April 6, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

April 6-12, 2018 C A N

U S E

Dana Point Surf Club to Host West Coast Board Riders at Salt Creek PAGE 16 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 14

There’s a New Sheriff in Town

New Dana Point Police Chief Lt. Margie Sheehan discusses experience, support, outreach E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

On March 16, Lt. Margie Sheehan officially stepped in as Dana Point Chief of Police Services. Dana Point Times sat down with Lt. Sheehan, and learned more about the 24-year Orange County Sheriff’s Department veteran and Marine. Photo: Daniel Ritz

City to Hold Public Districting Workshop on April 9 EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board Requests Study of Harbor Patrol EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Dana Hills Baseball Wins Ryan Lemmon Tournament with Offensive Surge SPORTS/PAGE 15

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point Point Dana

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING she had trouble spending that amount of money, and suggested the use of staff or interns for the public relations initiative.

Council member Paul Wyatt supported Lewis, also stating that he felt there would be trouble quantifying the impact of the scope of work.

Council member Joe Muller supported the idea of participating in digital platforms and having a strong voice from the City, but was concerned with the communication with City staff.

City Manager Mark Denny explained that although there would be weekly roundtable discussions, the communication between the contracted companies and Dana Point staff would be regular and consistent.

With Council members Lewis and Wyatt voting no, the motion passed with a 3-2 vote.

On March 30, the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board released a statement that they requested the County of Orange perform an examination of Dana Point Harbor Patrol and its impact on the Harbor’s economy.

Photo: Daniel Ritz

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board Requests Study of Harbor Patrol THE LATEST: On March 30, the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board (DPHAB) released a statement that they requested the County of Orange perform an examination of Dana Point Harbor Patrol and its impact on the Harbor’s economy.

A letter to Lisa Bartlett, Supervisor for District 5 which includes Dana Point, asks “the County of Orange to perform an examination of the Orange County Sheriff Department’s (OCSD) Dana Point Harbor Patrol (DPHP) and its impact on the present and future performance of Dana Point Tidelands Fund 108.”

The letter continues, stating DPHAB desires to fully understand how the projected escalating expenses from Fund 108 for OCSD patrol services will affect the Harbor Revitalization Plan, the future impact on slip rates and tenant lease fees, and the affordability of continued public coastal access.

Currently, Harbor Patrol is the single greatest expense to the Dana Point Harbor’s budget, with $4.5 million allocated this year and is expected to grow close to $8 million in coming years. This equates to roughly one-third of OCSD’s total cost for Orange County coastal patrol operations.

The statement released by DPHAB to Supervisor Bartlett also asks if the Dana Dana Point Times April 6-12, 2018

WHAT’S NEXT: The contract names Dana Point Economic Development Manager Kelly Reenders to represent the City with the exception to increasing scope of work and changing compensation. A full description, including a full scope of work to be anticipated from the City and a link to the approved contract can be seen on www.danapointtimes.com.

Point Harbor is paying its proportional share for the services that are being provided for the Harbor.

WHAT’S NEXT: The letter released by DPHAB states, “This is not a judgement on OCSD personnel or their performance of their mission. We support both. We are simply seeking an examination of the enormous burden on our Harbor’s budgets and pursuing relief where we can do so wisely.”

Capistrano Beach Comes Out in Force During By-District Public Hearing

City to Spend $75,000 on Public Relations, Social Media Initiative THE LATEST: During their meeting on April 3, City Council approved a social media and public relations initiative contract with Katie Wagner Social Media Inc. and partners Spaulding Thompson and Associates.

The agreement is to be managed by City staff for a 12-month period, with a monthly retainer of $6,000 and a total expense not to exceed $75,000 as budgeted.

Katie Wagner Social Media Inc., which lists offices in Aliso Viejo and Atlanta, Georgia, describes itself in the report prepared by City Manager Mark Denny as specializing in social media management and content creation, including video, blogging and email marketing.

In the Dana Point Community Survey, conducted in the fall of 2017, 74 percent of Dana Point residents believe communicating with residents through local publications, the internet and other means is an “extremely” or “very” important service.

While nearly 60 percent reported being satisfied with the City’s communication efforts, the 30 percent reporting to be dissatisfied caused the City to issue requests for proposals from qualified communications and public relations firms in January 2017.

Council member Debra Lewis said

possible district formations, that Council discuss the sequencing of possible by-district voting. The subject of voting sequences was not mentioned again. The by-district agenda items can be seen on www.danapoint.org. A link to the NDC website with the six draft maps currently available to view and manually manipulate can be found on www.danapointtimes.com.

City to Host By-District Voting Community Workshop on April 9 THE LATEST: After unanimously voting to approve what became a controversial agenda item during the April 3 City Council meeting, City staff announced on April 4 that they will host a public districting workshop on Monday, April 9, at the Dana Point Community Center.

The agenda item was proposed by Council member Debra Lewis, who desired to conduct one or more dates for public workshops solely devoted to atlarge or by-district voting.

Lewis said, and a number of public commenters supported, that the three-minute public comment opportunities that are at the discretion of the Council to respond to do not satisfy the needs of the public to learn and express their thoughts to the Council and demographer to properly proceed with the by-district safe harbor timeline and eventual decision.

THE LATEST: The possible division, or not, of voters in Capistrano Beach was the overwhelming theme during the public hearing session of the City Council meeting on April 3. One after another, citizens from Capistrano Beach spoke during public comment concerning what they described as “disenfranchising.”

Residents of Capistrano Beach came out largely in favor of the “Pine” and “Oak” maps, offering four district and one at-large mayor. In this four-district system, the higher population per district, while remaining relatively even across the four districts, will be able to keep Capistrano Beach, as residents described, “intact.”

WHAT’S NEXT: National Demographic Corporation (NDC), City Council and staff will conduct this workshop to consider current draft maps, inform citizens and make suggestions for future maps to be considered. More information on this public workshop can be seen at www.danapoint.org. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Dana Point Community Center, located at 34052 Del Obispo Street.

WHAT’S NEXT: During the Council’s commentary portion, Council member John Tomlinson stated, “We are not at all prepared to adjust these draft maps,” after Mayor Richard Viczorek discovered from a National Demographic Corporation (NDC) representative that the interactive map on NDC’s website have been available via a link on the City’s website since April 28. Maps can be examined and manually quantified to be adjusted, and Mayor Viczorek encouraged the demographer to come back to the second public discussion with a variety of options.

Early in the meeting, the NDC representative suggested that in addition to

THE LATEST: During the City Council meeting on April 3, Councilman John Tomlinson made a statement before the Council to put the topic of State Bill 54, otherwise known as the Sanctuary State Law, on the next agenda.

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Tomlinson Moves to Put Sanctuary State Law on Council Agenda

WHAT’S NEXT: The topic will be discussed during City Council’s next meeting on Tuesday, April 17, at Dana Point City Hall in Council Chambers. To read about neighbor city San Juan Capistrano’s discussion of Sanctuary State Law, which occurred on April 3, visit www.thecapistranodispatch.com. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

There’s a New Sheriff in Town

New Dana Point Police Chief Lt. Margie Sheehan discusses experience, support, outreach

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

O

n March 16, after 24 years of working in law enforcement, Lt. Margie Sheehan officially stepped in as the new Chief of Police Services of Dana Point.

Lt. Sheehan is excited for the opportunity to oversee community safety and security in Dana Point, describing it as a dream job.

Originally from New York City and raised in Northern California, Lt. Sheehan became familiar with Dana Point after serving in the United States Marine Corps at El Toro Air Station.

“I remember pulling through Dana Point, driving down Golden Lantern and seeing the ocean below for the first time,” Lt. Sheehan recollected. “Dana Point is understanding of people coming from the service. I’ve always felt supported and welcome here.”

Lt. Sheehan mentioned she feels extraordinarily supported and engaged in her new town, by both her staff and community.

New Dana Point Chief of Police Services Lt. Margie Sheehan, feeling right at home in her new office at Dana Point City Hall. Photo: Daniel Ritz

“Dana Point gets the cream of the crop,” Lt. Sheehan said of her staff.

Lt. Sheehan called the Dana Point community active and engaged, where very few if any people rest on their laurels. Lt. Sheehan reasoned this was because of Dana Point’s historical support of law enforcement from city managers, City Council and citizens due to the commitment to excellence by its deputies.

“There’s meeting requirements,” Lt. Sheehan said, “and it is another thing entirely to invest in your community.”

This investment is evident in Lt. Sheehan’s Orange County Sheriff Departments’ deputies showing equal attention and compassion in what she called quality of

life situations.

“I understand that nobody calls law enforcement on their best day,” Lt. Sheehan sympathized. “Whether it is a major traumatic event, or a nuisance or an observance by a community member that may or may not even be illegal, my deputies are here to be sure that everyone walks away with a heightened sense of understanding.”

This sort of community outreach and understanding is crucial to Lt. Sheehan, who credited her predecessor Lt. Russ Chilton with recognizing the importance of public education.

“We, as the chief, as deputy sheriffs, can change nothing,” Lt. Sheehan said. “It’s

terrible to see my deputies have to invent creative solutions when in reality, the teeth have been taken from the dog. We can change nothing, but the voters can. A major goal of mine is to ensure that citizens clearly understand the law, and what their sheriffs are and are not in control of.”

Community outreach will be regional as well, as she has a great deal of experience with surrounding cities’ chiefs. Lt. Sheehan and San Juan Capistrano Chief of Police Carl Bulanek went through the Sheriff’s Academy together and were previously partners, and she has worked extensively with San Clemente’s Chief of Police Lt. Mike Peters.

Lt. Sheehan also emphasized the importance of community self-responsibility and reaching out to her deputies as ways to work together for a safer Dana Point.

“Too often, something occurs and is reported on Dana Point Unplugged or Nextdoor, and we won’t hear about it until Monday,” Lt. Sheehan explained, continuing messages relayed by her predecessor Lt. Chilton.

“We are asking that citizens help us avoid crime-of-opportunity scenarios,” said Lt. Sheehan, so time can be allocated toward progressive problem-solving and response time reduction.”

“Theft and burglary are a majority of our crime here in Dana Point,” Lt. Sheehan explained, reasoning that many of them may even be unplanned until opportunity presents itself. “It’s at no fault of the citizens of Dana Point, but the days of leaving your doors unlocked and things about, that’s behind us.”

Seeing Dana Point change dramatically over the decades, Lt. Sheehan will have to call upon her vast experience to keep Dana Point citizens safe, and happy, for the long haul. DP

South Orange County Teenager Gains Social Media Success for Kids

BY ERIC HEINZ, DANA POINT TIMES

A

ll Zach Marks wanted to do was to connect with his friends in a way most of us do in the 21st century, via Facebook.

But his parents weren’t keen on leaving then-12-year-old Zach to his own devices on the internet, where fraud and deception lurk in every corner of cyberspace.

To work through this problem, Zach and his father, Darren, created a new social space for children younger than 16 called Grom Social that its owners say is safe and constantly monitored.

“It’s a way to help kids better prepare for the world, a place where they can feel comfortable,” said Zach, who is now 17 years old. “We spent so much time comDana Point Times April 6–12, 2018

pleting the parent oversight part.

Kids are allowed to post their own photos and other media, pending approval and examination, or they can create an avatar.

Grom Social promotes online stewardship and etiquette and is declared a bullyfree zone. It acts similar to Facebook.

“If someone tries to set up an account and they’re not a child, and someone asks another child personal information, we will step in,” Darren said.

In order to make an account, a child must have their parent’s permission and Grom Social calls the parent to verify the account.

The company also created and facilitates an app for parents called MamaBear that allows parents to track their child’s online activity.

Zach Marks, 17, of San Clemente, created a social media platform that is safe and monitored for children 16 years old and younger. His company is now publicly traded, with millions of subscribers. Photo: Eric Heinz

The product has amassed so many users—now in the tens of millions, according to Zach—that they took the company public in August. It trades as GRMM (Grom Social Enterprises, Inc.) and has more than 125 million shareholders and trades at .54 cents per share, as of closing time on April 3.

Grom Social acquired Top Draw Animation in 2016, a company that animates

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major motion pictures as well as television shows.

The Marks used to split their time between Florida and San Clemente until Zach needed to be in California more. The family just recently moved to San Juan Capistrano.

More information can be found on the Grom Social website, www.gromsocial. com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

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

10 Weeks of Giveaways!

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!

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.

Our next prize package includes: • $100 Gift certificate to The Harbor Grill • Custom DP Times tumbler with 10 free coffee fills from The Coffee Importers • Plush DP Times beach towel

Congratulations to this week’s winner Robin Partin! lived in south Orange County “sinceI’ve1978 and graduated from San

Robin took home a gift certificate to The Coach House, a DP Times tumbler and beach towel, and 10 free coffee refills from The Coffee Importers.

Clemente HS. For years, I’d picked up the SC Times each week and now that I live in Capo Beach, I love getting the DP Times delivered each week right to my door! It’s the only source to receive local happenings so I’m grateful for it’s existence! My favorite sections are what’s happening and letters to the editor. Keep up the good work! Summer concerts are coming! Can’t wait!

”

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

and more!

EYE ON DP

Deputy Dan Merz (center), with his wife and young son, was honored as Deputy of the Year by Mayor Richard Viczorek (left), and Dana Point Chief of Police Lt. Margie Sheehan proceeding the Dana Point City Council Meeting on April 3. Photo: Daniel Ritz

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

Dana Point Symphony Orchestra to Perform on April 7 This Saturday, April 7, from 7:30-9:30 p.m., the Dana Point Symphony Orchestra (DPSO) will perform at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church. Dean Anderson will be conducting the show “Bravo Solisti!” DPSO will be performing four violin concertos by Vivaldi before performing two pieces by Mozart. Performing with the Four Seasons Youth Orchestra, DPSO will feature special soloist Yang Bartolotti on violin. Bartolotti will rejoin the DPSO for their June 9 performance as lead soloist. General admission tickets are $20. Student, military and senior tickets are available for $15. By showing a DPSO ticket, guests will receive 15 percent off of their total bill at The Harbor Grill on April 7 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The DPSO is also now in the Ralphs Community Contributions program. Concert goers can link their Ralphs Rewards card to the DPSO by enrolling, or changing their designated charity at www.ralphs.com. www.danapointsymphony.com.

OC Parks Summer Concert Series Returns to Salt Creek OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with 10 free outdoor concerts commencing on June 21 through Aug. 23.

Dana Point Times April 6–12, 2018

Concerts will be held on Thursdays from 5–8 p.m. Enjoy live music with friends and family under the summer sky at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.

On Aug. 16, a yet-to-be announced special guest will perform with Matt Costa at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, and on Aug. 23, the Tijuana Dogs will perform with Family Style.

OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series returns as well bringing the big screen to regional parks. Fourteen free movie screenings will take place June 16 to Sept.

14 at parks across Orange County. At Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach, Moana will play on Friday, Sept. 7, and Jaws will play on Friday, Sept. 14.

“We are thrilled to bring so much entertainment to the community this summer,” said Andrew Do, chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “These events offer family-friendly activities and an opportunity to get outside and enjoy our parks across the county.”

Food trucks will be serving at each location and a beer and wine garden will be available to those 21 and over. Gather friends and family and enjoy free concerts and movie screenings this summer with OC Parks. www.ocparks.com.

Ecology Center Announces ‘Road Trip’ Program After announcing it to members on April 5, The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano will hold a public event on Saturday, April 7 to celebrate the expansion of their work beyond San Juan Capistrano. While their work in San Juan Capistrano will continue, they will now be able to bring their programming off their property and

into communities far and wide. “Road Trip,” is a double-decker bus completely overhauled to showcase the full capacity of The Ecology Center’s agricultural education programming.

“It’s a toolbox for transforming communities,” said The Ecology Center Founder Evan Marks. “With Road Trip, we are able to provide tools, knowledge and experiences that will foster long-lasting memories and help to nourish all children.”

Road Trip’s unique mobile experience curates memorable school visits, farmto-table meals, skills-based workshops and community celebrations. On board, guests will find two stories of interactive displays, a fully-equipped mobile kitchen and a pop-up farmers’ market. When visiting a school, Road Trip will transform the campus into a multi-day interactive field trip. Students will engage in eco-skills workshops like seed saving, growing food and composting.

The Ecology Center also announced this week that they will be breaking ground on a farm in Encinitas as they enter into a partnership with the San Diego Unified School District. The 10-acre farm will be used as a community education center for local students.

Dan Merz Named OCSD Deputy of the Year Deputy Dan Merz, of Dana Point Police Services, was honored as Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Deputy of the Year proceeding the Dana Point City Council meetingon April 3. New Dana Point Chief of Police Lt. Margie Sheehan, along with Mayor Richard Viczorek, presented Merz with a plaque recognizing Merz’s “above and beyond,” work ethic.

Merz, originally from San Rafael, started with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 2012. He spent time working on a Driving Under the Influence Task Force before working in a narcotics detail for almost two years.

Merz recently became the newest member of the Community Services Unit. He was recently recognized for his heroic efforts to save a woman attempting to commit suicide from a pier in the Dana Point Harbor. The woman, who had handcuffed herself and attached herself to concrete blocks, jumped off the pier. On scene, Merz jumped in the 59-degree water attempting to bring the woman to the surface. Unable to bring her to the surface himself, Merz and backup brought the woman to shore where she was able to be kept alive long enough to be put on a ventilator. Although the woman was unable to be saved, Merz’s efforts enabled her organs to be salvaged and donated.

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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Community Meetings SATURDAY, APRIL 7

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 9

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

33282 Street of the Golden Lantern.

949.248.3500. www.danapoint.org.

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 Road. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10

DANA HARBOR TOASTMASTERS 7-8:30 p.m. Join the members of the Dana Harbor Toastmasters every Tuesday to improve speaking and leadership skills. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Avenue, Capistrano Beach. www.1707.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

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 12

SOUTH COAST WATER DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP VIDEO CONTEST DEADLINE 5 p.m. Deadline for submission to the 2018 Scholarship Video Contest. Enter for your chance to win up to $2,500. www.scwd.org.

COASTMASTERS’ (TOASTMASTERS) 7-8:30 p.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 CITY HAS RUSHED THROUGH DISTRICT VOTING PROCESS KAREN EZELL, Capistrano Beach

I attended the City Council meeting on April 3 and spoke during the public comments on the by-district elections being considered, or pushed, on our city by an attorney due to the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA).

Many residents of Dana Point spoke, especially from my area, Capistrano Beach.

It is very important that all residents speak up about the districts that are being mapped out. In one map, the demographer had split Capo along the bluffs which only made sense to conspiracy voting theories, which Councilman Muller denounced. At this point, I’m not trusting certain City Council members, my vote on that is still out.

I feel our city attorney has rushed through this process and we have actually lost days where we could have had time to review a strategy, met with the client who the other attorney is representing and determined if there was a case against us.

I thanked Mayor Viczorek for moving up agenda item 15 to go with item 11, which I told him should have been fixed by a simple text or email from the city manager to avoid conspiracy theories.

Item 15 was brought to the agenda after the mayor had already signed off on it, should have been placed above 11, but the city manager placed it at the end. I question whether the city manager is in tune with his city?

My choices: I choose four districts with an at-large mayor with the “Pine” or “Oak” maps keeping Capistrano Beach as one district. If we have five districts I vote no on the “Green” map dividing Capist-

rano Beach. Keep Capistrano Beach one district.

I am happy that we citizens have the website Next Door, the group Capo Cares and the Facebook group Dana Point Unplugged to have our voices and opinions heard. I thanked the Dana Point Times and the OC Register for being there to hear our voices as well.

I am disappointed that only one of our City Council members that I know of has actually spent the time to answer questions and reach out to the public, to those they serve, and show that they are listening to our concerns. Where are the rest of you? Councilman Tomlinson, what have you done to reach out to the citizens? I live in Capistrano Beach and I never knew you were a part of my small community.

We the citizens, through these channels of groups and social media, will be better informed come next election-day. We will remember who listened to us, gave us information, answered questions when they could and showed they cared.

Many of us have voiced our concerns that a study was not being done which the demographer recommends to show if we do or don’t have polarized voting. During the council’s comments (which were moved to right after public comments) not one of the council members or city attorney told us some important news. Not until toward the end of the meeting when most people had left that agenda item 15.3 was brought up by Councilman Wyatt and it was disclosed that the study was in the works. The city attorney confirmed this.

Council Member Lewis stated that she didn’t know this. Why not? When did the approval of the study happen?

The City Council did approve holding public outreach meetings and I hope a lot of you turn out to voice your opinion.

days after notice of a potential lawsuit was served (instead of taking the full 45 days allowed), and with the minimum opportunity for Dana Point citizens to weigh in on the ramifications, the city attorney and City Council took from every Dana Point voter the right to vote five times in at-large city elections every four years. The right to vote and determine how our city is governed was reduced to one vote in district elections every four years. The reasoning behind this council decision was fear induced by the city attorney’s specious examples of multimillion-dollar judgements.

The Dana Point City Council can rectify this terrible decision. They can hire expert outside counsel for this CVRA case, anyone other than Patrick Munoz, to represent the residents who vote for council members, pay taxes in this city and have every right to expect our opportunity to vote on our city government is not negotiated away. Instruct outside counsel to follow the example of Mission Viejo by engaging in a negotiation that allows Dana Point voters to keep our five votes, if at all possible and also mitigate any CVRA related legal jeopardy we might face through negotiation with the plaintiff and the court. The example of Mission Viejo is clear. Dana Point residents have not been represented by this council and the city attorney. We want our votes back.

WE WANT OUR VOTES BACK STEVE STEWART, Dana Point

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.

In capitulating to the plaintiff only 15

Voices of Dana Point

CORRECTION: In the Dec. 1 - Dec. 7, 2017 edition of the Dana Point Times, it was incorrectly reported that during an incident on July 28, 2017, at Sea Canyon Park, Kevin and Sue Walshe’s dogs attacked a Dana Point resident and his terrier, Benny. The resident was unharmed.

It was incorrectly reported that Benny died later that week from a secondary infection. Benny was euthanized on Oct. 2, 2017, due to a pleural effusion, a buildup of fluid in the pleural space between the layers of tissues that line the lungs and the chest cavity. In a document dated Oct. 2, 2017, the veterinarian that performed the procedure stated that this type of fluid may be from trauma (such as a dog fight), cancer, heart disease or an inflammatory condition.

CONVERSATION TOPICS AMONGST COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Congratulations on this award and “ maybe now they can figure out how to

eliminate the odor affecting anyone who buys at South Cove.

”

Posted by “Betty Lou” on www.danapointtimes.com in reference to, “Dana Point Wastewater Facility Named ‘Plant of the Year.'”

Dana Point Times April 6-12, 2018

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Daniel Ritz, 949.388.7700, x113 dritz@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com 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 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 14. 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 | 06 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: SPITFIRE GRILL 7:30 p.m. The Department of Theatre Arts at Saddleback College present Spitfire Grill in the Studio Theatre until April 15. Learn about a woman who was just released from prison as she starts a new life in a small town. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors and $10 for students. See site for show times.

Saddleback College. 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.582.4500. www.saddleback.edu.

LIVE MUSIC AT OVERVUE 8-11 p.m. A rotating lineup of musicians performs at OverVue Lounge at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa every Friday and Saturday night. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point. 949.661.5000. www.lagunacliffs.com.

Saturday | 07 SAN DIEGO BOTANIC GARDEN’S ARTFEST 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The San Diego Botanic Garden is hosting their annual ArtFest all weekend long. Be sure to stop by to see a fine art show, an Asian art show and art demonstration throughout both days. ArtFest will hold a drawing competition for youths and adults on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free with paid admission. 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas.

760.436.3036. www.sdbgarden.org.

HEADLANDS NATURE WALK 9-11 a.m. The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center is putting on an educational hike along the Dana Point Headlands to Dana Point Times April 6-12, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival, headlined by The Offspring, is a day filled with craft beer, tasty gourmet tacos, Lucha Libre style wrestling and live music. It will be happening at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, April 7. Photo: Courtesy

SATURDAY, APRIL 7: SABROSO CRAFT BEER, TACO & MUSIC FESTIVAL 1-9 p.m. Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival at Doheny State Beach, headlined by The Offspring, is a day filled with craft beer, tasty gourmet tacos, Lucha Libre style wrestling and live music. Featuring up to four hours of craft beer tastings with over 100 craft beers, Sabroso includes some well-known local favorites. Top Lucha Libre style wrestling stars from across the globe will take to the ring battling for the title of Sabroso Champion. www.sobrosotacofest.com.

San Juan Capistrano. 949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com.

teach about local ecology. Participation is free. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point. 949248-3527. www.danapoint.org.

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.

THE ECOLOGY CENTER OPEN HOUSE 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Ecology Center invites members of the public for a fun filled day of informational demos and tours. A DIY garden activity, marmalade tasting and a seasonal cooking demo begins at 11 a.m., followed by a discussion by Executive Director Evan Marks at 12:30 p.m. about exciting new plans to expand in San Juan Capistrano. Enjoy a garden tour at 1 p.m. and be sure to stop by the organic bread sale starting promptly at noon. The Ecology Center. 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.443.4223. www.theecologycenter.org.

OC PARKS ADVENTURE DAY 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. OC Parks is inviting families for a day of adventure-filled events. Enjoy an adventurous day of arts and crafts, wildlife exhibits, drinks and food. Admission is free. Ronald W. Capsers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway,

SOUND BLISS-MEDITATION AND SOUND EXPERIENCE 7 p.m. Join Sukhmani (Nicole) Fagone as she guides you through a meditation and sound healing experience. Pamper yourself in guided meditation through sonic vibrations and relaxation. Classes are $20 and a second class will begin at 9:30 p.m.

34207 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

855.933.4848. www.mindbodywc.com.

Sunday | 08 GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks

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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.

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

YOGA ON TAP 11 a.m. Yoga on Tap is held at Left Coast’s tasting room in San Clemente. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. It’s a great way to get to know your local fellow yogis and beer drinkers. The cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. 949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

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

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8)

Monday | 09 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.

Tuesday | 10 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.

Wednesday | 11 CASA WELLNESS: NATURAL AIR PURIFYING 7 p.m. Learn how to naturally purify your air with plants at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. This class will teach you which plants help eliminate

toxins in your house and will allow guests to plant their own plants to take home.

Admission is $35 and covers all materials. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. www.casaromantica.org.

Thursday | 12 SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS ‘SPAMALOT’ 7 p.m. San Clemente High School will perform Monty Python’s Spamalot (high school edition). Lovingly ripped off from the motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the play is the irreverent parody of the Arthurian legend. This hilarious musical tells the story of King Arthur, his coconut-wielding sidekick, Patsy, and the Knights of the Round Table, as they collect on their quest to find the Holy Grail. Shenanigans ensue as they encounter hilarious characters and ridiculous situations along the way. The show runs at 7 p.m. from April 12-14 and April 19-21, with matinees April 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10–$18 and are available at www.schsdrama.com and at the door.

San Clemente High School, 700 Avenida Pico. 949. 492.4165.

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.

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Brothers

At the Movies: Is Spielberg Too Much for ‘Ready Player One’?

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

I

t’s the new-age question everyone has been pondering this past decade: how much nostalgia is too much nostalgia?

Well, Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Ernest Cline’s popular sci-fi novel Ready Player One almost seems like it exists just to answer that question. It takes place in a futuristic Ohio, set in the year 2045, but is completely coated with pop-culture references and Easter eggs from the 1970s-90s.

In a shanty Columbus neighborhood called “The Stacks,” 18-year-old Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) lives with his aunt Alice (Susan Lynch) and her nefarious boyfriend Rick (Ralph Ineson). To distract himself from his diminutive home life, Wade spends a lot of time in a virtual reality called the Oasis: a pop-cultureoriented video game world where anyone can create their own digital alter-egos.

Page 10

When Oasis creator James Halliday (Mark Rylance) dies, he leaves behind a fortune to whomever can find the secret Easter egg he hid inside the alternate world.

Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn and Simon Pegg co-star.

Ready Player One has all the cliché elements of an action/adventure flick with good-looking leads, megalomaniacal villains and comic relief via sidekicks. Not to mention all the purposely on-the-nose references. Even Spielberg directing could have easily been an on-the-nose decision.

But much like the filmmaker’s previous classics like Jaws (1975) and Jurassic Park (1993), Spielberg makes some cinematic changes from the original book to the film’s advantage. The effects and action sequences are stellar, as are Sheridan and Cooke as leads, and the nostalgia isn’t too overridden to the point of being obnoxious. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Book Talk by Dan DeNeve

USC Professor Hits Hard in Debut Novel, ‘The Sympathizer’

T

he debut novel of University of Southern California professor Viet Thanh Nguyen called The Sympathizer follows the path of a Viet Cong operative spying on a South Vietnamese army general as he starts a new life in Los Angeles in 1975.

The story is told by the spy, who remains nameless throughout the book.

In fact, much of his story is in the form of a confessional that he is forced to write. Several other characters are nameless, only knowing them by their title or description that the spy uses.

The story begins with the United States withdrawing from South Vietnam.

The spy, working for the North, is part of a South Vietnamese army general’s staff. After securing the proper papers and payments for about 100 people, the spy, the general and his family, and numerous others, including a young man named Bon, leave for America. After arriving in Los Angeles, the spy takes a position as an assistant to a professor at Occidental College while still working for and keeping tabs on the general, who is preparing to go back and lead a counter revolution from the liquor store he owns.

The mole struggles with being the illegitimate child of a teenage Vietnamese girl and a French catholic priest. Not surprisingly, we learn he loves his mother dearly, but hates his father. While working for the professor he involves himself in a loveless relationship with his secretary, an older Japanese woman, who believes in free love and staying true to who you really are.

He also takes part in two assas-

sination plots and the making of a propagandist film about the war that is being filmed in the Philippines. The allusion to Apocalypse Now couldn’t be clearer. Near the end of filming, bombs go off in the cemetery, hospitalizing him.

The director says it was an accident, but considering the stormy relationship the director had with the protagonist, there BOOK TALK is little doubt this was

By Dan DeNeve a planned event.

Eventually, the general gets his makeshift army of ex-South Vietnamese soldiers together after receiving funding from some Americans. Ironically, the general does not go back, but stays in America, to direct the fighting. The general is keen on sending the spy back because the general and his wife find out that the spy is actually attracted to their daughter Lana, who has fully embraced the American culture.

Back in Vietnam, the plan does not go as planned for either the counter revolutionaries or the protagonist. Lana’s parents feel betrayed by the spy. If only they knew the real story.

What makes this novel compelling is Nguyen’s commentary about the North Vietnamese, the South Vietnamese and the United States. No one is a winner in this story. Everyone loses. The North Vietnamese are no better off, the South Vietnamese, especially those that are refugees to America, long to go back home and America is struggling with

yet-to-be developed Pacific Coast Highway, to become the Beach Road community.

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.

the aftermath of the war and those still trying to fight it.

Dan DeNeve has worked for the Orange County Public Library for 15 years and is a member of the Seaside Book Club.

He currently works as the Adult Services Librarian at the Dana Point branch. The Seaside Book Club meets at the Dana Point Library every fourth Monday of the month

at 10:30 a.m. Registration is not required.

For a list of featured titles, call the library at 949.496.5517. Copies of the current title are available at the library service desk. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

T

Dana Point Times April 6-12, 2018

FROM THE ARCHIVES Taken in 1927, this photo looks south at the

Sudoku

Pet of the Week: Doc his cute little guy is Doc, a 4-year-old chihuahua who is patiently awaiting his new home. Once frightened and nervous, Doc has blossomed into a happy and affectionate dog. He has even learned how much fun playing with other dogs can be. Doc is proof that great things can come in small (furry) packages.

If you would like to know more about Doc, call the San Clemente/Dana Point

Photo:: Courtesy of the Orange County Archives

Doc. Photo: Courtesy

Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

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 12

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Memorial Lane Tribute to Vietnam War veterans makes it way to Camp Pendleton

BY ERIC HEINZ, DANA POINT TIMES

T

ons of granite was hauled into Camp Pendleton on March 29 to be installed as the monument to the 5th Marine Regiment’s Vietnam War veterans.

Monuments for veterans who died in Iraq and Afghanistan are already in place at the Memorial Gardens, just off Cristianitos Road in the north sector of the Marine base.

The monument will feature several slabs of granite with the names of the veterans

who died in the Vietnam War from the 5th Marine Regiment.

Steve Colwell and Nick Warr, both Vietnam War veterans, led the project that has been in development for years. The project cost $400,000 and project leaders are still trying to come up with about $50,000 more to finalize the cost, Colwell said after the ceremony.

The memorial is specific to the 5th Marine Regiment, which is adopted by the City of Dana Point. The City of San Clemente adopted the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines.

The monument will be unveiled at another ceremony on Memorial Day, May 28.

Editor’s note: See video interviews with guests at the ceremony for the monument online in this article at www.danapointtimes.com. DP

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(Clockwise from top) The monument for the Vietnam War veterans was shipped from Vermont by truck and arrived at Camp Pendleton on March 29. Peggy Kane of the Patriot Guard Riders displays her support for the Marines at the ceremony welcoming the Vietnam War memorial on March 29 at Camp Pendleton. The “Magnificent Bastards” is the nickname of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines. Cole Lapierre, the company commander at the headquarters of the 5th Marine Regiment, gets a hug from his son on March 29 at Camp Pendleton, where a new Vietnam War memorial will be erected. A procession took place on March 29 at Camp Pendleton to welcome the new Vietnam War memorial for the 5th Marine Regiment. Photos: Eric Heinz

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STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Track Relays Run Strong in Texas The Dana Hills 1,600-meter and sprint medley relay teams took their show on the road to the prestigious Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays on March 30 and 31 at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas.

The Dolphins boys earned a bronze medal in the sprint medley relay with

Dana Hills shortstop Zach Waters was named Ryan Lemmon Tournament MVP after hitting 7 for 14 with five runs and six RBIs in four games. The junior hit a double and an RBI triple in the championship game.

Photo: Zach Cavanagh

Waters Flowing Dana Hills baseball wins Ryan Lemmon Tournament with offensive surge, shortstop named MVP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

S

pring break didn’t mean time off for the Dana Hills baseball team.

The Dolphins worked hard and effectively and came back with a little piece of crystal for the trophy case.

Dante Jackson threw five shutout innings, and Dana Hills put up five runs in the fi fth inning to pull away from Canyon, 7-2, to win the Ryan Lemmon Tournament’s Guy Lemmon Division championship game on Wednesday, April 4 at Ryan Lemmon Stadium in Irvine.

Dana Hills (11-6) won all four tournament games in impressive fashion with a combined 21-run margin of victory, 27-6.

“It’s been exciting to see them compete on a day-in and day-out situation,” Dana Hills coach Tom Faris said. “We were in some tight situations even if the scores don’t really reflect that. We’ve had some stressful times. They’ve been able to overcome it and get through it.”

The Dolphins beat Tustin on March 31, 6-2, University on April 2, 6-2, and Bountiful of Utah on April 3, 8-0, to win their pool and reach the tournament championship game.

“Just putting the bat on the ball,” Dana Hills shortstop Zach Waters said of what made the Dolphins successful in the tournament. “Normally we’re scared, but we swung the bats and did good things.”

Dana Point Times April 6–12, 2018

Waters, a junior, was named tournament MVP. The Dolphins lead-off hitter went 7 for 14 over the four games with five runs and six RBIs. He hit a double and an RBI triple in the title game.

“He was a lead-off hitter for us as a sophomore,” Faris said. “Honestly, I’d like to put him in the three slot, but he’s so good in the one slot, getting on base, getting pitch counts up and having gritty at-bats. You’re forced to pitch to him, and that helps him out.”

Jackson, a sophomore, picked up his fourth win of the season with five scoreless innings and allowed two hits with four strikeouts. Jackson is 4-1 with a 2.42 earned run average.

Jackson looked his strongest in his final two innings with three strikeouts in the fourth inning and fielding a 1-6-3 double play in the fi fth inning.

Waters got the Dana Hills scoring going in the third inning.

Waters hit a one-out double and scored on an RBI groundout by Logan Gallina.

The Dolphins added another in the fourth. Corey Cisowski was hit by a pitch to lead off, moved to second on a wild pitch, got to third on a groundout and scored on a single by Ethan Ezor.

In the fi fth inning, Dana Hills opened with five consecutive hits and sent 10 batters to the plate.

Reid Osako started off with a double and scored on a triple by Waters. Ryan Lewis singled home Waters, and Gallina and Shane Ferrari followed up with singles. Cisowski reached on a fielder’s choice out at home, and Ezor broke it open with a bases-loaded single to score Gallina and Ferrari. Matthew Workman’s pinch-hit single brought in Cisowski to wrap up the Dolphins’ offensive output.

Canyon worked out two runs in the top of the seventh, but Chase Walter closed out the win for Dana Hills. DP

a time of 3:30.49. Brandon Oswald, Nathan Fatigate, Max Halvax and Josh Dowdy ran the four legs of the relay— two, 200-meter legs, a 400-meter and 800-meter.

Dana Hills was just one of two teams that had its boys and girls 1,600-meter relay teams make the final. Fatigate, Halvax, Oswald and Dowdy qualified with a time of 3:20.32 in the boys preliminaries. The girls team of Hailey Ray, Ximena Bustos, Jaden Haskins and Anisa Rind qualified with a time of 3:50.96.

The boys finished ninth in the finals, and the girls finished eighth.

In the thick of the mid-season big meets, the Dolphins now turn to the Arcadia Invitational on Saturday, April 7. Arcadia is regarded as one of the top meets in the country, and the Dolphins will have contenders.

Dana Hills will also be strong contenders at the Orange County Championships next weekend at Mission Viejo High School.

University of Michigan freshman Dakota Raabe and the Wolverines hockey team advanced to the Frozen Four and played Notre Dame on Thursday, April 5 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Raabe, a Capistrano Beach native, scored four goals for Michigan this season. Photo: Courtesy of Michigan Photography

Scoreboard

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.

Dakota Raabe, Michigan Hockey Advance to Frozen Four University of Michigan freshman Dakota Raabe and the Wolverines hockey team advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four after defeating Boston University in the Northeast Regional Final, 6-3, on March 25.

Michigan took on No. 2 Notre Dame at the Frozen Four in St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday, April 5. Results were not avail-

Page 15

able at press time. The Michigan-Notre Dame winner will play the winner of No. 4 Ohio State University and the University of Minnesota Duluth for the NCAA Division 1 national championship on Saturday, April 7.

The Frozen Four is the final two rounds of the NCAA Division 1 mens ice hockey tournament.

Raabe, a Capistrano Beach native, scored four goals and added two assists in his first season at Michigan. Raabe played in 32 games and earned a +5 rating.

Raabe played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings U-16 team locally before joining the Junior A hockey circuit with the Wenatchee Wild in Washington. He played three seasons with the Wild—one in the North American Hockey League and two in the British Columbia Hockey League.

Raabe scored 58 points (22 goals, 36 assists) in 58 games in the 2016-17 season with Wenatchee before enrolling at Michigan. www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

More than Scores Eric Diamond, Dana Point Surf Club look to start a dynasty by combining competition, community

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

U

pon walking in but before sitting down, Dana Point Surf Club Executive Committee Chairman Eric Diamond perused the perimeter of his office behind Killer Dana Surf Shop.

That office, formerly the office where John Severson designed and created the original SURFER Magazine, is covered in local heritage and soaked in surfing tradition Diamond is eager, and proud, to share.

This year, Diamond—whose father was a member of the famous Wind & Sea Surf Club and is a former traveling competitive surfer himself—will call upon his unique perspective granted by direct lineage of California surf club “cool” and Australia’s ultra-competitive surf club culture to make the Dana Point Surf Club a respectable, and competitive, presence in the newly formed Western Board Riders Club surf series.

Dana Point entered the new surf club platform last year when the originators of the West Coast Board Riders called Diamond to get a team together for Dana Point.

Diamond quickly organized a team, admitting that they weren’t together in their first competition, but said he remembers feeling overwhelmed with the rekindling of old friendships and overall experience.

After that initial trial, Diamond held a surf club interest meeting in Dana Point that was attended by more than 100 local surfers and fans.

A year later, the Dana Point Surf Club now holds more than 250 members, with a projected membership of more than 500 people by 2019 and over 1,000 by 2020.

“I really want to make this a club more than just a team,” Diamond said. “We want to give back, and more than just the occasional beach clean-up. I want our club members to be ambassadors not just for surfing, but for Dana Point.”

Despite being “in-season,” now, the Dana Point Surf Club is very much a work in progress. Diamond is seeking local sponsorship, and is working closely with the City of Dana Point to achieve its nonprofit status. He even joked about organizing a multi-city staff event, including Dana Point City Manager Mark Denny, who Diamond credited with being a strong Dana Point Times April 6-12, 2018

Eric Diamond (middle), executive chairman of the Dana Point Surf Club, shaking hands with Matt Archbold of the San Clemente Surf Club (left). Photo: Ron Lyon

supporter of the program.

“We’re not rushing this. I want to do this right,” Diamond said, who recognized that after a career in the global surf industry, being a small business owner in Dana Point has given him a new sense of respect for the impact of local businesses.

“What’s nice is, Dana Point is still kind-of a Mayberry surf town,” Diamond laughed. “I would love to have Dana Point Autos behind the team, the team at Jacks up the street for example, supporting the Club. The guys here at Killer Dana Surf Shop have done an amazing job bringing us in. We’re a small town, and we all know each other. There is a sense of responsibility, accountability.”

Diamond insists that the Dana Point Surf Club is as much about comradery as competition in and out of the water He credits his understanding of a time before the territorialism, now rampant in California, to his father, who in addition to surfing with the Wind & Sea Surf Club worked for blank manufacturer Clark Foam, delivering blanks up and down the coast.

In addition to learning about surf culture, Diamond is instilling a connection to local surfing through the club.

“As cool as it is for me to see my buddies and old friends, it’s great to see these younger guys and girls meet, learn and compete against some of the best, and most important characters in surfing’s eclectic mix,’ Diamond said.

“Some of these kids just don’t know the

history of things like SURFER Magazine,” Diamond said, again opening his arms to the walls soaked in decades of history.

“We’re trying to create a sense of connection, a sense of ownership. A lot of these kids don’t really know how in addition to Killer Dana, there was a reef break set-up with four different waves out there. Maybe next time, as good as the Harbor is for business, the Harbor doesn’t get built.

For things like that to happen, the next generation needs to know.”

Diamond said that with teams soaked in World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Tour-level talent like neighbor San Clemente, there will almost certainly be opportunities to learn for his Dana Point team.

“There are going to be times when one of our guys comes up against an absolute professional-level surfer, and I think in that lies an opportunity for growth,” Diamond explains.

Diamond resources the Australian surf club example and how World Championship Tour-level surfers compete for their respective clubs.

“I think that plays a big part of Australia producing incredible competitive surfers,” Diamond reasons. “These young surfers are competing against, and learning by experience from the best of the best. It’s a rare opportunity and I hope it validates our guys and girls, not frustrates.”

Diamond is proud that the Dana Point Surf Club, in addition to competitive surfers like Pat O’Conell, includes surfers such as local shaper, artist and profes-

Page 16

sional Tyler Warren.

Currently, the West Coast Board Riders consists of two divisions, North and South.

The South division consists of Dana Point, Newport, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Oceanside and Carlsbad. After three competitions in each division, and two specialty events, the top two teams will go head-to-head in a final competition at a yetto-be-determined location. Currently, there are six-man divisions: 50 and older, 40-49, 30-39, 20-29, 15-19, and 14 and under.

One of Diamond’s direct contributions to the West Coast Board Riders format was the addition of a women’s division.

“It was one of the first things I noticed,” Diamond said, speaking of his initial competition in Huntington Beach.

“I told them immediately, there has got to be a women’s division to compete.

Dana Point has such a rich history and so many amazing female surfers. We’re very proud of that, and we’re excited to see them out in the water.”

This Saturday, April 7, Diamond and the Dana Point Surf Club welcome the rest of the South division of the West Coast Board Riders teams, for their home competition at Salt Creek.

“We want to welcome everyone to our space,” Diamond said. “We want to let people know how special this place is, welcome them as they have welcomed us to their waves, and remind people what this place means to us. It would be great to win it all this year, but we’re going to have a great year either way.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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Light mint green frame, white seat, wire basket on the back. $250. Text for photos.

949-533-9761.

GARAGE SALES SATURDAY APRIL 7 LOTS OF FUN STUFF Tools, Books, DVDs, Household Items. Something for Everyone. 24711 Priscilla, Dana Point 7am-11am GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY APRIL 7TH Starting at 7:30 a.m. Bed, books, toys and dresser. Spring cleaning. Everything must go.

33191 Elisa Drive, Dana Point.

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 clerks, Housekeeping, Breakfast room, Janitorial. Full and Part time shifts available. $12 to $14, per hour. Apply in person 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, Ca 92629

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

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.

Dana Point Times April 6–12, 2018

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DP SURF

Gallery: Pipe Dreams, March 2018 A look back at making the most of what many are calling the worst winter for surf

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s much as sunny skies and minimal precipitation can be called winter, it’s been a long, hard winter for South Orange County surfers.

A lack of seasonal North-Pacific swell, a high-pressure ridge off of the Southern California coast reflecting what Aleutian swells have formed and regular side-shore winds have all contributed to a lack-luster winter season for local wave riders.

Throughout March, Dana Point Times contributing photographer Noah McPher-

GROM OF THE WEEK

JAKE VANDENBURG

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen you’re hot, you’re hot.

Lately, Jake Vandenburg has been white hot.

Over the last month, the St. Margaret’s sophomore has come away with enough hardware to fill up the trophy case at home.

Getting on a roll in mid-March, he won both the Orange County high school titles in the men’s shortboard and longboard divisions in the Scholastic Surf Series.

His talent and dedication to his surf team helped the St. Margaret’s Tartans finish the season undefeated with a 5-0 record.

Dana Point Times April 6-12, 2018

son had his eyes peeled for surfers lucky enough to find themselves enjoying the sparse conditions.

On March 20, spring officially arrived, and local surfers are anticipating a season full of well-groomed, early southern hemisphere groundswell.

Noah McPherson is a contributing photographer for Picket Fence Media.

Photographers interested in submitting their local scene and surf photos for April’s “Pipe Dreams” installment can email dritz@ picketfencemedia.com. DP Keeping the momentum going, he put in another great showing at the NSSA Southwest Explorer contest in Huntington Beach at the end of March. Despite challenging conditions, he finished a very respectable second place in the Explorer Boys division.

He’s also been battling on the Western Surfing Association circuit all season long.

At the moment he’s ranked sixth in the Under-18 rankings.

Hailing from talent-rich San Clemente, the spry regular-footer is as comfortable carving peaks at Lowers or the San Clemente Pier as he is gliding across playful wedges at Old Man’s or Churches.

Oh, and he only started surfing when he was 12 years old. Dedicated, determined and supremely passionate about the sport and culture of surfing, we can’t wait to see what Vandenburg does next. DP

(Clockwise from top right) Gino Gherdini (Catch Surf team rider) at Salt Creek on March 21. Quinn DiLeva hanging 10 at Salt Creek during ANHS Surf Team practice on March 2. Aliso Niguel High School’s annual Wavestorm competition on March 28 at Strands Beach, Dana Point. The contest is judged based on the best wipeouts, takedowns and tricks. Photos: Noah McPherson

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 56-59 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Holding to slow easing S swell through the weekend as new WNW swell mix trends up. Surf hangs in the waistshoulder high (3-4’+) zone for good spots while standouts go head high on sets. Morning winds are light/variable to light onshore, then light+ onshore each afternoon. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Jake Vandenburg.

Photo: Courtesy of Jake Vandenburg

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