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Boys Basketball Takes Silver at Garden Grove Dana Hills rode big wins to the final and second-place at the Garden Grove Four City Classic.

The Dolphins (6-4) scored convincing wins over Bolsa Grande, 60-42, Santa Ana, 60-34, and Los Amigos, 53-39, before taking on host Garden Grove in the tournament final.

Ben Carr was among Dana Hills’ top scorers throughout the tournament and put up 23 points in the championship game, but Garden Grove was stronger in a nine-point victory, 67-58.

Dana Hills has opened the season on the playoff radar with a No. 16 ranking in the first CIF-SS Division 4AA poll. This season has been a solid bounce back from the 9-17 campaign of 2016-17.

The Dolphins will continue to test their mettle in the Rancho Mirage Holiday Classic on Tuesday, Dec. 26 before opening league play in the new year.

Girls Basketball Earns CIF-SS Ranking Dana Hills is ranked fourth in the opening CIF-SS Division 2A poll of the season.

The poll was released Dec. 11.

After a disappointing first-round loss in the Division 2A playoffs last season, the Dolphins opened the season with a fivegame winning streak and are in the mix again with a 7-4 record.

Dana Hills dropped a tough game against the Trinity League’s Orange Lutheran, 52-48, on Thursday, Dec. 16 and move on to the West Coast Jamboree at Heritage High of Romoland on Dec. 28.

Reed Romo, left, Ben Carr and the Dana Hills boys basketball team placed second at the Garden Grove Four City Classic tournament. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Girls Soccer Battles Through Injuries, Illness Dana Hills lost eight players, including six starters, to various ailments as the Dolphins split their last two games.

Dana Hills (2-4) played with just one player on its bench in a 5-0 loss to Huntington Beach, seventh-ranked in CIF-SS Division 1. However, the Dolphins fought back with a win over El Toro, 3-2, on Dec. 18.

Riley Coffey maintained her great form for Dana Hills with two goals and an assist against El Toro.

The Dolphins will continue to need strong individual efforts as the schedule does not let up after the holiday break.

Dana Hills comes back Tuesday, Jan. 9 with Trabuco Hills, top-ranked in Division 2, before transitioning into an always tough South Coast League slate.

Girls Water Polo Splits Week The Dolphins continued to alternate wins and losses.

Dana Hills defeated Coast View Conference foe Aliso Niguel, 8-6, for its third straight win over the Wolverines. The Dolphins followed with a loss to Schurr of Montebello, 12-3, in the Santa Margarita Showcase.

Dana Hills will open South Coast League play against title favorite San Clemente on Tuesday, Jan. 9. The Tritons are No. 13 in the opening combined CIF-SS Division 1 and 2 polls.

Editor’s Note After nearly six years I will no longer be the sports guy at Picket Fence Media. This sports page will be the last with my byline on it and I’d like to take a moment and thank all of you for your energy, enthusiasm and help throughout the years.

Thanks to all the student-athletes and coaches at Dana Hills High School for allowing me to share your stories. It was an honor and a blast.

This sports page will be in good hands with new sports editor Zach Cavanagh taking charge. Thanks to all my awesome and talented coworkers, past and present, who believe in the importance of local news and for helping me along the way. They’re a passionate bunch.

Thanks for everything, and thanks for reading. —Steve Breazeale

Page 24

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DP DP SURF

Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

GROM OF THE WEEK

CORA NORDHEIM

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

There are a variety of holiday gifts for the surfer in your family. Photo: File

If Only Santa Surfed Holiday gift ideas for the wave-rider in the family

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen I was 10 years old, my parents gave me a wetsuit for Christmas. It was a used, navy blue O’Neill 3-millimeter full suit. I was so proud of my new rubber that, unbeknownst to my folks, I wore it to school under my clothes the first day back from vacation. Trying to be sneaky, I wore jeans and a turtleneck over it (hey, it was the 1980s, turtlenecks were cool). By first recess, I was drowning in sweat and my neck was completely chafed. Staunchly dedicated to my ridiculous line of reasoning, I kept the suit on all day. When I got home from school around 3 p.m., I was a miserable, swampy mess, but so stoked.

Thirty years down the track, I was taking my daughter to school when she blurted out, “Mom, I haven’t got anything for you for Christmas yet. We can’t figure out what to get you.”

Therein lies the conundrum of holiday gift giving for the surfer in your family. It can be as satisfyingly easy as a new wetsuit for the grom or as challenging as figuring out what to get the salty old wave-rider who has a dozen boards in their rack, a full Dana Point Times December 22, 2017-January 4, 2018

wardrobe of wetsuits and doesn’t really appear to need, or want, much. When it comes to buying presents for surfers, a great rule of thumb is to keep it simple.

Don’t overthink things…that’s kind of one of the surf mantras, after all.

First, if you’re considering buying a new board for that special someone, let them pick it out. Surfboards are a highly personal thing and everybody has their own unique kink. It’s much more nuanced than deciding between a shortboard or a longboard. For the lifelong surfer, picking out a new board means fondling the rails, feeling the swing weight under arm and eyeballing the outline from every conceivable angle. There is no shortage of great surf shops in San Clemente, so if you’re dead-set on buying your beau a board, take them shopping or put a gift certificate under the tree.

Admittedly, new surfboards are expensive. A fresh sled off the rack will set you back between $500 to $800, so it’s understandable if you don’t want to go that big. Thankfully, for as minimalist as some surfers try to be, there’s no shortage of gear you can load up on. No surfer is going to complain if you get them a fresh set of fins for Christmas. Depending on what materials and design you go with, a well-tuned set of FCS or Futures shortboard fins will cost between $75 to $120 (make sure and include a gift receipt, because like boards, fins are a matter of personal taste). Another clutch idea is a new leash. They’re typically under $40 and are the gift that will keep on giving all year long. Board socks, board bags,

ding repair kits, wax—they’re all stuff the surfer in your life will use on a day-in, day-out basis.

With the winter water temps sliding down to the upper 50s, it may also be time to upgrade their wetsuit. A good 3-millimeter fullsuit will run between $300 to $500 depending on the brand and what kind of sales are going on. With wetsuits, you usually get what you pay for, so when shopping, be sure to ask the salesperson about the suit’s materials, seam construction and most important what kind of warranty is offered. If you don’t want to go the fullsuit route, 1-millimeter or 2-millimeter wetsuit tops, also called “jackets” are a great idea that’s reasonably priced (they’re perfect for summertime around here). Booties and hoods for the cold dawn patrol sessions are also usually much appreciated.

If you’re not in the market for surf gear, fret not. Remember, surfers are easy. A warm flannel shirt, a baggy hooded sweatshirt or a cozy beanie all are great for getting the body temp back up post session. New sandals or boardshorts never disappoint either. You could also throw down and get them a new California State Park pass for $195.

As this goes to press, we’re about 96 hours away from Christmas. The tide’s not completely out yet, there’s still time to swing through the San Clemente Surf Ghetto or hit up your favorite surf shop.

Happy holidays, and if you get your grommet a wetsuit, make sure he or she’s not wearing under their clothes when they go back to school in a of couple weeks. DP

Page 26

t was a family trip to Costa Rica when she was 11 years old that really sold San Clemente’s Cora Nordheim on surfing.

“My dad introduced me to the ocean, and I first got started by my uncle, Bill, teaching me everything and taking me out at Old Man’s,” Cora said, “but I really got into it when I visited Costa Rica.”

Four years since that fateful trip to Central America, today Cora’s a 15-year-old freshman at Mater Dei High School. She’s quickly asserted herself as a valuable member of the school’s surf team, and when she’s not studying or training, chances are you’ll find her in the water at T-Street or Middles.

“I enjoy the peace of surfing out in the water because once I get out there, I don’t have to do anything accept be in God’s country,” Cora explained. “I don’t have to do homework or chores.”

As far as what she’d like to get out of the sports, Cora’s got designs on going the distance with it.

“I would like to be a professional surfer if possible because I would be able to impact a lot of people’s lives and be able to travel,” she said. “If that doesn’t work out, I would like to be a pilot because I feel like we spend so much time on the ground, why not spend it in the air and enjoy the ride and view?”. DP

Cora Nordheim. Photo: The Nordheim family

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59-62 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Small WNW swell and South swell continues the back half of the week with conditions looking favorable in the mornings. Better South swell lining up around the Christmas holiday. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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