January 31, 2020

LO C A L

January 31-February 6, 2020

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

Grom of the Week: Jacob Crouse PAGE 18

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5

PCH: A Tale of Two Highways Traveling up California’s Iconic Pacific Coast Routes D P L I V I N G / PAG E 1 0

Dana Point’s monument to PCH harks back to a 125-foot-tall Richfield tower that stood nearby for more than 40 years, built as a beacon for motorists and for nighttime aviators.

Photo: Fred Swegles

Santa Ana Dismisses Lawsuit Against City EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Remembering Kobe, Local Crash Victims SPORTS/PAGE 16

danapointtimes.com

County to Hold Second Workshop for Capo Beach EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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

DP EYE ON DP

Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Sen. Moorlach Releases Financial Report Card for Cities THE LATEST: Senator John Moorlach released his report assessing the financial soundness of each of California’s cities, ranking Dana Point in sixth place out of Orange County’s 34 cities—or 83rd out of California’s 482 cities.

As Moorlach states in his report, all government entities in California must send the state audited financial statements so public officials, private watchdog groups, journalists and private citizens can review them. The most common name for these statements is an Annual Financial Report. Cities send the state a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

Moorlach analyzed California cities’ financial statements by dividing the city’s unrestricted net position (UNP) by the municipality’s population. The UNP includes both a municipality’s assets and liabilities, which can be either a positive number or a deficit number.

Moorlach’s office found the statement of net position per city in the city’s basic financial statement and specifically used the “unrestricted” dollar amount. “This number is the key, because it is about purely governmental activities,” the report states.

Moorlach then divides the unrestricted net position by the city’s population, giving the UNP per capita. This amount demonstrates how the individual resident is impacted. According to Moorlach, if the UNP per capita is a positive number, that is good—the higher, the better. If it is a negative number, that could come with some issues.

The current report from Moorlach includes only information from 2017 and 2018 Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports (CAFR) from cities. With the numbers from those years, Dana Point’s UNP per capita came out to $733.

Dana Point recently completed its 2019 CAFR, which saw an improvement in both metrics highlighted by Senator Moorlach: Unrestricted Net Position (UNP) of $25,875,868 (+$910,498) and UNP Per Capita of $750 (an increase of nearly $20).

Dana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

Since a storm in 2018 yielded damage to structures in Capistrano Beach, OC Parks has worked to gather feedback and assess coastal area before assembling a plan for the beach. Photo: File

“For Dana Point specifically, this report highlights the city council’s priority for maintaining an appropriate level of reserves, as reflected in the updated Reserve Policy the Council adopted in 2019,” said Mike Killebrew, the city’s assistant manager. “The complete set of the city council’s adopted financial policies encompass many facets of sound financial management, and include the directive for long-term financial planning that puts a high value on retaining prudent emergency reserves, maintaining its capital infrastructure and operating within its financial means.”—Lillian Boyd

County to Hold Second Workshop for Capo Beach THE LATEST: The County of Orange, OC Parks department is seeking public input on three design alternatives for Capistrano Beach Park.

The designs were developed using the feedback from public comments received in an online survey and a previous public input meeting that followed severe weather damage to the beach’s boardwalk and basketball court, as well as demolition of restrooms.

The survey had asked what beach visitors like to do at Capistrano Beach, with a list of options such as picnics or surfing.

It also asked how far visitors live from the site, what mode of transportation is most often used to get to Capistrano Beach and how often. The last question gave survey users the chance to specify which improvements they would like to see.

A portion of the boardwalk and steps collapsed due to high surf on Nov. 29, 2018, with further damage seen the next day. OC Public Works installed more than 1,000 tons of rocks in place of the board-

walk, and officials have since advised the public not to enter the closed-off portion of the beach.

OC Parks officials say they were pleased with the turnout and feedback from the first community event held in October 2019 in Dana Point.

“Thank you to all the residents, stakeholders and interested parties who participated in our first public workshop for Capistrano Beach Master Plan,” said Jennifer Jung, with OC Parks. “We had a great turnout, and all of your feedback was invaluable to inform our design process.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The three design alternatives will be presented at the second public workshop on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. at the OC Sailing and Events Center, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point. Children’s activities will be provided.—LB

Santa Ana Dismisses Lawsuit Against South County Cities THE LATEST: In a surprise turn of events on Thursday, Jan. 23, the city of Santa Ana voluntarily moved to dismiss its homelessness-related lawsuit against the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, while keeping the County of Orange as the primary defendant.

The move came less than two weeks after Santa Ana had filed its complaint in federal court, accusing the South County cities of transporting their homeless residents to the Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program at the National Guard Armory in Santa Ana. Page 3

The three cities have disputed that charge, arguing that none of the cities had transported any homeless individual to the Santa Ana Armory. Those assurances, Santa Ana stated in a press release on Friday, Jan. 24, are what led to the cities being dropped from the lawsuit.

“The cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano have assured the City of Santa Ana in writing that they have not transported homeless individuals from their cities to Santa Ana and have no plans to do so,” the press release stated.

San Clemente Mayor Dan Bane previously acknowledged that his city had offered a round-trip transport service to and from the armory; however, not a single homeless person accepted it. And Dana Point City Attorney Patrick Muñoz argued that his city “never transported, or arranged for the transportation of any homeless person to the Armory.”

In a joint press release sent out Friday morning, the three South Orange County cities said they were pleased to learn about the dismissal, noting that each of the three cities “dedicated significant funding to helping people experiencing homelessness.”

“The claims made in this case were legally and factually baseless, and Santa Ana’s action today will avoid further unnecessary expenditure of taxpayer dollars and instead allow the three South County cities to focus their limited resources on actual issues associated with homelessness,” the joint press release stated.

The cities also stated that they will continue to work collaboratively with the County of Orange, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and other local stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, to come up with “long-term and balanced solutions.”

With the cities being removed from the case, the county now remains as Santa Ana’s primary target in the suit, which accuses the county of establishing “homeless services almost exclusively in Santa Ana, thereby further contributing to the dense concentration of homeless individuals therein.”

Santa Ana’s press release last week claimed that it has shouldered “a greater and inequitable share of the burden of a countywide problem.” It also noted that that the 200-bed armory in the wintertime is supplemental to the countyoperated, 450-bed, year-round shelter in downtown Santa Ana, as well as its own 200-bed shelter specifically for the Santa Ana homeless.

In its lawsuit, Santa Ana alleged that the county and the three South County cities have encouraged the establishment of homeless services within its city limits, with the knowledge that Santa Ana’s (Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) population of roughly 341,000 is 78% Hispanic and has a median household income that’s near the lowest of all cities in the county.

“This practice has continued unabated for years, as only underscored by the plan

by Defendant County to site a replacement shelter for The Courtyard within Santa Ana and the plan by Defendants Dana Point, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano Cities . . . to transport their homeless residents to the Santa Ana Armory,” the lawsuit states.

The city of Santa Ana is seeking monetary damages as a reimbursement for the costs associated with providing homelessrelated services and resources.

“In recent years, the city of Santa Ana has been compelled to spend millions of dollars from its general fund to address health and safety concerns attributable to the homeless population now living here,” Santa Ana stated in its press release.

WHAT’S NEXT: A preliminary injunction hearing for the case is scheduled for Feb. 4, at 8 a.m.—Shawn Raymundo

GOP Organizations Call for Brough to Resign from 73rd Assembly District Seat THE LATEST: Ahead of the March primary election, three prominent Republican organizations are now calling for Assemblymember Bill Brough to resign from office.

Active investigations are underway regarding complaints against Brough that allege sexual misconduct and campaign finance misuse of nearly $200,000.

On June 17, 2019, Orange County Supervisor and Chairperson Lisa Bartlett spoke at the OCGOP Central Committee meeting about an alleged incident that occurred in 2011, while both Bartlett and Brough served on Dana Point City Council. Brough and Barlett had been at a retirement party when Brough allegedly approached Bartlett and gripped her shoulders tightly while insisting they get a drink. She cited the incident as reason for the party not to endorse Brough in his bid for reelection in 2020. Brough argues that this was in retaliation for his position regarding the Toll Roads. Bartlett serves on the San Joaquin Hills and Foothill Eastern TCA Boards. At least three other women have made similar allegations.

The Lincoln Club—a Republican organization that has helped pave Orange County politics for 50 years—recently announced its endorsement for Laguna Niguel Mayor Laurie Davies’ bid for Brough’s district. In a press release, the club stated Brough was plagued with scandal and that in September there was Dana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

Southern California Edison announced the dismantling of San Onofre Nuclear Generating System to begin next month, as the power supply company enters into a new phase of the decommissioning process. Photo: File

a unanimous vote to rescind its endorsement of Brough for re-election, “in the face of numerous, serious and credible allegations of sexual harassment.”

The investigations have yet to yield conclusions; however, Lincoln Club of Orange County President John Warner says the multiple sexual misconduct complaints show a pattern. “(The allegations) point to a pattern of behavior unbefitting of an assemblyman,” Warner said. “As for the $200,000, perhaps the investigation will conclude it wasn’t illegal. But it still isn’t right to take donors’ hard-earned money for luxury trips to Boston and Ireland.”

The Fair Political Practices Commission had previously released a letter saying it is reviewing allegations that Brough improperly used campaign funds to benefit himself and his family.

“Donors in Orange County are upset,” Warner said. “It’s just bad behavior.

It makes him an easy target and unelectable.”

Brough did not respond to requests for comment as of press time. However, in September, when asked if Brough intended resign amid allegations and calls for him to step down from office, Brough told Dana Point Times he felt more emboldened than ever to run for reelection.

Since then, the Orange County Register has reported that the Republican Party of Orange County, the New Majority and the Lincoln Club (all Republican organizations) have called for Brough’s resignation.

WHAT’S NEXT: The primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3; however, voters will have options for casting ballots in the days leading up to election day.

Brough will face two challengers: Davies and Mission Viejo Councilmember Ed Sachs. Two Democrats will also fight for a chance to face off against the Republican choice in November: real estate broker Scott Rhinehart and Chris Duncan, a

retired attorney with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.—LB

SoCal Edison to Begin Dismantling SONGS in Late February THE LATEST: Southern California Edison announced last week that the dismantling of its San Onofre nuclear facility will get underway in late February, as the power supply company enters into a new phase of the decommissioning process that began in 2013, when the plant went offline.

The process to deconstruct much of the structures at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) is expected last about eight years, according to SCE. The dismantlement will include the removal of the containment domes, as well as abovegrade structures related to Units 2 and 3.

Edison had previously noted that part of the dismantlement includes the removal of “a significant amount of hazardous material from the site,” and the elimination of “prominent visual features associated with the facility.”

The offshore conduits, or large pipes SCE uses to bring and discharge ocean water for the plant’s cooling system, will be partially removed, while offshore buoys and anchors also get removed, Edison said this month.

To notify the nearby communities of the dismantlement, notices were mailed to about 12,000 residents who live within a five-mile radius of SONGS. In the mailer, Edison notes that the deconstruction activities have the potential to “disrupt traffic and daily routines.”

“To the extent possible, we’ll schedule and perform our work to minimize any inconvenience,” the mailer states, adding that Edison intends to expand its “rail capabilities on site to minimize the use of trucks, reducing potential traffic congestion.”

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Edison is currently working toward completing its downloading operations to transfer spent nuclear fuel from the plant’s wet pools into the dry storage facility.

Over about the next seven months, those operations will coincide with the start of the dismantling process.

“Our original baseline schedule anticipated 15 months of overlap, so activities have been well-analyzed and are understood,” John Dobken, spokesperson for Edison, said in an email. “Fuel transfer operations will take priority over dismantlement work, and such work will be monitored and coordinated. Until fuel transfers are completed at mid-year, dismantlement work will focus on areas away from where fuel transfers occur.”

According to Dobken, the company has downloaded 47 canisters containing nuclear waste into dry storage and has another 26 to go. Assuming Edison keeps a pace of downloading one canister a week, Dobken said they’re targeting a completion time frame of July to August.

Since 2013, Edison has been working to decommission the plant, which currently sits on land owned by the U.S. Navy. Per the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Edison has 60 years to complete the decommissioning.

The U.S. currently doesn’t have a permanent repository to store spent nuclear fuel, leaving the nation’s plants, including SONGS, to store its own radioactive waste on-site. In 2015, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) approved Edison’s development permit to build its Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) for the dry storage of nuclear waste.

Back in October, the coastal commissioners unanimously approved a separate development permit allowing Edison to begin dismantling the plant. The approval did include several caveats meant to “protect the quality of coastal waters, ensure biological productivity, and protect against the release of hazardous materials.”

A report from the CCC explained that SCE’s plans to remove the infrastructure would leave “significant amounts of foundation, footings, and other existing material in place,” potentially leaving the coastal environment and community vulnerable to safety risk.

One condition of approval for the development permit requires SCE to provide annual progress reports to the Coastal Commission every June. In a press release from Edison this month, SCE Vice President Doug Bauder explained that the company would also be publicly providing quarterly reports of the work.

“We’re going to be a good neighbor throughout the decommissioning process, and that means providing timely, usable information to the community and to the people who use the recreational resources next door to us,” Bauder said in a release.

WHAT’S NEXT: Deconstruction activities are expected to start no earlier than Feb. 22.—SR danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

DP Harbor Embraces Valentine’s Day Festivities Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and the Dana Point Harbor is gearing up to spread the love.

Couples, friends and families can enjoy activities including seaside dining and live music, shopping along the waterfront at any of the unique retail stores, a sunset whalewatching cruise and be one of the first to take a photo in front of Dana Point’s “Love Wall” mural commissioned by Dana Point Harbor Partners.

Local Orange County mural artist Mikala Taylor will begin painting the interactive “Love Wall,” located in the harbor’s Clock Courtyard, on Monday, Feb. 3 and will continue painting throughout the week until Friday, Feb. 7. Visitors are welcome to watch the mural come to life and capture a Valentine’s Day photo moment in front of the wall. The “Love Wall” sets the perfect backdrop for social media sharing using #DPHLoveWall.

The Dana Point Harbor Partners invite the

public to participate in the “DPH Love Wall” social media campaign on Instagram from Monday, Feb. 10 through Thursday, Feb. 27.

To be entered into the contest, follow @danapoint_harbor and @danapointmarinainn and post your photo using #DPHLoveWall.

On Friday, Feb. 28, one winner will be chosen at random and awarded a special Dana Point Harbor “staycation package,” which includes a two-night stay at Dana Point Marina Inn, two tickets for a Sunset Wine Cruise with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, and dinner for two at The Harbor Grill.

For more info on Valentine’s Day specials in the harbor, visit danapointharbor.com.

Locals Raise Money for Australia Fire Relief An Orange County-based app is holding a fundraiser to help relief efforts related to the Australia wildfires.

Divy Rewards is a new social app that launched in summer 2019, created based on the idea of "social rewards." Users of the app can check in at local businesses to earn loyalty points, and each check-in circulates into the community feed so other local users can see which places are active and what good rewards, discounts, and promotions are out there at local spots.

“Essentially, the businesses get branded advertising through their customers, and the

customers get rewarded for it,” said Matthew Wagner, who works for Divy’s community development. “The real driving inspiration was to give small businesses more of a voice in the community to compete with big name brands.”

Divy is currently exclusive to Orange County and Long Beach while continuing to build new functionality, fix bugs and improve Divy Rewards.

“The Australia fires really shook us because of the devastation and loss of human and animal life. The recent California fires affected many of our family and friends, and we can't imagine what Australia is going through, considering it was far worse,” Wagner said. “We wanted to donate money (much of our team has already donated individually) and saw an opportunity to blend fundraising with a current goal of ours: to increase users and check-ins on the app.”

Divy’s ownership and donors agreed to donate $1 per any checkin on the app through the month with a goal of 10,000 check-ins, or $10,000, to benefit the Australia Wildfire Fund (australiawildfirefund.org).

People can check-in from wherever they are at the location called "Australia Fire Awareness" and/or at any local business, once per day per location.

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

Community Meetings SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Each Saturday, California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market. Craft vendors are available the first Saturday of the month. La Plaza Park, Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

TUESDAY, FEB. 4

ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING 10 a.m. The Dana Point Planning Department will hold a hearing regarding a request for an addition to a nonconforming single family residence of greater than 10%. For more information, visit danapoint.org. The hearing will be held at Dana Point City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

DANA POINT CITY COUNCIL 6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 212, Dana Point.

EYE ON DP said he and his friends didn’t know it at the time of the party, as they never received a notice and had already been given the information to access the house.

“So when (my friend) put in the credit card, it gave him all the access; it said the key will be in the mailbox at 4 p.m.,” Ruggiero said.

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE

Stabbing at Vacation Rental Prompts Concerns

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO, DANA POINT TIMES

O

n the night of Jan. 19, around 7 p.m., Chris Steblay remembers pulling up to his San Clemente home on Avenida Cordoba, where several young individuals were congregating. From one house over, a well-known shortterm vacation rental, he could hear loud music thumping.

“It was obvious something was brewing,” Steblay, 35, said of that evening—the night before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. To call it a party, he added, would be “an understatement.”

Party, bash or otherwise, the invitation to it leaked on social media, attracting hordes of teenagers from nearby high schools, including San Clemente High, to the residential neighborhood on the 100 block of Avenida Cordoba.

While it’s unclear exactly how many people attended, witnesses who have spoken with San Clemente Times estimate the head count to have ranged anywhere between 100 and 200 people.

“Over 100,” Steblay recalls. “People were coming and going, but the house, a two-story house, was packed, like standingroom-only. They had a DJ and a dance floor; just seeing inside, it was shoulder-to-shoulder.”

A group of students from Mission Viejo High School made the booking to celebrate a friend’s birthday with a party. The teens, according to 16-year-old Robert Ruggiero, one of the organizers, invited only a fraction of those who attended.

“It was only supposed to be like 30 to 60 people, and that’s how many were only supposed come, and then over like 200 people—because the address got leaked—over 200 people came,” Ruggiero told SC Times.

While the party was meant to be a celebratory occasion, it ended with one individual being stabbed multiple times in the leg, and one of the organizers’ friends, 18-year-old Ariya Rajab, being arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

The wild party and the stabbing incident at the local vacation rental, commonly referred to as “Hotel Cordoba,” has sparked outrage and renewed criticism from the community over the city’s allowance of short-term lodging units, or STLUs. VACATION RENTALS During the latest city council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21, a handful of residents spoke out about the incident, expressing frustration with the city and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department over their inability to prevent the whole ordeal.

That night, Mayor Dan Bane assured residents that the city and code enforcement were aware of the situation and had been in contact with chief of Police Services. Lt. Edward Manhart to address the issue.

In May of 2016, amid a myriad of complaints related to the businesses operating in residential neighborhoods, the city adopted ordinances to regulate STLUs and establish designated areas of San Clemente where such rentals could be permitted.

The action, however, prompted a legal challenge by the San Clemente Vacation Rental Alliance, a coalition of local vacation rental owners and property managers. The proponents of the STLUs had argued that the city should punish only people who cause distress for their neighbors, while noting such a business is a primary means of income.

Dana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

A recent house party at a local vacation rental, commonly referred to as Hotel Cordoba on the 100 block of Avenida Cordoba in San Clemente, has raised residents’ concerns over the city’s allowance of such lodging units. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

To settle the lawsuit, the city council in the fall of 2017 proposed to relax many of the provisions in the ordinances. Some of the amendments included the elimination of STLU-specific parking standards and expanding the allowed areas to include lots on Avenida Montalvo and Buena Vista, according to city reports.

HOTEL CORDOBA As Steblay recalls, he and his girlfriend were unable to escape from the wild gathering of teenagers that was happening next door, as strobe lights began to shine through the windows, which lit up the inside of his home.

“It felt like a club in Downtown L.A. in our house,” Steblay said, adding: “We knew this was going to be an issue. We’re used to seeing groups there, because it’s a rental, but this was a different breed.”

Wanting to stop the house party from growing, Steblay and his girlfriend, along with several of their neighbors, began calling the authorities, as well as the rental property’s manager, Steven Moodie, who quickly drove to the home and was “shocked with what was happening.” “(Steven Moodie) explained that was not supposed to be happening,” Steblay said.

“I called police services as well to reiterate the urgency that we knew it was getting out of hand,” he said.

According to those who spoke with the SC Times, when a deputy did respond, he was unable to help Moodie stop the party and remove the guests, because the teens had reportedly rented the property for the night—a point Moodie disputes.

According to OCSD spokesperson Carrie Braun, deputies called to the scene “responded as allowed by law.”

“When handling noise complaints, they are handled the same way regardless of whether the property is owned, leased, or rented,” Braun later explained in an email. “Property owners’/managers’ rights to remove a tenant would need to follow eviction processes. That is an issue that has to be dealt with through a civil process.”

In a prepared statement emailed to SC Times, Moodie explained that he had tried to kick the students out of the house, notifying the officer that the minors weren’t authorized to be there and that the city’s ordinance on STLUs didn’t allow for parties.

“The deputy advised that the party did not exceed the noise complaint levels at that time. The (property manager) was told by the deputy that he could not remove anyone from the house and demanded that he wait across the other side of the road. He was further advised that he would be detained if he tried to enter the property.”

Furthermore, Moodie explained, the teens weren’t authorized to be there in the first place, as the credit card that was used to make the booking was declined.

“The parent’s credit card was declined, and no rental agreement was made,” Moodie’s statement said.

Acknowledging that the card had been declined, Ruggiero Page 6

THE STABBING After telling the property managers and neighbors that the party couldn’t be stopped, the officer left, according to those who were there.

Around 9 p.m., according to Braun, officers responded to calls of an assault, as a man in his 20s had suffered multiple stab wounds to his leg. Six people were detained, and Rajab was determined to be the suspect in the stabbing.

He was arrested and booked into jail for one count of assault with a deadly weapon, Braun said.

While Ruggiero doesn’t dispute those details, he offered another perspective of the incident, claiming that Rajab was acting in self-defense.

According to Ruggiero, who admits he didn’t witness the incident, Rajab, a former classmate of Ruggiero’s, was jumped by members of a local gang and used a knife he carried in his waistband to defend himself and flee from his alleged attackers.

Friends at the party told Ruggiero and others that Rajab had gotten into a fight and ran upstairs.

“He just moved here from Iran, and he’s not the kind of guy that would get in a fight. We heard that and started running through the crowd upstairs . . . he was all bloody,” Ruggiero said, adding that when he and his friends went to find the people who beat Rajab, they found the victim downstairs, “lying in a puddle of blood.”

The SC Times’ attempts to reach out to Rajab for comment, through Ruggiero, were unsuccessful as of press time.

CODE ENFORCEMENT According to the Moodie, a city code compliance officer arrived at the scene “who did attempt to shut the party down, telling the students it was over and to leave.”

Assistant City Manager Erik Sund said that the code compliance officer did witness some violations and cited the property managers.

Sund added that while the city is still doing its due diligence, conducting fact-finding missions, “it’s safe to say obviously these issues warrant the review of revocation.”

WHAT’S NEXT As part of the city’s fact-finding mission, Sund stated, the city does plan to hold a meeting with the neighbors to discuss what transpired. Afterward, he plans to present all the information to city councilors at their next meeting on Feb. 4, allowing them to determine the next set of steps.

“The city wants to do due diligence before determining next steps,” he said, adding, “I think after the next meeting, we’ll have council direction to move forward to abate this issue and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

As of Wednesday, Jan. 29, the listing for the vacation rental was active on VRBO, which also showed that the property currently has availability near the end of the months of February and March.

In their prepared statement, Moodie said he is “currently working with the community, city officials and law enforcement towards resolution of this matter.”

And as for Ruggiero, he said he doesn’t have any regrets over what happened.

“I don’t have any regrets; I’m trying to forget about the whole thing,” he said, before stating that he missed Rajab, who at the time of the interview was still in police custody.

“The only thing I have to say is, free Ariya,” Ruggiero said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The full version of this story can be found at danapointtimes.com. DP danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS GUEST OPINION: Bartlett Bulletin by OC Board of Supervisors Chairperson Lisa Bartlett

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

HOW TO REACH US SENIOR CITY EDITOR Lillian Boyd, 949.388.7700, x113 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Senior City Editor, DP Times > Lillian Boyd City Editor, SC Times > Shawn Raymundo City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Collin Breaux

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SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller

> Traci Kelly (SC)

O

ne of the greatest powers the citizens of our country have is the power to vote. Voting gives each of us an opportunity to affect the course of how our communities are run today and for future generations. It is the responsibility of our local governments to ensure safe, secure, efficient, and convenient elections that allow our residents to practice their right to vote. Orange County is fortunate to have Neal Kelley, one of the nation’s leading Registrar of Voters. Neal has served on multiple national boards and organizations and has been the recipient of numerous state and national awards, including being awarded “Public Official of the Year” by the National Association of County Recorders, Election Officials and Clerks. Neal is dedicated to our county and dedicated to advancing and protecting the integrity of our elections.

In 2016, the voters passed the Voter’s Choice Act, which requires county Registrar of Voters to change their systems of voting in order to allow voters to choose how, when, and where to cast their ballot either by mail, in-person early voting or casting a ballot at a vote center within the county with new and updated technologies and voting systems. Under Neal’s leadership, Orange County is now moving to this model not only to comply with this state mandate, but because our voting

technology was in desperate need of a refresh. Our now older election system and technology were at the end of useful life, no longer supported for repairs, and did not include new state-of-the-art features.

Also, and most importantly, old legacy voting systems were to be decertified by the California Secretary of State.

With roughly 1.6 million registered voters in Orange County, we want to make sure every voter has a convenient and, most importantly, safe and secure voting experience for our elections.

Starting this upcoming Primary election on March 3, the County of Orange will be moving to a new voting system and procedure that will make THE BARTLETT our elections safer and BULLETIN more convenient. Now,

By Lisa Bartlett every registered voter will receive a vote-by-mail ballot to mail in or drop off at one of the 110 ballot drop-off locations that will be placed around the county. We will also be switching to a vote center model instead of the older precinct polling location model. In Orange County, there will be 188 vote centers across the county staffed by trained officials. Vote Centers will be open for the 11 days leading up to Election Day starting on February 22.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote at any vote center, no matter where you are registered to vote, and also get registered at any vote center. This is different than the traditional precinct polling locations utilized in prior years. The new advanced system in use at these vote centers will be updating in real time! So, for example, the system will show if and where a person is registered, if they have turned in an absentee ballot already, if they have voted already at another vote center, and will print in real time the correct ballot for your registered address. One of the greatest advantages in moving to this new model is the elimination of provisional ballots.

This is a necessary change in order to protect the sanctity of the ballot.

To find out more information and where the closest vote center or ballot drop-off location is, please visit ocvote.com. Be sure to look out in your mailbox for your vote-bymail ballot in the upcoming weeks. I hope you will join me in exercising your right to vote on or before March 3.

Lisa Bartlett is the chairperson of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She was reelected in 2018. DP

tax dollars CUSD is paying its employees while neglecting its school buildings, are not a wise use of our tax money.

Wow, the District pays the top two employees (the superintendent and deputy superintendent) each more than the previous governor of California.

Everyone wants nice buildings for students to attend, but this district needs to prove it is worthy of our trust with our tax dollars.

They have not earned mine, and I am voting no on the bond measure.

tion in California, including graduation from the state college and university system.

We all live very happy, productive lives.

The Greatest Generation, a book by Tom Brokaw, described how returning military after World War II went to college free on the GI Bill of Rights and built this nation into the economic powerhouse it is today.

There may be no better way to see the value of a free education.

San Clemente is the most wonderful place to live. I urge everyone to vote yes on Measure H.

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

OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Vote Centers Coming to Orange County

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 13, Issue 5. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (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 2019. All rights reserved.

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Dana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

Letters to The Editor NOT ANOTHER SCHOOL BOND TAX VICTORIA BINGGELI, San Clemente

So the Capistrano Unified School District wants us to pass another school bond tax on ourselves for another 30 years.

We are already paying on a prior school bond (Measure A from 1999), plus all of the taxes and extra taxes (Propositions 30 and 55, as stated in Craig Alexander’s guest column about this subject), high gas taxes and more.

Plus, it appears the CUSD requested money from taxpayers in 1999 and now wants more money to pay for the some of the same things again. As Mr. Alexander asked, why are they asking us to pay for the same things twice?

And the district has declining enrollment, which will likely cause it to close some school sites over the next few years.

All this, plus the large amounts of our

YES ON MEASURE H LOUIS SHEPARD, San Clemente

I am 87 years old, a lifelong California resident with 20 years here in San Clemente. My wife and I will vote yes on Measure H even though our children are grown adults and live elsewhere.

I believe that education is the most important function of our government following defense. A wise man said, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”

My wife and I, as well as our children, have benefited enormously from our educa-

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to lboyd@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning.

Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

EDITOR’S PICK Cool 2 Be Kind organizers march in 2018 in Laguna Beach. Photo: File/Eric Heinz

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1: PEOPLE AGAINST BULLYING MARCH 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Cool 2 Be Kind for its People Against Bullying March. The march demonstrates the community—represented through teachers, students, siblings and parents alike—taking a stand against bullying and hate of any kind. Meet on the grassy area by the San Clemente Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

949.607.7539. c2bkclub@gmail.com.

The List

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

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to Dana Point Times by going to danapointtimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 9 p.m.-midnight. Come out for live music and drinks at StillWater Spirits & Sounds.

Admission is free. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GC 7 p.m. Classic rock and Americana fans can enjoy a live musical performance by West Coast Strayz. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1167. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

Friday | 31

Saturday | 01

ADULT COLORING CLUB 10 a.m.-noon. Bring out your inner artist during the Dana Point Library’s weekly adult coloring club. Supplies provided.

Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road,

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee is the U.S.’s largest weekly car meet, attracting a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports

Dana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. No registration is required; spectators are welcome. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

Dana Point. 949.496.5517. ocpl.org.

LIFESTYLES OF THE SLIMY & SQUISHY 11 a.m. Experience marine life up-close and personal with live tide pool animals and specimens. Sea stars, sharks and octopi are just some of the animals featured. Early arrival is suggested, and space is limited to the first 35 kids (plus their grown-ups).

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Dana Point Library. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517. ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

TAILGATE ‘PAWTY’ 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Camp Bow Wow San Clemente will be celebrating the Puppy Bowl early with a day of play. It will be “broadcasting” its Camp Bow Wow Tail Gate “Pawty” live on its Instagram story from

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10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Camp Bow Wow San Clemente, 220 Calle Pintoresco, San Clemente. 949.218.7387. campbowwow.com/san-clemente.

LEARN ABOUT CALIFORNIA BUTTERFLIES 9:30-10:30 a.m. Local butterfly enthusiast Brendan Radecki will discuss state butterflies and how you can attract them to your garden with native plants. Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.728.0685. californianativeplants.com.

LIVE AT THE COACH HOUSE: MISSING PERSONS AND DIANE & THE DEDUCTIBLES 8 p.m. Have fun listening to a live concert featuring Missing Persons and Diane & The Deductibles. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com. danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

Sunday | 02 VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Head to downtown San Clemente the first Sunday of every month for the Village Art Faire. The Faire offers an array of exceptional handcrafted works by gifted artisans, including fine art, jewelry, woodwork, fused and blown glass, sculptures, ceramics, home decor, candles, knits, botanicals and much more. Downtown San Clemente, 100 block of Avenida Del Mar. 949.395.7008. villagesanclemente.org.

D. YODER FAMILY SUNDAYS 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Held on the first Sunday of each month, this free event includes activities and a program thematically based on Casa Romantica’s Casa Captivating programs. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

MIAMI TAILGATE PARTY 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Enjoy an exclusive VIP game day Super Bowl watch party at The Point’s front patio. Live DJ set will be performed

by JVSTN. There will also be drink specials, raffle prizes, BBQ and bar games.

The Point Restaurant and Bar, 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

SUPER BOWL LIVE PARTY 2020 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Join Goody’s Tavern for the 54th Super Bowl Sunday. The bar will have free food, including a taco truck, free raffles, penalty shots and more. Goody’s Tavern, 206 South El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.3400. goodystavern.com.

BRUNCH AT RAYA 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A tempting brunch with flowing champagne awaits guests every Sunday morning in RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Start with a fresh fruit martini and a selection of pastries, then enjoy a three-course a la carte menu. Cost is $72. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.

949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com.

TEEN FASHION DAY 3-5 p.m. Bring your pajamas and join us for the first Teen Fashion Day at Dana Point Library. There will be pajama decorating using a variety of items and materials. All decorating materials will be provided. This event is for ages 12-18 and is free. No registration is required, and snacks and drinks will be provided. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. ocpl.org.

Monday | 03 PTSD WARRIOR GROUP 7 p.m. Warrior Groups are fellowships for combat veterans and their families to share their experiences, testimonies of healing, compassion and hope in overcomDana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

ing the invisible wounds of war. PTSD Foundation of America-Southern California, 216 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. 619.362.0642. ptsdusa.org.

Tuesday | 04 BEGINNING HULA CLASS 6:30-7:15 p.m. Have fun and learn basic language, songs, dance steps, motions and meanings. Includes work with poi balls (Maori culture from New Zealand), Hawaiian hula, Tahitian, Samoan music/dance forms. All are welcome. Hula Connection, 3551 Camino Mira Costa, Suite J, San Clemente. 949.842.0662. hulaconnection.net.

Wednesday | 05 WEDNESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA 7:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy friendly competition and craft beers among friends during the BrewHouse’s weekly trivia night. Food trucks are on site during the trivia contest.

The BrewHouse. 31896 Plaza Dr., Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. thebrewhousesjc.com.

BLOOM’S FREE COMEDY WEDNESDAYS 8:30 p.m. Doug James hosts a free all-star comedy show every Wednesday featuring top national acts. Bloom’s Irish Bar & Restaurant, 2391 South El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9-11:30 p.m. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights.

So come down, grab a drink and go for it.

Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

Thursday | 06 VALENTINE LUNCHEON 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Dana Point Woman’s Club will host their February luncheon.

There will be special Valentine vendors and a succulent garden demonstration. The cost is $25 per person and must be paid in advance. RSVP through punchbowl.com.

Dana Point Woman’s Clubhouse, 24542 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point.

THE MEMORY CLUB: BRAIN BOOSTERS EDUCATIONAL CLASS 11 a.m. Learn why we forget and how memory changes over a lifetime. Learn strategies that are key to maintaining a good memory. Group discussions and humor are included. Presented by Dr. Jane Mahakian, gerontologist. This event is free, and no registration is required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. ocpl.org.

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LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 7-10 p.m. Talking Threads will perform Talking Heads classics and more at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. Admission is free. Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

ACOUSTIC THURSDAYS AT BARNOA 7-9 p.m. Live music every Thursday. A rotating cast of Orange County’s most talented musicians play acoustic covers and original music. Enjoy a great wine selection, craft beers, tasty appetizers and Barnoa’s full dinner menu. Must be 21 and older. Barnoa Wine and Craft Beer Bistro. 831 Via Suerte, San Clemente.

949.388.4378. barnoawinebar.com.

N2E RACE SEMINAR 7-10 p.m. NOSA welcomes racers of all experience levels to its series of seminars at several Southern California Yacht Clubs that are designed to inspire, educate and prepare racers for the 73rd historic Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race. NOSA presenters Bruce Cooper and Len Bose are highly experienced racers with a wealth of knowledge to share. See nosa.org/seminars for complete details of the seminar’s content.

Attendance is free, and competitors from all yacht clubs are welcome. Please RSVP through eventbrite.com for a free ticket so clubs can prepare. Dana Point Yacht Club,

24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point.

ANNUAL TOUR OF RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA Y LAS FLORES RANCH HOUSE 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society is hosting the annual tour of the Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores Ranch House, the USMC Mechanized Museum and the Infantry Immersion Training Facility at Camp Pendleton.

Cost is $65 per person. The bus leaves the Los Rios Park parking lot promptly at 8:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Society’s office in the O’Neill Museum, 31831 Los Rios Street, or by calling the office manager, Chevon Vermuelen.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, and there is a limit of 56 available seats.

Attendees are requested to wear comfortable closed-toe shoes. Los Rios Park, 31747 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.8444. sjchistoricalsociety.org.

TASTE OF SAN JUAN 6-9 p.m. Sample offerings from restaurants, pubs and wineries during this annual event. General admission is $40; VIP tickets are $60. JB and the Big Circle Riders will provide live music. Reata Park and Event Center, 28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1976. swallowsparade.com.

DP

Dana Point Point Dana

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY TALE OF TWO HIGHWAYS

CoastLines by Fred Swegles

PCH: A Tale of Two Highways O

ne of our area’s best-kept secrets is a historical marker celebrating California Highway 1.

If the monument in Dana Point were better known, it could become a selfie destination for many fans of the scenic coastal drive.

The monument is a 31-foot-tall tower spelling out PCH in golden letters.

“The Most Beautiful Drive in America,” a storyboard proclaims.

The tower rises alongside northbound Pacific Coast Highway, just past the Highway 1 bridge over San Juan Creek.

In a car, it’s easy to zip by without noticing.

Most people who pause to read three historical display panels are bicyclists and pedestrians who discovered the monument while plying PCH’s sidewalk or San Juan Creek’s nearby trail.

“California’s fabled road begins here in Dana Point and winds north along the scenic California coast linking waterside destinations, secluded stretches and California’s biggest cities,” a storyboard says. “The road ends near Leggett in Mendocino County.”

If it comes as a surprise that Dana Point is the starting point for PCH, don’t fret.

TWO ‘COAST HIGHWAYS’

California history produced two Pacific Coast Highways— federal and state. U.S. Highway 101 was designated in 1926 as a route from the Mexican border to the Canadian border, known as Coast Highway through much of San Diego County and into Orange County through San Clemente.

At Capistrano Beach, 101 curved inland toward Los Angeles.

The PCH that Dana Point’s tower immortalizes began at the Capistrano Beach curve. That PCH was known earlier as U.S. 101 Alternate.

Left, this sign in Capistrano Beach marks Highway 1’s beginning. Right, this intersection marks the end of California’s Highway 1, where it meets Highway 101 in a region of giant redwood trees. Photos: Fred Swegles

People driving north on 101 from San Clemente could continue inland on 101 to L.A. or turn onto 101A at the curve to take the coast. The left turn would take them beneath a railroad underpass that today allows only southbound traffic.

A second underpass—near what is now the entry onto Highway 1 from Doheny Park Road—used to place Highway 101 traffic coming from San Juan Capistrano onto 101A. As Dana Point’s Highway 1 monument states, “The sudden popularity of cars in the early twentieth century meant a sudden need for reliable roads. Highway planning began in 1919 and construction started in 1921. By 1937, crews hung up their pick-axes, and California COASTLINES opened its first north-south corridor.”

By Fred Swegles What would become Highway 1 was built in segments. Dana Point’s was completed in 1929. In 1926, El Heraldo de San Clemente already was boasting that San Clemente was “wonderfully blessed” with highway access to both Los Angeles and San Diego—what became known as Highway 101.

Highway 101 was the West Coast’s first U.S. north-south corridor, from San Ysidro to Port Angeles, Washington. The lengthy coastal route that Dana Point’s monument salutes didn’t get its “Highway 1” designation until 1964, when California renumbered its state highway system.

“The road is only called PCH in Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties,” the storyboard says. “North of Ventura, people use its alternate name: California Highway 1.”

At its inception in 1926, Highway 101 in San Diego County wasn’t a single road. The San Diego Union Tribune, researching the road’s origins, found that route planners cobbled together a patchwork of existing roads—some paved, others not—to post with 101 signs so drivers could navigate their way from Tijuana into San Diego, La Jolla and on up to Los Angeles.

The 101 evolved into a single, major road.

Construction of Interstate 5 in the 1950s-1960s replaced Highway 101 with a freeway in San Diego County and Orange County. Today, you have to drive I-5 into Los Angeles to commence traveling north on the 101 Freeway.

WAY DOWN SOUTH

San Diego County is proud of “Historic Route 101.” Historical signs adorn the roadway between Del Mar and Oceanside.

The website sandiego.org has a Historic 101 page, promoting each beach town and its tourist delights.

In San Clemente, old Highway 101 was always known as El Camino Real. Today, you can find at least two replica bells in San Clemente that reflect how historic Highway 101 generally followed the path of the Spanish king’s highway, which after 1769 linked a chain of missions started by Father Junipero Serra.

One San Clemente bell is on a sidewalk south of Tommy’s Restaurant. The other is outside Sit & Sleep. Don’t be confused by the city’s mission-style street lamps beside it. The replica bell looks much older, has a historical inscription and has no lamp.

Along 101 through Central California, you’ll pass numerous “El Camino Real” commemorative bells.

Dana Point’s PCH monument describes how the Highway 1 route originally was called Roosevelt Highway honoring President Theodore Roosevelt, who died in 1919, when road

DID YOU KNOW? • Old Highway 101, south of San Clemente, was infamously dubbed “Slaughter Alley” until a divided freeway replaced it.

• The old Highway 101A underpass at Capistrano Beach is not the “Dead Man’s Curve” immortalized in a 1960s Jan & Dean song.

The lyrics state, “He passed me at Doheny then I started to swerve, but I pulled her out and there we were, at Dead Man’s Curve.” It’s in Los Angeles, snopes.com affirms.

• Highway 1 begins in Dana Point on a bridge over San Juan Creek. The road’s final stretch of Mendocino Coast takes you over a Juan Creek bridge.

• Highway 101’s bridge over San Clemente’s Poche Creek was built in 1928. The year is embossed in the concrete.

Dana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

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• If you ride a bicycle south from San Clemente through San Onofre State Beach, you’re on old Highway 101. A bridge over San Mateo Creek went up in 1946. The year is inscribed in the concrete.

• If you ride a bike south past the state park, you’re on an abandoned stretch of 101 through Camp Pendleton. A mileage sign there used to state it was 12 miles to San Clemente, 48 miles to Anaheim and 76 miles to Los Angeles. The sign survived the demise of Highway 101 until a wildfire took it out. See a photo at gbcnet.com.

• If you start on Highway 1 in Dana Point and take Highways 1 and 101 north, hugging the coast wherever possible, it could take you more than 18 hours and some 700 miles to reach California 1’s terminus.

danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

PCH MONUMENT Dana Point dedicated the PCH monument in 2019, coinciding with dedication of a bronze sculpture of surf pioneer Phil Edwards.

“As a part of the South Cove development behind the park plazas, the developer, Zephyr, donated the land and paid additional parks fees, which funded the improvements,” said Kelly Reenders, Dana Point’s economic development manager.

The PCH tower drew scant media attention at the dedication. Surfers drew the headlines.

The PCH monument was inspired by a Sunset Magazine article about historic Highway 1.

“The city looked at this project as an opportunity to improve a major entrance to town and mark the official start of PCH in a more ceremonious way,” Reenders stated.

planning began. Construction of the Dana Point section coincided with the town’s birth.

San Clemente became a popular spot for Highway 101 road trippers to stop and dine, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. One eatery called the Halfway House today is Antoine’s Café.

Dana Point’s PCH monument displays three panels: one about Highway 1; one about indigenous people, town namesake Richard Henry Dana and other local history; and one telling the story of a landmark Richfield tower that stood nearby, 125 feet tall, from 1928 to 1971. Today’s PCH monument is a miniature version.

LANDMARK BEACONS

The original tower, the monument says, was one of 36 that Richfield Oil erected at roughly 50-mile intervals from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Motorists could always know a Richfield station was ahead. Atop each tower, a powerful beacon light also helped aviators find their way at night.

Aviators had no radar in 1928.

At least two former Richfield towers still exist—at Mount Shasta and at Willows, Northern California. The bold neon lettering “Richfield” is long gone. The Mount Shasta tower still

says MS at the top, alerting aviators which tower they were overflying. The Willows tower presumably once had a big W. Today, a modern ARCO gas station operates where Richfield’s Capistrano Beach tower once stood, demolished in 1971 to widen PCH. Dana Point businessman Richard Deffenbaugh preserved the beacon light in 1971 for posterity. In 2014, he donated it to the Dana Point Historical Society, which displays it in its visitor center at city hall.

Design-wise, Richfield’s beacon stations in California were uniform—Spanish—from Palm City (just above Tijuana) north to Willows. Beyond that, stations had an alpine design. At Paso Robles, a small Spanish building identical to the onetime Willows and Capistrano Beach Richfield stations still exists.

It’s a bus stop. The Willows building is a trucking company.

ROUTE 1’s LEGACY

California 1, which recently turned 90 years old, runs from Dana Point north to Oxnard, merging there with 101. Highway 1 recurs near Lompoc, then branches off from 101 at San Luis Obispo for the most celebrated stretch, to Big Sur and to San Francisco. There, 1 merges with 101.

Motorists can choose Highway 1 north of San Francisco as a scenic alternative to 101, plying the rugged Mendocino coast to Leggett, where Route 1 ends by intersecting with 101.

Dana Point’s monument to Highway 1 isn’t likely to ever match the tourist allure of a landmark road sign in Key West, Florida. Hordes of tourists pose for selfies where U.S. Highway 1 starts its run from the Florida Keys to the Canadian border.

But for road trip fanatics who cherish California’s scenic Highway 1, a pilgrimage to Dana Point’s PCH monument is well worth the drive.

Fred Swegles is a longtime San Clemente resident with nearly five decades of reporting experience in the city. Fred can be reached at fswegles@picketfencemedia.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Counter-clockwise from top. A historical view looking south along Coast Highway in Dana Point shows Capistrano Beach’s landmark Richfield tower, which stood 125 feet tall from 1928 to 1971, when torn down to widen the highway. Photo: Courtesy of Dana Point Historical Society. This railroad underpass in Capo Beach used to be for two-way traffic. Photo: Courtesy of Dana Point Historical Society. This former Richfield gas station in the Northern California town of Willows looks like Capo Beach’s once did. It still has its beacon tower, minus the neon Richfield letters and no light on top. Photo: Fred Swegles. Capo Beach’s PCH railroad underpass used to be for two-way traffic. Today it’s southbound only. Photo: Fred Swegles.

Dana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

Page 11

danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Velvet DANA POINT TIMES

L

ooking for an active and outgoing kitty? Three-year-old Velvet may be just the pet for you. Velvet is a furry bundle of fun who loves to play and socialize. She loves meeting new people, but would prefer to be the only cat in a home where she doesn’t have to share the spotlight.

If you would like to know more about Velvet, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her at

Velvet. Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

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

Photo: Courtesy of Los Angeles Public Library

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo was taken in 1938 of people camping on a beach in Dana Point.

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com.

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 100 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on January 21, 2020, the City Council of the City of Dana Point introduced an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT ZTA19-0001 AMENDING CHAPTER 3.13 OF THE DANA POINT MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALIGN WITH THE STATE PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE PROVISIONS The proposed ordinance will amend sections 3.13.010 Construction on Public Projects, 3.13.020 List of Qualified Contractors, 3.13.030 Mailed Notice of Bids, 3.13.040 Contents of Notice, 3.13.050 Delegation of Authority to Award Informal Contracts to align with State Law. The proposed Ordinance is available for viewing in the City Clerk’s office located at 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California.

This proposed Ordinance was introduced by the City Council of the City of Dana Point, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 21st day of January, 2020, by the following vote: AYES:

Council Member Debra Lewis, Council Member Paul N Wyatt, Mayor Pro Tem Jamey M. Federico, and Mayor Richard A. Viczorek

NOES: None ABSENT: Council Member Joseph L. Muller _______________________________ KATHY M. WARD CITY CLERK Dated this 31st day of January, 2020.

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Coastal Development Permit 19-0006 and Site Development Permit 19-0013: The project proposes a 74 square foot addition and a remodel to convert the legal nonconforming duplex into a single-family residence located in the Residential Beach Road Duplex 18 (RBRD 18) zone at 35131 Beach Road. A Coastal Development Permit and Site Development Permit are required for the addition and remodel to a legal nonconforming residence in the Coastal Overlay District and Floodplain Overlay (FP-3) District.

Project Numbers:

CDP19-0006 and SDP19-0013 Project Location: 35131 Beach Road (APN 691-142-03) Project Representative: David Gutierrez Applicant: Mr. & Mrs. Irani, Property Owner Environmental: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is found to be Categorically Exempt per Section 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities).

Hearing Date: Monday, February 10, 2020 Hearing Time: 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible) Hearing Location: 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point Times January 31–February 6, 2020

Dana Point, CA 92629 (Dana Point City Hall) All persons either favoring or opposing the subject project are invited to present their views to the Commission at this hearing.

Note: This project may be appealed to the City Council. If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Dana Point prior to the public hearing. This project may also be appealed to the California Coastal Commission in accordance with Dana Point Municipal Code Section 9.69.090. The process includes, but is not limited to contacting the Coastal Commission for the appropriate forms and instructions to file an appeal.

For further information, please contact John Ciampa at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248-3591.

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206564971 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: C2C CONSULTING 45 BARONESS LANE LAGUNA NIGUEL CA 92677 Full Name of Registrant(s): JAMES RANDALL ADDISON 45 BARONESS LANE LAGUNA NIGUEL CA 92677 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A. /s/JAMES ADDISON This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/15/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times January 31, February 7, 14, 21 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206564972 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LEE ANN ADDISON COACHING 45 BARONESS LANE LAGUNA NIGUEL CA 92677 Full Name of Registrant(s): LEE ANN ADDISON 45 BARONESS LANE LAGUNA NIGUEL CA 92677 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A. /s/LEE ADDISON This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 01/15/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times January 31, February 7, 14, 21 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2020-01122241 To All Interested Persons: Jacqueline Rae Lewisstack, has filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Jacqueline Rae Lewisstack PROPOSED NAME A. Jacqueline Rae Lewis

The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 02/27/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D-100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Date: January 8, 2020 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206564959 The following person(s) is doing business as: DOHENY STATE BEACH FOUNDATION 25300 DANA POINT HARBOR DRIVE DANA POINT CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): DOHENY STATE BEACH INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION 25300 DANA POINT HARBOR DRIVE DANA POINT CA 92629 This business is conducted by a corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: N/A /s/DOHENY STATE BEACH INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION, KATHRYN WADE, MANAGING MEMBER/MANAGER This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 01/14/2020 Publish: Dana Point Times January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 20FL000045 To All Interested Persons: Jeeyoung Baik and Sang Kun Park filing on behalf of Hyunmin Park and Hyunjin Park, minors, have filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. Hyunmin Park B. Hyunjin Park PROPOSED NAME A. Jamie Hyunmin Park B. Elly Hyunjin Park The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 03/05/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: C59.

The address of the court is Central Justice Center,

Page 14

700 Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Date: January 15, 2020 JUDGE LON F. HURWITZ Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20196562914 The following person(s) is doing business as: COVE INSURANCE SERVICES INC 26875 CALLE HERMOSA CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 Full Name of Registrant(s): OMB ENTERPRISES INC 34742 CALLE FORTUNA CAPISTRANO BEACH, CA 92624 This business is conducted by a corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: N/A /s/OMB ENTERPRISES INC, SEAMUS STEELE, PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 12/202019 Publish: Dana Point Times January 24, 31, February 7, 14, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Trustee Sale No. : 00000008510737 Title Order No.: 1109757 FHA/VA/PMI No.: ATTENTION RECORDER: THE FOLLOWING REFER-ENCE TO AN ATTACHED SUMMARY AP-PLIES ONLY TO COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR, NOT TO THIS RECORDED ORIGINAL NOTICE. NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED YOU ARE IN DE-FAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 02/21/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TREDER and WEISS, LLP, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 03/06/2006 as Instrument No. 2006000146390 of official records in the office of the County Recorder of ORANGE County, State of CALIFORNIA. EXECUTED BY: RICHARD L. SUSAG AND CAROL I. SUSAG, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUC-TION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by Califor-nia Civil Code 2924h(b), (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States). DATE OF SALE: 02/20/2020 TIME OF SALE: 12:00 PM PLACE OF SALE: AT THE NORTH FRONT ENTRANCE TO THE COUN-TY COURTHOUSE, 700 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE WEST, SANTA ANA, CA 92701. STREET ADDRESS and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 33054 ELISA DR, DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA 92629 APN#: 673-101-45 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incor-rectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without cove-nant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbranc-es, to pay the remaining danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 100 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $367,646.68. The benefi-ciary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the proper-ty. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 714-730-2727 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this Internet Web site www.servicelinkASAP.com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case 00000008510737.

Information about post-ponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postpone-ment information is to attend the scheduled sale. FOR TRUSTEE SALE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: AGENCY SALES and POSTING 714-730-2727 www.servicelinkASAP.com BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TREDER and WEISS, LLP as Trustee 3990 E. Concours Street, Suite 350 Ontario, CA 91764 (866) 795-1852 Dated: 01/14/2020 BARRETT DAFFIN FRAPPIER TREDER and WEISS, LLP IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AT-TEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the Dana Point Times.

Dana Point Times January 31–February 6, 2020

A-4715649 01/31/2020, 02/07/2020, 02/14/2020 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206563654 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: A. COUNSELING FOR COUPLES, FAMILIES AND CHILDREN B. GUIDED IMAGERY FOR HEALING C. TEENCENTERED 5020 CAMPUS DRIVE NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660-122 Full Name of Registrant(s): HELENEMICKEY WILSON 5020 CAMPUS DRIVE NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660-2120 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: N/A /s/HELENEMICKEY WILSON This statement was filed with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder On 01/02/2020 Publish: Dana Point Times January 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2020-01121921-CU-PT-CJC To All Interested Persons: D. Tarquin Preziosi filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. David Tarquin Preziosi B. D. Tarquin Preziosi PROPOSED NAME A. Tarquin David Preziosi B. Tarquin D. Preziosi The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 03/26/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D-100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Date: January 2, 2020 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 2020 • Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale ...and more

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St. Margaret’s student and mother, Payton and Sarah Chester, die in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash

that we all shared. We also send our prayers and condolences to the Zobayan family.”

The Chesters and the rest of the victims were flying through the foggy weather to Bry-

ant’s youth basketball academy in Newbury Park, the Mamba Sports Academy, for a travel basketball game.

Payton Chester, 13, was a middle school

basketball player at St. Margaret’s and a member of the Team Mamba academy team.

“Payton had a smile and personality that would light any room, and a passion for the game of basketball,” the Chester family said.

“She found joy on any court and loved all of her teammates and coaches.”

Sarah Chester, 45, was a mother, sister and daughter in a close and loving family. She was also a member of St. Margaret’s Board of Trustees.

“Sarah was full of life and the glue of our family,” the Chester family said. “She was a tireless force in support of her family. The love we feel from so many today is a testament to the community she created for us.”

The Chesters came to the St. Margaret’s school from Harbor View Elementary in Corona del Mar. Todd Schmidt, a former principal at Harbor View, posted his feelings for the Chester family on Facebook.

“As a principal, we work with some amazing families . . . the Chesters were one of those . . . engaged, supportive, encouraging, and full of mischief and laughter . . . and they had the best kiddos!” Schmidt wrote. “This family made such a huge impact at Harbor View . . . they were genuine, kind-hearted, and caring . . . to the staff, to other families . . . and yes, especially to me.

“While the world mourns the loss of a dynamic athlete and humanitarian (Bryant), I mourn the loss of two people just as important . . . their impact was just as meaningful, their loss will be just as keenly felt, and our hearts are just as broken.” DP

especially here in Southern California and Orange County.

Kobe was a five-time NBA champion, twotime Finals MVP, NBA MVP, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. In his second career, Kobe won an Oscar, was a diversified businessman and was working on a children’s book.

Beyond his career successes and, maybe most importantly, Kobe became a devoted father and husband and an inspiring leader.

San Juan Hills girls basketball coach Paul Edwards met him as a father three years ago, when he was coaching a youth team that

By Zach went up against Kobe and Cavanagh his daughter Gianna.

“Of course, there is a gasp as our team sees him; everyone is aware of who he is,” Edwards said. “He sees our team there waiting, and he walks right up to me, reaches out his hand and says, ‘Hi, my name is Kobe, coach for Newport

Mesa,’ as if I wasn’t aware who he is.

“There was no pretense about him; he was merely a sixth-grade basketball coach there to help his daughter. . . . It was all about the kids.”

San Clemente athletic director Jon Hamro and his family encountered Kobe as a celebrity but with a personable side.

Hamro, his wife and two sons saw Kobe while at dinner at Javier’s in Newport Beach.

They saw Kobe in a back room, and Hamro’s sons went to get closer. They were turned away on a first attempt, but the boys went back a few minutes later to try again.

“This time Kobe saw them, maybe again— not sure—but he waved for them to come back to his table,” Hamro said. “He stopped whatever was going on and engaged both Miles and Owen in conversation. Both boys were playing youth basketball at the time, and Kobe asked if they played and specifically asked Owen what hand he was, and Owen responded that he was right-handed.

Kobe told Owen to start using his left hand

and then proceeded to sign autographs for both of them.”

“I told everyone from that point on, I was a Kobe fan,” Hamro said. “That short interaction with our two boys spoke volumes about the character and man Kobe was.”

I never had a personal interaction with Kobe. I only saw him out and about three times. I regret never being able to see him play live.

However, the bit of Kobe that sticks with me aren’t any of the titles or any single shot or dunk. It’s Kobe’s passion and tenacity, his “Mamba Mentality.” It’s about constantly trying to be your best self, setting a goal and using all your focus and determination to reach that, no matter what is in your way.

That’s not only career goals, but life goals and family goals.

Kobe had said he wanted his greatest legacy to be one of inspiration, and to me at least, it is.

Thank you, Kobe.

Mamba out. DP

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

S

t. Margaret’s eighth-grader Payton Chester and her mother Sarah were two of the nine people that died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday, Jan. 27.

“Yesterday, we lost our mother and wife, Sarah, and sister and daughter, Payton,” the Chester family said in a statement on Monday. “We are devastated by this loss. Sarah and Payton were the lights of our family. We are thankful for the love and support of our family, friends and community.

Please allow us privacy to grieve during this time.”

The Chesters are survived by husband and father Chris and sons and brothers Hayden and Riley. The brothers both attend St. Margaret’s and are 16 years old.

All St. Margaret’s athletics contests on Monday were canceled.

“We are a community in deep mourning over (this) unimaginable loss,” St. Margaret’s Episcopal School said in a statement. “On behalf of our entire St. Margaret’s community, we send our love and prayers to surround the entire Chester family in this devastating time of loss.”

The crash also took the lives of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna; Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa; basketball coach Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan. There were no survivors.

“Our prayers and condolences go out to the Bryant, Altobelli, and Mauser families,” the Chester family statement read. “We were all blessed to be a part of Team Mamba, and we will always remember the fun and love

COLUMN:

Remembering Kobe Bryant, ‘Mamba Mentality’

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

T

here were many sides to Kobe Bryant.

There’s still that deep sinking feeling in my stomach talking about the Lakers legend in the past tense.

Kobe died at age 41 in a helicopter crash on Sunday, Jan. 26, that also took the lives of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna; St. Margaret’s eighth-grader Payton Chester and her mother, Sarah Chester; John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli; Christina Mauser; and Ara Zobayan.

In the days since, all of those many sides have been discussed time and time again,

Dana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

Payton, left, and Sarah Chester died in a helicopter crash along with Kobe Bryant on Sunday, Jan. 26 in Calabasas. Photo: Courtesy of the Chester Family

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CLASSIFIEDS

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED: MARKETING REP We are seeking an immediate hire for a parttime street team marketing representative.

Our street team is responsible for opening dialogue with local businesses and maintaining a relationship in order to develop a route list of places that we can display our concert schedules at. Please email in a basic resume to Luna: luna@thecoachhouse.com

FOR SALE (TYPE 47) RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSE Type 47 Restaurant Liquor License for sale.

Text or call for details 949.510.9724

Do you want to reach 10,000+ people in the Dana Point area every week?

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

Contact Lauralyn Loynes 949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

Page 17

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

A Surf Club with a Smile How the Dana Point Surf Club is looking to serve the community in 2020

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

“W

e’ll have water—make it sparkling,” says Eric Diamond as we sit down at a patio table at Bonjour Café & Bistro in Dana Point.

It’s a sunny afternoon, and we’re getting together to talk about what the next 12 months hold in store for the Dana Point Surf Club. Our glasses of water arrive, and we take a minute to enjoy the quiet weekday atmosphere.

Eric, an artist and designer by trade, and I laugh that we could be sitting in a Parisian café, except the atmosphere here is better.

A two-story building, the space directly above Bonjour’s kitchen is where Bruce Brown pieced together the seminal surf movie The Endless Summer. The building should be a historical landmark, or there should at least be a plaque put up.

It’s the kind of thing people don’t know but would get a kick out of learning. I could make the argument that there’s no building more important in Dana Point, but that’s a story for another time.

Down the street is the home the Brown family lived in during those golden days.

Today, it is desperately clinging to the edge of the cliff.

“We have a lot going on this year,” Dia-

mond explains, steering the conversation back on point. “The biggest thing is that we are now a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

We’re going to be putting a lot more focus on service and giving back to our community; that’s what we’re going to be all about.”

Diamond’s already been guiding the club in that direction over the past couple of years, adding a surf day partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and an annual fishing day to their calendar of events.

This year, they’re planning on more of the same, including a float in the Festival of Whales Parade in March, more scholarship opportunities for aspiring young surfers and a luau later in the summer. And starting Feb. 1, the Dana Point Surf Club will be kicking off its annual membership drive.

“This is full community involvement at the roots level. We have such a special beach culture here, we want to share that with everyone and have everyone involved in what’s happening around here,” Diamond explains.

With the West Coast Board Riders competition season in full swing, the Dana Point Surf Club will also compete against some of California’s most famous beach towns for bragging rights and to be named the best in the West.

Dana Point will compete in an event on Feb. 22 in Huntington Beach. Then, on April 4, the club will be hosting an event at Salt Creek.

“We’ve got a great team, and the competition is another aspect of it all,” Diamond says. “It’s a lot of fun to get all the surf towns together and enjoy that friendly rivalry. But now that we’re a nonprofit organization, that’s not the only focus we have.

We want to be leaders in our community.”

To learn more about how you can get involved, go to danapointsurfclub.com. DP

In Support of Junior Lifeguards SC Rotary Foundation helps keep the fun in the sun going

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n lifeguard news, the San Clemente Rotary Foundation stepped up huge this past fall to support the San Clemente Lifeguard and Junior Lifeguard Foundation. A $2,500 contribution to the organization will be used for scholarships to help those of less means get involved

(From left) Rod Mellot, Rita Bandaruk, Greg Hulsizer, Noah Burns, Bill Blackwill, George Scarborough and Jayden Blanc-Hall. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente Rotary Foundation

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

JACOB CROUSE

Water Temperature: 59-61 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-12’

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

O

ne of the Dana Point Board Riders Club’s favorite groms, 13-year-old Jacob Crouse, “is the epitome of froth and stoke,” says club president Eric Diamond.

Learning to surf when he was 9 years old at Thalia Street in Laguna Beach, he spends his days as a Salt Creek shredder and eighthgrader at Marco Forster Middle School.

“I’m inspired by places to surf around the world that I see in The Surfer’s Journal and other surfers with ‘steezy’ style that do fast turns, punt airs, and long barrel rides,” Jacob said when asked what fires him up.

“I like the way surfing makes me feel,” he said. “When I surf, I don’t think about anything other than the wave. So, I guess I like being in the moment.”

As far as who his favorite surfers are, Jacob

Dana Point Times January 31-February 6, 2020

in the program and cover the costs of participating in the junior lifeguard program next summer.

A special thanks to Noah Burns, Mark Taylor and Gary Stevens from the San Clemente Rotary for organizing the fundraiser and making this opportunity possible.

Junior lifeguards serve a vital role in our beach communities. Every summer, thousands of kids across the country participate in programs up and down the California coast.

But it’s more than just a summer camp, as kids are taught lifeguard skills, they’re educated about the ocean environment, and they get one heck of a workout in the process.

Junior lifeguards also learn responsibility, discipline, teamwork and all that good stuff that make you a better human being, as well as serving as a feeder program for professional lifeguard programs.

Thanks to everyone for supporting the youth and making our beaches a healthier, happier and safer place. DP

Outlook: New combination of Northwest and South/southwest swell moves in Friday with waist to shoulder high surf, (3-4’+). Light offshore flow in the morning, turns light West/ northwest for Friday afternoon. Swell blend maintains wave size Saturday, then eases for waist to chest high surf, (3-4’) on Sunday. Favorably light winds Saturday, then rising southerly flow due Sunday afternoon. For the latest details be sure to visit Surfline.com.

Jacob Crouse. Photo: Courtesy of Crouse Family

notes that he looks up to “surfers that can skate like Curren Caples . . . he is insane!”

“I don’t really have any idols, though,” he

said. “I look up to guys with positive vibes in and out of the water, and it could be anybody.” DP Page 18

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