June 9, 2023

JUNE 9-15, 2023 | VOLUME 16, ISSUE 23

L O C A L

N E W S

Y O U

C A N

INSIDE: Special Section

U S E

Rising to the Occasion Class of 2023 Celebrates Academic Achievement SPECIAL SECTION

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The Dana Hills High Class of 2023 gathers with faculty, parents and community members on Thursday, June 1, to celebrate commencement. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

Council Adopts Budgets for Fiscal Years 2024, 2025

Fish for Life Kicks Off First Trip of the Season

Recognizing Dolphin Athletes of the Year

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SPORTS/PAGE 29

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What’s Up With...

TOP NEWS DANA POINT SHOULD KNOW THIS WEEK

Council Adopts Budgets for Fiscal Years 2024, 2025

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Planning for the financial future of the city, the Dana Point City Council adopted the city’s $46.4 million and $48.8 million operating budgets for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, respectively.

The city’s budget, approved on Tuesday, June 6, in a unanimous vote with Councilmember Michael Villar absent, includes funds for traffic and roadway improvements, facilities maintenance, personnel costs and police services.

Councilmember John Gabbard noted the previous budgets over the past decade have put the city in the financial place it is now, thanking the staff and former councilmembers for their efforts.

Mayor Pro Tem Jamey Federico echoed Gabbard’s comment, adding that the staff has put the current City Council in a position where it doesn’t “have to make terribly difficult budget decisions.”

“Our staff represents our taxpayers well by being wise with the way that they spend the money, and this budget represents the focus that the strategic plan that we’ve adopted, and so I’m comfortable with it,” Federico said.

“It’s fiscally responsible, and it’s a good use of our taxpayers’ dollars,” Federico continued. “Our staff continued to give the taxpayers good value for their tax dollars.”

For FY 2024, which begins on July 1,

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Acquires Ownership Interest in Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Expanding its resort portfolio, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI) announced its acquisition of an ownership interest in the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point.

The SMBMI’s approximately 40% interest in the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach includes the option to increase its ownership through future transactions.

“Investing in a luxury destination reDana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

the city anticipates receiving $41.57 million in total tax and franchise revenue.

The following fiscal year, the city projects to receive $42.9 million from those revenue sources. Dana Point’s largest source of revenue comes from its transient occupancy tax (TOT), a 10% hotel bed tax.

In total General Fund revenue, the city anticipates collecting more than $46.48 million during FY 2024 and more than $47.87 million in FY 2025.

In a letter from the office of City Manager Mike Killebrew, Killebrew said “the City’s revenues have fully recovered from impacts of the pandemic.”

“The City’s hospitality-based businesses have experienced a major post-pandemic rebound, which is reflected in summer Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Sales Tax receipts in 2021 and 2022,” Killebrew said in the letter.

The city began the 2023 fiscal year with just over $15 million in its Community Investment Account to be used for “projects that are non-reoccurring, including those listed in the unfunded projects list in the Capital Improvement Fund budget.”

In October 2022, the City Council formed a subcommittee to decide which one-time capital improvement projects should be prioritized and funded with a portion of the city’s surplus.

The city allocated $14.7 million for its police serThe Dana Point City Council adopted on Tuesday, June 6, the city’s vices contract in its 2024 $46.4 million and $48.8 million operating budgets for Fiscal Years fiscal year budget and $15.2 2024 and 2025, respectively, which intend to fund traffic and million in fiscal year 2025. roadway improvements, facilities maintenance, personnel costs and The budgets include police services. Photo: File reserves for a slate of capital improvement projects, includaging bridges, and increasing access and ing $400,000 for citywide storm drain mobility options for the traveling public repairs, $300,000 for traffic safety repairs that would not have otherwise been and improvements and roughly $1.13 possible without SB 1.” million for facility improvements.

Included in the list of proposed The city budgets also allocate just unroadway improvements were Orilla Road der $2.73 million toward Doheny Village from Granada Drive to Amber Lantern; connectivity construction, $7.8 million Amber Lantern from Orilla Road to La for roadway resurfacing and asphalt Cresta Drive; La Serena Drive from Orilla repairs, roughly $3.4 million for storm Road to La Cresta Drive; and La Serena drain improvements on Calle Real and Drive from La Cresta Drive to San MareCalle Portola, and roughly $2.8 million no Place. on improvements to Stonehill Drive.

The budgets also fund a $20,000 Included in the budgets is a list of proannual appropriation to create an arts posed projects to submit to the California and culture ambassador program, per Transportation Commission to receive the council’s direction from a previous Senate Bill 1 funding. SB 1, the Road budget workshop.

Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, The arts and culture ambassador proprovides transportation funds for state gram would be a “more robust version and local roadway maintenance. of our current Arts and Culture CommisAccording to the staff report, this is sion,” Federico explained in the May 16 the seventh year in which the city has council meeting. received SB 1 funds, “and will enable the City Council will receive a Fiscal Year city to continue essential road mainte2022-23 financial report during its Sept. nance and rehabilitation projects, safety 19 meeting and a first-quarter financial improvements, repairing and replacing report during its Nov. 7 meeting.

sort such as Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach represents another milestone for our Tribe, enabling us to continue executing our long-term diversification strategy,” SMBMI Chairperson Lynn Valbuena said in a media release.

“The stunning coastal setting, along with its exceptional guest service and amenities, are features that our Yaamava’ and Palms The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians recently acquired an guests will enjoy,” Valbuena approximately 40% ownership stake in the newly renovated Walcontinued. “We are excited to dorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club in Dana Point. Photo: partner with Ohana Real EsBreeana Greenberg tate Investors and impressed the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. with Hilton and Waldorf The Palms Casino Resort reopened Astoria’s strategic repositioning of the under the San Manuel Gaming and Hosproperty over recent years.” pitality Authority (SMGHA) ownership SMBMI also owns and operates Yaamin April 2022. ava’ Resort and Casino at San Manuel on According to the media release, the Tribe’s Reservation in Highland and Page 3

SMGHA became the first Native American owners and operators of a Casino Resort in Las Vegas with the reopening of the Las Vegas resort.

Ohana Real Estate Investors purchased the hotel property in 2020 and renovated its 400 guest rooms and suites.

Ohana sold an ownership interest in the blufftop resort, which includes a private beach club, seven dining options, three pools, indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces and an 18-hole championship golf course.

“We are proud to join forces with San Manuel to advance the growth of this wonderful asset,” Founder and CEO of Ohana Real Estate Investors G. Christopher Smith said in a media release.

“San Manuel and Ohana share a common vision for Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach’s future, one where we will continue to elevate its world-class offerings while providing an unparalleled experience to our discerning guests.” danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Fish for Life Kicks Off First Trip of the Season

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

On a gray Sunday morning, 26 children with disabilities gathered with their chaperones and volunteers at the Dana Wharf to set off on a special fishing trip.

Before families and volunteers boarded the Dana Pride, each kid had a moment to strut down the red carpet that was rolled down the gangway.

A few of the kids and young adults danced their way down the red carpet as Fish for Life Founder Jim Holden introduced them and played a snippet of their favorite songs.

Through the Dana Point-based nonprofit Fish for Life, kids with disabilities and their families are given the opportunity to cruise out of the Dana Point Harbor and spend the day fishing. For many of the attendees, it’s the first time they’ve ever caught a fish.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 4, the nonprofit kicked off its first fishing trip of the year, allowing community members, board members and dignitaries to give speeches off the stern of the Dana Pride.

Donna Kalez of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching introduced the Dana Pride crew and shared the history of the Dana Wharf.

“For our entire 52 years, we have loved to take kids out to experience the beautiful ocean and to catch their first fish. How many of you have never caught a fish before?” Kalez asked the crowd of families waiting to board the boat.

“You’re going to catch your first fish today. Once you go out with us today, you’re going to be in our Fish for Life family forever.”

Fish and Wildlife Marine Biologists Carrie Wilson and Elizabeth Hellmers joined the fishing trip to answer any questions kids might have about wildlife and to help kids fill out their fishing passport books.

The Nick Pasquale Foundation sponsored Sunday’s fishing trip in memory of Nick Pasquale, the San Clemente football player who was struck and killed by a car in 2013.

“We lost my brother 10 years ago and created this foundation to give out athletic scholarships and grants and also support like-minded foundations such as Fish for Life,” said AJ Pasquale, Nick Pasquale’s brother.

“We’re honored to support and fund our second trip here and plan on continuing to do this for years ahead and help the growth and touch lives one boat at a Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

Dana Point-based nonprofit Fish for Life, which offers free fishing trips out of the Dana Point Harbor for kids with disabilities and their families, celebrated its first fishing trip of the year on Sunday, June 4. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

time, as Jim says,” Pasquale continued.

Dana Point Mayor Mike Frost thanked Holden and the Fish for Life board of directors on behalf of the City Council.

“You represent Dana Point really well,” Frost said. “To the families and all the kids out there, not only do I hope you guys have a fun time here, I hope you find Dana Point a welcoming, friendly neighborhood community, and certainly, we’d love to see you back.”

Fish for Life Chief Financial Officer Dave Shahoian led the group in a prayer ahead of the fishing trip, and San Clemente’s Taylor Peterson sang the National Anthem.

Fishing Team Leader Tyler Wilde, Holden’s son-in-law, conducted the safety demonstration off the stern of the boat.

Wilde has volunteered with Fish for Life for 11 years. His favorite part of the fishing trips, other than the actual fishing, is the excitement he sees when the kids walk down the red carpet.

“You go out there for the kids, but at the end of the day, you go out with the bigger reward,” Wilde said. “You always come home with a smile on your face, and it makes you feel how grateful you are for what you have.”

As a fishing team leader, Wilde sees the joy of a kid’s first catch firsthand.

“With fishing team leaders, you have two special-needs kids that you basically coach and fish for, and so you do everything in your power to kind of hook in hand and let them experience reeling in a fish,” Wilde said. “Most of the time, for the first time.”

“Each reaction is different, but they’re ecstatic,” Wilde continued. “Their eyes brighten up, and the smiles—you’ve never seen them smile like that before, it seems like. You see the parents’ faces of how happy their kids are. It’s really rewarding to be able to do that.”

In the afternoon, the weather warmed, the sun burned through the marine layer, and the fish were biting.

“The fishing was superb,” Holden said, speaking with the Dana Point Times on Monday, June 5. “Shortly after anchor, the fishing, it was just nonstop all day long.”

Every child caught a fish during the fishing trip, Holden said.

“We have some really good anglers on board, and we certainly ask throughout the day, ‘Has anyone not caught a fish?’ and we make sure to hook them up,” Holden said. “Yesterday was so plentiful, that wasn’t an issue.”

The special fishing trips are not just therapeutic for the kids, but also for their caretakers, Holden added.

“After every trip, I believe, the kids, the parents, the volunteers, everybody gets off the boat with such a deep sense of gratitude,” Holden said. “These trips are just tremendous therapy for the kids and their caregivers, their parents, just to see their kids having a great day and being cared for and loved.”

Just after lunch, the Dana Pride came across a “mermaid” in the water, stopping by to say hello.

“We surprise them with a diver and mermaid, pirates, and it’s just a ton of fun,” Holden said.

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On the way back to the Dana Point Harbor, Fish for Life holds its award ceremony with fishing team leaders sharing a few words about each child. This is also an opportunity for each kid to hold onto the microphone and express themselves.

When the Dana Pride returned to its dock, the mermaid was in the harbor waiting so that kids could get a chance to take photos with her, but not before fighting off a “pirate” in the harbor.

Fish for Life board member and actor Kyle Pacek fought off the pirate with the help of the kids, armed with water guns, Holden said.

During the event, Holden also announced the nonprofit’s upcoming expansion after 14 years of offering special-needs kids the fishing trip of a lifetime.

Though Fish for Life got its start in the Dana Point Harbor, it also offers fishing trips out of Wildwood Crest, New Jersey and San Diego. Starting next year, the nonprofit plans to expand to Santa Barbara and Emeryville, California, as well as Florida.

“Our vision for Fish for Life is really to scale this program to ocean-bearing ports all around the country and beyond,” Holden said.

The next fishing trip of the year is scheduled for July 16.

For those interested in registering their child for a fishing trip or to volunteer, visit fishforlife.org or call 949.285.8819. To donate or sponsor a fishing trip, visit fishforlife.org. danapointtimes.com

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Council Discusses Proposed Changes to ADU Ordinance

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Reviewing a series of recommendations made by the city’s Planning Commission in mid-May, the Dana Point City Council on Tuesday, June 6, discussed potential amendments to the regulations governing accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Consideration to revise the city’s ADU ordinance comes nearly two years since councilmembers did so in August 2021 to comply with state law. The city is looking once again to revise the ordinance for developments outside of the coastal zone, as the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development claims the ordinance is not consistent with state laws.

The Dana Point Planning Commission held a special meeting on May 15 to propose changes to the ADU ordinance to address HCD’s and residents’ concerns.

One of the Planning Commission’s recommendations was to consider reducing the fees for site development permits (SDP) related to ADUs. SDPs are required whenever an ADU is proposed for a property with nonconformities, Community Development Director Brenda Wisneski explained.

The existing SDP fee is $7,594. Staff recommended reducing the fee to $3,680.

While discussing the possibility of reducing fees for site development permits related to ADUs, Councilmember Jamey Federico noted that permit fees are meant to cover staff time and city expenses for the service being provided.

Wisneski said the fees are based on an average of permit type and that processing ADUs is less extensive.

Dana Point Mariners Return from Spring Competition

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The Dana Point Mariners 936 Sea Scouts finished off the spring season and returned from the Ancient Mariner Regatta last month with a slate of awards.

The local Mariners 936 was among 20 teams participating in a total of 27 events at Cal Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California, which the team trained for during their spring season.

Boatswain Keane Hana won the Fleet Drill trophy. For the third year in a row, the local Mariners team also won the Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

City Attorney Patrick Munoz explained the purpose of SDPs is to allow the city more flexibility in ADU regulations.

“Instead of prohibiting something, we can still go ahead and permit it if it’s a good project, it’s not going to have negative impacts on health, safety, welfare and we feel that we can go ahead and approve it anyway,” Munoz said.

The SDP process allows the city to review projects that may otherwise be denied.

Mayor Mike Frost said he’d like to see the SDP fee “as low as possible.”

“I don’t feel good about charging 3,600 bucks, I don’t like to do that, but it is important for some parts of our community to get neighborhood and community buy-in and just one level deeper,” Frost said.

Frost added that the SDP process would “hopefully invite some neighbor feedback and allow you to take a look at it in a different, sort of detailed level.”

The Planning Commission also recommended allowing ADUs in existing single-family homes in multi-family zones.

Wisneski explained that parking and setbacks requirements are different for ADUs than they are for duplexes, making ADUs a more attractive option for some.

Munoz said for areas like the Lantern District, where there are minimum lot size requirements or zoning restrictions that prevent or make it difficult for some properties to be developed into a duplex, an ADU can be a good option.

If an existing single-family home in a multi-family zone is conforming to city code, it could add an ADU by-right unless there are parking issues, Wisneski explained.

Though the Planning Commission was split on parking requirements, with three commissioners arguing that parking is an issue and two arguing it is not, the council discussed that an SDP could be

acquired if an ADU applicant did not want to provide required parking.

State law does not require parking to be provided if the ADU is within a halfmile of a bus stop. With the proposed amendment to the ADU ordinance, the city looks to require that parking be provided if the ADU is within a half-mile of the coastal zone. Parking requirements can be waived with an SDP. Based on Planning Commission recommendations, staff proposes reducing building permit requirements to only what is required by code, to ensure ADUs are treated like any other development.

“Another issue the Planning Commission heard from the public on May 15 is that we do require, under the current process—it’s not in the ordinance, but we are requiring—a higher level of permit submittals or plan details that we really don’t require for other building types,” Wisneski said.

“So, recognizing that seemed to be overly burdensome,” Wisneski continued.

“We have modified our ADU application to eliminate what was being required as mechanical, electrical and plumbing plans.”

The proposed amendments also look to make changes to the maximum height, maximum number, parking, setback and location requirements, as well as changes to the discretionary process and deed restriction as required by state law.

Frost noted that he thought the city was moving in the right direction to make it easier for residents to understand the city’s policies on ADUs. City Council will hold an additional public hearing during its June 20 meeting to consider amended regulations to the city’s ADU ordinance.

During its July 18 meeting, council will hold a public hearing to discuss permit fees for ADUs.

Great Republic trophy, awarded to the team that completes with a qualifying score in all events.

The team also received the Drill Off award for its standing and marching drill performance, and the Sportsmanship award. This year, the Sportsmanship trophy honored Skip Wehan, the founder of MariThe Dana Point Mariners 936 Sea Scouts finished off the spring season and ners 936. returned from the Ancient Mariner Regatta on May 27 with a slate of awards.

The Mariners’ fall Photo: Courtesy of Val Diamond season is scheduled to begin with an information night on more about the program can visit Aug. 16. Those interested in learning mariners936.com.

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COMMUNITY MEETINGS SATURDAY, JUNE 10

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.

Citizens’ Climate Education 10:45 a.m.-noon. This nonpartisan climate action group holds monthly meetings on the second Saturday of the month through Zoom video conferences. Email larrykramerccl@gmail.com to receive a link to join.

MONDAY, JUNE 12

Dana Point Planning Commission 6 p.m. The Dana Point Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting. This meeting will also be livestreamed through the city’s YouTube channel. A link for livestreams and replays is available on the city’s website. Dana Point Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Suite 210, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 13

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, substance misuse, disrespect), conducts its weekly meetings on Tuesdays via Zoom video conference and in person/Zoom the first Tuesday of each month at the Outlets at San Clemente’s Conference Room. For detailed instructions on how to participate, email bilysanclemente@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14

Arts and Culture Commission 6 p.m. The Dana Point Arts and Culture Commission will hold a regular meeting. Dana Point Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Suite 210, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

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EYE ON DP

‘By-the-Wind Sailors’ Wash Ashore on Southern California Beaches

Molla Molla, as they’ll find another food source to eat.

This isn’t the first time that the Ocean Institute has seen By-the-Wind Sailors, or Velella Velella as they’re also called, come ashore, Russell said.

“We’ve come across them on some of our boat trips, maybe once a year, every

BY BREEANA GREENBERG other year,” Russell said. “I do know that this year, they did wash up in quite a Oval, flat, jelly-like creatures—with big amount, and I would imagine that notable semicircle sails—have been was just the wind direction and curmaking an appearance on Dana Point rents, because they usually stay offshore and San Clemente shores, prompting a bit more.” beachgoers to wonder what’s causing “But once they’ve washed in, there’s the mass beaching and whether they’re nothing they can do,” Russell continued. safe to handle.

“They can’t go back out to sea once Like the name suggests, these By-thethey’ve washed up on the beaches. But Wind Sailors travel with the wind and we do see them in big groupings out in currents, Ocean Institute Director of the ocean.”

Education Riley Russell explained.

When they wash ashore, By-the-Wind “Since they’re at the mercy of the Sailors dry out relatively fast, Russell winds and we’ve been having heavier explained. rainstorms into the summer season …

“They don’t have any body structure; that’s why they’re washing up more,” there’s no bones, no brain, no eyes. It’s Russell said. “They can wash up in the just bundles of nerves, and they don’t hundreds and thousands, even, after have any structure to them,” Russell stormy winters.” said. “They dry out pretty fast.”

By-the-Wind Sailors are closely relatOnce the animal has washed ashore, ed to jellyfish, but unlike jellies, they By-the-Wind Sailors’ blueish hue fades are a colony of individual animals that quickly as it gets bleached from the sun, make up the “float,” Russell explained.

Russell said. Russell warned that if a “That’s what you see on the surface. beachgoer comes across a Velella Velella It’s the blue disk, and they’re anchored on the shore, it’s best not to touch it. there,” Russell said, adding: “The sail, “It’s always safe to say, if you don’t which is that taller part that comes up, know what something is on the beach, and it’s that semicircle, clear fin-type don’t touch it,” Russell said. “Sometimes, thing, that’s the part that the wind animals are on the beach to rest, somecatches and follows the currents, and times they’re on the beach because that’s how they get the name, By-thethey’re sick.”

Wind Sailor.”

“For this case, these animals cannot The sail is made up of chitin, the help but be washed ashore; they don’t same substance that crab shells and really have control over where they’re other hard exoskeletons are made of, going, but it’s always best just to let it Russell said. be.”

Underneath Though the “float,” a Velella Velella By-the-Wind do have stingSailor has a ing cells unmouth and derneath the tentacles, “float,” Russell which it uses explained that to catch the the average microscopic person is unplankton on likely to feel which it feeds. them.

Russell add“We’ve got ed that “large thicker skin, species of fish but I wouldn’t that feed on be surprised the gelatinous if people were animals out in handling the ocean” are them, their known to feed hands are Photo: Courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching on By-themaybe a little Wind Sailors, with the Ocean Institute irritated afterward,” Russell said. recently observing Mola Mola feeding If someone’s skin is irritated after on the animal. touching a By-the-Wind Sailor, Russell Though hundreds of the small sea noted that it’s important to wash their creatures are washing ashore lately, hands with hot water, as hot as they can Russell said it likely won’t impact the tolerate, to rinse off the stinging cells.

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

These coastal critters called By-the-Wind Sailors, or Velella Velella, have been washing ashore in Southern California after recent summer storms. Photo: Courtesy of Ocean Institute

Russell warns that while it can be fun to “explore and get hands on,” beachgoers should “err on the side of caution, not for themselves, but also for those animals.”

“Let it be and take pictures and ask good questions about what it might be, but it’s always safest not to touch stuff,” Russell continued.

If a beachgoer watches a By-the-Wind Sailor wash ashore, Russell noted they could nudge it back out to sea, but if it’s already on the beach, the animal is likely already dead.

Once the Velella Velella has dried out, it tends to look and feel like plastic, making beachgoers confuse the sea creature for litter.

“As they decompose, like all animals, they are giving nutrients back into the ecosystem on the beach or in the water, wherever they’re decomposing,” Russell said. “So as long as people aren’t picking them up and thinking they need to throw them away … they’ll give back to the environment no matter where they are.”

“If they see it washing up and they can kind of push it back out and that makes them feel better and like they rescued a Page 7

little By-the-Wind Sailor, then there’s really no harm in that,” Russell continued.

By-the-Wind Sailors are hard to keep in captivity, Russell noted, as they all tend to gather in the corners of tanks and smother each other. Because of this, not a lot of information is known about the sea creature.

“Since it’s a really hard animal to house, there’s a lot not known about them and that could still be discovered,” Russell said. “So, for people who are really interested or if you have kids who are really interested in it, that could be something fun for them as a goal in life, to study more about the By-the-Wind Sailors and learn more about them over the years.”

Russell warned beachgoers to “use caution touching and picking up stuff you don’t know, but otherwise, they’re really fascinating, and they make great pictures.”

“I know when I’ve seen them on a few of my walks, I’ve always tried to snap a few cool photos of them,” Russell continued. “They’re really interesting animals, and they’re really pretty to look at, and I think that’s why they’ve caught so many people’s eyes.” danapointtimes.com

SOAPBOX

GUEST OPINION: Laurie’s Letter by Assemblymember Laurie Davies

Listening to the Most Important Voices: Yours

W

e have been very busy in Sacramento these past few months drafting and reviewing new bills for the 2023-24 session. With more than 2,500 bills authored by members of the state legislature, it takes a great deal of time to review.

Last week, the State Assembly voted on over 600 individual pieces of legislation. When it comes to deciding how I vote, I listen to the most important voices: yours. When constituents reach out to my office and urge me to vote one way or another, that is the most critical piece of information I use when deciding how to cast my vote.

There are many bills that have been supported by the entire Assembly. I am proud that four of my top priority bills had 100% support from my Assembly colleagues. My pieces of legislation are critical for our region, as they range from increasing public safety in our neighborhoods to combating the ever-growing threat of coastal erosion we have in our communities.

On the public safety front, I was able to pass both Assembly Bill (AB) 76 and AB 303. AB 76 tackles the underground cryptocurrency market by ensuring digital assets can be an eligible form of currency under our state’s money-laundering laws.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen a growing trend in the drug and human-trafficking rings using this currency, and I am hopeful that my bill will begin to address this underground illegal activity.

Additionally, I passed AB 303, which will give law enforcement more information about individuals in our cities who are illegally possessing firearms.

We must do all we can to tackle gun violence and keep guns out of the hands of those who should not, by law, own firearms.

When it comes to our environment, I was able to also pass two bills to help us combat coastal erosion. I’m pleased to share that both AB 882 and AB 966 will require the state to start identifying which state grant programs are the most effective for localities to apply for mitigation projects.

Furthermore, they will also task the State Coastal Conservancy with studying which beaches along our coastline are the most in danger of eroding so we may begin directing funds to those areas most in need. We must be proactive and

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

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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

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Assemblymember Laurie Davies recently introduced Assembly Bill 966, which would require the Division of Boating and Waterways to study shoreline erosion control and the effectiveness of programs aimed at protecting public beaches. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

honored to represent you in the State Assembly. DP Laurie Davies is a small business owner and former mayor who was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 and reelected in 2022. She represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano in South Orange County—down through Camp Pendleton, and Oceanside, Vista and part of Fallbrook in North San Diego County.

innovative when it comes to using our tax dollars on environmental projects.

On June 15, state lawmakers will vote on the budget. This LAURIE’S LETTER is extremely importBY LAURIE DAVIES ant, so our cities and communities receive the money they need to support their local efforts. Unfortunately, with the record spending from last year, our state is facing a record deficit.

I will continue to work with my Assembly colleagues to help prioritize the most pressing needs of the state and our local communities.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss any issues at one of my community meetings, Before Work Coffees, this summer. In San Clemente, I will host two next month; the first is scheduled for Zebra House Coffee at 8 a.m. on July 14.

I will be scheduling more dates in Dana Point, Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano soon. This is a casual way to meet and talk about what is on your mind.

Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of any assistance. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, and I’m

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.

CORRECTION: A feature story

profiling the executive chef of Five Vines Wine Bar on page 20 of the Dana Point Times’ May 26 edition incorrectly reported the spelling and title of the chef’s name, as well as incorrectly referenced the nature of the establishment. Omar Ramirez is the executive chef of Five Vines, which is a wine bar in Downtown San Juan Capistrano.

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CEO/FOUNDER Norb Garrett

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 16 Issue 23. 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.

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Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The Summer Food Service Program is a program of the U. S. Department of This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The Summer Food Service Program is a program of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library in partnership withwith the the California Library andsupported supported with funds the State of California.

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This institution is an equal opportunity provider. The Summer Food Service Program is a program of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library in partnership with the California Library Association and supported with funds from the State of California.

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At Genezen Home Health Care Services, we aim to provide our clients with the highest quality of home health services available, by assisting our patients in the comfort of their homes. Our philosophy is that every patient should receive care in the safest, most appropriate and least restrictive environment possible.

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

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Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

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PRESENTING the CLASS of 2023 Congratulations graduates! You have grown and excelled in the classroom, in the arts, on the athletic field, in leadership roles and in service to your community. You have demonstrated incredible perseverance and grace in these unprecedented times. You are an extraordinary group of young adults headed to colleges and universities across the nation and the world, incredibly well prepared for the remarkable journey ahead. We are very proud of you, and have great faith in you. Remain true to yourselves and your Tartan values. We look forward to seeing your lives unfold with meaning and purpose.

Godspeed Tartans! Tartans Forever!

31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, California 92675 | 949.661.0108 | www.smes.org | Founded in 1979

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

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Breathing in the Liberation of Graduation

BY AU STY N P E R R O N E

(.5) Principal Message + PHOTOS

Austyn Perrone. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

PEERS, FACULTY, AND EVERYONE ELSE who showed up for some reason; Dana Hills High School, Graduation Day, 2023.

It is crazy to be here, honestly, because I think like most of you, it was hard to just imagine being here. From the struggles each one of us faced in the pandemic, to the individual struggles that we all, in our ways, had to face daily, it was hard to foresee a future in which everything was OK. In my freshman year, I thought I was so cool and that I had everything laid out. I was planning to be a math teacher, I was going to marry my freshman-year love, and we would be together forever, and I was going to be a valedictorian.

If you couldn’t tell already, obviously, none of it worked out like that.

It’s alright, though; blue looks better on me anyways. The real point is my view on life completely changed so many times over high school even though every single time I thought I had it set. When COVID hit at the beginning of high school, all of us lost our minds. I mean, come on, was whipped coffee really that good?

After, in that transition from sophomore to junior year, when it all started to settle, I started realizing how unsure I was of everything and how many times I thought I knew what I was doing, and then it completely changed soon after.

I began to realize that it was hard for me to imagine a future, no longer because I was unsure of the world, but because I was unsure of myself and the constant change life brings.

I don’t want to claim that I know or love myself 100%, or that I am sure of what I’m going to be doing, or that I’m going to rob a bank in 2029—please do not quote that, because, truly, you never know.

I wouldn’t be honest if I claimed to know any of that, even what is going to happen today, to Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

us. After all the caps go up, where are you and I going?

After years of family issues, mental health struggles, endings of relationships and friendships, and feeling uncomfortable with my identity, I am here. We are here. Graduation Day, 2023. After years of whatever we went through, that constant change never kept us from going forward, from getting here.

Right now, here, speaking to the graduating Class of 2023, some of the coolest and most outspoken people I have ever met, I want to claim that I will never know anything in comparison to the larger world and universe.

And, I think in all honesty, there is no other way I’d want it to be. Life changes, and you grow, more than you probably thought you wanted to. Allowing yourself space to find what fits you, in your life, now, and in the future, is most important.

Don’t hold yourself down to one particular idea, don’t beat yourself up over who you used to be, and do not limit your possibilities. James Baldwin, a civil rights activist and famous writer, once said, “You have to go the way your blood beats. If you don’t live the only life you have, you won’t live some other life; you won’t live any life at all.”

You have to create the life you need for yourself in the present moment. You have to adjust.

Because, God knows, we, the Class of 2023, through COVID, mental health struggles, protests, bullying, school work, and somehow killer clowns in 2016, that through it all, we will never be the same.

We reserve the right to change, to grow. Now, breathe in that breath of fresh air. That is the liberation of graduation.

Congratulations; I’m proud of all of us. Thank you.

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‘Embrace Your Inner Goldfish’ B Y DA N A H I L L S H I G H P R I N C I PA L D R . B R A D B A K E R DANA HILLS CLASS OF 2023, I stand before you today in awe of your incredible resilience, determination, and perseverance. Throughout your high school journey, you have faced unprecedented challenges that have tested your strength and character, but you have risen above them with grace and courage.

As we gather here to celebrate your achievements, let us take a moment to recognize the unwavering support and dedication of your parents, families, and teachers. They have been your guiding lights, encouraging you every step of the way and helping you navigate the highs and lows of high school.

They have celebrated your triumphs and supported you through your struggles; we are forever grateful for that.

To the Class of 2023 graduates, I commend you for your hard work and perseverance. You have overcome obstacles that would have caused many others to falter and emerged stronger and more resilient. You have demonstrated a level of perseverance that will serve you well in all aspects of life.

As you leave Dana Hills and embark on the next chapter of your life, I want to remind you that the journey ahead will not always be

Dana Hills High School Principal Dr. Brad Baker. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

easy. There will be challenges and setbacks, but it is in those moments that your perseverance will be tested the most. It is important to remember that successful people are not

those who never fail but those who pick themselves up and keep going.

I encourage you to pursue your passions and dreams with determination. Do not let

fear hold you back; never underestimate your abilities. You have achieved so much and have the unlimited potential to achieve even more. Believe in yourself, and the world will believe in you.

Finally, I want to remind you of the power of empathy and kindness. In a world that can sometimes feel harsh and unforgiving, your ability to connect with others on a deep and meaningful level will be your greatest asset.

Take the time to listen to others, understand their perspectives, and offer a helping hand when needed. Together, we can create a world that is more compassionate, more inclusive, and more just.

As Ted Lasso once said, “You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish.

You know why? Got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish, Sam.” So, Class of 2023, as you move forward and face the challenges ahead, remember to stay present and take things one step at a time.

Embrace your inner goldfish, and don’t let setbacks define you; let them teach you.

Keep moving forward with determination, resilience, and kindness; the world will be a better place because of it. Congratulations, Dolphins!

Time to Discover Our Purpose

BY SCHOLAR OF SCHOLARS COLE VILLAR

W

hen writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.” These are wise words from one of the most influential philosophers of our day, Aubrey Graham … or, as most people know him, Drake.

We began a journey together four years ago—fresh out of middle school and eager for a new and exciting adventure at Dana Hills—new friends, Friday night football games, parties. Who would have guessed that several months later, we would be attending classes from home in our pajamas?

We are most likely the only generation that will be able to say our high school experience was upended by a global pandemic.

But we made it and learned that life is unpredictable. Our being here today is a testament to our determination and fortitude.

Four years later, we are about to turn the page again and embark on yet another exciting adventure.

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

The world is changing at a rapid pace not seen since the Industrial Revolution. With the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, we will likely be the last generation that actually drives ourselves to school.

People are now buying land in the Metaverse, and we can now press a button and have ChatGPT compose a perfectly crafted essay on any topic in mere seconds.

(Don’t worry, Dr. Baker, no student at Dana Hills would ever do that. They even say that in the next few years, AI will be virtually indistinguishable from human beings.)

It is now up to us to ensure that technology does not destroy our humanity. We are at an inflection point in our civilization, and the progression of science must not impede our ability to form meaningful relationships with those around us.

Or, as my mom would say, sometimes we need to put down our devices and connect with one another. There is no substitute for real conversation and real connection.

Many of us are going off to college; some have chosen a different path, but whatever route we take, there will no doubt be twists and turns along the way.

Cole Villar. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

There is a sign that hangs in my bedroom, and it reads: “Whatever you are, be a good one.” I think what Abraham Lincoln meant by this message is to embrace every experience that life has to offer, and choose to be the best version of ourselves.

That being said, I am confident that each and every one of us has the courage to confront adversity head on and make a meaningful difference. This is the time in our lives when we must embrace independence and discover our purpose. The important thing is to always chase your dreams and never stop

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questioning.

On behalf of the entire graduating class, I want to sincerely thank our parents, teachers, coaches, principals and administrators at Dana Hills. You have gotten us this far. It is now time for us to hold our own pen, to write the next chapter of our autobiographies.

And I look forward to eventually reading all of your stories.

I wish you all the best of luck, and I hope our paths will cross again.

Thank you. danapointtimes.com

CLASS OF 2023

dana Hills HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES *** There are 567 students in the Class of 2023, however 115 of these students “Denied use of student name to outside public print.”

Zoe Abarca Natalia Adame Castro Myles Adams Christian Agapito Krimzen Akason Ryan Alarcon Dutch Althouse Noe Alvarez Robert Alvillar Mac Amato Sophia Anapoell Sophie Andersen Christian Anderson Jordan Anderson Nolan Anderson Tyler Anderson Jack Andrew Jeremy Andrews Anthony Antoszewski William Arndt America Arroyo Marina Artukovic Hannah Bachrach Sean Baker Morgan Elize Bandoy Jose Barraza Gavin Bashoor Nicolas Battaglia Ryan Beavin Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

Anthony Beck Roland Blackburn Kempton Bohn Blaize Bolter Thomas Bonar Fiona Bonham Gavin Boyd Austin Boyer Ryan Boyle Sophia Bravo Natalie Bray Matthew Brennan Avery Brian Kate Bridgeman Owen Briner Delaney Broadhead Ethan Brougham Kyara Brown Hayley Brown Kate Bruce Sebastian Bruno Courtney Bunge Wyatt Bunte Brayden Burke Arthur Burrola Clover Byrnes Bryan Camargo Jamie Campbell Rae Cantu

Lucero Carbajal Wyatt Carey Samuel Carlier Emily Carlier Ransom Carrillo Crystal Castellanos Karol Cedillo Jose Chamale Cotzojay Bradley Chapman Valery Chavez Caden Chen Joshua Chernekoff Alexa Chernekoff Vivian Cheung Oliver Child Olivia Chitamun Kelsey Christian Patricia Ciordas Camille Cmelak Ella Cochran Alessandro Cocozza-Hamilton Colt Conrady Aolanis Contreras Christian Cooper Dean Cornett Troy Corral Ashley Costello Abigail Cronin Devin Culligan

Madison Curtis Hakan Dagci Benjamin Dailey Katelyn Daly Matthew Davis Victoria Davis Nicole Davis Gugliotta Danielle Davis Gugliotta Cole Davison Malia Dekker Colin Delaney Derek Delin Peyton Denney Ashley Derrington Shay Diamond Ronald Diaz Jessica Dickerson Anna Dilger Katerina Domingot Jolie Donahoo-Haupt Blake Doppenberg Kimberly Dorantes Alexander Duffield Tatiana Duval Sonnie Duvall Sydnie Duvall Paige Elliott Callan Emery Jasmine Eslami

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Daniel Espada George Espada Kris Ewing Oliver Farjo Lauren Farry Viuna Farshchian Kai Ferguson Lucas Flinn Kenia Flores Seamus Flynn Joshua Forster Kaylee Foster Maxwell Foster Thomas Frabotta Vanessa Frankhouse Alexandra Freedberg Danielle Freedberg John Freed-Roach Jacob Frericks Zoie Fuentes Maxine Gable Michael Gaetano Etnan Galarza Emanuel Galindo John Gallison Jackson Garbino Isaias Garcia Mia Geiger Kendall Gerry

Dean Giles Jeremiah Gillis Luke Gillon Collin Goldberg Johanna Gomez Kayla Gomez Emiliano Gonzalez Nicholas Gottron Sol Granados Derrick Grassmann Annika Green Maiah Griffo Ben Gromotsky Christian Guarascio Carolina Guerrero Ella Gunnell Rebekah Haas Hannah Haas Elina Haghighi Keane Hana Cade Hansen Zachary Harkey Jake Haskins John Hayes Stephanie Heltsley James Heneghan Jared Hernandez Dylante Herran Jake Hett danapointtimes.com

Charlotte Hissler Ella Hoff Jason Honey Jack Hope Willow Hopkin Rebecca Hopkins Kaitlyn Howard Samuel Hunter Amanda Hunter Peyton Hyde Shawna Ieng Ali Imran Luke Inman Allyson Intha Owen Ivory Joshua Jacob Zamora Chloe Jafari Nathan Jamet Jack Jones Hannah Jones Logan Kahle Maxwell Kahler Allison Karner Kamal Kaura Ronhit Kaura Finn Kelly Isabella Kessi Zia Khadivi

Kamal Khllak Maximus Kislig Bethany Klause Annika Klecker Maia Koizumi Emmi Kraushaar Maya Kruger Megan Kuntz Matthew Kutcher Keya La Baugh Stella La Voie Allison Ladner Paul Lambros Jude Landgraf Caydence Lansford Emma Lapena Ethan Larkin Henson Lecona Vivian Lee Ethan Leeb Ava Leone Griffin Likins Jayden Linares Tanner Lipson Avrianna Liu Quan Liu Janeane Llopart McKenzie Lombard

Angelina Lopez Gael Lopez Nathan Lopez Liam Lott Sean Lovett Jake Lowe Trenton Loyd Tegan Macey Brooklyn Macy Mireya Maldonado Moosa Malik Suleiman Malik Shane Malone-Healey Joshua Mann Pedro Manzanares Hannah Mares Juan Marin Allura Markow Jared Martin Ulysses Martinez Rafael Martinez Dalia Martinez Valiente Kamryn Massey Madeline Maxwell Macie McBride Katherine McCulloch Emma McCulloch Edward McElroy

Caroline McKenzie Paige McLaran Nicholas McMurray Ayleen Medina Osvaldo Medina Hernandez Daniel Mendoza Kelly Mercado Greta Micklin Lucas Miertschin Ensley Miller Grace Miller Hannah Miner Wyatt Miranda Sophia Misri Kaden Mister Arash Mohammadi Farazandam Rafael Molina Charlie Mollon Aaron Montero Anakaren Moreno Sofia Morgante Kendall Mullaney Angelina Mullins Malia Mundy

Jordan Munger Pedro Muniz Donald Muoio Kade Murray Parker Murray Sebastian Naficy Damien Najera Bryan Navarrete-Gonzalez Zoe Neeve Taylor Nemeth Olivia Nemeth Andrew Nesson Dylan Newhart Rachael Newman Trevor Nghiem Blake Nielsen Piper Norton Peyton Norton Griffin Novotny Cristian Ocaranza Fiona O’Connor Madison Oliver Ryan O’Mara Luke Ortiz

Vicente Ortiz Adam Ortiz Zoe Ott Jonathan Owen Joshua Pacheco Marae Paggio Yahaira Parra Natalia Partida Birrueta Matthew Pastor Rivera Delaney Patrick Serena Pearl Bryce Pennington Talia Penzell Brandon Perez Pedraza Claire Peter Nicole Petersen Luca Piceno Paige Pinnegar Ashley Pino Adrian Policarpo Andrew Power Ayden Prado Salvador Prado Hudson Price

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

No Strangers Here, Only Friends

BY TREVOR NGHIEM

G

ood afternoon, friends, faculty, and family. Thank you all for being a part of the wonderful community that is Dana Hills. Without each and every one of you, none of us would be standing here today. To my family, especially, thank you for helping me grow into the person I am today and for always supporting me.

Here at Dana Hills, there have been countless lessons taught to us by many different people. Whether it was a long twohour class taught by a teacher, or a lesson thrown at us by life, Dana has educated us in and out of the classroom.

Of these lessons taught to me, the one that has stuck the most is the lesson I learned the very first day of high school.

Let’s rewind back. I was 14, standing at a comfortable 5 foot, 3 inches, and was being dropped off by my mom. Both incredibly nervous and embarrassed, the much older and taller cheerleaders at the front of the office just made it worse. (To this day, I still enter the school through the back.) But as I was walking with my head down toward the school, I looked and saw a sign above the doorway.

It read, “There are no strangers here, just friends you haven’t met.”

This was the first lesson I learned here at Dana Hills, and it will be the lesson that I hope will stick with us for the rest of our lives. But I have to be honest with you all, when I first saw this sign, my first thought was, “Man this is kinda corny.”

But with each passing year, this one

quote has meant more and more to me.

Whether it has been becoming close with people you never knew; gaining a mentor in the form of a teacher or an upperclassman; meeting a best friend in your junior year; becoming inseparable with your teammates; getting close after a class trip; adopting an underclassman; or connecting in some way or another with the all the amazing people here at Dana Hills, this very quote has reaffirmed its strength to me time and time again.

From “strangers” to friends, this positive community has helped me realize the importance of support. It is imperative to surround yourself with positive individuals who inspire you to be better every single day, like we have here at Dana.

Without all of you embodying these values, we would all be so different from the young adults we are now. I mean, we might have even turned out to be like the Aliso or San Clemente kids.

Today, we leave our mark on the world. We create a legacy of embodying this quote above the door, a legacy of turning strangers into friends, a legacy of forming relationships to last.

As we all take a step into our future, I want us all to bring up this lesson taught to us on our very first day. Wherever we go, we are bringing a part of Dana Hills with us. And wherever Dana Hills is, there are no strangers.

Congratulations, Dana Hills Class of 2023.

Trevor Nghiem. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

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danapointtimes.com

Tyler Priebe Jacqueline Rainey Aidan Ramirez Mariafernanda Ramirez Daniel Alejandro Ramos Zepeda Chloe Rangel Cheyanne Rankell Parker Ratliff Maisy Reader Hayden Reed Gavin Rettig Lauren Revens Guadalupe Reyes Samantha Reynoso Lily Rice Jamie Rich Sadie Riester Isabella Rios Mya Risheq

Isabella Ritch Noelani Rivera Lauren Roberson Grant Robinson Camille Roche Chase Rodgers Devin Rodgers Chase Rodriguez Francesca Rodriguez Alex Rodriguez Getzemani Rodriguez Bryce Rodriguez Michael Rodriguez Nicholas Rojo Areli Romero Hector Ruiz-Garcia Scarlet Russ Mitchell Russell Anna Russell Shane Sacks

Brandon Saeedi Maya Salama Mera Salama Dominic Salaverry Jonathan Salcedo Pantea Samavati Daniel Sanchez Ryan Sargent Normandy Sax Grace Scalzo Wes Schantz-Aviles Ben Schattmaier Devin Scott Tyler Seals Steven Sepulveda Davia Serrano Ethan Shaver Rahul Shenoy Lucy Sims Avery Sky Sydney Slade Josephine Slechta Richard Sleek Landon Smith Erica Smith Jake Smith Jose Soc Patzan Joshua Soto Nicholas Spinogatti Tinashe Stacey Kennedy Stewart Summer Stolle Johnathan Sussman Boris Svrakov Alexander Sweeney Som Tafreshi

Nicholas Tamayo Jack Tanner Dylan Tanner Mustafa Taufiq Lucas Thompson Chase Thurman Emmett Tierney Misael Tirado Elizabeth Tonini Talia Topalian Rodolfo Torres Kyler Torres Camille Treichler Jackson Tremper Lineni Uaine Evy Vallis

Avalon Van Leeuwen Jonah Vander Veen Kaitlin VanDerVeen Emilio Vargas Esmeralda Vasquez-Fernandez Benjamin Vaughn Connor Vernon Helen Villamil Ariana Villamil Cole Villar Dante Viramontes Justin Vivanco Nickolas Votroubek Jasmine Vy Mark Wagner

Kaley Walker Jack Wasserman Kiana Waters Joseph Wesselman Olivia White George Wilfert Delaney Williams Nicola Wilson Alec Wons Jaxson Wray Martin Ximello Kai Yater Shaliz Younessian Rosa Zepeda Owen Zimmerman Maryann Zunich

YEARS

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

CLASS OF 2023 G R A D U A T E S

For 50 years, Capistrano Valley Christian Schools has been dedicated to providing educational excellence in a Christ-centered environment. We equip students with world-class teachers and coaches who genuinely care, ensuring they are fully prepared for life and leadership.

32032 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Since 1973

(949) 493-5683

facebook.com/capovalleychristian

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

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www.cvcs.org @cvcseagles

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Finding Joy in Life’s Everyday Moments

BY SOPHIE ANDERSEN DANA HILLS CLASS OF 2023, congratulations on graduating! Upon all of your behalf, I would like to extend a massive thank you to all of the teachers, staff, administration, parents, guardians, grandparents, and whoever else has been influential in your life who is here today to watch us receive a piece of paper.

However, despite that, we are incredibly grateful to be here today, because after moving a piece of stringy fabric across our ceremonial square hats, we will have completed our time at Dana Hills, and we will be moving on to our next endeavors in life.

There are few moments like these when we are faced with an overwhelming sense of pride for having completed something we set out to do so many years ago and (potentially) a slight touch of existential dread as we question what we are really doing in life.

There’s high school graduation, college graduation, a first job, or maybe moving to a new place.

These are the brief clips of life that are usually highlighted in movies, quotes, Instagram feeds, and all of those other very important forms of media where we like to share our lives online and say, “Hey, look, we did it!”

But these moments are few and far between, and for good reason. It takes an immense amount of effort over an extended

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

Sophie Anderson. Photo: Breeana Greenberg

period of time to achieve these goals. But because these are the moments that are showcased in the media that we consume, if we are not careful enough, we can find ourselves living only for these moments.

I am not arguing that it is a poor idea to strive to achieve a goal or a purpose in life; in

fact, it is incredibly satisfying, but I am saying that in the ordinary everyday sort of days that add up to these lifetime goals, we should not forget to find joy in those typical moments, either.

It is easy to look back at our time at Dana Hills and smile at the everyday things that

Page 18

make this place far from ordinary: Complaining about constantly broken air conditioning; the endorphin rush from confetti after a Canvas submission; the endless night practices for your sport; throwing cough-inducing colored chalk in the air as you pretend to understand or even watch the football game; watching the drumline perform at those pep rallies and realizing that marching band is actually really awesome; stressing with friends about a math test in that cold, dark and shady hall; watching Eddie impressively run with the flag at every single game this year; the daily treks to the portables in “Africa”; listening to the Friday Song from those very “anonymous” singers; or when you walk past Steve or even someone you know just a bit and they call out your name, reminding you that you are important and you are recognized.

Our ordinary is beautiful, and it deserves to be rejoiced. So, as we move on to our futures, let us remember to not only recognize but to create moments every single day that bring us joy, because life is all of these moments, not just the graduations, the first jobs, the promotions.

Dana Hills Class of 2023, congratulations on graduating and thank you for creating an ordinary that is worth celebrating.

danapointtimes.com

CONNOR VERNON

EMMI KRAUSHAAR

GAVIN FINN BASHOOR

Love, Dad, Mom, Alec, and Austin Vernon.

Congratulations! We are so proud of you.

We love you to infinity and beyond! We look forward to seeing what you’re going to accomplish.

Love you, Mom, Samantha, and Daniel.

Congrats Gavin! We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see what great things you will do! We love you!

Love, Mom, John, Blue, Kyle, Beau, Ginger & Oggie

DERRICK GRASSMANN

ETHAN BROUGHAM

COLIN DELANEY

We are all so proud of you Connor. We wish you the very best as you become an Arizona State Sun Devil!

“D”, we couldn’t be any prouder. Congratulations!

Looking forward to the next chapter and all that awaits you at Lehigh University.

We love you, Mom, and Dad.

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

Congratulations on receiving valedictorian recognition!

We are proud of you and excited to see what your future holds. Enjoy playing D1 Football at Rice University.

Love, Dad, Mom, and Cullen

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Congrats to our DHHS “Dolphin” now a California State University Chico “Wildcat”!

The sky is your limit...love you to the moon and back!!

Mom, Sophie, G&G

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PRIVATE SCHOOL GRADUATES

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL DANA POINT GRADUATES Nathaniel Griffin • Ariik Mawien • Hailey Snyder • Connor Susag • Kate Walter

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL DANA POINT GRADUATES

JSERRA DANA POINT GRADUATES Nathan Aquino Anthony Arriola Kennedy Barnes Emma Brandon Hudson Byrne Trent Caraway Kealani Caster Anna Ciraci Samantha Cotter Antonio Esseily Aiden German Shaughnessy Hannegan Sophia Moncur Jake Stafford Maxamillion Starr Lauren Tonsich Ava Zell Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

Lauren Hong Lam Alexis Noelle Lindenfelser Malcolm William Matthew Andrew Curran Miehe Leila Marie Rooney Madeleine May Sapra Derek Ryan Smith Annabel Sophia Grace Thiel Gabriela Velazquez Owen Riley Binder Liesel Gabrielle Blau Mark Walter Gonzalez Samuel Paul Harvey Megan Avery Kenner Page 20

danapointtimes.com

1953-2023

WARRIORS MEET THE FUTURE!

CELEBRATINGTHE CLASS OF 2023

100%

CLASS OF 2023 ACCEPTED TO ONE OR MORE 4-YEAR COLLEGES

3.90 THE AVERAGE GPA FOR THE GRADUATING CLASS

714-234-2771 | FAIRMONTSCHOOLS.COM Anaheim | Anaheim Hills | North Tustin | San Juan Capistrano | Serving P-12 Grade

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

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CONGRATULATIONS

DANA HILLS

CLASS OF 2023!

Dana Hills High School Taste of Dana & Grad Nite committee would like to express our sincerest THANKS to the amazing restaurants, businesses, Cities of Dana Point and Laguna Raffle Prizes Niguel, 1 week at a Sun Peaks Resort & Golf Course DHHS PTSA, and families Condo in British Columbia ($1,600 value) Buy Bikes Beach Cruiser ($400 value) forMytheir support of the Gift Card Bsket ($400 value) Dana Hills Class of 2023!

TASTEOFDANA.COM Thank you to the 2023 Taste of Dana Restaurants!

Dana Point

ANTONIA Cucina Italiana Laguna Niguel

San Clemente

Taste of Dana is a fundraiser supporting a safe and sober Dana Hills Grad Nite Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

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GETTING OUT

Editor’s Pick

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

FRIDAY, JUNE | 09 FARMERS MARKET IN SAN JUAN 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy the farmers market in town every Friday. Check out the produce, breads, cheeses, artisan craft vendors, and more. Farmakis Farms, 29932 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.364.1270. farmakisfarms.com.

LINE DANCING FRIDAYS 10-11 a.m. Join Age Well Senior Services for line dancing every Friday at San Clemente’s senior center. No partner required. For a $5 donation, learn some easy and fun line dances to get you moving. Carrie Wojo teaches all over South Orange County and makes it easy to stay active and have fun. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente. 949.498.3322.

CANDLE POURING AND SCENT MIXOLOGY WORKSHOP 4-5 p.m. Craft your own candle with this fun DIY workshop. The event is Father’s Day-themed, so feel free to craft a manly scent to go with a holiday gift for your dad. Participants can register online beforehand. AR Workshop San Juan Capistrano, 31107 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite B2, San Juan Capistrano.

949.482.1362. arworkshop.com.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE NOBLE PATH FOUNDATION 4:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation hosts events multiple times a week to get youth and young adults out and about and participating in safe, productive activities. There will be an improv lesson from 4:30-5:30 p.m., and TGIF Night starting at 6 p.m.—the theme being video games on numerous consoles. The Noble Path Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

SATURDAY | 10: SAN CLEMENTE CAR SHOW 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The San Clemente Downtown Business Association presents the 27th annual Car Show. Enjoy a day full of live music, food, shopping and more, while viewing 250 classic cars parked up and down the 100 and 200 blocks of Avenida Del Mar. About 15,000 spectators are expected. Free trolleys will run through the area throughout the event. Parties interested in being a vendor or sponsor, or displaying their car, can register at sccarshow.com. info@scdba.org.

Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.234.7259. thenoblepathfoundation.org.

dubbed the world’s biggest weekly car meet, attracts a mix of 500-1,000 hypercars, supercars, exotics, vintage, classic, muscle and sports cars, hot rods, rat rods, pickups, 4x4s and motorcycles.

No cars in before 8:30 a.m. Cars should enter and leave slowly and quietly—no revving, speeding or burnouts. The Outlets at San Clemente, 101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente. southoccarsandcoffee.com.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 9 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. Tom Petty cover band So Petty will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

SATURDAY | 10 HIKE AT SAN MATEO CAMPGROUND 9-11 a.m. Join California State Parks Naturalist Heather Rice to experience a local state park. Meet at the amphitheater for this 3-mile walk from Panhe Canyon to the ocean. Day-use fees apply. San Onofre State Beach, 830 Cristianitos Road, San Clemente.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market, and craft vendors provide a large selection of art, jewelry, clothing, handbags, candles, handmade soaps and unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. It is strongly recommended that customers bring their own reusable bags. La Plaza Park, 3411 La Plaza, Dana Point. danapoint.org.

SOUTH OC CARS AND COFFEE 9-11 a.m. South OC Cars and Coffee,

STRAWBERRY U-PICK 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The Ecology Center Page 23

is providing a chance to pick fresh berries. While baskets will be provided, participants are also welcome to bring their own. After you finish collecting a harvest, head over to the Farm Stand to pay for what you picked. Cost to attend is $9. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz Street, San Juan Capistrano.

949.443.4223. theecologycenter.org.

KAYAK HARBOR TOUR AND SAIL AT THE OCEAN INSTITUTE 10.a.m.-noon. Join the Ocean Institute for a two-hour interactive kayak tour around the Dana Point Harbor and learn about the history of the harbor and its unique ecosystem. All experience levels are welcome. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are $28. In the afternoon, from 2-5 p.m., set sail aboard the schooner Spirit of Dana Point and experience California from the perspective of an early tall ship explorer. Join the crew to help raise sail, handle lines and steer (Cont. on page 24) danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

(Cont. from page 23) the ship, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the majesty of sailing the seas aboard a tall ship. Must be 4 years or older to sail. Tickets are $65. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. 949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org.

GEEKS WHO DRINK TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9 p.m. Left Coast Brewing presents trivia modeled after pub quizzes in Ireland and the United Kingdom, covering everything from Hungary to the Hunger Games. Teams can include up to six people. Winning teams earn bar cash and other prizes. Left Coast Tasting Room, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente. eventvesta.com.

CONCERT AT THE COACH HOUSE 8 p.m. Enjoy some rollicking sounds over dinner at this intimate and popular South Orange County venue.

Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin 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 STILLWATER 9 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue.

Cover band Your Mom will perform.

StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. 949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

SUNDAY | 11 STAND UP TO TRASH BEACH CLEANUP: CELEBRATING WORLD OCEANS DAY 9-11 a.m. Join Stand Up to Trash at Baby Beach and the Ocean Institute for a beach cleanup followed by a Lunch and Learn at the Ocean Institute. This month’s theme is “Celebrating World Oceans Day.” Lunch will be provided.

Dana Point Harbor, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point. standuptotrash.com.

SAN CLEMENTE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and artisanal goods from organic growers along Avenida Del Mar. 949 361 8200. san-clemente.org.

LOW-COST PET VACCINE CLINIC 10 -11:30 a.m. The Feed Barn offers low-cost vaccinations for all dogs and cats every month. All veterinary services are provided by Vet Care Vaccination Services, Inc. The low-cost clinic offers vaccination packages, microchips, physical exams, prescription flea control, fecal exams and diagDana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

OPEN JAM 7-10 p.m. Play your own percussion, acoustic or electric instruments every Monday night at Knuckleheads. Amps are allowed, but drums are not. Knuckleheads, 1717 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

nostic testing on-site. Vet Care, 34192 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach.

714.895.8600. vetcarepetclinic.com.

GHETTO RESCUE FFOUNDATION FUNDRAISER 3-7 p.m. The Ghetto Rescue FFoundation is hosting a fundraiser, with proceeds going toward the spaying, neutering, adoption, and care of dogs in need. Live music will be performed by the Missiles of October and other bands. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased in advance at The Coach House or by contacting Barbara Gentosi or Tami Baumann. Raffle prize tickets are available for purchase the night of the event. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 949.361.1038 or 949.295.8913. ghettorescue.org.

TUESDAY | 13 STORYTIME AT THE SJC LIBRARY 10:30-11 a.m. Bring the kids to storytime, held every Tuesday morning.

Children will get to read books and sing songs. The event is geared for the 2- to 6-year-old age range. San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.1752. ocpl.org.

SOUTH COAST SINGERS PRESENT AMERICAN TAPESTRY 4 p.m. The Capistrano Beach-based nonprofit South Coast Singers will embark on a musical journey that takes audiences from California to New York and many places along the way.

The program includes jazz standards, American folk music, pop and gospel— all family-friendly music. Tickets are $20. Presbyterian Church of the Master, 26051 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. southcoastsingers.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB 4-7 p.m. Dream Brother will perform.

Stop in to listen and dance, perhaps after playing a round of golf. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano.

949.565.4855. sanjuanhillsgolf.com.

MONDAY | 12 BRIDGE GAME 12:30 p.m. The South Orange County Bridge Club hosts bridge games, Monday through Saturday. The club is a nonprofit owned by the members and welcomes people to use their minds and develop new friendships. They also offer classes for bridge players of different levels. 31461 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 205, San Juan Capistrano. galesenter@cox.net.

COUNTRY NIGHT AT H.H. COTTON’S 6 p.m. This popular downtown restaurant offers a night full of country music and line dancing for all ages. Beginners will have the floor from 6-7 p.m., followed by advanced dancers from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The floor will be open to all from 8:30-10 p.m. H.H. Cotton’s, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.

949.945.6616. hhcottons.com.

WEDNESDAY | 14 BINGO AT THE SENIOR CENTER 1:30 p.m. Every Wednesday, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center will host Bingo.

The center will begin selling cards at 1 p.m., with the game starting promptly at 1:30. The buy-in is $12 for 10 games with four cards and a special pick-yournumber game. For more information, contact the center at 949.498.3322. Dorothy Visser Senior Center, 117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING AT THE NOBLE PATH FOUNDATION 4:30-7:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation hosts events multiple times a week to get youth and young adults out and about and participating in safe, productive activities. Guitar lessons start at 4:30 p.m., followed by a fitness class at 5:30 p.m. and Creative Collaboration at 6:30 p.m. The Noble Path Foundation, 420 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente.

949.234.7259. thenoblepathfoundation.org.

LIVE MUSIC AT STILLWATER 6 p.m. Live music is featured at this popular South Orange County venue. DJ Tom Wellner will perform on Country Wednesday. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE BREWHOUSE 6:30-8:30 p.m. The BrewHouse hosts a trivia night every Wednesday. Test your knowledge with friends or show up solo and join a team. The BrewHouse, 31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3, San Juan Capistrano. 949.481.6181. brewhousesjc.com.

H.H. COTTON’S LIVE MUSIC SHOWCASE 7-10 p.m. Every Wednesday, H.H. Cot-

Page 24

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Sign up for The Weekender at danapointtimes.com/weekender ton’s will host this live music showcase to feature talented local musicians from around the area and will occur in the restaurant’s Hamilton Room (the back room). H.H. Cotton’s, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. hhcottons.com.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KNUCKLEHEADS 8-10 p.m. Knuckleheads is open for food, drinks and live music. Performers of all skill levels are welcome. If you are a musician, do stand-up comedy or the spoken word, this is the place to be on Wednesday nights. So, come down, grab a drink and go for it. Knuckleheads Sports Bar, 1717 North El Camino Real, San Clemente. 949.492.2410. knuckleheadsmusic.com.

THURSDAY | 15 WILD ABOUT ANIMALS LARGE GROUP SHOW 10:30 a.m. Participants of this educational live animal program will meet and explore a variety of animals from all over the world. Dana Point Public Library, 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point.

949.496.5517. ocpl.org.

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

U2 tribute band The U2Xperience will perform. StillWater Spirits & Sounds, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point.

949.661.6003. danapointstillwater.com.

BIOLUMINESCENCE NIGHT CRUISE 8:30-10:30 p.m. Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness the curiously beautiful phenomenon.

A meter net is deployed 600 feet deep to capture thousands of these drifting organisms, which can make their own light. The Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.

949.496.2274. oceaninstitute.org. danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

AT THE MOVIES

‘You Hurt My Feelings’ Not Too Much

BY MEGAN BIANCO

B

eginning her career as an apprentice for fellow New Yorkers Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese, Nicole Holofcener broke through her own filmmaking career in the 2000s with slice-of-life romantic dramedies including Lovely and Amazing (2001) and Friends with Money (2006).

Like with Nancy Meyers’ work, Holofcener’s characters are usually older, upper middle-class women going through some kind of dilemma, usually involving her relationship or family.

With Holofcener’s movies, we get a bit more casual, laid-back tone that we now associate with indie and mid-budget flicks.

Her latest effort, You Hurt My Feelings, is familiar territory for fans, but delivers what the writer-director does best.

In modern day Manhattan, Beth (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is a writer who is struggling to get her second book

published. While her first book was a memoir about her early life, this time she’s giving fiction a shot.

Her husband, Don (Tobias Menzies), is a psychiatrist who is second-guessing his strength and interest in advising his clients, while their son, Elliott (Owen Teague), is a college graduate running a marijuana dispensary.

When Beth overhears Don secretly reveal he doesn’t think her current book is that good, her ego is shattered, and she starts having doubts about both her talent and their marriage. Meanwhile, Elliott is having his own quarter-life crisis and confesses he doesn’t think Beth and Don were good enough parents.

You Hurt My Feelings reunites Holofcener with Louis-Dreyfus for the first time since Enough Said (2013), and it reminds us the two naturally mesh just as well as Holofcener with her favorite female lead, Catherine Keener, during the first decade of her directing career.

Photo: Courtesy of A24 Films

Louis-Dreyfus, who somehow seems to not bat quite as well in film as she does on TV, exudes nicely here, and has finally found the best creator for her cinematic material. Though it’s a bit jarring to hear the English actor with an American accent at first, Menzies does well, as Don and the supporting cast of You Hurt My Feelings are a treat, too.

The plot isn’t too complicated or mind-blowing, but it’s nice to have a swift, 93-minute movie focus on everyday occurrences and end on a heartwarming note.

While I would have preferred the script to be a tiny bit more fleshed out, You Hurt My Feelings is just fine for an easy night viewing. DP

GO.SEE.DO PUBLISHING JUNE 22 & 23

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

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PUBLIC NOTICES TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE TS No: CA08000026-22-2 APN: 939-47-272 AKA 939-472-72 TO No: 230016283-CA-VOI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE (The above statement is made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d) (1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/or vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(2).) YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED February 2, 2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On June 21, 2023 at 01:30 PM, at the North front entrance to the County Courthouse at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust recorded on February 24, 2006 as Instrument No. 2006000126643, and that said Deed of Trust was modified by Modification Agreement and recorded April 28, 2022 as Instrument Number 2022000160680, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Orange County, California, executed by JEFFREY MICHAEL WOLTER, A SINGLE MAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of DOWNEY SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, F.A. as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 38 LOS CABOS, DANA POINT, CA 92629 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $490,527.40 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee.

In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Notice Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale.

If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call Nationwide Posting & Publication at 916.939.0772 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale or visit the Internet Website www.nationwideposting.com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA08000026-22-2. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice to Tenant NOTICE TO TENANT FOR FORECLOSURES AFTER JANUARY 1, 2021 You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 916.939.0772, or visit this internet website www. nationwideposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case CA08000026-22-2 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

Date: May 12, 2023 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA08000026-22-2 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 Phone: 949-252-8300 TDD: 711 949.252.8300 By: Bernardo Sotelo, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE AT www.nationwideposting. com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Nationwide Posting & Publication AT 916.939.0772 NPP0435066 To: DANA POINT TIMES 05/26/2023, 06/02/2023, 06/09/2023

PUBLIC NOTICE APN: 939-20-531 TS No: CA05000018-23-1 TO No: 230018953-CA-VOI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE (The above statement is made pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(1). The Summary will be provided to Trustor(s) and/or vested owner(s) only, pursuant to CA Civil Code Section 2923.3(d)(2).) YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED October 25, 2002.

UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On June 26, 2023 at 09:00 AM, Auction. com Room, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Anaheim - Orange County, 100 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868, MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps, as the duly Appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on November 1, 2002 as Instrument No. 20020963828, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Orange County, California, executed by DIANE GIES, UNMARRIED WOMAN, as Trustor(s), in favor of CHASE MANHATTAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 23 FULMAR LN, ALISO VIEJO, CA 92656 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $137,346.87 (Estimated). However, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount.

In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the Trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. Notice to Potential Bidders If you are considering bidding

Page 26

on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a Trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property.

You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same Lender may hold more than one mortgage or Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to Property Owner The sale date shown on this Notice of Sale may be postponed one or more times by the Mortgagee, Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about Trustee Sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call Auction. com at 800.280.2832 for information regarding the Trustee’s Sale or visit the Internet Website address www.Auction.com for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, CA05000018-23-1. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Website.

The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice to Tenant NOTICE TO TENANT FOR FORECLOSURES AFTER JANUARY 1, 2021 You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction.

If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase.

First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 800.280.2832, or visit this internet website www.Auction.com, using the file number assigned to this case CA05000018-23-1 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee.

Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Date: May 19, 2023 MTC Financial Inc. dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA0500001823-1 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 Phone: 949-252-8300 TDD: 711 949.252.8300 By: Bernardo Sotelo, Authorized Signatory SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE AT www.Auction.com FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Auction.com at 800.280.2832 NPP0435443 To: DANA POINT TIMES 06/02/2023, 06/09/2023, 06/16/2023 danapointtimes.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS

TO ADVERTISE: 949.388.7700, EXT. 111 • LEGALS@PICKETFENCEMEDIA.COM PUBLIC NOTICE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT 20236663536 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: LIVE SCAN TAX NOTARY 32332 CAMINO CAPISTRANO SUITE 105 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 Full Name of Registrant(s): LIVE SCAN TAX AND NOTARY LLC 32332 CAMINO CAPISTRANO SUITE 105 SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 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: 09/05/2019 LIVE SCAN TAX AND NOTARY LLC/s/JOHN RESTREPO, JOHN RESTREPO CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Orange County on 05/18/2023.

Published in: Dana Point Times May 26, June 2, 9, 16, 2023 PUBLIC NOTICE APN: 632-171-23 TS No.: 22-04992CA TSG Order No.: DEF-508875 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE SALE UNDER DEED OF TRUST YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED APRIL 28, 2004. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. Affinia Default Services, LLC, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded May 7, 2004 as Document No.: 2004000404652 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Orange County, California, executed by: Anthony A Molina, and Julie H Molina, Husband and Wife as joint tenants, as Trustor, will be sold AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER for cash (payable in full at time of sale by cash, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said deed of trust in the property situated in said county and state, and as more fully described in the above referenced deed of trust.

Sale Date: June 27, 2023 Sale Time: 12:00 PM Sale Location: At the North front entrance to the County Courthouse at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 File No.:22-04992CA The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 12 Poplar Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made in an “AS IS” condition, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to-wit: $470,415.82 (Estimated). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

this figure prior to sale. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call, (800) 758-8052 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website, www.xome.com, for information regarding the sale of this property, using the file number assigned to this case, T.S.# 22-04992CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (800) 758-8052, or visit this internet website www.xome.com, using the file number assigned to this case 22-04992CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. File No.:22-04992CA If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. For Trustee Sale Information Log On To: www.xome.com or Call: (800) 758-8052. Dated: May 12, 2023 By: Kellee Vollendorff Foreclosure Associate Affinia Default Services, LLC 301 E. Ocean Blvd., Suite 1720 Long Beach, CA 90802 (833) 290-7452 NPP0435044 To: DANA POINT TIMES 06/02/2023, 06/09/2023, 06/16/2023

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

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

!

Page 27

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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CLASSIFIEDS SUBMIT YOUR CLASSIFIED AD AT DANAPOINTTIMES.COM

GARAGE SALES

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE $15 Email your listing to info@danapointtimes.com.

Deadline 12pm Friday.

Do you want to reach 42,000+ people in the Dana Point area?

Then you need to be in the DP Times!

Call 949.388.7700, ext.102

COMMUNITY YARD SALE – SATURDAY JUNE 24TH A Community Yard Sale will be held @ El Nido Mobile Estates located at 27703 Ortega Highway on Saturday June 24th from 9am-1pm in the Clubhouse parking area near the top of the park. Please follow the signs to the sale area. Due to park rules, PLEASE …NO EARLY SALES! There will be 14+ sellers so a great variety of items will be available for your consideration. Parking will be limited to selected areas so please follow directions and the “NO Parking” signs as you arrive in order to keep the streets from being blocked. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated by all residents & visitors.

danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

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

In Senior Dating, What Is a Tolerable Age Difference?

I

n my previous column, my buddy Jim and I provided our opinions on five items that we felt could derail a man and woman from having a first date. These topics were distance, availability, age difference, chemistry (physical attraction) and who pays for the date.

Reader responses to four of the topics were mellow. However, one topic was hotter than the Fourth of July: the age difference between men and women. Here is what nine readers emailed: Nikol: “To me, the best situation is when the man and woman are close in age. Why should only men want to have younger partners? These days, women want younger men, as well.

I know a few couples with an age difference of 10 years and more where the women are older, and they have perfect marriages.”

Catherine: “I agreed with you and Jim on four points but not on your

to younger women and women to older men. It’s hard-wired in our brains.”

Noelle said, “Tip from a wise old soul. I have always dated younger men, because they are the ones who attracted me. My last relationship had an age gap with him being 10 years younger.

“I’m in a long-term relationship with a man who pursued me who is 74. I am 87. We have a very special and loving relationship that we both cherish and plan for it to last the rest of our lives.

(Chronological) age is meaningless.”

Dee said, “Why do you think you need to look for someone between ages 70 and 79? How would you feel if a woman the same age as you said the same thing to you?

“Please remember how sensitive it is for women who have been left by their longtime mates for somebody younger.”

Dee didn’t tell me her age.

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

Dogs.” And when she was really riled, she called them “Man Whores.” I’m not sure in which category she placed me.

Gloria said, “I don’t want someone 10 years older or younger. Someone around my age with a five- or six-year difference is OK.” Barb: “Age is only a number. It’s not a good idea to eliminate anyone because of age.”

Francine: “I am a very active 76. I never think of my age, because I date men as much as 16 years younger. I have a difficult time dating a man my age or older. I have no difficulty attracting men of all ages.”

Cheryl: “In my work as a physical therapist assistant, I’ve encountered people who were ‘old’ physically and mentally in their 50s and people who were ‘young’ in their 70s and 80s.

“I think it’s important to have some concept of an age range that would be desirable.”

John: “Men of all ages are attracted

age-difference comments. You guys said you’d consider dating women 15 years younger.

“Are you serious?

I think even 10 ON LIFE AND LOVE years is too much

BY TOM BLAKE at your respective ages. I was STUNNED that you think you are entitled to attract women 15 years younger! Society is sick to have the sentiment that it’s fine for a much older man to have a much younger woman. If the situation is reversed, the woman is called horrible names like a ‘cougar’ or worse.”

Tom’s response: Women who date younger men may be referred to as cougars in some circles. I’ve never referred to women as cougars in my newspaper articles. And I never will.

Two months ago, I met a woman in her late 60s who called older men who sought younger women “Horn

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.

DANA POINT TIMES

ADOPTABLE PET OF THE WEEK

Jax

This smiling guy is Jax, an affectionate and outgoing Siberian-husky-mix looking for his forever home. A world-class snuggler, Jax is an active dog who also knows the joys of just hanging out on the couch. He is potty-trained and would make a wonderful furry friend for the right family.

If you are interested in adopting Jax, please visit petprojectfoundation.org/adoptions/ to download an adoption application form. Completed forms can be emailed to animalservices@scdpanimalshelter.org, and you will be contacted about making an interaction appointment. DP Sudoku- medium- by Myles Mellor

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR

Courtesy of the Dana Point Historical Society

FROM THE ARCHIVES Pictured are people sitting around an umbrella near a viewing tower on the left and in front of the low-stucco building that was the Doheny Sales Office on Estrella in the 1920s. This photo is available for viewing and purchase at danapointhistorical.org.

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.

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

Page 28

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION:

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid 2 5 8 1 6 9 3 4 7 3 4 9 5 8 7 6 2 1 that has been subdi6 7 1 3 4 2 8 5 9 vided into nine smaller 5 2 4 8 9 1 7 6 3 grids of 3x3 squares.

1 3 7 6 2 5 4 9 8 To solve the puzzle, 9 8 6 4 7 3 2 1 5 8 9 3 2 5 4 1 7 6 each row, column and 7 1 2 9 3 6 5 8 4 box must contain each 4 6 5 7 1 8 9 3 2 of the numbers 1 to 9.

Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

6 5 7 9 9 1 8 5 3 4

4 1 2 7 2 7 3 6 5 3 2 5

1 4 9

See the solution in next week’s issue.

danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

Dana Hills senior Christian Guarascio led Orange County in rushing in the fall with 1,722 yards and 13 touchdowns on 229 carries in the regular season. Photo: Alan Gibby/Zone57

Dana Hills senior Allura Markow completed a stellar distance running career with a CIF-SS cross country championship and two trips to the CIF State Championships. Photo Courtesy of Jimmy Su Photography

B OYS AT H L E T E O F T H E Y E A R

G I R L S AT H L E T E O F T H E Y E A R

Christian Guarascio

Allura Markow

FOOTBALL

A

fter losing key pieces of a record-setting passing attack from the previous season, the Dana Hills football team shifted its focus to a powerful ground game with senior running back Christian Guarascio as its spear, and did so to astonishing results.

For his county-leading rushing performance in the fall, Guarascio has been selected as one of the Dana Point Times’ Athletes of the Year.

As a junior, Guarascio’s role in the Dana Hills offense was mostly protection. Out of the backfield, Guarascio would mainly be an extra blocker, with the occasional complementary run and reception. In total, he rushed for 612 yards and four touchdowns on 100 carries.

However, going into his senior season, the entire philosophy of the Dolphin attack changed. Offensive linemen had been charged with working in the weight room and Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

building their strength, and when the fall rolled around, Guarascio became the focus, and the Dana Hills beef up front showed they embraced their new mantra.

Guarascio ran for 259 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener, then 264 yards and three touchdowns in the following game. The senior ran for more than 200 yards in each of the first four games of the season.

Guarascio would go on to lead Orange County in rushing in the regular season with 1,722 yards and 13 touchdowns on 229 carries. He then ran for 169 yards on 34 carries in Dana Hills’ first-round playoff loss.

The senior also caught 20 passes for 220 yards and four touchdowns and made an impact on defense with 30 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery.

Guarascio will continue his career at Santa Barbara City College. DP

CROSS COUNTRY, TRACK AND FIELD

T

here is a decorated history of distance running at Dana Hills High School, and one of the most decorated girls runners in program history was senior Allura Markow.

For her stellar career and consistent excellence, Markow has been selected as one of the Dana Point Times’ Athletes of the Year.

In the fall cross country season, Markow won her first CIF-SS championship with a win in the Division 3 Finals at 17:31.4. She also advanced to the CIF State Championships for the third time in her career and matched her career-best finish with an eighth-place time of 18:08.4.

Markow set a personal record at her home course in a win at the Dana Hills Invitational. The senior ran the 3-mile, on-campus course in 16:38.3 for her first victory at her home invitational.

Markow also collected wins at the Iolani Invitational in Hawaii, South Coast

Page 29

League Finals and CIF-SS preliminaries.

She also finished fifth at the Orange County Championships.

In the spring on the track, Markow earned much of her success in the 800and 1,600-meter runs.

Markow went the furthest in the 1,600, where she finished 10th at the CIF State Championships for the second consecutive year. She earned wins at the South Coast League Finals and CIF-SS preliminaries, then finished third at the CIF-SS Division 2 Finals and fourth at the CIF-SS Masters Meet.

In the 800, Markow finished second at the Orange County Championships with a personal record of 2:10.38 and won at the South Coast League Finals.

Additionally, Markow finished fourth in the 3,200 meters at the Orange County Championships.

Markow will continue her athletic and academic career at the University of Oregon. DP danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

Some Good News for Local Beaches The Surfrider Foundation’s 2022 Clean Water Report points to issues around the U.S., while San Clemente and Dana Point’s waterways remained relatively clean

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

M

ore than 100 million people go to the beach every year in America.

That mind-boggling number comes to us from Surfrider Foundation’s newly released 2022 Clean Water Report—just in time for World Ocean Day on Thursday, June 8.

An exhaustive annual report that highlights the work of Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force and Ocean Friendly Gardens programs around the country, the report collects data and shares information that gives an important look at the health of our beaches and waterways.

The top line takeaway from the report is that out of the more than 9,000 water samples collected from nearly 500 sites, 19% of them revealed high bacteria levels that surpass health and safety recommendations. Meanwhile, 70% had low bacteria levels, while 11% had medium bacteria levels.

“Through Surfrider’s Clean Water Initiative, we strive to protect water quality and reduce pollution so it’s safe to surf, swim and play in the ocean and in our coastal waterways,” Mara Dias, Surfrider’s Water Quality Initiative senior manager, said in a press statement.

“As nearly 10 trillion gallons of untreated stormwater runoff flow into U.S. waterways every year, Surfrider chapters and activists are building awareness of water pollution problems and advocating for solutions to protect clean water and healthy coastal ecosystems for all people,” Dias continued.

And while there’s surely much work to be done around this great country of ours, locally speaking, San Clemente and Dana Point beaches all fared well last year.

Based on reporting information on the Blue Water Task Force’s website,100% of samples collected at the Dana Point Marine Protected Area, Baby Beach, Doheny State Beach, Poche, San Clemente Pier and Riviera met water quality standards set by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

The only beach in the area that came in under 100% was San Onofre, which only met state water quality standards 67% of the time.

And just what is the Blue Water Task Force, you may ask? Built around Surfrider’s extensive volunteer network, the program is dedicated to implementing water testing programs, raising awareness, and putting solutions to work.

According to its website, the task force’s labs “measure fecal indicator bacteria levels in recreational waters and compare them to water quality standards set to protect public health.”

Focusing on stormwater outlets, rivers, and creeks, one of The Surfrider Foundation recently released its 2022 Clean Water Report, and, turns out, when it comes to local beaches, it’s not all doom and gloom. Photo: Morgan Maassen its primary objectives is to fill in where agency-run beach monitoring programs From sharing messages on social memay miss. dia, to getting involved with the commuThe folks at Surfrider have been busy nity signing the online pledge and more, lately. Prior to the release of the 2022 there are plenty of ways to remain active Clean Water Report, it announced a with this new campaign. Already putting new global campaign called the “Ocean their muscle behind the effort are Pearl Needs More Friends.” The objective here Jam front man Eddie Vedder, world is to grow the pond, so to speak, and champ surfer Carissa Moore and singer/ “rally one million friends to fight plastic actor Jaden Smith. and water pollution, climate change and More information can be found at threats to the ocean and coasts.” surfrider.org.

“The ocean makes up most of our And while we’re still waiting for some planet and plays a crucial role in our consistent sun, summer’s here. Let’s keep health and survival,” Eddie Anaya, it clean out there.

Surfrider senior director of Marketing Jake Howard is a local surfer and and Communications, said in a press freelance writer who lives in San Clemente. statement.

A former editor at Surfer magazine, The “Unfortunately, this precious resource Surfer’s Journal and ESPN, today he writes has been abused by human impacts for for several publications, including Picket far too long. And now, more than ever, Fence Media, Surfline and the World Surf the ocean needs more friends to help us League. He also works with philanthropic urge decision-makers to enact meaningorganizations such as the Surfing Heritage ful ocean conservation policies,” Anaya and Culture Center and the Positive Vibe continued.

Warriors Foundation. DP

SURF FORECAST

GROM OF THE WEEK

BRANDON BULLOCK

BY JAKE HOWARD

Brandon Bullock. Photo: Courtesy of Marco Surf Team

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

When it comes to a little community rattle and hum, few events out there do it like the Vissla Cosmic Creek Surf Festival. And while the bands play, the pros dazzle and the shapers whittle, deep down it’s about connecting past, present and future generations—which is where this week’s Grom of the Week comes in.

Taking out the highly competitive Under 14 division was Dana Point’s own Brandon Bullock. Facing a stacked field and riding boards that were shaped decades before he was born,

Bullock looked perfectly comfortable on the Dick Brewer twin-fin.

“Thanks to the Dana Point Surf Club and all the sponsors that made this fun event possible,” Bullock shared on Instagram. “It was super fun surfing ’70s and ’80s twin- and single-fins. I love it.”

When he’s not styling on weird, old boards, you’ll find 13-year-old Bullock leading the charge for the Marco Surf Team. A savvy competitor, he finished fifth overall in the Orange County Division 1 rankings this year.

He’s also a resident fixture among the WSA and NSSA ranks.

An explosive regular-footer, this kid is just getting started. Keep an eye on him; it’s shaping up to be an epic summer for Bullock. DP If you have a candidate for Grom of the Week, we want to know. Send an email to jakehoward1@gmail.com.

Page 30

Water Temperature: 61-63 Degrees Water Visibility: 4-6’ Outlook: Fading S swell on Friday with mainly waist to chest high waves, (3-4’), while best breaks still hit head high, (5’), in the morning.

The trend towards smaller surf continues through the weekend, with Sunday’s waves running thigh to waist high, (2-3’). For Friday and Saturday, light/variable winds in the early mornings, shift to moderate WSW onshores by the afternoons. Moderate S veering SW winds previal on Sunday.

danapointtimes.com

Performance are Thur., Fri., and Sat. at 7:30 pm and Sun. at 2 pm.

Tickets are $28.

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

Page 31

danapointtimes.com

THE COACH HOUSE www.thecoachhouse.com

TICKETS and DINNER RESERVATIONS: 949-496-8930 6/10 6/11

SHAWN COLVIN The Snacks / Richard Stekol Band Missiles of October / The Code 6/15 JULIAN MARLEY / Tomorrow’s Bad seeds 6/16 AL JARDINE and His endless summer Band 6/17 AMBROSIA 6/10 6/18 PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE SHAWN 6/23 TINA TURNER TRIBUTE COLVIN feaTuring deBBy Holiday 6/24 PRINCE AGAIN (Prince TriBuTe) 6/25 THE WAILERS 6/28 JOHN CRUZ “we do iT island sTyle” 6/29 YYNOT (rusH TriBuTe) 6/30 THE SWEET 7/1 MICK ADAMS & THE STONES 6/15 7/5 LYLE LOVETT and His Large Band JULIAN 7/6 GILBY CLARKE & The Keef Richards MARLEY 7/7 THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS 7/8 HENRY KAPONO 7/12 JIMMY WEBB 7/14 ROBERT JON & The Wreck 7/15 SHINE ON – Pink floyd exPerience 7/16 TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK (TriBuTe feaT. mark VeraBian) 7/19 THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND 6/16 AL JARDINE 7/20 DAVID NAIL 7/21 CLASSIC ALBUMS LIVE: Fleetwood Mac Rumours 7/22 Y & T 7/28 SPACE ODDITY (daVid Bowie TriBuTe) 7/29 KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE (sTeely dan TriBuTe) 6/18 8/2 ERIC GALES PURE PRAIRIE 8/4 PABLO CRUISE LEAGUE 8/5 HONK / Jack Tempchin 8/6 MICHIGAN RATTLERS 8/11 THE HIGHWAYMAN SHOW 8/12 JOURNEY USA (Journey TriBuTe) 8/13 THE RAT PACK 8/18 SPYRO GYRA 8/19 MADELEINE PEYROUX 8/23 JEFF “SKUNK” BAXTER 6/25 8/25 SUPER DIAMOND THE WAILERS 8/26 SUPER DIAMOND 9/1 BANG TANGO / ENUFF Z’NUFF 9/2 THE PETTY BREAKERS 9/8 ULI JON ROTH 9/14 THE MAN IN BLACK (JoHnny casH TriBuTe) 9/15 DON McLEAN 50TH anniVersary Tour 9/16 THE FENIANS 9/17 BENISE: Fiesta!

6/28 9/21 KEIKO MATSUI JOHN CRUZ 9/22 AL STEWART COMING SOON 9/23 BEATLES VS STONES 10/19 PAT TRAVERS BAND 9/24 MOLLY HATCHET 10/27 PIANO MEN: generaTions 9/28 KOFI BAKER’S 10/31 OINGO BOINGO Cream Faith FORMER MEMBERS 9/29 JOHN WAITE 11/1 RIDERS IN THE SKY 9/30 GARRISON KEILLOR 11/9 THE YOUNG TONIGHT DUBLINERS 10/5 GEOFF TATE 11/15 LEONID & FRIENDS 10/7 RONDSTADT REVIVAL 11/16 LEONID & FRIENDS 10/8 LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN 11/18 ABBAFAB (aBBa TriBuTe) 10/12 CRYSTAL BOWERSOX 11/22 QRST (Queen/rusH/sTyx TriBuTe) 10/13 DESPERADO 11/26 ARETHA Starring 10/14 DESPERADO Charity Lockhart 10/15 JOURNEYMAN 11/30 THE MUSICAL BOX 10/18 FUNNIEST 12/1 THE MUSICAL BOX HOUSEWIVES 12/2 LEE ROCKER 866.468.3399 3 3 1 5 7 C a m i n o C a p i s t r a n o | S a n J u a n C a p i s t r a n o Like Us on facebook.com/coachhouseconcerthall | follow us on Twitter @coach_house

Dana Point Times June 9-15, 2023

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