november 27, 2015

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

L O C A L N E W S Y O U C A N U S ENovember 27–December 3, 2015

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 48

www.danapointtimes.com

E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3

Capo Beach Woman Gets 18 Years to Life for July 4, 2013

Hit-and-Run MurderEYE ON DP/PAGE 3

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and Smart & Final second annual Turkey Trot Thanksgiving turkey giveaway on Monday was attended by (L to R) Crystal Schain (Smart & Final), City Councilman Richard Viczorek, Councilman Joe Muller, Drumstick (Turkey Trot mascot), Steve Polenske (Smart & Final), Heather Johnston (chamber executive director) and Mary Gray Perdue of Family Assistance Ministries. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Solving the Mystery of the Sunken Dana Point

Fishing Boat A.C.E.EYEN ON DP/PAGE 6

Dolphin Boys X-C Team Finishes Second at CIF-SS

ChampionshipSPORTS/PAGE 25

Turkey Trot Helps Locals in Need

Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s 38th annual Thanksgiving Day race

benefi ts Family Assistance Ministries’ homelessness prevention programs

INSIDE:Holiday Happenings & Gift Guide SPECIAL SECTION

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTINGEYE ON DP


least $10,000, matching last year’s.When online registration closed on

Monday, Johnston said registration was up by 350 over last year, so along with race day registrations, the FAM donation could potentially be more.

The increase in online entries, she said, was likely due to the Smart & Final $5 off early bird registration program, which this year expanded to include the company’s Mission Viejo and Irvine stores.

A small donation, as in years past, will also be made to benefit the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Center.

“We chose to give proceeds to FAM again this year because their work is such a good fit with the spirit of Thanksgiving,” Johnston said. “The season is all about be-ing thankful and sharing with others and FAM is a good organization with which to accomplish that in our community. They support thousands of people throughout the year and the money we raise for them at the Turkey Trot goes directly toward feeding and helping local families in south

Orange County.”On Thanksgiving Day each year, FAM

hosts a community dinner that feeds 600 people. The turkeys donated by Smart & Final were part of that meal.—AndreaSwayne

Capo Beach Woman Gets 18 to Life for Drunken HIt-and-Run Murder

THE LATEST: Kelly Michele Wolfe, 47, of Capistrano Beach, was sentenced Nov. 20 to 18 years to life in state prison for the murder of an elderly grandmother and injuring her blind grandson in a drunken driving incident that

took place July 4, 2013, according to the Orange County District Attorney.

Wolfe was found guilty by a jury on Sept. 28 of one felony count per conviction of murder, driving under the influence and causing bodily injury, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 percent or more and causing bodily injury, as well as one misdemeanor count of driving a motor vehicle without a valid license and a sentencing enhancement for driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .15 percent or more.

“At approximately 8:30 p.m. on July 4, 2013, Wolfe drove a Volkswagen van northbound on El Camino Real in San Cle-mente while under the influence of alcohol and without a valid driver’s license,” a re-lease from the DA stated. “The defendant ran over the victim, 76-year-old Marthann Demchuk, who was standing in the gutter while her then-12-year-old, blind grandson, Mason F., was on the curb holding her arm.”

The release stated the two were on their way to watch fireworks.

Wolfe reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .31 percent at approximately 10:39 p.m., nearly two hours after the crash.

Mason F. was treated for injuries as a result of the crash, including abrasions to his face, mouth and legs. Demchuck died as a result of the injuries that she sus-tained from the crash.

WHAT’S NEXT: Because Wolfe had been convicted of a prior DUI in Nevada in 1995, where she completed a DUI class and attended a victim impact panel, the defendant received a Watson advisement when she renewed her California driver’s license in 2008. This gave her prior knowledge that she could be charged with murder if she killed a person while driving under the influence.

Wolfe will not be eligible for parole until 2033. —Eric Heinz

Strand Gates Open 24/7THE LATEST: Following the Dana Point City Council’s Nov. 11 closed session meeting on the issue and coinciding with the California Coastal Commission’s Nov. 18 compliance deadline for the removal of gates at restricted hours at the two of five accessways to Strand Beach from Strand Vista Park stretching through the Head-lands neighborhood, the gates have since been locked open 24/7 by the city.

On Nov. 3, City Council voted to ap-prove a Coastal Development Permit that would keep the gates and set hours from one hour before sunrise to one hour be-fore sunset. Before the ink could dry on the CDP, the Coastal Commission had already responded with a definitive thumbs down, saying the city’s citation

(Cont. on page 4)

What’s Up With...Five things Dana Point should know this week

DPDana Point

Turkey Trot Benefits Family Assistance MinistriesTHE LATEST: Each year 100 percent of the net proceeds from the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s Thanksgiv-ing Day Turkey Trot, 5K, 10K and Kids’ Gobble Wobble go toward supporting the nonprofit chamber as well as other local nonprofits and this year’s 38th annual event was no exception.

The main beneficiary was Family As-sistance Ministries, a San Clemente-based hunger and homeless prevention nonprofit organization providing assistance for south Orange County residents in need.

As part of the support offered to FAM, the Capistrano Beach Smart & Final store, a Turkey Trot sponsor, offered a turkey giveaway drawing, awarding five turkeys to members of the public who entered and matching that with a five-turkey donation to FAM.

On Nov. 20, chamber and city officials and FAM representatives gathered at Smart & Final to draw names in this sec-ond annual drawing.

“This is just a wonderful little com-munity awareness event that will help five families who otherwise wouldn’t get a turkey, wouldn’t have a meal to celebrate with their families because they just can’t afford it,” Mary Gray Perdue, of Family Assistance Ministries, said at the drawing. “Times are still tough for people. People are still unemployed and underemployed and we are so grateful that the Chamber of Commerce and Smart & Final have partnered with us on these turkeys today and for the Turkey Trot. We are honored and privileged to have the support of an amazing chamber of commerce and a wonderful store like Smart & Final.”

WHAT’S NEXT: FAM will use the funds to provide food, clothing, shelter and support services to help clients reach self-suffi-ciency. FAM services include budgeting and financial counseling, personalized case management, funding for transi-tional housing, medical bills, utility bills, transportation, work force development, income tax preparation and mail services, among other assistance aimed at prevent-ing and reversing homelessness.

Heather Johnston, executive director for the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, said this year’s donation to FAM will be at

(L to R) Dana Point Chamber of Commerce officials Kim Tilly, Heather Johnston, Drumstick (Turkey Trot mascot), Lauralyn Loynes and Vickie McMurchie were in attendance at the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and Smart & Final Turkey Trot giveaway Monday. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Dana Point Times November 27–December 3, 2015

Kelly Michele Wolfe. Photo: Courtesy

EYE ON DP


NEWS BITESCOMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

Animal Shelter to offer Half-off Dog Licensing in DecemberThe San Clemente-Dana Point Animal

Shelter is offering a discount coupon for 50 percent off of dog licensing during the entire month of December for San Clem-ente and Dana Point residents.

Bring in the coupon—which can be found on the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter Facebook page and in the San Clemente Winter Recreation Maga-zine—to take advantage of this offer. Ap-plicable late fees will not be discounted.

For more information residents may contact the Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617.

The shelter is located at 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente.

Chamber of Commerce Promotes Small Business Saturday On the heels of the successful Shop

Del Prado campaign supporting busi-nesses during recent street construction, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is taking the lead to strengthen local

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to [email protected].


(Cont. from page 3)

of precedent with a recent case in Malibu does not apply and giving the city a Nov. 18 deadline to remove the gates or face retro-active fines for every day the gates and hours have been in place during the five-year battle.

The hours at the beach, 5 a.m. to mid-night, are set by the county.

WHAT’S NEXT: Mayor Carlos Olvera said that although he could not comment on closed session meeting discussions, he is hopeful a compromise that balances the rights of residents with the rights of beachgoers can be reached and the full-time opening of the gates is a demon-stration of the city’s willingness to work toward an equitable solution.

The city attorney and city manager could not be reached for comment.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned for updates. –AS

City Holiday Schedule Changes, CancelationsTHE LATEST: Meeting schedule changes and a holiday closure of Dana Point city offices come with the holiday season each year. Here is a brief update on this year’s cancelations and closures.

The Dec. 1 scheduled meeting of the Tourism Business Improvement District has been canceled. The next TBID meet-ing has been set for Jan. 5, 2016, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Dec. 1 meeting of City Council, 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, remains on the calendar but the agenda was yet to be posted at press time Wednesday.

The Dec. 14, 6 p.m. meeting of the Plan-

ning Commission, also in council cham-bers, also remained on the calendar as of press time, but the commission’s Dec. 28 meeting has been canceled.

WHAT’S NEXT: City offices will be closed for the holidays from Dec. 24 through Jan. 1, 2016.

FIND OUT MORE: To see the full city calen-dar, visit www.danapoint.org. —AS

I-5 Freeway Construction Update THE LATEST: Over the next several weeks, crews will be performing daytime pile-driving activities just south of Dana Point along Avenida Pico next to the southbound I-5 freeway, according to an Orange County Transportation Authority press release. The work will take place intermittently between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays throughout December.

Crews will begin driving steel piles to support the new portion of the Avenida Pico bridge footings.

WHAT’S NEXT: Dates and times are sub-ject to change due to inclement weather and other unforeseen operational factors.

FIND OUT MORE: For more informa-tion, contact [email protected] or call 800.724.0353. For additional project information and to sign up for weekly construction emails, visit www.octa.net/I-5Pico. —EH

economy with Small Business Saturday®, a campaign, Saturday, Nov. 28, to rally the neighborhood to shop small.

Participating Dana Point restaurants and retailers will indicate their involve-ment by offering special sales, discounts and in-store events.

“As a consumer, you are a key part in helping small businesses thrive,” Heather Johnston, chamber executive director said. “By shopping or dining at small businesses, you’re showing your support for the busi-nesses in your neighborhood and reinvest-ing in the community you call home.”

First conceived and promoted by American Express, shop local movements have steadily gained traction in communi-ties both large and small. Shop Small® encourages people across the country to embrace the day as a holiday shopping tradition to support small, local business-es, as the money spent in the community stays in the community.

Free Flu Shot Clinic Set for Dec. 7 in San JuanOrange County Fifth District Supervi-

sor Lisa Bartlett, along with the city of San Juan Capistrano and the San Juan Capist-rano Chamber of Commerce, invite south Orange County residents to a free flu shot clinic, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 7 at Camino Health Center, 30300 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano.

Free shots will be available to individu-als age 3 years and older on a first come, first served basis. Vaccines for infants and children under 3 will not be available.

Please note: You cannot receive a shot if you are sick on the day of the vaccinations, are allergic to eggs, have had a previous reaction to the flu shot or were diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome within six weeks of a previous flu vaccine.

Vaccinations will be provided by Orange County Health Care Agency’s public health nurses.

For more information, call Sara May at 714.834.3550.

Early Bird Ticket Prices for Ocean Institute Jazz Fest Go Up Dec. 1Tickets for the Ocean Institute’s Red

Hot Jazz Festival, Jan. 22 and 23, 2016, are on sale now and early bird pricing ends Dec. 1

The annual event features live jazz performances and gourmet dining with an ocean view. This year’s musical lineup includes Rick Braun, Richard Elliot and Larry Braggs, performing both nights at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive at the Dana Point Harbor.

Opening night Friday, limited to 300 guests, includes a silent auction and recep-tion with fine wines, hors d’oeuvres, des-

sert and coffee, followed by a jazz concert.Saturday, the premier evening, features

a gala gourmet dinner, jazz performance, and connoisseur silent and live auctions. The event includes a cocktail reception with passed canapés and an award-winning, four-course meal host chef Rob Wilson, ex-ecutive chef of the Montage Laguna Beach. Wilson will be spearheading the creation of a menu unique to the event, prepared by celebrated chefs from local resorts.

Early bird $125 pricing for Friday goes up to $150 on Dec. 1. Saturday Gala tickets start at $500.

Proceeds benefit the Ocean Institute’s Adopt-a-Class educational programs.

For tickets and more information, visit www.oijazzfestival.com.

Rick Braun is set to perform at the Ocean Institute Red Hot Jazz Festival, Jan. 22 and 23, 2016. Photo: Courtesy of the Ocean Institute

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about?

• • •Send your suggestions to

[email protected].

This hand-written “open” sign was seen affixed to the mid- and central-Strand gates at Strand Vista Park on Nov. 19 and beachgoers noticed the gates were being kept open, all day, every day. Photo: Andrea Swayne


EYE ON DP


On the 10th anniversary of the sinking of the A.C.E. the story of its discovery is told

Since sinking on Nov. 26, 2005, the A.C.E. has become a healthy artificial reef, attracting a wide variety of sea life.Photo: Boonchob Vijarnsorn

Chad Steffen (left) and Josh Aardema located the A.C.E. in June 2007, nearly two years after it went down in wind-whipped waters. The Catchalot, which replaced the A.C.E., is seen in the background. Photo: Scott Marshutz

Former A.C.E. captain Robert Machado. Photo: Scott Marshutz

Bob Lohrman (left) and Roger Healy hold the A.C.E.’s life ring on the stern of the Early Bird II. The two men dove the wreck for the first time. Photo: Ken Nielsen

BY SCOTT MARSHUTZ, SPECIAL TO THE DANA POINT TIMES

Solving the Mystery of a Sunken Fishing Boat

Nearly two years after Dana Point’s bait hauler went down in wind-whipped waters off the coast of

San Clemente, Chad Steffen was taking a group of anglers out on the San Mateo, one of several boats in Dana Warf’s Sport-fishing fleet. It was June 2007.

“During the summer, we head down the coast for a day trip and fish the typical spots,” Steffen explained. “As a fleet, we’re going to swing to the outside a little bit, to a depth range of 90 to 240 feet. Sometimes we’ll stagger ourselves as we’re looking for fish coming up from Baja.”

As captain, Steffen watched his fathom-eter closely as the San Mateo motored a few miles out of the Dana Point Harbor.

“We ran over an edge of something where there was a solid indication of fish,” he said. “I turned the boat around and came back to try to find it again and the second time I was thinking ‘what the heck is this?’ Considering the time of year, I was also thinking it could be a really concen-trated ball of sand bass. We anchored on it and immediately started catching sand bass, but then we started catching rock-fish too, which are structure fish—you’re not going to find them out in the mud.

“I’ve been fishing these areas for several years and I knew there was no structure

down there so it had to be something new. That’s when I thought it was probably the A.C.E. and wrote the coordinates down.”

Early in the morning on Nov. 26, 2005, the A.C.E., a 58-foot drum seiner, was en route to the Dana Point Harbor after a night of bait fishing. Offshore winds, which kicked up a sharp and quick chop producing vertically shaped waves breaking only seconds apart, slammed the boat relentlessly until it finally capsized; the vessel was already listing from a leaking deck hatch.

Because it flipped so quickly, the crew was unable to grab any life jackets. The emergency radio beacon failed to send a signal to the Coast Guard and the life raft failed to automatically inflate.

Amazingly, captain Robert Machado and all three crewmem-bers survived without serious injury and were able to swim to

the 14-foot skiff the A.C.E. was towing and shot off emergency flares. San Clemente resident Ed Westberg spotted the red sparks from his ocean-view home around 3 a.m. and called the Harbor Patrol. With Westberg’s help, the two deputies located the skiff before it was dragged under. Ac-counts of the dramatic rescue were widely published.

For weeks after the accident, the Sher-iff’s Search and Recovery Team, the Coast Guard, fishermen and virtually anybody with a boat and sonar device went search-ing for the A.C.E., but came up empty.

Now Steffen thought he might be on it.“When I realized it was most likely the

A.C.E., I wanted to keep that to myself—I didn’t want the word to get out,” he said, his interest in the prospect of a great haul overriding the fact that he may have solved a mystery. “The other boats in the fleet weren’t catching anything so they moved to other spots and I didn’t tell

them we were catching rockfish either. We stayed on it for a couple of hours and caught a lot of fish.”

The only time he went back was when the fishing was really slow at the other spots or when there were no other boats that would see him there or a combination of the two scenarios.

“I didn’t want to hammer it all the time,” he said.

Like good poker players, Steffen and his deckhand, Josh Aardema, kept quiet for a solid year. Eventually word got out and people grew more curious.

“We’re a pretty close-knit community here,” Steffen said. “There were people who were actually mad at me for not tell-ing them where it was. We share informa-tion about fishing spots all the time, but this one was mine, and I wasn’t giving it to anybody.”

Even though word leaked about the boat’s location, no one else had found it.

“Then people started looking a lot harder—they knew the general area of where it went down—but it’s a big area. You get out of the harbor and you don’t realize how much ocean there is to cover,” he added. “Nobody knew which way the A.C.E. was drifting when it sank.”

About a year after Steffen marked the site, Roger Healy, a local diver and fisher-man, expressed interest in diving it. Healy contacted Ken Nielsen, who owns and

operates the Early Bird II, and together with Bob Lohrman they waited for the right weather conditions.

“Roger said he wanted to dive the site and he wouldn’t share the location with anyone else; he was the only one I gave the numbers to,” Steffen said. “While I was reluctant to give them out, I was also curious,”

While Steffen is credited with finding the wreck, Healy and Lohrman were the first to dive on it.

“We used sonar to locate it and an-chored on it,” Nielsen said. “Healy and Lohrman put on their dive gear and went down to see if we were, in fact, on the boat. A few minutes later, I’m sitting on the deck and all of a sudden the life ring pops up right by the side of the boat.”

Recalls Healy: “The first thing I saw was the life ring and swam right to it and cut it off. We wanted to establish that it was the A.C.E. It was eerie … especially being the first ones to dive on it. Thank god no one died when it sank. I swam inside the wheelhouse and I thought ‘what am I doing in here? I don’t have much bottom time. Who knows what could snag me.’ We took a loop around the boat and I had my camera and we went up to the bow. We scraped the bow until we could see the name and we took a couple of pictures just like anybody would do diving a shipwreck. The skiff was still attached to the stern and the drum net still had burlap covering it—it was in perfect condition.”

As a gesture of good will, they returned the A.C.E.’s life ring to Buck Everingham who owned the boat. It was named after Buck’s grandfather Adolphus Charles Everingham, who started San Diego-based Everingham Bros. Bait Co. in the 1950s.

By 2010, Steffen’s closely guarded fishing spot became a heavily trafficked area for both anglers and divers. For the local dive shop, the wreck was a boon for business, considering it gave area divers a real, albeit small, shipwreck to explore without having to travel all the way down to San Diego Harbor. So familiar had the site become that several buoys, which were set to help boat captains locate it easily, were cut. Because it’s a popular fishing spot, fishermen said they didn’t want it buoyed because it in-creases the chances of fishing lines getting tangled up and possibly losing their catch.

Another issue was depth. At 114 feet, the wreck requires advanced diver skills and some feared if the site’s buoyed, acci-dents would occur; one diving fatality has been recorded.

Some people see the wreck as a sacred part of Dana Point’s fishing history and hope it’s never disturbed.

“You can understand the frustration,” Healy said. “There was a very small group of people who knew about it for a fairly long time. And there aren’t a lot of unique areas left like that.”

Visit www.sanclementetimes.com to read a Q&A with A.C.E. captain Robert Machado. DP

Scott Marshutz is a freelance writer based in Dana Point.

EYE ON DP


Community MeetingsTUESDAY, DECEMBER 1

Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Meeting 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

City Council Meeting 6 p.m. at Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club 7 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Join members of the volunteer-centered club for breakfast and a meeting each Wednesday at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.monarchbeachrotary.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8

Veterans’ Assistance 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. The Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 provides free veterans’ assistance on the second Tuesday of every month at the Dana Point Com-munity Center, 34052 Del Obispo, 949.275.3142, www.vfwpost9934.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

Recycling Event at Dana Hills High School 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Residents can drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans in the school parking lot—near the tennis courts and pool—for students to collect and sort for recycling. Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs. Collections are held monthly through the school year. Future events will be held Jan. 9, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, Feb. 20, March 5, March 19, April 2, April 23, May 7 and May 28. Events will be held rain or shine. For more information, email [email protected]. Dana Hills High School is located at 33333 Golden Lantern in Dana Point.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14

Planning Commission Meeting6 p.m. at Dana Point City Hall, Coun-cil Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

DECEMBER 24-JANUARY 1, 2016

City Hall Offices Closed Dana Point City Hall, Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.


DP Sheriff’sBlotterAll information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially re-ported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD website.

Tuesday, November 24

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Alcazar Drive, 33800 Block (12:26 a.m.) A woman said two female neighbors came to her residence saying someone was trying to kill them and burglarize their apart-ment. A possibly drunken neighbor got on the phone, said a woman with a flashlight looking in the windows is the owner, and then the line disconnected.

Monday, November 23

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Street of the Copper Lantern, 34000 Block (11:32 p.m.) Someone was seen upstairs using a flashlight and trying to pry a window open.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/Victoria Blvd. (11:13 p.m.) A man was threatening to hit the caller with a bat at the 76 gas station. The caller was drunk.

TRESPASSINGDel Obispo Street, 33500 Block (9:32 p.m.) A former employee was sitting on the ice machine and refusing to leave.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESRitz-Carlton Drive, 0 Block (8:25 p.m.) A woman was reportedly “talking crazy.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Crown Valley Parkway, 32400 Block (6:23 p.m.) A woman called police when a man with a clipboard rand her doorbell.

DISTURBANCE Calle Naranja, 34600 Block (6:43 p.m.) A male resident of a sober living house was being loud and punching things in the garage.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Crown Valley Parkway, 32400 Block (5:41 p.m.) A caller reported a neighbor had a large gun and was look-ing each way. A 30-year-old man was taken into custody and is being held on $50,000 bail.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESDoheny Park Road, 34200 Block (4:50 p.m.) Four men were seen in front of the Doheny Car Wash “smoking crack from a pipe.” The caller had video of the men and said they were still at the location at the time of the call.

COMPILED BY ANDREA SWAYNE

PATROL CHECK Domingo Avenue, 25900 Block (4:38 p.m.) A patrol check was requested for an ongoing issue with a homeless encampment behind the Cove Field apartments, near Doheny and the on-ramp.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESPacific Coast Highway, 32800 Block (2:02 p.m.) A black backpack was seen on the street corner near the Chevron station. A car mat was sitting about 5 feet from it, an observation the caller found very suspi-cious.

DISTURBANCE Camino Capistrano/Stonehill Drive (1:19 p.m.) Men were seen drink-ing, gambling and loitering. The caller asked for a patrol check and requested deputies inform the men that “we have laws in this country.”

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESDoheny Park Road, 34000 Block (12:14 a.m.) A rental RV was parked overnight in the Smart and Final parking lot.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Pacific Coast Highway, 34400 Block (12:02 a.m.) A woman reported seeing a man who ap-peared to be homeless passed out inside a red Jeep. The smell of marijuana was emanating from the vehicle.

Sunday, November 22

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESGranada Drive, 34000 Block (5:02 p.m.) A man said he didn’t feel safe about putting his trash out after seeing a woman in her 50s with gray hair and glasses digging through trashcans.

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE Pequito Drive, 34000 Block (2:16 p.m.) An old truck was in the middle of the street blocking traffic and a man with lots of tattoos was seen walking around in the area. It was unclear if the truck and the man were related but the caller suspected the man may have been casing and pretending his truck broke down.

CITIZEN ASSIST Street of the Violet Lantern, 33700 Block (7:16 a.m.) A woman reported her neighbor removed her fence and went into her back yard to cut down her tree.

Saturday, November 21

KEEP THE PEACE Street of the Golden Lantern, 34600 Block (9:24 p.m.) A male customer whose credit card was declined was refus-ing to pay his bill.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCESAvenida Las Palmas, 26900 Block (9:06 p.m.) A woman saw someone trying to break into her neighbor’s car.

DISTURBANCE Del Prado Avenue, 24500 Block (7:35 p.m.) A woman called to report a woman had thrown tape at her,

hitting her in the stomach while the two were having an argument at Dana Point Laundromat.

DISTURBANCE Calle Paloma, 34500 Block (2:43 p.m.) People were “kicking over tables, threw a television, etc.”

KEEP THE PEACE Tennis Villas Drive, 0 Block (1:33 p.m.) A woman reported a male neighbor for getting too close for comfort, including walking his dog “too close to her stoop.” The man does, however, stay on the common area.

Friday, November 20

RECKLESS DRIVING Street of the Cove Lan-tern, 34300 Block (11:33 p.m.) The driver of a Jeep was seen doing donuts in the parking lot.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Via Sacramento, 26300 Block (10:20 p.m.) A man who was home alone with his infant son said someone had kicked or banged on his bedroom door.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE La Cresta Drive/Barcelona Place (9:38 p.m.) Two cars were seen driving over a curb and the occupants were seen throwing a gun out the window to each other.

DISTURBANCE Stonehill Drive/Del Obispo Street (4:13 p.m.) A man told police that a man yelled at him and then spit on his ve-hicle. The subject was described as a man in his 20s with long curly hair, a baseball cap and riding a nice mountain bike.

Thursday, November 19

CITIZEN ASSIST Malaga Drive, 33700 Block (1:14 p.m.) A woman told police her friend was refusing to give her insurance information and she wanted to make a police report for insurance purposes. The caller’s leg was “smashed” by her friend while trying to help her back up a week before, the caller said.

DISTURBANCE La Cresta Drive, 24600 Block (9:17 a.m.) A woman said her neighbor was yelling at her about her sister and saying “I’m going to kick your butt.” The caller told police she doesn’t have a sister.

Wednesday, November 18

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Lopez, 34200 Block (10:16 p.m.) A caller saw a 6-foot-tall man wearing a black hoodie checking car doors on the street. The subject was carrying a red backpack and a wooden stick.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Santa Clara Avenue, 24400 Block (11:13 a.m.) Deputies were requested to check on two male subjects the caller deemed suspi-cious because they were dressed in all black and carrying big backpacks.

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTSSOAPBOX

Dana Point Times November 27–December 3, 2015 www.danapointtimes.com

DPDana Point

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

Water conservation efforts of the last 5 months and the near- and long-term future34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624

phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

CITY EDITOR

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 [email protected]

ADVERTISING

PRINT AND ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 [email protected]

DISTRIBUTION

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, [email protected]

BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 [email protected]

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 48. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodis-patch.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 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

EDITORIAL

Picket Fence Media Group Senior Editor,City Editor, DP Times> Andrea Swayne

City Editor, SC Times> Eric Heinz

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch> Allison Jarrell

Sports Editor> Steve Breazeale

Special Projects Editor, > Andrea Papagianis

ART/DESIGN

Art Director> Jasmine Smith

ADVERTISING/MULTI-MEDIA MARKETINGPICKET FENCE MEDIA

Associate Publisher> Lauralyn Loynes(Dana Point)

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Real Estate Sales Manager> Michele Reddick

OPERATIONS

Finance Director> Mike Reed

Business Operations Manager> Alyssa Garrett

Accounting & Distribution Manager> Tricia Zines

SPECIAL THANKSRobert Miller, Jonathan Volzke

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Evan Da Silva,Debra Holm,Tim Trent

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide vari-ety 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 refl ect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at [email protected]

A New Year, a New Era … a New Normal

Letters to the Editor

We have congratulated all of you, our commercial and residential water customers, and thanks to

your efforts, we’ve seen great success sto-ries across the South Coast Water District.

Beginning in June, our California state mandatory requirement for the district was a 24 percent reduction, as compared to 2013 usage. Collectively our district has far surpassed those requirements. From June through September we averaged over 30 percent reduction mostly due to one day per week irrigation. However, during a hot and dry October we squeaked by with a reduc-tion of 25 percent. The narrow margin was in part because SCWD relaxed irrigation to two days per week. As of Nov. 1 and the onset of the rainy season, SCWD custom-ers are back to one day per week, which is our standard water conservation ordinance. Watering by hand is permitted any day.

Additionally, future large-scale commer-cial water reductions will come from major conversions to recycled water. Our infra-structure expansion down Golden Lantern to Dana Point Harbor is complete. Multiple HOAs, Dana Point’s city parks, the new Lantern District Del Prado medians, the Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Park are all planning to connect to the Golden Lantern “purple pipeline.” These savings will be realized long into the future.

As for 2016 and beyond, Governor Jerry Brown’s extension of his executive order on Nov. 13 will require reductions for another 12 months, possibly ending in October 2016. The mandate requires

AIRPLANE NOISE IS BOTHERSOME. WHAT GIVES?

MIKE KELLY, Dana Point

In response to a letter to the editor about airplane noise in the Nov. 13 issue of the Dana Point Times, I actually noticed it in late 2014.

I have lived in my house since 1980. So changes like these stand out.

It does not seem fair to have this be a surprise to the south Orange County resi-dents. We voted down the El Toro airport to avoid this issue.

The jet noise actually wakes me up each morning at around 7:04 a.m., when the fi rst jets fl y over—even with my dual paned windows closed.

GUEST OPINION: By Wayne Rayfi eld and Rick Erkeneff, South Coast Water District Board of Directors

emergency water conservation measures to continue past February 2016 however, SCWD’s requirement could have an adjustment for the months following until October 2016. No matter what the future reduction requirement may be, we all must continue to stay on the path of water effi ciency and conservation.

Although all turf rebates have been committed, rebates are currently available for rain barrels, drip irrigation, sprinkler nozzles, smart irrigation timers and soil moisture sensors. Additionally, indoor savings can be realized for toilets and washing machines. Please visit www.scwd.org to apply for rebates.

Beyond 2016 our future water supply is directly linked to climate uncertainty. So even if we receive an above average snow-pack and rainfall across our state this winter because of a strong El Niño, this will not solve our long-term water supply crisis. Se-nior Water Scientist at NASA-JPL, Jay Fami-glietti, has stated that even with three years of above average precipitation in California this will only get the state to a point where we can manage our water crisis. Anything less will have us in continued reductions and possible stricter curtailments.

This leads our district to developing our own reliability. SCWD’s board-approved extension of recycled lines will continue to expand. However, the real independence from the dwindling imported water sup-ply will be developing new supply from the desalination facility at Doheny State Beach. Our board has recently hired a

I believe other airports are using this corridor to go eastbound as well.

I also hear jets throttling down after 8 p.m., turning up our coastline, I presume to land at Long Beach Airport.

I would appreciate an update on this important matter.

THE HILLS SHOULD BE COMMENDED, NOT VILIFIED

SUSAN BROWN, Dana Point

Betty and Buck Hill should be ap-plauded, not vilifi ed. Not only did they tirelessly work to bring us the quiet zone (no more train horns waking us up in the middle of the night), but they care so much about this city that they contributed their own time and money to bring us the Town Center Initiative—basically forcing City Council to adhere to the principles in their own plan and preserving parking and reasonable building heights in Dana Point.

What possible motive could they have

project manager and is on the fast track to moving the desalination project forward, creating a local reliable source benefi tting our residents and businesses.

We invite everyone interested to attend upcoming SCWD workshops regarding cost of service and rate study.

Workshop No.1: “Financial Forecasts and Cost of Services,” Monday, Nov. 23, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Workshop No. 2: “Customer Data Analysis and Rate Design Alternatives,” Monday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-noon.

Workshop No. 3: “Resulting Rates and Customer Impacts,” Tuesday, Dec. 15, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Workshop No. 4: “Review and Public Comment,” Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

All workshops will be hosted at SCWD Headquarters, 31592 West St. in Laguna Beach.

No rates or recommendations will be adopted at these workshops. The district will hold more formal rate discussions in the fi rst quarter of 2016.

We encourage everyone to keep up the good work and thank you all for helping us achieve extraordinary water savings and conservation goals.

We wish you a happy, safe and rainy holiday season. DP

other than pure public interests?They own no property in Town Center,

hold nor aspire to public offi ce and have nothing to gain from their crusade.

The real power in any democracy lies with the citizens, and when elected offi -cials lose their way, overspending taxpayer dollars and pandering to developers, brave residents sometimes rise up and a grass roots effort is born.

Buck and Betty Hill for citizens of the year!

CORRECTION: An obituary ran in last week’s issue with an incorrect name in the headline. The correct name of the decedent is Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Taylor, neé McGee. We regret the error. The corrected obituary appears in this week’s issue on page 21.


YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNERGETTING OUTDP

Dana Point

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30: CAPO BEACH TREE LIGHTING5:30 p.m. A Capistrano Beach Christmas tradition is restored. Capo Cares, in partnership with the city of Dana Point is bringing back a lost tradition from years past—the lighting of the official Capo Beach Christmas tree. In years past, the tree, located in the median at Camino De Estrella and Camino Capistrano, was decorated by community volunteers and, in some years, assisted by an SDG&E bucket truck. This year, the city, under the direction of Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Evans, has taken over the decoration duties and will provide music and refreshments for this free community event. A child will be chosen to have the honor of flipping the switch. RSVP to [email protected] or on the Capo Cares Facebook page.

Friday | 27HIKE OFF YOUR THANKSGIVING FEAST + PICNIC10 a.m.-noon. Bring your Thanksgiving leftovers and join The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for a post-holiday picnic and hike up the North Ridge trail and back down the Sycamore Loop Trail. Savor the sights, smells and sounds of late autumn in the wildlands. Ages 8 and up. Adults $10, children $5. The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy, call for directions, 949.489.9778, www.rmvreserve.org.

MILLERTIME BOOGIE7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Live music at Harpoon Henry’s. 34555 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, 949.493.2933, www.windandseares-taurants.com/harpoonhenrys.

GINGERBREAD SPECTACULARPastry chefs at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel create an over-the-top gingerbread wonderland to fit this year’s theme: A Holi-day Star-Cation. On display through Dec. 31 in the hotel lobby area. Free. One Ritz-

The ListWhat’s going on in and around town this weekCOMPILED BY STAFF

Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaniguel.

Saturday | 28DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET9 a.m.-1 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Sat-urday. 949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

WHALE WATCHING CRUISE10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Join the Ocean Institute for whale watching aboard its 65-foot R/V Sea Explorer. Tickets are $45 for adults, $35 for seniors 55+, $25 for active duty military and children 4 to 17. Become a member and receive a 10 percent dis-count. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

PUTTIN’ ON THE GLITZ5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Downtown San Clem-ente’s 22nd Annual “Puttin’ on the Glitz” promotes shopping small businesses. People can have their photo taken with Santa, enjoy a train ride, outdoor movies, local vendors, food trucks, games and more. Hosted by the Downtown Business Association and the city of San Clemente. 949.218.5378, www.villagesanclemente.org.

‘A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES’6:30 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents the gala night preview of

(Cont. on page 10)

EDITOR’S PICK


GETTING OUT


(Cont. from page 9)A Child’s Christmas in Wales, a nostalgic sto-ry of Christmas day—from its quiet, magi-cal beginning full of thrilling expectations, to bedtime, replete with the joy of a perfect Christmas. Shows run through Dec. 20 on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., with an additional show on Thurs-day, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

Sunday | 29CASPERS NATURE HIKE8 a.m.-9 a.m. Join OC Park rangers every Sunday morning for an easy 1-mile hike on the nature trail, which takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. Admission is free, parking is $5 per ve-hicle. Participants should meet at the Old Corral day use area. Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended. Rain will cancel the hike. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

WINE DOWN SUNDAYS4 p.m.-10 p.m. Half price wine by the glass Sundays at Salt Creek Grille. Monarch Bay Plaza, 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreek-grille.com.

Monday | 30HARPOON HENRYS HAPPY HOUR & MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL4 p.m.-7 p.m. Half price draft beer. Watch the Ravens vs. Browns at 5:30 p.m. 34555 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, 949.493.2933, www.windandsearestau-rants.com/harpoonhenrys.

COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS6:30 p.m. Every Monday at The Swallow’s Inn with steak night and happy hour prices. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

PJ STORY TIME WITH THE SUNSHINE READERS7 p.m.-8 p.m. Children and their parents or caregivers are invited for a night of stories, songs and fun. Don’t forget your PJs. All ages are invited. Free. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, 949.496.5517.

Tuesday | 01HOLIDAY ORIGAMI WORKSHOP3:30 p.m. Join origami artist Amy You at the Laguna Beach Library to learn how to make your own origami holiday orna-ments. Program is for children 6-12 with adult participation. Meets in the library’s program room. Admission is free. Laguna Beach Library, 363 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach, 949.497.1733, www.ocpl.org/libloc/lbch.

Wednesday | 02FAMILY ART NIGHT5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Enjoy a family-friendly evening that includes creating a family painting and personal ornaments for the holidays. Each participant will create their own ornament and help with the family art piece on canvas. $20 per person. The Arts Project of Orange County, 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente, 949.276.2787, www.theartsprojectoc.com.

PAINTING AND VINO6 p.m.-9 p.m. Sip wine while participating in a step-by-step instructed painting class taught by a professional artist. All supplies provided. $45. Register online at www.paintingandvino.com. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Thursday | 03OPEN ARTIST STUDIO11 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy a creative workspace alongside a community of artists. Free. Ages 16 and up. San Clemente Art Supply, 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com.

SURFRIDER FOUNDATION HOLIDAY PARTY6 p.m. Join the Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter for its 10th annual family-friendly holiday party featuring live music by Dano Forte’s Juke Joint Freak Show and DJ SLi Dawg. A silent auction and raffle will be held with items includ-ing a custom Pyzel surfboard, boards by Pavel, Donald Brink and DanO, along with fine art, photography, gift certificates and more. Admission is $25 for adults with beer and wine for guests 21 and over, and $15 for students under 18. Heavy hors d’ouvres will be served. Proceeds will ben-efit the Surfrider Foundation. For more information or to donate, email [email protected]. Waterman’s Harbor restaurant, 34661 Golden Lantern Street in the Dana Point Harbor, 949.764.3474.

GONE COUNTRY10 p.m.-midnight. Country music and dancing every Thursday at the Point Restaurant. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, 949.464.5700, www.thepointrestau-rantandbar.com.

UPCOMING EVENTSFRIDAY, DECEMBER 4: HOLIDAY IN THE HARBOR OPEN HOUSE4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with family-friendly activities and entertainment at three areas of the Har-bor—Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariners Alley. Activities include photos with Santa (bring your camera), crafts and people painting and performances by various characters matched to this year’s Boat Parade of Lights theme, “A Galactic Christmas.” Join in for the Darth Vader Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest on the grass in front of Harpoon Henry’s, 34555 Golden Lantern. Parking and all events are free. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, at Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.923.2255, www.danapointharbor.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5: BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hop aboard a Dana Wharf vessel for a 20-minute Harbor cruise with Santa and his helpers. Event also runs

Dec. 6. A suggested $3-$5 donation will benefit the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern. Boats leave from Dana Wharf. 949.496.5794, 949.923.2255, www.danapoin-tharbor.com, www.danawharf.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5:WINTER FESTIVAL AND TREE LIGHTINGNoon-7 p.m. Meet Santa and his reindeer and play in real snow at the city’s annual festival and tree lighting ceremony. Other attractions include face painting, carica-ture artists, carnival games, cookie deco-rating ($2), crafts, a craft faire, petting zoo, pony rides, Santa’s Lego Village, Frosty’s New Hat Marionette Show and live perfor-mances by The Yuletide Carolers, DHHS Dickens Carolers, singer/songwriter Sidney Bowen, Sandii Castlebery Holiday Band, Dan St. Marseille Holiday Jazz Trio and the Francina Mans School of Dance. The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. with free hot chocolate and cookies, courtesy of Hennessey’s, followed by the Holiday Movie in the Park, Disney’s The Santa Clause (PG) and free popcorn. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza St., Dana Point, at Pacific Coast Highway and La Plaza. 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

DECEMBER 11, 12, 18, 19: DANA POINT HARBOR BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Watch at water’s edge or take in the view from aboard a Dana Wharf Whale Watching, Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari or Ocean Institute harbor cruise as boaters decorate their vessels with sparkling lights and add costumes, music and animation to fit with each year’s theme to for prizes including Judges Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Most Original and more. This year’s theme, “A Galactic Holi-day” promises a variety of Star Wars and related themed boats. Viewing is free from anywhere in the harbor. Dana Point Har-bor, 34555 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5794, www.danapointharbor.com.

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event? Send your listing to [email protected]

At the Movies: ‘Mockingjay, Part 2’ Leaves Audiences Hungry

TBY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

he popular franchise that propelled Jennifer Lawrence to superstardom now comes to an end after four

years. Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games book trilogy has yielded four film adapta-tions starring Lawrence as anti-heroine Katniss Everdeen, a character that made archery cool again and set forth a new wave of girl power for young audiences. After the success of the first two movies, and the underwhelming Mockingjay, Part 1, does Part 2 end on a high note?

Following Part 1, all hell breaks loose with Katniss (Lawrence) set on assassinating President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in re-taliation for the fatalities he’s caused and for brainwashing her beau Peeta (Josh Hutcher-son) into hating her. On her team are close friends Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), Cressida (Natalie Dormer) and Pollux (Elden Henson). President Coin (Julianne Moore) initially supports Katniss’ efforts to defeat Snow and then with the promise of her own power becomes cor-rupt—an even more immediate threat.

Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Philip Seymour Hoffman reappear as Katniss’ mentors. Mockingjay is considered by fans the weakest of the three books, so one would hope the movie(s) would be an improvement. Not exactly. While Part 1 felt like a filler television episode, Part 2 is disap-pointing as nothing much happens, leaving the end result an uneventful and unsatisfying conclusion following so much built-up drama and action. Part 2 also confirms that splitting the last book into two films was unneces-sary. Though there is a pretty stressful, eye-

opening sewer sequence in Pt. 2, Catch-ing Fire remains the best of the series. Lawrence has always been memorable as Katniss, but the actress and character deserved a better send off. DP

Photo: Murray Close

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HOT PICKSGift Ideas for Everyone on your List

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Friday, November 27

Outlets at San Clemente Moonlight MadnessOutlets at San Clemente hosts their inaugural Moonlight Madness event with family-friendly entertainment and holiday décor. Shops open Black Friday on Nov. 27 until 10 p.m. 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

Hike Off Your Thanksgiving Feast 10 a.m.–noon. Pack your leftovers and head to The Richard and Donna O’Neil Conservancy for a post-holiday picnic and hikes. $5–$10. Call for directions, 949.489.9778, mvreserve.org.

Saturday, November 28

Gingerbread SpectacularVibrant coastal scenes come to life in edible form as The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s pastry team takes gingerbread “houses” to a new level. On display until Dec. 31. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000, ritzcarlton.com.

Puttin’ on the Glitz5 p.m.–10 p.m. Enjoy an evening of holiday dining, shopping and entertain-ment along Avenida Del Mar as Santa Claus and carolers make their way to town. This family holiday event features train rides, roasted chestnuts and more. 949.218.5378, villagesanclemente.org.

Thursday, December 3

A Christmas Carol7 p.m. San Clemente High School stu-dents present Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale. Watch Ebenezer Scrooge’s visits from the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future Dec. 3, 4 and 5. Tickets $15. SCHS, 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, schsdrama.com.

Friday, December 4

Holiday in the Harbor4:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Celebrate the holi-day season in true Dana Point fashion along the water’s edge. Meet Santa, enjoy holiday crafts and enter the Darth Vader Ugly Christmas Sweater contest. Dana Point Harbor, 949.923.2255, danapointharbor.com.

Saturday, December 5

Santa Paws10 a.m.–3 p.m. Pets have holiday requests too. Bring your favorite pet to the El Torito Courtyard for a picture with Santa. $15 per picture. All proceeds ben-efi t animals at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter. Dana Point Harbor, petprojectfoundation.com.

Boat Rides with Santa10 a.m.–2 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfi sh-ing hosts Santa Claus and his helpers on 20-minute Harbor cruises. Recom-mended $3 donation to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club. Dana Wharf docks, 34675 Golden Lantern, 949.496.5794, danawharf.com.

Winter Festival & Tree LightingNoon–7 p.m. Santa, reindeer and snow make their way to La Plaza Park where all members of the family can decorate cookies, partake in crafts, meet farm animals and much more. Celebration includes a tree lighting ceremony, movie and popcorn. danapoint.org.

Santa’s Village by the Sea2 p.m.–5 p.m. San Clemente andCasa Romantica team up for a day of holiday games, cookie decorating, face painting and a 5:15 p.m. tree lighting at the San Clemente Community Center. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.361.8264, san-clemente.org.

San Juan Capistrano Tree Lighting Ceremony Start the holiday season in Historic Town Center Park with a holiday performance before the tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. Fes-tivities continue on Los Rios Street with kids activities at Los Rios Park, the O’Neill Museum and Zoomars Petting Zoo. San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Christmas at the Mission5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano holiday celebration features a snow play area, cookie decorating and holiday card making, photos with Father Christmas and live music. $5 for adults, $3 for children age 4-11. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

(Continued)

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Get Out and Celebrate the Season

Christmas at the Casa5 p.m.–7 p.m. Casa Romantica’s festive open house with live music, a visit from Santa Claus, choral groups, a talking tree, holiday décor and refreshments. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, casaromantica.org.

Sunday, December 6

Yappy Howl-iday11 a.m.–2 p.m. Canines and their human companions can meet the “Big Dog” himself, Santa Claus, while celebrat-ing the holidays. Guests are asked to bring unopened dog food, treats or toys for donation. The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, ritz-carlton.com.

Friday, December 11

Little Elves Workshop10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Santa’s elves are in need of extra help. Children 3 to 5 are invited to the San Clemente Community Center to make gifts for family and friends, decorate cookies and more. Preregistration suggested. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.361.8264, san-clemente.org.

Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights7:30 p.m. Snag a waterfront view-ing perch for the brightest holiday party around. In its 41st year, this four-night parade—running Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19—celebrates Star Wars and a galactic holiday inspired by a galaxy far, far away. Join the parade aboard a participating vessel with Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, Dana Wharf Sportfi shing or the Ocean Institute. Dana Point Harbor, 949.923.2255, danapointharbor.com.

Holiday Lights Viewing Party6:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Sip hot cocoa with Santa and watch the Boat Parade. Guests can build lightsabers, decorate cookies and make ornaments. Cel-ebrate the parade theme and come as a Star Wars character. $15 per person, $9 for children. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, ocean-institute.com.

Saturday, December 12

Ho Ho Haul Away Sail1 p.m.–4 p.m. Sail with Santa aboard the Spirit of Dana Point. Take a turn at the helm, watch the crew fi re the ship’s gun and make a holiday keepsake. $50 for adults, $33 for children. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, ocean-institute.org.

South Coast Singers Holiday Concert4 p.m. Orange County’s own South Coast singers present the holiday show, “Heav’n and Nature Sing.” $20 for adults, $16 for seniors and students. St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea, 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, 949.613.7840, southcoastsingers.org.

Choral Concert: Christmas at the Shores4:25 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The South Shores’ 75-voice sanctuary choir performs with orchestra and tableaux, Tickets $10. Show also runs Dec. 13 at 2:55 p.m. and 5 p.m. 32712 Crown Val-ley Parkway, Dana Point, 949.496.9331, southshores.org.

Tuesday, December 15

SOCSA Holiday Concert7 p.m. South Orange County School of the Arts students present an evening of holiday entertainment. Beverages and dessert served at intermission. Tickets start at $12. Show also runs Dec. 16. Dana Hills High School, DHHS Mall, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, socsarts.org.

Friday, December 18

Christmas at the Cabrillo8 p.m. Enjoy the Christmas season at Cabrillo Playhouse with holiday favorites in this song and dance holiday revue. Show runs Dec. 18, 19 and 20. Tickets are $20. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, cabrilloplayhouse.com.

Thursday, December 31

New Year’s Eve Broadway Time!6 p.m. Ring in the New Year when the actual ball drops in Time Square at the Camino Real Playhouses’ annual celebration. Enjoy dinner from Sundried Tomato and dance the night away, well until 10 p.m. at least. Tickets are $68. Buy now, tickets are limited. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, caminorealplayhouse.org.

Midnight at the Cliffs9 p.m. Revel in the fi nal hours of 2015 at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa’s special ballroom celebra-tion featuring the ’80s tribute band Flashback Heart Attack. Tickets start at $125 and include two drink tickets, midnight champagne toast and small bites. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000, lagunacliffs.com.

For more New Year’s Eve event listings visit sanclementetimes.com.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS(continued)

To list your business, call

Debra Wells for pricing at

949.589.0892 or email dwells@

thecapistranodispatch.com

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Represent.xyz949.274.0590, www.represent.xyz

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio34202 Camino Capistrano, 949.230.0543, www.clubsalsadance.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

IMAGES/Creative Solutions117 Del Gado Road, 949.366.2488, www.imgs.com

HANDYMAN

Beach City Handyman33292 Bremerton St., 810.569.7295, gnarlyconceptdesign.com

HAULING

Cheapest HaulingCall Robert 949.973.6288

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, [email protected]

State Farm/Ted Bowersox34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

MASSAGE

Crystal Clyde Intuitive Bodywork32840 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. E, 949.584.2462, www.crystalclyde.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PET GROOMING

Dawgy Style Groom Shop34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 112, 949.496.3315, www.dawgystylegroomshop.net

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

Dream Team Properties, Mike Rosenberg, Broker949.481.1788, www.FindMyOCHome.com

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS


SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools 32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Cap-istrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

UPHOLSTERY

Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors34212 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit C, 949.240.9569 www.jeddys.com

WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction949.444.6323, www.offshoreconstruction.org

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD

HERECall 949.388.7700, ext. 102

or email [email protected]

BUSINESS DIRECTORYSan Clemente

DPDana Point


HERECall 949.388.7700, ext. 102



HERECall 949.388.7700, ext. 102


OBITUARY

Janet V. ShuteJanet (Jan) V.

Shute, 85, a 40-year resident of San Clemente, went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ and husband of 61 years Richard (Dick) Shute on Friday, Nov.

13, 2015. Born in Boston, Janet moved to the

west coast in the early 60’s camping in a tent with Dick and their eldest 2 children while making the trek from Rhode Island to California. Janet was an inspiration to everyone she met; those who knew her would say she was chatty, fun lov-ing, strong-willed, practical, beautiful, energetic, and a “kick” to be around. Janet loved living in San Clemente, and gushed over the loveliness of everything her eyes took in.

Janet leaves behind her loved ones, son Richard Shute (Oceanside), daugh-ters Lizbeth Mullin (Washington) and Luana Connor (Colorado), 6 grandchil-dren, 2 great-grandchildren, brother Car-leton Thompson (Oregon), and count-less friends on the island of Antigua who all know her simply as “Mum.”

Dick is no doubt rejoicing as his Janet is shining brightly; together again. We can hear her now, chatting in her effusive way about the unrivaled beauty of Heaven and God’s Glory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Children of the Americas at www.childrenoftheamericas.org.

Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com

CLASSIFIEDSBUSINESS DIRECTORY

San Clemente

DPDana Point

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Taylor, née Mc-Gee (10/28/1926 – 11/7/2015), passed away in her sleep on November 7, after a short illness. She was 89. Liz, a native of Ireland, came to America at the age of 5, living in and around Philadelphia until 1967, when the family moved to Cali-fornia. They lived in the Dana Point area for many years, and owned a piano and organ store in Laguna Hills. In 2010, Liz moved to Yachats, Ore. to be near her son. Liz eschewed the traditional role of women in her day, working all her adult life, even hosting her own radio program in the 1950s and serving as her union’s shop steward when she was an agent for a major life insurance company. She is survived by her children, James Taylor of Oregon, Marilee Taylor Montgom-ery of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Cameron Taylor of Detroit, Mich.; her sisters Kathy Jennings and Peggy Whisted; three grandchildren, Suni, Chrissie and Brian; and great-grandchild, Zoe Elizabeth. Her husband, Freeman James Taylor, predeceased her in 1978. She was loved and will be missed by all who knew her. “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.”

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Taylor (McGee)

OBITUARIES


HERECall 949.388.7700, ext. 102



HERECall 949.388.7700, ext. 102


www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times November 27–December 3, 2015

Melinda Diane ThomasFebruary 13, 1955 – November 14, 2015

Melinda Diane Thomas, 60, of San Clemente, CA. passed away peacefully with her beloved son at her side and surrounded by family. A native Californian, she is

remembered for her generous spirit, love of family and devotion to her Christian faith. Melinda is survived by her son, Martin Patrick Ryan, brother Martin, sisters Michelle, Melanie, Melissa and Maureen, and her father, Joe Gaspard. Melinda also leaves behind brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and numerous friends. She was predeceased by her mother, Mary Elaine Gaspard.

Private service. Lesneski Mortuary was entrusted with the arrangements of Melinda Diane Thomas. Please leave condolences at: www.lesneskimortuary.com.

www.danapointtimes.comDana Point Times November 27–December 3, 2015

PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide vari-ety 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 [email protected]

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITYDP LIVINGDP

Dana Point

Toscana and Trentino. Photo: San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter

On Monday boaters, including Chuck Gramlich (left), gathering at Dana West Yacht Club for the Dana Point Harbor

Boat Parade of Lights skippers’ meeting were presented their numbers by Yoda Elf, Kim Tilly of Dana Point Harbor, and Stormtrooper Jim Miller, owner of The Coffee Importers, the Scoop Deck ice cream shop and president of the Harbor Merchants Association. The theme for this year’s 41st annual parade is “A Galactic Holiday.” Miller, in honor of the parade theme, has been temporarily and affectionately dubbed by peers, the Stormscooper at Java the Hut. Photo: Andrea Swayne

SCENE{ I N DA N A P O I N T }

Toscana and her brother Trentino are very sweet rabbits looking for a home together. They are sociable

and used to being handled. Both have great litter box habits and would be a great pair of rabbits to have around the house.

If you would like to know more about Toscana and Trentino, please call the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with them at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente. DP

Pets of the Week: Toscana and Trentino

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

SudokuLast week’s solution:

BY MYLES MELLOR

See today’s solution in next week’s issue.

Ocean Cruise Brings 13 Strangers Together

Last February, San Juan Capistrano travel agent Ann Ronan, asked if I’d be willing to host a four-day “Tom

Blake Loving Life after 55 Cruise.” There was one stipulation: I’d have to

give a seminar at sea.My partner Greta and I love cruises; we

thought it would be fun. Besides, it was a long time till November and I’d have plenty of time to prepare for the seminar.

And then November arrived so quickly. On Thursday, November 12, Greta, her daughter Tina Skelton of Murrieta, and I boarded the Star Princess in San Pedro.

Tina is younger than age 55, but she and her husband Tod just sent their last teenager off to college so she wanted to have some fun and ensure that we older folks took full advantage of all of the ship’s activi-ties. Her energy kept us moving.

This was one large cruise ship: 952 feet in length (more than three football fields), 17 levels, three swimming pools, 3,000 passengers and a crew of 1,100.

There were 13 in our group on the cruise, mostly strangers to each other. On the first night, we met before dinner to introduce ourselves. Over the four days, I realized how unique and interesting each person was. At the seminar, everyone had a chance to speak. Here’s a sampling of what was learned:

Travel agent Ann and her husband Ted on the glue that brought them together: Both are avid Boston Red Sox fans.

Kathy, a widow from Dana Point on first dates: “I now limit them to a walk or coffee.”

Phil from Anaheim: “I’ve been on

Match.com and two other sites. Of the last 15 dates with different women, only one looked as advertised. The others’ profile pictures (were) way, way off.”

Marie of Dana Point: “I was married for 65 years. I am now 94 and still driving. I was the first woman secretary at the Pentagon.”

Ceil and Stuart, not married but in an exclusive relationship: “We live in the Washington, D.C. area but in different states, and met online. While we live close by but with the traffic around D.C. it can take a long time to get to each other’s houses.”

Lela is from Idaho Falls, Idaho but win-ters in Mesa, Arizona: “Dating in Idaho is difficult, particularly when I was caregiv-ing my Mom.”

Iris, also from Idaho Falls and Lela’s friend in her post-cruise email to me: “I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the cruise and loved meeting everyone. I have made some lifelong friends.”

Lillian, Orange County: “In online dat-ing, you’ve got to have a thick skin. Don’t take rejection personally.”

Tina, the youngster of the group, kept us active: “Come on guys and gals, let’s take in the evening entertainment shows, even if they start at 10 p.m. You can sleep in tomorrow.”

Greta and I (Dana Point) shared: “We met at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli when Greta ordered a fresh carrot juice. While she was waiting, I asked if she’d like to have dinner. She replied, ‘That would be lovely.’ That conversation took place June 24, 1998. We’ve been together ever since.”

The group agreed that the most impor-tant factors to look for in a relationship are honesty, truthfulness and a person who sincerely wants a mate.

Older singles need to get out and enjoy

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

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake

life. This group did that for four days.To see cruise photos, and to read my

cruise blog, visit www.traveltomgreta.blogspot.com.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dat-ing. His latest book can be found online at www.smashwords.com/books/view/574810.

See his website at www.findingloveafter60.com. (Yes, after 60. Time rolls on). To com-ment: [email protected]. DP

DP LIVING

FOUR KIDS AND A DOG By Elizabeth

Bottiaux

Daily dress code struggles exist for both fancy moms and frizzy moms

GUEST OPINION: Four Kids and a Dog by Elizabeth Bottiaux

Yoga Pants or Heels?

Yoga pants are my mom uniform. I throw on a tank top, pull on my trusty stretchy and oh-so-comfy

yoga pants, and I’m ready to go in under five minutes. They hold everything securely in place. I’m no eye shadow-blending, hair-curling, accessorizing-daily diva. But, being ready in under five could never happen without yoga pants involved. Workout wear is the socially acceptable way to look like we slept under a bus. It says, “I’m sporty and active and maybe even just exercised.”

There are moms who look jaw-dropping amazing every day. I am not one of them. I belong to the get ready as fast as possible, without looking 100 percent homeless in the end, club. If I’ve showered, blow dried and have slathered on under eye concealer to hide evidence of my sleep deprivation, I’ve gone to great lengths to prepare myself.

You know about those moms. They look like they’re ready for date night all day, ev-ery day. They appear drop dead gorgeous. How do they have the time to dress up like runway models every single day? Their hair perfectly curled in those long, loose ring-lets. Their outfits look like they’re straight out of a glossy fashion magazine.

Heels, after a few kids, are miserable. Heels, post-kids, hiking into the elementary school for an hour of helping in junior’s class, or enduring a PTA meeting, are sheer hell. At school pick-up time, I watch as they float along in their teetering heels. The sidewalk is their runway as they strut their stuff. Hand in hand with ‘Lil Susie, their hair is blowing ever so slightly in the gentle breeze and not a trace of the uncomfortable misery can be seen on their faces. But I know. I know they’re suffering. Extreme effort and sometimes even pain is required to uphold the latest trends.

As I sneak glances at them, I try to not to feel shame. I should’ve taken the time to blow dry my hair. It’s crazy frizzy and I look I’m channeling Tina Turner. Not cool.

I’m now on the three-week plan at my hair salon. Unwelcome grey roots shoot up ev-ery three weeks. Seriously? I’m not ready to look 76 years old quite yet. No way can I get in there every three weeks to have them painted into oblivion though. Shoot. I forgot to wipe off all those smears off my black yoga pants. What is that all over them, anyway? No make-up. I’m officially organic today. Teeth? I’ll brush extra care-fully at bedtime. No close talking for me.

No matter how we’re packaged on the outside, we all share similar mom strug-gles. Our toddlers throw their spaghetti on the dog and our mouthy tweens complain about pretty much everything. Laundry is

the enemy. Coffee and wine are our cohorts. We endlessly remind kids to clean up their messes. We spend too much money at Target and forget what even prompted us to stop there in the first place. We lie awake in bed at night worrying about if we’re doing it all right. We overschedule and

undercook. We try to strike just the right balance within our traveling circus act. We love our little monsters—who make the title “Mom” possible—so much it hurts.

What I’ve learned about fancy moms and frizzy moms, is that we’re all doing the best we know how. (And sincerely hoping we don’t lose our marbles trying).

Elizabeth Bottiaux is mom to four small humans, ages 4, 6, 8 and 10. She’s a San Clemente resident and has lived in Orange County for the past 16 years. She publishes a blog, www.fourkidsandadog.com, about family life in our tri-city area. DPPLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide vari-ety 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 [email protected]


STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORESPORTS & OUTDOORSDP

Dana Point

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

Dolphins Fall to Foothill in Double OT in CIF Champion-ship Match

It took eight quarters of play between Dana Hills and Foothill to decide who would take home the CIF-SS Division 2 boys water polo championship trophy on Nov. 21. In the eighth quarter of the double sudden-death overtime contest, Foothill’s Mike Miller broke the standstill with a goal, giving Foothill a 6-5 victory and its second straight CIF-SS title.

The match featured the top two teams in the division, as Foothill entered as the No. 1 seed and the Dolphins came in at No. 2.

Dana Hills got out to a 2-1 lead in the fi rst quarter, and had a narrow 4-3 advantage after the third. But the Knights scored once in the fourth and shutout the Dolphins in the fi nal period to force the fi nal two overtime quarters.

The game went back and forth from there. Goals, it seemed, were hard to come by.

Foothill scored in the fi rst overtime and the Dolphins responded with their own goal in the second extra quarter. With the score knotted at 5-5 after two overtime periods, the sudden-death, golden goal rule was enacted.

Neither team scored in the fi rst sudden death overtime, but Miller found the net in the second.

It was the fi rst time a Dolphin team had advanced to the fi nals. Dana Hills had reached the semifi nals in 1991 and 2014.

Dana Hills senior Bennett Williams led all scorers with three goals and tallied three steals. Adam Cole and James Daugh-erty each chipped in one goal. Senior goalie Riley Zachary recorded 16 saves.

Foothill’s Chas Hornecker and Nolan Ortega each had two goals. The Knights’ goalie Arash Izadmanesh had 11 saves.

The loss brought an end to what was a historic season for the Dolphins. The team went 25-7 on the year, including a perfect 8-0 record in South Coast League play. The Dolphins won the league title for a fourth straight year.

Dana Hills paved its way to the cham-pionship match by defeating Redondo Union, Los Osos and Mira Costa, respec-tively.

Dana Hills senior goalie Riley Zachary had a game-high 16 saves in the Dolphin boys water polo’s loss to Foothill in the CIF-SS Division 2 Championship game on Nov. 21. Photo: Steve Breazeale

Dana Hills sophomore quarterback Corey Cisowski, left, passed for 1,209 yards this season for the Dol-phins football team. Photo: Gibby/Zone57


Dolphin ReportBY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

Boys Cross Country Places Sec-ond at CIF-SS Championships

For the second consecutive year, the Dana Hills High School boys cross coun-try team fi nished runners-up at the CIF-SS Cross Country Championships.

The Dolphins placed second in Division 1 behind the champion, Great Oak. Great Oak had runners fi nish second, fourth and

eighth en route to claiming the title. The Dolphins also had three runners

place inside the top-10 at Mt. SAC. Dana Hills was led by senior Mason Coppi, who took fi fth with a time of 15:05. Senior Jake Ogden (15:12) placed seventh and sopho-more Jack Landgraf (15:23) took ninth.

Junior Brandon Hough (15:35) placed 15th, senior Colin Stein (15:58) placed 36th and junior Thomas Wilfert (16:07) placed 44th.

The girls team placed eighth in the Division 1 race. Senior Sienna Serrao led the team with a time of 19:24, good for a 36th-place fi nish. Junior Alyssa White (19:25) took 40th, junior Kathryn Kalorou-makis (19:32) placed 46th, senior Camille Perkins (19:42) took 54th and junior Bella Alston (19:58) placed 66th.

Both the Dolphin programs entered the fi nals after winning their respective heats in the CIF-SS Prelims on Nov. 14.

As the 2015 fall prep sports season comes to an end, we

use statistics and numbers to look back on the standout performances, achieve-ments and seasons put together by Dana Hills High School athletes.

389 Number of saves recorded by boys water polo goalie Riley Zachary this season. Zachary’s 389 saves led all Or-ange County net minders. Zachary, who has now led the county in the category two years in a row, narrowly edged out Fullerton’s Luke Dumlao, who had 385 saves.

73 Score carded by Dana Hills junior golfer Joan Soewondo at the CIF-SS Individual Championships on Nov. 9. Soewondo’s 3-over-par effort at Western Hills Country Club earned her a second

consecutive trip to the WSCGA Southern State Regionals.

1:23:45 Total team time recorded by the triumphant Dana Hills boys cross coun-try team at the 2015 Orange County Cross Country Championships on Oct. 17. The Dolphins ran away the county title in the sweepstakes division by piling four runners

in the top-10 at Irvine Regional Park. Senior Mason Coppi placed second, sophomore Jack Landgraf placed fourth, senior Jake Ogden placed sixth and junior Brandon Hough took 10th.

113 Goals scored this season by senior water polo player Bennett Williams. Williams, who is committed to Stanford, fi nished fi fth in the Orange County scoring title race. Williams also had 47 assists this season, tied for the 14th highest mark in the county.

1,209 Total number of passing yards recorded by Dolphins quarterback Corey Cisowski in 2015. Cisowski, a sophomore, stepped into the starting role for the Dolphins and averaged 120 passing yards per game

15 Blocks recorded by senior middle blocker Emily Likins in a girls volleyball South Coast League victory over Tesoro on Oct. 1.

Dolphin Report By The Numbers


DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

DPDana Point SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP SURF

Lucas Taub, Mike Copeland, Izzy Paskowitz (Surfers Healing co-founder), Kevin Skvarna and Aaron Stewart gather up for a photo during the semis at the Surfing Santa event. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Gavin Day, of San Clemente managed to keep his Santa look intact while competing in the Yule Loggers Open Longboard division. Photo: Andrea Swayne

ith Christmas tunes playing in the background and heat after heat of talented surfers dressed

as Santas or elves battling it out in the lineup, the fifth annual Surfing Santa Com-petition—the surf contest portion of the Ritz-Carlton’s annual fundraising effort to benefit Surfers Healing—went off without a hitch on Nov. 21 at Salt Creek Beach.

The waves were small but consis-tent—in the 2- to 4-foot range—and the costumes, music and knowledge that participation in the event benefits children with autism, put surfers and spectators in

WBY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

the holiday spirit.The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel hosts

the surf contest followed by a surfboard auction—now in its eighth year—to benefit the organization founded by Isreal “Izzy” Paskowitz and his wife Danielle to provide people with autism with a free opportunity to experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of surfing.

Between the surfboard auction—run-ning through Dec. 31 with boards on display in the hotel lobby—and the surf contest—held the Saturday before Thanksgiving—French said the events are expected to raise somewhere in the neighborhood of $30,000, at least match-ing last year’s total.

The auction includes unique surfboards shaped by master shapers, ridden by world-class surfers or designed by ac-claimed artists, musicians and celebrities.

Izzy Paskowitz and his wife Danielle founded Surfers Healing in 1996 after discovering the calming and therapeutic effects surfing had on their son who has autism. Since then the organization has grown to provide free opportunities for autistic kids in 25 locations around the

Surfing Santas Benefit Autism

GROM OF THE WEEK

RYDER FISHyder Fish, 10, moved from Laguna to San Clemente a little over a year ago and loves it.

“Everyone here is so nice and the surf is really good—there are some really good spots,” Ryder said. “It’s great that there’s a skatepark here too and all the people here are really cool and mellow.”

A fourth-grader at Marblehead Elementa-ry, Ryder works hard in an effort to maintain his good grades and to keep progressing.

“I like school, it’s part of life, something you have to do,” he said. “This year I have the best teacher I have ever had though—Mrs. Randle. She was Teacher of the Year

R

Ryder Fish. Photo: Andrea Swayne

The Ritz-Carlton and Surfers Healing fifth annual contest a success

last year and I think she should be Teacher of the Year again.”

Ryder also puts forth his best effort in surfing as well, something he’s been working on—with the support of his family—since

learning six years ago. These days you can find him in a local lineup nearly every day of the week—except for Sundays when he’s either at a competition or at church—and training at DSC.

His goals include earning an invitation into the Surfing America Prime Series, winning a national title and moving on to a professional surfing career, as well as earn-ing a college degree.

Ryder started surfing at Doheny where he would catch wave after wave on a sponge board.

“My dad taught me but I mostly learned for myself and I never got pushed in.” he said. “I also thank my mom for pushing me, taking me surfing all the time, coaching me and just for being a really good mom. I want to give a shout out to my brother Drake, too.

country—Rhode Island to Florida and Hawaii—as well as in Australia and Costa Rica.

“This is a great way to get surfers involved doing what they love while help-ing people with autism,” Paskowitz said. “The partnership with the Ritz-Carlton has helped tremendously during our growth period because we grew so quickly. When you offer something free for autism, our spots book out fast and the Ritz has helped us keep up with demand.”

Paskowitz said Surfers Healing now “sells out” 5,000 spots in about 20 minutes each year.

For more information about Surfers Healing, visit www.surfershealing.org. To view and bid on the Surfboard Auction, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaniguel and click on “Hotel Overview” and then “Hotel Events” or see www.biddingfor-good.com/surfershealing. The official website of the surf contest can be found at www. surfingsantacontest.org. DP

He’s helped me by surfing with me and vid-eoing me so I can see what I’m doing wrong. He’s a really great brother.”

Ryder has been in the competition scene for a little over a year and surfs in the West-ern Surfing Association Championship Tour, as well as the Volcom and Jack’s surf series. At this year’s Stoke-o-Rama, Ryder was the runner-up in the Boys 10U division.

Ryder’s other hobbies include golf, skate-boarding, snowboarding and biking but his favorite, by far, is surfing.

“I love surfing because of the variety,” he said. “There are so many kinds of waves and so many different kinds of surfboards—my favorite is a swallow tail. The best part is that you can do whatever you want on a wave. There’s nothing compared to getting a good one.”—Andrea Swayne

RESULTS

BIG AIR WINNER $1,000: 1. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente. SURFING RUDOLPH PRO/AM MEN 18+: 1. Josh Benjoya, Dana Point; 2. Kevin Schulz, San Clemente; 3. Sam Oro-zco, Dana Point; 4. Kolton Sullivan, Capist-rano Beach. SANTA’S ELVES BOYS 17U: 1. Ben Benson, Indonesia; 2. Danny Kenduck, Dana Point; 3. Gus Day, San Clemente; 4. Callan Emery, Laguna Niguel. CANDY CANE PRO/AM OPEN WOMEN: 1. Malia Ward, San Clemente; 2. Bethany Zelasko, Dana Point; 3. Marii Baker, Capistrano Beach; 4. Brooke Daigneault, Huntington Beach. YULE LOGGERS OPEN LONGBOARD: 1. Gus Day, San Clemente; 2. Kevin Skvarna, San Juan Capistrano; 3. Ricky Fodor, Dana Point; 4. Kyle Perez, Dana Point. SLEIGH RIDER OPEN BODYBOARD: 1. Hayden Stein, La-guna Niguel; 2. Samuel Mehler, Dana Point; 3. Cole Darland, San Juan Capistrano; 4. Joe Grodzen, Dana Point.

november 27, 2015

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