May 1, 2015

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

May 1-7, 2015 C A N

U S E

INSIDE: South County Real Estate Guide SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 8, ISSUE 18

Racing into the Future Women cyclists eye same prize payout as men at the 2015 Dana Point Grand Prix S P O R T S / PAG E 2 2

Riders in the 2014 Dana Point Grand Prix women’s pro race whip around a corner. Photo: Andrea Swayne

Planning Commission Continues Discussion of Lantern District Parking EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

Dolphins Boys Volleyball Sweep Tritons for League Title SPORTS/PAGE 23

Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling Official Event Guide SPECIAL PULLOUT

YOUR NO. 1 SOURCE FOR LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, SPORTS AND MORE

DP EYE ON DP Dana Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

Five things Dana Point should know this week Planning Commission Continues Lantern District Parking Discussion THE LATEST: After hours of discussion on proposed changes to the Town Center Plan with regard to parking policies for Dana Point’s downtown district, the only item planning commissioners could agree on supporting was changing the name of document to the Lantern District Plan.

Two commissioners, Chairwoman Liz Claus and Vice Chairwoman April O’Connor both recused themselves from the discussion due to the proximity of their residences to the Lantern District.

The remaining commissioners voted 2-1—Newkirk and Denton for and Whittaker against--continuing the discussion to the next meeting when three new commissioners will be joining the board.

The meeting was the last for Commissioners Norm Denton, Gary Newkirk and Susan Whittaker, who will be replaced with three new members following City Council’s selection of three replacements.

WHAT’S NEXT: The item was continued to the commission’s May 11 meeting, set to begin at 6 p.m. at Dana Point City Hall Council Chambers. —Andrea Swayne

CUSD Board to Examine Facilities Issues THE LATEST: San Juan Hills High School may soon be facing a major attendance crunch, Capistrano Unified School District Trustee Jim Reardon of San Juan Capistrano warned Wednesday, and the district needs to be prepared to make “some difficult choices” about the future of the school.

After a presentation by district staff about district facilities needs and potential solutions for high school capacity that noted that San Juan Hills may see an increasing number of students coming from Talega following the completion of La Pata Avenue, from Ladera Ranch as well as some from Rancho Mission Viejo (along with Tesoro), Reardon noting that the current financial climate for the district and state would “make it difficult” to pay for additions to the school. Currently, more than 90 percent of Talega high school students attend San Clemente Dana Point Times May 1-7, 2015

High School, but Talega residents at the meeting told the board many would prefer going to SJHHS following the completion of the road, since Talega Mello-Roos taxes went to pay for the school. Staff said a survey would likely be taken of parents of Talega’s Kindergarten through eighthgrade students to help determine how many would like to attend SJHHS. WHAT’S NEXT: District staff will present a financial overview of potential facilities projects at the board’s May 13 meeting.

—Jim Shilander

Assembly Committee Sends Hospital Bill to Study THE LATEST: The State Assembly Health Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to send a bill that would allow MemorialCare to keep an emergency room at its San Clemente hospital campus—Dana Point’s closest hospital—if it transforms the hospital from its current setup to an advanced urgent care facility to a study committee, which would potentially put off relief for the hospital until Jan. 1, 2017.

Assemblyman Bill Brough of Dana Point is offering the bill, which only exempts San Clemente’s hospital, rather than creating a statewide precedent.

The bill is being opposed by the California Nurses Association, the Service Employees International Union and other groups, who said during the hearing that a freestanding ER would not provide the level of service necessary to justify keeping an emergency room designation.

Councilman Bob Baker, who appeared in support of the bill, said he was happy to see bipartisan interest in the bill. Assembly members of both parties expressed mixed feeling about the bill during the hearing, with some worrying about potentially setting precedent, while others wished to examine it on a more regional basis as an issue that also affected other hospitals in Southern California.

WHAT’S NEXT: The State Senate Health Committee was scheduled to review the Senate version of the bill, presented by Patricia Bates, Wednesday.

Hospital administrator Tony Struthers declined to comment about how the move would affects the hospital’s continued feasibility study until after the Senate hearing.

OCTA Demolishing Part of Avenida Pico Bridge THE LATEST: South Orange County residents should be prepared for potential overnight traffic in San Clemente this weekend.

OCTA officials closed Interstate 5 from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. April 27 and April 28

Turnout was light for the April 27 Dana Point Planning Commission meeting, which included a discussion about parking policies for the Town Center-Lantern District. Photo: Andrea Swayne

to begin work to demolish a portion of the southbound Avenida Pico overpass, which will be conducted Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, at the same times.

Traffic was closed southbound between Avenidas Vista Hermosa and Pico during the Monday and Tuesday periods, and will be closed again after the southbound offramp at Pico Friday and Saturday.

East-west traffic along Avenida Pico will also be closed at the bridge during demolition, with traffic directed onto Interstate 5 to the next available exits.

WHAT’S NEXT: OCTA is working with merchants along the corridor on a “Purchase on Pico” program to keep up business during the impacted times.—JS

Estrella Project in Peril THE LATEST: After a second meeting that included more than a dozen resident comments, nearly an hour of deliberation and a last minute compromise proposal, the San Clemente City Council denied, by a 3-2 vote, a sign exception permit for a freewayoriented sign for Sports Authority, potentially putting plans for the refurbishment of the Estrella Plaza project in jeopardy.

Councilman Tim Brown, who was absent from the previous debate at the council’s April 7 meeting, voted in favor of the proposal, joining Councilwoman Lori Donchak. But Mayor Pro Tem Bob Baker, who had previously sided with Donchak to create a 2-2 deadlock on April 7 (with Mayor Chris Hamm and councilwoman Kathy Ward against), reversed himself, despite the sign being reduced in size from the previous meeting.

“It’s going one step too far for me,” Baker said. “I just can’t do it.”

Brown said the current council had a good record on not granting special exceptions, or doing so only in specific circumstances. The proposed sign, he said, did not move him to think that the costs

Page 3

outweighed the benefits of the changes to the center. Donchak also noted the lack of residents in the area around the center opposing the proposal. Ward said she could not vote to approve a sign that does not meet the city’s guidelines for an exception.

A number of business owners within the plaza—on Camino De Estrella at the Capistrano Beach/San Clemente border— urged the council to vote in favor, citing the sad state of the facility, which they said had become a haven for homeless and was difficult to attract customers to. Opponents said the city needed to adhere to its established standards, which reject freeway signage in all but a few circumstances.

When the council appeared to be moving toward a denial, the applicant, Steve Usdan of Kornwasser Shopping Center Properties, the owner of the former Kmart building, asked for time to find another solution. Tim Wald, director of real estate for Sports Authority, indicated the company could accept reduced signage, changing the size of its letters from 6 feet in height to 5 feet on the freeway-oriented sign, as well as lowering the sign in elevation.

However, the denial still held.

WHAT’S NEXT: The future of the project may now be in doubt. Usdan said financing for its proposed $11 million rebuild was partially contingent on Sports Authority coming in. Without the sign, Usdan said, the company could terminate its lease, potentially leading to the loss of the two other retailers, Stein Mart and Sprouts. The company could choose to leave the building in its current state and offer it to a single store, he said. HE told the council before the vote that a vote against the sign was essentially a vote against the proposed project.

Because the council denied the proposal with prejudice, the developer could technically return a modified proposal to the body for review rather than having to wait a year.—JS www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

Dana Point Student Named OC Youth of the Year Community Meetings

BY ALLISON JARRELL, DANA POINT TIMES

Y

aradset “Yary” Rojas from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley has been named the Orange County Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the highest honor a club member can receive. Rojas was recognized for her “sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community.”

Rojas was selected among 14 area youth as the new teen representative for all Boys & Girls Clubs in Orange County, and will receive $6,000 in scholarship funds from Disney. This week, Rojas went on to compete in the State of California Youth of the Year competition held in Sacramento.

Rojas, a Dana Point resident and graduating senior at Dana Hills High School, has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley since fourth grade. She has participated in club programs such as Toastmasters, Cooking Club, Soccer Club and Yoga Club, and was the president of the Keystone Club, a student run leadership program, for the 2013-14 school year. Rojas is also active in her church, where she passes out food and personal hygiene products to families in need.

Rojas was honored at the Dana Point City Council’s April 21 meeting and made a speech about how the Boys & Girls Club has positively impacted her life since she was 9 years old.

MONDAY, MAY 4

SCWD College Scholarship Applications Due The last day to turn in

applications for the South Coast Water District’s annual scholarship program for graduating high school seniors in the district’s service area. For more information, including required preapplication verification of residence within the SCWD service area, call 949.499.4555 ext. 3139, or visit www.scwd.org/scholarships.

TUESDAY, MAY 5

Mayor Carlos Olvera, Orange County Youth of the Year Yary Rojas, Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley Executive Director James Littlejohn, and Katie Paules, director of the club’s Via Positiva branch, stand together at the Dana Point City Council’s April 21 meeting. Photo: Andrea Swayne

“My club is the reason that I am who I am today, and the reason that my future looks so bright,” Rojas said. “My Mexican culture has long dictated that the place of the woman is to be confined to the home, that education is not necessary, and one’s success is determined by the state of her children and the household. My club has taught me that my role in my future will not be confined to anything, that my

future is filled with limitless opportunity.

According to statistics, my future was not going to be successful, yet here I am, less than two months away from receiving my high school diploma and pursuing a college education.”

Upon graduation, Rojas plans to attend California State University at Fullerton and study biological science. She aspires to be a veterinary technician. DP

OC’s Special Spokes Making an Impact

8:30 p.m. Fine tune your public speaking skills each Tuesday. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave., Capistrano Beach, 949.492.7181, www.1707.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6

Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club

7 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Join members of the volunteer-centered club for breakfast and a meeting each Wednesday at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, www.monarchbeachrotary.com.

Youth Board Meeting 4 p.m.-5 p.m.

Dana Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 9

Bulky Item Disposal and Recycling Event 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The city is

O

Dana Point Times May 1–7, 2015

Dana Harbor Toastmasters 7 p.m.-

THURSDAY, MAY 7

DANA POINT TIMES

C’s Special Spokes, a newly formed non-profit, has been providing children with special needs adaptive tricycles since Feb. of last year. Now, a group of children who have received the tricycles from the organization will be able to take to the streets as part of the 2015 Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling on May 3.

OC’s Special Spokes president Susan Hoang said that a handful of children will be participating in the second to last heat of the youth race at 12:10 p.m.

“This event is going to be so special because it will be the first time that our kids will partake in a community event and feel one with peers,” Hoang said in a press release.

City Council Meeting 6 p.m.

Dana Point City Hall, Council Chambers, 33282 Golden Lantern, www.danapoint.org.

Children who have received tricycles from OC’s Special Spokes will ride in the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling May 3. Photo: Courtesy

OC’s Special Spokes mission is to provide children with a wide range of disabilities a fun, safe way to be active alongside their family and peers. Aside from assisting families who need help raising funds for their child’s tricycle, members of OC’s Special Spokes include volunteer physical and occupational therapists that perform

bike evaluations, ensuring each bike is fit for each specific child. OC’s Special Spokes guides families through the entire process, from evaluation to fundraising to assembly and fitting.

For more information on OC’s Special Spokes or to donate, visit www.ocspecialspokes.org. DP

Page 4

holding a bulky item cleanup day at Dana Hills High School and Palisades Elementary School. Large appliances, business machines, green waste, ewaste, furniture and other large items can be dropped off for free instead of taking them to the landfill. Goodwill Industries will accept items for donation.

Document shredding services will also be available, on site at Dana Hills and via secure collection bins at Palisades.

Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern and Palisades Elementary, 26462 Via Sacramento. For more information call 949.248.3571 or log on to www.danapoint.org. www.danapointtimes.com

33801 Mercator Isle, Dana Point Spectacular newer built custom ocean view home in the guard-gated community of Niguel Shores. This immaculate home features a spacious open floor plan with four bedrooms, four baths, and media/office. Situated on the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway, close to the beach. Seamless indoor/ outdoor living allows for a resort-style atmosphere. Beautiful custom wood sliding doors open to the ocean view outdoor fireplace sitting area. Quality materials throughout include granite, custom cabinetry, stone, skylights and lighting. The home features a gourmet kitchen, family room/den/office with custom built-ins, dining room, library/den with sitting area, and large spacious bedrooms. Enjoy the community pool, spa, and clubhouse, direct access to the beach, as well as close proximity to renowned hotels/resorts, Dana Point Harbor, surfing and trails.

BRE# 00904888

EYE ON DP PART TWO:

Water Worries Trickle Down

This week we continue our conversation with SCWD Director Wayne Rayfield about the dwindling water supplies and local conservation efforts

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

I

n last week’s issue, we spoke with South Coast Water District Board President Wayne Rayfield and General Manager Andrew Brunhart about local effects of and response to the ongoing drought and the Governor’s ordered 25 percent water use reduction. That part of story, including discussion of local restrictions, enforcement and water rates, can be found online at www.danapointtimes.com.

In part two of the story, we continue our discussion with Rayfield to find out more of his thoughts on current water woes and the ripple effects of a dwindling water supply. Here is more of what he had to say: DANA POINT TIMES: What are your thoughts on the short- and long-term effects of the drought?

WAYNE RAYFIELD: People talk about the drought as a start and an end, but there is a body of thought supported by research that what we are seeing today is the new normal. So rather than a drought that may be over in a year or two, we may have to live with this for the next 30, 40 or 50 years.

That’s why it is so important to take action.

We do live in a coastal desert.

DPT: Have requirements for using recycled water for irrigation made an impact?

WR: We have seen a 25 percent or so increase in demand for recycled water in the last three years. That’s a good sign, because that basically means 100 percent saving of potable water used previously.

DPT: Do you expect to see restrictions getting more rigid?

WR: We may see more rigid enforcement from the state on their rules—they have the power to require water districts and municipalities to charge fines or shut off service to chronic over-users.

Metropolitan Water District of Orange County has the power to fine the entire district, which we don’t want to see, because a fine really does no one any good.

If our SCWD customers use more water than we are allowed under the new requirements, our water will get much more expensive and the cost will get passed on to our customers.

Dana Point Times May 1–7, 2015

Yoko and Steve Jorgensen (center) were presented with the South Coast Water District’s second Water Saver of the Month Award and a $500 check on Monday for converting their front landscaping to a drought-tolerant rock garden. Shown (L to R) are SCWD Reclamation/Water Use Efficiency Supervisor, Larry Fregin; SCWD Director Wayne Rayfield; homeowners Steve and Yoko Jorgensen, SCWD Director Rick Erkeneff and Andy Brunhart, the district’s general manager. Photo: Andrea Swayne

CITIZEN SAVERS Yoko and Steve Jorgensen are the SCWD Water Savers of the Month A pilot program of the South Coast Water District to provide added incentive for residents to complete water saving landscaping projects that won’t qualify for rebates, the Water Saver of the Month Award recognized the conservation efforts of water district customers with a $500 check.

This month’s winners are Yoko and Steve Jorgensen who live on Via Acapulco in the Sea Canyon neighborhood near Dana Hills High School.

The couple recently converted their front yard to a rock garden landscape accented with drought tolerant and native plants, featuring Yoko’s favorite—Mexican sage.

“We like to save water,” Yoko said. “We don’t use much water to begin with but I

always feel guilty watering. Antonio Torres Landscaping helped us with the work. He was so good we are giving him a $100 bonus from our prize and donating the rest to the Nepal earthquake fund.”

The Jorgensens were the program’s second awardees.

The program was unanimously approved in January by the SCWD board for a sixmonth trial period. Nominations for the monthly award—by SCWD staff, homeowners or neighbors—should be submitted to the district’s customer service center.

Applicants under current rebate programs are not eligible. For questions, the customer service department can be reached at 949.499.4555 or custserv@scwd.org. —AS

Some water districts are thinking about setting fines for overuse. It has not been implemented but is a possibility.

DPT: What can you tell us about groundwater supplies?

WR: Water districts like ours and San Juan are dependent on aquifers in the ground and these aquifers are in bad shape.

We have shut down our well in the San Juan Creek basin in September and San Juan shut down two wells and reduced pumping a few weeks later. The aquifers in many places are in terrible shape and so is the biology around them—plants, wildlife etc.

People should remember that the double-whammy—low precipitation and high temperatures—over the last year or so, was a recipe for disaster in that water supplies are shrinking while demand is increasing.

DPT: What are some ways the water district and the city are responding to this challenge?

WR: We did increase recycled water supply by adding a new facility on Aliso Creek, which generates more recycled

water. It has been operational since lateFebruary, early-March.

Coupled with that, SCWD is also increasing delivery capacity with new recycled water lines and fixing some bottlenecks that existed in some of the old lines, We will be bringing recycled water down Golden Lantern and into the Harbor as the revitalization progresses. We’re working on the project now and street construction work should start in early May. We also just recently added recycled water delivery along Pacific Coast Highway into the La Plaza Park area. The supply line is in and the project is nearly finished.

We will be irrigating with recycled water there soon, I believe in early May. Lantern Bay Estates will be converting their landscape irrigation to recycled water. That project is currently in the design phase, along with recycled water systems to other areas along Del Obispo.

The Lantern Bay Villas homeowners association has expressed interest in converting to recycled water, as have others.

The district also remains on the ocean desalination track. We have a project

Page 10

study still underway, funded by South Coast Water District with Laguna Beach and Metropolitan Water District. Of the original five potential partners—SCWD, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Moulton Niguel—the only two really active are us and Laguna Beach.

Our study continues to look at geophysical consideration for a desal plant and we also remain on the lookout for funding.

The pilot plant at Doheny Beach is shut down because we’ve learned all we need to know from that. We proved the concept of a slant well works well and protects sea life—the only system that most environmental groups support for water intake— and did some water quality testing.

We have also kept a close eye on improvements in technology and energy production methods for powering desal plants.

There are a few in the environmental community who feel the energy requirements for a desalination plant outweigh the benefits. Based on the research I’ve done, there have been developments that will reduce the energy requirements for ocean desal over time and will continue to improve. Both areas are being worked on globally and water districts are watching that closely.

DPT: How are citizens responding and what more can they do?

WR: We have a number of people in our community who are doing what they can, including removing lawns and changing landscaping to drought tolerant and native plants, and we have ways of thanking them, via their pocketbooks, for their efforts.

South Coast Water District offers rebates of $2 per square foot for removing lawn, but it should be noted that people need to contact us before beginning a project. Doing anything, including letting a lawn go dry, will result in ineligibility for the program.

We have also begun a Water Saver of the Month program to reward those who may not qualify for rebates but have completed water saving landscape projects with a $500 check for their efforts. Residents can nominate themselves or their neighbors. Water district personnel are also on the lookout for such projects.

Those interested in finding out more about what they can do to help, should visit the conservation page on our website at www.scwd.org. There is a ton of information about rebates, lawn removal, and other items such as low-flow toilets, shower heads, smart irrigation systems and more.

Wayne Rayfield developed a passion for ocean water quality while a member of the Dana Point City Council from 1999 to 2006.

He started the city’s Ocean Water Quality Subcommittee and was also the prime mover behind the Salt Creek ozone plant and a number of runoff diversion systems—bringing water from the streets to the wastewater treatment plant—primarily the J.B. Lathom Plant.

This interest prompted him to run for a seat on the South Coast Water District Board where he’s been a director since 2009. DP www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

DP Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY EVAN DA SILVA

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.

Wednesday, April 29 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CRICUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 34100 Block (1:49 a.m.) A man in his 50s wearing a yellow sweater and Hawaiian shorts was in the Circle K parking lot saying he required medication for knee pain. The caller said the man looked like he was overdosing.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway/Del Obispo Street (1:46 a.m.) A caller from Denny’s reported a man who was sitting on the median with his legs out in the street. While driving to the restaurant, the caller almost ran over the man’s legs.

seen towing vehicles from the Villas at Monarch Beach. At the time of the call, the truck had made its way to the library and was hooking up another vehicle.

DISTURBANCE Marina Vista Drive, 33000 Block (10:05 p.m.) A man kicked his 14-year-old son out of their home after the two had been in an argument. The father said his son was not listening to him and was now banging on the door.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/VEHICLE Calle La Primavera/La Cresta Drive (9:02 p.m.)

Police conducted a patrol check for a silver Toyota 4-Runner occupied by a man and woman who were using illegal drugs inside.

MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONS Armada Drive/ Tesoro Street (8:19 p.m.) Police conducted a patrol check at a residence with a white sedan and a truck parked in front. The owner had been seen dumping large amounts of chemicals into the gutters.

Tuesday, April 28

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway, 34200 Block (7:16 p.m.) A man reported a shirtless man at McDonald’s who appeared to be homeless and who he believed had thrown a lemon into the caller’s vehicle.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Niguel Road/Pacific Coast Highway (11:30 p.m.)

An unmarked, all-white tow truck was

UNKNOWN TROUBLE Pacific Coast Highway/ Del Obispo Street (6:18 p.m.) Dispatch received a call from a woman who said

someone slashed her tires. She sounded panicked and the line disconnected immediately after.

DISTURBANCE Street of the Silver Lantern, 33900 Block (10:18 a.m.) A man said a phonebook delivery man had threatened him with a golf club.

STOLEN VEHICLE Selva Road/Pacific Coast Highway (8:18 a.m.) A man reported his black, 2004, Toyota 4-door Prius stolen from the Strand Vista Park parking lot.

The car had been parked at the north end of the lot near the bathrooms.

PEDESTRIAN CHECK Del Obispo Street, 34000 Block (8:23 a.m.) Police arrested a 33-year-old man who was wearing rollerblades and sleeping on the grass behind the Dana Point Community Center. When deputies asked the man what he does for work, he told them his job is rollerblading.

CITIZEN ASSIST Calle Juanita, 26600 Block (8:07 a.m.) A woman requested police assistance after having a fight with her husband. She informed police they have guns locked in a safe but the gun they usually keep underneath their mattress was missing and she believed her husband had taken it. The husband was not at the residence at the time of the call. The woman requested that deputies give her at least 10 minutes before arriving, so that she could take a shower.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway/Granada Drive (4:34 a.m.) A Starbucks employee requested police assistance after a patron wearing a red flannel jacket and a backpack began snorting illegal drugs off a table.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Via Elevado, 25100 Block (12:26 a.m.) Police were informed of a small, 4-door vehicle that had been parked in the area for twoand-a-half hours. The car was occupied by two subjects who were continually going in and out of it. Eventually, they parked down the street, and then one of the two was seen running away toward a residence.

Friday, April 24 PETTY THEFT REPORT Calle Portola, 34300 Block (3:27 p.m.) A woman discovered someone had rummaged through her vehicle the evening prior but nothing had been taken.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Pacific Coast Highway/Del Prado (2:24 p.m.)

Third-hand information was received by police about an open briefcase that had been abandoned on the sidewalk.

STOLEN VEHICLE Victoria Boulevard, 25800 Block (11:05 a.m.) A man reported his trailer had been stolen from a storage facility.

EYE ON DP

News Next Door

WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Photo: Alex Paris

Doheny Wood a Winner

BY ALLISON JARRELL, DANA POINT TIMES

M

ore than 120 classic woodie wagons were on display April 25 for the annual Doheny Wood car show, held south of Doheny State Beach Campground. The free all-woodie event is hosted by the Southern California Woodie Club, the largest woodie club in the country, with about 300 members from Los Angeles to San Diego.

Dana Point resident Janeann Clark, who’s been a member since the club’s inception in 1997, said this year’s event had

a great turnout, despite the afternoon rain.

With the money raised from selling Tshirts, posters and raffle tickets, the SoCal Woodie Club was able to donate $1,000 to Camp Pendleton’s Wounded Warriors and another $1,000 to the San Clemente Junior Lifeguard Program and the Doheny Junior Lifeguards/Waterman’s Academy.

The club also shows its cars at October Wood at Lantern Bay Park, as well as at the Dana Point Festival of Whales. For more information, visit www.socalwoodies. com. DP

The body of Erica Alonso, 28, of Laguna Hills, who had been missing since Feb. 15, was discovered late Monday night about a mile east of Ortega Highway in the Cleveland National Forest, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials. Authorities confirmed Alonso’s identity Thursday through fingerprint comparisons.

Alonso went missing around 4 a.m. on Feb. 15, after leaving her boyfriend’s house in Irvine. Her car was found in Aliso Viejo on March 25, approximately one mile from her home.

On Monday night, a decomposed body was discovered by biologists working for Caltrans around 10 p.m. near Ortega Highway and Hot Springs Canyon Road, according to Lt. Jeff Hallock of the sheriff’s department. Following Wednesday’s autopsy of Alonso’s body, sheriff’s department officials said the cause of death was “undetermined,” with no obvious physical signs of trauma.—Allison Jarrell

SAN CLEMENTE

The source of smoke rising up to the south and east of San Clemente Wednes-

Plumes of smoke were seen rising to the south and east of San Clemente on Wednesday due to a brush fire on Camp Pendleton. Photo: Wendy Imatani Peloso

day evening was due to a brush fire on Camp Pendleton, authorities said.

The fire was sparked sometime around 2 p.m. and declared fully controlled by 10:45 p.m. A large plume of smoke became visible in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano shortly before 7 p.m. Capt. Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Authority said the fire posed no threat to the city.

Sgt. Christopher Duncan, Camp Pendleton media chief, said the fire also posed no threat to personnel or property on base, as it was burning deep within the uninhabited Whiskey live fire training range. The blaze involved approximately 40 acres.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Duncan said.—Andrea Swayne

& CYCLE DE MAYO STREET FESTIVAL

SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015

P RE SE N TE D BY DANA P OIN T TIMES

DANAPOINTGRANDPRIX.COM

SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015

WELCOME

to the ninth annual Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling This exclusive sporting event has become the premier one-day cycling competition on the USA Cycling National Racing Calendar.

is run clockwise with small undulations, wide turns and a long, straight sprint along Del Prado to the finish line.

Vendors will enjoy exposure to over 12,000 spectators from Dana Point—our compelling demographic is affluent, well-educated and avid participants in outdoor athletic pursuits and the purchase of active lifestyle products— as well as throughout Southern California and beyond.

The event offers something for the whole family and the action is non-stop.

In addition to multiple classes of professional and amateur USA Cycling competition there will also be free youth races—

The much anticipated day of fast-paced action draws many world-class professionals and talented amateur cyclists to compete, with our beautiful coastal city as the backdrop.

The start/finish line is located on Del Prado Avenue and the races run on a dynamic L-shaped, six-turn, 0.8-mile course through the city’s Lantern District. The race

Race Schedule Category

Start Time

Duration

Places

Entries

Prize Purse

Cat 5 / Open*

7:00 am

0:20

3

75

MEDALS

30+ 4/5

7:25 am

0:20

6

75

$250

55/60+ 1-4**

7:50 am

0:40

6/6

125

$250/$250

Wn 3/4

8:35 am

0:35

6

125

$250

50+ 1-4

9:15 am

0:45

6

125

$500

Cat 2

10:05 am

0:50

10

125

$750

Cat 3

11:00 am

0:55

6

125

$500

KIDS EVENTS

12:00 pm

0:30

ALL

ALL

MEDALS

30+ 1-3

12:35 pm

0:50

10

125

$1,000

Women NCC Pro 1/2

1:30 pm

1:00

20

150

$12,000

40+ 1-3

2:35 pm

0:50

10

125

$1,000

Cat 4

3:30 pm

0:40

6

125

$500

John Johnson Family Pro NCC Classic

4:10 pm

1:30

20

150

$12,000

*1-Day Licenses Available; **Scored Separately

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT CHARITY

separated by age categories—providing opportunities for families and kids to learn about the healthy, safe and fun aspects of the sport of cycling.

The Cycle de Mayo Street Festival will also include food, beer gardens, and a Kids Zone with face painting, bike safety demonstrations and other fun activities.

Every year this event draws bigger crowds, so plan on arriving early for the best viewing areas.

We are delighted to continue partnering with sponsors and volunteer organizations such as the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and the 5th Marines.

Carlos N. Olvera Mayor

SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015 CYCLE DE MAYO STREET FESTIVAL

Event Map

Free admission for spectators and kids’ event racers

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor DOES MEMORIALCARE ACTUALLY CARE? SANDRA ACKERMAN, Capistrano Beach

San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and Mission Viejo—including a very large group of citizens called Save San Clemente Hospital Foundation—all oppose MemorialCare’s proposal to replace the current hospital and its emergency room with an urgent care facility.

All one has to do (to see the widespread opposition) is drive around San Clemente and Capistrano Beach and see all the signs in front of our residents’ homes opposing the closure.

The question begs to be asked. Does MemorialCare actually care about anyone?

PLEASE PROVIDE INTERSTATE 5 PROJECT UPDATES JOHN AND JANET WEBB, Dana Point

As new residents of Dana Point we have enjoyed reading our Friday paper, and thank you for the informative and enlightening stories. Your publication greatly adds to our enjoyment of this fine community.

After reading Andrea Swayne’s article regarding the Lantern District’s construction progress, we felt that an equally important update to all your constituents would be an ongoing series of updates on the status of the I-5 project. This certainly has an effect on all of your readers on a weekly basis.

Thank you.

NO MORE CLUCKING AROUND NANCY WEAGLEY, Capistrano Beach

There comes a time, especially when you know you have attempted to do what is ethically and morally right for the citizens of Capistrano Beach/Dana Point, and you simply have to tell it like it is.

Some people do not seem to realize what actually happened many years ago when our city was formed—they weren’t around. First of all, it did not happen overnight. Those of us (most of whom are no longer with us) who comprised the Capistrano Beach Community Association, more specifically the Board of Directors, were led to believe that as we became a part of Dana Point we would continue to be able to maintain the lifestyle that had been the mainstay of our community. We trusted that was the case.

In a nutshell, because of all the annexations that had taken place in years past, it was not feasible to try to form our own city. Surrounding cities had taken Dana Point Times May 1–7, 2015

too much land and we did not have the tax base needed to become our own city.

Logic pointed us in the direction that was taken—to join Dana Point as that little town became a city.

That being said, I am tired of the innuendoes indicating that I purposely decided to break the law when we decided to rescue a few chickens that were losing their home because their owners were moving back East. After all, when our sons were growing up here in Capistrano Beach, they, at various times, had an aviary of parakeets and button quail, or they had a pair of huge black bunnies, or they had a dog, guinea pigs, a white rat or CHICKENS. We, along with many others, assumed that these pets were still allowed.

“

As many of you know, after working with the city for close to two years, our previous rights of yesteryear were shot down by a last-minute propaganda campaign.

”

— Nancy Weagley

When our neighbor complained, the city said we were wrong, we could not have chickens. The idea that one neighbor could dictate what I was allowed to do was appalling to my entire neighborhood, especially when we changed the location of our coop to correct the problem, as we were led (by a city employee) to believe would allow us to get a variance and be, in that way, legal. When that turned out to be false, I had no choice but to pursue an ordinance change, because the ruling affected so very many Dana Point residents who also had chickens.

As many of you know, after working with the city for close to two years, our previous rights of yesteryear were shot down by a last-minute propaganda campaign.

In conclusion, as several councilmen put it, “Do we want to be a farm town or a beach town?” From that, we learned one thing—Laguna Beach, and even San Francisco, have now been designated as farm towns in the eyes of most of the City Council.

MAJOR PARKING CONCESSIONS PROPOSED FOR DEVELOPERS IN TOWN CENTER BETTY HILL, Capistrano Beach

Resident concerns over the proposed Town Center parking plan were largely ignored by the Dana Point Community Development staff at Monday night’s Planning Commission meeting. The proposed

parking concessions drastically reduce the amount of required parking for residential and commercial projects saving developers millions. It proposes to give away public parking spaces to developers for free while at the same time taxpayers pay for leasing parking spaces in Town Center short term and millions more should a city parking lot be needed in the future.

The report by a representative of Nelson Nygaard, the city’s parking consultant, left residents and members of the Planning Commission worried and perplexed.

However, developers present at the meeting, including Majestic Development’s representative, were probably salivating.

The proposed plan is a developer’s dream coming true. See www.savedana point.com for details.

The Planning Commission was not satisfied with the plan, as presented, and voted to continue the issue until the May 11 meeting, where the newly-appointed planning commissioners will consider the plan. Actually, the city’s staff, under the direction of Mayor Olvera and other members of the City Council, wanted an “up or down” vote so the plan could move forward either way for the possible approval by the City Council.

I guess Dana Point residents and even the Planning Commission are just an inconvenience to some of our city leaders.

The recommended changes to the Town Center Plan and the financial impact could be disastrous to the city. The quality of life we enjoy here in Dana Point is being gambled away.

Please give Dana Point residents a chance to vote on the future of Dana Point by signing the 2015 Town Center Initiative.

To sign the initiative, go to 2015TownCenterInitiative.nationbuilder.com and select “SIGN” at the top.

SOMETHING ISN’T RIGHT WITH WATER BARTON MAC LEOD, Laguna Niguel

In reference to the water shortage in California, no one talks or writes about the real world or is afraid to tell the truth. After every rain storm the flood channels are dumping billions of gallons of fresh water into the ocean at Capo Beach/Dana Point and the other channel in Long Beach.

The real reason is the water executives protect their years in service because they did not create inner-structure to capture the billions of gallons of fresh water. Case in point, there is a water channel behind the Water Department in San Juan Capistrano/Dana Point. Perhaps the executives are watching their retirement package and laughing all the way to the bank.

34932 Calle del Sol, Suite B, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 phone 949.388.7700 fax 949.388.9977 www.danapointtimes.com

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Andrea Swayne, 949.388.7700, x113 aswayne@danapointtimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

Lauralyn Loynes, 949.388.7700, x102 lloynes@danapointtimes.com DISTRIBUTION RACKS, DRIVEWAYS, SUBSCRIPTIONS

Tricia Zines, 949.388.7700, x107 tzines@danapointtimes.com BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Alyssa Garrett, 949.388.7700, x100 agarrett@danapointtimes.com

PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett

> Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

EDITORIAL

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano)

Picket Fence Media Group Senior Editor, City Editor, DP Times > Andrea Swayne

Real Estate Sales Manager > Michele Reddick

City Editor, SC Times > Jim Shilander City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor, > Andrea Papagianis ART/DESIGN Senior Designer > Jasmine Smith ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING PICKET FENCE MEDIA Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point)

OPERATIONS Finance Director > Mike Reed Business Operations Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller, Jonathan Volzke CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Evan Da Silva, Kevin Dahlgren, Catherine Manso, Dana Schnell, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 8, Issue 18. 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 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE DANA POINT T IMES

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.

Page 17

www.danapointtimes.com

DP GETTING OUT Dana Point

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Friday | 01 ORANGE COUNTY WINE CRUISE 5:30 p.m-7 p.m. Climb onboard a Dana Wharf luxury catamaran for this 90-minute wine cruise around the Dana Point Harbor. Tickets are $49. Every Friday and Sunday. See more events online. Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 888.224.0603, www.danawharf.com.

WE OLIVE & WINE BAR GRAND OPENING We Olive & Wine Bar is celebrating the grand opening of its wine bar May 1-3.

During the grand opening weekend, the store will host wine tastings, live music, olive oil culinary demos, and provide free olive oil ice cream and the opportunity to win free olive oil for a year. 31760 Camino Capistrano Suite B, San Juan Capistrano, www.weolive.com/san-juan-capistrano.

ZERO WASTE LECTURE 6:30 p.m. Join in on an open forum with Josh Prigge of Fetzer Wines to learn about and discuss how an individual, community and business can commit to creating zero waste. Tickets are $30. The Ecology Center, 32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.4223, www.theecologycenter.org.

MIKE HAMILTON 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Salt Creek

Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.

EDITOR’S PICK

Saturday | 02 DANA POINT FARMERS MARKET & CRAFT FAIR 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Seasonal produce, flowers and much more at La Plaza Park each Saturday. On the first Saturday of the month, hours are extended to include a craft fair.

949.248.3500, www.danapoint.org.

DANA POINT NATURE TOUR 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. This 1.5-mile, two-hour docent-led walk explores the ecology and natural history of the Headlands area.

Tours occur on the first Saturday of each month. Tour capacity is a maximum of 10 people. RSVP required to wqintern@ danapoint.org or 949.248.3527. Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, www.danapoint.org.

CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA Noon. The 25th annual Cinco de Mayo event at Max Berg Plaza Park features live entertainment, Mexican fare, a juried art contest, carnival games, mini attractions and a vendor area. 1100 Calle Puente.

949.361.8264, www.san-clemente.org.

CAMPFIRE PROGRAM 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Every Saturday night, join OC Parks for a campfire program that may include a presentation, wilderness safety, games and activities for children, a live animal demonstration and a chance to visit the Nature Center. Admission is free, parking is $5. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210, www.ocparks.com/caspers.

Historic Doheny House. Photo: Andrea Swayne

SATURDAY, MAY 2: PINK GALA AT DOHENY HOUSE 6 p.m. The owners of the historic Doheny House will unveil their home’s complete, top-to-bottom period-correct restoration at the upcoming Pink Gala fundraiser to benefit cancer patients at Orange Coast Memorial Hospital, Dr. Mark Kobayashi’s Hands of Hope International, as well as other programs of Kristine Taylor Philanthropies. The evening will feature special guests—including Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Michael Ramirez, DIY and HGTV star Matt Blashaw and Phil Roberts, master painter, sculptor and Pipeline Masters trophy artist—live music, dancing under the stars, fine dining, a high-end fashion show, silent auction, a live art auction and the opportunity to have a look inside one of the area’s most beautiful and historic homes. Tickets are $250 and can be purchased online. All proceeds support the cause. Doheny House, 335101 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, 949.387.8711, www.kristinetaylorphilanthropies.org.

At the Movies: ‘Danny Collins’ a Bit Clichéd

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

E

Photo: Courtesy of Hopper Stone / Bleecker Street

Dana Point Times May 1-7, 2015

ven in the few decent movies he’s making these days, sometimes you have to wonder if Al Pacino’s just playing a loosely-scripted version of himself.

A couple of months ago we saw him as an aging, depressed actor in Barry Levinson’s The Humbling. This month we get to see Pacino as a has-been rockstar who has lost practically all of his inspiration in Dan Fogelman’s Danny Collins.

Folk singer turned Top-40 superstar Danny Collins (Pacino) is turning 70 and hasn’t aged a bit emotionally since 1970. He still parties, sleeps with younger women and snorts cocaine. Naturally, Danny is unsatisfied by the shallow happiness he’s found.

When his longtime manager Frank (Christopher Plummer) shows him a secret letter John Lennon wrote to Danny that popped up after 40 years, the musician is inspired

Page 18

to not only write new music but also to connect with his son (Bobby Cannavale), a boy he did not help raise.

Annette Bening, Jennifer Garner and Josh Peck co-star. Screenwriter-director Fogelman has created a resume of family films and romantic comedies over the past decade but Danny Collins has a more mature, grown-up tone than his previous projects. There is romance between Pacino’s and Bening’s characters, a family plot between Pacino and Cannavale, and a soundtrack made up of Lennon and Danny’s “hits” written by Ryan Adams.

Collins could’ve easily become bloated with content, but fortunately manages to stay steady despite some clichés in Danny’s characteristics and motives.

Fans of Pacino and/or Lennon will get the most enjoyment from this dramedy.

DP www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT ECO GARDEN EXPO 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Goin Native Therapeutic Gardens hosts its second annual garden show at Los Rios Park in San Juan Capistrano, Saturday and Sunday. Features demonstration gardens, guest speakers, activities for children, vendors exhibiting environmental products and more.

Admission is free. 31790 Paseo Adelanto, 949.606.6386, www.goinnative.net.

MY FAIR LADY: A DAY AT THE RACES FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Hosted by the Dana Point Woman’s Club, the event benefits their Dana Hills High School Scholarship Program and includes fashions by L&M, vendors, gift baskets, opportunity drawings and entertainment. Cost is $50. For more information, including how to buy tickets, call 949.426.0605. San Juan Hills Golf Club, 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano.

Sunday | 03 DANA POINT GRAND PRIX OF CYCLING 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Join top professionals, amateurs and enthusiastic kids as they race around downtown Dana Point on one of the best racing courses in America, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Dana Point Harbor. For more information, visit www. danapointgrandprix.com.

Monday | 04 SLOW RIDE SESSIONS 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Join the Ecology Center at The Cellar for complimentary beer tastings courtesy of New Belgium Brewery. Ecology Center staff will share tips and tricks to live a conscious, eco-friendly lifestyle. The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

Tuesday | 05 HALF-PRICED WHALE WATCHING 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Hop onboard this cruise to see dolphins, whales and other marine life. $22.50. Half price on Tuesdays but trips are available every day.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.

LAGUNA BEACH LIVE! ALL-STARS BIG BAND 7:30 p.m. Enjoy big band jazz music featuring Meloney Collins at the Laguna Playhouse. Tickets are $35. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.715.9713, www.lagunabeachlive.org.

Wednesday | 06 READ TO A DOG 3 p.m.-4 p.m. Children can practice their

skills and build confidence reading aloud by sharing favorite tales with certified therapy dogs. No pre-registration required. Dana Point Library, 33841 Niguel Road, 949.496.5517, www.ocpl.org/libloc/ dana.

CAPT. DAVE’S WHALE WATCHING Times vary. Trips available every day of the week. Get up close to marine life aboard a Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari trip. Prices vary depending on the vessel. Call for more information. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828, www.dolphinsafari.com.

The Endless Summer. Image: Courtesy of Hobie Surf Shop

Thursday | 07

UPCOMING: FRIDAY, MAY 8

MERMADE MARKET 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The semi-annual Mermade Market handmade-only craft bazaar features original crafts including fine art, gifts, jewelry, décor, candles, textiles and more. May 7-9. Event is free to attend.

Dana Point Community House, 24642 San Juan Avenue, Dana Point, www.mermademarket.com.

THE ENDLESS SUMMER: WATERLOGGED WEDNESDAYS MOVIE MOVED TO FRIDAY 7:30 p.m. Hobie Surf Shop has been presenting one Bruce Brown film per month through June 2015. This month’s Wednesday showing, The Endless Summer (1964), was moved to Friday. Free. 34174 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.496.2366.

WILFAX 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Live music at DaVine Food & Wine. 34673 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point Harbor, 949.493.4044, www.davine-wine.com.

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

Have an event? Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.com

DP DP LIVING Dana Point

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

GUEST OPINION: It’s History by Carlos N. Olvera

Bringing Water to Our Desert Historically Difficult

W

e live in a desert?

The history of getting water to the Los Angeles basin is a long and political story. Orange County is no different. The first recorded water supply was that of Aaron Buchheim of Serra—the train stop now known as the Doheny Village area of Capistrano Beach—and it was a well, dug by hand in 1897 along San Juan Creek.

In 1914, Blanche Dolph’s new house on the hill—Dana Point’s oldest residence— had water delivered by pump to the home.

On one occasion the pump was not shut off and water flooded the acreage causing many flowers to bloom along with a bumper crop of figs, grapes, olives, citrus and other fruits.

In 1915 the Capistrano Water Company utilized the flow of San Juan Creek and its ground wells.

In 1924 the San Juan Point Corporation announced it was laying a pipeline from a well IT’S HISTORY drilled at Serra Station to

By Carlos N. Dana Point where a two Olvera million gallon reservoir was planned for water storage for a gravity flow system.

In 1925 it was predicted that Capistrano Beach’s population would reach 75,000 with the new developments.

In 1926 the Buchheim Water Company was authorized by the State Railroad Commission to become the San Juan Water Company. But as demand was increasing, quality got worse. This then convinced area founding fathers (developers) Edward Doheny and S.H. Woodruff to join forces with Buchheim. Together they were able to say there would be water for a population of 125,000. Dana Point’s problem was the San Juan Creek couldn’t support the thousands of people expected due to developments in the mid to late1920s.

In 1927, Woodruff had a water tank built, located at Stonehill and Golden Lantern, to insure he had water for his new development and the golf course he had planned. The tank was emblazoned with the words “Dana Point Water.” He later advertised there would be water for more than 100,000 people.

So-called “water wars” were declared in 1930 when San Clemente filed a lawsuit to establish its right to take water from San Juan Creek. It was fought by the San Juan Water Company and Petroleum Securities (Doheny).

Dana Point Times May 1-7, 2015

In 1931, a meeting was held in Laguna Beach to discuss the formation of the Coastal Water District, comprised of the coast cities and communities, with the object of joining the Metropolitan Water District. It included Woodruff of Dana Point, Buchheim of San Juan Capistrano, and H. F. Kenny of Doheny Park.

By the mid-1940s, the local population was 10,000 and ground water levels were low. By 1946 the water district was known as the Coastal Municipal Water District of Laguna Beach.

In 1947 the land owners of the Doheny Palisades requested annexation to the Coastal District. A year later, the Chandler-Sherman Corporation petitioned for annexation for Dana Point. The South Coast Water District, originally formed in 1932, recommended the county approve the annexations.

In 1956 it became necessary to ration water in Orange County. Due to a line break, Dana Point Heights was without water for a month.

In 1959 voters elected to create the Tri-Cities Water District. This was to align it with Metropolitan Water district due to salt water in-flux into wells and to make Colorado River water available. Division 1 covered Dana Point, Division 2 covered Capistrano Beach and Division 3 was San Clemente. This set the stage for San Juan Water to become Capistrano Beach Water District by 1960 and for imported water from Metropolitan Water District of Los Angeles.

By 1997, after a two-year fight, Tri-Cities Water was dissolved and later became a part of South Coast Water District.

Managing water in South Orange County has been a problem since day one.

Importing water has been its only choice.

Dana Point residents are supplied water by three different agencies, South Coast Water District—the majority supplier— Moulton Niguel Water District and the City of San Juan Capistrano. With three companies competing for the same water, could there be another round of water wars?

Conservation did not work in the past; it will not work in the future. We have always had more people than water.

Carlos N. Olvera is chairman of the OC Historical Commission and mayor of Dana Point. 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

Academic All Stars St. Edward’s students win Academic Decathlon DANA POINT TIMES

T

he Academic Decathlon team from St. Edward the Confessor Parish School in Dana Point took overall top honors at the state competition held on April 17 in Sacramento, with the highest scores.

The team was one of 10 who advanced to state after winning their respective diocesan competitions in March.

Academic decathlon consists of 10 contests, two of which are team events—Logic Quiz and Super Quiz—and the other eight are individual challenges.

In addition to the team victory, with a second place finish in both team events, Ryan Barta was third in social studies, Kate Cerniglia was fifth in fine arts, Claire Crafts was first in religion, Rich Meyer earned a fourth-place finish in English, Gavin Rissling came in first in literature, Meagan Rowlett was the current events winner with a perfect score, Nicky Rowlett was second in math and Matthew Sloss was fourth in science.

Pet ‘Personals’ FRED: BEST FRIEND WANTED Fred, age 2, is seeking a fun-loving companion to take long walks and play fetch with. Must have a comfy lap and enjoy giving belly rubs. Open to someone with other friendly dogs. If you’re looking for a friend to fill your day with fun and kisses, Fred may just be your match.

The St. Edward the Confessor Parish School Academic Decathlon team (L to R) Nicholas Rowlett (Dana Point), Ryan Barta (top, DP), Meagan Rowlett (DP), Rich Myer (top, San Juan Capistrano), Kate Cerniglia (Laguna Niguel), Claire Crafts (DP), Gavin Rissling (top, LN), Will Brady (SJC), Matthew Sloss (San Clemente) and Grant Reskey (DP) won at state competition, April 17 in Sacramento. Not shown, Katie Macfee. Photo: Jackie Brady

Team members who did not compete in individual events but contributed greatly to the team effort were Will Brady, Katie Macfee and Grand Reskey.

The students were coached by school faculty members and parents. DP

GUMDROP: LOOKING FOR A CUDDLE BUDDY Sweet little Gumdrop just loves to snuggle. Her two favorite pastimes are nestling in a friendly lap and giving out tons of happy kisses.

When she isn’t showering you with affection, this 7-month-old rat terrier mix also enjoys playing in the yard with her sisters.

She would make a great fit to almost any home. Could you be her new favorite cuddle buddy?

If you would like to know more about Fred or Gumdrop, please call the San ClementeDana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with them at the shelter, 221 Avenida Fabricante in San Clemente.

Sudoku

BY MYLES MELLOR Last week’s solution:

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

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

Racing into the Future Women cyclists eye same prize payout as men at the 2015 Dana Point Grand Prix

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

K

endall Ryan remembers last year’s starting lines.

There were a decent number of professional women’s cyclists lining up alongside her, clicking in their pedals and gearing up for a race. The bigger races with larger payouts drew more cyclists.

This year, when Ryan, 22, looks around at her fellow competitors, even when it’s not a premier event on the USA Cycling National Criterium Calendar, the lines of racers are deeper and loaded with talent, a sign that the stakes in women’s professional racing have been raised considerably.

At the start of the 2015 season, USA Cycling issued a directive to all NCC race organizers that read: “You must have both men’s and women’s pro races, there must be a minimum of $12,000 for single day events for men and women and there must be equal prize purses for both.”

The edict takes up about four lines of the new NCC requirements and procedures page for 2015, but for many racers, like Ryan, those four lines mean progress and inclusion.

Professional male and female NCC riders will now be paid the same, unlike in years past when the men’s division

San Clemente’s Bonnie Breeze has been racing competitively for 28 years. Photo: Peter Wollessen

Dana Point Times May 1-7, 2015

Riders in the 2014 Dana Point Grand Prix women’s pro race whip around a corner. Photo: Andrea Swayne

received the lion’s share of the prize purse while the women battled it out for sometimes fractions of what their counterparts earned.

“Girls are coming out of the woodwork now just to do these races that have a lot of money,” Ryan, the reigning USA Cycling Professional Criterium National champion, said. “There’s so much more reward for all this effort that we’re going through and it’s really motivating for sure. We feel like we’re being taken seriously too.”

The NCC season is young and the second stop on the circuit will be the 2015 Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling on May 3.

The Dana Point Grand Prix quickly became a major player on the NCC when it debuted in 2007, given its large purse and notoriously scenic and fast layout that whips riders through the Lantern District of Dana Point. The race had a NCC pro women’s event that ran from 2009 to 2010, but due to lack of numbers and sponsorship money, the race was discontinued.

When the USA Cycling ruling regarding equal pay was issued, DPGP organizers embraced the change and decided to include a top-flight NCC women’s pro race in 2015.

“We had a choice, whether we were going to continue to be a part of the NCC or decide to just take a step down and become a regional event,” DPGP executive director Russell Ames said. “That’s when the board of directors decided to bite the bullet and say let’s go all in … We’re looking at the long term plan, which is to grow women’s cycling here in Southern California. We want to use the Dana Point Grand Prix as the benchmark.”

Ames said there are 70 riders slated to compete in the NCC women’s professional race on May 3.

The DPGP is known as one of the larger regional payout races for professional men. Last year’s prize purse was $15,000.

There was no official professional women’s division, and the top-flight category race paid out $1,000.

The total prize purse at the 2015 DPGP will be $24,000, with $12,000 up for grabs in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

Ryan has already felt the financial impact of the USA Cycling ruling. She earned $3,000 for a second-place finish at the Novant Health Invitational Criterium in Charlotte, N.C. on April 11. When she won the prestigious USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championships one week later, she took home $2,000.

Ryan said in years past she would have taken home about half that amount of money for her efforts.

San Clemente resident Bonnie Breeze, 49, raced professionally in a different era.

Breeze, who now works for the Tustin Police Department, raced in the late 1980s through the 90s, when professional women cyclists sometimes had to work part-time in order to sustain their racing careers.

When Breeze was making a living as a racer, only the top echelon of women’s riders could secure a spot on a team with enough sponsorship money to pay for traveling, making it slightly easier to compete full time.

The rest of the professional racers had to make do. If there was a first-place offering of $1,000, Breeze said it was circled on her schedule as a major event.

Page 22

Kendall Ryan, 22, is the reigning USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Champion. Photo: Courtesy

When hearing the news of the equal pay ruling, Breeze said with a laugh, “That’s fabulous, I wish they had that back in my day. I would have loved that.”

Breeze, the DPGP 2008 Masters State Championship 35+ winner, will be in the professional field at this year’s installment of the race riding with Team Holliday Rock p/b Zoca Gear.

This year’s DPGP, along with the rest of the NCC races, have given racers like Ryan more motivation. The stakes will be higher, the intensity raised and the starting lines bustling with women racers ready to compete.

“Having a lot more money on the line makes it very interesting,” Ryan said. “A lot of people show up that are legit and have a lot of experience … $12,000 on the line? Yeah, we’re going to make it out.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Dolphin Report

you have to do well against good teams and we didn’t do them consistently,” San Clemente head coach Ken Goldstone said. “(Dana Hills) forced the errors. They forced us into bad passing. I think we’re better than that, we just didn’t play as well as we should.”

Dana Hills has now won nine straight matches and has dropped only one set in seven league tilts.

The Dolphins will compete in the Redondo Union Varsity Classic May 1-2 and finish league play with a match against Laguna Hills on May 5.

BY STEVE BREAZEALE, DANA POINT TIMES

For in-game updates, scores, news and more for all of the Dana Hills High School spring sports programs, follow us on Twitter @SouthOCsports.

Dolphins Sweep Tritons to Earn League Title

On paper, the Dana Hills boys volleyball team does not stack up well against the height of most of their opponents. But the team does not let that slow them down.

Dana Hills faced a much taller opponent in San Clemente on April 28 at the Tritons home gym and used their ball control-oriented style of play to sweep their longtime rival, 25 -23, 25-19, 25-20, to claim the South Coast League title.

The Dolphins (22-1, 7-0 league) excelled in just about every facet of the game, especially when serving and passing in transition, according to head coach Oz Simmons.

“We have to be the better passing team if you’re going up against guys who are 6’8”, 6’6” and I think we did. We passed and served probably the best that we have so far this year,” Simmons said.

Schuyler’s Grand Slam Lifts Dolphins Past Wolverines

San Clemente’s Dominic Brousard, left, goes up against Dana Hills’ Jake Lorscheider on April 28.

Photo: Lynn Hopper

Senior outside hitters Grady Yould and Teddy Fitzgerald led the Dolphins.

Fitzgerald collected a game-high 13 kills and Yould added 12. The two combined for at least nine points in every set and were responsible for Dana Hills’ first six points in the third and final set.

The Dolphins had eight aces from six different players. The final point of the match came on a Thomas DeStefano ace that secured the outright league title.

San Clemente (17-4, 4-2) was down 16-8

in the first before mounting a late comeback. Two straight kills by junior Aaron Strange brought the Tritons to within one point at 24-23, but Fitzgerald ended the threat, and the set, with a kill on the first play out of a Dolphins timeout.

The Tritons erased a seven-point deficit in the second and trailed Dana Hills 20-18, but consecutive serving errors on their next two tries handed the Dolphins the set.

“Each game we were in a hole. It was serving, passing and setting—three things

Senior Jay Schuyler hit a grand slam in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Dana Hills baseball team a walk-off 5-1 victory over Aliso Niguel on April 29.

Schuyler’s blast broke a 1-1 tie and brought the Dolphins to within one game of first-place Capistrano Valley in the South Coast League standings.

The game featured both staff’s ace pitchers Kyle Molnar and Marrick Crouse. Aliso Niguel’s Molnar scattered six hits, one walk and struck out six over six innings. Crouse went 6 1/3, allowing seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts in the win. Both pitchers allowed only one run.

Dana Hills (22-4, 4-3) will close out their season series with Aliso Niguel on the road on May 1.

LOCALS ONLY BUSINESS LISTINGS AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING

Oasis Air Conditioning & Heating 31648 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. A, 949.420.1321, www.oasisair.com

AUTO REPAIR

Dana Point Auto

34342 Coast Hwy., Unit B, 949.496.1086

CAFE - DELI

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

COFFEE SHOP

Coffee Importers Espresso Bar

34531 Golden Lantern, 949.493.7773, www.coffeeimporters.com

DANCE/FITNESS

Club Salsa Dance Studio

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Dana Point Times May 1–7, 2015

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JACKIE LEE ASID-CID 949-493-6694

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State Farm/Ted Bowersox

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 204, 949.661.3200, www.tedbowersox.com

Statefarm/Elaine LaVine

34080 Golden Lantern, 949.240.8944, www.elainelavine.net

PLUMBING

Chick’s Plumbing

949.496.9731, www.chicks-plumbing.com

REAL ESTATE - RESIDENTIAL

Dream Team Properties, Mike Rosenberg, Broker 949.481.1788, www.FindMyOCHome.com

SCHOOLS

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.5683, www.cvcs.org

UPHOLSTERY MUSIC INSTRUCTION

Danman’s Music School

24699 Del Prado, 949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

PET GROOMING

Dawgy Style Groom Shop

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 112, 949.496.3315, www.dawgystylegroomshop.net Page 24

Jeddy’s Yacht & Home Interiors 34212 Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit C, 949.240.9569 www.jeddys.com

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949.444.6323, www.offshoreconstruction.org

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DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

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Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com FITNESS EQUIPMENT PILATES REFORMER Black Aero pilates reformer. Folds up for easy storage. Great workout at home. $130. 949.533.9761

FOR SALE VINTAGE SURFBOARD 1985 STEWART/T&C SURFBOARD’ -$250. 949.933.0122

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PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE

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Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@danapointtimes.com

DANA POINT 14TH ANNUAL DANA KNOLLS COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE! Saturday, May 9th, 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Dana Knolls neighborhood, Cross Streets: Del Obispo & Blue Fin Drive, follow the signs & shop till you drop! Sponsored by: Gary Macrides, REALTOR, 01267654, Surterre Properties, 949-370-6827

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to classifieds@danapointtimes.com Deadline 5 p.m. Monday. No phone calls please.

HELP WANTED PART-TIME DENTAL ASSISTANT/ OFFICE ASSISTANT Days needed are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Entry level position. Must be tech savvy and a team player. Please call 949-241-6633 PHILLY’S BEST CHEESESTEAKS SAN CLEMENTE LOOKING FOR PART TIME CASHIER/ COOK! Come in to fill out an application today at 638 Camino De Los Mares #F110 San Clemente, CA 92673 (949)489-3888

Dana Point Times May 1-7, 2015

Page 25

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DP DP SURF Dana Point

DP SURF IS PRESENTED BY:

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

RESULTS Local finishers only. For full results, see www.sanclementetimes.com. KEY: San Clemente=SC, Dana Point=DP, Capistrano Beach=CB, San Juan Capistrano=SJC, Laguna Niguel=LN. WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 9, April 25-26, Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach

Smiles on the faces of the groms and the pros speak to the fun had Saturday at the fourth annual Fish Bowl Classic. Photo: Catherine Gregory/imagesbycatgregory.com

A Fish Bowl of Fun

Nate Yeoman’s fourth annual Fish Bowl Classic pro/grom team surf contest at Rivi a hit

BY ANDREA SWAYNE, DANA POINT TIMES

F

or surf-stoked groms dreaming of a future career in professional surfing, living in or near San Clemente often provides opportunities to watch their favorite pro surfers in action and interact with them in the lineup, or even around town. But for the past few years, San Clemente-based professional surfer Nathan Yeomans has been doing one better—giving them the chance to compete alongside a pro—in his annual Fish Bowl Classic surfing contest.

The fourth annual event on Saturday, April 25, was again held at Riviera, a break known as a favorite locals’ spot. Gloomy skies and small waves didn’t hamper the smiles, fun or the athletes’ performances.

The Fish Bowl pairs one grom with one professional who compete as a team.

Many of the pros themselves grew up surfing the area and are happy to give back to the community through their participation. This year’s grom competitors

Pro surfer Patrick Gudauskas, throws gallons at the Fish Bowl Pro. Photo: Catherine Gregory/imagesbycatgregory.com

Dana Point Times May 1–7, 2015

were all current members of the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team.

The event’s big winners were Ian Crane, a local pro who attended Shorecliffs as a grom, and Hagan Johnson, 12. Geoff Brack took top honors in the pro expression session.

Yeomans issued a post-event statement of thanks via social media giving props to sponsors who made the day happen for the kids—O’Neill, Hoven Vision, Cobian Footwear, Banzai Bowls, Lost Surfboards, On A Mission Surf, Clif Bar, Stance Socks, Bear Brew Coffee, Catch Surf, The Vine, Hapa J’s, Zico, DSC Elite Surf Training, Futures Fins—and the pros who participated.

“What an epic day,” Yeomans said.

“This is what it’s all about, the surf tribe getting together and enjoying the sport we all love. The best Fish Bowl Classic yet. So much insane talent and support by all. Thank you everyone for making this contest so awesome. Thanks to all the sponsors for being a part and helping make this happen.” DP

Pro surfer Kolohe Andino and Noah Brown give shakas for the camera. Photo: Catherine Gregory/imagesbycatgregory.com

MICRO GROM BOYS U9: 1. Eli Park, Carlsbad; 2. Maddox Bray, SC; 3. Makai Bray, SC; 4. Shane Stacy, DP; 5. Charlie Stevens, SC. MICRO GROM GIRLS U10: 1. Bella Kenworthy, DP; 2. Sierra Downer, SC; 5. Sawyer Lindblad, SC. BOYS/GIRLS U10: 1. Lucas Owston, Oceanside; 2. Dane Matson, SC; 5. Maddox Bray, SC; 6. Bryce Pinkerton, SC. BOYS U12: 1. Sebastian Ojeda, La Jolla; 2. Dane Matson, SC; 4. Nicholas Coli, SC; 6. Myles Biggs, SC. BOYS U14: 1. Griffin Foy, Huntington Beach; 3. Ethan Mudge, CB; 4.

Ryan Martin, SC; 5. Reef Tsutsui, SC. BOYS U16: 1. Tanner Ford, San Diego; 4. Noah Hohenester, SC. BOYS U18: 1.

Brennan Aubol, Carlsbad. GIRLS U12: 1. Alyssa Spencer, Carlsbad. GIRLS U14: 1. Kirra Pinkerton, SC. GIRLS U16: 1.

Sydney Tisdel, Carlsbad. GIRLS U18: 1. Jordyn Barratt, Encinitas; 2. Cameron Duby, SJC. BOYS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Koby Gilchrist, Encinitas; 2. Ben Kappes, LN; 3. Cole Thompson, SC; 5. Patrick O’Connor, SJC; 6. Jack Collins, SC. JR. LONGBOARD U18: 1. Andrew Neal, Manhattan Beach; 2. Kaimana Takayama, SC; 3. Kevin Skvarna, SJC; 6. Ben Kappes, LN. GIRLS LONGBOARD U14: 1. Liv Stokes, Aliso Viejo; 2. Malia Mauch, SC; 4. Lexi Morgan, SC. GIRLS LONGBOARD U18: 1. Taylor Bruynzeel, Newbury Park; 3. Cameron Duby, SJC. MEN 18-29: 1. Nate Smithson, Camarillo; 2. Evan Sandison, LN; 3. Joshua Stiers, SC. MASTERS 30-39: 1. Paul Pugliesi, Oceanside. SENIOR MEN 40-49: 1. Rick Takahashi, San Diego.

WOMEN 18+: 1. Morgan Gore, Mendham, NJ. LEGENDS 50+: 1. Jeff Jessee, SC; 4. Masaki Kobayashi, SC. OPEN MEN: 1. Skyler Stokes, Del Mar; 2. Cody Canzoneri, SC; 5.

Gavin Haughey, LN; 6. Jeff Jessee, SC. OPEN WOMEN: 1. Samantha Lamirand, Cardiff-by-the-Sea. OPEN MEN LONGBOARD: 1. Trevor Anderberg, Encinitas; 2.

Kevin Skvarna, SJC; 4. Kaimana Takayama, SC; 6. Ricky Fodor, DP. OPEN WOMEN LONGBOARD: 1. Maddie LoMonaco, Santa Monica; 5. Lexi Morgan, SC. SR. MEN LONGBOARD 40+: 1. Lance Albright, Huntington Beach.

ADAPTIVE SURFERS: 1. Charles Webb, Oceanside.

MEN: 1. Kei Kobayashi, SC 15.17. JUNIORS: 1. Eithan Osborne, Ventura 13.94. BOYS: 1. Taro Watanabe, Malibu 15.00; 3. Kade Matson, SC 12.20. MINI GROMS: 1.

Brayden Burch, SC 13.50; 2. Dax McPhillips, SC 12.33; 4.

Bane Corbett, SC 8.56. WOMEN: 1. Malia Osterkamp, SC 13.57; 3. Samantha Sibley, SC 10.20. GIRLS: 1. Tiare Thompson, La Jolla 14.00; 2. Bethany Zelasko, DP 12.17; 3. Samantha Sibley, SC 7.37. SEASON CHAMPIONS: MEN: Kei Kobayashi, SC; JUNIORS: Ryland Rubens, Pacific Beach; BOYS: Kade Matson, SC; MINI GROMS: Cole McCaffray, Cardiff; WOMEN: Malia Osterkamp, SC; GIRLS: Bethany Zelasko, DP.

UPCOMING EVENTS May 2-3: NSSA Explorer, Events No. 9 and 10, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty May 9-10: Surfing America Prime, Event No. 6, Huntington Beach, Pier May 14-17: NSSA West Coast Championship, Huntington Beach, Pier May 30-31: WSA West Coast Championship, San Onofre State Park, Church Beach June 12-14, 16-20: Surfing America USA Championships, San Diego, Cardiff Reef (June 12-14) and San Onofre State Park, Lower Trestles (June 16-20).

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 60-62 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 8-12’+ Fair Catalina: 15-20’ Fair-Good Friday: Modest mix of south-southwest and northwest windswell for 2-3’+ surf at many breaks, while best southwest and combo exposed breaks are up to 3-4’. Wind is light in the morning, shifting to light to moderate onshore in the afternoon.

Outlook: A solid south-southwest swell will build in over the weekend and peak early in the new week.

Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

NSSA Southwest Conference Open, Event No. 10, April 25-26, San Onofre State Park, Upper Trestles

GROM OF THE WEEK

NOAH BROWN

N

oah Brown, 12, was 8 years old when he moved to San Clemente from New Hampshire and his dad’s local friends taught them to surf at the same time.

“Now we both surf,” Noah said. “I think it’s a lot of fun to surf with my dad because he’s gone for work a lot and it’s good to be with him. I think he feels excited to spend time with me too.”

A member of the Shorecliffs Middle School surf team, Noah is an ‘A’ and ‘B’ sixth-grader who counts education as a priority.

Noah loves surfing because of the fun it provides, especially when surfing with friends, and as stress relief, “like whenever I’m in trouble or something,” he said. “Popping up and standing on a wave is even cooler than making a goal in a soccer game.”

In addition to SSS contests with his school team, he also competes in WSA, Soul Surf Series and VQS events and was a competitor—teamed up with professional surfer Tanner Rozunko—in Nate Yeoman’s Fish Bowl Classic on Saturday. He is also in training for a professional surfing career.

Page 26

Noah Brown. Photo: Jack McDaniel

“I train by surfing, skating and doing jiu jitsu every day,” Noah said. “I want to be on the World Tour to challenge myself against all the best surfers. I have some people who support me and my goals that I want to thank—Brawner Boards Surf Shop, GDAY Surfboards, Evervolve Clothing, Syck Trix and my parents.”

He is also looking forward to a life full of surf travels.

“My most recent trip was to Todos Santos in Mexico with my dad, Dave Post and my friends Nico Coli, Max Beach and Jake Levine,” Noah said. “We have plans to go surf K38 in Baja soon. I’m stoked because there’s good fishing there too.”—Andrea Swayne www.danapointtimes.com