DPT 12/15/2023

DECEMBER 15 - 21, 2023 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 50

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

Festive Boats Cruise for 48th

U S E

Annual Boat Parade of Lights EYE ON DP / PAGE 11

Stand-Up Paddlers to Get in Festive Spirit with Santa Paddle GETTING OUT/ PAGE 14

Brews for the Brave Delahunt to Bring Back ‘Never Forget Pale Ale’ Firefighter Collaboration Brew E Y E O N D P / PA G E 3

The Orange County Professional Firefighters Association Local 3631 is once again partnering with Delahunt Brewing Co. to host a fundraising event benefiting the Fallen Firefighter Relief Fund on Saturday, Jan. 6. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Dana Point Women’s Club Recognizes Foley as Honorary Member EYE ON DP / PAGE 4

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DHHS Football Earns 10 FirstTeam All-League Honors

Turbulent Waters in Tahiti as Environmental Concerns Swirl

SPORTS/ PAGE 17

SURF / PAGE 22

THANK YOU.

It was a historic season, and we had great support along the way. We’d like to recognize the following businesses and organizations in our community that helped us make this a season to remember.

AJ Kirkwood & Associates Alexander Neville Foundation Barre3 Beacon Oral Specialist Black Rock Bikes Brooklyn Market Pizza Caliber Collision California Coastal Dermatology Calo Kitchen Capo Valley Toyota Capo VW / Mazda Cheapest Iphone Repair Chic-fil-a City of Dana Point Cityside Fiber Clean Juice Clicktide Digital Corporation Coastal Kitchen Coastal Gardens Coastline Collision Coastline Tint

Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

Coffee Importers Compak Asset Management Compass Tyler Varner Comprehensive College Plan Craft House Crumbl Dana Point Ale House Dana Point Hardware Derm Fx Diamond Fire and Glass Diamond Salon Domi Outdoor Living Dr. Alexander Taghva Dr. Eckl Escape Craft Brewery Farmers and Merchants Bank Feed Barn Capo Beach Gatorwraps Geo4 Services, Inc. Stormwater Glasspar Seafood GRAVITY Med Spa Handel's Ice Cream

Irvine Subaru Jersey Mike's Jimmy's Famous Tavern La Fortaleza Laguna Niguel Dental/Smile Generation Marina Hills Pet Hospital Mia Bella Bakeshop Mucho Mucho Market Noonan Team OC Local Taproom Ocean Honda Orange Theory Paradise Automotive Group Pixla Project Social Ram Air Engineering Rare Society Remax Mike Ahumada Restore Richardson Tile Creations Rosen Law Offices, APC Sea Pointe Design and Remodel

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South Coast Insurance Group Stace King Designs State Farm State Farm Elaine Levine Station Craft Brewery Synaptic Cycles The Joint Chiropractic The Stand Tilly's Toll Brothers Tremco Roofing and Building Trevor's at the Tracks Truly Pizza Tuttle Click Verso Homes WFG National Title Wood Ranch Young’s Beach Shack Zachary Orthodontics Zone Student Athletes

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EYE ON DP

Delahunt to Bring Back ‘Never Forget Pale Ale’ Firefighter Collaboration Brew

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

N

ever Forget Pale Ale” will return to Delahunt Brewing Co. for a short time in the New Year as the local brewing company brings back the collaboration brew with the Fallen Firefighter Relief Fund.

Proceeds from a fundraising event Delahunt is hosting on Jan. 6 will support the fund, which aids firefighters and their families during times of need.

Orange County Fire Authority Capt.

Brian Abney said he was excited for the collaboration event to return this year.

“It’s another great opportunity to work with Delahunt,” Abney said. “They’ve been great to our Fallen Firefighter Relief Fund.”

Retired Firefighter and Local 3631 Wellness Agent Jeff Hughes explained that the collaboration brew event was first launched last year as an effort to memorialize firefighters who died because of occupational disease or an acute injury, and to raise money for the Fallen Firefighter Relief Fund.

The 2023 “Never Forget Pale Ale” paid tribute to late Firefighter Engineer Mike Tooley, who died of job-related cancer in early December 2022, with his name incorporated into the design of the beer can’s label.

The 2024 brew will pay tribute to Kirk “Toby” Tobiassen, a longtime San Clemente firefighter who died from occupational cancer in 2022.

Tobiassen first served with the San Clemente Fire Department before the City of San Clemente transitioned services to the Orange County Fire Authority. Following the move, Tobiassen continued to serve the San Clemente community at Fire Station 60 as a firefighter paramedic before retiring in 2019.

Abney added that while “unfortunately, we can’t put everybody’s name on (the can),” the reason Tobiassen was chosen was because of his longtime impact on the San Clemente community.

“We thought it was only fitting to honor a San Clemente firefighter from Fire Station 60,” Abney said.

Hughes noted that the opportunity to memorialize a fallen firefighter on the collaboration brew can is important to remind the public “how dangerous the job is.”

“It’s a very worthwhile charity to be able to support and memorialize our brothers and sisters at the same time,” Hughes continued.“The fact that we have a company that supports union firefighters here in Orange County, and to memorialize our people because of the sacrifice that was made, means the world.”

Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

The Fallen Firefighter Relief Fund was established to help support the families of firefighters who died or had fallen on hard times, Orange County Professional Firefighters Association (OCFPA) Local 3631 Director Jonathan White explained.

“Since then, we’ve been able to increase that fund and provide funding for families who have either lost a firefighter or are in hard times,” White said.

Hughes added that the Fallen Firefighters Foundation is able to Members of the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association Local 3631 gather at Delahunt Brewing Co. on Monday, Dec. 11, to select “immediately cut a the hops to be used in the collaboration brew—getting the chance to decide on the flavors of this year’s pale ale. Photo: Breeana Greenberg check and help the family with funeral in the beer. Linn explained that the base tion, this year, the brewing company will expenses.” of next year’s pale ale will be the same as host the fundraiser at its San Clemente “The fact that you have these funds the previous brew, but the new pale ale location. is very important, looking out for the will have new dry hops to lend a different “It was a very popular event last year,” firefighters,” Hughes said. “They’re able to aromatic and expressive flavor.

Hughes said.“Very great engagement with get a check and help the families take care “It’s going to be phenomenal beer,” Linn the public, tons of firefighters there; everyof the stuff … so this event is supporting said. “It’s also for a great foundation, great body was having a great time and raised a the fund that supports the firefighters. It charity. Also, a lot of the ingredients we’re lot of money. That’s what it’s all about.” doesn’t get much better than that.” getting have been donated.”

Abney added that the event will be an For the collaboration brew to memoriLinn added that as a pale ale, the flavor opportunity for the community to gather, alize a fallen firefighter is a great honor, won’t be as aggressive or heavy as an IPA, enjoy each other’s company and support White said. making it more of an “everyday drinking area firefighters.

“Any year that we honor one of our beer.”

Delahunt Brewing Co. will host the members, obviously, this is the second Delahunt Brewing Co. CEO Miles McLenfundraiser event benefiting the Fallen Fireyear we’ve been doing this … it always hits nan said he felt it was important to have fighter Relief Fund at their San Clemente home that we can take the day to rememthe firefighters deeply involved in the prolocation on Jan. 6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ber him, remember his family,” White said. cess of brewing the “Never Forget Pale Ale.” The fundraising event will feature food, “It’s what the fire service is all about,” “These guys are obviously tremendous music and, of course, the specially brewed White continued. “It’s all about family. It’s firefighters supporting a great cause, but “Never Forget Pale Ale.” all about brotherhood and sisterhood. So, they’re also beer lovers, and they enjoy the “We are so proud to host the Fallen Firebeing able to do that for him is always a process,” McLennan said. “It’s nice to see fighters for the second year here,” McLengreat honor.” them engaged. This is what we were hopnan said. “It was a tremendously successful Hughes added that the fundraising ing to have to add their thoughts and their event last year. It’s a great cause, it’s local; event is great for people who just want spirit into the beer that they are brewing.” these guys represent the finest of Orange to come taste a new beer and great if you From smelling hops in the pellet form County here.” want to support local first responders. and tasting beers brewed with the differMcLennan added that locals should In anticipation of the upcoming fundent hops, several members of the firecome out to support the event, “because raising event, members of the OCFPA Local fighter union had the opportunity to get we are all in this community together, and 3631 gathered at Delahunt Brewing Co. on a glimpse into what the finished product this is a fun way to show support for someMonday, Dec. 11, to select the hops to be might taste like. thing as important as our firefighters.” used in the collaboration brew—getting White added that the first collaboration Those looking to donate to the silent the chance to decide on the flavors for the brew with Delahunt resulted in a sold-out, auction or raffle can contact Delahunt upcoming pale ale. great-tasting beer.

Account Manager Don Magnuson at don@ Delahunt Head Brewer and part owner Since the first Fallen Firefighter Funddelahuntbrewing.com.

Chris Linn poured six different hops into raising event in January 2023 drew such glasses so that the firefighters could smell a crowd to Delahunt’s Dana Point locathe different notes, selecting a few to use Page 3

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EYE ON DP

Dana Point Women’s Club Recognizes Foley as Honorary Member

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

T

he Dana Point Women’s Club (DPWC) welcomed Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley as an honorary member during its winter meeting on Dec. 7 after the supervisor granted the nonprofit $35,000.

The grant from the County of Orange will help the DPWC continue the work to renovate its 1950s-era Community House on San Juan Avenue. The Community House serves as the nonprofit’s primary source of revenue through rentals, helping to fund the DPWC’s philanthropic contributions.

The nonprofit is looking to stretch the funds as far as it can as it looks toward painting the building’s interior and exterior and replacing the Community House’s windows, DPWC First Vice President Toni Nelson explained.

“You will not recognize it after Christ-

Dana Point Meal Delivery Service Looks to Support Local Philanthropy

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

D

ana Point-based meal delivery company Rosey’s Family Feasts looks to give back to its community this holiday season.

Through the month of December, as Rosey’s delivers ready-to-eat hot meals, the company is giving 20% of each order to support the Dana Point Women’s Club.

“We’re a local Dana Point, Capo Beach family,” Rosey’s Family Feasts Co-Owner Christina Rosenberg said.

“We’ve lived here forever, raised our kids here. We love giving back to the community.”

Rosey’s Family Feasts cooks and delivers three meals a week, which it delivers on Mondays.

“We cook it in our commercial kitchen and deliver it straight to you, so you can be covered with dinners for the Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

Dana Point Women’s Club President Kathy Belanger (left) and DPWC First Vice President Toni Nelson (right) present Orange County Fifth District Supervisor Katrina Foley’s Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri with a flower arrangement, a bracelet with the club’s shell symbol, and certificate of honorary membership for Foley.

Photo: Breeana Greenberg

mas,” Nelson said. “It is going to be a charcoal gray, and it’s going to have a bright white siding, and we are going to put in a mustard-colored yellow door. Yellow connotes happiness; it connotes sunshine.”

During the club’s meeting, Foley’s Deputy Chief of Staff Alyssa Napuri presented the nonprofit’s leadership with the $35,000 check to contribute to the Community House renovations and gave an update on happenings in Orange County’s Fifth District.

In her comments, Napuri noted that

South County is a “unique community— that we all are invested in what happens in the harbor and the success of our communities as a whole.”

Napuri added that whether community members are using the Community House for a wedding or celebration of life or a donation drive, “I want to make sure that the Community House stays a fantastic institution for people to use.”

In Napuri’s updates on the Fifth District, she noted that the supervisor opened a new office in Dana Point Harbor, as the

week,” Rosenberg said.

Rosenberg and her husband, Mike Rosenberg, launched the company this year after noticing that many of her friends and neighbors didn’t have time to cook and were getting tired of takeout and drive-thru meals.

“My husband and I have independently started and grown various businesses in the past, from real estate to business advisory services, but many lifetimes ago—he cooked for about 15 years and has always wanted to open a restaurant,” Rosenberg said in an email, adding: “The love of cooking doesn’t diminish—it’s always there inside a chef.”

“We wanted to marry his love for cooking, our love for food with a real need in the community to be able to provide delicious food that’s always different,” Rosenberg continued. “You just get to sit back and relax in your home and have it show up.”

Rosenberg explained that the couple looked to “meet the needs of the busy, over-scheduled families in our local community, by providing them the much-needed help to get dinner on the table without having to worry, and to make it work by having the cooking be on one day of the week, so we could meet the needs of our busy family as

county looks toward breaking ground on the anticipated harbor parking structure in the new year.

“We are like hawks watching the Dana Point Harbor revitalization,” Napuri said.

“Finally, we’ll see some ground movement in the harbor, and once we get that, that’s the hardest part of the whole project is that parking structure; then everything else will be smooth sailing.”

Additionally, Napuri said that the county anticipates publishing a South County sand replenishment study and “how we can have a holistic approach—not just we’re going to put some sand in Capo Beach, which is great, and we’re going to put some sand at North Beach, which is also great, but—how do we we restore our entire coastline?”

Leading the club in a toast, Nelson lifted a glass of champagne, asking members to do the same in gratitude to the supervisor.

“On behalf of the Dana Point Women’s Club, I would like to raise a toast to our absolutely fantastic Fifth District Supervisor Foley. I hope you feel better and thank you,” Nelson said, noting that Foley was unable to attend the meeting because she was under the weather.

During the meeting, DPWC leadership presented Napuri with a flower arrangement, a bracelet with the club’s shell symbol and a certificate of honorary membership for Foley.

Dana Point-based meal delivery company Rosey’s Family Feasts looks to give back this holiday season, donating a portion of proceeds from each ready-to-eat meal order after launching the new company this year. Photo: Courtesy of Christina Rosenberg

(Delivery Cont. on page 7) Page 4

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Hostetter Sentenced to 135 Months for Role in Jan. 6 Capitol Attack

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

A

judge on Dec. 7 sentenced Alan Hostetter, a former San Clemente activist who led anti-lockdown protests and perpetuated former President Trump’s false claims of a stolen election, to more than 11 years in federal prison for his involvement in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, news outlets reported.

Hostetter, a former La Habra police chief-turned-yoga instructor who became a prominent demonstrator against the county’s and state’s COVID-19 restrictions, was found guilty this past July of all charges, including conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

United States District Court Judge Royce Lamberth also found Hostetter guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding and disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon after the defendant had represented himself in the bench trial.

Based on testimony given in the trial, Lamberth further found that Hostetter possessed a hatchet when he entered the Capitol grounds.

For his role in the breach in Wash-

ington, D.C., Hostetter was indicted in June 2021, along with five other men, including former associate Russ Taylor—who pleaded guilty this past April to a charge of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding.

“Mr. Hostetter and Mr. Taylor conspired together to obstruct and impede the Electoral College Certification,” Lamberth had said in the notes for his oral ruling over the summer.

“Mr. Hostetter and Mr. Taylor,” the ruling continued, “agreed to travel to Washington, D.C. to intimidate Congress on January 6 into challenging the Electoral College count and turning the selection of the next President over to the states.”

Federal prosecutors accused Hostetter and Taylor of being part of a group of rioters who pushed through a line of police officers on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol and had urged others to follow.

During the trial, Hostetter argued that the riot was orchestrated by federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. As part of his claims, he pushed for an entrapment defense, which alleges that he would not have committed a crime if law enforcement had not persuaded or influenced him.

Lamberth, however, said Hostetter

Alan Hostetter, a former San Clemente resident pictured here leading an anti-lockdown demonstration through Downtown San Clemente in the spring of 2020, was sentenced to serve more than 11 years in federal prison for his role in the Jan. 6 capital riot. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

had “not presented any evidence that could make out an entrapment defense on the theory that the January 6 riot was a staged event.”

Hostetter’s sentencing of 135 months in prison, just over 11 years, comes after prosecutors formally sought a 12-year, seven-month prison sentence, the Orange County Register first reported.

The prosecutors lobbied for the longer sentence on the basis that Hostetter has “shown himself to be a man eager to stoke the fires of revolution and to assume the role of a leader of the revolution he fantasizes is coming.”

“Hostetter talked repeatedly in

advance of January 6 in the language of ‘war’ and ‘revolution,’ ” prosecutors continued. “He discussed the ‘tyrants and traitors’ and the need for ‘executions’ of his political enemies. His delusion of grandeur—to see himself as the main player in a grand conspiracy centered on January 6, 2021—further demonstrates the danger Hostetter poses to the community in the future.”

According to NBC News, Hostetter and Taylor’s co-defendants—Erik Scott Warner, Felipe Antonio Martinez, Derek Kinnison and Ronald Mele— have also been found guilty of various charges, including felony obstruction of an official proceeding.

Local Pickleball Group Hosts 4th Annual Donation Event for U.S. Marines

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

O

nce again, the Dana Point Pickleball Group, which gathers regularly to play at Del Obispo Park, collected more than 800 Christmas gifts for its fourth annual donation event to benefit Marines on Dec. 4.

The local, informal pickleball group collects donations for U.S. Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton and their families annually. This year, the group collected gifts, handmade beanies and $100 in gift cards for families of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment out of Camp Pendleton.

In an emailed statement, the group noted that the regiment had returned recently from a six-month deployment in the Pacific.

Dana Point residents Gary and Trudy Daverso and Joe and Loretta Harris led the Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

donation event. The Harrises filled in for Santa and Mrs. Claus during the event.

The donation event serves as a special way for the pickleball group to give back to Camp Pendleton Marines, which hits especially close to home for Trudy and Joe, whose fathers were Marines.

Trudy’s father, Staff Sgt. Milan Muslin, was a Marine who fought in the Pacific, in Bougainville, during World War II. Joe grew up without his dad, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. His dad, Marine Corps. Capt. William Thomas Harris, died during a rescue and recovery mission in 1963.

Fifteen active Marines met the pickleball players at the courts at Del Obispo Park to pick up all the donations.

The Dana Point Pickleball Group, which gathers regularly to play at Del Obispo Park, collects more than 800 Christmas gifts for its fourth annual donation event on Dec. 4. Photo: Courtesy of Robert Hua

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Sam’s Shoes Celebrates 70-Year Anniversary

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

A

s with most families, the younger members tend to eventually seek a life beyond established tradition and create their own futures, leaving behind the foundation of what set them up for success.

That example is certainly visible on Avenida Del Mar, where San Clemente institution Sam’s Shoes celebrated its 70th anniversary on Dec. 7. Though some descendants of Sam Tiberi, who died in 2020, have moved on, his sons Lawrence Tiberi and Mike Walker are still holding down the fort at 135 Avenida Del Mar and providing continued service to the San Clemente community.

Walker said reaching 70 years in business was “a big accomplishment,” adding that not many downtown businesses have lasted through the years and stayed in the same family. The everyday patronage from locals has been crucial to Sam’s longevity, Walker noted.

“That’s why we’re here,” he said. “We try never to forget that.”

The son of a shoe repairman from Pennsylvania, Sam was stationed at Camp Pendleton during the Korean War as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy for four years before receiving an honorable discharge.

“After living here for four years, who the heck would want to go back to Pennsylvania?” Walker said. “This is a wonderful place to live now, but it was paradise in 1953. There was hardly anybody here,

and the town was just starting to grow.”

As Sam prepared for life after service, in which he needed to care for his son as a single parent with only $5 to his name, he came across a shoe repairman operating out of the storefront at 153 Avenida Del Mar. The repairman, who didn’t know how to fix shoes well and faced a soon-to-expire lease, told Sam that he would walk away if Sam took the keys and took over the business.

“My dad, with five bucks in his pocket, said, ‘OK, I’m in,’ just on a wing and a prayer,” said Walker. “Here we are, 70 years later.”

The business has occupied four locations on Avenida Del Mar since 1953, with Sam moving the store to its current location in 1964.

Over the years, Sam’s Shoes became interwoven into the fabric of everyday life in South Orange County, proven by its convenience to nearby residents.

“When Dad first started carrying shoes, the next-closest shoe store was in Santa Ana,” said Walker. “There was really nothing between here and (there)—Mission Viejo didn’t exist, none of (the other cities) did. It was just cows.”

The brothers, along with longtime employees Geovani and Luis Polanco, still operate the store with the old-school method of measuring “every foot that comes in the door,” Walker added.

However, Sam’s Shoes no longer stocks

King Tides to Return in the New Year

plan for future sea-level rise and to understand what’s vulnerable to flooding today.

Those looking to participate in the community science project are encouraged to find their local King Tide times on the California Coastal Commission’s website.

In a media release, the CCC noted the importance of paying attention to one’s surroundings and to “ensure you are safe and are not disturbing any animals.”

It also advised participants to turn on the location services on their camera phones when visiting shorelines to take photos of the high tides.

The project seeks photos that show the water level compared to landmarks “such as cliffs, roads, buildings, bridge supports, sea walls, staircases, and piers.”

Photos can be uploaded to the California Coastal Commission’s website at coastal.ca.gov/kingtides.

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

T

he California Coastal Commission is seeking community participation in the California King Tides Project at the start of the new year, as the state anticipates extreme high tides on Jan. 11 and 12 and on Feb. 9.

With the return of the King Tides, the CCC is asking residents to share photos taken of the extreme high tides to help record changes to the coast and estuaries.

The project helps the commission, as well as its planners and researchers, to Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

The extensive family behind the long-standing downtown business Sam’s Shoes celebrated the store’s 70th anniversary this month. Photos C. Jayden Smith

everything from high heels to work boots in its inventory. The store instead focuses its emphasis on European comfort shoes that are less likely to be found in department stores.

The entire family has less of an imprint on the store than in previous years, as Sam’s first son, Ron, retired from the business 12 years ago and Walker’s children have moved away from Orange County.

Yet, each member of the family is willing to drop in and help out when they’re back in town, as the store is “still part of their DNA.” Walker said the business has meant everything concerning its impact on his life. He credited his father for passing down a viable business that’s allowed

(Delivery Cont. from page 4) well.”

“We have a ton of busy families that don’t have time to cook, and we have a bunch of retired couples that also don’t have time or desire to cook,” Rosenberg said.

The menu changes each week, “so people never get bored of the food, and they’re always really excited,” Rosenberg said. Meals are cooked in the company’s commercial kitchen located in Laguna Hills.

The company delivers meals to families throughout South Orange County, but as a local company, it wanted to support the hometown, Rosenberg noted.

“The Women’s Club is always rotating in the impact that they’re giving here to our local community,” Rosenberg said. “They do really impactful, real giving here where we live, where Page 7

the family to put down roots in the area, noting the difficulty of buying a house in South Orange County after leaving.

“We’ve been able to live and work and buy homes in San Clemente, and live in this great town our whole lives,” said Walker. “It’s made a huge difference for us.”

our families are, where we want to support with our community dollars.”

“So, when we can support really impactful organizations like Dana Point Women’s Club, we know that those dollars are coming back into our community,” Rosenberg continued. “All the time and effort that these wonderful women provide, we want to support that with our local dollars, too.”

Those looking to support the fundraiser can also contribute by buying Rosey’s Family Feasts gift cards, Rosenberg said.

“You can give the gift of peace, relaxation and a happy, full belly to someone that you love in South Orange County,” Rosenberg said.

To view this week’s menu or to order, visit roseysfamilyfeasts.com or text 949.942.5402 and use the code DPWC to support the Dana Point Women’s Club.

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Local Business Owners Host Toy Drive for Charity

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

L

ocal women business owners, all donning shirts that read “Gratitude is Hot,” gathered at the San Clemente clothing store Melrose in the OC on Dec. 5 to collect unwrapped toys for critically ill children.

The toy drive benefits Irvine-based nonprofit Miracles for Kids, which is hosting an ongoing program called “2023 Holiday Basket of Miracles” that provides families caring for critically ill children with food and household items, in addition to gifts.

Within the holiday program, the organization’s Adopt-A-Family initiative directly delivers gifts to participating families.

Christina Smallwood, a San Clemente resident and small business own-

er, organized the event as a member of Miracles for Kids’ 360° Miracle, a network for women. As a mother of a child with special needs who’s spent plenty of time in hospitals herself, Smallwood said that “receiving gifts makes it a little bit better.”

The gift drive itself lasted three hours, but interested parties can still donate by ordering from an Amazon wish list or dropping off gifts at Melrose in the OC through Dec. 15.

Store owner Kristina Waisner Sitzmann spoke of her enthusiasm to contribute to any community initiatives that support local businesses, charities, mothers and children. She added that she felt it important for children receiving medical treatment

A group of local business owners gather on Dec. 5 for a one-time toy drive as part of an ongoing initiative to benefit families caring for seriously ill children. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

to “feel the love.”

In-store donations will be rewarded with a 20% discount on items.

To learn more about contributing to the 2023 Holiday Basket of Miracles, visit miraclesforkids.org.

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San Clemente Historical Society Gathers Contributions for 2073 Time Capsule

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

L

etters, photos and other artifacts blanketed multiple tables inside the Talega Swim & Athletic Club all day on Monday, Dec. 11, available for visitors to view as the San Clemente Historical Society prepares to seal a time capsule in honor of its 50th anniversary.

Since announcing the 2073 Time Capsule Project in March, the organization has steadily received contributions from various local entities, including the City of San Clemente, PierPride Foundation and Truman Benedict Elementary School.

Monday’s event provided an opportunity for members of the community to view what the Historical Society has gathered so far, with a date still uncertain for when the sealing will occur.

Historical Society member Laurie Gooch said her aim was for people to contribute what they felt was most important, and to remind current and future city leaders to hold fast to the values and characteristics of San Clemente that make it a unique town.

The Historical Society itself submitted a letter, which emphasized the organization’s goals for future residents to care for the city’s heritage and appreciate past efforts to preserve the Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

buildings and stories of San Clemente.

“As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the San Clemente Historical Society, we send our heartfelt greetings across the span of time, reaching you in the year 2073,” the letter read.

“Our journey through history,” the letter continued, “has been one of dedication, preservation, and a deep appreciation for the vision of Ole Hanson, who in 1926 founded this beautiful haven with the hope that it would become a place where people could live more happily than anywhere else on Earth.”

Gooch said San Clemente residents’ desire to participate in the time capsule made her “really happy.”

Jamie Goodwyn, Marblehead Elementary School principal, came in to drop off art; local graphic designer Bill Gibson submitted an image he drew of a trolley traveling down Avenida Del Mar; and resident Patricia Holloway submitted a detailed historical report of the city’s trees.

Contributions from local third-, fourth- and fifth-graders were especially important to Gooch, who enjoyed seeing the children’s enthusiasm.

“I thought it would be a fun pro-

The San Clemente Historical Society offers San Clemente residents the chance to view the contributions it’s received for the 2073 Time Capsule Project on Monday, Dec. 11. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

ject, especially (for) the kids, because they’re children and grandchildren, and they’ll be alive in 50 years (to see the unveiling),” she added.

In a letter from Councilmember Chris Duncan, who previously served as town mayor for 2023, he described the city as “the most amazing place” he had ever lived in and a place that must retain its charm.

He implored future leaders to be dynamic and thoughtful, find methods to save the environment by emphasizing clean energy and reuse, and preserve the city’s beaches. Duncan also warned against falling into polarization and forgetting what many Page 9

agree on.

“Importantly, if we continue to divide ourselves against each other, we are destined to fail,” he wrote, adding: “Your neighbor is not your enemy, no matter your political, ethnic, or religious differences.”

Other letters detail current organizations’ impact on the San Clemente community or stories connected to legendary facets of the town.

City Manager Andy Hall told the San Clemente Times he anticipates the city will direct more attention toward potentially creating a proclamation to attach to the capsule and determining a date to seal it in the new year. danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS NEXT DOOR:

JSerra Students Donate Gifts to Adopted Marine Families

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

C

hildren of dozens of Marine families stationed at the Twentynine Palms base will have presents waiting for them under the tree come Christmas after JSerra Catholic High students donated a plethora of fun items and necessities to support the servicemembers.

As part of a yearly campaign called “Operation Christmas Love,” a few of the Marines arrived on campus on Dec. 5, so the student-led group Caritas Christi could load the large haul of gifts into a moving truck.

“The idea is to allow people to have a nice Christmas … whether that’s giving them toys for the kids, or for their parents, or even just giving them things like necessities,” explained Lucy Meyer, a JSerra senior and member of the Caritas Christi group.

“I know some of the girls in my group gave Visa gift cards,” she continued. “(The families) could spend it on gas, and instead of using that gas money that they normally would have to pay, they can use it towards gifts for their kids or for each other.”

Charity Hauke, special events coordinator for JSerra, said the school has had a long-standing relationship with the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base.

An element of the Operation Christmas Love campaign, she explained, is the Adopt-A-Family program, in which roughly 70 to 80 Marine families are adopted by the school’s students, sports teams and clubs, such as Caritas.

The program, she added, is a way to “help provide a little extra at Christmas time just as a way to say thank you for the many sacrifices that our Marines have made for us, for our country.”

Caritas Christi, which adopted three Marine families this year, helps with different events at the San Juan Capistrano campus, as well as helps run the school’s Masses.

“We’re servants of the school,” senior Christopher Kempf noted, before expounding on the goal of the annual program.

“The goal of this is just alleviating the stress of the parents for Christmas, because imagine having a family and you can’t give your children gifts for Christmas because of stress and stuff,” Kempf said. “They already, these families do so much for us, with protecting us.”

Speaking to the importance of students’ involvement in campaigns and programs like Adopt-A-Family, Hauke said that beyond the competitive academic education JSerra offers, it also wants to develop the character of its students.

“Once they do participate in something like that—how beautiful it is—once you do practice those virtues and are giving, and how much support we can do to give back, I think that that all helps to develop that, the character of our students moving forward,” she said.

One aspect of the program, Kempf noted, is the students and groups are able to personalize the gifts to their adopted families.

JSerra Catholic High School students on Dec. 5 load boxes of gifts into a moving truck that’s bound for the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps base. The gifts will go to Marine families that the school’s students, clubs and sports teams adopted for the Adopt-A-Family program.

Photos: Shawn Raymundo

Hauke said that in years past, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the students would get to travel to Twentynine Palms for a big Christmas party, where they got to interact with their adopted families. Though the pandemic has slightly changed the way the program is run, the students do eventually hear from their families.

“So, we no longer go out there, but the Marines are always so gracious and generous,” she said. “They’re really good. We’ll have stacks of thank you cards that start

coming in across December, so they do have a little bit of interaction with them in that way.”

For both Kempf and Meyer, the program is an opportunity to help those who protect the nation.

“It’s cool to be able to give back to what people have done for us,” Meyer said.

Better Buzz Opens San Clemente Location

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

S

an Diego-based coffee chain Better Buzz opened its first Orange County location on Dec. 6, at 610 Camino de los Mares in San Clemente, quickly receiving significant attention from the community.

The San Clemente café and drivethru marks Better Buzz’s 19th location.

Amanda Cameron, vice president of marketing, said the city’s proximity to San Diego was a key factor in the company’s decision concerning where to first expand north.

She added that San Clemente reDana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

minded Better Buzz leadership of the “close-knit beach towns” the company has a presence in to the south.

“Anyone that has seen the view from this location knows why we couldn’t pass it up,” Cameron said of the Plaza by the Sea location. “Even the barista working the drive-thru window gets to look at the ocean!”

Better Buzz offers espresso drinks, non-coffee drinks and food, in addition to indoor and outdoor seating.

The San Clemente café is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

South Orange County residents flocked to San Clemente for the first official day of Southern California coffee chain Better Buzz’s first Orange County location. Photo: C. Jayden Smith

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danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Festive Boats Cruise for 48th Annual Boat Parade of Lights

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

B

oats lined with colorful strings of lights, decked with Santas and snowmen, candy canes and peppermints, cruised through the Dana Point Harbor for the 48th annual Harbor Boat Parade of Lights last weekend, from Friday, Dec. 8, through Sunday, Dec. 10.

This year’s “Candyland” theme brought out 72 boats vying for prizes in multiple categories such as best overall theme and most original.

Though the Dana Point Harbor’s Boat Parade of Lights has sailed on by, the public can still enjoy the themed

light displays illuminating the harbor through Jan. 14.

Getting into the holiday spirit, Dana Point Harbor Partners has installed more than 700,000 LED lights throughout the marina with themed light displays, including a giant whale sculpture, lit-up palm trees, a giant beach ball ornament stack, and the iconic “Merry Kiss Me” arch.

The winners of the 48th annual Boat Parade of Lights will be announced during the marina’s awards reception on Jan. 11.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, DEC. 16

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, DEC. 19 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.

Boats lined with colorful strings of lights, decked with Santas and snowmen, candy canes and peppermints, cruise through the Dana Point Harbor for the 48th annual Harbor Boat Parade of Lights last weekend, from Dec. 8 through Dec. 10.

Photos: Courtesy of Dana Point Harbor Partners

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20

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.

Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

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EYE ON DP

Dana Point Yacht Club Announces Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta Beneficiary

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

F

ollowing the conclusion of the 25th annual Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta in late September, the Dana Point Yacht Club presented the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley with a check for $46,896.47 as the beneficiary for this year’s race.

The two-day yacht race seeks to support local charitable organizations each year, raising more than $1 million for donations to local charities over the past 25 years.

Reflecting on this year’s regatta theme of “Setting a Course for Great Futures,” the yacht club noted that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley was chosen as the beneficiary because of their work to help more than 1,800 area youth to “reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.”

The regatta weekend in September featured a sponsor’s reception, cornhole tournament, and culminated

with a dinner party featuring a live and silent auction on Saturday and juniors race on Sunday.

“We had tremendous business and community support for this year’s Richard Henry Charity Regatta,” James Lenthall, commodore at Dana Point Yacht Club, said in a media release.

“This event is just one example of how the Dana Point Yacht Club serves not just the local boating community, but also the Dana Point Harbor and community as a whole,” Lenthall continued. “Our goal is to continue to demonstrate leadership and contribute to the exciting future of our wonderful harbor.”

For more information about the Dana Point Yacht Club, visit dpyc.org or contact Sue Ward at rc@dpyc.org.

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, visit bgccapo.com or email Nicole Watson at nwatson@bgccapo.com.

Members of the Dana Point Yacht Club and its leadership present representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley a check for nearly $47,000 as the beneficiary of the yacht club’s 25th annual Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta held in late September. Photo: Courtesy of the Dana Point Yacht Club

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danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION | Laurie’s Latest by Assemblymember Laurie Davie 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 danapointtimes.com

Reflecting on 2023

HOW TO REACH US PUBLISHER Steve Strickbine DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Nadine Johnson • 480.898.5645 nadine@timeslocalmedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x7 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x6 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x2 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.229.2821 icazares@picketfencemedia.com

TIMES MEDIA GROUP EDITORIAL Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinki Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Tom Blake Megan Bianco, Jake Howard Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

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T

his year has been another whirlwind of a year in the State Assembly. We were able to push forth some common-sense measures for California families, while fighting back against legislation that aimed to harm our communities.

There is plenty more to be done, and as your assemblywoman, I am committed to working on your behalf to ensure California remains a state where families and businesses can live, grow and thrive.

Below is a list of some of our major accomplishments this year.

I was instrumental in forcing the legislature to take the fentanyl issue seriously, putting in place a special Assembly Public Safety Committee hearing to pass bills related to this crisis.

As a co-author, I worked to help pass Sen. Shannon Grove’s Senate Bill 14, which finally would list the trafficking of a minor as a serious felony.

I joined my colleagues in writing

Letters to The Editor

ENFORCING EXISTING REGULATIONS REGARDING MOTORIZED BICYCLES JACK ROBERTSON, Dana Point

GRAPHIC DESIGN Amber Johnson

RESPONSE TO DIVIDEND CONCERNS KARL REITZ, San Clemente

Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares

In response to my op-ed regarding a carbon dividend, Robert Schollaert raises some important concerns. He rightfully questions the impact of a carbon fee on low-income families.

In fact, a Columbia University study shows that for the vast majority of people, the benefits of the dividend will outweigh the higher costs of products.

It is only at the top quintile where the costs are more than the benefits.

This is because wealthier households tend to be much higher energy consumers (think air travel).

Another concern he has is that American industries would be at a disadvantage. Most, if not all, countries that have a carbon price either already have or will institute a carbon border adjustment mechanism (green tariff11).

These protect local industries from foreign competition and help local industries compete in countries without a price on carbon. There are several bills already before Congress which would accomplish this.

Local Distribution Tim Trent PFM FOUNDER Norb Garrett

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.

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Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

a letter, urging the governor to switch to the cheaper winter blend of fuel earlier to help combat the soaring gas prices throughout our state. The governor LAURIE’S LATEST BY ASSEMBLY MEMBER relented in less than LAURIE DAVIE 24 hours after we had sent our letter.

After much public outcry and pressure, we urged the governor to veto Assembly Bill 957, which would have allowed courts in divorce proceedings to award custody of a child to the parent who reaffirms a child’s chosen gender-identity.

In 2022, it was the organizing of public opposition to ACA 11 by our office that helped lead to the defeat of this measure that would have jumpstarted California’s process to adopt a single-payer style health care system.

As we look ahead to the 2024 legislative season, it is clear that our

The signs on Salt Creek Trail between Camino Del Avion and PCH are clear: “No unauthorized Motor Vehicles” to include motorized scooters and motorized bicycles.

My wife and I walk that trail several times a week, and again this week we were clipped by a couple of bikers who were speeding down the trail in close formation.

I know there has been outcry regarding young teenagers and these types of bikes, but this violation was an older man and woman with no consideration for the many people walking on the trail.

The posted vehicle code and county ordinances are unambiguous, but I have not seen any type of enforcement. Is this something that the Volunteers In Police Support (VIPS) program could tackle?

I would even volunteer for this assignment. Make it a “bounty hunter” position, offering 10% of the fines, and we’d have plenty of help.

BEACH SAND: A REALITY CHECK GLEN GRIFFITH, San Clemente While most San Clemente residents including myself are ecstatic to finally see some beach restoration taking place, let’s be real about this.

Page 13

work is far from over. My commitment to serving the people of California remains unwavering, and our office will tirelessly advocate for policies that benefit every resident of our great state.

Please remember that our office is here to serve. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, do not hesitate to reach out. Your input is invaluable in shaping our efforts to better serve our community.

From my family to yours, I want to wish you a happy and safe holiday season. As always, I am honored to serve you in the State Assembly.

Laurie Davies is a small business owner and former mayor who was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 and reelected in 2022. She represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County—down through Camp Pendleton, and Oceanside, Vista and part of Fallbrook in North San Diego County. DP

It took 20 years for this to happen.

And the sand is actually going to an area that still has a beach. The red-headed stepchild that is the North Beach area of San Clemente doesn’t even have a beach anymore for most of the tide cycle.

While I am thankful for Mr. Levin for helping in the final push for funding, to seemingly claim the victory as his and Congress at work is at once taking full credit despite his 1% involvement and a scathing review of the effectiveness of government helping the people.

Now that the work of all of those for the past 20 years has come to fruition, I will judge his efforts and the effectiveness of the state and federal governments to deliver on some timely and substantial solutions to restore and save our beaches before it is too late to ever revive them.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers. Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday morning. Limit your letters to 350 words or less. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published.

danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

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

FRIDAY | DEC. 15 COFFEE CONCERTS WITH HIGH TIDE COFFEE 10-11 a.m. In partnership with High Tide Coffee, enjoy a cup of coffee and watch an acoustic performance with local musicians at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. The event is free with general admission. RSVP is optional but appreciated. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente.

949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

SANTA CLAUS VISITS THE DANA POINT HARBOR 3-5 p.m. Santa Claus will visit the harbor for community members to take photos with him in front of the classic Dana Point Harbor VW bus in the Clock Courtyard. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.496.5794.

CHRISTMAS NIGHTS AT CASA ROMANTICA 5-7 p.m. Nightly through Dec. 21, visitors can enjoy strolling around a festively decorated Casa Romantica and enjoy s’mores, as well as crafts for children.

Admission is free for visitors aged 12 and under and $10 for those 13 and up.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org.

SC SOCIAL: POLAR EXPRESS TROLLEY ADVENTURE 5-8 p.m. All aboard the Polar Express!

Get ready to experience the magic of the holiday season like never before at the City of San Clemente’s epic SC Social Trolley Adventure. Celebrate this holiday season with pizza, hot chocolate, games and a gingerbread decorating contest. The highlight of the night will be a thrilling trolley ride through the city to see all of the breathtaking Christmas lights and do activities along Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

Photo: Courtesy of Stand Up to Trash

SUNDAY | DEC. 17 : SANTA PADDLE

9 a.m. Join the paddleboarding community out on the water in the Dana Point Harbor for a festive paddle. Participants are invited to come dressed in the festive holiday spirit with reds and white, Santa hats, a reindeer, snowman, or elf. Participants can bring their own equipment or rent equipment at Westwind Sailing at a 20% discount, with Westwind Sailing donating $5 for every piece of equipment rented. Paddlers will begin at Baby Beach, where they’ll take a group photo on the water before paddling around the island. Paddlers are encouraged to wear or have a life vest with them at all times. Baby Beach, 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point.

the way. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N Calle Seville, San Clemente. san-clemente.org.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS HARBOR CRUISE 6-7 p.m. Join Dana Wharf for a 60-minute evening cruise around the Dana Point Harbor and enjoy all of the light displays from the land and sea. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

888.224.0603. danawharf.com.

registration is required. Bring your own camera. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

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.

LIVE MUSIC AT IVA LEE’S 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this San Clemente lounge known for its entertainment. Tightrope will perform. Iva Lee’s Restaurant & Lounge, 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.361.8255. ivalees.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.

SATURDAY | DEC. 16 SANTA CARES 9-11 a.m. Children with special needs are invited to the Outlets at San Clemente on Saturday, Dec. 16, and Monday, Dec. 18, to take photos with Santa during a private session that tends to all present needs. The event is free, but

SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS AT SAN CLEMENTE STATE BEACH 10a.m.-noon. The San Onofre Parks Foundation will host Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus near the Visitor Center and Historic Cottage. Regular parking fees apply. San Clemente State Beach, 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente. sanoparks.org.

WHALE AND MARINE LIFE TOUR, SAIL ON THE ‘SPIRIT OF DANA POINT’ AND SQUID DISSECTION 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 onboard will introduce attendees to the lifestyles of ocean creatures that frequent the waters off Dana Point through hands-on activities. 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 (Cont. on page 15)

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danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

(Cont. from page 14) are $65. For a limited time during the holiday season, 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. Dissections are 30-minutes long and cost $5.

The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA Noon-6 p.m. Bring your children to the Outlets at San Clemente to take photos with Santa on various dates throughout the holiday season. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

HOLIDAYS WITH THE HOMIES 1-8 p.m. It’s Homies on the Hill: Holiday Edition. The Homies on the Hill have concocted this ultimate holiday brewery crawl. Step into the magic of this traditional event, now sprinkled with some holiday cheer at Delahunt Brewing Co., Lost Winds Brewing and Artifex Brewing Company in San Clemente.

Partygoers can cruise on the free shuttle, making brewery-hopping a breeze, score $2 off beers all day by punching your punch card at each brewery and groove to live music at all locations. You can also flaunt your festive worst in the ugly sweater contest, with three grand prizes. Each brewery will have one winner receive a complimentary brew crawl for four people. There will also be a holiday vendor show to knock your holiday shopping off the list, as well as delectable bites from top food vendors.

Spread joy through the event’s toy drive in partnership with Station 59 and be entered in a raffle. You can also meet “Santa,” who will be making an appearance at each location to see if you’re on the naughty or nice list. This holiday event is a can’t-miss celebration. Delahunt, 1011 Calle Recodo. 949.503.2763. delahuntbrewing.com; Lost Winds, 924 Calle Negocio, #C. 949.361.5922. lostwindsbrewing.com.; Artifex, 919 Calle Amanecer, Suite A. 949.429.7805. artifex.beer.

SANTA RUN FOR CHARITY 2 p.m. Join Lily’s Lighthouse and get ready to jingle all the way along the Beach Trail to Landers Liquor Bar. Attendees are encouraged to run in their Santa suit or Christmas attire. The party will continue at Landers, featuring a barbecue and drinks, a silent auction, live music and more. Runners will receive a custom Santa hat, a barbecue dinner and complimentary drink ticket. Tickets for the run and after-party are $50. Proceeds from the event will support the nonprofit Lily’s Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

Lighthouse. Runners will gather at 1:30 p.m. at Parque Del Mar before embarking on the run at 2 p.m. Parque Del Mar, 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. lilyslighthouse.betterworld.org.

SUNSETS WITH SANTA 3-5 p.m. Enjoy free visits with Santa on the San Clemente Municipal Pier with a beautiful sunset as your backdrop this weekend. Bring your own camera. For more information, contact the City of San Clemente’s Recreation Division at 949.361.8264. san-clemente.org.

SNOWY NIGHTS AT THE OUTLETS 5 p.m. Bring your family to experience a 15-minute Snowy Nights Snow Show at Center Court. The show will take place at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays going forward this December. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.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.

MONDAY | DEC. 18

about and participating in safe, productive activities. Guitar lessons start at 4:30 p.m., followed by a fitness class at 5:30 p.m., and Creative Collaboration at 6:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.234.7259. thenoblepathfoundation.org.

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 WEDNESDAY AT STILLWATER 6 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

During this Country Wednesday event, learn to dance along with country music for free and join Stillwater for some two-stepping and line-dancing fun. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

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.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your 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 JAM 7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

SUNDAY | DEC. 17

TUESDAY | DEC. 19

HOLIDAY CAROLING AT THE OUTLETS 11 a.m.-noon. Gather with family and friends to fully embrace the holiday season by listening to Christmas classics and other holiday songs. Caroling Connection will perform. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.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.

STORYTIME AT THE SJC LIBRARY 10:30-11 a.m. Bring the kids to storytime, held every Tuesday morning.

Children will get to read books and sing songs. The event is geared for the 2- to 6-year-old age range. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

JINGLE JAZZ BRUNCH 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Casino San Clemente presents a holiday celebration with a performance from Elene Gilliam.

Brunch will be catered by CalFresh.

Tickets are $40. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and the performance will begin at 11 a.m. The Casino San Clemente, 140 W. Avenida Pico, San Clemente. eventbrite.com.

SOUTH COAST SINGERS PRESENTS ‘ALL IS BRIGHT’ 4 p.m. South Coast Singers’ 50-plus member choir, accompanied by Musical Director Ray Medina and pianist Brian O’Neill, will perform holiday melodies including “Winter Wonderland” and “We Need a Little Christmas,” as well as multicultural selections such as “Behold The Star,” “His Light In Us,” “Bashana Haba’ah,” and many more.

Tickets are free for kids under 10 and $20 for general admission. Presbyterian Church of the Master, 26051 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. 949.613.7840. southcoastsingers.org.

WEDNESDAY | DEC. 20 BEHIND THE SCENES SPIRIT RESTORATION TOUR 1-2 p.m.. Join the Ocean Institute aboard the Spirit of Dana Point and learn all about the ship’s history along with the restoration process.

The dockside guided tour will tell the stories of those who work hard to keep the ship seaworthy. Tickets are $25.

The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE NOBLE PATH FOUNDATION 4:30-7:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation hosts events multiple times a week to get youth and young adults out and

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danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Wellness & Prevention by Ben Haworth

Impaired Driving Prevention—A Teenage Perspective on a Complex Issue

L

earning to drive has been a sought-after rite of passage for many teenagers. For most, it is their first taste of real responsibility and freedom.

However, driving comes with its own set of anxieties and issues that teenagers may not think about before getting behind the wheel.

According to 2021 data from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, a total of 2,608 teen drivers (15- to 18-year-olds) were involved in collisions in which someone died. The NHTSA also found that “19% of teen passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2021 had alcohol in their system.”

Teenagers don’t yet possess the experience or decision-making skills when making the choice to get behind the wheel with an impaired driver.

Peer pressure further impacts these choices, resulting in impaired teens driving friends to and from parties, where drinking often occurs.

The influence of parents’ modeled behavior and open discussion are crucial in guiding teens to use their best judgment in difficult situations.

Despite the desire for freedom and pressure from peers to get their driver’s license, many teenagers these days are opting out of driving.

WELLNESS & According to the PREVENTION Federal Highway

BY BEN HAWORTH Ad m i n i s t ra t i o n , only 60% of teenagers had a driver’s license in 2021, a big drop from nearly 80% in 1983.

As a 17-year-old who does not have a license and doesn’t plan on driving anytime soon, it made me wonder why so many teens are not driving. Is it because we are anxious about the responsibilities of driving?

Could it be that teen drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, like drunk or drugged driving when riding with a peer, compared to driving alone? I asked students at my school how they feel about impaired driving, how we can prevent it, and how to model good behavior.

The first group I interviewed made the choice not to drive as a teen. One

friend said, “My friends will expect me to drive all the time. It’s too much pressure.”

When I asked another friend about how he felt about getting in the car with an impaired driver, I was surprised by the response. “If they seem OK, then I’m not too worried about it.

If it’s just a few miles, it will probably be fine.”

The majority of my peers gave similar answers. As long as it seems like they’re OK, they’ll be a safe driver even after a few drinks. Unfortunately, just one drink can change the course of your life and others around you.

The second group had been driving for at least six months.

“If it’s just a drink, like one beer, I’m fine driving a short distance,” one said.

A few refused to drink and drive, and would never drive a friend if impaired. “It’s not worth it. Especially now when it’s so easy to get an Uber to and from a party,” another said.

So how do we as teenagers stop the myth that one drink means it’s “OK” to drive a mile or two? It begins with modeling good behavior from both peers and parents.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Brody

Never get into a car with anyone you know who has been drinking or using drugs, even if it’s your best friend.

Don’t be afraid to stand up against impaired driving. Teens look to parents for guidance, so parents need to practice safe driving as well.

One way to connect with your teen is teaching them to drive. Don’t rely only on an outside driving instructor.

Parents have more influence than they realize. Eventually, I will learn how to drive. Until then, I will encourage others to make good choices and never get in the car with an impaired driver.

Ben Haworth is a high school junior and has been a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Teen Influencer since 2021. He is a competitive rower, a state Ambassador for the Best Buddies Organization, and loves history. 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.

DANA POINT TIMES

One-year-old Brody is a happy boy who loves to snuggle. Energetic and very playful, he is looking for an active family to call his own and can continue with his obedience training. Brody is a friendly pup, but he would do best as the only pet in the home so he doesn’t have to share the spotlight.

If you are interested in adopting Brody, 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 Photo: Courtesy of San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

3 2 4 3

BY MYLES MELLOR

Pictured is the swearing-in ceremony of the very first Dana Point City Council aboard the Pilgrim in Dana Point Harbor on Jan. 1, 1989—35 years ago next month.This photo is available for viewing and purchase at danapointhistorical.org.

Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

Sudoku medium by Myles Mellor

Sudoku

Courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society

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.

about making an interaction appointment.

4 6 7 6

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

Each Sudoku puzzle 4 9 2 3 8 1 6 7 5 consists of a 9x9 grid 5 1 6 7 2 4 8 9 3 that has been subdi7 8 3 5 9 6 1 4 2 vided into nine smaller 1 4 8 2 7 5 3 6 9 3 5 7 4 6 9 2 8 1 grids of 3x3 squares.

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

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

Page 16

4 9 2 2 1 5 8 7

5

9

3 1 4 7 8 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.

FOOTBALL EARNS 10 FIRSTTEAM ALL-LEAGUE HONORS Following a historic league championship season, the Dana Hills football team has rightly earned several top honors in the Pacific Coast League’s year-end awards.

The Dolphins went unbeaten in the Pacific Coast League this season to earn the program’s first-ever outright league championship and second league title overall. Dana Hills previously earned a three-way split of the Sea View League championship in 2012.

The can’t-miss focal point of the Dolphins this season was senior Noah Kucera, who deservedly was named Pacific Coast League MVP. Kucera made his impact in all three phases of the game to push the Dolphins forward.

On offense, Kucera caught 56 passes for 876 yards and eight touchdowns, ran the ball 38 times for 272 yards and five touchdowns, and he even threw a touchdown pass. Kucera also set the Dana Hills single-game, receiving-yards record with 254 yards against Woodbridge. On defense, Kucera grabbed a team-high five interceptions, including a pick-6, and recovered a fumble. On special teams, Kucera averaged 31 yards per kickoff return and returned a kickoff for a touchdown.

Also earning a top honor was junior Owen Walz, who was named the Specialist MVP of the Pacific Coast League.

Walz, who played in just five games after a transfer sit-out period, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns this season and averaged 43.7 yards per kickoff return.

Walz also ran for over 100 yards twice and scored five touchdowns on offense.

Dana Hills had five defensive players named First-Team All-League: linebackers Dominic Barto, Cooper Walsh and Noah Brown and defensive linemen Nate DePierro and Mitch Hill.

Barto was the Dolphins’ far-and-away leader in total tackles with 92, including team-highs in solo tackles (66) and tackles-for-loss (6). Walsh was tied for second on the team in tackles with Hill, as both wrapped up 63 total tackles. Walsh recovered three fumbles and forced two fumbles. Brown led Dana Hills with six sacks, and Hill was second with three sacks. DePierro recovered a fumble and blocked a punt for a touchdown.

Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

Dana Hills senior Noah Kucera (1) was named the Pacific Coast League MVP after leading the Dolphins football team in all three phases of the game to the program’s first-ever outright league championship. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone 57

On offense, receiver Chase Berry, lineman Kevin Garcia and quarterback Jace Lowe were all named First-Team AllLeague for Dana Hills.

Berry battled injuries to open his senior season and caught 27 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns in five games. Lowe became Dana Hills’ starting quarterback in the third game of the season and completed 56% of his passes for 1,840 yards and 20 touchdowns, with 14 interceptions, in his sophomore campaign. With Garcia leading the offensive line, the Dolphins collectively ran for 1,306 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Dana Hills also earned seven second-team selections. The Dolphins had four defensive selections in defensive backs Luther Kingston, Cael Vincent and Morgan Smith and linebacker Grant Peters. Dana Hills had three offensive selections with linemen Sebastian Becerril-Pastrana and Luka Rios and tight end Niki Grguric.

BOYS BASKETBALL SPLITS AT SAN JUAN INVITATIONAL It was an up-and-down week as the Dana Hills boys basketball team continued through its early-tournament schedule.

The Dolphins opened strong in the San Juan Invitational at Capistrano Valley Christian with an overtime win over Tesoro, 59-52, on Dec. 5 and a solid victory over Rancho Buena Vista, 83-67, on Dec. 6 to win their pool.

Senior Ryan Torab led Dana Hills over Tesoro with 19 points, and Logan

Scodeller scored 11 points. Against Rancho Buena Vista, junior Collin Haugh returned to form with a 35-point night, with Jedidiah Condie adding 17 points and Scodeller scoring 15 points. Haugh hit 8 of 16 threepoint attempts, and Scodeller put up a double-double with 12 assists.

In the playoff rounds, Dana Hills, ranked No. 8 in CIF-SS Division 2AA, faced tough matchups and fell in both rounds. The Dolphins lost to Division 1 No. 6 Mater Dei, 79-47, in the semifinals last Friday, Dec. 8, and Division 2AA No. 2 Trabuco Hills, 6749, in the third-place game last Saturday, Dec. 9.

Dana Hills continues with local nonleague, non-tournament games ahead of the holiday break.

The Dolphins go on the road to take on San Clemente for the third time this season on Friday, Dec. 15. Dana Hills won both previous matchups in tournament play and have won three in a row over the Tritons. San Clemente had won the previous nine meetings.

Dana Hills will host its first home game of the season on Thursday, Dec. 21, when the Dolphins take on Laguna Beach. Dana Hills has won the past two games in the annual pre-holiday matchup.

GIRLS BASKETBALL TAKES SECOND AT PACIFICA TOURNAMENT In its first full tournament of the season, the Dana Hills girls basketball team reached the final of the Pacifica Mariner Mayhem Tournament, but the Dolphins

Page 17

were edged out for gold.

Dana Hills coasted in its first three games of the tournament, but in the final, St. Margaret’s found a little more down the stretch for a three-point victory, 52-49, on Saturday, Dec. 9. This was a pivotal game for the CIF-SS Division 3A poll, as St. Margaret’s moved up to No. 3 ahead of No. 4 Dana Hills in the latest rankings on Monday, Dec. 11. JSerra is No. 1 in Division 3A. Freshman Regan Akason continued the youth movement for the Dolphins with a game-high 19 points. Madison Dellner scored 10 points, and the senior was named to the all-tournament team.

Freshman Kayla Rice led Dana Hills in scoring in each of the first three games of the tournament with 21 points against Marina, a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds against Torrance and another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds against Godinez.

Rice again led Dana Hills, as the Dolphins bounced back from their tournament defeat with a 59-24 home win over Newport Harbor on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Rice posted yet another double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Dellner scored nine points with 10 rebounds, and senior Esme Korman netted 10 points.

Dana Hills (8-2) hosted Trabuco Hills on Thursday, Dec. 14, but results were not available at press time. The Dolphins close out their pre-holiday schedule on the road against Valencia of Placentia next Thursday, Dec. 21.

The Dolphins will compete in the Costa Mesa Tournament over the holiday break.

DP danapointtimes.com

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

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.

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: 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.

Dana Point Times November 24 - 30, 2023

5. BIDDING PROCEDURES: 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.

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 the Labor Code.

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.

9. CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE: 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.

10. CONTRACTOR’S REFERENCES: 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.

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.

12. RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS: 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.

13. PROGRESS PAYMENTS: The AGENCY will deduct a 5-percent retention from all progress payments as specified in Section 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.

Page 18

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 PUBLIC NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on December 5, 2023, the City Council of the City of Dana Point adopted Ordinance 23-08 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT ZTA220002 TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE HOUSING LAWS AND SUBMISSION AS PART OF LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT LCPA230001 FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION

BY THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION The adopted Ordinance will amend the Dana Point Zoning Ordinance by amending or adding various sections regarding emergency shelter parking, manufactured homes, residential care facilities (six of fewer persons), supportive housing, and low barrier navigation centers. The proposed Ordinance will approve Zone Text Amendment ZTA22-0002 as part of Local Coastal Program Amendment LCPA23-0001 for approval and certification by the California Coastal Commission.

The adopted Ordinance is available for viewing in the City Clerk’s office located at 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, California.

This adopted Ordinance was introduced by the City Council of the City of Dana Point, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 21st day of November 2023, and adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on the 5th day of December 2023, by the following vote: AYES: Council Member Gabbard, Council Member Pagano, Council Member Villar, Mayor Pro Tem Federico, and Mayor Frost NOES: None ABSENT: None SHAYNA SHARKE CITY CLERK NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Title No. 8769668 ALS No. 2021-4294 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT OF A LIEN, DATED 03/02/2021. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: On 01/24/2024, at 01:30PM, ASSOCIATION LIEN SERVICES, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to a certain lien, recorded on 03/05/2021, as instrument number 2021000154847, of the official records of ORANGE County, California. WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR LAWFUL MONEY OF THE UNITED STATES, OR A danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM CASHIERS CHECK at: At the North front entrance to the County Courthouse at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. The street address and other common designations, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 7 SPICEWOOD, ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656 Assessor’s Parcel No. 623-054-21 The owner(s) of the real property is purported to be: DAVID REIFMAN AND RITA REIFMAN The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designations, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of a note, homeowner’s assessment or other obligation secured by this lien, with interest and other sum as provided therein: plus advances, if any, under the terms thereof and interest on such advances, plus fees, charges, expenses of the Trustee and trust created by said lien. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $12,416.80. Payment must be in cash, a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state bank or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings & loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. The real property described above is being sold subject to the right of redemption. The redemption period within which real property may be redeemed ends 90 days after the sale. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself.

Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of the resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code.

The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale.

If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (916) 939-0772 (Nationwide Posting and Publication) for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting.com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case TS# 2021-4294. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the schedule sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase Dana Point Times November 24 - 30, 2023

the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (916) 939-0772 (Nationwide Posting and Publication), or visit this internet website www.nationwideposting. com, using the file number assigned to this case TS# 2021-4294 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than fifteen (15) days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than forty-five (45) days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. The beneficiary of said Lien hereto executed and delivered to the undersigned, a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell has been recorded. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located. Date: 11/01/2023 Association Lien Services, as Trustee P.O. Box 64750, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 207-2027 By: MEGAN PAMULA, TRUSTEE OFFICER NPP0443126 To: DANA POINT TIMES 12/01/2023, 12/08/2023, 12/15/2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236676408 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: PIPPA’S SEASIDE PROOFREADING 32478 CROWN VALLEY PKWY., #101 DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): PHILIPPA LOUISE HARRIS 32478 CROWN VALLEY PARKWAY, #101 DANA POINT, CA 92620 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/PHILIPPA L. HARRIS This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 11/9/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times, December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236676212 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BLUEBIRD PEDIATRICS 303 BROADWAY ST UNIT 103 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 Full Name of Registrant(s): BLUEBIRD PEDIATRICS CORP 20 VIA LOMA LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677 This business is conducted by a Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: 7/25/2023 BLUEBIRD PEDIATRIC CORP/s/ROIA KATEBIAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 11/07/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times, November 24, December 1, 8, 15, 2023 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236676802 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: ALTER MENTAL HEALTH - SAN JUAN 33522 AVENIDA CALITA SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 Full Name of Registrant(s):

ALTER MENTAL HEALTH - DANA POINT, LLC 34270 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, SUITE C DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the Fictitious Business Name or Names listed above on: n/a ALTER MENTAL HEALTH - DANA POINT, LLC/s/ANDREW POLSKY, MANAGING MEMBER/ MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk on 11/15/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times, December 8, 15, 22, 29, 2023 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JEREMY TREAT, aka JEREMY M. TREAT, aka JEREMY MARK TREAT Case Number: 30-2023-01361863-PR-PW-CMC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of JEREMY TREAT, aka JEREMY M. TREAT, aka JEREMY MARK TREAT A Petition for Probate has been filed by KATHLEEN TREAT in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE .

The Petition for Probate requests that KATHLEEN TREAT be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, to be admitted to probate.

The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

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: Feb 1, 2024 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: CM06 b. Address of Court: Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

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 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 Stat-

Page 19

utes 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.

Attorney for Petitioner: Ben Schwefel, Esq, Murtaugh Treglia Stern & Deily LLP, 2603 Main Street, Penthouse, Irvine, CA 92614 PH: (949) 794-4000 Published in: Dana Point Times, December 8, 15, 22, 2023 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: SIDNEY MORTON HENDRIX Case Number: 30-2023-01361505-PR-PWCMC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of SIDNEY MORTON HENDRIX A Petition for Probate has been filed by SHARON HENDRIX KRAMER & DONNA K. HENDRIX in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The Petition for Probate requests that SHARON HENDRIX KRAMER & DONNA K. HENDRIX be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, to be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

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: Feb 1, 2024 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: CM06 b. Address of Court: Costa Mesa Justice Complex, 3390 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. 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 remote hearing instructions.

If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657622-8278 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 danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

John “Greg” Seymour

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

Attorney for Petitioner: Nicholas Kmetz, Esq, Albrecht & Barney Law Corporation, 1 Park Plaza, Ste 900, Irvine, CA 92614 PH: (949) 263-1040 Published in: Dana Point Times, December 1, 8, 15, 2023

John “Greg” Seymour passed away October 18th, 2023 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born March 4th, 1942, he spent his early years in Seal Beach, California before moving to a remote Cabin in Stoddard’s Canyon at the base of the San Gabriel mountains at the age of 5 where his love for the outdoors and nature blossomed. In the early 1950’s the family left the canyon and moved to West Covina where Greg would ultimately discover the two loves of his life, his wife Willie and the sea. He and Willie began dating in 1955, often traveling to coastal Orange County and to spend hours exploring the beaches in Laguna and Dana Point or sitting on the bluff above what is now Monarch Bay. He dove and spearfished in the abundant waters offshore and fell in love with the ocean and the freedom it gave him. He and his future wife became determined to make the area their home.

They married in 1963 and after graduating from Humboldt State in 1964 made their dream of living on the coast a reality.

Initially settling into San Clemente, Greg began what would ultimately become a 40 year passion, education and more specifically teaching within the Capistrano Unified School District. He taught at Concordia, Ole Hanson and Moulton elementary schools but ultimately settled at R.H. Dana where he spent over 25 years.

Greg absolutely loved teaching or more specifically the students he taught. His classrooms weren’t simply places to learn, they were portals to another world where his students could explore and create adventures of their own. He filled them with treasures found on the family’s extended summer vacations in Baja California or the Pacific Northwest. Arrowheads, fossils, shells, dolphin skulls and rocks and minerals and all types of living creatures, snakes, turtles, spiders and iguanas, etc. were just a few of the things you might find. These were truly living classrooms.

In 2004 Greg retired from teaching having twice been named “Capistrano Unified Teacher of the Year”. It was a bitter-

LEGAL NOTICES Place your notice today.

Email:legals@ timeslocalmedia.com

Dana Point Times November 24 - 30, 2023

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sweet moment. Giving up something he loved was quickly filled by spending countless hours back in the ocean diving, often with his grandsons, camping with Willie or pouring himself into his community, Three Arch Bay. Regularly up before dawn he would bring out the neighborhood trash cans, deliver neighbors papers and readily jump into any and all community projects. When the hedge in front of the community’s beloved gazebo grew too large and blocked the view of the beach he repelled over the cliff with Willie on belay to cut it back, not once but twice. He loved Three Arch Bay, his fellow neighbors and sharing his love of the ocean with anyone with a curiosity for its treasures. Teaching more than one Three Arch Bay resident to snorkel he eventually gained the nickname “The Finder” for his uncanny ability to find many an item lost somewhere beneath the waters of the cove and return it to the original owner.

In his final months Greg could still be found walking down the north beach steps, dive gear in hand, no wetsuit, even in winter and a smile that spoke to the pure joy he anticipated as he slipped beneath the surface of the sea. Greg loved his friends, cherished his family and was the definition of life well lived. He left an indelible footprint on this planet and will be missed beyond measure.

Greg is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wilmira, his two sons Scott and Justin, their wives Aubrey and Terie and his four grandchildren, Landon, Sean, Logan and Ashton.

A memorial scholarship endowment fund is being established in Greg’s name through The CalPoly Philanthropic Foundation. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to aspiring teachers who are completing their teaching credentials. The Seymour Family would be truly grateful if you would consider a donation to this scholarship in our father’s legacy. You can find more information and add your contact information to the interest list at the following link…. www.gregseymourendowment.com

danapointtimes.com

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Dana Point Times November 24 - 30, 2023

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DP SURF

TURBULENT WATERS IN TAHITI AS ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS SWIRL A proposed judging tower at the 2024 Olympic surfing event site prompts outcry from the local and international surfing community

Pictured is current world No. 3 Griffin Colapinto of San Clemente deep at Teahupo’o in Tahiti, site of the 2024 Olympics surf competition. Photo: Courtesy of Domenic Mosqueira / Red Bull Content Pool

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

F

or the better part of two months now, controversy has swirled around the planned construction of a new judging tower at Tahiti’s Teahupo’o, which is confirmed to be the site of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

With local San Clemente surfers Caroline Marks, Griffin Colapinto and Kirra Pinkerton all provisionally qualified for the Summer Games, which will take place next July, the standoff between Paris 2024 organizers and surfers and environmentalists carries local implications.

The original development plan from Paris 2024 organizers called for a new, expansive aluminum judging tower to be built in place of the existing structure, which has been used in WSL Championship Tour events since 2023.

Locals understandably were concerned that the development would damage the coral reef and pristine marine ecology of the area.

In November, they circulated a petition calling for a reevaluation of the plan. Garnering more than 160,000 signatures, the Save Teahupo’o movement was born.

Igniting a standoff between the powerful Olympic body and several grassroots surfers who know how to organize, the original plan was reimagined, and at the end of November it was announced that a new, smaller, less environmentally impactful judging tower had been designed.

Again, locals and surfers voiced their concerns that building new footings for the planned judging tower would adversely affect the sensitive coral reef at Teahupo’o. And they were right.

In early December, a construction barge collided with a nearby reef, destroying some of the coral heads. What may have been a smoldering fire before immediately exploded into a raging inferno, as national news outlets reported on the story. Construction on the project was forced to halt.

“The ISA was saddened and surprised to see that a test undertaken by the French Polynesian government resulted in the coral reef at Teahupo’o being damaged by a barge,” the International Surfing Association, which oversees Olympic surfing, said in a statement.

Dana Point Times December 15 - 21, 2023

“From the beginning of the proposal to host Olympic surfing in French Polynesia, the ISA has always insisted that the protection of the natural environment in Teahupo’o is a priority. This vision was agreed and is shared by all parties,” the statement continued.

Not long after the ISA issued its statement, France’s Minister of Sport, Amelie Oudea-Castera, issued a statement of her own, confirming that the Olympics would still take place at Teahupo’o.

“No, there’s no Plan B,” Oudea-Castera told reporters.“We’re on this path, which is really the right one.”

“We’re on the right path to have a new, resized judges’ tower,” she added.

At this point, it would appear there are still a myriad of conversations taking place behind closed doors as Paris 2024 organizers, surfers, environmentalists, and ministers of sport all continue to hammer out a plan for what happens next.

“It’s a very complex situation. There is a lot more going on behind the scenes.

I’ll make sure I’ll always give my honest opinion. Let’s keep it all healthy and the dialogue open,” explained former Champi-

GROM OF THE WEEK

REX HOFFMAN

BY JAKE HOWARD

Because he’s an ambassador of stoke and good vibes, it’s always fun to check in and see what Rex Hoffman has been up to lately. Turns out, he’s been busy.

Most recently, Rex was down at T-Street for the Western Surfing Association competition, where he took a very respectable runner-up finish in his division—and was gracious enough to congratulate his buddy Zacky Taylor on his podium-topping performance.

Before that, Rex pulled on the jersey at the Koastal Kaos and Surfers Healing events, where he put in brilliant, high-scoring performances.

When he’s not rallying his friends on the contest scene, Rex has been mak-

onship Tour surfer Jeremy Flores in a post on Instagram.

The upside of hosting an Olympic event at Teahupo’o is huge—it’s one of the seven wonders of the surfing world, and the viewership numbers would presumably be through the roof (which is why surfing was brought into the Olympics in the first place).

The implications of damaging the reef in one of the most sacred South Pacific surf zones may be a sin from which Olympic surfing can’t bounce back. There are some turbulent waters in Tahiti right now, and Paris 2024 organizers would be wise to navigate them carefully. DP 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.

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 61-62 Degrees F Water Visibility: San Clemente: 12-16’ Catalina: 20-30’ Outlook: Fresh WNW swell fills in Friday, for widespread thigh to stomach high surf, (2-3’+), while best exposures go shoulder high, (4’+). Waves drop a little on Saturday as the WNW swell eases, then surf rebounds into the waist-chest high range, (3-4’) on Sunday as a new mix of WNW/WSW swell moves in. For Friday and the weekend, early morning winds are light/variable, turning light+ to periodically more onshore for the afternoons. Mid/ late morning high tides gradually subside Friday through Sunday.

ing the most of the early winter surf. Ripping every empty peak between Strands and Trestles, the stylish little goofy-footer is showing the froth is real.

And with some decent northwest energy in the water lately, he’s been punching above his weight in some solid, overhead conditions.

Enjoying the support of the good people at Vissla and riding beautiful little surfboards from Timmy Patterson, Rex already has a lot of fans out there, and it’s going to be amazing to see where he takes his surfing in 2024. DP If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

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Rex Hoffman. Photo: Courtesy of @chrisgrantsurfphoto

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