Eye on DP
News Next Door
What’s going on in our neighboring towns, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano SAN CLEMENTE
Foam Food Containers Facing Ban A doggy bag may again become a bag and prices at restaurants might go up a few cents, if the City Council gives final approval to an ordinance banning most polystyrene foam-food containers in San Clemente businesses. The resolution in support of the ban cites environmental reasons, noting that the tourist trade is important to the city’s economy and the polystyrene containers are a common product among litter. City staff says about 50 cities have made similar moves and that some businesses have already made the switch voluntarily. San Juan Capistrano has a policy recommending against the use of the material, but not an outright ban. Foods prepared or packaged outside of the city are exempt from the ban, as are reusable coolers. Businesses can also get an exemption if they show the ban causes “a severe economic” hardship. The City Council is expected to give final consideration to the measure at its January 4 meeting. The council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio.
City Considers Changes in Fire-Ring Policies In an effort to improve public safety, reduce negative environmental impacts and minimize nuisance smoke, the city is considering implementing new regulations for using fire rings
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and barbeques on the beach. City staff says the changes are expected to not only improve public safety, but reduce disruption to local residents impacted by smoke and help to prevent unintended fires from flying debris or embers. On January 4, the City Council will discuss the proposed changes at their regular meeting held at 6 p.m. at City Hall, Council Chambers at 100 Avenida Presidio. The staff report is posted on the city’s website at www. san-clemente.org. For those unable to attend the meeting, email comments to Sarah Over at OverS@san-clemente.org or leave comments on her voicemail at 949.361.8261. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Boulders Shore Up Creek County flood-control workers dumped huge boulders onto the banks of the San Juan Creek to shore them up during the torrential downpours earlier this month. At about 7 a.m., massive erosion was noticed on both banks of the creek just south of Del Obispo Street. That prompted authorities to call for a voluntary evacuation of about 450 homes, primarily along Alipaz Street. The problem arose when water got beneath huge concrete sheets that line the banks of the normally low-flowing creek. They popped like playing cards and the water easily ate away the earthen banks beneath them. The potential for flooding also forced the closure of Capistrano’s only post office, just days before Christmas.
In the end, though, county crews dumped huge boulders in to the creek to patch the banks, and no homes or businesses were damaged.
City Goes After Santa Capistrano is being a little frosty to Santa. A city code-enforcement officer issued a notice of violation to the Buy My Bikes shop at 32302 Camino Capistrano because the bike shop decorated the front of the store with a 12-foot inflatable Santa Claus. Jim Curwood, who has owned the shop for 32 years, said he initially thought the notice was a joke, until a follow up “notice of violation” arrived. The city’s sign code doesn’t allow businesses to use inflatables—although they are visible all over town. Famous for his goofy cable-TV ads, Curwood said he wasn’t offended by the effort. He and the city have jousted several times over the years, whether it’s about his “Buy My Bikes” truck or how much he paints his windows. He admitted the flap brought him some publicity and maybe a few new customers in a tough economy. “I love this town,” Curwood said. “But what they need to do is create a moratorium on the sign rules for Christmas, as long as the signs are related to the holidays. Then get everyone to put up lights and decorate and attract people to the city to look at how beautiful it is.” Curwood said he will leave the Santa up through the season. About 10 people have called, he said, and offered to pay the $100 fine.
Representing his native New Zealand and the Lands Down Under, Russell Kerr, past President of the Rotary Club of Monarch Beach Sunrise in Dana Point, will be riding on the Rotary International’s 2011 Rose Parade float. He was born, raised and educated in New Zealand, first came to the U.S. 27 years ago and became a naturalized American citizen in 2008. Russ worked for World Vision International from 1975 to 2000 where he was the executive manager of the aid agency’s emergency relief and community rehabilitation program, serving refugees and displaced persons with health, nutrition, food and agriculture programs worldwide. He first joined Rotary in 1978 as a Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Makati East, located in the Philippines. While a member of Makati East, he had the privilege of visiting many clubs throughout Asia. While living in Africa, he was also involved with the Rotary Club of Nairobi, Kenya. Russ joined the Monarch Beach Sunrise Club in 2002 and has served as Community Service chair, Club Service chair and as President from 2009 to 2010. He has sponsored three new members so far this year. He loves being a Rotarian and enjoys building his club’s reputation within the local community while supporting service projects all over the world. Currently he is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments, with his office in Dana Point since 2001.
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Compiled by Christina Scannapiego
Props, Recognitions and Morsels of Info These reader-submitted photos came in after our recent rainfalls, which have made this December the wettest December in Southern California since 1889.
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Top: A view from the bridge at Stonehill, looking towards PCH. Photo by Lynday Orban
u The Ocean Institute in Dana Point has announced that Dana Point resident Tim McMahon, Senior Vice President, CB Richard Ellis/Retail, has been named co-chair for the committee of the nonprofit’s 9th annual Jazz in January fundraiser. Also named to the committee are local residents Dennis Gabrick, President of Preserved TreeScapes International and Bryan Stirrat, founder of Bryan A. Stirrat & Associates. The two-day event, to be held February 4 and 5, features epicurean cuisine, fine wines and an evening of jazz, with producer/performer Rick Braun and Friends; featuring Euge Groove and Philippe Saisse. Those wishing to attend either of the two days are urged to obtain tickets early, as Jazz in January has sold out well in advance for each of the eight previous years. A Complimentary Wine Reception and Concert Performance, limited to 300 guests, begins the festivities on Friday, Tim McMahon. Courtesy photo February 4, at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive. The Wine Reception, catered by Il Fornaio, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with the concert following. Tickets are $95 and $125. To learn more about the Ninth Annual Jazz in January event or to purchase tickets, visit www. ocjazzfestival.com or www.ocean-institute.org. You may also contact Natasha Berendzen at 949.496.2274, ext 412, or nberendzen@ocean-institute.org.
Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more. The Dana Point waterfall. Photo by Shawn Parkin
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Shaun Pazos poses for his dad, Louis, at the waterfall. But don’t do this at home—this water definitely isn’t drinkable.
Forward a picture along, too! We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com. December 31, 2010–January 6, 2011 • Dana Point Times • Page 7