May 5, 2017

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

May 5-11, 2017 C A N

U S E

Dana Point Grand Prix Races through Town Page 20 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 18

Meet and Greet Ocean Institute’s new president, CEO discusses role, previous experiences E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

Dan Pingaro, the new CEO and president of the Ocean Institute, stands near the Institute’s Tall Ships. Photo: Kristina Pritchett

City Council Initiates Work on New Smoking Ban EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

City to Hold Parking Workshop to Discuss Issues, Possible Solutions EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

Shark Bites Woman Swimming at San O Beach DP SURF/PAGE 22

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

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING they do everything they can to protect the trees.

WHAT’S NEXT: “This is a great place to live and there are so many parks for us to set up and slackline,” said Laguna Niguel resident Max Ross. “It’s a bummer if the city and the people here are not in favor of it.” —Kristina Pritchett

City Council Initiates Work on New Smoking Ban

Max Ross, a Laguna Niguel resident, poses while slacklining at Pines Park recently.

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week

South Orange County Residents Use City Parks to Grow Slackline Hobby THE LATEST: Recently, a group of individuals were seen walking across ropes in between the trees at Pines Park.

Slacklining, which is growing in popularity in South Orange County, is when a person walks or balances along a suspended length of webbing that is tensioned between two anchors.

Kyle Lovett, a Capistrano Beach resident, said their group has been going to local parks and frequently visits Pines Park.

“I met everyone at the climbing gym in San Clemente,” Lovett said. “We all climb together, and about two years ago, I was given a slackline and started trying it out with my climbing friends.”

From there the group continued to travel, mostly to Dana Point parks, to improve their skills.

On a windy evening last month, a group of Boy Scouts in the area asked to try out a beginner line. The group gladly stopped and helped each boy learn how to balance on the thin line.

They say sometimes they get complaints from residents about the lines around the trees, but they’re happy to discuss the hobby with anyone and how Dana Point Times May 5-11, 2017

THE LATEST: City Council unanimously approved investigating the implementation of a no smoking or vaping in public ordinance during the meeting on Tuesday, May 2.

Mayor Debra Lewis said she saw smoking in public as a quality of life issue and wanted city staff to investigate, advise and (where appropriate) quantify the risks and benefits of prohibiting smoking or vaping in public places.

Currently, the Dana Point Municipal Code bans smoking in public elevators; waiting rooms, public hallways and patients’ rooms of every private or public health care facility; within every room, chamber, place of meeting or public assembly; within any building or room not open to the sky, and in any establishment where food is being served to the general public.

Lewis said she has been in contact with city officials from Manhattan Beach and Laguna Beach where similar ordinances have been initiated. She added Laguna Beach is working on a similar ordinance and had surveyed its residents. Councilman Joe Muller said he would like to see that happen in Dana Point.

Muller and Councilman John Tomlinson voiced concerns over private property rights, but Lewis said this would only affect public property.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to the staff report, part of the investigation will include a high level road map of how to implement the ordinance. A timeline was not set for when this could be completed. —KP

Doheny Blues Foundation Created to Celebrate Festival’s Anniversary THE LATEST: To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Doheny Blues Festival, Omega Events, Inc. launched the Doheny Blues Foundation.

The newly formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit will aim to inspire appreciation for the blues by cherishing its history and promoting its future, according to a state-

ment by the event production company.

Its mission will be to promote awareness of blues music and provide education about its history, cultural significance and relevance to the present.

This year marks the Doheny Blues Festival’s 20th anniversary and brings blues, rock and soul music to Doheny State Beach over two days.

“The launch of the Doheny Blues Foundation is the logical next step in completing our goal of not only bringing the blues to Southern California, but ensuring that the music grows and thrives here for generations to come,” said Rich Sherman, president of Omega Events and founder of the Doheny Blues Festival, in a statement.

According to the statement, the foundation has a five-year plan and has two main strategies which include the Musician Community Program and the Youth Educational Program. The Musician Community Program will honor and support the blues community, both financially and by providing a sense of community and purpose. The Youth Educational Program will educate youth and foster an appreciation of the blues with a multi-faceted educational approach.

Membership, performances, financial assistance, education and scholarships, along with a Doheny Blues Foundation Award, will be used to accomplish the Foundation’s main goals.

WHAT’S NEXT: The official start of operations for the foundation is slated for September 2017, according to the statement. —KP

City to Hold Parking Workshop to Discuss Issues, Possible Solutions THE LATEST: The city of Dana Point will host a community workshop to discuss parking issues, opportunities and potential solutions on Monday, May 15 at the Dana Point Community Center.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend to ask questions and indicate preferences for potential parking solutions in the city.

City officials will present information and maps to illustrate current parking issues, city objectives, study areas, areas with current time limits and additional parking management tools that could be applied in the future.

The city has contracted with Dr. Richard Wilson, an urban planning professor at Cal Poly Pomona who specializes in parking, to facilitate the community engagement.

For more information, contact Belinda Deines, senior planner, at bdeines@danapoint.org or call 949.248.3570.

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WHAT’S NEXT: The city has created an online community survey and urges all to submit feedback. To provide input to the survey, visit www.danapoint.org/residents/city-news/parking.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. The Community Center is located at 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. —KP

Audit Report States Ocean Institute Underpaid Rent to County THE LATEST: During a recent audit report of the Ocean Institute, the Orange County Auditor-Controller’s office stated the Ocean Institute underpaid rent to the county.

The report was part of a series of audits occurring in the Dana Point Harbor Internal Audits.

The objective of the audit was to determine whether the Ocean Institute’s records adequately supported the monthly gross receipts and rent payments reported to the county, to determine whether the Institute complies with other provisions of the agreement between them and the county, and to identify any internal control weaknesses while performing the audit and provide suggestions for improvement.

According to the report, the Institute owes the county an additional $3,285 for rent.

The Institute also underreported rent owed to the county for the fiscal year ending on Feb. 29, 2016 by a total of $3,419, which equals 9.4 percent of the total rent paid to the county, according to the audit.

The report states the audit also found the Institute did not report other miscellaneous income as gross receipts subject to rent. According to the audit, there were several special event cruises recorded in the miscellaneous income accounts that should have been reported as “Boat Dock for Commercial Cruise” gross receipts.

Other findings include: the rental calendar contained an error and was not reconciled to deposits, rent was not paid on gross receipts, a security deposit was not properly revised or maintained and a Form 990 was not submitted to the county.

The county entered into a 35-year agreement with Friends of the Marine Institute in Orange County in 1999. In January 2000, the organization was renamed the Ocean Institute.

WHAT’S NEXT: The audit said since the amount of underpaid rent exceeded the agreement audit clause threshold of 2 percent, the Orange County Community Relations/OC Parks may require the Institute to pay for audit costs, if they determine the amounts are owed to the county.

To read the whole report, visit www. danapointtimes.com. —KP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

of broken concrete and more.

Below is the schedule of lot closures: • Lot 2- Lot just west of the fishing and whale watching excursions- May 8-9

COMPILED BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT

St. Anne Students Receive Top Marks at Recent Competition Students at St. Anne School recently received first place in their division of Global Issues Problem Solving at the Future Problem Solving State Bowl.

The school’s Future Problem Solving program is designed to help develop research, critical thinking, creativity and teamwork abilities for students in grades third through eighth. Students researched topics in depth and explored social, political, economic and technological implications.

The first place team consisted of Dana Point resident Evan Abdollahi, San Juan Capistrano resident Evan Bournazian, and San Clemente residents Ziyad Fahd and Zachary Kratzer.

Other Dana Point students who participated in the competition include Jonah Ahad, Kempton Bohn and Emma McKenzie.

The students will represent the state of California and were asked to be the state flagbearers at the Future Problem Solving

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY STAFF

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

Monday, May 1 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Palo Alto Street, 33600 Block (8:04 p.m.) Police were called for a vehicle in front of their neighbor’s house. The caller said the car was occupied the driver; but kept moving it.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/RitzCarlton Drive (6:04 p.m.) A caller said their son was reportedly assaulted with a surfboard.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Granada Drive, 34000 Block (3:56 a.m.) Police were called for people playing guitar on the curb.

Sunday, April 30 SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Dana Woods/Street of the Golden Lantern (8:46 p.m.) A car was reportedly parked and blaring music. The caller said the occuDana Point Times May 5-11, 2017

County officials said this lot will have the greatest impact to the public. Arrangements have been made for the public to use lot three while construction is occurring.

• Lot 3- Permit lot off of Street of the Golden Lantern- May 16-18 he entire Future Problem Solving team that competed at the State Bowl pose for a photo at St. Anne School. Photo: Courtesy of St. Anne School

• Lot 4- Boat storage lot between Golden Lantern and Embarcadero- May 3-10, work will be performed in two phases

International Competition at the University of Wisconsin June 7-11.

• Lot 5- Lot just west of Golden LanternMay 17-22, work will be performed in two phases.

Dana Point Harbor Parking Lots Scheduled to Close due to Construction

• Lot 6- Baby Beach lot- May 15-22 • Lot 7- Harbor parking lot, May 22-24 • Lot 8- Casitas lot, May 16-18 The schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen situations, according to county staff.

Due to construction, different parking lots in the Dana Point Harbor will be closed throughout the month.

According to county officials the scope of work includes isolated repairs to heavily damaged areas, removal of four trees that have damaged the existing concrete planters and adjacent pavement, removal

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

pants could have been doing drugs and they’ve frequently seen the car in the area.

DISTURBANCE Del Obispo Street/Stonehill Drive (7:07 p.m.) People from two vehicles were seen dumping trash and furniture behind a building.

DISTURBANCE-MECHANICAL El Encanto Avenue, 34000 Block (5:01 p.m.) Police were called for a power washing noise.

DISTURBANCE Domingo Avenue, 25900 Block (4 p.m.) A man told police another man kept staring at him and he was nervous he would do something to his kids.

DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road/Las Vegas Avenue (3:57 p.m.) A man was seen yelling at cars as they passed by and was running in the street.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Street of the Golden Lantern/Camino del Avion (3:29 p.m.) A caller told police a man was asking for money for his high school basketball team. The caller said he looked “too old for basketball” and that Dana Point high school teams don’t need funding assistance.

RECKLESS DRIVING Trinidad Drive/Antilles Way (3:42 p.m.) Police were called for a truck with tinted windows reportedly driving recklessly.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (11:53 a.m.) A caller told police a man was reportedly trying to steal cookies

and has been there all day.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Del Obispo Street (10:51 a.m.) A woman told police a man had his belongings all over the stairwell and he reportedly put his hands down his pants when he saw her approaching.

Saturday, April 29 OPEN DOOR Monarch Bay Drive, 0 Block (11:09 p.m.) A caller said the rear door to the business was open and wasn’t sure if anyone was inside.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Del Obispo Street, 34000 Block (8:56 p.m.) A woman told police someone was showing a movie in the park on the screen but when she looked online the “Movies in the Park” haven’t started yet.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Dosinia Drive, 33400 Block (7:31 p.m.) A man told police he would like to share his personal decibel meter reading with them to show the resort was in violation of the city’s ordinance.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Palisades Drive/ Beach Road (6:38 p.m.) Animal Control was called after a group of teenagers were reportedly harassing an injured animal.

TRESPASSING Camino Capistrano, 34200 Block (10:32 a.m.) A caller said someone was working on their vehicle and throwing engine parts into the dumpsters. The caller said they didn’t live in the complex.

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Community Meetings SATURDAY, MAY 6

Farmers Market and Craft Fair

9 a.m. There will be fresh produce and treats for sale at the Farmers Market. Every first Saturday of the month there are craft vendors. La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point.

949.279.3122.

Bulky Item Drop off

7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Residents can drop off e-waste, large appliances, furniture and other bulky items for free during the event. There will also be shredding services available. Dana Hills High School. 33333 Street of the Golden Lantern. Shredding bins are also available at Palisades Elementary School. 26462 Via Sacramento, Capistrano Beach.

MONDAY, MAY 8

Planning Commission Meeting

6 p.m. Commissioners will meet in Council Chambers. Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern.

TUESDAY, MAY 9

Veteran’s Assistance-VFW Post 9934

1:30 p.m. The Dana Point VFW Post 9934 provides veterans with assistance. Dana Point Community Center.

34052 Del Obispo, Dana Point. Contact Bob Fowler at rfnamvet@gmail. com or call 949.275.3412.

Dana Harbor Toastmasters

7-8:30 p.m. Fine-tune your public speaking skills each Tuesday at Capo Beach Church. 25975 Domingo Avenue, Capistrano Beach. 949.492.7181. www.toastmasters.org WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Financial Review Committee Meeting

4 p.m. Committee members will meet in Council Chambers. Dana Point City Hall. 33282 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

Action Associates

7:30 a.m. Members of the networking group meet every Friday at RJ’s for networking. Membership is $45 and includes breakfast. Guests must RSVP before the meeting at actionassoc@ gmail.com.

www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Meet and Greet Ocean Institute’s new president, CEO discusses new role, previous experiences

BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT, DANA POINT TIMES

D

an Pingaro always had a love for the ocean, one that has now led to his new role of president and CEO of the Ocean Institute.

“Being able to take past experiences and apply it locally where people clearly love to go to the beach, to surf, swim or paddleboard, where there’s a lot of excitement of coastal interaction in the community, that’s my love. And to share that with likeminded residents is truly a real privilege,” Pingaro said.

Growing up, Pingaro was a junior lifeguard, and worked his way up the ranks to lifeguard at Huntington Beach. He could often be found surfing at Doheny State Beach and Salt Creek Beach.

“I remember being a kid, before having my license, and taking the number one bus to Salt Creek,” Pingaro said smiling.

When we interviewed Pingaro, it was his second day on the job, and he was still learning where everything was and everyone’s name. Outside, employees were helping unload students for an overnight

Dan Pingaro, the new CEO and president of the Ocean Institute, stands near the Institute’s entrance.

Photo: Kristina Pritchett

camp, while others walked throughout the Institute on their way to various jobs.

He mentioned discussing upcoming events with some of the employees and said he could feel the excitement and passion from each of them.

“I feel really privileged as the CEO to be working with them,” Pingaro said about the staff. “I’m also really excited to be engaging with the community.”

Pingaro most recently served as executive director of the Laguna Beach Community Foundation for three years. Before

then, he was the CEO and executive director of Sailors for the Sea, an ocean conservation nonprofit on the East Coast that focuses on the sailing and boating community.

“There were no programs, no brand, and we grew that to three core programs,” Pingaro said of his experience at the organization.

In the past, he’s worked with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the water division and tribal programs; founded CLEWGEAR, a technical sailing

apparel brand; was an advisor on the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, a partner to the World Bank Global Partnership for Oceans; was an advisory council member to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and a trustee to the San Francisco Bay Marine Science Institute.

“All of those experiences, the governmental experience, the nonprofit experience, the board member experience, the foundation experience, the policy granting, it all comes together here at the Ocean Institute,” Pingaro said.

One thing Pingaro wants to bring to the Ocean Institute is his knowledge and background from previous jobs.

“I think my experiences with those partnerships will allow us to enhance our current programming to a level that we’ve never been at in the past,” Pingaro said. “The Ocean Institute has the opportunity to be a gem in California where it can be a shining example of ocean education, activity, engagement with the public and a real showcase of what’s happening in California.”

He said he’s also looking forward to connecting with groups nationwide to make the Institute a financial multiplier within the community.

Pingaro said he’s excited for the upcoming days and special events at the Institute.

“I’m looking forward to the Tall Ships [Festival],” Pingaro said. “I’ll be looking at it through a different set of eyes. For me, it will be a learning experience.” DP

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: by Mark Loper

Gopher Attack!

Winter rains brought back lush flora, fauna … and a plague of gophers

W

e did the right thing last year, removing most of our front yard and replacing it with wood chips and drought-resistant plants. We felt good about ourselves.

We were saving water, the ecosystem, and most importantly, money.

And I admit feeling like I was a charter member of Greenpeace, standing atop the bow of the Warrior fighting for whales and, ultimately, the world.

But we kept the grass in our backyard intact for reasons I forget, and now, after the winter rains and under the spring sun, it’s flourished.

It’s green, lush, and acts much like an African watering hole.

We have raccoons hunting, skunks strolling, and rabbits twitching.

We have butterflies hovering, lizards darting, and hummingbirds, well, humming.

And now we have gophers excavating— excavating being a euphemism for destroying, ripping asunder, or stripping mankind of any dignity.

First, there were dirt mounds along the slope and I laughed because there was no harm done, and gophers can be sort of cute. I loved the gopher in Caddyshack.

They remind me of gerbils, but with buck teeth.

And I named him Gordie.

But, being prescient, I immediately bought several solar anti-gopher, mole, and oryx spikes that, when planted in the ground and activated, emit an intermittent, high-pitched buzz which, purportedly, drives the little devils out of the yard and to Lake Elsinore.

(And with the devices being solar-powered, I enhanced my eco-status on the Warrior, minimizing my chances of being Mark Loper removed in lieu of a whale lover and being tossed unceremoniously into the Arctic.)

Two mornings later, a hole (with the requisite dirt mound) appeared near the grass, and I could almost hear Gordie taunting me, “Here I come! And those stupid things sticking in the ground buzzing like cheap doorbells can’t stop me!”

I bought and planted two more of those stupid things.

The next day, like Erwin Rommel, he had advanced onto our lawn!

Our lush grass had been replaced by three ugly dirt piles, one with a little flag on top that read, “Gophers Rule!”

I was angry, but vowed not to give up.

This little rodent had a brain the size of a grape and he thought he could better this man? A man who once answered Final Jeopardy correctly? A man who knew most of the lyrics to “The House of the Rising Sun?” A man who assembled a bureau from IKEA in less than a day? (Well, except for the top drawer.)

Oh, please.

Unlike our less self-assured neighbors, I was not calling the Gopher Patrol. The solar spikes would work! They were guaranteed! And advertisements never lie!

Several days later, we had more holes than the 49ers defense.

So I rushed to the hardware store and bought the last bottle of Gopher Scram.

(This being the last bottle was not a good sign—signaling, perhaps, a pending major offensive in the city, like D-Day, but with a different consonant.)

Gopher Scram is another guaranteed, non-lethal deterrent to gopher incursions, and as I spread it across the remaining shreds of our backyard grass I, well, I couldn’t help but gloat.

Goodbye, Gordie, it wasn’t nice knowing you.

The next morning there were more holes, more mounds, and several tiny, empty wine bottles, and a note that read, “Thanks for the appetizer. Chablis pairs well with Scram.”

So, as much as I loathe saying it, Gordie is winning.

I have been forbidden by my daughter to hurt Gordie, so poison, land mines, and surface-to-air gopher missiles are not options.

But I haven’t given up.

I’ll try again tonight and, if Gordie continues his onslaught, I can still find the positive.

By the weekend I should have enough holes to open a golf course.

Mark Loper has been a San Juan Capistrano resident for over 30 years and has written for several kinds of media. His writing has been scorned and rejected countless times, but while hanging onto a wisp of self-esteem, he’s managed to have the occasional scribbling published as ad copy, in book form, online, in columns, and for TV. He has yet to tweet. 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@danapointtimes.com

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Kristina Pritchett, 949.388.7700, x113 kpritchett@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Steve Breazeale, 949.388.7700, x110 sbreazeale@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

City Editor, DP Times > Kristina Pritchett City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

ART/DESIGN

Letters to the Editor DILEMMA IN DANA POINT KEVIN STEELE, Dana Point

I believe the city of Dana Point has a very difficult dilemma to contend with. A group of individuals, primarily out of Capo Beach, have banded together while aligning themselves with a rich developer focused on his own personal self-interest. If you read the Dana Point Times frequently, you will find a steady stream of editorials from the "Capo Cares Crew,” Buck, Betty, Toni, Barbara and Steve. They want you to believe that our City Council is crooked, that our city is falling apart, that development is bad and that tourism will destroy Dana Point Times May 5-11, 2017

our town. Over the last few years we have seen this group successfully curtail development in our town center. No new projects have been approved since Measure I passed. With the referendum on vacation rentals, we have dramatically impacted one of our cities top tax sources.

Now they are working hard to replace our city manager and city attorney. In two years they will work hard to get another seat on the board, so that they will have total control. Partnering with people like Sanford Edward means they now have deep pockets. They are truly a force to be reckoned with.

In my view our city has improved dramatically over the last decade. The vision behind the Town Center finally came to fruition, there are wonderful events being held in Dana Point consistently throughout the year, our Harbor is getting a welldeserved makeover and we finally have a

solid strategy with Doheny Village. Crime is down and financially our city has taken on no debt, unlike most of our neighboring cities. There has been real progress and if this is something you support, we need to band together to rise up against what the Capo Cares people are trying to do. We are at a critical juncture in our city's history; I think it would be a shame to let these people throw it all away.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 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.

Page 9

Art Director > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Jake Howard Debra Holm Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 10, 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 2017. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

Photo: Allison Jarrell

SATURDAY, MAY 6 AND SUNDAY, MAY 7: ECO GARDEN EXPO 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The annual two-day Eco Garden Expo returns to Los Rios Park. Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens puts on this festival, which includes DIY workshops, guest speakers on a variety of topics, vendors and exhibitors, tastes, plant sales and much more. The merchants on Los Rios Street will also be open for business, some with sales and specials. The expo is free to enter, and there is a free shuttle from the parking lot at City Hall. 31766 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.606.6704. www.goinnative.net.

The List

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

Friday | 05 LIVE THEATER: ‘THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS’ 8 p.m. The Camino Real Playhouse presents this classic happy-go-lucky view of small town vice and statewide political side-stepping through the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Show runs through May 21. Tickets are $29-$39. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

LIVE MUSIC: OLIVIA ROHDE 8-11 p.m. Listen to live music from Olivia Rohde at Barnoa Wine Bar. 831 Via Suerte, Suite 106, San Clemente. 949.388.4378. www.barnoawinebar.com.

LIVE THEATER: ‘ALMOST, MAINE’ 8 p.m. The Cabrillo Playhouse presents Almost, Maine. In the play, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways on one cold Friday night. Show runs through May 14.

Tickets are $15-$20. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente. 949.492.0465.

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Saturday | 06 GARDENING CLASS: CONTAINER GARDENING 8 a.m. Stop by Armstrong Garden Center for a class on container gardening. No registration required. 32382 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.6666. www.armstronggarden.com.

MID-SPRING NATURE HIKE 8-10:30 a.m. This spring nature hike will traverse the Sycamore Loop trail to Gato Road on The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo, and will showcase the last of the spring wildflowers blooming on the land. Tickets are $5 for children, $10 for adults. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.

949.489.9778. www.rmvreserve.org.

DANA POINT HEADLANDS NATURE WALK 9-11 a.m. Join the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center for a walk that focuses on the plants and animals that can be found on the headlands. Participants will learn about the endemic, rare and endangered plants and animals that live in the area. The 1.5-mile walk occurs the first Saturday of each month. RSVP to dpnaturalresources@ danapoint.org or 949.248.3527. 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point.

GREAT STRIDES CYSTIC FIBROSIS 5K WALK 10 a.m. Great Strides provides an opportunity for people within the community to get (Cont. on page 12) www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

At the Movies: ‘The Circle Full’ of Square Pegs

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

I

f there was any wonder left if Emma Watson could successfully carry a box-office hit after the mega success of Beauty & the Beast last month, her latest movie should answer that. James Ponsoldt’s adaptation of Dave Eggers’ The Circle has a lot of other big names, including Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, John Boyega and Karen Gillan, but the sole lead is Watson herself.

Despite her being a household name, the film placed No. 4 at the box office, and it’s really no surprise.

The Circle is the dullest film to be released this year so far.

Mae Holland (Watson) lands her dream job at the most powerful technology company in the world, The Circle, after her close friend, and a Circle employee, Annie Allerton (Gillan) puts a good word in for her. There Mae quickly learns how their

(Cont. from page 10) involved in a great cause. Participants can form walk teams or participate individually. Walk day is a family-oriented event that includes children’s activities, food and festivities. Check-in is 8:30 a.m. The walk begins at Doheny State Beach at 10 a.m. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 714.938.1393. scalifornia@cff.org.

DAVID ROSALES TRUNK SHOW 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The White Pelican Gallery’s May trunk show features jewelry designed

by David Rosales. The show will run May 6-14. 34475 Golden Lantern, Dana Point.

949.240.1991.

OUTLETS FIESTA DE MAYO CELEBRATION 1-4 p.m. Outlets at San Clemente will host its second annual Fiesta de Mayo Celebration with all proceeds benefitting the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation. The event will feature mariachis, Ballet Folklorico, craft beer, a taco truck and free family-friendly fun, including balloon artists, giveaways, a photo booth and more. 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. 949.535.2323. www.outletsatsanclemente.com.

KENTUCKY DERBY HAT PARTY 1 p.m. Hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition and Regency Theatres, the seventh annual Kentucky Derby Hat Party kicks off at 1 p.m. with a prerace party. Hat judging begins at 2:30 p.m. (free popcorn for participants). The Parade of Horses begins at 3 p.m. and the Run for the Roses starts at 3:15 p.m. The race will be broadcasted live on a theatre movie Page 12

Photo: Courtesy of STX Entertainment.

high-end social media and new-wave gadgets could shape the digital world in the future, including constant cameras, moderating and superior approval. Mae’s life begins to quickly revolve completely around the company.

Watson is as bland as ever, portraying an incoherent protagonist with an unconvincing accent, though not nearly as stale as Ellar Coltrane’s wooden performance.

The film can’t seem to understand its own pro-privacy message, and on top of that has one of the most nonsensical endings in a long while. Ponsoldt has directed some great indie flicks like Smashed (2012) and The End of the Tour (2015), but his first foray into studio films could use a little more work. DP

screen. Rick’s Café will serve special derby drinks and the best derby hat will receive a prize from American Horse Products. Tickets are $20 per person before May 6 or $25 at the door. Purchase tickets at Regency Theatre or online at www.regencymovies. com. 26762 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.3456. www.sjcec.org.

SATURDAYS AT THE SWALLOW’S INN 2:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. A day of live music kicks off with Rod & The Pistons at 2:30 p.m. followed by Whiskey Tango at 8:30 p.m. Food from Lisa’s Kitchen will be available throughout the afternoon. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Sunday | 07 CASA PINWHEEL PROJECT 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Orange County will be sticking 3,000 pinwheels in the ground in the Dana Point Harbor to represent the 3,000 children who are currently in the foster care system in the county, in conjunction with National Foster Care Awareness Month in May. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. www.casaoc.org/pinwheel.

OCEAN INSTITUTE WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m. Hop aboard the Ocean Institute’s R/V Sea Explorer this spring for whale watching excursions. Tickets range from $25-$45. Visit the Institute’s website for more dates and times. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

Cont. on page 14) www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT THE DISH THEDISH DISH THE

‘FLOUNDER POUNDER’ AND ‘O.G.’ TACOS

T

his taqueria is not bashful, especially when it comes to flavor. Sancho’s Tacos offers a gourmet take on the classic street taco. On the menu, dishes are categorized in nomenclature of historical, authoritative endearment, such as “Yard Bird” and “Federale.”

The restaurant prides itself on the heritage of street tacos and pays homage in its recipes to the origin as much as modern cuisine.

The choice this week was to roll two deep with the “O.G.” and “Flounder Pounder” tacos. The marinated fish along with powerful cilantro sauce packs a punch to each segments of the taste buds. This could be the mischief of something called “Chubbie Sauce,” that miraculous ingredient every successful restaurant keeps in ambiguity.

You do not question the sauce; the sauce does not question you.

The blend of contributions is inspiring and well-balanced, and lime juice can be applied to the mixture as needed.

The second taco, O.G., was truly a unique experience. Made with tri-tip steak, the

(Cont. from page 12)

Monday | 08 YOGA IN THE PARK 5:30 p.m. Join iHeartYoga for yoga in the park every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this summer. Bring a mat, water bottle and suggested donation of $8. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

Tuesday | 09 TINY TOTS: PARENT AND ME PROGRAM 9-10:15 a.m. Join the Ocean Institute for a six-week, maritime-themed series of exploration and play suitable for children ages 2 and 3. Stretch your child’s imagination through creative play that supports language development, social interaction and problem-solving. Cost is $30 for a single class. Program runs through May 9. Register online. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. www.ocean-institute.org.

DRIVE OUT ALS GOLF CLASSIC 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Join the ALS Association Orange County Chapter at the Monarch Beach Golf Links to golf, dine and socialize with NFL alumni while raising funds for the 160 residents of Orange County who have been diagnosed with ALS. Proceeds go to improving care services, continuing research and promoting advocacy. NFL alumni participating include Eric Dickerson, Marcus Allen, Rodney Pete, and many more. $1,500 to register a foursome, $400 individual entry, $125 for dinner only. 50 Monarch Beach Resort North, Dana Point.

Page 14

meat had a caramelized texture, similar to Chinese orange chicken but not nearly as formidable or thick. It was more to highlight the flavors, which were also accompanied by the Chubbie sauce and cilantro, rather than make its own statement.

Sancho’s Tacos has been open for two weeks in San Clemente but has locations around Orange County. As a city with residents and visitors always clamoring for fish tacos, Sancho’s has found a solid location, right at the gateway to Trestles.

Sancho’s Tacos.

1013 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0488. www.sanchostacos.com.

Wednesday | 10 FREE COMEDY AT MOLLY BLOOM’S 9:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Molly Bloom’s with food and drink specials.

There will be local and professional talent.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.218.0120. www.mollybloomspub.com.

Thursday | 11 SCIENCE NIGHT AT DANA POINT COMMUNITY CENTER 6:30-8 p.m. Join the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center to learn about a variety of science-related topics in a family-friendly format at the Dana Point Community Center.

Hands-on activities and displays will be present and geared toward children. 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point. 949.248.3527. dpnaturalresources@danapoint.org.

Friday | 12 SCHS & SHORECLIFFS JAZZ CONCERT 5-6:30 p.m. Experience live jazz performed by the students of San Clemente High School and Shorecliffs Middle School to kick off the city’s music and movie series. The concert is located on the beach, north of the San Clemente Pier. Bring a towel or beach chair to enjoy the sunset. Free seating in the sand. Fisherman’s Restaurant will offer a full BBQ meal for $8. www.san-clemente.org.

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.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP Dana Point

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Dirt Therapy by Marianne Taylor

Butterflies in Decline

W

here have all the Monarchs gone?

This past summer and fall our Los Rios Park Garden Angel volunteers were surprised to find very few Monarch butterflies fluttering about in the parks’ certified butterfly gardens. The tropical milkweed was in full bloom, when it normally would have looked like twigs— which isn’t a good sign, since the Monarch caterpillars only feast on milkweed flowers, leaves and stems, leaving behind ragged twigs.

As I researched the staggering reasons for the Monarch decline in our gardens, I quickly realized we gardeners are part of the worldwide problem. Luckily, the Los Rios garden volunteers deadheaded all the colorful flower heads in October in hopes the beneficial insects will make a come back to the Los Rios Park and neighboring gardens this summer.

I decided to further my due diligence and find out what exactly is happening worldwide to these pollinating insects that bring annual joy to the garden. Unfortunately, caring and concerned gardeners are part of the problem. By purchasing tropical milkweed to help save the Monarch population, we’re actually stopping their natural migration cycle to Mexico.

Monarch butterflies are wintering in our gardens, thus making them susceptible to a protozoan parasite called Ophryocystis elekrosccirrha (Oe). Oe is responsible for the loss of butterfly habitats, as it infects the caterpillar munching on the leaves and turns the chrysalis black.

This disables, or even ends up killing, the butterfly.

The milkweed leaves harbor the Oe

disease. Tropical milkweed is evergreen, while all other native milkweeds are deciduous, which means they shed the infection in winter. It is important to remove every tropical leaf and prune tropical stems to 4 inches continuously during fall and winter so as to not interrupt the Monarchs’ migration south. It is best to use California native milkweed, also known as California narrow leaf milkweed.

To my shock, the massive decline of Monarchs doesn’t stop with goodintentioned gardeners.

The Monarch butterfly is currently on the endanDIRT THERAPY gered list due to startling

By Marianne Taylor recent studies indicating their habitat has declined by 80 percent over the past 20 years.

What’s causing the massive decline in habitat? According to the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), several issues are responsible—the loss of milkweed in the Monarchs’ summer grounds due to weed spraying and urbanization, increased logging of their winter home in Mexico, severe spring storms in the Midwest that killed millions of Monarchs, and persisting drought conditions.

The CBD also notes that the butterfly’s decline has been driven, in part, by the widespread planting of genetically engineered crops in the Midwest, where the majority of Monarchs hatch. Most of the genetically engineered crops are made to be resistant to Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, a potent killer to milkweed, which is the only source of food for the Monarch caterpillar.

In the past 20 years, these once common butterflies may have lost more than 165 million acres of habitat about the size of Texas, or nearly a third of their breeding grounds. With the collapse of their migratory habitat, they may face extinction in the next 20 years.

The CBD has filed a lawsuit to force the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine whether to protect the Monarch

SCENE { I N DANA P O I NT }

ogy Academy were presented a plaque by Dana Point

Mayor Debra Lewis last week for their parade theme dur-

ing the Dana Point Festival of

Whales. The school received the Mayor’s Award for Best Display of Parade Theme.

butterflies under the Endangered Species Act by June 30, 2019. Such protections would safeguard their habitat and ensure the Monarchs’ recovery.

The Monarchs’ future may sound bleak, but with all our help, we can turn things around before it’s too late.

On March 23 from 9-11 a.m., Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and the Los Rios Garden Angel volunteers we will be planting native milkweed at the Los Rios Park’s certified butterfly garden. Join us in the garden and help us plant, or if can’t join us, consider donating a plant to the park.

We’re also encouraging local gardeners to support the Monarchs by planting native milkweed in their gardens.

Be sure to purchase milkweed from a nursery that doesn’t use pesticide on the plant—I prefer Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano. It’s best to plant several milkweeds among other flowering plants.

Be sure not to use any pesticides in your garden—Roundup kills both weeds and

R.H. Dana Science & Technology Academy Principal Christina Portillo stands with Dana Point Mayor Debra Lewis during a presentation at the school. Photo: Courtesy of R.H. Dana Science & Technology Academy

butterflies.

To learn more about creating healthy butterfly gardens, check out our free Smart Gardening class at Reata Park on Feb. 25 at 9:30 a.m. Hosted by Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens and taught by the UCCE Orange County Master Gardeners, this class will get you started on the right path. For more information, visit www.goinnative.net.

Marianne Taylor, of San Juan Capistrano, is the founder and executive director of Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens, a 501(c)(3) teaching gardening and life skills as a way of empowering, engaging and connecting people. Goin Native focuses on educating local families, special needs adults, seniors, at-risk youth and members of the military. 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@danapointtimes.com

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

O

Dana Point Times May 5-11, 2017

and staff at

R.H. Dana Science & Technol-

Pet of the Week: Nala ne-year-old Nala is a happy little Boxer who just wants someone to love. Whether she’s running around in the yard or simply relaxing, Nala is happiest by your side. This friendly and fun-loving pup also enjoys outdoor activities and would do well in an active household. If you would like to know more about Nala, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

Students

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

Page 16

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

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Baseball Battling with Mustangs Down the Stretch

LOCALS ONLY

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AUTO REPAIR

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INSURANCE SERVICES

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State Farm/Ted Bowersox

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Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

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MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

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WINDOW & DOOR REPLACEMENT

Offshore Construction

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The Dana Hills and Trabuco Hills baseball teams are in a tight race to the finish in the Sea View League.

In the first of two meetings this week, Trabuco Hills earned a 2-0 win over the Dolphins on May 3. The Mustangs spoiled what was a stellar outing from Dana Hills’ standout pitcher Hans Crouse to edge closer to the Dolphins in the league standings. Dana Hills (6-3 league) remains in first place and the Mustangs (7-4) sit in second.

Crouse threw 6 1/3 innings, striking out a season-high 12 batters and allowing just one earned run. But Mustangs hurler Broox Mahr proved to be up to the task as well, tossing five scoreless frames. The Mustangs scored twice behind two Dana Hills’ errors in the second inning.

Dana Hills will host Trabuco Hills on May 5 in what will be the Mustangs’ final game of the regular season. Dana Hills has a two-game series against San Juan Hills next week.

Girls Lacrosse Picks up First League Win In its penultimate game of the season, the Dana Hills girls lacrosse team picked up its first Sea View League win.

On April 25, the Dolphins defeated El Toro at home 13-6. Senior Madisen Bishop scored a season-high seven goals in the win.

The Dolphins (2-12, 1-7) closed out the season with a 15-11 loss to Mission Viejo on April 27.

Loss to Titans Lands Volleyball in Second Place The Dana Hills boys volleyball team suffered a costly misstep in the final game of the South Coast League season.

The Dolphins, who needed a win to tie for Page 18

Dana Hills senior pitcher Hans Crouse struck out 12 Trabuco Hills batter in a 2-0 Sea View League loss on May 3. Photo: USA Baseball

first in league, lost to Tesoro on the road in four sets. Instead of splitting the league title with San Clemente, the Dolphins finished in second place.

Dana Hills (15-14, 6-2) closed out the regular season with a three-set loss to Laguna Beach in a nonleague match on May 3.

The Dolphins will enter the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships. Playoff brackets will be released on May 5.

Softball Team Closing in on League Title Just two games remain on the firstplace Dana Hills softball team’s regular season schedule. The Dolphins (14-12, 6-0) were scheduled to host El Toro on May 4. Results were not available at press time.

A pivotal game against second-place Tesoro (11-13, 5-1) is set for May 8. The Dolphins beat Tesoro 2-0 in their first meeting of the season on April 20.

Dana Hills beat San Juan Hills 6-3 in a league game on May 2. Pitcher Serafine Parrish earned the win after pitching a complete game. Parrish allowed just four hits and issued two walks while striking out nine. Cozette Zoch went 4 for 4 at the plate, raising her team-best batting average to a blistering .462, and drove in three RBI. Jackie Stillwell went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI in the win. www.danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling Races Through Town DANA POINT TIMES

A

stellar field, large prize purse and a scenic track drew criterium bicycle racers of all skill levels to the Lantern District of Dana Point on April 29.

Roughly 700 registered riders took to the streets to compete in the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling, while thousands more turned out to watch the action and enjoy the day.

The Grand Prix’s main event every year is the professional criterium races, where the top riders from around the world vie for a $24,000 cash prize purse. This year’s installment of the women’s PRT National race and the men’s John Johnson Family PRT Classic did not disappoint.

The women’s race featured a thrilling sprint to the finish that saw American Kendall Ryan cross the line first. Behind Ryan was an impressive field of international racers. Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Germany were all represented by riders placing near the top of the standings.

The John Johnson Family PRT Classic was dominated by the Irvine-based team

GOLD

A young bike racer prepares to ride through the kid’s race at the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling.

Photo: Eric Heinz

Riders wait at the starting line before a race at the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling. Photo: Alex Paris

Cylance Pro Cycling. The local team swept the podium, with Los Angeles’ Justin Williams finishing at the top of the heap.

The Grand Prix also featured dozens of amateur races, as well as the popular kids race, which featured nearly 300 participants. There were BMX demonstrations and a bike festival sponsored by Orange County Transportation Authority.

Following are the place-winners in each race category.

SILVER

A BMX rider demonstrates a trick.

Photo: Alex Paris

The Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling sends riders on a scenic loop over the Harbor. Photo: Alex Paris

Criterium riders pedal through downtown Dana Point. Photo: Alex Paris

BRONZE

CRIT Men Cat 5

Trevor Lien

Conrad Hindert

Elijah Baker

CRIT Men Masters 55+ Cat 1/2/3/4

Marvin Hall

Anthony Reguero

David Mack

CRIT Men Masters 60+ Cat 1/2/3/4

Malcom Hill

Thomas Gates

Rodney Malloy

CRIT Men Masters 30+ Cat 3/4

Alistair Miller

Matthew Easter

James Esser

Makayla Macpherson

Mia Cheeseman

CRIT Women Cat 3/4 Zoe Ta Perez

A BMX rider goes down a halfpipe during the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling. Photo: Alex Paris

CRIT Women Cat 5

Brianna Pezo

Taylor Anderson

Melissa Ortega

CRIT Men Masters 45+ Cat 1/2/3

Tommy Robles

John McKinley

Aaron Levin

CRIT Men Masters 50+ Cat 1/2/3

David Marietti

Aron Gadhia

Josh Gruenberg

CRIT Men Cat 3 CRIT Osvaldo Mora Men Cat 3

Kevin Barker

David Kennedy

CRIT Men Cat 2

Greg Romero

Juan Garibay

Randy Nelson

CRIT Men Cat 4

Nicholas Jepson

Omar Audelo

Seth Totten

CRIT Men Masters 35+ Cat 1/2/3

Kayle Leogrande

Charon Smith

Chad Moston

CRIT Women Cat Pro-1-2

Kendall Ryan

Elizabeth Williams

Mandy Heintz

CRIT Men Cat Pro-1

Justin Williams

Scott Law

Karl Menzies Cyclists navigate a turn during the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling. Photo: Alex Paris

Dana Point Times May 5-11, 2017

Page 20

www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FOR RENT ROOM FOR RENT. WALKING DISTANCE TO BEACH. Quiet neighborhood. Private access.

Lantern District, Dana Point $800 month, $400 deposit. Available immediately. 949-285-2627

HELP WANTED DANA POINT MARINA INN We are ramping up for summer and looking for service oriented persons. Full and part time shifts available - Flexible days and hours. Job listings: *Front desk clerks *Reservation agents *Housekeeping supervisors (experience required) *Housekeepers *Porters *Breakfast room attendants *Maintenance *Painters. Great working environment - Paid vacations Apply in person. Dana Point Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, Ca 92629.

GARAGE SALES 16TH ANNUAL DANA KNOLLS COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE!

Saturday, May 6th, 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Dana Knolls Neighborhood, Cross Streets: Del Obispo & Blue Fin Drive, follow the signs & shop till you drop! Sponsored by: Gary Macrides, REALTOR, 01267654 Surterre Properties. 949-370-6827

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

SERVICES HANDYMAN CHRIS Flat screen TV’s installed, anything Electrical, Plumbing, Finish Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Mold and Wood Rot issues, Waterproofing, Decks and Patio covers repaired, Doors, Windows, Kitchens and Baths, Water Damage Restoration, Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication and Much More.

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Page 21

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Shark Attack

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

O

n Saturday afternoon, April 30, at approximately 6 p.m., 36-year-old Leeanne Ericson was bitten by a shark while swimming at San Onofre State Beach. At the time of the incident, she was in the water at Church beach in front of the Camp Pendleton campground with a small group of friends.

Wearing a wetsuit and swim fins, she bobbed alongside her boyfriend, who was surfing, when she was pulled underwater and momentarily disappeared.

Ericson’s boyfriend turned to catch a wave, but before he could start paddling he heard her scream.

“She was gone, so he dived under to try and find her and couldn’t find her,” the victim’s step-father, Mark Leidle, explained to a local NBC affiliate. “He came up, and the shark’s tail was sloshing in the water, and she popped up and he grabbed her and put her on the board.”

Multiple sources, including Ericson’s boyfriend, have reported that there was a California Sea Lion in the immediate vicinity.

“It’s believed that at the time a shark was chasing a sea lion. The sea lion evaded the shark and instead of biting the sea lion, it’s believed the shark mistakenly struck the victim,” said a State Parks public safety official who was on the scene but was not authorized to speak on the record. “It could have been a case of mistaken identity. She was floating in the water in a black wetsuit and fins and the shark may have confused the two.”

Other people on the shore said they witnessed the incident.

“At first, I wasn’t sure what was happening when I saw a group of people helping this woman in through the surf,” said San Clemente’s Hunter Robinson, who was on the beach with a group of friends getting ready to go surf when the incident occurred. “I heard ‘shark’ and just started running out to help.”

A group of surfers helped get Ericson in through the surf line to the rescuers sprint-

GROM OF THE WEEK

AIDAN SAUTNER

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

N

ot afraid to step on a longboard or a shortboard, this week’s Grom of the Week is 13-year-old Aidan Sautner.

A seventh-grader at Shorecliffs Middle School, he’s all about being in the water.

His dad first introduced him to surfing

Dana Point Times May 5-11, 2017

A group of sharks was photographed circling an area near the shores of Capistrano Beach on Sunday.

Photo: Courtesy of Matt Larmand

ing across the rocks to help.

“It was low tide, and she was probably in the worst place possible place,” continued Robinson.

Miraculously, the bite reportedly missed Ericson’s femoral artery. If the artery had been severed, there’s a strong possibility she would have died before reaching the beach.

“We put her on a surfboard and tried to keep it really low to the ground in case she fell off,” Robinson said. “A friend of mine became an EMT in January, so we applied a tourniquet to her hip to try and slow the bleeding down. She said she was having trouble breathing.”

On the beach, rescuers were met by lifeguard and emergency personnel. They did the best to control the bleeding and treat the victim for signs of shock. Ericson was then airlifted to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla for further treatment.

Lifeguards were going to sound the alarm. “It was surreal. We heard the lifeguard down the beach. At first it was

hard to make out what he was saying, but I managed to hear the words ‘shark attack,’” said area surfer George Trim, who was suiting up with his girlfriend at the time.

“The lifeguard then pulled up in front of us and made the announcement. Everyone was in disbelief at first. Then we all realized it might be someone we know, so it was pretty scary.”

Doctors at Scripps placed Ericson in a medically induced coma to stabilize her condition. Massive blood loss and fears of infection and secondary drowning made her situation extremely volatile. Forty-eight hours after the incident, her condition had somewhat stabilized, but, obviously, Ericson is facing an uphill battle.

“It tore her right back leg from her glute to her knee. The doctors also say that she drowned when the shark pulled her under,” reads the message on a GoFundMe page set up to help with Ericson’s medical expenses. “She’s now in Scripps Memorial Hospital fighting for her life. She is a single mom with three young children who

when he was only five years old, and eight years later his parents are still having a heck of a time getting him out of the water.

“I usually surf the point at San O or Church for longboarding, or Rivi’s and T-Street when I shortboard,” Aidan said.

“When I get to surf outside of Orange County, I love to surf Swami’s and Malibu.”

Stoked for all the right reasons, he says, “The things I enjoy most about surfing is being out in nature having fun and being with my family at the beach. Of course, I also love the feeling you get when you get a

great nose walk or a barrel.”

As far as his favorite surfers, he lists icons Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning at the top, with a significant nod to longboard stylists Taylor Jensen and Joel Tudor.

“I always surf for fun, but my goals with surfing are to continue to do well in my surf competitions for Shorecliffs Middle School and in my Longboard Coalition contests—I surf for the Doheny Longboard Club,” Aidan said. “I would like to make the surf team for longboarding at San Clemente High School.” DP

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depend on her. She has a long road ahead with several surgeries to go. I don’t know how much this will cost, but she’s going to need all the help she can get.”

Immediately following the incident, California State Park authorities closed the surrounding waters two miles north and south of Church. By Sunday morning, people were already dismissing lifeguards’ stern warnings and surfing at Trestles and San Onofre, which is under the jurisdiction of State Park officials. But at Church, which is guarded by military personnel, it was clear that nobody would be allowed into the water through Wednesday.

The victim’s boyfriend has speculated that the shark was approximately 10 feet long, which would make it larger than the 6to 8-foot juveniles that have been spotted in the area in recent weeks and months. Last month there were two different incidents where a Great White was seen breeching at Trestles on Surfline.com’s streaming web camera. Days after the attack, aerial footage was taken of a number of sharks in San Clemente and Capo Beach. Additionally, authorities recently towed a dead whale offshore, which may be contributing to the sudden uptick in shark activity.

The last shark attack in Orange County came in June 2016 when a woman was bitten while swimming off the beach at Corona del Mar. She suffered a large bite across her torso but survived. A swimmer was fatally attacked in Solana Beach in 2012. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 57-60 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-7’ Poor-Fair Outlook: Fun-size Southern Hemi swell continues throughout this weekend. Minor NW energy mixing in the background. Lightest winds in the early mornings. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

Photo: Courtesy

www.danapointtimes.com