March 30, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

March 30-April 5, 2018 YO U

C A N

U S E

Celebrate Easter with Dana Point Egg Hunt on March 31 PAGE 7 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 13

Rhythm and Resin The waves, and the beat, roll on for Danny and Damian Brawner of Brawner Surfboards D P S U R F/ PAG E 1 2

Father and son, Danny, left, and Damian Brawner, share a laugh inside their family surf shop in San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

NDC Releases Six Draft By-District Voting Maps EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

County Rescinds Plan for Homeless Encampments EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Cozette Zoch’s Hot Start Leads DHHS Softball into League SPORTS/PAGE 11

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DP EYE ON DP Dana Point Point Dana

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING in such a way that would help people who are homeless into housing.

“With the cities’ cooperation, we can start to spend those dollars, and we have a lot of projects coming forward,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, who represents San Clemente’s, Dana Point’s and San Juan Capistrano’s fifth district. “But without cooperation, we can’t implement any long-term solutions. We (made) a hasty decision with a process we needed to fix, and we needed to hit the reset button.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The hearing in which all cities’ mayors and managers in Orange County will be present is still scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3 at the Santa Ana federal courthouse. —Eric Heinz

Pictured is one of the draft by-district voting maps released earlier this week by National Demographics Corporations. The “green” map shows a five-district voting system. Photo: NDC

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Six District Voting Draft Maps Revealed THE LATEST: On March 27, National Demographics Corporation (NDC) released six draft district voting maps for Dana Point.

Four of the maps—tan, violet, orange, green—outline a move to five-district voting, where each district would vote for their representative every four years. Two more maps—oak and pine—outline four voting districts with at-large voting for a city mayor.

WHAT’S NEXT: On Tuesday, April 3, and then again on Tuesday, April 17, Dana Point City Council will hold public hearings to solicit input regarding the content of the draft maps and the proposed sequence of elections. The maps, and their respective demographic information, can be viewed in this story on www.danapointtimes.com. An interactive map can also be seen in this story online.—Daniel Ritz

OC Board of Supervisors Rescind Plan for Homeless Encampments Dana Point Times March 30-April 5, 2018

THE LATEST: It’s been a raucous week in the arena of issues related to the homeless in Orange County, which will resume from whence it started in February—in Federal Judge David O. Carter’s chambers.

On March 19, the Board of Supervisors voted to schedule three locations in the cities of Laguna Niguel, Irvine and Huntington Beach to receive homeless people from the Santa Ana riverbed—all of which vowed legal retaliation. Then on March 22 at a federal court hearing presided over

by Carter regarding a lawsuit between the County and Orange County Catholic Worker, supervisors said they made the decision to relocate the homeless out of “haste.”

Then on March 27, the board voted unanimously (with Supervisor Michelle Steel of the second district absent) to rescind the three-city decision and directed the County’s staff to further study locations for homeless shelters. The board also voted to enter into a contract with American Family Housing for 12 additional housing units to accommodate couples and to continue to authorize an expenditure of $70.5 million of Mental Health Services Act funds.

“Please, understand that everyone wants to help, but we need shelters, and some communities have been shouldering that burden,” Nelson said, adding Fullerton and a few other cities he represents already had shelters in place.

County officials said Orange County receives money from the state annually from the Mental Health Services Act, which can roll over if the funds aren’t used. The lawsuit from Orange County Catholic Worker alleges the County didn’t spent that money

SONGS Officials Say Spent Fuel Canisters Were Sent Back to Manufacturer Following Discovery of Design Flaw THE LATEST: At least 39 canisters that were to be filled with the spent nuclear fuel rods at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) will be returned to Holtec after personnel discovered some of the ventilation systems that keeps the fuel cool were damaged.

Southern California Edison (SCE), the majority owner of SONGS, provided more information at the March 22 Community Engagement Panel (CEP) meeting in Laguna Hills.

Tom Palmisano, the vice president of decommissioning and chief nuclear engineer at SCE, said newer designs of the canisters have small pins at the bottom to help circulate air. Some of the canisters had pins that were damaged or broken off completely.

The portions of the canisters are necessary to keep the spent nuclear fuel cool, as it’s still radioactive and extremely hot, even after sitting in cooling tanks within the remaining units of SONGS. Palmisano said Holtec will correct these issues and replace them.

WHAT’S NEXT: Toward the end of the informational portion of the meeting, members of the CEP said they wanted to have another meeting to discuss defense in-depth, which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission defines as the method of ensuring nuclear power facilities prevent any kind of accident. —EH

Audit of Wastewater Plant Shows Funds were Mismanaged

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THE LATEST: A legislative audit found a local wastewater authority’s bookkeeping to be out of sorts.

The State Auditor’s office announced on March 22 that South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA) had not, until recently, adequately tracked money it collected from its customers for 15 years and therefore could not sufficiently account for any lack of funds. SOCWA has $18 million in unfunded obligations to pensions for its employees, and its Joint Powers Agreement doesn’t hold customers liable for that lack of funding. The auditor’s office also said it had been slow to correct any deficiencies noted.

SOCWA, on the other hand, said it was pleased with the State Auditor’s report.

This all started when SOCWA asked for funds from Moulton Niguel Water District, it felt was due for capital improvements to a facility in Laguna Beach. When Moulton refused to fork over nearly $1 million, SOCWA sued the district in 2017, but it was Moulton who claimed SOCWA didn’t have the authority to charge it for those improvements as they pulled out of the facility about a year earlier.

WHAT’S NEXT: The State Auditor recommended that new Joint Powers Agreements should be forged and that all existing members communicate better. —EH

Sea Level Rise Study Public Workshop to be Held on March 28 THE LATEST: On March 28, Dana Point Senior Planner John Ciampa held a Sea Level Rise (SLR) public workshop surrounding the $135,000 grant Dana Point was given by the California Coastal Commission (CCC). This grant was a part of a $3 million budget act by the state to fund local cities’ vulnerability studies and possible amendments to Land Use Plans (General Plan) and the Implementation Plan (Zoning Ordinance.)

Ciampa said consultants Moffatt & Nichol are currently approaching the end of what he called “Step 1,” of his six-step presentation. The consultants are collecting information on social, economic, coastal armoring, water control structures and ecological resources in order to integrate it into amps and a SLR modeling program called COSMOS 3.0 WHAT’S NEXT: COSMOS 3.0 will be used

by Moffatt & Nichol to create at least three sea level rise scenarios—50 cm rise, 100 cm rise and 200 cm rise. Ciampa expects data from COSMOS 3.0 to be evaluated in the early summer months. Ciampa’s presentation can be seen on www.danapoint. org. —DR www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Dick Johnson Named Ocean Institute Volunteer of the Year Earlier this month, the Ocean Institute named Laguna Niguel resident Dick Johnson their Volunteer of the Year. Johnson has been volunteering at the Ocean Institute for eight years, spending his time primarily in the husbandry department, where he enjoys feeding the animals housed at the Ocean Institute.

Johnson said that after retiring, he was inspired by his wife to give back to his community.

“I just walked in, and asked if they needed volunteers,” Johnson said after receiving his award.

Johnson said he enjoys being around young minds at the Ocean Institute, claiming the Ocean Institute is a one-of-a-kind location where everyone is willing to teach.

St. Anne Students Win Patriot’s Pen Writing Contest On March 16, members of the Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 visited St. Anne School student winners of this year’s Patriot’s Pen Writing Contest. This year, Julia Swanson and Brooke Fischbeck took first and second place, respectively, at the local post level.

Swanson also won the Southern California District Level. Additionally, middle school English teacher Chryssa Atkinson was awarded as VFW Teacher of the Year for the state of California.

Each year, St. Anne eighth-grade students participate in the Patriot’s Pen Writing Contest, a nationwide contest sponsored by the VFW. This youth competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme was “The America I Believe In.” The VFW members visited the campus to honor the students for their accomplishments and tell their student body about the work and mission of the VFW.

Doheny Blues Festival Lineup Complete After Addition of Buddy Guy, Eric Burdon Two music legends were added to the Sunday lineup for Dana Point’s Doheny Blues Festival. Completing the 2018 lineup is Chicago blues icon Buddy Guy and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eric Burdon & The Animals. They join George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Jimmie Vaughan, Blues Dana Point Times March 30-April 5, 2018

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

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.

MONDAY, APRIL 2

Julia Swanson of St. Anne School accepting her award from Wayne Yost, post commander of Dana Point VFW Post 9934 for winning their annual Patriot’s Pen Writing contest. Photo: Courtesy

DANA POINT LIBRARY ENGLISH CLASS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the South Coast Literacy Council (SCLC) for adult ESL classes. Improve your reading, writing and speaking skills. Classes are free. 949.496.5517. 33841 Niguel Rd. www.ocpl.org/libloc/ dana.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3

Traveler, Beth Hart, Larkin Poe and more.

Buddy Guy is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago’s legendary west side sound, and a living link to the city’s peaceful days of electric blues.

Buddy Guy has received seven Grammy Awards, a 2015 Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, 37 Blues Music Awards, the Billboard Magazine Century Award for distinguished artistic achievement, a Kennedy Center Honor, and the Presidential National Medal of Arts Award.

Eric Burdon is the composer of “House of the Rising Sun” and founder of the band The Animals. Considered one of the greatest blues performers ever, Burdon has one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in rock. Burdon has released nearly 50 records in 50 years.

Single day, and weekend passes are available now for the Doheny Blues Festival at www.dohenybluesfestival.com.

OC Sheriff’s Department will Track Inmate Release under SB 54 On Monday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) said in a statement that it would publicly monitor inmates through the “Who’s in Jail” online database.

“This action will enhance communication between the Sheriff’s Department and our law enforcement partners to remove dangerous offenders from our community,” the statement read.

Senate Bill 54 went into effect this year to place restrictions on local law enforcement and federal agents from communicating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which OCSD viewed as an

impediment to its duties.

Critics of the department view this as a way for OCSD to continue its campaign of assisting ICE in deporting undocumented people. The sheriff’s department was one of the few in the nation that committed to helping ICE and not recognize the status of sanctuary cities, which are intended to protect undocumented people living in the United States.

“SB 54 makes local law enforcement’s job more difficult and requires bureaucratic processes that could allow dangerous individuals to fall through the cracks of our justice system,” Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said personally in the statement.

OCSD significantly reduced the details of one of its public outreach methods, the blotter, last year by reporting calls, but giving no context to the nature of the dispatch.

La Pata Improvements Update Motorists traveling in both directions of Avenida La Pata will experience lane transitions between April 2-11. One travel lane in each direction will remain open at all times during construction. Flag personnel will be present as a traffic control measure.

There will be brief traffic stops, and the speed limit in the project area is 35 MPH during construction activities and 55 MPH during non-construction hours.

Completion of the overall widening improvements along Avenida La Pata is expected to be finished in April.

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.

Page 4

CITY COUNCIL 6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council will hold a meeting at City Hall in Council Chambers. 33282 Golden Lantern. www.danapoint.org.

DANA HARBOR TOASTMASTERS 7-8:30 a.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.1707. toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4

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. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

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

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DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor DISTRICTING: A CRITICAL DECISION FOR DANA POINT BETTY HILL, Dana Point

Dana Point is being forced to make one of the most important decisions in its history: whether Dana Point should create five voting districts to replace an at-large voting system for City Council.

This decision must be made within weeks in response to a California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) lawsuit. Therefore, the April 3 City Council meeting is extremely critical for residents to attend.

Does Dana Point need districting? Facts show that districting won’t create a minority voting district in our city because of small and scattered minority populations.

In fact, it would substantially reduce the voting impact of all Dana Point residents, who could vote for only one council member for their district every four years. Yet somehow, a majority of the City Council seems to be in a rush to adopt a voting system that hurts everyone.

I believe there are possible solutions being worked through by other cities, which would likely receive substantial support from the Dana Point community.

It would create four districts for voters to elect one council member for their district and also elect an at-large mayor. People would be voting for two council members who would be accountable to them, rather than just one.

The Council and the City Attorney should be working for us: getting up-todate facts and discussing with other cities solutions they are considering. Mission Viejo is negotiating for alternatives without districting. The city should more fully inform residents about the ramifications of this upcoming decision and ways to actually improve voting by our minority groups so that they can be effectively represented as they deserve. Dana Point’s minority populations are vital to the city’s diversity and culture.

The Council has already directed that maps for district boundaries be prepared.

Districts are supposed to preserve communities within the city, not to create districts to promote Council candidates.

However, this critical decision to create districts and boundaries could be approved by the vote of just three councilmen – such as Councilmen Viczorek, Tomlinson and Muller who may seek reelection this year.

Please attend the April 3 Council meeting or write the Council at Kward@ danapoint.org.

Dana Point Times March 30-April 5, 2018

NO NEED TO RUSH TO DISTRICTING JULIAN JOSHUA, Dana Point

With the majority on the Council seemingly determined to move with haste to five districts, we are not getting enough information to inform the most important and momentous decision in city governance since incorporation. Only Councilwoman Lewis thought fit to hold open information forums and was publicly scolded by Councilman Tomlinson for her pains.

Recent developments in the ongoing California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) case involving our sister city Mission Viejo make it all the more important to put the brakes on this ill-considered rush over the cliff. Mission Viejo received their letter in September but did not roll over. They proposed “other remedies” to enhance the voting influence of their minority community. Until now they were not sued.

It seems the plaintiff’s lawyer has now issued a lawsuit, but reading between the lines this looks more like a way to bring any “other remedies” settlement that is in the pipeline before a judge. This would be the only way to give it validity under the CVRA. The facts are not yet clear, but it would be folly for Dana Point to move to districting before we even know what is happening in Mission Viejo.

Receiving a letter does not mandate an immediate move to districts. It merely starts a process. One option involving fairly tight deadlines provides a "safe harbor" if a City decides to change to districting, but there are other possible outcomes short of fighting. Curiously, the Council has ignored the “step-by-step” defense strategy advocated by its own demographer starting with a risk assessment under the CVRA. Contrary to what we have been told, the City is not required to prove voting is not racially polarized. The CVRA test of what constitutes “racially-polarized voting” is indeed much lower than the federal standard, but as the plaintiffs’ lawyer himself concedes, Elec. Code S. 14028 (a) requires him to “show” racially-polarized voting in order to make out a CVRA violation.

A conclusory assertion unsupported by evidence is not good enough.

Racially-polarized voting under the CVRA is when the protected minority class votes differently from the rest of the electorate. Surely before we roll over, it makes sense to see whether that is indeed the case in Dana Point. Whatever the finding, the analysis would be a useful tool to inform any negotiations with the plaintiffs.

Such a demographic study would cost in the region of $15 to $20,000 – which many would consider money well spent.

Even if a violation is shown, it’s hard to believe a judge would force the City into creating five districts when far from help-

ing minorities, it might actually dilute their political influence. This is why the CVRA mandates the court to craft other “remedies appropriate to the violation” where districting will not help the protected class to increase its voting influence. This is exactly what Mission Viejo has consistently argued.

The City has been pushing us toward five districts now. Even if we do ultimately have to district, what’s the rush? Let’s get it right. And why no mention until a few days ago of the “four districts plus mayor at large” model? Ironically, while Palmdale (massive litigation, $4.5 million legal bills and having to district anyway) was continuously rolled out as a horror story of what will happen if we don’t go to five districts immediately, the City did not see fit to mention that Palmdale had settled for four districts and an at-large mayor.

Before we even start pouring over maps, the Council needs to do four things immediately: coordinate with Mission Viejo and other similarly placed cities to develop a joint strategy; commission the detailed demographic study its own demographer recommends as SOP; start good faith discussions with the lawyer (and his unidentified clients); hold a special open forum with the entire Council and allow full and open discussion with the community.

Page 6

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

Voices of Dana Point CONVERSATION TOPICS AMONGST COMMUNITY MEMBERS

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

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

"That’s so sad for the Turkey Trot and the Chamber. Hoping they get some of their funds back. Sounds like that guy had a Ponzi scheme going there.”

Dana Point Times, Vol. 11, Issue 13. 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 COMPILED BY VICTOR CARNO

Friday | 30 GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE 5-6 p.m. The TLC Ministries invites members of the public to their Good Friday church service. Pastors Pondo Vleisides and Brenda Bos from San Clemente’s Christ Lutheran Church will lead the service. Community Outreach Alliance performers Merissa Macchiorola, Corey Angeli, Olivia Ooms and Triple Braided will provide live music hroughout the service. San Clemente Pier. 615 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. 949.493.1980. www.tlcministriessc.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7:30-11 p.m. Local favorites Millertime Boogie makes its Iva Lee’s debut. Enjoy their unique style of blues, rock and originals while dining on southern-style cuisine. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.361.2855. www.ivalees.com.

Saturday | 31 SENSATIONAL SPRINGTACULAR 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The City of San Clemente Beach, Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a day-long event, full of games and activities for children at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park Meadow.

Start the day with Springtacular activities including an egg hunt, train rides, a pony derby and much more. Be sure to stick around for summer camp discounts, an instructor meet and greet and plenty of giveaways. Finish the day with the Splashtacular Party at the aquatics center. See site for details. 987 Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

949.429.8797. www.san-clemente.org.

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA 10 a.m.-2 p.m. South Shore Church in San Juan Capistrano is hosting their annual Easter Eggstravaganza on the day before Easter Sunday. This free event is complete with food, drinks, an egg hunt and plenty of activities for the kids. 32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.4991. www.southshores.org.

(Cont. on page 8)

EDITOR’S PICK Children up to age 10 are welcome to Pines Park or Sea Canyon Park for an Easter egg hunt hosed by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Photo: File

SATURDAY, MARCH 31: EGG HUNT 10 a.m. Children up to age 10 are welcome to Pines Park or Sea Canyon Park for an Easter egg hunt. The hunt begins promptly at 10 a.m. and guests are asked to bring their own baskets. Admission is free. Pines Park. 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach. Sea Canyon Park. 33093 Santiago Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.1555. www.danapointchamber.com.

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 7) 3RD ANNUAL EASTER CELEBRATION AT THE OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE 12-3 p.m. Families and pets are invited to the Outlets at San Clemente on Easter weekend for a celebration that includes a photo-op with the Easter Bunny, live animal shows, face painting and more.

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

Sunday | 01 EASTER AT MONARCH BEACH RESORT 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Start off Easter Sunday at AVEO Table + Bar for an Easter brunch complete with seafood bar, omelet station and much more. After brunch, children are welcome to take part in Monarch Beach Resort’s complimentary Easter egg hunt before enjoying some fun and games at the Easter carnival at noon. Brunch is $139 per adult and $59 for children 12 and under.

Admission to the Easter carnival is $40 per child. Monarch Beach Resort. 1 Monarch Beach Resort N., Dana Point. 800.722.1543. www.monarchbeachresort.com.

YOGA ON TAP 11 a.m. Yoga on is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer, held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente. The

cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

Tuesday | 03 AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND LIFE STORIES WORKSHOP 10 a.m.-Noon Instructor Linda Berkshire invites members of the public to further their writing skills and storytelling with a two hour autobiography workshop. Admission is $30 for four classes. Registration is online and class dates are April 3 and 17, May 1 and 15. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. 949.248.3530. www.danapoint.org.

Wednesday | 04 MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor.

34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.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.

At the Movies: Dogs Rule in Anderson’s ‘Isle’

Photo: Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

O

ne of the most successful independent filmmakers in modern Hollywood cinema is Wes Anderson.

From instant cult classics like Bottle Rocket (1996), Rushmore (1998) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), these films led him to further big-screen success with Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), Moonrise Kingdom (2012) and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). His new feature is Isle of Dogs, his second stop-motion animated film since Mr. Fox and is just as visually stunning.

In a dystopian Japanese region called Megasaki City, Mayor Kobayashi (Kunichi Nomura) calls for a widespread exile of all dogs, stray and housebound. Many dogs have been infected with a rampant dogflu virus and all have been banished to an isolated location simply referred to as Trash Dana Point Times March 30-April 5, 2018

Island. American exchange student Tracy Walker (Greta Gerwig) theorizes that the mayor has a bias against dogs and conspired the whole flu epidemic. Meanwhile, Kobayashi’s nephew, Atari (Koyu Rankin), secretly runs away to the island in search of his own beloved dog, Spots (Liev Schreiber).

The many dogs in the film feature an all-star cast of voiceover performances, including Edward Norton, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston and Scarlett Johansson. Isle of Dogs has been getting rave reception for its impressive animation effects and clever dialogue in the dog sequences.

But there has been some divisive reactions to a white Texan filmmaker’s portrayal of Japanese culture in fiction. There is a conversation to be had there, but for a theatrical experience, Anderson’s animated movie is definitely worth viewing on the big screen. DP Page 8

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Watson (left) is confident a large majority of her faithful former San Juan Capistrano patrons will be following her to Dana Point, where her Club Pilates facility will feature increased class times and size. Photo: Courtesy

Business Beat News from Dana Point’s business community

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

New Business CLUB PILATES : DANA POINT 33611 Del Obispo St, Dana Point 949.216.6155 www.clubpilates.com/danapoint Club Pilates franchisee Keely Watson called the Dana Point soft-opening event on March 22 more of a relocation.

Opening in San Juan Capistrano in 2013, Watson recently chose to move that club location to Dana Point in order to increase class sizes and offerings.

As the crow flies, the location moved a little less than three miles and the large majority of her San Juan patrons will be

able to follow her to Dana Point.

“We are increasing class time by almost 30 percent,” Watson said. “We are also able to increase class size from 10 to 12 people.”

Watson, who franchises five other Club Pilates locations across Southern California, was excited to open Dana Point as this facility will feature increased classes as well as include a TRX suspension training system and Barre classes.

Of course, the core of the new Dana Point location will be Joseph Pilates’ reformer-based contrology method.

A statement on Club Pilates’ website describes the Pilates’ reformer method as, “The path to a fuller, more satisfying physical experience.”

“In the past, I think a lot of people thought Pilates was for ballerinas.

We’re here to change that,” Watson said. “Mothers, athletes, people recovering from an injury—I think everyone could benefit from adding Pilates into their routine.”

Photo: Courtesy of the Santa Ana Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES Taken in 1938, this photo looks north past Palisades Drive (on right) toward the Dana Point headlands.

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.

Pet of the Week: Jada DANA POINT TIMES

T

his big sweetie is Jada, a 2-year-old German shepherd dog available for adoption. She can initially be a tad shy, but she quickly shows her affectionate side. With big brown eyes and a warm personality, Jada would thrive with a patient and loving family.

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

Jada. Photo: Courtesy

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

Keely Watson has relocated her Club Pilates location from San Juan Capistrano to Dana Point, and is excited about offering an increased and diversified class offering. Photo: Courtesy

Dana Point Times March 30-April 5, 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 Page 9

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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Zoch It to ‘Em

Dana Hills senior Cozette Zoch’s offensive tear leads the Dolphins into league play

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

A

fter leading the Dana Hills softball team in hits, runs, RBIs, doubles, triples, home runs and batting average last season, how can senior Cozette Zoch top herself? By doing it all overagain with somehow even better numbers.

The high expectation Zoch holds for herself is becoming a reality as the Dolphins (8-8) entered Sea View League play on Thursday, March 29.

“It’s what I have to do,” Zoch said of the high standard she holds herself to. “I come up to the plate expecting to get a hit. If I don’t go 2 for 4 in a game, I’m very mad at myself. I just go up wanting to hit 3 for 4, 4 for 4.”

In 28 games as a junior, Zoch hit for a .480 average with 19 RBIs and 17 runs on 48 hits, 10 doubles, five triples and two home runs.

In 14 games this season, Zoch is batting

Dana Hills senior Cozette Zoch led the Dolphins softball team in all major offensive categories last season and looks to do it again with even better numbers. Dana Hills opened league play on March 29 and is expected to repeat as league champions. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

.481 with 18 RBIs and 13 runs on 26 hits, 7 doubles, a triple and three home runs, including two grand slams.

“She’s been nothing but a no-nonsense, put-your-head-down-and-work, lead-byexample type of girl,” Dana Hills coach Brandon Cosenza said. “It’s been really refreshing. She’s the type of player that can come out here and act like she doesn’t need to work hard, but that’s not how she is. She takes every rep seriously.”

The Dolphins lost their top two pitchers from last year’s league champion and CIFSS Division 2 semifinalist team, so Dana Hills knew it was going to need offense.

The bats have come around recently, but Zoch has been setting the table for the Dolphins all season.

“She’s not your prototypical lead-off hitter where they’re quick and get on,” Cosenza said. “She has good speed on the bases, but she’s just so valuable. We put

Scoreboard

Dolphin Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

Our City Scoreboard keeps you updated on all of the local Dana Point youth and community team accomplishments and special individual performances of the week. We want to run your scores, results and announcements. Email zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com for submission.

Taylor Backstops Santa Margarita to USA Hockey National Championship Dana Point resident and Santa Margarita goaltender Fred Taylor III and the Santa Margarita Catholic High School hockey team won the USA Hockey High School Division 1 national championship in dramatic fashion on March 26 in Plymouth, Minnesota.

The Eagles tied the game against Regis Jesuit of Colorado with two seconds remaining to force overtime. Santa Dana Point Times March 30-April 5, 2018

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.

Dana Point resident and Santa Margarita hockey goaltender Fred Taylor III helped the Eagles win the USA Hockey High School Division 1 national championship on March 26. Photo: Courtesy

Margarita took the title with an overtime game-winning goal from Leevi Selanne, son of Hockey Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne.

It was Santa Margarita’s second national title with the first coming in 2013. The Eagles were national runner-ups last season and in 2015.

Taylor was the starting netminder for the Eagles in the tournament. He earned the win in all six games, allowed nine goals and made 12 saves in the championship game.

Baseball Drops Another Heartbreaker Dana Hills (6-6, 1-2) lost its second straight league game in tough fashion on March 23.

After Laguna Hills struck first with

Taylor is also the starter between the pipes for Santa Margarita’s Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League Division 1 team. Taylor went 15-0-0 with a 1.22 goals against average and two shutouts in

Page 11

her in that No. 1 spot to try to turn over the line-up as often as possible and get her more at-bats. We’ve had success doing that.”

The standout highlight of Zoch’s season so far is her two grand slams six days apart.

Zoch hit her first in a 14-0 drubbing of Northwood on March 10 as part of Dana Hills’ run to the Northwood tournament final. The second one came in a 15-4 win over Beaumont on March 16 and showed why it’s a bad idea to lock horns with Zoch.

“The pitcher was kind of ticking me off,” Zoch said. “She was just smiling at me, almost hit me a couple of times. So I was like, you know what? I’m going to win this battle. I came up there, and she threw an outside pitch. Actually, the girl that was on second base pointed to the outside, so I was ready, swung and hit it over.”

Zoch went 6 for 6 in that game.

Dana Hills opened league play against Trabuco Hills on March 29. Results were not available at press time. The Dolphins don’t take the field again until after spring break at San Juan Hills on Thursday, April 12.

While the league should be more competitive this season, the Dolphins are expected to repeat as league champions and should with seniors Zoch, Jessie Nagel, Cameron Cecil, Tori Sickmeier and Dani Delafuente leading the offensive charge and junior Terra Goetz holding it down on the mound. DP

three runs in the top of the fourth inning, the Dolphins clawed back to even the score with two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth.

In the top of the seventh, Laguna Hills pushed a run across and shut Dana Hills down in the bottom of the seventh for the win.

Senior Jack Cullen, junior Logan Gallina and sophomore Thomas Buckanavage each picked up an RBI for the Dolphins.

Cullen, Buckanavage and sophomore Ryan Lewis scored the runs.

Dana Hills lost its previous league game in 12 innings at Tesoro.

The Dolphins will look to even their league record at defending champion Trabuco Hills on Friday, March 30. Over spring break, Dana Hills will play in the Ryan Lemmon Tournament before returning to league play on Wednesday, April 11 at San Juan Hills. DP

15 ADHSHL games.

Santa Margarita went undefeated through the entire season to win the ADHSHL Division 1 title and claim their second consecutive state championship. www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Rhythm and Resin The waves, and the beat, roll on for Danny and Damian Brawner of Brawner Surfboards

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

C

ommonly placed at the back of the stage, drummers are the too-oftenforgotten, rhythmic backbones of the band.

Similarly, “glassers,” those deemed responsible for sealing surfboards’ porous interiors, most common nowadays with fiberglass over foam cores, are essential and universally understood as an underappreciated part of the surfboard-manufacturing business.

Since 1952, Dana Point’s Danny Brawner has been crafting and fine-tuning Southern California culture through his craftsmanship and his music in ways the masses often don’t take time to appreciate.

Locals may have to read the back of an album carefully, or ask a local shaper who did the all-important, life-sustaining glasswork on that new surfboard. It may not even be recorded in some cases, but a little research will quickly reveal the Brawner name is deeply woven into the fabric of South Orange County culture.

Now almost 80 years old, Danny Brawner entered the surf world when he crafted his first board in 1952.

Honing his skills while working under legendary shaper Dale Velzy, Danny was soon drafted by Hobie Alter, becoming, as San Clemente Times contributor Jim Kempton described, “the lynchpin craftsman for Hobie’s Dana Point factory, which was supplying the exploding demand for new fiberglass surfboards of the 1960s.”

Danny worked with legendary shapers such as Micky Munoz, Gerry Lopez and Corky Carol, and glassed, pin-lined and resin-tinted the majority of Hobie surfboard shaper Terry Martin’s estimated 80,000 surfboards, rumored to be the most shaped by any single person.

One board in particular, which some at Hobie claim may have been the most important board the company ever made, was a 3-foot board turned around overnight for President Richard Nixon. Nixon’s daughter, Tricia, had ordered a board from Hobie, at the height of their notoriety in the budding Southern California surf culture, for her father for Father’s Day shortly after they arrived in the “Western White House” above Cottons Point in Dana Point Times March 30-April 5, 2018

Clockwise from top. Danny Brawner, a drummer for the band The Sandals, which scored the music for ‘The Endless Summer,’ holds up a classic photo. Danny Brawner plays on the original drum set he used to perform music for ‘The Endless Summer,’ a legendary documentary that helped spread surf culture across the world.

Damian Brawner speaks about glassing surf boards and his time as a music and event promoter at his family’s surf shop in San Clemente. Photos: Eric Heinz

San Clemente. Unfortunately, the board, presidential seal and all, fell over inside the factory and was damaged before being given to the president.

“I just knew we couldn’t give this to the President of the United States,” Danny laughed.

Neither Damian nor Danny Brawner were able to confirm if President Nixon ever stepped foot on the full-sized model.

Somehow, during that time, Danny was doing double-time as the drummer for The Sandals, the band who created the soundtrack and theme song for Bruce Brown’s epic The Endless Summer. A littleknown fact to the now-more-than 23 million surfers worldwide is the iconic theme song to what is widely-regarded as the most important surf film of all time was created in a garage on Trafalgar Street above the rolling waves of T-Street in San Clemente.

Danny, who during that time married

his wife Sharon, sprouted four children; a son, Damian Jr.; and three daughters, Jan, Deanne and Danielle.

Humble and soft-spoken, Danny now works from time to time with his son, Damian, in their new retail shop off of Camino Capistrano and in their budding glassing shop as needed.

“It’s so nice to have him around because he can teach us all those things; he can pass along all the things that aren’t put on paper,” Damian said of his father’s airbrush and resin-tint skills.

In addition to his passion for art in the form of surfboard manufacturing, Damian also adopted his father’s love of music.

Damian picked up the sticks, under his father’s tutelage, as early as sixth grade.

Also lengthening and strengthening the local connection, Danny’s daughter, Danielle, married Izzy Paskowitz, a world-class surfer in his own right, of the Paskowitz tribe synonymous with San Onofre.

Page 12

Together, they founded Surfers Healing, a nonprofit organization that has helped thousands of people with autism across the world through surfing.

Damian evolved into quite the drummer in his own right, moving to Los Angeles after playing with a number of blossoming acts, to pursue a career in promotion and event management. There, the more outspoken Damian worked at world-class venues like Long Beach Vault 350 and the Billboard Live Key Club (formerly Gazzari‘s), by booking acts in eclectic variety, such as James Brown, Janes Addiction, Prince, Van Halen, Eddie Money and Tony Bennett.

“I’m a promoter at heart,” Damian said, revealing an ironic and rare diversion from his father’s generally reserved demeanor.

After almost 10 years in Hollywood, Damian and his wife returned to Dana Point to raise their family. They now have two children of their own; a son Haze and daughter Sunnie.

The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree, and Damian said Haze has developed an affinity for playing the drums, making him the fourth generation of Brawner to sit behind the skins.

Today, Damian said he is mostly interested in passing the torch along to his kids and what his father’s era taught him.

“I’ve learned that I’m not really concerned with first place or second place, to be honest. We’re concerned with the barbecue after,” Damian laughed.

Opening Brawner Surfboards five years ago, Damian hopes to grow a healthy, authentic surfboard production facility with organic growth at Brawner Surfboards by showcasing local shaping talents through largely custom orders.

Damian was quick to show respect for his other “second generation,” South Orange County shapers and manufacturing brethren such as Timmy Patterson, Josh Martin and Cole Simler, who also grew up in Danny Brawner’s colleagues’ spaces in the Hobie factory as well as a number of others.

“Our glassing and resin work will remain at the heart of our business,” said Damian, who wanted to show respect for his colleagues and friends that have maintained a lifetime of local shaping and board production.

As attentions drifted, Damian noticed gazes at a peach-colored, single-fin Lightning Bolt surfboard hanging over his head shaped by legendary Reno Abellera and glassed by Brawner’s.

“It’s one of only five made,” Damian explained, shooting a glance over his shoulder to his father. “…and that one’s for my son.”

To view a current board line-up, order a custom surfboard or to learn more about Brawner Surfboards, visit www.brawnerboards.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

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Page 13

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DP SURF

Another Weekend, Another Win Kevin Schulz and Ian Crane go 1-2 at the Jack’s Pro in Huntington Beach

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n surfing circles, the World Surf League’s Qualifying Series (QS) is often referred to as “the grind” because it’s, well, a grind. It’s the minor leagues of pro surfing in which several hundreds of the world’s best surfers all vie to graduate to the Championship Tour. It’s a dog-eat-dog affair that goes on for the better part of 10 months of the year.

The 2018 season is in full swing and the latest tour stop, the Jack’s Pro, landed in Huntington Beach last weekend. Held in challenging, wind-blown, knee-to-chesthigh conditions on the south side of the iconic pier, there were some big names in the draw, and it was every bit the grind that QS contests are famous for.

Continuing with a familiar trend we’re seeing this year, San Clemente surfers’ presence was not lost on the competition. When the spray finally settled, it was Kevin Schulz standing atop the podium with Ian Crane happily cruising into the runner-up slot. For Schulz, it was the biggest win of his young career and his first-ever QS victory.

“I surfed a lot of heats today and I’m really tired, but I can’t stop smiling—I’m over the moon,” said 22-year-old Schulz when it was all done and dusted. “My whole family is here, and to have that final with Ian was great just to keep it in town. I couldn’t hear any scores with the wind, so I was free-surfing out there and I came in from the water to my family clapping, and

Ian Crane found his way into the runner-up spot, giving San Clemente a clean sweep of the podium. Photo: WSL

couldn’t believe it.”

Maybe he should stop listening to the judges and surf more often because he went out and put on a blistering performance. Stomping the landing of a big double-grab rotation, the judges threw him a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10 for the ride.

Schulz finished the final with an event-best 17.10 heat score (out of a possible 20).

“It’s so close to home. I grew up surfing here throughout the NSSA, and to win against the field that was here is just insane,” continued Schulz. “I couldn’t even dream of winning this thing. I feel like I didn’t peak until the final, and those leading up to it were pretty stressful, knowing I wasn’t doing my best surfing. But now I’ve got some points going and I want to keep this going to the bigger events.”

For Schulz and 24-year-old Crane it

GROM OF THE WEEK

MIA MCLEISH

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he rub on competitive surfing is that it’s sometimes considered an individualistic, perhaps even selfish pursuit. All that time spent trying to get the best waves of the day, dominating your competitor, it can be a bit one-dimensional, which is what makes the rebirth of surf clubs in San Clemente, Dana Point and up and down the coast so awesome. They’re bringing surf communities and generations together like never before.

Case in point, the performance of Mia “Mouse” McLeish at the recent West Coast Board Riders contest in Huntington Dana Point Times March 30-April 5, 2018

Mia McLeish. Photo: Courtesy of Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation

Beach. At 10 years old, she’s the youngest competitor on the San Clemente Board Riders team, but she’s had a huge impact.

was a marathon day that saw them surf through five rounds of the contest.

“I didn’t take my wetsuit off once today and I’m definitely feeling it,” joked Crane at the end of the day. “There were a lot of big names in the event, and just to make the final feels pretty good. Pretty bummed I lost it, but it’s the first final I’ve ever made.

I’m trying to figure out the more competitive side of surfing heats still and learning what to do after I’ve made some mistakes.

I’m back into the QS 6,000s and QS 10,000s again this year and my goal is to be in that Top 10 by the end of the year.”

As if a pair of local surfers going one and two wasn’t enough, the Jack’s Pro also featured a specialty event for the West Coast Board Riders in which the San Clemente squad narrowly beat out Encinitas, Huntington Beach and L.A.’s South Bay.

Already a veteran of the squad, she helped lead the team to victory at the specialty competition at the Jack’s Pro last week.

For the effort, the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation (PVW) named her their Grom of the Week. In the PVW Instagram announcement, icon surf filmmaker Taylor Steele took the time to say, “Congrats and ripping” to Mia. Mind you, Taylor’s the guy that put Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Kalani Robb and the rest of the Momentum Generation on the map.

“Mia, you are my hero,” wrote Jon Walla, who is credited as being one of the first people to surf Cortez Bank and has kids of his own that surf around town.

They may call her Mia Mouse, but this ripping little regular-footer has the heart of a lion. Big things are in store for her. DP

Page 14

Featuring generations of South Orange County’s best surfers, in the end, it was Colt Ward’s last left down the beach that put San Clemente over the top. A big step forward for the West Coast Board Riders, the event was supported by the WSL and featured a live webcast.

From the surf club scene, to the Qualifying Series, to the illustrious Championship Tour, South Orange County is rolling at the moment.

The next big event to keep an eye out for is the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, which will feature locals Kolohe Andino, Griffin Colapinto and Pat Gudauskas. The waiting period runs from March 28-April 8. Coming to Salt Creek on Saturday, April 7, the Dana Point Surf Club will be hosting the next installment of the West Coast Board Riders series. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 56-59 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Mostly South swell mix and minor NW windswell through the upcoming weekend with surf mainly around waist high (3’) along with plus sets/peaks at standouts. Favorable winds/conditions set up in the morning hours. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

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