April 12, 2013

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE A P R I L 1 2 -1 8 , 2 0 1 3

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 15

Going Green: the Local Scene This year’s Green Issue highlights environmentally friendly businesses and more SPECIAL INSERT Sisters Jodi (left) and Jessica Else add the juice of fresh wheatgrass and kale to a natural blend at Organic Tree Juice Bar in Dana Point.

Photo by Andrea Swayne

www.danapointtimes.com

With Preliminary Approval, SONGS Could Restart by Summer

Maddie’s Prized Treasure, Forever a Symbol of Good Luck

Dolphin Baseball Sweeps Wolverines in Two Game Series

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DP LIVING/PAGE 12

SPORTS/PAGE 14

EYE ON DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

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D a n a Po i nt

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR SATURDAY, APRIL 13

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

Recycling Event at Dana Hills High 9 a.m.–11 a.m. Drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern St. To find out more, email president@dhhsptsa.com.

City Council Meeting 6 p.m., City Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern. Check with www.danapointtimes.com for a look at the night’s discussion.

Youth Board Meeting 4 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern. Call 949.248.3593 or visit www.danapoint.org for additional information.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

Arts & Culture Commission Meeting 6 p.m. City Hall Council Chamber, 33282 Golden Lantern. For information, call 949.248.3557.

Friends of the Library’s Book Sale 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Stock up for springtime reading while benefitting the Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Rd. Call 949.496.5517 to find out more.

Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Admission is free, for this weekly market at La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza St. For more information, call 949.573.5033 or visit www. danapoint.org.

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

1

… the Grassroots Town Center Group?

THE LATEST: A band of citizens, armed with years of experience in local government and business have assembled to encourage city officials and staff to act on Town Center plans.

The Dana Point Town Center Organization, led by former mayor Harold Kaufman, held their second public meeting Monday night, bringing together some 60 people at the Dana Point Community House, to discuss the delayed project’s movement.

Approved by the Coastal Commission in 2006, the downtown revitalization project to create a pedestrian-friendly destination was relatively stagnant until this year.

In February, City Council approved a phased plan to jumpstart the $19 million Town Center project. The phased approach contained five parts to be completed by the city and the South Coast Water District.

David Youngblood, director of engineering for the SCWD, presented the district’s phased approach to downtown’s underground utility improvements at Monday’s meeting, and Wayne Rayfield, SCWD board president, was on hand to answer audience questions.

“You may think we are coming to this party late, but we have been working on this for years,” Rayfield said.

At a special meeting of the SCWD Board of Directors in March, the board unanimously approved their own Town Center phased-plans for water, sewer and recycled water pipeline improvements. With plans approved and things moving ahead, the water district’s $5 million, three-phased plan could begin this fall, Youngblood said.

WHAT’S NEXT: City Manager Doug Chotkevys is expected to give an update on the project’s progress at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 7.

Dana Point Times April 12-18, 2013

FIND OUT MORE: Stay tuned to www.danapointtimes.com —Andrea Papagianis

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… the Fish Population of the SONGS Reef?

THE LATEST: The artificial reef funded by Southern California Edison to mitigate damage done to the kelp bed near San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station has produced a strong kelp bed, but the fish living there remain smaller than anticipated, meaning the reef has failed to meet “objective standards.”

The monitoring team—from UC Santa Barbara—presented findings to the public as part of an annual public workshop on the state of the 153 acre reef.

The biggest issue at the reef was the amount of fish, in terms of size. The standing stock of fish at the site was expected to weigh roughly 28 tons, but even in the best year recorded, 2012, the stock found was around half that number.

Point is the relocation of the postal sorting and retail facility, at 24551 Del Prado Ave., to an undetermined location.

According to Diana Alvarado, a USPS property management contracting officer, the size of the current location far exceeds service needs. In a move done nationally, the postal service is looking to “right size” their operation and cut an estimated $52,000 of their local expenses annually.

WHAT’S NEXT: For now, no move is being made. Once the public comment period is closed, on April 24, a recommendation will be made regarding office relocation.

Alvarado said, if no adequate space is located, the distribution center will stay put.

USPS is receiving public comments until April 24. Send comments to: Diana Alvarado at Facilities Headquarters-Pacific Area, U.S. Postal Service, 1300 Evans Ave., Ste. 200, San Francisco, CA 94188.

FIND OUT MORE: Look for updates at www.danapointtimes.com—AP

WHAT’S NEXT: Because the fish population was lower than the objective standard, Edison will not receive the mitigation credit for 2012, even though all other standards were met by the reef.

FIND OUT MORE: For the complete story, visit www.danapointtimes.com.

— Jim Shilander

3

… the Post Office Changing Locations?

THE LATEST: At a public hearing Tuesday, representatives from the U.S. Postal Service gave a presentation on the mail provider’s financial status and its attempt to reduce costs without compromising services.

One measure being entertained in Dana

4

… the Likelihood of a SONGS Summer Restart?

THE LATEST: On Wednesday, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission gave preliminary approval for Southern California Edison to operate one unit at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station at 70 percent power over five months, according to a statement.

The go-ahead could mean a restart of the plant before summer.

The nuclear plant has been idle since January 2012 after tube-to-tube wear in newly-installed replacement-steam generators caused a small steam leak in Unit 3. Unit 2—now preliminarily approved for operation—was down at the time for maintenance, but similar tube damage was discovered in its steam generator.

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WHAT’S NEXT: Senator Barbara Boxer (DCalif.) blasted the finding.

“The NRC staff proposal … is dangerous and premature,” Boxer said in a statement.

“It makes absolutely no sense to even consider taking any steps to reopen San Onofre until investigations look at every aspect of reopening the plant given the failure of the tubes that carry radioactive water.”

FIND OUT MORE: Stick with www.danapointtimes.com for updates—JS and AP

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… the Status on Young Sea Lion Strandings?

THE LATEST: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officially declared the ongoing stranding of sea lion pups on beaches throughout Southern California an “unusual mortality event.”

On a conference call last week, Sarah Wilkin, California’s marine mammal stranding coordinator for the administration, said between Santa Barbara and San Diego counties, more than 1,100 sea lion pups came ashore in the first three months of the year.

Many rescue centers have become so full, she said, that only the most desperate cases were being taken in, while those in less dire need received beach “triage.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Beach goers who come upon sickly looking pups are advised to not approach the animals and to call their nearest rescue center. For those in Orange County, call the Pacific Marine Mammal Center at 949.494.3050.

FIND OUT MORE: For information, visit www.pacificmmc.org.—JS

Have a story idea or topic you would like to read about? Send your suggestions to editorial@danapointtimes.com. www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Compiled by Andrea Papagianis

PROPS, RECOGNITIONS AND MORSELS OF INFO City Names New Director of Community Development

April 16, at 1 p.m. For information on the event, or questions contact Melanie Leon at 949.248.3557 or mleon@danapoint.org.

u After a November retirement left the position vacant, the city announced the appointment of Dana Point-native, Ursula Luna-Reynosa, as the new director of community development.

According to a city press release, LunaReynosa, who grew up in Dana Point and attended Dana Hills High School, returns home after stints with the community and economic development divisions in the cities of Tracy, Pittsburg and Vallejo, Calif.

Most recently, the economic development director of Vallejo, Luna-Reynosa managed the city’s $3.2 million budget and planning, building and economic departments—the same departments she will head in Dana Point. Luna-Reynosa succeeds former director Kyle Butterwick, and is scheduled to start on Monday, April 15.

OC Robotics Team Gears Up for National Competition u The Code Orange Robotics team—

made up of students from all corners of Orange County—earned high honors at the Inland Empire Regional tournament in San Bernardino and a spot at the FIRST Championship in St. Louis, Mo., April 24 to 27.

Now, the students need the community’s help to send team members and their Frisbee shooting robot to the “Gateway to the West.” On Saturday, April 13 the team, parents and sponsors will hold a large garage sale, at 158 W. Mariposa, San Clemente from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations are welcome. Please call 949.274.2568 to make a donation. For more on the team, visit www.teamcodeorange.com.

Annual Event Welcomes Public to Marine Mammal Center

Signage for the Dana Point Town Center was installed at the southern intersection of Del Prado Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

attached to the project, approved SCWD Board of Directors last month.

Coffee Chats are hosted at Coffee Importers in the Dana Point Harbor and being at 8:30 a.m. Chats are open to the public and time is allotted for other topics of discussion and for announcements. DPCA president Jim Miller will also be serving up free coffee to attendees.

The first physical mark of Town Center movement—signage marking the center’s entrance, at the southern intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado Avenue—is under construction and nearing completion. The gateway project was scheduled for completion in March.

Town Center on Civic Association Coffee Chat Radar

Local Historian Memorialized at Heritage Park, Dedication Set for Tuesday

u On Friday, April 19, the Dana Point Civic Association will host South Coast Water District board president Wayne Rayfield at the organization’s monthly coffee chat.

In February, city staff was on hand to update the community on the downtown revitalization project, Town Center. The project brings the city and water district together for street and infrastructure improvements to the downtown corridor of Pacific Coast Highway and Del Prado Avenue, to develop a consolidated retail and restaurant center.

This month’s topic will be a follow-up to the city’s Town Center presentation, this time focusing on the infrastructure updates—including the replacement of underground sewer and water utilities—to be completed by the SCDW. Rayfield is slated to speak on utility improvement plans

u Her voice lives on in numerous penned historical accounts of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Her spirit in the family, friends and A memorial dedication for long- community time Orange County historian, she brought Doris Walker, is scheduled for together.

Tuesday, April 16. File Photo Now, longtime historian and author Doris WalkerSmith will be forever memorialized, for her numerous contributions to the city and

Dana Point Times April 12-18, 2013

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people of Dana Point at the city’s Heritage Park, overlooking the city she called home.

A dedication ceremony of the Doris Walker Memorial will be held on Tuesday,

u The Pacific Marine Mammal Center, at 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, will host a free open house on Sunday, April 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., for the general public to meet the staff and Board of Directors.

The mammal center is a nonprofit organization that rescues, medically treats and rehabilitates marine mammals stranded along the Orange County coastline. The organization also works to increase public awareness of the marine environment through education and continued research.

Reservations for the open house are encouraged, to RSVP contact Lindsey Repp at 949.494.3050 or lrepp@pacificmmc.org.

To find out more about the organization, visit www.pacificmmc.org.

Have something interesting for the community? Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY

Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com COMPILED BY ELYSIA GAMO 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 website.

Tuesday, April 9 MISSING ADULT Amber Lantern, 34100 Block (5:34 p.m.)

Dispatch received a call about a woman who may have gotten off at the wrong bus stop somewhere in Dana Point early in the morning. Authorities checked with area hospitals without finding her. The Orange County Transportation Authority located the woman and she was returned home.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (1:36 a.m.) An employee of a gas station reported that a man wearing a green hat and pants and a Notre Dame sweatshirt was apparently drunk and stumbling around the parking lot.

KEEP THE PEACE Ritz Pointe Drive, 0 Block (12:51 a.m.)

The owner of a towed vehicle demanded a tow truck driver release his automobile, but the owner did not have money to pay the drop fee.

Monday, April 8 WELFARE CHECK Buccaneer Street, 33000 Block (11:03

p.m.) A woman called authorities concerned about her disabled friend. The woman failed to pick the caller up, could not be reached and her voice mailbox was full.

An unknown person text the caller and said her friend was hospitalized.

WELFARE CHECK Reina, 0 Block (11:50 a.m.) A woman reported her daughter was crying on the phone to her. The daughter said she was sick and that her dad was being verbal and had “kicked the dog.”

CITIZENS ASSIST Danapoplar, 32900 Block (6:16 p.m.)

A man reported that his 18-year-old daughter had encountered a man in the Ocean Ranch Village parking lot who persistently tried asking her out. The man also attempted to prevent her from getting into her car.

FOLLOW UP REPORT Del Obispo Street, 33800 Block (11:19 a.m.) A woman told police that her exhusband’s new wife had been driving around her complex in a black Jetta in an attempt to scare her. The caller was afraid to leave her house.

DISTUBRANCE Golden Lantern, 34400 Block (4:31 p.m.)

A woman reported that a man, whose arms were bleeding, was causing a disturbance with her and other customers of The Brig Restaurant. The Orange County Fire Authority transported the injured man to San Clemente hospital.

Friday, April 5

CITIZEN ASSIST Crown Valley Parkway, 32400 Block (3:13 p.m.) A man received a picture text message of his girlfriend throwing all of his clothes and belongings outside. His girlfriend sent the message and left the home the two share, before sheriffs arrived.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Vista Del Mar, 0 Block (4:24 p.m.) A woman reported that an elderly, male neighbor tried to grab and kiss her.

DEFRAUDING AN INKEEPER Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (1:18 p.m.) A man and a woman left The Real Deli without paying their bill. They were both described as in their 50s. The man was wearing a dark blue blazer with dark jeans and the woman wore a blue sweatshirt.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCE Pacific Coast Highway/Selva Road (8:55 a.m.) A woman, who the caller said had walked from Laguna Beach to Dana Point, was seen talking to herself. She was described as being wet, with black hair and wearing a black yoga outfit.

Sunday, April 7 DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway, 33300 Block (10:07 p.m.) A caller reported a group of about 30 juveniles drinking alcohol “on the grassy hill.” When deputies arrived, the group had left the grass and moved to the beach.

CITIZEN ASSIST Marquesa, 0 Block (11:19 p.m.) A woman reported that her soon to be ex-husband telephoned her from New York. He called her derogatory names, told her she would “regret this day” and then hung up on her.

DISTUBRANCE San Juan Avenue, 24600 Block (3:41 p.m.)

A man with a white beard was yelling at everyone that walked pass him.

DISTURBANCE Dana Point Harbor Drive, 24500 Block (1:51 p.m.) A caller reported a male custodian had entered a women’s restroom and refused to leave, even though there were still women inside.

Thursday, April 4 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via California, 26300 Block (7:24 p.m.)

A caller reported a man who tried to open her front door. The man left with something silver in his left hand and drove off in a green Toyota Tacoma with a dent on the passenger side of the front bumper.

The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored sweatshirt with red and black writing.

DISTUBRANCE La Cresta Drive/Malaga Drive (4:37

p.m.) A man was seen bothering children playing outside of the location. The caller asked him to leave, but he refused. The man was described as wearing a blue bandana, shorts and black shoes.

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (10:16 a.m.) A caller heard voices of a woman and two men, who were possibly on narcotics, hanging out behind a business. The caller was unable to see them but said she could see the mattress they were on.

VANDALISM IN PROGRESS Pacific Coast Highway, 34300 Block (4:44 a.m.) A customer broke a window when he threw food and a bottle at it. The man left the location and walked down PCH toward Interstate 5. He was described in his 40s or 50s and wearing a red jacket.

Wednesday, April 3 ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY Blue Lantern, 33600 Block (11:36 p.m.)

A woman reported someone had thrown what she believed to be poisoned dog treats into her back yard. She demanded to see a deputy to report an attempted murder because her grandchild plays in the same backyard, and could have eaten the treats.

DRUNK DRIVING Camino Del Avion/Niguel Road (9:30 p.m.) A possible drunk driver in a black Nissan was driving with no lights on and swerving into other lanes of traffic.

UNKNOWN TROUBLE La Cresta Drive/Violet Lantern (4 p.m.)

A man reported seeing two men pull out semi-automatic handguns while running through an alley. They were possibly chasing another two men who were headed toward Pacific Coast Highway. All those involved were located in the middle of the Lantern Village Park. Deputies took five men into custody.

DISTURBANCE Del Prado Avenue, 24500 Block (11:00 a.m.) A few people, the caller believed to be homeless, were seen drinking in an open air parking structure.

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

Andrea Papagianis, 949.388.7700, x112 apapagianis@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING

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Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 15. 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 2013. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

ART/DESIGN

OPERATIONS

EDITORIAL

Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith

Finance Director > Mike Reed

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Accounting Manager Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines

Group Senior Editor > Andrea Swayne

RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Papagianis

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com

Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale

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

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Brian Park

> Michele Reddick (San Clemente) > Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Sales Associate > Angela Edwards

SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Victor Carno, Elysia Gamo, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell

GUEST OPINION: The Water Column, By Lisa Zawaski, senior water quality engineer, city of Dana Point and Linda Homscheid, public information officer, South Coast Water District

Get the Low Down before You Dig Down M ost know that April is the month we celebrate Earth Day, but you may not be aware that April is also National Safe Digging Month, a public education and awareness initiative also aimed at protecting the environment, public health and safety.

Spearheaded by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), National Safe Digging Month serves as a reminder that right under our feet, a maze of electric, gas, water, sewer and other utility lines keep our communities running.

However, just one jab of a shovel can break one of these lines, potentially disrupting services to an entire community—not only harming the environment, but also the public and yourself.

According to the CGA, digging activity damages a buried utility line every three minutes in the United States. But, there is something that we all can do to significantly reduce the likelihood of such incidents.

Know What’s Below: Call 811 Before You Dig In California, whenever you plan to “move dirt”—that is, hand dig or excavate with power equipment—state law requires you to locate utility lines beforehand and then steer clear of them.

That may sound hard, but it’s actually fast, easy and free to do.

Southern California provides a no-cost utility locator service called DigAlert.

Whether you’re a professional excavator, contractor, business owner, homeowner or do-it-yourselfer, you can contact DigAlert 24 hours a day, seven days a week, simply by calling 811.

At least two days before you start digging, call DigAlert or go online to DigAlert Express at www.digalert.org. You will be asked for specific project information, such as the location and type of work, and receive a ticket number.

DigAlert will inform local utilities to send out personnel to identify and mark the location of underground utility lines within your project area or inform you there is no conflict. In accordance with American Public Works Association color coding, green indicates sewer lines; blue, potable water lines; orange, gas lines and red, electrical lines.

Before starting your project, state law also requires that you hand dig and expose 24 inches on either side of utility lines to identify the precise location.

Benefits of Calling First Every digging job

requires a call to 811, even planting trees, bushes and other landscaping. If you hit an underground utility line while digging around your yard, you can still cause a power outage, service disruption or injury to yourself and others.

What’s more, there is an important long-term benefit of calling before you do any planting—the prevention of sewer spills. How is that?

When you know the location of sewer lines in your project area, you can avoid planting trees and shrubs directly over them and plant them at least 10 feet away, which is recommended. In this way, you can prevent roots from growing into sewer lines and obstructing them, which can cause sewage to back up into your home and onto your property and to overflow into the street down storm drains and into the ocean.

When you notify DigAlert of your landscaping project, utility personnel can mark the spot where your private sewer line connects to the public sewer system.

From that point of connection, you can approximate the path your sewer line takes under your property to your house, and avoid planting over it.

For help locating your sewer line, you

Letters to the Editor SEAMLESS SYNTHESIS OF ORCHESTRA AND SYMPHONY IN BEETHOVEN’S NO.9 PERFORMANCE RON GREEK, San Clemente

The Dana Point Symphony is the real deal.

On Friday April 5, they performed the iconic Beethoven No. 9 Symphony at St. Edward’s Church to a standing room overflow crowd of 1,500 people. They were accompanied by Mission Viejo’s Church of the Master Choir singing the fourth movement “Ode to Joy” Dana Point Times April 12-18, 2013

with four soloists who were all outstanding.

To say they nailed it would be a blatant understatement. Upon completion the audience gave them all a 10 minute standing ovation.

This was my first exposure to the Dana Point Symphony and what a pleasant and amazing surprise to discover a local orchestra with such talent.

Beethoven’s No. 9 is no easy chore.

Its four movements are considered the greatest piece of music ever written. Ludwig Von Beethoven wrote eight symphonies

prior to his ninth, each one taking less then a year to compose.

No. 9 took 10 years as he was stone deaf and wrote this masterpiece from his memory as to how each note and instrument would sound. Many believe this to be the greatest single example of man’s genius and intellect.

Under the direction of conductor Dean Anderson the choir and the orchestra blended together flawlessly to deliver an evening of great music.

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might also talk to a licensed plumber or private utility services locator. Of course, a copy of your building plans could be invaluable in helping identify the location of the sewer line under your property.

In addition, if your yard size is limited, avoid trees with aggressive root systems, even if the trees are native or droughttolerant, such as the California pepper tree. Remember, when planting any tree, carefully consider its height, width and root size at maturity. You never want a tree to become an expensive and environmental problem because you planted it in the wrong location. For plant information, check www.bewaterwise.com (Garden Gallery), www.scwd.org (Garden Resources) and www.danapoint.org (Invasive Plant Guide).

This April, dig safe and plant smart in celebration of Earth Day and National Safe Digging Month. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared.

The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

CORRECTION: The photo in last week’s column, “It’s History,” contained incorrect information. The aerial view of Dana Point was from around 1970.

The article “Beach Fires Spark Debate in Orange County” incorrectly stated the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s target year for getting the region on track with federally implemented air quality standards. The year should read 2015. The DP Times regrets the errors.

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

AT THE COACH HOUSE: VONDA SHEPARD Singer, songwriter and pianist Vonda Shepard is bringing a mix of cover tunes from her five seasons on the TV show “Ally McBeal,” music from her album Solo and newly penned songs to the Coach House, April 25. We caught up with her to discuss her music and what audiences can expect from the show. SC TIMES: What are fans in store for?

SHEPARD: For this show I’ll have the trio, which is one of my favorite configurations. We can still have the intimate feeling of the solo show at times, but also with the three of us singing and playing, it really can sound like a full band and we can get the place hoppin’.

What has influenced your musical style? Soul music, especially Aretha Franklin, Candi Staton, Stevie Wonder, but also the great singer songwriters ... James Taylor, Carole King, Rickie Lee Jones, Paul Simon …eclectic music by Habib Koite of Mali, Africa is a favorite, as well as Billy Holiday, Duke Ellington and many others. What’s next for you? I enjoy great art films, so I have considered doing some scoring in the future. I have worked consistently, but since having a child, my priorities have shifted ... however I still do love to play. See Vonda Shepard at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on April 25. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. For tickets or dinner reservations, visit www.thecoachhouse.com or call 949.496.8930. —A.J. Bardzilowski

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

DP

D a n a Po i nt

Vonda Shepard. Courtesy photo

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

friday

ROUTE 66 8 p.m. Cabrillo Playhouse presents a musical review of the classic ‘50s-’60s automotive songs onstage. $20-$25. Shows through May 12. 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente, 949.492.0465, www.cabrilloplayhouse.org.

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RAPHAEL 8 p.m. Live music at Wind & Sea Restaurant.

34699 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.6500, www.windandsearestaurants.com.

ANGELIKA WILSON 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Live music and wine tasting at DaVine Food & Wine (wine tasting starts at 4 p.m.). Tasting fee $15 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

KENNY HALE TRIO 8 p.m. Live entertainment at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa’s OverVue Lounge featuring classic rock. 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000, www.lagunacliffs.com.

saturday

SECOND SATURDAY ART FAIR 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Local artists feature their arts and crafts, also includes musicians, business and restaurant specials, and more in downtown San Juan Capistrano. 949.493.4700, www.sjcartfair.org.

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SECOND STAGE STAND UP 7:30 p.m. Comedians hit Stage II at Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $15.

31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

BIOLUMINESCENCE CRUISE 8 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Ocean Institute’s cruise to learn about the ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and to witness the phenomenon. $22-$35. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

2000 LBS OF BLUES 8 p.m. Live music at StillWater.

24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.danapointstillwater.com.

Dana Point Times April 12–18, 2013

ANNIE SLOAN BOOK SIGNING 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Annie Sloan, best-selling author of more than 20 books on decorative paint techniques, will be signing copies of “Color Recipes for Painted Furniture and More,” at The Abode.

228 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.412.4499.

EDITOR’S PICK: DOHENY WOOD CAR SHOW 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The SoCal Woodie Club presents Doheny Wood 2013, a woodie car show at Doheny State Doheny Wood 2012. Photo by Tony Tribolet Beach. Admission is free. Parking is $15 in the state beach lot or free along PCH. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2704, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

CA$H MOB, SAN CLEMENTE 11 a.m. Meet at the San Clemente Community Market Headquarters with at least $20 and join the group for some shopping to support a local small business, followed by more fun. 1506 Calle Valle, San Clemente, www.sanclementemarket.com.

sunday

LEGALLY BLONDE 3 p.m.

A musical rendition of Legally Blonde in the McKinney Theatre at Saddleback College.

Performances through April 21. $10-$15. 28000 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo, 949.582.4656, www.saddleback.edu.

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SUNDAYS AT SUNSET CONCERT SERIES 6 p.m.

The South Orange County School of the Arts Jazz band performs for the concert series in the Dana Point Yacht Club. Tickets $10-$14. 24399 Dana Drive, Dana Point, www.socsarts.org.

MURDER BY THE MISSION 6:30 p.m. Murder mystery dinner theatre at Sarducci’s presented by Camino Real Playhouse. Tickets $59; includes meal. 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.8082, www.caminorealplayhouse.org.

YOUTH EXPO 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Expo at the OC Fair & Events Center with tons of fun, activities, workshops, displays and much more for youngsters. Free admission, all weekend event. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500, www.ocfair.com/youthexpo.

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monday

BOOK SIGNING 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

San Clemente Wine Company presents Kimberly Carlson, the author of “Out of the Shadows,” signing books at the winery.

212 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.429.7067, www.kimberly-carlson.com.

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COUNTRY DANCIN WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at Swallow’s Inn. 31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

tuesday

HALF-PRICE WHALE WATCHING Noon and 2 p.m.

Dana Wharf offers half-price whale-watching trips and more Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month. 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

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wednesday

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BOUNDARY BIRDS 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Live music at The Cellar. 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

JANINE AND HANS FROM DEEP WATER 7:30 p.m.11 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com.

thursday

ORGANIC COOKING CLASS 6:30 p.m. Chefs Caroline Cazaumayou and Lisa Soto teach healthy organic cooking at Antoine’s Café in honor of Earth Day. Cost $65, including recipes, dinner and a glass of wine. 218 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com.

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SPEAKER SERIES: EDIBLE LANDSCAPE 7 p.m.

Casa Romantica presents master gardener Jodie Cook for a discussion on incorporating edible plants into ornamental landscapes. $10. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.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

Going Green: the Local Scene Area entrepreneurs provide a myriad of eco-friendly businesses

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he tri-city area of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano is home to a community full of environmentally-friendly businesses.

So, as part of this year’s Green Issue, we are taking a look at one entity from each of our three cities “greening” the local business scene.

CNG United Frustrated by a declining real estate market, in 2007 San Clemente resident Michael Laub made a decision to ditch his career as a real estate broker in favor of a new, environmentally friendly venture.

As an entrepreneur, Laub said he felt the need to reinvent himself and write his own ticket. He did just that when creating CNG United, a company focused on the conversion of conventional gasoline-powered vehicles to compressed natural gas and teaching automotive technicians how to convert and repair CNG-powered automobiles.

“I wanted to go into something environmentally friendly and considered solar power, wind power and artificial turf before stumbling across natural gas. I had my ‘ah-ha moment’ that year when gasoline prices topped $4 per gallon and natural gas was only 83 cents per gallon,” he said.

Laub said the idea really took hold when he learned that “natural gas is the first by-product that comes out of the ground when drilling for petroleum, is 80 to 90 percent cleaner, less expensive and an abundant resource right here under U.S. soil.”

Since opening its doors, CNG United has educated nearly 400 technicians on the ins and outs of conversion and that number continues to grow by 15 to 20 per month.

As a general rule, a conversion costs somewhere between $4,500 to $5,000, depending on the vehicle, engine size and the size of tank chosen, according to Laub.

“Big savings in fuel costs add up and the conversion quickly pays for itself. And with the new technology, vehicles maintain the same relative ‘gas’ mileage and performance.”

Technicians visit San Clemente to learn how to convert and repair CNG cars and the company also holds off-site training sessions and has handled conversions for many municipalities and companies.

Recent in-state work includes the conversion of five ambulances in Long Beach, a plumbing fleet in Rancho Santa Margarita, the replacement of about 50 CNG tanks for the city of Hawthorne’s municipal fleet and numerous privateparty conversions and tank replacements.

Next month, Laub’s company will be working with the city of St. Louis, Mo. to provide mechanic training through a program dubbed The St. Louis Project, created to help war veterans and prisoners learn a new, marketable skill.

“We’re also working with a couple of federal prisons in Florida, where we will teach the instructors in the prison how to train the inmates to convert cars,” Laub said. “The benefits are twofold. Not only will prisoners have a marketable skill upon release, inmate labor costs pennies on the dollar and during their time in jail these new skills can be used toward converting the prisons’ fleet of vehicles.”

The training program also provides curriculum to other auto mechanics programs in high schools and colleges.

Wayne Richardson, a Colorado-based auto technician of 25 years and recent CNG student said learning this skill has become a necessity in his business.

“This is the wave of the future. Our fuel consumption in this country demands that we move toward this technology. Many, many of my customers are inquiring about it right now,” Richardson said.

Laub agreed wholeheartedly.

“Based on motor vehicle department reports that show the group of over 150,000 registered CNG vehicles in the U.S. continues to increase along with demand for our training program, the way I see it, we have plenty of room to grow,” Laub said.

For more information about CNG United, visit www.cngunited.com —Andrea Swayne

Goin Native In 2009, after 30 years as a hairdresser, Marianne Taylor decided to make a style change of her own by turning her passion for gardening into her new life’s work.

With help from a business partner, Taylor started Goin Native, a series of gardening classes from a small property near her home in the Los Rios Historic District in San Juan Capistrano.

“The mission statement is to get people aware of sustainability and get them involved in the garden,” Taylor said. “I call myself a teacher and a ‘dirt therapist’ because you learn a lot about yourself when you get your hands in the dirt.”

Goin Native’s Los Rios Garden Angels have planted and care for more than 50 types of native and drought tolerant plant species in Los Rios Park. Photo by Brian Park

But along with classes on planting succulents and cooking organic foods from the garden, Goin Native also provides a public service in the form of some generous green thumbs.

Twice a month, Taylor leads a group of eight to 15 volunteers, known as the Garden Angels, to Los Rios Park, where they do the lion’s share of the work in looking after more than 50 plant species in the 6.5-acre city park.

Since Goin Native started at the same time the park opened, Taylor and her dedicated volunteers have spearheaded many of the landscape changes to the park, specifically in the area surrounding the Montanez Adobe.

“The look that we wanted was to plant it in such a way that it appears as if it was designed naturally without human hands,” Taylor said.

Most of the plants in Los Rios Park are native or drought tolerant species. In addition to California poppies, the park also boasts buddleia, Cleveland sage, purple sage and a variety of succulents.

In recent years, more succulents and drought tolerant plants have been introduced due to severely less rainfall, according to Taylor. Parts of the park feature a timed, drip

system to water plants, but an unusually dry winter season has forced volunteers to use garden hoses more often.

“The plants rely on local rains, but unfortunately, we’re in the middle of a drought, so we’ve been giving them a hand up,” Taylor said. “We’ve also added a few more aloe vera plants because they need a little less water than the drought tolerant plants.”

The Garden Angels have also taken it upon themselves to boost the dwindling numbers of Monarch butterflies and bees. In the case of the butterflies, volunteers have planted milkweed, which is the primary food source for Monarch larvae, or caterpillars.

“We really want the Monarch butterflies to be a specialty here. They’re a migratory species, so we want them to find a pathway here and call San Juan Capistrano their home, just like the swallows,” Taylor said.

For more information about Goin Native or to volunteer with the Garden Angels, visit www.goinnative.net.

—Brian Park

Organic Tree Juice Bar Unlike many juice bar chains, Organic Tree Juice Bar in Dana Point takes an artisanal approach to their products and an environmentally responsible approach to production, packaging and food waste disposal.

Started in 2011 by Brian and Rachel Dunn from Capistrano Beach, the juice bar is located in the back of the Pacific Ashtanga Yoga Shala near Dana Point Harbor.

“Many of our competitors start with ready-made blends,” said Rachel Dunn. “We start with only raw, organic materials and know where all of our food comes from.”

Dunn said the idea for the juice bar was first hatched by her husband Brian Dunn, who has been a wheatgrass, natural foods and yoga enthusiast for years. And while the two were developing their concept for Organic Tree, they worked to create a company that would incorporate the most sustainable methods of operation and the best organic products they could find.

“We make sure to buy as much of our organic produce as we can locally and found one of our main suppliers in San Juan Capistrano, South Coast Farms,” Dunn said.

“Sourcing close to home also cuts down on transportation costs and the related pollution it creates.”

The idea of farm-to-table food and environmentally friendly practices, carry across the company’s entire operation. Juices are served in either compostable cups made from corn starch or reusable glass jars. And the pulp by-product created in the juicing process is returned to South Coast Farms, to be used as compost.

Organic Tree has become a favorite gathering spot where health- and environmentally-conscious locals meet, converse and enjoy the benefits of juicing, a subject that the well-educated staff has an impressive knowledge of.

“Our employees are super mindful and want to do things the right way, the green and healthy way,” Dunn said. “Not only because their bosses say so, but because they feel an inner responsibility.”

Their menu includes juice blends designed to address health issues, provide energy, cleanse and just for enjoyment of the fresh, natural flavors.

The Dunn’s will soon be expanding their business to include a new venture, Organic Tree Landscaping, focused on chemical-free eco-friendly organic landscaping.

To find out more, log on to www.organictreejuicebar. com. —Andrea Swayne

Concordia Rain Barrels, Butterfly Garden a Guide for Local Schools Gardens provide environmentally sound educational opportunities for students

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oncordia Elementary School students have been getting a personal view of the life cycle of butterflies, vegetables and native flora as part of a partnership with the San Clemente Garden Club since 2008.

Dave Gerhard, principal of Concordia Elementary School, said for the last five years, his students have had the opportunity to get very hands-on in lessons about science and the environment.

“They really enjoy it,” Gerhard said. “They really take great pride in their gardens.”

To water, the school utilizes 11 rain barrels, which are attached to the drainpipes on various school buildings and stored alongside them. While San Clemente doesn’t have the reputation of being a particularly wet city, parent volunteer Kris Ethington noted that the rain barrels more than suffice to keep all of their gardens in bloom.

“It’s surprising how much rain is collected,” Ethington said. “It’s a great supplemental water source.”

Ethington, whose own children have graduated to middle school, has helped to set up similar garden programs at both Shorecliffs Middle School and Marblehead Elementary, and serves as a liaison of sorts as co-chair of the Garden Club’s junior gardeners program.

Current parent volunteer Michelle Johnson said it’s a common site to see students use their recess time to water their vegetable or flower gardens, especially the kindergarten and first graders.

“It’s geared for all of the different age

The rain barrels at Concordia Elementary School trap water for use on drier days in the school’s many gardens, which encourage students to learn about their environment in a hands-on way. Photos by Jim Shilander

groups, which is great,” Johnson said. “And there are native plants all over the school.”

In addition to the vegetable garden, other classes have their own projects. Fourthgraders, for example, study worm composting, and fifth-graders get the most time with the rain barrels, as they paint them every year. Kindergarteners through third-graders get to enjoy getting an even closer look at butterflies, since there are a number of small “butterfly gardens” at the school.

This includes a selection of native plants

important to the entire life cycle of the butterfly, including some to serve as food for caterpillars and as sources of nectar for grown butterflies, Ethington said.

“The kids really love watching the whole life cycle of the butterflies in one place,” Gerhard said.

Gerhard credited Ethington with helping to get the butterfly gardens going and said the school had also worked closely with nearby San Onofre State Park to help students understand butterfly migrations and other interesting tidbits. Among the butterflies that regularly make appearances at the gardens are the monarch, the painted lady and the gulf fritillary.

“It’s a pretty comprehensive program,” Gerhard said.

Ethington said that rain barrels similar to those used at the school are widely available and can cost as low as $20 from suppliers— combined with approximately $30 for the parts to attach it to the home. She suggested those interested in learning more attend one of the regular workshops on making use of rain barrels held by The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, www.theecologycenter.org.

The San Clemente Garden Club will also be providing information about butterfly gardens at its GardenFest event Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the San Clemente Community Center. For more information, log on to www.sanclementegardenclub.com.

—Jim Shilander

At the Harbor: County Works Toward a Clean and Green Facility Harbor Director shares efforts and goals for continually improving environmental practices at one of the area’s most popular recreation destinations

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n 2005 the Orange County Board of Supervisors created the Dana Point Harbor Department, now called OC Dana Point Harbor, with the goal of having an independent department with the resources to concentrate their efforts on the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan.

One of the unexpected but now welcomed consequences has been OC Dana Point Harbor’s attention to water quality and facility improvements through the Harbor’s Water Quality Improvement Program.

Since 2007—with program goals of source control, diverting runoff, treating runoff, conservation, outreach and education— the department has effectively improved water quality throughout the Harbor.

It should be noted that we are not alone in our efforts and the great work of the city of Dana Point, OC Parks, OC Watersheds, Health Care Agency, South Coast

Water District, Dana Point Earth/Ocean Society, Headlands Reserve, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Ocean Institute, Harbor operators and numerous

By Brad Gross, director community cleanup volOC Dana Point Harbor unteers combine for our water quality improvement efforts.

Our successes were accomplished by first taking over and improving some already established programs. For example, the Earth/Ocean Society started a “smoker’s outpost” program at some key locations in the Harbor before the establishment of the Harbor Department. There are now more than 30 outposts ringing the walkways of the Harbor. And in early 2008, the Harbor voluntarily participated in the Metropolitan Water District’s Public Sector Water Ef-

ficiency Program where a Harbor-wide audit of water usage and procedures resulted in numerous measures implemented to conserve water and reduce runoff.

Following the audit, several adjustments were made to landscape, such as lowering soil levels in many planter areas and replacing spray irrigation systems with bubblers.

Irrigation systems are frequently inspected and repaired. Low maintenance, yet visually appealing, plants have been chosen for the common areas and landscaping is now trimmed more frequently to minimize the amount of leaves falling into the water. All street and parking lot cleaning is performed using surface cleaners with built-in wash water recovery to eliminate runoff.

Daily trash collection is mandated and bird-proof lids have been installed on trash receptacles to prevent birds from scattering the contents. Pet waste bag dispensers

are conveniently located throughout the Harbor and continually checked for supply.

Fishing line recycling collection stations have been purchased and installed at several locations. There are also provisions for the disposal of oil, oil filters, automatic transmission fluid, engine anti-freeze and coolant, batteries and bilge pads which were not previously available. Also available for boaters are free oil absorbing bilge pads, which can be obtained by visiting any of the marina operators. These pads are placed in the bilges of boats to absorb oil, fuel, etc. as opposed to discharging these items overboard through bilge pumps. Once saturated, the pads are easily recycled via one of our stations.

In coordination with the South Coast Water District, storm drains and sewer lines are inspected routinely for debris, (Cont. on page 6)

Many strategies are employed by the OC Dana Point Harbor Department in an effort to create a more environmentally sound facility. Photo by Andrea Swayne

At the Harbor (Cont. from page 4) obstructions and line integrity. Catch basin inserts have been installed in all drains leading into the harbor to stop debris and trash before it enters. In an effort to prevent line blockages that can lead to sewer spills, quarterly lateral and main line cleaning and maintenance takes place. During construction of the launch ramp in 2006, a trench drain was installed to collect and filter runoff. Grease interceptors have also been installed in several restaurants to collect material instead of letting it flow to the sewer system.

In 2006 both the East and the West Marinas were designated Clean Marinas by the Clean Marinas California Program. The Launch Ramp was certified in 2009 and the OC Sailing & Events Center along with the Dana Point Yacht Club in 2011. The Shipyard received one of the first certifications as a Clean Maritime Facility last year. All these operations continue to exceed the program’s requirements which include solid and liquid waste management, clean boating policies, clean operational practices, emergency action procedures, a recycling program and employee and boater training. The Harbor now strictly enforces the Best Management Practices and has increased education and awareness efforts in order to encourage boaters to take an active role in safeguarding water quality.

Other projects include the Headland’s installation of a storm water diversion system, timers on wash down water supply at the launch ramp, installation of waterless urinals in the new public restroom and the

recent installation of four new boat holding tank pump out stations. The Shipyard will soon be installing a water clarifying system for their facility and the fuel dock is also in the process of upgrades.

In 2009, the Harbor started to conduct biannual underwater cleanups with local volunteer divers removing more than 27,000 pounds of debris from the Harbor’s bottom.

And, as a result of a grant from the Orange County Transportation Authority, one of our proudest accomplishments is the recent installation of six new debris skimmers. The skimmers are strategically placed throughout the Harbor working 24/7 collecting surface debris from the water. Each skimmer collects on average about 7,400 pounds of debris annually.

Ongoing efforts to improve the water quality at Baby Beach have also been successful. Part of the problem in the past was found to be caused by the water coming from outfall out of the Headlands and bird waste. The installation of the Headlands diversion and filter system has taken care of that for the most part. As for the bird droppings, bird proof netting has been installed under the pier and staff members are sent out each day to manually remove droppings off the beach. Also, since the area was dredged in 2008 and the top two feet of sand on the beach removed and replaced with clean fresh sand, documented improvements have been made and can be reviewed in the Heal the Bay annual Beach Report Card. The reports are posted online at www. healthebay.org.

As we look ahead we recognize that we are quickly approaching what will prove to be a challenging but exciting time full of opportunities to execute new and innovated approaches to environmental controls for construction activity during the implementation of the Revitalization Plan. But more importantly, the project will finally allow us to upgrade such items and water supply, electrical supply, sewer capacities, grease interceptors for the restaurants and to lay the foundation for reclaimed water to be used for irrigation.

As you can see, we are never done when working to improve water quality. Please come and enjoy your Harbor. Take a walk, sit on the beach, cruise on your boat, have a meal or go to sea to see a whale. On your way out, if you see a piece of trash on the ground, pick it up. I am sure you will find a trash can with a bird-proof lid close by.

Earth Day Events Saturday, April 13 Doheny State Beach Earth Day Native Planting Project 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Join volunteers at Doheny State Beach to help plant an assortment of native plants, shrubs and trees around the park. Bring a shovel and working gloves, if available. Upon entry to the park, let the gate guard know that you are volunteering. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

16th Annual Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Volunteer at San Clemente State Beach or Doheny State Beach for the California State Parks Foundation’s annual Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup.

More info and registration is available by phone or online. 225 West Calafia Avenue, San Clemente, and, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 888.987.2757, www. calparks.org/earthday.

Community Recycling Event at Dana Hills High School 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Drop off plastic bottles and aluminum cans (no glass please) in the back parking lot of Dana Hills High School near the tennis courts and pool area for students from the school’s chapter of the California Scholastic Federation to collect and sort. Funds collected are distributed by the school’s PTSA for student programs.

Rain or shine. 33333 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point, www.dhhs.net.

We Are Earth Day Festival 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Join The Ecology Center’s 5th annual Earth Day celebration with live music, fresh local food, eco-activities, the annual spring seedling sale and more.

Free admission. 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org

Thursday, April 18 Earth Day Fair 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Eleventh annual public education and outreach effort at the SJC Community Center Gymnasium with hands-on displays, environmental games, giveaways and more. Exhibitors include the Ocean Institute, Goodwill of Orange County, Green Castles and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley. Call or email environment@sanjuancapistrano.org for more information. 25925 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.4413 www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Saturday, April 20 Doheny State Beach Mother Earth Beach, Creek, Park Cleanup 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Volunteer to help clean up Doheny State Beach, park and San Juan

Creek. Bring work gloves. Meet at Lifeguard Headquarters. Upon entry to the park, let the gate guards know that you are volunteering. 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.6172, vwiker@parks. ca.gov, www.dohenystatebeach.org.

E-Waste and Shredding Event 8 a.m.-noon. The city of San Juan Capistrano and Goodwill Industries offer free e-waste disposal and document shredding.

Dispose of old cell phones, computers, TVs and more. Documents will be collected in a lock box for transport to a secure shredding facility. City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, 949.234.4413, www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

Ritz-Carlton Earth Day Celebration 10 a.m.-noon. Meet at Salt Creek Beach for a volunteer cleanup event. Supplies provided.

33333 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. The hotel will also be hosting a free Eco-Adventure Garden Tour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. showcasing sustainable gardening practices and indigenous flora and fauna in the resort’s organic garden. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.5020, www. ritzcarlton.com.

Sunday, April 21 Ocean Institute Earth Day 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Explore marine wildlife and create eco-friendly crafts. Admission is $6.50 for adults (13 and over) and $4.50 for children (3-12); Children 2 and under and members are free. Volunteer for the beach and harbor cleanup from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and receive free admission. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

Earth Day at Panhe 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Native American celebration at Panhe, the historic village and sacred ceremonial site of the Acjachemen/Juaneno people. Event features singers, dancers, storytelling, food, music, artisans, vendors and more. Free off-site parking and shuttle available at Concordia Elementary. Free admission. San Mateo Campground, San Onofre State Beach. Visit www.sanofoundation.org for more information and directions.

Saturday, May 11 Harbor Underwater Cleanup 8 a.m.-noon. Volunteers needed for OC Dana Point Harbor’s semi-annual Underwater Cleanup. Approximately 60 divers will remove debris from the Harbor floor. Participants receive a T-shirt, food and beverages.

Prizes will be awarded for most unusual items recovered. Participating divers must have current open water or equivalent certification (PADI, NAUI or equivalent) and parental consent if under 18. For more information or to volunteer, call 949.493.6222 or see www.dphunderwatercleanup.com.

What Can One Person Do? Eight great ways to take better care of the earth

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t’s hard to argue against the sound philosophy behind the three R’s of conservation: recycle, reduce and reuse. It’s all about making good choices to help our communities and the entire planet. By now, many have made a habit of the three R’s by doing things like separating recyclables for disposal, carpooling and turning off lights when leaving a room. Beyond that, what else can we do?

According to environmentally-focused organizations such as the National Forest Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency, most people would like to do more to help the environment but don’t either due to financial

 Prevent chemicals found in unwant-

ed medicines—both prescription and over-the-counter—from entering the waste stream. Instead of flushing unused or expired medications or throwing them in the garbage, dispose of them safely, anonymously and free of charge at the medication drop box at Dana Point Police Services, City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern.

No appointment necessary.

San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano also periodically hold drug take-back days.

 Visit the San Diego Gas & Electric website at www. sdge.com and search “Your Energy Costs: A Roomby-room Guide” to find out how much everyday electrical appliances use.

When you add up the 18 to 36 cents per hour it takes to power a hair dryer, saving money on electricity is as easy as choosing to air dry every once in a while.  Keep your reusable shopping

bags in the trunk of your car. That way you’ll always have them at the grocery or other store—even on those impromptu stops to grab just a few items on the way home.

 Say “bye bye” to bottled water.

Invest in a filtering pitcher and a selection of reusable water bottles.

With so many fun, sporty and artistic designs to choose from, your water bottle will not only let people know that you care for the environment but can also reflect your personal style.

restrictions—from large and expensive projects like converting a home to solar power—or the belief that minor changes by an individual can’t have much of an impact.

Below is a checklist of inexpensive and easy ways to renew our efforts, in honor of Earth Day 2013 to take more steps toward living a greener life. Most involve minor changes in the way we do things like shop, eat, work and discard unwanted items. So check off a few—or all eight— and make a commitment to incorporate more environmentally sound practices into everyday life. —Andrea Swayne

 Upcycle. Instead of sending unwanted items off to the landfill or to be recycled, why not get creative and think of clever ways to repurpose things. Not only is it good for the environment, it’s trendy too. For instance, an old filing cabinet turned on its side with the drawers removed, becomes an organizer for gardening tools or sporting goods in the garage. Half of an old suitcase fitted with a cushion can become a fun and funky pet bed.

Be creative. Upcycled items can be both functional and decorative, and a simple Google search of the word “upcycle” yields thousands of great ideas.

 Grow at least a portion of your own food. A big yard is not necessary.

Many vegetables and fruits thrive in small containers.  When making purchases,

consider the packaging. Choose products that keep packaging to a minimum and use recycled materials.

 Switch at least five incan-

descent bulbs in your home to energy star-labeled bulbs.

According to the EPA, if every U.S. family did this, it would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to those produced by 10 million cars.

ON THE STREET

What Do You Do to Make Every Day Earth Day? John Saffold, Dana Point There is a balance between the earth being here for human use and enjoyment and humans being caretakers of the earth for future generations. I am very conscious about turning lights off. As long as it’s daylight, no lights are on.

And we only wash clothes and run the dishwasher before 11 a.m. and after 6 p.m., because of the pull on the grid.

So, unless it is an emergency, that is a rule in our house.

Ellen Watters, Dana Point I choose to use ecofriendly detergent and recycle in my home.

If everybody chips in, the world is going to be much cleaner and much better for everyone.

Sharon Stewart, Dana Point It all started around 1991.

It just didn’t make any sense; we mowed the lawn, leaves fell off the trees and we had vegetable scraps from the kitchen, and I knew from reading that by having even a passive compost pile, you could—instead of buying compost—put all of these things back into your garden and keep more waste out of landfills and the water system. More than 20 years later, we still have it. We aren’t running food waste down the garbage disposal and are recycling the grass clippings.

Plus, it has such a great benefit—rich soil with red worms. I put it into my rose beds.

Ernie Koch, San Clemente We are very careful about how much waste we make in the first place.

We don’t throw away as much as other people. A lot of times, we won’t even need to take our trash barrel to the street every week.

We’ll just throw it in with our neighbors’. We’re also trying to be very careful with water, since we have big front and back yards.

Elizabeth French, San Clemente We go through a ton of water bottles, and we’re always sure to take them in for recycling, and we also recycle and reuse everything we can. We also do

our best to try and conserve water and energy, even if it’s just turning off all of the lights when we leave.

Kara Fuentes, San Clemente I’ve been gardening since I was a child and am currently operating three separate gardens—one at my house, one at my friend’s house and one at Saddleback College. My main garden has over 19 different fruits and vegetables. I also like to shop at used clothing stores and will occasionally make my own clothes in order to recycle and stray away from consumerism.

Maggie Kiner, San Juan Capistrano I take out all the bottles, cans and recyclable objects before throwing out my trash. I also have my family on board with recycling. Another way I try to lessen my carbon footprint is to use reusable grocery bags.

Jennah Shmuckler, San Juan Capistrano We have a garden in our backyard, so we get our produce right from there. We just moved here. We lived in Alisa Viejo before, but now we have a yard. We used to have a patio and we just did it in pots. Right now, we just planted watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, squash, basil, oregano, strawberries and cucumbers. I’ve never done the watermelon and I guess they can get up to 25 pounds, so I’m really looking forward to that.

Scott LeFever, San Juan Capistrano My freshmen year (at the University of San Francisco), I joined USF Recycles—kind of like a recycling club. From there I got a job in the recycling department and handled all the recycled material on campus.

Through that experience I got a really interesting take on waste—what people throw away and what’s considered trash. I was actually able to decorate my apartment in San Francisco with stuff that I found. I think that’s really stuck with me down here. I’d prefer, if I can, to buy second hand—something that’s done for someone else—and just give it a second life.

—Compiled by Staff

San Juan Councilman Shows How Water Conservation is Done W

ater conservation is on the minds of many Southern Californians who are feeling the effects of drought conditions and water shortages in their lawns and in their wallets.

The solution? Well, if you ask San Juan Capistrano City Councilman Larry Kramer, if you want to save water and your wallet, consider ditching your lawn.

That’s exactly what Kramer did in his own backyard, where he’s replaced about 700 square feet of grass with decomposed granite, outdoor seating, a fire pit and several varieties of native and drought tolerant plants.

“The grass was just soaking up a lot of water, and it was just sort of sitting there,” Kramer said. “Now I’ve got a nice outdoor area and it’s become very useful.”

Like other local municipalities, the city of San Juan Capistrano has had to tighten its purse strings while tackling the problem of water conservation. In 2008, the city took over the day-to-day operations of the Groundwater Recovery Plant, located adjacent to city hall.

Although the plant has come under fire from some residents who say it’s become too expensive to operate—some going so far as to file a lawsuit against the city—city leaders and water officials have maintained that the plant can supply half of the city’s water needs, minimize the city’s reliance on imported water and promote conservation through a tiered rate structure.

San Juan Capistrano City Councilman Larry Kramer maintains his own compost piles using trimmings and fallen foliage from his backyard. The compost, in turn, helps save water by trapping moisture. Photo by Brian Park

Kramer has been among the most vocal supporters of the plant, both on the council dais and in the local media. Although some residents say the plant and the city’s tiered rate structure unnecessarily increase water bills, Kramer believes more effort must be taken to conserve water.

“If you’re using the same amount of water as before, your bills will go up,” Kramer said.

“My water bills have not gone up. My average for the year is probably less than $100

a month, and that’s because I’ve taken the steps at home to conserve water.”

In addition to removing his backyard lawn, Kramer participated in the city’s toilet replacement incentive program, which provides rebates for customers who replace their old toilets with new, low-flush models.

Kramer has also taken advantage of the Municipal Water District of Orange County’s SoCal Water$mart rebate program, through which he’s installed a “smart”

controller and timer to his irrigation system.

“It adjusts the amount of water depending on the time of the year, the temperature, humidity and so forth,” Kramer said. “If my standard time is six minutes and it’s in the winter time, it’ll water for only three minutes. If it rains, it won’t water at all.”

In addition, Kramer and his wife, Chris, have also planted more than 50 species of native and drought tolerant plants, including dwarf coyote bush, California poppies, Baja bush snapdragon and showy milkweed, which attract monarch butterflies.

“It’s amazing the beauty we have out here with our native plants.”

Kramer also maintains his own compost piles, using dead foliage from his yard.

“When I trim bushes, I shred it all. I have an electric lawnmower, so I catch all the trimmings and it all goes into my compost pile,” Kramer said. “The compost holds water well so we don’t use much water.”

Kramer is currently working on replacing a small hillside in his backyard with native plants. Although he said his front yard is small, Kramer is considering resculpting his lawn to include a swale that can catch water runoff.

As for what his constituents and other south Orange County residents can do to save water and lower their bills, Kramer recommends contacting city offices and regional water agencies for information about conservation and incentive programs.

—Brian Park

Waste No More

Commercial food recycling grows with residential expansion eyed for future

F

rom the ground and back, food scraps from area businesses are making it full circle and returning to the earth they came from, averting being discarded at the county landfill.

What began in 2010 as a year-long pilot program to wean businesses off landfill use, with a $400,000 grant from OC Waste & Recycling, continues today on a voluntary basis, said Maria Lazaruk, senior compliance manager at CR&R. According to CR&R, between January 2012 and February 2013, participating businesses in the cities of Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente diverted approximately 322, 140 and 115 tons—respectively—of food waste from landfills.

That’s a total of 577 tons, or 115,000 pounds of food scraps, from 13 businesses being converted from trash to nutrientbased composts in just 13 months. And the tonnage from Dana Point comes from only three participants—Salt Creek Grille, The St. Regis Monarch Beach and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.

“The problem before was that within our culture and the country it was cheaper to trash everything, and for the first time in history, it is finally more expensive to trash than to recycle, which is encouraging more people.” —Danna McIntosh At the Fisherman’s Restaurant in San Clemente, employees there are accountable for nearly 60 percent of the city’s weight collected, said Danna McIntosh, San Clemente’s environmental services coordinator.

Now, the food recycling service—once limited to 41 businesses in Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Tustin, Laguna Hills and unincorporated areas of the county—is being offered to all restaurants and business that use CR&R trash hauling and environmental services, Lazaruk said.

Just two weeks ago, Albertson’s locations in Dana Point and San Clemente came on board and from the flower, produce, bakery and meat departments, everyone is partaking in the program, McIntosh said.

But expansion of the program has been slow, she added.

“The problem before was that within our culture and the country it was cheaper to trash everything, and for the first time in history, it is finally more expensive to trash than to recycle, which is encouraging more people,” she said, adding it costs businesses half as much to recycle than it does to trash.

McIntosh, who oversaw the beginnings of the food scrap-recycling program, said in an effort to expand the service, the involved cities and CR&R are reaching out to educate area businesses on both the cost and environmental savings.

One motivating factor for business participation, Lazaruk said, could be state Assembly Bill 341, since an estimated 45

percent of restaurant waste comes from food. The bill, which took effect in July, requires all California businesses, generating four cubic yards—or a dumpster—of waste each week, to recycle at least 50 percent of the refuse.

The adopted measure aims to achieve the state’s goal of diverting 75 percent of solid waste from landfills by 2020, something Lazaruk said south Orange County is on track to accomplish.

With CR&R slated to open a new processing facility in Perris next year, Lazaruk said, someday—in the near future—residential curbside pick-up could include food waste.

Right now all food waste is trucked 150 miles to a composting facility in Thermal, 25 miles outside of Palm Springs.

“The hope is that those of us at home can start mixing food waste and green waste, so that will stop being land-filled too,” McIntosh said.

For more information on commercial food recycling, visit www.crrwasteservices.com.

—Andrea Papagianis

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com

GARAGE SALES HOME TREASURES SALE Church Fund Raiser - Home decor items - gently used china, crystal, pillows, deco items, etc., St. Clements by the Sea, 202 Avenica Aragon, San Clemente. Saturday April 13, 9AM to 3 PM.

OTHER INTERESTING STUFF Unity of Aliso Viejo Presents Emerging Women of the 21st Century A Spiritual Retreat of Renewal for the Spirit, Mind, and Body Designed for Women.

When: April 19 -20, 2013. Where: Dana Marina Inn, 24800 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629. Presenters and Workshops: Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Peggy Price: “The Undefended Heart” Living authentically finding your own voice and hearing the other. Caroll Michel Schwartz, Certified True Purpose Coach “Discover Your Divine Purpose.” Sylvia Lane, Ph.D., “Change Your Feelings Change Your Life.” Colleen Blackford, Certified Yoga Instructor - Yoga Workshop: “Restore and Renew.

Music by: Denise Rosier, accomplished soloist & guitarist. For info and RSVP visit: www.unityofalisoviejo.org or Runitystar@aol.com; 949-472-9230

Locals Only

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PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL

delta G electrical 949.360.9282 A to Z Leak Detection CA #657214, www.deltagelectrical.com www.atozleakdetection.com Chick’s Plumbing HAIR SALONS ARCHITECTURE - PLANNING www.chicks-plumbing.com 949.496.1957 Nona Associates-Raymond J. Nona A.I.A 949.496.2275 The Captain’s Chair 20 Monarch Bay Plaza, www.thecaptainschairdp.com PRESCHOOLS 26901 Camino de Estrella, www.raynona.com Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 949.420.1321 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, www.oasisair.com

ICE CREAM

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

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

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LOCKSMITH

San Clemente Computer & Network Services Dana Point Lock & Security daniel@sanclementecomputer.com 949.276.1581 www.danapointlock.com

CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING Mills Construction 949.212.7699 Dana Point, www.millsbuilds.com: CA # 973483

DERMATOLOGY Vorteil Dermatology and Aesthetic Science 33971 Selva Road, Ste. 200, www.vorteildermatology.com

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REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL Dream Team Properties 949.481.1788 Mike Rosenberg, Broker Capistrano Beach, www.FindMyOCHome.com

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DP LIVING

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PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

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

Maddie’s Prized Coin, Forever a Sign of Luck Treasured keepsake of the late Maddie James finds home at learning center named for her

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

I

n antiquity, sailors placed coins under newly erected masts as a token of good luck, signifying the moment when a shell truly became a ship.

Holding with tradition, a shining silver coin, with a tallship minted on one side, was carefully laid beneath the mast at the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center.

“It’s good to know that her favorite coin is at her favorite place,” Kajsa James said after the early morning stepping of the mast ceremony at the Ocean Institute.

Given to Maddie by her mother, Kajsa, on a family trip, the coin remained in the young girl’s treasure box, just the way she left it. After mustering up enough courage, Kajsa found her daughter’s cherished treasure, and holding the silver piece she turned it over.

The Ocean Institute’s Seaside Learning Center was named after 5-year-old Maddie James who died from a brain tumor in 2011. Photo by Andrea Papaginis

Kajsa James places Maddie’s favorite coin during the stepping of the mast ceremony. Courtesy photo

Dana Point Times April 12-18, 2013

“2005” it read.

The year Maddie was born.

Madeleine Reese James, affectionately called Maddie, a 5-year-old kindergartner from Capistrano Beach, died March 13, 2011, about two months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.

In February of that year, her parents Collie and Kajsa James began the Maddie James Foundation, with hopes of raising $1 million to help to build the long planned seaside-learning center at the Ocean Institute, Maddie’s favorite place.

Maddie had attended camp at the institute the summer before her death, and her parents knew this was where they wanted their daughter memorialized.

“She was a part of it and she will always be a part of it,” James said. “To know that for generations to come children will be here and be able to enjoy this place the way my daughter did, hundreds of

A gift from her mother, Maddie’s favorite coin is now under the mast at the Maddie James Seaside Learning Facility, a sign of good luck. Courtesy photos

thousands of children, it’s just a beautiful thing.”

By May 20, 2011 the foundation reached its goal.

“There is just something about this community that really embraced this cause and I don’t think it would have been possible anywhere else,” James said.

“I will be forever grateful for what they

Page 12

helped build here.”

Now, named for Maddie, The Maddie James Seaside Learning Center is nearing completion.

Built directly on the water, the center includes a new 300-foot ocean science landing and a 100-foot historic maritime pier, complete with a boom and main mast—the latter housing Maddie’s treasure—for students to navigate and use actual sailing technology, said Julianne Steers, director of husbandry at the Ocean Institute. The center will also house a pen for growing white-sea bass and additional hands-on learning space for visitors.

“I know that once it is done, and once the children are here, that’s when the real magic is going to happen,” James said.

“It’s not the ending. It’s just the beginning.”

The center will be finished—or nearly completed—by May 18.

Corresponding with the opening, the third annual A Mile for Maddie fundraising walk is scheduled for that morning.

Participants in the 1.2-mile walk over the scenic bluffs of Dana Point, from Strand beach to the Ocean Institute, will be the first to tour the completed facilities.

“It’s a way for us to show our supporters this amazing facility and for them to be among the first people to see what they helped build,” James said. “It couldn’t be more fitting.”

Earlier this week, the Ocean Institute’s Board of Directors named James vice president of development. In her role, James will be responsible for raising funds to support the institute’s programs.

For more on the walk and to register, visit www.amileformaddie.com. To hear more of Maddie’s story, visit The Maddie James Foundation at www.maddiejamesfoundation.org and for additional information on the Ocean Institute, go to www. ocean-institute.org. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 by Tom Blake

Women Keep Stealing Our Men I n the 18 years I have written articles about finding love after age 50, the No. 1 complaint from single women has been that there are not enough men single men to go around.

I think I know why there is such a shortage of men. Women keep “stealing” them.

Let me explain.

In June, 2012, Tutor and Spunky’s, my Dana Point Deli, started sponsoring monthly meet and greet gatherings for singles age 50-plus. Of course, there were more women than men who attended.

There’s a valid explanation why.

According to the 2010 Census, the ratio of single women in the 60-64 age range to single men is approximately 2.3-to-one. In the 70-74 age range, the ratio widens to approximately four-to-one.

At our events, there’s another explanation why there are more women than men.

Women keep stealing them. When that happens, the men don’t attend anymore.

My barber Alex attended the first few events and then he stopped. Why? Because a couple of months ago he got to chatting with a woman there and now they are a couple. He says he doesn’t attend anymore because she’s a good cook.

What? That’s one single man stolen from our pool of guys.

But there’s more. Alex recruited 93-year-old Dave to come to the meet and greets. Dave was a hoot. He loved to grab the microphone during the break time when we encourage singles to introduce themselves ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50 and did impersonations

By Tom Blake of JFK, Robin Leach and Winston Churchill. The women loved him.

I asked Alex, “Why isn’t Dave coming anymore?”

Alex said, “He met a woman there who is now his girlfriend and he says she’d kill him if he kept attending.”

I asked Alex, “How old is Dave’s new girlfriend?”

Alex claimed he didn’t know. But I saw Dave leave one of our events with a woman who told me she was 70.

So, that’s two men who found a girlfriend at a meet and greet.

And then there’s Robert. He was the realtor who leased me our first deli location on Pacific Coast Highway next to the old donut shop in 1988. He attended one meet and greet. I saw him on the street a while later. He said he didn’t return because he met a very special woman the one time he

was there. Another man stolen.

I know there are other men who have been stolen from our meet and greets; I can’t verify that since I don’t see them anymore.

Thankfully, new men keep showing up.

I’m pretty sure we won’t reach a 50-percent ratio, but at least the ratios won’t be getting worse.

Message for single men: There are lots of fine women who attend the meet and greets at Tutor and Spunky’s on the 2nd and 4th Thursday nights of each month, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The next event is next Thursday, April 11.

And on Thursday, April 25, Carl the renowned disc jockey will spin the oldies.

But he doesn’t count in the number of men who attend; he’s happily married.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point business owner and San Clemente resident who has authored books on middle-aged dating.

See his website at www.findingloveafter50. com.DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the DP Times provides Guest Opinion opportunities in which selected columnists’ opinions are shared. The opinions expressed in these columns are entirely those of the columnist alone and do not reflect those of the DP Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Calling All Artists: Enter the Inaugural 2013 Doheny Blues Festival and Dana Point Times T-shirt Design Contest

O

ne lucky winner will win a pair of GOLD Weekend Passes to the 2013 Doheny Blues Festival and have their design printed on a limited run of T-shirts to be sold at the two-day concert May 18-19 at Doheny State Beach. The winner will also be presented an award by Dana Point Times on the Backporch Stage during the festival.

IMPORTANT DATES April 5 Competition opens and online entries will be accepted April 26 Competition closes (Entries due by noon) April 26 Judging begins April 26-28 Winner will be notified via phone and email between April 26 and 28 April 29 Winner must submit printerready artwork by 5 p.m.

Visit www.dohenybluesfestival.com/contests for more information. DP

SPORTS

& OUTDOORS

5

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

DP

D a n a Po i nt

RUGBY FOR RWANDA

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Dana Hills sophomore Drew Falk is looking to help spread the sport of rugby to the children of Rwanda, the small central African nation. To help make his dream a reality, Falk has partnered with Kids Play International, an organization devoted to promoting gender equality between boys and girls in regions impacted by genocide.

Falk will travel with 10 to 12 other volunteers on the goodwill mission from July 19 to July 29.

Falk has been playing rugby since the age of 7 and believes the sport will instantly resonate with children.

“This will be the first year Kids Play International brings rugby into

Dana Hills sophomore Drew Falk will travel to Rwanda in July to help teach the sport of rugby to children impacted by genocide. Courtesy photo

the program. It’s a more common sport in Africa and it will be good because it’s easier to learn just by playing

the Dana Hills boys volleyball team’s march through the South Coast League.

The Dolphins (19-4, 3-1) bounced back from the tough loss with a 25-14, 25-19 and 25-14 three-set win over visiting Tesoro on April 4.

With four league matches down, the Dolphins now prepare to run the slate again a second time. In the coming weeks they will play each South Coast League team one final time. The anticipated rematch against San Clemente is set for April 25. The Dolphins will have home court advantage in the bout that will likely decide the league title.

Before they return to league play the Dolphins will travel to play a historically competitive Laguna Beach squad in a nonleague match on April 19.

Dolphin Report

By Steve Breazeale

DOLPHINS BASEBALL SWEEPS WOLVERINES IN TWO-GAME SERIES • With their backs up against the walls of the Sea View League standings the Dana Hills baseball team got a much needed two-game sweep of second place Aliso Niguel on April 8 and April 9.

Heading into the first game of the series, the Dolphins had not won a league game and their record stood at 0-4. That all changed as they looked to their top two pitchers, seniors Grant Dyer and Blake Taylor, who delivered sharp performances.

Dyer was pitted against Wolverines standout sophomore Kyle Molnar on April 8 and the two turned in a classic pitcher’s duel. Dyer wound up pitching a complete game shutout while Molnar went the distance, giving up the one and only run of the game for his first loss of the season. The Dolphins won 1-0 and finally scratched in the league win column.

It was after that game that Dana Hills head coach Tom Faris saw his team shift gears.

The Dolphins (13-9, 2-4 league) carried their efforts over to April 9, where their suddenly potent offense was backed up by a 6 2/3 inning effort from Taylor in an 8-1 victory.

“Beating (Molnar), who’s very, very good, built the momentum for (April 9). I know (Aliso Niguel) was trying to probably put us out of our misery with (Molnar pitching) but our guys came to play and I’m really proud of them because they haven’t given up,” Faris said. “A lot of teams, being down 0-4 in league, would have probably cashed it in … These guys aren’t doing that. They’re not made that way.”

In the two-game series Dyer and Taylor Dana Point Times April 12-18, 2013

it,” Falk said.

Falk has been raising funds to help cover the cost of travel as well as the cost of the equipment he will take with him. After the one-week instructional period Falk will leave behind all of the equipment for the children to use.

“I am hoping to make rugby a successful part of (the trip) and keep it going not just for this trip but for other trips on this program,” Falk said.

Falk’s target fundraising goal is $6,000 and as of April 11, he is halfway there. For more information or to donate, visit www.volunteerforever.com/ volunteer_profile/andrew-falk.

—Steve Breazeale

Dana Hills junior outside hitter Christian Hessenauer (left) and the Dolphins boys volleyball team are 19-4 on the season. Photo by Tony Tribolet/www.XPSPhoto.com

combined to pitch 13 1/3 innings, allowed 12 hits, walked three, struck out 13 and gave up only one run.

The Dolphins offense on April 9 thrived on stringing together hits and executing when they had to.

In the bottom of the first inning, Taylor helped his own cause by hitting an RBI double with two outs to the opposite field that made it 1-0.

The score was still 1-0 in the bottom of the fi fth when Dolphins senior Victor Sepulveda knocked in a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0.

Junior catcher Zack Wagner would bring a run home with another sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth before senior third baseman CJ Angle delivered the biggest hit of the game by ripping a three-run RBI double down the left field line that blew the door open at 8-0.

“It’s one of the things that’s been lacking. The clutch hits, the two-out hits …

We’re now getting two-strike hits. Guys are changing their approach and getting those things done and when we need them to get done,” Faris said. “Guys are buying in. It’s starting to go in our favor so

hopefully we can keep going.”

BOYS VOLLEYBALL REACHES HALFWAY POINT • A five-set loss to San Clemente on April 2 didn’t slow down

Page 14

BOYS LACROSSE DEFEATS AMADOR VALLEY 10-7 • Playing host to Amador Valley out of Pleasanton on April 5, the Dana Hills boys lacrosse team kept up their scoring ways in a 10-7 victory. The win makes two in a row for the Dolphins (7-5, 3-0), who will have had 11 days off before they take the field against El Dorado on April 16 in a non-league match.

Salt Creek Half Marathon Set for April 21

T

he Salt Creek Half Marathon is one of the longest running events of the season in the Orangeman Running Series circuit and is set to take place on April 21. There will also be a 10K, 5K and 1K kids run on the same day.

The half marathon runners will travel 13.1 miles along the Salt Creek Regional Corridor Trail, which starts at Salt Creek Beach and loops back around. The half marathoners will make two loops throughout the race. The half marathon will stretch from the beach all the way north up to Niguel Road and back again, using parts of Pacific Coast Highway and the Corridor Trail.

Runners competing in the 10K run will complete only one loop of the trail while

The Salt Creek Half Marathon will stretch from the beach up north to Niguel Road. Courtesy photo

the 5K runners will complete the first half of the loop.

Cost for the half marathon is $99. The 10K is $60, the 5K $40 and the kid’s 1K is $15. For more information on the race and to register, visit www.goforwardracing.com.

DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

6

GROM OF THE WEEK Chad Clifton

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

Chad Clifton. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Age: 14, San Onofre School Chad Clifton has lived at Camp Pendleton for three years, the same length of time he’s been surfing. Chad’s father is a Marine and as a result his family has moved around quite a bit. Camp Pendleton is his favorite place so far, largely due to its close proximity to Lower Trestles. “I’ve always loved the beach no matter where we’ve been. We actually lived here for a while when I was younger, but when we came back three years ago, that’s when I told my dad I wanted to surf,” Chad said. “He got me a board and I have loved it ever since.”

Chad taught himself to shortboard just by practicing as much as he can. “I try to go every day if possible. Lowers is only about a 5- to 10-minute walk from my house,” he said. Chad competes in NSSA Junior, CSF and WSA. He plans to continue with CSF and WSA next year, but will move up to NSSA Explorer. A true board sports enthusiast, when the waves are not cooperating Chad’s favorite alternative is skateboarding. Chad goes to school on base at San Onofre School and is in the eighth grade. He is and ‘A’ and ‘B’ student whose favorite subject is science. Although he has yet to decide what sort of career he would like to chase in the future, he definitely wants to go to college. Chad would like to thank his family, especially his dad, for supporting his surfing. “My dad takes me to contests and videos me when I practice and I really appreciate it,” Chad said. —Andrea Swayne

Locals Shine at WSA Season Closer Surfers compete for late season points at the last regular season event in Oceanside

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

S

urfers gave their all at the ninth and final regular season event of the 2012-2013 Western Surfing Association Championship series in Oceanside, April 6 and 7.

Competition was fierce as surfers— from the U9 Push-in division through Legends 50 and over—made their last ditch efforts at racking up late season points at Oceanside Harbor’s north jetty.

The weather and waves cooperated providing just the right mix of wind and swell to give the competitors plenty of opportunity to showcase their wave riding talents.

Seven local surfers took home first place trophies, and many more landed spots on the podium, as final season standings were decided.

“It was a great ending to a great season,” said WSA director Marylou Drummy. “We would like to congratulate all of our surfers on the many awesome performances they turned in so far this year and we’re looking forward to seeing more at the West Coast Championships later this month.”

The WSA West Coast Championships

Brighton Reinhardt of Dana Point turned in the winning performance in Boys U16 shortboard at the final event of the WSA season, April 6-7 at the Oceanside Harbor north jetty. Photo by Sheri Crummer/seasister.com

are set for April 27-28 at San Onofre State Park, Church Beach.

For updated rankings among all divisions, log on to www.surfwsa.org.

RESULTS Local finishers only.

MICRO GROM BOYS/GIRLS SB U9: 1.

Brayden Burch, San Clemente; 3. Bane Corbett, San Clemente. BOYS/GIRLS U10:

1. Jett Schilling, San Clemente; 2. Nicholas Coli, San Clemente; 4. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente. BOYS U14: 1. Gunner Day, San Clemente; 3. Ethan Mudge, Capistrano Beach; 5.

Noah Hohenester, San Clemente. BOYS U16: 1. Brighton Reinhardt, Dana Point; 2. Drew Hemnes, San Clemente; 4. Conner Dand, San Clemente. BOYS U18: 6. Dylan Sonderegger, San Clemente. GIRLS U12: 2. Kirra Pinkerton, San Clemente; 4. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente; 5. Lexi Morgan, San Clemente.

GIRLS U14: 2. Alexxa Elseewi, San Clemente; 4. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente; 5. Tera Richardson, Capistrano Beach; GIRLS U16: 6.

Alexxa Elseewi, San Clemente. GIRLS U18:; 3.

Kloee Openshaw, San Clemente. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 4. Jack Benjamin, San Juan Capistrano. GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 3. Lexi Morgan, San Clemente. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Rachael Tilly, Capistrano Beach; 2. Teresa O’Connor, San Juan Capistrano; 3. Emmy Lombard, San Clemente. MEN 18-29: 4. Ricky Lovato, San Clemente. OPEN MEN: 1. Cody Canzoneri, San Clemente. OPEN WOMEN: 3. Kassy Eldridge, San Clemente. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD : 2. Cody Canzoneri, San Clemente. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Tory Gilkerson, San Clemente.

Log on to www.danapointtimes.com for full results. DP

UPCOMING EVENTS April 13: SSS Orange County Middle School and High School make-up event, Oceanside Harbor April 20-22: SSS High School State Championship, Oceanside Harbor April 20-21: NSSA Southwest Open, Event No. 10, San Onofre State Beach, Upper Trestles April 27-28: WSA West Coast Championship, San Onofre State Beach, Church Beach

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 55-57 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 2-6’ Poor Catalina: 15-20’ Fair Immediate: Blend of northwest and west/ northwest swell eases on Friday, setting up knee-chest-shoulder high surf, (2-3+-4’) at the better breaks.

Long Range Outlook: West/northwest wind swell and south/southeast groundswell on Saturday with knee-chest high waves. New south/southwest swell joins in for knee-shoulder high surf Sunday. Check out Surfline for all the details!