July 29, 2022

JULY 29-AUGUST 4, 2022 | VOLUME 15, ISSUE 30

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

U S E

INSIDE: Guest Opinion: More Mental Health Workers Needed DP LIVING/PAGE 8

Live Music from Bonfire Aboard ‘Dana Pride’ GETTING OUT/PAGE 7

Jaws of Life

Doheny Village Shark Sculpture Commemorates Industrial Doheny Village E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 3

Unused scraps of steel found new life as an abstract art sculpture in Doheny Village unveiled on July 21 as a part of the Doheny Village Public Art Program. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

danapointtimes.com

Ohana Festival Cancels Encore Weekend

Rail Project Awaits Environmental Review

Summer of Golf: San Juan Hills Golf Club

EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

EYE ON DP/PAGE 4

SPORTS/PAGE 11

Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

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danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

What’s Up With...

Throughout the rezoning efforts, city staff worked with the Doheny Village Merchants Association to try to “understand what makes Doheny Village special to those folks,” Mayor Pro Tem Mike Frost said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the sculpture on July 21.

“What I see is a city that’s working well with the folks down here, not to change, but to enhance and to leverage the uniqueness down here to create a great place,” Frost said.

Staff worked closely with Lansky and Caldwell throughout the project, Caldwell said.

“The city has really been behind us the whole way with everything that we’ve endeavored to do,” Lansky said.

“When we were having our meetings with the Doheny Village Merchants Association, part of what they wanted down here was some kind of art in public places or something in the neighborhood, shine the place up a little bit, and we were like, ‘Well, we can make some kind of structural steel artwork,’” Lansky said.

The pieces of scrap metal “were laying on a pallet for a long time, and we got tired of moving them around,” Lansky said. “All those are scraps from an actual piece for a job. I knew when I was cutting it up, we were going to make that into something, but when you’ve got full-time work, it’s hard to stop and do something artsy like that.”

There was no real plan beforehand, Chris Caldwell said of the sculpture: “It just kind of came together.”

The entire sculpture was constructed from scrap metal.

“As we found pieces laying on the ground that looked like the shark, I said, ‘Hey, that looks like a shark,’ and Chris said, ‘Get out of the way, I’ll make the shark.’”

The top pieces of the sculpture, or “wings” portion, came from a project with Jon L. Construction, and the gears were from a local rebar vendor and a neighbor’s tractor.

The back side of the sculpture sports a piece of fender from a Harley-Davidson motorcycle owned by Eddie Hygh, one of Lansky’s friends. Eddie Hygh worked with Lansky for years at the fabrication site before he passed away in June 2020, according to his son, Chance Hygh.

“My father spent a ton of time here with Jerry doing a lot of the steel fabrication,” Chance Hygh said. “He was the brains and the numbers, and Jerry was the skill and the metal, essentially.”

Eddie Hygh had been in a motorcycle crash, Chance said. Lansky asked to use the “busted-up fender” to incorporate it into the sculpture.

“It’s a great way to memorialize him and contribute to the city,” Chance said.

“I didn’t know that was happening, so it’s cool to see.”

The new sculpture at the end of the bustling, industrial cul-de-sac was a

TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

This shark sculpture, made of unused scraps of steel, sits at the end of the Las Vegas Avenue cul-de-sac as a part of the Doheny Village Public Art Program. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Doheny Village Shark Sculpture Commemorates Industrial Doheny Village

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Unused scraps of steel found new life in the form of abstract art sculpture in Doheny Village as a part of the Doheny Village Public Art Program. At the end of the Las Vegas Avenue cul-de-sac, the scrap-metal shark sculpture overlooks the neighboring Steel Welding and Fabrication site and Doheny Builders Supply.

Steel fabricators Jerry Lansky and Chris Caldwell had saved unused scraps from different projects for years, hoping to commemorate the history of the welding site in Doheny Village in a public art piece. Lansky has worked in the yard since the ’80s, with Caldwell and Lansky running the yard together now, Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

working on structural steel fabrication.

The sculpture is the latest installation in the Doheny Village Public Art Program, in addition to a public mural that was installed at the corner of Las Vegas Avenue and Doheny Park Road in February.

In July 2018, the city began working on updating the zoning code for Doheny Village. Included in the Doheny Village Capital Improvement Plan is the Doheny Village Public Art Program.

In February 2021, the Village Beautification Committee identified “concepts for potential public spaces and industrial-inspired sculptural art,” the Dana Point Times previously reported.

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collaboration of the local business community members in an effort to beautify Doheny Village.

“You have no idea unless you’re here at 8 o’clock on a Monday morning how much commerce happens in this little area, and all the people that come in and out of Doheny Village Supply or in and out of Robling Mill,” Councilmember Jamey Federico said.

Caldwell noted that he hopes there will be more unique, handmade art pieces added in the city in the future.

“I know that when people come down here and do a U-turn because they’re lost, they’re going to see this, and they’re going to hopefully notice it because it’s pretty cool,” Caldwell said. “Hopefully, there’ll be more of it.”

Lansky added that the sculpture commemorates the decadeslong historic use of the site for welding and construction, while serving to beautify the area.

“I think it’s great, because we still do heavy structural steel fabrication right here, but it can also look nice at the same time,” Lansky said. “We’re mixing the two very well, and it’s been for 50 or 60 years right on this street.”

COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, JULY 30

Challenging Cancer 10-11:30 a.m. The Challenging Cancer group is conducting weekly meetings through Zoom video conferences.

The meetings are open to caregivers, people who have a compromised immune system, and people dealing with cancer. To join, email donnavigil2@gmail.com or linda_ crdv@yahoo.com. heritagesc.org.

MONDAY, AUGUST 2

Dana Point Planning Commission 6 p.m. The Dana Point Planning Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting. Dana Point Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Suite 210, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 3

Because I Love You (BILY) 6:30-8:30 p.m. The organization Because I Love You (BILY), which helps parents navigate through whatever parenting challenges they may be facing (e.g., failure to launch, drug abuse, disrespect), will continue conducting its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference.

For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Serra Siding Update: Rail Project Awaits Environmental Review

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

A proposed plan by Metrolink in coordination with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to extend a parallel railroad track along Capistrano Beach is currently in the environmental review and preliminary design phase, with no specific timeline on when the Draft Environmental Document will be released.

Prior to publishing a Draft Environmental Document that was originally expected to be released this summer, “Metrolink and OCTA are reviewing the proposed Serra Siding Extension Project, including how it would operate and potential environmental impacts, to ensure community concerns are adequately addressed,” according to OCTA’s website.

Referred to as the Serra Siding Project, the plan proposes to extend 1.2 miles of the siding track that runs parallel to the main track in Dana Point from Victoria Boulevard to Beach Road, so trains could pass each other.

The project also seeks to replace the 94-year-old railroad bridge that crosses Coast Highway, add fencing along Coast Highway and construct retaining walls.

OCTA Communications Specialist Eric Carpenter noted that the Serra

The Serra Siding Project proposes to extend 1.2 miles of the siding track that runs parallel to the main track in Dana Point from Victoria Boulevard to Beach Road. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Siding team “wants to take the time to thoroughly review the proposed project,” in light of issues raised by the community regarding the project.

“As we have said throughout the project, we take public input to heart, and it’s critical we take the necessary time to ensure environmental concerns raised by the community are adequately addressed,” Carpenter said.

OCTA does not have a specific timeline to release the draft environmental document that was originally expected

to be released this summer, but OCTA does “expect the environmental review of the Serra Siding project will move forward, because it is an important part of the long-term plan to improve passenger rail service in Southern California,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter emphasized that the Serra Siding project is intended solely to “enhance passenger rail operations and not intended to benefit freight trains,” in light of a study released by the North County Transit District and BNSF in

Ohana Festival Cancels Encore Weekend

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The Ohana Festival’s Encore Weekend, which had been scheduled for Oct. 8-9, has been canceled. Ohana Encore ticket holders were notified via email on July 22 that the second weekend of performances following the annual Ohana Festival at Doheny State Park had been canceled “due to circumstances beyond (the organizers’) control.”

According to the festival’s website, those who purchased tickets to Ohana Encore will be automatically refunded in the next seven to 10 business days.

Those with questions about refunds should go to contact.frontgatetickets.com to submit a request.

The Ohana Festival is still scheduled for its first weekend, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.

The Ohana Encore weekend lineup, Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

Eddie Vedder, performing at the 2021 Ohana Festival. The second weekend of this year’s festival, the “Encore Weekend,” has been canceled. Photo: Anthony Small

announced in mid-June, was set to feature Eddie Vedder, the festival’s founder

and lead singer of Pearl Jam, along with music icons The Black Keys, Alanis Page 4

September 2020, which showed that an extension of Serra Siding would allow for increased freight traffic.

Carpenter noted that OCTA was not consulted prior to the study and has “communicated our opposition to any doubletracking south of the proposed Serra Siding project.”

Once the Draft Environmental Document is published, the public will have the opportunity to weigh in on Metrolink’s proposed plan during the 60-day comment period.

Morissette, The Roots and Haim.

Vedder and Morissette were scheduled to kick off the Encore weekend on Oct. 8, along with The Roots, Julieta Venegas, The Front Bottoms, Amos Lee and Marcus King, among others.

On the second night, the lineup was scheduled to include Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Afghan Whigs, Amyl and The Sniffers, Iceage and others ahead of the headlining acts Haim and The Black Keys.

The show will go on this September at the Ohana Festival, with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, Vedder, Jack White and Pink set to headline. Single-day and weekend passes are still available for purchase on the festival’s website.

A portion of the proceeds will go toward the San Onofre Parks Foundation and the Doheny State Beach Foundation, among other charities.

The Festival announced on Facebook on July 25 a new Storytellers Stage with a collection of panels highlighting oceans, activism, environmental justice, art, community and Indigenous voices. danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

SONGS Reactor Head is Being Transported to Utah

BY COLLIN BREAUX

As part of the long and intricate process to dismantle the now-decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station (SONGS) gets underway, a reactor pressure vessel head is taking a road trip.

The reactor head, which weighs 77 tons, will be sent to a disposal facility in Clive, Utah, according to an online update posted by SONGS. The steel cap was first loaded onto a heavy-haul transporter on July 22. It requires special shipping due to its size, and is scheduled to arrive at the Utah facility within the coming weeks.

“We don’t release the specific travel details for these shipments. This will be a ‘wide load’ much like other wide loads motorists will see on the highway, with escort cars,” SONGS spokesperson John Dobken said in an email. “It will be traveling at times when traffic is minimal. Motorists should use caution when passing or driving near an oversized load and maintain safe distances.”

A description of the equipment said it’s a “key part of the reactor vessel” and

Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

A 77-ton reactor pressure vessel head from the San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station will be transported to Utah. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

“not unlike a lid used to cover a pot of water.”

“When the plant was operating, the nuclear fuel within the reactor vessel heated water that was channeled to the steam generators,” information on the SONGS website said. “The reactor pressure vessel head was bolted to the top of the vessel and could be removed for

refueling the reactor or maintenance.”

The radioactivity level for the reactor head is said to be “low” and similar to other pieces of equipment that have also been sent out. Other large pieces of equipment scheduled to be transported out of SONGS in the future include four steam generators, reactor coolant pumps, pump motors and two pressurizers.

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Government officials are considering where best to permanently send nuclear waste generated by SONGS, whose facilities are a visible landmark for motorists traveling down the I-5 freeway to and from San Diego.

The dismantling began in 2020, and SONGS previously announced in 2013 plans to permanently retire two major units on-site. An initial unit was permanently retired in 1992 after the California Public Utilities Commission determined that the costs of necessary upgrades to the plant could not be justified, according to SONGS. Rep. Mike Levin and U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm met with Southern California Edison officials at the site this year to review the facility’s safety measures, and discuss next steps on where the waste will end up.

“We know that housing these operations is not for everybody, but they do bring jobs, they do bring economic opportunities, and some communities find that interesting,” Granholm said in April.

“We have a process, and we will align our goals with the needs and concerns of interested communities. We’re going to build our relationships with potential host communities on a foundation of trust from the get-go.”

danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX

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

HOW TO REACH US MANAGING EDITOR Shawn Raymundo • 949.388.7700, x113 sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh • 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING Lauralyn Loynes • 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@picketfencemedia.com DISTRIBUTION Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions Inna Cazares • 949.388.7700, x111 icazares@picketfencemedia.com GENERAL MANAGER Alyssa Garrett • 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@picketfencemedia.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Managing Editor Shawn Raymundo City Reporter, DP Times Breeana Greenberg (From left) Tiana Baird, Keaton Larson and Hayze Law filled out Picket Fence Media’s summer intern team, by contributing to our news coverage through stories, photography and social media presence. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

City Reporter, SC Times C. Jayden Smith

EDITOR’S LETTER | BY PFM MANAGING EDITOR SHAWN RAYMUNDO

City Editor, Capo Dispatch Collin Breaux

Meet Our Summer Interns T

he newsroom of Picket Fence Media has been abuzz with plenty of energy these past several weeks, thanks in large part to our wonderful team of summer interns who have contributed to our long-standing tradition of providing excellent news coverage here in South Orange County.

Every year, we offer internship opportunities to the area’s young, aspiring journalists, exposing them to a working newsroom and helping them sharpen their reporting skills in writing, interviewing and photography.

This year’s class of interns has proven to be exceptional and hard-working while dedicated to producing quality journalism, in turn helping us here at PFM bring readers more coverage of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Many readers may have already noticed a couple of new bylines on our stories from Hayze Law and Keaton Larson, but allow me to formally introduce them.

Law, a San Clemente resident, has been our primary reporting intern for Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

the summer, filing news briefs, taking on some feature stories, covering breaking news and supporting some of our enterprise projects by poring over documents.

In pursuit of a Bachelor’s in Journalism degree from California State University, Long Beach, Hayze has worked as a staff writer at her previous school’s newspaper, The Channels, at Santa Barbara City College, and interned for a marketing role with the educational nonprofit Livnot U’Lehibanot in Israel.

Larson, who graduated from UCLA in 2021 with a degree in English, was most recently a fellow with the Los Angeles Review of Books Publishing Workshop and an intern for Rep. Mike Levin’s office.

After spending two years as a writer and photographer with UCLA’s student-run newspaper, The Daily Bruin, Keaton has put that experience to great use with us, particularly supporting the reporting staff through photo assignments and capturing images for the papers’ covers.

Lastly, one intern whose name readers

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haven’t had the pleasure of seeing this summer until now is Tiana Baird, a senior at the University of San Diego, where she’s earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Marketing.

During her time in the newsroom, Baird, our digital intern, has led our efforts to have a more robust presence on social media, managing our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts, in addition to posting stories to our websites and putting together our daily email blasts.

Tiana’s previous professional experience includes a marketing position with San Clemente-based Blazonco and an internship role as project manager for Asian Pacific Islander and American Public Affairs.

This bright and energetic group of interns has made a tremendous contribution to PFM all summer, and I look forward to seeing them advance into the next stage of their professional careers.

As their time with us begins to wind down, please join me in wishing them the best in all of their future endeavors. DP

Sports Editor Zach Cavanagh Columnists Fred Swegles Tom Blake Special Projects Editor Andrea Papagianis-Camacho Copy Editor Randy Youngman

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Lauralyn Loynes (DP + SC) Advertising Sales Debra Wells (CD) ART + DESIGN Art Director Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS General Manager Alyssa Garrett Group Operations & Production Coordinator Inna Cazares FINANCE Accounting & Finance Manager Tricia Zines CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard

Dana Point Times, Vol. 15 Issue 30. 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 2022. All rights reserved.

Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW DANA POINT TIMES

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GETTING OUT

ing Company, 924 Calle Negocio, Suite C, San Clemente. lostwindsbrewing.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 5 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. The Rayford Bros will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

The List

LIVE MUSIC AT THE POINT 8-11 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. ’70s rock duo Rust & Dust will perform.

The Point Restaurant and Bar, 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point.

949.464.5700. thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

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

Get a curated list of the weekend’s best events sent straight to your inbox every Friday! Sign up for The Weekender at danapointtimes.com/weekender

FRIDAY | 29 ‘FRI-YAY FUN’ WOOD WORKSHOP 6-9 p.m. Spend a Friday night crafting a unique item to call your own. Customize a wood sign, bath tray, photo frame, or other item during this hands-on workshop. Registration can be done beforehand online. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2. 949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Pop band Cannibal & the Headhunters will perform. Tickets are $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE POINT 8:30-11:30 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Rock band Superramp will perform. The Point Restaurant and Bar, 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

SATURDAY | 30 BARKS & BREWS 2-5 p.m. The dog rescue nonprofit Heer to Rescue will be at the Dog Pawrk Brewing Company with a few dogs available for adoption. Heer to Rescue will also have a table set up at the venue.

Visitors are welcome to bring their dogs to the event, and 10% of beer sales will Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

Editor’s Pick Photo: File

SATURDAY | 30 BONFIRE ON ‘DANA PRIDE’ 7:30 - 10 p.m. Cruise around the Dana Point Harbor with Dana Wharf Sportfishing and enjoy a complimentary glass of pride punch. The band Bonfire will perform.

Tickets are available for those 21 and older at $28 per person. Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point. 888.224.0603. info@danawharf.com. go toward rescue efforts. A food truck is scheduled to arrive at 4 p.m. if you get hungry. Dog Pawrk Brewing Company, 27122 Paseo Espada, Suite 904, San Juan Capistrano. heertorescue.org.

ular South Orange County venue. Country artist Jesse Colin Young will perform.

Tickets are $38. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

CHAMPAGNE AND SUNSET SAIL ON ‘SCHOONER CURLEW’ 6-8 p.m. The Schooner Curlew, one of Orange County’s oldest yachts, is offering a two-hour romantic sunset champagne cruise on the waters off Dana Point.

Tickets are $95 per person and includes champagne, soft drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point. fareharbor.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE POINT 8-11 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.’70s artist Adamantium Steel will perform. The Point Restaurant and Bar, 34085 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. 949.464.5700. thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 9 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. ’80s All Stars will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CELLAR 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Nicholas Fresard will perform. The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.

949.492.3663. thecellarsite.com.

SUNDAY | 31

OUTDOOR THEATER AT THE MISSION 7:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and light jacket for this nighttime staging of Million Dollar Quartet by South Coast Repertory. The performance depicts a historical jam session between Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in 1956. Tickets can be purchased online. Performances run through Aug. 21. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 714.708.5555. scr.org.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK: LOVEDRIVE 3-4 p.m. Scorpions Tribute band Lovedrive will perform at this free, family-friendly concert at Sea Terrace Park behind the Dana Point Library. Food and spirits will be available to purchase. Sea Terrace Park, Pacific Coast Highway & Niguel Road, Dana Point. recreation@danapoint.org.

SUMMER VENDOR MARKET Noon-4 p.m. Enjoy beer, food, and the works of more than a dozen local artists, creators, and makers. Lost Winds Brew-

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popPage 7

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Ukulele performer Taimane will perform.

Tickets are $32.50. Doors open at 5 p.m.

The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

WEDNESDAY | 03 SUMMER MOVIE SERIES AT THE OUTLETS 10 a.m. Children can enjoy a classic movie at the Outlets at San Clemente on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the summer for $2. Next week’s showing features How to Train Your Dragon.

The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente.

949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Pop artist Jake Shimabukuro will perform.

Tickets are $45. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com.

THURSDAY | 04 LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 7 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Pretenders tribute band Precious will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Classic Rock artist Jeff Skunk Baxter will perform. Tickets are $30. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.496.8930. thecoachhouse.com. danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

GUEST OPINION | Wellness & Prevention by Susan Parmelee

Needed: More Mental Health Workers T he past several years impacted most people’s mental health, causing a surge in demand for services. Young people have been impacted, as early symptoms of the diseases of mental health were missed during virtual schooling, social interaction crucial to emotional development was lost, and access to support was difficult.

The current mental health crisis among young people in our community is exacerbated by the shortage of mental health professionals in our community and our nation. At the Wellness & Prevention Center (WPC), we are working on solutions WELLNESS & to grow the mental PREVENTION health workforce.

BY SUSAN PARMELEE These efforts include a graduate student intern training program for youth to act as peer support in their schools and lead a youth advisory group to help young people gain an interest in careers in the field.

In 2018, the WPC started a graduate student internship program. Working with local and national universities, we have provided clinical internships for 32 mental

health professionals, many of whom now work in our schools and community.

Sophii Sandoval, ACSW, and Molly Banks, LCSW, were two of the first graduates from our internship training. Sandoval now serves as the clinical director at the WPC, and Banks has a private practice in San Clemente.

Two of our past graduate students are now school counselors in CUSD secondary schools, and another works in crisis intervention at the Orange County Department of Education.

Through the internship program, the WPC provides mentorship, opportunities for graduate students to develop clinical skills, and training for a career in the mental health field. Many interns also live in the community they serve, providing an opportunity to connect and give back.

In collaboration with local public and private high schools, the Wellness & Prevention Center team has developed student peer support training. The curriculum for this training includes empathic listening, maintaining confidentiality, and how to respond to a crisis.

The students who complete this training are then known by their fellow classmates as someone who they can schedule a time to talk to, or talk with

GUEST OPINION | On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

How Susie Met Jon O ne of the most important things seniors can do to have a quality life and avoid loneliness is to include social interaction in their daily routines. That means getting off the couch, out of the house and being around people.

When seniors do that, positive things can happen. This week’s story is an example.

Thirty-four years ago, I was surfing at Boneyard at Doheny Beach. There was just one person surfing there that day.

While we were waiting to catch a wave, he and I were chatting. His name was Alex Rentziperis; he was opening a barber shop called Sports Barber in Dana Point, which is located on the second floor above Stillwater Spirits & Sounds, a country music restaurant and bar.

Alex has been cutting my hair all those years.

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Sports Barber for a haircut. When I walked in, Alex introduced me to a Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

woman whose hair he had just cut.

He said, “This is Susie; she’s my only woman customer. I’ve been cutting her hair for 25 years.”

I had never seen a woman customer in Alex’s Sports Barber.

Then, Alex said, “Susie has a senior marriage-success story.”

Alex’s words piqued my interest. I told Susie I had been writing about senior dating for 24 years.

Susie grinned and said, “I know. I read your column in the Dana Point Times. I thought your recent column, “Where is John?” was funny, because my husband’s name is Jon, just spelled a little differently. I found Jon; we met later in life.”

I asked her how she and Jon met and if she would email me her story, which she did.

Susie wrote, “In 2009, three of my girlfriends and I decided to go on a Mediterranean cruise. After unpacking in our staterooms, we decided to check out the Page 8

informally on campus. Peer support is effective in lowering the stigma surrounding asking for help and in providing students a supportive listener to talk through everyday stressors.

The Wellness & Prevention Center works to develop youth interest and leadership in youth wellness. Through our presence on several high school campuses, our prevention team has developed a Youth Advisory Group that is working to support young people ages 12-25 through an innovative youth dropin model (allcove.org).

These young people serve as ambassadors to their school and community in raising awareness of the need to support the social emotional health of youth, while assessing available resources and shaping the programming and design of Allcove South Orange County.

Some of the participants in this advisory group have completed undergrad degrees in psychology, are attending college locally and have an interest in the mental health career field, or are in high school and may have experience with the diseases of mental health. This work allows young people to explore future careers in the field.

Another promising model is profes-

sional peer support. A peer support specialist (close in age to the person they are helping) is a person with “lived experience” who has been trained to support those who struggle with mental health, psychological trauma, or substance use.

Their personal experience of these challenges provides peer support specialists with expertise that professional training cannot replicate.

The California Department of Health Care Services is providing financial support to train peers, and the Wellness & Prevention Center is exploring ways to implement training and employment of 18- to 25-year-olds to provide peer support in our community.

The work of the Wellness & Prevention Center is supported by grants and the generous donations of community members.

Please help us expand the workforce by donating through our website, wpc-oc.org.

Susan Parmelee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and executive director of the Wellness & Prevention Center: wpc-oc.org.

She can be reached at susan@wpc-oc.org. DP

activities on each deck of the ship. When we reached Deck 12, we noticed that it was 5 p.m., and saw an outdoor bar, and decided it was time for a glass of wine.

“One friend doesn’t drink alcohol, so she went to listen to music coming up from Deck 4. When the three of us got our wine and turned around, we saw our friend dancing with a man. We wondered, where did he come from?

“After the dance ended, the man introduced himself to the three wine sippers. His name was Jon; this was the ON LIFE AND LOVE start of a friendship

BY TOM BLAKE among the five of us.

“Because of high winds during the cruise, the ship could not dock at four of the eight ports. This gave us time to have many conversations and do activities together.

“Jon and I got to know each other and became good friends. After the cruise, we communicated often and spent time together. Amazingly, Jon was from Northern California and I from Southern California, and we met halfway around

the world! Jon’s version of how we met is ‘Susie picked me up on the love boat.’

“Jon had been widowed for 1.5 years. I had been widowed for 13 years. Jon told me that if we became involved, I would have more of an adjustment to make, because I had been single for so long. A year after the cruise, we were married.”

Susie added, “We decided to live in Dana Point, because it was the only place with warm fog and no bugs. Jon says it was simply a ‘no-brainer.’

“We purchased a condo together in Lantern Bay Villas, and it has been our ‘pinch-me moment.’”

When people venture out to enjoy life, positive things can happen. For Susie, meeting Jon was one of them, and sharing her story at the Sports Barber with a relationship columnist is another.

Tom Blake is a retired Dana Point business owner and resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating. See his website at findingloveafter50.com. To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. 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.

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.

danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Lex

DANA POINT TIMES

Eleven-month-old Lex is a goodnatured kitty who loves to play. Inquisitive by nature, he likes to explore his surroundings and can make a toy out of just about anything! When he’s ready for some downtime, Lex can be a top-notch cuddle buddy. Could this curious cutie be the one for you?

If you would like to know more about Lex, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617 or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente.

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

Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

Photo: Courtesy of OC Public Libraries

FROM THE ARCHIVES

This photo was taken of the Dana Point Strand trailer park below Salt Creek in August 1956.

Every week, the Dana Point Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to sraymundo@picketfencemedia.com.

See the solution in next week’s issue.

Page 9

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LOCALS ONLY

BUSINESS LISTINGS AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto 34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

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ARE YOU HAPPY? Let us assist you in creating a life plan for the life & relationships you want & deserve. Body Mind Spirit, 949.248.7377, bodymindspirit.com CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

Page 10

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

ICE CREAM

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, coffeeimporters.com

INSURANCE SERVICES

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Want your business or service to be featured here?

Call Lauralyn Loynes for pricing and details at 949.388.7700, ext. 102

danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

actually play?

ut of all the public golf courses in South Orange County, San Juan Hills Golf Club in San Juan Capistrano is the only one that can offer the true full-day experience.

“We look at our business as three separate businesses,” San Juan Hills Golf Club General Manager Ryan Brown said.

“The driving range is its own entity. It’s got ambience with the targets, music. The lights stay on until 10 o’clock.

There’s food and drink, patio furniture.

At the clubhouse itself, the sports bar is a busy restaurant already. If the golf course wasn’t there, it would still be a popular spot for locals. There’s always gameday specials available, and live music three times a week in the summer.

There’s always something going on.”

San Juan Hills GC is one of only two public courses in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano with its own dedicated driving range, which gives you ample ability to warm up before your round— and immediately lose whatever mechanics you had “locked in” between the range and the first tee. It’s not as extreme as a Topgolf venue, but as Brown mentioned, it is its own type of outing you can take in during the week for practice or pleasure.

The San Juan Hills Sports Bar & Grill is one of the best “19th holes” in all of Orange County. It’s legitimately a spot that many enjoy without even taking a swing on the course. It’s a full-on sports bar restaurant with more than 25 TVs for any game. There’s an excellent selection of beer, whiskey and cocktails to pair up with more than decent food on its breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. (Post-round, the pulled pork sandwich or smashed Wagyu burger certainly hit the spot.)

All of that before even talking about the actual golf course, which, despite how busy San Juan Hills can be with more than 75,000 rounds a year, features some of the best-manicured greens in all of Orange County and a challenging but forgiving track through the hills.

“I feel like it’s in really good shape,” San Juan Hills Golf Club Director of Golf Victor Placeres said. “I’d put our greens up against a lot of other courses, for sure.

Perfect, markable speed with enough run-out on the downhill putts that it’s a challenge. Every time I play it, I’m blown away at the quality and condition of the

THE ROUND While there wasn’t the spectacular progress in my score like last week at Talega, my round at San Juan Hills was pretty darn solid.

I shot a 41-over-par 112 from the 5,970-yard white tees, which may not seem spectacular, but when you compare it to my last round at San Juan Hills in September of last year, it’s a step up.

Last year, I shot a 57-over-par 128 on the same white tees.

My blow-ups were limited with one quintuple-bogey on both the front and back nine, but we can forget about those, because there were some truly incredible shots that I managed in this round.

On hole No. 1, despite sending my tee shot well left (but thankfully clearing the water), I saved double-bogey by draining a 25-foot putt from the left side of the green.

We’ve talked about how being lucky is better than being good, and that played out on hole No. 4. My uphill drive went left and sat behind a pair of small trees, and my only play was to try and split the trees. So, I lined up and swung, and as the ball went toward the left tree, I managed to zing the ball through the middle of the tree, between two branches, and set up my chip shot.

Hole No. 8 was an adventure in luck, as well. My drive sailed right and again landed in a gathering of trees. I had the opening to split the trees, but my shot was lined left, directly off a tree and backward into the fairway. However, two shots later, I nailed a 4-iron shot within inches of the hole. An extra bit of roll would’ve given me a spectacularly saved birdie, but instead I took the “gimme” putt from my group for the par.

“I think off the tee, it’s forgiving enough that you can make a mistake and not just blow a score up on a hole,” Placeres said of the course. “On most holes, you can make a little bit of a mistake and not get crushed for it, but it’s challenging enough that you have to pay attention to each shot.”

Later, I saved myself from the sand on the picturesque par-3 No. 14 to knock in for par.

Moral of this round is just keep playing and take your shots. You never know how they may bounce. DP

O

SUMMER OF GOLF

San Juan Hills Golf Club Showcases Full Experience The Summer of Golf examines the sport’s post-pandemic popularity boom at local courses in South Orange County and showcases the play of each course through the eyes of our resident normal, below-average new golfer.

greens for the amount of golf we do.”

As value has been mentioned in the past couple entries of this Summer of Golf series, it’s clear that San Juan Hills Golf Club provides a lot extra, even if it’s not included in the price tag of a round. The prices for a round feel appropriate for the course, with $82 in prime weekday hours and $115 in prime weekend hours.

However, the real value for San Juan Hills comes with its In-Club membership. While other public clubs also offer these type of membership deals, it’s hard to beat all that comes with San Juan Hills’ version. First, those weekday rounds drop to $58 for members and the weekends down to $89. Then, there is the earlier reservation window for tee

times, as well as an extended booking window for a small fee. There’s also anytime happy hour pricing at the driving range, discounts at the pro shop and monthly food and beverage promotions.

The memberships are $125 for the first year and $99 for renewals.

“We take a lot of pride in that,” Brown said. “We have a lot to offer in our experiential package, not just the prices.”

The full package at San Juan Hills will also expand in coming years, with plans to remodel the driving range and provide a bigger clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant on the driving-range side of San Juan Creek Road.

San Juan Hills Golf Club offers a lot of extra shine, but how does the course

In addition to its renowned greens, San Juan Hills Golf Club offers plenty more than just the golf. San Juan Hills GC is one of only two South County public courses with a dedicated driving range, and it boasts one of the best “19th holes” in all of Orange County.

Photos: Zach Cavanagh

Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

Page 11

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE SUPERIOR COURT OF BULLOCH COUNTY STATE OF GEORGIA CIVIL ACTION NUMBER SUDR2022000119 WOODARD, JOSEPH ALLEN, II PLAINTIFF VS. NGUYEN, CHRISTINE Tran, Richard Mr. DEFENDENTS SUMMONS TO: TRAN, RICHARD MR. You are hereby summoned and required to file with the Clerk of said court and serve upon the Plaintiff ’s attorney, whose name and Address is: Robert M. Mock, Jr. Robert M. Mock, Jr., Attorney at Law, LLC 11 Courtland Street Post Office Box 923 Statesboro, Georgia 30459 An answer to the complaint which is herewith served upon you, within 30 days after service of this summons upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If you fail to do so, judgement by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

This 15th day of April, 2022 Clerk of the Superior Court, Heather Banks McNeal, Clerk, Bulloch County, Georgia Published in Dana Point Times: July 8, 15, 22, 29, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20226639562 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: NOOSH 33781 MARIANA DRIVE APT 5 DANA POINT, CA 92629 Full Name of Registrant(s): BENOOSH LLC 33781 MARIANA DRIVE APT 5 DANA POINT, CA 92629 This business is conducted by a CA Limited Liability Company The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: n/a BENOOSH LLC/s/ANAHITA TAJMAHER/ANAHITA TAJMAHER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 07/15/2022.

Published in: Dana Point Times July 29, August 5, 12, 19, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: Donald Michael Doyle, aka Donald M. Doyle, aka Donald Doyle Case Number: 30-2022-01239328-PR-PW-CJC To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of Donald Michael Doyle, aka Donald M. Doyle, aka Donald Doyle A Petition for Probate has been filed by Becky Mathisen in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

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

The Petitions requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: Sep 15, 2022 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: C8 b. Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (1) The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform.

This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange (occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions. If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657-622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will and or estate, or both, of PATRICIA WESTERMAN A Petition for Probate has been filed by SUZANNE SMIGLIANI in the Superior Court of California, County of ORANGE. The Petition for Probate requests that SUZANNE SMIGLIANI be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

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

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: a. Date: August 31, 2022 Time: 1:30 p.m. in Dept: C08 b. Address of Court: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. (1) The court is providing the convenience to appear for hearing by video using the court’s designated video platform. This is a no cost service to the public. Go to the Court’s website at The Superior Court of California - County of Orange

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Complete your required legal or public notice advertising in the Dana Point Times.

(occourts.org) to appear remotely for Probate hearings and for remote hearing instructions.

If you have difficulty connecting or are unable to connect to your remote hearing, call 657622-8278 for assistance. If you prefer to appear in-person, you can appear in the department on the day/time set for your hearing.

If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California Statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (Form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner: Paul W. Smigliani, 6265 Greenwich Drive, Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92122 Ph: (949)266-0402 Published in: Dana Point Times, July 15, 22, 29, 2022

• Fictitious Business Notice (FBN/DBA) • Name Changes • Lien Sale • Alcoholic Beverage License • Petitions for Probate • Trustee Sale ...and more

EMAIL CALL

legals@picketfencemedia.com 949.388.7700, ext. 111

Attorney for petitioner: PAUL D. VELASCO, ESQ., VELASCO LAW GROUP Address: 333 W. BROADWAY, STE 100, LONG BEACH, CA 90802 Telephone: (562) 432-5541 Published in: Dana Point Times, July 22, 29, August 5, 2022 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: PATRICIA WESTERMAN Case Number: 30-2022-01267456-PR-PW-CJC Page 12

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

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

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

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

Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

Page 13

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DP SURF

Open Season Is Here The U.S. Open of Surfing descends on Huntington Beach as local hero Griffin Colapinto looks to go back-to-back

Griffin Colapinto advanced to the semifinals of the 2019 Vans U.S. Open of Surfing. Photo: Courtesy of Kenny Morris/WSL

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

Y

ou know we’ve reached peak summer when the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing rolls around.

After a run of bombing Southern Hemisphere energy hammered the coast last week, now it’s time to look forward and see what one of the biggest surf events of the year has in store for us.

The big local story percolating up from this year’s Open, running from July 30 through Aug. 7, is San Clemente’s Griffin Colapinto and his quest to go back-to-back in Surf City. The Open’s been an event that Colapinto has shined in over the years, but he went next-level in 2021 to top the podium.

“This is the biggest win of my career,” Colapinto said at the time.

That was then, and this is now.

Colapinto has since notched two WSL Championship Tour wins this season, is currently ranked fifth in the world and has a strong shot at competing for the 2022 world title this September at the Rip Curl WSL Finals at Lower Trestles.

As of press time, Colapinto was seeded third in the U.S. Open draw behind top-seeded Kanoa Igarashi, who grew up in Huntington Beach and has won the U.S. Open twice, and behind 2019 world champ Italo Ferreira, who’s been thriving on locally shaped Timmy Patterson boards for most of his career.

Also, up there near the top of the draw is Kolohe Andino. The San Clemente icon’s best result of the 2022 season

came at the MEO Pro Portugal, where he made the quarterfinals but was ultimately upended by his buddy Colapinto.

Other local talent to keep an eye on are Kei Kobayashi, Cole Houshmand, Kade Matson and Jett Schilling, all of whom could be huge spoilers for the top-level guys. All four of those surfers are one big result away from breaking away from the pack and stepping onto the international stage.

On the women’s side of the draw, San Clemente resident Caroline Marks will lead the charge as the No. 2 seed. Teen phenom Caity Simmers, who’s from just down the road in Oceanside, exploded onto the scene last year when she won the event at 15 years old.

Over the past year, she’s only been

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY CAPISTRANO VALLEY TOYOTA

GROM OF THE WEEK

MIKA BAKER

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

M Mika Baker. Photo: Courtesy of the Baker Family

Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

oving from Washington to San Clemente in 2021, Mika Baker’s love for surfing has blossomed from a fun hobby to full-time passion. Settling right into the local lineup, she captured the only freshman spot on the San Clemente High Tritons’ longboard team in 2022.

New to the competition side of surfing, Mika found her groove under Coach John Dowell and made the most of her opportunity to learn and be mentored by the upperclassmen. She’s also developed some

getting better and is going to be tough to beat in the beach break conditions that are very similar to the waves she has grown up surfing.

“I don’t really have much to say other than I’m really happy and stoked everything went my way,” Simmers shared after her 2021 win.

Other next-generation local stars to follow are Sawyer Lindblad and Kirra Pinkerton. Both young women are keen to shake up the establishment and take their surfing to the next level. Rounding out the women’s draw are San Clemente favorites Samantha Sibley and Tia Blanco.

The Vans Duct Tape Invitational will be showcasing the top longboard talent in the world. San Juan Capistrano’s Kevin Skvarna is currently in the draw, as is Rachel Tilly, who was the youngest-ever world champ when she won the title at 17 years old.

Of course, it’s the U.S. Open, and there’s no shortage of other entertainment going down during the week.

There will also be a full schedule of skate and BMX events scheduled throughout the week.

Over the past few years, Vans has done an amazing job making the U.S. Open a core, family-friendly event. So, find your favorite surfer on the schedule and cruise up Pacific Coast Highway and soak in the sun and good times.

For a full schedule and more info, check out vansusopenofsurfing.com.

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 Picket Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf League. He also works with philanthropic organizations such as the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation. DP

SURF FORECAST solid technical skills and a keen eye, as she’s embraced surf lifestyle and action photography.

Over the past six months, Baker earned an internship at the Warm Collective, an all-female photo/design studio owned by world-famous photographer Serena Lutton.

The internship allowed Baker to work on marketing campaigns for brands such as Roxy, as well as model and shoot in its Warm Water Workshop—a two-day intensive water photography workshop that utilizes the latest water housings from Aquatech.

Baker is currently supported by Roxy and excited for her upcoming sophomore year at San Clemente High.

If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com. DP

Page 14

Water Temperature: 68-70 Degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 6-8 Outlook: On Friday the South/ southwest swell eases for waist to chest high waves, (3-4’), then the swell holds over the weekend with thigh to stomach high surf, (2-3’+).

The pattern of light winds in the morning, and light+ to moderate afternoon onshores continues Friday through Sunday.

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Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

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Dana Point Times July 29-August 4, 2022

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