JANUARY 5 -11, 2024 | VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1
L O C A L
N E W S
Y O U
C A N
U S E
Ax-Throwing Coming to Lantern District EYE ON DP / PAGE 5
New California Laws in 2024 EYE ON DP/ PAGE 6
Looking Ahead New Mayor James Federico Talks New Events, Long-Term Development E Y E O N D P / PA G E 3
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Mayor Jamey Federico looks to Dana Point’s long-term future as the city works to update its General Plan in 2024. Photo: Breeana Greenberg
Big Waves Cause Temporary Beach Closures EYE ON DP / PAGE 4
16th Annual
El Torito Closes After 39 Years EYE ON DP/ PAGE 4
Haugh Again Sets DHHS Hoops Scoring Record SPORTS / PAGE 13
THE RESULTS ARE IN! See who won February 16, 2024
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Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
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EYE ON DP
Looking Ahead: Mayor Jamey Federico Talks General Plan Update, New Events in 2024 BY BREEANA GREENBERG
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rowing up in Buffalo, New York, Jamey Federico recalls spending the summer as a kid in a rental on Beach Road in Dana Point. Looking back on his first trip to Dana Point, Jamey remembers “fond memories of being buried in the sand” and going in the ocean for the first time. At the time, aside from being a beach town, “Dana Point was kind of a passthrough town,” Federico said. “Changing PCH and Del Prado and not having those as one-ways anymore really changed the nature of the town and made it less of a pass-through,” Federico said. The Federicos moved to Dana Point in 2013, as Alexis Federico was preparing to attend Law School at UC Irvine. The couple met as Marines, deployed together in Afghanistan – where, Alexis noted, she saw “what an amazing guy he was” while working together. “When you’re on deployment, there’s no facades,” Alexis said. “You are in the most stressful, challenging environments, and you’re not courting or doing any of that. So, when we got home, I was kind of like, ‘You know, I really like him,’ and I was stationed in a different squadron at that point, so we started dating.” When Alexis left the Marines in 2013, Jamey was stationed at Camp Pendleton, so the couple settled in Dana Point – right in between Irvine and the Navy base. Four years later, Federico retired from the Marines, planting deeper roots in Dana Point. “I retired from the Marines in large part because we didn’t want to leave here,” Jamey said. “I would have had to go work in the Pentagon in D.C. if I’d stayed in, and we just didn’t want to leave.” “It’s the first place in my adult life that I’ve called home since college, and we just love it,” Jamey said. “In part, that’s why when I retired from the Marines, I decided to get involved in the community and run for City Council.” After Jamey retired from the Marines, he missed public service. After moving often and not getting to know their neighbors, the Federicos “really wanted to get to know our neighbors and our community. What better way than to go out and meet them and ask them to vote for you?” “It’s super rewarding to be involved …
to help make a difference in your community,” Jamey continued. “It’s the same reason Alexis is involved in a number of nonprofits. We just like making a difference.” The Dana Point City Council appointed Jamey as mayor during its last meeting of 2023. This year will be Jamey’s second term as mayor, after serving in the role in 2021. Jamey noted that he “never really got to know the town itself until we moved here.” “One of the reasons I wanted to run for council was to get to know people,” Jamey said. “But then, all of the positive changes that really created these little, sub-neighborhood destinations – the Town Center, the harbor is its own sort of thing, Doheny Village. We really understand the fabric of the community and the vision that people had, which is why that General Plan is so important and what we do for the next 20 years.” As the city looks toward the next phase in updating its General Plan, Jamey noted that the city is focused on planning well into the future. “We’re in a great position that we don’t have a lot of really challenging issues,” Jamey said. “Our priorities are always finances and making sure that we have a fiscally sound budget, which we do and will for next year. And then, managing the evolution of the city as new buildings and new businesses open and new people move to town.” The city launched efforts to update its General Plan, which has not been updated in more than 30 years, in early 2023. The General Plan serves as a long-term planning document based on residents’ visions and policy priorities to guide the future of the city. To aid in the effort, the city formed a General Plan Advisory Committee in November, 2023. “We have a General Plan advisory committee that consists of a really broad, diverse group of citizens, residents and business owners that are going to be providing input, and that’s going to be really exciting,” Jamey said. Jamey, who became a father in 2023, noted that looking toward Dana Point’s long-term future through the eyes of a new father has been beneficial as the city works to update its General Plan. “It gives you a whole new perspective,” Jamey said. “I always wanted to do what’s right for the city, but now I look
(From left) Mayor Jamey Federico says looking at Dana Point’s long-term future as a new father has helped to shape his perspective on City Council. Jamey and Alexis Federico became parents in 2023. Photo: Breeana Greenberg
at it through the lens of how are these decisions going to affect my daughter in 20 or 30 years when she’s looking to buy a house for the first time or looking for a place to live?” “It is coincidentally a great lens to look through when you’re doing a 20year plan for a city and you’ve got a new resident who’s 9 months old; what is the city going to look like for her when she’s an adult?” Jamey continued. In 2024, the city is planning several big infrastructure projects, though Jamey notes construction on these projects may not begin in 2024. “The power lines on Stonehill, between Golden Lantern and Del Obispo, are going to go underground,” Jamey said. “The intersection of Coast Highway and Doheny Park Road is going to be rebuilt, redesigned. Harbor construction is going to start in 2024.” The biggest impact residents will see in the new year, Federico said, will be the beginning of construction in the harbor. “While everyone knows, I think by this point, that that’s supervised by the county, and it’s certainly not the city’s project, there will be impacts to traffic, parking in the harbor, which will impact the rest of our town,” Jamey said. “We’ll do our best here at City Hall to help manage and mitigate the impacts of that.” Touching on Dana Point Harbor Partners’ plan to extend Golden Lantern when they build the harbor parking structure, Jamey noted construction will impact the intersection of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. “We need to figure out how to help manage that, moving traffic through there,” Jamey said. “It’s going to be a challenge for a while.” Another infrastructure project that Jamey noted he is excited about is the planned restriping of Pacific Coast
Highway between Doheny Park Road and Palisades. “As you continue towards San Clemente, it goes down to one lane in each direction with really wide bike lanes and pedestrian paths,” Jamey said. “The section in Dana Point … will be reconfigured this year to one lane in either direction, which will allow for a big, beautiful bike lane and pedestrian access that connects with the bike lane that goes all the way to San Clemente.” “We’re going to make that a much more pedestrian-friendly area,” Jamey continued. “The restriping will calm traffic a bit, allow for more parking.” In 2023, former Mayor Mike Frost looked to improve the city’s customer service with residents and small businesses, with the city working to overhaul its codes. Jamey emphasized his interest in continuing this effort in 2024. “We’re going to continue to put a lot of energy into how we operate here at City Hall with a goal of making things easier to get done,” Jamey said. “This year, in 2023, the city staff did a lot of work on customer service and the people side of running a City Hall, and next year, we’re going to put a lot of energy and resources into the process side.” In the hopes of engaging more residents in facilitating arts and cultural events in the city, Dana Point City Council dissolved its Arts and Culture Commission and formed a new Arts and Culture Ambassadors program in 2023. “It’s been a huge success,” Jamey said. “Turning the Arts and Culture Commission into a more broad group of ambassadors who are able to take and run with ideas has been really successful.” Jamey added that the city plans to bring back the art and history trolley tour, which launched during Arts and Humanities Month. (Mayor Cont. on page 8)
Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
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Local Beaches, Pier Weather High Surf Conditions BY BREEANA GREENBERG
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s the California Coast was pummeled with high surf through the last weekend in 2023, local beaches saw parking lot and pier closures as the heavy waves dumped sand and debris on the asphalt. The National Weather Service issued high surf warnings through New Year’s Day as a storm brought wind gusts, rains and large waves. Lifelong Capistrano Beach resident Daniel McCanne said the surf conditions over the weekend were “double overhead,” meaning twice the size of the surfers out in the water. “A lot of places were too big to be rideable, so it turned a lot of us longtime surfers into spectators,” McCanne said. Though McCanne did not see a lot of broken boards over the weekend, he said “maybe some broken dreams.” “I got pretty annihilated out here the one day I did surf, and it was fun,” McCanne said. “The fun factor is back and the survival factor – it was pretty gnarly for those few days.” McCanne added that it’s been well over a decade since parts of South Orange County have seen waves so big. The high surf prompted the closure of the Capistrano Beach parking lot on Saturday morning as strong waves pushed
barriers and deposited sand across the lot. OC Parks Public Information Officer Danielle Kennedy explained that the closure “was due to high surf and coastal flooding, which moved some of the concrete barriers in the parking lot and made the beach inaccessible.” “Crews are actively working to clear debris in the parking lot and place barriers in their original location to reopen the parking lot as soon as possible,” Kennedy said in an email. McCanne noted he was “thrilled that they cleaned it up.” “I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you to the gentlemen that were working hard today,” McCanne said. “We love our coastline, and we appreciate them working as hard as they have been to salvage what they can and keep it open for us, because we love our beaches.” The south end of Doheny State Beach was also closed beginning on Saturday because of the high tide and surf bringing sea water into the parking lot, according to California State Parks Public Safety Superintendent Bryan Etnyre. “Efforts are currently underway to clean up the parking lot, and we anticipate full reopening tomorrow morning,” Etnyre said in an email. “Beach access was not closed, and pedestrians and cyclists were permit-
Capistrano Beach parking lot remains closed on Tuesday, Jan. 2 after high surf and strong waves pushed barriers and deposited sand across the lot. Photo: Breeana Greenberg
ted to transit through the closed parking lot. Only vehicle access was restricted since Saturday due to flooding.” In San Clemente, officials closed a stretch of the pier walkway from Fishermen’s Restaurant beginning on Saturday, Dec. 30. The weather also halted the sand replacement project currently underway in San Clemente for the time being. According to a statement from San Clemente Engineering staff, “Because of the high surf, we had a broken timber pile that was removed and also lost two bracings.” “The closure was due to high surf; when it is over 12 feet, the pier is closed as a precautionary safety measure,” San Clemente Engineering staff said in an email.
The high surf came ahead of the King Tides that are expected to occur on Jan. 11 and 12, bringing extreme high and low tides to California’s coast. The upcoming King Tides will coincide with the Perigean Spring tides, where the new moon is closest to Earth, bringing extreme high and low tides. These King Tides are expected to bring waves 1-3 feet higher than average, according to the Ocean Institute. South Orange County remained under a beach hazards advisory from Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 3, through Thursday evening, Jan. 4. According to the National Weather Service, elevated surf of 4 to 6 feet with strong rip currents was expected through Thursday.
Dana Point Harbor El Torito Shutters Doors After 39 Years BY BREEANA GREENBERG
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hroughout the gray and misty morning on Wednesday, Jan. 3, movers could be seen packing up a U-Haul with furniture from the Dana Point El Torito location. After serving visitors and locals in the Dana Point Harbor for nearly 40 years, El Torito shut its doors at the close of 2023. The restaurant first opened in the harbor in 1985. Locals had one last chance to stop by for tacos at the El Torito location on Sunday, Dec. 31 – the last day of operation. In an email statement, Randy Sharpe, the president and CEO of Xperience Restaurant Group, which owns El Torito among other restaurants, noted that “the harbor’s redevelopment led to the absence of a lease renewal.” Construction on the long-awaited
Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
landside of the harbor revitalization is set to begin in January, as the Dana Point Harbor Partners look to build a parking structure and extend Golden Lantern Street. The parking structure is expected to be completed in 12 months following commencement of construction. “Consequently, the decision was straightforward. In anticipation, we informed our employees and extended employment opportunities at any of our other El Torito restaurants within the vicinity,” Sharpe said. “We warmly welcome our guests to visit our other locations in Anaheim, Tustin, Cypress, and throughout Southern California.” A representative from the Dana Point Harbor Partners was not available to comment ahead of press time.
Movers packed up a U-Haul full of the El Torito’s furniture on Wednesday, Jan. 3, after the Dana Point location closed on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 Photo: Breeana Greenberg
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Entertainment Bar, Ax-Throwing Coming to Town Center
Dana Point resident Bret Johnson is looking to bring an entertainment venue to the Lantern District with the introduction of The Prado Club. Photo: Breeana Greenberg
BY BREEANA GREENBERG
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fter watching the Town Center Plan gain approval and seeing the area develop over the years, resident Bret Johnson felt that the one thing the Lantern District is missing is entertainment venues. Johnson is looking to fill that void as he looks to bring a new sports bar, multisport simulator and entertainment venue on Del Prado Avenue. “Our goal is to provide activities, because I’ve lived here 16 years now, and that was always the biggest thing,” Johnson said. “There’s not much to do; plenty to eat and drink, especially now that we got the downtown up and running. So, we felt that the best thing that we could bring to town was some fun activities.” Seeing the city develop since the Town Center Plan was approved, Johnson noted, “It’s almost gotten there, but it took a lot longer. Obviously, we had some delays with COVID and even before that.” “But the idea is, we just need to really bring something to the community,” Johnson said. “That’s the one thing that I’ve noticed–every one of my friends and everyone else that lives here that I’ve been talking to–there’s just not enough to do, and there’s no real anchor point yet.” The Lantern District is getting there, though, Johnson said, adding that he believes his entertainment venue will be just what the area needs. “If you’re going to go out and do something fun with your friends or family, you’re usually traveling to neighboring cities, or going into Laguna or San Clemente or going further into Newport Beach,” he said. “So we wanted to bring that here.” Originally, Johnson and his partners in the venture looked to create an ax-throwing bar, dubbed SAXY. The name on the sign in front of the blue building on the corner of Del Prado Avenue and the Street of the Amber Lantern will change, as Johnson said the owners are looking to broaden the concept for the space. “The name out there, SAXY, was an original concept we had, but we’re changing it to The Prado Club,” Johnson said. “Next door, we’re going to have the new Prado Apartments, so we’re kind of tying everything together and bringing the community together between that building and here.” While the club will still host ax-throwing, Johnson explained that the concept is evolving. “That was the idea; there was nothing in South County, nothing along the beach in this area. There is (an ax-throwing bar) Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
in, like, Lake Forest … but I just didn’t feel like it was the full representation of what it could be,” Johnson said. “I think that was the one thing that people realized, sparking from COVID, was being stuck indoors, you’re just craving to do things,” Johnson continued. “So, when we finally got the opportunity to go out and do things again, the success and popularity of gaming … people are gravitating towards that.” Johnson added that he and his partners decided to pursue the general entertainment route in the Lantern District, because the area “is underserviced.” “I always want things to walk to,” he said. “So, we were like, what can we put in here that is walkable, that would service all the people going to the bars and restaurants and stuff that are in town?” “That’s where the idea for an arcade originally was, but then it’s evolved into this kind of mixed, family and adult kind of fun,” Johnson continued. The large dining and sports bar area will have 20-foot screens and an area for live entertainment, Johnson said. The dining area will also have a robotic bar. “We’re going to have traditional bartenders and bar service, but to support them, we’ll also have a robotic bar,” Johnson said. “So, literally, (it has) robotic arms; it grabs the glass and goes up to the ceiling where there’s hanging bottles and makes a perfect drink, shakes it and then pours it into a glass and then serves it out.” “The nice thing is, if you’re sitting at one of our tables or anywhere in the venue, you can go on the app and just press a drink, and it’ll instantly start getting made,” Johnson continued. “So if the bar is backed up or anything, it’s additional support to be able to get things out.” Johnson noted that the club is not trying to be a restaurant, but it will serve “elevated bar food,” “We want to have the traditional things when you go to a sports bar,” Johnson said. “So we’re going to have wings, but we’re looking at organic, pasture-raised wings and organic sauces. So it’s the same thing you’re going to get, but it’ll be airfried and cooked in a different way, but healthier.” In addition to wings, Johnson noted that the club is looking to serve tacos, burritos, breakfast burritos and more. Opposite the dining area, the building will host golf simulator suites. “They’re multisport as well, so you’ll be able to play basketball, football, hockey, soccer, even shooting games,” Johnson said. “The rooms are going to be multi-
functional, so you can rent them out for a private party; you can watch a game with your friends and rent them out that way; you can do karaoke in them, a million different things.” “It’s not just for virtual golf; we wanted it to be very flexible,” Johnson continued. Besides the sport simulator suites, The Prado Club will have three ax-throwing lanes. “We’re probably going to do a blend here of axes and dart lanes as well,” Johnson said. The ax-throwing and dart lanes will use augmented reality to project different targets, making the games more interactive, Johnson explained. “You still throw a physical ax and physical darts, but the dart board and the ax targets are completely white, so they still act as a normal target, but the projector projects onto it,” Johnson said. “There’s a sensor built in, so it knows where you hit it. So, it’ll like explode or count the points for you–all those things.” On the second level, the existing mezzanine will be extended for extra seating to watch entertainment below or as a space for events. “We’re thinking for, like, corporate events, people that want to do team-building, they could come rent out the space and do their speech on the stage and then have a bunch of group activities, things like that,” Johnson said. The mezzanine will also host pool tables that can convert into dining tables, Johnson said, as well as additional multisport golf simulators. “So, the idea is, people can come and rent a multispace, so if you have a party for friends, you can play games in there, play pool or use it for food and beverage,” Johnson said. Johnson noted the partners are still exploring a membership plan for the club. “We hope it’s so successful that it will be booked out and advanced, but that’s why we wanted to do that membership thing for the locals, because if it is booked out, we want to be able to give some sort of incentive for the locals to Page 5
jump in line first,” Johnson said. All of the partners are local Dana Point business owners, Johnson said. The concept for an entertainment spot in the Lantern District has been in the works for a little over a year now, Johnson said. The dream, Johnson said, is to open the club by early summer 2024.
COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, JAN. 6
Challenging Cancer 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences. The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system, and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org. TUESDAY, JAN. 9
Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, substance misuse, disrespect), conducts its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference and in person/Zoom the first Tuesday of each month at the Outlets at San Clemente’s Conference Room. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@ gmail.com. danapointtimes.com
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New Laws in 2024 Run the Gamut for Quality of Life, Safety BY C. JAYDEN SMITH
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ith the beginning of the new year come new laws, addressing a multitude of issues with the intention of making Californians safer and increasing quality of life. A press release from the office of Gov. Gavin Newsom highlighted laws concerning affordable housing, mental health, public safety, reproductive rights, voter access, and more, which all went into effect on Jan. 1. The state has committed to making available more affordable housing through legislation that quickens the process of securing necessary permits. SB 4 allows independent higher education or religious institutions to develop housing on property they own, via a “by right” authority that prohibits intervention from local governments. Additionally, SB 423 expands existing law by mandating local governments failing to meet state housing planning goals to streamline affordable housing projects. “This will increase affordable housing throughout the state in uncooperative
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New San Clemente Mayor Victor Cabral Seeks Progress on Coastal Erosion BY C. JAYDEN SMITH
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fter 35 years of various senior-level management positions, Victor Cabral wanted to give back to what he called an “extraordinary city with a great future” by serving on the San Clemente City Council, and he used the encouragement of others to run for office. Now over a year after his election, and weeks after being appointed to the city’s mayoral position for 2024, Cabral looks to build on what he called a “successful” 2023 when the council returns on Jan. 16. Chiefly, the new mayor felt the council accomplished the most relating to public safety and San Clemente’s eroding shorelines. North Beach went from a place that many residents complained about to the council to an area that has received more positive feedback in recent months, according to Cabral. Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
cities,” the release read. Prop 1, which will be up for a vote on the Presidential Primary ballot in March, will include two reforms: an altered Mental Health Service Act through SB 326 that seeks more efficient spending and more public accountability, and AB 531, which would issue $6.38 billion in bonds to fund 11,150 new behavioral health beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots. SB 14 heightens the penalty for human trafficking of minors by making the act for purposes of commercial sex a serious felony. AB 352 seeks to further protect the privacy of people traveling to California seeking abortion and gender-affirming care. The bill requires companies that manage electronic health records to protect all Californians’ and visitors’ electronic medical records related to those medical procedures, as well as other sensitive matters such as pregnancy loss. Additionally, California cannot enforce other states’ laws that criminalize or limit such procedures due to SB 345. AB 545 allows voters with a disability to participate in curb-site voting by completing a regular ballot outside of any polling place.The law also removes the requirement for a voter to declare under oath that they are unable to mark their ballot in order to receive assistance doing so. Other laws that went into effect on Jan. 1 include SBX1-2 and SB 616. The former grants the California Energy Commission authority to combat price gouging and to
penalize refineries, also creating an independent organization that can investigate price manipulation. SB 616 increases the number of sick days for workers from three to five. Elsewhere in new legislation for 2024, SB 700 clarifies AB 2188 by preventing California employers from discriminating against employees based on their use of marijuana away from the workplace. “These measures build on the important strides our state has made toward this goal, but much work remains to build an equitable, safe and sustainable legal cannabis industry,” Newsom said in 2022 of AB 2188 and other laws that expanded the legal market and sought to reduce marijuana prohibition. “I look forward to partnering with the Legislature and policymakers to fully realize cannabis legalization in communities across California,” he added. The state became the first to offer health insurance for all undocumented immigrants, regardless of age, by allowing all to qualify for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal is California’s program that provides health care to people with low incomes. The move, authorized by a May 2023 budget deal between Newsom and the State Legislature, brings roughly 700,000 people between the ages of 26 and 49 onto the list of eligible participants, according to State Sen. María Elena Durazo. AB 436 prohibits the state and municipalities from banning lowriders and enforcing anti-cruising ordinances.
“We were able to address a lot of the issues of people drinking and smoking and loitering on the beach with no useful purpose,” he said.“We were able to transition that into a beach that’s useful to the community and (to) families, where people feel safe and secure.” Following City Manager Andy Hall’s presentation of his North Beach Placemaking Plan, which placed an emphasis on increasing public safety among other recommendations, the council traversed a winding path to bringing uniformed personnel to North Beach and San Clemente’s downtown area. In May, the council authorized over $1.2 million in spending to have four deputies monitor a new patrol area comprising North Beach and the “T-Zone.” The next month, after Cabral and Councilmember Steve Knoblock interviewed various private security firms as part of a subcommittee, the council approved a six-month contract worth over $300,000 with Allied Universal Security Solutions. Those efforts, combined with the work of the city’s two Community Outreach Workers, made a significant amount of progress in Cabral’s view. “People forget that we also do a lot of work to move people into permanent supportive housing, to give them counseling, to
give transportation,” he said.“It’s a comprehensive program that our city engaged in to address that, and I think it worked.” Speaking to the events that brought more Police Services and private security personnel to San Clemente, Cabral prefaced his thoughts by saying he felt Police Services, which are “primarily responsible” for public safety in the city, have many Victor Cabral is sworn in after his election to the San Clemente City Council in Decemresponsibilities. Most ber 2022. Photo: C. Jayden Smith of those responsisecurity can observe more, (and) they can bilities concern real spend more time at the various locations threats to people’s safety, he said, which that are hotspots in the city.” doesn’t leave deputies with the time to As the city continues its attempts to esaddress the less dangerous issues that tablish a more comprehensive Park Ranger emerged at North Beach and the southern program that gives department personnel part of town more recently. citation authority, the private security “(With) those kinds of issues, you can’t would be able to address the city’s shortafford to have law enforcement observing term needs, the mayor added. (them) all the time, and we thought we “One of our objectives this year, (or) at would supplement the police efforts with private security,” Cabral explained.“That (New Cont. on page 7) was my thought, because your private Page 6
With the enactment of AB 701, fentanyl joined the list of controlled substances such as cocaine and heroin for which sentences for kilo-level traffickers are much harsher than other substances. The law automatically adds three years to any sentence in which a person is found to distribute or sell more than one kilogram of fentanyl. “We could not continue with a lenient approach while the poison kills 6,000 Californians annually,” Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua said of the fight to rein in fentanyl. “We could not continue wishing this problem away – we had to take action. By signing AB 701 into law, we responded with conviction to the cries of families across this state who have lost loved ones to this epidemic.” Additional new legislation relating to housing includes SB 684, which streamlines the approval process for homes in infill developments of 10 homes or less or in multifamily zones. AB 1287 amends State Density Bonus Law to be more favorable to developers by doubling the allowable density increase on eligible sites in which the maximum amount of affordable housing has been allocated. SB 272 requires coastal cities to plan for future sea-level rise through conducting vulnerability assessments and determining adaptation strategies and recommended projects.
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Casa Romantica Leadership Reflects on Final Half of 2023 BY C. JAYDEN SMITH
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hile turning the page to 2024, the three words that Jacqui Groseth, an executive at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, used to describe the final half of 2023 were “resilient, grateful and hopeful.” Groseth, Co-Executive Director of resource development and administration, was promoted to her new role in July shortly after the departure of former Executive Director Amy Behrens. Along with Co-Executive Director of operations and programming Kylie Travis, Casa Romantica’s top brass found themselves in a challenging situation as they sought to help the cultural center rebound from two damaging landslides. “We love it,” Groseth said of the new leadership model, one she said the organization arrived at out of necessity.“We actually think that this is a really apt model.” Their previous experience at Casa Romantica, combined with a shared office that allows the two to make decisions quickly when needed, has helped to propel everyone forward and keep the historic landmark open. “We had to be nimble (with our cultural programming) and do some shifting, because, obviously, our gardens aren’t all available and our Main Salon is still not
(New Cont. from page 6) least one of mine is, developing that (Park Ranger) program,” Cabral continued.“We did hire a senior ranger official, (and) we want to make that a substitute for our private security so that way, we have more control. We want to enhance their security and training and give them citation authority so they can be more accountable to the city.” Regarding the city’s beaches, Cabral referenced the move to contract with Leslea Meyerhoff of Summit Environmental Group for three years. With Meyerhoff on board, the city had someone fully dedicated to protecting the beaches and someone who would be accountable for the beaches’ conditions going forward. “We had, I think, five different people (who were) department heads that each had a little piece of the beach …” said Cabral.“Everybody had a little piece of it, but nobody truly had a responsibility for restoring our beaches.” Calling Meyerhoff a “world-class leader” in beach restoration efforts, Cabral added that Meyerhoff is doing everything possible to address the issues facing the city’s coastline. Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
The Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens’ leadership is looking forward to the new year, and hopefully one without the tumult of 2023. Photo: C. Jayden Smith
open,” said Groseth. Regardless, the site continued to open new exhibits and bring people in, especially through extended hours. “People are finding that there’s still so much to enjoy here, even with the limited access that we have at the moment,” Groseth continued. She also expressed gratitude to the City of San Clemente, Casa Romantica’s landlord, for being a helpful partner that’s doing “everything they can” to stabilize the bluffs on the back hillside. Construction equipment remains situated in part of the site’s parking lot as work continues. The people of San Clemente provided hope to Casa Romantica by overwhelmingly contributing to the organization’s endof-year fundraising campaign that sought to raise $75,000. Instead, Casa Romantica
raised over $94,000. “We rely on the generosity of donors and visitors and program attendees to … take care of the home, to pay our employees, to provide the programs and the visual arts and all the various things that we do,” said Groseth. The support from the community was “humbling and encouraging,” she added, and organization personnel have a positive outlook on the year to come. Despite working in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years, Groseth said she has been continually astonished by the level of care Casa Romantica has received from San Clemente residents and beyond. “You wouldn’t wish a landslide on anybody, but there’s something so encouraging about seeing people rally to make sure that they love this space,” she said.“(Our
Other people that the council will continue to work with in 2024 include Hall and City Attorney Elizabeth Mitchell, both of whom joined the city early last year. Cabral said both have been extraordinary, saying that Hall has made the city’s transition to a new manager easy with his ability to work well with others. “He has a lot of experience in being the city manager, and as a result of his experience, he has given me insight into a number of options and approaches to take that I would have never thought of by myself,” said Cabral.“He has really been a guiding force for me and, I think, other members of the City Council in addressing issues and attacking them in new ways that I never knew of or thought possible.” The new mayor also praised Mitchell for her sound advice and work to reduce the city’s legal costs, a factor that has been too high in recent years, according to Cabral. The year 2024 will be another significant one regarding the city’s beach situation, as Cabral pointed to the ongoing first phase of the San Clemente Shoreline Project that is anticipated to conclude by the end of January or early February. While bringing sand onto the beach is a monumental achievement, Cabral men-
tioned the need to look ahead to future phases in which the city will be required to contribute more money. By the time 2030 approaches in time for Phase II, San Clemente must contribute $10 million, funding the city currently doesn’t have available. Cabral said one of his priorities for this year will be determining funding options. “It’ll take several years to get something in place,” he said.“It could be a (return to the) Clean Ocean fees or similar efforts, which is a parcel-by-parcel (piece) of property taxes; it could be an increase in the (Transient Occupancy Tax).” Regardless, Cabral emphasized a need for the city to urgently establish a method to pay for future sand replenishment. He also mentioned Meyerhoff’s work with Orange County officials to secure a regional Sand Compatibility and Opportunistic Use Program (SCOUP) permit from the state’s Division of Boating and Waterways. Such a permit would allow the city to take advantage of available sand and bring it to the city’s coastline, as there are miles of beaches that will be unaddressed by the Shoreline Project. Other issues Cabral said he thinks will surface this year include the proposed battery storage facility east of the Talega Page 7
community) values a historic home and values culture, so seeing people show that in appreciation and in the way they are donating to make sure that we remained open and stable has been incredibly encouraging.” Looking ahead, Groseth mentioned three upcoming exhibits she’s excited to see open. From Jan. 12 through April 7, “Madeline’s Treasures: Selections from the James Irvine Swinden Family Collection” will be showcased at Casa Romantica. Starting on April 18, the work of Argentinian mixed media artist Carlos Grasso will be on display, followed by an exhibit from June 28-Sept. 8 that features oil-painting artist Kenton Nelson. “What’s interesting about (this is,) all of these artists that will be displayed are all living artists,” Groseth said of the Madeleine’s Treasures display.“Some of them will be on site, coming for a special opening.” She also made sure to mention that Casa Romantica is, in fact, open despite misinformation she’s heard floating around. “We’re going to have extended hours again in January, (and) it’s a beautiful time to come and just stroll the property and look at the ocean and see the sunset, which you can do from our West Terrace,” Groseth said.“We want to make sure people know we’re here and we’re open, and we would love to have them.” More information about Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Garden’s hours and upcoming events can be found at casaromantica.org.
and the city’s efforts to reformat its own website. “It (was) one of my biggest complaints when I came on the City Council, was you couldn’t find things quickly,” he said.“We’re trying, and we want to be the best that we can be in giving our residents access to information quickly and timely, on a website that’s workable and functional.” In terms of how Cabral will approach his role as mayor, he said the mayor’s ability to set the council agenda puts the position above simply “ceremonial-only.” “There is a little bit more authority, and I think you also have the bully pulpit that allows you to speak to issues,” said Cabral.“It’s not a big one, (but) it still gives you a voice to prioritize issues in the public domain, which in turn affects what the City Council will want to do.” He said being the mayor was an opportunity to prioritize and resolve issues that he feels are important to San Clemente. “We have one of the greatest cities in California, if not the country, and to be the mayor of this city is a true honor,” Cabral said.
danapointtimes.com
EYE ON DP
King Tides to Offer Unique Opportunity to Explore Intertidal Habitats
(Mayor Cont. from page 3) “They’ve already got some exciting plans for next year,” Jamey said. “There’s going to be a ‘Shakesbeer in the Park’ series this summer. They’ve got an art tour map that’s getting ready to go into production, so residents and visitors can take the map and go see all the cool different things there are to see around, and I think we’re definitely going to bring the trolley tour back next year.” “Shakesbeer in the Park,” an outdoor event combining Shakespeare plays and the availability of popular beverages for attendees, Jamey said, will be a “fun way to do something cultural and show off our parks this summer.” The ambassadors are also looking to launch a Junior Ambassadors Program in the new year, Jamey added. Looking ahead to new and returning events in the new year, Jamey noted that the skateboarding event in Doheny Village, launched in 2023, will be coming back as Ramps and Amps in 2024. “It was a great opportunity to have a really positive event over in Capo Beach,” Jamey said. “A lot of people who might not otherwise go down to that neighborhood got a chance to see how cool it is over there and how cool it can be and just a lot of fun to highlight our
BY BREEANA GREENBERG
A
s King Tides are expected to return on Jan. 11 and 12 and bring extreme high and low tides, the Ocean Institute is bringing back its King Tides Tide Pool Hikes. Led by Ocean Institute guides, participants will explore exposed intertidal habitats during the King Tides on a moderately difficult, 1-1½ -mile round trip hike. The upcoming King Tides will coincide with the Perigean Spring tides, where the new moon is closest to Earth, bringing extreme high and low tides. These King Tides are expected to bring waves 1-3 feet higher than average, the Ocean Institute said in a media release. The extreme low tides will expose tide pool creatures, offering tide pool enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to explore their intertidal habitat, the Ocean Institute said. Participants will have the opportunity to search the rocky Marine Conservation
The extreme low tides brought on by the expected King Tides on Jan. 11 and 12 will expose tide pool creatures, offering tide pool enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to explore their intertidal habitat during the Ocean Institute’s hikes. Photo: Courtesy of the Ocean Institute
Area behind the Ocean Institute campus for snails, crabs, sea stars and other marine creatures that call the tide pools their home. The Ocean Institute advises that participants wear closed-toed, closed-heeled sturdy shoes and be prepared for rocky, uneven and slick terrain throughout the hike. Tickets are $15 for children and adults over the age of 3, and free for toddlers 2 and younger. Tide pool hikes will run from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, and from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12.
skate culture, which is tied so closely to the surf culture.” The year 2024 will also see the return of the Palm Tree Festival and Ohana Festival, Jamey said. The city will also launch a vinyl record swap meet at the community center in the fall of 2024, he noted. “Our parks and rec department really do a phenomenal job,” Jamey said. “They work really hard to try to put on events that are world-class, well-run, well-planned, well-executed and fun and enough different events that there’s something that everybody can enjoy. So, we’re excited to have a full calendar of events again next year.” Jamey added that Dana Point looks to bring organic, authentic events that speak to the city’s culture. “We want to make sure that we are always adding a hint of our culture – Dana Point’s a surf town – to whatever events come here, and that we maintain that authenticity,” Jamey said. “Over time, we’ll be able to bring more events here that people can enjoy, and I think the art ambassadors really did a great job with the idea of ‘Shakesbeer in the Park,’ ” Jamey continued. “Bring Shakespeare, but make it fun. I think that really sort of embodies what Dana Point’s all about.”
In the New Year
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SOAPBOX
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GUEST OPINION | City of Dana Point Whale Tales by Bernie Villanueva-Grzecka
DP Nature Interpretive Center Offers Whale Walk & Talks
HOW TO REACH US PUBLISHER Steve Strickbine DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Nadine Johnson • 480.898.5645 nadine@timeslocalmedia.com
BY BERNIE VILLANUEVA-GRZECKA DANA POINT NATURAL RESOURCES PROTECTION OFFICER
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TIMES MEDIA GROUP EDITORIAL Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinki City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg
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Dana Point Times, Vol. 16 Issue 31. 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 2023. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
f you have not had a chance to explore the wild side of Dana Point’s Nature Interpretive Center, make this the year. The city is planning numerous educational Walk & Talks beginning in January with a Whale Walk & Talk focused on the gray whale migration. In previous years, the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center offered monthly themed Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area walks to the public, led by our docents. As we reinvigorate our public programs, we are bringing back one of our favored walks, the Whale Walk & Talk. The series kicks off on January 13 and continues on the second Saturdays of the month through May 11 during the gray whale migration. The Whale Walk & Talk is the most opportune time to spot gray whales passing by the Headlands on their way to and from the Aleutian Islands and Mexico. Each talk will focus on what types of marine mammals we see, how to identify them, where and when to look for them, and how to responsibly view marine life. Our knowledgeable and enthused docents have years of experience monitoring marine mammal behavior and activity from the Headlands during our weekly Marine Mammal Census surveys, and several of them are also certified American Cetacean Society Naturalists. One of our docents even reached a whale watching record by spotting 30 whales in one day right from the Headlands. These walks are a great way to get outside, learn more about these majestic creatures, and have the chance to spot one from shore. Anyone can borrow a pair of binoculars from the Nature
Center during visiting hours and keep an eye out on the water during a walk around the Headlands. Our visitors can always spot seals and sea lions out on the buoy, and you never know when you might see a whale spout or the splashes of a huge dolphin pod. All walks start at 9 a.m. from the Nature Interpretive Center, located at 34558 Scenic Drive and last for approximately 1½ to 2 hours. To participate, call 949.248.3527 or send an email to dpnaturalresources@danapoint.org. We’ll be adding more walks with different themes as the year goes on. Some topics may include the flora, fauna and animal species found in the headlands; endangered species that call the headlands home and information on the Endangered Species Act and the role it plays in protecting these sensitive habitats; and a history walk on how the
land and coastline we call Dana Point came to be. But that is not all, as the Center is a valuable resource for residents and visitors to learn about our local ecosystem and endangered species that are within the Dana Point Headlands, as the Conservation Area contains over 150 species of native coastal Southern California plants and animals. To make all of this happen, the city relies on a fantastic team of volunteers. If you want to be part of the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center educational programs, contact dpnaturalresources@ danapoint.org. Bernie Villanueva-Grzecka is the City of Dana Point’s Natural Resources Protection Officer. She has served in the role since May 2017. DP
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Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
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GETTING OUT
San Clemente. 949.496.8400. vetcarepetclinic.com.
Editor’s Pick
LIVE MUSIC AT BEACHFIRE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular Downtown San Clemente restaurant. ’80s dance party artist Class of the ’80s will perform. BeachFire Bar and Grill, 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.366.3232. beachfire.com.
The List What’s going on in and around town this week DANA POINT TIMES
FRIDAY | JAN. 5 FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com. YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE NOBLE PATH FOUNDATION 4:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation hosts events multiple times a week to get youth and young adults out and about and participating in safe, productive activities. There will be an improv lesson from 4:30-5:30 p.m., and TGIF Night starting at 6 p.m.—the theme being video games on numerous consoles. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.234.7259. thenoblepathfoundation.org. LINE DANCING FRIDAYS 10-11 a.m. Join Age Well Senior Services for line dancing every Friday at San Clemente’s senior center. No partner required. For a $5 donation, learn some easy and fun line dances to get you moving. Carrie Wojo teaches all over South Orange County and makes it easy to stay active and have fun. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. 949.498.3322. LIVE MUSIC AT BEACHFIRE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular Downtown San Clemente restaurant. Sticks & Stones will perform. BeachFire Bar and Grill, 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.366.3232. beachfire.com. CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Queen Nation will perform. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com. Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
SUNDAY | JAN. 7 Photo: Courtesy of Marta Ortigosa/Pexels
SUNDAY | JAN. 7 : STAND UP TO TRASH BEACH CLEANUP: WATERSHEDS 8-11 a.m. Join Stand Up to Trash at Baby Beach and the Ocean Institute for a yoga class and beach cleanup followed by a Lunch and Learn at the Ocean Institute. This month’s theme is Watersheds with Lisa Zawaski from the City of Dana Point as the featured speaker. Ahead of the beach cleanup, attendees can join in for a free yoga class on the grass at Baby Beach led by Julie Skoglund. Lunch will be provided. Dana Point Harbor, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. standuptotrash.com.
SATURDAY | JAN. 6 DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market, and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps and unique oneof-a-kind gifts. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee, dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles. No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com. GEEKS WHO DRINK TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9 p.m. Left Coast Brewing presents trivia modeled after pub quizzes in Ireland and the United Kingdom, covering everything from Hungary to the Hunger Games. Teams can include up to six people. Winning teams earn bar cash and other prizes. Left Coast Tasting Room, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. eventvesta.com. VILLAGE ART FAIRE 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hosted by the San Clemente Downtown Business Association on the lawn of the San Clemente Library on the first Saturday of each month, the Village Art Faire offers a variety of work, including photography, fine art, jewelry, ceramics,
fused glass, home decor, botanicals, textile art, and more. Visitors can expect to find many of their favorite artists, as well as some new faces. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.218.5378. info@scdba.org. scdba.org. SQUID DISSECTION, TIDE POOL HIKE AND SAIL ON THE ‘SPIRIT OF DANA POINT’ 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For a limited time, people can dive into the hands-on experience of dissecting a squid. An expert guide will lead participants through an exploration of anatomy and adaptations. The dissection begins at 10:30, lasts 30 minutes long and costs $5. At 11 a.m., join the Ocean Institute for a tide pool hike along the rocky Marine Conservation Area led by one of their expert naturalists. The hike is rated moderately difficult at a 1-1½-mile round trip. Attendees should be prepared for rocky, uneven and slick terrain for the entire hike. Admission is $15 for those 3 and older. In the afternoon, set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tallship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines and steer the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tallship. Must be 4 years or older to sail. Tickets are $65.The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org. AFFORDABLE PET VACCINE CLINIC 3:30-5 p.m. Pets Plus offers low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. The low-cost clinic offers vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagnostic testing on-site. Pets Plus, 638 Camino de los Mares,
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SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers along Avenida Del Mar. 949 361 8200. san-clemente.org. AFFORDABLE PET VACCINE CLINIC 10-11:30 a.m. The Feed Barn in Capistrano Beach offers low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. The low-cost clinic offers vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagnostic testing on-site. The Feed Barn, 34192 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach. 714.895.8600. vetcarepetclinic.com. LIVE MUSIC AT BEACHFIRE 2 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular Downtown San Clemente restaurant. Classic/alt rock artist Dale Macdonald will perform. BeachFire Bar and Grill, 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.366.3232. beachfire.com. CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 7 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Bobby Gray will perform. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.
MONDAY | JAN. 8 BRIDGE GAME 12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net. COUNTRY NIGHT AT H.H. COTTON’S 5:30-6:45 p.m. This popular downtown restaurant offers a night full of country music and line dancing for all ages. Beginners can participate in this $10 Introduction to Line Dancing lesson with instructor Anne Leslie. H.H. Cotton’s, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.945.6616. hhcottons.com.DP danapointtimes.com
GETTING OUT
AT THE MOVIES:
‘Anyone But You’ BY MEGAN BIANCO
O
n the rare chance we get a new romantic comedy these days, the filmmakers might try to put a new spin on an old tale or add something different to the familiar tropes. Will Gluck’s Anyone But You, now in theaters, gives us all the tropes on top of a very popular plot instead. This isn’t to say it’s bad—just completely safe. As a longtime fan of romcoms, I’d rather watch one that plays it safe than one that’s complete trash such as Michael Jacobs’ Maybe I Do and Jim Strouse’s Love Again from early this year. But at the same time, you have to wonder if giving fans everything they expect actually works. In modern-day NYC, a series of random circumstances lead Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) to spend a whole afternoon and night together after attraction at first sight. But when Bea gets cold feet and “ghosts” Ben the next day, things get awkward when they discover Bea’s sister, Halle (Hadley Robinson), is about
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to get married to Claudia (Alexandra Shipp)—the sister of Ben’s roommate, Pete (GaTa). And, of course, Bea and Ben are now forced to be around each other at the destination wedding in Sydney, Australia. Dermot Mulroney and Rachel Griffiths play Bea and Halle’s parents, while Michelle Hurd and Bryan Brown play Pete and Claudia’s parents. Depending on your preferences, you might instantly notice the plot of Anyone But You is borrowed from William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing (1598). Or you might notice all the cliché gags to progress said plot—including clumsy accidents, forced interaction, extreme misunderstandings, fake relationships and schemes—come from Frank Capra’s It Happened One Night (1934), the most influential romantic comedy of all time. You may be surprised Anyone But You opted for an R rating—until you discover the movie actually has quite a bit of crude humor, including nudi-
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ty, similar to a Judd Apatow romcom of the 2000s. Gluck is the director of Easy A (2010) and Friends with Benefits (2011), so a lot of this should not be a surprise to avid movie viewers. He’s a studio guy more than an auteur and seems to be fine with mak-
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ing schlocky comedies. The conflict in Anyone But You is paper-thin, and the resolutions are incredibly convenient. But, hey, sometimes you just feel like watching two good-looking stars kiss and make up. DP
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Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
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DP LIVING
EAT MY WORDS | By Cheryl Pruett
2024 Brings Speakeasy to Town and More Places to Try
R
inging in a New Year means new restaurants, eateries and foods to explore, including the welcome of a Speakeasy for the 21st century. A farewell to 2023 is worth a mention of a goodbye to a Dana Point Harbor favorite, El Torito, closing the first week of 2024. Looking ahead Roost 374, 376 Camino de Estrella, San Clemente, 949. 388.3991. flightsandirons.com Be prepared to step back in time 1920s/1930s-style when you’re buzzed in the back door. (No secret password required.) The ideal requirement is an openness to enjoy conversations, build relationships and have fun as you enjoy imbibing a drink such as Bee’s Knees and learning about the art of cocktails. Anticipated opening is mid-January. “Often, people don’t have conversations,” said Victor Sandoval, owner of the lounge affiliated with the nextdoor Flights & Irons Urban Kitchen. “This is a Speakeasy place, free of
Chelas Mexican Kitchen, 635 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente. The second San Clemente restaurant for Chelas will announce an opening date soon. Traditional Mexican cuisine for breakfast and beyond.
phones, but not conversation. It’s a place to converse and get to know each other.” Sandoval, along with wife Andrea, envisions this as a EAT MY WORDS BY CHERYL PRUETT place to “step back in time” and have an experience. “COVID taught us how important socialization is,” he said, adding that a place to congregate and build relationships is what he wants to accomplish. Roost 374 is strictly cocktails—bespoke cocktails. He aims for an atmosphere that is low-key, simple and refined with a touch of whimsy even down to clear, uncloudy ice cubes. Plans include VIP lockers with annual membership for those interested and even a banquet space for events. The cozy, 35-seat lounge with dark teal green decor, a custom bar, chandeliers and ’20s-’30s art and Prohibition news clippings will be a local hangout. Guests are seated in parties of four.
chimichurri; and plenty of pizzas (red and white). In-N-Out Burger, 31791 Del Obispo, San Juan Capistrano, 800.786.1000. in-n-out.com Hard to think anyone would miss the opening of such an iconic burgers, fries and shakes eatery. But, just in case, there’s a new In-N-Out Burger in town (San Juan Capistrano) as of Dec. 4.
River Street Marketplace, Los Rios District in San Juan Capistrano. Estimated opening is early 2024. Foodies can look forward to Capistrano Brewing, McConnell’s Ice Cream, Ubuntu Café and Bred’s Hot Chicken.
Cheryl Pruett is an award-winning journalist and editor, having covered Orange County city and county topics to the food scene for the Orange County Register, Patch.com and local magazines. She has called Dana Point/Capistrano Beach her home for more than 30 years. DP
Late 2023 Openings Homeslice Dana Point, 24471 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, 949.503.1087. homeslicedp.com. It’s called playful, light and unique Italian cuisine. Opened on Oct 30, 2023, Homeslice menu items live up to self-ascribed restaurant description. Try Lasagna Nachos (almond flour pasta chips with Italian seasoning, mozzarella, ricotta, Calabrian chilis and basil); Spaghetti Limon (lemon, garlic, tomato, olive oil and basil); prosciutto-wrapped jalapenos; steak and
More upcoming restaurants
FROM THE ARCHIVES
ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK
Arwen
Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter
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@sanclementetimes.com.
DANA POINT TIMES
Eleven-month-old Arwen might just be the perfect pup. Making friends wherever she goes, Arwen hasn’t yet found a person or dog she hasn’t gotten along with. She has a sweet disposition and is quickly becoming a staff and volunteer favorite. A smart little girl, Arwen is learning her commands wonderfully and is looking for an adopter who will continue with her puppy training. Could she be the one for you? If you are interested in adopting Arwen, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@ scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment.
Sudoku
Sudoku medium by Myles Mellor
1
8 6 7 5 6 4
BY MYLES MELLOR
Courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society
This is a view of Pacific Coast Highway looking downhill toward Dana Point, with the Richfield Tower on the left, circa 1934. Note the lantern street lights. 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 ryoungman@picketfencemedia.com.
Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
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 4 6 5 7 2 8 1 3 9
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9 8 2 3 6 1 5 4 7
3 1 7 5 9 4 8 6 2
2 4 1 9 5 6 3 7 8
7 3 6 1 8 2 4 9 5
5 9 8 4 3 7 2 1 6
1 2 9 6 4 5 7 8 3
8 7 3 2 1 9 6 5 4
6 5 4 8 7 3 9 2 1
9 3 7 2
4 8
2 4 8 3 7
5 1 7 8
6 8
3 5 See the solution in next week’s issue.
danapointtimes.com
SPORTS & OUTDOORS
For in-game updates, news and more for all the Dana Hills High School sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCSports and on Instagram @South_OC_Sports.
COLLIN HAUGH AGAIN SETS BOYS HOOPS SCORING RECORD IN HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT TITLE RUN In his sophomore campaign last season, Dana Hills sharpshooter Collin Haugh set the Dolphins boys basketball program’s single-game points record three times, including a season-high 46 points in a holiday-break tournament. In his junior year this season, Haugh is back at it again, setting yet another program high over the holiday break. Haugh was absolutely blazing hot from distance in the opener of the Desert Holiday Classic on Dec. 27, knocking down 12 of 17 3-point shots to soar to a Dana Hills-record 47 points, as the Dolphins beat Highland of Palmdale, 88-56, at Palm Springs High School. Dana Hills (14-4) went on to win all four games at the Desert Holiday Classic to claim the tournament’s Jimmy Johns Division championship. Following the win over Highland, the Dolphins outpaced Simi Valley, 90-80; defeated Lodi, 70-45; and edged Liberty of Brentwood for the title, 71-69. In his record performance over Highland, Haugh shot 70% from the field (16 of 23) and hit 3 of 3 free throws. Haugh also added four steals and three assists. Ryan Torab also scored 23 points in that tournament opener with a 4-for-6 mark from 3-point range. Logan Scodeller contributed eight assists, and Niki Grguric collected 10 rebounds. Haugh kept up his shooting form throughout the tournament with 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting with six 3-pointers over Simi Valley, 29 points with four 3-pointers against Lodi, and 25 points on 10-for-18 shooting versus Liberty. Haugh is posting the same pointsper-game average (23.9 points) as he did last season, when he led Orange County in scoring. Haugh has scored at least 25 points in each of the past six games, with three games of 35 points or more this season. Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
Dana Hills junior Collin Haugh set the Dolphins boys basketball program’s single-game points mark for the fourth time in his career with 47 points at the Desert Holiday Classic on Dec. 27. Photo: Zach Cavanagh
Dana Hills closed out its nonleague slate against Bishop Diego of Santa Barbara at home on Thursday, Jan. 4, but results were not available at press time. Bishop Diego defeated Dana Hills for the CIF-SS Division 3A championship in 2022, which was the Dolphins’ first CIF-SS title game. Dana Hills, ranked No. 8 in the last CIF-SS Division 2AA poll on Dec. 11, will open defense of its first league championship since 2014 as the Dolphins tip off their Sea View League schedule at home against Aliso Niguel on Wednesday, Jan. 10. Dana Hills beat Aliso Niguel for the first time since 2014 last season. The Dolphins continue on at Mission Viejo on Friday, Jan. 12, and host El Toro on Jan. 17.
GIRLS BASKETBALL BLASTS THROUGH COSTA MESA TOURNAMENT WITH FRESHMAN MVP It was nothing short of a dominant run to the Costa Mesa Tournament championship for the Dana Hills girls basketball team over the holiday break. The Dolphins (14-2) posted 59-point and 40-point wins in the early rounds and a 17-point win in the title game,
as Dana Hills continues to establish itself as a force led by its young stars. Freshman Kayla Rice was named the tournament MVP, with Rice and junior Lola Bellon earning all-tournament honors. Dana Hills’ closest contest of the tournament came in its opener on Dec. 27 in a win over Tustin, 52-38. Rice led Dana Hills with 23 points on 10-for-21 shooting and added nine rebounds. Esme Korman, a senior, scored 12 points on four 3-pointers, and senior Madison Dellner contributed six steals. The Dolphins then stomped Norco, 69-10, on Dec. 28 with 10 different Dana Hills players registering a point. Brooklyn Akason, a junior, led the Dolphins with 18 points and four 3-pointers. Rice scored 12 points, and fellow freshman Regan Akason scored 10 points. Ally Fausett, a sophomore, collected 13 rebounds. Regan Akason, Rice and Bellon each pocketed four steals. Dana Hills took down host Costa Mesa, 66-26, last Friday, Dec. 29, with another leading performance from Rice, who netted 21 points on 10-for-22 shooting. Dellner put up a fantastic supporting role with seven assists and eight steals. Korman and freshman Sofi Vaka each scored 11 points with three 3-pointers. In the tournament final last Saturday, Dec. 30, Dana Hills dominated the
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boards to hold off Anaheim, 67-49. The Dolphins outrebounded the Colonists, 37-18. Rice locked down her MVP recognition with a double-double in the title game with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Rice added six assists and three blocks. Bellon scored 13 points, and Brooklyn and Regan Akason both scored 10 points. Dellner showcased an all-around game with nine points, nine rebounds and six assists. In her first 16 high school games, Rice has been the focal point for Dana Hills, with far-and-away, team-high 19 points-per-game and 9.7 reboundsper-game averages. There is a balanced stable behind Rice, which has led to the Dolphins’ early team dominance. Regan Akason is averaging 8.3 points per game, Bellon at 7.3, Brooklyn Akason at 6.6 and Dellner at 6.3 points. Dana Hills, ranked No. 4 in the last CIF-SS Division 3A poll on Dec. 11, hosted San Bernardino in nonleague play on Thursday, Jan. 4, but results were not available at press time. The Dolphins close out their nonleague schedule with a big divisional matchup at St. Margaret’s on Saturday, Jan. 6. The Tartans are ranked No. 3 in CIF-SS Division 3A. Dana Hills opens Sea View League play against defending league champion El Toro at home next Tuesday, Jan. 9. The Dolphins are at Mission Viejo next Thursday, Jan. 11, and host Capistrano Valley on Jan. 16. DP danapointtimes.com
PUBLIC NOTICES
Published in: Dana Point Times, December 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 2024
TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM
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 22-0001, Site Development Permit 22-0001, Variance V23-0001, and Administrative Modifications of Standards 230004: A request to demolish an existing single-family dwelling and construct a new 2,627 square-foot two-story, single-family dwelling with a lower level 1,025 square foot garage. The project requests a Variance to allow the first and second levels (habitable floors above the garage) to be located six feet from the front property line, instead of the required 18-feet. Additionally, an Administrative Modification of Standards is requested to allow stairs to be located seven feet nine inches from the front property line. The project site is located within the Residential Beach Road 12 (RBR 12) zone, Coastal Overlay, and in the Floodplain Overlay (FP-3) District at 35665 Beach Road. Project Numbers: CDP22-0001, SDP22-0001, V23-0001, AMS23-0004 Project Location: 35665 Beach Road (APN: 691162-15 ) Project Representative: David Gutierrez, Project Manager Applicant: Rick and Wendy Watson Environmental: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is found to be Categorically Exempt per Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construction). Hearing Date: Monday, January 22, 2024 Hearing Time: 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible) Hearing Location: 33282 Golden Lantern, 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. Any litigation related to this project may be subject to the 90-day statute of limitations set forth in California Government Code section 1094.6 and/or 65009. 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 CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Director of Community Development of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
Coastal Development Permit CDP23-0037 located at 224 Monarch Bay Drive: A request to permit additions totaling 205-square feet to a one-story, single-family dwelling located within the Monarch Bay community and the City’s Coastal Overlay District. Pursuant to Dana Point Zoning Code Section 9.69.040(b)(2)(B), for structures located within the Appeals Jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission, an increase in the floor area in any amount when improvements to the structure have previously been exempted in compliance with this subsection, may be permitted subject to the approval of a Coastal Development Permit. Project Number: Coastal Development Permit CDP23-0037 Project Location: 224 Monarch Bay Drive (APN: 670-111-16) Applicant/Owner: Eric Trabert & Associates Environmental: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is found to be Categorically Exempt per Section 15301(e)(1) (Class 1 – Existing Facilities) since the project consists of an addition to an existing structure that will not result in an increase of more than 50 percent of the floor area of the structure before the addition, or 2,500 square feet, whichever is less. Hearing Date: January 22, 2024 Hearing Time: 6:00 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as possible) Hearing Location: 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629 All persons either favoring or opposing this proposal are invited to present their views on the above referenced project to the Planning Commission at or before 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. Any litigation related to this project may be subject to the 90-day statute of limitations set forth in California Government Code Section 1094.6 and/or 65009. For further information, or to review submitted project plans, please contact Natalie Tran, Assistant Planner, during regular working hours (7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM on Fridays), at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, by calling (949) 2483549, or via email: ntran@danapoint.org. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236678544 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: CONNECT 4 PURPOSE 26961 AVENIDA LAS PALMAS #B DANA POINT, CA 92624 Full Name of Registrant(s): ANA MARIE ROTHWELL 26961 AVENIDA LAS PALMAS #B DANA POINT, CA 92624 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/ANA ROTHWELL This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 12/13/2023.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236678241 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: INSIGHTFUL INSURANCE 33407 PASEO EL LAZO SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 Full Name of Registrant(s): ANDREAS VUCICEVIC 33407 PASEO EL LAZO SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 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/ANDREAS VUCICEVIC This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 12/08/2023. Published in: Dana Point Times, December 22, 29, 2023, January 5, 12, 2024 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236679063 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SMOOTH WATERS MARITIME 25491 NEPTUNE DR DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): THE DIRECT CONNECTION, INC. 25491 NEPTUNE DR DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by a UT Corporation. The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: n/a THE DIRECT CONNECTION, INC./s/JOHN NIELSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 12/20/2023. Published in: Dana Point Times, January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 NOTICE OF INTENT TO CIRCULATE A PETITION: Notice is hereby given by the persons whose names appear hereon of their intention to circulate the petition entitled “Residents’ Short Term Vacation Rental Initiative” within the City of Dana Point for the purpose of codifying a new Chapter 5.38 of Dana Point’s Municipal Code. This shall serve as a formal written request that a ballot title and summary of the Initiative be prepared by the City Attorney. A statement of reasons for the proposed action as contemplated in the petition is as follows: The intent of the petition is to establish a process to govern the operation of all short-term vacation rentals in the City of Dana Point, both within and outside of the City’s Coastal Zone. The permit requirements set forth herein are to protect the public’s health, safety, welfare and housing stock by limiting the total number of STRs which may exist; and to require the owner or owners of a residential dwelling that seeks to operate as an STR to apply for and secure a permit authorizing such use in a manner that will protect housing stock and safeguard the peace, safety and general welfare of the residents of Dana Point, their guests, and out of town visitors. Signed by: Betty L Hill, 34771 Doheny Pl., Dana Point, CA 92624. AN INITIATIVE TO REPEAL AND REPLACE THE CITY’S EXISTING SHORT TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE This Initiative proposes to repeal the City’s existing Short Term Rental (“STR”) Ordinance, and replace it with a new STR Ordinance located in Chapter 5.38 of the City’s Municipal Code. If approved by the voters, in order to become effective, the Initiative would also require approval of a Local Coastal Plan Amendment by the Coastal Commission. If the Coastal Commission proposes modifications to the Initiative, the voters will have to approve the Initiative again, with the proposed modifications, for it to become effective. In
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the event the Initiative is approved by the Coastal Commission (and modifications, if any, are approved by the voters), any future changes to the City’s STR Ordinance would require both voter approval and approval by the Coastal Commission before becoming effective. The Initiative would alter the City’s existing process for evaluating and issuing STR permits in each of the following ways: 1) It would eliminate the City’s existing cap of 115 STR permits in the Coastal Zone and replace it with an STR Permit cap equivalent to 1% of all dwelling units in the Coastal Zone, as adjusted every three years; 2) It would eliminate the City’s existing cap of 115 STR permits outside of the Coastal Zone and replace it with a cap equivalent to 0.5% of all dwelling units outside of the Coastal Zone, as adjusted every three years; 3) It would amend the City’s process to issue STR permits, which currently first prioritizes by STR type, and then on a “first come, first served basis.” Instead, it requires STR permits to be evaluated according to a seven-tier priority schedule based on the type of STR and its location, followed by a random drawing selection process if the number of STR permit applications received by the City exceeds the cap(s) imposed by the Initiative; 4) It would eliminate so-called “grandfathered” STR permits, and establish that STR permits would only be valid for one year. It requires that STR permit holders reapply each year for a new STR permit; and be subject to competing for a permit each year pursuant to the seven tiered priority schedule and related requirements. Currently permit holders may renew their permits annually; 5) It will prevent STR permit holders from advertising a STR as available for rent before March 15, and possibly until as late as May 1, because new permits (and associated permit numbers) will be issued each year during that period and advertising of an STR cannot occur under the Initiative without including an STR permit number. 6) It would require STR permit applicants to insure and indemnify the Coastal Commission, in addition to the City; 7) It would make multiple other changes to the City’s existing STR regulations including but not limited to: imposing regulations on hosting platforms, eliminating the City’s STR permit waitlist, and increasing the investigation, reporting, and noticing responsibilities of the Community Development Director, and associated costs. 3840223900169200757251a12/22/23 384/0223900169 20075725.1 a12/22/23 Published in the Dana Point Times, January 5, 2024 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: AVIS JOAN BLOOD aka AVIS BLOOD aka JOAN BLOOD aka AJ BLOOD Case Number: 30-2023-01355374-PR-LA-CMC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of AVIS JOAN BLOOD aka AVIS BLOOD aka JOAN BLOOD aka AJ BLOOD A Petition for Probate has been filed by DONALD RAY ABLES in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE . The Petition for Probate requests that DONALD RAY ABLES be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: April 25, 2024 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: CM6 b. Address of Court: Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Other: The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts. org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for danapointtimes.com
PUBLIC NOTICES
the Labor Code.
TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent , you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code . Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: Donald Ray Ables, 33452 Valley View Court, Dana Point, CA 92629 PH: (949) 291-1512 Published in: Dana Point Times, January 5, 12, 19, 2024 CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE INVITING SEALED BIDS FOR SLURRY SEAL PROJECT FY 2023/2024 1. ANNOUNCEMENT: PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Dana Point, as AGENCY, invites sealed bids for the above-stated project and will receive such bids in the offices of the City Clerk, 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California 92629, up to the hour of 2:30 PM on JANUARY 30, 2024 , at which time they will be publicly opened. Bidders who submit after 2:30 PM on JANUARY 30, 2024 will be automatically disqualified, and the bid will be returned unopened. In addition, bidders who are not on the official plan holder’s list will be deemed non-responsive and the bid will be returned unopened 2. DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The general category/type of work includes, but is not limited to slurry seal application on various streets citywide as outlined on the Contract Documents. More specific work items included within the general category/type of work listed above include, but are not limited to: mobilization/demobilization; traffic control; community outreach; removal of all pavement markings and raised pavement markers; crack seal application; application of Type I and Type II emulsion aggregate slurry; signing and striping; installation of raised pavement markers; implementation of Best Management Practices (BMP) for storm water pollution prevention during all construction activities; and other general improvements as outlined in the Contract Plans and Specifications for the above-stated project.
Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
3. BID DOCUMENTS: Copies of the Contract Plans and Specifications are available from the City of Dana Point Public Works Department, 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Suite 212, Dana Point, California 92629, upon payment of a $80 nonrefundable fee and must be picked up from the City. Bidders must purchase a set of Contract Documents to be placed on the City’s official plan holders list to bid on this Project. In accordance with State Law, electronic copies of the Contract Documents are made available for public viewing on electronic plan rooms. In order to bid on the Project, however, every BIDDER is required to purchase a hard copy set of the Contract Documents from the CITY. Upon purchase of the Contract Documents, the BIDDER will be added to the CITY’S official plan holder’s list. Bidders who have not purchased a hard copy set of the Contract Documents and are not on the CITY’S official plan holder’s list will be deemed non-responsive, may not bid on this project, and the bid will be returned unopened. 4. COMPLETION OF WORK:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1773.2 of the Labor Code, the minimum prevailing rate of per diem wages for each craft, classification, or type of workman needed to execute the contract shall be those determined by the Director of Industrial Relations, for the county or counties in which the work is to be done, which are available from the following website: http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD/ These State general prevailing wage rates are not included in the Proposal and Contract Documents for this Project. Updates, if any, to the State general prevailing wage rates are available from the website noted above. Contractors are required to meet provisions of California Senate Bill 854 for the payment of Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) established prevailing wages. This applies to all public projects as defined in California Code 22002 for contracts exceeding $1,000.00. Contractors shall register with the DIR in accordance with California Labor Code section 1771.1(a) and 1725.5, and will be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the DIR, subject to section 1771.4. Contractors must submit certified payrolls electronically to DIR. By bidding this Project, Contractor is indicating that they have registered with DIR and have submitted the required PWC-100 Information Form online at www.dir. ca.gov. The City may deem bidders non-responsive if this requirement has not been met.
The CONTRACTOR shall complete the work within Forty-five (45) working days from the Notice to Proceed. Work performed beyond the allowable working days will be subject to service fees and liquidated damages per Sections 6-7.2 and 6-9 of the Project Specifications, respectively. CONTRACTORS are required to provide written documentation, as part of their bid, if this schedule cannot be met. The AGENCY reserves the right to reject any and all bids on this basis.
9. CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE:
5. BIDDING PROCEDURES:
10. CONTRACTOR’S REFERENCES:
Bids must be prepared on the approved Proposal forms in conformance with Section B: “ INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS ” of the Project Specifications and submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked on the outside.
The CONTRACTOR shall produce references and experience that show, to the satisfaction of the AGENCY, that the CONTRACTOR bidding on the project has adequate working knowledge of slurry seal as the PRIME CONTRACTOR . Furthermore, the CONTRACTOR must have completed, and shall produce as part of its bid, references of five similar Projects as the PRIME CONTRACTOR to the satisfaction of the AGENCY. All noted information shall be provided in the locations designated in the bid documents. If these requirements are not met, the AGENCY reserves the right to determine any and all bidders non-responsive, and reject any and all bids on this basis. These requirements are due to the critical nature of the work and the need for the AGENCY to ensure adequate experience is provided to complete the project.
6. PROPOSAL GUARANTEE: The bid must be accompanied by certified or cashier’s check, or bidder’s bond, made payable to the AGENCY, or cash deposit, for an amount no less than 10 percent of the total amount bid. 7. STATE OF CALIFORNIA LABOR CODES: Any contract entered into pursuant to this notice will incorporate the provisions of the State of California Labor Code. Pursuant to Sections 1725.5 and 1771.1(a) of the Labor Code, a Contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid proposal, or be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations. Failure to register as required by the Labor Code may be grounds for disqualification. Attention is directed to the provisions of Sections 1777.5 (Chapter 1411, Statutes of 1968) and 1777.5 of the Labor Code concerning the employment of apprentices by the CONTRACTOR or any such subcontractor under him. Affirmative action to ensure against discrimination in employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, or handicap will also be required. 8. WAGE RATES: This project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1771.4 of
All bidders shall be licensed in accordance with the provisions of the Business and Professions Code for the type of work to be completed and shall possess the appropriate State Contractor’s License Class A (General Engineering Contractor) at the time of the bid submittal through Contract acceptance (Public Contract Code § 10164). Failure to possess the specified license shall render the bid as non-responsive.
11. SELF PERFORMANCE: In accordance with Section 2-3.2 of the Project Specifications, CONTRACTOR shall perform or provide, with its own organization, contract labor, materials, and equipment amounting to at least 50-percent of the Contract Price . CONTRACTOR’S attention is directed to Section 2-3.2 of the Project Specifications for additional requirements pertaining to “Specialty Items”. The City may deem bidders non-responsive if this requirement has not been met.
9-3.2 of the Project Specifications. The CONTRACTOR may substitute an escrow holder surety of equal value to the retention. The CONTRACTOR shall be beneficial owner of the surety and shall receive any interest thereon. 14. QUESTIONS/REQUESTS FOR INTERPRETATION: All questions shall be directed to Mr. Matthew Sinacori, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, in writing via email at msinacori@danapoint.org no later than January 17, 2024 at 5:30 PM. The AGENCY hereby affirmatively ensures that minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this notice and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, or religion in any consideration leading to the award of Contract. In entering into a Public Works Contract, or a subcontract, to supply goods, services, or materials pursuant to a Public Works Contract, the CONTRACTOR, or subcontractor, offers and agrees to assign to the awarding body all rights, title and interest in, and to, all causes of action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. Section 15) or under the Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 [commencing with Section 16700] of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code), arising from purchases of goods, services, or materials pursuant to the Public Works Contract or the subcontract. This assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the awarding body tenders final payment to the CONTRACTOR, without further acknowledgement by the parties. AWARD OF THE CONTRACT SHALL BE BASED ON THE TOTAL OF ALL BID SCHEDULES. IF THE AGENCY DELETES ANY BID ITEM AND/ OR BID SCHEDULE AT THE TIME OF AWARD, IT SHALL NOT IMPACT THE BID REVIEW OR RESULTS. BY ORDER OF the City of Dana Point, California. Shayna Sharke, City Clerk Matthew Sinacori, Director of Public Works/City Engineer STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME 20236677631 The following person(s) has(have) abandoned the use of the Fictitious Business Name: NOOSH 33781 MARIANA DRIVE APT 5 DANA POINT, CA 92629 The Fictitious Business Name referred to above was filed in Orange County on: 07/15/2022. FILE NO. 20226639562 Full Name of Registrant(s): BENOOSH LLC 33781 MARIANA DRIVE APT 5 DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by a CA Limited Liability Company. BENOOSH LLC /s/ Anahita Taimaher, President This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 11/29/2023. Published in: Dana Point Times, January 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024
12. RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS:
PUBLIC NOTICE
The AGENCY reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularity and to take all bids under advisement for a period of 90 days.
CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
13. PROGRESS PAYMENTS:
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:
The AGENCY will deduct a 5-percent retention from all progress payments as specified in Section
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1. Zone Change ZC23-0001 and Zone Text Amenddanapointtimes.com
PUBLIC NOTICES
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TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM ment ZTA07-01 located at 691-401-37: A request to establish a Planned Residential Development Overlay (PRDO) District at the parcel located south of the Camino Capistrano/Via Canon intersection by changing the Zoning Map (ZC230001) from Residential Single Family 7 to Planned Residential Development 28, and adding development regulations (ZTA0701) for PRD 28 to Appendix B of the Dana Point Zoning Code (DPZC) for which the Planning Commission will provide a recommendation to the City Council; and 2. Tentative Tract Map TTM 16970 and Site Development Permit SDP07-06 located at 691-401-37: A request to subdivide (TTM 16970) the 1.99-acre parcel into 11 numbered and one (1) lettered lots consistent with the requirements of the PRDO District and the proposed PRD 28 development standards, and accompanying Site Development Permits to allow the construction of a three-story, single-family dwelling on each of the 11 proposed lots containing a hillside condition per DPZC Section 9.05.110(a) (4), each with roof decks in accordance with DPZC Section 9.05.230, and for site retaining walls thirty (30) inches or greater in height per DPZC Section 9.05.120(d)(2) and incumbent upon City Council approval of ZTA07-01 and ZC23-0001. Project Number: Zone Change ZC23-0001, Zone Text Amendment ZTA07-01, Tentative Tract Map TTM 16970, and Site Development Permit SDP0706 Project Location: Assessor’s Parcel No.: 691-401-37 (south of the intersection Camino Capistrano/Via Canon Applicant/Owner(s): The Corcoran Group Collaborative / Bruno and Beatrice Del Bianco Environmental: Pursuant to the California Environ-
Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
mental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is found to be Categorically Exempt per Section 15332 (Class 32 – In-fill Development Projects) in that the project is consistent with the general plan and applicable proposed zoning regulations, is surrounded by urban uses and less than five acres, has no habitat value, would not result in significant impacts to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality, and can be served by all required utilities and public services. Hearing Date: January 22, 2024 Hearing Time: 6:00 p.m. (or as soon thereafter as possible) Hearing Location: 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point, California 92629 All persons either favoring or opposing this proposal are invited to present their views on the above referenced project to the Commission at this hearing. Note: This project may be appealed to the City Council in accordance with Dana Point Municipal Code Section 9.61.110. 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. Any litigation related to this project may be subject to the 90-day statute of limitations set forth in California Government Code section 1094.6 and/or 65009. For further information, please contact Kurth B. Nelson III, Principal Planner at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 2483572.
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Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
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DP SURF
2024 PROMISES TO BE A BIG YEAR FOR LOCAL SURFING
From world titles to Olympic gold, there’s no shortage of goodness going down in San Clemente and Dana Point in the year ahead BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES
W
e made it to 2024, and the horizon is wide open. Some years are more of a grind than others, and the past year was that for me. But the next lap around the sun, it’s going to be a good one. Just a quick survey of the calendar ahead, and it’s a surfer’s delight. The New Year starts with a bang, as the WSL World Junior Championships come to Oceanside starting on Jan. 9. It will feature several rising stars from our neighborhood, and the surfers to watch include Sawyer Lindblad, who will be making her full-time debut on the WSL Championship Tour later in the month (more on that in a moment), as well as Bella Kenworthy, who’s fresh off a breakout performance at the Vans Pipe Masters. On the men’s side of the draw, Jett Schilling and Taj Lindblad, Sawyer’s brother, will be looking to bring the junior world title home to San Clemente. Featuring the top under-20 surfers from around the world, it’s go time straight out of the gates. Later in January comes the main course, as the 2024 WSL Championship Tour season kicks off with the Pipe Pro in Hawaii. For fans of local surfing, this is the moment we’ve been building up to for a long time. San Clemente resident Filipe Toledo will lead the charge as the defending, two-time world champion. Hot on his heels, Griffin Colapinto comes into the season ranked third. From there, it’s time for the young guns to take over, as Colapinto’s younger brother, Crosby, enters the chat, along with Cole Houshmand and Kade Matson. Getting a wild card for the season will be 11-time world champ and occasional “duffer” at the San Clemente muni, Kelly Slater. For the women, it’s another San Clemente resident, Caroline Marks, who will go into the season as the defending world champ. She’ll be
Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
It should be a big year for surfers to make big waves locally and globally. Photo: File
joined on tour by rookie Lindblad, who looks to have a very busy month of January ahead of her. Pro surfing isn’t the only thing happening around town. The U.S. Board Riders season cranks up in 2024, as the defending national champion San Clemente Board Riders and their crosstown rivals, the Dana Point Surf Club, vie for spots at the U.S. Board Riders National Championships at Lower Trestles this May. And for the groms, the NSSA and WSA seasons are in full swing, with a full calendar of events around the great state of California. And, finally, the first half of the year culminates with the 2024 Par-
is Olympics in July. Colapinto and Marks have both qualified for the Summer Games. (So did ISA World Champ Kirra Pinkerton, but because of the way the Olympic qualification works, her spot will go to defending gold medalist Carissa Moore, who qualified via the Championship Tour). The Olympic surfing event will take place at Teahupo’o in Tahiti, making it perhaps the most intriguing Olympic venue ever. A heavy, shallow-water, left-hand reef, it’s one of the most intimidating waves on the planet. So, there you go, I’m sure I’ve left heaps off the list, given how amazingly vibrant the San Clemente and Dana Point surf communities are,
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but that gets us through July. From there, we’ll shift our attention to summertime living and crowning world champs at the WSL Finals in September. Here we go! Jake Howard is a local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. A former editor at Surfer magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for several publications, including Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation.
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Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
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T H A N K YO U
Dana Point
No matter how you celebrated the season, we offer fond wishes that the good spirits, warm thoughts and sincere gratitude you experience will continue throughout 2023. We are all so fortunate to call this beautiful coastal region our community, our home. We look out for one another, we help those who are in need, and we work together to make our community a welcoming place for everyone. So thank you for the love, laughter, memories and unforgettable experiences. Here’s to 2024 and the hope, promise and potential it brings. Today, tomorrow and well into the future, all of us at Echelberger Group will be here for you every day of the year.
We wish you all a year of joy and togetherness in 2024. Doug Echelberger Jill Mitzev Ken Ross Adam Trejo Sydney Kohler Carissa Mossman Keliana Mossman Chris Espinoza
2023 closed sales 35341 Beach Road
$8,500,000**
205 W Escalones
$1,950,000*
102 E Avenida San Gabriel
$1,250,000*
35195 Beach Road
$6,500,000*
27621 Vista De Dons
$1,920,000*
27912 Calle Belmonte
$1,205,000*
35561 Beach Road
$5,000,000*
40 Via Cancion
$1,845,000*
822 Camino De Los Mares
$1,175,000*
35171 Beach Road
$3,700,000*
14 Corte Sevilla
$1,790,000*
2305 Calle Balandra
$1,157,000*
38 Via Alcamo
$3,675,000*
306 Avenida Monterey
$1,742,000***
3480 Garfield Street
$3,485,000*
18 Calle Altea
$1,725,000*
32 Sendero
$1,150,000*
17 Calle Careyes
$3,300,000**
619 E Avenida San Juan
$1,720,000*
6 Camino Lozano
$1,150,000*
27442 Calle De La Rosa
$3,025,000**
10 Calle Verdadero
$1,675,000*
3413 Via Loro
$1,070,000**
18 Via Alcamo
$2,950,000*
25 Via Garona
$1,675,000*
3409 Paseo Flamenco
$980,000*
51 Via Alcamo
$2,950,000**
105 Plaza Via Sol
$1,650,000**
29355 Edgewood Road
$785,000*
221 Cerrito Cielo
$2,653,000**
5 Corte Sevilla
$1,600,000*
26031 Del Rey #A
$780,000**
115 Via Plumosa
$2,650,000*
33762 El Encanto Avenue
$1,599,000*
21 Calle De La Luna
$2,621,500*
212 Via Galicia
$1,590,000*
25111 Calle Playa #C
$605,000*
1880 N El Camino Real #58
$2,475,000*
641 Avenida Vaquero
$1,405,000**
27897 Cinnamon
$536,000**
20 Corte Jaime
$2,420,000*
50 Avenida Cristal
$1,395,000*
113 Avenida Sierra
$531,000***
12 Calle Anacapa
$2,350,000*
26 Calle Akelia
$1,295,000*
3686 Seaflower Lane
$510,750*
* Represented Seller
** Represented Buyer
***Represented Seller and Buyer
Doug Echelberger
Echelberger Group 949.463.0400 | DRE #01176379 doug@echelberger.com Dana Point Times January 5 - 11, 2024
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