February 16, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

February 16-22, 2018 YO U

C A N

U S E

Positive Vibe Warriors Take the Stoke to South African Youth PAGE 18 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 7

Tangentially Living Local artist keeps life moving forward by letting go and giving away E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

www.danapointtimes.com

Hyatt Moore in his home and studio, where he and his wife Anne work as full-time artists.

Moore will soon be releasing his latest series, The Beatitudes. Photo: Daniel Ritz

Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala Offers First Introduction to the Wim Hof Method DP LIVING/PAGE 13

Dana Point Names New Chief of Police EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Dana Point Receives Letter from Attorney Urging Voluntary Change to District Voting System EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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Anthony Small Named Newest Member of California Arts Council 2018 Grant Review Panel

Five things Dana Point should know this week

THE LATEST: Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission Director Anthony Small was recently named a member of the California Arts Council 2018 Grant Review Panel.

Small will serve as a member of a six-toeight-person committee helping to shape a creative California, participating in cultural policy and gaining insight into the grantmaking process.

Small said he was honored that he was selected. He said he was initially researching grant opportunities for his role in the Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission when he saw the opportunity to participate in the Grant Review Panel. The California Arts Council invests in California nonprofit arts organizations, units of government and social service/community nonprofit organizations via competitive grant programs designed to foster social progress and a sense of community through participation in the arts.

City Receives Letter from Attorney Urging Change to Current At-Large Voting System THE LATEST: On Feb. 2, the city of Dana Point City’s Clerk department received a letter from Russell Myrick of The RDM Legal Group in La Jolla, expressing their belief that “voting within Dana Point is racially polarized, resulting in minority vote dilution, and therefore Dana Point’s at-large elections violate the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 (CVRA),” according to the letter.

Myrick’s letter continues, stating “To establish a violation of the CVRA, a plaintiff must generally show that racially polarized voting occurs in elections for members of the governing body of the political subdivision or in elections incorporating other electoral choices by voters of the political subdivision. Given the historical lack of Latino representation on the City Council in the context of racially polarized elections, we urge Dana Point to voluntarily change its at-large system of electing council members. Otherwise, on behalf of several concerned residents of the City of Dana Point, we will be forced to seek judicial relief.”

Myrick’s claims of underrepresentation are based on 2014 data showing Latino’s comprise almost 18 percent of Dana Point’s 34,000 citizens.

Most cities, school districts and other jurisdictions targeted under the state’s voting rights law have switched, rather than wage costly court battles. Jurisdictions vulnerable to lawsuits under the act generally have significant minority populations, with few or no minority elected officials.

Myrick’s letter specifically notes that in Dana Point, Carlos Olvera, who was elected in 2013, has been the only Latino in 20 years to successfully secure a City Council seat.

WHAT’S NEXT: The Dana Point City Council has until March 19, 45 days from the date of issuance, to hold a hearing considering resolution. From the date of that hearing, the City Council will have 90 days to adopt an ordinance for the city regarding new district-oriented voting in which no minority is diluted from electing Dana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

WHAT’S NEXT: The learn more about the Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission, visit www.danapoint.org. —DR

City Holds Community Forum Addressing Homelessness Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission Director Anthony Small was recently named a member of the California Arts Council 2018 Grant Review Panel. Photo: Courtesy

candidates of their choice. These timelines were established by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2016 in a series of multi-faceted measures aimed to streamline cities’ conversion to district-based elections while simultaneously curbing a rash of serial and costly litigation. —Daniel Ritz

City of Dana Point Selects New Chief of Police Services THE LATEST: Lt. Margie Sheehan of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) has been selected as Dana Point’s new Chief of Police Services.

Sheehan is a South Orange County resident as well as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from Cambridge University and is currently pursuing a second degree of administration of justice from California Coast University.

Sheehan has worked for OCSD for 23 years and has experience in special

investigations, patrol operations, community policing and outreach, and crisis and emergency response, according to a statement from Dana Point City Manager Mark Denny.

“Dana Point was fortunate to have several high-caliber candidates come forward to serve our community. After extensive interviews, we determined that Lt. Sheehan will continue the tradition of exceptional law enforcement services in Dana Point. Her accomplishments and strong character will provide continued leadership in our police services team,” Denny said.

“I am pleased to see that Dana Point will continue to provide premier police services to the community. Lt. Sheehan’s accomplished career and leadership experience will ensure a successful transition,” exclaimed outgoing Chief Russ Chilton.

WHAT’S NEXT: Sheehan will begin work in early March proceeding the retirement of current Chief Russ Chilton. Sheehan is slated to formally begin on March 16.

—DR

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THE LATEST: On Feb. 13, the city of Dana Point hosted a community forum addressing homelessness at the Capo Beach Church. Dana Point City Council member Paul Wyatt, who also heads the Dana Point Homeless Task Force (HTF), introduced the meeting with presentations and questionand-answer sessions to hear public opinion concerning homelessness in Dana Point.

After an introduction explaining the origin and reconstruction of the HTF in 2017, including an introduction to the various voting and non-voting members of the HTF, Wyatt introduced one of the evening’s keynote speakers, Dana Point City Manager Mark Denny. Denny explained that the forum was a conscious effort by the city to increase public awareness of city activity revolving around the increasing homeless community in Dana Point.

Speaking next was Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, who opened with a timeline graphing the decrease in property and violent crimes in Orange County since a peak in 1990. Noting a definable decrease in crime after the application of the “three-strikes” laws that held increased penalties for three-time felony offenders. Rackauckas continued, explaining (Cont. on page 4) www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) a variety of state legislature changes that impacted crime and homeless population growth since approximately 2014; including AB 109, Proposition 47 and Proposition 57.

AB109, signed by Governor Brown in 2011, effectively shifted responsibility for certain populations of offenders from the state to counties. Commonly referred to as the “Realignment Act,” AB109 was constructed to meet a U.S. Supreme Court order to reduce the state’s prison population by allowing for current nonviolent, nonserious and non-sex offenders to be shifted upon release at the local county level.

Rackauckas continued, explaining to the crowd of almost 75 Dana Point residents, how Proposition 47 and Proposition 57 have increased the potential for crime to increase respectively; reducing potential felonies to misdemeanors and potentially reducing the penalty of time served by those previously convicted of reclassified crimes, including “three strikes,” felonies and parole consideration for nonviolent felons.

“What happens to suspects that are receiving all of these misdemeanor citations?” asked City Council member Debra Lewis.

Rackauckas explained that he believed these citations were not effective, and penalty upon non-payment or appearance in court was not timely.

After Rackauckas, Denny returned to the stage where he gave an update on homeless activity. He gave a lengthy explanation of the various programs Dana Point is using, specially pointing out an emphasis on recommendation services and “Life on the Streets” programs.

“We are interested in stopping homelessness, not simply dealing with it,” Denny said.

Mercy House Outreach Coordinator Stephani Ogas, who is contracted by the city of Dana Point, joined Denny for a question-and-answer session pertaining to direct homeless community interaction.

The conversation quickly escalated surrounding the daily Welcome INN “feed” at Doheny State Beach. A number of community members voiced their exasperation surrounding the feed’s negative enabling and possible homeless community attracting potential.

When asked what the city was doing concerning the feed, Denny responded stating, “I don’t know of any free country where you can stop volunteers from gathering and giving food to other people. We have spoken with the leaders of this feed, and they are aware of our feelings.”

He encouraged any members of the forum who were members of the 18 faithbased groups that organize the feed to speak with their leadership and express their concerns.

WHAT’S NEXT: Dana Point Chief of Police Services Lt. Russ Chilton said that most of the churches involved in the feed at Doheny were aware of the public concern surrounding the daily event.

“We are in a transition stage,” Chilton said, to a number of vocal forum atDana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

tendees. “Alternatives are actively being considered.”

The evening concluded with a lengthy public commentary session, where Chilton and Denny both repeated, on numerous occasions, the importance of picking up the phone, as Chilton said, and calling city representatives or sheriff’s department authorities when interaction with the homeless occurs.

“Too often, I read (a personal testimonial) about an event days later on Nextdoor or Facebook,” Chilton said. “One of the biggest continuous issues is under-reporting. Reporting on social media is simply not enough.”—DR

OCSD Arrests Dana Point Fraud Suspect; Seeks Additional Victims THE LATEST: Investigators from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Economic Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the United States Secret Service, have Daniel Lee Case arrested Daniel Lee Case, 49, of Dana Point, on suspicion of running a forced sale fraud scheme at multiple businesses resulting in an estimated multi-million-dollar loss.

Case was arrested at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 23 at a storage facility in Dana Point. He subsequently was booked into Orange County jail.

Case is accused of going into several local businesses in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties and convincing the merchants to use a forced sale method on their Point of Sale (POS) terminal to complete the sale transactions. Forced sale fraud refers to a scam in which the suspect uses a counterfeit/invalid/dormant credit card and bypasses typical authorizations by having the merchants force the transactions through their POS terminals.

In several reported incidents, Case fraudulently purchased vehicles, jewelry, high-end watches, computers, cellular phones, tablets, televisions, expensive dinners and motorcycles.

The current reported overall loss is approximately $1 million. These losses occurred over a period of nine months, and OCSD stated they believed the actual amount of fraudulent transactions may be in excess of $3 million.

As of Thursday, Feb. 15, no bail amount had been posted for Case.

WHAT’S NEXT: Anyone who has been a victim of Daniel Case, or knows the whereabouts of the stolen merchandise, is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714.647.7486.

Case is currently being held in Orange County jail. He set to appear in court on Tuesday, Feb. 20. —DR Page 4

EYE ON DP

Community Meetings SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

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.

FRIENDS OF THE DANA POINT HEADLANDS CHILDREN’S PROGRAM 10 a.m.-noon Every fourth Saturday, the Friends of the Dana Point Headlands hold their monthly children’s program at the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Program. The program is designed to teach kids about the natural world around the Dana Point Headlands conservation area. 34558 Scenic Dr. 949.248.3527. www.fodph.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19

PRESIDENTS’ DAY All Dana Point City Hall offices will be closed in honor of Presidents’ Day. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern. www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 p.m. Dana Point City Council will meet at City Hall in Council’s Chamber.

33282 Street of the Golden Lantern. www.danapoint.org.

DANA HARBOR TOASTMASTERS 7-8:30 p.m. Join the members of the Dana Point Toastmasters to improve speaking skills. Capo Beach Church.

25975 Domingo Ave., Capistrano Beach. www.toastmasters.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes anyone interested in making a difference in the local community to join them. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m., with a program from 7:308:30 a.m. Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

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

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

Dana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Youth Sailing and Maritime Adventures Info Meeting on Feb. 21 Mariners 936 invite locals to attend their 2018 Youth Sailing & Maritime Adventures information meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Mariners is a Sea Scout unit that was started over 30 years ago by Jim Wehan, skipper of the Spirit of Dana Point and former Mission Viejo High School math teacher.

Mariners’ is a co-ed boating program for young people ages 14-18 and the junior mariner program is for those 12-14. Both are designed to allow young people an opportunity to have fun with their friends in sailboats of all sizes at a low cost. Through a carefully developed program, participants progress from what knowledge they have about boating (often not knowing anything) upon joining the program to being competent in handling sailboats of all sizes.

Classroom instruction, Catalina and Channel Island trips, mariner competitions with other Sea Scout groups, sailboat racing, maintenance instruction and free sailing are some of the opportunities that members can take part. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. www.mariners936.com.

VFW Dana Point Post 9934 Flag Retirement Ceremony at Capistrano Beach Park on Feb. 23 At 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, the public is welcome to bring worn or tattered American flags, for a formal, dignified ceremony. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Dana Point Post 9934, along with local Boy and Girl Scout troops, will hold a ceremony on the beach at fire rings at Capistrano Beach Park to retire hundreds of flags. A presentation will be given explaining the importance of disposing of aged flags with dignity. Families are encouraged to participate. Capistrano Beach Park, 35005 Beach Road, Capistrano Beach.

Holiday Surfboard Auction, Surfing Santa Raise More than $35,000 for Surfers Healing More than $35,000 was donated to Surfers Healing as a result of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s annual Holiday Surfboard Auction and SUP/Surfing Santa Competition. Surfers Healing is a foundation for autism that hosts free surf camps that introduce children with autism and their

More than $35,000 was donated to Surfers Healing as a result of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s annual Holiday Surfboard Auction and SUP/Surfing Santa Competition. Photo: Daniel Ritz

families to the therapeutic properties of surfing.

“This year we celebrated our 10th year of hosting the Holiday Surfboard Auction and our eighth year for the competition,” said Bruce Brainerd, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. “The collection of surfboards is always impressive and this year was no exception. I continue to be impressed by the outpouring of support by the artists and shapers,” he added.

The SUP Santa / Surfing Santa Competition is a two-day surf contest where competitors dress like Santa or other holiday-inspired characters and standup paddle and surf the waves at Salt Creek Beach. The collection of donated surfboards is auctioned off and includes highlighted boards from well-known artists like Wyland, Darren Le Gallo, West Rubinstein, Dana Louise Kirkpatrick and Sage Vaughn. Musicians such as Donavon and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and personal boards from surf legends including Greg Long, Andy Irons, Shawn Dollar, Laird Hamilton, Garrett McNamara and Kelly Slater are also included. Developed

by The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s general manager Bruce Brainerd, the two seasonal events have helped contribute nearly $350,000 to Surfers Healing.

Learn more about Surfers Healing at www.surfershealing.org.

Assistance League of Capistrano Valley Scholarship Opportunity Scholarships are being offered for high school seniors in the Capistrano Unified School District and Oceanside School District who have a family member, present or retired, enlisted or commissioned, in the military at Camp Pendleton. The scholarships are being offered by the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley.

Requirements and instructions on how to apply for the scholarships are as fol-

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lows: Students must be in the Capistrano Unified School District or Oceanside School District. They can get an application from either their counselor at their school or by writing to scholarshipsALCV@gmail.com. They must have a letter of acceptance to a two or four-year college or trade school. They must also have at least a 2.5 GPA. The application includes an essay, and students must provide references and a transcript. Applications are returned to their school counselor and up to $10,000 in tuition is available. The deadline to apply is April 9. For further information, reach out to scholarshipsALCV@gmail. com.

American Red Cross: Severe Winter Weather, Flu Disrupting Blood Donations Winter storms and the flu aren’t just causing people to miss work and school. It also means they can’t keep their American Red Cross blood and platelet donation appointments. The Red Cross is urging healthy donors of all blood types to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need.

To make an appointment, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor app by visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling 1.800.733.2767.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Dana Point: • Friday, Feb. 16: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road • Friday, Feb. 23: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Surterre Properties, 33522 Niguel Rd, Suite 100 Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Hyatt Moore in his home and studio, where he and his wife Anne work as full-time artists. Hyatt will soon be releasing his latest series The Beatitudes. Photos: Daniel Ritz

Tangentially Living Local artist keeps life moving forward by letting go and giving away

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

y age 27, Dana Point resident and artist Hyatt Moore had achieved all of the long-term goals he had set out for himself to achieve. He was the art director at SURFER Magazine, he owned his favorite sports car, a Porsche, as well as a sailboat, and he found the right wife.

Fifty years later, his wife Anne was the only one of those four “goals” that remained in his life.

The rest, Moore let go, embarking on a life-long redirection toward following his passion in what he referred to as a “pursuit of quality.” Having reinvented himself many times over, he now produces art for an international audience from his home in Dana Point, and there’s no indication he has any intention of stopping.

B

Breaking down and out Moore, who grew up in Palos Verdes outside of Los Angeles, moved to Dana Point in 1969. His father was an artist, but only produced art as a hobby.

“People always used to say I was an artist like my dad. I always took that to mean Dana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

I couldn’t take art seriously,” Moore said, referring to his original perspective on art.

Moore said that he’s always been drawn to beauty around him. He is naturally drawn to things evident of the imperfect nature of the world and things that look distressed.

This insight into an attraction to beauty, novelty and inspiration came to a head after Moore realized that although he had achieved his goals, depression had set in and he was less happy than he had ever been.

Nine hundred miles into the Mexican Peninsula, Moore had a spiritual breakthrough after reading The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey. Moore’s father had hounded him to read the prophetic book surrounding the Christian rapture and after Moore read it, he had an epiphany that he was to invigorate his spirit and live an exciting life. He later claimed this epiphany has remained a foundational thread throughout his life.

“I turned myself in,” Moore said. “I turned myself to God and also realized I had to start acting on the things that inspired me. I had to believe in this to make it happen. I told myself I could no longer be afraid of what I could offer. I wanted to have a life of purpose.”

Just one year later, Moore left his job at SURFER Magazine and moved to Guatemala where he would take a position as an art director for Wycliffe Bible Translators in Guatemala. He believed this would allow him to be creative, but surround himself with a changing and stimulating environment.

“I gave it all away—the Porsche, the

sailboat and the dream job. I gave it all away and I realized that I needed to be tested,” Moore said about his decision.

While working in rural Guatemala, Moore felt moved to begin painting again, initially painting with crude materials on sketchbooks. Inspired to paint the indigenous and local people, Moore would paint mostly portraits and would leave them with the subjects.

No excuses Four years later, Moore became the president of Wycliffe and was driving down Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach when he saw a large canvas painting in a gallery window.

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“I don’t know what hit me,” Moore remembered with a smile. “I thought to myself, ‘I can do that.’ Not exactly that.

But I could paint. I knew it right in that moment. In that moment, I became a painter.”

In that moment, for the second time, Moore said he acknowledged the powerful driving force that followed his inspiration.

“There’s nothing more exciting than getting the initial idea. It all gets more complicated from there. You start to see beauty around you where it has always existed.”

Moore began capitalizing, and prioritizing, his painting. He set a time and space dedicated to crafting his artistic skills.

Today, he gives seminars to new painters, and said prioritizing is an important step.

“A lot of people break out their paints, paint for an hour, and then have to clear off the dinner table. It’s doing that again and again. You are fighting too much inertia,” Moore said.

Later that year, after Moore had made large-scale changes at Wycliffe in this newly aroused creative state, he was voted out of his position as president by Wycliffe’s board of directors. It was at this point that Moore decided to commit to painting full time.

“I realized that if I didn’t take this seriously, there was no excuse for me,” Moore said.

An exciting gift Now, Moore and Anne work as full-time artists in their home, which doubles as a studio high in the hills above Dana Point.

He described making a living with painting by entering into a new level of commitment to his passion.

Moore still paints portraits of people from a variety of cultures, but says that he has branched out to other forms of art as well. Although, admittedly, his wide appeal can be a marketing challenge, Moore said he is enjoying his art more than ever.

Recently, at the Dana Point Symphony performance on Feb. 2, Moore gifted guest conductor Miguel Campos Neto, from Brazil, with a newly finished portrait. He also recently finished a project called The Beatitudes that will also be released in book form. The Beatitudes is Moore’s conceptual interpretation of the famous introduction to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

“I will never be bored. I’ve been granted a gift that will interest me for the rest of my life,” Moore said. “Maybe I will have yet another ‘stoplight’ life-changing experience, but that’s good, and it’s exciting.”

By not limiting himself to his goals, Moore has elevated himself again. He said only one goal remains during this phase of his life.

“My only goal is to explore what I love as far as I can for as long as I have the time to.”

View Moore’s art and a calendar of gallery events on www.hyattmoore.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Sen. Kamala Harris and other senators have introduced bills that would require nuclear power plant operators to maintain safety standards and procedures and for more transparency in decommissioning phases.

Photo: Eric Heinz

Senators Introduce Bills Aimed at Safety Regulations at Nuclear Power Plants

BY ERIC HEINZ, DANA POINT TIMES

T

wo bills related to decommissioning nuclear power plants that gained little to no traction after being introduced in 2017 have resurfaced into new entities, according to officials with Sen. Kamala Harris’s office.

On Feb. 7, Harris, D-CA, introduced The Safe and Secure Decommissioning Act of 2018, which would prohibit the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from approving waivers or granting exceptions to safety and emergency preparedness regulations that are outlined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954—until nuclear fuel has been transferred to spent nuclear fuel dry casks. The release did not specify whether this policy would apply differently to permanent storage sites, interim storage sites or temporary on-site storage.

The text of the bills has not yet been released on the U.S. Library of Congress website.

Harris’ bills echo the concerns of many organizations in Southern Orange County who have criticized the NRC for allowing safety regulations to be altered to decommissioned plants.

In June 2015, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), located just south of San Clemente, was approved to reduce emergency plans to requirements for only storing spent nuclear fuel, not an operational power plant. The plant had been offline for three years. It was completely closed in 2013.

A change to the plant’s insurance policy through the majority owner and operator, Southern California Edition, was approved Page 7

by the NRC recently, stating the spent nuclear fuel was “not as risky” in its offline status. But nonprofit organizations in the area are convinced the fuel could cause more harm than the government or energy corporations are willing to admit.

Another bill introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2018, “would ensure that states and local communities have a meaningful role in the crafting and preparation of decommissioning plans for retired nuclear plants located in those areas,” according to the press release. The bill was co-sponsored by the other three senators.

What kind of control and how much influence those local and state entities would have on the decommissioning plans was not detailed in the press release.

Also in the bill are requirements for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to “publicly and transparently approve or reject every proposed decommissioning plan, which it currently is not required to do,” the release stated.

An analysis of safety regulations related to licenses approved for decommissioning nuclear power plants was released by the NRC the same day.

House and Senate conference committees are appointed for conflict resolutions on certain bills.

The bill number for The Safe and Secure Decommissioning Act of 2018 is S.2396, which as of Feb. 7 was not yet available on the Library of Congress website. The Nuclear Plant Decommissioning Act of 2018 bill number is S.2388. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Our Home Port by James Lenthall

Redeeming a Killer

I

was born after the demise of the great Killer Dana surf spot. I never laid my own eyes on that legendary rolling right break, let alone surfed it myself. Had I been born one generation earlier, I imagine Killer Dana would have been my home surf spot, and old Dana Cove where I spent all of my spare time. Instead, I was born into Dana Point Harbor. It’s all I’ve ever known of this stretch of coastline. This is my home port, and where I spend all of my spare time.

In the summer of 1966, the first giant rocks of the Dana Point Harbor breakwater were laid across the sea bed that gave rise to the famous surf break, effectively killing Killer Dana. This was after a barrier of local surfers, forming a wall with their surfboards, failed to halt the heavy machinery that was about to commence work. The construction of Dana Point Harbor met with furious protest by the Killer Dana surf crew, a crowd that counted among them Hobie Alter and Corky Carroll. However, this was before successful surfer activism, before the Surfrider Foundation. I can’t imagine Dana Point Harbor getting built today.

I like to believe that I would have been among the surfers attempting to blockade the construction of Dana Point Harbor, that I too would have sworn off this stretch of coast forever, as so many surfers did at the time. Yet here I am, making Dana Point Harbor the center of so much of my family’s life. For me, there’s a subtle and haunting sense of guilt to it, like protesting a toll road, then driving it to work every day. There’s a hypocrisy to it. I suppress

Letters to the Editor TCA ADMITS TO SPYING ON PRIVATE CITIZENS EVA O’KEEFE, San Clemente

To the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Board of Directors: How would you feel if a government agency suddenly popped up to follow you on your social media account? Would you be comfortable showing pictures of your kids? Your friends? This isn’t fantasy, but it's the tactics used by the TCA. Did the TCA Board of Directors authorize their lobbying firm Venture Strategic or any of the “paid consultants” to follow citizens in Dana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

the guilt by convincing myself that Dana Point Harbor has redeemed itself for the death of the great Killer Dana. Has it?

In 1961, the state of California granted in trust to the County of Orange the tidelands of Dana Cove under specific and strict conditions for the establishment of a municipal recreational boat harbor. In the years since, these conditions have been repeatedly interpreted and reinforced by governing and regulatory agencies as a protection of affordable coastal access and an obligation to community benefit. Consequently, the official Local Coastal Program for Dana Point Harbor, which prescribes how every square foot of the area must be used, asserts protections for coastal access and commits the harbor to a mission of community service. Though there are limited commercial operations within our harbor, most of the property must always benefit the community. We can see evidence of this in every corner of our harbor.

Take for example the Ocean Institute.

OUR HOME PORT

By James Lenthall How many thousands of kids—myself included—have learned about marine science and ocean conservation from the Ocean Institute? How many of these kids have carried this appreciation of our oceans and coast into adulthood, some perhaps finding careers in marine conservation and research, and returned the favor by exhibiting care and protection of our local natural treasures? How many kids have learned about historic seafaring on the Ocean Institute’s tall ships, and with it valuable lessons on America’s maritime past, which will be passed onto their kids?

How about our harbor’s Sea Scouts program? Mariners Ship 936 has educated generations of kids on seamanship,

teamwork, self-discipline, respect and character. Sea Scouts kids regularly skipper their sailboats on long cruises, relying on themselves and their crew for days on the open ocean. Some of these kids advance to maritime colleges and academies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy, then find their ways into careers on the water. In the least, they’ve gained valuable independence and character and ocean-mindedness.

And the list goes on. On any given day, year-round, countless kayakers, outrigger paddlers and standup paddle boarders shake the binds of technology for some waterborne good health. Dana Point sailors—kids and adults—often compete in local regattas, or sometimes long-distance offshore races, harnessing the forces of nature and demonstrating the best of the Corinthian spirit. There are the joggers, dog walkers and bird watchers. There are the civic gatherings, where local leaders meet with their constituents. We are a diverse community of citizens sharing the unique coastal experience offered to us by this harbor.

There are undoubtedly some singleminded surfers who continue to lament the demise of Killer Dana. There are surely some old-timers who remain pained by the nostalgia of that bygone era. Understandably. Yet Dana Point Harbor, governed by those rules set in 1961, has strived to redeem itself for its sacrifice of Killer Dana.

Has it? Ask the millions of people—many of you—who have been transformed by our experiences in our home port.

James Lenthall is a lifelong Dana Point resident and boater, and presently serves as president of the Dana Point Boaters Association and as a director on the board of Dana Point Yacht Club. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

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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 > Emily Rasmussen

of privacy of the citizens of San Clemente.

The city of San Clemente has a right to defend itself against the TCA, the same way as Pasadena did against the 710 and many cities did against the El Toro airport or the airplane noise. The TCA is practicing bad government and they need to be held accountable.

Page 8

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 Executive > Jennifer Guy ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

General Manager > Alyssa Garrett

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

the community on social media?

The account www.howsthedrive.com – a TCA sponsored account has been “following” citizens in San Clemente.

Since when does the TCA’s charter allow spying on private citizen’s social media accounts?

I find it appalling that a public agency would engage in such actions. After all, contrary to what Lisa Bartlett may say, the TCA takes plenty of taxpayer funds under the “development” program, and enjoys taxpayer-funded maintenance of roads. In fact, the TCA has already taken over $3 billion in development funds from Orange County. Did this huge sum slip Ms. Bartlett's mind?

I hope that there is a full investigation on the activities the TCA is engaging in regarding the continued first and fourth amendment violations, and the violations

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

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. 11, Issue 7. 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 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION: Council’s Corner by Debra Lewis

Photo: File

You (Don’t) Light Up My Life

O

n Jan. 11, 1964, Surgeon General Luther Terry stood in a roomful of reporters and for the first time declared that cigarette smoking caused lung cancer and probably heart disease. He later recalled the report “hit the country like a bombshell. It was front page news and a lead story on every radio and television station in the United States and many abroad.”

The report profoundly changed our beliefs and lifestyle. In 1958, only 44 percent of people believed smoking caused cancer. By 1968, a whopping 78 percent held that same belief. In 1964, 42 percent of adult Americans smoked. Fifty years later, the Centers COUNCIL'S for Disease Control and CORNER

By Debra Lewis Prevention (CDC) in Washington D.C. put that number at 17.8 percent.

In California, just 11.6 percent of Californians smoke. Only Utah’s smoking prevalence is lower.

To further protect health and work toward making the next generation tobacco free, Dana Point is now smoke-free.

Seventy five percent of residents support the ban. All resorts are already smokefree. Most Dana Point restaurants banned smoking on patios. Even the French went smoke free in restaurants.

What is a “public place?”

Anywhere the public can go without trespassing. It includes public buildings, restaurants, bars, entryways, elevators, public meeting rooms, public restrooms, streets, alleys, rights-of-way, sidewalks, plazas, public transportation and bus shelters, parking lots, parks, playgrounds, walking paths, hiking trails, bike paths and places holding public events.

“Does smoking including vaping?”

Yes, and marijuana smoke.

“Where is smoking permitted?”

Unless prohibited by state or federal law, smoking is allowed in two places, a Dana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

car or a private residence, unless being used as a child care or health care facility subject to state licensing requirements.

California prohibits smoking in an automobile when someone 17 or under is present. Landlords may prohibit smoking in the dwelling units themselves and all common areas such as lobbies or courtyards, and exterior areas.

“What about hazardous fire areas?”

Smoking and open fires are prohibited in any hazardous fire area as identified by the fire chief.

“Is smoking prohibited on the beaches?”

The state or county owns our beaches.

We can prohibit smoking, but only with their written consent.

“What about smoke from my neighbor?”

Unless a lease prohibits smoking, your neighbor’s secondhand smoke drifting into your home does not violate the ordinance.

It may, however, constitute a private nuisance or trespass under California law.

“How is the ban enforced?

Signs will be posted. Education is the key. When smoking was banned in restaurants and bars, it took time for people to know the rules. This will be no different. Any aggrieved person may enforce it, but don’t confront someone unless you feel safe doing so. Employers, owners, operators, managers and employees must tell the person of the violation. The city manager can designate city employees to enforce it. Fines are imposed. Up to $100 for the first violation, $200 for a second violation within a year and $500 for a third violation within a year. Smoking in a hazardous fire area is a misdemeanor.

Debra Lewis was elected to City Council in 2016 and served as the city’s mayor in for 2017. You can contact her at dlewis@ danapoint.org. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Page 9

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

Sunday | 18

EDITOR’S PICK

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.

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

Friday | 16

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, plants and artisanal goods from organic growers along Avenida Del Mar. 243 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

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

SOUL FOOD AT THE BAHA’I CENTER 11 a.m. This month’s soul food theme is “The Butterfly Effect,” and will explore our physical and spiritual relationship with our environment. Singer Amelia Rae will perform. The program will conclude with a cook out lunch. 3316 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente. 949.791.9192. www.bahaicenter.com.

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.

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 THE VINTAGE STEAKHOUSE 6-9 p.m. Local musician, Mike De Bellis, plays smooth jazz to enhance your dining experience every Friday and Saturday.

Enjoy a twist on a classic American steakhouse while dining in a fully restored Pullman train car. The Vintage Steakhouse. 26701-B Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3400. www.thevintagesteakhouse.com.

CELTIC, FOLK & WORLD MUSIC CONCERT 7-9 p.m. Join Christy Martin and Aodh Og O’Tuama present Four Shillings Short to the San Clemente Art Supply. Four Shillings Short independent folk-artists who have been performing across the United States and Ireland since 1997. Suggested donations are $10. San Clemente Art Supply. 1531 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.369.6603. www.scartsupply.com.

YOGA ON TAP 11 a.m. Yoga on Tap 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.

Photo: File

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17: KID’S PET PARADE 10 a.m. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to show off their favorite pets in an effort to take home a prize. Categories include “Best Team Costume,” “Best Domestic/Household Pet,” “Best Exotic Pet,” “Best Barnyard/Farm Pet,” “Best Bird” and people 60 and older can enter for the “Kid at Heart” award. Admission is $5 and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Los Rios Park. 31747 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.1976. www.swallowsparade.com.

INTRODUCTION TO THE WIM HOF METHOD WITH DIANA CHRISTINSON 12:30-4:30 p.m. Certified Wim Hof Method instructor Diana Christinson is teaching how to use the Wim Hof Method to gain control over body and mind using breath, concentration and cold exposure, the three pillars of the WHM. Admission is $100. Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala. 34700 Pacific Coast Highway, Capistrano Beach.

949.246.7315. www.pacificashtanga.com.

Monday | 19

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. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. 949.661.5000. www.lagunacliffs.com.

Thursday through Sunday until March 4. Villainy in the Vineyard is the ultimate audience participation western melodrama about dreamers and schemers in local vineyards. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.533.0258. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

be sure to stop by Peet’s Coffee in Talega.

Every Saturday a group 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.

KOI FISH FEEDING 12:45 p.m. Every day, visitors are welcome 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.

Saturday | 17

LIVE THEATRE: ‘VILLAINY IN THE VINEYARD’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents Villainy in the Vineyard every

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,

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Live music from rotating bands at the Swallow’s Inn. Burgers and wings from Lisa’s Kitchen also are available. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

FREE GUITAR LESSONS 5-6 p.m. Free beginner level acoustic guitar lessons for middle school to college age youth every Monday. Guitars provided or students can bring their own. 1040 Calle Negocio, San Clemente. 949.388.0114. www.communityoutreachalliance.com.

Dana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

Page 10

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GETTING OUT COUNTRY DANCING AND ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR 7 p.m.-Midnight. Stop by the Swallow’s 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.

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. Historic Town Center Park. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700. www.farmersmarketsjc.com.

Tuesday | 20

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.

TODDLER STORYTIME 10:30 a.m. Join the Library for stories, activities and songs for children under 3 years old. “Stay and play” with puzzles and toys after story-time. Registration is not required. Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. 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 | 21 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.

Photo: Courtesy

Thursday | 22

At the Movies: Cupid’s Arrow Strikes ‘A Fantastic Woman’

ARLEY LECK FARMHOUSE 100TH ANNIVERSARY 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society is opening up the Arley Leck Farmouse to the public as a historical exhibit. The exhibit will feature clothing, memorabilia and photographs on the lifestyle of the early 1900s. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the farmhouse will be open until June. 31865 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.8444. www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

T

his Valentine’s Day weekend seems to be one where Hollywood decided to dump a handful of stinkers into the theaters.

Between the asinine Peter Rabbit to the cringe-inducing 15:17 to Paris to the final installment of the laughable 50 Shades franchise, the weekend didn’t provide much in the way of facilitating a romantic evening. Unless your date is a fan of well-made foreign films nominated for “Best Foreign Language Picture” at the Oscars, I would recommend taking a look at Sebastián Lelio’s A Fantastic Woman, which just expanded into more theaters this month.

In cosmopolitan Santiago, Chile, Marina Vidal (Daniela Vega) spends her days as a waitress in a shopping center and her nights as a lounge singer. She

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

StillWater Spirits & 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.

also just finished moving in with her older lover, Orlando (Francisco Reyes), and as a birthday present, they plan to vacation together. That is until Orlando unexpectedly dies from a brain aneurysm in the middle of the night. Now, Marina has to deal with the grief on top of the prejudice from Orlando’s family not only because of her age difference, but because she is also transgender.

A Fantastic Woman has an appropriate theme socially, with the intense transphobia Marina experiences in the film, and it works as well as a traditional piece on the mourning process. It is especially interesting to see the issues related to the transgender community on an international level. Lelio has a fine mix of a conventional narrative alongside some artsy directing techniques, with an impressive debut performance from Vega. DP

On Stage at the Coach House: The 5th Dimension

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he 5th Dimension, Grammy and gold-record winning R&B, soul and jazz group of 50 years, is coming to The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Friday, Feb. 16.

Original member Florence LaRue, 74, said that the group will perform top hits including “Up, Up and Away” and “Aquarius/ Let the Sun Shine In,” but the band tailors each show to its audience. This is first time that The 5th Dimension is performing at The Coach House.

“We try to keep our sound the same, or otherwise we wouldn’t be The 5th Dimension,” LaRue said. “Of course, we’ve had different people in the group (since its beginning), so the sound won’t be exactly the same, but we use the same arrangeDana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

ments.”

The 5th Dimension rose to stardom in 1967 after their first hit “Up, Up and Away.” The group has since created 12plus hit albums and has toured across the nation and internationally.

Having performed in the band for 50plus years, LaRue said she still feels a rush getting on stage.

“I enjoy it because of the pleasure it’s given to people, we’ve recorded some great songs written by wonderful writers,” LaRue said.

At the performance at The Coach House, LaRue said that the band will perform “in our original form so that people’s memories are preserved.”

LaRue noted the show is family orientated, adding that people of all ages can

enjoy the music and dance along.

“One thing that brings me the most pleasure is a lot of young people come to our show,” LaRue said. “Our audience mainly consists of baby boomers, but a lot of young people come as well.”

In addition to listening to tunes of the 60s and 70s, attendees can look forward to learning about what the band has been up to for the past decades.

“They’ll hear a little history, but they come to hear the songs and the hits,” LaRue said. “It’ll be a fun-filled evening for the whole family.”

The doors open for the show at 6 p.m. and it starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16 at The Coach House at 33157 Camino Capistrano. Tickets are $40 and can be bought online at www.thecoachhouse.com. DP

Page 11

Photo: Courtesy of The 5th Dimension

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PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Don’t Call Him a Guru Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala owner offers first introduction to the Wim Hof Method

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

W

im Hof, the Dutch philosopher, author and athlete often referred to as “The Iceman,” holds more than 20 Guinness World Records for cold exposure, including climbing more than 22,000 feet of Mt. Everest dressed only in shorts and boots (he stopped short of the summit due to a foot injury). He is also one of the first people to partner with the scientific community to better understand what is possible in terms of human performances such as these. Following these record accomplishments, he trademarked his training technique that is now practiced around the world.

Diana Christinson, founder and owner of Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala in Capistrano Beach, was one of the first students to graduate from Wim Hof’s Innerfire Academy, and will offers a first-of-its-kind introduction to the Wim Hof Method (WHM) on Sunday, Feb. 18. Christinson is one of 27 people—and one of three women—to graduate as the first wave of Americancertified WHM instructors after surviving a grueling course in the mountains of Colorado with Hof. She is Orange County’s only qualified instructor.

Participants will learn to use the WHM to gain control over the body and the mind using the three pillars of the WHM: breath, concentration and cold exposure, as well as study the science and research supporting those pillars.

“We’re going back to inner-nature. I don’t ‘endure’ the cold, I love it. I want to put love back in the world, and love is compiled of happiness, strength and

health,” Hof said in Scott Carney’s book What Doesn’t Kill Us. A substantial, and significant, body of scientific evidence supports that the WHM, which includes a series of oxygensaturation-inducing breathing cycles, can regulate the immune and autoimmune systems, areas previously believed to be beyond conscious control.

For example, Hof was able to successfully fight off the effects of e-coli that had been injected into his bloodstream by raising his cortisol and adrenaline levels.

These same results occurred in 12 WHM practitioners. Eight members of a control group who were injected, but were not trained in the WHF, reacted to the injection. Hof also holds a record for maintaining a stable internal body temperature while submerged in ice for one hour and 13 minutes, longer than any human in history.

Christinson, who holds a master’s degree in psychology, personally sought out Hof in order to become familiar with his method from a Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala patron. She is excited to help more people to health and wellness through the WHM. “Practicing this method is accessible to nearly everyone. Performance athletes may use it to push their limits, but I’m excited by how the WHM has a noticeable, positive effect on mood, the immune system, the vascular system, the nervous system and the overall health of anyone who is willing to implement it. This is such a simple and powerful practice that has the potential to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for our communities,” Christinson said.

Jay Namson, from San Clemente, has been practicing the WHM every day since May 2017, and said he has seen dramatic improvements with his anxiety and general mood. He also testified that the WHM played a large role in healing a broken limb he suffered in 2016.

“There’s a medicine cabinet in our heads, and I’ve come to believe this helps us access it,” Namson said.

Christinson reiterated that the WHM is not solely about grandiose record-breaking achievements, but instead a discipline to heighten and enjoy your overall daily

Diana Christinson, with Wim Hof, high in the mountains of Colorado where she became one of the first certified Wim Hof method instructors. Photo: Courtesy

energy levels and mood.

“It’s not goal-oriented. I introduced my own mother to the WHF,” Chirstinson laughed. “She is 74. She says she feels sharper and sleeps better.”

Christinson explained that through his practice, Hof believes he has unlocked access to fundamental elements of human nature and abilities, and escape the “culture of comfort,” we have become. DP

Introduction to the Wim Hof Method with Diana Christinson Sunday, Feb. 18. 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala 34700 Pacific Coast Highway, Capistrano Beach

Tickets to the workshop are $100.

Learn more at www.pacificashtanga.com.

In the Bhagavad Gita they say, ‘The mind under control is your best friend; the mind wandering about is “ your worst enemy.’ Make it your best friend, to the point where you can rely on it. Your mind makes you strong from within. It is your wise companion. Life doesn’t change, but your perception does. It’s all about what you focus on. Withdraw from the world’s influence and you no will longer be controlled by your emotions.

If you can grab the wheel of your mind, you can steer the direction of where your life will go.

—Wim Hof, The Iceman Dana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

Page 13

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DP LIVING

Staff Sgt. Michael Pride of the United States Marine Corps leads warm-ups for the more than 100 students at San Clemente Christian School taking part in their second annual school Jog-A-Thon. Photo: Daniel Ritz

Ready to Run San Clemente Christian School invites Wounded Warrior Marines to lead annual Jog-A-Thon warmups

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

F

or the 2018 San Clemente Christian School (SCCS) Jog-A-Thon, held on Feb. 9, SCCS Principal Rebecca Romo and school staff welcomed Staff Sgt. Michael Pride of the United States Marine Corps and the Wounded Warriors Project along with six Wounded Warrior Marines to properly warm-up and motivate the more than 100 students and parents participating.

Pride, also a track and field coach for the Marine Corps, led the students through a series of aerobic warm-up stretches before the students set off on their Jog-A-Thon. Students would walk,

jog or run as many laps around the manmade track in the back lot. Students, and their parents, had solicited sponsorship through by-lap pledge dedications and flat donations. Donations were taken for as little as $.50 a lap and as much as $750.

Pride proved effective in motivating the youth at SCCS as inspired students turned in never-before-seen performances, such as eighth-grader Charlie Banks who did an all-time record of 100 laps, most of which to assist her younger schoolmates.

The youngest participant, a 5-year-old, successfully completed five laps.

SCCS Jog-A-Thon Chairwoman Palina Harrington described the event as a fundraiser for enrichment and leadership programs at SCCS. Proceeds from the Jog-A-Thon, now in its second year and an important fundraiser for the school, support the school’s science lab, STEAM activities, physical education equipment, teacher mini-grants, ASB, field trips and more.

This year, SCCS also accepted business donations. As of Feb. 16, SCCS was more than half-way to its goal of $10,000.

View more pictures of this event at www.danapointtimes.com. DP

Students perform the Pledge of Allegiance before warming up for the San Clemente Christian School Jog-A-Thon with Staff Sgt. Michael Pride of the United States Marine Corps. Photo: Daniel Ritz

Dana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

Page 14

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: Book Talk by Dan DeNeve

‘Grant’ Biography

by Chernow Shines Light on Misunderstood American Figure

I

t may not become the next biggest Broadway musical like Hamilton, but Ron Chernow’s latest work, Grant, is still a masterpiece. At under 1,000 pages of text, this biography spans Grant’s entire life, the Civil War and the presidency making up the majority of this outstanding volume. His early life gives us insight into an industrious, hard-working man who, while not greedy, worried about finances and eventually led to bad decision making.

While many critics have argued that Grant was a butcher and beat General Lee because of more men and superior weapons, Chernow points out that Grant was the seventh general to lead an army against Lee and prevail where BOOK TALK the others had not. ObviBy Dan DeNeve ously, there was more to Grant than just manpower and weapons as many suggest.

Fighting in the Western front, Grant, along with Generals Sherman and Sheridan, proved he was a competent commander and military strategist, winning several battles before taking command of the entire Union Army.

Grant’s opponents have also argued that he was a drunkard and dunce. Chernow continually shows that Grant was selfaware and took great pains to prevent

Photo: Courtesy of Orange County Archives

FROM THE ARCHIVES Capistrano Beach, 1956.

Every week, the Dana Point Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

drunkenness. Chernow shows this was not a recurring pattern, as many historians would lead us to believe.

Grant was also far ahead of his time in his views regarding African-Americans.

Chernow points out that Grant did more for Civil Rights than any American president until the 1960s Civil Rights movement. Ironically, Grant’s wife, Julia, came from a slave-holding family. Numerous times Chernow reminds us that Julia’s father did not hide his views of AfricanAmericans or dislike of Grant and his family, who advocated abolition.

Despite the positives, Grant was flawed.

We read he was a sucker for frauds.

Pet of the Week: Lucy

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

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

S

Dana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

and investment paid off as it eventually led to $400,000 in royalties to Grant and Julia, which took care of her after Grant’s passing. Grant passed away in 1885, succumbing to throat cancer. The Dana Point Library has a copy of this title.

Dan DeNeve is a 15-year employee of the Orange County Public Library. He currently works at the Dana Point Library as the Adult Services Librarian. He is an avid reader of history, biographies and sports. DP

Sudoku

DANA POINT TIMES

weet little Lucy is full of fun and spunky energy. She just loves to run around in the yard and would make a great hiking or jogging companion. Lucy would do well in a family with an active lifestyle.

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

Chernow points out that it was Grant’s mother, Hannah, who encouraged his trusting nature, which caused him great financial headaches the last two years of his presidency. It was this blind spot that eventually led Grant to writing his memoir.

Late in life, Grant invested with two shady characters that wiped him out in what basically amounted to a Ponzi scheme.

Although Grant had no knowledge of the scheme and was exonerated on all counts and in the court of public opinion, he lost everything. Mark Twain saved Grant and his wife by taking an interest in the former president and eventually convincing him to write a memoir. Twain’s foresight

Lucy. Photo: Courtesy

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

Page 15

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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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. Call Mike at Lantern Bay Carpets, Interiors & Flooring. 949.240.1545

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

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HELP WANTED COATING/FILMING EQUIPMENT SUPERVISOR-TECHNICIAN Adhesive film manufacturer needing supervisor to work within our adhesive manufacturing process. $20 to $24 /hr For more info, full job description or submit resume, e-mail career@stretech.com COATING/FILMING EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Manufacturer needing equipment operator to work within our adhesive manufacturing process. $14 to $16 /hr For more info, full job description or submit resume, e-mail career@stretech.com

OTHER STUFF THE SCHENKENBERGER’S NEED SOME HELP Steve Shenkenberger, husband and father of five young boys, was riding his mountain bike 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. Consider donating at www.gofundme. com/the-schenkenbergers-medical-bills.

Dana Point Times February 16–22, 2018

Page 16

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point Point Dana

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

For in-game updates, news and more for all Dana Hills High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports.

Girls Water Polo Blows Past Palm Desert in Wild Card Win

Dana Hills girls basketball celebrates its first league title since 2013 and first outright league title in program history. The Dolphins open the CIF-SS Division 2A playoffs on Saturday, Feb. 17. Photo: Courtesy

Unfinished Business, Part Two After finally grabbing its league title, the Dana Hills girls basketball team looks to correct CIF playoff losses

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he Dana Hills girls basketball team has already taken care of its first bit of “unfinished business.”

The Dolphins had finished second in the Sea View League each of the last two seasons, but they blew away the competition for their first league title since 2013 and first outright league title in program history.

But Dana Hills has a second grievance to cross off its list as it opens the CIF-SS Division 2A playoffs on Saturday, Feb. 17.

“We feel like we have unfinished business in CIF,” Dana Hills coach Anne Honey said, “because the last two years we’ve gone to the first round only and were stopped in overtime both times. We’re very dialed-in with unfinished business on that front, understanding that we need to get the job done on Saturday night.”

Dana Hills dropped a home game to La Habra last season, 43-39 in overtime, and lost at Cypress in 2016, 56-47 in overtime.

The Dolphins already have one positive as they’ll start the playoffs in the second round after earning a first-round bye. It’s a bit of needed rest that they’re taking in stride, but Dana Hills doesn’t plan on letting up.

“We definitely changed our mindset,” junior Maya McArthur said. “It’s preparing ourselves so we can handle anything that

Dana Point Times February 16–22, 2018

we get. It’s mostly our mentality facing what we’re going to get on Saturday. Our practices are definitely amped up. We’ve realized it’s not league anymore, and we’ve got to step it up.”

The Dolphins have been in full swing since the season began with a natural chemistry that feeds a strong transition game.

“This group of girls has been playing together since they were in fourth or fi fth grade,” Honey said. “They’ve grown up together. They’re almost like cousins in a way. They know each other really, really well. That helps when they’re on the floor and the chemistry translates to the history they have together.”

One thing that has made the Dolphins more effective is the introduction of McArthur. After transferring last year and sitting out to become eligible, McArthur has become a key down low to limiting opposing chances and kick starting the fast breaks.

“My biggest role on this team is rebounding and defense,” McArthur said.

“Of course, I contribute on offense. But I usually try to spend most of my energy getting rebounds and kicking it out, getting it up the floor as fast as we can.”

McArthur is averaging a double-double this season with just over 14 points and 14 rebounds per game.

The Dolphins have their scorers too with sophomore Maicie Saia leading the team in scoring. The outside shooter scored over 20 points in five of eight league games.

Olivia Chambers also stepped up into a scoring role after senior Peyton Romo went down. Romo, a captain who signed on to play basketball at Lewis and Clark University, tore her ACL just days before the league campaign.

“With Peyton Romo’s injury, (league) just took on a whole different significance with our team and me,” Honey said. “We got in this lockdown mode and we’re going to march through this. There’s no other result than what we got.”

Dana Hills will take that determination to finish another piece of business. DP Page 17

Julia Reznicek scored the game’s first two early goals, and Lauren Bellavia scored two of her five goals in Dana Hills’ five-goal second-quarter as the Dolphins pulled away from Palm Desert, 16-5, in a CIF-SS Division 3 wild card game at Dana Hills High School on Feb. 14.

Dana Hills (14-16) advanced to play at Claremont in the first round on Feb. 15.

Results were not available at press time.

“We’ve all been working very hard this season,” Bellavia said. “I’m super proud of my team. We’ve always had this essence that we’re very capable of doing what we do. We play competitive teams all season. I’m very excited for us, and we’re hoping to get that ring at the end of this CIF-SS.” Right from the start, Dana Hills worked quickly to get the ball deep in front of the goalmouth. Reznicek was the recipient and put away two early strikes.

Palm Desert got one back before the end of the first quarter, but in the second quarter, the Dolphins hit the gas.

Dana Hills scored fast and on the move with a 5-0 second quarter for a 7-1 halftime lead.

“We had girls countering, spent a lot of time working on that,” Pierce said.

Bellavia’s two goals scored in the second quarter also came from in close with Palm Desert defenders draped all over her.

Bellavia scored another two of Dana

Hills’ five third-quarter goals and added a fi fth in the fourth quarter.

Dana Hills scored four goals in the fourth quarter to close out the 16-5 win.

Ally Meredith and Cate Hill each scored two goals for Dana Hills. Courtney Prefontaine, Mariana Garcia, Lexi Montgomery, Elisa Lopez-Sanchez and Lucy Kao all scored a goal for the Dolphins.

This wild card victory is a big confidence boost as the Dolphins look to fight through Division 3.

“I think we’ve been really underranked, to be honest,” Pierce said. “Our division is so spread out geographically.

Not a lot of these teams play each other.

There’s only a few O.C. teams in this division. They could rank (the Inland Empire and Los Angeles teams), but not necessarily see where we match up. I think we’re going to go far.”

Boys Basketball Falls in First Round Dana Hills didn’t find anything fresh about its trip to Bel Air on Feb. 14.

The Dolphins (14-15) lost to host Miliken of Los Angeles, 64-54, in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 4AA playoffs.

Dana Hills was ranked No. 15 in the final division poll and was granted an atlarge berth to the playoffs after finishing fourth in the Sea View League. Miliken was unranked in the CIF-SS poll.

Playoff Schedule Thursday Feb. 15: Girls soccer: JSerra at Dana Hills; girls water polo: Dana Hills at Claremont. Friday, Feb. 16: Boys soccer: Dana Hills at Estancia, 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17: Girls basketball: Summit-Arcadia winner at Dana Hills, 7 p.m.; girls water polo: second round, TBD. Tuesday, Feb. 20: Girls soccer: second round, TBD. Wednesday, Feb. 21: Girls water polo: semifinals, TBD; girls basketball: third round, TBD; boys soccer: second round, TBD.

Dana Hills’ Lauren Bellavia winds up to take a shot in the Dolphins’ Division 3 wild card win over Palm Desert on Feb. 14 at Dana Hills High School. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Dane, Pat and Tanner Gudauskas enjoying the South African Stoke-O-Rama awards celebration with a few of their new Cape Town friends from the Waves For Change organization. Photo: Vans/Daniel Grebe

Surfboards for South Africa Dane, Pat and Tanner Gudauskas deliver more than 700 surfboards to Cape Town townships

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t exceeded anything we could have imagined,” said Dane Gudauskas.

Home for less than 24 hours, the jet lag hasn’t even set in yet, but the vibrations from the recent experiences have him buzzing with “triple platinum stoke.”

Spending the better part of two weeks in Cape Town, South Africa, Dane and his brothers, Pat and Tanner, just put the capstone on a project that saw their nonprofit organization, the Positive Vibe Warriors, team up with groups in South Africa to bring surfboards and hope to kids in need in some of the region’s most impoverished townships.

“To be able to be there on the ground, to go into these communities, these townships, it was an eye-opener, for sure,” Dane said. “It really reset my whole perspective on things and the power that surfing can actually have. Surfing is giving some of these kids opportunities they’d never have had.”

Working with South African nongovernmental organizations Waves For Change and Surfers Not Street Children, which utilize surfing to help change and Dana Point Times February 16-22, 2018

transform the lives of some very downtrodden youth through various forms of outreach, participation and empowerment, they were given an unique opportunity to experience firsthand what exactly “surf therapy” entails.

“Every day these kids witness violence and live in some really challenging conditions. I don’t know if you can understand it until you’ve really experienced it,” Dane said. “Surfing is a tool to help get them out of that for a little while. It gives them an opportunity to take a breath. It also gives them the chance to develop a network of friends and peers that is based around something that’s healthy and positive. It builds confidence and hope. It lets them be part of a bigger world. When you’re a surfer, you’re a surfer, it doesn’t matter where you’re from.”

Last autumn, the Positive Vibe Warriors, led by Dane, Pat and Tanner, rallied the tribe for their “Can’t Steal Our Vibe” surfboard fundraiser. They teamed up with South Africa’s most accomplished black surfer, Michael February, who nearly qualified for the WSL’s Championship Tour in 2017. Boards came in by the truckload. They were able to fill a 40-foot Matson shipping container with over 700 boards, as well as wetsuits, fins and other surf gear. They put it on a cargo ship and sent it off to Cape Town.

The boards arrived at the beginning of 2018, and for the last couple of weeks, the brothers have been in the country distributing them and stoking out a lot of kids. Based in Cape Town, they were able to visit a number of different communities during their time there and, with the help of their sponsors, even hosted a rendition of their classic Stoke-O-Rama contest.

“Pops always said surfing will be the vehicle you’ll learn about the world through, enjoy it and be thankful,” Tanner reflected.

“Waves For Change is doing amazing things for kids in Africa who can use the help and stoke. We went to Monwabisi Beach, one of the largest coastal townships in South Africa, and got to enjoy a day with over 250 kids learning about the ocean. ‘Protect, respect, communicate’ are the ethos taught, giving them and the community the positive option of being together and enjoying mother nature. Surf therapy!”

All of this has been transpiring at the same time that a “worst-in-100-year drought” is ravaging Cape Town. Reports indicate that unless some miracle deluge arrives from the African skies sometime soon, the city will be out of water by April. Think of that for a second: a city of over 400,000 people completely without water. And we thought things were dire in California for a few years. Despite this, Dane, Pat and Tanner went all-in with their friends and still delivered more than 700 surfboards.

“What’s really awesome is that despite everything these kids are going through, once they’re in the water they’re just as stoked as any grom anywhere,” Dane said while smiling. “They’re hooting and yelling and smiling, just like back home.”

And even more awesome than that?

The boys don’t see this as a culmination of their efforts, rather merely another chapter in their journey.

Page 18

“Sometimes, when you have an idea, you just have to go out and do it,” Dane said. “You may not know how to do it, but you learn and you keep going. We learned a lot from our first board drive we did in Jamaica and were able to apply a lot of those learnings to this South Africa project, and then when we do the next one at some point we’ll have it even more dialed in. And the beautiful thing is that we’re not the only ones doing stuff like this. Surfers around the world are standing up to make a change and make a difference, whether that’s through surfboard drives, or plastic waste, or clean water, or whatever, it’s a pretty powerful thing to have surf communities everywhere genuinely stoked on making a difference in the world around them.” DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-60 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: Local: 5-8’ Fair Catalina: 15-20’ Fair-Good Outlook: Combo of WNW and South swell eases Saturday with knee-waist high (2-3’) sets at best breaks. Smaller surf Sunday and early next week. Morning winds look mostly favorable. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

GROM OF THE WEEK

ISRAEL CANNON

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

here’s something so pure and so rad about a kid beaming after a good day at the beach. Seven-yearold Israel Cannon lives for it.

When asked what the best thing about surfing is, his answer is succinct and allencompassing. “The feeling,” he said.

In second grade at Concordia Elementary School, he’s only been surfing for about a year, but that’s hardly slowing him down.

“My dad bought me a Beater (surfboard) and a wetsuit and took me to TStreet,” Israel said. “I just started on the shore break, and my dad kept encouraging me to go further out.”

Coached by former WSL World Tour star Neco Padaratz, he’s already garnered the support of companies such as Sambazon, Muleke Surfboards, Stance and he’s even part of the grom program at the Rip Curl Surf Shop. You may

Israel Cannon. Photo: Courtesy

have seen him in the water at spots like Church, San Onofre or T-Street. He’s the kid with the massive smile.

When asked about his favorite aspect of riding waves, he said, “I love the acceleration when I’m dropping in, carving and seeing my friends out in the ocean.”

Inspired by the recent performances of Kolohe Andino, Griffin Colapinto and Filipe Toledo, someday he hopes to also “participate in contests around the world.”

That may be a few years off for young Israel, but in the meantime, he notes that he would “love to go to Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch and also France and Israel.”

Never underestimate the power of a grom’s stoke. DP www.danapointtimes.com