January 4, 2019

LO C A L

N EWS

January 4-10, 2019

YO U

C A N

U S E

Anesha Rose at Hennessy’s, Jan. 10 PAGE 9 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 01

Looking Forward

Mayor Joe Muller Visualizes His Next Term on City Council E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

Dana Point Mayer Joe Muller was re-elected to city council in November and voted mayor in December. Photo: Lillian Boyd

White Pelican Owner, Diana Psipoulos Passes Away EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

The Coffee Importers Celebrate 40 Years of Business EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

www.danapointtimes.com

It’s An Incredible Time to Surf in Dana Point SURF/PAGE 14

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

DP EYE ON DP

Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week

The Coffee Importers Will Celebrate 40 Years of Business THE LATEST: On June 9, The Coffee Importers in Dana Point will celebrate its 40th year of business in the Dana Point Harbor.

The Coffee Importers was started in 1979 when Jim Miller bought the business with his wife, Michelle, and his parents, Bob and Bea. “It was just the beginning of this whole cappuccino/espresso movement that Starbucks and Diedrich had taken on,” Miller said. “My parents were often visiting family in Denmark, where cafés were popular.

They thought, ‘Why don’t we start that?’ ” The Coffee Importers has seen several changes over the decades. Miller says it’s all about how a business adapts to how demands shift.

“We’ve changed menus, we’ve changed concepts, we’ve changed our space,” Miller said. “And our customers have continued to come sit here and enjoy a cup of coffee by the harbor.”

Miller’s hope for the coffee spot was that it would be a place of gathering for friends, family and the community. About 20 years ago, The Coffee Importers owners agreed to host “coffee chats” regularly when Bob and Pat Fairbanks of the Dana Point Civic Association approached them with the idea. The events featured community discussions with guest speakers regarding issues that impacted Dana Point.

Coffee chats continue to be held monthly.

“I’m so proud of the fact that we are still growing. We’ve achieved our goal of making The Coffee Importers a gathering place,” Miller said. “It’s a testament to our business and it engrains us in the community.”

WHAT’S NEXT: With a harbor revitalization on the horizon, there is uncertainty as to which businesses the harbor partners will continue to lease to.

“There are a lot of ifs right now. I know just as well as the partners do that you have to make decisions for what’s best for your business,” Miller said. “We just have to continue collaborating, communicating and evolving with the harbor. I know the partners will be able to get it done; they have a great vision.”

Dana Point Times January 4-10, 2019

Jim Miller of The Coffee Importers will celebrate 40 years of business in June. Photo: Lillian Boyd

The Coffee Importers will be selling special 40th Anniversary edition mugs in June. The café is located at 34531 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. For more information, call 949.493.7773 or visit www.coffeeimporters.com. —Lillian Boyd

Owner of White Pelican Gallery Passes Away THE LATEST: White Pelican gallery owner Diana Psipoulos, also known as Diana Poulos, has passed away at the age of 72 due to medical complications.

Diana and her son, Chad Psipoulos, purchased the White Pelican gallery from Chuck Mullins about two dozen years ago.

Diana had survived a bout of breast cancer shortly before jumping into the business of wholesale jewelry, her son said.

Diana represented the Dana Point Harbor Merchant Association for a period, sparking a friendship with Jim Miller, the owner of The Coffee Importers.

“She was a bull when it came to representing the merchants of the Dana Point Harbor,” Miller said. “She was adamant about phasing revitalization projects during negotiations. She cared deeply about protecting the integrity and character of the harbor.”

Diana served on the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board as secretary. The function of the board, as stated in DPHAB’s bylaws, was “to advise the County of Orange Board of Supervisors, city of Dana Point, county agencies and harbor management on public policy and successful operation of O.C. Dana Point Harbor.”

“People loved her. She had the greatest heart. She was always going to plays, concerts, traveling the world. She did it all.

She lived a full life,” Chad Psipoulos said.

Diana Psipoulos was born on September 3, 1946 and grew up in Lansing, Ill. She

died on December 28, 2018.

She leaves behind her husband of 52 years, George Psipoulos; her sons, Chad and Brett Psipoulos; and her grandchildren, Jolie and Cole Poulos.

There is no service planned at this time. The family asks that anyone wishing to make a donation on behalf of Diana Psipoulos consider the Jim Valvano Foundation.

“Diana loved sports. She was a breast cancer survivor, and she lost her mom and her friends to cancer,” Chad said.

“Jim Valvano died of cancer, and I think it would make her really happy to see people donate to that cause on behalf of her.”

The Jim Valvano Foundation, also known as the Jimmy V Foundation, was founded by ESPN broadcaster and basketball coach Jim Valvano in order to help fund cancer research grants nationwide.

Valvano died in 1993 following a yearlong battle with metastatic adrenal cancer.

The White Pelican Gallery is located at 34475 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. Chad will be handling business administration in place of his mother. —LB

Festival of Whales Announces New Events THE LATEST: The 48th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales has announced more details about the musical events this year. One of Southern California’s largest and longest-running celebrations of the California gray whales’ West Coast migration kicks off in March with activities that educate the public on whales through entertainment and fun.

A new attraction will be added in the form of an opera. On March 9 at 6 p.m., the Ocean Institute will host “Whale Songs & Other Tails from the Opera: A

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Musical Event” with Lyric Opera of Orange County. According to a festival press release, the performance is being hailed as an elegant evening of eclectic opera, featuring whale song, cat calls, bird trills and other operatic animal music, plus refreshments. Ticket sales for this event will begin in January.

The free grand finale Concert on the Water will be held at Baby Beach on March 10 from noon to 5 p.m. It will feature three bands atop a floating stage.

The audience can enjoy the music on the sand, in the water or while stand-up paddling or kayaking. A barbecue and spirits garden will be open all day as well.

The concert lineup includes Neon Nation, Keston & The Rhythm Killers and DSB – The Next Best Thing to Journey.

The gray whales travel along the West Coast on their annual 10,000-mile, round-trip migration between warm-water breeding and calving lagoons in Baja, Mexico and cold-water feeding grounds in Alaska. According to a press release, scientists believe the 40-ton ocean mammals pass close to the shores of Dana Point each year using the majestic cliffs of the Headlands as a navigational landmark WHAT’S NEXT: The 48th Annual Festival of Whales will be held March 2-3 and 9-10. The festival is free, but some events require purchasing tickets. For more information, visit www.festivalofwhales. com. —LB

New California State Laws in Effect THE LATEST: Some of California’s new state laws are likely to affect San Clementeans, and many are enforceable now.

A few of the key laws included: • Minimum wage increases from $11 to $12 for businesses with 26 or more employees and from $10.50 to $11.50 for businesses with fewer than 25.

• Criminal penalties for sidewalk vending are now abolished, but cities can still regulate the vendors.

• Employers must now provide available space for mothers to breastfeed their children at work.

• People must request single-use straws at restaurants.

• Employees who report sexual harassment now have protections in place from liability or for defamation of the people they accuse. Employers may also indicate during reference checks whether someone had been determined to engage in sexual harassment.

• All dogs, cats and rabbits must now be purchased from a pet store, shelter or rescue group.

(Cont. on page 4) www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) • Repeated DUI offenders will be required to use an interlock ignition system statewide.

WHAT’S NEXT: Find out more about some of the new labor laws in place by visiting www.callaborlaw.com. —Staff

Famous Animator Don Lusk Dies at Age 105 in San Clemente THE LATEST: If you’ve ever seen one of Disney’s classic films or Hanna-Barbera shows or some of the Charlie Brown editions, there’s a good chance Don Lusk worked on one of them. Lusk’s career as an animator includes a staggeringly impressive list of credits, including Bambi (1942), Fantasia (1940), and Alice in Wonderland (1950).

But it was San Clemente where he ended up spending his final years. Lusk died on Dec. 30 at the San Clemente Villas by the Sea at age 105, according to close friends and entertainment media outlets.

According to his close friend, Juliette Paskowitz—the widow of famed physician and surfer Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz—she be-

Don Lusk, a famously accomplished animator, died at age 105 in San Clemente on Dec. 30. He befriended a San Clemente woman in the years before his passing. Photo: Courtesy of Slip Lusk via The Hollywood Reporter

friended Lusk during his final years, as they both resided at the San Clemente Villas.

“He’d been here five years, and I’ve known him for three, and one of my young sons who is an artist gave him a beautiful painting,” Paskowitz said. “We were so close. I knew all about his life, wife, children, and he confided in me.

Like Josh (her son) says, he was such a

unique person.”

Paskowitz said due to random and assigned seating, she was introduced to Lusk for the first time a few years ago. While she said she didn’t think she belonged at the residence that is meant for retired people, she quickly found companionship with the famed cartoonist.

“I came downstairs for dinner and

came to see my son, Izzy, and he said, ‘Pretend like it’s the first day of school,’ and he introduced me and, you know, I never realized that behind all those gray hairs are beautiful stories, and I’ve met so many good friends here, including Don. He was just amazing and so smart and so funny.”

Paskowitz said then-post-centenarian Lusk would tell her all kinds of stories, not necessarily related to his work with Disney, Hanna-Barbera and other entertainment titans. She said although he would ask for seconds when they had wine with dinner, he would frequently share.

“After the other people would leave, he was so slow to finish, so I always sat by him, and we would go through the tales of his life together,” Paskowitz said, adding that their friendship was like two spirits passing each other between this world and the next.

Lusk’s career may be the most complete of any animator in history. He was a character animator for Lady and the Tramp (1955) and worked on episodes and movies of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts Gang, The Jetsons—the list just keeps going.

WHAT’S NEXT: Details of Lusk’s memorial were not immediately available. —EH

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Info Meetings on RH Dana Elementary Spanish Immersion Program Parents, students and community members have three chances to learn more about RH Dana Elementary School’s Spanish Dual Immersion Program through a series of informational meetings.

Under the language immersion instruction, students would be taught in English 50 percent of the time and in Spanish the other 50 percent. The transition will be introduced in the 2019-2020 school year, starting with the kindergarten class, which will carry the program through each subsequent grade level. The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees approved the transition on Dec. 14.

RH Dana will host a series of informational meetings regarding the program on Wednesday, Jan. 9, as well as Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. and on Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. If you are unable to attend a meeting, call 949.496.5784 to set up a time to walk the campus and learn more about the program.

NRC to Host Webinar on Canister Violation The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Wednesday, Jan. 2 announced that it will host another webinar regarding the canisters that store spent nuclear fuel at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS), this time related to the design of those canisters.

One of the casks from Holtec International Inc., the manufacturer of the latest canisters to be loaded at SONGS, was deemed to have an inadequacy, explained by Southern California Edison in June that one of the pins of the ventilation system in the bottom of one of the canisters broke off.

“The apparent violations stem from an incident last March, when workers at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station discovered a loose four-inch stainless steel pin at the bottom of a canister as it was being prepared to be loaded with spent fuel,” a press release from the NRC stated.

“The pin was part of a shim designed to support the fuel basket and allow airflow to the fuel assemblies within the canister.

As such, the shim is considered essential to the function of the fuel basket.”

At the time, the canister registered higher-than-average radiation levels, but its maximum allowable temperature was not exceeded.

The press release did not go into detail

Dana Point Times January 4-10, 2019

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Each Saturday, California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market. Craft vendors are available the first Saturday of the month. La Plaza Park, Pacific Coast Highway, near the Clock Tower.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 Tom Palmisano, vice president of decommissioning and chief nuclear engineer for Southern California Edison, explains the problem that took place with one of the Holtec canisters during a meeting in June. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will host another webinar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST on Wednesday, Jan. 9 regarding storage of canisters. Photo: Eric Heinz

about the webinar, but it did say two NRC violations were identified in the incident.

“The NRC determined Holtec, when it changed the shim to the pin design in 2016, failed to establish adequate design control measures for selecting and applying materials, parts, equipment and processes essential to the function of safety-related structures, systems and components,” the press release stated. “Holtec also failed to maintain written records of changes to its canister design, including an evaluation of why the design change could be implemented without applying to the NRC for an amendment to the canister’s Certificate of Compliance.”

As part of the NRC enforcement procedures, Holtec was given the option to host a pre-enforcement conference or a thirdparty mitigation meeting. Holtec chose the conference, the release stated. The NRC will now determine what level of violation was committed and what corrective actions will need to be taken.

SONGS operators are currently on hold with transferring the spent nuclear fuel rods from wet storage to dry-cask storage following the NRC’s decision to investigate an incident on Aug. 3 in which a canister was stuck on an outer ring while it was being loaded into the concrete fortification. A webinar was hosted in November that addressed the operational and training violations it found at SONGS. Southern California Edison stated at the CEP meeting in November that it plans to resume transferring the spent fuel rods by the end of January.

Southern California Edison released a statement on Wednesday afternoon regarding the canister webinar.

“Southern California Edison is aware of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspection report and pre-decisional enforce-

ment conference involving vendor Holtec International with regard to the design of spent fuel storage casks. SCE remains confident, following thorough analysis validated by an independent third-party engineering firm, and ongoing monitoring of the four loaded canisters utilizing the Holtec shim pin design, that each canister continues to perform all safety functions. Recall, SCE’s pre-loading inspection, verified that shims in each of these four canisters were in the as-designed position,” the statement read. “All other SCE Holtec MPC-37 canisters utilize a non-shim pin design.”

There are 51 canisters on site that are in horizontal dry-cask storage in units built

by AREVA; Holtec has 29 canisters already loaded at SONGS, with an additional 44 expected to be loaded later this year.

The conference will take place at the NRC Headquarters in Rockville, Md., from 1-5 p.m. Eastern (10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pacific) on Wednesday, Jan. 9. The webcast can be found at www.video.nrc.gov. If you can’t watch the meeting live, it will likely be archived at the same website.

CUSD Reorganizes Board During the Dec. 12 Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees Meeting, the board held its annual organizational meeting to elect the board president, vice president and clerk. The Board selected Trustee Gila Jones to serve as president, Trustee Gary Pritchard to serve as Vice President, and Trustee Patricia Holloway, San Clemente’s trustee, to continue her role as Clerk.

The Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees also welcomed Trustees Judy Bullockus, Gila Jones and Martha McNicholas, who were re-elected to

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MONARCH BEACH SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes people interested in making a difference in the local community. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

SCIENCE NIGHT: ARE THE EARTH’S INSECTS DISAPPEARING? 6:30-8:30 p.m. About three-quarters of the species on this planet are insects.

However, alarming new data from many parts of the world suggest that they are declining rapidly, leading to the decline of birds and other insectivores. Dr. Peter Bryant will review the evidence, discuss the possible reasons and suggest some solutions. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10

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

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

a new term. Bullockus has served on the Board since 2017, representing Trustee Area 7, which covers portions of Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, and Coto de Caza.

The next regularly scheduled Board Meeting is Jan. 24.

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

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

www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Looking Forward Dana Point Mayor Joe Muller embraces the New Year and the long term

BY LILLIAN BOYD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

fter Joe Muller’s re-election and induction in December, Dana Point now embarks on 2019 with new leadership. With a series of milestones accomplished in his first term and the year 2018, Muller hopes to continue the city’s momentum as mayor.

Muller was first elected to Dana Point City Council in 2014 and served as mayor pro tem. He previously worked in sales at an education software company and started a consulting business, where he helped obtain state and federal funding for education products.

“We did a lot in my first term, like getting the Town Center project finished and helping the county get the harbor deal done,” Muller said. “We have a lot left to do as far as economic development for the city. We haven’t finished Doheny Village. That’s probably my highest priority, along with addressing sober living homes and homelessness.”

When asked if Muller will bring a different approach to his second term, he says his experiences during his first

term brought him more confidence in his decision-making.

“When you first get on, you make a lot of silly mistakes, with not understanding procedure or how things will be perceived. And you try to please everybody.

But you soon realize it doesn’t matter what decision you’ll make, somebody is going to be upset. That was one of the things I had to learn,” Muller said. “I can’t be all things to everybody; that’s unrealistic. I just have to stick to my values.”

The 2018 Dana Point City Council Election encountered a relatively unusual amount of aggressive campaigning, with accusatory political mailers and back-and-

forth dialogue on social-media platforms.

Muller says he feels confident that residual partisan politics will be kept at bay in council chambers.

“I think the contentiousness in this election was more about national politics and people trying to take a side with Democrats or Republicans. I think it’s already started to calm down on social media,” said Muller. “The conversations I’m having with people are productive.

It’s all about exchanging information and ideas. We’re not always going to agree.”

Muller says that, overall, he wants to focus on the bigger picture.

“I don’t get caught up in having to

accomplish something in my year as mayor, as long as the bigger objectives get completed during my tenure.”

Muller also hopes to brand Dana Point as the “music capital” of Orange County.

“I’m looking towards not doing different types of events but maybe bringing bigger acts to an event. We need to put more focus on our big events and capitalize by adding more vendors or collaborating,” Muller said.

The next Dana Point City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 18 at City Hall’s Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. DP

The year 2019 kicks off with a new mayor. Joe Muller will serve in the role after being re-elected to council in November. Photos: File

Dana Point Times January 4-10, 2019

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DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Our Home Port By James Lenthall

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 REPORTER Lillian Boyd, 949.388.7700, x113 lboyd@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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

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

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Debra Wells (SJC)

EDITORIAL

Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy

City Reporter, DP Times > Lillian Boyd

ART/DESIGN

Senior City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Reporter, The Capistrano Dispatch > Shawn Raymundo

Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

General Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Copy Editor > Randall Youngman

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes > Susie Lantz (SC)

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 12, Issue 1. The DP Times (www. danapointtimes.com) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes. com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch.com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

An Open Letter to Dana Point Harbor

W

e’ve just closed one of the most remarkable and transformative years in our harbor’s history, and we’re about to embark on a new year likely to be no less impactful and dramatic. Barely a year ago, the County of Orange and our Dana Point Harbor community were still busy auditioning private developers to assume the Harbor Revitalization Plan and operate our harbor for the rest of most of our lives. Dana Point Harbor Partners was selected as our development partner, and this past fall signed their 66-year master lease, with a plan to spend $330 million rebuilding Dana Point Harbor. What a year it was.

Point Harbor “is aDana way of life. For so many of us, it’s part of our identity. It’s far more than just where we eat and shop, or where we park our boats.

”

In 2019, detailed plans for the redevelopment of our harbor will be finalized, permits will be sought, and the first tangible signs of our harbor’s future may begin to emerge. What a year it will be. The success of the path ahead will depend entirely on this diverse, complex and passionate community striving toward common goals with civility, patience, respect and cooperation. That’s no easy undertaking.

I’ve spent my entire life around Dana Point Harbor, and I’ve been privileged over the past dozen years to play a role in guiding our harbor into its future. I’ve observed the planning for our harbor’s transformation up close; I’ve shared in the sting of failures and the delights of achievements. I’ve gained a sense of both our community’s vulnerabilities to blunder and the recipes for our successes. So, with the aid of hindsight, with enthusiasm in foresight, and with

sincere humility, I offer this appeal to our Dana Point Harbor community: To Dana Point Harbor Partners: No doubt by now you’ve experienced the exceptional character of our Dana Point Harbor community – our passion and care for this place, our (sometimes) challenging temperament, our attention to detail, our demands to be heard and respected, and to be informed. This goes without saying, but Dana Point Harbor is not just another comOUR HOME PORT mercial retail center;

By James Lenthall this isn’t just another harbor. Dana Point Harbor is a way of life.

For so many of us, it’s part of our identity.

It’s far more than just where we eat and shop, or where we park our boats. Dana Point Harbor is where we spend our lives, find our joy, raise our families, invigorate our bodies and souls, and nurture our spirits. Our devotion to this place will be your indispensable ally, or a formidable opponent. Your choice. Partner with this community, keep us informed, seek our input, tap our experience and ingenuity, and you will find your success. Or… (alternative implied). The Dana Point Harbor community will embrace change, tolerate inconveniences, offer assistance and champion your cause. So long as we remain informed and respected, and confident in a future that honors our past and protects the charm of Dana Point Harbor.

To our state, county and city officials: Of course, Dana Point Harbor remains a public asset. In 1961, the state of California deeded in trust this stretch of coast to the County of Orange to develop and operate as a municipal boat harbor.

Nothing in these recent developments changes the public’s ownership of our harbor. Our elected officials and their agencies and staff retain their obligations to protect Dana Point Harbor, to ensure continued public benefit and affordable coastal access, and to provide supervision and guidance over the course of the redevelopment and 66-year lease of Dana Point Harbor. Please, never lose faith to your continued accountability to this community and our harbor. We’re counting on it.

To the citizens of Dana Point Harbor (and a note to self): It’s not always go-

ing to be easy, or pleasant, or without its inconveniences, annoyances and mysteries. Rebuilding our harbor while keeping the shops and restaurants open, without displacing boats, and maintaining public access will be a massive challenge. At times we will be frustrated, even infuriated. Some of our boaters already know this. But the long arc of this project leads to a promising horizon. Let’s keep our eye on the big picture. Let’s expect to recall this stretch of time, and all its bumps and bruises, as a worthy undertaking. Yet, let’s never let our guard down, or stop defending the fundamental traits of what make Dana Point Harbor so special, so vital, to all of us. Let’s scrutinize every development, demand information and answers, and let’s hold our public and private partners accountable to all of us. We must be informed and remain objective. Let’s strive to look back on these days with pride at our community’s unyielding embrace and protection of our harbor.

To the social media posters: Be accurate. Be knowledgeable. Check your facts. If you don’t know it, please, don’t post it. So many fires have been ignited by false information, rumors, innuendos.

Fabricated community outrage benefits nobody. Nobody. It only undermines relationships, collaboration and productivity. Rant over.

These are make-or-break times for our harbor. The decisions made and courses set in 2019 will affect how the generations that follow us experience Dana Point Harbor. Commitments by all participants to collaboration, communication, transparency, and occasional compromise are essential to setting and achieving our common goals. I humbly offer this advice for the future of our beloved harbor.

Cheers to a joyous and successful 2019.

James Lenthall is a lifelong Dana Point resident and boater, and presently serves as president of the Dana Point Boaters Association, chair of the Dana Point Harbor Advisory Board, and as a director on the board of Dana Point Yacht Club. 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

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Dana Point Times January 4-10, 2019

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DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

Adventure Sail to experience tall ship handling, sea shanty singing and maritime amusement with the crew of the Lady Washington. Adventure Sails are scheduled through Jan. 13. For a full schedule, go to www.ocean-institute.org.

Tickets are $60 for adults and $50 for children. Ocean Institute members receive a special discount. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274.

EDITOR’S PICK

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

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

Monday | 07

Friday | 04 CHUNKY KNIT BLANKET WORKSHOP 6-9 p.m. Join the AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano for a special event where you can learn the step-by-step process of handknitting to create a cozy, one-of-a-kind blanket. All materials are provided. The blanket requires no needles or knitting experience. 31107 Rancho Viejo Road Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano. 949.482.1362. www.arworkshop.com.

TIDE POOL HIKES 2-4 p.m. Go to the Ocean Institute for a tide pool hike led by one of the Ocean Institute expert naturalists. The hike will take participants into the rocky Marine Conservation Area located directly behind the Ocean Institute. Families can explore the area and search for snails, crabs, sea stars, and other animals that make the tide pools their home. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.ocean-institute. org. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274.

Saturday | 05 BEAD BRACELET WORKSHOP 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Led by instructor Barbara Wong, create your own beaded masterpiece. For adults and teens (12 and older). This event is free, with all materials provided. Registration is required and open to 25 participants. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org/libloc/dana.

LONG BEACH VETERANS BINGO 12:30-3 p.m. Come and join VFW Dana Point Post 9934 for bingo with veterans at the Community Living Center in Long Beach (at the back of the VA Long Beach Hospital). Remember to bring goodies to stuff gift bags: toothpaste, toothbrushes, neck lanyards, oversized pens/pencils, white diabetic socks, small hand towels, wet wipes, sugar-free candy, exercise balls, small bags of popcorn and crossword-puzDana Point Times January 4-10, 2019

Photo: Courtesy of Anesha Rose

THURSDAY, JAN. 10: ANESHA ROSE AT HENNESSEYS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Anesha Rose will be performing at Hennessey’s Tavern in Dana Point. Rose works as a solo artist throughout Orange County, delivering original songs as well as covers of Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks and Adele. For more information on the artist, visit www.anesharose.com. Hennessey’s Tavern, 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. 949.488.0121.

zle books. Bags can be picked up in the office or items dropped off. Carpool service is available from the post at 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP to ensure there are enough vehicles scheduled to go. 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 103, Dana Point.

949.248.1419. www.vfwpost9934.org.

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. The car show attracts hundreds of car enthusiasts each week. No registration is required and spectators are welcome. Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. www.southoccarsandcoffee.com.

COLORING CLUB 10 a.m.-Noon. Bring out your inner artist while surrounded by books and good company. All coloring supplies are provided. Drop by anytime. This event is held every Friday. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org.

Sunday | 06 STEAMPORT 1:30 p.m. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math for kids!

Explore different topics relating to S.T.E.A.M. fields through hands-on activities. This event is free and for kids in grades K through 6. Seating is limited to the first 15 kids. This month, learn about physics while creating a DIY harmonica and pan flute. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point. 949.496.5517. www.ocpl.org.

SUNDAY FOOTBALL 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Get your football fix while enjoying bar and food specials all day at StillWater Spirits & Sounds. For more information on football-themed cocktails and food specials, visit www.danapointstillwater.com. 24701 Del Prado.

949.661.6003.

VILLAGE ART FAIRE 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Village Art Faire offers an array of exceptional work handcrafted by gifted artisans, including fine art, jewelry, woodwork, fused and blown glass, sculpture, ceramics, home decor, candles, knits, botanicals and more. Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.395.7008. www.villagesanclemente.org.

LADY WASHINGTON ADVENTURE SAILS 4-6 p.m. Join a two-hour, family-oriented Page 9

WINTER 2019: ADULT FLAMENCO DANCE 7:30 p.m. Spanish flamenco dance is known, practiced and admired worldwide for its emotion, temperament and powerful expressions. Learn footwork, body movement, choreography and rhythms.

These classes are for advanced students and will be held every Monday, except Feb. 18, at Laviva Flamenco in Room A at the Dana Point Recreation Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point.

949.248.3530. www.lavivaflamenco.com.

INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE 9:30-11:30 a.m. A beginner’s class will take place. Lessons will be offered on subsequent Mondays. 31461 Rancho Viejo Rd., San Juan Capistrano. 949.248.1268. janedober@gmail.com. www.socb.center.

Tuesday | 08 AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND LIFE STORIES WORKSHOP 10 a.m.-Noon. Come and be inspired to begin or continue the fulfilling journey of writing your personal and/or family story.

You will enjoy learning hints for writing and hearing tales from others, while sharing your own story. Class begins Tuesday, January 8 and continues Jan. 22, Feb. 5 and 19; and March 5 and 19. Fee: $35/6 classes. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St. 949.248.3530. www.danapoint.org/recreation.

Wednesday | 09 IHEARTYOGA IN THE PARK 10 a.m. Donation-based outdoor yoga for everyone. A variety of classes and styles are offered every day at 10 a.m. in front of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Lantern Bay Park. Join hundreds of yogis weekly at this beautiful oceanfront class. Bring your dog, kids and friends to Dana Point’s most popular yoga class. Suggested donation $8. No reservations needed. Lantern Bay Park. 25111 (Cont. on page 10) www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT (Cont. from page 9) Park Lantern, Dana Point. www.iheartyoga.org.

FREE COMEDY AT BLOOMS IRISH SPORTS BAR 8:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, free comedy at Blooms Irish Sports Bar with food and drink specials. There will be local and professional talent. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.218.0120.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 9 p.m.-1 a.m. All levels of musicians are invited to perform at this weekly open mic. Bring your instruments, or voice, and show off your talent. 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.492.2410. www.knuckleheadsmusic.com

Thursday | 10 FREE MEDITATION WORKSHOP 6 p.m. A meditation workshop will be led by Dr. Larry Snyder. The event will go over the benefits of a daily meditation practice and how to meditate. Satori Recovery Center is hosting. 2260 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach. 949.607.9717. www.satorirecoverycenter.com.

At the Movies: Good Things to Say about ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

A

s 2018 comes to an end, Barry Jenkins’ adaptation of James Baldwin’s 1974 novel If Beale Street Could Talk expands to more theaters. This comes two years after Jenkins won Best Adapted Screenplay for Moonlight, which also won Best Picture after much confusion when La La Land was wrongly announced as the winner of 2016. Usually the case with most Oscar winners, there’s a lot of hype and expectations for the follow-up film.

Despite the book/movie title, If Beale Street Could Talk actually takes place in a mid-20th century Harlem, New York neighborhood rather than Memphis. Tish Rivers (Kiki Layne) and Fonny Hunt (Stephan James) have known each other their whole lives, but only begin a romantic relationship when Tish is 18 and Fonny is 21. A year later, they move in together, only for Fonny to suddenly be thrown into prison right when Tish discovers she’s pregnant. Their families believe he is truly innocent and has been framed,

Photo: Tatum Mangus / Annapurna Pictures

and they hire DA Hayward (Finn Wittrock) to help Fonny seek justice.

Regina King plays Tish’s understanding mother, who has gained so much acclaim that she’s currently the leading contender for Best Supporting Actress this season. While King is great and her reception is a long time coming, it’s the newcomers as the leads who are

most intriguing. Particularly impressive is Layne, who has to lead the majority of the movie on her own and succeeds. Beale Street isn’t Moonlight— nor does it try to be, and it does just fine as a love story and coming-of-age tale on its own. Most importantly, it shows that Jenkins is here to stay as a new Hollywood talent. DP

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to info@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. No phone calls please.

OTHER STUFF SHARED OFFICE AVAILABLE! 8’x13’ office in shared 1000 sqft office suite in Dana Point Town Center. Nice reception area, restroom, kitchen, alarm, ample parking, internet & utilities included. CALL 949.489.2088

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED: LOOKING FOR RDA/RDA-EF (SAN CLEMENTE) We have a beautiful, modern office, a wonderful patient population, an enthusiastic team and a sincere periodontist dedication to quality care. Three to four days a week, possibly leading to full-time.

Previous dental experience, a great attitude and strong work ethic are our first priority.

Bilingual is a plus! Please send resume and a paragraph about yourself to: ginnyperio@att.net.

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

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BUSINESS LISTINGS

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

State Farm/Ted Bowersox

GUEST OPINION: Wellness and Prevention by Ashley Granger

ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Under Pressure: Coping With Teen Anxiety

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

From columnist Susan Parmelee: I have asked Ashley Granger to write this month’s column as a preview to our January Teen Toolbox panel presentation. The pressures on our teens continue to increase, and sadly, suicide is now the second leading cause of death for youth ages 11-24, second only to accidents. Fortunately, we have many dedicated teens, community members and professionals committed to changing this statistic.

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

I

n February of 2017, my business partner and I set out on a mission to help the youth in our community. We held an event at Aliso Niguel High School focusing on building emotional resilience in teens. Over 250 parents, educators, community members and teens showed up for the discussion—parents, faculty, community members and teens.

Everyone wanted to figure out how to help these kids cope with their reality.

I will be honest, my assumption in the beginning of this adventure was that we, as adults, were putting too much pressure on these teens. I wasn’t completely wrong, but I was also far from right.

Five months ago, I established a free teen yoga class at a local yoga studio.

Every Tuesday, teens stroll in, grab their journals and start writing. Each class focuses on a new topic having to do with mindfulness. We have created vision boards, set intentions and written letters to people who made us feel angry or hurt.

We learned about the art of letting go of things and ideas that no longer serve us.

We cry, we laugh, we share, we learn, we evolve. And the crazy thing is, they keep coming back! Every week they show up

DANA POINT TIMES

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Dana Point Times January 4-10, 2019

AUTO REPAIR

for themselves. They are learning to give themselves at least one hour a week to process and deal with what is happening in their lives.

One of the topics we keep returning to is pressure. The teens have shared they feel pressure from academics, social relationships, personal drives and parental expectations. One of the biggest misconceptions I have heard from parents is that they are proud of their teens if they perform to their best ability; however, the teens place immense pressure on themselves to get perfect grades because they feel that’s the only way they’ll get into college. In their mind, a top college is their only path to success. Often, WELLNESS AND they are comparing PREVENTION themselves to others

By Ashley Granger they see on social media or peers at school.

As pressure increases, risky behaviors may become a coping mechanism, including experimentation with drugs and alcohol, changes in eating habits and behavior, possible suicidal thoughts, sleep problems, promiscuous behaviors, isolation, anxiety and depression. So, what do we do about it? We work to be a stronger community of support for our teens.

A question I am asked when working with families and teens is “What’s the fastest, most effective way I can help my teen?”

My answer is always the same. Practice what you preach! If we want to see our teens be kinder to themselves, develop

Pet of the Week: Miss Kitty

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

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

ive-year-old Miss Kitty wants it known that she is more than just a pretty face. This striking calico also has a great personality and is just about as loveable as they come. If you’re in the market for a new feline friend, you can’t go wrong with a sweetheart like Miss Kitty.

If you would like to know more about Miss Kitty, call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with her at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

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healthier coping skills and be capable of communicating, we must be their teachers and role models. Showing teens that feeling and expressing our emotions (not just happiness) is okay. Another powerful concept is understanding the power of vulnerability. Being real and raw and not feeling the need to be protected in all we do is so empowering. It is much easier to operate in a world where we are our most authentic selves without the worry of people’s ideas about who they think we should be.

Pressure is an inevitable part of life that we cannot avoid or change. However, how

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

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A to Z Leak Detection

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we choose to handle it needs to be healthy and effective. If we develop coping skills, we create a better understanding of the effects stress has on us, and we can develop healthy habits.

Editor’s note: “Teen Toolbox—Under Pressure” takes place 6:45-8:30 p.m. on Jan. 14 at San Clemente High School, 700 Avenida Pico. 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

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Page 12

See the solution in next week’s issue.

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DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Dolphin Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

O

ver the holiday break, all of the Dolphin winter sports teams participated in a litany of tournaments. With league play kicking off next week, let’s check in on how those teams fared over the break and where they stand before the games really count.

Girls Basketball Second at SoCal Holiday Prep Classic The Dana Hills girls basketball team had a successful run over the break.

The Dolphins (10-7) have won five of their past seven games, including a surge to second place at the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic in San Diego.

Dana Hills won three straight nonleague games against Laguna Hills, 36-28 on Dec. 8; Katella, 52-14 on Dec. 20; and San Juan Hills, 51-46 in overtime on Dec. 22.

The Dolphins then hit the road to San Diego for one of the larger girls basketball holiday tournaments in the area, featuring eight divisions and 63 teams, from Dec. 26-29.

In the NCAA Black Division, Dana Hills opened with a loss to Vista, 49-38, but the Dolphins bounced back with consecutive wins over Hueneme of Oxnard, 26-22, and Lathrop, 51-48, to take the top spot in Pool B. Dana Hills took on California of San Ramon in the division title game but lost, 68-48.

Dana Hills has one more nonleague tune-up against Fallbrook on Saturday, Jan. 5 before moving up to the challenge of South Coast League play. The reigning Sea View League champions open league at home against San Clemente on Thursday, Jan. 10.

Boys Basketball Earns Bronze at Rancho Mirage The Dana Hills boys basketball team had a similar holiday run as the girls team.

The Dolphins (10-4) have won six of their past eight games, including a fight to third place at the Rancho Mirage Holi-

Dana Point Times January 4-10, 2019

The Dana Hills girls basketball team has been strong in recent play, including a second-place finish at the SoCal Holiday Prep Classic in San Diego. Photo: Zach Cavanagh

day Invitational.

After school let out for the holiday break, Dana Hills notched a solid win in the North/South Challenge at Tesoro High School. The Dolphins took down Woodbridge, 57-51, but the teams from North Orange County took the challenge overall, 7-3. Ben Carr was named the game MVP for Dana Hills.

The Dolphins then took a trip to the desert from Dec. 26-29 and continued their strong play.

In the Best Buy Division of the Rancho Mirage Holiday Invitational, Dana Hills scored opening wins over Cabrillo of Lompoc, 50-29, and La Quinta, 57-22. The Dolphins were edged out by Miller of Fontana, 53-52, and denied a shot at the division title. Dana Hills made up for it with a one-point win of its own in the thirdplace game over Downey, 37-36.

Dana Hills had one more game before opening league play with a Coast View Conference crossover game at Trabuco Hills on Thursday, Jan. 3. Results were not available at press time.

The Dolphins take another shot at the Sea View League with their opener on Wednesday, Jan. 9 at home against San Juan Hills.

Harkey Takes Top Spot at San Clemente Tournament

Boys Soccer Makes Run to Marina Semifinals

Dana Hills wrestler Josh Harkey was named the Champion of Champions for his performance at the San Clemente Rotary Tournament on Dec. 22.

Wrestling at 182 lbs., Harkey earned three falls and an 11-0 major decision to take first place in his weight division and earn the top individual honors for the tournament.

Harkey opened with a pin in two minutes even over Kamran Memarzia of Newbury Park and worked quickly in the second round for a 42-second pin of Kevin Sanson of San Marcos. In the semifinals, Harkey took some time for a four-minute, 58-second pin of Diego Sheng of Peninsula. In the final, Harkey took on Khajack Darbinian of the host Tritons and posted a dominating 11-0 decision.

Also for the Dolphins, James Chotkevys took third place at 152 lbs., and Eliseo Miramontes took fifth at 220 lbs.

Dana Hills next hosts El Toro in a dual meet on Tuesday, Jan. 8. The Coast View Athletic Association league tournament takes place on Saturday, Jan. 19.

The Dana Hills boys soccer team had been looking for more consistency and found it over the break.

The Dolphins (6-5-1) won four of five games over a 10-day stretch, including their first three at the Marina Tournament.

Dana Hills opened with a 1-0 win over Costa Mesa on Dec. 26 on the strength of a Parker Moore goal and a three-save shutout by Edgar Arteaga. Dana Hills then found its offensive gear in wins over Bolsa Grande, 4-1, and Redlands East Valley, 3-1.

In the semifinals, Dana Hills scored in the first half, but Savanna leveled the game in the second half. The teams played to a 1-1 draw, and Savanna advanced on penalty kicks, 4-2.

Moore led the Dolphins with four goals in the tournament. Kole Fisher, Bryce Allen, Merv Flores, Zac Zepezauer and Cole Andrew each scored a goal for Dana Hills in the tournament.

The Dolphins played one last nonleague game at local power San Clemente on Thursday, Jan. 3, but results were not available at press time. Dana Hills opens the Sea View League at Laguna Hills on Monday, Jan. 7. DP

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Keep Your Eyes On The Horizon

It’s an incredible time to be a surfer in Dana Point and San Clemente

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W

ith some great memories in the rearview mirror and some epic new beginnings coming down the line, we’re gliding into 2019 in fine form down here in Dana Point and San Clemente.

As surfers, we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for. First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to all the surfboard builders in the area who provide us with our dream machines. There are too many talented individuals to list here, but from the shapers, to the glassers, to the sanders, to the groms sweeping the shop floor, whether you ply your trade doing a few boards in your backyard for friends or grind it out in the Surf Ghetto or play the larger production game, without your tireless and often thankless work, we wouldn’t all get to have so much fun. So, thanks for keeping us all in the water.

When it comes to what’s going on in the water, South Orange County celebrated a banner year in 2018. At the most elite level of the sport, surfers like Griffin Colapinto, Kolohe Andino and Patrick Gudauskas pushed their performances on the World Surf League’s Championship Tour. Competing at the highest level of the sport, they’ve inspired a whole crew of up-andcomers to storm the shore.

And the future is bright. San Clemente’s Kirra Pinkerton recently claimed the WSL

GROM OF THE WEEK

REESE SHIGEI

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

T

he path to enlightenment starts at Doheny. For kids riding their first waves, there’s nowhere better.

“My dad taught me how to surf at Doho,” explained Dana Point’s Reese Shigei, who just turned 7 years old over the holidays. “He still pushes me into waves, but I am now surfing at Salt Creek.”

And so, the journey begins. In first grade at Oxford Preparatory Academy, Reese already has a couple of years of surfing under her belt.

“My favorite thing about surfing is going fast down the line and doing a big Dana Point Times January 4-10, 2019

Year in, year out, the stoke remains the same. Fired up groms at the 2018 Stoke-O-Rama. Photo: Max Beyer/Vans

World Junior Title—the first American surfer to hold that distinction. Meanwhile, Pinkerton’s friends and classmates, Samantha Sibley, Kade Matson, Jett Schilling, Cole Houshmand, Crosby Colapinto and others are hot on her heels, already drawing attention and acclaim on the international surf stage.

In the realm of friendly rivalries, the surf club movement continues to thrive and grow throughout California. It was only a couple of years ago that Dana Point Surf Club President Eric Diamond and I had lunch to talk about the burgeoning movement. This year, both the Dana Point and San Clemente clubs filled their rosters with amazing surfers of all ages. Showcasing just how deep the generational talent pool is in the area, they’ve become a rallying point for our respective communi-

turn. I like doing that because I love going fast,” said Reese when the Dana Point Times caught up with her.

Inspired by the performances of world champs like Kelly Slater and John John Florence, as well as local salt Pat O’Connell, Reese has big dreams.

“In the next 10 years, I hope to be surfing for Team USA and competing in QS events,” said Reese.

And if that doesn’t work out? Well, she can roll with the best of them.

“I love jiujitsu almost as much as I love surfing. I just got my gray belt,” Reese said proudly.

Whatever direction life carries her, with her positive attitude and deep appreciation for being stoked, there’s no doubt Reese will accomplish whatever dreams she chases. DP

ties. And the Dana Point Surf Club did one better this fall, inviting a group of kids from the Boys & Girls Club in San Juan Capistrano to come join them for a day in the water at Doheny, sharing the stoke and making new friends.

The Gudauskas brothers and their Positive Vibe Warrior Foundation has inspired us to all be more giving, compassionate wave riders. “The tribe vibe” was in full effect in 2018 as they started the year by delivering over 700 surfboards to disenfranchised youth in South Africa and finished the year with a load of another 300 boards to the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. A lot of boards were donated by local surfers in Dana Point and San Clemente.

Other surf-related nonprofits in the area also have much to celebrate. The Surf-

rider Foundation, headquartered in San Clemente, continues to lead the charge in protecting and preserving our beaches and waterways around the country. One of its goals is to reduce plastic waste from getting out into the environment, and the last time I had the good fortune of eating at Fisherman’s on the Pier, the restaurant had ditched plastic straws for paper ones.

Of course, there’s much work to be done. The storage of the waste from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station continues to be a massive cause for concern. Last year, Edison began storing the waste onsite, placing it in stainless steel canisters just yards from the shoreline.

There is no timeline for its eventual removal as the U.S. government does not have a long-term storage facility ready to house the waste.

On the bright side, awareness and motivation to do something about the problem has begun to pick up momentum as environmental groups, like San Clemente Green, have been joined by inspired young activists, politicos and entrepreneurs like Jackson Hinkle, Jake Rybczyk and Carson Kropfl. The San Onofre Surf Company stepped up with an awareness campaign over the summer. But perhaps the best news of all, with the election of Congressman Mike Levin, there will now be a voice in Washington, D.C. that will go to bat for us.

It’s a good time to be a surfer in Dana Point and San Clemente. There’s a lot happening, and the new year’s setting up to be an epic one. From all the hustle and bustle surrounding the redevelopment of the Dana Point Harbor, which will be paying homage to all of the surfing legends that helped put this area on the map, to the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games, which will feature the sport of surfing for the first time, keep your eyes on the horizon and get ready to start paddling! DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-60 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 10-15’ Outlook: Modest to fun size northwest swell provide waist high+ (3’) surf and chestshoulder high (4’) sets at top breaks into the weekend. Favorable morning winds. Larger and stronger surf setting up for Sunday and early next week. Winds could be more problematic during that time though. Be sure to check Surfline.com for all the details and that longer range outlook.

Reese Shigei. Photo: Courtesy

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