Dana Point Times

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School District Honors Teachers of the Year

Sandra Hutchens Retains Sheriff’s Seat

Dolphins Baseball Falls Short in CIF Title Quest

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J U N E 1 1 –1 7, 2 0 1 0

LO C A L

N EWS

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Volume 3, Issue 24

South County Saviors Trio of lifeguard agencies on point for safer beaches E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 6

Wintertime sees the few full-time USOS lifeguards patrolling beaches under their jurisdiction by vehicle but, by the time school gets out in June, every tower is 100 percent staffed until Labor Day. Photo by Christina Scannapiego

www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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D a n a Po i nt

City and Business Calendar Saturday, June 12

Tuesday, June 15

Thursday, June 17

Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza Street. Admission is free. For more information or to inquire about purchasing a booth for $25, please call 949.573.5033 or 951.271.0669. www.danapoint.org

Toastmasters 7 p.m. Dana Point Harbor Toastmasters meets every Tuesday at the Dana Point Library. 33841 Niguel Road, 949.496.2275, www.danaharbor.freetoasthost.ws

Coastmasters 7 a.m. the Coastmasters of Dana Point (a Toastmasters affiliate) meets every Thursday at the Jolly Roger Restaurant, 34661 Golden Lantern, 949.496.9610, www.coastmasters.org

Wednesday, June 16

Friday, June 18

Sunrise Rotary Club 7 a.m. the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at the Ritz-Carlton. 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, 949.493.2759, www.monarchbeachrotary.com

Movies in the Park 8 p.m. The City of Dana Point presents “The Wizard of Oz.” Admission and popcorn are free. A snack bar with beverages and candy for purchase will be available.

Lantern Bay Park, 25111 Park Lantern Road, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org

Monday, June 14 City Council Meeting 6 p.m. City Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3501, www.danapoint.org

Dana Point’s Top 5 Hottest Topics

What’s Up With...

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…Real Estate Fraud Scheme?

THE LATEST: According to a June 4, 2010 Orange County District Attorney’s press release, Blair Christopher Hanloh, 46, of Long Beach was charged with grand theft for stealing more than $3.5 million in a fraudulent real estate scheme, renting out houses in Dana Point, San Clemente and Anaheim. The problem with him renting these homes—he neither owns them nor acted as an agent on behalf of the owners.

Hanloh would allegedly look for vacant properties that were in foreclosure, post a notice on the home labeling it an “abandoned property,” then return a few weeks later, drill the locks and “take possession” of the house.

He would then change the locks and post “no trespassing” signs at the properties.

Hanloh then filed fake quitclaim deeds on the properties via his company, Blair Hanloh Trustee of Diversified Management Trust (Diversified Management), to change “ownership” from himself to his company in order to perpetrate his scheme. (Quitclaim deeds are documents that pass ownership of real property from the owner to another party and are filed with the County Clerk and Recorder’s Offices.)

He would then advertise the homes for rent and lease them to unsuspecting tenants via fraudulent lease agreements and begin collecting rent.

Hanloh is accused of using this scheme to rent out houses on Sea Bright Drive in Dana Point and Birch Tree in Anaheim Hills in February after fixing up the homes and then posting them for rent online on Craigslist.

In March, Hanloh did the same with a home on Rainview Court in Anaheim, a home in foreclosure on Del Gado Road in Dana Point and another that was scheduled to be sold at auction on Avenida Valencia in San Clemente.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, Hanloh is charged with, “eight felony counts of grand theft, five felony counts of recording false and forged instruments, one felony count of second degree commercial burglary, and sentencing enhancement allegations for property theft over $65,000, $200,000, $1.3 million, $3.2 milwww.danapointtimes.com

lion, and aggravated white collar crime over $100,000 and $500,000. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 21 years in state prison.”

The investigation into Hanloh began when the Anaheim Police Department received a complaint from the legal owner of the Rainview Court house called to report finding tenants he knew nothing about living in his house. The Orange County District Attorney’s office assisted with the investigation. Senior Deputy District Attorney Pete Pierce of the Major Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case.

WHAT’S NEXT: Hanloh’s arraignment is scheduled for July 14, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. in Santa Ana at the Central Justice Center, Department C-55.

FIND OUT MORE: www.orangecountyda.com —Andrea Swayne

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…Traffic Info by Phone?

THE LATEST: Motorists can now get traffic information, even how long it will take to travel point-to-point, just by dialing 5-1-1 from any phone. The automated system managed by transportation officials in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties, can tell motorists what the traffic is like at hot spots, what travel times will be or public transit information, said Joel Zlotnik, a spokesman for the Orange County Transportation Agency.

The system’s corresponding website, www.go511.com, also works as a trip planner and integrates public transportation options across counties, Zlotnik said. For example, if you wanted to take public transportation from Dana Point to Los Angeles, the system could tell you where to catch a bus to the San Clemente or San Juan train station, which train to take to LA, then what bus or light-rail system you’d need to get to your final destination.

“It’s a nice feature,” Zlotnik said. “Most online trip planners don’t integrate different systems.”

The website also has vanpool and carpool information and pairing.

The OCTA will pay about $59,000 a year

to maintain the system, which is part of a national network. The funding comes from a $1 transportation-services charge paid with vehicle registrations.

WHAT’S NEXT: The system has been available for testing for some time, was officially unveiled this week.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.go511.com or www.octa.net —Jonathan Volzke

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Last week: N/A • Weeks on the chart: 1

…CUSD Celebrating Teachers?

THE LATEST: Capistrano Unified School District will celebrate its teachers of the year on Tuesday, June 15 at a ceremony delayed and moved because of the five-day teachers strike earlier this year.

The event, which was originally scheduled for April, is the 22nd Annual Teachers of the Year Celebration, and will honor outstanding teachers from each of the district’s schools as well as choose one overall district teacher of the year for high school, middle school and elementary.

Dana Point Teachers of the Year are Anne Pedersen, R.H. Dana Elementary; Linda Puckett, R.H. Dana Elementary and Jake Schwartzberg.

This year’s High School Teacher of the Year is Kathleen Sigafoos, a resident of neighboring San Clemente who teaches at San Clemente High School.

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WHAT’S NEXT: On his website, Hunt thanked his supporters and wished the department well.

“Congratulations to Sheriff Sandra Hutchens on a decisive win and to Craig Hunter for a hard fought campaign,” Hunt says. “Thanks to the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who supported me as their choice for sheriff. Your endorsement of me, not once but three times was truly the greatest honor of my life. I wish all of you and the department the very best as you move forward from here.”

…Hutchens Keeping Sheriff’s Seat?

FIND OUT MORE: www.ocvotes.com; www. billhuntforsheriff2010.com —JV

WHAT’S NEXT: The ceremony will be 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15 at Ocean Hills Community Church. 32222 Del Obispo St San Juan Capistrano. Dr. Joseph Farley, the district’s incoming superintendent, is scheduled to make a short address at the event.

FIND OUT MORE: See the Beyond the Blackboard blog at www.danapointtimes.com —JV/AS

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keep her seat as Orange County’s top cop, garnering more than the necessary 50 percent of the vote Tuesday to avoid a runoff election in November.

Hutchens’ closest challenger was Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

Bill Hunt, the Photo by Andrea Swayne one-time San Clemente Chief of Police Services who was forced to retire from the sheriff’s department after challenging then-sheriff Michael Carona in an election. Hutchens was appointed to replace Carona in 2008 when he resigned to fight federal corruption charges.

Hunt works as a private investigator, and gained the endorsement by the Orange County Association of Deputy Sheriffs. But he also took some heat and lost support of Santa Ana police officers when he sat a defense table of a gang member accused of a crime. Hunt said he believes the defendant is innocent.

Hutchens received 144,920 votes, or 51.9 percent of the ballots cast. Hunt received 78,276, or 28 percent, while Craig Hunter got 56,036, or 20.1 percent. About 316,000 of Orange County’s 1.6 million voters cast a ballot, for a turnout of just under 20 percent.

THE LATEST: Sheriff Sandra Hutchens will

(Cont. on page 5) June 11–17, 2010 • Dana Point Times • Page 3

Eye on DP 5

(Cont. from page 3) Last week: N/a • Weeks on the chart: 1

…Off-duty OC Sheriff’s Deputy Faces DUI and Drug Charges?

THE LATEST: On Wed., June 9, Allan James Waters, 36, an off-duty Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy and Laguna Niguel resident was arrested and charged with injuring a 78year-old woman in a March 1 car crash while driving under the influence of prescription drugs.

The injury crash happened less than ten minutes after OCSD deputies responded to a separate rear-end fender bender Waters was involved in and let him leave the scene after taking a report.

He is also charged with attempting to pass off a white powdery substance as cocaine to purchase prescription drugs, in another unrelated case.

He is being held on $100.000 bail at the Central Jail in Santa Ana. At about 4:45 p.m. on March 1 Waters was allegedly driving southbound on Golden Lantern in Dana Point, failed to stop and crashed into the back of a vehicle that was stopped at a red light.

OCSD Deputies responded to the scene, took an incident report and then released Waters and the other driver approximately 30 minutes after the crash. Responding officers were aware at the time that Waters was an OCSD employee.

Shortly after leaving the scene of this crash, at about 5:20 p.m. Authorities received several 911 calls reporting him as driving recklessly northbound on Golden Lantern, failing to

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY SA R A H G U I DA S All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Web site (www.ocsd.org) and reflects data available from calls placed from the field by the responding officer(s). An arrest doesn’t represent guilt.

The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.

Sunday, June 6 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT Wimbledon Ct., 0 Block (9:25 p.m.) A man called deputies after witnessing a car accident. The man who caused the accident was seen fleeing the scene, running into the bushes. The victim’s truck reportedly caught on fire, which was put under control.

However, the fire department was called to the accident after oil began leaking from the vehicle. The man who initiated the accident was found and taken into custody.

DISTURBANCE Cortes Dr., 24200 Block (8:14 p.m.) An informant called authorities after hearing loud chanting coming from a residence. www.danapointtimes.com

accelerate when the light turned green at an intersection, partially stopping in the middle of an intersection on a red light and nearly hitting another driver’s car, among other things. He swerved and hit a curb, then over-corrected, crossed the middle lane and collided with a car driving in the far left lane. The victim’s car ended up facing north in the southbound lanes after being catapulted over a planter. The driver of the victim’s car suffered minor injuries. The 78-year-old female passenger was taken to the hospital with back injuries which necessitated surgery.

Waters then allegedly kept driving for a short time before stopping. OCSD deputies arrived and called in the California Highway Patrol to investigate.

Authorities’ investigation reports said that Waters “displayed objective signs of drug intoxication including slurred speech, a lack of balance and trouble following directions…and is accused of driving under the influence of the prescription drugs Zolpidem and Hydrocodone.” Waters was taken into custody but later released pending further investigation.

It remains unclear as to why deputies did not detain Waters following the first accident.

While detectives investigated the DUI and injury charges, two separate drug cases were proceeding concurrently. Waters is also accused of meeting with a friend on April 15 and 30 to buy the prescription drugs Opanas and Oxycontin in exchange for cocaine and money. The cocaine he used to pay for the drugs was fake—an unidentified powedery white substance.

WHAT’S NEXT: According to an Orange County District Attorney’s office press

DISTURBANCE Amber Lantern / Del Prado (12:03 p.m.)

Deputies were called to report a man with a long beard who had been jumping in and out of traffic.

Saturday, June 5 BUGLARY IN PROGRESS Cl. Fortuna, 34600 Block (7:38 a.m.) An informant called authorities after a man was caught urinating in the informant’s truck.

The informant suspected burglary because the truck had been locked and two $20 bills were missing. The man was arrested by authorities.

Friday, June 4 DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Dr., 24200 Block (11:50 p.m.) Deputies were called after about 10 subjects were seen running around a parking lot throwing beer on each other.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Pacific Coast Highway / Copper Lantern (8:18 a.m.) An informant called authorities after witnessing a group of transients yelling at a man near his car.

Thursday, June 3 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Ruby Lantern, 34100 Block (3:09 p.m.)

The authorities were called after the fire department had responded to a BBQ fire at a residence. A woman at the residence claimed that someone was trying to kill her and requested that the police get involved.

release, Waters will face charges of one felony count of driving under the influence causing bodily injury and two felony counts of selling a substance in lieu of cocaine with a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury.

If convicted, Waters will face a maximum sentence of seven years and four months in state prison.

His arraignment is set for Friday, June 11,in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. At press time, the time was yet to be determined.

Deputy District Attorney Brock Zimmon of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.

FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned for updates.

—AS

On the Bubble Other topics making news this week California Coastal Commission Votes to Delay Harbor Revitalization: On Wednesday, June 9 the California Coastal Commission voted to not approve the land use plan for Dana Point Harbor Revitalization project and send it back to Dana Point City Council to make changes to the language in the document.

This delay comes after the Commission requested a number of modifications to the plan presented to them back in October. At the October meeting the County was given the go-ahead by the Commission pending the modifications.

In February, the city voted unanimously to make the requested modifications and send the plan back to the Commission for approval at the June 9 meeting.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Camino Capistrano / Camino De Estrella (7:41 a.m.) An informant called deputies after seeing a disheveled male act strangely while walking though an intersection. The man was reportedly throwing punches in the air, as if he was fighting someone.

Wednesday, June 2 DISTURBANCE Victoria Blvd. / Doheny Park Rd. (2:56 p.m.) An informant called authorities after witnessing an elderly man repeatedly run through traffic to scream at cars.

WELFARE CHECK Cl. Portola, 34300 Block (1:05 p.m.) A pastor at a local church called deputies to check on three children that were playing at the church’s playground. The children were unsupervised and the pastor found one of them inside an air-conditioning unit.

DISTURBANCE Sherwood Way, 24800 Block (12:35 p.m.)

A woman called authorities after suspecting that her neighbor took $600 out of her purse. The woman was reportedly in a verbal argument with her neighbor’s wife over the situation.

Tuesday, June 1 INDECENT EXPOSURE Del Prado, 24500 Block (5:45 p.m.) An informant called authorities when a man exposed himself to the informant. The man then left the informant’s property and stumbled down the street. He was found

The main issue at odds is language referring to a requirement that building heights be consistent with the character of the city. By voting to require clarification of this language, the Commission effectively bounced the document back, once again, to be approved by City Council.

According to City Manager Doug Chotkevys, the change shouldn’t cause too much of a delay since there exists ample time to bring the document before the City Council and then get it back to the Commission for their November implementation plan hearing. He also stated that the change in language does not materially change the plan as previously approved but rather serves as a clarification in diction and syntax of a motion as stated by a Commissioner at the October Coastal Commission meeting. Stay tuned for updates.

DP Residents Sound Off at the Polls at June 8 Primary: Nancy Tallman, Dana Point resident for 23 years “I really wanted to vote on Prop. 18. I’m a Realtor and that proposition deals with property taxes. I think the incumbent for sheriff is really good. I’m very concerned about the financial crisis. It’s a challenging time for everyone. I hope the next governor plans to do something about it.”

Phil Harvey, Dana Point resident for 10 years “I wanted to vote for the Sheriff. I think Sandra Hutchens is getting a bad deal.

She’s done a good job. I voted for her. All the candidates for governor should have pooled together all the money they used for their campaigns and just given it to the state. They spent an enormous amount of money on their campaigns—and this is just the primary. I wish they were restricted to some ridiculous amount like $5,000 so they could send postcards to people or something. It really makes me angry.”

with an open container of alcohol and was arrested.

DISTURBANCE – FAMILY DISPUTE Ionian Bay, 23800 Block (12:51 p.m.) An 18year-old male called deputies after his father attacked him and bit him on the leg. The informant’s father left the house in a white truck after the authorities were called. The man could possibly have been under the influence of drugs.

Monday, May 31 DISTURBANCE Golden Lantern / Dana Point Harbor Dr. (10:26 p.m.) An informant called deputies after witnessing an agitated Native American man yelling about killing people.

RECKLESS DRIVING Doheny Park Rd., 3400 Block (3:17 p.m.) An informant called authorities after witnessing a blonde woman in a large red truck driving at high speeds. She was reportedly sticking her head out of the car window and yelling things at other drivers.

DISTURBANCE Yacht Dr., 25200 Block (11:20 a.m.) A man called deputies after he caught four teenagers throwing tree branches at his house.

PETTY THEFT Dana Point Harbor Dr., 25300 Block (10:06 a.m.) A woman called authorities after a group of juveniles stole her beach chair. The group had reportedly stashed the chair in their car but denied having stolen it, even though the woman could clearly see it in the vehicle.

June 11–17, 2010 • Dana Point Times • Page 5

Eye on DP

South County Saviors Trio of lifeguard agencies on point for safer beaches

By Christina Scannapiego Dana Point Times

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s fixtures on our buzzing summer beaches in South County, lifeguards are some of California’s most quintessential public servants. Amidst our natural sunny disposition on the shores, the fact remains that the Pacific Ocean can cause as much harm as it can pleasure. With so many unpredictable variables on land and in the water, we rely on our most skilled lifeguards to assess the risks the potential dangers Mother Ocean has in store and ensure we’re safe despite the hazards.

To most, lifeguards evoke a multitude of images, many made famous by the popular show “Baywatch.” But here in south Orange County, the reality of the job is far from cliché.

Those who venture into the water are protected by lifeguards from three different agencies at local beaches—United States Ocean Safety (USOS) lifeguards, California State Park lifeguards, and the San Clemente Department of Marine Safety lifeguards. Together the trio covers beaches from Trails in San Clemente, to Salt Creek in Dana Point, and even up to Sunset Beach at the northernmost end of the county.

As a private organization, the USOS lifeguards take a unique approach. USOS is contracted by OC Parks to oversee Poche Beach, Capistrano Beach, Baby Beach in Dana Point, Strands, Salt Creek, Thousand Steps, Table Rock, West St., Camel’s Point, Aliso Beach, Emerald Bay, the Santa Ana River mouth and Sunset Beach. They’re made up of three full-time, year-round employees and at least 120 summer guards, while the city of San Clemente lifeguard force is made up of a team of about 50 to 60 seasonal guards and approximately six full time guards. San Clemente’s guards cover a smaller-scale jurisdiction compared to USOS, posting up at towers from North Beach South to the volleyball nets at Lasuens. San Clemente State Beaches and Parks lifeguards cover beaches that include Lasuens, Riviera, State Park south through Trestles, Church, San Onofre and Trails. The city and USOS roll with a skeleton crew all winter—doing most of their patrolling in trucks or jeeps—and start to ramp up their duties in late spring, finally kicking into high gear as soon as school lets out in June. Then it’s 100 percent staffing at every tower and beach under their jurisdiction along with their regular vehicles, ATVs or, if needed, wave runner.

After Labor Day, lifeguarding returns to weekends only

STATS • 50 percent of the U.S. population is comprised of non-swimmers.

• The use of lifeguards on beaches in California began in the late 1930s.

• Eighteen people were recorded to have drowned over the course of one weekend in Newport Beach in the early 1900s.

• In 1918 in San Diego, 13 people were recorded to have drowned in one day.

• Early lifeguarding techniques included “swim lines” or “lifelines,” which were ropes attached to shore that waders clung to. Some municipalities assigned police officers or asked volunteers to perform water rescues.

• In 1938, Orange County provided Doheny and San Clemente State Beaches with lifeguard services.

• In 1962, lifeguard testing and training was formalized to include a 1000-yard swim, a 600-yard run-swim-run and 20 hours of in-service first aid and rescue instruction.

• Today, drowning related injuries is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the U.S. and the leading cause of accidental death in State Parks.

• The U.S. Lifesaving Association estimates there’s less than a one in 18 million chance of drowning when certified lifeguards are on duty.

• San Clemente City lifeguards made a total of 4,300 rescues in the summer of 2009.

• The California State Park Lifeguards, in total, employs about 600 seasonal lifeguards each summer and 70 full time lifeguards. They make approximately 10,000 water rescues each year, and since 1967, they’ve rescued over 201,500 people.

Page 6 • Dana Point Times • June 11–17, 2010

With consistent ocean swells occuring all summer, the on-season is always busy for south county lifeguards. Photo by Christina Scannapiego

and a thinned-out crew—but that doesn’t eradicate the need for safety during the winter, when water temps drop to well below 60 degrees and ocean swells can be both stormy and big. With 20 years of experience on the job, Jason Young, USOS Director of Operations can attest to all the action he sees in the off-season. Between responding to 911 calls for strokes, heart attacks and the like, the full-time guards deal with surfing injuries, beach goers stuck on rocks and cliffs at extreme tides and fishing accidents.

“We can’t be everywhere at once,” Young said of his small winter crew, who covers miles and miles of beaches every day, even when it appears there are hardly any swimmers in sight, “so we actually make a fair amount of rescues all winter.”

Full-time lifeguards consider themselves lucky to have scored the job year-round. And like most higher-ups in every lifeguarding organization, Young started out as a seasonal guard in his teens and kept coming back. “It was the thing to do,” he said of his summer job. For him, growing up in Dana Point, swimming and playing water polo at school and surfing Salt Creek and Strands every day, lifeguarding was the logical choice. In 1999, a full-time opportunity with USOS came up and he grabbed it. “I didn’t expect it to be a career but it evolved into that, thanks to a lot of good luck and timing,” Young said.

“There aren’t too many jobs out there where you get to work outside in a beach environment, helping people,” said City of San Clemente Marine Safety Officer, Ian Burton, who now has 21 years of lifeguarding experience under his belt. “Think of how many people get their 10 days of vacation for the year—they come here,” he said, motioning to the pier and vast stretch of beach just steps outside his office window. “And we get to come here every day for work.”

But a career keeping beaches safe isn’t all fun and games.

Lifeguards maintain prevention as their primary philosophy.

“We need to see things happen before they happen,” Young said. “ ‘Prevents’ are what keep us the most busy. It’s part of our training to recognize the people who might not be ocean savvy by their equipment or where they’re choosing to enter the water. We’ve learned to prioritize who we should talk to.” Team members, often referred to as rovers, direct swimmers and waders out of strong rip currents or deep

“It feels good to know that my job is all about helping people,” says Jason Young, Director of Operations for USOS lifeguards, “whether it’s saving someone from danger or as simple as pointing out Catalina to visitors.” Photo by Christina Scannapiego

inshore holes and powerful shore break the moment they see them so much as heading in that direction.

“You learn what characteristics to look for and to read the ocean. One summer is 90 days of watching the water—not just sitting on the beach,” Burton agreed.

Young said his guards don’t differentiate between major (Cont. on page 8) www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP South County Saviors (Cont. from page 6) and minor rescues. “We treat every rescue as if it’s major,” he said. “Anytime a lifeguard leaves a tower, he or she needs to hustle like it’s an emergency. The quicker the rescue, the less chance of it turning into a medical problem.” Still, every lifeguard has pulled off many rescues that he or she just can’t shake. For Young, one of those moments took place last November, when he was off duty and out for a surf. Young and some other surfers noticed an adolescent face down in the water. He’d stopped breathing and, as they paddled him in, he didn’t respond to chest compressions. Once they’d gotten him to the beach, he’d begun to regain his breath. With no lifeguards actively watching the beach after-season, Young proved that a lifeguard is never really off duty. “I’ve had a lot of close calls but nothing that close,” he said. “All my training over the years kicked in automatically.” In fact, on June 3, the American Red Cross of Orange County honored Young for his rescue and presented him with the 7th annual Bravo for Bravery award at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin.

Mike McErlean, now a full-time San Clemente city guard at 27—and 2009 San Clemente Lifeguard of the Year—experienced an intense rescue a little more than 10 years ago at Tower 3 (between T Street and Lasuens) during his rookie summer in which a hypothermic swimmer, who showed no signs of distress at the time, reached the point of extreme fatigue and could no longer swim.

“Something just looked off to me,” McErlean recalled.

By the time he reached her, she was crying in pain and was near drowning from inhaling so much water. The experience weighed heavily with the then 16-year-old guard. “It was kind of a shock. It was probably my 10th shift ever, and I’d made some rescues before, but until then, nothing to where I thought the swimmer could have died.”

The potential gravity of the job is the reason that tryouts during the spring for seasonal guards are grueling. They include an early morning, and frigid, competitive run-swim-

Salt Creek is only one of about 13 beaches patrolled by the US Ocean Safety Lifeguards, who cover a distance ranging from Poche Beach all the way up to Sunset Beach. Photo by Christina Scannapiego

run—the recruits are not in wetsuits, either. And then there’s rookie training, which is even more arduous.

Returning guards don’t not have to try out again.

But the level of difficulty tryouts provide is worth it for one of the most coveted summer jobs on the California coast for high school and college kids who love the beach.

“Interacting with people all day and saving lives is the ultimate reward,” Young said. “Of course, we don’t want to have to save a life but being able to do that is a thrill. I think that’s what keeps most guards coming back.” DP

HARBOR HAPPENINGS Kenzie Lobacz and wife Robin Rainie-Lobacz enjoy life at the harbor as the new owners of Dream Catcher Yachts

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Page 8 • Dana Point Times • June 11–17, 2010

All three organizations, in addition to California Junior Lifeguards, offer Junior Lifeguards programs. “I highly recommend it for kids to become aware of their beach environment, become ocean safe and ocean aware,” said Young. “A lot of them go on to become really good lifeguards.”

For more information: USOS Junior Lifeguards at Dana Strand Beach: www.usos.com California Junior Lifeguards at Salt Creek: www.jrlifeguards.com San Clemente State Beaches: www.scstatejg.com City of San Clemente: www.san-clemente.org

BY ANDREA SWAYNE

Living the Dream

or many couples when the honeymoon is over, it’s over.

Not so for Captain Kenzie Lobacz and his wife Robin Rainie-Lobacz. They honeymooned on a sailboat in Penobscot Bay, Maine twenty years ago and it’s been all about boats ever since.

Today the two—actually three, including their boat dog Rocksie—still spend most of their time either on their own boat or selling boats as the new owners of Dream Catcher Yachts in the Dana Point Harbor. This month marks the Lobacz’s first full year in business at the harbor. They bought the business in May of 2009 and the sale received final approval by the county on June 30.

“The previous owners had two offices, one in East Basin (where Dick Simon Yachts is now located) and one in the West Basin. When we bought the business, we moved it back to its original location in the West Basin,” said Kenzie.

“Dream Catcher started out in this location back in 1992 and there have been three previous owners.”

Both have extensive sailing experience taking them to locales including the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Mexico, the East Coast, Florida Keys and the South Pacific. Kenzie, who started sailing back in the ‘70s, has even made trips to deliver boats to clients from Mexico to Tahiti and then on to New Zealand and has earned a Coast Guard 100-ton Captain’s license with a sailing and towing endorsement.

When not finding the right boats for his clients, Kenzie enjoys teaching sailing and delivering boats. He worked for the prior owners of Dream Catcher for six years before becoming the owner.

Robin started sailing at age 17 off the coast of Maine

JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS

Robin Rainie-Lobacz, Kenzie Lobacz and their dog Rocksie aboard their 50-foot Valiant sailboat at the Dana Point Harbor where there business, Dream Catcher Yachts, is located. Courtesy photo

on Lasers and Sunfish, but quickly moved up to charter boats until she met Kenzie. Now, she handles the dayto-day bookkeeping for the business while also working full time treating injured Marines in a sports medicine practice at Camp Pendleton.

Kenzie and Robin have called Dana Point home since 2003 and can be found nearly every day walking the docks with their dog Rocksie or sailing their 50-foot Valiant sailboat in the waters off the harbor.

“I’ve been selling boats for 20 years and Robin and I had always thought about having a nice, small, family brokerage focusing on customer service and developing more enduring relationships, friendships, with our customers.”

Their efforts seem to be working well. In this first year

in business, the company is already seeing repeat customers—buyers looking to upgrade—as well as customer referrals.

“We are selling a lifestyle not just a boat and enjoy showing our customers how much fun it is to be a part of the boating community, especially in Dana Point Harbor,” said Kenzie.

Robin agreed, saying, “It’s such a delightful place where everyone knows each other. We also take our boat out regularly with our dog and make a point of participating in harbor activities. In the past couple of days I have received comments from a colleague and a customer complimenting us on our ‘family oriented business’ feel in our offices.

Most of the people we’ve sold boats to have become really good friends.”

Their social circle grows as their customer base grows.

And that’s just how they like it.

“We want to keep our operation small enough to maintain the warm and inviting feel of our company but large enough to accommodate every need of our customers,” said Kenzie.

Dream Catcher Yachts offers full brokerage of power and sailboats—buying and selling boats for clients and offering instruction in both sailing and power boating—and is the official California dealer for the Pacific Seacraft line of cruising sailboats and were participants in this year’s Dana Point Harbor In-water Boat Show.

“We had a wonderful turnout at last weekend’s show,” said Kenzie. “There was a lot of interest in the boats that we had on display that has, so far, resulted in two boats under contract.”

Even if you’re not looking to buy a boat immediately, or ever for that matter, true to their desire to become a part of the harbor community beyond yacht sales, Kenzie and Robin would like to invite everyone to stop by Dream Catcher Yachts for a visit. Kenzie, Robin and Rocksie will be happy to welcome you to their home away from home in the Dana Point Harbor.

Dream Catcher Yachts is located at 24450 Dana Point Harbor Drive, A-1 and can be reached by calling 949.248.7100. For more information, log on to their website at www.dreamcatcheryachts.com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

News Next Door

What’s going on in our neighboring towns, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

City Hit With $6.7 Million Verdict on Development Delay The city is weighing its options after an Orange County Superior Court jury on June 1 awarded a longtime family more than $6.7 million over conditions the city imposed on the family’s plan to build houses on its property.

The verdict, in favor of the Scalzo Family Trust, could be especially devastating to the city because it is not covered by insurance and would have to come from the city’s operating funds and reserves. The city’s general fund reserves are about $10 million. Additionally, the Trust can also seek attorneys’ fees.

In a statement issued after the verdict, the city said, “The city continues to believe this jury verdict is not supported either by the law or the facts, and will continue to vigorously oppose it.”

The decision, however, was the culmination of a four-year legal battle between the city and the Scalzo Family Trust, which owns 16.14 acres on Del Obispo Street, across from the Farm-to-Market.

In 2003, the Scalzo Trust attempted to develop 31 homes on the land, calling the proposed development “Belladonna Estates” After 28 months of wrangling with the city concerning the proposed development, in December 2005, the city approved the project, but imposed 121 development conditions, including a condition that the Scalzo Trust dedicate property to the city to widen an existing city public drainage easement. The Trust sued over 16 of the conditions.

Between the Scalzo property and the development to the north, Sun Ranch, is a drainage area. The Scalzos discovered the property was wet. The city ultimately discovered a reservoir at the top of the drainage area was leaking and had to pay $2.9 million.

Sun Ranch residents and city staffers insisted the drainage channel was a naturally occurring creek and should be protected as a wetlands. On top of that, the slopes to the north side of the channel were slipping, causing damage to homes in Sun Ranch. Some Sun Ranch property owners had also constructed unpermitted encroachments into the channel which the Scalzos showed was largely unmaintained, overgrown and filled with silt.

It was the battle over the drainage easement that led to the jury’s verdict. As a condition of approval, the city told the Scalzos to dedicate land to improve the drainage channel and create a maintenance road. The Trust objected to the requirement as there was no nexus between the proposed project and the city’s need to expand its drainage easement, the Trust attorneys argued. The Trust filed suit in March 2006 to challenge several conditions and seek compensation for inverse condemnation.

After a judge ruled that the city could have imposed mitigation measures short of requiring the dedication of a drainage easement, the city removed the drainage easement condition. The case headed to a jury trial to determine damages after a judge held that a temporary compensable taking of property had occurred during the time the easement dedication condition was in place.

The trust argued that even though the city removed the condition, the damage was done; the Trust could not develop its property for Page 10 • Dana Point Times • June 11–17, 2010

The northern entrance to the 16.1-acre Scalzo property, where the family wants to build 31 homes. A jury awarded the family trust $6.7 million after a judge ruled San Juan Capistrano improperly took land from the family. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

almost three years.

After a two-month bench trial, the court ruled that the dedication condition constituted a temporary taking of the Trust property, and that Trust was entitled to seek compensation for the period in which the dedication condition was in place. The Trust submitted evidence from engineers, a water expert and a real estate appraiser to support the temporary taking claim.

On May 3, the jury phase of the case to determine the amount of compensation owing to the Trust started. Before the jury, the Scalzo Trust presented evidence that the compensation should be set at $6,768,000, as the Trust lost the use and could not develop its property for almost three years.

The city claimed that the compensation was either $0 or about $55,000.

After a month-long jury phase of the trial, the jury on June 1 awarded $6,768,000 to the Trust, the exact amount testified to by the appraiser for the Trust. —JV

A Fight Over Who Was a Better Singer Ends in Murder A man faces trial in Orange County Superior Court for stabbing and murdering an acquaintance in a park after an argument over who was a better singer.

Julian Sermano, 58, San Juan Capistrano, is charged with one felony count of murder, one felony count of aggravated assault, and a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison. Opening statements were expected to begin Thursday, June 10.

Co-defendant Maurico Molina, 34, San Juan Capistrano, pleaded guilty September 4 to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Molina is expected to testify in the jury trial.

About 9:30 p.m. on June 6, 2007, Sermano is accused of being in Historic Town Center Park with acquaintances Molina and Blas Gutierrez, 39. The three reportedly drank

and sang in the park together.

Sermano is accused of getting into an argument with Gutierrez, who complained about Sermano’s singing and boasted he was a better singer. Sermano is accused of getting into a fight with Gutierrez, which Molina attempted to break up. Molina began fighting with Gutierrez, pulled out a pocket knife, and stabbed Gutierrez twice.

While Molina and Gutierrez were fighting, Sermano is accused of taking out a knife and attempting to stab the victim, missing and inadvertently stabbing Molina instead.

When Molina fell to the ground, Sermano is accused of again turning on Gutierrez and repeatedly stabbing him after chasing him through the park. Molina called 911 to receive help for his stab wound. —JV

“Zorro” Unmasked at Mission The 1919 novella “The Curse of Capistrano” hardly even mentions Mission San Juan Capistrano, but it did debut the character Zorro. And the 1920 movie, “Mark of Zorro,” was filmed in the Mission. Zorro is set to return in a traveling exhibit at the Mission through August 31.

The exhibit will feature an array of Zorro-related items from pop culture, film, television, magazines, books, toys, and the original “pitch book” used to sell Walt Disney on the idea of producing a Zorro Television series. Also on display in the museum-quality exhibit: Original costumes worn by actors Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta Jones from the 2005 film “The Legend of Zorro.”

“Temporary exhibits like ‘Zorro Unmasked’ are being offered at the Mission to create renewable experiences for locals and members who are already familiar with the Mission, yet are seeking a local living history museum experience,” Mission Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence-Adams said Mission San Juan Capistrano is at 26801 Ortega Highway. Open Daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 adults; $8 seniors; $5 children; and children ages 3 and under are admitted free. Call 949.234.1300 or visit www. missionsjc.com. —JV

SAN CLEMENTE

Community Invited to Tour Proposed Playa Del Norte Project The City of San Clemente invites members of the community to join Mayor Jim Dahl for a site tour of the proposed Playa del Norte project on June 12 at 9 a.m. At the request of the public, this proposed project planned for the North Beach area of San Clemente is now outlined with tape, providing a visual map of the main buildings and plazas included in the Playa del Norte project. The clearly marked project outlines should help people better understand the project. LAB Holding of Costa Mesa was selected by the city to design a project at 2312 Plaza a la Playa.

The project calls for 24,280 square feet of retail space, 13,590 square feet of restaurant space, 4,290 square feet of office space and 9,180 square feet of utility and storage space.

Participants in the Mayor’s Walk will receive a handout detailing the project specifics; however, these are also available currently at the Ole Hanson Beach Club in the lobby area. For more information, call the City Manager’s Office, 100 Avenida Presidio, at 949.361.8322. —DZ

“Coast Culture” Exhibition Kicks Off at Casa Romantica Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens will kick-off its summer “Coast Culture” programming with the opening of the exhibition “Whitey Harrison: California’s Legendary Surf Pioneer.” The exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Surfing Heritage Foundation, pays tribute to local surfing and water sports pioneer, Lorrin “Whitey” Harrison, and opens with a special festival on June 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on the Whitey Harrison Festival and Exhibition, and the Casa’s summer programming, contact the Casa Office at 949.498.2139 ext. 11. —DZ www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP The Dana Point Library’s summer reading program, “Make a Splash…Read!” will begin on June 28 and kids can catch the weekly programs on Thursdays at 11 a.m. beginning July 1. Storytimes for children of all ages are on Tuesdays at 11 a.m., June 29 to August 10. Family Pajama Storytime with the Sunshine Readers is held at 7 p.m. on June 28 and July 26. Most programs are held in Sea Terrace Park, adjacent to the library. Free overflow parking passes are available at the library. All programs are free and funded by the Friends of the Dana Point Library, the National Charity League, and the Women’s Club of Dana Point. For more info, contact Carolyn Hopkins at 949.496.5813.

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News Bites

Compiled by Andrea Swayne and Christina Scannapiego

Props, Recognitions and Morsels of Info

The City of Dana Point is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Dana Point Youth Board—an opportunity for youth to be active and make a difference in their community through beach cleanups, the Dana Point Turkey Trot, Home Holiday Decorating Contest, Festival of Whales Parade, Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling, Movies in the Park and more. Board members are appointed by the Dana Point City Council to serve as youth ambassadors. This board meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 4 p.m. from September 2010 through June 2011. Applicants must be Dana Point residents enrolled in any high school as of September 1, 2010. Completed applications must be received by Friday, June 18 at 4:30 p.m. For more info, 949.248.3514 or email sshelton@danapoint.org.

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Coconuts of Capo Beach presents the 1st Annual Boob-A-Thon on Sunday, June 13 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Boob-A-Thon is a charitable benefit to fight breast cancer that was inspired by Maalaea Renney’s courageous fight against the disease. At the event, Renney will personally select the “perfect rack” for her reconstruction surgery from a local lineup of tank top-sporting ladies. To help her with her selection, attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite shape and size. “Ogle all you want,” say event organizers, “It’s for a great cause!”

The event will also include raffle prizes, silent auction, t-shirts and live music. All proceeds will benefit the Save the Ta-tas Foundation. Admission is free, but raffle ticket purchases and donations will be greatly appreciated.

Coconuts is located at 34235 Doheny Park Road in Capistrano Beach and can be reached by phone at 949.248.2448. For more information on the Save the Ta-tas Foundation, log on to their website at www.savethetatas.com.

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Photo © Dave Lindsay/www.socalcarculture.com

As a part of the 28th Annual Dana Point Concours d’ EleganceTM weekend, Concours guests are being offered the opportunity to drive their latest products on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. Test drive for a chance to win a weekend use of a Jaguar of your choiceby emailing rsvp@jlr-mv.com. Or experience the 2011 535i sedan and the 750i, or Li, with the M package by emailing fchirat@crevierbmw.com.

The Dana Point Concours d’ EleganceTM is still taking entries for vehicle and motorcycle exhibitors. Entry forms for vehicles can be found online at: www.danapointconcours.org/dana-point/exhibitors/index.php or call 800.839.7520 x2 for more information on exhibiting your vehicle. Entry forms for motorcycles can be found online at: www.danapointconcours.org/dana-point/exhibitors/ motorcycle.php or call 714.539.2935 for more information on exhibiting your motorcycle. This year’ s event will feature 100 years of Alfa Romeo and celebrate 80 years of design from Pininfarina.

The Dana Point Concours d’ EleganceTM is a volunteer-run, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, with excess proceeds supporting the Ocean Institute, the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag Hospital and other Southern California youth charities. The event is operated primarily as a Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Concours, with additional classes showcasing interesting and relevant automobiles. Southern California is the automotive culture capital of the world with a deep history in design, customization and motor sports. The Dana Point ConcoursTM organizing committee aspires to create a premier automotive event that showcases this rich heritage. General admission tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Children under 12 have complimentary admission. To purchase tickets, and get more information, please visit www.danapointconcours.org.

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A character from Mitzi Riley’s “Beach Party.”

Courtesy of www.bettersleep.org

Dana Point resident Mitzi Riley has been chosen as one of the featured authors on Betty White’s new Bedtime Stories Project organized in conjunction with SleepBetter.org.

The new website, www.sleepbetter.org/bedtimestories was launched in an effort to revive the age-old tradition of the bedtime story.

SleepBetter.org conducted a survey and found that many families prefer bedtime stories they create for their own enjoyment.

The website encourages storytellers to submit their stories for inclusion on the site and an opportunity to have their story selected for publication and to be illustrated by award-winning artist Bill Nelson.

A statement on the website says, “Bedtime stories have the magical power to help youngsters wind down and drift off to sleep, and it has been proven that a well rested child is healthier and performs better in school. The bedtime stories tradition is being replaced by TV, video games, and other activities. It is our goal to revive it.”

“I have been fortunate enough to have my two childrens’ books, “School Secrets” and “Beach Party,” approved and launched on the site. Please go to the website to read my two books. I need as many comments as possible!” said Riley. “This is my chance to get published and I thank you for your support.” Log on directly to Riley’s story at www.sleepbetter.org/ bedtimestories/SchoolSecrets/BeachParty.

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Page 12 • Dana Point Times • June 11–17, 2010

The Aikoku School, a private girls school in Tokyo, has been sending students on summer jaunts to California for the last thirty years and this year they’re coming to the Beach Cities communities. Seventeen high school students and their two escorts arrive July 22 and stay eighteen days through August 10 as part of an English language immersion program through a company called Compass-USA. This unique set up, known as a Homestay, includes volunteer families that provide hospitality to take in one student each, ages 14–18, as if she were one of the family. She stays busy at school Monday through Friday held at Ocean Hills Community Church on Del Obispo as well as going on excursions to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, also Mission San Juan Capistrano and, of course, Doheny Tide Pools and Dana Point Harbor. The host family is welcomed to attend the outings at group discount rates. The guest student will look forward to relaxing with her American family on the three weekends she is here.

The trip opens with a bonfire welcome party at the beach and closes with a traditional Japanese ceremony for which the students have rehearsed for months. The entire Aikoku School pays into the Homestay program but only a few are selected to go and represent their school and country. Compass-USA is also offering a new scholarship program open only to volunteer host families to do an exchange in either Japan or Europe in return for sponsoring one of these special young ladies. Potential Homestay volunteer host families should contact Mrs. Patricia Drewes at 949.412.4112 or at mrs.drewes@gmail.com.

Please mention Homestay in the subject line.

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Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching is hosting a special Fathers Day Dinner Cruise on Sunday, June 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join them aboard the 95-foot Dana Pride for a unique evening of fun on the water, complete with live music by Mike O’Brien and a delicious barbecue dinner including chicken and beef brisket. Water and soda are included and a cash bar is also available.

Tickets are $59 for adults, $29 for kids 3-12 and free for children under 2. Call 949.496.5794 to reserve your space. Also for dads, the wharf is offering a special gift for fathers. All dads fishing on Father’s Day with their families will receive a free half-day fishing pass for use on a future date—a $39 value. Gift will be given at check in. Reservations are filling fast. Log on to www.danawharf.com to reserve your trip.

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Dana Point Fine Arts will present a Father’s Day art show and sale June 19 and 20 on the “Boardwalk” by Harpoon Henry’s in Dana Point Harbor. Free. For more information visit www.danapointfinearts.org.

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A crowd gathers for last month’s Coffee Chat which featured a forum by the three Orange County Sheriff candidates. Photo by Andrea Swayne

The Dana Point Civic Association (DPCA) will have its 3rd Friday monthly Coffee Chat on June 18 from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. at Coffee Importers in the Harbor. This will be an open forum, so please bring any announcements or topics you would like to discuss. As always, owner and generous host, Jim Miller will provide delicious, free coffee. For information, call Pat Fairbanks at 949.661.9999.

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Have something interesting for the community?

Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. Forward a picture along, too!

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

SOAPBOX

2

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

DP

D a n a Po i nt

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

HOW TO REACH US Editor Stories, News, CALENDAR, etc.

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com Advertising Print and Online

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com Distribution Racks, Driveways, Subscriptions

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com Billing Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times, Vol. 3, Issue 24. The DP Times (www.danapointtimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the SC Times (www.sanclementetimes.com) and The Capistrano Dispatch (www.thecapistranodispatch. com). Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs, or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, art, photos or negatives. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Group Editor, Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Reporter, SC Times > David Zimmerle ART/Design Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Billing/Collections Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

INTERNS Jamal Al- Sarraf, Jack Baker, Robyn Wyman Dill, Sarah Guidas, Danielle Juncal, Sherry Lucas, Austin Reagan, Heather Turney

> Sergio Sanchez (San Juan Capistrano) Sales Associates Angela Edwards, Susie Lantz OPERATIONS

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin, Rebecca Nordquist CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, Christina Scannapiego

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Online Reader Poll Will the addition of the Green Expo to the Dana Point In-water Boat Show make you more likely to attend?

Yes. I think it is a great addition.

41% No. I have no interest in either.

24% I will always attend, with or without a Green Expo.

24% I am only going for the Green Expo.

12% Make sure to sound off each week on the “DP Times Poll of the Week” at www.danapointtimes.com. Then go to our community Message Board and share your opinions. www.danapointtimes.com. Bookmark it today!

The DP Times Online Reader Polls are not scientific and do not reflect the opinion of the DP Times.

Tracey and RJ Breeden of RJ’s Café get a personal “thank you” from Craig and Kat Brandmeier following a benefit dinner at RJ’s on May 25 to help Craig with his fight against leukemia. Courtesy of Judy Brandmeier

Letters to the Editor Thank You to RJ’s and the Community Judy and Brad Brandmeier and family, Dana Point

We would like to thank RJ’s Café and the community of Dana Point for coming to the benefit dinner for our son Craig on May 25.

RJ, his wife Tracey and staff all donated their time as well as all the food and drinks. Thanks also, to Steve D’Arca for the wonderful music.

The dinner was standing-room only at times and raised over $7000 toward Craig’s fight against leukemia. There were also many donations from others who were unable to attend.

Craig and his wife Kat arrived here on Thursday morning, June 3 and they stayed until Sunday night. Our entire family, our four sons, two daughters-in-law and two grandchildren spent the weekend at our home in Dana Point. We had the most wonderful time together, hanging out, watching movies, playing poker, going to the park, lots of laughs and it seemed like we were eating all the time.

RJ and Tracey treated the family to breakfast on Friday morning and presented Craig with the check from the benefit dinner.

A quick update on Craig’s condition: Craig had a spinal tap on Tuesday June 1 and we didn’t know if it was going to show more cancer. Well on Wednesday afternoon the doctor called and the test was all clear; no cancer. This means he is still in remission at this time. So we really needed to celebrate and we did. Craig will have more chemotherapy in the next week or two and is awaiting the plan from his doctors as to what Page 14 • Dana Point Times • June 11–17, 2010

will be next for him. But at this time he is doing well, feeling good and we will take that!

We are in awe of the generosity from friends, acquaintances and even some we have never met.

We thank you all, over and over again. We are so grateful for your support.

these homes seem to be a guise for operating a business in a neighborhood with the main goal of making money. There is a transient population coming and going at all hours invading our sense of safety. They crowd our streets with their many vehicles, pollute the neighborhood with their incessant cigarette smoking and there are large vans delivering and dropping off people every day.

What responsibility is Dana Point going to take to keep our city from being another Newport Beach? What about the rights of the ordinary homeowner to expect our city to separate business from living areas?

Where are the homeowners’ rights?

For anyone who believes this does not impact our neighborhoods, I suggest you may want to take all the foreclosures or homes for sale in your neighborhoods and open one of these facilities, disguised as a family home, and experience another aspect of the “Good Life” in Dana Point.

Thanks for the Compassionate Treatment of the Story of Lily’s Death

Wanted: Visitors to Dana Point Harbor

Maurine Lacher, Dana Point

A suggestion was presented by Dana Point resident, Chris Anastasio a few weeks ago to provide off loading of tourists on cruise liners for visiting our beautiful city. On shore boats can easily transport visitors. Such visits at other harbors world wide have highlighted the passenger’s vacation. Most travelers have the means to spend their funds at special stops and Dana Point is unique in its picturesque coastal location surrounded by historical interests that will impress most cruise veterans.

What is happening with this terrific idea to create revenue for our businesses and city? The issue has been silenced for some weeks. Is the City Council interested in this effort? If not, why not?

Thank you fro writing such an informative editiorial on the beloved gray whale (Rest in Peace Beloved Lily, DP Times, May 21, Vol. 3, Issue 21).

Your compassion was beautifully expressed for all of us.

Sober Living Facilities Foul the Good Life Cherie Suess, Dana Point

I found the article by our Mayor, Steven H. Weinberg, informative and useful. However, I would like to comment on an aspect of our beautiful city that is hidden from many residents. I am referring to the numerous “Sober Living Homes” that are popping up in ordinary family neighborhoods. I now have three of these homes within two blocks of my home, one being directly across the street. Oh yes, I have heard all the propaganda of how these homes are helping those who are recovering from drugs or alcohol or any number of vices. But what is not being told is that

Alice Hook, Dana Point

To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@ danapointtimes.com or send it to 34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624. Dana Point Times reserves the right to edit reader-submitted letters for length and is not responsible for the claims made or the information written by the writers.

www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

DP

D a n a Po i nt

The List

A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town this week. Compiled by Tawnee Prazak

friday11 forecast: a.m. clouds/p.m. sun • high: 69° low: 55°

Blue Whale Watching Tour

9 a.m. Experts at Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Safari take you out to sea to search for whales with state-of-the-art equipment. Features the famous triple-fudge brownies. Adults $55, kids $35. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

Mike Hamilton

7 p.m. Variety music by the popular local musician at Savannah Chop House. 32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.493.7107, www.mikehamiltonmusic.com.

Craig Colley

8 p.m.-12 a.m. Live music at Wind & Sea. 34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

The Lion King

7:30 p.m. The classic comes alive onstage at the OC Performing Arts Center. Shows through June 13. Tickets start at $25.75. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.ARTS, www.ocpac.org.

Off White

9:30 p.m. Live band at Molly Blooms Irish Bar & Restaurant.

2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente 92672, 949.218.0120, www.mollybloomspub.com.

Surf Double Feature Friday

7 p.m. Surfing Heritage Foundation and Rell Sunn Bronze Memorial Project host a fundraiser at OC Tavern with two surf films, music and Hula girls. $10. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

Wine Tasting: Tolosa Winery

5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. San Clemente Wine Company welcomes Tolosa Winery with some winery-only wines along with new releases. $15 for seven wines, cheese, crackers & chocolate. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

Connectivity

8 p.m. Two more nights to see the play at Cabrillo Playhouse about five friends and their mysteriously special bond. Tickets $12. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

Movies in the Park

8 p.m. Watch “Nims Island” in Lantern Bay Park as part of Dana Point’s annual summer movie nights. Free popcorn! 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.

Crash Test Dummies

8 p.m. Band plays The Coach House also with Samantha Smith and Waldo Bliss. Tickets $20. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com. www.danapointtimes.com

Go See Do

Local surf history and culture come to life this weekend at the 4th Annual Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association Surf-a-Rama.

The yearly celebration of “all things surf” features vintage surfboard and woodie car exhibits and more than 75 vendors showcasing the latest in wave riding and other surf related products.

This year’s event will spotlight surf authors with a special section of the festival dedicated to writers and their Cartoon by Joe Aaron books. Mike Hynson—best known as the blonde in the classic film “Endless Summer”—will be among the featured authors and will be signing his newly published autobiography, “Mike Hynson: Transcendental Memories of a

saturday12 forecast: a.m. clouds/p.m. sun • high: 69° low: 55°

Second Saturday Art Fair

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sixty artists, craftspeople and musicians will be exhibiting their work throughout historic downtown San Juan Capistrano from Camino Capistrano to Los Rios. 949.493.4700, www.sjcartfair.org.

OC BBQ Festival

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Barbecue cook-off at the OC Fair & Events Center. Also features a classic car show, kids zone, live music and entertainment. Admission $10 plus parking. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.408.9781, www.ocbbqfestival.com.

Film Stories Festival

2 p.m.-10 p.m. Flashbulb Entertainment, made up of SCHS grads, presents a family-oriented celebration of the arts with live bands and student/professional films held at Maranatha Music. 205 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente, www.filmstoriesfestival.com.

Dana Point Farmers Market

9 a.m.–1 p.m. Fresh produce and much more every Saturday at La Plaza Park, intersection of PCH and Golden Lantern in Dana Point.

A Bunch of Guys

9 p.m. Local band playing all your favorite hits at BeachFire.

No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

Live Music Harbor Cruise

6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Dana Wharf’s live band music cruise aboard the 95-foot Dana Pride featuring indoor/outdoor seating and a full bar. Tickets $10. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Missiles of October

2:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Live at Swallow’s Inn; more music to follow at night! 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

SOCSA Showcase 2010

5 p.m. The South Orange County School of the Arts presents its year-end party celebrating student art achievements with live performances, an art exhibit, auctions and dinner at San Juan Hills High School. Tickets $35-$75. 29211 Vista Montana, San Juan Capistrano, 949.240.1994, www.socsarts.org.

Flock of 80s

9:30 p.m. Free concert at OC Tavern. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

Coto de Caza Wine Festival & Sale

7 p.m.-10 p.m. First annual world-class event with top wineries, tastings, sales, gourmet appetizers, live jazz and more. Tickets $125. More info: www.californiawinefestival.com.

Rick Tatum Group

9 p.m.-11 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

Surf-A-Rama Surf Rebel” Hawaiian food, music and entertainment will be available throughout the day along with exciting opportunities to win great raffle prizes. Those who purchase 25 tickets or more will also receive free membership in the DSBIA. All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the nonprofit DSBIA’s effort to rebuild the visitor center aquarium and fund Doheny State Beach educational programs.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. However, if you choose to park onsite in the Doheny State Beach day-use lot, the park entrance fee is $15.

Cheryl Silverstein & John Paul Keene 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. The vocalist and pianist perform jazz & pop standards at Agostino’s Ristorante Italiano. 34700 Coast Hwy., Capistrano Beach, 949.661.8266.

Bioluminescence Night Cruise

8 p.m. Explore the sea at night and see how it lights up with the Ocean Institute. Ticket info online. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

sunday13 forecast: a.m. clouds/p.m. sun • high: 74° low: 59°

Classic Car Show

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Hundreds of cars will be on display along Del Mar in downtown San Clemente in a family event packed with entertainment, vendors, food and more. Presented by the DBA and the city. Proceeds benefit the local the business community.

949.498.4538, www.villagesanclemente.org/carshow.htm.

Historical Walking Tour

1 p.m. SJC Historical Society leads a tour to see Los Rios Historical District, O’Neill Museum, the Mission, Rios Adobe and more.

Meet at the train depot on Verdugo Street. Every Sunday. $2 adults, $1 children. 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.

Benefit to Fight Breast Cancer

1 p.m.-6 p.m. Fundraiser with a raffle, prizes, silent auction, live music and more at Coconuts. 34235 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach, 949.248.2448.

Marine Wildlife Cruise

1 p.m. Educational journey on the sea looking for marine wildlife with the Ocean Institute. Ticket info online. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Kids Fishing Clinic

12 p.m. Kids can practice fishing off the dock with Dana Wharf every Sunday. Free. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

Flying 57’s

3 p.m.-7 p.m. The band plays blues, jazz, R&B and originals every Sunday at Coconuts. 34235 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach, 949.248.2448.

Smoothie Jones

9 p.m. Smooth acoustic funk and R&B at BeachFire. No cover.

204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

Surf Story

Art exhibit and book signing at the Surfing Heritage Foundation.

Call for times and more info. 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, 949.388.0313, www.surfingheritage.org.

Family Fun Day at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park

12 p.m.-4 p.m. Games and activities including bounce houses, pony rides and a Grand Prix Horse Show. Free. 30753 La Pata Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.showpark.com.

(Cont. on page 19) June 11–17, 2010 • Dana Point Times • Page 17

GETTING OUT

DP Times Restaurant Spotlight

By Christine Jonas

San Juan Hills Golf Course Clubhouse

RATE IT!

32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1167, www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com

Have you eaten at this restaurant?

BEST KNOWN FOR: Breakfast and lunch MOST POPULAR ITEM: Huevos rancheros for breakfast; nachos for lunch The newly renovated clubhouse restaurant at the San Juan Hills Golf Course offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch items served throughout the day and is open to the public. The renovations bring the clubhouse up-to-date and gives it a country club feel, while keeping a simple and affordable menu. Dark wood beams and stacked stone walls bring a modern rustic feel to the restaurant. Large windows let in natural light, as well as give a beautiful view of the patio and golf course. A full bar, with plenty of stools, is great for a quick meal, or to settle in and have a drink while watching a sporting event on the 13 large flat-screen televisions lining the walls. The adjoining banquet room has a sliding glass wall that can be opened to the patio, which has also been rebuilt, with an outdoor fire pit and views of Capistrano’s open hillsides. The menu offers dishes named after golf terms such as “the par,” or “the eagle.” Some of the popular breakfast items are the French toast and huevos rancheros.

Hamburgers, nachos and chicken Caesar salads are the lunch favorites, served until 8 p.m. daily. A dinner menu is anticipated, along with a later closing time.

San Juan Hills Golf Course Clubhouse. Photo by Christine Jonas

PRICE RANGE: $4 to $10 RESERVATIONS: Not necessary

PAYMENT: Cash or credit cards HOURS: 6 a.m.– 8 p.m. everyday

Go to www.danapointtimes.com and rate your overall experience.

We’ll post the results in next week’s issue of the DP Times.

Last week online voters gave

Board & Brew

½ 979 Avenida Pico, San Clemente, 949.498.2739 (Rated on a scale of 1–5 stars)

ABOUT OUR REVIEWS: In each issue we’ll highlight universally critical points including “Most Popular Dish,” “Best Known For” and “Price Range.” But most importantly, we’re inviting you to participate each week and rate the restaurant based on your experiences. Go to www.danapointtimes.com and under “Restaurant Guide” rate it from 1 to 5.

(Cont. from page 17)

monday14 forecast: a.m. clouds/p.m. sun • high: 76° low: 58°

MOMMY MOVIE MONDAY

6 p.m.-8 p.m. The outdoor summer concert series kicks off at Historic Town Center Park with live music, food, kids’ activities and more. 31852 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

JARED FROM KNOCKOUT

10 a.m. Screening of “The Karate Kid” for parents of infants at the Krikorian, tickets $7.50. 641 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7469, www.kptmovies.com.

9 p.m. Live vocals and guitar at BeachFire. No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

MONDAY MADNESS WINE TASTING

10 a.m. Free storytime for kids ages 3-5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, wwwcasaromantica.org.

5 p.m.-8 p.m. Join SC Wine Company for happy hour featuring three wines for $5 and cheese plates for $8. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

SMOKEY KARAOKE

8 p.m. Sing fearlessly behind a cloud of theatrical smoke at BeachFire and enjoy Mojito Monday. No cover. 204 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.

SING ALONG PIANO MAN

8 p.m. Happy hour, pool and live music at OC Tavern. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

COMEDY & KARAOKE

9 p.m.–1 a.m. The night starts with live comedy and continues with karaoke at Hennessey’s Tavern. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.

tuesday15 forecast: a.m. clouds/p.m. sun • high: 75° low: 58°

ZORRO UNMASKED

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exhibit at Mission SJC showcasing the history of Zorro from films and television with historic props and more.

Runs through August 31. Admission $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.

HALF-PRICED OCEAN TRIPS

10 a.m. Dana Wharf discounts whale watching and fishing. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

COUNTRY DANCIN’

7:30 p.m. Live music by Mark Liddell & The Wranglers and line dancing at OC Tavern. $5 before 9 p.m. 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

wednesday16 forecast: a.m. clouds/p.m. sun • high: 74° low: 58°

OLD CAPISTRANO FARMERS MARKET

3 p.m.–7 p.m. Every Wednesday at El Camino Real and Yorba in San Juan Capistrano; 949.493.4700. www.danapointtimes.com

ON STAGE

SAN JUAN SUMMER NITES CONCERT

KIDS STORYTIME AT CASA ROMANTICA MICK TARAS & KELLY RAE

6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music duo at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

TARYN DONATH

7 p.m.–11 p.m. Live entertainment at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

thursday17 forecast: a.m. clouds/p.m. sun • high: 74° low: 60°

SEA STAR TOUR

3 p.m. Come experience the Ocean Institute and “sea” what it’s all about. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

EVERYDAY FITNESS

10 a.m. Seminar for older adults on mental & physical strength.

25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5911, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

BRANDI SMITH & JASON FOSTER

6 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

WILLIE K

8 p.m. The Hawaiian musician performs at The Coach House.

Ken Garcia Band and John Sotter also perform. Tickets $15.

33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

ALL-STAR JAM NIGHT

8:30 p.m.–12 a.m. Hennessey’s Tavern presents host Martin Gerschwitz with guests Keston Barker, Tom Croucier, Bryan Rosem and Lou Gramm. Every Thursday. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.

For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com

The Doctor Is In Dr. John & The Lower 911 to perform at The Coach House

H

ailing from New Orleans, quintessential blues rolls into The Coach House as legendary Dr. John and The Lower 911 are set to perform June 12. We caught up with Dr. John for thoughts on his upcoming album and performing at one of south county’s most enjoyable venues.

On the heels of your Grammy winning 2009, “City that Care Forgot,” what can we expect on your latest release, “Tribal,” due out August 3? All kinds of funk and hopefully some important messages for the world.

Describe your work with various organizations such as New Orleans Musicians’ Relief Fund and New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic. How has your life been impacted since Hurricane Katrina? Are the relief efforts that are still ongoing to this day an integral part of your life and show? Anybody that does anything for the musicians, I find it’s a good thing.

To help people, the world would be a better place to live in. I pray somebody will one day come up with an organization for the thousands of people all over the country that can’t come home to New Orleans. And I hope that somebody can fix this oil spill. We try to do what we can do to keep organizations going because of horrible budget cuts.

Will patrons see the ever-popular “Dr. John, the Night Tripper” in full regalia or some other fantastic incarnation?

Well, no. We only play Nite Tripper gigs when we are booked to do that in particular and it’s a lot of work, but we will be doing a special show and giving previews of the new stuff.

What kind of set is in store for will the audience? Will it include the venerable hits like, “N’awlinz Dis Dat or D’udda” or “Such a Night”? We change the show every day, but we’ll try to include at least one.

What is your favorite part about touring, especially at venues like The Coach House that are more intimate with dinner and cocktails as part of the ambiance?

It’s a great thing to play intimate venues. Anything that can bring us closer to the audience is near and dear to our hearts.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased for $29.50 at The Coach House by calling 949.496.7935 or online by visiting www.thecoachhouse.com. DP —A.J. Bardzilowski

June 11–17, 2010 • Dana Point Times • Page 19

DP LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DP

SUDOKU

by Myles Mellor and Susan Flanagan Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9X9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3X3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium Last week’s solution:

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

D a n a Po i nt

See today’s solution in next week’s issue.

ONCE UPON THIS COAST: By Doris I. Walker

Giants Still Lurk in Orange County’s Historic Beanfields

By Doris I. Walker Dana Point Times

T

he legend of Jack and the Beanstalk could have taken place along the coast of Orange County. In the early 1900s, this was the world’s largest, nearly-contiguous bean field, stretching from beyond Costa Mesa to Oceanside—including Dana Point and the Capistrano Valley.

That “Jack” was actually James Irvine II, the rancher who planted magical beans that with time would grow, like beanstalks, into towering developments. In this naturally arid climate, water was even scarcer before being imported from elsewhere. Range cattle and sheep, the major local industry for most of a century, roamed wild to find their own water and eats.

So in 1886 James Irvine II began a 120-acre experiment, after searching for a crop that would need no irrigation. It would have to be able to subsist on scant winter rain, seasonal coastal fog and atmospheric moisture to see it through to harvest—dry farming.

His revolutionary choice was lima beans, which by 1909 would cover 17,000 acres of his vast Irvine Ranch. The success of the crop spread to neighboring farms, and the fad crop caught on with surrounding tenant farmers.

Swedish immigrant Carl Segerstrom had worked his way to Orange County in 1898 and leased 20 acres, then bought more and more land in “Greenville.” That Doris I. Walker southwest corner of today’s Santa Ana was named for the endless beanfields, and a street of that name still runs through the area west of South Coast Plaza. The Swede decided to concentrate on the going crop—limas.

World War I food shortages increased the demand for this high-protein vegetable, and the acreage devoted to lima beans here tripled. Part of the area became known as Beanville, where a local softball team played as the Irvine Beanpickers. By 1918, the big beans were a $6 million annual crop, covering coastal county fields. The Segerstrom label decorated bean sacks shipped throughout the United States into the 1940s and 1950s, when that firm was the largest independent producer of limas in the United States.

However, World War II brought a very different crop to some of the local fields—military bases, as the government acquired land for El Toro Marine Air Station, Tustin Air Station and the Santa Ana Army Air Base. When the SAAAB was closed soon after the war, part of it was purchased by the Segerstroms to expand their fields.

Another farm settlement had grown up at East Irvine around the massive bean silos that were built to store the lima bean crop. Those structures and the 1895 warehouse at the railroad tracks there, as well as the town’s general store, boarding house and blacksmith shop, have been moved together to create Old Town Irvine at I-5 and Sand Canyon Avenue, a must-visit site!

The old warehouse and the blacksmith shop now sprout Page 20 • Dana Point Times • June 11–17, 2010

An example of a typical lima bean field being harvested. The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Orange County Center for the Performing Arts now stands on this field. Courtesy of Doris I. Walker

restaurants. Through amazing adaptive construction, La Quinta Inn there offers visitors the unique experience of spending the night in comfort within the concrete walls of 32 giant restored bean silos. There is even an onsite descriptive agricultural display, and some of the old equipment is preserved and explained in a silo corridor.

In addition to major industrial districts and office parks, some of the Segerstrom beanfields became South Coast Plaza and Village, while the Irvine Company’s coastal fields were molded into Fashion Island, both complexes debuted in 1967. Newport Center is also a giant financial “field crop.”

Culture also grew in the beanfields when the Segerstroms donated land and construction cash for the Orange County Performing Arts Center that opened in 1986. The University of California, Irvine, too, grew up in the beanfields, its campus donated through the efforts of James Irvine’s granddaughter, Joan.

The first Orange County Airport opened amid James Irvine’s rows of beans and is today’s John Wayne Airport.

Other Irvine Ranch beanfields became the City of Irvine, the Newport Coast—and the Irvine Spectrum.

Outdoing the children’s story, there are still more than a dozen one-ton bean giants in the former fields—together forming a rock-solid entity that hides among the modern concrete “beanstalks.” While most of the fields have long

The ”Spirit of the Lima Bean” a sculptured pile of 15 granite lima beans

by Isamu Noguchi highlights the 1.6-acre rock garden among the many high-rise bank and business buildings of South Coast Plaza Town Center. The fence has since been removed. Courtesy of Doris I. Walker

been plowed up for progress, a sculptured pile of 15 granite lima beans, well hidden from the casual observer, salutes that agricultural era in county history. The focal point of a sculpture garden in Costa Mesa called California Scenario is a pile of 15 giant granite lima beans—lest we forget.

The “Spirit of the Lima Bean” monument mound of beancarved boulders were artistically arranged as a highlight of the 1.6-acre rock garden designed by world-famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi. It is set among the many high-rise bank and business building “beanstalks” of South Coast Plaza Town Center. The garden combines elements of the natural environment including a waterfall with the modern development.

On the walk to this “secret public garden,” you’ll encounter such other giant artworks as a mobile by the famous Alexander Calder and sculptures of a dolphin-riding mermaid and Jonah and the Whale by other well-known artists. But nothing beats your first view of the lima beans! The search for them—once the only “crop” in sight for miles—is part of the irony of history! DP © 2010 by Doris I. Walker www.danapointtimes.com

Locals Only

Business Directory The only directory featuring Dana Point businesses exclusively A L S O

O N L I N E

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING DC Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning www.dcplumbing.net 949.365.9044 Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 www.oasisair.com

ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING Jim Ettinger Design 949.246.0224 33742 Big Sur St., jimettingerdesign@cox.net Nona Associates - Raymond J. Nona A.I.A. 26901 Camino de Estrella, 949.496.2275 www.raynona.com

ATTORNEY James D. Hornbuckle, Esq. 949.499.7370 34204 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.dixonlawcorp.com

BATHROOM REMODELING

A T

W W W . D A N A P O I N T T I M E S . C O M

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

Business Spotlight of the Month!

Want to say more? Want more space to highlight your business? Then sign up to be featured as our monthly Locals Only Business Spotlight for only $100.

Write-up of 50 words with logo. Four weeks in print and online. Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@danapointtimes.com.

DOG GROOMING

RCL Construction Company, Inc. 949.661.1451 Dawgy Style CA License # 687186, www.rclconstruction.com 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. 112, BEAUTY SALONS www.todawgystyle.com

Bookkeeping

CATERING Smokey’s House of BBQ 949.388.8102 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com Steer Crazy International BBQ & GRILL 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy., #105 949.481.6999 www.steercrazyBBQ.com Christian Science Services 34102 La Plaza

Fit Club - Boot Camp 949.831.7984 www.afitclub.com Jazzercise, O.C. Sailing & Events Center 34451 Ensenada Place, 949.492.7817 www.danapointjazz.com

GIFT BASKETS

949.661.3151

949.521.1632

Robert’s Professional Handyman Services Lic. # B853695

949.606.6425

HANDYMAN SERVICES

CLUTTER CONSULTANT Organize/Simplify - Terri Hochman hochmans@cox.net

949.248.1007

Under-Wraps Gift Baskets 949.291.0300 mariannedorsey@cox.net, www.giftbasketsbyunderwraps.com

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

COFFEE SHOP

HAIR SALONS

Paragon Salon 949.489.1955 Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.7773 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy. Utopia Salon 949.661.1664 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com Barry 949.661.1664 COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES Gary 949.231.9755 949.433.3960 Solution Tek-nologies 949.400.0080 Morgan 24821 Stanhope Unit H, www.solutiontek-nologies.com 24582 Del Prado, #B, www.barrysutopia.com

CONTRACTORs - GENERAL Creative Environments Construction 949.496.3728 Design & Build #464468

Contractors - Painting LH Painting, CA LIC. # 647760 949.240.8795 33391 Sea Bright Dr., www.lhpainting.com

COSMETICS

RESTAURANTS

Agostino’s By The Sea 949.661.8266 34700 Coast Hwy., Ste 100, www.agostinosbythesea.com

Jeweler Brio Tuscany Grille 949.443.1476 Dana Point Jeweler 949.489.1165 24050 Camino Del Avion, www.briorestaurant.com Gemmell’s French Restaurant 949.234.0063 24845 Del Prado, www.danapointjeweler.com 34471 Golden Lantern, www.gemmellsrestaurant.com KITCHEN REMODELING Jolly Roger Restaurant 949.496.0855 RCL Construction Company, Inc. 949.661.1451 34661 Golden Lantern, www.aloharestaurants.com License # 687186, www.rclconstruction.com Smokey’s House of BBQ 949.388.8102 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, LANDSCAPING/SPRINKLERS www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com Sunburst Landscaping 949.632.0081 Steer Crazy International BBQ & GRILL www.sunlandscape.webs.com 949.493.3670 34700 Pacific Coast Hwy., #105 949.481.6999 www.steercrazyBBQ.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

949.496.3315

Azalea Salon & Boutique 949.248.3406 ELECTRICAL 24452 Del Prado Ave. Ste. A, delta G electrical

949.360.9282 www.azaleasalonandboutique.com Paragon Salon 949.489.1955 CA #657214, www.deltagelect.com 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy. EMAIL MARKETING Salon Revelation - Dayna Dallas 949.248.8595 34192 Violet Lantern #2 Concept2Design Marketing 949.276.6921 www.concept2design.net Accurate Bookeeping 949.412.5345 EMBROIDERY lisathebookkeeper@yahoo.com ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, CAFE - DELI www.abcembroideryshop.com Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com FITNESS PROGRAMS

INTERIOR DESIGN Norma Mardian Interior Design 949.492.6271 www.nminteriordesign.com

HOME INSPECTION RESIDENTIAL/COMMERICIAL

GHA Inspection Services & Mold Testing/ Remediation

949.331.8899 Dana Point, www.ghainspections.com

ICE CREAM Coffee Importers Scoop Deck 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

Mary Kay Cosmetics & Career 949.248.2868 Insurance Services Opportunities, Ind. Sales Director - Marline Adams, www.marykay.com/madams2 Statefarm/Elaine LaVine 949.240.8944 34080 Golden Lantern, www.elainelavine.net DENTISTS Ted Bowersox

949.661.3200 Dr. Hannah Lewis, DDS 949.496.5713 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste 204, www.statefarm.com 24655 Unit E La Plaza, www.danapointsmiles.com

ROOFING

Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 Capistrano Roofing, Inc. 949.246.7740 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com Lic# 936828, www.caporoofing.com Danman’s Music School 949.242.4431 24699 Del Prado,www.danmans.com SIGNS

Party Hosting The Party Girl www.ocpartygirl.com

949.212.1277

LH Painting, CA LIC. # 647760 949.240.8795 33391 Sea Bright Dr., www.lhpainting.com

PET GROOMING 949.496.3315

Girl in the Curl Surf Shop 949.661.4475 34116 Pacific Coast Hwy., www.girlinthecurl.com Infinity Surfboards 949.661.6699 24382 Del Prado, www.infinitysurf.com Jack’s Surfboards

949.276.8080 34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jackssurfboards.com

TUTORING Mathnasium 949.388.6555 32411 Golden Lantern, Ste. Q, www.mathnasium.com

PIZZA Beach Cities Pizza

34473 Golden Lantern St. 34155 Pacific Coast Hwy.

949.248.1007

Surf Shops

Painting

Dawgy Style 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy #112, www.todawgystyle.com

ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, www.abcembroideryshop.com

949.496.0606 949.496.2670

Plumbing

Upholstery Dana Point Upholstery 949.240.2292 24402 Del Prado Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

A to Z Leak Detection 949.499.4464 Window Coverings www.atozleakdetection.com Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731 Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 34172 Doheny Park Road, www.chicksplumbing.com 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com DC Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning www.dcplumbing.net 949.365.9044 WINDOW CLEANING King’s Plumbing 949.661.2709, 949.230.5464 Wonderful Windows 949.369.7263 www.wonderfulwindows.com

PRINT SHOP

Beacon Printing - Brad & Judy Brandmeier 24681 La Plaza, Ste. 125 949.661.3877 beaconprinting@sbcglobal.net Printing OC

949.388.4888 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com

PSYCHOTHERAPY Corinne Rupert PhD, PsyD, MFT 949.488.2648 33971 Selva Rd. Ste. 125, www.danapointpsychotherapy.com Michael Hoffman, MFT 949.212.4149 www.michaelhoffmanmft.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL Altera Real Estate, Shirley Tenger 949.487.7700 33522 Niguel Road, www.tengerteam.com JHill & Associates 949.488.7653 25471 Evans Pointe, www.hillrealty.org Jill McGovern Real Estate 949.481.5259 34231 Doheny Park Rd., www.jillmcgovern.com Lantern Bay Realty 949.661.6441 34179 Golden Lantern, Ste. 103, www.lanternbayrealty.com

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Call Angela Edwards at 949.682.1667 or e-mail aedwards@danapointtimes.com.

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FOR RENT NORTH BEACH 2br/1ba, upper duplex, w&d, fridge, garage. No smoking/pets.

Avail. 6/1. 949-274-3865

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

HELP WANTED DO YOU WANT A JOB YOU WILL LOVE? Full time / Part time COOK. We are looking for someone with previous cooking experience for our daily food production. Competitive salary, excellent benefits and an enjoyable work/life balance. If you are interested in becoming a Cook for Áegis Living, we encourage you to fill out an application, and/or submit your resume to Imee Fontecha in person at 26922 Camino de Estrella, Dana Point, CA 92624 or via fax to 949-488-2669.

Clarity Real Estate Network has limited openings for Real Estate and Lending Professionals to join our team at our new location in San Clemente, CA. Clarity offers a Full Service Real Estate Brokerage, Mortgage Lending, and Escrow Services. This complete array of products allows our team members to not only save our clients money, but supplement their own personal income by offering multiple services to clients. If you are a New/Experienced Real Estate Professional or a New/Experienced Loan Officer looking to take your career to the next level, please call Pat LeBienvenu at 949-466-2731 or Samantha Soto at 949-433-4280 for a confidential interview.

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

Work from Home. Make A Difference.

Faith & Family First. 888-385-7070

DP TIMES CLASSIFIEDS ARE ONLINE! Submit an ad or browse current listings at www.danapointtimes.com

Home IMPROVEMENT Garage Storage Cabinets: Quality furniture grade cabinets with dove-tailed joinery. Visit our website: WWW.GARAGEMAKEOVERS.BIZ or call 949-292-5419

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Misc. Health Services FREE PREGNANCY TESTS Confidential services & help when you need it most.

Call 218-5777; walk-ins welcome. 1450-B N. El Camino Real, SC. Pregnancy Resource Center

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR AD 1. Go to www.danapointtimes.com 2. Click on “Classifieds” 3. Follow the few easy steps Choose enhancements with borders, shading and bold text.

Any questions call us at: 949.388.7700 ext. 102

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June 11–17, 2010 • Dana Point Times • Page 23

SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS Stories, scores, schedules & more

DP

5 Best Bets BASEBALL

Angels vs. Dodgers, Dodger Stadium June 11, 7:10 p.m.

The freeway series comes to Dodger Stadium and the battle for L.A. bragging rights is on the line. The three game series will wrap on June 13. Info: www. losangeles.angels.mlb.com

D a n a Po i nt

FOOTBALL

SURFING

Nike Air Strike Passing Tournament, Dana Hills High School June 12, 9 a.m.

Surf-A-Rama, Doheny State Beach June 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dana Hills is one of 12 teams that will be participating in this year’s Nike Air Strike 7-on-7 passing tournament at Dana Hills High School.

The 4th Annual Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association Surf-A-Rama is a yearly celebration of all things surf featuring vintage boards and over 75 vendors. Info: www.

Info: www.dhhs.net

WOMENS BASKETBAL

SURFING

Lynx vs. Sparks, Staples Center June 13, Noon

NSSA Nationals, Salt Creek Beach June 13-16, 7 a.m.

It’s been a rough start to the season but the LA Sparks will get a shot to turn things around as they host Minnesota.

NSSA National Interscholastic College and Middle School Championships, National Air Show Championships and National Explorer Championships take center stage at Salt Creek Beach.

Info: www.wnba.com/sparks

Info: www.nssa.org

dohenystatebeach.org

Silver Lining to a Season’s End Dana Hills High School falls to Mater Dei in the CIF-SS Division I Finals

By Jonathan Volzke and David Zimmerle Dana Point Times

D

ana Hills High’s quest for the perfect end to its 2010 baseball season ended in a perfect game.

At Lake Elsinore’s minor-league stadium, The Diamond, home to the Lake Elsinore Storm, two Mater Dei High pitchers combined to prevent even a single Dolphin from reaching first base, and in the end prevented the Dolphins from ending their story-book season with a CIF crown. Mater Dei beat Dana Hills 2-0 on June 5.

But even as the Dolphins (20-13) clustered between their visitors dugout and the firstbase line, the second-place plaque at the feet of head coach Tom Faris, the Dana Hills fans who made the 41-mile drive to Lake Elsinore continued to cheer. Their team had accomplished something no other Dolphin baseball team ever had by just reaching the CIF finals.

Above: Dana Hills pitcher/first baseman Peter Tago gets set for a pick-off attempt against a Mater Dei base runner. Left: Peter Maris looks to connect on a pitch at the plate. Right: Dolphin teammates watch the action on the field from the dugout. Photos by Gibby/zone57.com

“I missed the prom tonight for this,” Talia Fuentes, a junior, said as she watched from the stands with hundreds of other Dana Hills fans, many in blue school shirts.

“This is a true Cinderella story.”

That was something Faris reminded the team of in the post-game huddle. “Don’t feel like you have to hang your head and be upset because you lost a baseball game,” Faris told his team. “Walk out with dignity, with your chins up.”

He then called his nine seniors over for another talk, thanking them for their hard work and their leadership. “You accomplished more than any other senior group in the history of Dana Hills High School,” Faris told them.

He knew they were leaving a baseball stadium for the last time as high school players, and that in weeks they’d be leaving Dana Hills behind, too. But they were leaving behind a bona fide baseball program. www.danapointtimes.com

“The goal has been to change the program to compete year in and year out, with kids who come in and compete,” Faris said.

“These kids have been doing that.”

But even among a hard-working team, Dana Hills did have a star this year in Peter

Tago, a first-baseman and pitcher taken by the Colorado Rockies this week in the first round of Major League Baseball’s compensatory draft going 47th overall. Ironically, it was Tago who made the last out as the Dolphins (Cont. on page 26) June 11–17, 2010 • Dana Point Times • Page 25

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

South County Spikers Jen Kessy and April Ross Win Big at AVP Nivea Huntington Beach Open

The Dolphins and Monarchs battle it out on The Diamond in Lake Elsinore at the CIF-SS Division I Finals.

Photo by Gibby/zone57.com

Silver Lining to a Season’s End (Cont. from page 25) season ended.

Eric Hsieh (5-7) got the start on the mound going 5.1 innings pitched while giving up two hits on five runs with six strikeouts. Tago (10-3) then stepped in for the final two outs and also finished with a strikeout.

After he and teammates watched Mater Dei receive their honors at home plate, consoled each other and listened to Faris, Tago stripped off his cleats and changed into red tennis shoes before approaching the edge of the dugout to sign autographs for children and adults alike waiting for him.

“I’ve been on varsity for four years,” Tago said. “All that hard work…it stinks it comes to this. It’s heartbreaking, just heartbreaking.”

He said he was looking forward to turning pro, and that he knows the Dana Hills program is better now because of him and his fellow seniors and teammates. “We all put our heart and soul into it, but nothing is handed to you, you’ve got to earn it. You’ve got to bind to the program.”

He looked around the Lake Elsinore Storm stadium, an excellent field.

“Over the summer I played in some big league stadiums,” Tago said. “But nothing compares to playing with your teammates.”

And with that, Tago joined the rest of his teammates to walk up the steps to parents and friends waiting, then back out to the bus for the ride back to Dana Hills High School—their last ride together as a baseball team. DP

2010 SEASON LEADERS Hits: Peter Maris (36), Scott Kaplan (32) and Trevor Scott (29) Doubles: Peter Maris (7), Peter Tago (7) and Trevor Scott (7)

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

Home Runs: Brian Choi (3) RBI: Trevor Scott (28), Brian Choi (20) and Peter Tago (20) Stolen Bases: Scott Kaplan (13), Trevor Scott (11) and Peter Tago (8) Pitching: Peter Tago (86 innings pitched), Eric Hsieh (64 innings pitched), Steve Connell and Matt Myers (22 innings pitched each) ERA: Peter Tago (2.77) and Eric Hsieh (2.84) Strikeouts: Peter Tago (97), Eric Hsieh (55), Matt Myers (24) and Steve Connell (19)

J

en Kessy, a San Clemente resident and former Dana Hills High School student, along with teammate April Ross, also an Orange County resident brought home a big win the AVP Nivea Huntington Beach Open pro volleyball tour on June 6.

Kessy and Ross have won four AVP tournaments before but this is their first victory in Southern California..

According to an AVP press release, the duo were seeded second, behind Misty May-Treanor and Nicole Branagh, and went 14-21, 21-12, 15-11 to pull off the upset in Sunday’s final.

As pressure mounted during the last five points, Kessy and Ross kept their heads in

the game and did what they needed to do.

“April was back there serving, and I was going to do my job at the net. I knew she was going to do her job back there under pressure.

That’s her time to shine,” said Kessy.

When asked what a win in Orange County means to her, Kessy had this to say, “It means a lot. I’m an Orange County local. My parents both are from San Clemente and went to San Clemente High School, so it’s something huge. I came down here in high school and watched tournaments and always dreamed of being in this final and winning it—my dream had become a reality, which is amazing.”

“Everyone wants to win here,” added Ross.

“Everyone’s from here and trains here, and all our friends and family are here. This is kind of like the grand slam of the AVP—here, Manhattan and Hermosa.” DP

Dolphin Report SPORTS NEWS FROM DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Head coach Tom Faris rallies his troops during the game. Photo by Gibby/zone57.com

Peter Tago signs autographs for fans after the game. Tago was selected 47th overall by the Colorado Rockies in this week’s MLB draft. Photo by Gibby/zone57.com

Page 26 • Dana Point Times • June 11–17, 2010

Jen Kessey (left) and April Ross. Photo by Peter Brouillet/AVP

BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD • The Dolphins wrapped another solid track and field season with several great finishes at the State Meet in Clovis, Calif. June 4-5. For the boys in the finals, Blake Ahrold (8:59.29) finished sixth in the 3200.

For the girls in the finals, Kimmie Conner (42.97) finished in seventh place in the 300 hurdles and Alaina Alvarez (10:58.75) took 16th in the 3200.

For the boys in the prelims, Connor Kaddatz (4:36.60) finished 24th in the 1600, Jesus Molina (1:53.74) finished 15th in the 800, Cole Guerin (1:55.47) finished 23rd in the 800, Vince Fusco (38.43) took 11th in the 300 hurdles and Devin Harrison (2206.25) took 11th in the long jump.

For the girls in the prelims, Conner (14.45, 43.23) finished 11th in the 100 hurdles and eighth in the 300 hurdles.

FOOTBALL • Dana Hills High School will host the upcoming Nike Air Strike 7-on-7 passing tournament slated for June 12. As the Dolphins look towards a fun prelude to the season so do a bevy of other

By David Zimmerle

programs. A total of 12 teams will compete at the tournament including CIF-Southern Section Division I finalists Servite High School and Edison High School of Huntington Beach. Other schools comprising the bracket system tournament include 2008 Division I champion Long Beach Poly, Tesoro High School—2008 Division I finalist, as well as Los Alamitos, Mater Dei and Loyola (Los Angeles) high schools—as all three qualified for the 2009 Division I playoffs.

The San Clemente Tritons are also in the mix, as are Narbonne High School (Harbor City), Roosevelt High School (Corona) and St. John Bosco High School of Bellflower.

The tournament will be comprised of three pools as Mater Dei, Los Alamitos, Loyola and Dana Hills make up pool A, Servite, Roosevelt, Narbonne and Tesoro are in pool B, and San Clemente, Edison, Long Beach Poly and St. John Bosco are in pool C. After it all plays out, the championship game will be at 3 p.m. www.danapointtimes.com