September 18, 2020

LO C A L

September 18-24, 2020

N EWS

YO U

C A N

U S E

Picking the Right ‘Blank’ for Custom Boards PAGE 14

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 38

Answering the Call

Local Fire Stations Handle Challenges Unique to Dana Point E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3

Crews with Orange County Fire Authority’s Station 30 in Dana Point and Station 29 in Capistrano Beach attest that while they are prepared for fire emergencies, the most common calls are medical emergencies. Photo: Lillian Boyd

Candidates Address Development in Dana Point EYE ON DP/PAGE 5

City Introduces Ordinance to Target Illicit Massages EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

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Editor’s Pick: Engineers Wanted Club GETTING OUT/PAGE 9

Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

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DP EYE ON DP

Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Short-Term Rentals Draw Contrasting Views at Candidate Forum

Five things Dana Point should know this week Local Fire Stations Handle Challenges Unique to Dana Point THE LATEST: As fire season in California is underway, firefighting agencies across the state are responding to dozens of major fire incidents—some fires burning as much as 122,000 acres.

While Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) has offered support to other agencies battling nearby fires, including the Bobcat Fire in Los Angeles County and Valley Fire in San Diego County, local OCFA fire stations face a unique set of challenges aside from fires.

Crewmembers for both Stations 29 and 30, in Capistrano Beach and Dana Point, respectively, attest that their most common calls are for medical emergencies.

“The most common calls we get are falls,” said Fire Capt. Kirk Grant, of Station 30. “We have an aging population, and most often we respond to seniors who have had accidents. We respond to collisions. In the summertime, we have visitors who aren’t quite as comfortable in our beaches, so we respond to coastal emergency calls, too.”

Both fire stations are paramedic engine companies, staffed by a paramedic fire captain, engineer, firefighter paramedic and a firefighter. On medical incidents requiring a paramedic to continue care on the way to the hospital, the firefighter paramedic will do so.

“The remainder of the crew, including the paramedic fire captain, will go back into service, which allows Dana Point to have uninterrupted advanced life support,” said OCFA public information officer Thanh Nguyen.

In 2019, Station 29 responded to 1,694 incidents and Station 30 responded to 1,905 incidents—all ranging in a variety of calls, crews say. Nguyen predicts that the emergence of COVID-19 will have an impact on response numbers for 2020.

This year, Capt. Cory Gallup with Station 29 says that COVID-19 has dictated that OCFA completely rearrange its structure.

“We’ve always been good about using (personal protective equipment), but then all of a sudden, there’s a huge need for PPE,” Gallup said. “We’re much more cautious about where we place our boots and our gear. We’re mindful of what we could potentially bring home.”

Nguyen adds that both fire stations respond to various types of incidents based on their locations. Brush responses are Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Station 29, located in Capistrano Beach, sometimes responds to incidents outside the neighborhood, often off Ortega Highway or near Camp Pendleton, depending on the needs of the service area. Photo: Lillian Boyd

standard when Station 30 is handling calls outside Capistrano Beach but within its larger response area, which includes parts of Ortega Highway and Camp Pendleton.

Both stations often respond to paramedic medical calls and rescues on the coast. In alignment with OCFA’s latest campaign to raise awareness on drowning incidents, Gallup urges parents and guardians to keep a close eye on young children in the water.

“It can only take a second,” Gallup said.

“We live in Southern California. We have a lot of pools, and we have a lot of ocean.

Just always make sure someone is watching the water.”

In accordance with September being Disaster Preparedness Month, OCFA officials encourage all households to assemble a disaster response plan. The agency recommends coordinating with relatives, coworkers, schools and neighbors, and to designate meeting places outside the home.

Residents can register for AlertOC, which is the county’s emergency notification system. For more information on creating an emergency supply kit and preparing your home, visit ocfa.org.—Lillian Boyd

THE LATEST: The Dana Point City Council candidates for Districts 4 and 5 participated in the first forum of election season on Friday, Sept. 11, over Zoom.

Rather than having the candidates seated in a panel format for a coffee chat event like in previous years, the Dana Point Civic Association hosted the event in a Zoom video conference due to safety precautions against COVID-19.

Candidates Mike Frost and Gary Newkirk will run against each other in District 4, and Michael Villar and Benjamin Bebee will run against each other in District 5. (Villar was unable to participate in the Zoom event due to a work conflict and provided a video message at the end of the forum.)

The candidates were asked questions on issues including homelessness, development and short-term rentals—perhaps one of the more polarizing topics.

“I hear a lot of young homeowners say, ‘I’ve made an investment in this property and I can get some return on my investment, and I’m in favor of it and I need you to be in favor of it,’ ” said Bebee. “I’ve heard some of neighbors say, ‘I’ve been here for 20 years, and this is a quiet beach community and I’d like to keep it that way.’ ” The City of Dana Point is not issuing any new Short-Term Rental permits. However, permits issued prior to Nov. 16, 2016 are currently allowed to renew on an annual basis.

Some residents have expressed frustration about neighboring homes being used as STRs, as they draw in unfamiliar or rowdy visitors—particularly when STRs go unregulated. The opposing view is that property owners are within their rights to offer short-term rentals and that STRs offer affordable access to the coastline.

“I do think there needs to be a strong

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community input on what we do from here,” Bebee said. “I do think that this is a great way, if we manage it properly, to address some of the budget shortfall that we’re going to experience over the years due to a decrease in tourism.”

On Oct. 1, 2019, Dana Point City Council directed the city manager to conduct a survey focused on STR policy to obtain public feedback on the community’s position on STRs. The city contracted with FM3 Research, a firm that surveyed 500 registered voters in Dana Point from March 12-18 of this year.

The survey asked voters what they thought the most serious issue facing Dana Point residents was that they’d like to see the city government do something about. “Homelessness” garnered the most popular answer with 28%, while “too many short-term rentals” collected 3%.

“I know that short-term rentals ranked low on the FM3 survey, but if you live next door to a short-term rental, it’s a big issue for you,” Villar said in his pre-recorded video. “I know this, because my neighbors talk to me about it all the time.”

Villar said he’d like to see both pro- and anti-STR people work together toward an ordinance that will ultimately appear on a ballot for voters to decide on.

“I do think that 3% (opposed to STR proliferation) represent the discussions I’m having when I’m out and about,” Frost said.

Frost emphasized that the California Coastal Commission has made affordable short-term rentals a priority.

“We need to do two things: We need to protect our residents, but we also need to work with the Coastal Commission,” Frost said. “And we can do that with a wellrounded council.”

Newkirk countered that homeowners should be able to have a good idea of what can happen in their neighborhoods ahead of making an investment—whether that be how high someone across the street can remodel their home or the frequency of STR visitors staying next door.

“For most of us, our home is our largest investment,” Newkirk said. “Unregulated (short-term rentals) runs the risk of severely compromising the integrity of our neighborhoods.”

Newkirk called for open dialogue and a mutual resolution among all stakeholders.

The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its own candidate forum via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. To register, visit danapointchamber.org.—LB

Coastal Cleanup Day Transitions into Monthlong Volunteer Effort Est. City Population: 34,000 • Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for daily local & county statistics. *Information as of 9/16/20. Source: Orange County Health Care Agency

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THE LATEST: This Saturday, Sept. 18, would have represented the annual (Cont. on page 4) danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) Coastal Cleanup Day, when thousands of volunteers up and down the state would normally head to the beaches to pick up trash and debris as part of an international effort to keep the oceans clean.

However, with the coronavirus pandemic and safety concerns over mass gatherings still at the forefront of many people’s minds, the California Coastal Commission and its partnering environmental nonprofits have had to rethink the annual event this year.

Rather than having volunteers crowd the beaches at once, the CCC and organizations such as Orange County Coastkeeper have encouraged residents to lead their own cleanup effort individually or with small groups of friends during their spare time throughout the month of September.

Volunteers are also being asked to not only focus on the beaches but to participate by cleaning up loose garbage around their own neighborhoods, parks and streets, preventing the trash from getting washed out into the ocean through creeks, rivers and storm drains.

To continue collecting data on how much trash is being removed this year, the CCC is asking volunteers to download and use the CleanSwell app to record the types of items found, the total weight of collected trash and total distance covered.

For those conducting cleanups in Orange County, Coastkeeper is asking individuals and hosts to name their group “Coastkeeper Clean” so the nonprofit can analyze the local data.

WHAT’S NEXT: The CCC and Coast-

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY STAFF

City Council Introduces Massage Business Ordinance After multiple Orange County cities have reported the proliferation of illicit massage establishments—for sex work and human trafficking—Dana Point agencies are working toward creating an improved city ordinance that could aid in preventing such activity.

On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Dana Point City Council held a first reading of a proposed ordinance regulating local massage businesses. According to a staff report, the enactment of Senate Bill 731 in 2008 unintentionally resulted in an increase in massage parlors.

“As amended in 2011 by Assembly Bill (AB) 619, SB 731 limited the ability of local governments to regulate massage establishments,” a staff report states. “Specifically, it prohibited the City from regulating massage businesses that provide massage Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

keeper are asking volunteers to maintain social distancing guidelines, wear a face mask, reusable gloves and sunscreen, stay hydrated, only pick up man-made trash, remove recyclable items from the trash collections and leave sharp objects alone.—Shawn Raymundo

Countdown to Election Day Fewer than 50 Days THE LATEST: The nation is now fewer than 50 days away from the Presidential General Election on Nov. 3, but voters in Orange County can begin to cast their ballots as early as Oct. 5, when the vote-bymail ballots are scheduled to start arriving in mailboxes.

Just like in this year’s Primary Election, voters will have three options when it comes to casting their votes. Voters can either return them to the Orange County Registrar of Voters’ office via mail, take them to a metal drop box or deliver them to a vote center.

The more than 100 drop boxes around the county will open starting on Oct. 5 and close at 8 p.m. the day of the election.

According to the Registrar, there will be a drop box located at the Dana Point Branch Library.

The vote centers, which are like traditional election-day polling places, are scheduled to open for walk-ins beginning on Friday, Oct. 30. During the first four days, the centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. On election day, they will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

At the centers, voters can vote in person,

services through employees or independent contractors certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC).”

In response, the Legislature revised the law through the adoption of AB 1147, the Massage Therapy Act (MTA), which restored local land use authority over massage establishments.

Under the new law, responsibility for massage regulations is divided between CAMTC, cities and counties.

On Jan. 20 this year, investigators from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s VICE team called a meeting with city staff. “(Law enforcement) suggested that the current practice of allowing the State to inspect and enforce regulations on these businesses was not effective,” the staff report states.

OCSD recommended that the City of Dana Point update local ordinances, using models from other Orange County cities, to gain local control while still complying with state regulations. The city identified 22 businesses offering massage, with some being identified as potential “problem businesses.”

Some of the significant changes to regulations include that all practitioners must be CAMTC-certified and must obtain a

drop off their vote-by-mail ballot, receive a replacement ballot and register to vote or update their registration information, according to the Registrar.

According to the Registrar’s office, there will be two vote centers in Dana Point: the Dana Point Branch Library and Dana Point Community Center. Three more will open in San Juan Capistrano, as well as three others in San Clemente.

The new, vote-by-mail system under the Voters Choice Act was implemented for the first time this past spring amid a shift in voting practices that trended toward mail-in balloting. But with the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has put a larger emphasis on voting by mail.

This past June, Gov. Gavin Newsom enacted legislation, Assembly Bill 860, requiring counties to send out vote-by-mail ballots to all registered voters. The new law also extends the deadline a county elections office can receive mail-in ballots to 17 days after election day.

Previously, the Registrar’s office would accept mailed-in ballots within three days after the election as long as they were postmarked by the date of the election.

The Registrar’s office noted that the mailin ballots received within 17 days of this coming election must still be postmarked

by Nov. 3.

WHAT’S NEXT: More details regarding this year’s local elections and the voting process will be released on Sept. 24, when the county mails out its Voter Information Guide.

The deadline for registering to vote online in California is Oct. 19.—SR

CUSD Campus Reopenings Still on Track THE LATEST: A phased plan to reopen Capistrano Unified School District campuses to students for face-to-face instruction is moving forward as planned.

Under the plan, special education programs and services are scheduled to return starting on Sept. 28, preschool through fifth grade starting on Sept. 29 through Oct. 5, middle school starting on Oct. 6 and high school starting on Oct. 13.

The phased returns to campus are in accordance with the state’s tiered and colorcoded coronavirus monitoring system.

Orange County moved into the red tier on Sept. 8, facilitating more in-person activities.

Coronavirus cases in Orange County have gradually declined and are expected to continue trending downward. CUSD has also submitted a waiver for elementary schools, which is being processed by Orange County officials. The waiver, if approved, would essentially guarantee CUSD can reopen elementary campuses even if state guidelines again change.

The district has outlined various guidelines for what campus instruction will look like, including arranging classrooms to facilitate social distancing, requiring facial coverings for students and staff, and limiting the number of students in classrooms.

WHAT’S NEXT: Families have also been given the option to continue using online learning instead of returning to campus.

Temperatures will be taken before students enter a first class.—Collin Breaux

Community Meetings WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

In order to target illicit massage businesses, Dana Point joins neighboring Orange County cities in introducing an ordinance meant to regulate the massage industry. Photo: File

massage establishment permit from the city. Owners or operators must provide the city with a complete roster of employees and proof of certification—with updates to the city should there be changes in staffing. City officials may make reasonable inspections of massage establishments.

In August, San Clemente unanimously passed its own ordinance regulating message establishments. The ordinance includes a bevy of amendments to the city’s laws on massage businesses meant to aid in law enforcement’s efforts to end the network and organizations of human traffickers who force women into sex work at

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DANA POINT CITY COUNCIL RACE 6 p.m. The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will host a virtual candidate forum for the candidates for Dana Point City Council Districts 4 and 5. Viewers can register at danapointchamber.com.

illicit massage parlors.

The San Clemente-based nonprofit i-5 Freedom Network, which has worked to raise awareness to the issue of human trafficking while also supporting survivors, was instrumental in bringing about the ordinance.

Have something interesting for the community?

Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

The Race for City Council Leading up to the Dana Point City Council election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Dana Point Times will be publishing six questions, one each week, answered by the candidates qualified for the ballot. This year, the seats for Districts 4 and 5 are up for election. To view previous answers, visit danapointtimes.com. DP WEEK 3 / QUESTION 3

Do you think Dana Point is vulnerable to overdevelopment? What is your position on the pace of construction and development of the city thus far, and what measures do you think local government should or should not take moving forward in regulating development?

MIKE FROST DISTRICT 4

The Town Center Plan, adopted in 2008, envisioned the transformation of our PCH business corridor, which contained aging buildings and empty lots, into a dynamic, attractive central setting benefiting residents, business and tourists. In 2014, meaningful progress on implementing the plan ground to a halt amid public controversy over traffic, parking, infrastructure, building height and density. Since 2016, these concerns still exist, and the Council has done little to implement improved development standards.

Moving forward, I believe we can still produce a modern, inviting coastal village that reflects our heritage and benefits everyone. I believe it is time to work together to address these concerns.

It should not be that difficult. In far less time, other California coastal communities have created central village gathering places that benefit residents and attract visitors.

We can start by reevaluating the plan and analyzing the development standards approved with the Plan nearly 15 years ago. I am open to examining and implementing any modifications needed to ensure the Town Center/Lantern District, and any other city zoning regulation, respects our beach town atmosphere, promotes local business, and creates a place for everyone to enjoy.

If we do not begin making progress soon, regulation from the state will create complexity in managing our own destiny. Each year, more and more legislation drafted in Sacramento supersedes local policy, including allowing sober living homes and rezoning of single-family properties into triplex multifamily apartments. We should not put ourselves in a position to allow the state to dictate the size, shape, use, and feel of our coastal village because we were unable to solve issues. By taking on this challenge, we will maintain control.

Let’s remove the personalities, egos and misinformation and finally work together to solve the issues around development of our coastal gem, Dana Point!

Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

GARY NEWKIRK

BENJAMIN BEBEE

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 5

Dana Point spent years creating the Town Center Plan, allowing 40’ building heights, 3 stories and parking on-site or through in-lieu fees. It also called for parking lots to be constructed to handle all parking needs for a completed Town Center. The Plan established the framework for vibrant and sustainable development. Unfortunately, parking needs have not been addressed, and to date things haven’t worked out quite as planned.

The first major development proposal sought to exceed the plan’s zoning, seeking variances for height, a fourth story and reduced parking. As Planning Commission Chair, I voted against these variances, rejecting the proposal, only to be overturned by the City Council, which allowed the project to commence. Appropriate development is a necessity. We all benefit when vacant lots and outdated properties are transformed into vibrant businesses, restaurants, offices and residences. We need additional restaurants and stores to serve residents and visitors, and with it the lucrative revenue source that will help offset the city’s budget shortfalls while reducing our reliance on hotel transient occupancy tax (currently the city’s largest revenue source).

Parking has always been a key issue in the Town Center and one that has never been resolved. Street parking is limited and insufficient to meet the needs of a built-out Town Center. Without adequate, convenient parking, businesses will struggle, and overflow parking will end up crowding our residential streets. This needs to be addressed with input from residents and property owners, resolving this issue before it is too late.

It’s vital the City uphold our zoning codes requiring development that is appropriate and follows the rules. There are many opportunities for exciting new projects that are designed and scaled to preserve our coastal village aesthetic. Let’s all work together to make sure we do it right.

Visit newkirk4dp.com.

Every jurisdiction is vulnerable to overdevelopment if not properly managed. We must insist on proper city planning and civil engineering, and that developers have more than just their bottom line in mind before approving new projects. We owe it to our children to build cities that meet current societal needs, and have the foresight to provide opportunities for growth and development for generations to come.

I think that the recent upgrades to Dana Point’s Lantern District are a good starting point and we should continue that momentum with renovation and restoration projects around Capistrano Beach. Now would be an excellent time to invest in power and communications grid improvements, infrastructure upgrades, as well as a beach restoration project. I suspect we can find state or federal aid for infrastructure improvement, and I am confident that we can secure competitive bids for any projects we consider given the current economic climate. We would keep Southern Californians working, driving our economy today, and laying the framework for the high-tech industries of the future.

While I understand the concerns around increased population density, I am confident that together we can work towards creative solutions to meet the increased need for affordable housing while maintaining our tight-knit community. Furthermore, the more opportunities there are for people to live and work in our community, the healthier our local economy will be. I will work to create commercial and residential spaces providing opportunities to the families who need them. I feel very fortunate to live and work in such a wonderful neighborhood and will do my best to protect our city while making the needed improvements for it to continue thriving for years to come.

Orange County Professional Firefighters Association Local 3631 endorses Benjamin Bebee for Dana Point City Council. bebee4capobeach.com

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MICHAEL VILLAR DISTRICT 5

I believe the key to development in our city is to strike the right balance between residential communities and commercial uses that serve both residents and tourists.

In the next few years, we can look forward to a full buildout in Town Center, a complete renovation of the Harbor, and a revitalization of Doheny Village and the PCH corridor in Capistrano Beach.

The Doheny Village Working Group has been working hard with City staff to devise a plan to revitalize the village while preserving the elements that make this area eclectic and unique. We must work with residents, businesses and the developer of the proposed Victoria Apartments to ensure the project not only brings new residents to the village and funding to CUSD to help renovate our local schools, but most importantly, fits the community’s vision for this important and historic area.

As we welcome new development, it is important that we preserve the unique charm that makes Dana Point not only a great tourist destination, but a great place to live. We must continue to keep our local flavor and encourage small businesses and restaurants, along with responsible chains, to thrive. We must also ensure residential and mixed-use areas remain safe and attractive for our neighbors.

Expansion and development for our city is a good thing if it stays true to our identity while encouraging economic development and preserving residential neighborhoods.

Residents’ voices need to be heard before major developments are approved. We have a very active and vocal populace who, like me, love this place we call home. As your representative on Council, I will work hard to ensure that we listen to your voices and work with responsible developers to ensure they understand the unique balance that makes our city so special.

Please visit villarfordanapoint.com.

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EDITORIAL

ART + DESIGN

Senior City Editor, DP Times Lillian Boyd

Art Director Jasmine Smith

City Editor, SC Times Shawn Raymundo City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch Collin Breaux

Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex O P E R AT I O N S General Manager Alyssa Garrett

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Columnist Fred Swegles

FINANCE

Special Projects Editor Andrea PapagianisCamacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes

Finance Director Mike Reed

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Community, Sustainability, Prosperity by Hoiyin Ip

Plastics, Politics, Priorities

I

ronically, Coastal Cleanup Month started the day after the twin plastic bills SB-54 and AB-1080 failed. The bills, aimed at 75% reduction of single-use plastic waste by 2032, were supported by many Californians, including the City of Dana Point, but not as much by the politicians in Sacramento.

Once again, we're turning to local leadership. The plain fact is that our coastal cities have always been the ones to lead the state and nation.

And more frequently than ever, we’re seeing and hearing about the growing severity of the plastic crisis.

On July 23, The COMMUNITY, SUSTAINABILITY, Guardian reported, "All PROSPERITY the efforts made and

By Hoiyin Ip announced so far to cut plastic waste, by governments and companies, will reduce that projected volume by only about 7% by 2040. . . The estimates do not take into account any potential increase in the volume of plastic waste resulting from the coronavirus pandemic."

Photo: Courtesy of Hoiyin Ip

On Aug. 20, Orange County Register reported, "Surfrider Foundation shows a 50% increase in items collected at beach cleanups this year than at this point last year."

On Sep. 10, the Ocean Conservancy’s annual coastal cleanup report stated, "For the first time in the history of the [International Coastal Cleanup], cigarette butts weren’t the most-reported item. Food wrappers were."

And, you may recall on Mar. 26, in my article “Two Easy Ways to Help Momand-Pops,” I asked you to support local restaurants, by buying an extra amount of takeout food. (Now, I ask you to celebrate OC Restaurant Week that ends on Sept.

26.) But supporting restaurants does not entitle anyone to trash the environment.

Recently, I spoke with a city council

candidate about the litter on the streets.

He said, “Something’s got to be done.” I asked what he suggested. “Maybe more street sweeping,” he said.

For the 2018-19 fiscal year, Dana Point spent $776,641 on street sweeping, storm drains and litter control; Laguna Beach spent $521,406 on the same activities. Dana Point has always been generously devoted to keeping the city clean. The next thing to do is to address consumer behavior—ban unnecessary single-use plastics.

Then, I noticed in Dana Point Times, none of the four city council candidates included “environment” or “ocean” in his statement of the top three issues. Now, I'm concerned.

Clean water and clean air are threatened by microplastics. Single-use plastic waste contributes to climate change and environmental injustice. Regardless how much you believe these, municipalities are increasingly required by the state to address them. Now, my questions to city council members and candidates: What should be done? And when?

Hoiyin Ip is often recognized on the street as the plastic lady for her cleanup work. But she likes to think of herself as a guardian of the ocean. She is often reminded of a quote by former California Coastal Commission Executive Director Peter Douglas: “The coast is never saved. It’s always being saved.” DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point 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 Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes. com. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Jake Howard Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 13, Issue 38. The DP Times (danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

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Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

Letter to the Editor NOT ON THE NET CATHERINE CLARK, DANA POINT

We have been residents of this city for 46 years and have always enjoyed keeping up with the local news with the local papers that have appeared through the years.

But we are also dismayed at the ads in not just the newspapers but in the media—assuming that everyone is connected to the Internet or some sort of social media—especially public service ads such as the one for San Diego Gas & Electric. Wildfires, power outages, etc. are vital news. Are 100% of your readers

on the “net?” I doubt it. However, if an ad is reaching out for me to spend money in the community, there is always a phone number.

With COVID-19 and the lockdown, there is no or little access to free use of the net, such as the library or senior centers. Even these are not available 24/7. A mail address will connect me to SDGE, as will a phone number. And even those are not available for immediate information such as a power outage or anything else that requires our attention.

Is there no way to inform the public?

People who are not on the Internet are a diverse group of people: good citizens, rich and poor, young and old. Do some research and check the percentages.

Thank you for keeping us informed of all the interesting things happening on a weekly basis, whether it is with schools, entertainment, politics at the local level and all other items that make Dana Point

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an interesting community.

Sincerely, even without an email address, C.E. Clark

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

Have something you’d like to say? Email your letter to letters@danapointtimes.com no later than 8 a.m. on Monday. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or information written by the writers.

Limit your letters to 350 or fewer words. Please send with your valid email, phone number and address for verification by staff. Your address and phone number will not be published. Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory. In the interest of fairness, DP Times will not publish letters submitted by candidates running for elected offices between the time they file for candidacy and the date of the election.

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Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

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Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

EDITOR’S PICK Photo: Ocean Institute

TUESDAY, SEPT. 22: SUSTAINABILITY & AQUACULTURE: ENGINEERS WANTED CLUB 1:30-4:30 p.m. Participants will be introduced to hands-on education and inspired to take ownership of environmental concerns of water quality and conservation. The importance of conserving clean water as a scarce and precious resource will be emphasized as a foundational concept during each phase of the program. Students will design a vertical garden to better understand opportunities, conserve water and grow your own food in urban areas. Admission is $200 per session per participant. First of four sessions is from Sept. 22-Oct. 6. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. Ocean Institute. ocean-institute.org.

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 danapointtimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Sunday | 20 LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 3:30-5 p.m. Pets Plus SJC offers lowcost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. Vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams, and diagnostic testing available on-site. All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier. 32022 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

1.800.988.8387. vetcarepetclinic.com.

Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

Monday | 21 UNDERWATER ROBOTICS: ENGINEERS WANTED CLUB 1:30 p.m. High school and middle school students are invited to deep dive into coding concepts and be challenged with creating a device to solve a current ocean problem from around the world. At the end of the program, students will present their creation to the other participants.

This program will provide students with hands-on experience to code devices, such as micro-bit and hummingbird boxes.

There will be four sessions in which to participate, with the first scheduled from Sept. 21 through Oct. 5. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. Ocean Institute. ocean-institute.org.

Tuesday | 22 AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Dorothy Visser Senior Center is hosting the American Red Cross for a blood drive. Go to redcrossblood. org to schedule an appointment. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. 949.498.3322.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206582896 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FAR WEST RESIDENTIAL 18012 COWAN , SUITE 200 IRVINE, CA 92614 Full Name of Registrant(s): ETHAN ALVIDREZ 18012 COWAN , SUITE 200 IRVINE, CA 92614 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a /s/ETHAN ALVIDREZ This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 8/25/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 2020 PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF DANA POINT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission of the City of Dana Point to consider the following: Coastal Development Permit CDP20-0012 and Minor Site Development Permit SDP20-0015(M) located at APN(s): 670-131-16, 670-151-01, 670151-49 and 670-131-15: A request to permit the demolition and reconstruction of a freestanding masonry block wall which exceeds the maximum height and is located along Pacific Coast Highway.

Associated improvements include landscape and hardscape rehabilitation on both sides of the wall, including a new irrigation system, and amenities including a bench, picnic table and trash receptacle on the Monarch Bay community’s side of the wall.

Project Number:

Project Location:

Applicant: Owner: Environmental:

Hearing Date: Hearing Time: Hearing Location:

Coastal Development Permit CDP20-0012 and Minor Site Development Permit SDP20-0015(M) South of the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Monarch Bay Drive/Crown Valley Parkway (Monarch Bay Association), (APN(s): 670-131-16, 670-151-01, 670-151-49 and 670-131-15).

Summers/Murphy & Partners, Inc. Lisa Klasky, Monarch Bay Land Association, c/o Keystone Pacific Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project is categorically exempt per Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines (Class 3 – Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) since the project consists of the construction of a freestanding wall and associated appurtenant structures.

Monday, September 28, 2020 6:00 PM (or as soon thereafter as possible) 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 (Council Chambers)

All persons either favoring or opposing the subject project are invited to present their views to the Commission at this hearing.

Dana Point Times September 18–24, 2020

Note: This project may be appealed to the City Council. If you challenge the action taken on this proposal in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Dana Point prior to the public hearing. This project may also be appealed to the California Coastal Commission in accordance with Dana Point Municipal Code Section 9.69.090. The process includes, but is not limited to contacting the Coastal Commission for the appropriate forms and instructions to file an appeal.

For further information, please contact Justin Poley, Assistant Planner, at the City of Dana Point, Community Development Department, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 209, Dana Point, (949) 248-3575.

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program 665 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 104, San Clemente, 949.485.4979, info@bodymindspiritiop.com, bodymindspiritiop.com

ATTORNEY

Rosen Law Offices, P.C.

34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 5, 949.335.0020, snrosenlaw.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20206583427 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LIGHTHOUSE RESTORATION 23732 HILLHURST DR, APT 49 LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677-9267 Full Name of Registrant(s): ELIJAH PITT 24551 DEL PRADO, #877 DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/05/2019 /s/ELIJAH PITT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 8/31/2020.

Published in: Dana Point Times September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 2020

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Scoop Deck

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

State Farm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, elainelavine.net

MASSAGE THERAPY

Paul Svoboda CAMTC #76690 Monarch Beach Studio or Outcall, 310.387.2560 MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, danmans.com

Yeungs Violin Studio

949.388.4038, heilingyeung@hotmail.com, yeungsschoolofviolin.com/violinestudio

PLUMBING

A to Z Leak Detection

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

Bill Metzger Plumbing

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

UPHOLSTERY & INTERIORS

Jeddy’s Interiors

34118 Pacific Coast Highway, Ste. 2, 949.240.9569, jeddys.com

PUBLIC NOTICE Order to Show Cause For Change of Name Case No. 30-2020-01121921-CU-PT-CJC To All Interested Persons: David Tarquin Preziosi, aka D Tarquin Preziosi, aka David T. Preziosi; filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: PRESENT NAME A. David Tarquin Preziosi B. D. Tarquin Preziosi C. David T. Preziosi PROPOSED NAME A. Tarquin David Preziosi B. Tarquin David Preziosi C. Tarquin David Preziosi The Court Orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court of the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objective is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing Date: 10/13/2020 Time: 08:30 a.m. Dept.: D100 Window: 44. The address of the court is Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Dana Point Times Date: August 20, 2020 JUDGE JAMES J. DI CESARE, Judge of the Superior Court Published: Dana Point Times, September 4, 11, 18, 25, 2020 Page 10

danapointtimes.com

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at danapointtimes.com GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE – SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 Sat., Sept. 19th. 7am-noon. 111 W. Avenida Valencia, San Clemente. Proceeds from this garage sale will help buy Pet Food for Others..”so no one has to give up their family pet”. You’ll find Collectibles, Albums, Prints, New & Softly Used Clothes, Shoes, Furniture, household goods, linens, plants, pet items & a lot more...

Masks & Social Distancing.

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

GARAGE SALE - SEPT. 25 & 26 Friday, September 25 & Saturday, Sept. 26.

8am -2pm. 25442 Westborne Dr., Dana Point.

Electronics, Tools, Christmas, Etc. GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! Email your listing to info@danapointtimes.com Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

SERVICES MK BROTHERS LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE Weekly Gardening Service • New Sod and Plants • Expert Sprinkler Installation & Repair • Tree Trimming • Wood Fences and Patios • Termite Damage Replacement Lic. #581171. Best prices in town!

949.786.2605

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!

Contact Lauralyn Loynes at 949.388.7700 ext. 102 or lloynes@picketfencemedia.com Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

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DP

Dana Point Point Dana

DP LIVING

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: Life’s a Beach

by Shelley Murphy

So Long, Summer; Hello, Holidays

T

he Labor Day holiday marks the unofficial end of summer. The first weekend of September I’m often a bit melancholy as I say goodbye to the season—but not this year.

Summer was a bummer. Many of my family’s favorite pastimes were shelved, and our perennial vacation was scrapped. We swapped our tropical trip for another senseless staycation.

I’m sure it’s well-intended, but I’m weary of the countless commentaries and posts proclaiming creative and innovative ways to celebrate summer, and milestones, during a pandemic.

I read one website suggesting “stellar summer activities that are just as wonderful as your traditional summer vacation.”

The list included: Have a watermelon seed spitting contest; take a nap in a hammock; have an indoor scavenger hunt; and, wait for it, the best summer fun idea—run a virtual 5K. Labor Day weekend celebrates the culmination of carefree beach bashes LIFE’S A BEACH and backyard barbecues—

By Shelley Murphy but not in 2020. Year after year, the holiday also ushers in the onset of pumpkin spice lattes and the informal launch of the holiday season.

I’m a calendar keeper and datebook diarist, so not long after Labor Day, I begin planning my holiday merriment. This year, however, much of the holiday season sits in limbo,

including many beloved annual traditions.

The Los Angeles County Department of Health banned spooky Halloween carnivals and indoor haunted houses. They also recommend barring kids from trick-or-treating next month.

Halloween falls on a Saturday, the night of a full moon, and the weekend Daylight Saving Time ends. Partygoers get an extra hour to revel, but many eerie events—including Knotts’ Scary Farm, Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash, and the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor—are canceled.

This year, more than ever, I’m craving the comfort of our family’s Thanksgiving traditions.

I cherish our time-honored rituals at Thanksgiving: hosting family gatherings, cooking harvest feasts, and predicting the winners in football rivalries.

I’m preparing for my favorite holiday, yet my gut is questioning the likelihood of my plans coming to fruition.

My family’s Thanksgiving observance doesn’t include watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but for more than 90 years, countless viewers consider it a Turkey Day staple.

This year, Macy’s announced its annual event is a “reimagined” celebration. They’ll follow the format developed for New York City’s Fourth of July fireworks show, and some segments will be virtual.

Every year, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off the Christmas season with Santa’s ceremonial arrival.

Closer to home, at Dana Point Harbor, the holiday season commences with the annual lighting ceremony that illuminates the Harbor in thousands of festive lights. However, this November, the ritual is canceled.

Don’t despair, Dana Point Harbor Partners do plan to hold their 46th Boat Parade of Lights during the first two weekends of December. Although, in a written statement, they warn the parade is subject to change due to pending public health guidelines.

Hallelujah, the Harbor’s popular boat rides with Santa are scheduled to continue, albeit with one slight snag this season.

prior to the construction of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

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 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com.

In the spirit of social distancing, instead of sitting on Santa’s lap, young children will wave to St. Nick while sitting 6 feet away from him.

Maybe it’s me, but a socially distant and masked Santa doesn’t deliver the magic of the season I so desperately desire this December.

Likewise, I’m sure holiday websites will soon pop up offering holly jolly solutions to salvage the most wonderful time of the year.

I can imagine their creative lists: hide wrapped gifts throughout the house instead of beneath the trimmed tree; before passing presents, put festive bows on bottles of hand sanitizer; and invite friends and family to a merry and virtual holiday party.

I’m tired of reimagining holidays and trading time-honored traditions for work-around celebrations.

This holiday season is shaping up to be special, but for all the wrong reasons.

While the holidays may look a little different this year, I’m looking forward to celebrating—especially on New Year’s Eve, as I can’t wait to say goodbye to 2020.

For more than 20 years, Shelley Murphy and her husband have lived in San Clemente, where she raised her two sons. She’s a freelance writer and has been a contributor to the San Clemente Times since 2006. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point 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 Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media.

If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com. The Dana Point Times and Picket Fence Media do not publish content that is defamatory.

BY MYLES MELLOR

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

Last week’s solution:

DANA POINT TIMES

F

Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo was taken in 1971 of Salt Creek,

Sudoku

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Dale our-month-old Dale is a playful kitten that is always ready for fun. Whether he’s chasing toys or frolicking with the other kittens, his outgoing personality is easy to spot. If you’re looking to adopt a sweet and spunky feline friend, you can’t go wrong with Dale.

If you are interested in adopting Dale, please visit petprojectfoundation.org to download an adoption application form.

Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org,

Photo: Art Brewer/OC Public Libraries

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

and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP

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See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE EDITOR’S COLUMN: Cavanagh Corner by Zach Cavanagh

Full Sports Schedule Restores Sense of Normalcy

After months away, every major sport is in action all at once, giving sports fans a sense of normalcy and a full TV schedule. Photo: JESHOOTS.com/Pexels

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

S

unday, Sept. 13’s full slate of NFL season openers was incredible, but not just for the thrillers, the comebacks or any of the incredible highlights.

It was incredible in how incredibly normal it felt.

For months, sports fans and non-fans alike have been yearning for that “sense of normalcy.” In this crazy 2020 with the world on fire, a pandemic lingering, election rhetoric flying and life seemingly on hold for many, what that normalcy was going to be is a bit ethereal and personal.

Because of how truly unnormal these times are, you probably won’t realize what that normal is until you’re already in it.

For myself as a CAVANAGH sports fan and sports CORNER writer, the summer of

By Sports Editor, Zach Cavanagh 2020 was particularly empty without sports to take up my days, nights, conversations or TV schedules.

Even when some leagues returned, it still felt far from what it should be, with shortened seasons, entire leagues and playoffs in bubbles and stadiums without fans.

However, after the initial shock, I grew accustomed to watching the games in these new surroundings, and, sure enough, my love of sport dragged me in. I was watching games every day and night as if nothing had ever happened to take them away.

Strangely enough, the shutdowns due to COVID-19 have actually created a golden age of watching sports from your couch.

The early rounds of the NHL and NBA playoffs had games broadcast from breakfast to bedtime here on the West Coast.

Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

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After its own early coronavirus scare, Major League Baseball’s condensed schedule leaves almost no room for days off and doubleheaders seemingly every other day in a race to the finish. Men’s and women’s soccer leagues around the world had games crisscrossing the schedule at all times.

This weekend became the zenith of that frenzy, and I think what finally clicked in that normalcy switch in my brain.

Thursday, Sept. 10, was the first day in sports history that the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and WNBA all played on the same day. Saturday, Sept. 12, brought the opening of college football for some of the power conference teams, as well as the first matchday of the Premier League season in England. The U.S. Open of tennis crowned its champions over the weekend, and the U.S. Open of golf will hold a major championship this weekend.

Sam Darnold is tossing touchdowns for the New York Jets. Blake Taylor is hurling gems for the Houston Astros.

Every major sport from all corners of the globe is in session, and they’re all somewhere on your TV or streaming service.

It may be hard to say sports are completely back to normal when you can look in our own backyards and see that youth sports games and the Dana Hills High School sports schedule are both a ways away. And I, too, would rather be in the sun at the Big A cheering on Mike Trout or taking in the sparkling new wonder of SoFi Stadium with the Rams.

For now, this sports fan will take his full days of watching games on TV with a smile, knowing what it’s like without any of them at all and appreciating the ability to indulge in all of them at once. DP danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Core Strength Everything you need to know to choose a foam blank for your next custom board

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen it comes to getting the new surfboard that’s right for you, there are a lot of options out there. In terms of materials and construction, it’s easy to be confused about what you should be looking for. If you’ve graduated from the Costco Wave Storm and are looking for an actual, real surfboard, the conversation begins with what kind of “blank” to use.

A blank is the foam core from which a surfboard is made. It’s then laminated with a combination of cloth and resin to provide structural integrity and strength.

Replacing the wooden boards of old, Hobie Alter and Gordon “Grubby” Clark were the first to utilize foam surfboard blanks in an economically viable way in the early 1960s.

When it comes to surfboard blanks today, there are three basic options of which you should be aware. The three main blank materials that are widely used around the world include Polyurethane (PU), Polystyrene (PS) and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).

Grubby perfected the polyurethane formula, and from the 1960s through the early 2000s, Clark Foam in nearby Mission Viejo was the de facto blank supplier around the globe. The company was forced to close in 2005 after entangle-

GROM OF THE WEEK

ZOEY KAINA

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

F

or Lowers regulars, you may have been awestruck this summer by a pint-sized goofy-footer absolutely tearing apart the inside lefts. While you pick your jaws up off the floor, meet 9-year-old Zoey Kaina.

Hailing from Hawaii, Zoey and her family have posted up in San Clemente and are making the most of the abundant opportunities that Trestles provides. Earlier this month, the World Surf League posted a video of Zoey ripping the lefts at Lowers on its social media channels. The response was nothing short of inspiring, as some of the best surfers in the world took time to compliment her skills.

Dana Point Times September 18-24, 2020

San Clemente surfboard shaper Timmy Patterson puts the finishing touches on a polyurethane blank.

Photo: Jake Howard

ments with the Environmental Protection Agency. This opened the door for new foam manufacturers to experiment with new materials, including expanded polystyrene, which has been a game-changer.

No type of foam is particularly better than the other; instead, they all provide different performance characteristics that suit the variety of surf conditions we’re greeted with week in and week out.

Polyurethane is the most traditional kind of foam, in use ever since Grubby first cracked the chemical code. One of perks of polyurethane is that it is relatively light, and because of its tight cell structure, it is also very easy with which to work. The fine composition of the foam means that when a shaper runs a

“Woah, those bottom turns, so deep already,” commented two-time world champion Tom Carroll.

“One of my favorite goofy-footers!” testified Mitch Colapinto, father of Griffin and Crosby.

And then there was Brazil’s Wiggolly Dantes, who succinctly stated, “This girl is gonna be world champion one day.”

When she’s not out at Lowers, Zoey’s been spending some time traveling to the BSR Surf Resort in Waco, Texas, where her barrel-riding skills are blossoming and she’s learning to really smash her turns.

Enjoying support from the surf industry, she’s been riding some sick shapes from master craftsman Akila Aipa and is also on the Buell Wetsuit program.

With so much talent and passion, Zoey’s future is bright. We can’t wait to see where it takes her. DP

planer or sandpaper over the blank, the foam doesn’t bite or come off in chunks.

If shaped correctly, the foam will come off in a fine dust. This characteristic gives shapers the ability to fine-tune their board with an attention to detail.

The bummer about polyurethane foam is that it’s not environmentally friendly. It’s a petroleum-based product, and recycling the waste material is more expensive and challenging than expanded polystyrene blanks, for example. And the glassing process is also no bueno for the environment, as well.

The foam that’s been in use the longest after polyurethane is polystyrene. What you need to know about polystyrene is that it’s most commonly used with epoxy

resins. There were a lot of issues with early epoxy boards, one of the biggest being that polystyrene is inherently hard to shape and requires a lot more time and effort.

The epoxy composition does add a little more strength and durability, and the lighter boards go well in small surf conditions. Plus, the offcuts and waste from the shaping process can be recycled.

Finally, the biggest growth in surfboard blanks over the past handful of years has been with expanded polystyrene. A derivative of polystyrene foam, its big selling point is that it’s remarkably light.

A lot of small-wave boards that you see today are made with expanded polystyrene cores. If you snapped your board in half, you’d notice it’s the same composition of those cheap “styrofoam” coolers at liquor stores.

Expanded polystyrene foam is notoriously hard to hand-shape, because the tiny foam balls tend to fall apart when hit by a planer or rougher sandpaper. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some great boards being hand-made with expanded polystyrene foam; it just takes a little more time and diligence to get the shape smoothed out.

They’re also one of the more environmentally friendly materials out there.

So, there you go, you’re ready to forsake that Wave Storm for a real surfboard.

Happy wave hunting!

Jake Howard is local surfer and freelance writer who lives in San Clemente.

A former editor at Surfer Magazine, The Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes for a number of publications, including the San Clemente Times, Dana Point Times, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 66-68 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 8-10 ’ Outlook: On Friday an easing combination of South/southwest swells and smaller Northwest swell rolls in with waist-shoulder high waves, (3-4’). Light winds Friday morning, shift to moderate onshores for the afternoon. A blend of southerly swells and secondary Northwest swell maintains waistshoulder-head high zone surf, (3-4-5’), through the weekend. Light morning winds are followed by moderate afternoon West/ northwest onshores over the weekend.

Zoey Kaina. Photo: Courtesy of Zoey Kaina Page 14

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