February 25, 2016

LO C A L

February 25-March 2, 2016

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Inside: Official Festival of Whales Program VOLUME 11, ISSUE 8

Selfless Endeavors San Clemente Chamber of Commerce hosts annual awards ceremony EYE ON SC/PAGE 6

Christina Carbonara, center, is flanked by her two sons at the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards and Installation Ceremony. Carbonara was named the 2015 Citizen of the Year. Photo: Eric Heinz

OCTA to End 191, 193 Bus Routes in October EYE ON SC/PAGE 3

Group Looks to Bring Lights, Expansion to San Clemente Skate Park EYE ON SC/PAGE 5

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Local Sailor Qualifies for 2016 Olympic Games in Rio SPORTS/PAGE 34

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library cards were issued during that time. The library report noted the new programs that have been implemented and that 38 volunteer teens have donated 123 hours of their time at the library. People can also access audiobooks, e-books and learn languages on the available computers.

Five things San Clemente should know this week

WHAT’S NEXT: To find out more about the library, visit www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc. To see a slideshow from the library’s grand opening, visit www.san-clemente.org under the Latest News list. —EH

OCTA Approves Bus Service Plan; Will Discontinue 191, 193 Routes in October THE LATEST: On Monday, the Orange County Transportation Authority approved the adoption of a new Bus Service Plan. The plan eliminates two major routes that go through San Clemente, but they will not be discontinued until October. Lori Donchak, the chairwoman of the OCTA Board of Directors and a San Clemente city councilwoman, said there are alternatives for people who use the bus throughout San Clemente, and the OCTA is looking to hold workshops in the near future with members of the public. During the final moments before the vote, Donchak spoke about the decisions made in the Bus Service Plan. The 191 and 193 routes that run throughout San Clemente and neighboring vcities are planned to be discontinued. “Never mistake people for percentages, and there’s 2 percent who are going to have a change not for the positive,” Donchak said. “This was a very hard process, and I think we came to a really good place.” Donchak said the riders who are affected need to be considered on a case-bycase basis. “We’re extending the hours of the sameday taxi and implementing a countywide pilot program that decreases the same-day taxi transfer costs,” Donchak said during a phone interview later that day. “What the program will do is build ridership in the county to 1.3 million. This was not a service reduction; this was a redeployment to build ridership and the strategy is to inform people where the buses are that make connection wait times over 15 minutes.” As far as a lapse in service time, Donchak said unless there is a stop that expects to see more than a 15-minute wait time, people will be notified of the longer wait time. “All of the service reductions and the service enhancements will happen in June, so if a bus line is going from 15- to 25-minute intervals, it would start in October, not June,” Donchak said. The 91 bus route, which travels from San Clemente to Laguna Hills along the Pacific Coast Highway, will see no changes San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

Long Term Finance Plan Meeting Scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25

An Orange County Transportation Authority Bus on the 191/A route stops at the Metrolink Station in North Beach on Wednesday morning. The OCTA Board of Directors approved a plan to eliminate the 191 and 193 routes, which service riders from San Clemente to Mission Viejo, in October. Photo: Eric Heinz

in service from the Bus Plan. “I am deeply concerned that we do right by the folks that are affected by the service changes and I hope they’ll reach out for guidance during the transition,” Donchak said. WHAT’S NEXT: The dates of community meetings and availability of information will be announced by OCTA. To find out more information, Donchak said residents should contact her at 949.361.8322 or donchakl@san-clemente.org. —Eric Heinz

Avenida Pico Construction Updates THE LATEST: Construction crews have been continuing work on the Avenida Pico Interstate 5 bridge and have recently completed the steel piles for foundation of the bridge extension, according to an Orange County Transportation Authority press release. Work is being focused on building bridge adjustments to support the deck. The release stated that beginning in early March, crews will transport materials and equipment from the abutment near the southbound Avenida Pico on-ramp to the work area near the southbound Avenida Pico off-ramp to construct the second abutment. “This activity will take place at night for approximately one week, and will require full nighttime closures of Avenida Pico at the I-5 bridge,” the release stated. For the remainder of the week, crews be doing overnight work on the south-

bound I-5 freeway near the Stonehill Drive and Camino Capistrano on-ramp. The work will require a full closure of the on-ramp and lane closures on the freeway and Camino Capistrano. Sound walls are still being constructed along the northbound I-5 freeway between Avenida Pico and the Pacific Coast Highway and Camino Las Ramblas ramps. Signs have been installed informing motorists that the speed limit between Pacific Coast Highway and Avenida Pico has been reduced to 55 mph from 65 mph. This has been implemented to “improve safety during construction of the I-5 South County Improvements Project,” the release stated. “The 55 mph speed limit will be in effect through project completion of construction and is being enforced by the California Highway Patrol.” WHAT’S NEXT: Dates and times of closures along the I-5 through San Clemente can be found on the OCTA Google Map at www.octa.net. Click under Projects and Programs and find the I-5 South County Improvements and then click Detours. —EH

Orange County Public Libraries Reports 100,000 Visit San Clemente Branch THE LATEST: Between the Aug. 29 re-opening and mid-December, Orange County Public Libraries reported more than 100,000 people visited the San Clemente Branch. Additionally, more than 2,000 new

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THE LATEST: Since 1993, San Clemente has presented a Long Term Financial Plan to outline its fiscal goals and expectations for the next five years. The presentation on Thursday, Feb. 25, is to continue that monetary planning tradition with a number of goals. Some of the key highlights are going to be the discussion of the city’s expenditures compared to revenues, as the city forecasts in its document—now available on its website. Deferred maintenance and transfers from the general fund and reserves also are expected to be discussed, as well as one-time expenditures. WHAT’S NEXT: The presentation of the city’s Long Term Financial Plan will take place at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at City Hall, 100 Avenida Presidio. FIND OUT MORE: To view the LTFP in its entirety, go to www.san-clemente.org/ LTFP2016. —EH

Toxicology Report for Stevens Finds No Foul Play THE LATEST: Officials with Orange County Sheriff’s Department told the San Clemente Times on Friday that Nicholas Stevens, 22, who was found dead near San Clemente High School on Nov. 14, died from causes that did not indicate any foul play. Stevens was last seen Nov. 9 after a night of hanging out with some acquaintances. WHAT’S NEXT: As of press time, the San Clemente Times was unable to obtain the full autopsy and toxicology reports from OCSD. —EH

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

EYE ON SC

NEWS BITES COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

City Receives Budget Presentation Award The Government Finance Officers Association recently awarded the City of San Clemente with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its annual budget for fiscal year 2014-15. “This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting,” a city press release stated. The release stated city officials had to accomplish “nationally recognized guidelines” for effective budget presentation, which included publishing a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, as an operations guide, as a financial plan and as a communications device. Budget documents also must receive a proficient rating in all four categories, and the 14 criteria within those categories, to receive this award. “The City of San Clemente is proud to receive this award, which affirms the City’s fiscal house is in order. This accomplishment is a result of the City’s dedicated finance team who work to ensure the City stays on a healthy financial path,” said Erik Sund, Assistant City Manager. GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.

San Clemente Domestic Violence Task Force Opens Legal Line The San Clemente Domestic Violence Task Force is providing a Legal Line for residents of San Clemente who are victims of violence to speak with a family law attorney who can advise them of options and resources. The number is also available to families living in the Camp Pendleton area. This is not an emergency hotline. For more information, call 949.324.8438 or visit www.scdvtaskforce.com.

area participating in hands-on leadership activities, meeting leaders from across the country and participating in community service projects. There is no charge to participate in this powerful leadership academy. Each year, 150 qualified students are selected for the program. This summer the program will run from July 17 to 23. More information can be found at www.mcrc.marines.mil by clicking on the SLCDA tab or by visiting the SLCDA Facebook page.

Garden Club Tour Set for June 4 The San Clemente Garden Club’s 2016 Garden Tour is set for June 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual self-guided garden tour includes coastal gardens in the “Spanish Village by the Sea.” The gardens may be visited in any order; balloons will herald each location. Advance tickets are available through May 30 for $30. Tickets purchased on June 4 at any of the gardens cost $35 each. To order tickets, visit www.sanclementegardenclub.com and pay online with PayPal or download the ticket order form, complete and mail with check payable to San Clemente Garden Club to: 2016 SCGC Garden Tour, Attention: Bette Langford, 102 Calle Cuervo, San Clemente, California, 92672. For questions, call Bette Langford at 949.498.3317 or by email at blang41096@aol.com or Patricia Holloway at 949.361.1911 or via email at patholloway@cox.net. Tour tickets with garden directions will be mailed after May 12. The tour will take place rain or shine; no refunds. Gardens are not wheelchair accessible or suitable for small children. Wear comfortable shoes. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser support the SCGC Scholarship Fund, community horticulture projects, Junior Gardeners and more. The San Clemente Garden Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www.sanclementegardenclub.com or their Facebook page.

Mariners Leaders Say Smooth Sailing for Program Mariners Sea Scouts 936 continue their adventures in the Dana Point Harbor. The organization’s officials said they have received great feedback from their events and excursions. Mariners said they have been concerned with the ongoing activity at the Harbor and that it may have kept some potential participants from joining. For more information, visit www.mariners936.com

run blackjack and craps tables. Prizes will be given to the poker winners, and there will be raffle drawings, a silent auction and cash bar. Tickets are available at www. sctritonslax.com.

FAM to Offer Tax Services, Opens New Satellite Center Family Assistance Ministries will once again offer free income tax preparation for those who make $60,000 or less through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program. The service will be available at the FAM Resource Center, 1030 Calle Negocio in San Clemente from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, now through April 16. For more information and to set up an appointment, call 949.492.8477. Also, FAM has opened a new satellite center at the San Felipe de Jesus Church, 26010 Domingo, Capistrano Beach. The satellite center is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays and offers fresh food, frozen meat, diapers, hygiene products, clothing for women, men and children as well as case management services.

San Clemente Native Named to Worcester Polytechnic Institute Dean’s List The youth of the Mariners sit on the rigging of the Exy Johnson tall ship, moored at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. Photo: Matt Sprague

SCHS Boy’s Lacrosse Casino Night & Poker Tournament On Friday, March 11, the San Clemente High School boys lacrosse team’s annual fundraiser, Casino Night & Poker Tournament, will take place at Talega Golf Club, 990 Avenida Talega. The poker tournament buy-in is $100 or $50 for the casino only. The casino will include professionally

Worcester Polytechnic Institute announced that William Schwartz of San Clemente, a member of the class of 2019 majoring in electrical and computer engineering, was named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall 2015 semester. A total of 1,238 undergraduate students achieved the criteria required for WPI’s fall 2015 Dean’s List. The criteria for the WPI Dean’s List differ from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average. Instead, WPI defines the Dean’s List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.

Career Fair for CUSD The Capistrano Unified School District will host a career fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, at the CUSD Education Center, Valle Road in San Juan Capistrano. People can meet with managers and supervisors from district departments, as CUSD is looking to recruit both teaching and other staff employees. CUSD stated in a press release that the event is the largest recruiting event for the district this year. For a list of potential job openings, visit www.cusdjobs-capousd-ca.schoolloop.com. Any questions regarding the fair should be directed to careerfair@capousd.org.

Applications Are Now Being Accepted Through April for the USMC Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy (SLCDA) The SLCDA is a community outreach/ social connection program that is designed to help rising high school juniors and seniors recognize their leadership talents and apply them to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace and community. Selected students spend a week in the Washington, D.C.

The San Clemente Garden Club Tour takes place June 4 at various locations in San Clemente. Photo: Courtesy

San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

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

EYE ON SC

Adler Deardorff skateboards on Feb. 22 at the Ralphs Skate Court in San Clemente. Though in its infancy, the San Clemente Skate Park Coalition is looking for ways to expand the skatepark and install overhead lighting. Photo: Eric Heinz

Board Meetings

Skateboard coalition seeks to expand park, install lighting BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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ozens of skateboarders rolled through the Ralphs Skate Court in San Clemente on Monday evening as the last few rays of sunlight escaped beneath the horizon. Even with minimal light, the park was considerably packed with young extreme sports enthusiasts. “This is actually pretty mellow (low volume) for this time of the day,” said Danny Craig, a member of the San Clemente Skateboard Coalition. “It can get dangerous for the little guys.” The coalition hopes to give the children of San Clemente a larger area in which to practice skateboarding as well as more time to do so. There are no overhead lights in the park and it is frequently overcrowded, the SCSC members said. The group members estimate between $100,000 and $200,000 will be needed just to put lights up at the park, and that doesn’t include the utility bills. The group also wants to expand the park to a cityowned empty lot adjacent to the existing park. But finalizing that dream would be up to the City Council. “We’re definitely seeking out funding but we’re not quite at that point yet,” Stephanie Aguilar, another SCSC member,

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said. “We’re more just in the planning stages, and the funding will come later.” For now, SCSC has been lobbying to the interests of the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department, as the Master Plan requests for proposal were released to bidders on Tuesday. The plan will accept community input during the process. “This would give the kids a safe place to go,” Aguilar said. “Right now, when it gets dark you can see the baseball fields are lit but the skateboarders only have a limited amount of time before it gets dark. They end up around the city just skating and getting into trouble because you can’t skate in areas that aren’t designated for it.” “There’s a huge demand for the skate community here,” Craig added. The members of SCSC, all of whom are parents, say they have to take their kids to Laguna Niguel or Lake Forest, which have lit skate parks, during the winter when the days are shorter. “But we would much rather stay in town and spend the money here,” said SCSC member Melissa Cifarelli. James Rurup said he drives at least two or three times a week outside San Clemente for his children to skateboard, sometimes to Huntington Beach. Rurup said the skateboarders per capita in San Clemente outweigh neighboring towns, but Ralphs is the only park within the city. Aguilar said skateboarding has really helped her 5-year-old son, Bodhi, come out of his shell. She said the sport made him more motivated to try different things. Other parents said their children had similar experiences. To find out more about SCSC, email scskateparkcoalition@gmail.com or visit their Instagram at @sc_skatepark_coalition. SC www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

Chamber Honors its Finest

“I kind of came from Arizona kicking and screaming with my husband,” Vance said. “Now, I kick and scream whenever I have to go back to Arizona. There probably isn’t one person in the audience here tonight who I don’t know or haven’t worked with.” Jim Nielsen, a member of the Foundation, mentioned Vance’s work at the San Clemente Senior Center and she has helped with Boy Scout troops and has been the main director of the San Clemente Ocean Festival for more than 20 years. “There’s a lot of people I have to thank here,” Vance said.

Awards recognize those who served San Clemente community BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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ast Thursday, Feb. 18, at Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting of Members, Installation of Officers & Directors and Award Ceremony. Various stalwarts of the community were recognized for their achievements throughout the year as well as long-term dedication. The new Chamber Board of Directors for 2016 was announced, and the 2015 winners were honored with their respective recognitions. Awards were also given to recipients from Assemblyman Bill Brough, State Sen. Patricia Bates, U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa and the city of San Clemente. EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR: DUNCAN WILSON Duncan Wilson has been in San Clemente for 54 years and has been an exemplary biology, physics and human biology teacher at San Clemente High School. “I have to share this award with the people I work with at the school,” Wilson said. Presenting the award, SCHS Principal Chris Carter described Wilson as a “lifelong learner.” “He has used his expertise to teach students as well as his coworkers and department,” Carter said. Wilson has been involved in various volunteer programs throughout the city, according to Chamber officials. BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: DRAGON ALLIANCE An innovator in sports protection and designer eyewear, Dragon Alliance has grown to the international market in its field. According to Chamber officials, the business began in 1993 in a garage in Capistrano Beach. The company’s founder, Will Howard, wanted to bring style to another level in the industry. They have also sponsored events in the community as well as given back to the U.S. Marine Corps near San Clemente. “We’re a business that understands we’re only as good as the people that surround us,” Howard said. “I’m very blessed to be surrounded by great people who not only are dedicated to what they love but also are mindful of the needs of others.”

San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

Peggy Vance received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce during the annual awards ceremony Feb. 18 at Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club. Photo: Eric Heinz

2016 San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee and Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board James J. Wynne, Johnston Pacific Commercial Real Estate, Inc. Vice Chairman Antoine Price, Café Mimosa Chief Financial Officer Chuck Narey, Hayden, Narey & Persich, CPA Immediate Past Chairman Mike Burke, Burke Consulting 1st Vice Chairman Pat Huber, Rainbow Sandals 2nd Vice Chairman Steve Ynzunza, Coast Property Services, GC DIRECTORS Jeff Bott, Transportation Corridor Agencies Burton Brown, Atomi Financial Group Will Howard, Dragon Alliance Nancy Hunt, Keller Williams Realty Susan Jennrich, Outlets at San Clemente Don Kindred, Kindred Associates Stavros Lozano, Inka Mama’s Peruvian Cuisine Mike Reilly, Starfish Signs & Graphics Dick Rodriguez, Rod’s Tree Service Tony Struthers, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center San Clemente Viet Tran, Southern California Edison Kathy Ward, S.C. Council Liaison Sam Pelham, Camp Pendleton Liaison

Downtown Business Association. “She currently has 150 businesses under her organization. And if you ask any of her membership, she’s the one who can find the common ground to get people to work together,” Donchak said. Tackling legal responsibilities and being on the boards of homeowners associations also are some of Carbonoara’s accomplishments, as well as bringing heart-health awareness to the community. “It’s such an honor to be up here because it just continues the legacy of what my dad started so many years ago,” Carbonara said. “He was all about the community and all about the city and wanted to bring everyone together.” Carbonara said she does everything that she does within the community because she enjoys it and it is fun. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: JIM WYNNE Jim Wynne, senior vice president of Johnston Pacific Commercial Real Estate, Inc., has contributed significant volunteer time to the surfing community in San Clemente and has helped out at various events in the community. “Many individuals go beyond the call of duty as a Chamber member and exhibit an untiring commitment to the organization,” Chamber officials said in a statement. “They all have separate jobs or run their own businesses. However, they contribute hundreds of hours a year to your Chamber of Commerce to make sure the mission statement and program of work is carried out.”

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: CHRISTINA CARBONARA Four generations of the Carbonara family were present at the award ceremony on Feb. 18. Councilwoman Lori Donchak presented the award to Christina Carbonara. “Christina graduated from San Clemente High School … and spent most of her life working in her family’s restaurant (Carbonara Trattoria),” Donchak said. Carbonara is also the president of the

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: PEGGY VANCE As the executive director of the Friends of San Clemente Beaches, Parks and Recreation Foundation, Peggy Vance has dedicated more than two decades to being part of San Clemente’s outdoor activities and community engagements. Admittedly, Vance said, she wasn’t sure what San Clemente would be like when she first arrived.

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AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR: RICK DIVEL Helping host mixology competitions, the Taste of San Clemente and meeting with the Marines at Camp Pendleton, Rick Divel was recognized by the Chamber for his above-and-beyond contributions to reaching out to many people in the community. Divel thanked his wife, his family and the members of the Chamber for his recognition. Chamber officials said Divel has volunteered at almost every event the Chamber hosted this year. NORMA DIAZ-HERNANDEZ At the end of the presentations, master of ceremonies City Councilman Tim Brown spoke about Norma Diaz-Hernandez, a Chamber of Commerce employee who was diagnosed with brain cancer in December. Diaz-Hernandez has mounting medical bills for her care and has five children and a husband. “The residents (of San Clemente) step up in meaningful ways when someone needs help, and (that’s what) Norma does,” Brown said. “I would like to encourage those who have received so much from the city … to give back a little bit to her family. We love her, and she deserves our best efforts.” Carbonara dedicated her award for Citizen of the Year to Diaz-Hernandez during her speech. SC

Norma Diaz-Hernandez Benefit The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce will host a dinner and silent auction benefit at the OC Tavern, 2369 S. El Camino Real, at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, to benefit Chamber employee Norma DiazHernandez. Diaz-Hernandez was diagnosed with brain cancer in December. “Norma, her husband and 5 children need our support,” Chamber Executive Director Lynn Wood said. “Norma has contributed so much to this community working for the Chamber of Commerce over the past 17 years. She loves this community and thinks of you all as friends and family.” Additionally, a GoFundMe site has been set up to help with her medical bills. Visit www.gofundme.com/Diaz-Hernandez-Fam for more information. www.sanclementetimes.com

EYE ON SC

SC Sheriff’s Blotter COMPILED BY ERIC HEINZ

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.

Monday, February 22 WELFARE CHECK Avenida Cristal, 0 Block (11:12 a.m.) A man was talking in a “very low” voice and wanted a welfare check done on his sister and her family. It was the second time he had called today. The deputy asked if he could speak to his mother, and the man refused and hung up. ABANDONDED VEHICLE Avenida Calafia, 200 Block (10:01 a.m.) Police were called to a motorhome parked across the street from the caller’s location, possibly related to an arrest made the previous night. The caller said there is a “glass of urine” on top of the motorhome. The caller also said the suspect in the motorhome “keeps a machete inside that he uses to cut an area to defecate in.” The vehicle had been “tagged” on the windshield. PATROL CHECK Camino El Molino/Camino De Los Mares (8:39 a.m.) Police were called to look for a burgundy sedan possibly casing the neighborhood. The caller said the driver was a man wearing a baseball cap and that a patrol check should be conducted due to recent break-ins in the area. SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Inclinado/Altura (5:54 a.m.) A caller said a man and a woman have been sitting inside a black Honda Civic with paper license places since the prior day and thought it looked suspicious. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Calle Del Pacifico, 100 Block (3:47 a.m.) A woman said someone opened her garage door and she found shoes inside that do not belong to her. She said the side door to the garage was also open. An unemployed 25-year-old man was arrested in the situation and was booked to the Men’s Intake Release Center on $150,000 bail. WELFARE CHECK Avenida Oliva, 2200 Block (2:02 a.m.) ATC Security guards called to see if the occupant of the home was OK. A security guard said mumbling was heard on the phone before the call was dropped and they reached a busy signal when they tried to call back. San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

SUSPICIOUS PERSON IN VEHICLE Calle Del Cerro, 1000 Block (8:03 a.m.) A person was cited for heroin paraphernalia and meth possession.

Sunday, February 21 CITIZEN ASSIST Avenida Pico/Camino De Los Mares (10:39 p.m.) A man requested police assistance to help him approach a group of people who appeared to be homeless. The man said he followed a GPS signal to the group from his wife’s lost cell phone.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON Avenida Vista Hermosa, 900 Block (7:41 a.m.) While seen pushing a bicycle, a homeless man was defecating on the sidewalk.

DISTURBANCE Avenida Mastil, 2400 Block (5:41 p.m.) A woman said her brother jumped a fence and was yelling and banging on the front door. The caller wanted him to leave. The man was described as being in his 40s, dark short hair and possibly under the influence of a controlled substance. The caller said she was concerned because her brother has broken into the residence before. DISTURBANCE-MUSIC OR PARTY Avenida Merida, 0 Block (1:46 p.m.) Directly behind Villa Pacifica, police were called to someone flying a drone and it was “very loud.”

Thursday, February 18 SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Camino De Estrella/Interstate 5 Freeway (11:32 a.m.) A man was seen wearing only shorts. A 57-year-old man, listed as unemployed, was arrested but later released because the District Attorney refused to prosecute. DISTURBANCE Avenida De La Grulla, 100 Block (2:25 a.m.) The caller’s daughter’s drunken husband and his friends were trying to get inside the house.

ASSIST OUTSIDE AGENCY East Avenida San Juan/El Camino Real (11:15 a.m.) An animal control officer called police after going to a resident with a “false plate on a vehicle” and false information a woman gave an animal control officer in June.

Wednesday, February 17

SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Vista Hermosa/Calle Frontera (9:45 a.m.) A man was standing in front of a church and flying a drone the caller said “seemed to be watching children.”

Saturday, February 20 PATROL CHECK Avenida Aragon/Calle Puente (8:13 p.m.) Someone sitting in a lifeguard tower threw a rock at a passing train. DISTURBANCE Avenida Talega/Avenida Vista Hermosa (12:39 p.m.) One woman and three children were seen knocking on car windows and begging for money. DISTURBANCE Camino De Los Mares, 600 Block (5:14 a.m.) A drunk person had urinated on a building and was yelling profanities while urinating.

Friday, February 19 ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON Camino De Los Mares/Calle Nuevo (3:03 p.m.) People were seen running their vehicles into one another’s. DISTURBANCE East Avenida Palizada/El Camino Real (1:24 p.m.) A possibly drunk or drugged man was waving his arms around and yelling profanities. DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 400 Block (8:54 a.m.) A caller said a homeless person was sitting on the stairway drinking alcohol and smelled like urine.

BURGLARY IN PROGRESS El Camino Real, 2300 Block (6:02 a.m.) Someone claimed a cash register was stolen.

KEEP THE PEACE Mira Allende, 100 Block (2:51 p.m.) A caller said a demolition company moved a mobile home out of its space and onto city property. The caller said they had no authorization to do that. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CRICUMSTANCES Via San Andreas, 200 Block (1 p.m.) A woman said two men showed up to her mother’s home wanting to show her a video. The mother told her daughter the men did not have a business card, and they became aggressive with her. The caller said she thinks they were casing the neighborhood. DISTURBANCE El Camino Real, 600 Block (9:50 a.m.) A woman said a customer was upset because there were nails in her tires. The customer slapped the woman and refused to leave. SUSPICIOUS PERSON Avenida Pico, 600 Block (2:36 a.m.) Police were called to reports of a man standing outside a drivethrough window and putting different objects inside. The man refused to leave, and he was described as being in his 20s, wearing a black beanie and a butterfly or flower blanket. SUSPICIOUS PERSON/CIRCUMSTANCES Avenida Victoria, 600 Block (12:28 a.m.) Two men were seen on BMX bikes driving on the beach. One man was wearing a raincoat and a backpack. Another was wearing a “light-colored” short-sleeve shirt. The caller said yelling and cursing could be heard near the Pier but did not know if the bikes were related to the incident.

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Community Meetings THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Long Term Financial Plan Workshop 4 p.m. The meeting will take place at City Hall in the City Council Chambers. 100 Avenida Presidio, 949.361.8200, www.san-clemente.org. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Meet the Mayor 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Mayor Bob Baker will speak with the public about on-going topics in San Clemente. Panera Bread, 802 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, 949.361.8322. Do not call Panera Bread. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28

San Clemente Farmers Market 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bundles of flowers, fresh produce and much more every Sunday. Avenida Del Mar. TUESDAY, MARCH 1

San Clemente Woman’s Club Meeting 10 a.m. San Clemente Woman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month (except July and August) at Adele’s at The San Clemente Inn. All are welcome to attend. 2600 Avenida Del Presidente, 949.388.3734 www.sanclementewomansclub.com

San Clemente Toastmasters Open House 7 p.m. Develop better speaking, listening and presenting skills, learn to think quickly and clearly on your feet, open doors in your personal professional life and build strong leadership skills. The open house is free. San Clemente Baha’i Center, 3316 Avenida del Presidente, vppr-6463@toastmastersclubs. org, www.6463.toastmastersclubs.org. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

San Clemente Rotary Noon. The San Clemente Rotary meets every Wednesday at the San Clemente Municipal Golf Course Wedgewood Restaurant. 150 E. Avenida Magdalena, 949.233.7981, www.sanclementerotary.org.

www.sanclementetimes.com

SC SOAPBOX San Clemente

VIEWS, OPINIONS AND INSIGHTS

GUEST OPINION: Lew’s Views by Lew Avera

Trolleys Would Fix Congestion, Transportation Issues in San Clemente

D

uring my time on the city’s Planning Commission, I served on the Traffic Task Force for several years. We spent our time on all aspects of traffic movement in the city. Downtown, Del Mar, the Pier and North Beach, to some extent, were always problem areas due to density and lack of parking, creating traffic congestion that no one wanted to face. As a result, none of these areas ever lived up to their potential. The city is now focusing on this problem with a real potential solution at hand. The solution would move large numbers of people throughout the area frequently, without delay, and would alleviate traffic congestion. In addition, it could facilitate attracting a good number of the tens of thousands of new patrons to the Outlets at San Clemente and also to downtown and add to our local business successes. The solution is a trolley system. The trolley would be a link of several small open-air vehicles, similar to small buses, which could transport people along a pre-determined route. The present plan is for three trolleys to run 15 minutes apart. In other words, one could expect a trolley every 15 minutes at designated locations. The initial route described in the Orange County Transportation Authority funding application would most likely be a loop from the Hermosa Sports Park down Hermosa to Shorecliffs, then North Beach, North El Camino Real, Del Mar and the Pier. The trolleys would then return along this same route with a total loop time of about 45 minutes. This system would

serve local residents as well as visitors. Two vital criteria for inland pick-up locations are ease of access and ample parking. There is also a desire to see this extended into south San Clemente LEW’S VIEWS along El Camino Real. By Lew Avera This would be considered in a second phase once the initial plan is up and running successfully. Initially, the trolley would run during the summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day beginning in 2017. At the present time, San Clemente is the only one of the three most southern and beach-oriented cities that does not have a trolley. Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano all have trolleys, which add immensely to their economic success and convenience of their residents. While not part of the present plan, there is the potential for a San Clemente trolley system to link up with these other three cities. Some six years ago, Talega had a system similar to this for its residents for two summers. Funded by the developer, it began at the Swim and Athletic Club with very ample parking and ran along Del Mar to the Pier. It was highly successful and used extensively. Three factors led to its ending: The developer withdrew funding and it could not emerge as self-funding; there was only one trolley, which led to much longer and unacceptable waiting periods than the new proposed trolley; and there was a glitch one July 4th eve-

ning when the riders were stranded at the Pier after fireworks until 11 p.m. because the downtown streets were closed and access had not been coordinated with law enforcement. The two-year existence, however, indicated a strong demand for this type of transportation. A San Clemente trolley system will be successful if planned and operated properly. In serving both the actual “residents” of San Clemente as well as the business populations, it would actually serve a “single segment” because both elements are meaningful and vital parts of San Clemente. Our city will take a leap forward with the new trolley. Let’s all get behind it! Lew Avera is a retired career officer, Lt. Col., U.S. Marine Corps. He has been a director of the Talega HOA since 2003 and served on the San Clemente Planning Commission from 2005 to 2013. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SC 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 SC Times or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com.

Clarification: In the Feb. 18-24 edition of the San Clemente Times, “Are We the Next Colorado?” should not have appeared as a Letter to the Editor. The piece ran in the Soapbox section as if it was the opinion of Shelley Murphy. It was not. The information was compiled by Murphy on behalf of the Wellness and Prevention Center.

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

HOW TO REACH US CITY EDITOR Eric Heinz, 949.388.7700, x109 eheinz@sanclementetimes.com ADVERTISING PRINT AND ONLINE

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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 > Eric Heinz

OPERATIONS

City Editor, The Capistrano Dispatch > Allison Jarrell Sports Editor > Steve Breazeale Special Projects Editor > Andrea Papagianis

Letters to the Editor HOSPITAL CONVERSION WOULD HAVE NO EFFECT RAY CHAPLAIN, San Clemente

Regarding the emergency room at Saddleback Hospital San Clemente, I hope the following information will help clarify one issue. Public concern appears to revolve around the possible lack of a nearby ER if MemorialCare’s plans are implemented. There seems to be confusion that paramedics would then need to bypass San Clemente and take critical patients to Mission Viejo or Laguna Hills. If the patient is a heart attack victim, the paramedics have been bypassing San Clemente for San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

Join the San Clemente Times for Beachside Chat, Friday, Feb. 26 at 8 a.m. at Café Calypso Beachside Chat is a spirited, town hall forum on community issues, hosted by SC Times editor Eric Heinz every Friday at Café Calypso, 114 Avenida Del Mar. All are welcome.

‘CONSERVATION’ VERSUS ‘ENVIRONMENTALISM’

ADVERTISING/MULTIMEDIA MARKETING Associate Publisher > Lauralyn Loynes

Business Manager > Alyssa Garrett Accounting & Distribution Manager > Tricia Zines SPECIAL THANKS Robert Miller Jonathan Volzke

ART/DESIGN Art Director > Jasmine Smith

years since the hospital does not have (and never has had) the most important service needed to treat a heart attack: the catheterization lab. The cath. lab has specialized equipment that interventional cardiologists and supporting team members need to remove coronary clots, to place stents and possibly pacemakers and defibrillators. Thus, converting the hospital to a first class outpatient facility and an urgent care will most likely not have any effect on heart attack victims. Full disclosure: I worked part time at SC hospital (pharmacist) until 2012. Two years ago I suffered a severe MI (heart attack) at home and am alive today because the paramedics stabilized and transported me directly to Mission where I was treated in the ER and sent immediately to the Cath Lab for clot removal and a stent. So perhaps I have a unique perspective on the issue.

Finance Director > Mike Reed

CONTRIBUTORS Megan Bianco Melissa Calvano Debra Holm Tim Trent

San Clemente Times, Vol. 11, Issue 8. The SC Times (www. sanclementetimes.com ) is published weekly by Picket Fence Media, publishers of the DP Times (www.danapointtimes. com) and The Capistrano tDispatch (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 2016. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

FOLLOW THE SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

MELINDA STONE, San Clemente

This is in response to Jim Kempton’s Feb. 18-24 Wavelengths column in the San Clemente Times on Nixon’s policies.

Page 10

(Cont. on page 11) www.sanclementetimes.com

SOAPBOX (Cont. from page 10) The viewpoints brought up are very interesting, but one point needs further elaboration: that of Nixon’s Environmental Policy. The definition of Environmental Protection Act policy has changed over the years. In former times (think Teddy Roosevelt) it meant conservation. That is very different from what today is defined as environmentalism. Conservationism was not extreme; it was based on proven empirical evidence and was for the greater good. That is the antithesis of what constitutes today’s environmentalism. Today what we have is extreme, not based on proven empirical evidence (the operative word being proven), and often does more harm than good. So the terms liberal or conservative (in the political sense) are less relevant to environmental policy than whether the policy represents true conservation of resources versus environmental activism with political agendas.

ARE URBAN DESIGN PROBLEMS IN OCEAN VIEW PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER A SECURITY PROBLEM? SEAN WATSON, San Clemente

Complaints are coming in regularly about homeless activities around the Stater Bros. shopping center, in San Clemente. Within a couple of days, the OCSD sheriff’s blotter showed disturbances, lewdness and aggressive behavior towards shoppers. This struck me as very odd, and I wanted to investigate what was happening. What I found were three fundamentally flawed issues in the center’s urban design. Could this be contributing to the site’s security problem? 1. The center’s geographical situation. The center sits in a geographically tough position and does nothing to account for it. Drivers going south down Camino De Los Mares from the freeway will see the 76 gas station, but it wraps around the corner and people basically miss the center that sits back and out of view. 2. Vacant restaurant next to the 76 station. From the opposite direction, they have just passed the Ocean View Plaza on the left and Krikorian Premier Theaters on the right and see a vacant building on the right corner, a Stater Bros. sign, a vacant

detached restaurant, the 76 gas station, but not the shopping center. The shopping center is essentially invisible to drivers. 3. The parking lot is a mess. So now you’ve entered the center’s parking lot. It is full of cars, but it lacks organization and intuition. The parking stalls are all pointed in the other direction. The stalls on the left are turned the opposite direction also. There are no one-way arrows on the asphalt to guide drivers, and it makes no sense to have a one-way aisle along one of the center’s main entrance arteries. Drivers coming from the opposite direction will find parking stalls tilted in their direction on the right, until rounding the corner, and will find the stalls in front of Stater Bros. turned the other direction. Effective shopping centers place objects like planters or walkways in their parking lots to create organization. The 76 station entrance also adds to the perception of sprawl and needs organization to delineate between the two. None of this is desirable. 4. The center is not inviting. Units in the shopping center sit under a dark, uninviting overhang. By sitting in close proximity to the parking stalls, shoppers are mainly seeing business signs and are unable to see the inside of businesses at eye level, hindered by shadows too. That is further compounded by uphill entrances to the center with the shops sitting in a trough. While urban design cannot totally explain the state of a shopping center’s security, it does play a major role in the probability of a retail business’s success. By maintaining a center that is unseen, disorganized and uninviting, the property managers are essentially inviting the consequences that come with it. In this case, it is a high volume of homeless activity and disturbances to shoppers. This in turn will discourage the likelihood of attracting more businesses to the center. The site is in a position to fail. To submit a letter to the editor for possible inclusion in the paper, e-mail us at letters@sanclementetimes. com. San Clemente 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. Please limit your letters to 350 words.

A view from above the Ocean View Plaza Shopping Center in San Clemente. Photo: Courtesy

San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

Page 11

SC GETTING OUT San Clemente

YOUR SEVEN-DAY EVENT PLANNER

The List

31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.

Tuesday | 01

What’s going on in and around town this week

COMPILED BY STAFF

Thursday | 25 CASA COOL: MAMBOP LATIN JAZZ BAND AND SALSA LESSON 7 p.m. Mambop is a high-energy Latin jazz band, performing Salsa music peppered with danceable Latin jazz. General admission is $25, and $20 for members. The event will include a salsa lesson with professional dance instructor Evie Quinones. Casa Romantica, 415 Avenida, Granada, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.

Friday | 26 FOUR CORNERS BAND 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Live music at Iva Lee’s. 555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855, www.ivalees.com. ELLIOT ON PIANO 7 p.m. Live music at The Cellar, 156 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com.

Saturday | 27 BUNNYPALOOZA Noon-3 p.m. In honor of Adopt-a-Rescued Rabbit month, the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter and Pet Project Foundation will be hosting Bunnypalooza, a rabbit adoption and education day. Rabbit adoptions will be $20 off. 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente, 949.492.1617, adoptabunny@live.com. GAMERZ 4 THE CURE 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Video game night on

EDITOR’S PICK The Revenant is up for Best Picture in this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. Photo: Twentieth Century Fox

SUNDAY, FEB. 28: OSCARS AT TALEGA GOLF CLUB 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 and includes hors d’oeuvres and two drinks. Pick Oscar winners, $5 per ballot or six for $25. Bid on vintage and faux apparel and other silent auction items. All proceeds from the event go to the Boys & Girls Club of South Coast Area. Tickets can be purchased online or by using PayPal. Write “Oscars” in the memo line. Talega Golf Club, 990 Avenida Talega, 949.374.4944 or 949.973.1673, www.bgcsca.org.

Sunday | 28

multiple gaming systems for teenagers to 25 years old. $5 suggested donation. 1050 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, 949.388.0114 ext. 205, www.communityoutreachalliance.com. DANA POINT SYMPHONY 7:30 p.m. The Dana Point Symphony Orchestra kicks off its four-concert 2016 season with conductor Dean Anderson and featuring Aya Kiyonaga on violin. Program includes Grieg’s “Two Elgiac Melodies,” Bedrich Smetana’s “Má Vlast Moldau” and Brahms’ “Violin Concerto” and “Hungarian Dances.” Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, seniors and military. Buy tickets online or at the door on a first come, first served basis. St. Edward’s Church, 33926 Calle La Primavera, Dana Point, www.danapointsymphony.com. CUBENSIS—TRIBUTE TO THE GRATEFUL DEAD 9:30 p.m. The show is 21 and over, $10 general admission. O C Tavern, 2369 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.

QUIET REFLECTION SANCTUARY Noon-1:30 p.m. Meditation, labyrinth, art as prayer and a light meal. It is not a traditional church service, but a chance to enjoy silence. Christ Lutheran Church, 35522 Camino Capistrano, San Clemente, 949.496.2621, www.clcsanclemente.org 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.

Monday | 29 COUNTRY DANCIN’ WITH PATRICK AND FRIENDS 6:30 p.m. Every Monday at The Swallow’s Inn with steak night and happy hour prices.

TINY TOTS: PARENT & ME PROGRAMS AT OCEAN INSTITUTE 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m. The Ocean Institute hosts a class for children ages 2 and 3 and their parents. Each session includes an activity and an animal encounter. $30 per class. Register online. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute. org/parentchild-programs.

Wednesday | 02 EASY FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH JANELLE WILEY 1 p.m. Floral designer Janelle Wiley will demonstrate how to create an easy floral arrangement and a more complex English garden basket. The meeting is free and open to the public. at St. Andrews By-the-Sea United Methodist Church, 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente, www.sanclementegardenclub.com.

UPCOMING THURSDAY, MARCH 3 WOLF DISCOVERY & RECOVERY 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Skie Bender of Wolf Haven International gives a presentation on wolves. Learn about behavior and communication, the differences and similarities of wolves and dogs, the importance of wolves in an ecosystem and the history and current status of wolves in California. San Clemente Library, 242 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3493, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sc. For our full calendar, visit the “Event Calendar” at www.sanclementetimes.com. Have an event? Send your listing to events@sanclementetimes.com

At the Movies: ‘The Witch’ Is the One BY MEGAN BIANCO, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

F

or the past few years, cinema has churned out some great atmospheric, slow-burn horror/ thriller indie flicks that have saved the film industry from completely selling out to superheroes. With the likes of Under the Skin, The Guest, It Follows and Ex Machina have been dazzling film fanatics, and newcomer Robert Eggers offers his own trippy experience with The Witch. A hit during the festival circuit throughout the past year, Eggers’ horror period piece is San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

the unusual must-see for this February. In 1640 New England, a family of English immigrants settle in the middle of a forest filled with tall trees and gray weather. Isolated from most of society, the family cares to its children and farm animals. While the eldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is watching over the baby, the youngest child is abducted into thin air. The parents, William (Ralph Ineson) and Katherine (Kate Dickie), wonder if there’s evil around the forest, while younger son Caleb (Harvey Scrimshaw) is curious of what’s beyond

the woods. Eggers wisely casts unknown actors for the family members and the movie benefits from the slow pacing and period detail, particularly the old English dialogue, with the actors not feeling out of place. The Witch does everything a quality arthouse feature should: create a unique universe, set a solid tone and theme, use distinctive direction and tell a story through aesthetics and atmosphere. For movie fans who want to see one of the creepiest horror movies since Crimson Peak, The Witch is the one. SC

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Photo: Courtesy of A24

www.sanclementetimes.com

EN ES PR D BY

Inside: maps, Schedules & more

TE

EVenT pROgRam

Welcome to the Migration Celebration BY JOHN TOMLINSON, MAYOR, CITY OF DANA POINT

On behalf of Dana Point, I welcome you to the 45th anniversary of the Dana Point Festival of Whales—one of our city’s marquee events showcasing all Dana Point has to offer. Dana Point is home to some of California’s most scenic vistas. In addition to whale watching boat excursions offered during the festival, these coastal perches are ideal locations to experience local marine wildlife and the annual California gray whale migration. A visit to the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area is a must. At the Headlands park, visitors will find our city’s nature interpretive center where you can learn more about the area’s natural history, local conservation efforts and the region’s flora and fauna. The Headlands park also has a network of trails providing access to one of the most scenic beaches in the state—Dana Strand. The annual celebration kicks-off Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m. with a parade down Pacific Coast Highway and fair at La Plaza Park. Joining the opening day festival lineup is the inaugural Cardboard Classic Dinghy Dash, a cardboard boat building contest, race and barbecue. Also on opening night, the city is hosting a viewing of Free Willy: Escape from Pirates Cove at Lantern Bay Park. Fun starts at 6:30 p.m. and the popcorn is free. This two-weekend extravaganza is full of activities for the whole family including kids’ fishing clinics, a sand sculpting competition, classic car displays, the educational Ocean Awareness Day, hidden treasure Diamond Dig and the ever-popular Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-off. Another festival highlight is Art in the Park—a showcase that sees local high school students display their artwork and marinefocused science projects alongside professional artists during the festival’s second weekend. Here, student teams will be creating a sidewalk chalk art display and, in an effort to utilize art to convey an important environmental message, they will construct a 9-foot-tall by 30-foot-wide gray whale rib cage and spine out of various plastic items to visually share the impact single-use plastics have on the ocean. The celebration concludes on Sunday, March 13 with the spectacular Concert on the Water featuring performances from The Eliminators, Sapadilla and Garratt Walkin & The Parrotheads. You can find a full list of events and attractions in the pages of this program. And while you are here, be sure to take advantage of the festival’s free shuttle service and water taxi. Again, on behalf of all of Dana Point, please enjoy the always fun-filled, educational and exciting Dana Point Festival of Whales!

Dana Hills High School students photograph and sketch wildlife on a whale watching trip to find inspiration for the Dana Point Festival of Whales logo contest. Photo: Allison Jarrell

Five years ago students took over. The Dana Point Festival of Whales logo that is. For years, the work of renowned artists decorated the annual celebration—artists like Wyland, known internationally for his marine art raising environmental conservation awareness, and the movie poster illustrator Phil Roberts, who designed posters for films like Bad News Bears, Austin Powers and Encino Man. California’s whale tail license plate codesigner, Bill Atkins, and the surf classic Endless Summer poster illustrator John VanHamersveld, too, have lent their talents to the festival’s logo. A new tradition arose in 2012 following the resurgence of a 1990s festival logo—a whale fluke, or tail, swimming amid a sea of colorful confetti. That year a bold logo with deep, vibrant shades of yellow, blue and red depicting a fluking whale against Dana Point’s famed Headlands welcomed guests. Its designer, Carver Moore, bested an impressive field of entries in the festival’s first logo design contest, a challenge featuring only student entries. The 2011 Dana Hills High School graduate became the first in a now-treasured festival tradition that sees local students vying for the ultimate, official logo, prize. This year’s winner is Camden Butterworth, a Dana Hills sophomore who utilized skills learned in her multi-media and design class to take her logo entry in an entirely different direction than past festival designs. “I wanted to go for a cartoonish look with smooth lines and lettering—a simple design that would be fun and different to look at,” she said. Her logo design, the official brand of the 45th

YoUtH in FOcuS Student-centric festival program fosters meaningful interaction with community

FIRST PLACE Camden Butterworth

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales • March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 • festivalofwhales.com

SECOND PLACE Anthony Aguilar

annual event, now appears on advertisements, event programs, online media and festival merchandise. “I’ve gone to the festival with my family growing up and last year some of my art was on display,” Butterworth said. “But to be this year’s logo designer is a huge honor. To have my logo be among all the famous artists who have done it in the past, as well as the student designs, is amazing.” Butterworth’s logo, along with those from runners-up Anthony Aguilar (second place), Agustina Cruz (third place), Chloe Gaynor (fourth place) and Fatemah Khanmohammadi (fifth place), will be on display throughout the festival’s Art in the Park event—an art-focused affair stretching both festival weekends featuring artwork from both local students and professionals. The student art program began in 2011 with Penny Elia, executive director of the festival, looking for ways to engage area youth in new and exciting ways. With the help of Natalie Hribar-Kelly, a digital photography and ceramics teacher at DHHS, the contest was born, and with it student participation in the festival’s Art in the Camden Butterworth, a sophomore Park showcase and an annual at Dana Hills High School, had her design chosen by Dana Point Festival field trip at sea for students to of Whales organizers as the official find inspiration. logo for the 45th annual event. Every year, students embark Photo: Andrea Swayne on the trip during the heart of the California gray whale migration season to view the mammals in their natural habitat. Sketchbooks and cameras in hand they draw marine life and snap images of their surroundings. Ninety fine arts students attended the first year. Interest among both students and teachers has grown exponentially since. This January, more than 200 students and eight teachers from the

THIRD PLACE Agustina Cruz

FOURTH PLACE Chloe Gaynor

FIFTH PLACE Fatemah Khanmohammadi 3

school’s English, science, math, theater and culinary arts departments boarded whale watching vessels provided by Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching and Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari to observe and work on curriculum created for the outing. Incorporating STEM subjects—science, technology, English and math—together with the arts to form a STEAM-based educational experience was the perfect way to satisfy the growing interest among teachers and students, Hribar-Kelly said. Elia agreed. The expansion fulfills one of the festival’s core missions: to involve and educate the entire community and highlight the talent of the city’s next generation of leaders. “Everybody’s heard of STEM as an educational focus, but art is the way to open minds,” Elia said. “It is our responsibility as adults to mentor the next generation and I think the festival gives us a good platform to do that, across all academic subjects. And the festival will now have a whole lineup of student-created entertainment stemming, or should I say ‘STEAMing’ from the original logo program.” Just as the field trip has expanded, so too has student festival participation. Students have displayed their artwork alongside professionals at Art in the Park for the last five years. New in 2016, students will not only showcase their art, they will also be creating it. Fine arts students will create sidewalk chalk art during the festival’s second weekend. Marine biology students, too, will fashion art. Using only single-use plastics, students will construct a whale sculpture to visually

convey the negative effect such materials, and their pollution, have on the oceans and marine life. This life-sized spine and rib cage—standing 9-feet-tall and 30-feetwide—will be large enough for guests to walk through. “We used currents to understand the current situation of plastic pollution in the ocean,” said environmental science teacher Randy Hudson of his students’ studies. “We don’t see it because it gets kind of entrained in these larger-scale currents offshore … We’re learning about how we are finding whales with plastic in their gut and chemical effects in their blood.” Students will share what they’ve learned through observations of currents, waves and tides—physical factors of the ocean— and how those, along with pollution, effect the biological ocean inhabitants. Dana Hills’ involvement doesn’t end there. Along with the longtime participation of the marching band in the festival parade, an estimated 15 percent of the school’s 2,700 student body—about 400 students— will be involved in the event. In years past, culinary students faced off against local eateries and organizations in the Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook-off and baked goods for various festival events. “What’s really exciting about this year’s expansion is that we’ve created this really well-rounded program that reaches all kinds of kids, with varied interests, and gives them new opportunities to interact with each other and the community in a very meaningful way,” said Rhibar-Kelly. —Andrea Papagianis. Andrea Swayne and Allison Jarrell contributed to this story.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

KeEpiNg The FEsTivAL cLeAn, GreEN The Dana Point Festival of Whales brings thousands together each spring to celebrate the Pacific Ocean and the California gray whales’ migration from Baja California lagoons to the Bering Sea. This four-decade-long, ocean-friendly tradition is rooted in environmental awareness, education and fun. To guarantee that guests for generations to come have the same opportunity to observe and learn about the region’s marine life, festival organizers ask all participating sponsors, exhibitors and guests to be stewards of the ocean—both while enjoying the festival’s merriment and when they return home. Sponsors, exhibitors and participants

have been keeping the festival’s location—right at the water’s edge—in mind when planning events for years. In doing so, guests will likely not find balloons, stickers, temporary tattoos, flyers, singleuse plastics and other items that could find their way into the ocean. Festival-goers are also asked to do their part to keep the festival, and local ecosystem, green and clean. A simple way to reduce your impact is to pack a reusable water bottle. Drinking fountains are conveniently located throughout the Dana Point Harbor. Learn more about how you can have a positive impact on the environment during Ocean Awareness Day—Sunday, March 6—at Baby Beach.

SAVE ENVIRONMENT, CASH WITH MASS TRANSIT TRAVEL In the spirit of conservation, the Dana Point Festival of Whales, Orange County Transportation Authority and Metrolink have once again teamed up to help guests celebrate the California gray whale migration with an affordable, hassle-free and environmentally-friendly means of travel. Throughout both festival weekends OCTA and Metrolink are offering a $10 weekend day pass—valid for system-wide travel all day Saturday or Sunday. To get to the festival, riders can travel to the San Juan Capistrano train station on Metrolink’s OC Line and transfer to an OCTA Route 91 bus headed south to Dana Point. Festivalgoers can also bike from San Juan to Dana Point by way of the San Juan Creek trail. This 3-mile trail leads to Doheny State Beach. Weekend day passes, providing roundtrip transportation and transfers all-day Saturday and Sunday, are available at Metrolink ticket machines. Log on to www.octa.net/whales for full festival-transit schedules. In addition to enjoying traffic-free festival travel, masstransit riders can also receive special offers during the festival by showing their Metrolink ticket, OCTA bus pass or 91 Express Lanes transponder.

HERE ARE THE FOLLOWING EXCLUSIVE OFFERS: BOAT RENTALS

Be your own captain and cruise the harbor on a 21-foot 6

electric boat from Vintage Marina Partners. Receive 50 percent off your rental. Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Minimum one-hour rental fee required. Reserve by calling 949.496.6177.

PARKING

DINING AND DRINK SPECIALS

• Buy one premium coffee beverage at The Coffee Importers, located in the Dana Point Harbor’s Mariners Village on the water’s edge, and receive a second one free. • Snag a seat in Harpoon Henry’s spacious dining room with panoramic harbor views to receive your complimentary chef’s choice appetizer with an entrée purchase. One per table. • Enjoy a free side salad with each sandwich purchase at the dockside eatery, Proud Mary’s Restaurant. • Receive a free house appetizer of the chef’s choosing with the purchase of an entrée at Wind & Sea Restaurant. Limit one per table.

OVERNIGHT STAYS

Don’t miss a minute of the action! Enjoy a weekend getaway in the heart of the harbor with a special $79 a night rate at the Dana Point Marina Inn. Reservations required. Mention the OCTA/Metrolink rate when booking. Call 800.255.6843 or email info@danapointmarinainn.com.

WATER TAXI RIDES

Take in the sights and sounds of the festival aboard a harbor water taxi from Dana Wharf to the Ocean Institute for just $3 roundtrip. Taxi service runs daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHALE WATCHING EXCURSIONS

TraVEliNg ABoUt tHe fEStiVAl

Receive a 50-percent discount off a whale watching trip with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Reservations are required. Confirm your trip by calling 949.496.5764 or by visiting www.danawharf.com.

Parking is free at the Dana Point Harbor but is limited to four hours. Heed this warning: the restriction is strictly enforced by sheriff ’s deputies. All-day, and hourly, paid parking is available at Doheny State Beach for a discount rate of $1 per hour. Kiosks are located in the park’s lots and the iPhone and Android app, PassportParking Mobile Pay, allows guests to pay and add time with their phone.

SHUTTLE A free shuttle will run throughout the Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach parking lots each day of the festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shuttle will service multiple stops along Dana Point Harbor Drive to help festivalgoers get from one area of the festival to another. PARADE and STREET FAIR: On Saturday, March 5, shuttle services begin at 9 a.m. offering guests rides from the harbor and Doheny State Beach to the parade viewing area. The shuttle will continue service from noon to 4 p.m. to and from harbor and Doheny parking lots to La Plaza Park where the Street Fair is held. WHALE OF A CONCERT: On Sunday, March 15, shuttle services will be extended to 6 p.m. through the Whale of a Concert conclusion.

WATER TAXI Guests can travel from harbor end to end on the Festival of Whales water taxi—an educational ride featuring interesting facts about Dana Point and gray whales. Daily taxi service will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute. Roundtrip tickets cost $5.

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales • March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 • festivalofwhales.com

EveNt ScHedULe WEEKEND ONE

MARCH 5–6

WEEKEND TWO

MARCH 12–13

SATURDAY MARCH 5

SUNDAY MARCH 6

SATURDAY MARCH 12

SUNDAY MARCH 13

6 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village

15 WHALE OF A SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Baby Beach

16 WHALE OF A BEACH CLEANUP 9 a.m.–Noon Doheny State Beach

6 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village

1 FESTIVAL OF WHALES PARADE 10 a.m. Pacific Coast Highway 15 CARDBOARD CLASSIC DINGHY DASH & EXPO 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach 3 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Ocean Adventure Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 13 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 2 STREET FAIR 10 a.m.–3 p.m. La Plaza Park 11 SO CAL WOODIES 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor walkway 11 THE LEGENDARY CORVETTE 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 12 ART IN THE PARK 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 9 JEFFREY ADAM MEMORIAL SAILING REGATTA 11:15 a.m. Dana Point Yacht Club 15 WHALE OF A BBQ 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 10 HARBOR MUSIC SERIES Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 5 WHALE’S TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE 12:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute 8 WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER 2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway 3 DRONE AND GO PRO DEMO 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching 14 MOVIE IN THE PARK FREE WILLY: ESCAPE FROM PIRATES COVE 6:30 p.m. Lantern Bay Park 5 OCEAN INSTITUTE – OCEAN EDUCATION CENTER Open daily during the festival 10 a.m–4 p.m.

4 LILY: A GRAY WHALE TRIBUTE 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari 16 WHALE WALK PAINTING 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Doheny State Beach 6 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village 3 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Ocean Adventure Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock 13 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s 7 SAILING & STAND-UP PADDLING CLINIC 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 11 SO CAL WOODIES 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 11 THE LEGENDARY CORVETTE 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway 12 ART IN THE PARK 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 15 OCEAN AWARENESS DAY 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 15 DIAMOND DIG 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Baby Beach 15 WHALE OF A RUBBER DUCKY DERBY 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Baby Beach 15 WHALE OF A BBQ 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Baby Beach Park 10 HARBOR MUSIC SERIES Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 3 KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP Noon–12:30 p.m.; 12:45–5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks 8 WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER 2 p.m. Blue Lantern Street/Pacific Coast Highway 3 DRONE AND GO PRO DEMO 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales • March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 • festivalofwhales.com

6 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Harbor walkway near Mariners Village

3 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Ocean Adventure Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock

3 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Ocean Adventure Catamaran, Dana Wharf Dock

13 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s

13 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Harpoon Henry’s

11 BRITISH INVASION 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway

15 5TH ANNUAL CLAM CHOWDER COOK OFF 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Baby Beach Park

7 SAILING & STAND-UP PADDLING CLINIC 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center

11 BRITISH INVASION 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Harbor Walkway

12 ART IN THE PARK 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive

7 SAILING & STAND-UP PADDLING CLINIC 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Westwind Sailing, OC Sailing & Event Center 12 ART IN THE PARK 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive 4 CAPTAIN DAVE’S CARNIVAL Noon–2 p.m. Dolphin Deck near Baby Beach

16 MOBILE MARINE MAMMAL MUSEUM 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Doheny State Beach Visitor Center 10 HARBOR MUSIC SERIES Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village 15 CONCERT ON THE WATER Noon–5 p.m. Baby Beach

10 HARBOR MUSIC SERIES Noon–3 p.m. Dana Wharf, Mariners Village

15 WHALE OF A CONCERT BBQ AND SPIRITS GARDEN Noon–5 p.m. Baby Beach

5 WHALE’S TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE 12:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Ocean Institute

3 KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP Noon–12:30 p.m.; 12:45–5:15 p.m. Dana Wharf Docks

3 DRONE AND GO PRO DEMO 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

3 DRONE AND GO PRO DEMO 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

9 DRONES OVER WHALES & DOLPHINS 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Dana Point Yacht Club

5 OCEAN INSTITUTE – OCEAN EDUCATION CENTER Open daily during the festival 10 a.m–4 p.m.

WHALE WATCHING Whale watching excursions are available every day of the festival at these Dana Point businesses

CAPTAIN DAVE’S DOLPHIN & WHALE WATCHING SAFARI

24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, dolphinsafari.com

DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING 34675 Golden Lantern, 800.979.3370, danawharf.com

OCEAN INSTITUTE

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, ocean-institute.org 7

EveNtS & ATtRacTIonS Diamond Dig

# = Event location; See map on page 6.

DIAMOND DIG March 6; 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Ahoy Mate! Come dressed in your pirate best to loot buried treasures in the Baby Beach sands. Riches include jewelry, toys and more. Entry into this Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club hosted event costs $10 per child. All proceeds benefit local children’s charities. 15

Arts and Culture ART IN THE PARK March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Regional artists and students from Dana Hills High School will display their unique paintings, ceramics, photography and more at the corners of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. Live entertainment all day. 12 DANA POINT FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION SHOW & SALE March 5, 6, 12, 13; 9:30 a.m.– 5 p.m. A walk along the Harbor Boardwalk— along the Mariner’s Village boat docks and near The Coffee Importers—sees the work of local award-winning artists on display. Peruse or purchase watercolors, oil paintings and more. A portion of the nonprofit’s festival proceeds will benefit local high school students. 6 WALKING TOUR OF TOWN CENTER March 5, 6; 2 p.m. Join the Historical Society on a tour of Dana Point’s notable downtown to hear stories of the city’s origin, buildings, homes and landmarks built from 1924 to 1939. Meet your guide at the Blue Lantern Café—Coastal Kitchen—at 34091 Pacific Coast Highway. For group reservations, call 949.248.8121. 8

Cardboard Classic and Sailing Regatta CARDBOARD CLASSIC DINGHY DASH March 5; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Experience the exhilaration of racing your own watercraft. Dinghy Dash teams will work all morning long designing and building their crafts from just cardboard and duct tape before competing in age divisions in the afternoon. $25 per team. Materials supplied. Inaugural event includes vendor booths, barbecue and more. 15 JEFFREY ADAM MEMORIAL SAILING REGATTA March 5 Dana Point’s yacht clubs, sailing schools and Sea Scouts come together to honor Jeffrey Adam, a local 22-year-old who died from a rare bacterial meningitis, with his favorite pastime—sailing. Dinghy sailors of all ages are welcome. Spectator cruises, lasting 80 minutes, are open to the public. They depart at 11:15 a.m., noon and 1:15 p.m. 9

Captain Dave’s Whale Watching and More DRONES OVER WHALES & DOLPHINS March 12; 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Discover how innovative drone technology is helping local marine experts learn more about dolphins and whales than ever before and see how the aerial tools can be helpful in entanglement rescues. 9 8

Doheny State Beach MOBILE MARINE MAMMAL MUSEUM March 13; 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Gain an appreciation for the sea’s creatures at this display of marine mammal artifacts at the Doheny State Beach Visitors Center. Free, one-hour parking is available at the state beach for mobile museum visitors. 16

Diamond Dig LILY: A GRAY WHALE TRIBUTE March 6; 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Capt. Dave Anderson welcomes guests aboard his 62-foot research and rescue vessel Lily—named for a gray whale who became entangled—to the public for a free tour, lecture and signing of Anderson’s book—“Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey.” 4 UNDER THE SEA CARNIVAL March 12; Noon–2 p.m. All members of the pod are invited to experience an under the sea adventure on land. Join Capt. Dave for an afternoon of educational fun complete with games, crafts, prizes, facing painting and an underwater simulation at the Dolphin Deck. 4

Classic Car Displays BRITISH INVASION March 12, 13; 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Britain’s greatest 1960s exports, aside from James Bond and The Beatles, classic sports cars are on display along the Harbor walkway. View AustinHealey, Jaguar, Morgan and Triumph sports cars up close throughout the weekend. 11 SO CAL WOODIES March 5, 6; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Meet loyal owners of California’s quintessential cars who preserve a piece of the state’s rich surf culture history. The National Woodie Club’s area branch presents wood-paneled, chrome-finished Fords, Buicks and more along the Harbor walkway. 11 THE LEGENDARY VETTE March 5, 6; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Chevrolet’s iconic American homegrown sports car, the Corvette, stars in this Harbor walkway display. Pacific Coast Corvettes presents the car that has captured enthusiasts and casual drivers for seven model generations. 11

Dana Wharf Whale Watching and More DRONE AND GOPRO DEMO March 5, 6, 12, 13; 2p.m.–4:30 p.m. Learn how Dana Wharf’s crew operates drones safely and respectfully to capturing stunning images and videos of local marine wildlife during a 2.5-hour whale watching excursion. 3 KIDS FISHING CLINIC AND TRIP March 6, 13; Noon– 12:30 p.m. Young guests will learn how to cast, catch and reel in fish from local experts at this dockside clinic. A free fishing trip, including equipment, for kids 12 and under will follow from 12:45 p.m.–5:15 p.m. Adults are $46 plus license and equipment. 3 MARINE MAMMAL LECTURE SERIES March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.–11 a.m. Local marine biologists and guest experts share recent findings on marine life at this continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s. Lectures are free. A 2.5-hour whale watching trip is offered right after. Whale watching tickets are $55 for adults and $35 for children and seniors. Speakers include: Lei Lani Stelle (March 5); Doug Thompson (March 6); Kirsten Donald (March 12); and Todd Mansur (March 13). 13 WYLAND ART LESSONS IN THE WILD March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.–10:45 a.m. Learn how renowned wildlife artist Wyland creates his paintings and sculptures at this dockside video presentation and art lesson. Kids can enter their artwork to be judged by Wyland for a grand prize. Cost is $5 per child. Participants receive a free same-day whale watching excursion with paid adult ticket for $45. 3

WHALE OF A BEACH CLEANUP March 12; 9 a.m.–noon Toast to the coast and help keep a treasured California locale pristine by lending a hand in this annual cleanup of Doheny State Beach. Meet at lifeguard headquarters to learn how you can do your part to maintain coastal resources all yearround. Bring work gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket. Free shuttle available from harbor. 16 WHALE WALK PAINTING March 6; 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Help add a 75-foot long fin whale mural to Doheny’s whale walk—featuring life-sized paintings of the world’s largest mammals: the gray, blue, humpback and orca whales. Call the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association for more information at: 949.544.4627. 16

Food Fun WHALE OF A BBQ March 5 & 6; 11:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. Barbecued hot dogs, hamburgers and other treats will be served. Stand will be set up adjacent to Baby Beach. 15 WHALE OF A CLAM CHOWDER COOK-OFF March 12; 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Festival-goers, prepare your taste buds. Local eateries and clubs are battling it out in a clam chowder throw down benefitting the nonprofit organization Fish for Life that takes children with special needs on fishing excursions. So stop by, sample each entry and vote for your favorite. Cost is $10. There will also be a beer & wine garden available to guests 21 and over. 15 WHALE OF A CONCERT BBQ March 13; Noon–5 p.m. Enjoy barbecued favorites on the sands of Baby Beach while local bands take to the floating stage to close out the 45th annual Festival of Whales. Barbecue includes a spirits’ garden for guests over 21. Valid driver’s license must be presented. 15 (Cont. on page 10)

45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales • March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 • festivalofwhales.com

EveNtS & ATtRacTIonS (Cont. from page 8)

Movie in the Park FREE WILLY: ESCAPE FROM PIRATES COVE March 5; 6:30 p.m. The city of Dana Point hosts an outdoor screening of the latest Free Willy installment at Lantern Bay Park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner for this night under the stars. Free popcorn. Beverages and snacks available for purchase. 14

Music HARBOR MUSIC SERIES March 5, 6, 12, 13; Noon–3 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Association presents live entertainment in the Dana Wharf Courtyard and grassy area near Mariner’s Village throughout the festival. 10 CONCERT ON THE WATER March 13; Noon–5 p.m. Close out the year’s Festival of Whales with live music and dancing at Baby Beach. Local bands take the floating stage all day long. A barbecue and a spirits’ garden for guests 21 and older round out the celebration. Line-up includes: an opening from Molly Bergman, then old school surf from The Eliminators at noon; reggae from Sapadilla at 1:30 p.m.; and a Jimmy Buffet tribute from and Garratt Walkin & The Parrotheads starting at 3:30 p.m. 15

Ocean Awareness Day OCEAN AWARENESS DAY March 6; 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The Dana Point Harbor Association presents interactive displays, demonstrations and live entertainment highlighting area environmental programs and ocean-related issues. Event is located at Baby Beach. 15

Ocean Institute Whale Watching and More WHALE’S TALE TALLSHIP SAILING ADVENTURE March 5, 12; 12:15 p.m. From “devil fish” to “friendliest whale” travel through time to discover how man’s perceptions of the gray whale have changed. Then, set out to sea aboard a historic tallship to gain insights into humans’ evolving relationship with the ocean. 5

Parade FESTIVAL OF WHALES PARADE March 5; 10 a.m. Thousands of local participants open the 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales in a lively parade along Pacific Coast Highway to celebrate the gray whales’ “Magical Migration” with floats, giant balloons, horses, vintage 10

cars, bands and more. Route travels PCH south from Selva Road to Golden Lantern. Free shuttle available from Harbor to parade viewing area. This year’s grand marshal is the comedian and actress Rita Rudner. 1

Rubber Ducky Derby WHALE OF A RUBBER DUCKY DERBY March 6; 11 a.m.–2 p.m. The Dana Point Women’s Club puts a fun spin on a classic rubber ducky race. Cost is $6 per duck or $10 for two. Funds go toward children’s summer programming at the Dana Point Library. Prizes awarded to first, second and third place. 15

Sand Sculpting Fun WHALE OF A SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION March 6; Sculpting begins, 8 a.m.; Judging, 2:30 p.m. Bring your buckets, sculpting tools and imagination to Baby Beach to create ocean creatures, pirates, woodies and more in this annual contest hosted by OC Parks. Twenty plots available. No entry fee. 15

Sailing and Paddling SAILING RIDES March 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Take to harbor waters and learn how to steer and sail a Carpi 14 on these half-hour educational sessions. Cost $15 per boat with a three-person maximum. Proceeds benefit the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation’s at-risk youth and adaptive-boating programs. 7 STAND-UP PADDLING CLINICS March 5, 6, 12, 13; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Experience the SUP craze firsthand during these 45-minute on-the-water clinics. $10 per person. For participants ages 12 and up—12 to 14 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Lifejackets are provided. 7

Street Fair FESTIVAL OF WHALES STREET FAIR March 5; 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit La Plaza Park after the parade for the fun-filled Whales and Tails Wag-athon and fair hosted by the Pet Project Foundation and Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. Event includes: live entertainment, food trucks, carnival games, more than 70 booths, a pet costume parade, farmers market and more. Free shuttles are available both to and from the Harbor. 2 *All events are dependent on weather.

Photo: Allison Jarrell

WhALe wATcHinG Traveling day and night, the California gray whale makes one of the mammal world’s longest annual migrations. The more than 10,000-mile, roundtrip migration see the species travel from the icy waters of the Bering and Chukchi seas to the warm lagoons of Baja California each fall and returning in spring. During the peak springtime travel, 40 to 50 of these majestic mammals pass by Dana Point each day using the famed 200-foot Headland’s cliffs as a migratory-path landmark. Visitors can head out on a maritime excursion with Captain Dave, Dana Wharf and the Ocean Institute throughout the 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales to learn more about the gray whales’ migration and other local marine life from knowledgeable captains, naturalists and researchers. Gray whales, dolphins and more can also be experienced by land from the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area. The park includes a three-mile public trail system with scenic overlooks and beach access.

Dana Wharf Whale Watching

34675 Golden Lantern, 800.979.3370, danawharf.com Climb aboard a family-owned Dana Wharf vessel to experience Orange County’s original whale watching with expert captains and certified naturalists detailing the gray whales’ movements. These 2-hour excursions depart each hour on the hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Price is $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and military members, $29 for children 3-12 and free for kids under 2. Special 8 a.m. trips, 4 p.m. sunset cruises and catamaran adventures offered throughout the festival’s two weekends. The Dana Wharf marine mammal “rain check” ensures a good show of whales and dolphins or the next trip is free.

Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.488.2828, dolphinsafari.com See what it’s like to swim with dolphins and whales aboard one of Captain Dave’s hitech catamarans, featuring eye-spy dolphin nets and state-of-the-art research equipment. On the catamaran sailboat, enter the eye-to-eye viewing pod, hear dolphins below the surface and explore marine artifacts in the micro-museum. Safaris are never crowded with just 49 guests, and are all topped with a special treat—Mrs. Capt. Dave’s triple fudge brownies. Tickets for these 2.5-hour trips are $65 per adult, $45 for children 1 to 12 and $20 for infants. Departure times vary. Call or visit Capt. Dave’s website to book tickets.

Ocean Institute

24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, ocean-institute.org Join the Ocean Institute’s skilled and expert crew on a 2.5-hour cruise aboard the marine educational vessel, R/V Sea Explorer, to glimpse into the mysterious world of the whales and dolphins that call Pacific waters home. These 2.5-hour learning-adventure trips are offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. throughout the festival. Each sea excursion includes hands-on learning activities for kids onboard. Trip cost is $45 for adults, $35 for seniors and military members, $25 for children 4-14 and free for children 3 and under. Weekend admission to the institute is included with each ticket purchase.

Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center

34558 Scenic Drive, 949.542-4755, danapoint.org Walk along this bluff-top preserve’s three-miles of trails to view marine-mammal migrations from above. The Dana Point Headlands offers coastal switchback trails from Dana Point Harbor to Dana Strand Beach complete with sweeping panoramic views and remote desert landscape. The Nature Interpretive Center is open each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Trails are accessible from 7 a.m. to sunset daily. 45th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales • March 5-6 & 12-13, 2016 • festivalofwhales.com

“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” —John Muir BY RANDY HUDSON, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE TEACHER AT DANA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

The SEa Is CalLInG anD we MUsT liStEN Our choices, no matter how small, have an impact on our environment

Top: Randy Hudson, an environmental science teacher at Dana Hills High School and past recipient of Capistrano Unified School District’s “Teacher of the Year” award, instructs students on an annual field-study trip to Baja California. Courtesy photo Above: With a lift from its mother, a young California gray whale gets close to a panga boat in Ojo de Liebre—or Scammon’s Lagoon—located in Mexico’s Baja California Sur about 450 miles south of Tijuana. Photo: Randy Hudson

This year, the National Park Service celebrates its centennial—100 years of conservation that sprung from a novel but powerful idea: to protect wildlife and habitat for future generations. This idea may have started in America but has since morphed into a global effort to establish parklands and legislate on behalf of endangered species. It has even blossomed into entirely new fields of study. One of the sentinels of this early movement was John Muir—an author, naturalist and environmental philosopher—who had an uncanny beat on how the natural world functioned and an understanding that everything in the universe is ultimately connected. Nearly 150 years ago, Charles Scammon sailed past Dana Point in his initial pursuit of the gray whales to their Baja California, Mexico nursery grounds in Ojo de Liebre. The result of this voyage, and more in the following years, decimated the east Pacific population as whalers effectively removed two generations of whales from the oceans in less than a decade. Numbers remained low for the next century when, in the spirit of conservation, the United States enacted the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This federal legislation, coupled with the protection of the gray whales’ nursery grounds in Baja, has had a profoundly positive impact on the species. Census counts performed in the same lagoons that once ran red, boast record numbers of gray whale adults and calves for the last three years. Having ventured to the famed Scammon’s Lagoon twice in recent years to interact with the whales has proven to be an amazing experience for my family. Here, mothers proudly display their young calves to eager onlookers, often swimming alongside panga boats and occasionally propping their calf upward where watchers may be introduced to the new addition. My children regale as they recount their own interactions and are gifted with memories I hope will last well into their adult lives.

This month we celebrate the 45th annual Dana Point Festival of Whales, an interpretive-education event which shares in the same spirit of conservation. We mark the return of the gray whales as they venture north from the lagoons of Baja to the Bering Sea, and more symbolically a return from their drastically low numbers. It’s a success story that we use to remind ourselves of where we once were, how we recognized the folly of our ways and rectified the issue. But did we? Gray Whales may no longer be hunted in North America, but they still face a formidable foe—us. They migrate more than 10,000 miles annually through an ocean in transition, one being altered by human activity and thus continues to present more obstacles to their survival. Issues of plastic pollution are an example. Single use plastic items of convenience enter our oceans on the order of millions of tons per year and are turning up in carcasses of wildlife from fish to birds to gray whales. The synthetic estrogen-like compounds that adhere to both the ingested plastic and subsequently the whale’s blubber have the power to render a species extinct by effectively sterilizing its reproductive system. Recent studies show the sheer volume of the non-biodegradable, prey-like debris outnumbers plankton on the order of 10 to 1. And that’s just plastic. Human induced climate change is warming the surface waters, altering the pH of our oceans and redistributing organisms and the food they require to survive. Unfortunately, these impacts are the obvious ones to list. One must think on the level of John Muir to identify those minute and obscure connections in order to truly grasp the magnitude of this new reality. So, as we celebrate the return of the California gray whales and feel the inspiration that many have experienced over the years to make a positive impact on their lives, perhaps we should focus on making changes to our own lives first.

A Community Tradition Festival marks 45 years of education, celebration The California gray whale landed on the endangered species list in the early 1970s. Around the same time, Don Hansen—a local captain running whale watching trips for high school students—moved his small sportfishing company from the San Clemente Pier to the not-yet-opened Dana Point Harbor. After years of heavy hunting by the native peoples in Alaska and Serbia, the gray whale population dwindled—nearing extinction. The National Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act worked to change that. The acts established safeguards to protect the whales’ more than 5,000-mile migration corridor— from the Bering Sea to Baja California Sur. The Mexican government, too, took action and gave sanctuary status to the lagoons whales migrate to each winter. The population grew over the next two decades. In 1994, with an estimated population of 21,000, the California gray whale was removed from the endangered list. It was the first marine being to be delisted.

During this time, Dana Point became the West’s whale watching epicenter. Hansen’s harbor move brought about the founding of Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. To celebrate the company’s opening, Hansen and late Orange County and Dana Point historian Doris Walker launched the first—and unnamed— Dana Point Festival of Whales. One year saw the festival really get off the ground. The festival and gray whale population are symbiotically linked—each growing with the passing years.

“Gray whales are exceeding expectations. Every year we see record after record being set in terms of population,” said Donna Kalez, Hansen’s daughter and general manager of Dana Wharf, who sits on the festival’s governing committee. “It is super exciting. Awareness of whales and dolphins is at the highest it has ever been. It is something to be proud of. Dana Point can be proud of the awareness it has brought to whales and dolphins.” From humble beginnings, the festival has transformed into a two-weekend educa-

tional event. It has maintained its origins, however. This festival is grassroots—both organized and executed by the community, for the community. Each day, each event, members of the local fold help make this festival possible. The city of Dana Point kicks the celebration off with a parade down Pacific Coast Highway—a hallmark event that sees hundreds of residents, students and organizations take part. Right after the parade, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and Pet Project Foundation welcome guests to the annual street fair at La Plaza Park. Throughout the festival local organizations such as the Dana Point Historical Society, Dana Point Fine Arts Association, Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club, Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, Fish for Life, Ocean Institute, Dana Point Harbor Association, Dana Point Women’s Club, Mariner Sea Scouts, Dana Point Aquatic Foundation, Orange County Parks, City of Dana Point, and more host events for the whole family. “We call it “festival synergy”—the working together of two or more things to produce a result greater than the sum of their individual effects,” said Penny Elia, executive director of the Festival of Whales. “Local organizations don’t just work on their own event, they interact with each other and create an incomparable synergy that can be seen and felt not only throughout the two weekends but during the year-long planning process for this huge event.”

SHOP & DINE DANA POINT HARBOR

SC SC LIVING San Clemente

PROFILES OF OUR COMMUNITY

Business Beat

Painting Encapsulates San Clemente History

News from San Clemente’s business community BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

30-Year Anniversary UNIVERSAL PRESS PRINTING & COPY CENTER 934 Calle Negocio, Suite A, 949.498.1070, www.universalpress.net Thirty years in San Clemente has made Universal Press Printing & Copy Center a fixture of the community. Mary and her father moved to San Clemente in 1986 and opened the press shop shortly thereafter. Their first location was on El Camino Real. They relocated in 1989 and had one of the first businesses in what is now known as the Talega business district. Her mother, Phyllis Johnson, has also been involved in the business for a long time. The Johnsons attribute their longevity to “good customer service and just being in the community for more than 30 years,” Mary said, adding she was part of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and that the family has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club over the years. After her father died in 2001, Mary’s son Ben Straley took his place in the family business by helping out with accounting and bookkeeping. Although they started with large off-set printing presses, Universal Press has had to adjust with changing technology. Today, a lot of their services revolve around graphic design and digital proofs—work that is shown to the client. “When we started, there were not color copiers, and now we can do same-day service,” Straley said. As far as delivery, however, Mary said she still enjoys bringing customers their packages and orders in person to maintain the community feel rather than overnight shipping. One of their pressmen has been with the business for 18 years. Mary said her favorite part of the business is being able to be creative.

Mary Johnson and her son Ben Straley stand next to one of their original printing presses at Universal Press Printing & Copy Center. Photo: Eric Heinz

San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

Artist creates rendering of city’s iconic culture BY ERIC HEINZ, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

W

Sam Cimino, owner, and Lara Hadjokas, manager, of Mama Cimino’s Surfside Pizza in San Clemente pose with one of their 20-inch pizzas. Photo: Eric Heinz

New Ownership, Name MAMA CIMINO’S SURFSIDE PIZZA 216 Avenida Vaquero, 949.498.3400, www.mamaciminospizza.com The owners of Mama Cimino’s Surfside Pizza, Sam and Pete Cimino have established their own piece of their family’s legacy in San Clemente. “We’re from the old school,” Sam Cimino said. “We’ve been doing this since we established in 1976, back in Rockville, Illinois, when my family came over from Sicily. My uncle Frank got married to a Rockford girl and called all his brothers and sisters and said there was work over here.” The family slowly emigrated to the U.S., and as they all found work the relatives would cater to the factories in which they worked. The food became popular, and they realized they could make money in the restaurant industry. Although Mama Cimino’s retains its founder’s name, there are 38 Cimino family restaurants in the U.S. “My dad and my uncles kept it where we (advertise with) fliers,” Sam said. “We’ll go door-to-door and to the businesses, look them in the face and say ‘Please, give us a try.’” There are other items in addition to the pizzas, including calzones, wings, Stromboli, salads and more. The cheese from the pizza comes from Wisconsin in order to keep the recipe consistent, Sam said. “Meeting people and seeing their faces when they like our food, it’s always nice to see happy customers,” Sam said. “The thing is about San Clemente is it feels like a Midwest town in Southern California; everyone is so nice here.” SC

hile driving toward the ocean from Interstate 5 on Avenida Pico, you may see some of San Clemente’s history emblazoned on a large canvas. Artist Randi Goud, owner of Signs by Creations Unlimited, recently created a piece that includes much of San Clemente’s treasured history. “I’ve been working with the clients, the owners of the Pico Pavilion, since about two years ago,” said Goud. “Sometimes it’s hard to get a mural like this to (get completed), so it’s really a gift to the city (when) someone wants to invest and hire a professional artist to take the time to execute that type of work.” In the historical piece, Goud said she worked with the San Clemente Historical Society and was able to peruse historical photos, which included the Ole Hanson

Page 29

Randi Goud, the artist behind the mural located on the backside of Hanson’s Market in the Pico Pavilion, said it took about two years to get a design approved by the city, but when the final product was complete it became an encompassing historic piece. Photo: Eric Heinz

Beach Club, unknown artists who are “unsung heroes” in the community, a 1932 Graham muscle car and more. The woman in the foreground was painted using Goud’s face as inspiration. Because the mural is big enough to be a significant piece of art within San Clemente, officials from the city had to give it the final thumps up, Goud said. The artists employed for the piece were Tierney Moses, San Clemente; Meghann Bell Nelsen, San Clemente; Lee Yarza, Long Beach; and “Surfin’ JoeMac” of Long Beach. Volunteers who contributed were Monte Livingston, Frederic Nelsen, Rick Goud, John Goud and Tallulah Aurora Dubois. “I was lucky to have some really great assistants,” Randi said. The mural is located on the back of 415 E. Avenida Pico. SC

Scout Pack 712 visited the San SCENE Cub Clemente Times on Friday, Feb. 18 to { IN SAN CLEMENTE }

see what it’s like to put a newspaper together. The scouts were interviewed and written about in a mock front page of the SC Times. Photo: Allison Jarrell

www.sanclementetimes.com

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

American Seniors Explore the Splendor of Cuba

M

y life partner Greta and I traveled to Cuba for one week on a people-topeople educational exchange tour. There were 42 alumni in our group from colleges across the U.S., including 14 who booked reservations through five different University of California campuses. Greta was the only person from UC Irvine. Traveling with us were Vivian, a bilingual Cuban guide; Simona, a tri-lingual guide from Italy; and Ernesto, a wonderful Cuban bus driver. There were 39 couples in the group and four single women. Other than their spouses, most people did not know each other beforehand. All of us were seniors, ages 60 to mid-80, except for one younger couple. Most were retired. All had interesting backgrounds and histories. On Valentine’s Day night, the group gathered in a Miami hotel conference room for an initial briefing. On Monday, Feb. 15, we had to arrive at the airport four hours before departure because processing visas and paperwork for travel to Cuba—even with an educational group—takes time. We flew from Miami to Santa Clara, Cuba, which is located in the central part of the country. After landing, Ernesto drove us to the Hotel Memories Paraiso Azul, a huge resort on Cuba’s north shore. The members of our group were gradually getting to know each other. At the hotel, currency was exchanged for the Cuban tourist peso, called the CUC. Credit cards are still not accepted in most places in Cuba. On day two, there was a five-hour bus ride through farmlands and small towns to the historic city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World heritage site. There, our group was invited into the private home of Mata, a well-known Cuban painter. He and his wife served coffee as we viewed his paintings. Also in Trinidad, we were entertained in

a club by an Afro-Cuban band. Many of our group danced onstage with the band’s vocalists. That night our group stayed at the Hotel Jagua, located in the south coast city of Cienfuegos. ON LIFE AND Dinner was served at a LOVE AFTER 50 private home that had By Tom Blake been converted into a restaurant. For all of our lunches and dinners, the first item served was the Cuban drink, Mojito, a popular rum concoction with lime and mint leaves. When Greta and I went to our room, Simona pointed out that we were occupying the room in which Fidel Castro had slept on Aug. 18, 1960, which, of course, indicates the age of the hotel. The ghost of Fidel, who is still living, didn’t appear that night, but in the morning, the shower doors were wet as if someone had taken a shower during the night (and neither of us had). The following day, on the four-hour ride to Havana, our bus got a flat tire. Luckily, we were near a truck stop that served ice cream, soft drinks, beer and rum. It took three hours to change the tire. Not one person complained about the wait. In fact, the group bonded because of the inconvenience. A couple of bottles of Havana Club rum were shared, which, of course, helped the cause. Our hotel in Havana for five nights was the majestic, 21-story Melia Cohiba, which opened in 1995. Simona and Vivian had a surprise for the group the following morning: Since our bus was being serviced, they had 11 old convertibles—tops down, each a different color and make—pick us up at the hotel and drive us around Old Havana. Our caravan turned many heads around town. During lunch, driver Ernesto appeared

and gave us the thumbs-up: the bus was repaired and ready to go. The group applauded him. He had become an important part of the cameraradie that had grown among us. The meals on this trip were incredible. Everything was fresh—tropical fruit, black beans, rice, chicken, seafood and pork. Most wines were from Chile. Bottled water was served with all meals and was always available on the bus. You even brushed your teeth with bottled water. That afternoon, we were driven to the home of Ernest Hemingway, about 40 minutes outside of Havana. Tourists are not allowed inside, but since the doors and windows were open, one could see nearly the entire home by peeking in the openings. Hemingway is considered a hero in Cuba. One morning, we had a tour of a cigar factory where 17,000 cigars are handmade daily. Each person can bring a combination of Cuban cigars and rum worth $100 into the states. Greta and I spent about half of our allotment on both. Being on an educational tour, our group enjoyed lectures by two college professors and other experts. We learned about Cuban history and how Cuba is embracing the free world but faces many challenges along the way. We learned about the heroes and villains; Fidel Castro is highly regarded here while Batista is despised.

Sudoku BY MYLES MELLOR

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3x3 squares. To solve the puzzle, each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult. Level: Medium

We visited an elementary school, senior nursing home, an eco-friendly community and two renowned Cuban dance studios. One night, we had a one-hour salsa lesson. At the University of Havana, one young student gave us an informative talk and a walking tour of the campus. Education in Cuba is paid for by the state, all the way through college, including medical, law and engineering degrees. By the end of the eight days together, many friendships had been formed among our group. We found the beautiful people of Cuba very welcoming of Americans. They seemed to be thrilled that we were in Cuba and that relations between our two countries are warming. And in our group, all seemed to feel the same way. Tom Blake is a Dana Point resident and a former Dana Point businessman who has authored several books on middle-aged dating. His latest book can be found online at www.smashwords.com/books/view/574810. See his website at www.findingloveafter60. com (Yes, after 60, time rolls on.) To comment: tompblake@gmail.com. SC PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to provide our readers with a wide variety of opinions from our community, the SCTimes 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 SCTimes or Picket Fence Media. If you would like to respond to this column, please email us at editorial@sanclementetimes.com

Locals Only

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT

Body Mind Spirit Intensive Outpatient Program

2411 S. El Camino Real, 949.485.4979, www.bodymindspiritiop.com

APPLIANCES

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

APPLIANCE SERVICES & REPAIRS

ASAP Appliance Service

HAULING

Cheapest Hauling

Call Robert 949.973.6288

HOME DÉCOR

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

HOME REPAIRS/IMPROVEMENT

Capistrano Valley Raingutters Scott Williams, 949.542.7750

Hoover Construction 949.292.6778

3200 Legendario, 949.361.7713, www.asapapplianceservice.com

JEWELRY

ART GALLERIES

Paradise Jewelers

San Clemente Art Association

166 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.6661, www.paradisejewelers.com

BUSINESS • SPOTLIGHT

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122 Avenida Cabrillo, 949.245.6046, www.shorelinedentalstudio.com

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

Organics Out Back

949.354.2258, www.organicsoutback.com

ELECTRICAL

Arcadia Electric

949.361.1045, www.arcadiaelectric.com

FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

SWIMMING SCHOOL

REAL ESTATE

142 Avenida Granada, 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

Marcie George Star Real Estate South County

TERMITES

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

Brian Wiechman, Equity Coast Mortgage A division of Pinnacle Capital Mortgage

Shoreline Dental Studio Kristen Ritzau, DDS

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

MATTRESSES

CONCRETE

647 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 209, 949.493.9311, www.drericjohnson.com

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

1311 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7665, www.scpoolworks.com

MORTGAGES

Eric Johnson, D.D.S.

SCHOOLS

Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com

99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052, www.schmidschocolate.com

DENTISTS

217 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. E, 949.361.9006, www.syrens.com

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

SC Pool & Spa Works

Lic.: 744797 (C-8 & C-27) 949.361.9656, www.costaverdelandscaping.com

Syrens Hair Parlor

Radiant Pool & Spa Service

Costa Verde Landscape

Costa Verde Landscape

207 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2060, www.scsalonbleu.com

SECONDHAND/ CONSIGNMENT SHOPS

CHIROPRACTIC

Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

Salon Bleu

POOL SERVICE, REPAIR, REMODEL Lic # 985800, 949.290.5616, www.radiantpoolservice.com

CHOCOLATE/CANDY

150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com

Capistrano Valley Christian Schools

LANDSCAPING

629 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 104, 949.240.1334, www.thompson-chiro.com

Salon Bamboo

Contact Debra Wells at 949.589.0892 or email dwells@thecapistranodispatch.com

100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com

Thompson Chiropractic

SALONS

949.533.9209, www.equitycoastmortgage.com

MOTORCYLE PARTS & SERVICE

949.690.5410, marciegeorge@cox.net

“Sandy & Rich” - ReMax

Waterbabies Swim School

Colony Termite Control

949.293.3236, www.sandyandrich.com

1402 Calle Alcazar, 949.361.2500, www.colonytermite.com

RESTAURANTS

WEBSITE DESIGN

Café Calypso

San Clemente Website Design

114 Avenida Del Mar #4, 949.366.9386

949.246.8345, www.sanclementewebsitedesign.com

SC Rider Supply

520 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0521, www.scridersupply.com

MUSIC LESSONS

Danman’s Music School

949.496.6556, www.danmans.com

OFFICE FURNITURE

South Coast Furniture & Mattress

109 Calle de los Molinos, 949.492.5589, www.southcoastfurniture.com

PERIODONTICS & DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Alice P. Moran, DMD

1001 Avenida Pico, Ste. K, 949.361.4867 (GUMS), www.moranperio.com

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AUTOS FOR SALE MUST SELL!! SEATS SEVEN! NISSAN PATHFINDER 4X4 2009 Silver with black interior. Bluetooth CD player with lan hookup. New shocks, air filter. $13,000/OBO 949-633-3860

FOR SALE CUSTOM AREA RUGS You pick style, color and size. Made in 2 weeks. Stainmaster nylon, wool, polyester or designer carpet. Carpet showroom in Lantern District of Dana Point. Carpet and flooring remnants available. Mike 949-240-1545.

GARAGE SALES GARAGE SALE Sat., Feb. 27, 8am-1pm. Fishing gear, workbench, tools, gas grill, stereo system, and more. 307 Calle Pescador (12 streets above San Clemente HS) GARAGE SALE LISTINGS ARE FREE!

Email your listing to info@sanclementetimes.com. Deadline 5pm Monday. No phone calls.

HELP WANTED AWESOME WORK OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS! San Clemente company seeking high school students to help in our warehouse with order fulfillment. Mon-Fri 1-5pm, great hours and pay! rrijobops@yahoo.com HOUSEKEEPING POSITION AVAILABLE. FT/PT hrs available. Apply at 1601 N El Camino Real, SC. Paid lunch break $10.00/ hour. Weekends a must.

SC BUSINESS DIRECTORY S a n C le m e

n te

San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

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SC SPORTS & OUTDOORS San Clemente

STORIES, SCORES, SCHEDULES AND MORE

On the Road to Rio Paris Henken and U.S. Sailing Team Sperry qualify for 2016 Olympic Games BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

I

f the ocean can be considered a blank canvas on which a competitive sailor has the opportunity to create, Paris Henken is an up-and-coming artist wielding a brush. Henken, a San Clemente native, and her racing partner, Helena Scutt, have been painting master strokes in their 49erFXclass sailing boat at an elite level in 2016. The duo, which has been competing in the U.S. Sailing pipeline for years, now has a chance at creating a masterpiece. After a 17th-place finish at the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Miami in January and a 20th-place finish at the 49erFX World Championships on Feb. 12 , Henken and Scutt qualified to represent the United States in the newly formed 49erFX class competition at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Henken and Scutt’s performance at the two major events solidified their standing as the top American team in the 49erFX class, a high-performance skiff, which punched their ticket to Rio. Henken, 20, grew up sailing at the Dana Point Yacht Club and moved to San Diego to focus on competitive sailing when she was 10 years old. Since then she has shown an aptitude for guiding multiple classes of boats and, once she teamed up with Scutt, has become one of the young

San Clemente native Paris Henken, right, and U.S. Sailing Team Sperry teammate Helena Scutt will represent the United States in the 49erFX sailing event at the 2016 Olympic Games. Photo: Sailing Energy

faces of American competitive sailing. “Helena is the scientist onboard, and Paris is the artist,” U.S. Sailing Team Sperry coach Willie McBride said. “(Henken) just has this natural sense that I think she’s developed from sailing so many of these high-performance boats. She’s really able to feel these tiny changes before many of the other sailors are … the two together are a really powerful combination.” McBride was brought in to guide Henken and Scutt toward an Olympic push in late 2015. McBride noticed immediately

Paris Henken and Helena Scutt maneuver their 49erFX boat during a race in Miami. Photo: Jen Edney

San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

how Scutt, whose responsibility as crew is to work and adjust the 49erFX’s main sail, was more meticulous while sailing, always paying attention to the minute details. McBride says Henken, who steers the skiff, has an unparalleled connection to the boat and how it reacts in the water. The two need to constantly work in tandem when sailing in the 49erFX, a larger, two-man boat that can travel upwards of 20 mph, depending on wind. Each two-member team is tethered to the boat and they suspend themselves to the point where they are parallel with the water below, their feet gripped to one of the boat’s wings. 49erFX races normally consist of boats making laps around buoys for 1 mile and is considered one of the faster classes in competitive sailing. Henken’s journey toward becoming an Olympic athlete demanded her full attention. That’s why, after her freshman year at College of Charleston in South Carolina she decided to take a year off and immerse herself in the sport. Scutt, 23, who is in the process of completing her master’s degree, did the same. “When we started this campaign we wanted that goal: to go to the games,” Henken said. “We didn’t know if we were going to accomplish it, but we were definitely going to try our best … we both made a lot of sacrifices. It was an awesome feeling to know we finally did it.” Now that U.S. Sailing Team Sperry has proven it is the top 49erFX team in the country, they will test their strengths

Page 34

against the rest of the world. Henken and Scutt will compete in two tune-up events in Spain later this spring and, starting in May, they will begin taking monthly trips to Rio until the Olympics begin. Both Henken and McBride said the currents that run through the water in Guanabara Bay in Rio, the main sailing venue, are unusually strong, which can make for a tricky adjustment period. Henken and her team scheduled their upcoming trips to Rio to coincide with the area’s lunar cycle, which has a major effect on the tides. The team is hoping their practice runs will be identical to the ones they will encounter in August under the bright lights of competition. With a combined age of 43, U.S. Sailing Team Sperry will be among the younger teams in the field at the Olympics, according to McBride. They will be sailing against other athletes who have competed multiple times on the biggest of stages. The team is hoping their youth will serve as a major advantage. Henken and Scutt are able to put in more hours of training and will have a physical edge other teams won’t be able to match. “They’re up against experience but I think the two of them really bring a powerful combination into the boat,” McBride said. “I think they’re going to be working hard the next couple of months, and my prediction is they’re really going to surprise a lot of people with how they perform in Rio.” SC www.sanclementetimes.com

SPORTS & OUTDOORS

Triton Report BY STEVE BREAZEALE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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

Boys Hoops’ Historic Run Ends in Second Round of Playoffs The school record-setting San Clemente boys basketball team’s season came to an end in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1AA Championships on Feb. 19, as the Tritons lost to Downey 55-49 on the road. The Downey shooters turned in a solid performance from beyond the arc, knocking down 11 3-pointers in the victory. The Vikings were led by Tyler Dees, who scored a game-high 22 points and made five 3-pointers. Downey was able to take an early lead and hold on for most of the game. The Vikings led San Clemente 29-22 at the half. Jake Cameron scored a team-high 17 points for San Clemente, and senior Cole Fotheringham turned in a 13-point performance. San Clemente punched its way into the second round after defeating Fountain Valley 61-51 at home in the opening round. The Tritons built up a huge 19-point lead midway through the contest and survived a second-half Fountain Valley scoring barrage to seal the win. The Tritons’ season turned out to be one for the record books. San Clemente set a new school record by winning 21 games and claiming the South Coast League title outright for a second consecutive season. It was the first time in program history a team won back-to-back league titles.

her shot clanged off the crossbar. Tritons’ goalie Lauren Brzykcy made six saves. —Kevin Dahlgren contributed to this report

Eagles Get Late Goal in 1-0 Win Over Tritons

Girls Water Polo Barnstorms into CIF-SS Semifinals

Santa Margarita’s Taylor Gathers netted a decisive, late goal against San Clemente in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1 Championships on Feb. 23 to secure a 1-0 win for the Eagles. After a fairly uneventful first half, both sides produced multiple chances over the final 40 minutes. In the 75th minute, the Eagles’ Gwyn George found Gathers, who converted on her shot attempt for the lone goal. San Clemente’s Ellie Winklemann, who scored twice in the Tritons’ first-round victory over St. Lucy’s, nearly put the Tritons out in front with 15 minutes remaining, but

The San Clemente girls water polo team scored 30 goals in two matches to start its CIF-SS Division 2 Championship bid, defeating Newbury Park and Schurr in the first and second rounds, respectively. San Clemente was scheduled to play in the Division 2 semifinals against topseeded Murrieta Valley on Feb. 24. Results were not available at press time. San Clemente outscored its first two playoff opponents by a 30-12 margin. San Clemente got production from up and down its lineup in a 19-5 victory over Newbury Park in the first round on Feb. 18. Senior Alaina Cousineau, who is com-

San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

San Clemente freshman Chloe Deveze dribbles against a St. Lucy’s defender during a CIF-SS Division 1 first round playoff match on Feb. 18. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

mitted to play at USC, scored a game-high four goals and was one of 10 Tritons who recorded a goal. Tera Richardson and Alison Echelberger each scored three goals. The Tritons kept the momentum going in an 11-7 win over Schurr in the quarterfinals on Feb. 20. Murrieta Valley entered its match with the Tritons riding a goal-scoring streak of its own. Murrieta Valley, the No. 1-ranked team in Division 2, outscored its first two playoff opponents by a combined 34-14 margin.

Peninsula Takes Advantage of Opportunities in Win Over Tritons San Clemente senior Barrett Croft corrals a pass in the Tritons’ CIF-SS Division 1 matchup against Peninsula on Feb. 19. Photo: KDahlgren Photography

There weren’t many scoring chances for the Peninsula boys soccer team in a CIFSS Division 1 first round matchup with San

Clemente on Feb. 19. But when the time came for the ball to be put away, Peninsula capitalized. Peninsula scored twice in the opening 40 minutes against the Tritons and emerged with a 2-1 victory. San Clemente outshot the visitors 14-5 and held Peninsula to just one shot in the second half, but the Tritons had only one goal to show for their effort. Peninsula jumped out to a 1-0 lead nine minutes in when a San Clemente defensive clearance landed perfectly at the feet of Peninsula’s Adam Reece. Reece took one dribble from just outside the Tritons’ box and launched a hard shot into the top right corner of the goal. It was the first time Peninsula took the ball deep into the Tritons’ territory in the contest. San Clemente had multiple, quality scoring chances in the first half, but Peninsula goalie Charlie Nasrallah denied several of them. Nasrallah made a diving fingertip save on San Clemente’s Nima Amjadi in the 22nd minute in what looked like a sure-fire goal. San Clemente senior Barrett Croft nearly scored an equalizing goal 11 minutes later on a breakaway chance, but his shot clanged off the post and Peninsula was able to clear the ball away. Peninsula’s Reece Tretheway beat the San Clemente back line after corralling a pass from the outside and sliding a goal in just before the halftime whistle to put Peninsula up 2-0. San Clemente’s Taylor Herrod scored in the 69th minute to cut into Peninsula’s lead 2-1. The Tritons went 10-10-5 on the season and won the South Coast League title.

WE WANT TO RUN YOUR SCORES, RESULTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS IN “SCOREBOARD.” E-mail sports@sanclementetimes.com, fax 949.388.9977, mail or drop off the information to us at 34932 Calle del Sol, Capistrano Beach, CA 92624 by each Monday at 5 p.m.

San Clemente goalie Victoria Reardon makes a save against Schurr in a CIF-SS Division 2 quarterfinal game on Feb. 20. Photo: Karen Smith

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SC SC SURF San Clemente

SCOOP ON THE LOCAL SURF COMMUNITY

Taking One for the Team

SSS middle-schoolers meet for event No. 4, Feb. 20 at the Oceanside Pier, local surfers excel in both team and individual competition

BY ANDREA SWANE, SAN CLEMENTE TIMES

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n inherently selfish sport, surfing is most often all about the performance of the individual. But for area Scholastic Surf Series competitors, the joy of working together for the glory of the team is both a part of the challenge and of the fun. SSS Orange County middle school team surfers were treated to summer-like weather and fun 4- to 6-foot waves for event No. 4 at Oceanside Pier on Feb. 20, giving it their all, not only to make late season climbs in individual ranks but in an inspired effort to help their teams to victory. “It was a welcome change to have some summer weather in February after some brutal El Niño conditions in the early part of the season,” said Carolyn Krammer, SSS

competition director. “The kids had a great time displaying their talent throughout the event.” Shorecliffs Middle School held on to their No. 1 ranking, fielding the dominant teams in both Division 1 and Division 2 team competition. Bernice Ayer Middle School claimed the runner-up position in both divisions. Marco Forster Middle School narrowly missed third in Division 1, 122 to 123.5 behind Thurston Middle School. In Division 2, team Dana Point claimed the third-place spot and Marco Forster Middle School finished in fourth place. In Division 1 Boys Shortboard individual competition, five of six finalists were Shorecliffs athletes. Nicholas Coli, Kai McPhil-

lips, Myles Biggs and Taj Lindblad locked up first through fourth places, respectively. Kiko Nelson from Thurston Middle School claimed the No. 5 spot and the sixth-place trophy went to Shorecliffs’ Max Beach. Division 1 Girls Shortboard top honors went to Jayme Linnes of Vista Del Mar Middle School (her second win of the season) and the Coed Bodyboard win went to Eian McMillen of Niguel Hills Middle School. In Division 1 longboard competition, McPhillips was the Division 1 Boys Longboard winner and Hana Catsimanes, also from Shorecliffs, was the girls’ winner. Three of the four Division 2 wins were claimed by Shorecliffs surfers. Jimmy Wynne took top honors in Boys Shortboard, Ty Connelly in Boys Longboard and Taylor Stacey in Girls Longboard. The Division 2 Girls Shortboard victory was claimed by team Dana Point’s Cora Nordheim. To see a full list of team and individual rankings, visit www.surfsss.org. SSS OC Middle School competition is set to continue, with event No. 5 on March 6 at the San Clemente Pier. SC

SURF FORECAST Water Temperature: 59-62 degrees F Water Visibility and Conditions: San Clemente: 4-8’ Poor-Fair, Catalina: 8-14’ Poor-Fair THURSDAY: Fun W/WNW swell holds early on but eases some through the day with chest to head high surf for the better exposures of the county, with overhead+ high sets at winter standouts. Favorable conditions with light offshore winds in the morning, trending to a light onshore flow for the afternoon. Clear, sunny skies. OUTLOOK: New run of WNW swell builds in on Friday. Fun surf in the shoulder-overhead high zone with bigger sets at standouts. Favorable conditions with light offshore winds in the morning. Sunny weather. Check the full premium forecast on Surfline for more details and the longer range outlook.

RESULTS Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 4, February 20, Oceanside, Pier TEAM DIVISION 1: 1. Shorecliffs, 258; 2. Bernice Ayer, 150.5; 3. Thurston, 123.5; 4. Marco Forster, 122; 5. Niguel Hills, 79.5; 6. Vista Del Mar, 79; 7. Don Juan Avila, 44.5. BOYS: 1. Nicholas Coli, Shorecliffs; 2. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 3. Myles Biggs, Shorecliffs; 4. Taj Lindblad, Shorecliffs; 5. Kiko Nelsen, Thurston; 6. Max Beach, Shorecliffs. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Kai McPhillips, Shorecliffs; 2. Cole Thompson, Bernice Ayer; 3. Kiko Nelsen, Thurston; 4. Riley Kraatz, Bernice Ayer; 5. Matt Economos, Shorecliffs; 6. Jack Keefe, Shorecliffs. GIRLS: 1. Jayme Linnes, Vista Del Mar; 2. Ryann Daly, Marco Forster; 3. Tess Booth, Thurston; 4. Reese Hartnett, Shorecliffs; 5. Makayla Moss, Shorecliffs; 6. Zoe Mortenson, Shorecliffs. GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Hana Catsimanes, Shorecliffs; 2. Alexis Morgan, Shorecliffs; 3. Tess Booth, Thurston; 4. Alexis Alston, Marco Forster; 5. Mason Gray, Niguel Hills; 6. Camryn Harrell, Vista Del Mar. COED BODYBOARD: 1. Eian McMillen, Niguel Hills; 2. Spencer Collins, Thurston; 3. Liam Gillon, Marco Forster; 4. Gavin Whitehead, Niguel Hills; 5. Chris Earley, Don Juan Avila; 6. Elijah Tomlinson, Shorecliffs.

SSS Division 1 Boys Shortboard finalists at event No. 4, Feb. 20 at Oceanside Pier were (L to R) were from Shorecliffs, 1. Nicholas Coli, 2. Kai McPhillips, 3. Myles Biggs and 4. Taj Lindblad, 5. Kiko Nelsen from Thurston and Max Beach (Shorecliffs). Photo: Scott Graham

GROM OF THE WEEK

KAI MCPHILLIPS

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ai McPhillips, 13, of San Clemente, continues to carve out a name for himself among the ultra-competitive field of up-and-coming grom surfers in the tri-city area. In Scholastic Surf Series competition, Kai is a valuable member of the top-ranked Shorecliffs Middle School surf team. At SSS event No. 4 on Feb. 20 in Oceanside, Kai not only showed his shortboard prowess, with a runner-up finish in Division 1 Boys Shortboard, but also his logging talent, taking the

San Clemente Times February 25-March 2, 2016

SSS Division 1 Girls Shortboard finalists Feb. 20 in Oceanside were (L to R) 1. Jayme Linnes (Vista Del Mar), 2. Ryann Daly (Marco Forster), 3. Tess Booth (Thurston), and from Shorecliffs, 4. Reese Hartnett, 5. Makayla Moss and 6. Zoe Mortenson. Photo: Scott Graham

win in Boys Longboard. He currently holds the SSS No. 2 rating in shortboard and No. 1 in longboard. In Western Surfing Association competition, Kai currently holds the No. 2 ranking in in both Boys U14 and Boys U16 shortboard divisions. He is set to make an appearance in the finals of event No. 7, postponed due to a Feb. 13-14 fog delay and set to finish up in Oceanside in March. His skill and versatility, which also includes SUP surfing and racing, has made Kai one of the area’s most promising waveriding athletes. Keep up the great work Kai! —Andrea Swayne

TEAM DIVISION 2: 1. Shorecliffs, 140; 2. Bernice Ayer, 62; 3. Dana Point, 42; 4. Marco Forster, 29. BOYS: 1. Jimmy Wynne Shorecliffs; 2. Chandler Petri, Shorecliffs; 3. Liam Mateer, Shorecliffs; 4. Tyler Douglas, Bernice Ayer; 5. Joey Madison, Shorecliffs; 6. Hayden Millerick, Shorecliffs. BOYS LONGBOARD: 1. Ty Connelly, Shorecliffs; 2. Caden Evans, Shorecliffs; 3. Tommy Coleman, Shorecliffs; 4. Nathan Langer, Bernice Ayer; 5. Nathan Tolosa, Bernice Ayer; 6. Griffin Glenn, Bernice Ayer. GIRLS: 1. Cora Nordheim, Dana Point; 2. Bryn Kurt, Marco Forster; 3. Carolyn Sachse, Shorecliffs; 4. Nicole Economos, Shorecliffs; 5. Reese Dewey, Shorecliffs. GIRLS LONGBOARD: 1. Taylor Stacy, Shorecliffs; 2. Cora Nordheim, Dana Point; 3. Emily Schad, Bernice Ayer; 4. Felicia White, Marco Forster.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Kai McPhillips. Photo: WSA/Jack McDaniel

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February 21: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 4, Huntington Beach, Goldenwest Street February 27: Soul Surf Series, Event No. 5, San Clemente, T Street February 27-28: NSSA Open, Event No. 9, Ventura, C Street March 5: Scholastic Surf Series, OC Middle School, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier March 6: Scholastic Surf Series, OC High School, Event No. 5, San Clemente, Pier March 12-13: WSA Championship Tour, Event No. 8, Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty

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