DPT 10/27/2023

OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 43

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

OC Supervisor Katrina

U S E

Foley Celebrates New Harbor Office EYE ON DP/ PAGE7

Dana Point ROCKS: Ohana Values Inspire Change SOAP/ PAGE 13

Soaring Statues Tandem Surfers Immortalized at Watermen’s Plaza E Y E O N D P / PAG E 3

danapointtimes.com

Friends and family of Barrie and Steve Boehne join the couple in Watermen’s Plaza on Wednesday, Oct. 25, to celebrate the life-sized, bronze statue depicting the Boehnes tandem skating. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Army Corps Prepares to Start Dredging Harbor Early Next Year

City to Host Halloween Spooktacular, Trunk or Treat GETTING OUT / PAGE 14

DHHS Football Clinches League Championship SPORTS / PAGE 21

EYE ON DP / PAGE 4

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EYE ON DP

Tandem Surfers Immortalized at Watermen’s Plaza

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

T

hough Barrie and Steve Boehne retired from tandem surf competition in 2005, Steve noted that the couple will forever be immortalized in the act of tandem-skating thanks to a life-sized bronze statue in Dana Point.

More than 150 community members gathered at the small strip along Pacific Coast Highway, near Dana Point Harbor Drive on Wednesday, Oct. 25, to celebrate the latest bronze statue to join the legends depicted at Watermen’s Plaza.

The statue, crafted by Dana Point artist Bill Limebrook, portrays Steve on a skateboard as he lifts Barrie, elegantly posed, above his head. The photo Limebrook referenced for the statue was taken from a video clip of the Boehnes tandem skateboarding in 1975, Mayor Mike Frost explained during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.

“It depicts a very trusting Barrie hoisted high above Steve on one of their first custom-made tandem skateboards,” Frost said. “They were having some fun while sliding down the hill in typical ’70s skate style, showcasing the talent these two had on the waves and with each other.”

“Their skating performance was featured in Bud Browne’s 1973 movie Going Surfin,” Frost continued. “I think Barrie and Steve’s career epitomizes the surf culture, authenticity of Dana Point.”

Frost added that Watermen’s Plaza aims to recognize the “iconic watermen and waterwomen who made their mark in Southern California and throughout the world while they lived, worked, innovated and, most importantly, surfed in Dana Point.”

“Now, Barrie and Steve are honored with the first life-sized bronze tandem statue in the nation,” according to Frost.

The duo have been tandem surfing and skateboarding since the 1960s, competing for nearly 40 years. The Boehnes were ASP World Tandem Champions in 1972 and 1995, won the United States Surfing Championships four times between 1968 and 2005, won the Makaha International Surfing Championships five times, and the European Championships in Biarritz, France five times.

In the 1970s, the Boehnes opened Infinity Surf in Huntington Beach before moving the shop to Dana Point, where they raised their children.

One of the Boehnes’ sons, Dave Boehne, shared memories of his parents. Growing up, he recalled, he would often have people tell him, “Your parents are so cool.”

“Winning multiple world titles, starting a surfboard company and giving back so much to the surf community, it truly starts with who they are as individuals,” Dave said. “I’ve wanted to be my dad my entire

Dana Point Times October 27 - November 2, 2023

Tandem surfers Barrie and Steve Boehne celebrate the unveiling of a new life-sized bronze statue depicting the couple tandem skating on Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Photos: Breeana Greenberg

life.”

“Not only is he a legendary surfboard shaper—one of the best to ever do it—but he’s also one of the nicest guys on the planet,” Dave added.

Dave noted that his dad, like a “mad scientist kind of guy,” will take on the projects that most shapers won’t touch.

“Watching my dad shape surfboards is like watching a smooth jazz performance,” Dave said. “He was born to shape, and each performance ends with a magic board.”

Steve has spent his life making sure the people around him are having fun, Dave said, picking up tandem surfing as a way to take his three siblings out on the water.

“He had more fun doing that than surfing solo,” Dave said. “If you’ve met my dad, he’s undoubtedly recruited you to take a ride on the tandem.”

“If it’s ‘tandem-izable’—one of my dad’s words—he’s done it,” Dave continued. “For tandem surfing, tandem mountain biking, tandem SUP, they even went tandem snowboarding, tandem windsurfing and, of course, tandem skateboarding.”

Barrie, Dave went on, is his biggest inspiration in life, noting her boundless spirit for adventure.

“I truly believe she is not human and was sent down to Earth to sprinkle everyone with her magic,” Dave said. “My mom is crazy. You have to be, to simply trust your tandem partner holding you up in the air.”

At the time the video was taken, which served as inspiration for the bronze statue, Barrie was three months pregnant with Dave, he said.

“My mom is the type of person that is naturally good at everything, and it Page 3

makes her fearless,” Dave said.“Like the first time she ever went surfing, legendary waterman Pete Peterson took her out tandem surfing—she forgot to mention she didn’t know how to swim, and she nearly drowned.”

Dave noted that even now, at 75 years old, Barrie can hop on a skateboard or a snowboard and shred down the streets or slopes.

“It goes back to the phrase, ‘Your parents are so cool,’” Dave said. “The phrase I’ve heard all of my life, but now I can say, my parents are freaking awesome, and that is why we’re here today, to celebrate their amazing contribution to Dana Point surfing history.”

Dave thanked the City of Dana Point for embracing its rich surf culture and history, as well as Limebrook for lending his talents to commemorate the city’s legends.

“Big thanks to Bill Limebrook,” Dave said. “If you guys follow him on Facebook, you know how gnarly it is to make (the statues). Bill does a good job every day; he posts updates.”

“He’s, like,‘Here I am, this is Barrie’s arm,’ and he shows the arm, and he’s, like, ‘OK, this is awkward; this is Steve’s buttocks, but it looks pretty good,’” Dave continued.

Steve added that he asked Limebrook why the artist didn’t depict the couple on a surfboard, to which Limebrook replied that a tandem surfboard would invite “every kid and tourist to climb up on the board to pose for a picture.”

“I challenge anybody to climb up on that skateboard—well, maybe that’s not such a good idea,” Steve said.

Looking out at the packed crowd that

filled Watermen’s Plaza, Steve recognized the tandem surfers, Infinity Surf employees over the years, as well as family and friends who joined to celebrate the statue unveiling.

“For 40 years, Barrie and I tandem surfed all over the world with so many wonderful tandem teams; some of them are here today,” Steve said. “These tandem teams, we have all gotten older now, like Barrie and I, but we all shared the wonderful experience of tandem surfing.”

Steve noted that the art of tandem surfing blends grace, beauty and strength among trusting partners. When Steve met Barrie in 1967, she was the current world champion, and he was just beginning to tandem surf, he said.

“Boy, was I nervous,” Steve said. “I guess she saw potential. I’m so lucky that she has hung in there with me for all these years and the thousands of waves we’ve ridden together all over the world.”

“We will be tandeming together in this statue forever,” Steve added.

Barrie said that being represented as a statue in Watermen’s Plaza was surreal.

“It is such a thrill for Steve and I to be here representing tandem surfing in Watermen’s Plaza,” Barrie said. “It’s so surreal, honestly, I’m getting emotional.”

“It’s hard to find words to express how Steve and I feel about receiving this extraordinary honor and to be included with these other distinguished Dana Point surfers like Hobie Alter, Phil Edwards, John Severson, Bruce Brown and Joyce Hoffman, all of us representing our surfing culture in the City of Dana Point,” Barrie continued.

Big wave surfing pioneers Walter and Philip “Flippy” Hoffman are the next surfing legends set to join Watermen’s Plaza as the seventh statue. danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Army Corps Prepares to Begin Dredging Harbor Next Year

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

A

s ocean sand slips through the breakwater surrounding the Dana Point Harbor and accumulates over the years, boaters say the harbor is once again in need of a dredging.

The next dredging event and repairs to the breakwater are anticipated to start in winter 2024, Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley explained.

“The harbor needs to be dredged, because the sand is building up, and it’s actually causing a problem for boaters to be able to get through the channel there,” Foley said.

The county anticipates dredging roughly 45,000 cubic yards of sand from the Dana Point Harbor, which it will then distribute to beaches to replenish lost sand. Foley noted that the locations of where the county will distribute the sand has yet to be determined, but she’d like to see sand replenishments become a routine matter whenever dredging occurs.

“Whenever possible, if the sand is clean enough to do this, when we’re taking the sand out of the ocean or out of our storm drains or flood channels, we want to replenish it onto the beaches,” Foley said. “I think we just have to start to have that regular routine just as a matter of course here in Orange

County so that our sand, our beaches, get restored.”

The county will work with the Army Corps of Engineers to direct the dredgedup sand to county beaches in need of replenishment, Foley explained.

“Most harbors have to be dredged so that the sand doesn’t build up too much,” Foley said. “In this case, the sand comes through the little cracks and crevices of the jetty and the rocks.”

“That’s why the sand continues to build up, but we don’t want to block that completely, because it really does some cleansing of the sand,” Foley continued.

“But we can’t let it just continue to build up.”

Part of the Army Corps of Engineers’ work in the harbor will entail repairing sections of the breakwater, as well.

Foley noted that the need for dredging in the harbor was one of the first issues brought forward by boaters.

“One of the first things I heard when I first got here, I said, ‘What are projects at the harbor that we could work on?’ And one of the first things I heard was the jetty and dredging of the harbor,” Foley recalled. “So, I said, ‘OK, let’s get on it.’ ” “I’m an action-oriented person,” Foley continued. “I don’t like to have to sit around talking about something for five

The Army Corps of Engineers will begin dredging the Dana Point Harbor in winter 2024 after years of sand accumulation, and is expected to dredge roughly 45,000 cubic yards of sand. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

years. You know it’s a problem, let’s just fix it.”

The Dana Point Boaters Association (DPBA) noted that previous Orange County administrators had recommended dredging every six years, with the last two dredging events occurring in 2009 and 2015.

In 2022, the DPBA said it reached out to the Dana Point Harbor Partners and Orange County Real Estate Office to address concerns that the harbor needed to be dredged.

“The accumulation of sediment, combined with tidal fluctuations, has led to severe damage to the undersides of both sailboats and powerboats due to low water depth and abrasion from aged boat slips,” DPBA said in a statement.

“The sediment acts like abrasive

sandpaper, causing damage down to the fiberglass and gel coat,” DPBA continued.

“For many boaters, the cost of repairing this damage runs into the thousands of dollars.”

The boaters association noted that while they “appreciate that dredging is now scheduled to begin in winter 2024 and conclude in January 2026, we remain concerned about this additional one-year delay.”

The federally funded project is estimated to cost between $7 million and $10 million. Plans and specifications for the project are anticipated to be completed in spring 2024. Construction and dredging are anticipated to start in winter 2024, with the completion of construction anticipated in January 2026.

Ocean Institute Distinguished Speaker Series to Feature Photographer Carlos Gauna

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Locally known as the “Malibu Artist” for his photography of the Malibu coastline, Carlos Gauna will share how his shark observations have contributed to broader data collection efforts during the Ocean Institute’s Distinguished Speaker Series on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

As a citizen scientist, Gauna has documented the little-known habits of California’s great white sharks. Submitting much of his work to scientists to help accumulate data needed to understand and protect sharks, Guana has worked to help white sharks get recognized as an ecologically important but misunderstood animal.

In addition to documenting white sharks, Gauna has also documented the

The Ocean Institute will host photographer Carlos Gauna at its Distinguished Speaker Series presented by the Nicholas Endowment on Wednesday, Nov. 1. Photo: Courtesy of the Ocean Institute

Dana Point Times October 27 - November 2, 2023

Page 4

behaviors of marine mammals, sea birds and rare open-ocean fish.

At the event, which is presented by the Nicholas Endowment, Gauna will also provide the audience with a “behind the scenes” virtual experience of his filming and editing techniques.

General admission tickets for the upcoming talk at the Ocean Institute are $10 each, but they are free for members and students with valid IDs. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The talk will run from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Ocean Institute is located at 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

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EYE ON DP

School District Declines Approval of Parental Notification Policy

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

T

he Capistrano Unified School District’s governing board last week rejected a controversial parental notification policy that, while meant to alert parents about their child’s well-being, had raised concerns it would also discriminate against transgender students.

The policy to require schools to notify a student’s parents or guardians when there’s a concern for the pupil’s mental health, or if they’re transgender, failed to pass in a 5-2 decision on Oct. 18, with only Trustees Lisa Davis and Judy Bullockus voting yes.

Davis, who introduced the proposal, argued that “the issue tonight is whether parents should be excluded from major decisions relating to their children, especially when their children are at a greater risk for suffering from emotional or mental-health related issues.”

She went on to describe the policy as a way to “protect children, their parents and teachers when facing a variety of issues that can negatively impact their health, safety and

welfare.”

According to a draft of the policy, school principals, certified staff or counselors would have been required to notify the parents of a student who is, among other things, “exhibiting symptoms of depression, anxiety, a dramatic shift in academic performance, social withdrawal or other significant changes affecting a student’s well-being.”

While the draft didn’t specifically mention a child identifying as transgender as a reason to alert parents, Davis, in her opening remarks during the meeting, clarified that a student expressing “distress regarding depression or anxiety or gender-identity concerns” should result in a notification to the parents.

“The teacher carefully listens. The distress is very real,” Davis said, describing a scenario between a teacher and a student. “The teacher wants to help. The child asked the teacher not to share these disclosures with the parents. What should the teacher do?”

An overwhelming majority of the dozens of students—who got to speak first during the public-comments portion of the discus-

A controversial policy that Trustee Lisa Davis proposed so schools would be required to alert parents about their student’s mental well-being was voted down at last week’s Capistrano Unified School District board meeting.

Photo: File

sion—spoke against the policy, expressing belief that it would be used to out those who are identifying as transgender.

Tyler Pearce, a San Clemente High student who represents the student body as a member on the board, called the proposal an “outing policy.”

“This parental notification policy in its nature is divisive,” said Pearce. “It’s unnecessary, and it’s deep-rooted in both political and personal agendas. We need to stop creating this umbrella of mental illness to refer to specific communities.”

Board Vice President Michael Parham, who voted against the measure, praised the

district’s teachers, calling them “phenomenal” when it comes to reaching out to parents about their children.

“I’m sure many of you have had the same experience with the teachers in Capo. In fact, I haven’t heard any anecdotes where that didn’t happen,” Parham said.“We’ve heard a lot of things, but we haven’t heard negative comments about teachers deliberately not telling you something about your own child.”

The trustees’ discussion on the matter concluded with the 5-2 vote denying the passage of the policy.

City Offers After-School Sports Program at Palisades Elementary

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

S

tarting on Nov. 14, the Dana Point Recreation Department will offer a sports-based, after-school program for Palisades Elementary students at no cost to families.

The pilot program, dubbed GOALS—Get Out And Learn Sports—will offer thirdthrough fifth-grade students the opportunity to spend time with their peers learning about sports and sportsmanship twice a week.

Palisades Elementary Principal Rebecca Bailey explained that the school looked to offer the program as a way to provide structured and supervised time for students that would get them active and working together.

GOALS will teach participating students about a new sport each month, Dana Point Deputy Director of Community Services Jeff Rosaler explained.

“We’ll have two to three weeks of training and drills and even learning about sports and sportsmanship, and then we’ll have a week or two of scrimmaging and playing sports as we develop teams among students who participate,” Rosaler said.

The City of Dana Point and Capistra-

Dana Point Times October 27 - November 2, 2023

no Unified School District approved an agreement to offer the after-school program during their Oct. 3 and Oct. 18 meetings, respectively.

“Well, the city has been phenomenal,” Bailey said. “They’ve just been so helpful, and the conversation came around to that the kids need some structure after school, and they thought they could provide this for us.”

Sometimes, Bailey said, students can get into trouble when their time after school is unsupervised and unstructured, so the school wanted to offer “something that would be fun, that would be enjoyable but would be social and have adult supervision.”

“In a sports program, kids can gain a lot of confidence,” Bailey said. “They learn a new skill. They feel good about themselves.

They’re doing something productive. They’re getting their energy out so that when they’re home, they’re better able to just settle down and relax.”

Based on her observations, Bailey said an unforeseen consequence to the pandemic was that kids are not as empathetic as they once were.

“They don’t really have, either the ability

or the willingness—I’m not sure—to take another’s perspective and be empathetic,” Bailey said. “They tend to be pretty harsh, and so we’re really working on that as a school … we’re really working on kindness and caring for each other, and I hope that this sports program helps in that way.”

Through the GOALS program, Bailey said she hopes the lessons that the school emphasizes in kindness and caring carry over.

“It gives students a way to have peer interactions outside of school. There are a lot of our kids on sports teams, but a lot of them aren’t,” Bailey said, adding: “For the ones that aren’t, it really helps with that socialization.

It gives them something structured to do.”

There are a lot of benefits to the GOALS program and reasons for parents to sign their kids up, Bailey said.

“They get to be with their friends, they get to learn something, they get their wiggles out,” Bailey said.“There’s a lot of reasons why, and I think parents can rest easy knowing that they’re cared for and they’re under the supervision of an adult at least two more hours (twice a week).”

Rosaler noted that the program will teach Page 6

students not only the active side of sports but also the mental aspect, what it means to be part of a team and what it means to have good sportsmanship.

The first session of the pilot program will run through Dec. 21, Bailey said, with the second session running after winter break.

“It’ll be a good pilot to see what we need to change for the next one,” Bailey said. “I intend to track data and see what we notice in terms of improvement and maybe attendance or behavior while they’re in school. Maybe grades get better. We’ll be looking for that to see if there’s any correlation, and that will be really interesting.”

Rosaler noted that recreation leaders are excited to be out in the community “providing social and recreational activities.”

“We hope that students will enjoy it, that they will tell their friends about it, they will tell their brothers and sisters about it,” Rosaler said. “This is a pilot program in the first year that we hope to be successful and grow in the future.”

danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

OC Supervisor Katrina Foley Celebrates New Harbor Office

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

SATURDAY, OCT. 28

L

ooking to offer greater public service access to South Orange County residents, Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley celebrated the opening of her new office in the Dana Point Harbor with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Oct. 23.

Challenging Cancer

Dignitaries and officials from the City of Dana Point, Rep. Mike Levin’s office, Sen. Blakespear’s office and the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce presented Foley with certificates of recognition for her new office.

The Dana Point office, which will officially open for constituent services on Nov. 1, marks the first County Supervisor office in South Orange County.

“I’m a little surprised you didn’t have an office down here already,” Dana Point Mayor Mike Frost said during Monday afternoon’s ceremony. “For those of you guys who don’t know, she’s been all over the place, but she has spent an awful lot of time down here in Dana Point on multiple issues.”

While Frost noted that there had been a lot of uncertainty in the Dana Point Harbor over the revitalization efforts, he acknowledged Foley’s advisory committee for working to “bring a little bit of oversight.”

“I know our residents appreciate that; I know I do,” Frost said. “We’re still not there yet, but I’ll tell you what, you’re attacking it with the tenacity that I’ve seen on other projects, and so we’re really happy that you’re down here.”

a compromised immune system, and

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

people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_crdv@ yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

MONDAY, OCT. 30

Financial Review Committee 4 p.m. The Dana Point Financial Review Dignitaries, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce representatives and Dana Point Harbor business owners celebrate the opening of Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley’s new office in the harbor with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Oct. 23. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Committee will hold a regular meeting. Dana

Foley said her team is renting the space in the office, but emphasized it’s “well worth the investment, because we were driving back and forth, back and forth.” She added that she hopes the office will provide her South County constituents with greater access to resources.

“We can do some constituent service work, and then we have all these meetings here at the harbor talking about the revitalization, so now we actually have a place to be, and Coffee Importers provides us with lots of

Golden Lantern Street, Suite 212, Dana Point.

great food,” Foley said.

Foley added that the office will be staffed with team members from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and that she would be at the office hosting constituent meetings on Wednesdays. Residents can request to schedule a meeting at d5.ocgov.com/.

“We’re here to serve, and we are looking forward to partnering with you more,” Foley said.

Point Public Works Conference Room, 33282

danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, OCT. 31

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

NEWS NEXT DOOR:

weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video

Small Fire Leaves Vine Restaurant & Bar Temporarily Closed

conference and in person/Zoom the first

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

T

he Vine Restaurant & Bar is temporarily closed following a small kitchen fire that occurred inside the restaurant on Oct. 14.

Orange County Fire Authority personnel responded to a call just after 1 p.m., according to an OCFA post on X (formerly Twitter), and extinguished the fire quickly.

Officials from Vine said the restaurant’s chef called OCFA as the staff was preparing to open for dinner that night, also noting that there were no injuries.

“Authorities believe the cause of the fire was a met-

The Vine Restaurant & Bar is temporarily closed while work is underway to repair the source of a small kitchen fire that occurred on Oct. 14.

Photo: C. Jayden Smith

Dana Point Times October 27 - November 2, 2023

Page 7

al screw contained within the interior of the kitchen wall that heated up—a common cause of fire in older commercial and residential structures,” said owner Russ Bendel in a statement. “The wall is being replaced with all metal beams and framing to prevent such an incident from reoccurring.”

OCFA has yet to officially determine a cause for the fire, Capt. Thanh Nguyen, an OCFA public information officer, said on Friday afternoon, Oct. 20.

Vine will reopen once the repair is completed, according to Bendel.

Tuesday of each month at the Outlets at San Clemente’s Conference Room. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1

VA Disabled Claims Clinic 2-4 p.m. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 9934 will sponsor a Veterans Affairs Disability Claims Clinic at the Dana Point Community Center the first and third Wednesday of each month. Veterans can walk in and meet with a VFW Service Officer and receive information on how to file a claim for service-related medical issues. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS NEXT DOOR:

San Clemente Public Safety Committee Recommends Consequences for E-Bike Violations

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

S

an Clemente’s Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 24, recommended the creation of an administrative section within the city’s Municipal Code to address violations committed on electric bicycles and advocated for a traffic safety training program.

After reviewing multiple attempts from other nearby cities to regulate e-bike usage and concluding none were perfect models to follow, the committee didn’t feel it necessary for the city to create its own new ordinance on e-bikes.

Committee members Mark Rhoden and Scott Roeber, who comprise a subcommittee on e-bikes and traffic safety, also mentioned waiting until January to see what laws the state passes on the subject before the city moves any further.

“I do think we need an administrative section that (says),‘You violated the law on an e-bike; there’s an extra special step you have to go through with the City of San Clemente,’” Rhoden said.“It’s got to hurt a little bit.”

Working through the committee’s Annual Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, the committee had reviewed examples of the efforts the cities of Carlsbad and Huntington Beach were putting toward increasing e-bike safety at its previous Sept. 26 meeting.

Carlsbad passed an ordinance restricting people from transporting others on parts of e-bikes not meant for passengers and prohibiting the use of e-bikes or motorized scooters on

public facilities such as sidewalks.

Following a discussion on how to better enforce traffic safety and whether to license the use of e-bikes within its city limits, the Huntington Beach City Council approved an ordinance that allows police officers to stop people from operating e-bikes in an “unsafe manner.”

The Public Safety Committee’s agenda for Tuesday night’s meeting also cited the City of Irvine’s July ordinance that restricted e-bikes from driving within its open space area and added new regulations regarding enforcement of violations, speed, and riding on sidewalks.

Rhoden wasn’t particularly impressed with the Carlsbad ordinance or the Huntington Beach City Council’s discussion and eventual ordinance.

“The issue is, you have one that’s super vague, because it’s really just definitive and not changing any enforcement action, and you have one that’s truly overbearing,” he said.

Rhoden added that the committee would have difficulty providing recommendations while under a broad directive from the council.

Further speaking to the difficulty of moving forward with recommendations, Rhoden said the committee has been given a task “without somebody telling us,‘We think these problems need to be addressed, (so) you guys, as subject matter experts, write us a policy, and we’ll decide if we like it.’ But I don’t think that’s what they’re asking.”

The committee’s opinion on a training pro-

Public Safety Committee member Mark Rhoden (right) on Tuesday, Oct. 24, speaks during the committee’s discussion on electric bicycles. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

gram was based on a special presentation that occurred earlier in Tuesday’s meeting from Pete Van Nuys, executive director of the Orange County Bicycle Coalition.

Van Nuys showed the committee the organization’s work in educating the public and how there are various videos from outlets such as CyclingSavvy that further inform e-bike riders about operating safely.

Asked for suggestions on how to improve e-bike safety, Van Nuys said education was key.

“If we can get parents to understand the difference between classifications of e-bikes, that would be a huge step,” he said.“If we could share with them our opinion about which e-bikes to avoid, (such as Super73 bikes), these are blatant motorcycles that are of tremendous appeal to young males.”

Van Nuys also suggested encouraging parents and children to read through online resources, and recommended the city work with

the court system to create a quasi-diversion program regarding e-bikes in South Orange County.

Rhoden broached the idea of adding an administrative section to San Clemente’s Municipal Code to address e-bike riders who violate the California Vehicle Code in the city.

He also reiterated Van Nuys’ suggestion that the city work with the county’s court system, as well as with other nearby cities, to create a training program.

“If nothing else, when a 14-year-old gets popped for running a stop sign, how about (they write) a 200-word essay on bicycle safety?” Rhoden suggested, later clarifying that the example came from his own experience as a teenager.

“Guess what? (I haven’t) run a stop sign on a bicycle since,” he added.

NEWS NEXT DOOR:

River Street Marketplace Anticipated to Open in Early 2024

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

T

hose driving along Del Obispo Street and looking north onto the construction at Paseo Adelanto won’t have to see wire fences for too much longer, according to River Street Marketplace development officials.

Dan Almquist, managing partner of the project’s sponsor ALMQUIST, said work on the 60,000-square-foot development is projected to finish in early 2024, with tenants opening throughout the first quarter of the year.

The project, which broke ground in early 2022 and has been in the works for about eight years, will be a commercial village that blends “modern dining concepts and curated art,” as well as other businesses.

Rodeo at River Street, another iteration of multiple food halls under the Rodeo Public Market brand, will be prominently featured.

Unexpected delays have popped up as

Dana Point Times October 27 - November 2, 2023

with most projects, Almquist said, citing the wet winter in 2022.

“It’s really different than any other retail project I’ve worked on before,” he said. “It’s just a lot of detail, so we’re being really mindful and thoughtful to make sure that we get everything perfect.”

Tenants will include Capistrano Brewing, McConnell’s Ice Cream, and Western apparel shop Wildfire Mercantile.

Almquist also said the development has secured between 85% to 90% of its tenants and is conducting negotiations to fill the final spots.

“It’s not just about filling the space; it’s making sure that there really is a lot of synergy,” he continued. “We’re presenting something to the community that offers something for everybody.”

This rendering shows what a portion of the River Street Marketplace project will look like once construction is completed, potentially in the early part of next year. Rendering: Courtesy of Almquist

Page 8

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EYE ON DP

NEWS NEXT DOOR:

Shea Center BBQ Event Raises Record Funds for Nonprofit

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

T

he JF Shea Therapeutic Riding Center’s 45th annual BBQ and Family Faire fundraiser brought in a record $1.3 million, surpassing the center’s goal of $1.2 million to support the nonprofit’s mission.

Funds raised from the annual event support the nonprofit’s equine-assisted services and financial aid for clients and participants. Over 1,200 attendees enjoyed the Shea Center Campus as it was transformed into a carnival on Sept. 23, offering guests the opportunity to learn more about the center’s mission The event featured client rider demonstrations, a barbecue, sponsor saloon, live music from Swingshift, dancing, photo opportunities and barn tours to meet the center’s therapy horses. The Parade of Stars included 85 clients, family members, volunteers and staff.

Attendees also enjoyed a performance by Infinite Flow, an inclusive

The JF Shea Therapeutic Riding Center’s 45th annual BBQ and Family Faire fundraiser on Sept. 23 brought in a record $1.3 million to support the nonprofit’s mission, surpassing the $1.2 million goal.

Photo: Courtesy of the Shea Center

professional dance company that employs dancers with and without disabilities.

Kids could also enjoy carnival games, prizes, face painting and a petting zoo. OCFA Fire Capt. Danny Goodwin and firefighters from local OCFA Station 56 passed out junior firefighter helmets and offered kids tours and photo opportunities with their technical rescue truck.

Shea Center CEO Dana Butler-Moburg made welcome remarks and introductions, and Agnes McGlone Swanson, Shea Center chief development officer, and Sonya Violette, Shea Center Donor Relations director, thanked sponsors of all levels.

Greg Talbott, Shea Center Board chair, thanked board leaders, volunteers and staff with special recognition to 2023 BBQ co-chairs Bonnie Eastman, Amber Landeen, and Bryan Coniglio.

NEWS NEXT DOOR:

How San Juan’s ‘Ghost Train’ Has Haunted Motorists for a Dozen Years

BY JONATHAN VOLZKE

A

saloon keeper shot dead in front of his home in 1896 was seen in the old home for decades, until it was finally moved to another site.

A girl set to marry her love, killed along with 41 others in the collapse of the Great Stone Church in 1812, can still be seen in windows of the old church, her face often illuminated with a candle.

A mother longingly looking for her son, who died in the jail beneath El Adobe de Capistrano when it was used to hold prisoners, still taps visitors on the shoulder as she searches for him.

San Juan Capistrano may be famous for the return of the swallows, but the ghosts never leave. They’re seen here or there, and their stories may evolve over the years, but the tales are persistent enough to bring SyFy’s “Ghost Hunters” to town.

An author once opined that San Juan Capistrano was the most haunted city in California.

Many of the legends are based in the Los Rios District, which dates back to 1794 and is said to be the oldest continuously lived-in

Dana Point Times October 27 - November 2, 2023

neighborhood in the state. That’s what makes the Historical Society’s Ghosts & Legends Tour so eerily perfect.

Not all of the ghosts who haunt San Juan are rooted in history, though. And not all taunt us with a glimpse in the dark of night.

Perhaps the most famous ghost of all first appeared in 2011—in October, appropriately enough—accomapnied by creaks and clangs through Los Rios at all hours. Smart locals know to go another way to avoid the nightmare of the “Ghost Train.”

Like other apparitions, the Ghost Train was borne of an accident, an unintended consequence when the Orange County Transportation Authority added new gates across Del Obispo Street—the main artery through town.

The sensors that trigger the gate are such that they sometimes activate even when the southbound trains stop at the Downtown San Juan station. The gates go down, creating a nightmare for motorists until the invisible Ghost Train passes and the gates rise.

Over the years, sightings rose, and the public cried for Ghostbusters. City officials pushed OCTA to try everything short of an exorcism

San Juan Capistrano is known, in part, for its ghost stories and spooky history, but perhaps the most famous apparition of all is the “Ghost Train” at the Del Obispo crossing that’s haunted motorists for more than a decade.

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

to rid San Juan of the Ghost Train. But it has been a stubborn spirit, haunting motorists for as long as 10 minutes at a time.

Now, though, OCTA promises a treat after a dozen years of tricks.

Metrolink Chief Deputy Operating Officer Luis Carrasquero told the City Council in April that a new system will eliminate the Ghost Train.

The train is in constant contact with GPS satellites for location data, as well as the trackside safety devices. The new system, expected to cost about $400,000, will use GPS to precisely track trains and trigger the arms and signals at Del Obispo.

“At one point, OCTA said it just won’t happen; the only solution was adding a siding

Page 10

at the train depot, which was impossible because the houses on Los Rios Street were too close to the tracks,” explained Councilmember John Taylor, a Los Rios resident who’s been haunted by the Ghost Train since it first appeared.

“But, it’s finally here,” Taylor continued.

“The Ghostbusters at the OCTA have the technology, and we are ecstatic to be chosen as the first city to have it installed.”

The system’s supposed to be in place by December 2024. If all goes as planned, the Ghost Train will drift away, becoming a legend told to frighten motorists hoping to hurry along the Del Obispo corridor.

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Dana Point Times October 27 - November 2, 2023

Page 11

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SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | The Foley Report by Supervisor Katrina Foley

Updates on Harbor Revitalization, OCTA Projects, and Fall Community Events

T

his month, my office made progress toward our priorities for the Fifth District.

We celebrated the grand opening of our Dana Point Fifth District office this week.

The fabulous Fifth District is home to more than 650,000 residents, 14 communities, and nearly 32 miles of coastline.

After months of listening and learning about the Fifth District, I decided we needed a local office in South OC for constituent services. Starting in November, stop by for constituent services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 34475 Golden Lantern from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Regarding my Dana Point Harbor Oversight and Advisory Committee (DPHOAC), Sgt. Stiefel, the commanding officer of the Dana Point Sheriff’s Department Harbor Station, and DPHCOAC member firefighter Colin Harris, also the DPH Public Safety coordinator, led public safety presentations.

You can find the latest committee report at d5.ocgov.com/node/405.

Gov. Newsom signed Sen. Catherine Blakespear’s Senate Bill 677. This bill requires the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency to identify effects of climate change and projects to increase climate resiliency in its

annual planning.

I had traveled to Sacramento to testify in support of this bill. I look forward to working together toward proactive, long-term solutions THE FOLEY REPORT

BY SUPERVISOR for keeping our rail KATRINA FOLEY corridor open.

At OCTA, we continue investing in South County’s transportation infrastructure and cutting down travel costs for residents. OCTA recently submitted nine projects to the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to pursue from Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029.

If approved, STIP will provide more than $100 million to projects in the Fifth District, including updates to the SR-73 and widening of Ortega Highway. Securing this funding allows people to spend less time on the road.

Recently, I attended Otra Mas Equine Therapy and Horse Rescue’s Healing Hearts & Hooves Celebration honoring founder Kathy Holman. Kathy’s nonprofit provides retired horses with second-chance careers and provides humans with healing animal therapy.

I provided a $10,000 grant to Otra Mas to fund programs that support the well-being of our community.

Our annual Senior Summit co-hosted by CalOptima takes place on Friday, Oct. 27, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Soka University.

Join us for a resource fair, technology work-

shops, giveaways, memory care resources, caregiver support, skin cancer prevention tips, and more.

Register at tinyurl.com/KFSeniorSummit or call 714.834.3550.

Nominate a veteran for my third annual Veterans of the Year awards. This year’s theme honors veterans, reservists and active-duty servicemembers who contributed to our military and community through music.

Submit nominations by Friday at 5 p.m. to bit.ly/2023KFVOTY. Then, join us on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Dana Point Women’s Club for the celebration.

I’m also hosting a Career Fair and Veterans Expo with OC Community Services, OC Workforce Solutions and American Job Center on Nov. 9. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Laguna Hills Community Center, explore professional networking and connect with both potential employees and employers. Veterans offered early access at 9 a.m.

Finally, join us for our next Wellness Wednesday Walk with OC Parks on Nov. 8 at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. We plan to meet at 9 a.m. at Shelter 4, near the park entrance.

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter at d5.ocgov.com/newsletter and follow me on social media @SupervisorFoley for regular updates.

Elected in 2022, Katrina Foley represents the Fifth Supervisorial District on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She was previously elected to serve the Second District from 2021-2022. DP

GUEST OPINION | Citizens’ Climate Education by Cynthia Kole

Methane Emission Reduction—A Powerful Punch in the Face of Climate Change

M

ethane is colorless, odorless, and invisible to the naked eye—and a very powerful greenhouse gas. It traps more than 80 times the amount of heat as carbon dioxide over a 20-year time frame.

Approximately 30% of today’s global warming is caused by methane from human actions. While methane only lasts a decade in the atmosphere, it traps a lot of heat during that time. These widely published facts make a great case for the reduction of methane emissions as an immediate benefit to the climate.

Landfills are one source of human-caused methane emissions. Landfills emit methane when organic waste, such as food scraps, decomposes. Individuals can have a positive impact on reducing this source every day simply by using the organic waste can.

Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

I am an enthusiastic user, but lately my organics’ can has developed an odor problem. I turned to the city and waste company websites for tips on preventing this CITIZENS’ CLIMATE problem.

EDUCATION BY Placing newspaper CYNTHIA KOLE at the bottom of the can, using a compostable bag, keeping food scraps in the freezer until collection day, and sprinkling baking soda in the organics cart were among the tips offered.

Fossil fuel production is a larger source of human-caused methane emissions.

The main sources are venting, flaring, and unintentional leakage from valves or improperly sealed equipment.

Pending Environmental Protection Agency regulations, called Quad-O regulations, are expected to cut methane emissions from leakage by about 40%. Most of this reduction will occur after 2026, when the regulations go into effect.

The Inflation Reduction Act includes a methane waste emissions fee that may act as a financial incentive for fossil fuel companies

to comply with the Quad-O regulations.

One of the challenges in reducing methane emissions has been finding the emissions source, since methane is invisible.

Recently, substantial advances have been made in identifying methane plumes using shortwave infrared imaging and satellites.

California is funding $100 million in this year’s budget for eight satellites that will scan the state, and later the globe, to locate large methane plumes.

California is also seeking cooperation beyond its borders in reducing methane emissions. California and seven subnational governments from around the globe are the founding signatories to the “Subnational Methane Action Initiative,” which was announced at Climate Week in New York on Sept. 20.

As an individual, I can use my organics’ can and my vote to elect representatives who will support legislative action to reduce methane emissions. Cutting methane emissions now can pack a powerful short-term punch in climate change.

Cynthia Kole is a writer and retired attorney.

She became concerned about climate change when she read her first IPCC report many years ago.. DP

Page 12

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SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | Dana Point ROCKS by Anthony Small

Ohana Values Inspire Change O DANA POINT ROCKS

BY ANTHONY SMALL

n Sept. 30, during yet another out-of-this-world Ohana Festival performance, host Eddie Vedder and his all-star band The Earthlings played his song “I’ll Be Waiting.”

They shared a brand-new verse, written specifically for and about Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, and the gathering of friends, family and fans known as Ohana Festival.

Just last week I was complaining Sick of Seattle rain Gotta get me down to Killer Dana Gotta get me some surf Doheny way And the full moon was here to greet me And the band we began to play We’re so lucky to see all you people Even lucky to be in the rain.

That deep gratitude makes Ohana Festival more than just a music festival. Ohana Festival’s vibe emanates from its founder and the core values of shaping a better tomorrow for our planet and our humanity, motivating others to take action, and making a positive difference in the world.

Mike Long, who has curated the Storytellers Stage since 2019, said, “Hats off to Ohana Festival and Live Nation for creating a space to allow people to talk about real issues like climate action, Indigenous issues and talk about our oceans and our community.”

“Ohana is a place, certainly to celebrate music, but also to celebrate activism and inspiring change in our own backyard,” Long continued. “The Storytellers Stage is a space where the Ohana community activates around doing good.”

Vedder’s Pearl Jam bandmate Jeff Ament and former Fitz & The Tantrums drummer John Wick’s new project, Deaf Charlie, rocks hard, and embodies that “thinking of others” philosophy, sharing the opportunity to play Ohana with Wick’s fellow University of Montana instructors and students.

“Sharing this stage is like taking someone to a nice hotel that hadn’t been there before. It peels the jadedness off, and you feel their gratitude seep back into you. Bringing new people into the mix reminds us how lucky we are,” Ament said.

Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

Photos: Courtesy of Anthony Small

“When we first made that Deaf Charlie record, the last thing we thought was that we’d be playing it live, so to be making our live debut at Ohana, with the afternoon slot, it had to be more up-tempo,” Ament continued.

“Reimagining our sound for live performance has been wild, but it seems faithful. I love music that has weight, and for me to attempt to sing it, it must have weight.”

Emcee Marlon Grace shared, “I’m not gonna lie; I was nervous because Ohana Festival is on this sacred ground, and there is a certain respect and honor to be here. What Eddie has built here is not at all like a regular festival. There is a very kind spirit.”

Thee Sacred Souls frontman Josh Lane said, “There is such diversity in

the lineup, so it’s not just a typical rock and roll festival.”

“We can perform a song like ‘Sorrow For Tomorrow’ and let people know, let myself know, as a male, as a Black male, that crying is important, and if you try to hide that, you can make yourself sick,” he continued. “Crying is strong and an important part of being human. Musically and in life, we learn from our heroes, but add our own life experiences.”

The Aquadolls, who have previously played both the Storytellers and Tiki stages, played the Ohana main stage this year.

Melissa Brooks shared, “It was so fun to play songs from our new album, Charmed, and to look out and see all

Page 13

those amazing people in the crowd, and the ocean and palm trees; it’s a magical thing that you can only experience at Ohana!”

Anthony Small is Executive Director of Music Preserves Foundation, a City of Dana Point Arts & Culture Ambassador, local musician, and a California Arts Council Individual Artist Legacy Fellow.

Small and his family have lived in Dana Point for 25 years. DP

danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

TIDE POOL HIKE 10 a.m.-noon. Join the Ocean Institute for a 2½-hour adventure aboard the RV Sea Explorer, Ocean Institute’s 65-foot research vessel. Professional naturalists on board will introduce attendees to the lifestyles of ocean creatures that frequent the waters off Dana Point through hands-on activities. In the afternoon, from 2-4 p.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- to 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. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

Editor’s Pick

The List What’s going on in and around town this week DANA POINT TIMES

FRIDAY | OCT. 27 DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS ALTAR 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The San Juan Capistrano Mission will display its Dia de los Muertos Altar through Nov. 5 in the 18th century historic Sala. The space offers a place for those to remember their loved ones by placing their names on the Día de los Muertos altar, or ofrenda. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Old Mission Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. missionsjc.com LITTLE FOLK CLUB 10-11 a.m. Join the Little Folk Club in the Clock Courtyard near El Torito in the Dana Point Harbor for a Halloween singalong. Attendees are encouraged to wear a costume to join the fun. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. danapointharbor.com.

YAPPY HOUR 5-8 p.m. Join CL Esthetic Dentistry and the Pet Project Foundation for a pet social hour, costume contest, pet photography, tacos, craft beer, raffles, music and more. Dana Point Dental Parking Lot, 34080 Golden Lantern, Suite 201, Dana Point. 949.661.5664.

HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST AND LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 6 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Family Style will perform. The Halloween event will feature a costume contest with a $150 prize for best costume. Music by Family Style starts at 9 p.m. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

GHOSTS & LEGENDS TOUR Times vary. Join the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society for an all-ages guided walk down historic Los Rios Street on Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28—an annual Halloween tradition on California’s oldest residential street. For two Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

Photo Courtesy of File

SATURDAY | OCT. 28: HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR & TRUNK OR TREAT 2-6 p.m. Join the City of Dana Point for a Halloween-themed event at the Dana Point Community Center. The City’s Recreation Division is teaming up with Dana Point Police Services for two great family events on one day. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. danapoint.org. nights of tours, hear from ghostly visitors who share their story of their time walking this very same street. Spooky, family-friendly tales will be a highlight of your holiday. Admission for adults is $24.50; $12.50 for children. There are five time slots for each night. Los Rios Historic District. sjcghosttour.com.

HALLOWEEN PARTY AT CASA ROMANTICA 7-9 p.m. Bring your friends to enjoy a spooky night at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, featuring a candy buffet, complimentary drinks, a live DJ, spooky trivia, and the chance to win prizes. The event is for ages 21 and over.

Tickets are $30. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

‘BELL, BOOK, AND CANDLE’ AT CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE 7:30 p.m. Watch a live performance of Bell, Book, and Candle at San Clemente’s hometown theater. The story follows a modern witch living in New York City who wrestles with the plight of losing her powers if she allows herself to fall in love. The show will run through Nov. 19, with showings at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $28.

Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465. cabrilloplayhouse.org.

SATURDAY | OCT. 28 SAN CLEMENTE MONSTER DASH 7-10:30 a.m. Hosted by the City of San

Clemente, the second iteration of the Monster Dash 5K and Creepy Crawl Fun Run will feature tricks and treats for all ages. Runners, joggers, and walkers are encouraged to participate while wearing their best Halloween costumes. The race will include chip timing and computerized results from the finish line, awards for race winners and best costumes, and a race shirt. The 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Fun Run at 9 a.m.

Early bird prices are $13 and $25 for the Fun Run and 5K, respectively, available until Oct. 27. Register at san-clemente. org/events. San Clemente Community Center, 100 Calle Seville, San Clemente.

949.361.8264. san-clemente.org.

SPOOKTACULAR KIDS DANCE CLINIC 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Bring your young dancers to join the San Clemente High School Dance Team for a Halloween-themed clinic. The event will feature a costume contest, games and snacks, and participants will receive a T-shirt. Registration includes a $50 donation to the dance team. San Clemente High School Main Gym, 700 Avenida Pico, San Clemente. schsdanceteam.com.

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 one-of-a-kind gifts. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point.

WHALE AND MARINE LIFE TOUR AND

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CANDY CRAWL AT THE OUTLETS 1-3 p.m. Dress up in your favorite costume and enjoy free trick-or-treating, balloon twisting, face painting and spooky music at the Outlets. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

IVA LEE’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this San Clemente lounge known for its entertainment. Cholulas will perform.

Iva Lee’s Restaurant & Lounge, 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente.

949.361.8255. ivalees.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.

SUNDAY | OCT. 29 ‘WITCHYAKING’ 10 a.m. Join kayakers and stand-up paddlers in getting into the Halloween spirit in the Dana Point Harbor during the annual “Witchyaking” event. The route will start at Pure Watersports, out to Baby Beach and back. Participants are encouraged to wear a witch’s hat or costume. The group will gather in front of Turk’s Dana Warf and leave together.

Dana Point Harbor, 34683 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO GHOST WALK 6 p.m. Join Haunted Orange County for a dark, history-filled ghost tour of San Juan Capistrano. Hear the stories of spir(Cont. on page 16) danapointtimes.com

THE COACH HOUSE www.thecoachhouse.com

TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930 10/27 PIANO MEN: Generations 10/28 ALO with special guest shira elias 10/29 MARTIN SEXTON 10/31 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS 11/1 RIDERS IN THE SKY (acoustic western cowboy music and humor) 11/2 ZEBRA 10/28 11/3 LED ZEPAGAIN 11/4 LED ZEPAGAIN 11/5 BEN OTTEWELL & IAN BALL (of GOMEZ) 11/7 CARE FOR THE GIVERS Alzheimer’s Benefit Concert 11/8 RODNEY CROWELL 10/29 11/9 THE YOUNG DUBLINERS MARTIN 11/10 WHICH ONE’S PINK? SEXTON “Wish You Were Here” 11/11 WHICH ONE’S PINK? “Dark Side Of The Moon” 11/12 WISHBONE ASH 11/15 LEONID & FRIENDS 11/16 LEONID & FRIENDS 11/17 FOGHAT 11/2 11/18 ABBAFAB (abba tribute) ZEBRA 11/19 COCO MONTOYA 11/22 QRST (Queen/rush/styx tribute) 11/24 JUMPING JACK FLASH (stones tribute) 11/25 BUFFETT BEACH (Jimmy buffett tribute) 11/26 ARETHA Starring Charity Lockhart 11/30 THE MUSICAL BOX 12/1 THE MUSICAL BOX 11/5 BEN OTTEWELL 12/2 LEE ROCKER of the Stray Cats 12/8 GENE LOVES JEZEBEL IAN BALL BOW WOW WOW 12/15 BERLIN 12/16 GARY HOEY’S rockin holiday show 12/17 DAVID BENOIT christmas tribute to charlie brown 12/22 AMBROSIA holiday show 11/8 12/23 FLOCK OF SEAGULLS RODNEY 12/28 L.A. GUNS CROWELL 12/29 DONAVON FRANKENREITER 12/30 DONAVON FRANKENREITER 12/31 LOS LOBOS New Year’s Eve! 1/5 QUEEN NATION 1/6 QUEEN NATION 1/7 BOBBY GRAY 1/11 CANNED HEAT 11/17 1/12 TOMMY CASTRO FOGHAT 1/13 WILD CHILD (the doors tribute) COMING SOON 1/19 MARC COHN 2/24 DADA 1/20 MARC COHN 3/1 G. LOVE & SPECIAL 1/26 PETTY BREAKERS SAUCE (tom petty tribute) 3/13 REVEREND HORTON 2/3 GLENN HUGHES 3/14 COLIN JAMES Deep Purple Set 4/5 ULI JON ROTH 2/9 FAST TIMES - interstellar sky guitar tour (80s concert experience) 4/6 RONSTADT REVIVAL 2/10 JOURNEY USA (linda ronstadt) 2/14 OTTMAR LIEBERT 4/14 THE FABULOUS & LUNA NEGRA THUNDERBIRDS 2/17 THE MOTELS 4/18 SPONGE 2/22 SHAWN PHILLIPS 4/19 RICHIE FURAY

San Clemente 638 Camino De Los Mares, #D130 San Clemente, CA 92673 (949) 649-2290

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Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

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danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES:

‘Killers of the Flower Moon’

BY MEGAN BIANCO

W

hile some have been arguing Martin Scorsese’s latest historical drama, Killers of the Flower Moon, is a good example of why we should bring back intermissions because of its colossal 205-minute runtime, critics and film fans have also been calling the film one of the most important films in recent years.

Killers of the Flower Moon also stars Scorsese’s two favorite leading men, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio.

One thing instantly noticeable about Killers of the Flower Moon is there isn’t much mystery or tension throughout the picture. The direction and narrative are very casual and straightforward.

In fact, the one complaint I’ve seen regarding the film is there isn’t really any suspense. We know from the jump nearly all of the men in the story are despicable and selfish. Our male leads are WWI vet Ernest Burkhart (DiCaprio), who is a cowardly simpleton, and his powerful, greedy uncle, Bill Hale (De Niro), who encourages Ernest to marry local Native woman Mollie Kile (Lily Gladstone) to inherit the oil money she’s owed.

At the same time as Ernest and Mollie’s courtship and marriage from 1921-1926, multiple women in Mollie’s family are victims of many murders

(Cont. from page 14) its that inhabit the old Los Rios District and make your way through Camino Capistrano to the outskirts of the Mission itself. The tour ends outside the Mission, near the church where a great earthquake struck in 1812 and parishioners were crushed under falling stones.

The meeting location is just outside the brick visitor’s information booth near the train tracks located behind the Franciscan Plaza Parking Structure, 26732 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano.

866.446.7803. hauntedoc.com.

MONDAY | OCT. 30 SAN CLEMENTE DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION Monday marks the first day an ofrenda will be available at Max Berg Plaza Park for residents to remember their loved Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Melinda Sue Gordon/AppleTV

throughout Osage County, Oklahoma.

A suggestion I’ve seen to fix the lack of suspense in Killers is that Mollie should have been the protagonist instead of Ernest. I think this would have been the more traditional route

if any other filmmaker had helmed it, especially if the director were a woman and/or Native American.

David Grann’s original 2017 nonfiction book, also called Killers of the Flower Moon, focuses specifically on

ones who have passed away, leading up to a full celebration on Thursday, Nov. 2, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. The event will feature traditional sugar skull crafts, face painting, an entire slate of live dance and music performances, local nonprofit organization booths, and food and drink.

Max Berg Plaza Park, 1100 Calle Puente, San Clemente. 949.429.8797. san-clemente.org.

San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

TUESDAY | OCT. 31 CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue. Oingo Boingo former members are calling all ghosts and ghouls as they perform for a special Halloween celebration. Be sure to wear your costumes for a spooktacular night.

Tickets are $58. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano,

WEDNESDAY | NOV. 1 AARP SMART DRIVER 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Taking this two-day classroom course at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center could save seniors money on their auto insurance.

AARP will refresh your driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road, teach techniques for handling left turns, right of way and roundabouts, and offer proven driving methods to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road. Register by calling 949.493.5911.

SJC Community Center, 25925 Camion Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano.

the FBI’s investigation of the murders, and Scorsese and Co. wisely realized this plot would have been redundant.

Mollie is the one consistently innocent and sympathetic character in the story. There are plenty of little things I would have altered if Killers was a more conventional feature, such as DiCaprio’s distracting caped teeth, Brendan Fraser’s scene chewing, and the out-of-place final scene, to name a few.

But I actually don’t think Scorsese is that committed to making a standard film this late into his career. He wants to send a message with atmosphere and tone.

The incidents in Killers of the Flower Moon are a part of real history and should be remembered and learned from. He’s showing us that, sometimes, just complicity can be as harmful as physical action.

The murders and other crimes exposed in the movie should have never happened. Killers of the Flower Moon is being sold as a real-life love story, but it’s barely that. It’s about families betraying each other for money.

It may not be as crowd-pleasing as Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer or Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, but it’s a deep, serious subject for those who are interested in learning. DP

knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic. com. DP

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your

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danapointtimes.com

CALL TODAY TO HEAR ABOUT OUR AUTUMN SPECIALS! LIC# 306001485

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Esmeralda Arellano, esmeralda@sanclementevillas.com or Krista Monahan, krista@sanclementevillas.com

AEP- It’s About Saving you Money Calling all existing Medicare Beneficiaries, are you looking to save some money on either your monthly premiums, your co-pays, or your prescription drug co-pays? Then the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time for you to make a change to your current plan. All changes made during this time (10/15 – 12/7) go into effect 1/1/24.

The biggest way to save money is to see if a Medicare Advantage plan would work for you. If it does meet your needs, then you cancel your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Drug plan for 2024 because the Medicare Advantage plan gives you that type of coverage and financial protection from medical bills. You’re no longer paying a premium for Medicare Supplement or a Medicare RX plan if you decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans in Orange County typically have no or low premiums and are both HMO’s and PPO’s.

prescriptions changed since you enrolled in your current Medicare RX plan? If they’re expensive medications (in the $40-$100 range or higher when you refill them) then it’s time for a review.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (also known as AEP) ends December 7th, if you’d like to schedule a no cost Medicare options review contact me soon, my calendar is already filling up!

I do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently I represent 5 organizations which offer 36 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1 800 MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.

Regarding a “standalone” Medicare RX plan, some plans used to not have a name brand drug deductible and now they do. Have your Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

Page 17

danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

LOCALS ONLY

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: AVIS JOAN BLOOD AKA AVIS BLOOD AKA JOAN BLOOD AKA AJ BLOOD Case Number: 30-2023-01355374 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.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: 12/21/2023 Time: 1:30 pm in Dept CM6. b. Address of the court: Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA

92626.

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, October 27, November 03, 10, 2023

BUSINESS LISTINGS BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

COFFEE SHOP

AUTO REPAIR

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

Dana Point Auto 34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

BODY MIND SPIRIT

HUMAN RESOURCES

ARE YOU HAPPY? Let us assist you in creating a life plan for the life & r elationships you want & deserve. Body Mind Spirit, 949.248.7377, bodymindspirit.com

JH Consulting - Your HR Partner 1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. 313 714.321.2279, jhconsultingcompany.com

CAFE - DELI

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

Want your business to be featured here?

Contact us: TJ Higgins at 949.229.1647 or Steve Insalaco at 949.229.1472

CLASSIFIEDS

SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD AT CLASS@TIMESLOCALMEDIA.COM

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online! class@timeslocalmedia.com

CAR FOR SALE?

Advertise It Here!

CLASS@TIMESLOCALMEDIA.COM Do you want to reach 42,000+ people in the Dana Point area?

Then you need to be in the DP Times. class@timeslocalmedia.com Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

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danapointtimes.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@timeslocalmedia.com

We Are Your Personal Injury Lawyers

You Pay Nothing Until We Recover For You Serving South Orange County For More Than 20 Years Call Now: 949-954-6666 Ext. 101 Email: Admin@cnalawfirm.com Auto | Motorcycle | Slip & Fall | Dog Bite | Construction Site Accidents

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or lloynes@timeslocalmedia.com

San Juan PHOTO & DIGITAL Scott Schmitt Owner

Lab: 949.661.5668 Studio: 949.661.6465 32281 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano 92675 Scott@sjcPhoto-Digital.com

Prints from Your Phone • Prints from your Digital Camera Presentations • Movie Film, Slides, Video Transferred to DVD Photo DVD Montage • Photo Scanning to CD • Digital Camera Classes Old Photo Restoration • Passport ID Photos • Custom Enlargements Posters Camera Repair • In Studio or on Location Event Photography

Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

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danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

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

It’s Been 1 Year

T

his week’s column was inspired by an email I received recently. The sender was a woman in Florida named Gloria, who subscribes to my weekly online eNewsletter. She is a widow of nine months.

Gloria and I have never met in person, but we’ve become email pen pals, sharing each other’s feelings of sadness, grief, and glimmers of hope during the first year after losing our mates.

Gloria wrote, “Is October the anniversary month of your partner Greta’s passing?

“Things are the same here in Florida.

I don’t want to be on a dating site now; maybe again next year, but currently am done with the 78-year-old men who are looking for women in their early 60s.

“I am OK; it’s been nine months since Peter died. I still attend the grief support group and make friends there. We go out to lunch now and then, which makes me happy.

“You wrote an article 13 years ago about my meeting Peter. You nicknamed him “The Italian Stallion.”

“Occasionally, I go to happy hour with a girlfriend, but I noticed more women

ings and the activities the seven of us occasionally do together.

“As I am emailing you, I am looking at five notes I wrote by hand that are taped to my desktop computer. They somewhat reflect the different stages I went through during the first few months after Greta’s passing. They are:

than men at the bar. I network by asking friends if they know someone, and no one does; it might change, but for now, there is no ON LIFE AND LOVE one. I realize that AFTER 50 BY it’s a lot more TOM BLAKE difficult to meet someone at age 77 than it was 13 years ago.

“I miss him, but cry less often and feel grateful for what life offers me now. I still want a partner, so I will not give up hope.”

I replied to Gloria, “Yes, Greta passed last year on Oct. 29. I can’t believe it’s been a year. In looking back, it seems the year went by quickly, but I also recall the hours and days when time crawled and the heart was heavy missing her.

“Gloria, you are at the nine-month mark after losing Peter. Grief support has helped you and helped me as well. For me, it’s mostly because of the friendships with five women and one man formed via the grief-share gather-

1. STUG—An acronym for “Sudden Temporary Uptake of Grief.” Unpredictable when they occur but felt often in the first few months; less now, but still inevitable.

2. Don’t Overthink It. Reminding myself to stop thinking about why I lost Greta and what more I could have done to help her.

3. Let It Be. Reminding myself that when adversity arises now, I have no control over it, so don’t sweat it.

4. It Doesn’t Matter. Felt after people insisted that I should have waited a year before dating.

5. Are You OK? My three-word response to disarm people speaking negatively about how I’m proceeding with life.

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 sraymundo@timeslocalmedia.com.

Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. DP 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.

CHALLENGES OF SENIOR DATING Tom Blake will lead a presentation called the Challenges of Senior Dating at the Dana West Yacht Club on Nov. 7.

The presentation, free for the public to attend, is from 5-7 p.m. To RSVP, contact Pat Chiku at 714.595.8672.

“So, Gloria, how will I spend Oct. 29, the one-year anniversary of Greta’s passing? I will likely go to Salt Creek Beach and look out over the Pacific Ocean toward Catalina Island, where Greta’s

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo provides a view down unpaved Blue Lantern, circa 1927, before the gazebo, with one of Woodruff’s ads that bore the signature ship on top. The sales office can be seen on the right. This photo is available for viewing and purchase at danapointhistorical.org.

ashes were scattered, and reflect on how blessed I was to have had her in my life for 25 years. And how blessed I am now to have friends and two sisters who care about me.

“Or I might go stand-up paddleboarding in Dana Point Harbor to enjoy the pelicans and sea lions so prevalent there.

“You take care, Gloria. As one of my singing idols, Bob Seger, croons, ‘You’ll be fine in your time.’ I will be fine, also.”

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Kiwi

Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

DANA POINT TIMES

Say hello to Kiwi, a 7-month-old sweetheart of a cat. Though she can be a bit reserved at first meeting, Kiwi quickly warms up to show her playful and affectionate side. She gets along well with other cats and would make an ideal kitty companion. Could Kiwi be the one for you?

If you are interested in adopting Kiwi, 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 medium by Myles Mellor

Sudoku

5 2 6 1

BY MYLES MELLOR

3

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

Courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid 1 9 2 3 4 8 6 5 7 that has been subdi4 6 7 9 5 2 1 3 8 8 3 5 7 1 6 4 2 9 vided into nine smaller 6 5 4 8 3 1 9 7 2 grids of 3x3 squares.

9 2 8 6 7 4 5 1 3 7 1 3 5 2 9 8 6 4 To solve the puzzle, 2 7 1 4 9 5 3 8 6 each row, column and 3 8 9 1 6 7 2 4 5 box must contain each 5 4 6 2 8 3 7 9 1 of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 20

9

6 4

5 8

1

9 6

1 4

2

9 1 5

7 4 2 9

6 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.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL EDGED IN CIF-SS QUARTERFINAL THRILLER

Dana Hills girls volleyball was within spiking distance of program history, but in a match that balanced on the net’s edge, the Dolphins found themselves just short.

Canyon took back-and-forth fourth and fifth sets from ties of 23-23 and 13-13, respectively, to down Dana Hills in a thriller, 25-11, 18-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-13, in a CIF-SS Division 3 quarterfinal match on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Canyon High School in Anaheim.

“It’s simple plays over time,” Dana Hills coach Tom Hoff said of the difference in a tight match like this quarterfinal. “(Canyon) played really awesome from the fourth and fifth set, very consistent, made us work real hard at getting all the points. Hats off to them. We had them against the wall.

I thought we had them in a really good spot in the fourth game, but hats off to them.”

Dana Hills fell once again in the CIFSS quarterfinals with similar defeats at the same stage in 2018, 2012 and 2007.

The Dolphins’ girls volleyball program has never won a CIF-SS championship or played in a CIF-SS Final.

This group for Dana Hills (20-3) still accomplished more than it had in recent seasons with its first league championship since 2017 and first playoff win since 2018.

“Special group. We had great senior leadership. Can’t say enough about how hard they played, how together they were,” Hoff said. “I want them to feel like this is where we belong. We belong going into CIF. We belong making runs.

We belong winning conferences. These girls are hopefully setting a different tone for our program. We’ve got kids coming in as eighth-graders seeing this is the type of match we’ve earned the right to play.”

In a hot, packed and energetic home gym on Wednesday night, Canyon came out fast against Dana Hills in a 25-11 opening-set win, during which the Dolphins did not look like their normal selves.

However, Dana Hills found its regular game in the second set with five service Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

Dana Hills girls volleyball fell in the CIF-SS quarterfinals for the third time since 2007 with a five-set defeat at Canyon High in Anaheim on Wednesday, Oct. 25. This season, the Dolphins won their first league championship since 2017 and first playoff match since 2018. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

aces and excellent defending. The Dolphins evened the match with a 25-18 win. Ava Hoff recorded two aces, and Reese Weinert, Kaity Hoelker and Kayli Wallin each recorded an ace.

Weinert came out strong and finished stronger for Dana Hills in the third set, as the Dolphins grabbed an early lead and held off a push from the Comanches, 25-21. Weinert recorded seven kills in the set, and Ally Fausett closed the set with a block.

In the fourth set, neither team could pull away from the other, as each team earned three-point leads in the first half of the set. The second half of the set saw both teams covering the entirety of the court and trading points with seven tie scores up to 23-23. With Dana Hills staring down a semifinal berth, Canyon found the extra edge to take the set, 25-23, and light up its home crowd heading into the decisive fifth set.

Dana Hills grabbed an early threepoint lead in the fifth set, but Canyon chipped away to tie the score at 7-7.

The Dolphins and Comanches would tie again at 10, 11, 12 and 13, but Dana Hills couldn’t find the finishing blow.

Canyon put up the wall again with back-to-back point-scoring blocks to win the set, 15-13, and the match to advance to the semifinals.

“We gave ourselves chances to win it,” Hoff said. “That’s all you can ask for. The other team has a right to play

really well, and they did in the fourth and fifth set.”

Canyon plays at No. 1 seed Beckman in the CIF-SS Division 3 semifinals on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Dana Hills had advanced to the quarterfinals with a home sweep over Cypress and a five-set win over Redlands.

caught two touchdowns passes from Jace Lowe, and Kucera also pulled in an interception on defense.

Dana Hills (7-2, 2-0) is ranked No. 98 in the CIF-Southern Section by CalPreps and will likely be in either Division 6 or 7 when the playoff divisions and brackets are revealed on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 10 a.m.

FOOTBALL CLAIMS LEAGUE TITLE SHARE, PLAYS FOR FIRST OUTRIGHT TITLE FRIDAY

GIRLS TENNIS WINS UNDEFEATED LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

In the 50-year history of Dana Hills High School, the football program has claimed only two league championships, but the Dolphins have never finished on top of the mountain by themselves.

With a share of the Pacific Coast League title in hand after a demolition at Portola, 52-14, last Friday, Oct. 20, Dana Hills can win its first-ever outright league championship against visiting Northwood this Friday, Oct. 27.

If Northwood (4-5, 1-1) defeats Dana Hills (7-2, 2-0), there will be a likely three-way split of the league title with Laguna Hills (8-1, 1-1), which beat Northwood in overtime last Friday and hosts Portola this Friday.

Against Portola, junior Owen Walz racked up 222 all-purpose yards with three rushing touchdowns and a kickoff-return touchdown. Noah Kucera

Page 21

The Dana Hills girls tennis team returned to glory this season with an unbeaten run through the Sea View League.

Dana Hills swept each set of three matches from its league opponents, including a dominant stretch over its final three matches with an 18-0 win over Mission Viejo on Oct. 12, a 12-6 win over Capistrano Valley on Oct. 17 and a 12-6 win over El Toro on Oct. 19.

The closest match for the Dolphins in league play was a 10-8 win over Capo Valley on Oct. 3.

The Dolphins (12-3, 9-0) are ranked No. 5 in CIF-SS Division 3, and the CIFSS playoff brackets will be announced on Monday, Oct. 30, at 11 a.m.

CIF-SS playoffs begin on Wednesday, Nov. 1, and Individual Sectionals begin on Nov. 20. DP danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

SAN CLEMENTE SURFERS QUALIFY FOR 2024 CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR

After a hard-fought season in the Challenger Series, Houshmand, Lindblad, Colapinto and Matson will join the world’s best next year

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

F

our surfers from San Clemente have officially qualified for the 2024 WSL Championship Tour and will kick off their rookie seasons next year.

Winning the WSL Challenger Series, which serves as the pathway to graduating to the Championship Tour, Cole Houshmand will lead the charge, with lifelong friends Crosby Colapinto and Kade Matson right behind him.

Meanwhile, Sawyer Lindblad will join the world’s best as one of the few women from San Clemente to ever compete on the Championship Tour.

History in the making, the accomplishments of these surfers marks a seismic shift in the power and prowess of the local scene.

Houshmand, Lindblad and Co. will join reigning world champs Caroline Marks and Filipe Toledo, both San Clemente residents, as well as world No. 3 Griffin Colapinto on center stage next year.

With San Clemente establishing itself as the premier hotbed for surf talent in the United States today, the future is wide open.

All the surfers who have just qualified for the 2024 Championship Tour have a story to tell. The Colapinto brothers talked about being on tour together when they were just groms and have now turned that vision into a reality.

The next brotherly duo to go on tour together, they’ll be compared to Bruce and Andy Irons, CJ and Damien Hobgood, and Mike and Derek Ho as their journey continues.

“I’ve learned a lot about myself this year. I’ve learned a lot about life through this sport and being in the jersey. I’ve learned dedication, discipline, highs, lows, balance, perseverance, and much more,” Houshmand shared on Instagram.

“Most importantly,” Houshmand added, “I learned to enjoy the journey more than the idea of the destination. The journey is where all the hard work happens, the growing, the good times, and

Dana Point Times October 27 -November 2 , 2023

emotions flow. The destination is the icing on the cake.”

Lindblad echoed the sentiment in her own Instagram post, stating that qualifying for the tour had been a lifelong dream of hers.

“I vividly remember writing down my goal during COVID of qualifying for the tour by the time I was 18 years old,” she said. “So many ups and downs to get to this moment.”

Meanwhile, for Matson, the last surfer of the bunch to qualify, it was unclear a year ago if he’d ever even surf again.

Struggling with back issues, he finally succumbed to the reality that he would need surgery. Battling back every inch of the way, he’s overcome tremendous adversity to get to where he is today.

“Last year, I wasn’t even sure if I was ever gonna surf again, but I was able to trust everything that was happening to me and always believe in myself,” Matson wrote on Instagram.

And while there’s already plenty to celebrate, the future is bright.

San Clemente’s Jett Schilling, Kirra Pinkerton and Bella Kenworthy also came close to qualifying for the Cham-

One of the few women from San Clemente to ever qualify for the Championship Tour, Sawyer Lindblad will join the world’s best on pro surfing’s biggest stage in 2024. Photo: Courtesy of WSL

pionship Tour this year and will undoubtedly be more motivated than ever to join their friends.

Collectively, all of these rising stars are inspiring the generation of tomorrow and setting the bar for what success in professional surfing looks like. Undoubtedly, we’re going to see more and more surfers joining the elite ranks in the years to come.

Congratulations to all the surfers, their families, and supporters on their remarkable accomplishments. There will be an entire town riding along with you all next year when you set out to take on the world. This feels like the start of something truly special for American surfing.

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. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 64-66 Degrees F Water Visibility: San Clemente: 4-6’ Catalina: 15-20’ Outlook: Fresh SW swell gradually nudges up the surf on Friday, then tops out Saturday with widespread shoulder high waves, (4’+), at good spots while standouts hit a foot overhead, (6’), on sets. Slowly easing swell and surf on Sunday, Light/varaible winds in the early mornings Friday and Saturday, followed by light+ westerly onshores for the afternoons. Offshore winds develop on Sunday. Deep early to mid moring high tides continue Friday through the weekend.

GROM OF THE WEEK

MOSES HENNINGS

BY JAKE HOWARD

L

ast weekend, the third stop of the NSSA Southwest Open season scored epic 4- to 6-foot surf in Oceanside, and rising to the occasion was San Clemente’s Moses Hennings.

Acing the Mini Grom division, Hennings took the win after a nail-biter of a final.

“The final was a seesaw battle from the start to the final minute,” the NSSA reported. “Moses pulled off clutch heroics, tearing up a wave at the buzzer.

The score dropped in at a massive 8.93, which gave him the W—his second of the season. What an exciting final! The groms were killin’ it.”

A fast, creative surfer, Hennings’ air

game is next-level. From ripping the pier to Lowers, he’s following in the long-standing San Clemente tradition of radical, progressive surfing.

And with a Hurley sticker on the nose of his board and the good people at Lost Surfboards supplying him with boards, Hennings is enjoying some solid support from a couple of the best brands in the industry.

If we’re celebrating the future of local surfing this week, Hennings is most definitely one to keep an eye on. Like so many of his peers, he’s going places. DP If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

Moses Hennings. Photo: Courtesy of NSSA

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