March 9, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

March 9–15, 2018

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INSERT: LOOK INSIDE FOR 1 OF 10 BLUE TICKETS FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES! VOLUME 11, ISSUE 10

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CUSD, OCSD, Officials to Discuss School Shooting Procedures EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Dana Hills Spring Sports Preview SPORTS/PAGE 22

Official Guide to the 60th Annual Swallows Day Parade SPECIAL SECTION ONLINE

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TEN FROM THE PUBLISHER | NORB GARRETT TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN! Last month marked a very special milestone for all of us at the Dana Point Times, as we celebrate 10 years of serving this amazing community with our own interpretation of hyper-local journalism. As the area’s only locally-owned and managed community media business, my team and I take immense pride in serving the very communities we live and raise our families in.

Ten years ago, we launched the Dana Point Times (DP Times) with a clear vision of wanting to make Dana Point a better, more engaged community. The DP Times was started in February of 2008, just two years after we launched our first community media platform in San Clemente, the San Clemente Times. In 2007, we acquired The Capistrano Dispatch in San Juan Capistrano. Through our uniquely designed weekly newspaper, online website and social media platforms, our “Local News You Can Use” mantra brought hyper-local, useful, community information directly into the hands of every resident and visitor of this beautiful and remarkable city. Our vision statement is simple: The more informed the community is about everything happening in and around it, the more engaged the community will be. The more engaged your community, the stronger it is. Beyond just reporting the news, our purpose is to make our community better and stronger.

It has been a huge honor getting to know all of the amazing civic, business and community leaders during these past 10 years.

This is a vibrant and engaged community, one whose accomplishments we strive to celebrate through our various media channels and weekly through the free newspaper we distribute throughout the city. Most of you have come to know our staff very well over the years, perhaps none more so than Lauralyn Loynes, our incredible Associate Publisher. We’ve had several editors through the years (five, counting our current editor, Daniel Ritz), but Lauralyn has been with us from the very beginning. In fact, she was my first full-time hire in DANA POINT TIMES EDITORS 2006 (after my wife, Alyssa, 2008-2009: Nathan Wright of course, who has been in 2009-2013, 2014-2016: Andrea Swayne charge of operations since 2013-2014 Andrea Papagianis-Camacho day one) as I’d worked with 2016-2017: Kristina Pritchett her at SURFER publications 2017-current: Daniel Ritz for several years and could think of no one more perfect to help me start a community media company. She’s the living embodiment of what we stand for—passionate, engaged participants in our community striving to make our city stronger. Ditto about our Art Director, Jasmine Smith, who has overseen the design of every single issue of the DP Times and continues to raise the design bar through our special sections, paper and website.

As we celebrate 10 years of serving you, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you again for your support of the DP Times and all of us here at Picket Fence Media. We love Dana Point and are looking forward to the next 10 years!

Photo: Scott Schmitt

usual partner-in-crime. Although the zucchini sometimes take center-stage, the burgers can definitely hold their own.

THE DP TIMES STAFF SHARES:

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The Events There’s always something to do in Dana Point. Year-round, Dana Point is home to an abundance of events to the delight of the locals and the masses that travel far and wide. Music festivals like the Doheny Blues Festival, Ohana Festival and the Summer Concert Series join the Dana Point Turkey Trot, Grand Prix, Tall Ships Festival, Festival of Whales, Holidays in the Harbor and more.

Things We Love About Dana Point

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The Waves

BY DANIEL RITZ

Dana Point offers consistent world-class surf spots for a wide variety of wave riders.

The punchy beach-breaks of Salt Creek offer powerful A-frame barrels during the winter while the peeling sand-bottom points of Doheny State Beach, which prefer a summer southern hemisphere swell, offer a mellower wave for those who prefer longboarding or paddleboard surfing.

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The People From Monarch Beach to Capistrano Beach, life is good in Dana Point and people know it. Business owners, budding families, tourists and retirees all speak the universal language of happiness in the natural harbor town that founder Richard Henry Dana called the center of California’s prosperity.

EIGHT Photo: Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

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Fishing and Whale Watching

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The Uniform

Whether you are throwing a line from shore or utilizing the beautiful Harbor to launch an off-shore adventure, Dana Point is home to some of the best fishing and whale watching in Southern California. The warm waters off Dana Point’s beaches hold a diverse range of fish including wahoo and marlin in addition to hosting a wide variety of whales as they pass by on their trans-oceanic migrations.

Dana Point knows that you’ve got to look good to feel good and nowhere else on earth appreciates Hawaiian business-casual quite like D.P. A timeless and high thread count, short-sleeve, Hawaiian-print button-up compliments those crisp, pressed khaki slacks. Life is easy; your only choice is between boat shoes or flip-flops.

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The Parks Beautiful public parks owned by the state, county and city encompass the heart of Dana Point. Enjoy the sprawling grasslands of Sea Terrance Park in the north, the blufftop terrace overlooking the Harbor below at Heritage Park or a beautiful sunset through the trees at Pines Park.

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A’s Burgers Fried Zucchini

Hobie Surf Shops’s Reyn Spooner Status Oceanic Shirt.

Every small town has its quirky and iconic tastes, and you encounter Dana Point’s directly upon entering Pacific Coast Highway. A’s Burgers’ fried zucchini brings a refreshingly exotic change to a burger’s

The Spirit Since its discovery in 1835 by Richard Henry Dana from the deck of the Pilgrim, Dana Point has been called home by a long lineage of entrepreneurs, engineers, inventors and creative minds. Creative energy is abundant in the salty air of Dana Point, a small town that has and is still producing big things.

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El Patio Café Recognizable by its unique pink exterior and comfy surfer motif décor, El Patio Café has been a pillar of the community since 1937.

Generations of Dana Point residents coming to El Patio for home-cooked, consistently delicious Mexican food have supported this landmark becoming the oldest operating business in Dana Point.

A’s Burgers fried zucchini with ranch.

TEN

Happy Hour in the Harbor

Photo: Omega Events

There’s nothing quite like wrapping up a long day with one of Wind & Sea’s worldrenowned mai tai’s. For more than 45 years, Dana Pointers have watched the boats disappear as the sun sets beyond the horizon before sneaking around the corner to Turks Restaurant, another landmark Dana Point watering hole, for a night cap.

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1. Lauralyn Loynes, Associate Publisher. 2. Kristina Pritchett, former Dana Point Times Editor and Jasmine Smith, Art Director. 3. Andrea Papagianis-Camacho, former Dana Point Times Editor/Current Special Projects Editor. 4. Tricia Zines, Distribution Manager with Tim Trent, City Distribution. 5. Alyssa and Norb Garrett, Publishers of Picket Fence Media. 6. Andrea Swayne, former Dana Point Times Editor/Senior Editor. 7. Diane DiMarco, former Advertising Sales Executive. 8. Susie Lantz and Debra Wells, Advertising Sales Executives. 9. Zach Cavanagh, Sports Editor; Daniel Ritz, Dana Point Times Editor; Rachael Mattice, Managing Editor. 10. Jasmine Smith, Andrea Papagianis-Camacho, Lauralyn Loynes. 11. Mason Trent and Tim Trent, City Distribution. 12. Jonathan Volzke, former Senior Editor and Lauralyn Loynes. 13. Andrea Swayne, Jasmine Smith, Norb Garrett, Lauralyn Loynes, Andrea Papagianis-Camacho. 14. The staff who launched the SC Times in 2006 (L-R) Michele Reddick, former Advertising Sales Executive; Jasmine Smith, Rebecca Nordquist, former Managing Editor; Norb Garrett, Alyssa Garrett and Lauralyn Loynes. 15. DP Times staff fishing trip. 16. Kristina Pritchett, Alyssa Garrett, Allison Jarrell, former The Capistrano Dispatch Editor. 17. Steve Breazeale, former Sports Editor. 18. Michele Reddick and Lauralyn Loynes. 19. Norb Garrett. 20. Jennifer Guy, Real Estate Advertising Sales Executive. 21. Daniel Ritz. 22. Lauralyn Loynes, Alyssa Garrett, Tricia Zines. 23. Alyssa and Norb Garrett. 24. Lacey Nadeau (left), former Staff Reporter with her mom and Angela Edwards (right), former Advertising Sales Executive. 25. Tawnee Prazak, former Copy Editor and Heidi Smith, former Graphic Designer. 26. Past editorial team members (L-R) Jim Shilander, Steve Breazeale, Andrea Papagianis-Camacho, Brian Park and Andrea Swayne. 27. Norb Garrett. 28. Allison Jarrell and Andrea Swayne. Not shown: Chelsie Rex, Graphic Designer; Sergio Sanchez, former Advertising Sales Executive; Dana Schnell, former Graphic Designer; Matt Cortina, former Managing Editor.

MAN ON THE STREET:

What has been your favorite part of the Dana Point Times over the last 10 years?

COMPILED BY DANIEL RITZ

“ Every Friday I start at the back of the paper to see the Grom of the Week.

It’s such a great reflection of this coastal community, featuring our up-and-coming watermen and women. ”

“ I really enjoy reading the Grom of the Week. I find it special to highlight the talent of our local residents, especially those younger ones who participate in a sport that may otherwise go overlooked. ”

“ I enjoy the Top-5 section, and the Letters to the Editor are always a good reflection of what is happening in our city. I have to admit though, I miss the Police Blotter... ”

DANA POINT CITY MANAGER MARK DENNY

MAYOR PRO TEM JOE MULLER

MAYOR RICHARD VICZOREK

“ From the very beginning, I recall the Dana Point Times coming on board and wanting to become part of our Dana Point community. After 10 years of hard work and tons of effort by your leadership and staff, in my opinion, your weekly publication has achieved its goal. The people of the Dana Point Times are out there meeting with people, getting involved with issues. I enjoy reading your weekly newspaper because it’s the only real news I get when it comes to our community. ” JIM MILLER

“ I really love the Dana Point Times’ community calendar. I love learning about things my friends are doing, and things that I didn’t know I was interested in here in Dana Point. ”

“ I love learning about fun things going on in Dana Point in the events calendar! There’s always something going on I didn’t know about. ”

“ The best part of the Dana Point Times is the Getting Out calendar. It’s such an invaluable resource for what’s going on in town. ”

RONNA KINCAID

JOAN MURRAY

MARGIE BLACK

“ I really look forward to the Top-5 section because I know I can turn right to that first page and get everything I need to know! Also, the Letters to the Editor.

It’s a community conversation. It keeps me abreast of what’s going on. ”

“ I know it’s not there anymore, but I always loved the Police Blotter. My wife and I loved to read that when we were moving to, and then settling, here in Dana Point. It was funny, and it reminded us of how safe Dana Point was. ”

“ It’s local news you can use! Funny how that is your slogan and it’s true. Dana Point Times is our local go-to news. What do I love most? It’s the people that work at the Dana Point Times and their commitment to the community. ”

NANCY JENKINS

MAX BROWN

DONNA KALEZ

10 Weeks of Giveaways!

In honor of our 10th Anniversary, the Dana Point Times is proud to present...

Here’s the scoop…

Just send us an email describing why you LOVE the DP Times.

We will select a winner each week for 10 weeks!

Our first prize package includes: • Custom DP Times tumbler • 10 free coffee fills from The Coffee Importers • Plush DP Times beach towel • Whale watching for two via Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

The DP Times

Send your love-filled email to: contest@danapointtimes.com and tell us why you LOVE the DP Times. Include your name and phone number. Winners will be featured each week in the paper and on our social media accounts from 03/16 – 05/18.

Snagged one of our prize packages, including the DP Times tumbler? Hang onto it for life!

Bring your DP Times thermos to the baristas at The Coffee Importers until the cup caves completely to receive $1 regular coffee refills in celebration of the shop’s upcoming 40th anniversary.

More prize packages to come, including gifts from some of our favorite local businesses:

would like to

extend our deepest gratitude to all

of our wonderful partners, past and present,

for helping us

make a difference

and more!

More ways to win...

ing ticket.)

nn Example. (Not a wi

Look for 1 of 10 blue tickets inserted in the March 9 edition of the DP Times for your chance to win a prize!

in the community that we all love!

DP EYE ON DP Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

take away,” Burris said. “This time there was a lot of discussion of what reunification of students and parents would look like, which is helpful if you have a situation where you’re evacuating kids to a different site.”

The scenario contains details of the amount of victims and first responder replies, the details of the suspects and the OCSD’s findings of an early investigation.

“Through that engagement and dialogue, we can assist each other in seeing the strengths and weaknesses (in our plans), what to reinforce and what to make better,” Burris said.

Five things Dana Point should know this week CUSD School’s Participate in Nationwide School Walk-Out for Gun Violence Awareness THE LATEST: A local high school studentcoalition is planning to participate in a non-partisan demonstration to include a moment of silence for the Parkland, Florida shooting victims.

Fears and frustrations of students such as Olivia Fu, a senior at San Juan Hills High School (SJHHS), have prompted a nationwide, student walk-out set for Wednesday, March 14 to protest gun violence. Students in South Orange County, including Dana Hills High School and SJHHS, plan to take part.

“Whenever I’m in class, I’ll be zoning out, and I’ll catch myself thinking about what I would do if a shooter came in, like where I would hide,” Fu said. “It’s a very real threat that I realized became normalized when it shouldn’t be—it’s serious and very relevant to us, it’s not an abstract idea.”

“We want change and we have the power to achieve that change,” Fu, a coorganizer for the SJHHS walk-out, said.

Although the SJHHS walk-out will remain on school campus, some 560 students are planning to participate and Fu expects more will join. Fu, 18, said that though many walk-outs are pushing for a specific gun-related policy, the walk-out at SJHHS is intended to be a non-partisan demonstration, which will include a moment of silence for the Parkland, Florida victims.

“There needs to be some sort of change, we’re just not specifying what that policy change should be,” Fu said. “We’re really trying to make our voices heard, we may be young, but we’re powerful. A lot of us can vote and students are a real force.”

Some of these walkout coalition students include Olivia Drury and Maddie Grimes, both juniors at Dana Hills High School. Drury and Grimes both stated they are planning their walk-out to be as fundamental and non-partisan as possible.

“We want victims to feel supported. This is all about promoting our main initiatives which are school safety and gun violence prevention. I don’t know too many people Dana Point Times March 8-14, 2018

Ensuring students are safe while receiving their education is the issue being tackled by multiple organizations that met at the CUSD office on March 1 to exercise the fabricated school-shooting scenario. Photo: Courtesy of Ryan Burris

against that,” Drury said.

The Dana Hills walk-out, which has been promoted by social media, is expected to draw hundreds of students.

Taking place in-between classes—on school grounds—the Dana Hills walk-out Drury and Grimes are organizing will gather students for 17 minutes in honor of the 17 students killed during the Florida shooting. They explained there will be a moment of silence, in recognition of the victims of every school gun-violence incident.

Drury and Grimes, who have set up a www.gofundme.com account to raise necessary funds for postage to send letters from Dana Hills students to various government officials to voice their concerns, spoke to Dana Point Chief of Police Services Lt. Russ Chilton prior to the walk-out.

Lt. Chilton said that his informal sitdown with the Dana Hills juniors was focused on their safety concerns as well as discussing the lasting impact of their efforts. In a culture of rapidly decreasing attention spans, Lt. Chilton encouraged Drury and Grimes to become a part of the civic process and enable their work to have a truly lasting impact.

WHAT’S NEXT: In accordance with state law, CUSD will not discipline students who choose to assemble, provided they adhere to district and school guidelines including, but not limited to: all activities must be peaceful and respectful, and at no time may students leave the campus, CUSD Chief Communications Officer Ryan Burris said in an email on March 6 to district staff, families and students.

“While CUSD supports the rights of our students to express their beliefs under the state and federal First Amendment rights, as a district we are not sponsoring or advocating any participation in demonstrations,” Burris said in the email.

Drury and Grimes, walk-out organizers at Dana Hills, voiced that they feel their

schools are safe and they feel supported by the district, but the walk-outs are symbolic of taking responsibility for their own safety and ensuring the protection of what Grimes called an “essential experience of your youth.”

“I was watching things like Sandy Hook happen and feeling empathy as a young student. I was calling for action, but not taking any,” Drury said, speaking on what motivated her to organize this event at Dana Hills.

“School is something you need to do to grow, and we want to ensure we feel safe (getting our education), and that our leaders know how important this is to us,” Grimes said. —Daniel Ritz and Emily Rasmussen

WHAT’S NEXT: Vital said the school district—one of the first school districts in the county to have a counselor at every school—is working to build a mental health task force to increase mental health services.

The task force is still in the process of being formed, Burris said.

“This is a crisis from a lot of different expert’s perspectives and we will be building engagement in discussion on our mental health: social and emotional,” Burris said.

“And, how to increase capacity for that stuff—we spend nearly $4 million a year for support in our schools and it’s not enough.”

At the next CUSD board meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, there will be a presentation on school safety at the CUSD office at 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano. —ER

CUSD, Local Officials Discuss School Shooting Safety Procedures

City Council Holds First Public Hearing Concerning Transition to By-District Voting

THE LATEST: Ensuring students are safe while receiving their education is the issue being tackled by multiple organizations that met at the CUSD office on March 1 to exercise the fabricated school-shooting scenario. The organizations that met to discuss their plans were: Dana Point Police Services, Orange County Fire Authority, OCSD SWAT, OCSD Bomb Squad, OCSD Juvenile Services, OCSD Air Support, Coroner’s Office, CUSD and Dana Point city manager and staff.

“The relationship between the school sites and (OCSD) is incredible,” CUSD Chief Communications Officer Ryan Burris said. “Each school resource officer knows every inch of the campus, they know each of our principals.”

For nearly three hours, the exercise went over how procedures would play out in real time, Burris said.

“One hundred percent of the time there’s always something to learn and to

THE LATEST: During their March 6 meeting, City Council held its first of two public meetings to solicit public input on the potential composition of voting district drafting maps. During their meeting on Feb. 20, City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution of intention to transition to by-district voting after receiving a letter from attorney Russell D. Myrick of the RDM Law Firm in February threatening to sue the city of Dana Point for alleged violations of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA).

Douglas Johnson, president of National Demographics Corporation (NDC), gave a short presentation outlining the timeline of necessary events and meetings for bydistrict City Council elections to become a reality by Election Day, Nov. 6. He explained that if by-district voting was carried out, three city council districts would hold their first by-district elections. The two remaining districts, would hold their first by-district elections on Nov. 3, 2020.

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www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP Johnson explained that under federal legislation, districting requires that each district be of relatively equal population, may not violate the Federal Voting Rights Act and cannot partake in racial gerrymandering, or the division of “protected classes.”

“There are no real right answers,” Johnson said, explaining how the Latino populations that RDM’s initial letter discusses are in-fact too small to enable a majority-minority district.

Council member Paul Wyatt then asked how the City of Dana Point can go out of its way to be sure that Latino voters feel enabled and motivated to participate in the election of their desired City Council members.

Douglas shared a demographic summary of Dana Point, showing that each of the five proposed City Council districts would have about 7,400 residents (onefifth of the 33,351 population).

In the Nov. 2016 election, data from NDC showed that Latino voters accounted for 1,492 votes, 8 percent, of the 18,038 reported casted ballots.

District formation is implemented by focusing on two main questions: What is a neighborhood or community of interest? Does a community of interest want to be united in one district, or to be divided to have a voice in multiple elections?

WHAT’S NEXT: During the March 6 meeting, Council member John Tomlinson voiced concern over the City Council’s personal interactions with NDC. The Council unanimously, informally, agreed to not have individual contact with NDC concerning Dana Point’s district formation.

The second public hearing for by-district voting will be held at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 20.

NDC’s presentation can be seen in full, including demographic voting data, on www.danapoint.org. —DR

FRC Remains Suspended; Council Elects to Continue Discussion on Charter Changes THE LATEST: During their meeting on March 6, City Council was unable to come to a consensus concerning charter amendments proposed by Council member John Tomlinson to review and possibly amend the Finance Review Committee (FRC) charter, specifically, how FRC members are elected by City Council.

Tomlinson, who’s resolution (see it in full at www.danapoint.org) stated that all five members of the FRC would have

to be voted to the committee by approval of the majority of the City Council. He stated this was to avoid an over-politicization of the FRC. Council member Debra Lewis, who along with Council member Paul Wyatt, verbally refuted Tomlinson’s resolution, said that she completely disagreed that the FRC was politicized because of the way it was formatted.

Mayor Richard Viczorek proposed that the FRC return to the original induction format, which included four members: the city manager, the assistant city manager, one member of the public voted in by a majority of the City Council, and one ex-official non-voting auditor position member.

After Viczorek made his proposal, Tomlinson stated that he was against the interference and reiterated the potential change in Council members come Election Day in November.

Tomlinson continued, stating that if the initial investment committee induction model proposed by Viczorek didn’t work, and the current induction model in place where each FRC member is appointed by a City Council member fails, his resolution deserved to be given a chance.

WHAT’S NEXT: After a long discussion, multiple motions and substitute motions, Mayor Viczorek suggested circling the

wagons and reconsidering the resolution after further research. The revised resolution will be discussed at a future City Council meeting. www.danapoint. org. —DR

Lt. Russ Chilton to be Special Guest Speaker at Civic Association Coffee Chat March 16 THE LATEST: On Friday, March 16, the Dana Point Civic Association will hold its third Friday coffee chat. The special guest speaker will be Dana Point’s Chief of Police, Russ Chilton. Chilton is retiring on the same day after 33 years of service with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) and, most recently, as Chief of Police Services for Dana Point.

WHAT’S NEXT: Lt. Chilton will introduce his replacement, Lt. Margie Sheehan, who has extensive experience and expertise with OCSD and had previously served as a Marine. —DR

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

EYE ON DP

Community Meetings SATURDAY, MARCH 10

10 students from St. Edward The Confessor recently won first place at the Diocese of Orange Academic Decathlon. The team will represent the Diocese of Orange at the state competition. Photo: Courtesy

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Register Now for 12th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix on April 29 Registration has officially opened for the 12th annual Dana Point Grand Prix to take place on Sunday, April 29. The Dana Point Grand Prix, presented by Kingston Technology, is one of the best attended one-day professional bike events in America. Experience the fun and exciting celebration of bikes with activities, bike demos, elite competition and fast racing action. There will also be youth races for children ages 4 to 10, beginning at noon. All participants receive a free swag bag including event Tshirts and medals. Registration is $38. To register, log onto www.legacy.usacycling. org/register.

St. Edward the Confessor Wins First Place at Academic Decathlon The Academic Decathlon Team from The Parish School at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church won first place overall at the 22nd Annual Diocese of Orange Junior High Academic Decathlon on March 3 at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

St. Edward’s team of 10 students competed against more than 200 students from 17 Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Orange. The Academic Junior High Decathlon is an academic competition designed for Catholic students in sixth to eighth grade. The one-day competition features 10 rounds, including two collaborative team events. The remaining nine events are individual, where one team member focuses on a dedicated topic—religion, English, literature, writing, science, mathematics, current events, social studies and fine arts.

“We are so incredibly proud of our Academic Decathlon team who has worked diligently over the past six months, along Dana Point Times March 9–15, 2018

with our dedicated group of teachers and parents, to master their subject areas and ultimately share their God-given talents at Saturday’s competition,” said Dr. Catherine Muzzy, principal of The Parish School at St. Edward the Confessor. “The Academic Decathlon program demonstrates the academic talent and leadership amongst our Catholic school learners in Orange County, and we are honored to represent the Diocese in next month’s state competition.”

The Parish School at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church will represent the Diocese of Orange at the State of California competition on Saturday, April 14 in San Diego. This is the eighth time that the school will represent the Diocese of Orange. The Parish School has won the state championship five times, most recently in 2016.

Blues Traveler, Beth Hart Added to Doheny Blues Festival Lineup The Doheny Blues Festival has revealed the second wave of artists performing at the 21st annual event, taking place May 19 and 20 at Sea Terrace Park. Joining this year’s lineup of previously announced acts, such as George Thorogood and Jimmie Vaughan, will be Grammy-winning Blues Traveler, blues-rock powerhouse Beth Hart and many others.

Joining Blues Traveler and Beth Hart is New Orleans’ Anders Osborne, bluesrock guitarist Eric Gales, Nicki Hill, and Knock-Out Greg & The Jukes. The full lineup will be revealed in the next few weeks and will include a very special guest announcement. The festival will feature three stages of alternating music with 20+ performances throughout the weekend.

Tickets are available online at www.dohenybluesfestival.com.

Shark Sighting Prompts Closure to San Clemente Beaches on Monday At 10:30 a.m. on March 5, the city of San Clemente announced on Twitter that the

waters it patrols would be closed due to a confirmed shark sighting near the Pier.

This is the first shark-sighting closure of the calendar year. The shark sighted was reported as an 8-foot-long great white. The closure was marked from Lasuens Beach to North Beach.

The city closes its waters for four hours at a time during confirmed shark sightings. If no sharks are sighted after that, the closure is typically downgraded to a warning, but the waters are reopened.

Monday’s closure went into effect at 9:10 a.m. and was lifted at 1:10 p.m.

Intermittently throughout the spring and summer of 2017, shark sightings closed beaches from San Clemente to northern parts of Orange County. A woman was attacked by a shark at San Onofre State Beach in April, which was the start of closures and prompted studies of shark behavior throughout the area.

Victim Compensation Board Announces Funding Availability for Trauma Recovery Centers The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) posted a Notice of Funds Available for Trauma Recovery Centers (TRCs). The funding is for fiscal years 2018-19 and 2019-20.

TRCs provide trauma-informed mental health treatment and case management to underserved crime victims who may not be eligible for victim compensation or who may be fearful of reporting a crime to law enforcement.

All interested parties must submit a grant application packet by both postal mail and email before 2 p.m. on Friday, March 30. Complete details on eligibility criteria and application instructions can be found on the CalVCB website on the Grant Opportunities page at www.victims. ca.gov/board/grants.aspx.

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.

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FESTIVAL OF WHALES 8 a.m. The Festival of Whales celebration of the California gray whale migration continues, starting with the Cardboard Classic and Dingy Dash at Baby Beach. 949.248.3536. www.festivalofwhales.com.

FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m. There will be fresh produce and treats for sale at the farmers’ market. La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza.

949.279.3122.

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

FESTIVAL OF WHALES 10 a.m. The Festival of Whales celebration of the California gray whale migration continues. 949.248.3536. www.festivalofwhales.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 12

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 6 p.m. The Dana Point Planning Commission will hold a meeting at Dana Point City Hall in Council Chambers.

33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210. www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

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

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14

SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes anyone interested in making a difference in the local community and changing the world to join them in their weekly meeting. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Marriott Laguna Cliffs Resort, 25135 Park Lantern. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 15

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

34451 Ensenada Place. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing & Events Center. www.coastmasters.org. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor LOOKING BEYOND THE ‘QUICK FIX’ CAITLIN YATES, San Francisco

I am writing regarding the article published in the Feb.16-22 edition of the Dana Point Times titled, “City Holds Community Forum Addressing Homelessness.”

Although I appreciate the sentiment of decreasing the homeless problem in the Dana Point community, the views stated

by Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas on the effectiveness of both the three-strike law and converting felonies to misdemeanors is both misguided and shortsighted. Managing a growing homeless problem through the use of enhanced law enforcement is simply not the answer and will only create increased problems for the community in the future.

Recidivism rates occur in part because people who need help, support and services are put in jail for minor crimes, only decreasing their ability to participate as functional members of society when they are returned to the street without any support. It serves not only these vulnerable populations, but the rest of the community, to provide long-term solutions and services to our homeless population instead of turning to law enforcement for a “quick fix.”

AN EXTINCTION PARADOX JOANNA CLARK, San Juan Capistrano

There have been five major extinctions over the last 4.6 billion years, according to the BBC Nature’s article “Big Five Mass Extinction Events.”

The conditions that caused these extinctions occurred over millions of years, not a few hundred years.

With the arrival of our Industrial-Age in

1750, in less than 300 years we have set ourselves on a course that could very well result in a sixth mass extinction.

Prior to the beginning of the Industrial Age, atmospheric CO2 remained relatively stable at 280 parts per million (ppm), according to NASA Global Climate Change.

As our demand for coal, oil and gas intensified, we released more and more CO2 back into the atmosphere, exceeding the ability of the natural carbon sinks to maintain equilibrium. This has resulted in an exponential increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As our planet’s natural carbon sinks became overwhelmed by rising CO2 levels, the environment began to destabilize, causing a gradual warming of the planet.

This warming has driven climate change, leading to the collapsing of our glaciers, ice shelves, and the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, originally held back by the ice shelves.

The consequences listed above have shown an increase in storm severity, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, flooding, extreme heat waves, drought and wildfires, according to NASA. The risk of wildfires increases exponentially during extended heat waves and droughts. They release CO2 and reduce the number of trees available to absorb CO2, “a double whammy for the atmosphere,” said the Associated Press in “Wildfires Deliver a Double Whammy” from 2008.

Today, our continued development as a species depends upon our destruction of the planet’s natural environment. Yet our future depends on the survival of that very same environment.

We are facing a catastrophic future if we cannot put our many irrational and tribal differences aside and work as one to solve the paradox that threatens each of us.

We can become an unstoppable force for change and the common good, if we put our irrational and tribal differences aside and unite as one to solve the paradox we created.

PROTECT OUR HIGH SCHOOLS WITH OFFICERS GREGG NEWBURY, San Clemente

Not many people had heard of Columbine High School prior to 1999. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida is in the news now because of a mass shooting by a former student. Sandy Hook Elementary School, Las Vegas and Aurora took place in between. What can be done to reduce the possibility of such attacks?

Schools are targeted in part because they are no-gun zones. A person wanting to do harm on society knows they will be the only one with guns when they show up at a school. This dynamic needs to change.

Every time we have a mass shooting, we hear “ban guns, outlaw bumpstocks, tighten background checks, eliminate the gun show loop hole, increase the age to buy guns, arm the teachers.” I heard an idea recently I really like.

A caller to the Rush Limbaugh radio show told a story about his local police department running out of office space in their city hall building, so they created a satellite office at their local high school.

What a wonderful idea. This placed a trained, armed, skilled and experienced officer at the high school at all times. And it is their duty to protect citizens. The added expense to cover the schools is minimal.

I am suggesting that this idea be considered.

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.

CONVERSATION TOPICS AMONGST COMMUNITY MEMBERS

“To the Public: the Financial Review Committee (FRC) operates under the direction of the City Council.

Its reports have been done at the request of the Council. The Council should be commended for caring about financial matters affecting the city. The members of the FRC have had years of extensive financial experience and donate their valuable time free of charge. This is a huge benefit to the city and the council.

FRC efforts have brought attention to key financial matters and contributed to transparency in city government. The reports and conclusions provided are recommendations to the city council.

The FRC has no authority to implement any of their recommendations.”

—Comment made by “Facts Checker” on “Letter to the Editor: A Call for Open Session” on www.danapointtimes.com

Page 16

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 GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Group Managing Editor > Rachael Mattice City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz

Voices of Dana Point

Dana Point Times March 9-15, 2018

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Emily Rasmussen

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) 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 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 10. 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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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

EDITOR’S PICK

COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO

Friday | 09 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 THEATER: ‘THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents The Cripple of Inishmaan every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until March 25. The Cripple of Inishmaan delves into the great tradition of Irish storytelling and has been called an “entertainingly boozy brew of sweet and savage humor.” Tickets are $20. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

This weekend, the second weekend of the Festival of Whales kicks off with the Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash at Baby Beach at 8 a.m on Sat. Photo: File

MARCH 10-11: 47TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WHALES Enjoy the second weekend of the 47th Annual Festival of Whales. Families are welcome to join in on countless activities including art lessons, street fairs and car shows all weekend long. For a complete list of events, visit www.festivalofwhales.com. Dana Point Harbor.

34555 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.496.1045.

Monday | 12

Hear tales of fungal folklore all while learning which mushrooms are okay to eat and farm. Admission is free. RSVP for this lecture at www.rmvreserve.org. 11 Brioso Street, Ladera Ranch. 949.625.6500.

Saturday | 10

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.

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.

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.

BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a Bingo night for a charity of the week.

Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern.

206 S. El Camino Real. 949. 492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

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.

Sunday | 11

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.

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.

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 PuerDana Point Times March 9–15, 2018

ta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

Wednesday | 14

Tuesday | 13

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.

GETTING FRIENDLY WITH FUNGI 7 p.m. Mycologist Joanne Schwartz is holding a lecture at the Guest House in Rancho Mission Viejo about identifying wild mushrooms in Southern California.

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 Page 18

Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.493.5228, or 949.369.5482.

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.

Thursday | 15 GARDEN ANGELS 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join volunteers, students and teachers at Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens to care for and maintain native plants and butterflies. No experience is necessary (they’ll teach you), but you should bring gloves and clippers. No class if it rains. Admission is free. Los Rios Park.

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

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.

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

At the Movies: ‘Red Sparrow’ Flies South of Expectations

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s the 2017 awards season ended with a rather uneventful Oscars ceremony, with The Shape of Water winning “Best Picture” and “Best Director” as well as Three Billboards and Dunkirk getting their share of wins, 20th Century Fox decided to release its latest espionage thriller, Red Sparrow, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton.

Lawrence has been spending her postOscar win since 2013 primarily with studio films that don’t meet their potential, and Sparrow fits that bill as well.

In modern-day Russia, prima ballerina Dominika Egorova (Lawrence) has her career sabotaged by rival dancers when they conspire to break her leg during a performance. Her uncle, Vanya (Matthias Schoenaerts), recruits her to a special intelligence agency where she is trained

Photo: Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

to use her sexuality as a weapon. One of her first assignments involves CIA agent Nate Nash (Joel Edgerton), who is living in Moscow and doing his own investigation on her.

Jeremy Irons, Mary-Louise Parker and Joely Richardson make up the rest of the famous cast. Red Sparrow is directed by Lawrence’s Hunger Games collaborator Francis Lawrence and is based on the 2013 novel by Jason Matthews. Unlike last year’s flawed but fun Atomic Blonde, which had exciting action sequences and a catchy soundtrack, Sparrow has a tone problem. It’s just as graphic sexually and violently as Blonde, but way too bleak to be accessible to a mainstream audience.

The atmosphere and characters are so harsh that the film is almost a turn-off.

My advice to Jennifer in the future would be to try indie films again. DP

At The Coach House: Steve Tyrell

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he captivating tunes of Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Steve Tyrell and his band are returning to the stage at The Coach House on Friday, March 16.

With hits such as “I’ve Got a Crush On You” and “The Simple Life,” Tyrell’s career in singing, songwriting and production spans nearly five-decades. Most recently, the 73-year-old legend came out with his new album A Song For You, which features a blend of cross-decade songs and melodies.

“This album is a mixture of the great American songbook from the 20s, it has some of the classic songs that I kind of started doing and modern songs,” Tyrell said.

Some of Tyrell’s more modern songs include hits from the 70s and 80s, including the album’s opening song “Someone Like You,” by Van Morrison in 1987. The album’s title is also named after “A Song For You,” by Leon Russell and Willie Nelson in 1979, which Tyrell covers.

Tyrell said his plan at The Coach House is to perform tunes from his new album— which he anticipates will soon make it to No. 1 on Billboard for traditional jazz.

“Each thing is different, like my last album had songs from the Carole King era and the songwriting era from the 1960s,” Tyrell said. “This (new album) is a blend of Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Jerome Kern, Burt Bacharach—kind of a fusion of all of these different eras.”

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Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Steve Tyrell.

Photo: Courtesy

At The Coach House, Tyrell said that people can look forward to the audience singing along to classic hits with him and have an overall good time. With a handful of past performances at The Coach House, Tyrell said that he loves the audience’s fun atmosphere at the San Juan Capistrano venue.

“I’m hoping I have people who come back and forth to that place,” Tyrell said.

“Every night that you perform live music is a new night, so it always feels the same basically. You have the expectation to try to be good, lock in on something musical and magical. Every night is different and every venue is different.”

The doors open for the show at 6 p.m. and it starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 16 at The Coach House, located at 33157 Camino Capistrano. Tickets are $38 and can be bought online at www.thecoachhouse.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY FROM THE ARCHIVES

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

Eight Red Flags if Widow Allows Man-Friend to Move In

I

n 24 years of writing columns about senior romance, I’ve often been asked about senior couples cohabitating. The most recent question in that category came from Sally (not her true name), 69, a widow of four years.

Sally emailed: “I am financially secure, healthy, fit and attractive. I have been doing volunteer work for the last two years, which is how I met the man I am now seeing.”

Sally explained that she met him last spring when he visited the museum where she volunteers as a docent. He lives 34 miles from her. They’ve been dating on weekends since midMay. He’s 56, 13 years younger. He told her the age difference doesn’t bother him.

“I like the way our relationship is now. We get a chance to miss one another because we ON LIFE AND don’t live together,” Sally LOVE AFTER 50 said. “We have had some

By Tom Blake misunderstandings but have worked through them and grown in our relationship.

“He is hardworking and loves his sisters and 86-year-old mother, who live in Kansas. We visited them last November.

He is not as financially secure as I and he still works full time, which is good. I am a retired teacher and I own a nice, large, mortgage-free home.

“He has never married. My late husband and I had a solid, loving marriage for 39 years and then he became ill and died suddenly.

“I always felt I would never marry or live with a man again, but I did want to find a special person with whom I could share a

committed relationship.

“My man-friend wants to move in with me; we are ‘discussing’ it. I know what it’s like to be married; he does not. He has had a few live-in relationships of a few years each. What are your thoughts on his moving in with me?”

EIGHT RED FLAGS IF THE MAN MOVES IN: 1. What you have now is a LAT, a living-apart-together relationship, which is becoming more common among seniors who want a partner in their lives, but who also want to keep their independence.

You say you like the way things are now, that you get a chance to miss each other because you don’t live together. Living with a person can change the relationship dynamic from day one. Why risk that?

2. You’ve seen each other only on weekends. Have you tried weekdays as well?

3. You’ve already had differences. Living together isn’t easier; it’s harder. More differences could surface.

4. I worry about his track record, namely, the “few” live-in relationships he’s had, none lasting more than a few years.

Plus, he has never married. How do you know you two will get along living 24/7 under the same roof?

5. The age gap is significant. Why is he interested in a woman 13 years older than him? With all due respect to you and your wonderful qualities, I suspect he likes that your home is paid off and you are financially set. Do you want to risk the financial security you worked so hard to accumulate?

6. Moving someone in is easy. Getting

Photo: Gilloon. Courtesy of the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center (SHACC)

BEACH DAYS Surfers and bathers gather on the beach looking out toward Killer Dana, prior to the construction of the Dana Point Harbor.

The Surfing Heritage & Culture Center (SHACC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve, promote and accurately present surfing’s heritage and cultural impact for the appreciation and education of current and future generations. To purchase these and other historic surf culture images, go to www.shaccprints.org.

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.

someone to move out can be a nightmare.

Do you want to take that chance?

7. If he moved in, would he commute 68 miles roundtrip to work? Or, would he retire and be around the house seven days a week? That would drive you crazy because you treasure your private time.

8. Why does he want to move in? To live on your money? What about finances?

Would he pay rent and share expenses?

Sally, allowing him to move in is too risky; there are too many issues. Give it time. It’s only been eight months. And, even then, proceed with caution. You’ve got too much to lose and too little to gain.

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 www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.comand www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@gmail. com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Pet of the Week: Yum Yum Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

DANA POINT TIMES

Y

um Yum is an 8-year-old kitty looking for a new start. Calm and mild-mannered, she enjoys sunbathing and having her fur brushed. Yum Yum is declawed and would do best as the only pet in a quiet home.

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

Dana Point Times March 9–15, 2018

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:

Yum Yum. Photo: Courtesy

Page 20

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Festival of Whales Opening Weekend After commencing with a sprinkle, Festival of Whales recovers in fine sun-soaked form

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

A

rapidly approaching squall put a temporary damper on the Festival of Whales Parade, the opening event of the 47th annual Festival of Whales on March 3, where thousands of Dana Point residents gathered as the skies cleared.

Visitors returned Sunday, under sunny skies, for the Whale of a Rubber Ducky Derby and the Diamond Dig, where a child unearthed a diamond necklace valued at more than $1,300 from the sand at Baby Beach.

The Festival of Whales will continue this weekend on Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11. Follow the Dana Point Times on Instagram @danapointtimes and on Facebook for live updates throughout the weekend. DP

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS Want to be featured here?

Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

The annual parade kicked-off the first weekend of the Festival of Whales on Saturday, March 3. Photo: Daniel Ritz

Pirates, young and old, enjoyed digging for booty at the Diamond Dig at Baby Beach. Photo: Daniel Ritz

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Represent.xyz

949.274.0590, www.represent.xyz

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente, 949.485.4979, info@bodymindspiritiop.com, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

ASSISTED LIVING HOME FOR ELDERLY

Assisted Senior Home

949.248.9415, www.assistedseniorhome.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

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34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, pat.powers@cox.net

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

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

Bill Metzger Plumbing

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

SPECIALTY BEAUTY

Belant Studio

Monarch Bay Plaza, 949.520.1771, www.belantstudio.com

Woodies from the Southern California Woodie Club on display on the harbor walk area. Photo: Daniel Ritz

Dana Hills High School surf team coach Tim Sampson with his daughter at the parade. Photo: Daniel Ritz

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point Point Dana

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dana Hills Spring Sports Preview Dolphins look for success this season

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he spring preps season is underway at Dana Hills High School. In our annual preview, we feature all of the Dolphin programs that will be in action this season. For in-game updates, news and more for all Dana Hills High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports.

BOYS LACROSSE The Dana Hills boys lacrosse team only has three seniors, but it’s a group whose talent level excites coach Chris Iltis.

“It’s a young team, but it’s the best crew I’ve seen come through here in my five years at Dana Hills,” Iltis said. “The most experienced group we’ve had for how young they are. We’re coming from cultivating our youth club team. A lot of these kids I’ve coached since sixth or seventh grade.”

The Dolphins will be led by a strong attacking unit up front including last year’s leading scorer, Tommy Ferry. Ferry is also a hockey player for the district Capistrano United team in the Anaheim Ducks’ high school league.

“We have a stronger attack unit than in years past,” Iltis said. “They have a strong lacrosse IQ. We have that tactical advantage of guys that know where to be and how to execute.”

Sam Martin is the offensive captain for Dana Hills. The Dolphins also have strong freshmen contributors in Dylan Iltis and Ryan Allain.

Senior Grant Shobar is the senior team captain and holds down a strong defensive unit.

Dana Hills opens its league season at San Clemente on Tuesday, March 20.

The Dolphins are also hosting four “Friday Night Face-Off” games this season.

Dana Hills beat San Juan Hills in the first of the four games on March 2. The Dolphins host Norco on March 9, University on March 16 and Crean Lutheran on April 20.

GIRLS LACROSSE The Dana Hills girls lacrosse program is still trying to find its footing.

Dana Hills alum and former player Alejandra Moraga returns for her second

Dana Point Times March 9-15, 2018

Joel Cornett, Max Reynosa, Ryan Allain, Dylan Iltis, Tommy Ferry, Sam Martin and Grant Shobar (L to R) form a strong Dana Hills lacrosse contingent looking to make noise in league. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

The Dana Hills baseball team will overcome losses to the pitching staff with a strong work ethic, defense and offensive execution. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

season with the Dolphins. She will look to cultivate more success with a group coming off of a 2-13 season last year.

Seniors Gabby Ahad and Sydney Deinfoerfer lead Dana Hills from the midfield.

Dana Hills has already matched its win total from a year ago with victories over Murrieta Valley, 15-10 on March 1, and Valencia, 16-5 on March 5.

The Dolphins open league play at Cap-

istrano Valley on Tuesday, March 27 and face one of the two teams they scored wins against last season at El Toro on Thursday, March 29.

BASEBALL The Dana Hills baseball team knew it was going to take a hit to its pitching staff after Hans Crouse was selected in

Page 22

the second round of last year’s MLB draft and graduated. But Dolphins coach Tom Faris couldn’t have imagined the hit to his group of pitchers coming into the season.

Due to injury, Tommy John surgery and a couple players leaving the team, Dana Hills lost five of its top six pitchers going into the 2018 season. But those who have stayed have come in and encouraged Faris about their prospects.

“These kids that are with us now have done a good job,” Faris said. “They’re stepping up and pitching well. It’s not overpowering, so they’re going to have to work backwards, hit their spots and play some pretty good defense behind them.”

Luckily, Dana Hills has some returning experience in the field like senior Corey Cisowski at third base and junior Zach Waters at shortstop. Junior Logan Gallina steps into the starting catcher role after being the backup a year ago.

There is also a strong youth contingent with a dab of experience as well with sophomore left-fielder Thomas Buckanavage and sophomore pitcher Dante Jackson.

Faris said that they want the pitching staff sorted out by the start of league and are giving plenty of players looks on the mound. He’s also confident in his group.

“This team is going to be successful because of the way they work,” Faris said.

“I’ve never had more of a fun year coaching so far.”

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

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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Also open during week. 34202 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach.

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

HELP WANTED DANA POINT MARINA INN -NOW HIRING: Front desk help. Two F/T positions open. $12 to $13, per hour. Apply in person. 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, Ca 92629

OTHER STUFF THE SCHENKENBERGER’S NEED SOME HELP Steve Shenkenberger, husband and father of five young boys, was riding his mountain bike on Super Bowl Sunday when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Laguna Niguel.

The family is need of donations for ongoing medical expenses and childcare. Please consider donating at www.gofundme.com/ the-schenkenbergers-medical-bills.

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

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

949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times March 9–15, 2018

Page 23

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS BOYS TENNIS

Riley McCall, Taylor Stephens and Bill Hoffman (L to R) will lead a balanced boys tennis team into tough South Coast League competition. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

(Cont. from page 22) BOYS GOLF The Dana Hills boys golf team is being led by youth into the 2018 season.

Dana Hills won the South Coast League last season and finished second at the CIF-SS South Coast Team Divisional tournament to advance to SCGA Regional Qualifying tournament.

Sophomores Dylan Walsh and Gavin Whitehead are two of the early leaders for the Dolphins in first and third in the team’s nine-hole index. Junior Quentin Hill is second on the team and will be counted on after a strong sophomore campaign.

Hill was the low man in the Dolphins CIFSS performance.

Seniors Matt Frandel and Sam Shryoc are also posting a low-40s average in the Dolphins’ top-six. Freshman Jason Bannister, sophomore Thomas Dresden and junior Connor Beveridge are also in the mix for Dana Hills.

The Dolphins open defense of their league title against Mission Viejo on Tuesday, March 20 with league finals the week of April 30.

BOYS SWIMMING AND DIVING The Dana Hills boys swim and dive team made history last season with the program’s first CIF-SS championship.

The Dolphins are also seeing change after coach Matt Rosa resigned last season after 14 seasons at Dana Hills. Carrie Dana Point Times March 9–15, 2018

Pierce, the girls water polo coach in the winter season, steps in this season to take charge of the 2017 CIF-SS champion and 2016 runner-ups.

“We still maintain a couple of our guys that scored big points at CIF and definitely scored at league,” Pierce said. “Now we’re looking to create a new group that is just as successful as last year was. They really set the tone and the standard going forward in winning at the highest level and having that experience.”

Rosa’s are big shoes to fill, no doubt, but Pierce has taken comfortably to the position.

“I know a lot of these guys just because I’ve been coaching here for six years and I went here,” Pierce, a Dana Hills alum, said. “I know a lot of them, trained with some of their older siblings. I know this group already. It’s been fun.”

Pierce has several reliable athletes from last year’s championship group including CIF-SS Division 1 diving champion Jake Greenberg. Greenberg signed with Virginia.

University of Southern California signee Owen Kao and University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara signee Zach Shenkin return to hold down the middle-distance races and will be key parts of the Dana Hills relay teams.

Junior Devon Forker will be all around the pool in the 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley and relay teams. Senior Courtney Prefontaine will take on the 100-meter backstroke and relays, and senior Madeline Wiese will lead the Dolphins in the sprints.

Sophomores Anna Nemeth and Sydney Querner will also be key for Dana Hills.

Dana Hills will be the home team for the majority of its league meets beginning on Tuesday, March 13 against Laguna Hills.

League Finals are on May 4.

The Dolphins boys tennis team will have work to do this season, but Dana Hills has a balanced group that will focus on its play in league.

“This season, we’ve got a good mix of players,” Dana Hills coach Mike McCall said. “Some old guys from last year’s team and some guys that came up from JV. We’re playing strong preseason teams, very tough competitors for these guys, hopefully to get them ready to have a good league season.”

Dana Hills hasn’t shied away from strong nonleague competition with several matches against teams from an extremely tough Pacific Coast League like University and Corona del Mar. “As long as they stay mentally strong in the preseason and don’t get down from playing these guys that are really, really good, I think it’ll benefit them and help in the long run,” McCall said. “We’re looking to learn in the preseason and then have a really good season down here in the South Coast League.”

Juniors Riley McCall and Taylor Stephens will be counted on to come up big in singles play. The Dolphins’ No. 1 doubles team of senior Ryan Burns and junior Bill Hoffman will be strong competitors in league.

Dana Hills picked up its first win of the season on March 6 over Mater Dei, 13-5.

The Dolphins open league play at Tesoro on March 15.

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD The Dana Hills boys track and field team was on the younger side last year but still had a strong run to a fourth-place finish in CIF-SS Division 1.

The Dolphins are as balanced as ever and look to make a big push in 2018.

“In the past, we’d always have distance and kind of throw some sprints in there,”

GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING The Dana Hills girls swim and dive team was led by its youth last season, and that youth has grown into an experienced core.

Max Halvax will pace the Dana Hills boys sprint teams in the 1,600-meter relay and 400-meter race as the Dolphins challenge for league glory. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

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SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Anisa Rind (front) makes up part of Dana Hills’ county record-holding 1,600-meter relay team at the head of the Dolphins push for a league title. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Dana Hills coach Keith Chambers said.

“Now we have sprints and we have distance. The outlook looks pretty good as far as our sprints. Of course, we always have our distance that did pretty well in cross country season.”

In the sprints, the Dolphins will be led by senior Max Halvax and a stellar 1,600-meter relay team. Halvax finished third at league finals in the 400-meter race and the 1,600-meter relay team finished second.

This year’s 1,600-meter relay team will be made up of seniors Halvax, Josh Dowdy and Brandon Oswald and junior Nathan Fatigate.

Jack Landgraf is now the senior leader of the distance group for Dana Hills, the Dolphins’ bread and butter. In 2017, Landgraf was the county champion in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters as well as the CIF-SS Division 1 champion in the 3,200-meter.

Senior Max McKhann adds another element for Dana Hills in the field events. In discus, McKhann was second at league, third at CIF-SS Division 1 and qualified for Masters.

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD The Dana Hills girls track and field team has plenty of youth and plenty of talent to keep the Dolphins contending again for the league title.

The spotlight will be on Dana Hills’ county record-holding 1,600-meter relay team. The Dolphins set broke the county record at the CIF-SS Division 1 finals last season and broke it again at State.

The relay group is led by junior Hailey Ray. Ray was also the league champion in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles as a Dana Point Times March 9–15, 2018

Seniors Jessie Nagel, Tori Sickmeier, Cozette Zoch and Cameron Cecil lead Dana Hills early in the season on offense. Nagel has four RBIs through four games, and Sickmeier and Zoch each have a home run.

Junior Terra Goetz and freshman Maddie Wood have stepped into the circle to lead the Dana Hills pitchers. Each has a win so far for the Dolphins.

Dana Hills begins its league title defense at home against Trabuco Hills on Thursday, March 29.

BOYS VOLLEYBALL

Ryan Neumann, Trevor Weinert, Nick Rigo and Chase Morrison (L to R) step up as Dana Hills boys volleyball team looks to overcome graduation losses. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

sophomore. She steps in to lead after Jennifer Daly graduated.

“She has taken on a leadership role,” Dana Hills sprints coach Keith Chambers said. “It’s not so much a learning curve.

She’s done a great job with it. She holds the girls accountable, and she was one of those that needed to be held accountable last year. I teach them to learn from their experiences.”

Junior Ximena Bustos will be part of the relay and run on her own in the 400-meter.

Sophomore Anisa Rind contributed on the relay as a freshman and will also run the 800-meter race.

In the distance races, Dana Hills is again powered by its cross country team. The Dolphins are led by juniors Leila Keyvan and Sarah Meng as well as a stable of sophomores like Marisa Gaitan and Anna

Fodor.

In the field events, thrower Maddy Mitchell returns as a junior after a sophomore campaign that saw a discus league title and second place in league shotput.

Dana Hills has a balanced group that will contend as it matures.

SOFTBALL The Dana Hills softball team came tantalizingly close last season.

The Dolphins blazed through an undefeated league campaign to capture the league title and marched to the semifinals of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs. Dana Hills fell to Riverside Poly.

Luckily for the Dolphins, their main offensive contributors a year ago were all juniors and return for another run.

Page 25

The Dana Hills boys volleyball thing is something that only comes with time: experience.

The Dolphins have plenty of youth with three sophomores in their starting lineup.

“It’s a very inexperienced team,” Dana Hills coach Oz Simmons said. “You can see that from our roster. It’s people that haven’t played together. It’s about getting them comfortable and getting players that aren’t used to this level used to this level.”

Simmons said there isn’t much he can do there to mimic a CIF game or give the kids more years under their belt, but the team is building chemistry and looks forward to the league season.

“I think it’s going to be a crazy, even league,” Simmons said. “Every team is very, very equal. I would absolutely surprised if someone went 8-0 in league. It’s going to be tough to do.”

Senior Trevor Weinert is the most experienced for the Dolphins as a three-year starter at middle blocker.

Dana Hills opens league play at home against Capistrano Valley on Thursday, March 22. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

New Year, Same Results San Clemente schools continue to dominate NSSA Interscholastic State Championships

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he best in the west: that certainly does have a nice ring to it. Once again, San Clemente High School and Shorecliffs Middle School have captured state surfing titles.

Last weekend, the 2018 NSSA Interscholastic State Championships went down at Seaside Reef in Cardiff.

No doubt, it’s been a rough winter for waves, but thankfully, a little pulse kicked in to provide playful two- to three-foot surf for the competitors from up and down the Golden State. Defending high school champs San Clemente High managed to pull off a sweep in both the varsity and junior varsity divisions, while Shorecliffs came away with another title in the middle school divi-

Expect big things from a recharged Pat Gudauskas as the Championship Tour kicks off on the Gold Coast of Australia on Sunday, March 11. Photo: Courtesy Vans

Giddy on the Goldie Local pros ready to make their mark as 2018 WSL Championship Tour season gets underway on the Gold Coast of Australia

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s almost here. The debut event of the 2018 WSL Championship Tour season, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, kicks off on Sunday, March 11, and we’ve got three big reasons to watch.

This year, South Orange County has three surfers on tour: Kolohe Andino, Pat Gudauskas and Griffin Colapinto.

Big things are expected from the trio but for very different reasons. Andino first qualified for the Championship Tour back in 2012, and while his surfing and heat strategy have definitely matured in recent years, it’s fair to say he’s had a few ups and downs throughout his time on tour. In his early years, he was still developing physically, then he was sidelined with injuries, but in the last couple of years, he’s come into his own and he’s consistently been finishing the year in the top 10.

“For me, the biggest thing is my attitude,” Andino said. “I started watching these guys that are really successful on tour, and when they would lose they wouldn’t live or die by every result. You just sort of have to remind yourself that you did the work and that it’ll all work out.”

Andino’s been pegged as a world title contender for years. He’s healthy. He’s in a good head space. He’s got his friends on tour with him, and 2018 could be the year

Dana Point Times March 9-15, 2018

he puts all the pieces together.

For Gudauskas, the 2018 season means a return to tour life. In 2013, he fell off tour and has been fighting tooth and nail to get back to surfing’s main stage ever since. He qualified again at the very end of last year and isn’t taking anything for granted this time.

“Pat’s going all in. Tanner and I will be there to help and give him the support he needs. He’s psyched, he’s focused, it’s going to be a great year,” said Pat’s brother Dane Gudauskas.

Finally, there’s rookie Griffin Colapinto. As the new kid on the block, people are expecting big things from him. He’s teamed up with former world tour ace Jake Paterson to help with the coaching responsibilities and he’s been getting back into the competitive groove in the early stages of the Australia leg of the WSL’s Qualifying Series. He’s recently dropped a few attention-getting video clips that are only adding to the anticipation.

“He rips,” said Pat Gudauskas at the end of 2017. “He’s gonna crush it on tour.

He’s the real deal.”

The waiting period for the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast starts March 11. The contest will take place at Snapper Rocks on Australia’s Gold Coast. Tune into www. worldsurfleague.com to catch it all live. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 56-60 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Small to modest size NW/SSW combo swell through the weekend. Winds are mostly onshore. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

sion. It was the record-smashing 16th state title for Shorecliffs.

San Clemente’s Liam Murray won the high school boys division and was joined in the final by teammates Davi Toldeo, David Economos and Elijah Fox, who finished third, fourth and fifth, respectively. Meanwhile, the JV team took home their fourth consecutive title in a clean sweep of the final. Ethan Mudge won the division while San Clemente surfers filled all six slots in the final.

In the middle school division, Shorecliffs did what Shorecliffs tends to do—they won. It wasn’t even close.

They beat the second-place team by 60 points. Other local schools that fared well included Marco Forester, who finished third, and Bernice Ayer, who finished eighth. Shorecliffs’ “blue” team finished sixth.

Shorecliffs’ Tyrone Fomenko, Sawyer Lindblad and Aiden Sautner swept the podium in the boys, girls and longboard divisions to seal the deal. When it comes to Shorecliffs, there is no middle school program that even comes close to the success they’ve enjoyed over the years.

For the second year in a row, Point Loma Nazarene took top honors in the collegiate championships.

Congrats to all that were, in the words of The Beach Boys, true to their schools. DP

GROM OF THE WEEK

ETHAN MUDGE

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

here’s a lot to be said for the surfer who can ride anything and make it look good. Longboard, shortboard, whatever the shape may be, it takes a special surfer to be able to articulate and express themselves on the sled of their choosing. Plainly put, there’s a big difference between a 6-foot thruster and a 9-foot log.

Last weekend, Ethan Mudge emerged as one such multifaceted surfer to watch.

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that boys on the San Clemente High School’s surf team just won the state title in varsity and junior varsity. What you may not have noticed is that Mudge gave his JV squad a massive boost by winning both the shortboard and longboard divisions.

“Thanks to all of the boys for cheering me on, and to Coach Dowell for all of the advice,” Mudge said to the National Scholastic Surfing Association when it was

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Ethan Mudge. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

all done and dusted. “Also, thanks Janice Aragon and Gayline Clifford for putting on the event!”

He rips on anything and has good manners? Whether you see him down at Lowers or Old Man’s, give this kid a wave.

He’s going places. DP www.danapointtimes.com