May 11, 2018

LO C A L

N EWS

YO U

May 11-17, 2018 C A N

Inside: Mother’s Day Gift Ideas, Shop Local

U S E

SPECIAL SECTION VOLUME 11, ISSUE 19

Road King Motorcycle Deputy Cash Poythress is here to make sure that Dana Point doesn’t speed up as it heats up E Y E O N D P/ PAG E 1 0

Deputy Cash Poythress (pictured) is Dana Point Police Services new motorcycle patrol deputy, as well as an Orange County Sheriff’s Department motorcycle deputy instructor. Photo: Daniel Ritz

Dana Point’s Art Brewer to Host Photography Workshop DP SURF/PAGE 26

OCFA Confirms May 7 Brush Fire Caused by ‘Human Activity’ EYE ON DP/PAGE 3

INSIDE: 21st Annual Doheny Blues Festival Event Guide SPECIAL PULLOUT

GO TO DANAPOINTTIMES.COM FOR THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS AND SPORTS

DP EYE ON DP Dana Dana Point Point

LOCAL NEWS & IN-DEPTH REPORTING

What’s Up With...

as the consideration of the Law Enforcement Services Agreement with the County of Orange for 2018-2019 fiscal year, a staff report on the status of the homeless task force and a staff report on the status of a community survey regarding districting.

Five things Dana Point should know this week

WHAT’S NEXT: City Council meets at Dana Point City Hall at 33282 Golden Lantern, Ste. 210. The meet starts at 6 p.m. A full copy of the agenda can be seen on www.danapoint.org. —DR

OCFA: Capistrano by the Sea Fire Caused by ‘Human Activity’ THE LATEST: A fire that broke out on May 7 shortly after 1 p.m. in the 34100 block of Capistrano by the Sea in south Dana Point was caused by “human activity,” according to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) investigation team.

OCFA received a call at approximately 1:15 p.m. on May 7 that a fire had broken out in the brush behind the Chevron gas station and near residential buildings at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Del Obispo Street. A number of citizens took action, even turning on neighborhood sprinklers, in an attempt to keep the flames, rising up the hillside toward the residences, at bay.

Twenty-five OCFA firefighters worked to keep the fire contained and away from residences, and the fire was put out after OCFA dropped water from a helicopter.

Orange County Fire Department Public Information Officer Captain Larry Kurtz said that no arrests were made due to a lack of evidence from the fire damage.

After the fire, Dana Point Times spoke with a resident at the scene, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, who said that homeless encampments in the hillside have been an ongoing issue for months. They said earlier that day, a man, who had been seen entering that same portion of the hillside regularly, could be seen and heard there.

After the fires had been put out, a variety of human items could be seen strewn about across from the concrete drainage ditch. By 10 a.m. the following day, those items had been removed.

“We were very lucky today,” another Capistrano by the Sea resident said. “We are concerned that next time we might not be. I am sure there are other hillsides like ours that are unprotected, unmonitored and vulnerable to hidden encampments. Residents cannot do this alone.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Orange County Fire Department Public Information Officer Steve Concialdi said that the fire burned one-eighth of an acre of eucalyptus trees.

—Daniel Ritz Dana Point Times May 11-17, 2018

Civic Association Coffee Chat to be Held on May 20 THE LATEST: On Friday, May 20, the Dana Point Civic Association will hold its coffee chat for residents and other interested guests. The special guest speaker will be James Lenthall, chairman of the new Dana Point Advisory Board, who will talk about the current plans for the harbor revitalization. Lenthall has worked closely with local stakeholders, county and city officials on the project since 2006. Questions and discussion are welcomed.

Shortly after 1 p.m., a fire was reported in the brush under Capistrano be the Sea near the southern entrance to Dana Point. The fire was put out almost an hour later by a helicopter dumping water. Photo: Daniel Ritz

Sand Dollar Guild Celebrates 30 Years Supporting the Ocean Institute THE LATEST: On May 8, dozens of members gathered at the Ocean Institute in celebration of the Sand Dollar Guild’s 30th anniversary.

The Sand Dollar Guild is a fundraising organization that benefits the Ocean Institute. The guild was founded in 1988 and has raised more than $1.3 million for the Ocean Institute.

Beth Apodaca, San Clemente, has been a member for all 30 years. She said she became involved after seeing the damage from the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska.

“We aren’t inheriting the oceans from our parents,” Apodaca said, quoting the guild’s mantra, “we’re borrowing it from our children.”

“The Sand Dollar Guild has been absolutely instrumental in the support of the Ocean Institute,” said Dan Pingaro, Ocean Institute president and CEO. In addition to many others, the guild has purchased the Oceans in Motion vans which enable youth programs to travel to the Ocean Institute, allowing educational experiences previously out of reach for some communities’ students.

Natalie Young is the 2018 president of

the Sand Dollar Guild, and is excited to take on the responsibility of growing the now 28-member guild.

“The history we are celebrating tonight, it all started with raising funds to purchase the Pilgrim, and we are very excited to reveal our plans moving forward into the new year,” Young said. “I’m excited to get the word out there, and let people know about what great work we are doing.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The Sand Dollar Guild recently accepted the donated services of House 47, a brand marketing company, to assist them with their digital presence and marketing. On Sept. 29, the Sand Dollar Guild will host their first-ever Battle of the Bands fundraiser. More details can be seen on www.sanddollarguild. com. —DR

City Council Preview for May 15 Meeting THE LATEST: The Dana Point City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 15. In addition to a possible second reading and adoption of an ordinance to transition to by-district elections for City Council members, the meeting’s agenda includes items such Page 3

WHAT’S NEXT: The Coffee Chat will be held at The Coffee Importers in the Dana Point Harbor from 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Complimentary coffee will provided for attendees. —DR

World’s Largest Mammal Seen off Dana Point Coast THE LATEST: On May 9, captain Tom White of Dana Point Sportfishing & Whale Watching observed a blue whale seven miles off the coast of Dana Point aboard the Dana Pride. Steve Burkhalter is another Captain at Dana Wharf and said that seeing blues has been rare in the last few years. These gentle giants are considered the largest mammals on earth. They can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh 420,000 lbs. Their life span is between 80-90 years. They come to Southern California to feed off the rich krill which are naturally produced just a few miles off the coast of Dana Point.

WHAT’S NEXT: Burkhalter recalled years such as 2011 in which large numbers of blue whales were seen. Several have been seen outside San Diego this year, but have remained out of range of the Dana Point Harbor. The whale, seen yesterday, displayed behavior indicating it was not moving through the area. Visit www. danapointtimes.com for more information, photos, and updates on blue whale sightings. —DR www.danapointtimes.com

EYE ON DP

News Next Door WHAT’S GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS

SAN CLEMENTE

Assemblymember Rocky Chávez Introduces Bill to Stifle Transportation, Traffic Surrounded by dozens of “No Toll Road Through San Clemente” shirts, signs and stickers, State Assemblymember Rocky J. Chávez, R-76, announced a new bill he introduced that would limit the efforts of The Toll Roads in Orange County.

The bill, AB 382, which is being attached to legislation already underway in the State Senate, would prohibit the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), the administrator of The Toll Roads, from forming a new faction in an effort to construct more toll roads and it limits the TCA’s ability to increase its debt in order to pay for the roads. Currently, the TCA may have billions in debt obligation, according to a 2015 Orange County Grand Jury report.

Chávez said the bill would also remove all transportation planning functions from the TCA, “leaving the TCA with the ability to service their existing toll roads and complete their debt obligations before the existing toll roads are returned to the

Assemblymember Rocky Chávez, R-76, leads a rally cry during a press conference on May 8 at Vista Hermosa Sports Park as he announces the introduction of a bill he authored that would halt the efforts of the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ plans to construct a toll road through San Clemente. Photo: Eric Heinz

public,” Chávez’s prepared statement read. The notion of returning them to the public stems from the original intent of the TCA, which was to make the roads free after the debt is paid.

A press conference was held on Tues-

day, May 8 at Vista Hermosa Sports Park, where nearly 100 people from San Clemente and surrounding cities joined together to announce the introduction of the bill.

Since 2016, the city of San Clemente

has been fighting against proposals for toll roads by the TCA. Some of the roads are planned to be studied through San Clemente and would require, in some cases, the use of eminent domain. Many residents in San Clemente have fought against what they see as environmental hazards from the highway and increases in air pollution.

The TCA argues that traffic is slated to increase 63 percent by 2040, but the city of San Clemente recently commissioned a study that differs, showing no significant increase whether a toll road is constructed through South Orange County or not.

Joining Chávez at the press conference were San Clemente Mayor Tim Brown, City Council members Lori Donchak and Kathy Ward, Rancho San Clemente Community Association board president Vonne Barnes, and Coalition to Save San Clemente leader Eva O’Keefe, who initially contacted Chávez about the city’s toll road debate.

The official text of the bill can be found in a link in this article at www. sanclementetimes.com.

Chávez is currently running for Congress in California’s 49th district, the district of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano.

Chávez said the bill could see a vote as early as the next two weeks.

—Eric Heinz

In honor of our 10th Anniversary, the Dana Point Times is proud to present...

10 Weeks of Giveaways!

EYE ON DP

Road King

Here’s the scoop…

Just send us an email describing why you LOVE the DP Times.

We will select a winner each week for 10 weeks!

Send your love-filled email to: contest@danapointtimes.com and tell us why you LOVE the DP Times. Include your name and phone number. Winners will be featured in the paper and on our social media accounts from 03/16 – 05/18.

Our next prize package includes: • Whale Watching for two adults with Dana Wharf Whale Watching ($90 value).

• Custom DP Times tumbler with 10 free coffee fills from The Coffee Importers • Plush DP Times beach towel

Congratulations to this week’s winner Pattie Leavitt!

Pattie took home Two Electric Sonicare tooth brushes with a custom bleach tray whitening kit (value of $450), a DP Times tumbler and beach towel, and 10 free coffee refills from The Coffee Importers.

it’s Friday, if the DP Times is in the driveway. Given “thatNoit’sdoubt the only printed paper that I read, it remains an anticipated

pleasure. This local newspaper allows me to be informed with the issues before the city council, CUSD and the candidates running for the 49th Congressional District. The paper is an invaluable resource to the vast opportunities in Dana Point, my home of 30 years. I’ve enjoyed many recreational and entertainment events that I wouldn’t have otherwise known about. I’ve even found a handyman through the classifieds. Recently I took advantage of the free shred day at Monarch Bay Plaza that was announced in the paper. It’s true, some of the best things in life are free.

Dana Point Times May 11–17, 2018

”

Motorcycle Deputy Cash Poythress is here to make sure that Dana Point doesn’t speed up as it heats up

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

R

ecently, the parking lot at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest was a sea of orange traffic cones organized in exotic formations and Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) motorcycle deputies.

One of those deputies was Cash Poythress, who earlier this spring became Dana Point Police Service’s new motorcycle patrol deputy.

Deputy Poythress is originally from Georgia and came to work for OCSD after serving at Camp Pendleton during a tenure of service in the United States Marine Corps. While working as an OCSD Deputy in Mission Viejo, Poythress said he was asked if he would be interested in becoming a motorcycle patrol officer.

“I had never ridden a motorcycle before,” Poythress admitted. “In my first day of training, they asked me to get on the bike and proceed with the easiest cone formation.”

“I asked them how to turn the bike on,” he laughed.

That was five years ago.

Now, Poythress is recognized as an elite-caliber motorcycle deputy and an instructor for new OCSD motorcycle deputies. Trainee’s must go through three weeks of off-road parking lot formation training before going to two weeks of training in San Bernardino County for additional on-bike training. Only then do new deputies return to Orange County to train on-road with a current moto deputy before being placed in a city of their own.

“I just fell in love with it,” Poythress said, reminiscing. “And I still do. One way or another, to this day, I practice every day.”

While on duty patrolling Dana Point, Poythress said the majority of his job is focused on citing traffic violations and encouraging motorist safety.

“Largely, I’m here to prevent greater injury and accidents from happening by enforcing traffic laws in effect in Dana Point,” Poythress said.

Poythress explained that motorcycle deputies are effective for traffic violation enforcement due to their ability to maneuver in tighter spaces as well as being more easily hidden from view.

“You will see me in highly trafficked areas, as a deterrent, and also, citizens will let us know where problem spots are and that information is revealed to me,”

Page 10

Joining Dana Point Police Services earlier this year, Deputy Cash Poythress (pictured) has had an immediate impact in Dana Point as the city’s new motorcycle deputy. Photo: Daniel Ritz

Poythress explained, noting that most of his traffic violation citations are to nonresidents.

Although the majority of his duties revolve around traffic violation enforcement, Poythress’ hog allows him to operate as a command center on two wheels when necessary. Given his choice of motorcycles, Poythress chose to ride a R1200 RTP motorcycle.

This authority’s specific model is based on the standard R1200RT, but can be recognized by the addition of stainless steel protection bars situated about the front fairing, also often used for mounting of additional equipment such as sirens.

Optional lighting may be installed including bright lights for illuminating a scene, and a light mounted on a telescoping post at the right rear, which can be operated while lowered for normal use, or raised to provide omnidirectional warnings while stopped (such as at an accident scene).

Poythress said that he was gracious to the city of Dana Point for outfitting his new BMW with the additional lighting options for his safety.

“Cash is an exemplary deputy and we are all proud to have him here in Dana Point,” said Chief of Dana Point Police Services Lt. Margie Sheehan, who has worked with Deputy Poythress extensively throughout their careers across the county.

Lt. Sheehan said that although it’s still too early in the year for conclusive results, she has seen a noticeable rise in citations and a decrease in major accidents in a comparable time period since Poythress’ arrival.

“I still love it. I commute to work every morning over Ortega (Highway) get to ride a motorcycle all day,” Deputy Poythress said. “If you’re coming to Dana Point, slow it down.” DP www.danapointtimes.com

MAY 19-20 • DANA POINT. CA At our new location

SEA TERRACE PARK

Dana Point’s Doheny Blues Festival has become almost as legendary as the blues, rock and soul artists that perform on one of the three stages. The 21st Annual festival rocks into town on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20 at its new seaside venue—Sea Terrace Park. This year’s lineup is powered by original Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy and bad-to-the-bone icon George Thorogood & The Destroyers, alongside Beth Hart, Blues Traveler, Eric Burdon & The Animals, Mercedes Moore, Nikki Hill, Mitch Woods and many more. Music lovers will be able to enjoy more intimate stage areas, spacious GOLD & VIP amenities, an elevated vendor village, craft beer tastings, shade structures and lots of extras while jamming to blues in the park. For more info, including tickets, directions, site maps, parking and daily lineups, go to www.dohenybluesfestival.com.

GEORGE THOROGOOD & the DESTROYERS

George Thorogood and his legendary rock band, The Destroyers, have sold over 15 million albums worldwide, released 16 studio albums—including six gold and two platinum discs—and performed over 8,000 live shows. Their catalog of hits includes “Who Do You Love” and the ultimate anthem “Bad to the Bone.” In 2017, Thorogood released his first solo album, “Party of One” on Rounder Records, a tribute to the artists that shaped his musical consciousness: Willie Dixon, Elmore James and John Lee Hooker.

BUDDY GUY

Buddy Guy is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, a pioneer of Chicago’s legendary West Side sound, and a living link to the city’s peaceful days of electric blues. Buddy Guy has received seven Grammy Awards, a 2015 Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, 37 Blues Music Awards, the Billboard Magazine Century Award for distinguished artistic achievement, a Kenny Center Honor and the Presidential National Medal of Arts. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #23 in its “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”

DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL BLUES TRAVELER

Blues Traveler has a proven reputation for their improvisational live shows and tireless touring. Their music includes blues rock, folk rock, soul and southern rock. With a total of 12 studio albums—four gold, three platinum and one six-time platinum—they have sold more than 10 million combined units worldwide and played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people.

SATURDAY MAY 19

DANA POINT STAGE

PCH STAGE

BACKPORCH STAGE

MITCH WOODS

ARTUR MENEZES

•

11:30 am - 12:15 pm

& HIS ROCKET 88s

•

11:30 am - 12:15 pm

and THE JUKES

•

The singer of “House of the Rising Sun” and founder of the band The Animals, Eric Burdon is considered one of the greatest blues performers ever—and he has one of the most powerful and distinct voices in rock and roll. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame since 1994 and hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the “100 Greatest Voices of All Time,” Burdon’s music forged a new territory while also topping the charts for more than five decades.

Highly prolific, Burdon has released nearly 50 records in those 50 years.

ERIC GALES

CHRIS CAIN

1:30 am - 2:30 pm

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

ALL-STARS

•

ANDERS OSBORNE

•

2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

JIMMY VAUGHAN

LARKIN POE

•

•

3:45 pm - 5:00 pm

3:45 pm - 5:15 pm

2:00 2:30

11:30 am - 12:15 pm

11:30 am - 12:15 pm

•

KIM WILSON

BLUES ALL-STARS

•

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

JOHN NEMETH

QUINN SULLIVAN

•

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

and THE LOVE LIGHT ORCHESTRA

GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS

•

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

•

1:30 am - 2:30 pm

3:00 3:30

2:30 pm - 3:45 pm

4:30

•

ERIC BURDON

NIKKI HILL

& THE ANIMALS

•

•

3:45 pm - 5:00 pm

3:45 pm - 5:15 pm

BETH HART

6:00 BLUES TRAVELER

•

THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS

4:00

BACKPORCH STAGE

CURTIS SALGADO/ ALAN HAGAR

5:30

•

5:15 pm - 6:45 pm

6:30

•

Beth Hart is a blues rocker with burnt honey vocals, inspired piano playing and touching ballads. Hart has recorded four albums with Joe Bonamassa as well as her own hit solo records. She is an edgy, noholds-barred soul singer that’s been blowing people away with her sultry blues, vocal genius, and passionate performances for over two decades.

1:30

5:00

7:00

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

BETH HART

12:00

PCH STAGE

SANTOS y SINNERS

1:00

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

ERIC BURDON & the ANIMALS

11:30

DANA POINT STAGE

12:30

KNOCK-OUT GREG

•

•

SUNDAY MAY 20

7:30

BUDDY GUY

& The Rhythm Scratchers

8:00

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

& Friends

8:30

THE BLUES JAM

NATHAN JAMES DANY FRANCHI

•

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

breakfast set The Silver Kings

•

9:00

breakfast set Mercedes Moore Band

DOORS OPEN AT: GOLD 10:00 AM • VIP 10:15 AM • GA 11:00 AM

ARTISTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE; NO REFUNDS

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT WWW.DOHENYBLUESFESTIVAL.COM

EYE ON DP

NEWS BITES

Community Meetings

COMPILED BY STAFF

Update on Split-Roll Taxes Presentation to be Held on May 18 Join the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce for an informational event about Proposition 13: Split-Roll Taxes, hosted by State Sen. Patricia Bates, R-Laguna Niguel, Assemblyman Bill Brough, Board of Equalization Member Diane Harkey, and Carolyn Cavecche, President and CEO of the Orange County Taxpayers Association. RSVP is required at admin@danapointchamber.com. Admission is free to the public. Outlets at San Clemente. 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa. www.danapointchamber.com.

Ocean Institute Celebrates Donors During Appreciation Event on May 4 On May 4, Ocean Institute former board president, Mel Chambers, and his wife Linda, hosted the Ocean Institute’s Annual Donor Appreciation Event at their home in Dana Point. With the backdrop of Dana Point Harbor and view of the Ocean Institute, President and CEO, Dan Pingaro excited more than 70 guests with information on new programs, upcoming events and how their charitable investments are making a life-changing impact on tens of thousands of students throughout Orange County, including more than 10,000 students from Title I schools. In attendance was Dr. Chris Lowe of California State University, Long Beach’s worldrenowned Shark Lab, who gave a teaser of his Thursday, May 24 presentation as part of the Ocean Institute’s Distinguish Speaker Series presented by the Nicholas Endowment. Norma Edith Aguilar of the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana, presented the Ocean Institute with a certificate of recognition for its service to students in the Mexican community through the AdoptA-Class program and the Ocean Institute’s Tall Ships Festival. www.ocean-institute.org.

4.5 Magnitude Earthquake Felt in Dana Point On May 8, at 4:49 a.m., a 4.5 magnitude earthquake near Cabazon, just north of the San Jacinto Mountains National Forest, could be felt in Dana Point almost 100 miles away.

Residents reported their homes shaking, and being woken from their sleep.

Orange County Sheriff’s Department said they received calls reporting the Dana Point Times May 11-17, 2018

SATURDAY, MAY 12

FARMERS’ MARKET 9 a.m. There will be fresh produce and treats for sale at the farmers’ market. La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza. 949.279.3122.

Ocean Institute President and CEO Dan Pingaro speaks to donors during Ocean Institute’s Annual Donor Appreciation Event atop the bluffs. Photo: Hannah Mattner

quake, but no reports of damage or injury due to the earthquake. Earthquake Track, a seismological database, estimates there are 10,000 to 15,000 earthquakes worldwide between 4.0-4.9 magnitude each year.

Sign Up For 9th Annual Combat Golf Tournament at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club June 11 Marines and Wounded Warriors are waiting to play golf in the 9th Annual Combat Golf Tournament at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club on Monday, June 11. The proceeds from the Combat Golf Tournament will assist the 5th Marine Regiment and their families. With $200, guests can play combat golf and participate in the helicopter golf ball drop for a chance to win $2,500 and other prizes. Admission costs $20 per ticket or $100 for six. Buy online at www.danapoint5thmarines.com/ events/2018-combat-golf. Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club is located at 26772 Avery Pkwy., Mission Viejo.

Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel Wins Champion Green Award The Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel in Dana Point received the Champion Green Award at Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ District VI Meeting held recently in Las Vegas, Nevada. This award was presented in front of several hundred District VI Best Western hoteliers from California, Nevada and Hawaii.

The Champion Green Award is earned by properties that demonstrate a commitment to sustaining resources and reducing their carbon footprint. Champion Green Award recipients must comply with the AH&LA Green guidelines and/or the Green Key programs in Canada, and receive a bronze, silver, gold or platinum rating in the TripAdvisor Green Leaders program. The hotels must also meet quality and service standards and other member-

ship requirements to qualify for this award.

The Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel was one of only 46 hotels out of more than 2,100 properties in the U.S. and Canada to receive this designation this year.

“I am pleased to congratulate the Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel on receiving the 2018 Champion Green Award,” said James Cosgrove, chairman of Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ Board of Directors. “Best Western has undergone a transformative brand refresh in recent years – unveiling a contemporized identity and enhancing our brand offerings to ensure we provide our guests with the best in hospitality. This award honors hotels like the Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel that go above and beyond to exemplify the high standards of today’s Best Western.”

The Marina Shores hotel is located at 34280 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point. www.marinashoreshotel.com.

State Sen. Patricia Bates to Host Opioid Awareness Forum The public is invited to learn more about the dangers of opioids at a free event on Thursday, May 10. State Sen. Patricia Bates, R-Laguna Niguel, will host an informative forum that will feature experts on the topic of opioids, including a mother who will share her son’s battle with addiction for 13 years.

Bates will be joined by Summer Stephan, the San Diego County District Attorney; Mark Wallace, M.D., University of California, San Diego Health, School Resource Officer from Carlsbad Police Department; and Aaron Byzak of the North Coastal Prevention Coalition.

The forum will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, located at 1775 Dove Ln., Carlsbad.

Have something interesting for the community? Tell us about awards, events, happenings, accomplishments and more.

We’ll put your submissions into “News Bites.” Send your information to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Page 17

MONDAY, MAY 14

PLANNING COMMISSION 6 p.m. The Dana Point Planning Commission will hold a regularly scheduled meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall. 33282 Golden Lantern, Ste. 210. www.danapoint.org.

TUESDAY, MAY 15

CITY COUNCIL 6 p.m. The Dana Point City Council will hold a regularly scheduled meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall. 282 Golden Lantern, Ste. 210. www.danapoint.org.

DANA HARBOR TOASTMASTERS 7-8:30 a.m. Join the members of the Dana Harbor Toastmasters every Tuesday to improve speaking and leadership skills. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave., Capistrano Beach. www.1707.toastmastersclubs.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16

ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION 6 p.m. The Dana Point Arts and Culture Committee will hold its regularly scheduled meeting in the Public Works Conference Room. 33282 Golden Lantern, Ste. 212. www.danapoint.org.

SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Every Wednesday, the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes anyone interested in making a difference in the local community and changing the world to join them in their weekly meeting. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern. www.monarchbeachsunriserotary.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 17

COASTMASTERS’ (TOASTMASTERS) 7-8:30 a.m. Join the members of the Coastmasters’ every Thursday to improve speaking and leadership skills.

34451 Ensenada Place. Adjacent to Baby Beach at OC Sailing & Events center. www.coastmasters.org.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SOAPBOX Dana Point

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

Letters to the Editor WERE DISTRICTING VOTES RACIALLY MOTIVATED? ANNETTE SZLACHTA MCGINN, Dana Point

I initially supported by-district voting, thinking that residents who feel underrepresented may be emboldened to run for City Council from smaller districts in which they know their neighbors.

However, I changed my mind when I saw the way in which the city attorney, his firm and the majority of the City Council members handled this transition. District four, with the highest Latino population, and district five, with estimated Latino voter registrations equal to or greater than those in other districts (source: Tan VI map and demographics), won't get to field a candidate or vote for a representative until 2020. Mayor Viczorek's and Councilmember Muller's justifications for selecting districts to vote in 2018 are risible and, to me, disingenuous. It's regrettable that four Council members voted to deny the residents whom the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) is supposed to enfranchise a voice and a seat at the council's table. Dare I conclude that the districting votes of Viczorek, Muller and Councilmember Tomlinson, coupled with their votes to condemn the CVRA and earn Dana Point a prominent place on the social media platforms of the hate group Patriot Movement AZ, are motivated by racial animus? Or is their goal to deny the vote to residents who may not support their candidacies and grant the vote to those who do? As for Muñoz and Rutan and Tucker, LLC, isn't it better for them to have Council members who refuse to allow bidding for the city's contracted legal services?

IN RESPONSE TO KERRY SINK’S LETTER GRACIE FULLJAMES, Dana Point

Ms. Sink's Letter to the Editor was a perfect example of where we are as a nation. Despite the fact that I actually agreed with much of what she said (not all), her point was immediately negated by her nasty remark about "far left liberals" and "crooked politics." I am, just for the record, a newly transplanted Independent here in Dana Point and became an Independent after getting fed up with all the nonsense between the two major parties. I vote for whom I believe is right for our country, not to be loyal to a party!

By throwing in these insults, it does nothing but rile up the other side. Your Dana Point Times May 11-17, 2018

give them back their pride. It would be nice to help them get back on their feet again but it won’t happen if they stay here and everyone feels sorry for them. They are not children, they are adults, so make them take responsibility for themselves.

points become obscure and your anger and partisanship become clear.

I suggest she try writing the letter over without using these tired, worn-out labels so that more people will read the substance of your complaint rather than immediately go into defensive mode. And yes, the "other" party uses these terms as well, and it needs to stop. We are all Americans, all wanting the best for our family, our country. We are all entitled to our opinions, but don't think yours is the one that counts.

I appreciate her views, but not the rhetoric.

THE HOMELESS COULD BE ANY ONE OF US JOANNA CLARK, San Juan Capistrano

THE HOMELESS DON’T DESERVE YOUR SYMPATHY JOAN HENRY, Capistrano Beach

I have been listening, watching and thinking about all of these homeless people for quite a few years now and it is annoying how many seem to be gathering year after year after year. They don’t seem to want to look for a job or move on to where they could find a job. They are content to stay where they are because they can get free food from the public that feels bad for them. Now, which is beyond my comprehension, the public wanted to build housing for them? Why in the world would they want to go anywhere else when they are safe and living for free?

Naturally, what money they get they will spend on drugs, or things like that, and other homeless will see what they are doing and will be thrilled that they can join in on the free ride. In this way, the homeless population will get bigger and bigger over the years. We used to not have many homeless because the local community had too much pride.

They wouldn’t give anything unless they earned it. I wonder if we still have anyone around like that today.

I think it is terrible that our government and state officials say they cannot do anything about the homelessness problem. I don’t think they want to. The homeless stay here because they know anywhere in Southern California is very expensive and they could not find a job here if they tried. They couldn’t find housing either, as it is too expensive.

They are safe. They think the public should feel sorry for them when they should really be helping themselves, like move somewhere where they can get a job. Maybe they could gain some security and feel better for themselves. It would be cheaper than building housing for them to stay in and do the same thing they are doing now. Put them on buses and take them to other places to get jobs. There, they could get themselves straightened out and stable. That would help them more than anything else and

So the Orange County Board of Supervisors turned down the mayors of Orange County cities to put the homeless shelter in Santiago Canyon. Good for them! An out-of-sight, out-of-mind shelter is supposed to help the homeless overcome their plight?

Homelessness can be caused by any number of causative factors, but poverty most likely ranks highest, given that Orange County has the fifth highest income threshold in the nation, $84,000 which qualifies as low-income in high-cost Orange County. Other factors include lack of affordable housing, unemployment, poor physical or mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, family and relationship breakdown, domestic violence, physical and/or sexual abuse. Any one of these factors can cause a person to become homeless.

What the homeless does not need are out-of-sight, out-of-mind NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) shelters. If we truly want to help the homeless, we need to provide a range of services that will allow them to return to society. And, from day one, we need to make them feel like they are part of our community.

The Fairview Development Center, formally Fairview Hospital, is ideally located for a homeless center, where a continuum of services from early intervention, shelter, health care and a range of counseling and rehabilitation services could be provided.

If the county were to establish a Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) program, similar to Public Law 93-203, where the homeless could receive vocational training at Orange Coast Community College and on-the-job training at local businesses willing to sign onto the program, the homeless could rebuild their lives and integrate back into society.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY 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.

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Daniel Ritz, 949.388.7700, x113 dritz@picketfencemedia.com SPORTS Zach Cavanagh, 949.388.7700, x110 zcavanagh@picketfencemedia.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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PICKET FENCE MEDIA PUBLISHER Norb Garrett EDITORIAL Group Managing Editor > Rachael Mattice City Editor, DP Times > Daniel Ritz City Editor, SC Times > Eric Heinz City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Emily Rasmussen

> Debra Wells (San Juan Capistrano) Real Estate Sales Executive > Jennifer Guy ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith Graphic Designer > Chelsie Rex OPERATIONS

Sports Editor > Zach Cavanagh

Finance Director > Mike Reed

Special Projects Editor > Andrea PapagianisCamacho

General Manager > Alyssa Garrett

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes (Dana Point) > Susie Lantz (San Clemente)

Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco, Jake Howard, Tim Trent

Dana Point Times, Vol. 11, Issue 19. 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 2018. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

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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

HAVE AN EVENT? Submit it to Dana Point Times by going to www.danapointtimes.com, and clicking “Submit an Event” under the “Getting Out” tab.

Saturday | 12 MOTHER’S DAY FINE ART SHOW & SALE 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Enjoy the ocean breeze during the Mother’s Day Fine Art Show & Sale on May 12 and 13 along the boardwalk between Harpoon Henry’s and Wind & Sea. Presented by the Dana Point Fine Arts Association, visitors can enjoy displays featuring watercolor, acrylic, pastel, photography and more.

BULKY ITEM DROP OFF EVENT 7:30 a.m. Bulky item clean-up events give residents a chance to drop off their bulky items for free instead of taking them to the landfill. Residents can bring e-waste, green waste, large appliances, furniture, and other bulky items that don’t fit in a normal waste container. Many of the items collected at these events can be recycled.

Goodwill Industries will be at both Dana Hills High School and Palisades Elementary school to accept charitable donations from Dana Point residents in order to help others in need. Dana Hills High School

At the Movies: ‘Tully’ Truly is Both a Hit and Twist

BY MEGAN BIANCO, DANA POINT TIMES

W

hen the hit indie comedy Juno premiered in autumn 2007, Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody were almost unanimously predicted to be the next big directorscreenwriter duo in independent film.

Though their second collaboration, Young Adult (2011), was met with reluctant praise, both creators seemed to struggle to repeat the success with Juno, with Cody’s Jennifer’s Body (2009)

Dana Point Times May 11-17, 2018

EDITOR’S PICK

Join Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching as they host a two-hour coastal cruise aboard the Ocean Adventures for a Mother’s Day Cruise. Photo: FIle

SUNDAY, MAY 13: DANA WHARF MOTHER’S DAY CRUISE 10 a.m. Join Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching as they host a two-hour coastal cruise aboard the Ocean Adventures. The trip will depart Dana Point Harbor and cruise up the coastline to Laguna Beach. “MOMosas,” champagne, fresh juice, pastries and mufffins will be served. All cruises on Mother’s Day will serve moms a complimentary glass of champagne. 34675 Golden Lantern. 888.224.0603. www.danawharf.com.

will have on-site shredding services available. Palisades Elementary will have secure document collection bins available to drop off documents for shredding.

Please call or email Jennifer Anderson at the City of Dana Point at 949.248.3571 or janderson@danapoint.org for more information.

and Reitman’s Men, Women & Children (2014) and Labor Day (2015). Their third effort together, Tully (also their second with Charlize Theron after Adult), is essentially a return to form for both.

In the suburbs of modern-day New York, Marlo (Theron) is married, in her early 40s and the mother of three little kids.

She’s out of shape, she gets less than five hours of sleep and hasn’t had sex with her husband Drew (Ron Livingston) in almost a year. Her brother, Craig (Mark Duplass), suggests hiring a “night nanny” to watch over the new baby in the middle of the night to help her relax. Marlo is reluctant, but eventually gives in and hires 26-year-old free spirit named Tully (Mackenzie Davis).

Like Young Adult, Tully borders the line of cringe humor and the viewer’s tolerance for secondhand embarrassment. Theron, who reportedly put on 50 pounds for her role as the stay-at-home mom, is as great

WHALE WALK AND TALK 11 a.m. This walk focuses on the offshore visitors that can be frequently seen from the Dana Point Headlands. It is designed to introduce participants to our whale seasons (November to May equals grays and summer blues.) Participants will learn about Gray Whales, who migrate

past us in the winter and spring months, and blue and humpback whales (in the summer months). In particular, this walk focuses on what types of marine mammals we see, how to identify them, where and when to look for them, and how to responsibly view marine wildlife. 34558 Scenic Dr. www.danapoint.org.

Photo: Focus Features

as she usually is, and Davis’ character successfully goes from pretentious to endearing by the end. The motherhood scenes are so in detail and graphic that for those

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who are middle-aged moms it might hit too close to home, and there’s a plot twist people are going to really like, or really hate. DP www.danapointtimes.com

GETTING OUT

Sunday | 13 MAMA FLOWS BEST MOTHER’S DAY YOGA EVENT 10:30-11:30 a.m. All EPIC Yoga Families can enjoy a Mother’s Day special session with Staci Bina of Bala Shala Kids Yoga to celebrate the awesome mamas in your life.

An EPIC family yoga class suitable for ages 4 and up so bring your husbands, wives, partners and little ones! Om School will be open for little ones under the age of 4. Light bites and beverages will be served as well as do it yourself activities such as bath salts, a variety of essential oils, dried herbs and flowers for you to bottle up so Mom can take some extra love and self-care home with her. $35. 1709 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente. www.epicyogasc.com GUIDED NATURE HIKE 8-9:15 a.m. Join an Orange County Parks Ranger for a one-mile hike around Bell Canyon in Caspers Wilderness Park. Parking is $5, the hike is free. 33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. 949.923.2210. www.ocparks.com/caspers.

FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, plants and artisanal goods from organic growers along the north side of Avenida Del Mar. Parking is a premium. 243 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. 949.361.8264. www.san-clemente.org.

YOGA ON TAP 11 a.m. Yoga on Tap is held at Left Coast’s

tasting room in San Clemente. This is a one-hour yoga class, followed by a pint of beer. The cost is $10. Left Coast Brewery, 1251 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente.

949.276.6014 or www.leftcoastbrewing.com.

Monday | 14 WORLD’S LARGEST PINT All day. Only at Hennessey’s can you get the 50-ounce souvenir glass filled with a domestic draft of import/premium draft.

34111 La Plaza, Dana Point. www.hennesseystavern.com.

BINGO AT GOODY’S 7 p.m. Every Monday, Goody’s hosts a bingo night for a charity of the week. Cards are $1 per sleeve, and raffle prizes are offered.

Goody’s Tavern. 206 S. El Camino Real. 949.

492.3400. www.goodystavern.com.

COUNTRY DANCING AND ALL-DAY HAPPY HOUR 7 p.m.-Midnight. Stop by the Swallow’s Inn for country dancing with DJ Patrick and a happy hour that lasts all day.

Enjoy a steak dinner for $13 when you are finished with the dance floor. 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

949.493.3188. www.swallowsinn.com.

Tuesday | 15 OPEN MIC NIGHT 6-10 p.m. Singer/songwriters perform

at The Point Restaurant open mic every Tuesday. Bring your instrument and your voice; The Point supplies the sound system. 34085 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point. 949.464.5700. www.thepointrestaurantandbar.com.

Williams Single Barrel or Jack Daniel’s, Single Barrel Jack and Gentleman Jack.

Featured whiskey drinks: single barrel old fashioned or Elijah Craig Manhattan only $7 each. 34111 La Plaza. www.hennesseystavern.com.

Wednesday | 16

MIXOLOGY UNIVERSITY 7 p.m. Every Wednesday, Waterman’s Harbor bartenders and mixology experts teach guests how to make the restaurant’s cocktails. Guests will have the opportunity to make and taste three cocktails. Event is $25. Waterman’s Harbor.

34661 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point. 949.764.3474. www.watermandp. com.

SOCGEMS MEETING, AMETHYST 7:15 p.m. The annual “Got Rocks” Silent Auction is part of the ongoing educational programs of the South Orange County Gem and Mineral Society (SOCGEMS).

Collectors may explore several amethyst cathedrals on sale and as the grand prize at the raffle. One outstanding piece is over 28 pounds, with the smallest at 4.5 pounds.

Children and adults alike can participate in the “treasure hunt” of whole geodes.

Various sizes will be on sale. There also be will be a table of jewelry, pendants and mystical stones for sale. The nonprofit SOCGEMS supports scholarships and educational programs with the funds that are raised. A speaker presentation is preceded by hospitality and refreshments, a raffle and brief business meeting. San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville. 408.718.0504. www.socgems.com.

STEAK & WHISKEY WEDNESDAY AT HENNESSEY’S 5 p.m. ‘til close - For only $19.95 you get steak, salad, fries plus one whiskey taster tray. Choose from a combination of Evan Williams Bond, Elijah Craig, Evan

Thursday | 17 SCIENCE NIGHT: THE LIFE OF A DYING TREE 6:30 p.m. Every tree dies eventually, but its ecological value continues long after the last leaf falls. Discover a tree’s secret second life and its habitat value to many species of birds and other animals as it decays. Gillian Martin is the founder and director of the Cavity Conservation Initiative, a nonprofit organization in Southern California whose mission is to protect habitat for cavitynesting birds. She is a naturalist, environmental activist and author of numerous publications on this topic. Dana Point Community Center. 34052 Del Obispo St. www.danapoint.org.

On Stage at The Coach House: Funniest Housewives of OC

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN, DANA POINT TIMES

F

Karen Rontowski plays the ‘Hippie Housewife’ in the show Funniest Housewives of OC. Photo: Courtesy of Julie Kidd

Dana Point Times May 11-17, 2018

unniest Housewives of OC, a female comedy group that plays on stereotypes with a variety of hilarious housewives, is coming back to The Coach House at 7 p.m. on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13.

With a handful of characters ranging from ‘Dysfunctional Housewife’ to ‘Hippie Housewife,’ the show is relatable to all families, particularly mothers. Nearing the group’s 10-year anniversary, the performance of Funniest Housewives on Mother’s Day will be a perfect “girls night out,” said Julie Kidd, CEO of Funny Mom Productions and producer of Funniest Housewives.

“Women are funny,” Kidd said. “It’s just one laugh after the other.”

Kidd, who plays the ‘Dysfunctional Housewife,’ said that every show by the Funniest Housewives is unique in that the group of comedians rotates for nearly every show. At the Mother’s Day show, the featured guest housewife is Rita Rudner, who performs comedy regularly in Las Vegas.

Page 21

In addition to Kidd and Rudner, there are three other housewives: Frances Dilorinzo as ‘Hyperactive Housewife,’ Amber Rose as ‘Curvy Housewife’ and Karen Rontowski as ‘Hippie Housewife.’

“It’s hard to pinpoint what the magic is about the housewives, but it’s such a popular show here in Orange County,” Kidd said. “I think it’s the chemistry of the housewives, or the female comedians (in general), is something spectacular. It’s a great girls night out.”

Also at this show, half of the proceeds from all ticket sales ($25) will go toward Cheyne’s Brain, a foundation that advocates for support and education in the field traumatic brain injury.

Doors open at 5 p.m. on May 13 for the show, which begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. People can get $10 off their tickets at www.FunnyMomProductions.com, Kidd said, with promo code FunnyMom. The Coach House is located at 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.

For tickets or more information, call 949.496.8930 or visit www.thecoachhouse. com. DP www.danapointtimes.com

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

Regardless of Age, Pursue Your Passion

“N

ow that you are retired, what do you do?” is a question I’ve been asked often in the last three and a half years.

My answer is always something like this. “I keep my body moving and my mind active. Those are my top two priorities.”

I was strongly reminded of that answer while reading an article titled, “Why Does Willie Nelson Still Do It?” in the May 2018, online version of Texas Monthly magazine.

Writer Michael Hall included in his article a video interview with Willie Nelson.

I’ve always admired Willie, and after reading Hall’s article—and watching the video—I have even more respect and admiration for him.

But, first, some background.

In August 2015, Willie Nelson, at 82, was scheduled to perform at the Orange County Fair.

My life partner Greta and I and our Dana Point friends, Ron and Lee Cohan, had tickets for the concert at the Pacific ON LIFE AND Amphitheatre. The four LOVE AFTER 50 of us realized it might

By Tom Blake be our last chance to see Willie, a country music legend.

We were in our row-two seats; the band’s instruments were in place on the stage. Then, it started raining hard; the show was canceled.

Three months later, the same group— Ron, Lee, Greta and I—attended a Jan. 6, 2016, Willie Nelson and Family concert at the Grove in Anaheim.

On the night of the concert, it rained again, but the Grove is an indoor venue, so we knew the show would go on, although the possibility of a rain cancelation crossed my mind.

Frankly, my expectations about Willie performing were modest. I imagined that his family members, including his sons Micah and Lukas on guitars, and “little sister Bobbie” as Willie calls her, on piano, would be the primary performers and that Willie would sing only a few songs. After all, he was 82.

When the lights dimmed, Willie led his band onto the stage. He was wearing a T-shirt with “Maui” on the front and his usual red headband.

Willie picked up Trigger, the name he’s given to his ancient Martin N-20 classical guitar that he’d had for 47 years—the one with a gaping hole and faded autographs from famous people such as Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings on it. He began with one of his classics, “Whiskey River.” The four of us were pleasantly surprised. Willie Dana Point Times May 11-17, 2018

and his band sounded great. Again, I wondered if that would be the last time I’d get to see him perform.

He was on stage nonstop for over 90 minutes. He sang: “Georgia on My Mind;” “On the Road Again;” “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground;” “Crazy;” “Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die;” “GoodHearted Woman;” “Always on My Mind;” and about 25 other songs, all of them familiar.

He was gracious and personable. Fans kept tossing cowboy hats on the stage.

Willie would wear the hats for a couple of songs and then toss them to the crowd Frisbee-style. He also threw five headbands to the crowd.

Now, this August, Willie, who turned 85 April 29, (Trigger, the guitar, is now 49, and “baby sister” Bobbie, is 87) and his family are coming to Southern California again. He will be at the Orange County Fair Aug. 10, but we aren’t going to see him there.

Instead, the night before, he is performing at Humphreys by the Bay, a cozy, intimate, outdoor venue cuddled next to yachts in San Diego. Our friends, Ron and Lee, purchased a package that includes dinner, an overnight stay at the hotel and row-two seats. We are going with them.

To make this concert even more special, singer Alison Krauss of the group Union Station is also performing.

I’ve learned to stop wondering if this will be the last time I see Willie perform.

Written on the tickets: “Humphreys/ Rain or Shine.” So, it can rain all it wants that night.

In a Texas Monthly article, Michael Hall writes that Willie says he keeps entertaining because it makes him happy. In the video, Willie adds, “I think that has a lot to do with keeping you alive—keeping busy, doing things and being creative.”

Willie is 85 years of proof of the need to keep our body moving and mind active as we age. He’s an inspiration to a lot of seniors.

Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. See his websites www.findingloveafter50.com; www.vicsta.com and www. travelafter55.com. To receive Tom’s weekly online newsletter, sign up at www.findingloveafter50.com. Email: tompblake@ gmail.com. DP PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, Dana Point 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 Dana Point Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@danapointtimes.com

Photo: Courtesy of Phyllis Girvetz

FROM THE ARCHIVES This photo, taken in the 1920s, shows the undeveloped hills of Dana Point.

Every week, the Dana Point Times will showcase a historical photo from around the city. If you have a photo you would like to submit for consideration, send the photo, your name for credit as well as the date and location of the photo to editorial@danapointtimes.com.

Pet of the Week: Sneezy DANA POINT TIMES

T

Sneezy. Photo: Courtesy of the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter

hree-year-old Sneezy is a handsome Husky mix hoping to meet his new best friend. He is an active dog and absolutely loves playing fetch with toys.

Potty-trained and great on leash, Sneezy would even make a great jogging companion. Could this well-mannered pooch be the right one for you?

If you would like to know more about Sneezy, please call the San Clemente/ Dana Point Animal Shelter at 949.492.1617, or visit with him at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente. DP

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

Page 22

See the solution in next week’s issue.

www.danapointtimes.com

DP SPORTS & OUTDOORS Dana Point

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

All in the Same Boat Female crew wins Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race

BY DANIEL RITZ, DANA POINT TIMES

S

ince 1947, the Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) has hosted the Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race (N2E).

This year, on April 28 and 29, under first-year skipper Sue Griesbach, Dana Point Yacht Club’s boat the Tomol and its all-female crew took first place in the cruz non-spin class in the N2E. The crew finished with a time of 24 hours, 38 minutes and 58 seconds and a final race rating of 154.

The crew, ranging in age from 55-70, arrived in the port of Ensenada after an overnight sail full of tumultuous trials.

“We broke the whicker-pole in the middle of the night,” Griesbach, 60, remembered. “In races like this, you al-

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most always have to overcome adversity, and this group came together. We really clicked as a team.”

Griesbach said that in her life-long experience as an athlete, this race represented a special moment of teamwork for her.

“You’re literally in the same boat,” Griesbach laughed. “We have only really gotten to know each other as a crew in the last few months, but I feel like we’ve really bonded as a team for this win.”

She noted that with their similar ages, the crew was able to bond over similar life experiences.

For their win, the Tomol crew took home the “Nauti Chica” trophy. The Tomol was the first boat to receive this new prize.

This trophy—sponsored by a group of women sailors called the “Nauti Chicas”— was created to encourage new female sailors to participate in the N2E race.

Griesbach said that light winds, similar to Dana Point conditions, created a race environment conducive to their strengths. Often, boats from other parts of California and beyond have the advantage of greater experience in gustier conditions.

Anne Eubanks is the commodore of the Dana Point Yacht Club, and noted ICE CREAM

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Team Tomol, accepting their award for first place in the non-spin, female category and second place in the nonspin category in the 71st Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race. (L-R) Regina Stewart, Sue Griesbach, Vicki Vedder Sweet, Cindy Wynne, Lynn Weiser, Leslie Riggs. Photo: Sarita Simmons

that she was especially proud of the warm reception the crew received upon arrival in Ensenada from more than 50 yacht club members.

“I’m so proud of the way that our club supports each other,” Eubanks said.

For a full list of results, including more boats from DPYC, visit www.nosa.org. DP

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Dolphin Report

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

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

Kao’s Two Swim Wins Lead League Finals

Former Dana Point resident Mike Weed was a 1970s skateboarding pioneer as a bank and bowl rider and went pro with the Hobie skateboarding team in 1975.

Photo: Courtesy of Glenn Miyoda

Hall Rider

Former Dana Point resident Mike Weed inducted into Skateboarding Hall of Fame

BY ZACH CAVANAGH, DANA POINT TIMES

A

pioneer of the early days of skateboarding and a former Dana Point resident, Mike Weed was inducted posthumously into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame as a 1970s Era One skater in a ceremony on Friday, May 4 at the City National Grove of Anaheim.

Weed’s wife Leslie and son Richie accepted the award on his behalf. Weed was inducted by Steve McAnlis, of Hobie Skateboards in the 1970s, friend and teammate Ed Nadalin and photographer and friend Glenn Miyoda.

Weed lived his early life in Laguna Beach and moved to Dana Point in the third grade. He started skateboarding around 1965 in the hills of Laguna Beach, and after moving to Dana Point, Weed took quite well to surfing at Doheny State Beach and Salt Creek Beach.

Weed became a member of the Hobie surf team in 1970 but quickly made a name for himself in the skateboarding world.

Dana Point Times May 11–17, 2018

Former Dana Point resident Mike Weed, seen here taking on the pipe at Mt. Baldy, was inducted posthumously into the Skateboarding Hall of Fame on Friday, May 4. Photo: Courtesy of Glenn Miyoda

In 1974, Weed began to skateboard more and more with the introduction of the Cadillac wheel that provided more grip to riders and was better for street skating.

Weed began hitting driveways across Dana Point.

Weed skated one of the first pools in San Juan Capistrano in 1975. It was there he first tried doing a kickturn while on a vertical. Weed was documented as one of the first to do so and got notoriety with the early publishing of skateboarding photos in SURFER magazine and his first cover

with SkateBoarder magazine.

That cover shot got Hobie’s attention as they were putting together a skateboarding team. Hobie offered him his first pro contract, $250 a week, so Weed took the contract and dropped out of Dana Hills High School in 1975.

Weed was mainly a bank and bowl rider with plenty of freestyling. As part of his contract with Hobie, Weed had to do freestyle demos in parking lots to attract attention.

In pro contests, Weed was always near the top. He took first place in freestyle at the 1975 Arizona State Championships, third in freestyle in the 1976 Long Beach World Championships, second place in freestyle at the 1977 Long Beach World Championships, second place at the first pro pool riding contest in 1978 at Spring Valley and first place in freestyle at the 1979 Free Former World Championships.

Weed’s pro career ended in 1980 as Hobie entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

He had to return a leased truck and was owed $10,000. He had started a signature product, the Weed Wheel, with Hobie and was going to look for a new backer. Hobie wouldn’t allow it as they had trademarked the Weed Wheel. The experience made Weed turn away from pro skateboarding.

Weed then turned back to surfing and didn’t skate for a while. He moved to Maui, Hawaii in 1985 where he met his wife Leslie and continued to live until his death in 2014 after a fight with leukemia. DP

Page 24

Dana Hills senior Owen Kao earned wins in the 200-yard freestyle (1:37.24) and 500-yard freestyle (4:27.34) to lead the Dolphins’s efforts at the South Coast League finals on Friday, May 4 at Capistrano Valley High School.

Kao, defending CIF-SS champion in the 200 and 500, was seeded first in the 200 and 500 at the CIF-SS Division 1 preliminaries on Thursday, May 10 at the Riverside Aquatics Complex.

Results were not available at press time. Division 1 finals are on Saturday.

Senior Zach Shenkin finished second to Kao in the 200 at league with a time of 1:41.77.

Senior Jake Ward grabbed two second-place finishes in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle races.

On the girls side, freshman Lucy Kao grabbed the highest individual Dana Hills finish at second place in the 50-yard freestyle (23.83 seconds).

Track Boys, Girls Second at League Finals Dana Hills boys earned five wins, and the girls earned four wins at the South Coast League finals on Friday, May 4 at Trabuco Hills High School.

The Dolphins swept the podium in the boys 3,200-meter as senior Jack Landgraf (9:13.31), junior Simon Fuller (9:18.17) and sophomore Caleb Niednagel (9:14.08) grabbed the top three spots.

Senior Max Halvax won the 400-meter (49.54 seconds) and anchored Dana Hills’ win in the 4x400-meter relay.

Senior Max McKhann won the discus with a throw of 167 feet, eight inches and took second in the shotput.

On the girls side, sophomore Anisa Rind won the 400-meter (56.84 seconds), and Hailey Ray took the 300-meter hurdles (44.36 seconds).

Both ran legs in the Dolphins’ 4x100-meter relay and 4x400-meter relay wins. www.danapointtimes.com

DP BUSINESS DIRECTORY

DSaan n Cl a em Poenintet

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad online at www.danapointtimes.com GARAGE SALES MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 12 benefiting Guide Dogs for the Blind. Lots of everything for sale. Stop by and see puppies in training. 8am-12pm. 31242 Via Cuartel, SJC. Please, no early birds.

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

WATERFORD POINT GARAGE SALE Sat May 12, Gate open at 7am - 12:00. Sunstar Lane, Dana Point. Collector items, Old Movie Projectors, Cameras, Oriental Statues, Dishes, Antique Slot Machine, Koo Koo Clock, Short Wave Radio.

GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE! E-mail your garage sale to info@danapointtimes.com DEADLINE 5PM MONDAY. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

ENCANTAMAR ANNUAL COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE MAY 19TH Tons of great stuff!

Surf Boards, Wet Suits, Artwork, Antiques, Household Goods, Clothing, and much much more. Located on the corner of Golden Lantern and Camino Del Avion in Dana Point 92629

HELP WANTED HOUSEKEEPING ATTENDANTS NEEDED IN LAGUNA BEACH!!!

Laguna Brisas Hotel in Laguna Beach is currently looking for Housekeeping Room Attendants to join our team at our Laguna Brisas property.

Pay is $13.50 per house plus all the standard benefits (401K, vacations, holiday pay, etc.)

As a Room Attendant, you’ll be responsible for cleaning and maintaining assigned guestrooms.

Job Responsibilities: Cleaning assigned guestrooms in accordance with company standards; Replenishing amenities and supplies in assigned guestrooms; Stocking and maintaining Housekeeping cart; Greeting guests in hallways in a pleasant and friendly manner. Job Requirements: The minimum qualifications for the Room Attendant position are: E-verify; Ability to perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy; Ability to move perform frequent and repetitive movements, including bending and stooping; Must be able to lift, push, and pull a moderate weight frequently; Ability to scrub and scour surfaces, extending arms over head to perform cleaning tasks, and work in confined spaces; Basic ability to comprehend English language sufficient to understand information such as labels and instructions and basic guest requests; Previous cleaning experience preferred; Must have the ability to work a varied schedule that may include early morning, evening, night, and weekend shifts. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply at www.evolutionhospitality.com, or come to the hotel in person and ask for Roger Lujan (949-497-7272).

PLACE YOUR BUSINESS CARD HERE Call 949.388.7700, ext. 102 or email lloynes@picketfencemedia.com

OTHER STUFF NOVENA TO ST. CLAIRE Light a white candle, ask St. Claire for 3 things.

One should be for the impossible, one about money, one about your job. Say nine Hail Marys for nine nights. Promise publication. She will answer whether or not you believe. Thank you St. Claire for favors granted. GT + JB Dana Point Times May 11–17, 2018

Page 25

www.danapointtimes.com

DP DP SURF Dana Point

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

GROM OF THE WEEK

BELLA KENWORTHY

Bella Kenworthy indulges herself on a recent trip to Chicama in Peru. The wave is considered the longest left-hander in the world. Photo: Jason Kenworthy

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

W One of Art Brewer’s many iconic images to grace the cover of ‘SURFER Magazine.’ In total, Brewer’s images have appeared on 35 covers of the esteemed “Bible of the Sport.” Photo: Courtesy of Art Brewer

The Can’t-Miss Summer Surf Photography Workshop Legendary surf photographer to host workshop in Mexico

BY JAKE HOWARD, DANA POINT TIMES

A

nybody can take a picture. If you’ve got a smartphone in your pocket, you can fire away until your hard drive’s full. But to compose and make photographs that tell a story, convey emotion and capture the essence of a person or place, that’s art.

For over half of a century, Art Brewer has been making photographs that have moved the surf world. One of the first photographers to shoot for SURFER Magazine back in the ‘60s, he grew up in Laguna Beach capturing surfing’s early golden era. He spent time in Yosemite studying with Ansel Adams and has traversed the planet with all the best surfers in tow. He’s been published everywhere and satisfied big-time corporate clients.

Now, he’s paying it all forward.

In recent years, Brewer, along with co-collaborators JP Van Swae and Joanna Miriam Valente, have teamed up with the School of Visual Arts in New York City to Dana Point Times May 11-17, 2018

offer workshops in the art of surf photography.

“I had to figure so much of it out on my own when I was young, when this opportunity came up I saw it as a great chance to share everything I’ve learned over the years and help those aspiring photographers not just take better photos, but also how to manage the other aspects of the profession,” said Brewer from his Dana Point studio.

Some years back, Brewer was in New York giving a presentation in a space right next to Carnegie Hall. A few months later, he received a phone call from Malcolm Lightner at the School of Visual Arts inquiring if he’d be interested in putting a workshop together. Brewer then reached out to Van Swae and Miriam Valente, who also live in Dana Point and have spent considerable time working and training under him. Collectively, they hosted their first workshop in Puerto Rico. It was a success, and in subsequent years they’ve landed in Bali, Indonesia and Nicaragua.

“This year we’re going to Salina Cruz in Mexico,” Brewer said. “We try to go to locations that provide great waves, but are also rich in culture and have a lot of other aspects that make for interesting subject matter. We also team up with surf talent that can provide the photographers with the surf action. Whether it’s shooting water or from land or pulled back lineups or whatever, we try and provide a lot of eye candy to encourage creativity.”

Home to some of North America’s best sand-bottom right points, Punta Conejo Surf Camp will play host to the week-long workshop from Aug.12-17. While a lot of the inspiration behind the curriculum is inspired by surf, it’s not strictly for aspiring surf photographers.

“One of the things that was really

important to me when we were putting this together was to make sure that our students left with a comprehensive understanding of the photography business,” Brewer said. “We go over trademarking images and how to protect your rights as a photographer. We talk about the importance of making connections and how all of that works in relation to getting your images used in magazines or commercial projects.

“JP and Joana both bring a lot of experience and expertise to the table and together we’re able to make this a really all-encompassing week of study and work,” Brewer continued. “In some instances, we have students from around the world coming back for multiple workshops because we’re able to provide them with all of this important information that isn’t readily available and they don’t teach you in school.”

While it’s still three months away, Brewer’s workshop fills up quick. There are still a handful of spaces left in the fiveday course, but he cautions that anybody who’s interested in getting involved do so sooner rather than later.

“The tuition covers the workshop, a stay at Punta Conejo, meals, guides and all that stuff. We make sure all of the details are ironed out before we go so we can make sure everything goes smoothly when we’re there and we can really focus our time and energy on getting work done,” says Brewer.

We’re living in an image-based world and for those that are keen to make the most of that fact and still keep their feet in the sand, a sprint down to Salina Cruz with Brewer and company could well be worth the time and expense.

More information is available at www. destinations.sva.edu/actionsurfphoto. DP

Page 26

hen last we saw Dana Point’s Bella Kenworthy she was on her way up the mountain. She still appears to be well on her way to the top.

Coming off of duel runner-up finishes in the National Scholastic Surfing Association’s Southwest Division season finale in Ventura, Bella’s been on quite the roll. She recently won the Western Surfing Association’s under 12 and under 14 girls divisions. While that would be reason enough to celebrate, Bella did it by sweeping every event all season long.

“She didn’t lose a heat all year long. I told her at the beginning of the year that if she didn’t drop a heat all year, we could go on a surf trip to Indonesia. It was just something to motivate her…then she actually did it,” said her father, Jason.

Bella also finished second in a recent USA Surfing Prime, which is no small feat either given the level of talent and pressure of the Prime events.

When it comes to riding a skateboard, she’s not just rolling around the block. Bella’s fresh off a win in the under 14 division at the Vans Girls Combi Pool Classic. DP

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 58-60 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: 5-8’ Fair Outlook: Fading W/WNW swell for Friday and Saturday with minor South hemi swell lingering. Wave heights are waist high (3’) and under by Saturday. S/ SSW winds likely both days. Better, fun size SSW/S swell due next week along with some secondary WNW swell. Be sure to check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

www.danapointtimes.com