Dana Point Times

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VOLUME 5, ISSUE 38

Fall Sports Preview Dolphins hit the pool, courts and courses S P O R T S / PAG E 1 4

Members of the Dana Hills varsity girls tennis team (L to R) A.J. Gomer, Cassidy Spearman, Sabine Ludwig, Rebecca Gold, Katie Olson, Jessica Perez and Margo Pletcher celebrate a 14-4 victory over Los Alamitos Wednesday. The team is now 4-1 on the season. Photo by Andrea Swayne

www.danapointtimes.com

Former Chamber CEO Sentenced to One Year for Grand Theft

ELECTION 2012: Meet the South Coast Water District Candidates

City Council: What to Do About Vacation Rentals?

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 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

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History of Dana Point Walking Tour 4:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m. Take a glimpse into Dana Point history through this exclusive walking tour. Free. Walk starts at Blue Lantern Gazebo, at the terminus of Blue Lantern. For more information or to reserve a spot, con-

D a n a Po i nt

tact the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center at 949.542.4755.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m. Dana Point City Hall Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.248.3563, www.danapoint.org

Sunrise Rotary Club 7 a.m. the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, 949.493.2759, www.monarchbeachrotary.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Toastmasters 7 p.m. Dana Point Harbor Toastmasters at the library. 33841 Niguel Road, 949.496.2275, www. danaharbor.freetoasthost.ws

South Coast Water District Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, 949.499.4555, www.scwd.org

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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…Former Chamber CEO Gets Jail Time?

THE LATEST: Nichole Chambers, former president and CEO of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, on Monday entered a guilty plea for grand theft in excess of $100,000 she admitted to taking from the chamber while she was employed there.

In Orange County Superior Court—at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach, Judge Derek Johnson presiding—Chambers pleaded guilty to one felony count of grand theft with a sentencing enhancement for over $100,000 in loss. She was sentenced to one year in jail, five years of probation and full restitution. A four-year state prison sentence was suspended.

The 365-day jail sentence was reduced by 40 days for time served and time credits earned.

Chambers faced three felony counts of grand theft with enhancements—theft in excess of $100,000, aggravated white collar crime over $100,000 and property damage over $65,000.

Counts two and three were dismissed via a Harvey Waiver—a legal precedent that means the court may still impose restitution of the dismissed counts during sentencing, since the plea was made freely.

Chambers answered the judge’s questions regarding her understanding of the guilty plea from behind the defendants’ cage in the courtroom.

According to a statement from the District Attorney’s office, Chambers was accused of stealing over $129,000, between January 2008 and October 2010, by using the chamber’s credit card and checking account for personal expenses not authorized by the Board of Directors including clothes, Dana Point Times September 21-27, 2012

child care, dining out, a trip to Las Vegas and other items.

Chambers was hired as the Chamber of Commerce president and CEO in December of 2007. Her arraignment and sentencing comes after a lengthy investigation that began in November 2010 when Chambers presented a resignation letter to the chamber board of directors in which she admitted having committed financial misdeeds against the chamber.

WHAT’S NEXT: Chambers’ public defender Sara Nakada disagreed with the total figures regarding the theft amount—as prepared via the DA’s investigation—but according to O’Brien, the numbers were close and he expects the final, exact dollar figure will be negotiated among himself and Nakada and submitted to the court shortly.

The restitution order, as it stands, is good for 20 years and is cannot be discharged via bankruptcy, O’Brien said.

The court ordered Chambers to report to her probation officer upon her release from jail, to have no contact with any employees or officers of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and to obtain an employment situation where she will have no access to company finances, bank accounts or financial records.

a DUI task force, stopped motorist Christian Tyler Goodwin, 20, of Dana Point, for suspicion of driving under the influence.

After Goodwin was pulled over near Sea Terrace Street and Seabrook Drive, he exited the vehicle and charged at deputies, according to sheriff’s officials.

One of the deputies fired a single round at the suspect. The shot missed Goodwin and the bullet lodged in a building nearby.

No injuries were reported.

Goodwin was taken into custody and examined on-site by the Orange County Fire Authority.

Goodwin was found to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol and had an elevated heart rate. He was transported to a hospital for evaluation then booked at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana on Saturday morning, authorities said.

Goodwin listed his occupation as “unemployed” and was described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, 125 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Goodwin was cited and released at 6:19 p.m. Saturday.

WHAT’S NEXT: An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.ocsd.org. —AS

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FIND OUT MORE: Read more online at www.danapointtimes.com.

—Andrea Swayne

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…a Deputy Involved Shooting?

THE LATEST: An Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputy fired his gun at a suspect who charged at officers during a traffic stop in Dana Point September 14, a sheriff’s department report said.

At about 11:45 p.m. deputies assigned to

…Online Voter Registration?

THE LATEST: The Orange County Registrar of Voters on Wednesday announced the statewide launch of online voter registration.

The program will allow citizens to register to vote without filling out and mailing traditional paper voter registration forms, the announcement said.

WHAT’S NEXT: The new system will verify voter data via the Department of Motor Vehicles’ database by matching each

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applicant’s driver’s license or state-issued identification card number, birth date and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

If everything checks out, the system will use the DMV’s electronic image of the applicant’s signature to complete the voter registration.

The deadline to register for the November 6 election is October 22.

FIND OUT MORE: For more information, log on to the Secretary of State website at www.sos.ca.gov. —AS

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…the Polystyrene Ban?

THE LATEST: City staff mailed out notices, dated August 23, to businesses as a reminder that a ban on the use of expanded polystyrene foam, or EPS, food containers will go into effect in October.

EPS does not biodegrade and remains in the environment indefinitely. As the material breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces it is often mistaken for food by wildlife that ingests it. Animals often die as a result or when eaten by predators, introduce it further into the food chain.

City Council on February 21 voted to ban the use of EPS disposable food service ware within the city.

“The ban on EPS, also known as Styrofoam™, food service ware will help decrease the amount of litter found along our streets, beaches, and ocean waters and will reduce the adverse health impacts to birds and sea life, while improving water quality,” the notice said.

Nearly 50 other California cities have in banned single-use EPS food service ware.

The notice also reminds businesses that the prohibition of EPS containers, “reflects Dana Point’s proactive approach to coastal stewardship by implementing policies that maintain our legacy as the most beautiful, (Cont. on page 4) www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 3) desirable, and safest coastal community in which to live, work, visit, play or conduct business.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The ban will officially begin October 1, but the letter notes that the city recognizes there may be some instances where businesses have surplus inventory of the containers.

“If your business falls within this category, please contact Jennifer Anderson at 949.248.3571 at your earliest convenience to discuss the time frame in which your business will be in compliance…” the city’s letter from Public Works Director Brad Fowler, says.

The ban applies to all food vendors and food service providers in Dana Point as well as all city facilities and operations, city-managed concessions, city-sponsored events, city permitted events and all franchisees, contractors and vendors within the City of Dana Point.

FIND OUT MORE: See www.danapoint.org.

—AS

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…Short-term Rentals?

THE LATEST: City Council on Tuesday voted 4-1 to regulate and tax the city’s

DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY

Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com COMPILED BY KEVIN DAHLGREN 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.

Monday, September 17 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Del Prado, 24500 Block (12:28 a.m.)

A patrol check was requested for a manhole cover that had been removed. The caller said he saw a man with a shaved head standing near the open man hole while another man climbed down into the sewer. The bald man then moved the cover back over the hole, but did not seal the opening completely. When deputies arrived, neither man was seen in the area.

Dana Point Times September 21–27, 2012

short-term vacation rentals rather than enforce a ban currently in the zoning code.

Mayor Lara Anderson cast the lone “No” vote saying she favored ridding the city of such rentals altogether.

Anderson made a motion to enforce the current ban, but it did not go to a vote for lack of a second.

“I don’t want to sell our neighborhoods to the highest bidder,” she said, adding that regulating the rentals and collecting Transient Occupancy Tax on them could be a boon to the city, “But at what price?”

Council members discussed results of a survey that showed more than half of those polled are in favor of short-term vacation rentals in Dana Point residential neighborhoods, an issue the city has been studying since 2009.

A 2009 study found 134 rentals in Dana Point. This summer the number is 226.

Both counts, according to Assistant City Manager Mike Killebrew, are likely much larger since the only way to look for them is via internet searches.

The city launched the survey in April to poll residents’ opinions regarding shortterm vacation rentals which are currently prohibited since they are not specifically allowed in the zoning code, are currently prohibited.

Short-term vacation rentals are defined as stays of less than 30 days.

The survey—completed via a contract with True North Research—polled what the firm said was a statistically valid sampling of 400 registered voters by phone during the month of June and has a 4.9 percent margin of error.

Survey questions found that 56 percent of respondents support the existence of short-term rentals within the city’s residential neighborhoods, 32 two percent are opposed and 12 percent are undecided.

Seventy-six percent of residents polled said they were not aware that such rentals are presently prohibited within the city and only 23 percent reported being aware of the presence of vacation rentals in their neighborhoods.

Of those aware of the presence of the rentals, only one third said they’d ever had problems as a result.

The poll found 66 percent would be in favor of the rentals if operators were required to apply for permits and to inform renters of noise and parking restrictions in advance. The 26 percent in opposition said these conditions would not be enough to change their minds.

Regarding the city’s enforcement level— which currently only consists of responding to complaints made to police about problems—the poll showed 45 percent feel it is adequate and should remain as is. Thirty-five percent said enforcement

Sunday, September 16

street to go around it. The caller stated this has become an on-going problem with the owner of the truck.

DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Crown Valley Parkway, 32400 Block (10:19 p.m.) Several juveniles were seen drinking alcohol and swimming at an apartment complex pool. The caller said they had jumped the fence to gain access to the pool and were not believed to be residents of the complex.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS Pacific Coast Highway, 34400 Block (9:05 p.m.) A man was arrested after he and two other males broke into a storage area of a local business. The owner of the property next to the storage area was able to apprehend one of the men until police arrived. It was believed the men were attempting to steal boat parts that were being stored in containers in the area.

RECKLESS DRIVING Bremerton Street, 33300 Block (6:25 p.m.)

A white Mercedes-Benz was reported driving at a high rate of speed down Bremerton Street. The caller was worried that someone may get hurt because cars speed through the neighborhood frequently.

The Mercedes was last seen parked at the intersection of Bremerton Street and Main Sail Drive.

ILLEGAL PARKED VEHICLE Via Espinoza, 34500 Block (1:41 p.m.)

Police received a call reporting a white Dodge truck blocking the sidewalk, causing pedestrians to have to walk into the

Thursday, September 13 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Rising Tide Court, 33500 Block (11:46 p.m.) A black two-door sedan was seen stopped in lanes of traffic. The caller told deputies the driver of the car had exited the vehicle crying and began walking toward Golden Lantern. Fire and medical were requested because the woman appeared to be having a panic attack.

DISTURBANCE El Encanto Avenue, 34000 Block (3:25 p.m.) A woman called police after her daughter’s husband threatened her. The woman reported an argument that started after she told her daughter’s husband that his dog was no longer welcome in the house. Police were dispatched to the house and deputies were able to resolve the issues without problem.

RECKLESS DRIVING Camino del Avion/Del Obispo Street (8:39 a.m.) An orange forklift was reported driving on the roadway with the forks down near the ground. The caller was unsure if the forklift was considered a streetlegal-vehicle and was worried the forks may cause damage to a vehicle or harm someone.

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should be more aggressive. Among residents aware of the existence of these rentals in their neighborhoods, 52 percent want more aggressive enforcement and 32 said it should stay the same.

More than a dozen residents addressed the council expressing a mix of opinions both for and against the existence of these rentals as well as offering suggestions regarding regulating them.

Capistrano Beach resident of 40 years, Tom Henderson echoed a number of speakers’ sentiments when he called the mixing of vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods, “completely incompatible.”

A number of speakers told the council that they have never had any problems with the rentals and feel that they are a good addition to the city’s hotel offerings and valuable because bring more tourist money to the community.

WHAT’S NEXT: Council members directed city staff to come up with a plan to track, control and tax short-term rentals.

City Manager Doug Chotkevys said he expects to have something to present to the council by the November 20 meeting.

FIND OUT MORE: Log on to www.danapointtimes.com to read the full agenda and staff reports. —AS

Wednesday, September 12 PATROL CHECK Dana Point Harbor Drive, 34500 Block (11:44 p.m.) A group of people was seen burning several wooden pallets at the barbeque pits across the street from Baby Beach in the harbor. The caller told dispatch the fire was much larger than the fire pit was supposed to handle and may start a larger fire.

ANNOYING PHONE CALL Via Gomez, 34400 Block (6:23 p.m.)

A woman told police her ex-boyfriend “would not leave her alone” and had been calling her cell phone for over 30 minutes.

ASSAULT REPORT Palm Beach Court, 100 Block (2:04 p.m.)

A woman called police after her neighbor allegedly sprayed her with pepper spray earlier in the day. The woman was unsure if her neighbor was still home, but wished to file a report.

INDECENT EXPOSURE Palm Beach Court, 0 Block (9:22 a.m.)

A man called police after his wife witnessed their 20-year-old neighbor sitting naked in his backyard masturbating. The caller’s wife said she saw the man and took a picture as proof because this had happened five times before with no repercussions. Deputies arrived at the house to file a report which also included claims of the man tazing the caller’s wife. www.danapointtimes.com

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Meet the South Coast Water District Candidates Six seek election to the water district board of directors

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

S

ix candidates are vying for three open seats in the upcoming election to the South Coast Water District Board of Directors.

The terms of three incumbents are up this year. Board President Wayne Rayfield and Director Richard Gardner will seek reelection, while Vice President Ingrid McGuire has decided not to run.

The remaining two seats of the fivemember board are currently held by Directors Richard Runge and Robert Moore.

Both were elected in 2010 to terms ending in 2014.

Gardner and Rayfield are joined on this year’s ballot by Joel Bishop, Dick Dietmeier, Rick Erkeneff and Gary Langdale.

With tough, ongoing issues related to local water supply—such as reducing dependence on imported water sources and finding possible new ones—district directors hold an important responsibility with respect to quality of life in Dana Point, now and in the future.

As the governing body responsible for district oversight, the board appoints the general manager to handle day-to-day operations and has the power to set water rates, approve construction, replacement and repairs to the infrastructure and to establish ordinances and set policies.

Directors also represent the district by serving on key external agencies and commissions in the region.

Read on for the candidates’ unedited statements, as presented to the Orange County Registrar, to learn about their backgrounds and motivations for running. Statements are presented in random order.

requested an organizational efficiency study that provided many ways to improve our service. This plan should be implemented.

As water shortages become real, we will need to transition to an allocation based rate structure like MNWD, IRWD and many other agencies. In this way families will be provided with the amount of water they will need for the number of residents and weather conditions not just an arbitrary tier pricing system.

The cost allocation for the South Coast Sewer Tunnel project should be discussed. The project costs, which may in exceed of $50 million, should be paid for by considering the benefits to each area of the district. Certainly the residents that are served directly by the tunnel, Monarch Beach residents, hotels, and south Laguna, should contribute more than areas whose waste cannot ever enter the tunnel.

I do not support ocean desal until it is environmentally acceptable and cost effective.

Thanks for your vote. capopalm@hotmail.com

Retired Finance Manager

Age: 78 Director, South Coast Water District

Director, South Coast Water District

Dana Point Times September 21–27, 2012

GARY “WATER WATCH DOG” LANGDALE

WAYNE RAYFIELD

RICHARD GARDNER

The water and wastewater business is very important to all of us in SoCal. Although we do more to conserve and use less water, are bills are increasing.

We can do more to provide cost efficient service to our customers. That is why I

is rehabilitated promptly to protect ocean water quality and our quality of life; ensure that every expense is necessary and cost-effective; provide a safe and reliable water supply with emphasis on emergency preparedness; and, aggressively seek outside funding for District projects to reduce the financial burdens on you, the District’s customers and owners.

I welcome your suggestions and thoughts about the District.

Please e-mail me at wrayfield@mac. com, call me (949) 922-0744 and visit http.//wayne4waterdistrict.com.

Thank you for your vote.

Over the past 14 years I have worked on critical issues including ocean water quality, reliable and safe water delivery, water conservation, reducing our reliance on imported water and water education.

Much has been accomplished but there is much more to be done. As a former business executive, Dana Point Mayor, Councilmember and current Board Member I believe I can continue to help South Coast Water District meet our future challenges.

Our District must: reduce our use of increasingly scarce and expensive imported water by continuing as an active partner in developing ocean desalination and other local water sources; continue to inform customers about why and how to conserve water; expand the use of recycled water; ensure the sewer tunnel

Let’s stop recycling the same old political faces and bring in some new blood with innovative new practical and affordable solutions to: reduce the water/sewer rate increases bring real watchful and responsible oversight to the District stop the waste of your dollars on real estate development projects reduce general and administrative costs At the District, I acquired a unique and detailed understanding of water issues, especially financial. I participated in all board and committee meetings and, since my retirement, I’ve continued to follow the issues and frequently attend District meetings. I reorganized District staffing in the finance departments, streamlined the annual budget process, and reduced independent accounting and audit fees by over $250,000 annually. My performance evaluations praised me for my financial initiatives and changes resulting in multimillion dollar savings to the District.

My community association elected me to its board six consecutive terms and I’ve been re-elected President for five consecutive years. Our project was featured by the Tri City Water Savers at their most recent water conservation forum.

Time for sensible and affordable change!

I’d be honored to earn your vote.

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DICK DIETMEIER Retired Marine Officer

A reliable water supply continues to be a critical component of our daily life in this community. The last few years have challenged the idea that we have or can get all the water we would ever need.

Increasingly we are being required to exercise additional judgment in the use of the water sources that meet our needs.

You are both the user and the owner of the water district. How much you plan to use contributes to your costs.

If elected, I will continue to work for appropriate financial management, transparency of operational contracting and to sustain current levels of training and staff performance. My endeavors will support your future needs in water and waste water services. Your support is critical for strong leadership, fiscal management and continuing work in securing our future.

I have eight years of useful experience as a Director of this District and am in excellent health. Thank you for your support and interest.

JOEL BISHOP Age: 54 Business Owner

Since I left the South Coast Water District Board six years ago, our water rates have increased 75%. Doheny State Beach has continually been rated as one of the filthiest beaches in the state. The threat of drought looms over us and the limited www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP supply of water from the Colorado River is being stretched to its limit. It’s time to return strong leadership to the SCWD. It’s time to get back to the basics and right this ship. It’s time to reduce Director compensation and excessive perquisites.

We need transparency and candor from our elected leaders. It’s time to say no to the status quo.

Before serving the City of Dana Point as a Councilman and Mayor, I served for 10 years as a Director, and President of the SCWD. I have extensive experience in knowing what needs to be done and the best way to do it. We need to address critical issues like aging infrastructure. We need to provide additional sources of supply through claiming our groundwater and ocean desalinization. We need to assure that we have zero tolerance for any sewer spills and that we do our share to make the oceans clean and vibrant.

Vote Joel.

RICK ERKENEFF Age: 44 Dana Point Business Owner

Born in South Orange County, I’ve lived in Dana Point for over 40 years.

Fortunate to raise my family in Lantern Village, I’m a graduate of Dana Hills High School and CSULB. Both daughters also attend Dana Hills.

I understand that water is a precious resource, and have been passionate about protecting it. For nearly a decade I’ve served as Chairman for Surfrider Foundation’s South OC Chapter, devoting thousands of hours in educating and promoting responsible water management.

Like many working families concerned about the cost of water for home and business. I am committed to keep our water rates and usage as low as possible I believe we need to prioritize an aging infrastructure and develop cost-effective localized water solutions.

My difference is I’m not a “reclaimed” director of South Coast Water District.

I’m nowhere near retirement and board compensation won’t be a primary source of income.

If you value fresh water, I hope you’ll vote for my fresh perspective on the issues facing our district for the next generation in local water management. www.rickerkeneff.com Dana Point Times September 21–27, 2012

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Andrea Swayne

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO

Laguna Cliffs Celebrates Silver Anniversary, Honors 25-year Employees The Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa is celebrating 25 years of business and the dedicated employees who have committed service to the resort since 1987. The 25th anniversary acknowledges the labor of employees who have shown consistent excellence in work, from housekeeping to serving.

Christine Vito has been working as a server for the Vue Restaurant since its opening. She said that what stands out the most to her 25 years of service are the relationships she has built, including meeting her husband.

Valerie Mockett started working for Laguna Cliffs as a Vue Restaurant server for 21 years and currently has a position at At Your Service. She has enjoyed working for the resort since the beginning.

“When I first started working at Laguna Cliffs, I would love getting up in the morning so I could look at the view from the restaurant and take it all in. It was such a beautiful sight to see first thing in the morning,” Valerie said. “It set the day off right.”

Lourdes Bato, a floor supervisor, began her work at the resort as a room attendant.

The anniversary recognizes her commitment, service and appreciation for general manager Jim Samuels.

“In my 25 year tenure at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, I have worked with six general managers. I must say I know many will agree that Jim Samuels is the best manager,” Lourdes said. “His presence makes me comfortable to approach him when problems arise, especially with guest issues. That is what made me work past 20 years, and as long as he’s here, he will continue to inspire me.”

Erlinda Reyes has also continued her career as a housekeeping supervisor for 25 consecutive years. In addition to enjoying working with everyone at the resort, her greatest memory was celebrating the resort’s tenth anniversary.

On the morning of Friday, September 14 the group was treated to a surprise redcarpet greeting as their coworkers looked on and gave them a rousing round of applause.

Mayor Lara Anderson presented all four, as well as the resort, with an official city proclamation. They were also each given a custom 25-year engraved silver plate for their service, an overnight stay with a dinner and breakfast for two at Vue Restaurant and an hour-long signature massage at the resort’s spa.

Samuels also took the group cruising in the resort’s antique woodie car and then joined them for a surf and turf lunch on the lawn. The celebration continued into

Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa employees (L to R) Christine Vito, Lourdes Bato, Erlinda Reyes and Valerie Mockett were honored September 14 for their 25 years of service. Courtesy photo

the afternoon, when cake and ice cream were served in their honor, in the employee cafeteria.

Poker Tournament Benefits Families Living with Autism Talk About Curing Autism will be hosting its sixth annual “Ante Up for Autism” event Saturday, September 22, starting at 5 p.m., at the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

This charity poker tournament, featuring celebrities, athletics and professional poker players, benefits families with children diagnosed with autism. Past guests have included Lance Armstrong, Tony Hawk, Ryan Sheckler, Kerry Walsh, actress Amber Lancaster, Alexis Bellino of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” fame and pro poker players Michelle Lau, David Mosikian and Joe Sebok. Cocktails will be served on the resort lawn. A live and silent charitable auction will also be held, and prizes include vacation tickets, a men’s Corum watch and a three-night stay and airfare for two to the 2013 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.anteupforautism.org.

Turkey Trot Announces Military Discount Dana Point Turkey Trot has announced a military discount program in partnership with GovX.com for the upcoming 35th annual Thanksgiving Day race.

Through GovX.com, all current and former U.S. Armed Forces personnel will receive a 50 percent discount on the 2012 race registration fee.

To take advantage of the discounts, military personnel can join GovX.com for free.

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Once verified through the GovX verification system, members receive a unique promotional code to use during checkout on the Dana Point Turkey Trot website. The verification process ensures only qualified military receive the privileged discount, not the general public.

“This year, the Dana Point Turkey Trot wanted to extend a special welcome and discount to our Armed Forces and show our appreciation for all they do,” said Heather Johnston, executive director, Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. “We are so pleased to be partnering with GovX.com, to make it easy for those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces to qualify for the 50 percent discount. GovX already offers the best discounts on the best products for military and government personnel and we are proud to call them a Turkey Trot partner.”

The partnership furthers the Dana Point Turkey Trot’s commitment to supporting the military. Last year, the Dana Point Turkey Trot donated $25,000 to the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, an organization dedicated to supporting those who protect and serve, and their families. This year, the Dana Point Turkey Trot will benefit the group once again.

For more information about the Turkey Trot, visit www.turkeytrot.com and follow the event on Twitter at twitter.com/ turkeytrot and Facebook at facebook.com/ danapointturkeytrot. For more information about GovX.com or to sign up to receive the privileged military or first responder discount, visit www.govx.com.

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 VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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

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DS aannCalePmoe ni te 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

Dana Point Times, Vol. 5, Issue 38. 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 2012. 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

EDITORIAL Senior Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting Manager Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente)

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com

Sports & News Reporter > Steve Breazeale

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

City Reporter, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park

Sales Associate > Angela Edwards

DISTRIBUTION

BILLING Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@danapointtimes.com

ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Tawnee Prazak INTERNS Kevin Dahlgren, Adam Herzog, Darian Nourian

Letters to the Editor SHORT TERM RENTAL SURVEY BOGUS GARY CLARK, Capistrano Beach

After attending the Dana Point City Council meeting Tuesday night, I would like to share my observations and opinions: I feel that the survey done to determine if the short term rentals—I call them “motels”—were wanted in the city was slanted to produce a “wanted” outcome to pave the way for the city to allow and tax the “motels.”

I feel the vote to outlaw the “motels”

by Mayor Anderson was “predetermined” in the closed session of the council and the vote in the open council meeting was just to appease the residents wanting the “motels” to be outlawed.

I feel it is obvious from the outcome and vote of the council to pave the way for taxing and regulating the “motels” will allow them to destroy our beautiful city of Capistrano Beach.

I also feel that the influence of the “big money special interest groups” have been successful in influencing our city government to allow this “motel disease” to infect our community.

The outcome of this City Council meeting illustrates how the average property owner in the city has no say in quality of life issues.

Sincerely, A disgusted 38-year resident home owner in Capistrano Beach

SHORT TERM RENTALS DETERIORATE CITY JAMES AND CAROLE WELING, Capistrano Beach

Regarding the issue of short term rentals on the September 18 City Council agenda; we have voiced our opinion in the past about this idea of the city going into the hotel/motel business. There is no way that the city can adequately enforce such a measure. It will lead Dana Point Times September 21–27, 2012

to a huge headache that the city cannot handle.

Please note that many of those not opposed to this idea do not have the issue in their area of the city. It is just another case of, “Oh, yes this is fine as long as it is not in my back yard.”

One would think that those that purchased homes behind gates would feel that this would not apply. However, a city ordinance is for the entire city and the codes are for all residents. This fact should be made crystal clear by the city to all residents, since those behind gates may think that this issue does not apply.

Their CC&Rs will be circumvented by this negative code change.

Michael Sautner of San Juan Capistrano has all the answers for those of us affected by the beach rental issue, as he so eloquently stated in the Dana Point Times (September 14-20). Upon looking up Imperial Drive, I think it is safe to say that Sautner will not have a beach rental issue now or in the future.

Dana Point should be focused on upgrading the city not looking for ways to deteriorate our residential areas.

The downtown area remains totally incomplete and the village area of the city is a slum. These are the issues that the city should be working on—upgrading the city, not downgrading it to accommodate the greedy few.

Also, it is worthy to note that having lived in this community for over 25 years and been active on many issues, we have never been contacted for even one of the city’s polls.

MOURNING THE LOSS OF A GRAND OLD LADY RON GREEK, San Clemente

A few nights ago my wife and I had our last dinner at the Dana Point Harbor’s Jolly Roger Restaurant.

We were shocked and saddened to learn that they were unable to renew their 40-

year lease and are now being replaced.

They were unable to meet the renewal rent and upgrade demands from the County of Orange.

What a sad loss for all of us who enjoyed their home town hospitality for a good part of our lives. It’s an institution we have taken for granted as always being there when we needed a good meal at a fair price coupled with the beauty and serenity of our Harbor.

Dining on the outdoor patio will be remembered as something very special for many years to come.

What now will replace their iconic architecture, great menu and friendly professional service?

Hopefully not another national chain with overpriced precooked frozen meals— tasting much like hospital or airline food.

SOCSA PERFORMANCES AT YACHT CLUB FIRST CLASS JOE McCLEARY, Dana Point

Last Sunday evening a near-capacity audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation for the Dana Hills High School’s Jazz Vocalists’ finale. The group, under the direction of Ray Wood, and jointly sponsored by South Orange County School of the Arts and the Dana Point Yacht Club, presented the first in a series of musical programs to come once a month through the new school year.

Readers of the DP Times may recall my June letter praising the string quartet’s recital offered in the high school little theater. My first effort was to recognize the level of professionalism of the students and the great opportunity they had from being a part of the School of the Arts; my second point was to bemoan the paucity of numbers in the audience and the hope that there would be future opportunities to provide the public with a chance to see, hear and appreciate the superb young people right here in Dana Point.

Both these objectives were realized

Page 8

last Sunday as the SOCSA’s jazz vocalists presented an outstanding program of 21 numbers in the main dining room of the Dana Point Yacht Club. Nearly every seat was filled, and the attendees were fully rewarded. The students were well-rehearsed, performed at a high professional level and immune to a possible attempt to overplay their talent. The backing by a piano, trumpet, bass and drums ensemble provided an experience for the young singers, some of whom are close to the level of professional recording opportunities.

Similar programs by the various other SOCSA musical groups are scheduled once a month at the yacht club and open to the public, starting at 6 p.m. for a $12 admission charge. A buffet is offered from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at $12 per person.

Starting on October 14 will be the string quartet and ensembles, followed on November 4 with a selection of Broadway highlights; December 2, The Dickens Carolers; January 13, dance ensembles; February 17 is Oldies Night at the Yacht Club; March 17, An Evening of Opera; April 14, Big Band Spectacular; May 5, Cinco de Mayo tribute, and on June 2 there will be a Senior Sendoff to honor graduating seniors (students, not oldsters).

If the introductory program is indicative of things to come, early arrival is recommended. Visiting the Dana Point Yacht Club is an added treat for non-members.

Mark your calendars now. Further information can be found online at www. socsarts.org, or by calling Dana Hills High School at 949.496.6666.

I promise, it is well worth the time, effort and money to share your Sundays with these most impressive young people and their mentors. You’ll be glad if you do.

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

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

D a n a Po i nt

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

THE LIST A day-by-day guide to what’s happening in and around town. COMPILED BY TAWNEE PRAZAK

friday

21

FOREIGN FILM FRIDAY 7 p.m.-9 p.m. The Dana Point Library shows “Farewell to Manzanar.” 33841 Niguel Road, Dana Point, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org.

SWING SHIFT 8:30 p.m. Live music at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

FRIDAYS AT THE SHORE: DJ CHRIS COTE 9 p.m.12 a.m. The editor in chief for TransWorld Surf magazine spinning a mix of ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today’s hits at The Shore. 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.481.6089, www.theshoresanclemente.com.

WINE TASTING AND MUSIC 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Live music by Angelika Wilson and wine tastings at DaVine Food & Wine.

Get 5 tastes for $15. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

BARREL 27 WINERY TASTING 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Wine tasting at San Clemente Wine Company featuring Barrel 27 Winery with seven tastes for $15; Includes cheese & crackers. 212 ½ Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com.

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

THE DIAMOND REVIVAL SHOW Music event at StillWater. Call for more info. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

saturday

HISTORY OF DANA POINT WALKING TOUR 4:15 p.m.6:45 p.m. Take a glimpse into Dana Point history on this free walking tour. Meet at the Blue Lantern Gazebo (at the terminus of Blue Lantern). For more info, contact the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center: 949.542.4755, www.danapoint.org.

22

Dana Point Times September 21–27, 2012

TOOLS FOR TRADE: ACAI BOWLS 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Free event at The Ecology Center featuring a cold, tasty and healthy treat. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.TheEcologyCenter.org JAZZ, JAZZ, JAZZ 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Casa Romantica’s fall exhibition opens. Features photographs in two collections, The Fine Art of Jazz and Portraits from the Golden Age of Jazz. $5. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

PET ADOPTION 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Ark of San Juan has pets available for adoption at PetSmart. 33963 Doheny Park Road, 949.388.0034, www.arkofsanjuan.org.

MIKE WALLACE & GUEST 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Live acoustic music and vocals at Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

KROQ EPICENTER FESTIVAL 11:30 a.m. All ages music festival at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater featuring Stone Temple Pilots, Deftones, Bush and much more. Tickets start at $40. 8808 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, 949.212-0360, www.livenation.com.

“THE LOVE MASTER” CRAIG SHOEMAKER 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. Comedy at the Irvine Improv. $22. 71 Fortune Drive, Suite 841, Irvine, 949.854.5455, www.improv.com.

sunday

ORANGEMAN TRIATHLON 7 a.m. The half-iron distance triathlon begins in Dana Point and makes its way through San Juan Capistrano on Ortega Highway. General entry $295.

More info: 949.419.5005, www.orangemantriathlon.com.

23

FEAST FOR THE FELINES LUNCHEON 1 p.m. Luncheon at The Vintage Restaurant to benefit Healing Hope Cat Sanctuary. $45. 26701-B Verdugo St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.337.8372, www.healinghopecatsanctuary.org.

WHALE AND DOLPHIN TOURS Capt Dave’s Safari has daily whale and dolphin watching tours on a hightech catamaran. Cost $55 adults, $35 children, 2 and younger free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

DAVID HAYCRAFT & GUESTS 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

Page 13

monday

24

MONDAY NIGHT LAUGHS 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Comedy at Hennessey’s Tavern. 34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.

MOMMY MOVIE MONDAY 10 a.m. Trouble with the Curve at the Krikorian San Clemente. 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7610, www.kptmovies.com.

tuesday

25

ALFRED HITCHOCK’S THE 39 STEPS 8 p.m. Comedy thriller at The Laguna Playhouse. $30-$65. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787, www.lagunaplayhouse.com.

wednesday

FINANCIAL PLANNING SERIES 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Free “It’s Your Money” workshop series at the Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

26

MICROBREWS BY THE MISSION 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Enjoy microbrews and food at local downtown San Juan Capistrano venues on the last Wednesday of every month. More info: 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

thursday

SINGLES 50+ HARBOR AND COASTAL CRUISE 5:30 p.m.7:30 p.m. Cruise for singles 50+ hosted by Tutor and Spunky’s Tom Blake and Dana Wharf.

Married couples also welcome.

Cost $24. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com, www.tutorandspunkys.com.

27

AIMEE MANN 8 p.m. Concert at The Coach House. Tickets $25. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930, www.thecoachhouse.com.

SENIOR TWILIGHT DINNER 5 p.m. Dinner for seniors at the Dana Point Community Center; $8. 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point, 949.248.3536, www.danapoint.org. *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

SPORTS

4

& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

DP

D a n a Po i nt

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

ORANGEMAN TRIATHLON

On September 23 the Orangeman Triathlon will take place, with two legs of the three-leg event taking place in Dana Point.

The first leg of the race will be the 1.2-mile swim, which starts at Doheny State Beach. The swimmers will head straight out into the ocean for a bit before being directed south, where they will loop around a buoy before heading back towards the beach.

After completing the swim, the triathletes will hop on their bikes and trek out of Dana Point and into San Juan Capistrano. The 55.9-mile bike portion will take the riders all the way

Triathlete Carly Johan competing in the bike portion of last year’s Orangeman Triathlon. Courtesy photo

up Ortega Highway and back to the starting point at Doheny.

The last grueling leg of the Orangeman will be a 13-mile run up and down Pacific Coast Highway.

Runners will essentially drop their bikes near the beach and head south down the highway until they reach the turnaround spot at Camino Capistrano.

The runners must complete the beach to Camino Capistrano loop three times before they are eligible to cross the finish line.

There are several key cut-off times the triathletes must remember before competing. At 8:40 a.m. all athletes must have stepped on the bike out timing mat. At 1 p.m. the bike course closes. At 4:15 p.m. the race officially ends. For more information visit orangemantraithlon.com.

—Steve Breazeale

Dolphin Fall Sports Preview Athletes Hit the Pool, Courts and Courses Steve Breazeale Dana Point Times

T

here are some heavyweight programs looking to continue dominant stretches at Dana Hills this year. The girls tennis team has been a South Coast League juggernaut and a perennial CIF-SS title contender.

They finished last season with all kinds of hardware and will have the depth to compete again this year. Make sure to keep an eye on the girls golf team, which went 17-0 last season and finished runner-up at the State Regionals. And as always, the Dana Hills boys and girls cross country teams are right in the mix of things in terms of league and State title aspirations.

Follow us all year long in our sports section at danapointtimes.com and make sure to follow our brand new sports Twitter feed @SouthOCsports for up to the minute coverage of all your favorite teams.

GIRLS GOLF • Last year’s undefeated run came as a pleasant surprise to head coach Phil Wilburton. He knew he had a good team on his hands, but he was not expecting a perfect 17-0 record out of them, which is what he

GIRLS GOLF SCHEDULE Date 9/21 9/27* 10/2* 10/3* 10/4* 10/8 10/9 10/10 10/11* 10/15 10/16 10/17 10/18 10/22 10/23 10/25 10/29 11/5

Opponent Location Time Triton Invitational San Clemente Muni 12:30 p.m.

Tournament El Toro El Niguel C.C 2:30 p.m.

San Clemente El Niguel C.C 2:30 p.m.

El Toro Monarch Beach G.L 3:15 p.m.

San Clemente Bella Collina C.C 2:30 p.m.

Capo Valley Monarch Beach G.L 3:15 p.m.

La Costa Canyon La Costa C.C 3 p.m.

Corona Del Mar Newport Beach C.C 2:30 p.m.

Trabuco Hills El Niguel C.C 2:30 p.m.

League Finals TBA League Finals TBA La Costa Canyon El Niguel C.C 3:30 p.m.

Aliso Niguel Aliso Viejo C.C 2:30 p.m.

CIF Team Regional Mile Square Park L B TBA Practice El Niguel C.C 2:30 p.m.

CIF Team Final TBA TBA CIF Individual Regional Recreation Park LB G.C 7 a.m.

CIF Individual Final TBA

* Denotes league play

Dana Point Times September 21–27, 2012

From left: Emily Golubow, Tori Hummel, Sophia Nichols, Avery French, Catherine Sammon, Elena Sittler and Elizabeth Soewondo of the Dana Hills girls golf team look to repeat as South Coast League champs in 2012. Photo by Steve Breazeale

got. That incredible unbeaten run vaulted the Dolphins girls golf team to a South Coast League title and a runnerup finish at the CIF State Regional Championships.

After all that success, and relatively no change to the roster (they lost only one senior to graduation), the Dolphins are expected to make another run at a league title.

After tearing up the links last season the Dolphins duo of senior Avery French and junior Elizabeth Soewondo are back again in 2012, and are already putting up low numbers on their scorecards. In the nine matches Dana Hills (9-0) has played this season, French’s scoring average is 35.1 and Soewondo’s stands at 39.1. French’s average is actually below par and she has been the medalist in eight out of nine matches.

“Most teams are really lucky to have one good player. If you have two it makes a lot of difference,” Wilburton said.

“And the other girls have been really steady … they’ve improved (since last season).”

Wilburton says this year’s team has a decent amount of length off the tee but their strength lies in their ability to score. The short game appears to be strong at Dana Hills, which usually leads to low scores and medals.

GIRLS TENNIS • Out on the tennis courts at Dana Hills High, there are banners everywhere. There are so many CIF and South Coast League title signs plastering the chain-link fences that pretty soon, spectators looking from the outside-in will have to bring a ladder if they want to Page 14

catch a glimpse of the action.

Winning has become tradition for the Dolphins girls tennis team and the standards that hang around the courts are a testament to that.

Last season, the girls tennis team went as far as they could go, claiming the South Coast League title and CIFSS Championship. Much of that same team is returning this season—seven of them to be exact—which bodes well for the Dolphins hopes at another title run.

“Expectations are high and we want to get back to the same spot we were in last year. The goal is the same,” head coach Justin Green said.

Top senior returners for the Dolphins include Jessica Perez, Alyssa Smith and Cassidy Spearman. Juniors A.J Gomer and Margo Pletcher proved they could compete with anyone as sophomores and will be crucial to the Dolphins success this year as well.

GIRLS TENNIS SCHEDULE Date 9/21 9/22 9/24 9/25 10/2* 10/3 10/4* 10/8 10/9* 10/10 10/11 10/16 10/16 10/17 10/18* 10/23 10/24

Opponent Location DHHS Tournament TBD DHHS Tournament TBD San Marino LN Racquet Club El Toro El Toro San Clemente Dana Hills at University University Tesoro Dana Hills Peninsula Peninsula Mission Viejo Mission Viejo La Jolla Country Day Dana Hills El Toro (Senior Day) Dana Hills Mater Dei Dana Hills Santa Barbara LN Racquet Club Corona Del Mar Corona Del Mar, San Clemente San Clemente, League Finals LN Racquet Club League Finals LN Racquet Club

Time All Day All Day 3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

* Denotes league play

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY • The Dolphins boys cross country team is in a transitional phase right now according to head coach Tim Butler.

So far the team that showed Butler so much promise last season has come out of the gate a little flat in the 40year veteran coaches’ eyes.

(Cont. on page 16) www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON DP (Cont. from page 14) The Dolphins placed third in the brutally tough South Coast League last season, which is a definite plus considering Trabuco Hills, the reigning Division I State champion, is lurking at every turn. Throw in El Toro (fifth in State) and San Clemente into the mix and the South Coast League is a veritable gauntlet. Arguably, the Dolphins biggest accomplishment last year was a sixth place finish at State.

There are several key runners returning from last year’s team but in the two meets the team has ran in to start their new season, Butler believes the team has not yet realized its potential.

“The best indicator of how we do at the end of the season is how the kids handled this transition period part right now,” Butler said.

“If our seniors step up where they should be, we’re going to be pretty good.”

Butler addressed the fact that the month of September is usually the roughest for his runners. Muscles tend to get sore more frequently in the early going and Butler feels a teams’ identity doesn’t surface until midway through October in the cross country season.

The meet runners and coaches always have their eye on is the Mt. Sac Invitational. It’s historically been a grueling test for teams and the best talent in southern California usually shows up for it. Butler believes by the time his team makes it to Mt. Sac, he’ll have a better idea of what kind of team he has on his hands.

For now the Dolphins are being led by junior Gavin Diem, the fourth fastest runner at the State meet last season, and freshman Jake Ogden, who Butler pegs as a “legit” runner.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Date 9/22 9/29 10/3 10/6 10/13 10/20 11/1 11/10 11/17 11/24

Opponent Dana Hills Invitational Punahou Invite South Coast League Cluster Meet Clovis Invitational OC Champs Mt. Sac Invitational South Coast League Finals CIF Prelims CIF Finals State Meet

Location Dana Hills Hawaii Irvine Regional

Time All Day TBA 2 p.m.

Fresno Irvine Regional Mt. Sac Irvine Regional

TBA 8 a.m.

TBA 1 p.m.

Mt. Sac Mt. Sac Fresno

TBA TBA TBA

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY • Last season the Dolphins girls cross country team finished third in the South Coast League—an unfamiliar spot for the perennial contenders. The Dolphins have won the South Coast League title 14 out of the past 16 years, including last season, which made the third place finish sting a bit, according to head coach Rex Hall.

But despite the middle of the pack placement in league, the Dolphins rallied at the end of the year to finish second in the CIF-SS Team Championships and went on to finish fifth at State. “(The girls) are hungry. They didn’t like (finishing third in the South Coast League). They’ve been perennial league champs and they didn’t like being third at all,” Hall said. “We’ve rebuilt two years in a row now so we’ll be back, we’ll be fine.”

Hall stated that the strength of the team is their ability to take on any track, especially ones with a lot of slope.

“They don’t call us Dana Hills for nothing,” Hall quipped.

The Dolphins like to train on hill courses, which explains their daily run up and down Stonehill Drive. They don’t have a squad that will blow you away with top speed, Dana Point Times September 21–27, 2012

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Date 9/21-22 9/27 9/28 10/2* 10/4* 10/11* 10/16* 10/18* 10/23* 10/29* 10/30

Opponent La Jolla Tournament Trabuco Hills Orange Lutheran Tesoro Mission Viejo San Clemente Trabuco Hills Tesoro Mission Viejo San Clemente Laguna Beach

Location La Jolla Dana Hills Dana Hills Dana Hills Mission Viejo Dana Hills Trabuco Hills Tesoro Dana Hills San Clemente Dana Hills

Time 3 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6 p.m.

* Denotes league play

From left: Paige Canterbury, Molly Rinefort, Aubrey Carr and Camille Fodor look to lead the Dana Hills girls cross country team to a South Coast League title. Photo by Steve Breazeale

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Date 9/22 10/3 10/6 10/13 10/20 11/1 11/10 11/17 11/24

Opponent Dana Hills Invtational South Coast League Cluster Meet Clovis Invitational OC Champs Mt. Sac Invitational South Coast League Finals CIF Prelims CIF Finals State Meet

Location Dana Hills Irvine Regional

Time All Day 2 p.m.

Fresno Irvine Regional Mt. Sac Irvine Regional

TBA 8 a.m.

TBA 1 p.m.

Mt. Sac Mt. Sac Fresno

TBA TBA TBA

but they run well together as a pack and score points in bunches, according to Hall.

“We don’t want to have people going off, we want to be a solid 15 (people) running together at the same speed in the front,” senior Paige Canterbury said. “One of our goals is to keep our (time) gap under one minute in our top seven.”

BOYS WATER POLO • The Dolphins boys water polo team had a good summer, highlighted by an eighth place finish at the California State High School Championships in July. Now the Dolphins are looking to keep that momentum going as they head into the tough South Coast League.

Senior attacker Sam Pfeil had a solid junior season and will be called upon again to lead the Dolphins on the offensive side. The Dolphins also picked up Marko Asic, a JSerra transfer, over the summer.

In the net for the Dolphins will be their big, 6-foot-4-inch senior goalie, Matt Bridges.

Dana Hills will have their hands full when league play kicks off and they play El Toro on October 2. El Toro has historically been a good program and will be a tough out.

San Clemente also has an experienced and talented team and will be a good test for the Dolphins come October 16.

BOYS WATER POLO SCHEDULE Date 10/2* 10/4 10/9* 10/16* 10/18* 10/19 10/25* 10/30* 11/1* 11/2

Opponent El Toro Laguna Beach Capistrano Valley San Clemente Aliso Niguel Huntington Beach El Toro Capistrano Valley San Clemente Los Osos

Location Dana Hills Laguna Beach Capistrano Valley Dana Hills Dana Hills Huntington Beach El Toro Dana Hills San Clemente Los Osos

Time 3:15 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL • Looking solely at the playeryear designation on the Dolphins roster might make one think they are inexperienced. There are only two seniors, a bunch of juniors and some sophomores. The thing is, almost all of those juniors were big time contributors to a playoff contender in 2011 and know what it takes to compete in the South Coast League.

Head coach Bryce Baum describes his team as big and physical. The average height on the squad is 6 feet and the Dolphins have some big outside hitters that can put pressure on their opponents.

Junior outside hitter Tia Scambray spent her summer playing for the USA Girls Youth National volleyball team, a squad that won the gold medal at the NORECA Girls’ Youth Continental Championships in Tijuana, Mexico.

She also played with her club team, Tstreet, which placed third at the Junior National Championships in Columbus Ohio.

The Dolphins other talented junior outside hitter, Nicole Matheis, is expected to have a big season according to Baum.

“We’re big, we’re physical. We like to be really aggressive at the net and that’s what we’re striving to do and control our airs a little bit.” Baum said.

The Dolphins big-hitting ability is what carried them to an early preseason victory at the Foothill Queens Court Tournament, where they took down some of the top competition in the area.

The Dolphins have suffered a few injuries in the early going but have since bounced back from them according to Baum. With league play starting against Tesoro on October 2, Baum expects the team to be healthy and on the right track.

FOOTBALL • The Dolphins have fallen to 0-4 on the season after losing to Troy 28-9 on September 14. Senior Marcus Hughes had his best game of the season to date, burning the Warriors for 149 total yards. Senior Logan Warren was the lone Dolphin to score on the night as he kicked a field goal and scored on a 28-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Mac Vail.

The Dolphins were not able to contain Troy’s prolific running back Dallas Parent, who ended up with 246 rushing yards on the night and two touchdowns.

The Dolphins will now turn their attention to JSerra, who comes into Dolphin Stadium September 21 riding an unbeaten hot streak. The Lions (3-0) have solid victories over Huntington Beach and Buena Park under their belts while Dana Hills is still searching for their first signature victory of the season.

League play starts for the Dolphins October 5 when they travel to play Aliso Niguel. Follow us on Twitter @ SouthOCsports for live, in-game updates from Dolphin football games. DP

* Denotes league play

Page 16

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DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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DP SURF

5

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

GROM OF THE WEEK Xavier Math Age: 11, Las Palmas Elementary Xavier Math has been surfing for five years and is looking forward to trying his hand at contests next season. For now, he spends his time practicing—working on big airs and vertical hits—usually at Lowers, his favorite local break. “I practice at least three times a week during school and every day during the summer, because I love it and I want to be ready to compete next year,” Xavier said. “Also, just being out in the water having fun with my friends is the best. When I’m on a wave it’s like being in my own world where I am confident and feel good.” This smart and talented fifth-grader also likes skateboarding, snowboarding, reading, football and playing baseball with his travel team, the SC Tritons. Xavier is also a musician who plays guitar and violin. In school he is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ student and his favorite subject is math. “I admit it has a little to do with my last name,” he said. “With a name like Math, I guess I’m lucky that Xavier Math. Courtesy photo I like it and am pretty good at it.” As for future career goals, Xavier is focused on becoming a professional athlete—either a Pipeline-based pro surfer or a baseball player for the Red Sox. “I’ve met most of my best friends through surfing. That’s one of my favorite things about being a surfer,” he said. “We all get along really well and have stuff in common. We all like being out in the water for hours and talking while waiting for waves.” —Andrea Swayne

Stoke-o-Rama a Success

No Luck for the Locals Local surfers eliminated by slimmest of margins in Round 2 of Hurley Pro

First ever contest run by the Gudauskas brothers raised both stoke and funds for a good cause

T

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

W

hen Gudauskas brothers, Patrick, Dane and Tanner, set out to plan the first ever Stoke-o-Rama Surf Contest as part of the annual SC Open (surf and skate contests) they had no idea the event would bring so much good will and honest-to-goodness stoke to local groms, their families and to the organizers themselves.

“We were all pretty blown away at how many kids came down and stayed all day and how many families were there too,” said Tanner Gudauskas.

“I was so taken by the positive attitudes of the kids—win or lose. It seemed like everyone really got the spirit of Stoke-oRama and it was one of the best contests I’ve ever been to in terms of the positive energy in the contest area.”

Tanner went on to say that he and his brothers all feel very fortunate to have been a part of this event and hope to do it again.

The stoked groms on the beach—both competing and the audience—echoed the brothers’ sentiments. And why wouldn’t they? With pros the likes of the G bros, Kelly Slater and Damien Hobgood putting on an inspired expression session and providing guest commentary, the event was like Wonderland in their eyes.

Tanner also reported being amazed at the level of skill he saw among the groms.

“The level of surfing was unbelievable-absolutely insane. I remember watching one heat in particular when Cole HoushDana Point Times September 21–27, 2012

Noah Hohenester won the Boys 12U division in the Stoke-o-Rama contest Saturday at T Street.

Photo by Jack McDaniel

STOKE-O-RAMA RESULTS BOYS 8U: 1. Brayden Burch; 2, Dax McPhillips; 3. Dane Matson; 4. Bryce Pinkerton; 5. Zeke Rose; 6. Cameron Harrell. BOYS 10U: 1. Kade Matson; 2. Kai McPhillips; 3. Jett Schilling; 4.

Hagen Johnson; 5. Max Beach; 6. Taj Lindblad. BOYS 12U: 1. Noah Hohenester; 2. Crosby Colapinto; 3. Ryan Martin; 4. Shane Hardy; 5. Gunner Day; 6. Curren Dand. GIRLS 14U: 1. Malia Osterkamp; 2. Alexxa Elseewi; 3. Tera Richardson; 4. Keili McEvilly; 5. Issy Pajaro; 6. Kirra Pinkerton. BOYS 14U: 1. Kei Kobayashi; 2. Connor Dand; 3. Koltan Sullivan; 4. Drew Hemnes; 5. Nick Melanson; 6. Jaren Harrell. TIMMY DOWELL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Dane Glaze. STOKE-O-RAMA AWARD: Hallie Hemnes; Hunter Ulrich. MIDGET SMITH MOST INSPIRATIONAL AWARD: Zeke Rose. mand and Gunner Day were just flying through the air. The kids’ skill progression reinforces San Clemente’s reputation as being an epicenter for progressive surfing,” Tanner said.

“Seeing the 8 and Unders getting pushed into waves and then tearing it up was awesome too. The future of local surfing looks bright and the young local talent is increasing at a fast pace.”

The event raised $10,000 from sponsors, plus beach donations, to benefit the Friends of San Clemente Beaches Parks and Recreation Foundation. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temp: 65-67˚F Water visibility and conditions: Local: 10-15’+ Fair-; Catalina: 15-20’+ Fair Forecast: S groundswell eases on Friday, along with smaller SW-SSW swell and NW windswell, for waist-shoulder-head high waves,(3-4-5) at well exposed spots. Mainly knee-waist-chest high surf for the weekend from fading old S swell and new SW pulse. Stay tuned to Surfline.

Page 18

he 2012 Hurley Pro Trestles kicked off Sunday with three locally-based hopefuls on the heat sheets. But as Round 2 concluded Monday, San Clemente was no longer represented in the lineup.

San Clemente transplant Evan Geiselman (originally from Florida) was done in Round 1 Sunday after placing third behind Australians Bede Durbidge and Joel Parkinson, respectively. Geiselman came in a mere 0.38 of a point behind Parkinson.

After successfully advancing through the first round, Round 2 brought an end to the campaigns of local boys Kolohe Andino and Patrick Gudauskas. Both were also ousted in super competitive heats, by a margin of less than one point The first Round 2 match-up of San Clemente-based surfers pitted Gudauskas against Jeremy Flores (FRA). Gudauskas launched a massive air attack that was answered by Flores’ special brand of powerful carving turns. In the end Flores squeaked past Gudauskas with a two-wave score of 17.63 (out of 20) to 16.93. Later, Andino faced Heitor Alves of Brazil in another extremely close contest. Alves took the heat from Andino by the slimmest of margins, 14.50 to 14.33.

Event organizers called for a lay day Tuesday due to small surf, but the event was back on by 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Rounds 3 and 4 were complete by the end of competition on Wednesday.

The action resumed Thursday morning and contest officials expected to complete the remaining rounds—Round 5 through the finals—and crown a champion Thursday afternoon.

For up to date information and ondemand video, see www.hurley.com/ hurleypro. DP —AS www.danapointtimes.com