May 4, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

May 4-10, 2018 C A N

U S E

Gallery: 2018 Dana Point Grand Prix PAGE 17

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 18

The Votes Are In

City Council selects a map, election timeline for moving forward with by-district voting E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3 On May 1, Dana Point City Council moved forward with a map for conversion to by-district voting in City Council elections. If a second reading is successful, beginning in November, residents will only be able to vote for their Council representative based on where they live according to this map. Photo: Courtesy of Google Earth

Dana Point Community Center Renovation Approved EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Local Documentary Filmmaker Receives International Praise DP LIVING/PAGE 13

www.danapointtimes.com

Dana Hills High School Senior Takes Action, Saves Life EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point Point Dana

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week City Moves Forward with By-District Voting Process, Selects Five Districts in Tan VI Map THE LATEST: During an emotionally charged Dana Point City Council meeting on April 30, City Council neared the end of the on-going by-district voting conversion that began in February by holding the first reading of an ordinance establishing and implementing by-district elections for City Council elections.

Beginning in Nov. 2018, Dana Point will vote for their single representative City Council member according to which district they live in. According to the California Voters Rights Act (CVRA), incumbent’s current at-large selected terms cannot be interrupted and the decision, if passed by a second reading, could potentially have large impacts on the political make-up of the Dana Point City Council.

The decision to move forward with five voting districts resulted after receiving support from Council members Paul Wyatt, Joe Muller, Mayor pro-tem John Tomlinson and Mayor Richard Viczorek. Council member Lewis was the sole opponent to the fivedistrict conversion.

“Four voting districts with an at-large mayor is the worst of all evils,” Mayor Viczorek said, explaining that four districts with an at-large mayor still left Dana Point in violation of the CVRA without fully embracing at-large voting potential.

The specific district map, called “Tan VI” by National Demographics Corporation (NDC), was chosen by a 4-0 vote.

“I cannot vote for anything but four districts,” Lewis said after it was revealed that she had abstained from the decision.

Mayor Viczorek reasoned that the Tan VI map was superior since it recognized the largest number of predetermined criteria to be considered for by-district voting as stated in the staff report prepared by Dana Point City Attorney Patrick Munoz.

It was Council member Tomlinson who suggested that the districts to be up for election in 2018 would be districts one, two and three. District one largely encompasses the Monarch Beach community. District two largely represents the Dana Woods and Dana Hills communities near Dana Hills High School. District three extends north along Del Obispo Street and across the Dana Point Times May 4-10, 2018

City Council member Debra Lewis (pictured), looking defeated after her motion to have districts two, three and five vote for City Council in 2018 was rejected 4-1.

Photo: Daniel Ritz

interior toward Alta Vista Drive across the northern border of the Lantern District. A full interactive map of the Tan VI map can be seen at www.danapointtimes.com.

After Tomlinson’s suggestion, Lewis suggested that the districts to be determined up for election in 2018 be selected at random from a hat, stating later that this was an attempt to take the politics out of the selection.

That motion did not receive a second.

Lewis found herself alone again when Council member Wyatt joined Mayor Viczorek, Mayor Pro Tem Muller and Council member Tomlinson in voting 4-1 in support of districts one, two and three being up for election in 2018.

“I cannot describe my feelings of how embarrassed I am for this Council,” Lewis said during a phone call with the Dana Point Times after the meeting.

After the reading of the ordinance, Lewis stormed out of the City Council chambers.

“I don’t know why (they are waiting for me to return), my vote doesn’t matter anyway,” Lewis said on the telephone outside the open doors to Council chambers.

WHAT’S NEXT: Lewis and Wyatt, who both currently reside in what is district four, await their four-year election cycles in 2020 (they were elected in 2016) where there will be one City Council representative. Tomlinson will not be able to run in 2018 as district five will not be up for election until 2020.

The second reading, necessary for passing any ordinance, will be heard on Tues-

day, May 15 during City Council’s regularly scheduled meeting. —Daniel Ritz

Santa Ana Sues Orange County, All its Cities over Homeless Issues THE LATEST: The city of Santa Ana City Council sent out a press release late Wednesday, April 25, stating that it had voted to authorize the city’s attorney to take legal action against all cities in Orange County to “compel parties to take immediate steps toward addressing homelessness throughout the County,” the release stated.

Santa Ana filed an attachment to the lawsuit that has already been in debate between the County and Orange County Catholic Worker, which sued the county after it tried to remove homeless people from the Santa Ana riverbed without a place to house them.

Santa Ana is arguing that it has taken in more than its fair share of the county’s homeless population, claiming the Orange County Health Care Agency found more than 50 percent of the 1,030 homeless people reported were from somewhere other than Santa Ana after conducting its own research and survey of the homeless in its borders. Dana Point Times has requested a copy of that report.

The release said the Santa Ana City Council made the decision to file suit following the Orange County Board of Supervisors’ decision to not establish a homeless shelter in Santiago Canyon (see

Page 3

full story at www.danapointtimes.com.

“The City of Santa Ana has been a leader in addressing homelessness in Orange County,” City Council member Juan Villegas stated in the release. “We are willing to continue being a leader in these efforts, but we need the County and our fellow cities to be good partners. There needs to be more ideas, fewer roadblocks, and more of us asking: ‘How can we collectively move forward?’ Those without homes demand better of their cities. We demand better of our neighbors.”

A meeting on April 19 of the mayors of cities in Orange County, particularly the southern portion, identified a location in Santiago Canyon, but that was rejected by the Orange County Board of Supervisors a few days later.

WHAT’S NEXT: Federal Judge David O. Carter will now have to reconcile the requests from Santa Ana, which is to force all the cities to designate areas where a homeless shelter could be placed—this is already enforced under Senate Bill 2 (the common name of the law that requires such zoning for a homeless shelter’s existence).

In analysis, it may move things forward faster if actions force the cities to establish legislation or policy to make the process of establishing a shelter easier rather than just ensuring the land is planned for such operations, but that action remains to be seen. —Eric Heinz (Cont. on page 4) www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3)

Community Center Rebuild Contract Approved THE LATEST: During the Dana Point City Council meeting on May 1, a contract was approved for Optima RPM Incorporated to renovate and improve the Dana Point Community Center.

The contract allows the city to grant more than $640,000 to the renovation and/ or repair the entry/main hallway, youth activity and dance room, senior lunch room, senior center kitchen, senior center lounge, arts and crafts studio, and building-wide improvements, including using $150,000 to replace outdated HVAC equipment.

Council member John Tomlinson called the community and senior center a valuable asset to the Dana Point community, and said he was proud to spend the money to renovate the center.

WHAT’S NEXT: After the meeting, Dana Point Director of General Services Mike Rose explained that the next step is to receive a timeline for the community center renovation project. A complete copy of the contract with Optima RPM Incorporated can be seen at www.danapointtimes.com. —DR

Citizens 2018 Candidate Forum for 49th Congressional Race THE LATEST: On April 30, close to 300 people gathered inside the Capo Beach Church for the Citizens 2018 49th Congressional District Tri-City Candidate Forum hosted by nonprofit groups Coalition to Save San Clemente, Capo Cares and Advocates for Responsible Treatment.

Featured in the forum were Democrats Mike Levin (San Juan Capistrano) and Douglas Applegate (San Clemente). The Republican representatives were Brian Maryott (San Juan Capistrano) and Rocky Chavez (Oceanside).

The candidates were selected based on recent polling data taken from the April 11 SurveyUSA Election Poll #23919. The forum was intended to be balanced, and if a candidate was unable to attend, the next candidate was approached.

Toni Nelson, representing Capo Cares, introduced the event to the crowd as a forum where candidates would be able to focus on local issues compared to previous forums and debates that discussed federal issues.

Candidates each had one minute to answer questions submitted from the community. Questions included local issues such as sober living homes, gun violence in schools, homelessness and the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

From his opening statement, and often afterwards, Mike Levin seemed to invoke passion from the crowd as he took clear stances against any form of Toll Road extension, the Dana Point Times May 4-10, 2018

immediate removal of nuclear waste from SONGS and an assault weapons ban.

Both Armed forces veterans, current front runners Applegate and Chavez took considerably more middle-line approaches in their responses, including Applegate’s approach to declaring “patient brokering” in the behavioral health treatment industry a felony.

“Sure, you can criminalize it more and more, but let’s look at what that has done for the drug culture in America,” Applegate said. “We need to take a look at the underlying fundamental issues like opioid addiction and bio-tech solutions to addiction.”

Maryott, repeatedly speaking on Republican momentum on the federal level including numerous accolades for President Trump’s tax reform bill, spoke on the need for reform in Sacramento.

“We brought this on ourselves,” Maryott reasoned, using the specific example of Proposition 47, passed by California voters in 2014, which classified some nonviolent crimes to misdemeanors.

WHAT’S NEXT: All of the candidates will compete in a top-two primary on Tuesday, June 5 and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election on Nov. 6. —DR

Local DHHS Student Saves Life at Work at Mahe Restaraunt THE LATEST: On April 28 at Mahe Restaurant, 17-year-old Dana Hills High School Senior Connor Onesto leapt into action, saving the life of a man suffering from a heart attack in the bar area of the restaurant.

Onesto, who has worked at Mahe approximately eight months, was working as a bus-boy when he noticed a crowd surrounding the middle-aged man on the floor. Another patron of the restaurant had started CPR compressions.

When Onesto approached, he took over compressions, performing four rounds of CPR before a second patron noticed a pulse and signs of life.

Soon thereafter, Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) and Orange County Fire Department arrived, taking the man to a hospital where the man’s wife confirmed with Onesto’ s boss at Mahe, Obie Scott, that the gentleman will make a full recovery.

WHAT’S NEXT: Onesto, who will attend the University of Nevada-Reno in the fall of 2018 to pursue a degree in scientific nursing, called this event a moment of affirmation.

“This was a breakthrough moment,” Onesto said. “Everyone was hugging me, and seemed surprised that I was able to do that. It was a great feeling and I am now sure that I want to study to help people.”

Onesto is actively preparing to take his paramedic’s certification next month. —DR Page 4

In honor of our 10th Anniversary, the Dana Point Times is proud to present...

10 Weeks of Giveaways!

Here’s the scoop…

Just send us an email describing why you LOVE the DP Times.

We will select a winner each week for 10 weeks!

Send your love-filled email to: contest@danapointtimes.com and tell us why you LOVE the DP Times. Include your name and phone number. Winners will be featured in the paper and on our social media accounts from 03/16 – 05/18.

Our next prize package includes: Two Electric Sonicare tooth brushes and a custom bleach tray whitening kit.

Custom DP Times tumbler with 10 free coffee fills from The Coffee Importers Plush DP Times beach towel

Congratulations to this week’s winner Pattie Grimm!

“

We moved back to So Cal and Dana Point 4 years ago after a long, wet and gray 20 year period living in Seattle. We LOVE Dana Point and the Dana Point Times.

I pick up the latest issue every weekend in the Dana Point Harbor! We have two of the world’s cutest pugs Roxie and Mango and we walk them around the harbor every Sunday morning and many other times during the week. I have to pick up the latest edition of the Dana Point Times and immediately read it when I get home. I love to local stories, latest hot news and other important information about the community in which Pattie took home a $50 gift card we live. I can’t wait every year for the Best of Dana Point to Brio Tuscany Grille, a $50 gift nominations, voting and results. I frequently complete card to The Coach House, a DP the survey and highlight my favorites things about Dana Times tumbler and beach towel, Pont. The Times helps keep me informed of informaand 10 free coffee refills from tion political and community issues as well helpful The Coffee Importers. information on events and the many great things to do in Dana Point. We are also active member, volunteers and supporters of the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment support group. We always volunteer for the annual golf tournament, the car show and work almost all the Dana Point Summer Concert series at the Park. My favorite part of every weekend is reading the Dana Point Times on my patio in the sun. There are a hundred of other reasons I love the weekly paper and this amazing city.

We live in paradise and the Times helps us stay in tune with everything happening in the city.

”

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Surfside Inn Pedestrian Bridge Open for Public Use

SATURDAY, MAY 5

OC Public Works contractors have completed the Surfside Inn Pedestrian Bridge rehabilitation. The rehabilitation work consisted of repairing the stairway and existing electrical, replacing the fence and anchor bolts, patching deteriorated concrete, installing cathodic protection and applying new paint to extend the service life of the bridge until its scheduled replacement in 2021. Stay tuned to other OC Public works projects on www.danappointtimes.com.

Laguna Beach “Gate & Garden Tour” Fundraiser May 4 The streets of South Laguna are the venue of this year’s Laguna Beach Garden Club “Gate & Garden Tour” on Friday, May 4, a fundraiser for educational school gardens, scholarships and community projects. The 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. event features 10 l private gardens along a threequarter-mile walking route.

This year’s tour takes place on the “Eve of Cinco de Mayo” and offers margaritas and Mexican fare, free refreshments, plein air painters in several gardens, and a raffle of prizes from local artists and businesses.

On Friday, May 4, $50 tickets will be available at the tour’s starting point: Arabella Laguna Historic Cottages, located at 506 North Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, and is the location of the registration and reception areas.

Volunteers will be on-hand to assist tour goers. For more tour and ticket information, visit www.lagunabeachgardenclub. or or email Nancy Englund at NEnglund@ lagunabeachgardenclub.org.

Philharmonic House of Design Begins May 8 The Philharmonic Society of Orange County will present the 25th Philharmonic House of Design in the spectacular oceanfront community of Ritz Cove in Dana Point, nestled between The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and Monarch Beach Resort.

Fourteen acclaimed interior designers from across Southern California will enhance the 7,097-square foot home and create designs showcasing the most current interior design trends. The House of Design is the primary annual fundraiser for the Philharmonic Society’s Youth Music Education Programs. The House will be open for public tours Tuesday, May 8, through Sunday, June 3, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Tickets, now on sale for $40 for a general Dana Point Times May 4-10, 2018

FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m. There will be fresh produce and treats for sale at the farmers’ market. La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza. 949.279.3122.

MONDAY, MAY 7

The Laguna Beach Garden Club will be holding their Gate & Garden Tour fundraiser for South County agriculture education beginning on May 4. Photo: Courtesy

admission ticket and $50 for a house pass which includes unlimited entry, are available for purchase online through the House of Design website or over the phone by calling 714.840.7542. Proceeds benefit the Philharmonic Society’s nationally recognized Youth Music Education Programs.

For information and updates, visit www.philharmonicsociety.org/HOD, or call the Philharmonic Society’s office at 714.840.7542.

Tanya Brown Honored for Outstanding Work with Trauma Victims On April 30, Dana Point resident Tanya Brown was selected as the March/April recipient of the Fairhaven Memorial Services’ Oliver Halsell Care Award, a program paying tribute to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional care in their profession and community, for her outstanding work with the individuals and caregivers she coaches.

“I am beyond honored to be nominated for this outstanding award,” said Brown. “I will not waste my hurt, pain and the struggles I endured. I am here for a reason and I will shout the message of life and hope until the day I die to educate, empower and inspire those who need it the most.”

Additionally, Fairhaven will make a donation on her behalf to her chosen charity, Community Outreach Alliance.

For more information and to nominate an outstanding citizen, call 714.426.0444 or email alvina@hkamarcom.com.

AAUW to Host Travelogue Presentation on May 19 On Saturday, May 19, the San ClementeCapistrano Bay Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will meet for the installation of new officers and a travelogue presentation.

Members Lee Winocur Field and Marcia Milchiker will share their exciting journey to the Middle East. Travel with them to Egypt, Jordan and Israel as they share highlights of their recent interfaith tour of these ancient lands.

The meeting starts at 8:45 a.m. at Café Mozart, located at 31952 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. Cost is $22 and checks must be received by May 12.

For more information on where to send your check, go to www.sccb-ca.aauw.net/ general-meeting/ or send email inquiries to aauw.sccb@cox.net.

CUSD Information Night on Internet-Related Crimes Against Children The Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), in partnership with state Sen. Pat Bates and Assemblyman Bill Brough, invite parents and students grades three through 12 to a night of education on internet-related crimes against children. The event is at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8 at the CUSD Education Center, located at 33122 Valle Rd., San Juan Capistrano.

Due to the subject matter, students under grade three will not be admitted.

Members of the Child Exploitation Task Force comprised of Homeland Security Investigations, OCSD and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will provide education to parents and guardians as well as students in grades three to six and grades seven to 12.

Call 949.234.9200 to RSVP as space is limited.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

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DANA POINT LIBRARY ENGLISH CLASS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the South Coast Literacy Council (SCLC) for adult ESL classes.

Improve your reading, writing and speaking skills. Classes are free. 949.496.5517.

33841 Niguel Road. www.ocpl.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 8

VFW POST #9934 MEETING 6 p.m. Veterans of Foreign Wars Dana Point Post #9934 invites all veterans who served in a combat zone to attend their meeting the second Tuesday each month. Cannons Restaurant. 34344 Green Lantern. 949.248.1419. www.vfwpost9934.org.

DANA HARBOR TOASTMASTERS 7-8:30 p.m. Join the members of the Dana Harbor Toastmasters every Tuesday to improve speaking and leadership skills. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Avenue, Capistrano Beach. www.1707.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9

SCWD TUNNEL PROJECT COMMUNITY MEETING 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join the South Coast Water District as they provide a tunnel project update and a chance for members of the community to ask questions. www.scwd.org/tunnel.

SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes anyone interested in making a difference in the local community and changing the world to join them in their weekly meeting. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 10

COASTMASTERS’ (TOASTMASTERS) 7-8:30 a.m. Join the members of the Coastmasters’ every Thursday to improve speaking and leadership skills.

34451 Ensenada Place. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing & Events center. www.coastmasters.org. www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor

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

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES: PART 2

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Daniel Ritz, 949.388.7700, x113 dritz@picketfencemedia.com

MADELINE LETCHFORD, Dana Point

In September 2008, Dana Point Times published an article with this quote regarding the Welcome Inn/ACLU win against Doheny State Beach. “The settlement will allow the service organization to feed their guests as long as they follow park rules that apply to everyone. ‘We’re elated,” said Jim Seiler, Welcome Inn’s treasurer and founding president. ‘Now for the first time in 20 years we will not be impacting schools, residents, daycare centers—simply those that come into the park.’ He said there’s often fear in the community that the group will grow out of hand. ‘Our group size has not changed in 20 years,’ he said.” This is no longer true, if it ever was. The feed is clearly impacting many people, but it's falling on deaf ears by the Welcome Inn organizers. A new residential complex is nearly complete across the street from Doheny State Beach. There are daycare centers within walking distance. There are businesses, restaurants and parks impacted. The people who are eating at the feed don't stay there. They leave and go off to do the very things that have left them in the troubled situation they are in.

There is true delusion about the domino effect of problems after the Welcome Inn servers go back home; homes that are far away from the feeding zone. Homeless numbers have increased in Orange County significantly, and have been well documented during the recent Anaheim riverbed fiasco. Part II crimes were up in Dana Point 27 percent over 2016—mostly in narcotics violations and vandalism, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department database. Calls for service were up 11 percent over the prior year and averaged 2.6 per hour versus 1.8 per hour five years ago. The homeless have been living on the roof at the public library. They are breaking into homes, sometimes naked. They’re using community park bathrooms for drug abuse and, sometimes blatantly, at bus stops. They dominate tables and the limited fire pits at the south end of Doheny State Beach for the majority of the days, usually intoxicated, waiting to be fed. It’s apparent to anyone that is watching that the number of meal recipients is increasing at the Welcome Inn feed. Not in my backyard?

Yes, NIMBY. I care deeply about what's going on in town, and who is doing what to help it or hurt it.

Dana Point Times May 4-10, 2018

SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Are the squirrels in Pines Park a pleasure, or a problem? Photo: Courtesy

DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE SQUIRRELS IN PINES PARK AMBER LEMAIRE, Dana Point

Can someone please do something about the squirrel problem in Pines Park? It's a great place, but I'm starting to be afraid to walk the sidewalks or sit on the benches. At any given time there are at least 30 visible squirrels. If you go anywhere near them they run up on you looking for food. One almost bit my infant son trying to steal his food out of his hand.

It's just out of control. If some action isn't taken I will no longer visit this park for fear of them getting too bold and aggressive near me and my son.

HELPING THE HOMELESS IN SAN CLEMENTE KERRY SINK, San Clemente

I am tired of being told by pastors and thrift store personnel to be more compassionate and supportive.

Everyone recognizes that the homeless are troubled or down on their luck or some other circumstance. We also know that many of them are just looking for a handout and a carefree lifestyle, to put it sarcastically. Those who are truly in dire straits are the ones who deserve help, not the drunks and druggies.

The same people who insist that we give are the ones who side with illegal immigrants.

Look, illegal is just that. Yet they have advocates who have gotten laws pushed through that say we have to give free healthcare and daycare along with cellphones and school lunches. All of this supported by left-wing liberals who believe socialism is good for all. And everyone

should have the same amount of money in their bank account.

These same liberals and their crooked politician friends have voted for higher gas taxes and the latest report is that they have billions to spend. We have all seen this movie before.

Back to the homeless population in South Orange County, where did they all come from? It’s as if they came here overnight.

I was in fear for my safety and had to leave someone in my vehicle while I was shopping in fear of vandalism.

Our actions, not reactions, are vital to the welfare and safety of all residents and visitors to our wonderful beachside community.

This burden is not the problem of the taxpayers. It’s up to local and state officials. Putting homeless shelters on the beach and sober living facilities next to nice homes and schools is out of the question. I’m not a NIMBY and I believe the toll road should run behind San Clemente.

That being said, the homeless shelters need to be far from populated areas—anywhere that doesn’t drive down property values or make hardworking folks fear for their children’s safety and uncomfortable going to convenient stores.

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

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Group Managing Editor > Rachael Mattice City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Emily Rasmussen

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

General Manager > Alyssa Garrett

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point) > Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 11, Issue 18. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.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 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

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

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

Friday | 04

Sunday | 06 9TH ANNUAL ‘SIP FOR THE SEA LIONS’ MARTINI MADNESS 4:30-7:30 p.m. Join the Pacific Marine Mammal Center as they “Sip for the Sea Lions” while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean! Ticket price includes hosted specialty martinis, appetizers and live music courtesy of the R&B-pop inspired tunes, courtesy of Joseph Soul! $50 pre-sale tickets will be sold online only until Saturday, May 5 at noon.

577 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach. www.pacificmmc.org.

LIVE MUSIC: WATERMAN’S HARBOR 4-7 p.m. Join Waterman’s Harbor for live music with Hans & Janine every Friday.

Waterman’s Harbor. 34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp.com.

PET PROJECT FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER 5 p.m. The event will support the homeless animals at the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. OC Tavern will donate 20 percent of your check to the Pet Project Foundation. The event is for the whole family, with chances to win raffle prizes. www.petprojectfoundation.org.

Saturday | 05

Monday | 07

MERMADE MARKET 9 a.m-5 p.m. Mermade Market is a hand curated marketplace. Saturday’s market will feature a special Cinco De Mayo party! Mermade Market happens each spring and winter, offering over 100+ vendors, food trucks & live music (and free taffy). Market begins Friday, May 4 from 10-6 p.m. 24642 San Juan Ave, Dana Point. www.mermademarket.com.

BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the week.

Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered. Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949. 492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

(Cont. on page 10)

EDITOR’S PICK

The beloved Chili Cook Off will finally return to San Juan Capistrano on Saturday, May 5 at the Swallow’s Inn. Photo: File

SATURDAY, MAY 5: CHILI COOK OFF Noon-5 p.m. After years of San Juan Capistrano’s beloved Chili Cook Off event being absent, the savory, taste-bud craving event is making a comeback on Saturday, May 5.

Gates open at noon with $5 admission, but kids under 5 eat free. The Chili Cook Off is sanctioned by the International Chili Society, so there are some rules that will need to be followed for competitors in the chili contests to go onto final rounds. The last day to enter into the competition is Thursday, May 3. Interested chefs can enter by emailing susangregory1252@gmail.com. Swallow’s Inn, at 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 888.465.4950.

Page 8

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 8)

Tuesday | 08 NEXUS FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC 100 PERCENT FOR 100 YEARS EVENT 7-8 p.m. Learn how to leave a legacy, live with passion, become elite in life and heal from the inside out. Learn the secrets to living at 100 percent for 100 years! RSVP is required.

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 114. www.nexusfamilychiropractic.com.

Wednesday | 09 THE MARKET AT NORTH BEACH RETURNS 4-8 p.m. The Market will be offered every Wednesday throughout the summer until Aug. 29. Operating hours will be 4-8 p.m. to accommodate later shoppers.

The farmer’s market includes seasonal organic fruits and veggies, flowers, baked bread and often the fresh-catch fish of the day. A new addition to the farmer’s area will be an assorted array of freshly prepared foods, including homemade tamales to bring home or snack on at the food court. Back by popular demand will be the food trucks and artisan vendors selling unique and handmade goods, with a special area that will feature members

and artists from the San Clemente Art Association. The market will also periodically showcase local musicians.

The Recreation Division will organize a kids’ zone, bringing in the popular Fun on the Run Truck loaded with crafts and low organized games. City class instructors will teach a variety of hands-on arts, science projects and more. Interested vendors may contact the city’s Recreation Division to obtain an application at recreation@san-clemente.org. Booth space is limited and restricted to handmade arts and crafts items. For more information, call the Recreation Division at 949.361.8264.

Thursday | 10 ‘VANYA & SONYA & MASHA & SPIKE’ 7 p.m. (2 p.m. Sunday matinee) The latest Cabrillo Playhouse creation Vanya & Sonya & Masha & Spike will run through May 13. Tickets are $20. The play runs Thursday, Friday and Saturdays with Sunday matinees. Vanya and his adopted sister Sonya live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. Masha returns, not only unexpectedly but with her 20-something boy toy, Spike. A weekend of rivalry, regret and raucousness begins. 202 Avenida Cabrillo. 949.492.0465. www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

At the Movies: ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ is Victorious at the Box Office

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

O

ne cool thing about a huge film universe—like the Marvel movies—is that we have up to a hundred significant characters in dozens of films all affiliated with each other, meaning that we could possibly see a favorite character again relatively sooner than later. A current example is how the most epic Marvel blockbuster to exist so far, Avengers: Infinity War, features Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and his friends only a couple of months after his own solo feature. This is neat because we would usually have to wait two to three years for a sequel in other franchises.

After preparing for the past two years, mega-villain Thanos (Josh Brolin) is now not only a menace to the Guardians of the Galaxy, but to all of the Avengers.

With the help of powerful sidekicks Ebony

Photo: Courtesy of Marvel

Maw (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor) and Proxima Midnight (Carrie Coon), Thanos has all but two of the six “infinity stones” that will magically allow him to control the whole universe. With their power, he’s planning on wiping out half of the population.

Infinity War has the most Marvel stars of any picture thus far, including Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) and Spider-Man (Tom Holland).

In what could have easily been a bloated mess, directors Anthony and Joe Russo wisely chose to have the plot revolve around Thanos, with the superheroes being the supporting characters with multiple subplots. Whether you are still invested in Marvel characters or feeling the fatigue, Infinity War impressively delivers as the first essential summer blockbuster. DP

DP DP LIVING

Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

A Timeless Tale Local documentary filmmaker’s football-inspired ‘Timeless Rivals’ receives international praise

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

W

ith Capistrano Beach native and San Clemente High School alum Sam Darnold being drafted No.3 in the first round of this year’s National Football League (NFL) draft, South Orange County has been focused on the connection between hometown high school roots and career beginnings.

Ted Bowersox, a San Juan Capistrano resident who has been working in Dana Point for more than 40 years, shares his hometown high school football story of the original and most intense rivalry in football in his documentary film Timeless Rivals. The film recently won an award in the “Documentary Feature” category in the IndieFEST Film Festival in La Jolla, in addition to being shown on ESPN. The film, set in Bowersox’s hometown

of Canton, Ohio, next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, chronicles the early days of professional football and the effect that the high school rivalry of the Massillon Tigers and the McKinley Bulldogs—who first played in 1894—has had on the game of football.

Located only seven miles apart from one another, Massillon and McKinley have produced 36 state championships, 11 national championships, 50 NFL players, five NFL head coaches, 10 College Hall of Fame inductees, two Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees and 15 Super Bowl rings between the two teams.

In Timeless Rivals, Bowersox and director Dave Jingo interview more than 55 people, equally from the two rival schools.

This was important to Bowersox, who admitted to being nervous about his own bias showing in the film.

“It was important, and we were sure to tell both sides of the story, even if we were better” joked Bowersox, who attended Massillon.

The film also interviews several NFL historians and experts, including New England Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick.

Bowersox, knowing that Belichick was an NFL historian, reached out to him before a trip to New England to visit with the

Ted Bowersox with his recent IndieFEST Film Festival award for his two-hour documentary on the ‘Timeless Rivals’ in his hometown of Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of football in America. Photo: Daniel Ritz.

McDaniel family. Josh McDaniel, the New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator, is a McKinley graduate.

“Bill (Belichick), who is known as a subdued and quiet character, was candid and excited about speaking about the rivalry,” said Bowersox.

Later, after editing hundreds of hours

of interviews and footage for the two-hour film, Bowersox said he was approached

by ESPN. The national sports network wanted to broadcast the film.

Bowersox said he remembers wondering how ESPN found out about his privately-funded passion project.

“They said Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, had requested it,” Bowersox said, admitting he was in shock about their response.

This rivalry, largely responsible for football as it is known today—including the invention of the face mask, playbook and football padding—was an important story to tell for Bowersox.

“This is the town I grew up in and to tell what it was like growing up in that atmosphere was a dream,” said Bowersox.

The Massillon versus McKinley high school game is now played in a renovated multi-million-dollar stadium which hosts a traditional game that signifies the commencement of the NFL season.

The only high school game to have a betting line in Las Vegas, Bowersox bets that Timeless Rivals has something for every football fan in America.

Timeless Rivals is available to purchase through PayPal. More photographs and video from the film can be seen on www. danapointtimes.com. DP

DP LIVING

Photo: Courtesy of the Jonathan Morgan Jenkins Collection

FROM THE ARCHIVES 1966. A woman plays her guitar on the bluffs high above the Capistrano Beach Club, seen below.

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 editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Pet of the Week: Beethoven DANA POINT TIMES

B

eethoven is a handsome 3-year-old neutered male Dutch rabbit. A tad shy at first, Beethoven is a curious bunny who enjoys exploring and interacting with people. He doesn’t mind being petted, especially when there are treats involved. Beethoven has good litter box habits and would do best in a quiet household with a doting family that can shower him with attention.

If you would like to know more about

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

Beethoven, please call the San Clemente/ Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 14

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyesters, or designer carpet.

Showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point: 24662 Del Prado, Dana Point. Call Mike at Lantern Bay Carpets, Interiors & Flooring.

949.240.1545

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

GARAGE SALES ESTATE SALE Friday and Saturday 5/4 and 5/5 from 8a5pm. Scooter, Antiques, Furniture, Household Goods, Clothing, and More! Villa San Juan Mobile Home Park, #56. 33831 Camino Capistrano, SJC 92675 GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY MAY 5 8:00 til 12:00. 35261 Vista De Todo, Capo Beach.

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

HELP WANTED HOUSEKEEPERS We are looking for additional Housekeepers for the summer – Pay starts at $12.50 per hour and increase after 90 days of employment. Apply in person. Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point.

OTHER STUFF CANNONS IS OPEN!!!!

Please valued customers and loyal fans, come in and see us. Don’t forget to like us on Instagram and Facebook. We look forward to serving you! Open 4:30 daily.

Cannons Seafood Grill, 34344 Street of Green Lantern, Dana Point, Ca. (949) 496-6146

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

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

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

949.388.7700 ext. 102 Dana Point Times May 4–10, 2018

Page 15

www.danapointtimes.com

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS Want to be featured here?

Email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com for pricing.

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

Patricia Powers

24551 Del Prado, Ste. 364, 949.496.1900, pat.powers@cox.net

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com

665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente, 949.485.4979, info@bodymindspiritiop.com, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

ASSISTED LIVING HOME FOR ELDERLY

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Assisted Senior Home

949.248.9415, www.assistedseniorhome.com

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

AUTO REPAIR

PET BOUTIQUE

Dana Point Auto

Naked Dog Bistro

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Represent.xyz

949.274.0590, www.represent.xyz

424 Forest Ave., LB, 949.715.9900, www.NakedDogBistro.com

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.481.7013, www.atozleakdetection.com

Bill Metzger Plumbing

1001 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, 949.492.3558, www.billmetzerplumbing.com

SPECIALTY BEAUTY

Skin Kiss Studio

Monarch Bay Plaza, 949.520.1771, www.sunkissstudio.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

Youth, Family Represented at Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Softball Forces Tie On Top of League

COMPILED BY ZACH CAVANAGH

T

he 12th annual Dana Point Grand Prix filled the streets of the Lantern District on Sunday, April 29.

There were kids races at midday and 45 medals handed out in the competitive races, but major results in the professional races highlighted the day.

The surprise women’s winner was a teenager, 16-year-old Megan Jastrab of the iCademy team. On the men’s side, Scott Law of the Elevate-KHS pro team took the win as brothers Justin Williams and Cory Williams, Law’s teammate, took silver and bronze. DP

iCademy’s Megan Jastrab, 16 years old, won the women’s professional race in a surprise. Photo: Eric Heinz

Left: Elevate-KHS’ Scott Law celebrates his men’s pro win flanked by medaling brothers Justin Williams (right) and Cory Williams (left).

Right: Men’s racers gather at the start line in full gear at the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling. Photos: Eric Heinz

As defending Sea View League softball champion Dana Hills welcomed in league-leading San Juan Hills for a rematch, the Dolphins were determined to let it be known that nothing had been decided despite a loss in their first match-up.

Dana Hills came out strong with a two-run, inside-the-park home run by senior Mia Onesto in the first inning and rode its offense to a win over San Juan Hills, 8-4, in a league game on Tuesday, May 1 at Dana Hills High School.

Onesto went 3 for 4 with the home run and a triple. Senior Tori Sickmeier had three RBIs. The result forced a tie atop the league standings between Dana Hills (12-9, 5-1) and San Juan Hills (16-10, 5-1) with two games to play.

If both teams win out, they would be crowned co-champions after splitting the season series.

Dana Hills played at El Toro on Thursday, May 3 and San Juan Hills played at Tesoro. Results were not available at press time. The Dolphins finish against Tesoro on Tuesday, May 8, and the Stallions conclude at Trabuco Hills.

DANA POINT GRAND PRIX PODIUM RESULTS CRIT Men Cat 5: Gold – David Mayhew, Silver – Erick Herrera, Bronze – Irvin Zavaleta

CRIT Women Cat 3/4: Gold – Katie Mardayat, Silver – Paige Handy, Bronze – Emily Ball

CRIT Men Cat 2: Gold – Edgar Stepanyan, Silver – Jasper Verkuijl, Bronze – Juan Cisneros

CRIT Men Masters 40+ Cat 1/2/3: Gold – Philip Tinstman, Silver – Randall Coxworth, Bronze – Aaron Carreon

CRIT Men Masters 55+ Cat 1/2/3/4: Gold – Chris Hahn, Silver – Richard Meeker, Bronze – Greg Fenton

CRIT Women Cat 5: Gold – Sheri Archibald, Silver – Marie Martinez, Bronze – Kerstin Caesar

CRIT Men Cat 3: Gold – Graysen Oldham, Silver – Douglas Plantada, Bronze – Osvaldo Mora

CRIT Women PRT Pro/Cat 1/2: Gold – Megan Jastrab, Silver – Valentina Scandolara, Bronze – Coryn Rivera

CRIT Men Masters 60+ Cat 1/2/3/4: Gold – Daniel Nicolette, Silver – Cyril Hunte, Bronze – Dale Luedtke

CRIT Men Masters 45+ Cat 1/2/3/4: Gold – Thomas Robles, Silver – Espen Kateraas, Bronze – Victor Ayala

CRIT Men Cat 4: Gold – Indy Villacorta, Silver – Paul Cressey, Bronze – Nazaret Ruiz

CRIT Men PRT Pro/Cat 1: Gold – Scott Law, Silver – Justin Williams, Bronze – Cory Williams

CRIT Men Masters 30+ Cat 3/4: Gold – Jason Pedersen, Silver – Scott Walker, Bronze – John Saliamonas

CRIT Men Masters 50+ Cat 1/2/3/4: Gold – Bart Clifford, Silver – Shaun Bagley, Bronze – Aaron Levin

CRIT Men Masters 35+ Cat 1/2/3: Gold – Charon Smith, Silver – Eric Anderson, Bronze – Espen Kateraas

Dana Point Times May 4–10, 2018

Page 17

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

School Rules San Clemente High, Shorecliffs Middle School win big at Scholastic Surf Series Championships

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I If this wave from Nazaré, Portugal, looks big it’s because it is. Measuring in at 80 feet, it’s the biggest wave ever ridden. Photo: Pedro Cruz/WSL

How Big Is Too Big? New world record set for biggest wave ever ridden

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

I

f you hung around the West Coast this winter, you might be scratching your head, wondering, “What big-wave season?”

Except for a notable run of northwest

energy around Jan. 18, it was a pretty slow season for waves. Some may say historically slow. But the world’s a big place, and while the Pacific Ocean slumbered the Atlantic roared, especially the intimidating big-wave break known at Nazaré in Portugal.

Last weekend, the WSL Big Wave Awards took place at the Red Bull Headquarters in Santa Monica, and while none of our local surfers came away with a prize, Portugal’s Rodrigo Koxa not only won the Quiksilver XXL Biggest Wave award, but was also graced with a Guinness World Record. On Nov. 8, 2017 at the infamous Portuguese big-wave break, Koxa was towed into a wave that ended up measuring in at a towering 80 feet tall.

“I try to surf big waves all my life and I had a huge experience in 2014 where I almost died at Nazaré,” Koxa said at the podium. “Four months later, I had bad dreams, I didn’t travel, I got scared, and my wife helped me psychologically. Now, I’m just so happy and this is the best day of my life. It’s a dream come true.”

The previous record for the biggest wave ever ridden (a category open to either towing into a swell via a jet ski or paddling in under one’s own power) was set in 2011 by Hawaii’s Garrett McNamara on a 78-foot wave also ridden at Nazaré.

An 80-foot wave is absolutely massive, but the quest to ride the seemingly unattainable 100-footer persists. DP

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

ETHAN MUDGE

Water Temperature: 59-62 degrees F

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hile it was the Triton’s senior class that enjoyed the spotlight at last week’s Scholastic Surf Series (SSS) High School Championships, it was underclassman Ethan Mudge who did a lot of the heavy lifting.

Ripping his way to a pair of runner-up finishes in the men’s shortboard and men’s longboard divisions, Mudge was in the water more than he was on the beach.

Over the course of the championships, he surfed an astounding 15 heats.

Mudge’s effort helped give San Clemente enough points to win the team title in the shortboard division. And the second-place finish in the longboard division? Well, that’s proof on how talented the kid is on any kind of surf craft. (He subsequently came down with the flu immediately following the competition).

To have the ability to win heats on a Dana Point Times May 4–10, 2018

Water Visibility and Conditions: Local: 5-8’ Fair Catalina: 15-20’ Fair-Good

Ethan Mudge hunts down a honey hole on a recent glassy morning. Photo: Courtesy of Blue Engelking

6-foot board, then go right back out and do the same thing on a 9-foot board, that’s not easy to do. Not to name names, but there are surfers on the WSL Championship Tour that struggle to ride a longboard. Mudge has no problem jumping back and forth.

Mudge has been especially hot as of late. In early March, he helped carry the Triton junior varsity surf squad to an NSSA title when he swept the JV shortboard and longboard divisions. DP

Outlook: Small surf prevails Friday and the upcoming weekend. A continued combo of NW swell and SW swell maintains kneewaist high (2-3’) waves at the better breaks of the region. Typical wind pattern expected with light morning winds and light-moderate onshore flow each afternoon. Larger swells possible around mid month. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Page 18

n sports, there’s nothing better than going out on top. Riding off into the sunset with trophy in hand, it’s how every athlete dreams of concluding their career. Whether its baseball, basketball or surfing, ending on a high note is the epitome of a fruitful run. Last week at the Scholastic Surf Series (SSS) High School Championships, the senior boys from San Clemente High School’s surf team experienced just that.

Held in Oceanside in playful and very contestable conditions, the Tritons’ graduating class showed up in force. Dominating the men’s shortboard division, the talented pack of seniors, including Elijah Fox, David Economos, Noah Hohenester, Noah Atwood, Curran Dand, Davi Toledo, Jaric Fink, Michael Tilly and Bryce Crane, rallied to win the men’s shortboard division.

“It’s a big class and a very talented class.

A lot of them will be going on to some of the top schools in the country and it’s really exciting to be able to send them off this way,” coach John Dowell told the San Clemente Times.

From as far north as Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay all the way to San Diego, over 40 high schools from the state took place in the contest, making the Tritons’ accomplishments all the sweeter.

The following weekend, with an equally fun south swell in the water, the SSS Middle School Championships hit the beach in Oceanside. Not to be outdone by their high school peers, the powerhouse that is the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team went to work. Taking the overall team win, the squad was buoyed by the performances of Aidan Sautner, Sawyer Lindblad and Carolyn Sachse—who also came away with the Sportswomen of the Year award for her impassioned team spirit.

Year in and year out, San Clemente High and Shorecliffs Middle Schools produce some of California’s and the United States’ most talented scholar-surfers. A huge reason for this is the principled dedication and leadership of coach Dowell and coach Dave Hennings at Shorecliffs. To build programs that consistently deliver amazing results is deserving of some serious applause. Of course, the programs couldn’t be what they are without all of the parents, supporters and sponsors that make things happen on the daily as well. DP www.danapointtimes.com