Dana Point Times

VOTE FOR BEST OF DANA POINT AT WWW.DANAPOINTTIMES.COM DECEMBER 2–8, 2011

LO C A L

N EWS

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE 48

Bringing Beautiful Music to Dana Point Concert Pianist Berenika Schmitz has returned to create the city’s first symphony orchestra E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 4

Berenika Schmitz, concert pianist and former Artistic Director for the Dana Point Coastal Arts Concert Series, has been chosen to serve as the city’s contract artistic director and founder of the first ever Dana Point Symphony. Photo by Andrea Swayne

City Votes to Extend TBID, Some Criticize Timeline

La Plaza Park Fountain Dedication Set for December 5

SPECIAL SECTION: DP Times Holiday Gift Guide

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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 Thursday, December 1- Tuesday, December 13

Zero Trash Dana Point 10 a.m.-noon On the first Saturday of the month Zero Trash Dana Point volunteers meet to collect trash in the business district of Dana Point. Those interested in volunteering should meet at Girl in the Curl surf shop, 34116 Pacific Coast Highway or Hobie Surf Shop, 24825 Del Prado, at 10 a.m.

Bags, gloves and trash pickers will be provided. Zero Trash was originally founded in Laguna Beach four years ago and cleanup events have been running in Dana Point since February of 2010. For more information, see www. zerotrash.org.

www.danapoint.org/youthboard.

Saturday, December 3

Holiday Home Decorating Contest The Dana Point Youth Board is taking entries for their 12th Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. The Board will judge entries based on creativity, originality and overall enthusiasm for the winter holidays and will award prizes to the top three. Entries must be received at City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern, by 5:30 p.m., December 13.

Judging will be done on December 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Entry forms can be found on the city website at

Craft Fair and Farmers Market 9 a.m.-3 p.m. La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza Street. On the first Saturday of each month the Dana Point Farmers Market hours are extended to 3 p.m. to include a craft fair. Admission is free. For more information or to inquire about purchasing a booth for $25, please call 949.573.5033 or 951.271.0669 or see www.danapoint. org. Crafters may rent multiple booths.

D A N A P O I N T ’ s T op 5 H ott e s t T opi c s

What’s Up With...

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… City Branding?

THE LATEST: The City Council voted 4-1 Monday to continue the Dana Point Tourism Business Improvement District into 2012.

Created in 2009, the TBID was intended to develop the Dana Point “brand” and better market it as an overnight destination.

Councilman Bill Brough cast the lone “no” vote, saying the program had no ability to measure success with room sales.

The TBID collects $3 per night from guests at the city’s four largest hotels—the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, St. Regis Monarch Beach, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa and Doubletree Guest Suites Doheny Beach. The four hotels together account for 88 percent of the city’s transient occupancy tax.

This year, the TBID portion is expected to generate up to $800,000.

Agency 51 Advertising received the initial $49,500 contract in March 2010 to develop the marketing strategy but for reasons that were unclear has not produced a formal plan.

“I am a little embarrassed that we have nothing to show for the past two years,” said Mayor Pro Tem Lara Anderson.

WHAT’S NEXT: City Manager Doug Chotkevys agreed to convey the city’s sense of urgency at the next TBID meeting. A public hearing of the ordinance is scheduled for the December 12,. City Council meeting at 6 p.m at City Hall.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapointtimes. com.

—Andrea Swayne

2

…Dana Point’s Pot Shops?

THE LATEST: The city scored two more legal victories in its battle against pot shops when Dana Point Times December 2–8, 2011

the 4th District Court of Appeal tossed out two legal challenges by the owners of the now-closed Holistic Heath.

The legal rulings come after the city had already won a court order shutting down the business, which was on Del Prado.

But the challenges pertained to early court rulings shutting down the business.

The city was attempting to prove the shop was acting as a business, not under medical-marijuana laws. The city also asked a court to shut down the shop because it did not meet zoning codes.

As the city launched those cases, Holistic Health challenged the preliminary closure rulings. Before the appellate court ruled, however, the trial judge sided with the city. That ruling essentially made the appellate challenges moot.

The justices said, however, that Holistic Health still wanted a determination. Justices on November 23 sided with the city in both cases.

This year, the City of Dana Point won three Superior Court cases rendering Beach Cities Collective, Holistic Health and The Point Alternative Care medical marijuana dispensaries closed for alleged illegal for-profit operations and on the line to pay the city upward of $6 million in combined judgments.

In the rulings that dismissed the two preliminary injunctions the justices said that Holistic Health had the burden of proving it was not operating a for-profit business and failed to do so, said City Attorney Patrick Munoz.

WHAT’S NEXT: Another appeal by Holistic Health remains before the 4th District Court.

Munoz in October said Dana Point had spent about $400,000 fighting the pot shops.

FIND OUT MORE: See the appellate decisions at www.danapointtimes.com —Jonathan Volzke/AS

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…the La Plaza Park Fountain?

THE LATEST: A dedication ceremony for the new fountain in La Plaza Park will be held on December 5.

The project was designed by landscape architect Yvonne English of Dana Point and features the artwork of local artist Lance Jost in the form of three glass mosaics depicting sea life as well as three three-dimensional castings of surfers. Jost also created the whale and surfer murals on the southern walls of the Dana Point pedestrian bridge over Pacific Coast Highway.

The project will be dedicated in honor of longtime resident Mary Ellen Thomas, who passed away in 2008. The $40,000 fountain was funded by Thomas’ estate.

WHAT’S NEXT: The dedication will begin at 11 p.m. at La Plaza Park, 34091 Pacific Coast Highway.

FIND OUT MORE: Contact Public Works Director Brad Fowler at 949.248.3582. —AS

4

…Groundwater Recovery?

THE LATEST: South Coast Water District plans three new wells to increase the capacity of its groundwater recovery plant, which pulls water from the San Juan Basin, removes minerals and puts it in the city’s drinking water system.

The groundwater plant, on the district’s 30 acres between Stonehill Drive and Pacific Coast Highway, now pulls 912 acre feet of brackish water per year for customers in Dana Point and parts of other nearby cities.

Officials want to ultimately increase that to 3,194 acre feet annually.

Four potential well sites are studied in environmental documents, three on the west side of San Juan Creek and one on

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the district’s 30 acres. One of the well sites is in Creekside Park. One well would be built immediately, as back-up for the plant’s lone well, then ultimately the other two for expansion. Pipelines would be connect the well system. The district has already allocated $98,500 for well design and $337,888 for wellhead and pipeline design.

WHAT’S NEXT: District officials will meet to consider environmental studies for the plan at a special meeting at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 2 at district headquarters, 31592 West Street, Laguna Beach.

The district gets about 10 percent of the drinkable water sent to residents from groundwater, and wants to increase that 20 percent. The vast majority of the district’s water is supplied by the Metropolitan Water District.

FIND OUT MORE: See the staff report at www.danapointtimes.com or www.scwd.org —JV

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… the San Juan Barn?

THE LATEST: The Cook Barn, a fixture of San Juan Capistrano’s Del Obispo Street, was consumed by fire Thursday, December 1.

The blaze started at 10:30 a.m., drawing the Orange County Fire Authority from as far as Laguna Niguel and Ladera Ranch.

The barn sits on the same parcel as Ocean Hills Church and Del Obispo Senior Living but neither was evacuated.

Jerry Elliot, husband of Mary Cook whose grandfather built the structure in 1898, said family members had recently been living in the barn.

WHAT’S NEXT: The barn was expected to be razed.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.danapointtimes.com for updates. —JV www.danapointtimes.com

Eye on DP

Bringing Beautiful Music to Dana Point Concert pianist Berenika Schmitz has returned as the city’s artistic director and symphony founder musician who has made the promotion of the arts in Dana Point a focus of his year as Mayor. “She is a world-class concertizing pianist who has actually lived every experience she is now making come alive for our city. And it really shows. I hope she is with us for a long, long time.”

By By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

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erenika Schmitz became involved in the cultural arts scene in Dana Point as the artistic director of the Coastal Arts Concert Series two years ago. But her ties to the city developed far beyond her role in helping to develop the popular classical music concerts and visual arts shows; she fell in love with Dana Point and Dana Point fell in love with her.

After moving to Maryland in July after husband Capt. Nicholas Schmitz, an infantry platoon commander, returned from Afghanistan and was reassigned to the Naval Academy, Schmitz found she couldn’t bear to cut ties with Dana Point completely.

She has returned, and working as the city’s contract artistic director, created the first ever Dana Point Symphony.

According to Mayor Scott Schoeffel, the city will fund the lion’s share of orchestra expenses and additional funding will come from ticket sales and private sponsorships.

With a background in performing as a concert pianist and an education in arts policy and business, the Juilliard trained musician saw a need for a classical music when she first arrived in Dana Point in 2008.

“I saw a community that had a love for the arts but didn’t have a consistent series of classical music performances that people could count on month after month.

I really wanted to curate something like that,” said Schmitz. “I enjoyed selecting the music as well as performing and really wanted to plant that seed here.”

That seed was not only planted, it grew and flourished as word about the series spread and audiences continued to grow in the two successful years of the program. The three symphony concerts she programmed during that time were the most well attended of the bunch.

Schmitz admits she felt a bit conflicted when her husband returned from Afghanistan and she learned that his new job at the Naval Academy would mean some

Berenika Schmitz (piano), Mayor Scott Schoeffel (violin) and vocalist Victoria Robertson got together for a photo following a Dana Point Coastal Arts Concert Series event at St. Edwards Church during last year’s series. Schmitz served as artistic director of the series for the past two seasons. Photo by Andrea Swayne

stability for the newlyweds who had spent nearly half of their three-year marriage apart.

“I was thrilled that Nick was home but sad that it would mean leaving the community I had grown to love,” said Schmitz. “It came as a huge relief to me to know that he would not have to deploy but moving away would be bittersweet. I had worked so hard in my last two years in Dana Point and just felt like I was such a part of a community.”

Her new role as artistic director has given Schmitz the opportunity to return to Dana Point once or twice a month to expand upon the work she started.

The Dana Point Symphony will be led

by Music Director and Principal Conduc-

tor Dean Anderson, who also conducts the Fullerton College Symphony and the Montage Civic Symphony, and will include 40 to 60 musicians depending on each concert program.

“Having built a great working relationship with Berenika during the symphony concerts I conducted for the Coastal Arts Series, I know that we are very like-minded and equally passionate about the music,” said Anderson, adding that Schmitz’ talent and organization are exactly what will be needed to lead the symphony to long-time success.

Mayor Schoeffel couldn’t agree more.

“The city is extremely fortunate to have Berenika’s prodigious talent and passion at its service,” said Schoeffel, himself a

THE INAUGURAL SEASON The inaugural 2012 Dana Point Symphony season line up has been announced and will include concerts on February 10, March 9, April 13 and May 4. All concerts will begin at 7:30 at St. Edwards Church, 33926 Calle la Primavera. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students under 16, seniors over 65 and military with ID. Season tickets are $32.

Each concert will also include a show by a different local visual artist and concertgoers will be welcomed at a “Meet the Artists” reception following each performance.

In honor of the symphony’s premier season, special guests and events will be built into the schedule.

The Naval Academy Women’s Glee Club will be performing with the symphony in March as a part of their tour of California and Hawaii.

In April the symphony will premier a piece, written in its honor, by Spanish composer Juan Colomer. “Colomer won a Latin Grammy for his orchestration for Placido Domingo and his works have been performed by the likes of the Vienna Symphony and Paris Orchestra,” said Schmitz.

“I am thrilled because for a symphony to have a piece written specifically for them to premier is one of the greatest honors in the orchestra world.”

Log on to www.danapointsymphony.com to see the full list of musicians, music and artists.

Schmitz and Anderson will be holding auditions Saturday, January 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern. Interested musicians should send an email to info@danapointsymphony.com for an appointment and audition repertoire information.

Visit www.danapointtimes.com to read more. DP

Eye on DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter Compiled By Jonathan Volzke All information below is obtained from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department website. The calls represent what was told to the deputy in the field by the radio dispatcher. The true nature of an incident often differs from what is initially reported. No assumption of criminal guilt or affiliation should be drawn from the content of the information provided. An arrest doesn’t represent guilt. The items below are just a sampling of the entries listed on the OCSD Web site.

Wednesday, November 30 KEEP THE PEACE Green Lantern, 34400 Block (9:09 p.m.)

A woman called for deputies to stand by while she evicted a tenant from one of her properties.

ILLEGAL PEDDLING Azores Road, 32500 Block (6:02 p.m.)

A resident complained a woman was going door-to-door selling magazines. She got

“really snotty” when she was turned down, dispatchers reported.

Tuesday, November 29

DISTURBANCE Doheny Park Road, 34000 Block (2:02 p.m.)

A woman complained about a transient sleeping in the mobile home park. She was afraid to wake him.

DISTURBANCE Calle Naranja, 34500 Block (11:47 p.m.)

A caller reported a female friend was starting a fight, so he locked her out. But, he reported, she came back in through an unlocked door.

TRESPASSING Doheny Park Road, 34200 Block (1:18 p.m.)

An auto-service shop complained that day laborers would not move off the property.

WELFARE CHECK Pacific Coast Highway/Del Obispo Street (10:46 p.m.) A woman was reported wandering around the parking lot, crying.

SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Silver Lantern, 33900 Block (12:36 p.m.)

A woman reported strange men were hanging out under her window.

CITIZEN ASSIST Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (9:17 a.m.) A homeless man defecated on the restroom floor and left his belongings in the restroom. The caller took a photo of the man and wanted deputies to talk to him.

Dispatchers advised the caller no crime had been committed.

WELFARE CHECK Bridgeport Street, 0 Block (12:43 a.m.)

A woman got a call from her ex-husband, in which he said he wanted to throw the kids out and kill himself.

News Bites

WELFARE CHECK Selva Road, 34100 Block (9:21 p.m.)

A caller reported a 67-year-old man was supposed to be picked up at the airport, but he wasn’t there even though the caller confirmed he got on the flight. Deputies went to his home, but nobody was there.

MISSING CHILD Crosscreek Street, 0 Block (7:25 p.m.) A woman reported her 10-year-old son left about an hour ago after getting in trouble and she couldn’t find him. Deputies tracked him down at Golden Lantern and Josiah.

DISTURBANCE Domingo Avenue, 25900 Block (4:36 p.m.)

A woman reported a man was yelling at her while she was in her vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Golden Lantern/Camino Del Avion (12:25 p.m.) A man in his 40s was dressed as a woman in the shopping center parking lot. He wore a colorful striped woman’s shirt and short “Daisy Duke” shorts, but they didn’t cover all of his private parts, a caller reported.

UKNOWN TROUBLE Selva Road, 34100 Block (7:07 a.m.)

Two callers reported hearing a man yell “don’t shoot me; I’m unarmed.” Deputies found one suspicious character, but nothing amiss. A call came in from the same area earlier about a man banging on walls and yelling since 4:30 a.m.

INVESTIGATE DEAD BODY Shell Drive, 25700 Block (1:54 a.m.)

A woman reported she’d found her 50-yearold father dead. He’d complained of chest pains earlier, but she thought he’d been asleep all day.

Monday, November 28 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES Del Obispo Street, 33600 Block (11:02 p.m.)

A grocery store worker called to report someone who drank a bottle of cough syrup he didn’t pay for and passed out in the bathroom.

The caller didn’t want to press charges, but wanted deputies to talk to the man.

Compiled by Andrea Swayne

Props, Recognitions and Morsels of Info

Toy Express to Arrive Dec. 4 Metrolink’s Holiday Toy Express train arrives in San Clemente Sunday, December 4 with two stops: North Beach at 7:45 p.m. and San Clemente Pier 8:20 p.m.

The 15th anniversary train also makes local stops at Laguna Niguel-Mission Viejo at 6 p.m. and San Juan Capistrano 7 p.m.

The 450-ton train will be decorated with 50,000 twinkling lights and comes complete with holiday music and, of course, Santa. For more information, visit www. metrolinktrains.com.

Capo Beach Student a Bowdoin Scholar Sean McElroy of Capistrano Beach, a member of the Bowdoin College Class of 2012, was named a Sarah and James Bowdoin Scholar at the highly selective liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine.

McElroy was selected for the honor for being among the top 20 percent of scholars for the previous academic year. He is majoring in history and philosophy.

Dana Point Times December 2–8, 2011

Boys & Girls Club Seeks Gifts for Homework Incentive Program The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is seeking donations of gifts for their upcoming Operation Holiday Homework “shopping” days. Holiday Homework is an incentive based program in which children earn points that can be redeemed to “purchase” holiday gifts for family members.

“It amazes me when you see children shopping for their parents and siblings as opposed to themselves,” said Executive Director James Littlejohn. “Through Operation Holiday Homework, they’re able to get this opportunity when otherwise they couldn’t afford it.”

Donations of new, unwrapped toys and gifts can be dropped off through December 8 at the San Juan Capistrano Club, 1 Via Positiva in San Juan Capistrano or the Aliso Viejo Club, 24671 Via Iglesia in Aliso Viejo.

For more information, call Nicole Belair at 949.240.7898.

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@sanclementetimes.com.

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SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING

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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

Dana Point Times, Vol. 4, Issue 48. 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 2011. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA CEO Norb Garrett

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

EDITORIAL Group Editor, Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Jonathan Volzke City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne City Editor, SC Times > Stacie N. Galang ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Distribution Manager > Andrea Swayne

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

INTERNS Austin Patrick Reagan

Sales Associate > Angela Edwards

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, George Mackin, Rebecca Nordquist

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak, David Zimmerle

Graphic Designer > Heidi Mefferd

HARBORING THE GOOD LIFE: Lisa Zawaski, Senior Water Quality Engineer, City of Dana Point

The Ins and Outs of the Local Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center ave you visited the local Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at the Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano to properly dispose of your Lisa Zawaski household hazardous waste (HHW)? Some of the materials that are considered HHW may surprise you. Here are in the ins and outs of using the free HHW collection center to properly dispose of your HHW. The center accepts HHW including: Cleaning Products: Bleach, drain cleaners, pool chemicals, toilet, tub, tile and shower cleaners, oven cleaners, wood and metal cleaners and polishes Lawn and Garden Products/Pesticides: Fungicides, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, wood preservatives, ant and cockroach sprays and baits, bug sprays, flea and moth repellents, rodent poisons and baits Workshop/Painting/Hobby Supplies: Adhesives and glues, aerosol cans, fixatives and other solvents, furniture/paint strippers, oil or enamel-based paint, paint thinners, turpentine, photographic chemicals, stains and finishes TIP—Only leftover products need to be taken to the HHW Collection for disposal.

Empty containers can be recycled or thrown in the regular trash as appropriate.

TIP—If you have containers with only a little paint left in them you can let the paint dry and dispose of the container and dried paint in the trash. Leave the lid off the container so the waster hauler can tell that the waste is dry and suitable for pick it.

Automotive Products: Motor oil, fuels, antifreeze, batteries, refrigerants, carburetor and fuel injection cleaners, fuel additives, starter, transmission, brake fluids, etc.

TIP—Used motor oil may be disposed of at the South Coast Water District Facility,

H

Dana Point Times December 2–8, 2011

34152 Del Obispo, 949.496.9343, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other locations can be found at www. ochealthinfo.com/usedoil.

Sharps: Hypodermic, pen and intravenous needles, lancets and syringes.

Please place the sharps in a punctureresistant container (i.e. plastic detergent bottle) with a tight fitting lid.

TIP—A mail service may also be used to dispose of sharps. Please see www. danapoint.org/recycle for more info.

E-waste: Alarm clocks, blood glucose monitors (sterilized), camcorders, CD players, cell phones, computers and monitors , desktop copiers, cameras, digital thermometers, display boards on exercise equipment, DVD players, hand-held electronic devices, medical monitors, iPods and other MP3 players, microwave ovens, small kitchen appliances, pagers, printers, scanners, fax machines, radios, stereos (no speakers), telephones, answering machines, TVs, VCRs, walkie-talkies, video game consoles and accessories Miscellaneous: Household batteries, compact fluorescent tubes (CFLs), driveway sealer, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermostats or thermometers, fire extinguishers under 40 lbs., helium tanks, kerosene, lighter fluid, propane tanks (5-gallon or smaller) TIP—City Hall has household battery, cell phone and CFL collection bins for you convenience. Please drop off your batteries and cell phones for free on the second floor of City Hall in the Community Development lobby.

What NOT to bring: Asbestos, ammunition, biological waste, explosives, compressed gas tanks (acetylene, oxygen, air tanks—SCUBA) and tires (see below for options) and containers with waste larger than five gallons

Please call a hazardous waste disposal company for more information.

TIP—Tires can be disposed of as bulky items. You can schedule up to two free collections or visit one of the three Dana Point Bulky Item Pick up days scheduled throughout the year.

TIP—Check manufacturer info for proper disposal, return or exchange of compressed air tanks.

See www.earth911.com for more information on where to dispose other items.

TIP—While at the facility, please visit the Material Exchange Program where you can choose up to five items per week from a selection of partially used containers of household, yard and car-care products to take home for free.

The Prima Deshecha Landfill is located at 32250 La Pata Avenue in San Juan Capistrano. To get there, exit I-5 at Ortega Highway (SR-74), go east to La Pata Ave., then turn right and continue to landfill entrance.

Carefully transport up to 15 gallons (or 125 pounds) of HHW—it is illegal to exceed this limit. Consider placing a tarp in your trunk and using a box to help prevent the containers from tipping over. Make sure all containers have lids and are not leaking. Original containers are preferred.

Do not mix wastes. Once at the center, remain in your vehicle and technicians will remove the waste for disposal.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and is closed on major holidays and rainy days.

For more information call 714.834.6752 or log on to www.oclandfills.com.

You can also find all this information and more on the city’s website at www.danapoint.org/recycling.

Please do your part to “Harbor the Good Life” and dispose of your items properly.

This column is a cooperative effort of the City of Dana Point and South Coast Water

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ONLINE POLL How will the change of City Council meeting days from the second and fourth Mondays to the first and third Tuesdays of the month affect your attendance in 2012?

The change makes it more difficult to attend. I will most likely not go as often.

9% I will be able to go more often.

12% I will attend the same number of meetings I always have.

36% I never go and don’t plan on starting.

42% Make sure to sound off on the “DP Times Poll of the Week” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Bookmark Dana Point Times today!

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

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU 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.

District to cultivate conscious living to protect and preserve our coastal neighborhoods and resources. If you have any suggestions for topics, please feel free to direct questions to lzawaski@danapoint.org (City of Dana Point) or lhomscheid@scwd.org (South Coast Water District). 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

friday

LORD OF THE STRINGS 7:30 p.m. “Honk Band” legends and singer songwriters Steve Wood and Beth Fitchet Wood at the DP Community House. $20. 24642 San Juan Ave., Dana Point, 949.842.2227, www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com.

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HARBOR OPEN HOUSE 4 p.m.–8 p.m. The three areas of the Harbor, Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariner’s Alley will all host holiday activities geared to families and children. Free. 949.923.2255, www.danapointharbor.com.

LANGETWINS WINE TASTING 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m.

San Clemente Wine Company welcomes Brad Lange from Langetwins Winery. $15 for seven wines with cheese, crackers and chocolate. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

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

saturday

SING A JOYFUL SONG HOLIDAY CONCERT 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. The San Clemente Choral Society performs at Saint Andrew’s by-the-Sea Methodist Church. $5-$12. 2001 Calle Frontera, 949.361.8463, www.SCCS-Arts.org.

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SANTA’S VILLAGE BY THE SEA 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Holiday event at the San Clemente Community Center with a snow hill, cookie decorating, Santa visits, tree lighting with the mayor and more. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, 949.361.8264, recreg@san-clemente.org.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Experience Casa Romantica decorated for the holidays with hot chocolate, cookies, crafts, a visit with Santa, the lighting of the Casa Christmas Tree with caroling, holiday entertainment and more. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Dana Point Times December 2–8, 2011

AT THE MOVIES ‘HUGO’ IS A THRILL Martin Scorsese’s Hugo is a fantasy film with young leads likely to be enjoyed by primarily adults. One would think it’s strange that the master of violent and gritty cinema would participate in a family friendly movie, though he already branched out of his genre for Shutter Island (2010) and The Age of Innocence (1993). Another shock is that Scorsese, an old-time Hollywood film enthusiast, would choose to film Hugo in 3D. But what seems like a recipe for disaster, ends up making complete sense. It begins with 12-year-old Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) who lives alone and sets the city clock in Paris in between secretly rebuilding a robot his late father (Jude Law) left him. When he discovers that the missing link to completion is a heart shaped key, things become compli© 2011 GK Films. All Rights Reserved. cated. A toy store owner (Ben Kingsley) is on his case and a local cop (Sacha Baron Cohen) with a grudge against kids always lurks nearby. But a new friend named Isabel (Chloë Moretz) might want to help Hugo in his quest. Hugo does for 3D what Who Framed Roger Rabbit did for combining live action and animation. The effects are a whole new visual experience that Scorsese morphs gracefully into his storytelling. Surprisingly, the film also becomes an ode to cinema. Butterfield and Moretz lead the story impressively, and although they and the rest of the cast have English accents in a Paris set film, it’s already a magically romanticized period so who cares? DP — Megan Bianco

EDITOR’S PICK: BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dana Wharf hosts free 20-minute harbor cruises with Santa and his helpers aboard the Dana Pride. Bring your camera for pictures with Santa. Photos are free but a $3 donation to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club is suggested. Boat rides will also be offered on Sunday, December 4. No reservations required. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Fresh produce and much more every Saturday at La Plaza Park, intersection of PCH and Golden Lantern in Dana Point.

sunday

MAKE-A-WISH WINE TASTING 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Dana Hills High Make-A-Wish Club hosts a wine-tasting at Salt Creek Wine Company with appetizers, silent auction and entertainment. Tickets $30-$40. Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation. 30100 Town Center Drive, B-2, Laguna Niguel. Call 949.228.7519 or email makeawish. dana@gmail.com for tickets and info.

04

6TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. Explore unique homes and help raise funds for the CUSD and Marines; presented by the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley. $30-$35. More info: 949.291.8408, www.capistranovalley.assitanceleague.org.

SAWDUST WINTER FANTASY 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Sawdust Art Festival creates a winter wonderland for the holiday season featuring fine art and crafts with over 170 exhibitors every weekend through December 11 .

Tickets $3-$6. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030, www.sawdustartfestival.org.

monday

FESTIVE DINNER COOKING CLASS 6:30 p.m. Cooking class at Antoine’s Café on Monday and Tuesday. $50 each; includes recipes, dinner and a glass of wine. 218 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com.

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Page 8

MONDAY NIGHT LAUGHS 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Live stand-up comedy every Monday night at Hennessey’s Tavern.

34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com/dana_point.html.

tuesday

06

BENNY / FLAMENCO 7 p.m.–11 p.m. Music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

POUL PEDERSEN 6 p.m. Live music at Renaissance.

24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

wednesday

WINTER BEERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. San Clemente Wine Co. welcomes Scott Smith of Wine Warehouse. $15 for seven beers with pretzels, brats and more. 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar; 949.429.7067; www.scwinecompany.com

07

WINE TASTING 7 p.m.–8 p.m. Wine tasting at Vine with four wines paired with food; $40. 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.9376, www.vinesanclemente.com.

JIM SUMMERS & FRIENDS 7 p.m. Live music at Renaissance. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.

thursday

THE SECRET GARDEN 7 p.m.

South Orange County School of the Arts presents the play in Porthole Theater. Shows through Dec. 10. Tickets online.

33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.240.1994, www.socsarts.org.

08

PICTURES WITH SANTA 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Head to Mariner’s Village in the Dana Point Harbor for pictures with Santa and more. 949.923.2255, www.danapointharbor.com. *For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.danapointtimes.com.

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com www.danapointtimes.com

SHOP LOCAL! SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE DANA POINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Chamber is Just a Call or Click Away 949.496.1555 or www.danapointchamber.com

2011 Holiday Gift Guide

Give the gift of LOCAL NEWS YOU CAN USE! Subscribe to the DP Times or give a subscription to a loved one. Call Andrea Swayne at 949.388.7700, ext. 113.

DP LIVING

4

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DP

SUDOKU

by Myles Mellor 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

DS aannCale m Poe ni ntet

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

Annual Turkey Trot and 5th Marine Regiment Dinner Kick Off Holiday Season in Dana Point Right: Runners gather for the customary costume contest.

Below: One of three waves of children set out to run the 1-mile Kids Gobble Wobble.

A group of Marines and their families, Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group members, Mayor Scott Schoeffel and guests joined hosts, Mahé Restaurant owner Toby Reece and Sunsets Capo Beach owner Damian Collins, for a group picture following Thanksgiving dinner. Photos by Andrea Swayne

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

F

or 34 years the Turkey Trot has been a Thanksgiving tradition in Dana Point. This year’s event brought 10,200 runners and walkers of all ages—many in costume—to the 10K, 5K and Kids’ Gobble Wobble courses in and around Dana Point

Ian McLarnon proposed to his sweetheart of five years Jena Leis at the finish line. She said, “Yes.” Both are from San Clemente.

Chamber of Commerce Chairman Russell Kerr offered the couple free entry into next year’s Turkey Trot.

Harbor and Doheny State Beach.

Thousands more joined the festivities as spectators, cheering and shouting for competitors at the start and finish lines, making for a fun and festive early morning precursor to Thanksgiving celebrations. Visitors also enjoyed browsing vendor and informational booths at the event’s Health and Wellness Expo.

John Bates (left) of Dana Point and Travis Pettit of Mission Viejo jump for joy at the costume contest following their race.

The Turkey Trot—presented by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce— helped to raise funds for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.

At registration, runners had the opportunity to sponsor Thanksgiving dinner for Camp Pendleton-based Marines and their

families. Following the race, Mahé Restaurant and Sunsets Capo Beach teamed up to host the dinner at Mahé.

Log on to www.danapointtimes.com to see a photo slideshow of the events as well as scenes from the November 22, “Go For the Gold” Turkey Trot kick-off party.

Full race results can be found online at www.turkeytrot.com. DP

Locals Only

Business Directory

The only directory featuring Dana Point businesses exclusively AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT Memories of Me Photography

ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING

LOCKSMITH

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

Dana Point Lock & Security www.danapointlock.com

MUSIC INSTRUCTION

BEAUTY SALONS Paragon Salon 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy. Salon Revelation - Dayna Dallas 34192 Violet Lantern #2

949.489.1955 949.248.8595

CAFE - DELI Coffee Importers Espresso Bar 949.493.7773 34531 Golden Lantern, www.coffeeimporters.com

CATERING Smokey’s House of BBQ 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com

949.388.8102

CHIROPRACTORS

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES Christian Science Services 34102 La Plaza

949.661.3151

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

COINS 949.350.4692 Kevin

COMPUTER REPAIR & SERVICES San Clemente Computer & Network Services daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581

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

Mary Kay Cosmetics & Career 949.248.2868 Opportunities, Ind. Sales Director - Marline Adams, www.marykay.com/madams2

DENTISTS Dana Point Dental 34080 Golden Lantern, Ste 201, www.danapointdental.com

ELECTRICAL

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

949.248.1007

Fit Club - Boot Camp www.afitclub.com

949.831.7984

HAIR SALONS Monarch Bay Haircutters 20 Monarch Bay Plaza Paragon Salon 34161 Pacific Coast Hwy.

949.496.1957 949.489.1955

ICE CREAM

949.661.5664

Chick’s Plumbing

www.chicks-plumbing.com

949.496.9731

Island Inspired Pool & Spa islandinspired@earthlink.net

Insurance Services

Ocean Academy

www.oceanacademy4u.com

949.218.4464

Surf Shops

POOL & SPA SERVICE 949.547.1000

San Clemente Preschool 949.498.1025 163 Avenida Victoria, sanclementepreschool@gmail.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 English Tutoring by Susan 949.481.0481 Mathnasium 949.388.6555 32411 Golden Lantern, Ste. Q, www.mathnasium.com

Upholstery Beacon Printing - Brad & Judy Brandmeier 24681 La Plaza, Ste. 125 949.661.3877 Dana Point Upholstery 949.240.2292 beaconprinting@sbcglobal.net 24402 Del Prado Printing OC

949.388.4888 Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 27134 Paseo Espada #B 203, www.printingoc.com 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com PSYCHOTHERAPY

Corinne Rupert PhD, PsyD, MFT 949.488.2648 33971 Selva Rd. Ste. 125, www.danapointpsychotherapy.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

Patricia Powers 949.496.1900 License#0737080, pat.powers@cox.net Statefarm/Elaine LaVine 949.240.8944 34080 Golden Lantern, www.elainelavine.net State Farm/Ted Bowersox 949.661.3200 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy. #204 www.tedbowersox.com

949.248.1007

SURF LESSONS

Plumbing

PRINT SHOP

Prudential California Realty, Shirley Tenger www.tengerteam.com 949.487.7700 Surterre Properties Monarch Beach, 949.464.3243 McDaniel Gilmore Group 33522 Niguel Rd. Ste. 100, Monarch Beach 92629 www.mcdanielgilmoregroup.com

WINDOW CLEANING Bayside Window Cleaning www.baysidewindowcleaning.com

949.290.8230

Window Coverings Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 949.240.9569 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy, www.jeddys.com

YOGA Sun Salute Yoga Studio

949.371.6097 24655 La Plaza, Ste. A, www.sunsaluteyoga.com

INTERIOR DESIGN Maureen B. Fletcher Interior Design 714.889.9597 momofletcher@gmail.com

Jeweler Dana Point Jeweler 949.489.1165 24845 Del Prado, www.danapointjeweler.com

COSMETICS

SIGNS

PRESCHOOLS EMBROIDERY

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

COFFEE SHOP

GraCorp Coins & Collectibles www.gracorpcoins.com

Hurry!! Almost sold out! Last day to get your exclusive Christmas pictures with or without Santa is Saturday, December 10th for $89. 11-3pm book online at www.memoriesofmephotos.com. Great holiday photos and you leave with a cd of all images! Amazing value!! Call and book your session today!! 949.361.0680, GailMarino@cox.net, www.memoriesofmephotos.com

FITNESS PROGRAMS

Ocean Ranch Chiropractic 949.584.5000 Dr. James Slusher & Dr. Ron Berman, 32585 Golden Lantern, Ste. H, www.oceanranchchiropractic.com Pacific Waves Family Chiropractic 949.436.2926 & Alternative Healthcare 24632 San Juan, Ste. 230, www.pacific-waves.com

RESTAURANTS

949.443.1476 949.632.0081 Brio Tuscany Grille 949.493.3670 24050 Camino Del Avion, www.briorestaurant.com Jolly Roger Restaurant 949.496.0855 34661 Golden Lantern, www.aloharestaurants.com 949.388.8102 949.496.6919 Smokey’s House of BBQ 32860 Pacific Coast Hwy. #4, www.SmokeysHouseofBBQ.com

Kenny’s Music & Guitars 949.661.3984 ABC Signs & Embroidery Shop 24731 La Plaza, www.kennysmusicstore.com Danman’s Music School 949.496.6556 34135 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. E, www.abcembroideryshop.com 24699 Del Prado, www.danmans.com

Auto Repair Dana Point Auto 949.496.1086 34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, Dana Point, Ca 92629

LANDSCAPING/SPRINKLERS Sunburst Landscaping www.sunlandscape.webs.com

JUNIOR WATERMAN PROGRAM Ocean Academy

www.oceanacademy4u.com

949.218.4464

Junk Removal Green Dump Truck www.greendumptruck.com

949.697.4517

LANDSCAPING

delta G electrical 949.360.9282 Rocky Taylor Landscaping rjls@cox.net CA #657214, www.deltagelect.com

949.697.1770

LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN “LOCALS ONLY” This handy, cost-friendly, go-to reference tool keeps your business in front of potential customers 24/7.

Get your business listed today.

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY DP DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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

FOR RENT 2BDRM 2 BATH HOUSE/LANTERN DISTRICT $2,300/mo-Open floorplan/Private Garage /Laundry hook ups/Quiet street/ 34056 Aurelio Dr 1 yr lease/949-240-3723

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

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Then you need to be in the Dana Point Times. Call us today!

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Dana Point Times December 2–8, 2011

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Page 19

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SPORTS

5

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

5 BEST BETS COLLEGE BASKETBALL

RUN/WALK

Toreros vs. Anteaters Bren Events Center

USC Quench the Fire 5k/10k Woodley Park, Van Nuys

December 3, 7 p.m.

DP

Still winless since tipping off the season in November, UC Irvine’s men’s basketball team is shooting for a win against the University of San Diego Toreros.

Info: www.ucirvinesports.com

D a n a Po i nt

Dolphin Report: SPORTS NEWS FROM DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

December 4, 8:30 a.m.

Hosted by the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, this event aims to raise awareness of neuropathic and other chronic pain conditions.

HOCKEY

Wild vs. Ducks Honda Center December 4, 5 p.m.

Looking to snap a skid of terrible losses last month, the Ducks hit up home ice for a key game against the Minnesota Wild.

Info: www.ducks.nhl.com

Info: www.w2promotions. com

Halibut Derby Reeling ‘em In

By David Zimmerle

BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY • The Dana Hills boys varsity cross country team matched its sixth place effort it ran down at the CIF-SS Division 1 Finals on November 19, taking sixth place as well at the CIF State Cross Country Championships at Woodward Park on November 26.

The team finished behind Trabuco Hills (first place, 71 points), Arcadia (second place, 87 points) and Rancho Cucamonga (third place, 124 points) High Schools who finished in the top three spots, respectively.

The Dolphins wrapped the event with 184 points and had four of its runners place in the top 50 as Ethan Lawrence finished ninth individually with a 15:30, followed by Conner Garcia (27th place, 15:58) and Gavin Diem (31st place, 16:00) and Lance Capel (41st place, 16:10). Austin Tayles rounded out the top five for Dana Hills High, taking 76th overall in a total time of 16:37.

Moreover, the girls varsity cross country team had the smallest team time gap among all teams in Division 1 (0:32) which was good enough to spur the Lady Dolphins (187 points) to a fi fth place finish at the CIF State Cross Country Championships.

San Clemente (first place, 87 points), Vista Murrieta (second place, 105 points) and Marina High (third place, 138 points) Schools all finished in the top three spots, respectively.

For Dana Hills, Aubrey Carr took the top spot individually for the Lady Dolphins as she finished in 19th place overall in a time of 18:51. Molly Rinefort (37th place, 19:10), Kayla White (38th place, 19:11), Paige Canterbury (45th place, 19:16), Megan Geyer (48th place, 19:18), Sheridan Gomez (59th place, 19:30) and Zara Flores (84th place, 19:55) rounded out the full list of finishers for Dana Hills in this postseason finale.

Next 7 days: N/A

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

D

ana Wharf Sportfishing has kicked off its 4th Annual Halibut Derby.

The derby started November 1 and will run through April 30, 2012.

Anglers may enter and win in a number of ways.

The landing offers Friday drift trips covering waters from Dana Point to San Onofre from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. These trips are limited to 25 passengers and cost $59.

The $5 derby entry fee is included in the price.

Anglers may also enter the contest via half-day or three-quarter-day fishing trips.

The $5 dollar entry fee will be taken at check-in.

Entry fees go into the jackpot and at the end of the derby; the angler who catches the largest halibut wins half of the money. The remaining 50 percent of the money goes to the angler who wins the Fish Off on May 6.

The anglers who caught the top 25 halibut during the derby will be invited to compete in this free, one-day contest and the largest

GIRLS WATER POLO

BOYS BASKETBALL

Comanches vs.

Dolphins Dana Hills High School

Breakers vs.

Dolphins Dana Hills High School

December 6, 4:30 p.m.

December 6, 7 p.m.

After playing through the El Dorado Tournament, the Lady Dolphins swim into a home match against the girls from Canyon High of Anaheim.

The Dana Hills boys varsity basketball team hits the hard court at the school’s gym in its first home game of the regular season.

Info: www.dhhs.net

Info: www.dhhs.net

catch of the day wins the money.

A prize of $100 Dana Wharf gift card and an Okuma rod and reel will also be awarded to the angler who reels in the biggest catch of the month through the end of the derby.

A total prize purse of $4,030 was awarded during the last derby. The big winner was Mike Knudtson who was awarded $2,015 thanks to his 43-pound, 8-ounce halibut.

According to General Manager Donna Kalez Dana Wharf has long been known for great bass fishing but in recent years halibut have been showing up strong in the waters off Dana Point.

“We’ve been catching a lot of halibut all year and we’re not even ‘trying’ for them—we’ve been getting them while on our bass fishing trips,” said Brian Woolley, the long time captain of the Dana Wharf boat Sum Fun. “I think we’re going to see some good halibut counts, and some big fish, in this year’s derby.”

This year’s derby is already off to a great start. On November 27 Carlos De Los Santos from San Juan Capistrano caught a 42-pound halibut on the Clemente.

Rental tackle and fishing licenses are available.

For complete rules and information, call 949.496.5794 or log on to http://www. danawharf.com/contest_09-10.html. DP

DP SURF

6

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

Grom of the WEEK Elenna “Lulu” Erkeneff Age: 16, Dana Hills High School Lulu Erkeneff is making the most of a busy competition season surfing in the WSA Gatorade Championship Series and Surfing America Prime Series as well as in South Coast League for Dana Hills High School. In school competition Lulu took first place in shortboard at the first event then followed that up in the next two events winning longboard and then the league shortboard finals at Upper Trestles on November 15. At the November WSA contest Lulu took home four trophies—second place Girls U18, fourth in Open Women and first in both U18 Longboard and Open Women Longboard—and is now ranked Top 5 in all four divisions. In the Prime Series Girls U18 division she is the No. 2 rated surfer. A Lulu Erkeneff. Photo by Mark Simon high school junior, Lulu also manages to maintain a 3.8 GPA juggling a heavy load of AP classes and serving as vice president of the Surfrider Foundation Club. Lulu says she would like a pro surfing career, but not at the expense of a college degree. “Education is really important to me and even though I love surfing, school will always be the top priority,” she said, adding that UCLA, UCSB, UCSB and Pepperdine are among her top college choices. She also said she would like to make volunteer environmental work a part of her future. “I’d love to take environmental studies in college and hopefully include it somehow in my future career,” she said.—Andrea Swayne

An Art Experience from Pua Nani to Pipeline

Surf ForecasT Water temp: 58-62˚F Water visibility and conditions: San Clemente: 15-25’+ Good; Catalina: 20-25’ Good Remarks: A mix of leftover West-Northwest and small South-Southwest swells are on tap Thursday.

Surge is light-moderate and visibility is excellent, setting up good diving conditions.

Short range: Surf size is 2-3’+ for most of the region on Thursday, with a few rare larger peaks for top combo exposures around the correct tides. Breezy offshore winds keep the surf clean, but pretty soft overall. Minimal Northwest and Southerly swell energy are in the water on Friday with most breaks down in the 2-3’range. Breezy offshore flow continues.

Long range: A new Northwest swell builds builds in and peaks on Saturday, mixing with small Southerly swell. Better breaks offer mainly 2-3’+ surf, with light morning winds. Conditions look favorable again on Sunday off the small mix of swells, with another morning of light winds setting up. Stay tuned to Surfline.com for updates.

Noll Surfboards & Gallery hosts the work of artist, photographer Jo Jahns Cachia

Artist/photographer Jo Jahns Cachia is showing her work through December 12 at Noll Surfboards & Gallery.

Courtesy photo

Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

N

oll Surfboards & Gallery, 1709 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, is showing the photographs and other work of surfer and mixed-media artist Jo Jahns Cachia through December 12.

The show is centered around mid-1970s images of surfing icon Gerry Lopez charging Pipeline as well as her more recent work including photos and watercolors showcasing beautiful tropical flowers—or pua nani in the Hawaiian language.

“The year I shot the surf photos, I was in Hawaii for the month of December 1974, but I was focusing on fun probably more than focusing on my camera,” said Cachia.

“In those days I mostly shot Kodachrome and Ektachrome slides and Tri-x 400 asa black-and-white film. The surf photos in this show were from negatives that I experimented with by overdeveloping them Dana Point Times December 2–8, 2011

to attain a grainy look—the old-fashioned way—no Photoshop then. I have so many fond memories of the North Shore and I feel lucky to have been able to document the unbelievable Gerry Lopez…at Pipeline.”

Cachia was born and raised in Southern California and grew up surfing. Her first trip to Hawaii—a high school graduation gift from her mother—sparked an interest and fascination with the surfing history and natural beauty of the North Shore; both have served as inspiration for her art and photography ever since.

A portion of the proceeds from the show will go toward supporting the Surfing Heritage Foundation.

Noll Surfboards & Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 949.369.6500, email contact@nollsurfboards.com or log on to www.nollsurfboards.com. DP Page 22

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