October 11, 2013

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VOLUME 6, ISSUE 41

Educational Empowerment Positive changes abound as students expand leadership roles E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 5

www.danapointtimes.com

On a Disney-themed spirit day, the governing board of the Associated Student Union at Dana Hills High School gathers to put finishing touches on this year’s homecoming celebration. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

Doheny Hotel Developer Makes Pitch to Local Organizations

Elephant Spotlight: “Surpher” by Alan Nowell from San Clemente

Soewondo Sisters Lead the Charge for Dolphins Golf

EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

LIVING/PAGE 13

SPORTS/PAGE 16

EYE ON DP

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LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

CITY AND BUSINESS CALENDAR Planning Commission meets at City Hall, Council Chambers, located at 33282 Golden Lantern.

meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at City Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

Columbus Day All Orange County library locations closed in observance of the holiday.

Preschool and Toddler Storytimes 10:15 a.m., 11 a.m. Dana Point children’s librarian Ericka Reeb hosts two story hours each Tuesday for preschoolers and toddlers. Find out more by calling the library at 949.496.5517.

Planning Commission Meeting 6 p.m. The city of Dana Point’s

City Council Meeting 6 p.m. The city’s governing body

Civic Association Coffee Chat 8:30 a.m. Leaders of the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association will be on hand to discuss progress on the organization’s aquarium and visitor’s center.

Monthly chats are held at Jim Miller’s, president of the Dana Point Civic Association, Coffee Importers, at 34531 Golden Lantern.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 Farmers Market 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Admission is free, for this weekly market at La Plaza Park, 34111 La Plaza Street, featuring local produce, fresh flowers and more.

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 14

D a n a Po i nt

DANA POINT’S TOP 5 HOTTEST TOPICS

What’s Up With...

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… the Doheny Hotel?

THE LATEST: A month after the public comment period regarding the 258-room Doheny Hotel proposal ended, the developer held the first of what he called many public presentations Wednesday for the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club.

The proposal lays out plans for a two- to five-story hotel on 1.5-acres across three contiguous lots at the corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Pacific Coast Highway. Plans for the hotel include conference rooms, restaurants, a rooftop pool and bar and an underground parking structure with about 275 spaces.

Michael Draz, CEO of the developer, Beverly Hills Hospitality Group, was on hand for the meeting and said he planned to hold similar presentations with other groups to address residents’ concerns, like parking, traffic and aesthetics.

In response to concerns, the developer is proposing adding a right-turn only lane from eastbound PCH to Dana Point Harbor Drive, where the hotel’s entrance will be, and widening the roadway at Park Lantern to allow for U-turns, said Coralee Newman, with Government Solutions Inc., who gave the presentation.

To move along as planned, the city’s height-limit of 35-feet would have to be amended. Newman said without the height, room numbers and amenities would be cut, meaning the hotel could not qualify for its four-star status goal. Newman said major hotel chains, like Hyatt, have expressed interest in the property.

WHAT’S NEXT: The proposal was introduced in 2011 and the city determined an environmental impact report was necessary. A draft report was released earlier this summer for public review.

Preliminary findings, public comments and city responses will be included in a Dana Point Times October 11-17, 2013

final analysis and presented to the Planning Commission November 18, city staff confirmed. A public hearing will follow.

FIND OUT MORE: Go to www.danapointtimes.com for updates and to view the initial report.—Andrea Papagianis

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… SONGS?

THE LATEST: On Monday, Southern California Edison announced it has asked Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to allow an audit of designs for steam generators at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

The utility and the manufacturer have been at loggerheads for the last several months, as Edison has sought funds to defray costs associated with replacing power, since the plant went down in January. In July, Edison filed a notice of breach of contract against Mitsubishi, arguing the generator’s manufacturer provided the utility with flawed equipment, ultimately leading to the plant’s retirement.

Edison officials said three prior audit requests were made, but all were refused

by Mitsubishi. Edison claimed contractual language allows the utility to examine documentation relating to the generator’s design process. Mitsubishi has held the language only applies to financial records.

WHAT’S NEXT: If the two companies can’t reach a settlement by October 16, they must enter into binding arbitration.

FIND OUT MORE: Follow SONGS developments on www.danapointtimes.com.

—Jim Shilander

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that was closed in 2011, and the city of Dana Point, but until now the exact terms were unknown. Official settlement terms were filed with the Orange County Superior Court on Friday, October 4, according to the court’s docket.

Judgment will be entered in favor of the city. The shop’s owner, Garrison Williams, will be permanently barred from “any sale, distribution, storage or transportation of marijuana in the city,” the settlement said.

Terms also include a $1 million judgment against Holistic Health.

Legal proceedings date back to 2009 when the city set out to fight its six marijuana shops. The city alleged shops violated city zoning ordinances, and questioned whether they were in compliance with state law that bars dispensaries from operating as for-profit businesses, said City Attorney Patrick Munoz.

Holistic Health closed in 2011. An Orange County Superior Court judge entered a ruling awarding the city $2.68 million later that year. The case was appealed and the 4th District Court of Appeals found facts remained to be tried. The settlement effectively ends litigation.

WHAT’S NEXT: A $50,000 judgment against Williams was also agreed upon, with a portion being required up front and the remaining within two years. Williams will receive a credit of $10,000 for seized property. As of press time Thursday, neither Williams nor his attorney could be reached for comment.

FIND OUT MORE: Read more at www. danapointtimes.com.—AP

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… a Pot Settlement?

THE LATEST: A settlement has been reached with the owner of Holistic Health, a former Dana Point marijuana dispensary

… the Camp Pendleton Fire?

THE LATEST: A fire at Camp Pendleton that burned more than 2,200-acres over the weekend was fully contained Wednes-

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day evening, according to the base’s fire information hotline.

The fire, which began at 12:45 p.m.

Saturday, was largely confined to undeveloped areas of the Marine Corps base, though it did approach the Naval Hospital at one point. Several vehicles and modular buildings were burned, but no injuries or deaths were reported. Base firefighters, the U.S. Fire Service and city, state and county fire departments fought the blaze.

WHAT’S NEXT: The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Former San Clemente Mayor Jim Dahl, a veteran firefighter, said conditions this past week were ripe for a wildfire, due to the low humidity, higher temperatures and Santa Ana winds.

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

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… Community Siren Testing?

THE LATEST: As required by the federal government for areas near the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, the community alert siren systems throughout dana point, san clemente and san juan Capistrano will undergo annual testing on Wednesday, October 16.

Residents will hear long, steady sirens sounding three times between 10 a.m. and noon. The sirens will be sounded for about three minutes each time. Additionally, the mass notification system, AlertOC, will activate on Monday, October 14 to advise residents of the upcoming testing.

WHAT’S NEXT: This is only a test. Authorities ask residents only call 9-1-1 in the occurrence of an emergency.

FIND OUT MORE: Visit www.danapoint.org for more.—AP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Educational Empowerment Positive changes abound as students expand leadership roles

By Andrea Papagianis Dana Point Times

I

t’s a Friday night at Dana Hills High School and the stands are bustling.

Under the bright lights, the Dolphin football team collides with their Triton crosstown contenders from San Clemente. For one night the tensions surrounding a rivalry match-up are tossed aside and students, athletes and fans embrace one another, and one community.

The Triton family was dealt a tragic blow last month as former player, Nick Pasquale, a walk-on at UCLA, was struck and killed while walking down a San Clemente street on a visit home. The “One Town, One Team” motto of the neighboring community reverberated throughout the stadium.

It is a feeling and sense of community that student leaders are hoping to expand on at Dana Hills. Over the last year student leaders have strived to bring change to the school’s community by altering their own way of inward thinking to embrace fellow students, alumni and the town many call home.

“The generation that we are teaching now I think realizes the importance of leaving their mark beyond the classroom, or beyond an athletic field,” said Dr. Jason Allemann, the Dana Hills principal.

“They have a clearer vision and sense of purpose when it comes to their legacy.”

An alumni himself, Allemann crossed the Dana Hills field in 1988. After graduation he all but left the school behind— something he admittedly tells students he regrets—that is until he returned as an administrator three years ago. Allemann says the sights and sounds remain the same, but the student population and their involvement has transformed.

Now, he said he realizes why people keep coming back and attributes the student work being done with creating a true community connection and bringing a greater purpose to the school.

Last year, the Associated Student Union, a branch of the student governing body, had about 30 members, but in the last four months those numbers have tripled. Sitting at 93 members today, Michelle Krogius, vice president of ASU, said the group reaches all corners of the campus, providing a louder voice for the student body.

“The biggest change since I’ve been here is the power of students on campus,” said Christian Virgil, a senior and the ASU activities commissioner.

As vice president of ASU last year, Virgil said his main goal was expanding the involvement of students, and not just through sheer numbers but in terms of making their voice heard, and mesDana Point Times October 11-17, 2013

The student section at the Dana Hills and San Clemente football game on Friday, September 12 was filled with Hawaiian-shirt clad Dolphins. Student leaders are making a push to get and keep students involved at Dana. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

sage meaningful. This year, students are embracing the motto that “Every Dolphin Matters.” From the school’s population, to alumni, teachers, faculty and beyond, the Dolphins are ensuring those far and wide hear their call.

“We weren’t asking the root question,” said ASU adviser Ken Nedler, the director of activities at Dana Hills. The core question is “How do we reach kids differently,” he said. “The real thing is to stop teaching them as walking test scores, start treating them as human beings and get them involved in activities.”

It is in leaders like Virgil and Krogius that Allemann and Nedler saw the need to expand student opportunities to be heard.

After attending an annual conference of the California Association of Directors of Activities last year, Nedler, Allemann and teacher Brittany Casey returned to Dana with a profound idea, to expand ASU. Casey signed on as a second adviser and the returning members took a no-cut policy with new applicants. Now, with the Student Senate’s 150 members, the 2,858 students at Dana Hills are represented nearly 1 to every 100 in a campus leadership role.

“We spend a fraction of the school

district’s budget on student activities, yet it is the biggest single factor to student success,” Nedler said. “If you can give one student, one adult-guided activity, whether it be a club, a sport or something else, the dropout rates fall. The easiest thing to do is to get involved with kids.”

With the growth in numbers, student committees have expanded their reach.

Now, each student receives a personal birthday message, with a special halfbirthday card for those born during summer months, each athlete has their locker decorated before meets, matches and games and incoming freshman now have a mentor on campus, helping them navigate their new surroundings. Teachers and staff are also feeling the love as 39 were honored at freshman orientation when ASU students recognized the educator making the biggest difference in their high school career—their hero.

This week as Dana Hills celebrates its 40th anniversary, student work will be put to the test.

Student organizers are staying true to the word homecoming to not only bring the community together but also to recognize the alumni, Virgil said.

“We want Dana Hills to be back in the

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spotlight of our city and surrounding communities, and to be the beacon,” Virgil said. “I feel like sometimes California public schools and districts get a bad reputation because of budget cuts and overcrowding, but we can redeem ourselves as a public institution by embracing the community and being models for young people.”

The weekend of festivities begins at 7 p.m. Friday, October 11 as the Dolphins take on the Wolverines from Aliso Niguel.

One in three students will play a role as nearly 800 students put on a grand halftime performance, which they have promised will take attendees on a “Blast to the Past” journey.

Past royalty will be honored as this year’s royal court is crowned, providing a look back in Dana Hills’ four-decade-long history. The night will be capped with a fireworks show.

Saturday will bring the first Dolphin Days celebration. Starting at 10 a.m. a parade will snake from Blue Lantern and Stonehill Drive to Golden Lantern, and end in the school’s parking lot. A carnival bursting with rides, food, music begins after the parade and will last throughout the day, wrapping up at 10 p.m. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter SPONSORED BY

Dana Point Police Services www.HideitLockitOrLoseit.com COMPILED BY ANDREA PAPAGIANIS 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.

Friday, October 4 HIT AND RUN PARKED CAR REPORT Spin Drift Court, 33500 Block (1:08 p.m.)

The driver of a small black car with a white racing stripe reportedly hit a parked car on Dana Point Harbor Drive, and left the scene. The car was last seen at Golden Lantern and Stonehill Drive.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Mariana Drive, 33800 Block (12:55 a.m.)

A slender man in his 20s, standing about

6-feet-tall and wearing a dark hoodie and white shorts was reported roaming the neighborhood.

Thursday, October 3 DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Trinidad Drive/Santiago Drive (10:28 p.m. and 11:36 p.m.) Two calls came an hour apart about juveniles playing loud music in Sea Canyon Park.

DISTURBANCE Pacific Coast Highway/El Camino Real (3:59 p.m.) A caller reported an altercation between a man and woman near the railroad. The caller said the man was throwing objects at the woman.

DISTURBANCE Selva Road, 34000 Block (3:56 p.m.)

A man was reportedly throwing objects at a plumbing truck. He was described as being in his 30s and wearing a white Tshirt and shorts. The subject was last seen running into a nearby apartment.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Coral Reach Street/Eastwind Drive (8:15 a.m.) Dispatchers received a call about a man yelling near the bathrooms of Creekside Park. The man was described as being in his 60s with white hair.

To read more Orange County Sheriff’s blotter entries, visit www.danapointtimes.com.

SMOKED, SHREDDED AND SLATHERED ON BBQ TICKET Largest barbecue contest on West Coast hits Dana Point

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ne hundred and one competition teams flocked to Sea Terrace Park on Sunday to share their barbecued briskets, ribs and other saucy concoctions in the city’s third annual hosting of the State BBQ Championship. The event is the largest of its kind on the West Coast.

First-time competitors and seasoned veterans from across the west shared the lawn as thousands of visitors dug into shortribs, pulled-pork sliders and barbeque stuffed jalapeño poppers, to name a few offerings.

“We’re undefeated,” quipped Don McCoy, a Dana Point resident, who along with his Real McCoy team entered their first-ever barbecue competition.

Barbecue chefs, both professional and amateur, competed in categories including chicken, ribs, pork, brisket and dessert for a share of the $20,000 prize.

Beer gardens were manned by U.S. Marines from the 5th Marine Regiment, and volunteers from its support group, which benefited from beverage sales. Members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 were also on hand selling tasting tickets, and benefitted from the proceeds.

—Andrea Papagianis

The Real McCoy barbecue team from Dana Point is all smiles in their competition debut. Pictured (L to R) Denny McCoy, Patrick Parker, Robin Parker, Skippy McCoy and Don McCoy. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

SOAPBOX VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

EDITOR STORIES, NEWS, CALENDAR, ETC.

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

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HOW TO REACH US

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Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION

Dana Point Times, Vol. 6, Issue 41. 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

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ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING

Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett

Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

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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, Tawnee Prazak, Dana Schnell

Letters to the Editor IF TOWN CENTER PROVES PROBLEMATIC, CAN CHANGES BE MADE? KENT WELTON, Dana Point

Looking at this Dana Point Town Center plan drawing, I see incredible traffic jams and nuisance for the residents of Dana Point.

If we had shops people were interested in they would already be stopping and shopping, and not just bypassing the crowded freeway. We didn’t have to screw up our town by forcibly slowing down traffic until it becomes a real pain in the ass.

Several years ago I asked councilmembers if the plan creates a headache for residents would they reverse it and undo a problematic and irritating “couplet” and not force us to live their mistake. I never got a reply. What say you today?

Rendering of Del Prado Avenue. Courtesy of the city of Dana Point

SAN ONOFRE TO BE A NUCLEAR WASTE STORAGE AREA FOR DECADES TO COME ROGER JOHNSON, San Clemente

Many who live in the shadow of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station are under the impression that the plant is closed just because it no longer produces electricity. Those who went to the recent Nuclear Regulatory Commission meeting in Carlsbad were shocked to learn that decommissioning could take 50 to 60 years.

Even Unit 1, which was shutdown in 1992, is not completely decommissioned.

What this means is that thousands of tons of radioactive waste will remain in our backyard indefinitely. It is so dangerous—containing the radioactive equivalent of a thousand Hiroshima atomic bombs— that no one else will accept this waste. By default, we are all neighbors with a nuclear waste storage facility.

In addition to the high-level waste, there is also the problem of how to dispose of all the low-level waste. By law, the contaminated “low-level” radioactive waste must be carted to Andrews, Texas, with even lower levels of contaminated waste going to Clive, Utah. The NRC said that “most” waste would go outside of California, but perhaps some of it might end up in our own landfills. Transferring contaminated waste

from one side of San Clemente to the Prima Deshecha Landfill on the other is not a solution.

There is also the troubling issue of the large discharge pipe into the ocean, which is 18-feet in diameter and longer than the San Clemente Pier. Southern California Edison has been flushing radioactive liquid waste through this pipe into the ocean for the last 30 years. Chances are that Edison will want to do the same thing with this pipe—leave it in the ocean forever. Any opinions about this, surfers?

The NRC refers without explanation to “high-risk activities” during decommissioning. Unfortunately, all radioactive monitoring will be done in secret. At Fukushima, authorities knew that radioactive fallout was blowing north, but they refused to warn people who were evacuating in that direction. It would be naïve to assume that Edison and the NRC will rush to disclose dangerous levels of radioactivity.

Another alarming issue that came up was the admission that Edison secretly switched to Hi-Burn Uranium fuel back in 1996. Hi-burn fuel burns hotter and produces more steam, meaning more electricity and more profit. It is also more dangerous, more radioactive and it must remain in cooling pools three times longer than conventional fuel. This means that spent fuel rods will remain in cooling pools until

about 2030. By the way, the term “spent fuel” is highly misleading. It means only that the fuel rods are no longer economically efficient. The uranium is still very much alive and dangerous.

As for long term safety, the dry casks at San Onofre, which are good for about 20 years, are stacked openly a few hundred feet from Old Pacific Highway. The cooling pools are located outside of the containment domes and are highly vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis and terrorist attacks.

Dealing with all of these issues is probably the number one issue for the future of south Orange County. For those who wish to learn more, please attend a community symposium on decommissioning San Onofre on Saturday, October 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 1201 Puerta Del Sol, Suite 100, in San Clemente.

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

GETTING OUT

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YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

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D a n a Po i nt

THE LIST

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

friday

ELEPHANT PARADE— WELCOME TO AMERICA Elephant sculptures are on display throughout Dana Point including local beaches, public parks, resort properties, Dana Point Harbor and other high-traffic locations to increase awareness and benefit The Asian Elephant Foundation.

More info at www.elephantamerica.com.

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POUL PETERSEN 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine along with wine tasting that starts at 4 p.m.

Tasting fee $15 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

saturday

ANTE UP FOR AUTISM 7 p.m. Actor Joseph Reitman and pro poker player Michelle Lau co-host Talk About Curing Autism’s (TACA) seventh annual star-studded fundraising event. Poker tournament starts at 8 p.m. St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, www.tacanow.org.

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FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fresh produce, crafted goods, flowers and

ON STAGE AT THE COACH HOUSE: JERROD NIEMANN Country music artist Jerrod Niemann will perform at The Coach House on Wednesday, October 23, as part of a nationwide tour to showcase his sophomore album, Free the Music. Niemann, who studied music theory and production in college, is the sort of songwriter who is willing to test convention. While still undoubtedly country, some of his songs incorporate brass instruments and include nuances of rock and reggae. “This is my interpretation of how I feel about country right now,” Niemann said in his artist’s bio statement. Niemann’s version of country music is a combination of the old and the new, a mix of traditional fiddles and horns with the unique sound of the pedal steel guitar.

“The pedal steel guitar has come to define country music, but there was years and years of country being made before that instrument was even invented.

Courtesy photo Horns have been in country going back to the 1920s, and fiddles and other string instruments date back even further. I took all those things and put them on Free The Music,” Niemann said. Ry Bradley and 2nd Hand Smoke will open for Niemann. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased, along with dinner reservations, by visiting www.thecoachhouse.com or by calling 949.496.8930. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. —Victor Carno

much more at La Plaza Park in Dana Point every Saturday.

949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

MIGUEL DE ALONSO 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Flamenco guitarist at DaVine Food & Wine along with wine tasting that starts at 4 p.m. Tasting fee $15 for five wines. 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.4044, www.davinewine.com.

sunday

OCTOBER WOOD CAR SHOW 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Woodies line up in Lantern Bay Park for a fun car show hosted by the Southern California Woodie Club. Free. 25111 Park Lantern Road, Dana Point, www.socalwoodies.com.

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MARINE MAMMAL CRUISE 10 a.m. The Ocean Institute’s cruise on its 70-foot R/V Sea Explorer with an opportunity to see fish, dolphins, sea lions and other wildlife along the coastline. Cost $22-$35. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.

monday

COLUMBUS DAY DRIVE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS GOLF TOURNEY 9 a.m.8 p.m. The 10th annual golf tournament at Marbella Country Club to support and raise funds for the athletes of the Special Olympics Orange County. Fee $250. 30800 Golf Club Drive, San Juan Capistrano, 949.248.3700, www.columbusdaydrive.com.

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tuesday

HEROES OF THE COAST FILM SCREENING 7 p.m. Join the Surfrider Foundation South Orange County Chapter for a screening of the documentary, Heroes of the Coast, held in the Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.625.5700, www.southoc.surfrider.org.

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wednesday

WEDNESDAY WINE DINNER 7 p.m.-8 p.m. St Roys Chef’s Pub at Vine features a four-course food and wine pairing every Wednesday night dinner; menu changes weekly. Cost $40 per person. 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.9376, www.vinesanclemente.com.

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thursday

EVENING NETWORK MIXER 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Join the San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point chambers of commerce for a mixer at the Monarch Beach Promenade’s Brio Tuscany Grille. Cost $12-$20. 24050 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point, 949.493.4700, www.sanjuanchamber.com.

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

Have an event?

Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com

DP LIVING

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SUDOKU

by Myles Mellor

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

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

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Last week’s solution:

SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION SOLUTION

D a n a Po i nt

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

GUEST OPINION: On Life and Love After 50 By Tom Blake

A Disappearing Act

A few dates later and he’s missing in action. Why do men disappear?

F

or women through the ages of 50 to 80, dating is difficult. To them it seems there just aren’t enough single men to go around. And then, they finally meet a guy who seems interested. They have a few dates, it’s going well, and then the guy disappears. This recently happened to Laura, 52, a divorcee of seven years.

Laura said: “I met a nice man, age 59, on ourtime.com. We met for coffee, which turned into breakfast. He asked me out again. We ended this date with a hug.”

The next date ended with a kiss on the cheek. The third date, a kiss on the lips.

Laura felt the relationship was progressing nicely. A fourth date was scheduled for a Saturday festival in his city. Twice during the week he phoned her to confirm the date. But, when Saturday morning came, he hadn’t called to finalize plans.

Laura said, “I text him and asked if we were still on. He responded hours later saying he was sorry, had the flu and didn’t feel well, but would talk to me later.”

That was their last contact. Laura verified that he was back at work so she knew

ELEPHANT SPOTLIGHT

W

hen an incomplete woodie painting arrived at Alan Nowell’s door he asked, “What have I gotten myself into?” It stood 5 feet tall, and unlike any canvas he had dealt with before, was wrapped delicately around a fiberglass statue of a young Asian elephant.

Nowell was introduced to San Clemente as a young man, fresh from Santa Barbara and new to the U.S. Marine Corps. Now, at 75, he again calls the beachside haven his home, and his living, breathing canvas.

Nowell retired from the advertising indus-

Dana Point Times October 11-17, 2013

ON LIFE AND LOVE AFTER 50

By Tom Blake

he hadn’t died.

Laura added, “He pursued me, showing what I thought was genuine interest and then dumped me. I don’t get it. Thank goodness I didn’t sleep with him. I would have felt absolutely horrible instead of feeling a bit annoyed. Why do men

do this?”

I mentioned Laura’s experience to 10 singles age 50 plus, and asked them, “Why do men disappear?”

India said, “Sometimes these jerks are married and testing the waters. They may get caught or just cold feet and take the easy way out.”

Ken, a Dana Point deli customer of mine, said, “I don’t like confrontation with women. I prefer to just fade away instead of arguing over why I don’t want to date her again.”

Judie shared, “The most logical reason he disappeared … He’s just not that into her.” try nearly 10 years ago after more than four decades in his own firm. A trained painter and illustrator at the Art Center of Design, Nowell returned to his longtime passion.

From Gallery 7 in Laguna Beach, where his paintings of local beaches, storefronts and produce are displayed, Nowell is painstakingly completing dozens of 8-by-8-inch elephant renderings—38 in total.

Just a few weeks before the open air exhibition aiding The Asian Elephant Foundation hit Dana Point, Nowell received his first commission, an unfinished vision of a wood-paneled car. Two and a half weeks later, he bid his fifth child—or sixth including Chester, he and wife Nancy’s Jack Russel Terrier—farewell, as Elephant Parade organizers took “Surpher” away.

Lawrence, from Rancho Santa Margarita, emailed, “My guess is Laura’s man bailed because she wouldn’t sleep with him. Many people (not me) go by the ‘three-date rule.’”

Dianne added, “Men disappear when they aren’t interested, and lie when women they are trying to dump run them down and corner them. Men generally do not enjoy ‘relationship’ conversations about what isn’t working. It’s like on the East Coast where people are always saying, ‘We’ll have to get together for dinner,’ and don’t.”

Jon wrote, “People disappear for a lot of reasons, some of them hard to understand except for the one who takes off. Often it has nothing to do with the one who is left.”

Joanne said, “They haven’t matured enough to be honest and don’t know how else to exit. You are better off without them.”

Gloria shared, “I’ve had the same experience so many times I could write a book on it. There are a lot of excuses from men.

Don’t spend your days wondering why a man disappeared.”

Chris, from Dana Point, said, “This guy was looking for a quick score and when he realized it was going to take longer than he was willing to wait, he bailed. These jerks are looking for notches in their belt, nothing more. She was smart to hold off. She would have just become another notch.”

Mindy summarized the discussion, “They disappear because they aren’t interested. Why? A thousand reasons and none matter. Move on.”

The next singles age 50 plus Meet and Greet is scheduled for Thursday, October 24, at Tutor and Spunky’s Deli, Dana Point, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For questions or to comment, email Tom at tompblake@gmail.com or 949.248.9008.

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

ELEPHANT: “Surpher” ARTIST: Alan Nowell, a San Clemente-based artist who paints in the plein air-style LOCATION: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, 25135 Park Lantern The maroon woodie, complete with chrome wheels, bumpers and grill reflecting the sky, horizon and beach sands of the waves it is surfing, sits atop Dana Point greeting guests of Lantern Bay Park. And its creator, Nowell, visits each and every elephant on parade, to paint them in an impressionistic style—en plein air—for the exhibit’s marquee event, an auction with proceeds going to save the Asian elephant.

Every week the Dana Point Times is highlighting one local or regional artist’s contri-

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bution to the Elephant Parade: Welcome to America on display around town until early November. DP www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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SPORTS

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& OUTDOORS STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES & MORE

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D a n a Po i nt

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

DOLPHIN REPORT: BY THE NUMBERS

As the fall sports teams head into their final weeks of the 2013 regular season, we look back on the important numbers and stats posted by Dana Hills athletes so far.

25 Number of kills tallied by Dana Hills girls volleyball sophomore opposite Ayla Fresenius in two South Coast League matches. The Dolphins (12-4, 2-0 league) won in three sets against Trabuco Hills and Tesoro on October 3 and October 8, respectively.

14:57 Winning time posted

by Dana Hills boys cross country standout sophomore Jake Ogden at the Dana Hills Invitational sophomore

Margo Pletcher and the Dana Hills girls tennis team are 4-0 in South Coast League play. Photo by Steve Breazeale

race on September 28. Ogden completed the three-mile course seven seconds faster than teammate Mason Coppi (15:04), who finished second.

209 The total score for the Dana Hills girls golf team in a 209-220 win over rival San Clemente on October 3.

The win capped off a two-game sweep of the Tritons, keeping Dana Hills in South Coast League contention.

9.5 Average point-margin of victory in South Coast League play for the Dana Hills girls tennis team. The Dolphins recently defeated San Clemente 13-5 to improve their league record to 4-0.

5 Touchdowns scored by Dolphins senior running back Justin Scott on the season. Scott rushed for two scores in the Dolphins 42-3 win over Irvine on October 4. —Steve Breazeale

Soewondo Sisters Leading the Charge for Dolphins Golf good for the team because we both want to play well. We kind of feed off each other,” Elizabeth said.

The Soewondo sisters also have the ability to pick it up when one of them is having a rough day on the links. At an August 21 match Joan posted a 43, one of her higher scores of the year. Elizabeth responded with a 37, her lowest score of the season. On September 26, against El Toro, Elizabeth shot a 47. Joan fired off a 37. The Dolphins have also benefitted from the play of veteran golfers like Tori Hummel (42.2 scoring average) and Sophia Nichols (46.9).

The entire Dana Hills girls golf team is bracing for the final stretch of the season. They have two matches remaining, both against Laguna Hills, and will wait to see how both San Clemente (4-3 league) and Tesoro (4-2) fare.

Whatever happens, the Dolphins will have had an exciting year that saw two sisters, playing in their only overlapping year of high school, help propel them into contention.

“It’s really unique. My team’s strength is those two girls,” Wilburton said. “They help other girls on the team as well … They know it’s important that all the other girls play well to help our team. They’re making the effort as well as supporting each other as sisters. And that’s what we need.” DP

By Steve Breazeale Dana Point Times

T

he driving range at Saddleback College is a place for high school golfers to put in the practice and hone their individual skills. But on a Monday afternoon, two Dana Hills players are not devoting the time to their swings; they’re breaking down and analyzing those of their teammates.

The two doing the instructing are sisters Elizabeth and Joan Soewondo. They are students of the game and currently, the Dolphins top two players.

A teammate is trying to hit a draw shot, which moves in the air from right to left. Instead of taking a swing with her own club Joan, a freshman, is using an iron as a teaching device. The club points to where she thinks her teammate’s proper ball placement should be. Elizabeth, a senior, watches close by, offering tips and advice. When the teammate finally connects and hits a low arching draw, Joan erupts in applause and is all smiles.

After the impromptu tutorial, the Soewondo sisters get to work on their own swings, which have helped lead the Dolphins to a 10-6 overall record and a 3-2 record in the South Coast League.

The Dolphins missed out on winning the league championship in 2012 but advanced to the CIF Southern Section Team Regionals for the second consecutive year. Elizabeth was the No. 2 player on that squad, behind standout Avery French. When French graduated, the Dolphins were in need of another top level player. They filled that need immediately when Joan stepped onto campus.

Elizabeth currently holds a scoring average of 41 strokes per nine holes, a stat that ranks second on the team. Joan leads the team with a 38.8 scoring average and as of October 3, is tied for second in the county with 10 match medals.

“What’s really nice is to have two really fine players. We had that last year … but to have the younger sister, Joan, as a freshman come in and literally take Avery French’s spot is incredible,” Dana Hills head coach Phil Wilburton said.

As the older sister, Elizabeth had to go through the trials of picking up the game cold and learning it basically by herself. She had help from several swing coaches and has put together bits and pieces from those lessons to make her own unique swing. When Joan, ever the competitive one, saw how much her older sister was enjoying golf, she wanted to give it a shot and see how well she could do.

What happened in the months after was a learning expeDana Point Times October 11-17, 2013

Joan, left, and Elizabeth Soewondo and the Dana Hills girls golf team hold a 10-6 overall record in 2013. Photo by Steve Breazeale

rience for both sisters. Elizabeth provided the know-how while Joan absorbed everything from swing mechanics to rules of the game.

“She taught me basically everything I’ve learned so far.

She’s helped me a lot,” Joan said of her sister.

The sisters never shy away from helping one another, but they aren’t afraid of competing against each other either.

Their mother, Audrey Soewondo, says that Elizabeth has more of a calming presence. She analyzes situations and doesn’t let her emotions get the best of her. Joan shoots from the hip and goes at things full bore. The dynamic, coupled with a friendly sibling rivalry, pushes both girls out on the golf course. If Joan sees her big sister having a good round, she wants to take her game to the next level. Elizabeth feels the pressure every now and then from Joan but uses that as fuel.

“On the golf course it definitely motivates me … it’s Page 16

DANA POINT RELAY FOR LIFE SET FOR OCTOBER 19

T

he annual Dana Point Relay for Life will return to Lantern Bay Park this year on October 19. The two-day event, which raises funds for the American Cancer Society, will kick off at 10 a.m. and run through October 20.

So far, 30 teams, made up of 213 participants, are registered for the event. A total of $31,422 has been raised as of October 10.

One of the highlights of each year’s event is the survivor’s walk, which starts every Relay for Life. All cancer survivors join together to walk in the opening ceremonies and complete the first lap of the day. There will also be a special luncheon for all survivors later in the afternoon.

There will be activities held throughout the day, including a rock climbing wall provided by the city of Dana Point.

For more information on the event, contact Nancy Jenkins at njenkins@cox.net or visit www.relayforlife.org/ DanaPointCa. DP —Dana Point Times www.danapointtimes.com

DP SURF

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GROM OF THE WEEK MARLEY PENIATA Age: 6, Marblehead Elementary

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

DP

D a n a Po i nt

Marley Peniata. Photo by Andrea Swayne

Marley Peniata has been surfing since the age of 4. “I started on my daddy’s board. He showed me all the moves,” she said, “The first time I stood up felt super-duper cool. I was really happy.” Marley likes surfing on the weekends and sometimes after school. She also enjoys accompanying her twin brother Taj to his WSA contests but says she prefers to surf just for fun. Her other interests include art, ballet and tap dancing. A studious first-grader, Marley is especially excited about learning to read and says her favorite book so far is If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Marley likes being a part of a surfing family and going to the beach together is one of her favorite things to do. “I watch my dad surf and sometimes he helps me. He pushes me into waves and helps me duck dive. It’s fun when we go under the water and I hold my breath,” she said. “My mom chillaxes on the beach and cheers for me. I like surfing with my brother and playing together when we find hermit crabs and shells and seaweed and sticks.” Marley also loves traveling with her family and the island of Tavarua in Fiji is one of her favorite places to visit. “One time I was on my dad’s stand-up paddleboard with him at Restaurants and we saw a big daddy sea turtle and I wished he had a mustache,” she said with a giggle. “That would be so fun.” —Andrea Swayne

All Time at the Prime

SURF RESULTS Surfing America Prime, Event No. 2, October 5, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach

Epic conditions at Church Beach brought inspired performances at Surfing America Prime event

By Andrea Swayne Dana Point Times

W

hen competitors in the Surfing America Prime event arrived at Church Beach in the early morning hours of October 5, the waves were pumping and air was still. But by midmorning a hot off-shore Santa Ana wind kicked in, holding up the wave faces and turning up the heat, both figuratively and literally.

Consistent 4- to 6-foot surf, with sets in the 7-foot range, rolled in at the San Onofre State Park break all day, giving the surfers plenty of opportunity to demonstrate why they are part of the elite invitation-only lineup. Athletes, spectators and judges called the conditions “all time” and “epic” Church, the likes of which hasn’t been seen in recent memory.

San Clemente’s Tia Blanco surfed a

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

Colton Ward of San Clemente earned a perfect 10 and a second-place trophy in Boys U18 in the Surfing America Prime event on October 5 at Church Beach. Photo by Jack McDaniel

near perfect heat in the Girls U18 final, turning in a combined, two-wave score of 17.70 (out of 20) points. Malia Osterkamp, also from San Clemente, came in third in both Girls U18 and U16.

Three local surfers made podium appearances in boys’ competition as well. Kei Kobayashi of San Clemente performed well throughout the day making his run to the Boys U16 final look easy. Kobayashi brought home a fourth-place trophy in the very close heat where only 1.5 points

separated him from the winner, Micky Clarke of Ventura. San Clemente’s Colton Ward claimed the runner-up spot in Boys U18 behind Thelen McKinna-Worrell of Malibu, 18.37 to 15.93. Ward’s performance included a perfect 10. Jake Davis of Capistrano Beach finished third in Boys U18.

The next Surfing America Prime event is set for December, 14-15 at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. For more information, see www.surfingamerica.org. DP

BOYS U18: 1. Thelen McKinna-Worrell, 18.37, Malibu; 2. Colton Ward, 15.93, San Clemente; 3. Jacob Davis, 14.63, Capistrano Beach; 4.

Noah Collins, 13.83, Manhattan Beach. GIRLS U18: 1. Tia Blanco, 17.77, San Clemente; 2. Kylie Loveland, 13.43, Carlsbad; 3. Malia Osterkamp, 9.67, San Clemente; 4. Frankie Harrer, 8.16, Malibu. BOYS U16: 1. Micky Clarke, 13.20, Ventura; 2. Ryland Rubens, 12.56, La Jolla; 3.

Ethan Osborne, 11.90, Ventura; 4. Kei Kobayashi, 11.70, San Clemente. GIRLS U16: 1. Meah Collins, 12.17, Costa Mesa; 2. Tiare Thompson, 7.60, La Jolla; 3. Malia Osterkamp, 5.84 , San Clemente; 4. Hannah Erbe Smith, 5.43, San Diego. BOYS U14: 1. Eithan Osborne, 17.10, Ventura; 2. Tyler Gunter, 10.77, Newport Beach; 3. Noah Hill, 7.27, Malibu; 4. Tommy McKeown, 5.50, Ventura.

NSSA Explorer, Event No. 5, October 5, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach Local finishers only. MEN: 1. Lucas Taub, Dana Point; 3. Dylan Sonderegger, San Clemente.

MENEHUNE: 2. Ryan Martin, San Clemente.

SUPER GROMS: 2. Taj Lindblad, San Clemente.

WOMEN: 3. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente.

GIRLS: 1. Samantha Sibley, San Clemente; 6.

Malia Mauch, San Clemente. SUPER SENIORS: 3. John MacPherson, Dana Point.

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